Life at the moment

It's been an uplifting past month or so. The weather has been improving and we've been getting outside enjoying more sunshine and warm weather. I've established new routines and habits, I've taken a few leaps and have planned a few exciting things for the next few months. This is what my life is looking like at the moment ...

Making...my crochet blocks bigger and growing my ripple blanket row by row

Re-establishing...a balance, making decisions and plans

Getting...up early and doing yoga each day

Using...my fringe hours to get tasks done and my passions fitted into my working week

Reading...inspirational books and implementing key practices

Taking....a leap and booking onto Blogtacular, a blogging conference

Getting...outside to tidy up our garden and sort out our garden space

Planning...and booking a long awaited holiday to Sicily with Mr C

Looking...forward to July when I can start using my new Get to Work Planner

Making...key decisions about new learning and development for later this year

Smelling...the delicious scent of stocks filling our home

Seeing...brilliant friends and my fab family for catch ups

Touching...the herbs in our herb bed and enjoying the smells that waft through the air

Preparing...delicious salads for lunch each day, full of colour and flavour

Smiling...at the bright flowers in our garden

Pottering...in the garden and contemplating what type of greenhouse to buy

Waiting...patiently for the geraniums to flower in our window boxes

Reflecting...on life, taking time to breathe and take stock of my thoughts and plans

Documenting...life using photographs and memories in my Project Life album

Life at the moment

April has arrived and the past few weeks have flown by, with a glorious Easter bank holiday weekend and a week of warm days I've at last managed to finally compile this post.

There's something about this time of the year and those first few days of warmth and sunshine that take me back to spring and summer days of the past. Odd feelings of having to do exam revision vs sitting in the sunshine, and giddy feelings of lighter evenings and feeling more enthused to do things after work, have been bubbling in me this week.

I've had a busy few weeks in my day job as projects and workload have ramped up to an all time high. Taking time to write has had a little bit of a back seat but I'm now off work for a week of annual leave so I'm back! I've been busy filling the past month or so with lots of things, life at the moment has been about...

Enjoying...spring flowers in our home, buying a few bunches of daffodils to brighten up our home.

Painting...our guest room over a weekend. From a bright yellow colour that was here when we moved in, to a fresh white, at last we feel that this room feels like our own. There are still pictures to hang, an office space to sort, a quilt and roman blind to make, but we now have a blank canvas to create a great spare room. The rest of the house is painted in colours that we are happy with but bit by bit we will add more of a personal touch to the decorating.

Seeing...lots of friends for catch ups, from drinks, dinner and Skype dates with my friends dotted around the world. Time to catch up, share news, get advice and thoughts, it has made the past month really great. 

Making...almond butter, a yummy breakfast smoothie and chia seed cookies from the Deliciously Ella cookbook. I've also had my first experience of making a homemade pizza one weekend. I've got some perfecting to do with the depth of the base, but it was yummy! Getting back into the kitchen and trying to cook and make new things gives me a real buzz. 

Reading...I'm still loving spending time reading books and I have just finished this lovely book Play Big by Tara Mohr. It's been a great companion for my journey to work and when I've taken some time out to read in the evenings. I've been thinking about my inner critic and my inner mentor and how it effects what I do try and achieve. 

I've started reading a new book this week called Better than Before - Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchin Rubin. I read Gretchin's other book The Happiness Project last year so I'm looking forward to getting stuck into her new book.

Sewing...taking some time to get back on the sewing machine making quilt blocks as part of my Farmer's Wife quilt project. 

Researching...greenhouses, sheds, raised beds and all things gardening. Yesterday I headed to our local garden centre to start costing up the plants for the garden and getting an idea of what I'd like to grow. I had planned to pick up a few seeds and ended up buying a few things for me. It's my birthday in a few days so I wanted a treat or two!

Digging...up the huge roots of the plants I've removed from our garden a few weeks ago. I got into the swing of things and started digging the ground and marking up where we want to have a few raised beds in the garden.

