Today is the third anniversary of my first ever post. I had intended to write something funny or profound or at least interesting to mark the occasion, but I couldn't summon the energy. So, instead, here is a spectacularly awesome gif by Laurene Boglio, the queen of spectacularly awesome gifs.

Once, when Fin and I first moved in together, to our tiny little flat with a sloping roof that meant he could only stand upright in 50% of the floor space, I burst into the living room wearing my black, slightly saggy gym swimsuit and, out of nowhere, proceeded to give him the worst rendition of the Single Ladies dance that has ever happened. It was, as you can imagine, hilarious.

That hasn't really got much to do with anything, other than I seem to have misplaced that youthful, exuberant silliness, both in real life and in blogging, and I'm not sure where it went. Might have to send out a search party.

In the meantime, thanks for sticking with this blog for the last three years. That applies to myself, too.

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Goodbye, 2013. You were a real stinker of a year and I am very, very glad to be leaving you behind.

I have no resolutions at all, other than a vague plan to start eating breakfast, but nothing says happy new year like a jogging broccoli.

Happy New Year!

OTHER CHEERFUL THINGS:

Illustration by Alyssa Nassner

Full title: Things I've Been Obsessing Over Instead of Worrying About Actual Problems Or Contemplating the Incontrovertible Truth That Everyone I Love Is Going to Be Dead One Day.

Because distraction is the best policy, right?

1. My coat

It's my 30th birthday today (see how I dropped that in there? So subtle), so in honour of the occasion I've decided it's time to treat myself to a grown-up winter coat. This is the third winter for my trusty Topshop duffel coat, and while I still love it with a fiery passion, it doesn't really say "professional person and grown-ass lady." I'm pretty sure a client thought I was a messenger the other day until I spouted off some incredibly boring piece of legalese and they realised, no, I was just a lawyer in students' clothing.

I had initially toyed with the idea of a leather jacket, and was sorely tempted by this handmade one from Etsy, but realistically I wouldn't wear it until spring and that's too long to wait, dammit. Then I thought a classic camel would be a smart choice, but it turns out classic camel coats are difficult to come by. Plus I'm not convinced that camel is my colour. (I have genuinely been obsessing over this, in case you can't tell.)

So we arrive at option 3: a classy but stylish grey overcoat. Simple, chic, goes with everything. After a pinning spree - I mean a serious, weeks-long pinning spree - I concluded that the perfect coat simply does not exist in the UK. To meet my highly specific requirements, I had to cast a wider net. Finally, I've narrowed the choices down to two almost-but-not-quite-identical coats.



The first one has a silky soft leather collar, which gives it a cool edge and satisfies my leather jacket cravings. It's also French, for bonus points. The second one has a more interesting texture and I love the stylised lapels. They're both nice! They're both more expensive than any other coat I've ever bought before! WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?

2. My Party

I have no qualms about turning 30, and I'm grateful to be able to spend today with my family, but with my mum's health deteriorating, and some of my dearest friends out of party action for reasons both good and bad, I knew this birthday was never going to be the wild celebration that I might have imagined.

However, in a moment of crippling self-pity, I decided that I was entitled to bit of birthday cheer and I was just going to have to make it happen myself. Which is why, tomorrow, I will find myself entertaining 27 people and 2 children (I suppose the children are technically people too) in our very tiny flat. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

No, it IS a good idea, it just involves slightly more advance planning than I had initially anticipated. Particularly since I spent an embarrassing amount of time devising a Betty-Draper-meets-vintage-Scandinavian-Christmas theme. Did I make a Pinterest board? You're damn right I did. Of course, in reality, the only evidence of this party theme will be inside my own head, since Betty Draper was unavailable and I don't live in Sweden, but that's beside the point. At least my invitations are on message:


Because this gathering is taking place immediately after four days of not being at home, not being able to shop and not being able to fit anything in the fridge, it is proving a bit tricky to cater. Undeterred, I have made several dozen different lists and I'm feeling confident. Ish. As long as there are ample quantities of rum-spiked mulled cider, people won't really care what I feed them, is my theory.

Might need to make a few more lists, just in case.

3. My Man

Five days to go, people. He's coming back.

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Images of the glammy lady: Barefoot Blonde

If you're reading this, it means my family has made it to Christmas in one piece. Things were looking pretty hairy for a while there, and the new year feels a million miles away, but for now, for today, we are here. Tidings of joy might be pushing it a bit this year, but comfort will do very nicely.

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of us and for everything you've given me, be that a beautiful wreath, a surprise package of amazingness, or your kind and thoughtful words. I am very lucky.

Wishing you a day filled with love, naps and booze.


Illustration by the wonderful Eilidh Muldoodles

I have a post up on Lauren McGlynn's blog today as part of her advent fundraising project. If you've been missing my witty banter and exquisite taste (I know you have, don't try to pretend) then you should head over there for my round-up of lovely things that might make nice presents, all by independent Scottish artists and designers.

But enough about me - how are YOU? How's December treating you?

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Three Wise Men Russian Nesting Dolls by Hole In My Pocket, £185