Good morning,

Happy Monday to you all! F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall”, and I think that is a wonderful quote to start this week with as today is autumn equinox. This makes Lia very happy because if I had to pick an overall favourite season then it is autumn, I’m already planning pumpkin picking, autumn walks and I can’t wait to stand on my first crunchy leaf. If we’re talking meteorologically then September 1^st marked the beginning of autumn, but I’ll take any excuse to get excited about the bronzed tones of the falling leaves. Since I mentioned it, September 1^st seems so long ago, and it’s only been 23 days! How are your quarterly goals going?

Return to University

Today’s monthly catch up sees me enjoying the last of the calm before the storm as I go back to university later this week, with meetings from today, into the dreaded third year. I can’t believe how quickly my whole university experience has gone and I know that from now to May will fly, which is a good thing because I think I might be ready for the big wide world and attempting this whole real adult life, but it also scares the living daylights out of me.

I’ve been on such a rollercoaster with university and I did not think that I’d still be there by third year, never mind there and kind of ready to take what it throws at me. I’m also pretty proud of myself because my confidence has grown so much over the past two years, I’ve signed up for so much extra-curricular stuff this year that I’m not really sure how I’m going to fit it all in but I’m also looking forward to the challenge (I think).

This might sound a bit mad to say because I already know that within the first week of being back, I will be stressed beyond belief, but I want to try and enjoy uni for what it is this year. I want to explore Sheffield more, make more memories with my friends and I want to make sure I take lots of pictures this year because so far, I have very little and very soon this whole uni experience will be over.

Mumma G’s Birthday

Last week it was my lovely Mum’s birthday, so my parents, pooch and myself went for a lovely walk up a very blustery Baslow Edge. It was fun leaping about on all the rocks and spending time together as a family. We’re never all in at the same time much so it was lovely to make new memories.

Being the thoughtful daughter that I am, I tried to make my mum a birthday cake but the first attempt ended up burnt and raw which I think is quite a skill if we’re being honest, I’d gone all out with the fancy ingredients in that one as well so the second attempt was just a chocolate cake. Although it had a hint of orange essence in it, because I put orange in instead of vanilla like an idiot. I tell you, it was very stressful, ingredients were flying everywhere, I was on a tight time allowance and could not hack the pressure. Don’t think I’m quite ready for Bake Off – speaking of Bake Off, it was an absolute abomination that Phil went home last week! He did not deserve to leave the tent and it has been the topic of a few heated discussions in my household.

Christmas

I know, the dreaded Christmas word has been spoken. But as I type it, it brings me great joy because I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I’m getting prepared early because I hate having to rush around and whatnot and because I just thoroughly enjoy everything Christmassy. I have already bought and planned some Christmas presents but I would like some recommendations for small/independent businesses that sell lovely gifts or just lovely things. Any form of recommendation would be incredibly helpful, please and thank you!

Now I shall leave Christmas alone for a bit because I know how Scrooge-like people can be.

I hope your week is wonderful!

Until next time,

Lia x