Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its not yet official, but 'm saying it anyway. Spring is ready in the wings and waiting to burst forth! 

Normally I celebrate and enjoy all the unique aspects of each season, but after our non- summer and exceptionally wet Autumn and winter, I AM READY!

All this week there have been little sights and sounds if you choose to look and tune in to mother nature- new buds, My iceberg rose on the front porch is boasting a few brand new delicate buds, baby lambs in the field by the dam, a different feel in the warmth of the sun- SUN! That's a novelty at the moment here! Strawberries in the supermarket- admittedly from Australia but still, a glorious treat after many months without them.

This weekend I have managed to hang laundry on the line, and successfully dry it, I mowed the lawns a few days ago- although admittedly still very boggy, and, Joy of Joys, this morning I enjoyed my smoothie bowl breakfast al fresco and took utter delight in tilting my face to the sun as I listened to the bust sounds of the garden around me. Such a treat and a huge boost to mood and spirits. 

I feel a complete contrast emotionally to this time last week when I was openly in a fug. 

Its also especially nice we have a spring wedding to look forward to in a couple of weeks - its been years since we've been to a wedding and its been rather exciting to think about, research and purchase new outfits for us both too! Nothing like a bit of shallow, consumerist retail therapy to give you an endorphin rush! But at least this one is justified and necessary!  And my husband looks so handsome and dashing in his new suit. swoon. 

Its been a good week of less rain, consciously consuming less refined sugar and processed foods and really concentrating on nourishing my body. I feel energized and positive again, and this glimmer of spring and warmer longer days on the horizon certainly helps!

I have a very full couple of weeks ahead of me so today I have tackled all the jobs that are required for the smooth running of the new week, and also made absolutely sure to pause and take moments of rest and reflection. Anything non urgent or that can wait or that if I leave wont niggle at me too much can wait, so that I may conserve my energy somewhat and enjoy some rest before it all kicks off. 

I made sure the laundry and ironing were all up to date, fresh baking and lunch box fillers all prepared, fridge and pantry well stocked and a clear meal plan on the chalk board,  bathrooms clean, floors vacuumed and the house picked up. Its not shiny perfect, or showroom standard, but its absolutely adequate and the balance is my mental calm and happiness. 

Sometimes- I have learned the hard way, what you DONT do can be as important as what you Do DO. 

This afternoon I'm looking forward to taking a walk in nature, serving dinner up early and taking a long hot bubble bath before climbing into bed for a luxuriously early night, knowing everything is as organized and prepared as it can be.

Bonne Semaine! 

It’s hard to admit - even to one’s self, when you feel yourself loosing momentum; letting things slip- just a little at first, and having those familiar battles with yourself in your head- berating yourself while trying to simultaneously give your self a pep talk, punishing yourself while craving the rewards. 

I think this is natural. And we all ebb and flo. 

This week I’ve found myself not only outwardly feeling a bit ugh but inwardly too.  But it’s taken me several days to fully recognise and acknowledge what was happening. In all honesty I think it’s a giant melting pot of all sorts of things- none serious, most circumstantial, and ALL rectifiable- yes ALL. 

Mindset -and a healthy one -is a huge untapped resource. While none of us have the power to change someone else’s thinking or possibly unforeseen circumstances- we all have the power to change our thought. Our mind set. Our attitude.  

Nothing “ bad “ had happened- a few moments of frustration- silly things that culminated in a snappy mummy and wify. I’m tired, and acutely aware of my health having only just bounced back from my sinus infection. But I allowed them to snowball- I let them take up space in my head and even labeled them (thank you hormones!)  No more. Tomorrow I will bounce. 

So that’s me. Brief post this week- late due to aforementioned slump. But I’m taking back the reins. I’m going to soak the last few whoopsies away in a hot bath, ponder my boundaries , my needs, and listen to my thoughts and make a plan of how the next few days and weeks will look, get an early night, and wake up to a brand new day. A positive attitude, and an appreciation for all the wondrous blessings I am so grateful to have wrapped around me. 

Spring is desperately trying to push its way through the ceaseless rain and despite my glum outlook, little rays of joy have  pieces my foggy headspace with their simplicity, their promise, and their warmth and magic.  It’s always there, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to remind yourself 💕 and sometimes we all need a little reminder to do so. 

