Hello. I'm Grace. Obviously.

I did a really nice LONG and PROPER Facts Post last time, back in January when things were in limbo and I had a lot more free time - but today I've got a lot to do, despite being on a week's holiday from my three jobs, and I'm wanting to just throw words around and then vomit them out into the ether... kind of like I used to, when I first started blogging. Before it became a big thing in the online world, a proper job, and a way to make connections and get places. Once again, I'm trying to take myself back, if only briefly, to the weird kid I once was who spent her lunchtimes at college tapping away on the clunky old keyboards in the Learning Centre (to this day, I've never perfected the touch-type method; hunt and peck is still making my index fingertips ache). 

Speaking of way back when, and blogging being a JOB... I'm officially renovating this little spot soon. Or rather, moving beyond it... Eek. For now I'll just say vaguely keep your eyes peeled; a new website is a-comin', with all sorts of fun quirks and extra tidbits. It's terrifying and exciting. I hope you'll all support what I'm going to do. 

Now, onto the smaller bits and bobs, which seem silly but I know y'all love... 

I am growing my hair - and have a whole long-term plan in place. It involves growing to the point of an eventual donation to a wig-making charity, something I'm super passionate about, then trying out weird and wacky things, going fully mulleted, and then another big shave. I expect there will be some outrageous colours and treatments in there somewhere, too.

I try to have coffee with just one espresso shot in, these days. I find that keeps me calmer, and in more of a pace... plus, then I can have more than one cuppa if I want to, and not get super jittery. See? *taps head* SMARTS. 

I'm trying to make more time to write, and failing spectacularly. But hey, maybe the new THINGS mentioned above will motivate me more. 

I'm currently watching The Bold Type on Netflix. it's ridiculous, annoying, oversimplified and airbrushed to fuckery but I really like that I can just pop it on in the background when I'm washing up or working from home, and I won't be that bothered if I miss a fashion closet gossip sesh, or a very vanilla sex scene, while I boil the kettle or pop to the loo. 

I've started using a highlighter on my face, and it's low key changed the game.

I have so many affiliate links these days and no idea where to put them or how to gently nudge folks into tapping on them because ugh, the whole idea of being an 'influencer' still irks me. 

I am moving to a new flat soon. It's a step up from my current place in a LOT of ways (bigger, bloody good heating, huge fridge-freezer, a WASHING MACHINE) but it's also missing some key things I need in my day to day life (oodles of daylight, less beige-ness, general character, a roof I can climb out onto) but hey, it's only gonna be foir six months (unless I fall in love with it) and it's definitely got more good points than bad. 

Following on from the above - I'm told I have high standards for living, relationships and friendships. And after ducking away from that accusation for some time, then sitting with it, I've realised that YEP, I do. I am ambitious in a lot of ways, and most of the time I will put my comfort first - something I never used to do. I'm not a princess, or a perfectionist, but damn, I know my worth and I deserve good things. 

Potting and repotting my plants gives me such a hit of joy and intense satisfaction, I can't believe I'm a Plant Person now but I love it a bit. I am also obsessed with Soil Ninja's mixes, and shout-out to the legend that is Stephanie Yeboah for introducing me to them via her plant clinic IG. 

My gut is a bit unhappy recently, my appetite is up and down, and yeah, it's a weird vibe at the mo. I need to actually go to a specialist about it, but when can I find the time to do that!? geezz.

I had an iced flat white the other day in LUSH Oxford Street's cafe, Plant Works Coffee. And... *chef's kiss*

I quite like doing my Facts posts like this, now. But it feels kinda like a newsletter round-up of my life... should I be doing that? Maybe I'll add that idea to the New Website cooking pot.

Thanks for reading, you lovely lot. I've been so slack recently, and I apologise. To those of you who diligently check in here regularly, I see you and I appreciate your eyeballs and hearts more than you will ever know.

Hello, beautiful readers. This post is sponsored, and I'm so excited to share it with you... 

You all know I'm ob-sessed with being green, right? And I don't mean like Kermit, or Elphaba (although let's be real, we've all lip-synced along to Defying Gravity in front of our bedroom mirror at one time or another, right? ahem), I mean in the eco-conscious, saving-the-planet sense. So I was overjoyed when I came across the opportunity to write something for Lil Packaging, aka the first business in the packaging industry to be 100% plastic-free, ocean-friendly, bio-degradable and 100% recyclable. They offer innovative printed packaging solutions to businesses of any size, meaning they're reducing the use of plastic in so many companies!

