Cheers to the New Year...

Whether you are planning a cosy evening in or a glamorous night out, I hope you are excited to do something just a little different this New Year's Eve.

I always look forward to the fresh start a New Year can offer and I love to celebrate that. Sometimes we stay in, sometimes we go out, but we always try to do something a little bit different to make the occasion.

Our celebrations almost always include bubbles - and my husband's Champagne Cocktail is one of my favourite ways to do that. It's slightly non-traditional (no sugar cube, no bitters) but very delicious!

If you prefer a cocktail or mocktail, check out my easy hack to help you make simple syrup in just a few minutes instead of having to stir it on the stove.

Staying in? Why not serve a selection of Easy Appetizers instead of dinner? They are filling and fun to eat. My late Mom always used to serve shrimp cocktails just after midnight. I have followed in her footsteps many a New Year's Eve with my Shrimp and Crab Salad.

Right now I am...

Getting ready for the New Year using some fun techniques that help me get my plans, dreams and goals together. Click on the link above if you fancy joining me. (While I have found these techniques to be very effective, they are very low key and fun. There is no pressure to have everything in place by midnight - I'll be using these for weeks to come.)

Reading

The Clockmaker's Daughter * by Kate Morton
I enjoyed this book so much when I read it a few years ago, I decided to read it again. It was hard to put down back then, and even now I know the ending I'm having the same experience!

Better Than Before * by Gretchen Rubin
This is an interesting take on habits and how to master them. I'm re-reading this one too.

Watching

Wednesday on Netflix - This is a little darker than the sort of show I normally watch, but I'm finding myself curiously addicted!

Listening To

The Happier Podcast Episode 409 - Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth reveal the yearly challenge for 2023. I loved 'walk 20 in 20 for 2020' and 'read 21 in 21 for 2021'. Last year's 'rest 22 in 22' didn't really work for me (!) but this year's challenge really resonates with me.

Playing

Articulate * - Our son and his partner introduced us to this fast-paced board game over Christmas. We are now practicing so we can beat them next time!

* affiliate links

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your support of my website, blog and social media channels - and especially for being a subscriber. Please just hit reply if you have questions, comments or want to say hello. I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

April x