X 

PS see below

So a little update, on a much more positive note:

After soaking in the bath and working on intentionally resetting my mindset for the following day, I stepped out side in my cosy robe with a cools glass of water and took a few deep breaths looking at the starts and feeling the presence of the universe. (starry nights have been few and far between of late due to relentless cloud cover and rain!)

I enjoyed a restorative sleep in lovely fresh clean bed linens (My favorite!) and amazingly I woke feeling like a different person- enthused, excited for the day, positive and focused. 

The sun is shining and streaming in to the house,  the spring blooms are bursting forth, I had a great workout and have already ticked several things off my list. The family left in good spirits and on time for their days of school and work and no I'm heading to the spa for a facial. 

Suddenly, with a little positive pep talk and some sunshine, life is a whole lot more enjoyable today and I am so very grateful.

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Much of what I write about, and a good deal of my thoughts throughout the day are consciously observing and taking pleasure in what is already around us, what we have so much to be grateful for, and why being in the present moment is so vital for mental wellbeing, happiness and true contentment. I frequently feel moments of true exuberance and giddiness over the simplest of pleasures- regularly 8(probably daily!)while out walking- observing nature- a bloom or a bird, or the aesthetic of a well constructed evening meal, the scent of the first cracking of a freshly lit fire, climbing into just laundered  bed linens, or sinking into a hot bath. These are things I am truly grateful for and make a point to savor and enjoy them.

This week, since returning from our wonderful break in the mountains, I have had to slow down. At first I was frustrated, infuriated even, as I don't enjoy my routine or plans or productivity to be changed or adversely effected. I came down with a fairly nasty sinus infection, meaning I had to stay home from work, but also wasn't well enough to be my usual busy bee about home- usually even when I'm sick. 

And during these few days I have, in actuality,  been so fortunate. It has made me genuinely slow down and prioritize, as I simply haven't been capable of doing it "all". Friends, family and colleagues have reached out to check in and sent thoughtful messages, even a beautiful surprise delivery of some sunshine yellow fragrant freesias. And I'm not desperately ill. I'll get over it. Its a seasonal unfortunate bug but that's all. A dear friend is suffering with a much more unpleasant health concern where as I'm truly grateful that the medication prescribed by my Doctor is already taking effect. 

 I DO take time to notice things each and every day, but in this slowness, I've not only taken the time but lingered for may moments after too- not racing to get to the next thing on my list or achieve something within a (usually self imposed) time frame.  Just now I watched a bee for some time as it navigated the open window I'm sitting at and explored. I just watched. not glanced and acknowledged but really observed and took a moment. 

I woke late this morning- far, far later than usual and clearly from a very deep and much needed sleep as I hadn't even stirred at the sounds of the rest of the household getting up and ready for their day. I stayed in bed watching the tress for a while longer, then padded down stairs when they'd left to make coffee and have a large drink of water, then I found a patch of sunshine on the sofa, and subsequently the cat found me- and the warm sun, and we just sat. Sipping coffee, enjoying the warmth, slowly waking up to the new day, and I felt so calmed and content listening to bird song and her deep affectionate rumble of a purr. (For such a little petite little girl she has a monumental purr!)

Although I'm feeling much better, I'm consciously taking it very easy. I have the house to myself entirely (Well, the cats and I) until early evening, and with it being Friday no sense of urgency looming about tomorrow.  Its so easy to feel that if om not busy busy busy I'm being lazy or not making good use of my time. BUT these past few days have taught me a lot. 

I like to, and enjoy, my daily exercise- and think it good to push myself when I'm on form. I like to start my days early and feel accomplished and almost always better for a run or some kind of movement or workout first thing. But, for the first time in a long time, I have realized that in the bigger scheme of things, allowing my body to focus on fighting this bug and on healing, I don't need to feel guilty about gently starting my day, later and with a stretch and a shower not a demanding workout. I will get back into that routine in good time. But for now, for the next day or so, this is what's best. I am still managing to go for a walk each day- slower and less challenging that usual, but movement and fresh air and thinking time never the less. 

Taking an hour or so after lunch or mid afternoon to read in a cosy spot- ITS OK! In fact, its not just good its NECESSARY at this point. 

Coming in from a walk and taking a long drink of refreshing water and sitting down for a time- all new to me as I usually start straight in to the next task. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy and appreciate every bit of my walks usually, but taking the time to pause, consciously, between each activity or task is really rather new to me and incredibly beneficial and important. 

I've allowed my mind to ponder and dream about a few things and how I'd like a day to look for me in a few years time when I can be home, writing, on my own schedule. 

