Being Buttons

Freedom is on the horizon: a few thoughts on the end of lockdown

Freedom is on the horizon: a few thoughts on the end of lockdown
What does ‘freedom’ look like to you? At some point, possibly in May, I optimistically told myself that I wouldn’t be writing about lockdowns and coronavirus anymore. I would actually be able to get back to blogging about day trips and possibly even travel (she whispers cautiously). Yet here we are with ‘Freedom Day’ almost upon us and I couldn’t be less excited. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the taste of freedom that I’ve had so far. Getting to go on holiday for a week in Scotland was wonderful. Being able to see family and have friends to stay have brought moments full of joy. But there’s something about the rising case numbers and the thought of all restrictions disappearing that makes me feel tense. Let’s face it, I wouldn’t be heading off to a nightclub any time soon anyway, but the thought of anything going and it being… View Post

Reflections on a Year of Living in Lockdown

Reflections on a Year of Living in Lockdown

For approximately half of the last year I’ve been living in lockdown. As we pass the anniversary of the first UK lockdown I reflect on what it’s meant for me, my relationships and my work.

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125 years of the National Trust

125 years of the National Trust

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust, so I’m sharing some of my favourite National Trust properties and landscapes in this post.

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New Year on the Isle of Bute

New Year on the Isle of Bute
I am very lucky to have a friend who has a cottage on the Isle of Bute. In fact, it’s the highest cottage on the island which means that when it’s clear you can see some fabulous views. My friends had been encouraging James and I to visit for a while and at New Year we decided it was the perfect time. The island that had cast my friends under its spell did the same to us, and I definitely think we’ll be back again some day. View Post

A festive day out at Bath Christmas Market

A festive day out at Bath Christmas Market
The best part of the festive season, for me, is Christmas Markets. With the smell of mulled spices and caramelised nuts in the air, and stalls adorned with unique Christmas decorations, there’s nothing that captures the spirit of Christmas better for me. My first experience of a ‘proper’ European Christmas market was when I was 12, and I can still remember the feeling of enchantment on my first evening. I get a similar feeling when I go to markets now, although I usually have a better idea of what to expect. Although I have a list of European markets a mile long that I’d like to visit, this year we stuck closer to home and decided to check out what festive delights Bath has to offer. View Post