Saturday scorcher and slow Sunday

After a week of record breaking heat, I was surprised when Saturday arrived and it was still blazing hot. Any normal person would have just gone to the beach for the day, and I probably would have done that but it was Armed Forces Day, and because we have so much going on at the seafront on Armed Forces day it’s a crazy place to be. So, we decided to wander off to Helmsley instead.

I took the opportunity to wear my new outfit. It’s so comfortable I think it will be a summer staple! Unsurprisingly Helmsley wasn’t too busy, just incredibly hot. I’ve written about Helmsley many times on here, so I won’t bore you too much but essentially, it was a day of sipping iced coffees and wandering.

Sunday was starting to cool a little, and thankfully we had no plans aside from having a restful day. Several weeks ago I bought a set of 6 paint by numbers sets from DIY art club. Mum and little Miss had both had an opportunity to start one, but I didn’t until now. I set up the garden table and me and little Miss spent a couple of hours painting.

I think these kits are fabulous. I’ll definitely be buying more, and it was such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

My Boston Terrier

Little Misses Pug

Aside from that, we had a nice chicken dinner, early baths and a generally chilled day. Not something I can often say, so it’s much appreciated when it does happen.

Summer Breeze, Makes me Feel Fine

 Having listened to promises of an impending heatwave, and waking each day to grey skies through last week I must admit, I thought it was going to be yet another weather flop. I went off to get my nails done during my lunch on Thursday. I wasn't sure what to get, so I'd asked Little Miss for a suggestion during school run that morning. Of course, her suggestion was turquoise blue, because that's her favourite colour. Actually, when I got to the salon it was the colour that took my eye too, so I did go for it. 

Thursday was starting to show signs of cheering up, but by the time Friday arrived it was glorious. I was stuck at my desk of course, but was heartened by the fact that I was trying to wind up all of my loose ends and finish my holiday handover before taking a week off. The day got very hot, very quickly and by the end of it we decided to forgo our usual Friday dinner of fish and chips for a large salad. Something about the hot weather makes it a lot easier to eat healthily and I've found that salads and healthy lunches have been much more present in my diet the past few days. 

Top to bottom: Salmon fillet with baked sweet potato and salad. Scrambled eggs, mushrooms and avocado on toast. Roast chicken salad

Friday evening, I finally finished the top I'd been crocheting. I'm thrilled with how it turned out. I have a few more projects lined up (Little Miss is desperate for me to crochet her a creeper from Minecraft for one thing) but I definitely think I'll make a few more versions of this top. 

Saturday morning I actually went to the gym. I'll give you a second to get over the shock! I felt quite smug afterwards. Then we took a trip over to Whitby. Being slightly further North than us, and positioned on what seems to be a wilder point of the North Sea (there are reportedly around 530 shipwrecks off the coast off Whitby) it's always a little bit cooler than Scarborough, and when it's as hot as it is at the moment, that's welcome. 

Sandals - Dr. Martens, Skirt - Flamer Heritage, Top - Homemade

It was the perfect opportunity to wear my newly finished top, paired with a Falmer heritage skirt I picked up on Vinted last year. It's a very comfortable top, I'm very pleased. 

Stalls in Whitby

We had a potter around the antique shops, and the bohemian and gothic clothing shops where I always fall in love with so many of the clothes. Then we walked down to the harbour. and bought a fish from the famous Magpie fish and chip shop. We ate them outside on a bench near the lighthouse, careful not to get mugged by one of the many seagulls waiting to swoop. It was really starting to feel like summer had arrived. 

Sunday, the mercury continued to rise. The weather had certainly delivered on its promises. During the afternoon a nearby hotel was holding a family fun day in their grounds. Live music, cold drinks and a bouncy castle for Little Miss sounded perfect. 

Sandals - Dr. Martens, Dress - Kharibu, Bag - Caudalie free gift, Hat - Max Mara weekend

I decided to give my summery Kharibu dress its first outing of the season, and I was thrilled to find that the yellow tote bag I got free with my Caudalie skincare order the week before was the perfect match. 

Perusing stalls at the family fun day

Soaking up the vibe

At the fun day, we met up with my friend and her daughter (little Miss' friend), and set up the picnic rug in a shady spot by a tree. The children were thrilled to spend most of the afternoon bouncing around on the bouncy castle. Every now and again they'd reluctantly come off to cool down, get a drink and a snack and play snap on the picnic rug. 

Selfie stick's out! 

We stayed there for pretty much the whole afternoon and it was the epitome of a perfect summer Sunday afternoon. 

Bank holiday Monday arrived and, unbelievably, an even hotter day. We wanted to go to the local waterpark. Little Miss has pretty much learned to swim and now she just loves being in the water. Alas, it seems everyone had the same idea and so it was fully booked until early evening. We opted to hop on the train and head to York instead. 

It may have been a crazy idea and is the first time I've ever completely worn the battery out on my portable fan, but we had a great time. We walked in by the river, enjoying ice creams along the way and pondering what it would be like to own one of the boats moored there. One was for sale, but at £27,000 it was more than a little bit out of my price range. 