I've been able to give thought to the coming years, goals, dreams and plans- and picture them more clearly in my head as well and starting to form plans to take me in the direction I wish to travel. 

I have become consciously more grateful and thankful of the wonderous abundance that is life- and health. And a new spark of determination to treasure and nurture this one body- health is everything. Mind and body. And to do the same for my loved ones too so that we may all enjoy what we have been graciously given for many many healthy happy years to come. 

These little bumps are sent to make us re evaluate, pause and take stock. And I'm grateful I was just sick enough to see this, observe it, and prepare to take action with small changes, gentle rest and big ideas. 

Now while there seems to be a pause in the clouds, I'm going to take a walk before a nourishing lunch and a rest with my book. Hopefully with some furry company too. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My Heart and soul feel abundantly full; the most glorious few days in the mountains, beside the icy clear lake and dramatic scenery amongst friends and family - days peppered with adventure, tranquility, exhilarating activities and peaceful rest, spectacular food, and local produce. 

I dearly wanted to stay, day dreamed about relocating, imagined how life would be, drank it all in- every last moment and savored savored savored. 

However, returning late last night to a warm cosy home, all the lamps lit, the cats curled up in front of the fire and everything neat and tidy, was a welcome treat too. On a beach walk locally this afternoon I had to remind myself that although the southern Alps are very very special, where we choose to live our life in this chapter, is pretty darn special too. 

Unfortunately I was sick for the time we were away with a heavy cold, but knowing our time was limited I refused to be dulled by it entirely. My lake side morning and afternoon walks were magically restorative, energizing and the perfect tonic to boost me for the coming day of adventuring or evening of fine dining and socializing. The air is so different, so dry and arid with its iciness. and the light, oooh the light. Words cannot convey the special quality it possesses. 

The joy of watching my girls hurl snow balls and shrieking with laughter and the shock of the icy blow was wonderful. Pottering around little local boutiques with locally produced merino goods and delectable foodie treats, then pausing for a coffee and a nibble. The conviviality of being there in such a big group was such fun and made evenings a real event. 

One particular evening was extra special at an incredible restaurant specializing in locally sourced fare. I enjoyed a very wild pallet that night- with venison, local mushrooms, hare and lamb all from within a few kilometers of where we sat by a roaring open fire, on plush seating, with attentive wait staff, surrounded by deep burgundy walls and cosy from the chill outside. 

But with all that said, the feeling I got as I walked through the pines and redwoods along the lake in the less busy pathways, passing the odd walker and a dog, was what truly fed and filled my soul. I felt my lungs expand in a way that they haven't for many months and my mind quieten. Incredibly precious. 

And while this morning I would dearly loved to have been donning my fleecy leggings, thermals and cashmere hat to have a walk along the water as the pink dawn broke, rather than packing lunches and starting the mountain of laundry that comes hand in hand with a family trip away, I was fortunate enough to have today as breathing space, and to take a walk this afternoon in sunshine on a very quite local beach nd though the bush tracks. very privileged indeed. 

We can find beauty and tranquility where we choose to see it. 

As I'm still feeling under the weather I am also very grateful to have this buffer day before returning to work to recoup, and get re set and organized. I highly recommend taking- if you can- a day either side of a trip to organize and pack and leave your home as you'd wish to find it on your return, and then afterwards to savor your experiences and re group and do the practical things that a are necessary for a stress free reentry into your "every day". 

For this evening, I am really rather excited at the prospect of a large cup of peppermint tea and climbing into bed early to start a new book as I finished my last on the flight home last night. 

Some 'spring-ness' I picked up at the florist today which  divided up around the house to add a little beauty and cheer and some eucalyptus leaves in various vessels also dotted about our home bringing with them their fresh fragrance and uplifting qualities. 

Home is where the heart is.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I like to think I take pause and observe the everyday, every day. This week I have been wonderfully reminded to do so even more as the glorious sunshine has finally decided to break through the rain clouds for more than the briefest of moments. The feeling of it kissing my shin and warming my face as I lifted it to its rays was just wonderful. the warmth was surprising even as the day started so cold and I was wrapped up in many layers while the sun was still low in the sky and working hard to burn off the mist and fog. By late afternoon it was positively spring like! Quite, quite marvelous! 

