Desk Notes: 12
January: new desk accessories, warm slippers and tasty things for your shopping list.
Hello! Hope everyone is well and has had a good start to the year. It’s the last days of January and, for me, this month feels like it has flown by. Usually, January is a nicely quiet and reflective time of year for me, but this year it’s been different and very busy. Work has been taking up all of my time this month (I’ve been working on a big creative project) and I’ve had very little time for anything else. Of course, it’s nice to be busy, but being too busy does take its toll with sleep (broken), relaxation (lack of) and stress (too much) and I don’t want to glamorise being busy at all.
Which brings me to my word of the year. For the last couple of years I’ve picked out three words to define my year ahead (I chatted about this last year after reading a post from Angela Scanlon), but this year, there is one word that has sprung into my self-consciousness and feels fitting after the last few busy weeks - PRIORITISE. Whether that’s in work (I have a habit of flitting between tasks, especially when I’m busy), saying ‘no’ more instead of feeling like you have to say ‘yes’, and simply prioritising myself and time for me.
I’d love to know if you have a word or words to define your year ahead, so feel free to comment on this post with your word or words if you do.
So, the first newsletter of the year! I’m showing you new things on my desk, good snacks I’ve been eating, and my favourite new slippers that really keep my feet warm. Oh, and a playlist update with some great news tunes.
Beth x
Tasty things for your next shopping list.
We’re all generally at home more at this time of year, so if you’re anything like me, then the supermarket shop/delivery is a highlight! Here are some good things I’ve been eating.
M&S Collagen Balls - M&S Food are having a moment right now. They’ve had so many good launches recently, including their minimal ingredients and healthy ranges. I really like these new Collagen Balls - a really yummy treat, which I enjoyed on the way home from a meeting the other day!
TRIP drinks - I’ve only recently discovered these but I’m a definite new fan. The CBD drinks really do pick you up if you’re feeling a bit tired and the Raspberry and Orange Blossom flavour is probably my top choice. They’ve got up to 50% off on subscriptions on their website at the moment too.
Do Goodly smashed pea guacamole & M&S lentil tortillas - the pairing of this guacamole and these tortillas is delicious and I repeat order both! I nice healthy, protein based snack.
Hotel Chocolat Raspberry Praline hot chocolate - this is a limited-edition flavour and it’s really delicious. It’s definitely still hot chocolate weather!
New desk accessories.
Something that I always enjoy about the start of a new working year is having a new or a few new things on my desk. I think it’s that whole back-to-school mentality when you used to get a new school bag, notebook, pencil case or lunch box. It’s never changed for me and I get excited about being back at my desk and arranging my new desk accessories or writing in my new desk planner or notebook. Here are some new things on my desk this year.
Oliver Bonas x Shrimps mug and coaster - I am a Leo, so when I saw this Shrimps range for Oliver Bonas with the little lion detail, I knew I had to own some of it. My Mum & Dad got me the coaster for Christmas and I bought myself the matching mug in the sale. I also like that the yellow fits with my office!
Nice pot - my sister bought me this for Christmas from Fred Aldous (one of my favourite Manchester shops) and it’s part of their limited-edition range with artist Andrew Wolfenden. It’s such a cheery and bright addition to my desk.
M&S x Bella Freud candle - unfortunately these are now sold-out, but if they do another collaboration, I’d definitely recommend buying one of the candles as the scent is gorgeous and they were only £15.
Papier desk planner - you may remember I included this in my December newsletter. Well, I treated myself to it and it’s a great undated little weekly planner.
My favourite new slippers.
I saw a lot of people talking about/wearing these Ugg Tasman II shoes and always quite liked the look of them but didn’t know if they were really worth the money. My husband bought me these for Christmas, and I can tell you, they definitely are worth the hype. Not only are they really comfortable, but they are so warm! They have a sheepskin lining, and as someone who suffers with cold feet, these have kept my feet so toasty under my desk this month. They come in lots of different colour options, but I went with the grey.
The housework playlist.
Here are the tracks I’ve been loving recently.
Harry Style - Aperature. Hazza is back! This is such a joyous anthem.
Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night. Arctics are back! I think this is classic ‘AM’ style Arctics and I am so happy to hear new music from them.
Jordan Rakei & Jalen Ngonda - What It Gave Me. I really enjoyed the pairing of Jordan and Jalen’s voices together on this soulful track.
Way Dynamic - I Was the Dancer. This is a gorgeous alt-folk pop track.