The Little Things

-Loved ones. Not such a little thing, but of late I've realised how lucky I am to have some pretty amazing people in my life. Things have been a bit tough recently as a family member of mine has been having some health issues. The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a standstill but thankfully everything is sorting itself out. During those couple of weeks it really meant a lot to know that I had the support there. 


-Falling asleep to the sound of rain. I find it quite relaxing and it makes me feel all cosy. Not so nice when your alarm is going off and you've got to get out of bed though!


-Little treats - my favourite has to be the cream jumper that I picked up from Warehouse.


-I randomly surprised my mum with some of her favourite flowers. They've been sat in the living room and they smell lovely. 


-Music sessions. Browsing itunes, downloading songs and updating my iphone playlist... I love it!


-Homemade vegetable soup


-Days off. I often work twelve hour shifts and recently I've been doing lots of overtime, so days off have been extra special and much needed!


-My boyfriend has got a new job! He's been having a few setbacks recently and has been exploring lots of different routes within the area that he'd like to go in to but unfortunately it can be so competitive. The job is within the public services sector, which is an area he's been aiming for so I'm really pleased for him. He's excited and I'm so proud :)


-Being healthier. I've been trying to take the time to workout when I can and I feel so much better for it. It's really rewarding to notice improvements in my strength and endurance.


-I realise this slightly contradicts the above, but strawberries dipped in nutella - SO good

The Little Things

{This picture was taken yesterday, in Devon. It was quite a long drive away but nice to visit somewhere different}

-Sunshine. I can't believe how lovely the weather has been, and that we've actually been having a proper summer. It's been pretty consistent over the last couple of weeks so I've loved sitting out in the garden in the late evenings, having the odd BBQ and swapping jeans and cardigans for dresses and sun tan lotion.


-Cold showers. After a few long and hot days at work it's been nice to come home and have a cold shower! So refreshing after feeling all hot and bothered.


-Vimto ice lollies.


-Sitting out in the garden with a cold drink and a good book.


-Trips to the beach. They're not that close to home - so although it can be a bit of a drive away it's always nice to be by the sea.


-Buying a handful of new Yankee Candles. I got a little bit excited when I saw that a load of the little jars were reduced, as well as 3 for 2!


-Minimising my stash of beauty bits. It feels good decluttering and I don't like having too much of the same kind of stuff, especially when it feels like I don't get around to using a majority of it. It should teach me really for being so easily tempted when I'm out shopping! I gave a few bits to a couple of friends who seemed genuinely pleased...definitely makes it worth it.


-Watching Buffy. I used to watch the odd episode years ago, so when deciding what TV programme to get in to next, I settled with this one. I'm so glad I did as I'm really enjoying it. I'm currently on the fifth series, I think there's another two left! It's nice being able to watch it from start to finish.


-Receiving the sweetest text from my best mate. Unexpected things like this make me smile :)


-Getting the boyfriend in to F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I have the boxset and was horrified to discover that he's only ever watched a handful of episodes. We've been watching a couple of episodes each night now and I can tell he loves it!


-Talking of the boyfriend - he got me this beautiful little heart ring from Pandora which I was planning on treating myself to. I absolutely adore it, he's so thoughtful.

What's been making you lovely lot smile recently?

The Little Things

Source: Pinterest

-Maisie (my not so little rabbit). She chases me around the garden, nibbles on my slippers and eats all the plants. I love watching her antics


-Little splurges 


-Having a good tidy up, de-clutter and re-organising of various bits and bobs in my bedroom. I don't know what it is but I always feel better once I've got the job done. Earlier this week I had a little spring clean of my wardrobe. It felt good chucking out stuff I haven't worn in ages!


-The boyfriend coming over and surprising me with Les Mis on DVD a couple of days ago. It was such a thoughtful little surprise as I didn't get the chance to watch it in the cinema. I'd absolutely love to go and watch it in the theatre! I haven't watched the DVD yet but hopefully I'll find a quiet evening at some point this week :)


-Spending the weekend away catching up with some family and friends. The whole weekend was lovely and chilled out


-Getting things ready for holiday at the end of this month. I can't begin to explain how much I'm looking forward to it!