After many months of no one day being completely dry and far more often than not, very wet indeed, the luxury of being able to go for an afternoon walk with no umbrella, no rain coat and bright blue skies- even returning home with dry toes was quite a treat! I savored every moment and appreciated it all the more. 

It's encouraged me to start thinking about spring being round the corner, and mentally planning the garden jobs I'm looking forward to getting into- planting, tidying and enjoying watching d=spring spring into life. Amazingly, despite the rain and cols the planters on the deck I planted with spring bulbs have already bloomed- the hyacinth's, sadly, have already been and gone and I wasn't able to fully enjoy them as was hardly able to be out of doors much less relaxing on the deck with coffee. I did, however, snip a lone Jonquil- Earlicheer, which I placed in a bud vase on my bedside cabinet- that tiny little rain washed bloom is scenting our entire primary bedroom with is distinctive fragrance. It stops me in my stride if I walk up stairs with clean laundry, or to take my shower- just to take a moment to breath in the scent and appreciate all the nature has miraculously produced from the bulb I planted a few short months ago. 

That analogy can perhaps be applied to our lives, allowing things to take time, having patience AND faith , run their natural course. A seemingly wizened brown papery bulb, laid in damp dark soil, and then a determined green shoot, reaching for the light, growing and strengthening each day, until a bud form and finally bursts forth in all its scented, colorful springtime glory. 

And suddenly its August....

A huge treat this weekend, lakeside dinner at a fabulous French restaurant and an Agatha Christie play at the theatre. Moments to savor indeed. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

In order to be in the presence of mind to allow ourselves to savor and enjoy daily pleasures, we sometimes (Frequently) need to step back a little and observe ourselves then reset and adjust so that we may continue on our chosen paths. 

This week has raced by in the blurry start of a new term and slotting back in to a more demanding schedule. While I began the week with all the best intentions to continue my rather more Zen attitude and not get fraught about minor bumps and mishaps, it didn't take me long to resume, un wittingly, some old habits and thought patterns. 

My determination to:

Focus on positives, and be truly grateful ALL the time

Be acutely aware of my thoughts and intentional manifestations

Eat clean- and more balanced diet with less "treats"

Throw myself more sincerely into my exercise regimen

Write and read more

Take time for tea and rest, prioritize sleep and be ok with pausing through the day to recuperate

All rather too swiftly seemed to take a bit of a back seat as the swirl and hustle of daily family life pushed its way to the forefront. I didn't forget them, but would have to keep reminding my self of them, sometimes rather guiltily. 

Sometimes we just need to look in a slightly new direction to regain that spark on inspiration and drive and then we are off again. Such was my feeling today. It helped it was the weekend and I love waking up on a Saturday morning with the weekend stretching out ahead of me, and time on my side. 

One of the "tools" I implemented today - on the back of realizing many poor food choices this week have been brought on by being over tired and too hungry by the time lunch/dinner rolled round- was to prep lots of nutritious salad and vegetables to throw into salads through the week. I diced, grated and chopped capsicum, radish, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and stewed some home grown rhubarb for breakfast or desert treats. To know its all there within reach ready to go in the fridge feels healthier already and I feel so organized and re motivated because of it. 

The other thing I'm actively working on is giving myself breathing and brain space to write and decide and mull over what I want to write about. Sometimes life gets so jolly busy and I find my brain just frantically listing all the things I have to do I feel there's no space left for creativity or reflection- and that's a pretty slithery slope. Its so important to make time for these things we hold dear and value without them becoming a chore or evoking feelings of guilt, anxiety and inadequacy. 

I so want to write more and more- as well as devour books, but the reality is, practicality mid winter as we are- I'm shattered by 8pm, and all I can manage is to clear up the kitchen, take a shower or bath and re set for the next day, snatching a few minutes in bed to read before my eyes droop and the alarm abruptly wakes me at 5am. 

So we also need to afford ourselves some grace. The feeling of accomplishment and renewed determination from preparing those vegetables, taking a fresh walk, and knowing I have managed most of what was on my to do list today has left me excited for the healthy dinner I have prepared and looking forward to snuggling up later in my beautiful linen sheets to enjoy my book for a while longer than I manage on a school night.  And that's enough. That's ok for today. That's what I needed. 

Its helped enormously this week to buddy with another friend on her health and wellness journey and to hold each other accountable as well as support one another. Its also great comfort that we all have days it doesn't quite go to plan, we cave and eat that biscuit- or 3, but the important bit is to move forward. Learn but don't dwell. Progress not perfection. 

