This week my Word of the Week is: Balanced!! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

I keep saying it but if time could slow down a little, that would be great! Where did September go and this week too? One minute it was Sunday and I was thinking about everything I needed to get done and now somehow it is Friday again, well it was when I was writing this. The week has gone by in a blur but it has been a good week. I think sometimes the weeks where nothing exciting happens are the ones that make you realise just how much you have got done. I have been busy getting on with normal life and for once normal life feels quite good. That is probably why my word this week is balanced!

I've been trying to find a bit more balance in my days over the past week. The last few months have been busy and stressful for various reasons. Nothing bad but I've been out of my usual routine and it has felt hard to get it back again. This week I've been getting up earlier and going to bed earlier, moving more and staying on top of things. I think I am finally getting back to a point where everything feels a little more even and normal.

I've had a busy week. Housework has been done, meals have been cooked, Christmas presents have been bought, I've remembered to reply to texts and messages, made sure everyone knew where they were meant to be and made sure they got there, planned some fun stuff for my family, blog posts have been written and I've done plenty of other stuff which at the moment I can't think of. I know I've been busy because I've barely sat down but at the same time I haven't felt like I've been running around like a headless chicken. I've had plenty to do but things have felt more under control, well apart from the grocery shop, I forgot to order that on my usual day but it's coming today so no harm is done.

The highlight of my week is getting a good chunk of the Christmas presents bought. I am trying to be organised this year. I'm not saying I'm going to have everything bought, wrapped and labelled by the end of the month but it's a start. I always say I am going to be organised for Christmas and every year I somehow end up Christmas shopping right up until the last minute. Maybe this year will be different.

Balanced feels like the right Word of the Week for me. I want to carry that feeling into the next few weeks too. I don't want to go back to trying to do everything at once or feeling guilty if I haven't ticked every single thing off my list. So I'm going to try to keep things balanced. Get the jobs done but have a sit down. Look after everyone else but remember myself too. Be organised but don't beat myself up when I forget something.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay to join in with her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 40. #FridayFavourites

Happy Friday! I hope you've all had a good week. We have had a really great week with lots going on and it feels like it has gone really quickly. I have a few things that have made me smile this week and of course, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share what I have loved this week!

The Gentleman!

I've started watching The Gentlemen on Netflix this week and so far I am enjoying it. My brother recommended it and I am glad he did. It is a British crime comedy/drama created by Guy Ritchie. The story follows Eddie who inherits his family's huge country estate after his father dies, which sounds lovely but soon discovers that the estate is also home to a very profitable illegal cannabis business. Before long, Eddie finds himself mixed up with criminals, gangsters and people who are definitely not the sort of people you'd invite round for Sunday dinner. It's a crime story but it's also really funny. There's plenty of violence and some pretty dodgy goings on but it's mixed with dark humour, ridiculous situations and some great characters. I like the fact that I never quite knew what was going to happen next. There are plenty of twists and turns and just when you think someone has got everything under control, something else goes wrong.

These cakes.

Do you know what makes shopping more enjoyable? Cake! We had a little cake and coffee stop halfway through a shopping trip this week and it was very much needed. I had a lemon muffin and my fella had a mini pecan loaf. It was a reward for all the shopping we'd already done.

Christmas shopping!

I am feeling pretty proud of myself this week because I have got a good chunk of my Christmas present buying done. I hadn't even planned to get so much done. We were just out shopping and then I spotted something for my eldest which she has always wanted. It was reduced in price too, so I had to get it. I also found some Funko Pops which my girls collect at TK Maxx for £6.99 each. We had seen the same ones somewhere else for £12.99 each, so I was very happy with my bargains. While we were out, Ellie also mentioned a F1 Red Bull racing top. I had absolutely no idea these even existed! Apparently they are basically like football tops but for Formula One, so when I got home I ordered that. The main presents for my girls are now sorted, which is a huge relief. All that's left to get is stocking fillers, chocolate and PJs. Now I just need to remember where I've put everything when Christmas actually arrives!

Autumn weather!

It has been perfect Autumn weather this week! Chilly on a morning and then warming up throughout the day but not so warm that I am sweating by lunchtime. I've been able to wear pretty dresses with tights, my boots and even a jacket on some days. I love being able to start wearing my Autumn clothes again. I am not ready for the really cold weather yet though, I hope that holds off a bit.

This air freshener!

I am loving this Febreze Vanilla Butterscotch air freshener. It smells amazing and it has been fantastic in the bathroom. It's just a winter edition, so I might have to buy a few more to keep enjoying it.

Celebrity Traitors!

I am writing this yesterday afternoon before the new series of Celebrity Traitors has started but I am looking forward to it! I am really looking forward to seeing all the celebs not trust anyone. lol There are two comedians going in Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan who are best friends and I am hoping one is a Traitor and one is a Faithful but I think that would be too obvious!

