Special edition: my official list of non-rubbish things that have happened in 2021
Welcome to Nesting #15
I realised the other day that it is a whole year since I did a special December 2020 Nesting edition of non-rubbish things, to make the best of what had been, universally, ‘a rubbish year.’ The obvious question is…. has 2021 been any better? Don’t answer that. I think it’s time for another list to brighten the mood.
Bought my first Barbour
This coat has changed everything. When everyone else was trapped indoors this week getting irritable and claustrophobic on account of the perpetual drizzle, I was able to step out smugly – knowing I’d still be warm and dry by the time I came home. Currently reduced (furious) to £167.
Discovered Cremant
Why did nobody tell me about this? It sits somewhere between Prosecco (burgh) and Champagne (bling) and is better than either. The perfect tonic to talk me down from my tedious sobriety phase of 2020.
Listened to every episode of Sentimental Garbage
A podcast dedicated to widely panned films, TV shows and books. I realise I must have terrible taste in all three as the episode list reads like a cultural dream to me. Start with the episode on The Bodyguard before moving onto Titanic. Presented by Irish author Caroline O’Donoghue, who is both hilarious and incredibly perceptive.
Solved SAD with sunglasses
I’ve never been convinced by light boxes for seasonal affective disorder, but a stylish medicinal sunglass? Sign me up! The Baja Orange model from Victorious Beings claims to enhance your mood during grey weather periods and reduce anxiety. The ideal accessory for 2021, basically.
Binge-watched Clarkson’s Farm
You know it’s been a bad year when watching Jeremy Clarkson ride around a farm on a tractor is an actual highlight. Alas, it was – and I really recommend this show if you haven’t watched it already. Clarkson’s willingness to be entirely honest about his farming ignorance is both very refreshing and surprisingly entertaining.
Spent a sunny day at Soho River House
This was the year I thought I’d wave goodbye to my Soho House membership, but then up sprang the River House in Windsor and they had me locked in all over again. Now open for winter with a very covid-friendly heated outdoor restaurant tent and an ice rink.
Discovered the Instagram account of Flora Anderson @videooflone
Start with The Movie Hero’s Wife. Continue with Millennial Dad Grabs a Coffee.
Bought yet more loungewear
I have once again invested mostly in loungewear this year. The below (minus the weird shoes) are on my list for when I’m a billionaire, but in the meantime, settling for these from Mango.
Took a Leap
After a decade or so of being footloose and freelance, I started a full-time job at Leap. It’s hard to explain exactly what we do (but in short: twenty-minute chats with small groups of strangers over Zoom), but it’s weirdly life-affirming and totally addictive. Give it a whirl.
Watched the Friends reunion
Specifically enjoyed the suggestion that Ross and Rachel actually had a thing for each other in real life. Thrilling.
Discovered the joys of a hostess trolley
Oh, how I laughed when my Dad asked me to help him get the hostess trolley out of the basement this Christmas. The retro-ness of it all. But oh, how I changed my tune when I realised that a hostess trolley is in fact, an amazing piece of kit. When did we stop using them – and why?Purchased clingfilm that doesn’t misbehave
I did mention that 2021 perhaps hasn’t been amazing. And that is why a particularly sturdy clingfilm is one of my annual highlights. Another find under the parental roof.
Found my perfect everyday boots
From M&S no less, so I came away with new shoes AND Percy Pigs. Win win. Now £35 (furious again).
Decided I’ve gone too digital
And so for 2022, I am buying myself a diary - possibly a Choosing Keeping diary or this one from Papier.
Celebrated one year
Of Rafferty, that is. We even got to do it in a pub, with actual 3D humans. Surreal in every sense.
Finally got on a plane
I had weird travel anxiety after a year locked up. But the olive garden at Vent de Tramuntana in Port D’Andratx was the perfect place to gently ease back into holiday mode. Recommend for anyone Mallorca-bound.
Lost my bank cards repeatedly
But, also found the solution. This Mulberry phone cover doubles as a wallet. The obvious downfall being that if you have lost your cards, you have also lost your phone.
Found the best pair of gloves in the world
I haven’t bought them, because they are £110 and I’ll lose them immediately, but that’s not the point. They are on my wish list and will be mine one day, when I am less careless.
Bought drugs
I found the best birthday presents ever by Canadian artist Dana Wyse. My favourites are the ‘Assemble Ikea furniture without getting into a fight’ tablets and the ‘Be a perfect mother’ injection. All items are signed by the artist.
Gifted myself a Cancerian treat
Love these horoscope necklaces from Carrie Elizabeth. It’s quite self-involved to accessorise with ‘stuff about me’ isn’t it? Very Carrie Bradshaw (as opposed to Elizabeth) but hey ho. I like it.
Got triple vaccinated
The talk of 2021 and the reason this list might be a whole lot easier to compile next year.
That’s all folks! See you next year.Dx
Who on earth is Dominique Afacan?
A very good question. Dominique (that’s me) is a writer, sausage dog owner, and solo mum, based in London. The idea for the Nesting newsletter came about because after ten years as a travel journalist, I wanted to share my new-found excitement about hanging out at home. I am also the author of Bolder – Life lessons from people older and wiser than you – a great birthday present, if I don’t say so myself – and available to buy here.
P.S The illustration for Nesting was created by my exceptionally talented friend Julia Murray in New Zealand.
This list is genius. Phone & wallet combo, great idea.. but also good point!