Making...Easter tree decorations. I love these corkscrew hazel branches and a few days before Easter I decided that this year I would start a tradition of creating an Easter tree. I decorate the branches at Christmas so I thought it may be nice to have them decorated at Easter too. I bought a small pack of chicks, two wooden rabbits and five polystyrene eggs from a craft shop that I covered in bright fabric scraps. I made a few small pom poms to add more colour to the tree. It made me smile and I finished it in an afternoon.

Relaxing...with my blue herringbone blanket, cups of tea and my crochet hook, creating row upon row of treble crochet creating my colourful ripple blanket. I'm really loving this hobby as an escape and feeling more confident with my skills.

Joining...a crochet class and learning to crochet a bunting triangle. At last I think I'm getting it!

Reviewing...my plans for the next few months and trying to focus on My One Thing.

Arranging...our book collection on the alcove shelving and cupboard that Mr C built in our dining room. I'm in love the new chunky white shelving that Mr C made, I think he's pretty pleased with his handiwork too!

Listening to...the new Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds album Chasing Yesterday, and inspiring podcasts. This week I felt really energised by Elise Get's Crafty podcast where Elise interviewed Amy Tan about making your own creative path, so check it out. Plus I'm really pleased to see the return of The Lively Show podcast where Jess talked to Hal Elrod about his inspiring story and about his Miracle Mornings. Truly inspiring and food for thought! It's made me consider changing my morning routine.

Pre-ordering...a birthday treat for me, a new daily planner. The planner starts from July 2015 through to July 2016. It's called Get To Workbook created by one of my favourite bloggers Elise Blaha Cripe. If you read Elise's blog each day please do go an support her with her exciting launch. I can't wait to get this in my hands!

Simplifying...from time to time I feel that I'm getting closer to my word. When decisions need to be made I've been looking to my word, but it's sometimes been tricky to simplify when I've been busy. I'm doing a few small things to move closer to the word filling my weeks and being part of me.

Life at the moment

It's been an odd week for me. I've been in bed since Thursday with what is quite possibly flu and I am still snuggled in bed today. I'm rarely unwell so it's times like this when I realise how much strength our bodies have and how much I get done on a normal day.

As usual I don't like sitting still and try and run before I can walk when trying to get better. I thought I'd give it a bash doing a bit of work from home on Friday, I managed a bit but after a few hours of sitting up at the desk I was totally wiped out and just needed to sleep. Yesterday I got out of bed, did a few little chores round the house and sat on the sofa convinced I'd be better by today. But no, today I'm feeling pretty worn out and unwell. I thought by now the aches and fever would've gone but I'm still feeling really rotten and pretty wiped out.

I am determined to post here once a week so I thought I'd do a round up of a few things...so life at the moment for me has been about...

Sleeping...in the day. I'm never one for sleeping in and am quite an early riser even at the weekends so sleeping during the day and resting has been a big part of the past few days. I'm appreciating the comfort of our bed and the cosiness of our lovely home.

Enjoying...my seven year anniversary with Mr C at the beginning of the week and being surprised with flowers. I've been feeling spoilt with another set of flowers from Mr C's parents too.

Cancelling...our Valentine's dinner party plans with friends, and a Sunday crochet catch up with a friend.

Trying...to feel normal by getting out of bed, getting ready...then shortly afterwards feeling like a zombie and heading back to bed to rest.

Reading...and finishing my new book that arrived in the post this week. I really enjoyed 'the one thing' concept that the book is focused around and will try and work this into each day.

Drawing...up a rough diagram and plan of our garden redesign and laughing at how bad my drawing ability still is. I've been itching to get outside in the garden to start measuring up and start digging but I need to get a plan in place and get some research sorted too.

Taking...time to read magazines in between snoozing. I'm loving these magazines at the moment.

Drinking...lots of water. I finally managed a cup of tea yesterday afternoon, oh how I've missed it! 

Loving...the return of the Great British Sewing Bee. I'm normally really inspired to try a few new things on my sewing machine but haven't had the energy this week and feel I haven't reached my normal buzz for it, I'm sure it will return.

