Week One: A Fresh Start

kate spade paper 'escape the ordinary' journal | simple pretty

“escape the ordinary”

Typically, I mark a New Year by examining the excesses in my life over the past 12 months, and then resolve to be more mindful and purposeful, and less consumerist. The start to 2014 is different: I am keenly aware of time passing since our move, and so I’m focussed on maximizing experiences instead of minimizing possessions.We’re closing in on the 6-month mark in London, and even if we’re here until my buddy graduates high school (our goal), that’s only 29 months away, and yet it seems that we’ve barely scratched the surface in making full use of our time abroad. In a maudlin moment, I thought to myself “Even if I make it to Poilâne’s Cuisine de Bar once a month for lunch, that’s only 29 more visits!” You get the gist. Tempus Fugit.

Making lists always seems to calm my mind and focus my thoughts, so I’m resolving to broadly map out priorities for myself, for my buddy, and for our family. My goal is to compile a range of experiences so that my buddy doesn’t see it purely as a Mom Shops London List. There are exhibitions at the Tate and V&A to see, a river to walk, and (of course) food to eat. I’m resolving to revisit the list, revising and updating it not out of complacency, but reality.

And because pretty journals are a potent motivator, I think this version from Kate Spade will be my record keeper of choice. Not only is the cover phrase perfect (“escape the ordinary”) but the pages are lined: a plus for my handwriting style, which starts out even and rapidly loses steam. I’m quite smitten with the color, too, as I’m all about the palest of blush pinks at the moment. Of course, the detail of orange ribbons seals the deal. Kate Spade Paper is available widely in the States, but it’s just launched in the UK at Quill, one of the sweetest online shops I know.

Happy New Year.

kate spade paper 'escape the ordinary' journal | simple pretty

lined pages + pretty orange ribbons

images courtesy of quill london

4 Comments

  1. January 1, 2014 / Permalink

    Wishing you all the best. The maximum best:).

  2. Sarah
    January 1, 2014 / Permalink

    I swear you are reading my mind about the pale blush pink, I’m all over it right now and considering using it for the rebrand…beautiful journal too.

  3. Emily
    January 2, 2014 / Permalink

    Love this! I’ve since moved from my Moleskin to my iPhone, but you have me reconsidering.
    Also, I appreciate your zest for seeing more in London. I’ve started following you on Instagram and thoroughly enjoy the photos. I studied abroad in London during college for a month and miss it dearly!

  4. January 6, 2014 / Permalink

    SO beautiful! I can’t believe it’s already been six months!! Live it up!