So we’re almost at the end of the first month of the year — January is nearly at a close.
What does this month mean to me? Well, in a few days time it will be my birthday.
It’s funny, I’ve always moaned about being born a month after Christmas. As a child I felt sad — and a bit cheated — not to have a summer birthday; parties outside in the garden and long, light days, enabling the birthday girl (or boy) to enjoy their special day for just that little bit longer.
But as an adult, I feel grateful that I have something to look forward to, during one of the greyest and — let’s face it — depressing months of the year.
That said, January is a time for renewal and change. And that’s got to be a positive thing.
The days are beginning to lengthen ever so slightly and, in our garden, the bulbs are starting to boldly sprout, little green shoots.
I’m definitely one for living in the moment but, in January, I can’t help but look forward to spring.
Last year, my friend Rachel joined in with a blog series called Styling The Seasons.
Every time she posted one I’d say ‘Argh — I keep meaning to join in with this!!’. And the following month I’d forget.
On repeat.
Well, in this years resolutions, I said that I wanted to do more making and doing posts — and I also said I’d plan better — so here I am.
Doing and planning, with my first Styling The Seasons post.
And, as I’m in a reflective mood — for my first attempt — I have found a corner of my home with the most reflective thing I own. My granny’s mirror.
I’m not a natural stylist, that’s for sure, but I love this little collection of items. All serving to remind me of my family.
And also to remind me that — even though it’s a grey and dismal month — January is a time for celebration.
I’ll be another year older (some may say that’s a bad thing but anything that gives you a genuine reason to drink Champagne and eat cake should be celebrated)!
Plus spring is just around the corner.
And that’s definitely a reason to put out the bunting, if nothing else.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
This is so, so lovely! And happy birthday!! What a precious collection of objects and I love the soft colours. We are thrilled that you have joined in – welcome xx
Aaah thanks SO much Katy — I’m so, so pleased to be finally joining in. I’ve been promising myself I’d do it for so long — but last year the will was there but my planning was awful. This year I’ve resolved to plan a little better! :) Thanks so much for having me along xx
What a gorgeous collection of images, love them a lot. Particularly the older items they are just so precious.
Ah thanks so much Karen! I’m so grateful to have all these lovely old bits and pieces!
Caro, this is so, so beautiful. I’m so happy you’re joining in, this year. I think you’ll love it. Katy and Charlotte are so kind and I learn so much from them. My styling posts are still a bit rubbish but every month, I get a bit more confident, and it’s seriously helped me take better photos, too. Belated happy birthday … hope you’re feeling a bit better xx
Ah thanks so much Rachel. I find the styling aspect of photos really difficult. Often I can’t make things look — in real life — how they appear in my head!! Does that make sense?!
Ah beautiful pictures and so sentimental. Happy Birthday to you lovely. I have a personality clash with January but even I feel that spring is on its way and the lighter evenings are very exciting. Thank you for hosting xx #HomeEtc
Thanks so much lovely :) Yep — I don’t get on with cold dark days either! Roll on spring!
What a beautiful mirror – and a beautiful granny too :) I think you’re more than a natural stylist, your photos are just lovely. Happy Birthday to you too! It must be lovely to look forward to your birthday after the boringness of those first few weeks after New Year have passed :) Mim x #HomeEtc
Aah thanks lovely, that means a lot!! xx
God Caro I couldn’t agree with you more. I am all for living in the moment too but desperately looking forward to spring, just the weather, mainly that it is not so extreme come spring time. We are nearly at the end of January now and I am looking so forward to February. I hope you had an amazing birthday, Happy birthday !! I love these photos you have styled them so well. They are beautiful x
Thanks darling — yep — living in the moment is hard when the skies are so grey!!! I’ve always got one eye on spring in the winter! ;)
Happy Birthday! Such beautiful styling, very gorgeous, and a lovely tribute to your family and granny x
Thanks so much Molly! xx
What a beautiful photo and styling, that mirror is so pretty. I love vintage mirrors.
I have seen a few posts on this and it looks like fun xxx
Thanks so much Kara!
Beautiful! What a lovely collection of treasures – is that your Granny in the picture? Gorgeous. I hope you have a lovely birthday with plenty of cake xx
Ah thanks Becky! YES! It IS my granny in the pic! Shame we can’t still have black and white passport photos! They’re so much more forgiving than full colour!!
Gorgeous photos! That mirror is awesome, and the flowers look so subtle and pretty in that vase. Happy Birthday too! (I think we will always find a way to be disappointed with birthday dates though – mine is August and I always hated it because everyone was either on holiday or had just forgotten I had survived another whole year, lol) x #HomeEtc
Ha! And there we go!! It just goes to show that none of us are ever 100% happy!! ;)
PS — yes — LOVE the mirror too! So happy my granny had such good taste! :)