Eating...Heinz organic tomato soup and granary seeded bread. A little piece of heaven eaten in my PJs at the kitchen table.

Receiving...a weekend postal delivery of Project Life scrapbooking goodies from Studio Calico. It made my day! I opened the box and love these supplies this month. I adore the pastel shades of pink and mint green with the metallic gold embellishments.

Appreciating...the simple pleasure of warmth created by a woollen blanket, thick socks and a snuggly fleece keeping me cosy.

Resting...just laying, sitting and snoozing. Trying to keep things simple.

Missing...hooky time. I haven't done any crochet this week and am really missing it. I don't have a clear enough head or the concentration I'd need to keep it neat.

Making...plans for when I'm full of energy again. The mornings are getting lighter and I fancy starting to run again. I dabbled in running a year or so ago but stopped. We have a lovely park really close by that would be perfect, I need to get my confidence back and just start. I fancy fitting in a bit of yoga into my week again too. I think it's probably cabin fever setting in but I just want to get moving again.

I hope you are having a good week. Sending you lots of love this Valentine's weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

Life at the moment

Well, December flew by didn't it! I can't believe that I have finally managed to sit down and write for the first time in over three weeks. It's been a busy month!

Life at the moment for me has been about...

Finishing...work and taking time off for two whole weeks, to say that this year has been a challenge feels like an under statement. It's been the busiest, most challenging and toughest year of my working career. A year of staying strong and just keeping going. I'm now enjoying a well earned break...

Singing...along to Christmas tunes each day

Preparing...our home for Christmas. We bought a real Christmas tree this year and love all of the red and white scandi style decorations I've collected over the years

Making...a few new Christmas additions to our decorations this year, a cushion and a draught excluder.

Watching...and admiring Mr C's woodworking skills. Mr C has been creating alcove shelving, a cupboard and kitchen shelving during December. I'm super proud and impressed, it's made our home feel so lovely just before the big day

Spending...quality time with our family during the Christmas week

Hosting...Christmas Day for friends! The day was brilliant with a delicious spread of food cooked by Mr C

Tidying...our spare room and corners of our home ready for our friends staying at Christmas and New Year

Receiving...parcels, lovely cards and gifts. I didn't have time or head space this year to do cards, we decided to donate to a charity very close to our hearts.

Relaxing...under a gorgeous new blue herringbone blanket, it has been on my wish list for quite a while.

Reflecting...on the past year

Planning...and thinking about what I hope for during 2015

Loving...the twinkling fairy lights and glow of candle light at dusk

Documenting...the month with Ali Edward's December Daily process and Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas

Updating...my Project Life album and catching up with the few missing weeks I haven't quite finished

Smelling...our tree each morning and lighting scented candles filling our home with delicious smells

Reading...blogs and magazines that have been piling up high over the past two months

Embracing...December for all that it brings

Kissing...Mr C under the mistletoe


I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas break and wishing you all a happy new year!

Life at the moment

October has flown by and I cannot believe it is the end of the month already. Life at the moment for me has been about...

Seeing...family and friends for weekend catch ups in our new home.

Visiting...the shops, cafes and restaurants near our new home and enjoying being able to shop local at the weekends in our local butchers, bakers and green grocers.

Harvesting - home grown carrots, I don't think they were meant to be quite so small but they were super tasty in a slow roasted casserole we had last weekend.

Organising...and printing some of my recent photos for my Project Life album.

Getting...back on the sewing machine after many many months off. It felt great sitting in my craft studio space in our attic practicing cutting fabric and sewing a few blocks for my new quilt.

Waiting...for a fabric delivery. I have a day off at home today and I'm eagerly waiting to see if the signed for delivery will arrive today. I can't wait to unpack the fabric and get started on my new quilt.

Listening...to Deacon Blue's Greatest Hits, a favourite album of mine when I was younger

Watching...Strictly Come Dancing, it's one of my favourite programs of the autumn months. My feet get twitchy watching it, perhaps its the ex-ballroom and latin dancer in me wanting to make an appearance again. Maybe one day I'll pop on those shoes again and cha cha across the dance floor.