Lil Packaging is trusted by brands such as Boots, John Lewis, Hotel Chocolat and Moonpig - those are some big names, right?! Well, how about the slightly smaller folks? 

That's right, I'm taking this opportunity to shout out some of my favourite independent, crafty sellers! Read on for some recommendations... 

Sew Many Nudes (at Fiber and Floss Studio)

Amyleigh is one of my favourite social media pals, and when she started doing handmade stitchings of nudes sent in by trusting customers, I was thrilled! Check out her Etsy profile and maybe consider investing in a piece of art based on your own body - there's nothing quite as magical as that!

Rebecca Wise Studio (handmade ceramics and art)

Rebecca, a London-based Queer artist, makes some truly beautiful, considered and unique ceramics in a small, makeshift studio. She is brilliantly 'celebrating and exploring body acceptance, being fat positive and self love'. I'm all about that. 

Jack & Bec (stickers, buttons, pins, bags, prints, apparel, ornaments and keychains - they do it all!)

Jack and Bec are, in their words, 'Just a deaf girl and a fat girl making magic' - and we love to see it. I love their colour schemes and brilliantly bold statements and designs. Check them out, and fall in love!

Skyfyre Art (fantastical, animal and astrological illustrations/embossings/paintings)

'Illustrations of the natural and fantastical world'... who doesn't love that? Jasmine at Skyfyre is a genuinely kind soul and conjures up some beautiful pieces - I purchased a tote bag she collaborated with another Etsy artist on recently, with her illustration of a pigeon on it, for a friend of mine who has a fascination with pigeons. 

Photo from Skyfyre's Etsy page.

Those are just a small handful of my current small bizz faves. Got any more for me? Comment below, or find me on social media @_gracelatter. I'm also intrigued to hear your thoughts on being more green - gimme your tips!

Hey, peaches. 

So, I recently filled in my very first Census. It was exciting, to say the least. I was baffled when I spotted it on the doormat, and did a whole 'who? me?' bit. Then it sat on my kitchen table for a few days, because despite it being lockdown and me being home ALWAYS, I still couldn't find the time to do it... you understand. When I finally got round to filling it in online, I'd already seen a fair few posts on social media about it; friends of mine were expressing astonishment and joy that there were several options for 'gender', others were annoyed there weren't more options for careers... and one of my new friends (Demi of S3x Theory with Demi) posted about the importance of writing 'queer' in the sexuality section. 

Now, I definitely can't put it as eloquently as Demi did, but I'll try. Let me be clear - there were more options in the sexuality section than I was expecting, and that was so wonderful to see. Oh my goodness. It warmed my heart. Well done, Census peeps. We're proud of you. 'We', here meaning those of us who don't appreciate the heteronormativity that's forced down our throats all day, every day. Those of us who have been politely asking to be recognised for decades now - and when that didn't work, screaming and picketing and marching. Those of us who don't fit into a box - and don't want to. 

Putting 'queer' in the 'other' box on the Census was the best option for me because, in all honesty, I can't identify myself any other way. I have tried, oh lordy how I have tried. Every time I've thought I have it pegged, I'm proven wrong. As I said to Demi, in the podcast interview she did with me, I have always fancied women. When I was in primary school, I remember complaining to my best friend Fran that the boys in our class had it so much easier than we did; they could just pick any girl to fancy 'because all girls are beautiful' and 'only a few boys are alright looking'. Then, in secondary school, I remember holding hands with one of my female-identifying friends while we watched Donnie Darko, and squealing inside. Fast forward to uni, when I was almost exclusively making out with women on nights out in town, and at the SU... I always went home with men, though. Go figure. I think somewhere along the way I accepted that I was bisexual. It wasn't a big moment, it was just a simple acknowledgment. 

But as I said, every time I think I've got my sexuality sussed, it flips on me. In early 2019, fresh from an amicable break up (if you can even call it that) with a very lovely guy I'd been seeing for a couple of months who was perfectly nice and handsome but I'd not felt much of a spark for, I told my friend it was because we met via a dating app and I didn't actually know him before we got together. I had done some research and realised I must be demisexual. 

'Demisexual people only feel sexually attracted to someone when they have an emotional bond with the person... A common misconception is that demisexual people need to be in love with someone to feel sexual attraction. Demisexuality requires a connection, but for many people, that can be a close friendship or another type of non-romantic relationship.'

