I can't believe we are now in October - just where has the year gone? I can't say I'm disappointed that summer is well and truly over though; autumn and winter are my favourite seasons and I'm looking forward to wrapping up warm for long walks through the golden crunchy leaves in the woods; snuggling up on the sofa with blankets and hot water bottles to read and watch films; and of course getting excited for Christmas! It has been a few months now since I last blogged, so I thought I'd post a little update as to what's been going on in my world. Life just got so busy over the summer that blogging was the last thing I felt like doing. In fact, the thought of planning and writing blog posts became something of a chore and I put it to the back of my mind, ignoring the many emails that built up in my inbox from PR companies kindly offering to send me products to try and organisations asking me to help promote the latest updates in the cruelty-free world. I haven't even had the chance to read other blogs, so I certainly have some catching up to do! I've enjoyed my little break from blogging, and now I feel ready to get back to my laptop and write again. I have a list of blog post ideas ready to be written, including makeup and restaurant reviews, fashion hauls and recipe posts, so check back regularly if you would like to have a read :)In the meantime, here's what I've been up to lately: ♥ I moved outAfter what seemed like years (oh wait, it was!) of doing long-distance, my boyfriend Jamie finally finished with uni (after completing his BSc he went on to do a PhD) and moved back home. We had been ready to move in together for ages; we were lucky to find a house quickly and we soon settled in. I've enjoyed buying cushions and fairy lights, hearts and trinkets and other little bits that make a house a home. We've gone for a shabby chic/nautical Cornish cottage theme, and I love it! What I haven't loved so much is having to learn how to cook meals other than my tried and tested vegetable risotto. Luckily Jamie is a good cook (and a veggie) so we've been sharing the task. I'm getting better at it though, and I can now add a roast dinner and vegan cottage pie to my repertoire! ♥ I went on a road trip to ScotlandBack in July, Jamie and I headed to Edinburgh as he had to attend a medical conference there. As it is such a long, long way from where we live we decided to make a road trip out of it, staying at a few random places on the way there and on the way back, including Somerset, the Peak District and Yorkshire. Although we didn't get to see much of Edinburgh it seemed like a lovely city, and we did have an amazing meal there at Henderson's Vegetarian Bistro! I think I will do a separate blog post about this :) ♥ One of my best friends got marriedMy lovey friend Chloe recently got married and I can't believe that it's all over now after months of excited chats about the wedding. I helped to organise part of her hen do (a spa day of course!) so I was kept busy arranging everything for that. I also made her a cake which I took to a surprise meal with all her girl friends and family. I haven't had much time to bake or do big cakes lately but I really enjoyed doing this one. It was a chocolate cake with chocolate fudge icing decorated with sugarpaste. I struggled to find a bride-to-be tiara that didn't have feathers on it but I eventually found one on eBay. I will probably do an outfit post about what I wore to the wedding. ♥ Jack turned 5In August Jack turned 5 and as usual we celebrated with presents for him to open and I made him a vegan doggy cake covered in peanut butter. We went to one of our favourite beaches for his birthday walk, where he enjoyed running around and playing with his ball. I can't believe my little fur-baby is 5 already! ♥ I turned 25Last month I celebrated my 25th birthday. Although it probably still seems really young for a lot of people, it felt like a bit of a milestone for me and it's scary to think I'm headed for my thirties now! I had a lovely day and was spoiled by Jamie, my family and friends. Jamie, Jack and I spent the day in sunny St. Ives (which wasn't the best idea as it was still heaving with tourists!) where we ate delicious pasties on the beach and browsed all the lovely shops. In the evening my family joined us for a meal at one of my favourite restaurants, Kota Kai in Porthleven where I enjoyed an amazing trio of vegan dishes. Jamie even made me a delicious vegan cake which he decorated with an anchor, a symbol that means a lot to me (I'll probably explain another time) and obviously fits in with my love of all things Cornish and nautical :) ♥ I've been working hardRunning your own business isn't a 9-5 job. Even when I'm not treating clients (which also isn't 9-5; often I'll work in the evenings as well as Saturdays too), I'm busy sorting out paperwork, book-keeping, reading and writing articles, designing posters and flyers, updating websites and social media, advertising, marketing, replying to emails and phone calls and constantly thinking of new ideas to drive my business further forward. Often I'm more productive in the evenings, so after a busy day I might plan to have a relaxing evening, but my mind won't switch off and this is usually the time I come up with my best ideas! I don't mind this though; I've learned to go with the flow and do tasks when I feel like doing them. Although it's hard work, I absolutely love working for myself and I am excited for the future. I have a few things planned that I can't wait to get started on, and I can't wait to reveal more soon! I'm off now to catch up on all of your blogs! 