Making...time to reinvigorate my connection with my hobbies and interests. I've been catching up with unread magazines, reading a few books, planning my new quilt, sorting out my craft space, drafting ideas for our garden changes.

Crunching...autumn leaves underfoot and watching the leaves dance along the road on breezy days

Reviewing...my goals. This month I took two days of annual leave from work and went on a taster coaching course. I met some amazing and inspiring people who shared my energy and passion for wanting to develop and help others develop. I spent the two days thinking about my goals and putting actions in place. It's great seeing how powerful achieving small actions can be when you are working towards a big goal.

Enjoying...seeing lots of pretty flowers around the house throughout the month. The orchid flowered a few days before we moved in September and it is still going strong.

Smelling...the perfume from these gorgeous lilies each time I step in the house. They were a gift from friends and I love them.

Embracing...all the changes happening around me. I'm still riding the wave of change at work and proud that I'm managing to stay strong and focused. I'm finally embracing the volume of tasks and emails that now form my day job, I hope that things will slow down soon.

Writing...up my thoughts for my One Little Word course and realising how powerful the word Embrace has been for me over the past 10 months.

Enjoying...the unseasonably warm and sunny weather we have had during the month. I secretly want to be wearing my winter clothes, boots and scarves.

Life at the moment

Over the past few weeks I've been...

Smiling...from ear to ear that I've grown these marigolds from seed.

Enjoying...quality time with my family and with Mr C. 

Loving...the city we live in. Bristol comes alive in the summer with festival upon festival, this weekend it was the Harbour Festival. Mr C and I took a ride on this big wheel enjoying the views over our city and watching the sun go down.

Listening...to a number of inspiring podcasts by Elise Blaha Cripe. Check out Elise Gets Crafty, I've been listening to this for a few months now and love it!

Loving...my new house plant, a little fern.

Watching...the last three episodes of How I Met Your Mother back to back and having a little blub! It reminded me of when Friends finished all those years ago. The end of an era.

Making...a few crochet squares after a busy day at work and remembering how much I love having hooky time.

Relaxing...on a deckchair in our courtyard garden and enjoying an elderflower gin and tonic after a busy week.

Eating...a yummy tapas lunch at No Man's Grace to celebrate a friend's birthday.

Wrapping...packing and sending a special parcel of bon voyage goodies to a great friend and wishing her lots of luck, positivity and bravery for their year ahead working in gorgeous Sydney, Australia. 

Researching...designs and patterns for my new quilt

Counting...down to our summer holiday with friends!

Life at the moment

Over the past month I've been...

Enjoying...the photos I took on our Copenhagen holiday in April and remembering the pretty pink blossoms that lined our walk into the centre of the city each day

Watching...cheesy rom com movies whilst nursing a nasty cold

Reading...My Heart Wanders by Pia Jane Pijkerk, Thrive by Arianna Huffington, and catching up on my favourite magazines over cups of tea

Listening...to Happy by Pharrell Williams on repeat, singing the words out loud (badly!) and dancing around the flat

Learning...more things about web coding and Photoshop

Catching up...with great friends over dinner and drinks in the sunshine, and enjoying long distance Facetime catch ups

Loving...the yearly bloom of wild flowers on my walk to work

Reflecting...on learnings from the Blogging Your Way and Do What You Love e-courses, and the new things I want to bring into my life

Planning...my new and improved blog schedule...watch this space

Creating...my new embroidered Pink Button Tree blog header

Finishing...writing blog posts that I've been planning and thinking about for a while

Waving...goodbye to my fabulous team and great friends...Onwards...good luck girls, I'm missing you loads already.

Wearing...my favourite blue and white striped t-shirts and my coral pink hearts scarf

Eating...lots of asparagus, fish, and fabulous meals made by Mr C

Watching...the plants grow in our garden

Embracing...the start of a new phase in my life. There's lots of change happening and I'm excited and nervous at the same time.