A Simple Life of Luxury

Tales from a down-shifted family
- Making the most of modest means

A Simple Life of Luxury | Weblog

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Hobbies & Pastimes

Falling Behind at Pottery

Uh oh, I think I’ve got some catching up to do – this is Anna’s latest pottery creation from lesson 2. I was away on the West Highland Way so didn’t attend this week. I think I may have missed out on some key skills!!

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Camping / Hiking

West Highland Way Day 2: Ptarmagin Lodge to Tyndrum

Embarking on day 2 of the West Highland Way, I broke camp early to avoid rain and made steady progress along the scenic path despite muddy conditions. Social encounters and magnificent waterfalls dotted my trek to Inversnaid. Despite tempting lodging options due to worsening weather, I chose to push on, ending the day in Tyndrum, setting up camp amid rainfall and securing halfway completion of my journey. With challenges like blisters managed, I readied for the next day’s adventure.

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Camping / Hiking

West Highland Way Day 1: Milngavie to Ptarmagin Lodge

After much anticipation the day had finally come for me to head to Scotland and embark on the West Highland Way. Typically the van had developed an issue a few days before but Matt at VW T5 Upgrades got it sorted for me in double quick time so I was hoping it would make the...

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Hiking

Ooops – I failed on The West Highland Way

Embarking on the West Highland Way I turned a leisurely 6-10 day hike into a 4-day aqua-adventure. Despite the intended easy pace and soggy shoes spawning a blister bonanza, my internal speedster ignored the ‘take it easy’ memo, galloping to the finish with an unanticipated sprint. I almost tackled another trail, but my painfully protesting feet staged a rebellion, demanding rest. Blog updates pending – stay tuned for the blister count!

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General

The Art of Self-Love: Embracing Your Unique Beauty

Modern society has made it harder to accept and love oneself since social media constantly creates and maintains unattainable beauty standards. But embracing one’s own beauty and distinctive qualities is more than simply a passing fad—it’s a necessary step on the path to reaching mental and emotional well-being. This article delves deeply into the practice...

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Camping / Hiking

Not Planning the West Highland Way

Part of the fun of a little adventure or an activity such as backpacking along the West Highland Way is the planning. mapping out your route, deciding where to stay and how you’ll get there, searching for things to take in along the way and making arrangements and schedules. Sometimes it’s also nice to just...

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Camping / Hiking

West Highland Way Packing List

The backpacking packing list for hiking the West Highland Way focuses on balance between weight and comfort. It includes an Osprey Talon 44 pack, a Nordisk Telemark tent, a Thermarest sleep system, and clothing for various conditions, totaling a base weight of 8.35kg without food and water. The list further details kitchen essentials, hygiene products, a comprehensive first aid and repair kit, electronics for communication and navigation, and additional accessories for convenience and safety on the trail. The aim is meticulous organization and preparedness while maintaining a manageable pack weight.

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Hobbies & Pastimes

Pottery

Anna and I, armed with festive funds, delved into the muddy world of pottery, expecting more laughs than masterpieces. Our hands danced with clueless clay at a cozy gathering of equally inexperienced Picasso-wannabes. While Anna’s squashed creation somehow turned artistic, my jug morphed into a wonky wonder. Anticipating merry mayhem with the wheel’s introduction – stay tuned for the pottery pandemonium!

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Lifestyle

Houseplant Haven

Over Easter, Anna and I hit the garden centre for new pots and a plant stand for our overcrowded living room greenery. We enjoyed brunch out too. Despite limited space and light, our houseplants, like the blooming Clivia Lily and Orchid, are thriving.

Blasting on the Slalom Board 1

Wales / Windsurfing

Easter Windsurf

I haven’t been able to get out windsurfing for a while. Conditions and commitments just haven’t permitted any time on the water. I was therefore a little rusty whilst out for the first time in ages last weekend. The conditions were perfect with a decent Easterly howling down through the valley and a midday high...

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Beekeeping / Gardening

Explosive Easter

I managed to go the entire Easter weekend without turning my computer on, hence the lack of blog posts. I thought you wouldn’t mind waiting as turning my computer on would only mean that I’d end up working. Staying away from it and out of the office was best. That said, I did of course...