Home General Info & Awareness What I’m Loving This Week

What I’m Loving This Week

by InvisiblyMe
Some Smartie sweets and the yellow one in the middle has a happy face drawn on it. Overlaid is the title, 'What I'm loving this week'.

Rest and recuperation at home already has me restless. Too exhausted to think straight or do much, yet too antsy to sit or lie still. At times like this, distractions and small indulgences are called for, so here’s a little look at what I’m loving this week.

Netflix

Oh Netflix, how I love thee. I signed back up for this month knowing I’d probably need it, and it’s paying dividends already. I’ve finished the increasingly popular series The Staircase, which I would highly recommend.

A hand reaching out with a remote pointed at a TV. On the TV is the Netflix logo.

I’m just starting on The Alienist, and also The Confession Tapes (another true crime style documentary series). After that I’m thinking Altered Carbon, the new Arrested Development series, and Jessica Jones S02. I can’t stay watching anything for too long (the idea of a duvet day is always so appealing, though in reality I can never manage it), so I like the ability to dip in and out of series.

There are a few interesting film choices available at the moment, too, with Okja being the most recent I watched. Despite initial concerns my antsy brain couldn’t sit through it all (it took three sittings, but it was worth it), it proved to be a sweet film with great effects, and a bit of a tear-jerker too. I’ll never look at bacon the same way again. There’s also the critically acclaimed The Revenant, which at 2hrs 36mins is not a quick watch by any means, but it scores some great reviews so it’s good to see it on Netflix.


Book Lovin’

The Beautiful Dead book cover.

I’ve recently read the American crime thriller Before Evil by Alex Kava, about agents tracking down a serial killer (4/5 stars) and Motive by Jonathan Kellerman (4/5).  I’m now just starting The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer, a British crime thriller I picked up in the library this time.  I’ve read works by this author before and found her to write incredibly gracefully with an edge of sarcasm and authenticity, so I’m expecting good things. So far so good!

An interesting book I came across online at The Works has piqued my interest – Slothology – “The art and wisdom of taking it easy”. Think some of us would benefit from this?

There’s also The Wellbeing Journal by Mind (£4, RRP £10)  and the rather funky looking The Meditation Colouring Book that’s only £1.50.  I love this place – so many interesting finds!


Creativity

I am hoping to get back into writing and art (or my version of art, shall we say) a little more. Various things have held me back and I need to break through those excuses and try to enjoy it again.  I have various notebooks that I love, and anyone who knows me knows I have a penchant for stationery, pens and mugs, too. These little things make me happy! So yes, plenty of notebooks and pens are at the ready, as well as my trusty Stabilo Fineliner pens and Papermate Flare pens, which are both excellent.

While recovering, I may just indulge in a little online shopping (shhh, don’t tell anyone!) as The Works have lots of great new products at the moment and some bargain prices on crafts, art supplies and stationery, not to mention home goodies and books.


Cacharel & Cocoa

Cacharel’s Amor Amor is one of my favourites, and it’s very budget friendly (probably part of why I like it so much). I’ve been using it at home without needing the excuse of going out to do so. It’s a wonderful little pick-me-up and smells light, sweet and gorgeous.

Noticing my skin was very dry and that I’d neglected it for a while now with going into hospital, I dug out a freebie sample I received a while ago – L’oreal Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub. I think I fell in love. It’s got a rich cocoa scent and can be used on your face and lips as a scrub with just a little water. My skin felt lovely and smooth and soft afterwards so I’m definitely putting this on my to-buy list. I think it’s rather pricey at £9.99 but you get 50ml which should last an eon, and it’s currently on sale on Amazon and Superdrug so I convinced myself this will be acceptable as a little treat for next week! Anyone else tried this stuff?


Little Things & Gratefulness

  • I love my morning cup of green tea.
  • A gentle breeze when it’s humid.
  • Feeling fresh and revitalised after a warm shower.
  • Receiving wonderful messages and emails. The flowers two amazing ladies from an online group sent me last week.
  • Simple food & drink (nothing exciting after stoma surgery as you have to be quite careful). Ice lollies, jelly, milk & Maltesers (seriously, a great combination), sweeties, toast. Pleasure in the simple things when you do feel up to eating.
  • The interesting array of topics and posts that I’ve been reading as I catch up in the blogging world.
  • Organising and clearing out clutter has made me feeling a little lighter.
  • Earplugs, so I don’t have to listen to the noise and antisocial behaviour outside during the night!
  • Jeremy Hunt no longer being the Health Secretary – good day for the NHS, bad day for foreign affairs (let’s hope Matt Hancock is less of a disaster).

I’d love to hear what everyone else is loving this week, so please share if you’d like to! I hope you are all keeping as well as possible and have a positive week ahead. Thank you for reading.

Caz  

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52 comments

Tony Burgess July 16, 2018 - 2:08 pm

I really like Lost in Space which is a re-imagining of the series from the 60’s.

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:29 pm

I vaguely recall reading about that – thanks for the heads up! 🙂

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Darnell July 16, 2018 - 2:28 pm

Love the selections. Have fun binging . Note: Altered Carbon is very good but has a lot of things to watch for. I suggest you watch when youre mind is sharp. The Revenant is good also, but the violence is like Ultra HD…you see it all. And there is an animal attack. Scary stuff!