-Home cooked meals. I work long shifts so when I'm at work I really miss eating a proper meal so I enjoy sitting down and having a nice meal. I've had a week off last week so was lucky enough to eat things such as home made vegetable lasagne


-The pretty pink blossom trees that almost seem as if they've suddenly appeared overnight 


-Netflix. I signed up for the months trial a couple of months ago now and I just can't bring myself to cancel it! I love having the chance to watch different TV shows and films that I'd forgotten about or wouldn't go out and buy on DVD. Plus it's been so useful at work when I've had long breaks

The Little Things

{Pinterest}

-Kind words can be such a 'pick-me up'. After going through a bit of a stressful time a few weeks ago I really appreciated the support I received from family and friends


-Having a girly day with my mum which consisted of shopping, eating tasty food and getting our nails done. Something which we haven't had the chance to do in a long time


-Browsing through and watching lots of different films and TV programmes, on Netflix, during my rather long breaks at work. It definitely helps to pass the time


-Charlie's playful, and at times scary, sessions


-Friendship: I work with quite a small team and feel lucky to work with some of the most loveliest girls. They keep me smiling and laughing and I'm happy that we all get on so well


-Planning secret surprises for Mum's 50th birthday


-An impromptu trip to visit one of my closest friends. Something I've wanted to do but have previously struggled to get around to doing. As I had the weekend off I packed my bags and drove two hours to visit my friend. I really enjoyed having that quality time with her, visiting her new home and eating and drinking out at lovely places. Times like these are hard to beat they're always filled with smiles and laughter :)


-Giving the dogs a wash and a brush and watching them run around the house excitedly afterwards. I love how fluffy and cute they look afterwards


-Nice days.... like today, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. No rain and no snow


-Spending yesterday with my boyfriend and his family. We all stuffed our faces at a local restaurant and had a relaxed afternoon of pottering around the local shops. In the evening me and the boyfriend cosied up and watched the Easter special of Jonathan Creek


-Messing around on Snapchat with my brother. He never fails to make me laugh and this app is another fun way of keeping in touch and just being silly


-Picking up some new bath bombs and bubble bars from Lush. In particular The Brightside bubble bar which smells amazing


-Spending the odd hour or two on The Sims 3. I can't see a day in which I will ever get bored of this addicive game

The Little Things

-Having a few days off work after working some very long and tiring days!


-Enjoying a hearty homemade shepherds pie dinner the other evening. The melted cheese on top was delicious. Yum


-Giggling fits. I woke up the other night and to my amusement my boyfriend was sleep talking. He was wondering where the "hundreds of pieces of paper had disappeared to" Hilarious!


-Long phone conversations with friends that live miles away


-Working my way through my lovely stash of Lush goodies that I received for my Birthday & Christmas


-Discovering a red lipstick which I actually feel comfortable wearing


-Waking up Friday morning to see everything covered in snow. It was snowing lightly throughout the day - everything looked so pretty. Friday involved chucking snowballs, long walks, Mum tripping over in the garden and the dogs playing excitedly in the snow. So pleased I had the day off work. (The above picture was the view from my window yesterday morning)


-Sticking to one of my NY's goal/resolution of saving up those pennies. I've been quite strict on what I can spend my money on - so it feels good having a little chunk of money to put away and save after payday 

The Little Things

{Source: Pinterest. Original Source: Unknown}

It's been a while, this may be a long one


-Spending time with family and friends. I had a long weekend back at home a couple of weekends back now and I really enjoyed having a catch up with everyone


-Dads cooking - hearty pasta dishes yummy


-Exchanging Christmas gifts and wrapping presents - some family and friends live a little way away, so gifts are exchanged earlier during visits


-Snow! There was a little bit of snow a couple of weeks ago. I loved waking up, pulling back the curtains and seeing that it had snowed. Okay it wasn't much but the floor was covered and so was my car. It was a nice surprise :)


-My lovely surprise Birthday/Christmas present from my Dad and his partner. A handy little Samsung Tab... I absolutely love it!


-Catching up with an old friend who I hadn't seen or properly spoken to in over 7 years!


-Being looked after - I had a cyst removed from my head a few weeks ago and my Mum and boyfriend, among others, were so lovely and sweet. Hot drinks, chocolates and sympathy were all appreciated



-Sending and receiving Christmas cards

-Seeing all of the Christmas decorations and sparkling lights everywhere. I love this time of year - it's all festive and pretty!


-Enjoying my birthday celebrations on Monday. I loved all of my cards, messages and gifts!


-The surprise hot stone back massage that my boyfriend booked me in for on Monday. It was so relaxing and just what I needed


-Finally getting around to having a declutter and organising out my little closet. It looks so much tidier and I feel so much better for it



-The look on Charlie's face as he peeks his head through the banister rails on the stairs. He waits patiently for people to walk past before taking a cheeky swipe at those walking by. He's so naughty but he makes me smile


-Picking up a few Christmas Lush bits and having a lovely hot bath with them


-Wrapping up in chunky jumpers and warm coats. Its been so cold recently!

