Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family.

Five Happy Things {Week 499}

Last week I finished reading Greenbanks by Dorothy Whipple. This was the third book I have read by her, all published by Persephone Books with their lovely light grey paperback covers. I loved the story of the grandmother Louisa, her relationship with her grown up children, and her favourite grand-child Rachel. The story is about an ordinary family before and after the First World War and focuses on family dynamics and relationships. The family is mirrored by the experiences of Louisa’s companion, Miss Barlow, who was forced to give up her only child at birth.

I found a great vintage haberdashery in a charity shop and picked up some cute vintage pieces, including embroidered handkerchiefs and thread to add to my collection. I love vintage packaging, so much better than modern items.

In London we had the Greater London Authority elections and the London authority mayoral elections. They don’t happen very often but it always feels good to get out and vote.

Finished the Liberty fabric Evening Star cushion kit from Alice Caroline, based on the traditional ‘sawtooth star’ quilt block. This was a quick and easy make. I didn’t make the quilt block into a cushion as I don’t need another cushion. I’m thinking of adding the block to a tshirt of item of clothing.

In a bid to try new recipes we made shakshuka, a savoury one-pan vegetarian dish from North Africa. It was delicious (and easy to make) so we were happy to add a new recipe to our repertoire.