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:32 pm

Glad you liked the post, and thank you for the tips – Will definitely have to schedule starting Altered Carbon for a day where my brain is engaged. I wasn’t sure about The Revenant but I’m not averse to violence or gore; I’ll hook my laptop upto my TV to watch that one to make the most of the epic scenes! Thanks – Hope you have a great week, Darnell! 🙂

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Masha July 16, 2018 - 3:00 pm

Great selections. I’m looking for a new tea, what green tea do you drink?

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:40 pm

I’m glad you liked them. I usually go for plain old Tetley Green Tea as an everyday option (very refreshing, crisp taste) but I might splash out on Twinings for a special occasion. Do you have a favourite tea?x

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Ashley July 16, 2018 - 3:13 pm

I also enjoyed The Staircase – it sucked me in very quickly.

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:41 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed it too, it’s certainly gripping viewing!

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Liz July 16, 2018 - 3:17 pm

I have that wellbeing journal.

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:43 pm

😀 I hope others can find this and enjoy it, too.x

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Rachel Hill The Invisible Hypothyroidism July 16, 2018 - 3:19 pm

Especially love your round up of the small things you’re grayeful for this week. Hope the recovery is going well x

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:48 pm

Glad you liked them – the small these can make the biggest difference. Thank you for the kind comment – I hope you’re doing okay this week, Rachel 🙂

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Grace July 16, 2018 - 3:20 pm

So glad to see you are “doing you”, and ty for the suggestions

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:49 pm

Thanks – glad you liked the post! Have a good week, Grace xx

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violaetcetera July 16, 2018 - 3:50 pm

Keeping busy while recuperating is tricky, but I think you are doing great!

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InvisiblyMe July 16, 2018 - 9:51 pm

It’s a learning curve to rest while keeping busy without getting stressed out or miserable! Thanks – I hope you have a good week 🙂

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Kat July 16, 2018 - 9:15 pm

Love this post! So positive, and it looks like you are taking care of No. 1! ???? I too had a good week. The heat is not bothering me too much this summer, I actually get to enjoy most of it. Got my camera out this weekend and got a shot of a Kingfisher. So so chuffed as been on the hunt for too long! Managed to lose some weight which has not shifted in months. Hooray! I think I might need to write a post…. ????????

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InvisiblyMe July 17, 2018 - 4:09 pm

I’m glad you’re managing okay with the heat, I much prefer it to the cold as I’m cold in most temperatures unless it’s boiling hot! Well done with the weight and it’s great you got out to take some snaps, including the prized Kingfisher shot! Will you be posting it up on your blog? I hope this week is a good one for you  ♥
xx

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Karen Horsley July 16, 2018 - 9:38 pm

Hi Caz,
Take it easy while recovering from your op, my husband has a stoma so I understand what a major procedure it is. I’m loving the sound of the sloth book, I have a real fondness for sloths they have such cute little faces!

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InvisiblyMe July 17, 2018 - 4:14 pm

Thank you, Karen. How has your husband managed with his; has he had it long, does he get on okay? I must admit sloths used to scare me, and I guess they still do a little when looking at the hand/claw situation, but you’re right, the faces are very sweet! 🙂
xx

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Lindsay July 17, 2018 - 12:43 am

I’m watching The Staircase, too!

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InvisiblyMe July 17, 2018 - 4:15 pm

It’s brilliant, and yet awful at the same time when you know it’s true… Hope you enjoy it! There’s also a series called The Confession Tapes (looking at false confessions and the imprisonment of potentially innocent suspects) which is worth watching if you like The Staircase.x

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Suzanne Cox July 17, 2018 - 6:07 am

Onwards and upwards. I love your gratitude list.

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 2:03 pm

Thanks, glad you liked the list! Hope you have a lovely weekend (I imagine it’s also the official start of the school holidays now…) Looking forward to reading what you’re all up to on your blog soon hopefully 🙂
xx

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DeeDee July 17, 2018 - 4:48 pm

I do so hope you are feeling better and recovering well! ????

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 2:03 pm

Thank you, that’s very kind! Have a lovely weekend =]

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da-AL July 17, 2018 - 5:41 pm

You are amazing, Caz — I should be so creative & strong to weather thru such a challenge as yours with such aplomb — you are an awesome role model for us all <3

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:28 pm

I read that & I shake my head thinking ‘nah, I don’t weather much with aplomb’ so it’s lovely that you think I do, thank you!! I hope you are well, and have a lovely weekend  ♥
xx

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Alyssa July 17, 2018 - 6:46 pm

Caz, I am so glad you are resting and getting yourself well again! Even not feeling 100% you are still incredibly encouraging to everyone that reads what you write! NetFlix can be a great distraction and I love your suggestions! Also thank you for sharing the books you read, it looks like we have similar taste and I will have to read at least one of them! Unfortunately I have to wait until April for the 18th book in the Women’s Murder Club to come out, so I definitely need something to hold me over!
I hope you continue resting and getting much better! I am always sending you LOTS of love, comfort and positive vibes, I only wish I could do more for you!!