Drooling after the boat with the blue roof

Sandals - Dr. Martens, Dress - Urban Touch, Bag - Fairfax and Favor

Wouldn't it be fabulous to live on the river all summer, and then move back to your home come Autumn? I'd love that. The good thing about York is getting to peruse shops that we don't have in Scarborough, like Monsoon and Urban Outfitters. I saw so many things I loved in those shops. I bought me and little Miss a new summer hat each in Monsoon. 

Little Miss spent her pocket money that she's been saving in the toy shop, and we enjoyed lunch at Black sheep coffee. Iced coffee, of course, and a chicken wrap. 

We finished up with a drink at Thor's tipi, watching the world drift by before tackling the hot walk back to the station. "See, we'd be home by now if I had that boat" I exclaimed as we passed the boats on the river again. We were exhausted by the time we got home, so we just had a quiet evening watching Jaws... again! 

I can't believe how perfect the weather has been for the first bit of my week off work. I just hope it holds out for the rest of the week. 

Easter Weekend

 When I logged off last Wednesday it was in the knowledge that I wouldn’t be back online (for work purposes at least) for well over a week. As much as I enjoy my job, there’s nothing quite like a week of freedom! I met the chap after work, and we went for a pizza and beer to celebrate. 

On Thursday, we were unexpectedly graced by the sunshine, which was welcome since we had appointments in town. An eye test for little Miss and nails for me. Although the sun didn’t bring much warmth, it was perfect for wearing these Joe Browns boots Mum bought for me a few Christmases back. I love them but only cool dry days work for them.

Boots - Joe Browns, Dress - River Island.

Thankfully, little Misses eye test came back perfect. After a spot of shopping, including getting some gifts for little Misses birthday later this month, and raiding the Claire’s accessories clearance sale for bag charms, it was time to get my nails done. I plumped for a beautiful iridescent pink for my nails, and then it was a relaxing evening ahead.

YSL Cabas tote and Claire’s accessories bag charms!

Good Friday was very relaxed. I spent the morning reading in bed. That’s a rare luxury because I always feel like I ‘should’ be up and doing stuff, so I rarely allow myself the luxury of staying in bed to read. Later in the afternoon we went to mass, stopping off afterwards for a coffee. Later in the evening me and little Miss made some collage bookmarks before settling down to watch Zootropolis 2. 

Easter Saturday arrived and with it the first blusterings of storm Dave. It wasn’t too terrible though, so we took a trip to one of our favourite failsafe destinations, Helmsley. I took the opportunity to wear my new Fairfax and Favor boots for the first time, and was surprised at how comfortable they were for a full afternoon spent perusing the boutiques. 

Boots - Fairfax and Favor, dress - Jolie Moi, awkward facial expression models own

The lady in the Fairfax and Favor shop complimented how good they looked when we went in there for a browse. I was also overjoyed to find some vintage long faux pearls in a little vintage market in the town hall. These replace some I broke I while back. I know faux pearls are ten a penny, but modern ones are always too lightweight and white in comparison. I like them to look old!

Making the most of so much free time, on Sunday me and the chap took a trip to Saltwick Bay near Whitby to hunt for the shipwrecks on the beach. Ever since the chap told me about this place I’d been eager to visit with my camera. It did not disappoint but I won’t share too much until I get my images back from the film lab. Sufficed to say, after walking 8 miles we were very grateful of our fish and chips in Whitby.

This week has already started off strong, but I’ll save that for my next post. 

Week number 27 of January

 Is it just me or does this month seem to be taking forever to pass by? I don’t know if it’s the transition back into work, or if it’s the fact that it stays dark for most of the day on most days. Perhaps I should take a vitamin D supplement. Earlier in the week I took the afternoon off to take Mum to a dental appointment. I also got my nails done. After an extended gap since I last got them done during Christmas week, my nails which grow like wildfire were starting to get in the way while typing and the glittery green nail polish was looking more than a tad worn in places. 

Fresh nails

I do love long nails though. If I didn’t have to do stuff I’d grow them very long. 

Thursday I was in the office for my end of year review, which I’m pleased to say went very well. I had a productive day in the office too. After work the chap took me to Byron for dinner. We haven’t been there in a while, it was quiet at that time of day but there seemed to be a lot of delivery drivers doing pick ups. I had a delicious chicken burger, but I always end up in a mess with burgers. Why do they make them for people with a flip top head? 

Nonetheless it was delicious. We’re definitely a foodie couple! We spent our time catching up, puzzling over the state of the world and watching the world go by while we sheltered from the freezing rain outside. 

Dark and wet streets of York

Friday arrived at long last, my car was back in the garage to have the thermostat replaced. Hopefully that’s resolved a niggling issue. After work, I popped out to meet my lovely friend Mrs. C at Wilson’s food hall for a well overdue catch up. Mrs. C is the first proper friend I made when I moved to Scarborough and even though many of our catch ups coincide with play dates (we have children of the same age) it’s always really lovely when we get to have a proper catch up.

