How would you describe 2014?

For me, it was a year of two halves, one of change and growth. During the first 6 months, I finished my job in Buckinghamshire without really reducing the pace of life and work at all, had a lot of fun with friends and family with dog walks and trips to London and meals out and cups of tea, and began to look ahead to the rather different life we would have back in Devon. Since then, the 6 months in Devon have flown by, and new challenges and blessings face us here as we move into 2015.

I thought I’d do a little round up of the past year as we enter the new one…

Favourite reads this year:

A Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully where you are, by Ann Voskamp. This book changed my life at a time when I really needed to find a new way of living amid stress and disappointment.

Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes. This was a bit of a slow read, but it both transported me to Italy and helped me to engage with my new life in Devon at the same time.

The Kinfolk Table: Recipes for Small Gatherings, Nathan Williams. I love the concept of this book, the insights it gives into people’s lives and of course the recipes. I wrote about it here.

Spiritual Whitespace, by Bonnie Gray. This was an important reminder to me to look after myself. I wrote about it here.

The Nesting Place, by Myquillyn Smith. A great book of inspiration for your home, with the wonderful philosophy of ‘it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.’ I mentioned it here.

Favourite shareperspective posts:

Happy New Year – my reflections as I began 2014.

A Little Magic – my response to one of the year’s most popular TV shows, Troy.

The Week in Words – written in my birthday week in February.

Life Lately – a short and simple post about the weather in May.

This Week: Small Achievements, Presents and Friendship – written in my last week up in Buckinghamshire.

Lundy Escape – this year’s summer holiday.

Home: The Dining Table – sums up so much of what I feel about the concept of home.

Harvest Time – my thoughts on one of my favourite times of year.

Nature’s Pace – how nature helps me to slow down and find peace.

Best purchase:

Earlier this year, I bought a dress in the sale at peopletree.co.uk. The quality is notable and I love the fact that I know the makers are getting a fair price for it and being treated right. It is so versatile – I’ve worn it for a job interview, a wedding, a birthday dinner and on a couple of Sundays just because I felt like it 🙂

Favourite recipes:

Salt and Rosemary Foccacia & Honey Cake from Bake a Difference, which I wrote about here.

Goats cheese pasta & Pearl Barley salad from The Kinfolk Table, which I wrote about here.

Some of the Hearty, Healthy Autumn Lunches which I wrote about here.

I wonder what 2015 will bring… Happy New Year!