Friday Favourites 17th - 23rd October 2015.

Another week, another Friday, another set of photos and hilarious mildly amusing anecdotes about the last seven days of my life. Next week my best of the week is in jeopardy for one week only because I actually finally graduate at 2.30 next Friday so writing posts is not high on my agenda of things to do, soz guys. I *might* manage to write a mini post mid week and schedule it but I can't promise anything.... But for this week, kicking it off is one you were probably all expecting.

1. My 23rd Birthday.

Alright, I'll admit, I went on about it quite a lot on social media over the past few days and weeks both pre, during and post birthday but it provided me with a good giveaway and a good few content ideas so ya know, silver linings to annoying the internet. I was deathly ill on my birthday which was a less fun way to spend it but I went out with the family, watched the rugby all afternoon and got a whole load of lovely gifts (some of which you can read about here). Naturally, my birthday was the best thing of this week.

2. St Fagans.

Tying into my birthday, the National Museum of Welsh Life near Cardiff is my second favourite thing of the week. I went for a wander in St Fagans with my family on the morning of my birthday, somewhere I haven't been in years since I was a child on school trips. It's free, there's loads to see, there's a heck of a lot to learn about and the scenery is pretty flippin Instagram worthy. If you're in the area definitely go visit, you have no excuse not to when you don't have to pay.

3. Blogging backgrounds.

Being the cliche blogger that I am, I have been toying with the idea of investing in some backgrounds for my blog photography and particularly my flat lays. Whilst I currently use a supper cute textural blanket and am partial to a good wood flooring, it is marble that catches my eye more often than not. Just as I was coming round to the idea of purchasing some background, imagine my surprise, when rooting around my kitchen, to find a whole block of REAL marble which apparently is for something to do with pastry. It has since been procured from my mum and is now being used for all the blogging backgrounds and less so for pastry. Such is life.

4. Bute Park.

This week I have done A LOT of walking through autumnal scenes, kicking up leaves and generally taking loads of photos for my insta grid. When babysitting my niece, I am just a stones through from Bute Park in Cardiff and this week I went for another walk round, albeit a bit more hurried trying to get somewhere else than strolling at a gentle pace rocking a 4 month old. I have been going to Cardiff regularly all my life, it's half an hour from my house but I NEVER go to Bute Park so I am grateful for the opportunity (excuse) to go wandering and exploring more often because with cafe's, sports fields, sculptures, views of the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, walks along the river and spectacular photo opportunities in autumn, it really is a beautiful place to be, just on the doorstep.

5. Precious memories.

As well as being my first birthday as a self employed illustrator, this year was also my first birthday as an auntie. My niece is four months old and for my first birthday present from her she (with a little help from her mum) bought me this beautiful keepsake of the day she was born. I am still not quite used to being referred to as Auntie Gwennan so this is a daily reminder of her and it made me want to do a little cry it was so special.

What a birthday week, it didn't disappoint. Keep your eyes peeled for an update next week, you never know, it might appear!

Blogger and Illustrator

Friday Favourites 17th - 23rd October 2015.