Garance Galore

I love saying goodbye to summer. This year September has felt like a return to a slower pace after what seemed like a hectic couple of months.

Working from home has allowed me to spend more time in the kitchen and to dive into knitting and all the other things I enjoy. It was exactly what I needed before starting my final year of Master’s.

I can’t believe I’m almost done! I’ve been studying for so long that I can’t even imagine leaving university and finally focusing on what I love most: teaching. YAY

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Anyway, I’m grateful for another month on this earth, and what better way to end it than by sharing my favorites?

Embroidery by @yesorknot

One of the things I love about my job is definitely my colleagues, especially my dear friend Caroline, who also happens to be an incredibly talented embroiderer. I’ve always loved crafty hobbies, and while I’d love to learn embroidery, I know I don’t have the skill or practice just yet to make something I’d proudly hang on my living room wall.

A loves embroidery too, so I knew he would appreciate this kind of gift. I started talking to Caroline about it, and after exchanging ideas, we came up with the idea of creating ‘a map of our years in Malta’.

Since we’re planning to leave the island, I thought a map of our milestones and mementos would make such a sweet gift. I drew the map, shared my ideas, and Caroline worked her magic.

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Do I even need to say it? I’m absolutely obsessed with the final result, and A LOVED it too.

Definitely check out her work—she’s not only an amazing person but also an expert with those needles. Merci, Caro!

Pumpkin Spice body butter (from The Body Shop)

I actually worked at The Body Shop during my first year of university, and I have such fond memories of it. I started in the fall, just when they launched the Pumpkin Spice collection. And OH MY GOD, saying that I love the smell of those products is an understatement.

This fragrance brings me so much joy. The body butter moisturizes so well without leaving you greasy, and the scent… THE SCENT!

Gym membership

A has been going to the gym on and off for years now, but as for me… not so much. I went through some tough times with my body a few months ago and felt the need to take better care of myself. This isn’t about getting a six-pack in six months but rather an investment in my present and future self.

We’ve been going five times a week for the past four weeks, and I feel so good—proud and stronger. It’s also been a blessing for our relationship < 3

Rainy days

Malta has become rainy lately, and it definitely feels like winter is coming!!!

Well, Maltese winter, so not really winter, but let’s keep the grateful attitude going because as a homebody and Maltese summer hater, this heavy rain has been received like a blessing!

My Diddlina mug

If you were born in the late 90s and grew up in France, you’ve probably heard of Diddl & Diddlina, the cutest cartoon mice. It was all the rage when I was in primary school.

We used to spend our recess trading Diddle writing sheets, oh life felt so simple back then; a piece of paper with a mouse on it could make my day. Can you imagine?

Well, I realized a couple years ago that it still does, so I ordered two secondhand Diddl & Diddlina mugs, and what to say? OBSESSED.

I’ve been enjoying my coffee in this mug every single day for the past two years but this month I’ve been reflecting on how much joy this little thing brings me.

I think it’s bigger than just two mice I loved when I was 8, there’s something special about bringing childlike joy into our adult lives.

Food

Last but definitly not least, food !

A lot of people don’t have food to put on their table and I’m just grateful that it is never a source of stress and worry in my life. I’m grateful for the healthy food that fuels my body and for the junk food that brings me comfort.

I hope this post gave you a reason to smile today and made you reflect on the good life has brought you lately no matter what you may go through.

Until next time,

Garance