- Web MD.

Yep, I had read a hot take article on sexuality somewhere, taken a quiz, and realised Demisexuality was me to a tee. When I look back over my romantic history, every one of them has been a close friend of mine for a good while before we took it that step further. And while my sexual history is slightly different, I would definitely say my best experiences have been with friends of mine. I always thought it was a security thing; a comfort, the safe space to laugh when there were mishaps and not feel the need to be flawless and sexy ALL the time. 

I felt a little smug telling my friend this. After years of mystery, I had finally cracked it. There was a handy label I could slap on and point at when anyone asked. It explained so much; why my first love was my best friend, my FWB situation(s) at uni got complicated, and one-night stands with perfectly lovely Londoners never really did the trick for me. Yep. I'd finally got it sussed.

Then, a matter of days later, I walked into a cafe and saw him. We made eye contact, and instantly, my heart somehow reached up and out and smacked me in the face. I'd never seen him before, we'd not even spoken yet, he was a total stranger, and yet I immediately felt intrigued, excited and flustered. It was amazing, romantic, sexy - and confusing. 

Because, how could I fancy this guy? I'd never seen him before!? 

I went back to the drawing board, after that. I looked at the facts: I was attracted to men. I was attracted to women. I was attracted to trans men. I was attracted to non-binary humans. I fancied the Hot Priest, but I also fancied Kristen Scott Thomas. I was madly in love with @bodyposipanda, AND @kennyethanjones. Every relationship I'd had before was with a close friend turned Something More, but now I was feeling ALL THE THINGS for a complete stranger. 

That's when I realised that labels are nonsense. And even if you identify with one (yay for you!), it can change. And that's okay! 

A friend of mine and I agreed a while ago - and I discussed it with Demi in the podcast interview - the term 'Queer' feels like a comfortable umbrella we can nestle ourselves under. It's neither gay nor straight, it's not bisexual or asexual - it's in between and far beyond. It's not a clear percentage men/women/other, it's everything! There's room for change, and no space for judgement. 

I don't want to be a grown-up. 

That's my overwhelming feeling right now. I'm looking up from my kitchen table, where I've been working 40 hours a week for the past couple of months, and blinking in the sunlight as it pours in through the windows; suddenly everything is illuminated and I realise, I'm growing up. I have a job - several jobs, within one company, actually. I'm going to be earning more than I ever have before, consistently, very soon. I'm squirreling money away in several savings accounts with varying rates of interest, in the hope that it will be put towards a flat of my own someday (or, slightly more likely, a trip to the other side of the world) - but in the meantime, I'm happily paying rent and bills, etc. A highlight of my week is doing The Big Shop - preferably at 7:30am, before I start work, because it's so peaceful in the supermarket, and then by the time I sit down at the computer I'm feeling like I've achieved something in the day already. My flat is full of plant babies. I go to the laundrette regularly. I'm obsessed with making porridge. I have a 5-step skincare routine, for morning and nighttime. I listen to Radio 2 on my smart speaker, while I work. I go through phases of writing meal plans. I've installed Grammarly on my laptop. I drink Kombucha every evening, before dinner. I take supplements with breakfast. I came off the pill last year. 

How did all this happen? 

Photo by Caitlin Lock.

I try to remind myself that, in a lot of ways, I'm not a grown-up. Just looking at what I wear these days is proof of that. Also, I spend way too much money on plants, vegan chocolate, crystals, LUSH products, books, and the silliest home accessories from IKEA. I ask my parents to wash the clothes I'm too scared to put in the laundrette's machines. I am still guilty of a little social media stalking, now and again. I'm scared to walk outside after dark - oh no wait, that's not because I'm un-adult, it's because I'm a woman. My mistake. Hmmph. Anyway... 

I think my grown-upness is blending a little with my inner child, though. My jobs are all fun, creative and make me feel like a superhero. I'm following people on social media who inspire me, and I try my very best to help others with their struggles too. My perfectly functional IKEA unit is packed with books arranged in colour order. A painted cast of my boobies hangs above my living room doorway. I got an IUD implanted so my sex life would be better, and I'd have less anxiety about those slippery buggers. 

I'm working on creative projects, and putting money into them, not just dreams and attempted manifestations. This blog is one of them - it's going to be a fully-fledged website someday soon; not just a creaky old Blogspot platform masked by a beautiful and very reasonably priced template, and a URL bought from whatever hosting monster can offer it semi-cheaply. 