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:30 pm

I’ll have to look out for that one, too but April..? That’s a long time to wait! Luckily there are plenty of good books out there to tide us over. Thank you so much for the lovely comment, which means more than you know. Please do take care of yourself and get plenty of rest this weekend after the long week you’ve had (and I think you’ve done amazingly well!)  ♥
xx

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Kirsty July 17, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Yes, we have Netflix too and it’s good for getting into a series – I think I’m better with series than films, although I like films too. That’s maybe why I like longer books as well. Hope things are going well for you after the surgery. One of the things I’ve been most grateful for is having a job where I don’t have to commute in this heat – oh, and also for icecream!

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:31 pm

Communing in the heat is awful, especially if you drive & your car has a poor excuse for air-con! Keep up with the ice-cream, it’s good for the soul! 🙂
Have a lovely weekend xx

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AnnaLisa Scott July 18, 2018 - 4:51 pm

I love clearing clutter too! Just wish I had more time to do it. Cute post!

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:32 pm

It really is quite cathartic, when you have the time & energy to do it! Thanks for the comment – have a lovely weekend 🙂

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jenna farmer July 18, 2018 - 5:12 pm

Love this list- I need to start making my own about what I’m grateful for and loving too!

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:34 pm

Glad you liked it – would love to read about what you’re lovin’ and grateful for if you do your own list soon. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy some of those ice-cream recipes you posted recently! Have a lovely weekend 🙂

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Tea and Cake for the Soul July 19, 2018 - 6:51 pm

Love to see positive posts like this

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:35 pm

Thanks – positivity breeds positivity, hopefully. Have a great weekend 🙂

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Joraffe July 20, 2018 - 10:41 am

Sounds like you chose your viewing and reading material well and are making the most of your recovery. I have that sample too (somewhere!)

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:36 pm

Ooo if you can find the sample I’d recommend giving it a go! I found a few other freebie samples while I was at it as I seem to get them, stash them, then forget about them… Thanks for the comment & have a lovely weekend 🙂

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Terri, Reclaiming HOPE July 20, 2018 - 1:30 pm

I don’t know how I missed this earlier this week Caz….this is a great post! I’m so glad you’re taking it easy and recovering. Netflix is the best, isn’t it? I just love being able to watch whole series without having to wait in between seasons. Thanks for some great book recommendations. I’m definitely adding some of these to my list. Continue to take good care of yourself!

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2018 - 3:37 pm

Netflix really is a gem – I can’t bear waiting for the next episode of things for long because I always forget what’s happened and lose interest! Thank you for the lovely comment & I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend 🙂
xx

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Michele Anderson July 21, 2018 - 8:09 pm

Rest up and get back to us soon!

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InvisiblyMe July 24, 2018 - 4:43 pm

Thanks! Hope you’re well, Michele xx

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Eliza July 23, 2018 - 12:11 pm

I’m going to have to check out The Works….
I’m loving the sun and journaling. Oh, and I’m loving that I’m choosing to tap on a couple of random emotions a day, even though I don’t feel what I’m doing and have no clue if it’s making a difference, I love that it’s self care.

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InvisiblyMe July 24, 2018 - 4:46 pm

The Works is great, I love it! Really liking the more recent additions to their range too, they’re certainly diversifying. Self-care has a range of forms and shapes, which I’m learning more and more as time goes on. Thanks for the comment lovely xx

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ignitedmoth July 24, 2018 - 1:54 am

Netflix can be a total life saver. I had a couple weeks recently that I was having really bad headaches and couldn’t sleep almost at all. Binge-watching Riverdale and a few other things was the only thing that kept me sane at night. 😛
I still need to catch up on JJ season 2 as well. I hope it’s good. 🙂 I had rushed to watch season 1 in anticipation for season 2 and have yet to watch S2 still. lol

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InvisiblyMe July 24, 2018 - 4:49 pm

I’m glad Netflix has been there for you too, it’s such a good friend at times of need!! I still haven’t watched Riverdale even though I’ve heard good things, maybe I’ll have to add that to my list as well. It’s good to have things to look forward to watching and knowing they’re not going to randomly disappear, so whenever you’re ready for JJ it’ll be there. I haven’t started it yet either but fingers crossed it’s good (I don’t have as high expectations this time around for S02, so maybe we shouldn’t hope it lives up to S01 and we won’t be disappointed) 🙂
xx

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Rosie July 24, 2018 - 7:35 pm

I’ll second that “gentle breeze when it’s humid” – in this hot weather, I’ll take any sort of breeze 🙂 Thanks for the book recommendations, Caz. I’ll keep an eye out for those when I’m next in the library!

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InvisiblyMe July 26, 2018 - 3:17 pm

Definitely, breeze is good! Enjoy your next trip to the library, I love going for a mooch. Thanks for the comment & I hope you’re well 🙂
xx

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deepanilamani August 2, 2018 - 9:25 am

Hope you are recovering well and Thanks for the post. Many Blessings <3 🙂

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2018 - 10:27 am

Thank you! I hope you have a lovely day and weekend ahead 🙂

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