What have you loved this week?

Things to watch in October - Films, TV shows and Halloween favourites!

I always seem to watch TV more at this time of year. It is so nice to get comfy and cosy, the darker evenings make it so easy and it is a great way to spend the evening. There are so many different things to watch at this time of year. You can go down the full horror road if you enjoy being scared but you can also watch something funny, nostalgic or just a little bit spooky without spending the rest of the night wondering what that noise was downstairs.

If you’re looking for something to add to your watch list this month here are some of my favourites!

Hocus Pocus!

We have to start with Hocus Pocus! This is one of those films that always makes me think of this time of year. The Sanderson sisters, the black cat, the costumes, the candles and all the decorations just work so well together. It's also one of those films that doesn't take itself too seriously. There are witches, spells and plenty of silly moments but it's not going to have you hiding behind the sofa every five minutes. I've watched it so many times over the years and I still enjoy it. I also think it's one of those films that changes as you get older, you notice jokes and little details that probably went straight over your head when you were younger. You can of course watch Hocus Pocus 2 if you fancy keeping the Sanderson sisters going for a little more time!

Wednesday!

If you fancy watching something a little darker but don't actually want to sit through a full on horror film, Wednesday is a good one to put on. I love that it has that creepy feel without being too scary, so you can enjoy it without spending half the episode hiding behind a cushion! Wednesday Addams is such a good character for this time of year and I really like what they've done with her in the Netflix series. Her sense of humour is so dry and completely straight-faced, which makes some of the funniest moments even better. She can say something that is actually quite funny while looking like she hasn't made a joke at all. She's at Nevermore Academy, where there are strange students, creepy corridors, mysterious deaths and, of course, a few monsters thrown into the mix. I also love the mystery side of the show. Trying to work out what is going on and who you can actually trust gives you something to think about while you're watching. There's enough going on to keep me interested without it becoming too complicated.

The Great British Bake Off!

Bake Off might not be the first thing you think of when you think about October viewing but sometimes you need a break from ghosts, monsters and people making terrible decisions in horror films. There's something about watching Bake Off with a cup of tea that just works at this time of year. I also like having something completely different to watch and there's something very comforting about watching someone calmly make a Victoria sponge while Paul Hollywood looks slightly concerned. It's also perfect background TV if you're blogging, doing some housework or scrolling through your phone while pretending you're watching.

Beetlejuice!

Beetlejuice is another October classic. It's strange, funny, weird and just creepy enough without becoming a full horror film. Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice is also one of those characters you can never really forget. The whole film has that classic Tim Burton style, with unusual characters and a story that feels completely different from most films. It's definitely worth watching again if you haven't seen it for years. Then after it there's also the newer Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice to add to the list.

Gilmore Girls!

Not everything you watch at this time of year needs to involve scary stuff. Sometimes you just want something wholesome and cosy! Gilmore Girls is one of my favourite choices when I want something easy to watch. Autumn leaves, jumpers, lots of coffee, a small town setting and Stars Hollow make the whole show feel very autumnal. It's comfort TV at its best. You can put it on while you're doing other things around the house or you can sit down and properly get into it. It's one of those shows that makes you want to drink far too much coffee and live in a small American town where everyone knows everyone else's business. Even if you have watched it before, there's something nice about going back to a show you already know when you don't want to think too hard about what to watch.

The Nightmare Before Christmas!

Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween film or a Christmas film? I refuse to get involved in that argument. At this time of year it is a Halloween one. With Jack Skellington, Sally, Halloween Town and the songs all make it such a fun film to watch. It's also one of those films that feels different from everything else. It's creepy but it's also sweet, funny and charming. It's only a couple of months until Christmas, you can always watch it again later and decide it's suddenly a Christmas film. Hehehe

Stranger Things!

If you want something with a bit of everything, Stranger Things is a really good one to put on! You've got horror, mystery, monsters, friendships, strange things happening and of course loads of 1980s nostalgia thrown in. I love all the old bikes, clothes, music, hairstyles and the way everything looks. It really does make you feel like you've gone back in time and there's something about watching them all riding around on their bikes that makes me want to get on one myself although I'd probably last about five minutes! I also love the group of kids and how they all end up getting dragged into things they definitely didn't ask for. You'd think after everything they go through they might decide to stay at home for a change but nope! There's always another mystery to solve or something strange going on. You get the friendships, the arguments, the funny moments and all the little stories going on at the same time. If you've already watched it it's definitely worth a rewatch. I always think I remember everything and then realise I've forgotten loads of little details. The only problem with Stranger Things is telling yourself I'll just watch one episode before bed. We all know how that ends. One episode turns into another, then another and suddenly it's far too late. Oops.

