The Tiny Joys Journal Volume 4
This week has been all about football, the World Cup, and supporting our country.
I’ll be honest... I haven’t fully embraced it myself, but I completely support those who have.
I’ve been more focused on packing for a mini break with friends, tying up loose ends and eating an unreasonable amount of Aldi’s Lemon Torte. I absolutely did not hide it from the family so I could eat the last three slices myself.
I’ve always believed there’s a sport out there for everyone. You just have to find yours.
Mine is netball.
I coach it, umpire it and, at the ripe age of 42, I’m still playing it. I’m also the oldest on my team by more than ten years. They keep me young. Or so I tell myself.
If football is your thing, I hope you’re enjoying every minute of it.
More than anything, I hope this tournament encourages someone to give a sport a go. You never know where it might take you.
As I’m writing this, England haven’t even kicked off yet. I’m on a balcony with a glass of rosé, so by the time you read this I’ll either be celebrating with everyone else... or blissfully unaware.
Tiny Joy #5
Out of Office ….ON!
This week’s tiny joy...
...is something I think almost everyone can relate to at some point in their life.
It wasn’t the fantastic girls’ weekend away celebrating my friend’s 40th in the sunshine. (In fact, I’m still writing this from sunny Palma.)
It was simply switching my out-of-office on.
Even if you’re not jetting off somewhere exotic, there is something ridiculously satisfying about clicking that little button. Once it’s on, you want to throw your head back, put your hands in the air and kick your shoes off.
You are officially off duty.
Please don’t send the message that starts with, “I know you’re on holiday, but...”
And no, I won’t be checking my emails while I’m away. People... let’s stop doing that.
How can something so small feel so damn good?
What I’m Reading Right Now
Iron Flame - Rebecca Yarros
I’m currently reading the second book in the series by Rebecca Yarros.
If you were kind enough to read the very first Tiny Joys journal, you’ll know I was completely hooked after Fourth Wing. I downloaded Iron Flame onto my Kindle immediately... and then life got in the way.
You know how it is. You don’t want to start a really good book unless you’ve got the time to properly lose yourself in it.
Well, turning on my out-of-office meant I could dive back into a world of dragons, grit and the completely addictive chemistry between Violet and Xaden.
Let’s be honest... Rebecca Yarros knew exactly what she was doing when she created Xaden.
Iron Flame picks up where Fourth Wing left off, following Violet Sorrengail on her journey to become a dragon rider. And let me tell you... it did not disappoint.
It almost inspired me to do a push-up by the pool...
Almost.
What I’m Loving Right Now
Søstrene Grene storage bags… THE storage bags everyone needs.
I stumbled across these completely by accident and picked up one large and two small bags in the gorgeous khaki colour. Well... I had to go back for more, didn’t I?
Not only do they have sturdy zips, but I genuinely think they’re water-resistant too. I used to rely on storage boxes for everything... not anymore!
These bags are:
• Flexible and perfect for storing all sorts of items
• Strong and durable
• Easy to carry thanks to the handles
• So, so pretty
Mine are currently using them for:
• All the girls’ bracelet-making beads (because bead-making kits really are the product of the devil!)
• Colouring books and pens
• Workshop labels (I have two just for keeping them organised and protected)
• Roller skates and roller blades
• Even my shopping
The best part? They’re so gorgeous that you can simply zip them up and leave them on display without them looking like storage at all.
Starting from around £3, they’re one of the best affordable storage finds I’ve come across. I genuinely can’t recommend them enough.
Rosé Prosecco.
And not just any rosé prosecco... M&S Rosé Prosecco.
I have never been a fan of the pink stuff. I’ve always reached for the white... until my lips met this delight.
I can confidently say I’m converted.
At around £8.50 a bottle, it’s only slightly more expensive than the Aldi Organic Rosé Prosecco, but in my opinion they are miles apart. The M&S is smoother, crisper and incredibly easy to drink.
Maybe a little too easy.
Friendship
As someone with ADHD who runs a business, is mum to three children, and also coaches, plays, and umpires netball, switching off is something I really struggle with/never do.
My mind is constantly racing, and I’m always thinking about the next thing that needs doing.
A few nights away with close, trusted friends has reminded me just how important it is to take a break. The holiday helped my shoulders drop, my smile lift, and my heart feel a little lighter.
Here’s your reminder to go check in with a friend today. Your future self will thank you for it.
What I’m Burning Right Now
Peaceful Mind
With the hot weather and a lot on my mind lately, a good night’s sleep has been proving rather elusive.
A friend convinced me to give magnesium another go. The last time I took it, I sleepwalked around the house convinced someone was breaking in, frightening Adam and the kids to death.
Safe to say I wasn’t in a rush to try it again.
This time, thankfully, no imaginary burglars.
Alongside that, I’ve gone back to one of my favourite little rituals... my candle and matching room mist.
I’ve been spritzing my bedding in the morning and again before climbing into bed, then lighting the candle while I read or soak in the bath.
There’s something about watching a candle flicker that slows everything down. It turns my mind from a race track into a gentle stroll.
If you take magnesium, I’d genuinely love to know which one you swear by.
And if you’ve ever had a stranger side effect than imaginary burglars.
What’s Going Down at HQ
A New Teammate
Meet the newest member of the team...
If you’ve been watching my Instagram Stories, you’ll have seen our new label machine in action... or should I say, initially out of action.
It only took me a solid three days to work out how to use it. There were several desperate phone calls to my dad...
“Where are you? It’s an emergency!”
There were moments I genuinely questioned my life choices, but eventually I got it working.
On my own.
(With a little help from the manufacturer’s YouTube videos.)
Hand-labelling our candles has always been one of the most time-consuming jobs here, so I’m hoping this little beauty is going to save us hours.
I have very high hopes.
The only problem is... it hasn’t got a name yet.
Any suggestions?
A Thought to Leave You With
"The emails can wait. The memories can't."