The Tiny Joys Journal Volume 7

My friend: “Sadie, would you like to run a half marathon with me?”

Me: “Ooooo… I’m not sure. I don’t know if I have it in me to do a half.”

My friend: “Sure you do. I’ll leave you to think about it. Here are some suggested races.”

Me: “OK, my only requirements are flat and not hot.”

A few days pass…

My friend: Sends another link. “We can submit together so we’re both in… or both not.”

Me: “This is scary. I’m doubting myself.”

Also me: “Shall we do a marathon?”

Five minutes later... books the Edinburgh Marathon 2027.

I either overthink the smallest detail until I can’t reach a conclusion, or I make a wildly impulsive one. There doesn’t seem to be much in-between.

I appreciate that for my friends and family this can be frustrating, but for me it’s just… normal.

So, right now, I’m going to run a marathon in 2027.

Was it on my bucket list? Nope.

Have I always dreamed of running one? Also nope.

Why am I doing it?

I’m still figuring that part out. Maybe the answer will come to me around mile 20, or maybe I’ll just be seriously questioning my life choices.

I currently feel in denial. I haven’t actually told my legs yet.

So far, 2027 involves more camping and running a marathon. At least Adam can’t say life is boring with me.

Washing Away The Day

There’s something so refreshing about washing your face at the end of the day. It feels like you’re washing away everything the day carried with it.

I properly got into skincare about six years ago. I’m no expert, but I do love the feeling of having a fresh, clean face.

Whether it’s first thing in the morning or before bed, it always feels like a little reset.

Clear skin, a clear mind, and a tiny moment of freedom.

I know… I know… I’m still binge-watching TV.

Two reasons:

• I’m still finishing a book, so I can’t share that recommendation just yet.

• There has been so much good TV lately.

After watching I Will Find You, I decided to work my way through another Harlan Coben adaptation, and this one did not disappoint.

If you haven’t watched Run Away, I highly recommend it. Adam and I were up until the early hours because we simply had to know how it ended.

There are so many twists that you have no choice but to stay glued to the screen. It touches on everything from drug addiction and cults to adoption, and it keeps you guessing the whole way through.

Just how far would you go for your child?

If you didn’t already know, every Tuesday Boots discounts a huge range of products to £10.

It’s how I’ve discovered so many of my favourite skincare products without spending a fortune. Trying new products is half the fun.

I probably get asked about my skin almost as much as I get asked about candles.

My skincare routine isn’t built around one particular brand because I genuinely enjoy experimenting, but I do have a basic, classic routine.

Affordable, effective and one I always come back to. On a recent £10 Tuesday I managed to buy the travel-sized set, which will be perfect for summer trips.

Don’t forget you can recycle the empty bottles through Boots and use the points towards more skincare. Win-win.

The best cleansing pads I’ve ever used and they’re reusable too. Better than any flannel.

I’ve tried several brands including Bubble, Habi and No7 and they all give a similar result. When people ask about my “dewy” skin, this is probably the reason. I only use it in the mornings.

Not for your face, but too good not to mention. It’s affordable and has made a huge difference to my skin, especially my legs. It leaves my skin incredibly soft.

I’ve never really used hand cream until this year, but whether it’s age, work or constantly washing my hands, they’ve definitely needed it.

I’ve tried quite a few, but nothing beats this one. It isn’t the cheapest, so I picked mine up during Amazon Prime Day. If you’re thinking of trying it, the next one is usually around October.

From the very first burn I fell in love with it.

It’s incredibly fresh and feels perfect for summer, especially with the kitchen doors open and fresh salads on the go. It makes the whole house feel light, airy and clean.

It really puts a genuine smile on my face and pairs perfectly with a sunny day.

Our three-wick candles have been part of our collection for a long time.

But it’s time for a new chapter.

I’ve been working on something behind the scenes for most of this year, and I genuinely can’t wait to share it with you.

For now, the only news I can reveal is that our three-wick candles are retiring.

We have Winter Spice, Gingerbread, Pumpkin, Spruce, and Clementine & Clove remaining, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

“Apparently saying yes ends with booking a marathon… so choose wisely.”