Typecast

I've just realised that it's been 35 years since I left high school and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic. It was the 1988 and so much has changed since then. But there are certain things that will always stay with us, like the music, films, and news stories that shaped that year. So, take a trip down memory lane with me and revisit the top five number one singles, films, and news stories from 1988 in the UK. First, let's talk about music. 1988 was a great year for pop music, with some of the biggest names in the business releasing hit after hit. But the top five number one singles in the UK chart that year were: " I Should Be So Lucky " by Kylie Minogue " Especially for You " by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan " The Only Way Is Up " by Yazz and the Plastic Population (definitely my anthem of the summer)  " He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother " by The Hollies (I'm sure this was because it was used in an advert) " ...

Fellow yarn enthusiasts! Today, I want to chat about yarnbombing! I know, I know, some of you may have heard about it before, but I saw my first one in the wild today! For those of you who don't know, yarnbombing is basically when crocheted or knitted pieces are installed in public spaces to add some color and texture to the urban landscape. And let me tell you, it is just the most delightful thing to stumble upon! Today, on the way back from parkrun I saw a postbox that had been covered in the most beautiful rainbow-colored crochet. I couldn't help but smile and feel a little bit of joy in my heart. It was just so unexpected and charming! Now, as a crocheter myself, I can only imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into creating something like that. But you know what? I think it's totally worth it. Not only is yarnbombing a way to brighten up our surroundings, but it's also a way to bring attention to the art of crochet and knitting. Speaking of crochet, I hav...

Today is "Blue Monday" but I'm going to help you beat the blues by telling you about my friend's stationery shop. I've known Jules for about 20 years. We met on an online forum where mothers supported other mothers, and many a friendship blossomed from there. Thanks to the internet, most of us have managed to keep in touch even though the forum shut down many years ago. Side note : if you listened to the WTF Strictly podcast last year, it's the same forum that I met my co-host, Violet, on. She does have a website -  FluterbyHT  - but the main action is on TikTok  @flutterbyht  where she 'goes live' most days, chatting to existing and potential customers, showing new products, promoting special offers and providing that unique behind-the-scenes view where she packs orders as they are received. What started out as a little side-hustle just over a year ago has grown into a multi-faceted business. Jules' husband started out helping to pack orders bu...