A teenager started this blog, many years ago. Her biggest problems were that she fancied a boy in her Drama class, ate far too many After Eights, and was struggling to pass her theory test. She just wanted a space to vent, and release all her pent-up angst and romance. I do wonder what she'd think if she could see it now - where it's got her, how many people have found it and continue to check in and read regularly, and just how much she's shared about her life on it. I don't think anyone could have ever predicted it. My little corner of the internet. My safe space. It's always been there for me. And it will be for many years to come. I don't have to be a grown-up on here. 

Hey again, my fellow small bizz lovers. I recently emailed the gorgeous Nikki Rogers from Lemon Drops Design, a handmade jewellery brand from my neck of the woods, with some Qs about her business and how it came to be! So grab a brew, check out her website, treat yourself to some of her uniquely bright and cheerful goodies, then read about the woman behind the designs... 

(photo from Lemon Drops Design website)

Hey, lovely lemony Nikki. So great to have you on here, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! Tell us about what you do! 

(photo from Lemon Drops Design website)

(photo from Lemon Drops Design website)

(photo from Lemon Drops Design website)
(yes, I absolutely did buy these earrings for myself)

(photo from Lemon Drops Design website)

 

The concept of 'happy place' is so overused, but so accurate at the same time. There are a lot of places I enjoy being in, but only a select few in which I feel completely and truly peaceful, content, and safe. They're the ones I crave, especially recently when my little flat has become the only space I actually spend proper time in. 

Well, I can't visit any of these places for at least two months (if this 'roadmap' thing goes ahead smoothly - ha!), so let me just throw them out here, please? Thanks. And be sure to comment/tweet/DM/whatever with yours. I want to know. 

We can start with the earlier memories that formed happy places. The big grassy area out the front of my college. Especially in Spring/Summer time, when everyone would spill out of the higgledy piggledy old buildings and onto the lawn, in the sunshine, gathering in groups and ripping into their lunches from the vending machines in the canteen. I remember lolloping lazily with friends in the heatwave, gossiping, playing catch and swapping notes between lessons. 

I guess if we're going to mention college here - the black box theatre I had all my A Level Drama classes in would have to be added to the list. I grew a lot in there, and after a rocky start I found it was a space I could properly let go in.

Winchester cathedral grounds (and the little stone bench I almost always sit on, with a coffee, to stare up at the old building I graduated in). Also the pub by the river, the Oxfam bookshop, and the top of the high street (does this count, though? I'd never sit and 'hang out' in that place... maybe it's just a 'happy passing spot'). Obviously, the university campus would have to be on the list too; particularly the student union cafe, the library and my halls. I mean, the actual buildings where the seminars and lectures took place wouldn't go amiss, but I'm trying really hard to keep it to just a few, okay? Cool. 

(Let's go a bit faster, now. Because not every happy place needs its own explanation, and/or context.)

Stargazy! My lovely, ridiculous friend's shop, in Hastings Old Town. It's reminiscent of a gypsy caravan, packed to the brim with crystals, scarves, and the most beautiful handmade silver jewellery. I have genuinely, deeply missed visiting and working in there, since the first lockdown. 

The bench at the top of the steps up the East Hill. I've started going up there again recently, after being put off for years because of too much time spent there as a horny teen, but you just can't beat the view and the peace and quiet of it. It's extra lovely when you go with a friend who brings a flask of tea and mugs, FYI. 

The West Hill, too. But only on the May Day weekend. The rest of the year, I could take or leave it, really. 

My friend's cafe, at my favourite table against the exposed brick wall, drinking the strongest long black (the finest Brighton coffee, obviously) and eating a chai fudge brownie, looking through the window onto the lovely quiet street with the church and the tattoo studio and the ancient barbershop. 

The place down the road from me with the rickety window shutters and chicly mismatched furniture that proudly exhibits itself as a tequila bar, but also offering a wide selection of whisky and the boujiest booziest cocktails. 

The Brighton Lanes. Ugh. I hate how much I miss them, because it almost confirms that I am a hipster/indie kid wannabe, but I promise I only go there for the coffee and cake.

The office I work from once a week, with the table I always manage to knock off balance, and the quiet therapy room where the most chilled meetings take place, and exciting audio recording happens. 

Our staff room in Tunbridge Wells, with the magnificent second-hand sofa that's perfect for lunchtime naps. 

My favourite patch of St Leonards beach, where I sat for 10 hours with some of my favourite humans (and nearly £200 worth of burgers and chips), on my 27th birthday. 

