Monthly Favourites- December 2015

Happy New Year! I know people are typically coming out with their reflections and resolutions at this time, and as soppy as I am as a person, I just don't believe in that stuff. That whole "1 of 365 pages" post that has been floating around makes me feel like I'm at the beginning of an essay that I haven't prepared for. So I'm going to continue on with what I would normally do- a favourites post.

1. Parker Pen

The only thing I wanted for Christmas this year was a pen. I was blessed (yes, blessed) with a Parker pen. I am a complete nerd when it comes to things like this, and this pen is the best pen I have ever written with. It makes my writing look better, and it glides across the page with ease. I have used it only to write in my journal, but I can't wait to write a full letter or postcard. I am certainly nerding out over it.

2. Paperchase

I love stationary. I collect stationary. Therefore, stationary stores are my weakness. I first found a Paperchase store when I was in Bath, and I was delighted to find one in Leeds as well. I may have a problem. I've been there a few times in the past month. To give you an idea of how bad my problem is, I went in there to get a Thank You card and came out with two news sets of paper. To further my point, I also spent some time on the "sale" section of the website when I went to retrieve the link. As someone wise said to me, there are worse things to be addicted to.

3. Fudge

[via Instagram]

I have missed out on baking with my mom this year. I was in a meet the parents situation over the holidays, and I brought homemade fudge as a way to win them all over. My mom sent me the recipe for Carnation 5 Minute Fudge to make in my flat. It's an easy recipe, and everyone loved it! I had some ingredients leftover, so I made some for New Year's Eve, and I have plenty left to snack on.

4. New Year's Intentions

I know this wasn't meant to be about reflections, but bear with me for a minute. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I know there's arguments about the fact that you can change anytime of the year, and that is entirely true. But I like the idea of starting off a new year with intentions rather than resolutions. I find that resolutions tend to set me up for failure. So instead of "I want to work out" I say "I intend to be healthier." I find that setting general intentions allow me to be flexible throughout the year. So "healthier" can mean anything from cutting down the snacking to taking the long walk home from school.

5. World Juniors

[source]

I am slightly disheartened to add this to my list now seeing as Canada was just knocked out of the quarter-finals. However, the World Juniors have been one of the highlights of my holiday season for a few years now. I always used to watch it with my dad, but I've been managing to watch in Leeds with a partner all too willing to partake in any kind of sports spectacle. It's extra special to me knowing I can share in this passion from across the world as well.

December was a good month. I ended the year in the best possible way, and I'm excited to see what is coming up next!

Do you have any monthly favourites or favourites from your year?

-Daniella