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.
I LOVE this styling the seasons Caro. What a gorgeous and precious bunch of items. I joined in styling the seasons for the latter half of last year and loved it! You’ve reminded me that I need to finish mine off xx
Thanks so much Esther! It’s such a lovely prompt to have isn’t it? I’m so looking forward to joining in this year :)
I had to scroll back up to read the blog post, I got so distracted by your beautiful pictures! Well done on your re-organising for the new year :) x
Thanks ever so much Amy! :)
You said you’re not a natural stylist – but your photos are absolutely gorgeous, so you definitely have a talent for it! I love the perfume bottle and old photo and postcard. Just lovely. Hope you have a lovely birthday x
Ah Cathryn — that’s such a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much! I find it hard work — in my mind I want things to look a certain way but I find it very difficult to place the objects exactly as they appear in my head!! ;)
Eliza is a January baby and we are really restricted to what we do which is a shame. It is nice to have something to look forward to though. Happy Birthday :0)
Thanks Kara xx
Love this, I will have to take a look at the Styling the seasons post linky. x
Thanks Caroline! xx
Ahh so pretty, the pale grey/blue and the gold just go so well together. I’m personally so glad that Jan is almost over as its been quite a stress for me!
Thanks Nancy. Aah I’m sorry to hear that lovely — it’s not the best month to have stress in either, is it? Personally I cope with things much better when there’s blue sky and sunshine. Grey skies only serve to make matters worse, in my humble opinion!!
Lovely! I agree that having a birthday in January is a great thing to look forward to after all the grey days. I am one of the lucky ones with a summer birthday, but as you say you can have bunting and champagne at any time of the year, can’t you!? I have finally joined in the Styling the Seasons too this month after seeing it on Rachel’s blog xx #HomeEtc
Yay! So happy you’re joining in too Lizzie! I was adamant that I was going to join in this year — so happy I’ve actually done it! Just another 11 to do!! ;)
Happy birthday!! (Well belated!) Hope you had a lovely day. Lovely photos and beautiful items x
Thanks ever so much Eve!
Ah Happy Birthday! Lovely positive thinking, those pieces are beautiful and lovely memories attached to such little things.
Thanks so much Steph! So happy I have these little bits of ephemera — it’s lovely to have these family mementoes xx
Happy birthday for soon. The pictures are gorgeous. I too tend to look forward to the next month or season. I need to live in the moment more x
Thanks so much lovely :)