Shakespeare and Sons, Berlin. Yet another cafe, but hear me out - there are bagels and books, too. It's just got the happiest feel about it. 

Nana's porch, in her little village - with added Vegemite on toast to complete the vibe. 

My special spot in the park that's just up a little passageway at the end of my street - I started going there when I was let off shielding last spring, taking a blanket, a lunch box and a book with me. I'd often end up ignoring the book and just listening to my favourite podcasts while eating my sarnies. 

The biggest bookshop in Europe, in Piccadilly. Browsing each floor, one by one, for a good while before scurrying upstairs to the bar and indulging in their happy hour - when the prices are almost reasonable. (Optional but inevitable drunk book shopping to follow)

Thursday Plantation, Ballina, New South Wales. The smell of the air there is like nothing else. Tea tree and eucalyptus, mixed with the essence of the woody forest, in the balmy heat, ooooft. I could get high off that sweet combo. It's also so peaceful there; walking through the forest or just sitting on the deck behind the shop, drinking a mint tea. Mmm.  

Bottle Alley - pronounced 'bot'lally'. I'm not sure why, but I've always loved walking through there to town, and back - and at night, it's quite magical. 

So many beaches on the East Coast of Australia, I cannot possibly name them all. I plan on revisiting them in 2022, one way or another. 

My roof. Of course. A proper sanctuary, and my saviour last year when I couldn't leave my building for so long. I'll miss a lot of things when I leave this flat in the summer; the pristine tiles in the kitchen, the rain-style shower head, the old fireplace, its proximity to the train station, the beach, the shops and the park - but I know I'll miss that old rooftop the most. 

I know I've probably forgotten so many here, but these are the ones that immediately fill my mind and calm me down when I think of the simple term 'happy place'. The ones I will look up on Google Maps while on my lunch break, and shamelessly travel through them in street mode. It's great to have these tucked away inside my mind, but then I also realise that one of the most important things to learn in life is how to make any space a happy place. And on that pensive, borderline wanky, note; I'll end this post. 

PS, I'm very aware how big a part food and drink play in this list. Not sorry.

I love being able to interview brilliant, talented and interesting people here in my funny little corner of the internet! I'm hoping that someday, when lockdown lifts, I can do more of this kind of thing in a slightly different format - but more on that later. Now, let me introduce the divine Lauren Marina! She and I met a while ago, through work. Now she's freelancing, creating 'illustration for inspired interiors' (ooft, that alliteration game is top notch, no?) and currently raising funds to make a full on brand, and eventually bring about a collaborative community studio space and shop! You can support the crowdfunder HERE.

I fired a few questions over to her via email, and her replies were so lovely. Read on, friends!

Photo by @seansvisuals at TOSH

Would you like to tell us about your wonderful artwork and Marina Studio brand?

Hey Grace! I am an illustrator, pattern, and surface designer. I’ve been making art my whole life but took the plunge into freelancing full-time last year after leaving my previous job. I work on a mix of private commissions for clients, and also creating my own items to sell. 

I draw all of my work with pencil, inks, paint, and also using my iPad and Procreate. I tend to lean towards using a limited colour palette of deep charcoal and beige or white, but sometimes I add in some earthy tones too. 

I’m inspired by blooming houseplants, changing seasons, natural forms, expressive fauna, and wild creatures. I’ve recently gotten into drawing more animals, and I’m loving creating a series of expressive galloping horses!   

Marina Studio is my brand where I sell a variety of lifestyle and interior items. I currently sell a range of art prints, greetings cards, and wrapping paper. I’m really conscious of my environmental impact so print only on 100% recycled high-quality cards, using vegetable inks, and my products either come packaging-free or wrapped in compostable sleeves. 

Creatively, it’s actually been quite groundbreaking for me. 

I began drawing again as a way to pass the time and to self-soothe my anxiety. It became an everyday hobby again and it felt really good to have the time to do it! Like slipping back into a pair of really comfy, familiar slippers, if you know what I mean? 

I began to post some of my drawings on Instagram and had a really encouraging response from my community. Then I started selling some prints online, and a few commissions started coming in. Things have just snowballed from there really!

I started to think that maybe I could actually give my illustration a shot as a career. It was a bit of a ‘now or never’ moment for me. For a lot of last year, drawing felt like survival, for my mental health but also as a way to feed myself and keep a roof over my head. With each commission and each sale from my shop I’m proving to myself that I can do it, and that I can absolutely smash it!

