Back from my hols..

I had such a lovely break I was actually a bit tired and grumpy when I got home which is not like me, I miss living by the sea sometimes, the urban lifestyle is hip but sometimes I crave big open spaces! No that's not the beginnings of itchy foot syndrome again, I've had enough moving to last me a life time. Did you know I have lived in 27 different places in my life, which is ridiculous and verging on nomadic.

Spending my birthday afternoon on the beach collecting shells and crabbing was perfect. At about six, when the shadows were long and the wind dropped it was just beautiful, the light was incredible and the skies dramatic.

The girls made me this heap of cup cakes for breakfast (they were very keen but it was a bit early for butter icing so I saved them for lunch!)

On a more contemplative note...

A dear friend of mine has just discovered her mother is seriously ill and only has months to live. It's so hard seeing a friend so upset but these times are when we need to look at our own lives and question what we're doing.

Being a sensitive soul, I often think about making the most of my life and what's important. For me, it's making great memories with my family, my husband and my children. It's been a long journey but the small things in life are the best for me. Waking up and cuddling my children, really talking to my husband - sharing our good days and bad days, having a glass of wine with friends or a big meal with family. Community and charity work too - sometimes doing a good deed makes you feel happier than the person who benefits from it.

We think we love the material things in life but nothing fulfills us more than good relationships. On that note, I leave you to your Easter weekend, call a friend, see family, go for a walk and a long chat, enjoy the great people and simple things in your life.

I'm in love (again)..

Spring is finally in the air and after an inspiring chat with a lovely friend who shares my love of all things caravan and outdoors, I had to share this beauty with you, click on the pic to see the whole flickr stream...

All we need now is the smell of matches and camping gas, bring on summer!

Bring on spring (pleeeeeease!)..

I am so utterly desperate to feel some warm sunshine on my face, hear insects buzzing again and birds singing in the trees, I'm going bonkers.

As a bit of a kickstart I've got all my windowboxes full of little green shoots promising to burst out into colour in a few weeks. Sometimes at night when I'm reading, I turn my reading light by the window onto my shoots on the windowledge and say hello to my little friends.

The house is also full of hyacinths and smells amazing, all I need now is a bit less snow and a bit more sunshine. I can recommend blue hyacinths and Jasmine as a heady mix.

Autumn is upon us...

Now I remember why I painted my garden gate hot pink all those years ago! Every October I have an autumn treat with these beautiful leaves.

I've just invested in a giant and very gorgeous red Le Creuset casserole pot so i can cook up some autumn flavours. Just right for hot casseroles to warm your cockles on dark autumn evenings. The added bonus is the house is full of cosy cooking smells whilst I work. If any of you have some good slow cooking recipes - let me have them, I can't wait to get cooking!

I'm in love with...

...these cute little boats and lanterns by Jurianne Matter. Her paperwork is available on notonthehighstreet.com. What's not to love, the colours, pattern, styling and vintage maps to boot!

This weekend, right after the crafters meet up at the design centre cafe, I'm going apple picking! The idea is that volunteers (me) pick excess fruit from garden trees and take them to people who need them such as refuges and hostels. I absolutely LOVE helping people so this is a win win situation, plus I get to spend an afternoon climbing trees - yay!

Here's something appley to celebrate:
Apple broaches by Kat Boon Design - very autumnal!

UPDATE:

I'm putting on my heels and I'm off for a summery drink and an Indi film at the cornerhouse. I can get my fix of hustle and bustle down Oxford street.

Yay for a bit of fun!

Wild Swimming

The weather has just been too amazing for blogging!!! I've become lazy and haven't checked in for over a week. Hopefully you've all been outside too.

After my last post of Proper Camping, this week I have been mostly Wild Swimming. Heat in the city makes it really vibrant: HUGE afros, cool shades and t's, base pumping from cars, everybody out chatting, kids playing out on the street, hedge trimmers, ice-cream vans, the yout hanging out in the park. The cocophany of an urban summer. But when it all get's too noisy, it's time to escape the hot urban sprawl and go Wild Swimming.

That first dive in is totally FREEZING, but after your skin goes numb and you get your breath back you're fine. Having lived here for 15 years now I have my secret spots but there will be a place near you to swim outdoors so go on the wild swimming website and find one!

There's nothing more amazing! Just remember not to wear body lotion, hair products or anything toxic that will wash off in the water - remember living things share these waters with you.