The Wednesday Hodgepodge #31

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Do you make an effort to see/hear live music? Last time you went somewhere for the live music?

I don’t really but I should! Every time I see someone post a video from a concert, I’m like next time I’m going and then I don’t.

I think the last time I watched live music was earlier this year when there was a singer on in our local pub. The last time I went to a proper concert was seeing The Bon Jovi Experience, a tribute band to Bon Jovi. I've actually seen them a couple of times. In 2020 and 2023. They are fantastic and a good substitute for the real Bon Jovi.

My girls on the other hand love going to see live music. Emo bands, Taylor Swift tributes and my eldest has just booked tickets to see Alex Warren. I had no idea who he was until I was played some of his music but both of my girls love him.

2. According to HGTV the colors of the year for 2026 are mostly decided. Top paint companies declare a color of the year, and decorators will incorporate that into their new year home and room designs. Here's what's on tap in terms of paint trends for 2026.

Sherwin Williams-universal khaki (inspired by heavy canvas and outdoor gear)

Behr-hidden gem (a confident shade of teal)

Valspar-warm eucylyptus (a warm sliver tinted green)

Dutch Boy-melodious ivory (a honey tinted beige)

Glidden-warm mahogany (a classic brick red)

Krylon-matte coffee bean

Clark and Kensington -Hazelnut Crunch (warm reddish-brown)

Graham and Brown-Divine Damson (cherry red with a subtle violet undertone)

Dunn and Edwards-midnight garden (the green that works everywhere)

First question - did you know there were so many different paint manufacturers? Which color on the list most appeals to you in terms of your own decorating style? Do you have plans to do any painting in your home in the coming year, and if so might you choose a color from this list? Now, forget painting walls, which color name appeals to you most?

I had no idea there were many paint manufacturers, I've only heard of Graham & Brown from the above list but when I think of paint I think of Crown, Dulux and Farrow & Ball too. I think those are the most popular here in the UK but I tend to go with the generic, shops own brand when buying paint. It always seems the same as the branded type but a lot cheaper!

I like dark reds / purples so I think the Graham and Brown Divine Damson is something that I would use and I like the sound of the name too.

I don't have any plans to do any painting this year but the bathroom will be getting painted early next year. At the moment it's looking a bit tatty and old. I think we're going to stick with the white on the walls and grey on all the woodwork.

3. What's something in your life you have to do-watch-or participate in that's about as exciting as 'watching paint dry'?

Waiting for my family to finish getting ready when I have told them we're going out and what time we're leaving. I sit there twiddling my thumbs, thinking will they just hurry up. Another thing is waiting for the kettle to boil, especially first thing on a morning when I want a cup of tea!

4 . Tuesday, October 14th is/was National Dessert day...did you/will you celebrate? Tell us how? What's your absolute favorite dessert. Yes, just one. I know!!

I didn't do anything to celebrate but feel like I should have, I do love desserts and to pick just one is really hard. It all depends on what time of year it is. In the summer I love a fruity trifle and in the colder months I love apple crumble and custard!

5. Perhaps today is the day I will __________________.

Treat myself to that dessert I should’ve had on National Dessert Day! hehehe At the moment I am loving the M&S Mandarin Dessert. It's whole mandarins in jelly, layered over soft sponge and topped with a creamy orange mousse. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

There’s something satisfying about rearranging things that don’t actually need rearranging. A drawer, a shelf and even the fridge. It’s like I convince myself I’ve done something productive when really I’ve just moved stuff around for fun.