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.
Beautiful Caro – I love the styling the seasons posts and did a couple myself last year and then got myself out of the habit. I should get back into it – maybe next month though. Thanks for hosting #homeetc x
Thanks love :) Yes — definitely start it up again! I’m so excited to be joining in at last! xx
Belated happy birthday Caro! Such a pity you were struck by a bug.
Styling The Seasons looks great. I have been having a look at some photos over on Instagram. I love your arrangement here.
#homeetc
Thanks so much Fi — so happy I’m finally joining in! :)
Caro what a gorgeous collection, and I just love you photographs so beautiful, stylish and vintage looking. pictures like this make me so happy, I just want to spend ages taking in all the detail x
Thanks so much lovely :) This ‘styling the seasons’ project is going to be good for me. I find the styling very hard so it’s good to have something to practice on!
This is lovely Caro, something that looks beautiful and it means something precious too. I keep thinking that spring is just around the corner too, January is a tough month but at least you have your birthday to celebrate in the middle of it (although I know this week hasn’t been the best one for you!). We are starting to see daffodils on our walk to school now which is brightening our days a little xx #HomeEtc
Aah thanks darling. And YES!! We have snowdrops in the garden!! A sure sign that spring is on it’s way!
I wait for spring as soon as winter begins. My hubby thinks iam crazy . My favorite season in India was Winter as my birthday falls in November but now I hate east coast snow storms .Anyways , Birthdays are special ! Happy Birthday and Hope you have a great year ahead!
Thanks so much Aparna! I am JUST the same — winter is definitely not my favourite season!! I LOVE the spring :)
Happy birthday! I’m a January birthday and I felt the same when I was younger about not having a summer play outside type of party. Stunning photos x
Thanks Jenni — and happy January birthday to you too! :)
I love this idea. I like what you have chosen too. I look forward to next months! Happy birthday as well. Hope you have a great day!
Thanks so much Tori — it’s such a lovely project to be involved in :)
what lovely things, that mirror is so pretty! Happy almost birthday!! I hope you have some lovely plans xxx
Thanks so much lovely — birthday has been and gone and the boys were poorly!!! Hoping to celebrate this weekend instead :)
I think that looks styled beautifully. I am going to check this out and see if I can join in too!
Aah thanks so much Claire!
Ahh really pretty photos, and i love the vintage postcard. I love finding old things like that, that my parent’s have kept – they threaten to throw them out, so I keep them with me instead! I should make some sort of arty display with them or something xx
#HomeEtc
Do it!! My husband has just had my grandad’s medals framed for my birthday — it’s so nice having family memorabilia like this! :)