So as an artist, this last year has exceptionally transformative for my own confidence and self-belief.

So I started a Crowdfunder at the start of February! I’ve never used a platform like this before so I was initially a little worried about how it would be received. I am looking to raise £500 so that I can expand my range of Marina Studio products. I’ve been experimenting with wallpaper designs over the last few months and I am absolutely loving it as a potential end-point for my art! But, starting a wallpaper range comes with its costs, so I asked my community to help fund this expansion. 

I have been utterly bowled over by the kind and generous response. I really thought that the Crowndfunder could fall totally flat, with no one caring or donating. But it’s been the total opposite. The £500 goal has been made, and I’m now aiming for my stretch target of £1000. The financial generosity has been amazing to receive, but moreover, the belief that people have in me as an artist is absolutely magic. 

If I can make a living from my art, have a secure roof over my head, food in my tummy, and a good work/life balance I’ll be so happy. I hope to move into a proper artist studio soon, but I don’t want to jinx it so I won’t say too much on that!

Photo by @seansvisuals at TOSH

That’s a tricky one. I find that my most recent piece of art is my favourite! So currently, that’s the Galloping Horse print. I just love how the sun's beating down, they look pretty chill and their tail flicks gleefully amongst the foliage!

Photo by @seansvisuals at TOSH

Thanks for chatting with me, Lauren. I can't wait to someday have a cuppa together on the beach in Dorset!

My darls, if you want to support this queen and help her achieve her dream of making Marina Studio, contribute here OR check out her shop, OR buy her a virtual coffee!

Remember when everyone regularly did the 'things that made me happy this week' posts? I miss those days; when blogging was so simple and gentle and a passion, rather than a job, for so many. I also miss people taking the time to post on social platforms and their various corners of the internet about their wins and joys - these days it's all 'the world is sh*t', '2020 can get in the sea' and 'can't wait for my life to start again'... I get it. I really, really do. No, seriously. I shielded in the first lockdown, I've had to isolate a few times since then, I've been furloughed, I've not hugged my family for months now and all my favourite places to go are closed for the foreseeable future - I GET IT. 

The world is a sh*tty place right now. It is. Our government suck. Businesses everywhere are struggling, money is tight, we all need a good cuddle. That said, life isn't all bad for me these days. I recently had a revelation - life's alright. It'll do. Okay, the lovely shop I work in is currently closed and I miss it dearly, but I've been able to work from home with one of the company's head office teams; 40 hours a week I am answering emails from distressed customers who need help - or just to be listened to - which actually brings me some real joy. Okay, some of my favourite local cafes are closed and I can't meet friends for a sit-down-cuppa-chat, but I can meet one friend at a time for a socially distanced walk along the seafront, or in the park, or around my funny old neighbourhood - and we can get coffee to take away, from the indie cafes that are staying open as kiosks! Okay, I can't get my fluffy, fast-growing hair sorted out and tidied up, but I'm basically getting a free pass to grow it and not worry too much about what it looks like - because I'm not going anywhere! 

I have a TV. I have my laptop. I have wifi and 4G. I have books - so many books. I have my plant babies. I have friends, just a video call or a tweet away. I can do virtual yoga classes in my living room. I can boogie, live on Instagram, in my pants - a very weird and wonderful occupation that's got me through the hardest times. I have my health - just about. I have food, I have an income, and of course, I have a fabulous, hard-working, resilient body that is carrying me through it all. Now, I'm not very good at meditating, but I've started taking moments each day to think about the things I do have, and the things that make me happy, despite everything. They can be the smallest, silliest things. The other day I giggled through my face covering at the local bakery when I saw a small bowl next to the till, full of gingerbread men, with a little sign that said 'Lil Ginger Chaps'. Things like that. Take them in. I'm very aware I've written something like this recently, about finding the light in the dark, but it's so important! Switch off the news for one evening, you can afford that. Pop your favourite movie on instead. Grab some snacks. Maybe hook up your phone/laptop to Zoom and watch it with your loved ones. 

I've put some photos in this post of little things that have made me happy, recently; including an online LUSH makeup class, a day of dog sitting, and my plants. Okay, the Zoom call with Newton Faulkner is quite a big thing, and very unexpected, but hey... 

The world will be okay again, someday. You need to make yourself okay, for now. 

Please comment with any tips you have for staying sane and staying happy, while the world is very sad.