Harry Potter!

As soon as September hits, I always get the urge to watch the Harry Potter films! You could work your way through all eight films over several evenings or spread them out a bit. I am doing one a week on a Sunday afternoon at the moment. What's not to love about the Harry Potter films? The films get darker as the story progresses, so you can start with something fairly light before gradually getting into the more serious ones later in the month.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

If you fancy some 90s nostalgia, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is another one to add to your watch list! You've got vampires, demons, monsters, witches and plenty of ridiculous situations but there's also loads of humour and characters to follow. It's one of those shows where you can settle in for a proper rewatch because there are so many episodes. There's also something very entertaining about watching a show from the 90s now and seeing the clothes, hairstyles and technology. Some of it has aged well and some of it really hasn't but that's part of the fun.

Corpse Bride!

If you like Tim Burton, Corpse Bride is definitely worth watching! It has the gothic look you'd expect, with a slightly strange story and some brilliant animation. It's spooky without being terrifying, which makes it a good option if you want the atmosphere without spending the evening scared of every creak in the house. I also think it's quite a sweet film underneath everything else. It's not just about being creepy for the sake of it. It's another one I'd happily watch with a hot drink and a pile of snacks.

What do you like to watch on TV in October?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #75

I hope you are all having a good week. It's Wednesday, which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. When you think of autumn what sounds come to mind?

The crunchy leaves when you are walking on them, rain tapping against the windows, fireworks banging well before Bonfire Night, the kettle boiling because I drink more hot drinks at this time of year, radiators clicking and pinging as they heat up and me shouting shut the door, it's cold. I've just got everyone into a habit of leaving them open during the summer now I have to train them to shut the doors again.

2. Is a trip to the mountains something you enjoy? What's your favorite mountain?

A trip to the mountains is never been something I've particularly thought about doing. Where I live, we are more about the hills than the mountains. There are plenty of lovely hilly areas around us but there's no looking out of the window and seeing huge mountains in the distance. I do like looking at photos of mountains, sometimes when I start my laptop there are some on the logging on screen covered in snow which look pretty amazing.

I don't really have a favourite mountain but f I had to pick one I'd probably say Ben Nevis. It's the highest mountain in the UK and it seems right to pick that one.

3. What's something that once felt like a mountain, but is now just a molehill?

A lot of the things that has came with parenting my girls felt like mountains at the time but turned out to be nothing but molehills. When they were little everything felt important. A forgotten PE kit could feel like a disaster, someone not wanting to go to school could turn into a full morning of stress, a friendship problem could have me lying awake wondering how it was all going to work out and even things like homework, school letters and remembering what day they needed to wear something could feel like a full time job and don't even get me started on them being teenagers! There were arguments over clothes, phones, bedrooms, homework, going out, coming home and pretty much anything else you can think of. At the time those things felt massive.

Now that my girls are older I can see that most of those little mountains were just molehills. They grew up, they figured things out and we all survived the arguments over things that seemed so important at the time. Of course we are still dealing with mountains which I bet in about 6 months are nothing but molehills.

4. Let's play this or that-fall foods edition. Yes you have to choose.

Pumpkin spice latte or Chai latte - Pumpkin spice latte! I only found out what a Chai Latte was the other week when my youngest ordered one in Starbucks, it's her favourite hot drink at the moment. I tried it, it's quite nice but not for me.

Apple cider or Hot chocolate - Hot chocolate! I have never tried apple cider, well I have the alcoholic version but I don't think that is the one that is meant here.

Stew or Chili - Stew, a nice beef one would be nice right now, it's a bit of a grey and gloomy day.

Sweet potato casserole or Green bean casserole - Sweet potato casserole! I haven't tried either but I know I don't like green beans.

Butternut squash soup or Creamy mushroom soup - Butternut squash soup! It just seems right at this time of year.

Cranberry sauce or Gravy - Gravy every single time! We have gravy on everything here.

5. Sum up your September in a sentence or two.

September has been a busy month with a lot going on. We've had appointments, a birthday, nights out, lots to do and plenty filling up the calendar so it definitely flown by. There have also been some exciting new starts, including my youngest getting a job. It's been one of those months where I've always seemed to have somewhere to be or something to sort out but it's been a good kind of busy.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm writing this on a Sunday and it feels like a proper autumn day here. I am sitting under a blanket while it's grey and chilly outside, I reckon it won’t be long before we cave in and finally put the heating on. It's funny how 16C/60F can feel like two completely different temperatures depending on the season. Back in the spring going outside into 16C weather felt wonderful after months of winter and cold weather. I didn't even bother with a jacket but now at the exact same temperature all I want to do is throw on a thick jumper and start hibernating.