The week where I did all the things

And started a podcast

It’s been a busy week and just between you and me I am very much looking forward to the weekend. My husband has been away traveling and I normally react to the empty house situation in one of two ways. I either try to do ‘all the things’ and embark on an ambitious programme of house decluttering/DIY or I retreat into my sofa hermit mode and knit up a storm.

I opted for the former - and attempted way more than was wise in a short space of time 🤣 If you’ve ever tried to remove, wash and then replace the covers from a three-panel futon sofa by yourself then you’ll know what I mean. It makes turning the mattress on our double bed look like childs play.

I did think that maybe I should have videoed it, and uploaded the speeded up version to the web, set against some comedy music - I could have been the next TikTok sensation.

Then to cap it all off I launched a new pattern - the Snow Moon socks - the second in my year-long sock series.

Oh - and I started a podcast.

I really did.

Honestly, I have had ‘start a podcast’ on my list on yearly goals for at least the past 5 years but chronic overthinking and perfectionism meant that it never quite got underway. But somewhere along the line it dawned on me that I talk a lot here about being brave and just doing the best you can with the resources available to you. And that perhaps I should try listening to my own advice every once in a while.

Anyway, a million attempts (and a few cold cups of coffee later) I finally managed it. It will hopefully get better - and easier - but at least I can tick that pesky box on my 2025 to-do list now.

Making me smile this week

When I wasn’t arguing with my webcam or grumping about the lack of light in our tiny spare bedroom I have been busy reading, knitting and taking long country walks on my annual snowdrop pilgrimage. It is still a little bit early in some places but I found some absolute beauties.

✨ I’ve been reading The Phone Fix by Dr Faye Bageti and it is proving to be so insightful and helpful. Rather than simply recommending you ‘put your phone down’ or suggesting a digital detox she explains exactly why our phones are so habit forming - hint, it’s not our fault - and how we can put simple measures in place to be aware of and then reshape those habits into a behaviour that better suits us.

✨ The Cherry Pit, King Street in Cambridge - a bit of a niche one this - apologies. But I came across this vintage 1950s themed diner this week and was absolutely smitten. It sells apple pie, cherry pie, damn good coffee and very little else. Honestly it was pie heaven and left me with such a smile on my face.

✨ The aforementioned snowdrop hunting in our local park on a crisp, blue-skied morning.

✨ I have been continuing my quest to get to grips with crochet charts in my granny square per week project - you can see the updates on my Instagram page here. So far so good and dare I say it, the charts are starting to make a little more sense.

✨ I saw a genius knitting tip the other day and then promptly forgot who said it. But if you use circular needles as I do and get frustrated when stitches slide off in your project bag, you can thread a little paperclip or bulb pin through the tiny hole at the base of the interchangeable needle. Totally solves the problem.

I do have some point protectors somewhere but I can never find them. Bulb pins however are always about my person.

What has made you smile this week?