I also felt strongly on my walk my desire and sincere urge to want to WRITE. I hold tight to my vision, my dream,  of working from home, rising early and writing in the peace of a sleeping household while in my robe with coffee, taking my dog for a walk (I don't actually have one yet but its a lifelong dream to have my own pooch) , coming home to write a bit more, do some chores, prepare nutritious food and spend quality time with my family when they all come piling through the door. One day this will all be so. But for the time being, I need to keep my vision alive, stay motivated, keep feeling excited about the future, without wishing away the present, as this, each moment, the every days, are the equally important path to get there. LIFE

I can look forward to a long walk in nature early tomorrow with a dear friend and her pooch- I can borrow the feeling of being a dog owner for a couple of hours.

X

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I am not a big Instagram (or any other social media) Scroller, but this little gem popped up on my feed yesterday and it really spoke to me. Not the statistics- as I imagine they are questionable, but the sentiment. And this applies if you have children, grandchildren, fur babies, a spouse or partner or live alone. 

This week I am the very proud Mama of a 16 year old, who has blossomed into a new found independence and maturity - seemingly over night, with the acquisition of a car, a learners license, and a job all in the space of a week!

My Baby Girl. Where have the years vanished?

This precious little dot is growing into a strident confident young woman. And it serves to remind me that all things change, in some way or another, things develop, progress, mature, pass, and if we are too busy with life- we miss it. Nothing ever remains truly the same. 

And we can apply, and should apply this to every element of our daily lives. The seasons, the weather, our homes, our gardens, our travel, our relationships. If we are too bust looking forward, searching the next thing, the item we need, the person we long for, the perfect.... (insert whatever it might be for you) We miss all the wonderous things that are right there in front of us now, today. 

We may not enjoy the wintry months, but we can enjoy pockets of what they uniquely provide and allow- cosy fires, twinkling lights, crisp frosty mornings, comforting stews and casseroles, warm scones, seasonal vegetables, our pets indoors more enjoying the warmth, feather duvets, warm throw blankets, skiing, - all of those magical things, those elements you do enjoy, even if perhaps sleet and windy train stations are not on your list, embrace and enjoy those you do love, and that do make that part of the year, season, week , special to you. That bring joy- even on a small level. These elements are not present in the other warmer months, those are what make you appreciate the warm sun, the spring bulbs, the longer days, the fresh asparagus, the sparkling sea, all the more. So don't wish them away.

Countless times when my girls were very young I was told "It'll go so fast", "Blink and you'll miss it", "you wait, they'll be teens soon" , " They'll be into your shoes and makeup in no time"..... They were right. They were so very right, and wise.  For all those bathtimes where I was on my knees I was so exhausted, all those broken nights sleep, all those clean ups of under the high chair and sticky fingers, all those bedtime stories, all those post bath snuggles, little visitors climbing into bed at the crack of dawn for a story- I should have savored them more. I should have rushed them less. 

We are in a new chapter now where most evenings I am the first in bed (Often shortly followed by my husband) and then we are visited by one then they other, sometimes with a cat or two in tow, sometimes the whole family are on the bed while I try to read, and while I very much may want to finish that chapter, turn out my light, get an extra half hours sleep as tomorrows a busy day: one day, I know,  I'll find I wont have visitors, they'll be busy out with friends, at university, or reading stories to their own cosy bundles. 

While we are in the depths of winter here in the Southern Hemisphere- and even I am getting a little tired of the persistent rain and soggy, un mow-able garden -on the other side of the world a lack of rain and searing temperatures keep me in check, remind me that our summer is coming, but the beauty and comfort of winter is here now, to enjoy, and savor. 

My walk today took me past my sheep friends and down a track where the long fallen autumn leaves were still so vibrant in colour, set off even more by such a dark gloomy day, yet Autumn is long behind us, it reminds us that these seasons, and these years, speed by. We need to remember to pause, savor and be present before they've gone, again. 

 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Its been a very mixed bag of a week! My beloved Hubby returned from 3 weeks in the UK on Monday, which is absolutely marvelous. Gosh I missed him. So a very early pre dawn up and out to the airport where I sat in my big woolen double breasted coat nursing a (Very average) coffee until his familiar bags appeared on the trolley before him through the sliding doors. 

