Life lately: back to school, new cats and autumn treasure

We’re a few weeks into the new autumn term now and we’re all happily getting back into the swing of things again.

I’ve been getting my head down after a summer off, and the boys are settling back into school. That’s year 1 for my youngest, and year 3 at a new junior school for my eldest. The first few weeks have been tiring – early starts after six weeks of lie-ins, stiff new leather shoes after a summer of bare feet…. it’s always going to be hard. But they’ve settled back in well. Year 1 is never my favourite year – too much pressure, too young, in my opinion. Year 3, on the other hand, seems pretty good so far.

Now, if you follow me on my social media you’ll probably have noticed that we have two new additions to the family. A couple of weeks ago we adopted two little tabby cat sisters. They’re about eighteen months old, and are such sweet girls. So far they’re settling in well, and we’re all getting used to each other.

I’ve never been a cat person, but I’m really delighted with how things are going so far. I’m used to the easy (or perhaps needy) affection of dogs. The girls are very different – more aloof, but when you’re rewarded with their attention it’s wonderful. They’ve slotted into our lives really well and are no trouble at all. Having animals around again is really lovely.

Since the boys have been back at school I’ve been working hard on my blog and shop and I’ve also attended some really interesting events. Last week I was invited to an evening of drinks at Bourne and Hollingsworth by the lovely people at W channel. It was such a gorgeous event and I was sorry to have to leave to catch my train back to the sticks at the end of the night! The cocktails were delicious.

The next day I spoke about blogging at an event held in Ely by Mummas and More. I’m not much of a public speaker, but I really enjoyed talking here to such a friendly audience. I was there alongside Emma of 100 Days No TV and Helen of JustSayingMum. It was such an inspiring morning. Ely is really changing and the whole creative scene is really growing!

We’ve passed the autumn equinox now and I’m so happy to see new delights everyday. You see the same things every year but they never fail to feel magical. Shiny conkers, glittering cobwebs, scarlet berries – September is putting on a beautiful show at the moment.

The shops and markets are full of gorgeous seasonal produce and these days it’s more important than ever to remember to take a shopping bag out with you. I always like to make sure mine bring a smile to my face. This week we have 20% off all the gorgeous bags in the shop.

What have you all been up to lately?