CURRENTLY LOVING | JANUARY 2019

It’s the start of January so it must be time to get on with my regular feature posts here on Splodz Blogz. As always, my Currently Loving features an eclectic mix of bits and bobs to wear, to read, to eat, to use, and to do. Some are brand new – it’s just after Christmas after all, and some are much more tries and tested. I hope it gives you some ideas for yourself, some recommendations, some thoughts, and maybe helps you get to know me a little better.

Once you’ve read mine, I’d love to read yours – note them in the comments box below and let me know what you think.

Currently Loving | January 2019

01. Books

I never thought I’d be including regular book recommendations in my Currently Loving features; apart from books of walks and adventure stories, that is. But here we are, I have really fallen in love with stories in recent months. I received Kate Humble’s Thinking on My Feet for Christmas and am really enjoying reading in the evenings after dinner, it’s “an ode to the life-changing magic of the simple act of walking” – one which I massively relate to. And for fiction, I’ve recently finished the Miss Peregrine trilogy by Ransom Riggs: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Hollow City, and Library of Souls. I listened to audio books of these one after the other as I found the story thoroughly gripping. There’s been another sequel published very recently – A Map of Days – which is now firmly on my to read list.

02. FatFace Olivia Shirt

If you are looking for a great quality shirt that fits really well, you need the FatFace Oliva Shirt in your life. The super relaxed fit and 100% cotton fabric means it is just so easy to wear – wash – and wear again. I have purchased two of them recently, the green check is not available any more, but you might just be fortunate and find the Ditsy Print version in the sale. There are several other patterns such as this check and this marl to choose from, too.

03. Woolly Jumper from Next

Did you see my recent post about buying a new cosy jumper? I’m very pleased to report that I received this amazing rainbow woolly knit for Christmas, and it is just as cosy as I’d hoped. I can see myself wearing this a lot this year. It’s here in the Next sale if you’re interested.

04. Sweet Treats

I know it should all be “new year new you” stuff, but I’m afraid there’s no chance of that for me – January is all about making the most of those sweet treats my friends and family were kind enough to give me at Christmas-time. Here we have two excellent examples; the Daim Bar limied edition orange flavour bars are utterly addictive (here on Amazon but I’m certain they’ll be cheaper if you can find them in a supermarket), and these Naked Marshmallow Co salted caramel are just amazing toasted. The skinny jeans goal will have to wait a little longer.

05. Sealskinz Gloves

I get really cold hands and so always like to have a pair of gloves with me when I’m outdoors in anything other than summer weather. These ones by Sealskinz, who are known for their water repellent accessories such as gloves, hats and socks, have the nanosealz technology that provides a surface layer of protection from the elements. They are thin which means I can still use my zips and tie my shoe laces, but have been excellent at keeping my hands warm and dry so far this winter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrUSPQejotf/

My favourite instagram post since my last Currently Loving… standing on a trig at sunrise. Come on over and follow me @Splodz.

06. Washable “Cotton Wool” Pads

I’ve made another change at home that will hopefully make a little dent into the problem of waste, by purchasing these bamboo make-up remover pads so I can stop buying cotton wool pads. They are soft, easily do any job I would have previously used the single-use equivalent for, and wash really well (these ones come with a laundry bag to keep them together when they’re in the wash). If you still buy cotton wool pads I’d highly recommend swapping to something like this. Next up I’m after some lovely thin flannels or cloths so I can cut out wipes altogether.

07. Belt

Don’t you just love it when you mention to a friend you’re after something specific and they not only find it and recommend it to you, but then send you it for Christmas?! Thanks to The Urban Wanderer for my new Rohan Anywhere belt. This thing is so simple it’s brilliant; it’s narrow enough to fit in all my walking trouser belt loops, low profile enough to be comfortable under my hiking pack, and quick and easy to do up and undo.

08. Helinox Chair One

Remember my Outdoor Gear I’d Buy Tomorrow post? In it I featured the Helinox Chair One, a small and lightweight camp chair that makes evenings much more comfortable when motorcycle touring. Well I know have one… mine is the Helinox Chair One V, which looking at the descriptions and weights has slightly superior materials than the standard Chair One. So far I’ve only sat on it indoors… when can I go camping?!

09. Dr Martens Shoes

You know how much I love my Dr Martens; they are an absolute staple for me, I practically live in them when I’m not in outdoor shoes or boots. These are the latest addition to my collection, the Lyric Spin in patent black leather. So shiny! I need to get them properly broken in, but I am absolutely loving them. The fact that my old and very trusty patent black 1460s – worn for all occasions – developed a hole in the sole just before Christmas was much easier to take because I knew I already had these ready to wear!  

10. 2019 Weekly Planner

It wouldn’t be a January Currently Loving post without a mention of my new diary. I love a planner, it makes me feel all organised and ready to get going. As for the last few years, my diary of choice is the Moleskin Weekly Planner. It has the days of the week on the left page, and a blank lined sheet on the right – perfect for blog planning and to do list writing.  

If you’re happen to be interested in purchasing anything from my Currently Loving features here on Splodz Blogz, I’ve started an Amazon storefront to make things nice and easy. If you purchase something via that link (or any of the affiliate links on this page), I receive a teeny bit of commission from Amazon as a thank you. It doesn’t cost you any more than it would have otherwise, but means I can go on my next outdoor adventure a little quicker. Check out https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/splodz to see.

What are you currently loving this month? What do you think of my choices? Tell me in the comments below.

Want to see all my Currently Loving posts? This link should help.