The week took off from there really with juggling a jet lagged husband and on Tuesday taking our eldest to training for a new job across tow. Except we didn't quite get there- for the first time in my life we got a flat tyre. Not just a puncture but completely and utterly pancaked.  We pulled over- possibly later than would be ideal when driving on that much of a flat (!) and after establishing how bad it was we limped to a nearby garage. While the day involved ALOT of waiting around and clearly unfolded nothing like I'd planned or anticipated, even during our mini crisis I was able to feel gratitude for all the things that did go right and the way it all came together and people kind people who were willing to help. Daddy came to the rescue immediately and despite having pretty much just arrived at his office, came straight back to collect our daughter so that she was still able to get to her job- if a few minutes late. 

By chance, there was one of our favorite cafes a stones throw form where my immobilized car was parked, so somewhere warm to sit and decent coffee (and a bathroom!) as I waited for the tow truck my husband had organized. On returning to my car to wait for the truck when I knew it was immanent, a thoughtful member of the public had left me a note on my windscreen to let me know about the tyre incase I hadn't seen and tried to drive away - damaging the wheel in the process.  So simple but heartwarming that someone took the time out of their day for no gain whatsoever other than to look out for another's well being. 

Anyway, a tow truck, a tyre center, and Uber and a lift back to collect my car later- yes the day hadn't panned out even remotely how I'd planned, my to do list looked exactly as it did at 6.30am, but I was safely home, with my car on the drive with two shiny new tyres. I was so very grateful and appreciative of all the little things that transpired to what prevented it from being a far more stressful and horrible day- Hot coffee, kind people, wintry sunshine, and a husband and Mother who sprung into action to help. Even my daughter -who could have added to the stress by fretting about being late to a new job (as, frankly, I certainly would have)  kept calm throughout. I came home too late to really enjoy a walk and fresh air before dark, so I took the opportunity for a pot of tea and a slice of grannies delicious lemon cake!

A day or so later, having been inspired by a podcast on spring cleaning and home organization, I felt the urge to tackle a kitchen cupboard which has been bothering me for some time- if I'm really honest , possibly since we moved into the house over 3 years ago, when it al just got unpacked and put away. 

I took all the pots, pans, skillets, Dutch ovens, colanders and pot lids out and put them on the bench. I wanted to clean out the cupboard itself and assess anything I didn't really use or was juts being stored and no longer useful. Half way through this process my youngest daughter decided to join me, so between us we emptied, cleaned, sorted and edited the pot cupboard and the drawers and cupboards I keep casserole dishes, all bakeware and all mixing bowls etc in. 

For a little while the Kitchen and Kitchen table was in chaos with every inch covered, but then it started to clear, the box of donations grew, the cupboards and drawers were refilled in a methodical, logical manner with only what I require and use, and our sense of satisfaction and achievement grew.  

Once it was all reorganized and the Kitchen was neat and tidy again, I went for a slightly damp walk (The rain is utterly relentless this winter) and my sense of accomplishment was palpable! 

Upon my return as the twilight fell, I began to prepare dinner and it felt such a luxury and so completely satisfying to be using my newly organized storage. I was literally smiling and savoring the simple act of reaching for a pot! It felt like such a makeover, I was as pleased as I would have been - almost- with a kitchen remodel! It made preparing dinner that night such a pleasure- and emptying the dishwasher afterwards, and has inspired me to keep going - the buzz is infectious and I cant wait to tackle some more organization these school holidays so that the start of the new term can feel calm, organized and ready for anything. 

This feeling, this beautifully organized kitchen, this sense of drive and enthusiasm for a "spring" clean, comes at no other cost than my time, its completely free, and yet the gain is priceless! Cheap thrills indeed. I highly recommend it! Once you get stuck in and reap the rewards from just a simple 5 minute drawer organization even, it becomes infectious. I now have a beautifully organized bathroom vanity drawer, and an edited wardrobe and am exciting to get going today and enjoy the feeling later.

My long awaited Harney & sons tea arrived within moments of my beautiful Brown Betty teapot in Cobalt blue I'd ordered on Wednesday afternoon, so I took that as an absolute cue to sit down and savor a cuppa with my book on the sofa for a few quiet moments. It was so hood I did it again the following day and added some toast (Vogels  for the Kiwis) and jam with dripping butter, No that doesn't quite fit in with my health and wellness goals but boy, it was such a yummy treat! With a crackling fire, an Emma Bridgewater tray loaded with scrumptious deliciousness and my brown betty sitting happily, I couldn't have felt much happier in that moment.