In stark contrast to the long bleary stretch of the January blues, February has completely zoomed by, hasn’t it? All-round, I can sense the excitement for spring. Even as I trawled my favourite online shops in search for the perfect new outfit for Chinese New Year (my favourite aspect of our traditions!), it’s evident that the final dregs of this endless winter are nigh. Yay!

My week has been slow and steady, seemingly filled with work but also with things like an evening spent on The Sims 4, another reading until 1:30 in the morning, and other self-care fancies. Here’s a little peek into the highlights, as well as a look at what I might pick up for CNY and the links I’ve been dying to share with you:

Reading List

Firstly, some Daisybutter admin: I’ve been itching to add a blogroll back to my blog for months and I finally found some time to do so! Funny what procrastinating from filing expenses will do to a girl… In the left fly-out menu (the three lines!), you’ll find the newly reinstated Reading List, full of my current favourite blogs and all hand-picked as blogs you’ll love if you enjoy reading Daisybutter. I’m still adding to it weekly, so be sure to check back. It’s nice to be nice. Find it here.

A Book Recommendation

Speaking of reading lists, I ticked another book from my list this week. I bought a copy of ‘The Shadow Hour’ by Kate Riordan when it was first published and only got round to picking it up to read a week or two ago. Rooted in historical England, the novel revolves around a girl and her granddaughter who each head off to govern for children at a wealthy household. The experience for each of them entangles and henceforth, the tales unravel as Grace takes us through her time there. I’m really into historical fiction at the moment and really enjoyed this, confusing as it was in parts. I found it full of clever links, twists and turns, and the imagery is truly beautiful.

New Tartle Packages!

When I first began freelancing ‘properly’ two years ago, I honestly went in without rhyme or reason, working to survive and simply to earn. Over time, I worked hard enough to make it into a long-term thing and established Tartle Copywriting, my own small business. Having built up a portfolio of wonderful clients that I work with on copywriting, content and social media projects, at long last, I can introduce to you the four new packages over at Tartle Copywriting! These packages are ideal for start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses, whether established or not, and allow me to truly focus on them. Bookings are currently available from April 2018 onwards: if you’re looking for service in words, I’d love to hear from you. I can’t wait to get started.

Food food, and more food

This week has definitely been the week for unhealthy-but-great veggie food. From my garlicky broccoli pasta on Saturday night to the vegan chicken nugget wraps with aioli that I’ve been making, it’s been so great to indulge. Back on the relatively healthy food wagon… soon. But not today 😉

To make:

Roast broccoli in the oven with oil, some salt and pepper.
Toss some garlic in a pan with a splash of olive oil to bring out its’ flavour.
Cook pasta to al dente.
Stir in garlic, broccoli, salt and pepper, and a handful of cheese.

Coveting for Chinese New Year:

Links I’ve Loved:

Before reading this post, I hadn’t thought twice about visiting Basel but it’s now firmly on my travel bucket list. Thanks Jordan!
Discovering this fitness website has been all sorts of good. I can’t wait to get stuck in with these at-home workouts whilst I’m in gym limbo.
I’ve been coveting the Hotel Magique sweatshirt ever since I saw this post on True Lane.
Um, just how dreamy are these photos on Allie’s blog?!
Although I’m currently in the throes of a gym love affair, I also really enjoyed this post by Rebecca about how she’s approaching fitness, sans gym, these days.