L O V E S

1. Exploring. We've been going on as many mini road trips as possible before the impending winter weather confines us to doing things indoors in the city. We're currently so obsessed with castles that my Mum has offered to buy us both a National Trust family membership for my birthday. Which excites me way more than it should for my 31st (ok 33rd).
2. Instagram Stories. I use it sporadically. I am either obsessed and adding little videos all day, or I don't post anything for ages. But given that I could never really embrace the whole SnapChat thing, I am really enjoying this latest update to Instagram. You can find me @thethingaboutchaos
3. Emeralds. The latest Bears Den song. On repeat. All day. Every day. Obsessed.
4. Exercise. It's becoming apparent that I am an all or nothing kind of girl. In all areas of my life. If you saw me with a tub of Haagen Daz you would understand. When it comes to fitness I either go hard for 6 months or go home for 6 months (and eat popcorn while watching Netflix in bed). At the moment I am running 5 days a week, doing yoga classes & I've just joined the gym next door to my flat. Right now I'm addicted to the buzz but let's see what I'm saying when the snow comes.
5. Cooking with Ava. After months of hard labour, little A is finally sleeping in her own bed. All night, every night. Next parenting hurdle? Trying to get her to be less of a fussy eater. So the two of us have been cooking up a storm together in the kitchen in the hope it might encourage her to try new foods. And we're getting there. Slowly...
6. Write, Eat, Read, Repeat. My life right now. Lately I've been feeling like there might be a bit more to life than free booze, late nights & liquid lunches. I've been writing, exercising my ass off, cooking & reading a ton of new books. I recently ordered How to be a Woman, The Casual Vacancy & The Perks of being a Wallflower. And I can't wait to get stuck in before the desire to drink cocktails comes back.
7. Going dairy free. I'm going into my third week of dairy free and apart from a couple of days where I broke and ate my body weight in cheese, I am feeling all the better for it. My lattes taste creamier made with cashew milk, I've discovered avocado oil spread (amazing) and I'm pretty sure my ass is thanking me for cutting out the Camembert. The only thing I haven't been able to embrace is vegan cheese. Bleurgh.
8. Decadently Pure. Speaking of the dairy free life, I was given a box of these amazing raw chocolates to try and they have to be the best thing that's happened to me in 2016. My god that's tragic.
9. Autumn. I know what a cliché it is but I cannot help it. I simply love this time of year. The flat is littered with glowing tea lights as soon as the sun goes down, we're coming home to amazing stew/casserole smells from the slow cooker every evening and I'm snuggling up in cosy throws on the sofa every night. I love the darker nights & autumn will forever be my favourite.
10. Being indulged. I never eat food cooked by someone else unless it's in a restaurant or out a take-away box. But last weekend my pal cooked Ava & I dinner and although it felt a little weird (I am so used to cooking now that it's become second nature that I will always do it), it felt kinda nice too. Note to my pals: if you are reading this then this is a massive hint.