A month of being retired!

My Retirement Plan Is All About...

💪 Improving my health and fitness

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 More time with friends and family

🎨 Creativity (and plenty of it!)

Just over a month into retirement — and time for a little check-in!

Honestly? It still feels like I’m just on an extended holiday at home. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet that this is my new normal. But what a fabulous feeling that is!

Moving More (and Loving It!)

I’ve joined The Village Gym in Headingley, and I’m loving it. Everyone’s so friendly, and I’ve settled into a happy little routine: walking there most Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. My week now includes Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Dance Fit, Aqua, and even a bit of gym time.

I can definitely feel the benefits already — and, best of all, I actually enjoy it!

Time to Connect

I’m also making the most of having more time to see friends and family. Lunches with retired teacher pals are a highlight — so much gossip to catch up on! And without the headache of booking time off, I’m looking forward to some short family breaks soon too. ☀️

Getting Creative

This might be my favourite part of all. I’ve been playing with freestyle crochet — no patterns, no counting, just going with the flow. The colourful piece I’m working on might turn into a shawl... when I decide it’s “done”! Granny squares are still my go-to for quick, satisfying bursts of creativity, and I even turned an old work tote into a fun crocheted bag. I also bought some beautiful chunky boucle and sequin yarn from https://mamieandflorrie.co.uk/ and made it into a simple loom knit snood. 🧶

Pumpkin Magic & Autumn Adventures

When pumpkin season rolled around, I decided to skip the scary faces and make something more me — a pumpkin fairy house! 🧚‍♀️ After a few experiments, I mastered the trick of carving back to the skin and sealing it with Decopatch so it’ll last from year to year. (Who says pumpkins can’t be sustainable art?)

Hunting for little extras to decorate my fairy pumpkin — and gathering bits for an autumn wreath — gave me a whole new appreciation for Meanwood Park. I loved collecting natural treasures and combining them with a few dried flowers from Meanwood Allotments to create a gorgeous autumnal wreath. 🍂

What’s Next?

I’ve got:✨ a denim bag ready to bead as a Christmas gift🎀 a pile of pompoms waiting to become a quirky Christmas wreath🔨 plans for a tin cut-out and bead wreath🎁 and lots of ideas for small handmade gifts and ornaments.... watch this space!

Rainbow Jane sessions are officially up and running, and I’m hoping some friends will join me at those.

Month one of retirement = pure joy. Seriously... how did I ever fit work in?! 😄