My Life in the Week Ended 4 January 2026

Hi all. Welcome to the first of a weekly round up of bloggets, little snippets where I tell you about what I've been up to. Sometimes this will be mega exciting but more often than not life just ticks along and I go about my everyday business. Still there's always something that grabs my attention even during the times when I don't venture far from home. Here's a little snapshot of what has been going on this week.

Where I've Been

Whoopee! it's the New Year, a time of new beginnings. Out with the old and in with a new and all that. Blessings for 2026 for all those who read this.

If I were honest my preference for New Years' Eve involves staying at home, perhaps with a glass of port and a snack by the fire. Then I'll go to bed at normal time. When I wake up that's another year done and dusted.

But my friends had other ideas and dragged me and my partner Paul to a gala dinner at our town's biggest hotel. There was lovely food, great company, a bit of dancing and a panoramic view of fireworks around the Bay at midnight.

What I've Achieved

Well, I finally got around to publishing my website. That's got to be an achievement even though there's bound to be a few hiccups. It's only me doing this after all. I haven't got an army of web designers and social media gurus - yet!

I also finished the workbook section of 'A Course in Miracles' this week. It's a 365 day course that aims to change the way that you think and operate. I see it a lit bit like spiritual cognitive behavioural therapy. There's lots of different editions of the Course but the one that I use is from the Circle of Atonement. It's free if you access it via the android or Apple ACIM CE app.

So what now? Well as it's a difficult curriculum to do exactly as instructed it's back to the beginning again - for the fourth time. One day I'll reach the level of connection that's described but for now I've still got my L-plates on.

What I've Bought

Vinted has been my friend over the last few months, so much so that I've resolved to rein it in a bit. I refreshed my winter wardrobe, bought an outfit for a wedding and renewed our downstairs lighting for a fraction of the price of new fittings. I'd bought three lampshades ten years ago from Wilko. They were as cheap as chips and served a purpose. But we're renovating the downstairs of our home and wanted something with a little more pizzazz.

My favourite purchase this week that will grace our newly decorated dining room is these plates. Now Portmeirion and Tracey Beaker seem like an odd collaboration but by Jove it works. I love these. I've just got to convince the men of the house before I hang them.

The Habits I've Been Forming

For the last year or two I've been working on fostering good habits. I'll write about it in a proper post at some time soon. It's working. I'm far more of a good girl than I used to be. A friend recommended the Finch app where I've buddied up with a tiny online bird. Somehow getting rewarded with furniture, clothes and accessories for him seems to help me cultivate those helpful behaviours.

This week I added daily litter picking while I'm out and about to my goals. I don't always remember but I'm pleased with myself when I do. So far since the New Year, my running total is nine items. If I keep this up during 2026 I'll have rid my local streets of 1,000 pieces of rubbish. Now how clean would our neighbourhoods be if others joined in?

What I've Started

I'm quite taken by stitch journals where tiny motifs are embroidered for each day of the year. But this type of sewing isn't my bag. If I bought a kit I doubt that I'd continue past the first week in January. I know my limits.

But mosaic is another matter. I've made some pieces where I use ceramic pens to draw little icons. Here's one I made for a friend. I thought that I could do a similar thing and make a bigger version as a record of 2026.

On the first day of the year I had every intention of starting my yearlong project but rats! Many of ceramic pens had dried up so I had to wait for replacements. Better late than never. I'll show you my design as it progresses.

What I've Repaired

I've been a busy bee when it comes to mending things. A total of four items have been saved from landfill.

First up was a favourite skirt where the zip had broken. A tooth had fallen off and it was just a matter of sewing across its bottom. Hey presto! A slightly shorter opening but a garment that I can still wear.

I also broke and mended this ceramic spoon rest, a gift from one of my son's holidays. Isn't superglue tricky stuff? I got it all over my hands and buggered up the fingerprint recognition on my phone for a while.

My biggest project involves rejuvenating two chairs that live in my study area. One came apart when someone sat on it at Christmas dinner. Good job no-one was hurt and that we had a spare! It was nothing that wood glue couldn't sort out. But I also noticed that the seat covers were incredibly manky. I reupholstered them about fifteen years ago and they were definitely due a makeover.

Luckily I had some fabric over from when I renewed curtains in my motorhome last year. I've started to freshen up the seats with some retro fabric for no cost at all. Work is still ongoing but I hope to show off the finished articles next week.

So there you have it. Seven days where there's been celebrations, achievements and sticky fingers! Thanks for dropping by and if you've enjoyed my tales I'll see you back here next week.

Blessings

Julie