The Little Things

-My little birdcage candle holder which sits in the middle of my windowsill (pictured above). I love lighting this in the evening, I think it looks so pretty!


-Shopping and lunch with my Mum. It's always nice to have a nice girly day and a catch up with my Mum


-My Thornton's advent calendar which is sitting patiently on the side... not long now (you're never too old for an advent calendar in my opinion!)


-Finally getting around to upgrading and receiving my new phone, playing around with a broken button was no fun anymore. It's refreshing using a phone that has fully functioning buttons and is all shiny and new :)


-Getting better. I've had the worst cold so I've been a bit of a mess. It feels so good to have a decent nights sleep and feel a lot better in myself


-Decorating the Christmas tree. This may seem very early for some people, but my Mum and Stepdad get very excited and start Christmas preparations early... there is already a cupboard just for yummy Christmas goodies


-Chunky, fluffy socks. So cosy and so warm when lounging around the house


-Planning a trip to visit some of my family and friends next weekend. I really can't wait


-Buying and eating some Halloumi cheese. Me and my boyfriend love it so much, we got very excited after picking it up in Tesco's. It's sooooo good. This is a new favourite of ours after ordering some in Nandos and constantly craving it


-Seeing the gorgeous Christmas lights at my local shopping centre. The decorations there are so lovely this year. When I see them it makes me feel happy and very Christmassy. I'll definitely put a picture up at some point - they also have an outdoor ice rink and a lit up castle which reminds me of Disney - love it

The Little Things

{Source: Pinterest. Original Source: Unknown}

-Wearing my cute owl pyjamas


-Getting engrossed in a good book! I've been reading The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes in bed and seem to be getting through this book very quickly


-Talking of books... finishing Life of Pi by Yann Martel


-Although I dislike the cold, wet and windy days, I have to admit I do love this time of year. It's starting to feel and look a lit like Autumn/Winter. I love the cosy feeling when indoors and all the gorgeous winter accessories that are floating about etc


-Mum's homemade chicken &/or vegetable soup (that I think may be stolen from my Italian Auntie). I literally cannot describe how delicious this is!! At this time of year it's a must


-Looking forward to a night away on Saturday with the boyfriend in our favourite hotel after a day of early Christmas shopping. I really can't wait


-Having a long weekend off work to look forward to, I worked long days all of last weekend so I'm looking forward to this a lot


-That feeling of finishing a hectic 12 hour day at work


-Drinking Bailey's coffee...mmm, delicious


-Fireworks


-Although it was short lived, and didn't settle - those 10 minutes of watching the snow fall last Saturday morning

The Little Things

{Pinterest - Original Source Unknown}

-Having two of my closest friends come to visit me for a few days. Those few days were lovely! 


-Listening to (and loving) The Killer's latest album


-Warm hot chocolates in bed after a long day at work


-A little DVD splurge in Tesco due to all the bargain prices! Oh I do love a bargain


-Period dramas! Getting tucked up in to my warm bed, hot chocolate in hand and watching Pride and Prejudice. Nice and cosy :)


-Spending yesterday afternoon with the boyfriend and enjoying some delicious Mexican food together. Yummy


-Hearing good news. It's always heart warming when someone close to you has some lovely news and seeing their ridiculously happy faces :) 


-My mums dog has had a little hair cut, she looks so cute! Her hair can get quite long and it can become a struggle to see her eyes! She's all teddy bear looking now... awwhh


-Knowing I have this weekend off work (this can be rare!). I'm looking forward to spending some time relaxing and with a few of the loved ones

The Little Things

Some of the little things that have made me happy/smile over the last week or so;


-Hot bubble baths after a long day at work 


-Discovering old favourite's - I dug out my first iPod the other day. It's been hidden away for a good couple of years. It bought back memories listening to songs I'd completely forgotten about, but loved! It's been really nice listening back to it all


-I haven't been loving all of this rain. But I must admit I've loved drifting off to sleep with the sound of the rain on my bedroom window - so relaxing. And rainy Sundays which are the perfect excuse for a day of pyjamas, films and hot drinks


-Making and eating my delicious homemade banana cake


-Burning my Yankee tarts - Bahama Breeze is a current favourite


-Making the time to grab some food and watch a film with my boyfriend a few days ago 


-Planning to have a few friends come and visit for a few days in a couple of weeks time. Sometimes it's hard to find the time to have a good catch up with close friends, and unfortunately a lot of my close friends live a couple of hours away. So it's always lovely to see them. It's definitely long overdue


-My gorgeous cat's sleeping positions, sometimes they are very strange, other times they are unbelievably cute! Charlie never fails to make me smile!