Oh, hi there!

I just took a little walk around our flat. I am so used to how it is that I surprised myself with how much crap there is around, things that are destined for 'future use', cupboards that don't exist, a recycling centre (but we don't have a car)... Even though it is big for a one bed flat, I feel like we could be making more use of the space! It's not awful or anything...but it could be SO much better. Also, it's a very dark flat...

I feel I need to explain that the blinds aren't usually down in the daytime.

See, it is a basement flat. I live here in Brighton with my boyfriend Ed and tiny cat Ponyo. The flat gets very little light in the summer, which is a little sad but hey - we're in Brighton! With a beach 5 minutes away! And CONSTANT sun. (or so they say)

But, the arrow of time dictates (as my friend Dan once said in a semi-serious manner), that winter is coming... And I have decided that I need to get my decorating act together before it gets too depressingly dark. I'm so excited about the idea that I can take control of our space and make it lighter, brighter, more 'us'.

Chinese Lanterns... Aren't they beautiful?! Well done evolution

Luckily our landlord is a total dream. Not only did he let us get a cat as a compromise for not having new carpets (firm but fair, like a good...peach), but he also makes sure we are looked after, has given us permission to paint AND put nails in the walls. Most of our furniture is second hand, but I think it can all be worked with. And we have a little patio area outside (you can see that from the photo at the top) which is a true mess at the moment but it's on my list of projects too!

My orange sofa is so high on my 'to-totally-overhaul' list it often gets the munchies and marvels at double rainbows

Looking around...I have a LOT of stuff. I have a feeling I could easily halve(? don't quote me) my belongings without really missing anything  ... (? again, don't quote me). I have a little issue that lots of 'my' stuff actually belonged to my mum who died almost 12 years ago (please don't feel awkward/sorry, it's just a fact of my life and I feel like I can't explain who I am without also mentioning it). So when I think about getting rid of the stuff she owned that I don't necessarily like, I feel like I'm trying to get rid of her, without fully knowing who I am yet...what if the 'real me' actually wants that textile picture of what looks like a man, planking on a wall, smoking. With an umbrella. And....is that Big Ben?

Just chillin'

Or maybe the older me will like it? Don't we all turn into our parents?? ... I need to stop having crises in the middle of bigger thoughts. The healthiest thing to do here is to make sure all the stuff I own is stuff I like and not stuff I'm keeping for nostalgia's sake. Maybe I could take a picture of the things I rehome. This is not the point. Look, a cat:

She thinks she is the queen and I humour her. (Obviously I am the queen)

I am 24 in December and I can't wait! We're going to the Harry Potter studios to celebrate, and my gorgeous geordie sister Beth is coming to stay for a weekend. She is the type of woman who breaks a sweat at the thought of dried-on food, let alone unfolded laundry. So this is my short term motivation: to make our sweet little flat more presentable and festive for my leading lady. Here goes!