Wilson’s was packed, even though it was early in the evening. We had wine, I had pizza, there was live music and we talked non-stop. Catching up on life in general. It was a lovely end to the week.

Live acoustic music at Wilson’s

Saturday, with a fixed car and the weather still being miserable, we decided to head over to the outlet at York. It wasn’t a burning desire to shop, just a burning desire for a change of scenery and safe refuge from the crappy weather. 

As usual most of my money was spent on eating out, and treats for little Miss who just loves to get to Claire’s accessories. I did buy myself a lovely new lip oil from Clarins though, as well as a few other small cosmetics from one of the other shops. It was good to do the trip though just for assurance that the car is fixed.

My new lip oil in my handbag makeup pouch

Today I drank my coffee while marvelling at how fierce the sea is at the moment, before heading into the gym for a workout. The rest of the day is going to be spent putting a dreaded PDF sewing pattern together ready for me to dip my toes back into dressmaking. 

Wild seas this morning 

Now, is it February yet? 

Slow Start

 Happy New Year. The pace since Christmas has been pleasantly slow. I don’t make resolutions, they’re too easy to break, but one of my intentions for 2026 is to slow down and enjoy the little moments a bit more. I’ve certainly made a strong start.

New Year’s Eve we popped into town during the day, just for a wander around and a breath of fresh air. It was chilly, but thankfully dry, so a warm dress and boots was the order of the day. Something else I’m intending to do on 2026 is rediscover the joy of my wardrobe by trying to wear more of it rather than relying on the same few outfits.

Little miss took my outfit shot

In town we had tea at one of our usual haunts before wandering. Earlier in the week I’d dropped two large bags of donations at a charity shop, and I think it brought me good charity shop karma because I found two tops and a fab pair of silver kitten heels.

We don’t go out on New Years Eve. So we watched films and I sipped sloe gin with tonic until we saw the New Year in. New Year’s Day I put up the door pelmet in my bedroom, that I had finished crocheting over the holidays.

Watching movies

I had been making these granny squares without an idea of what to do with them, then I saw some pelmet ideas on Pinterest and decided to make one to top my door curtain. I’m so pleased with how it turned out.

It’s been quite a crafty break for me, I’ve been planning, painting with watercolours, baking and doing cross stitch too. 

Trying a spot of watercolour 

Baked a cake 

Yesterday the snow arrived, and it really did arrive here on the coast. We made a snow man, and Thelma was so excited on her dog walk although she seems to be less impressed that there’s snow in the garden. It’s the second snow we’ve had in a few months, I think we’re in for a harsh winter.

Today is my last day before returning to work, and I’m going to enjoy a slow and restful Sunday to prepare myself. 

Halloween Tales

We don’t really tend to do a lot for Halloween. On the drive home from the Dales I’d been tempted to stop off at one of the Pick Your Own farms along the way for a pumpkin, but with evening drawing in I’d decided against it. Instead I picked one up with the weekly shop on Wednesday morning and we carved it on Wednesday night.

Little miss had insisted on a wolf and even though I’d taken inspiration from the internet, I was pretty impressed with myself when I freehand drew this wolf on the pumpkin before carving it out. Little Miss was very pleased.

I spent Thursday painting the woodwork in the dining room/office/lego room/animal sanctuary. A project I’d started much earlier in the year, and left half done. If I managed my professional projects the way I manage my personal ones I’d have long since been fired. 

Friday it was Halloween, and we decided to pay a visit to the outlet in York. I gave a nod to the day with my Munsters t-shirt, pumpkin pug brooch and of course, my Halloween backpack. I actually got a fair few compliments on my outfit, and especially my bag which my Mum kept insisting I ‘switch on’ for people.

I was quite restrained, only buying a massive box of Hotel Chocolat chocs to gorge on later (although with half a box still remaining, this was a task even too big for me). Mum did buy my Christmas present though, which I’ll be very excited to get. 

By the time we got home it was late and wet and so windy I couldn’t even get our pumpkin to stay lit. Saturday we had a chilled day. I was keen to see if I could replicate the pancakes that Mum had in Malton last week, for our Saturday brunch. I did and they were a resounding success and promptly added to Little Misses list of favourite breakfasts.

During the evening we went to one of our local cinema’s, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, to watch the original Ghostbusters on the big screen.

I’ve loved this film ever since I was a child, and so does little miss. Given its original release in 1984, I was too young to see it at the pictures the first time around so we were thrilled to see it now. Little miss even got to see some Ghostbusters kit at the end.

We got home to find our pumpkin had been stolen! The things that go missing hey? Never mind. 

Sunday, I took Thelma for a wander to the seafront and I had a luxury hot chocolate at Flamingo Bay. 

Then it was home to finish painting that woodwork! Just the wallpapering to do and then that room will be complete. I’ll share when it’s done.