The baby of the year. 28 days. Countless opportunities to start anew. Silk slips. All things lace. Freshly cut rose fills the air. Dress to impress (yourself!) Date night at home? Dim the lights (*wink wink*) Chunky knits. Sunday roasts. Pour the red - mine’s a large. Trusty jackets. Step outside. Snowdrops poke their heads up from below. Final frosts. A chance to pause. Reflect and breathe - what’s going well? Winter bows. Curtains fall. Another season comes to an end. The garden wakes. Daffodils tease. We wait patiently for spring.
One of my most vivid memories from this time last year was walking through the open fields near our house one morning in February, when Ali and I were hit by the sudden (and oh so welcomed) distinct smell of spring. After months of darkness – both literally and metaphorically that is – I remember both of us feeling gleeful and getting excited in an instant and my love affair with the English countryside got a whole lot more intense!
Get a room Lydia, I know!
Which is why I’ve grown to look forward to it in recent months and slowly but surely fall in love with the drama it brings.
Whilst I’m livid at 2022 for delaying pancake day until March (the audacity, I know!), alongside the romance that comes hand-in-hand with countryside living, I’m also looking forward to the romance that Valentine’s Day brings (hint hint Ali!). Expect a round up of my favourite Valentine’s essentials coming your way soon and a Millen-Gordon guide to the perfect Valentine’s Day date night at home.
*cue the Pinterest scrolling for romantic tablescape ideas*
Finally, a little birdie (and by birdie, I of course mean Google) told me that today marks day one of the Lunar New Year… and this year belongs to the majestic tiger.
Sounds like a pretty wise plan if you ask me ladies and gents.
Welcome to February.
It’s time to roar.
Ad The @fairfaxandfavor Regina High heeled boots have become my entire personality at this point. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many compliments on a pair of boots. #fairfaxandfavor
Paid partnership
Ad To think Queen Victoria would have once walked up these exact steps enroute to afternoon tea with the Dutchess of Sutherland at Spring Cottage @clivedenhouse @iconicluxuryhotels
jacket @reallywildclothing
Scarf @sabinasavage
Jeans @paige
Boots @fairfaxandfavor
AD I think autumn fashion just might be my favourite of them all, just don’t ask me again in winter.
Jeans @paige
Sweater @goelia_official
Socks @calzedonia
Boots @fairfaxandfavor
Scarf @sabinasavage
Fragrance @clivechristianperfume Iconic Feminine
Jacket @reallywildclothing
Belt & Bag @hermes
Ad It’s when walking around the properties and grounds as spectacular as @clivedenhouse that you realise how fortunate we are to have the @nationaltrust taking care of 250,000 hectares of land, 775 miles of coastline and more than 300 properties of historical prominence, with such profound dedication and care.
Ad “Autumn bridges the gap between what’s been and what’s to come; a transitionary season that reminds us to wind down and prepare for bitter cold, darkness and festivities ahead.”
- Evergreen
Thank you to @clivedenhouse for the picture perfect autumn backdrop
Blazer @hollandcooperclothing
Boots & gloves @fairfaxandfavor
Knit @lilysilk
Earrings @gingiberi.jewelry
Jeans @paige
A true inspiration you and Ali are, it’s funny how much you have impacted my life! So happy to see you beaming and full of joy and excitement….well done! Baci da una ragazza Americana in Italia.
A true inspiration youand Ali are, it’s funny how much you have impacted my life! So happy to see you beaming and full of joy and excitement….well done! Baci da una ragazza Americana in Italia ??
Love love love
Thank you so much Hayley! Lots of love, Lydia x
Lydia, I live in New Zealand and would love to visit the English countryside. Thank-you for documenting life and how it is lived over the other side of the world. This way – In our (slightly locked up) world that we are still living in over here, we are able to experience the english country side in a different & virtual way. I always look forward to your videos and love reading your blog. Thank-you for being so open with your lovely life! It is beautiful, dreamy and gives me hope.
Thank you so much Hannah, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this new approach! Enjoy the rest of your week and chat soon. Lydia x
Love these monthly blogs with that approach to seasons! 🙂
Thank you so much Lucia! That means a lot. Lydia x
Hi Lydia,
Love your new blog and reading all the posts! Great addition to your photo and video content. I have been following you on YouTube for YEARS but unfortunately I can’t follow you on Instagram… hopefully we can resolve this soon 🙁
Thanks so much for your support Julia x
Love it!
Thank you I’m so glad x
Hi Lydia!
So beautifully written, you inspired me to see life with my eyes wide open. To be present and enjoy every season. I live in Florida ( originally from Slovakia) , so is a lot to see here.
Thank you Lydia for the inspiration, for the feeling I have when I’m reading your chapters.
I am opening my chapter book, with my eyes and heart wide open.
Say hi to Ali.
Thank you for kind words I’m so happy you are enjoying this! x
love it!
Thank you sally!