Listpgraphy: Top 5 Photos of 2013

Another listography from the lovely Kate at Kate Takes 5, my top 5 photos from 2013.
I love taking photos of everything that goes on in my life! Sometimes I think I take a few too many, but that's another story ;-)

1) Ok, so technically I didn't take this one, but in January my life was completed by the arrival of my Little Miss! This is my favourite family photo we ever had taken! So sad to think that we won't be having anymore like this :-(

2) I am soooo lucky to live near some beautiful lakes at out Nature Discovery Centre. I love taking the kids there to play in the adventure parks, have a lovely walk and feed the ducks and swans. This is one of my 'trying to be arty' photos - I just love it! Swans are just so graceful and the picture acts as a reminder of fun times at the lakes - jumping in the puddles, teaching Little Man how to play 'Pooh Sticks' and just enjoying a beautiful place :-)

3) My yummy kids! This has to be the best photo I've ever managed to take of my kids! It was not planned, just in the spur of the moment, as the kids messed around on the play mat!

 

4) It may be a little fuzzy, but catching my Little Miss actually smiling is a rare treat!

5) I just love the expression of Little Man here - makes me chuckle every time I look at it :-)

So, what was your 2013 like?

Listography - My Life in Books

Another brilliant list from the lovely Kate at Kate takes 5, this week focusing on books you've read and loved throughout your life - so I just had to join in ;-)

1. One, Two, Three and Away series.
Featuring; Roger Red Hat, Billy Blue Hat and Johnny and Jennifer Yellow Hat and Percy Green - these were the first books I ever remember reading! The Village with Three Corners - oh soo many memories! (I'll admit, I had to google the name of the series, as all I could remember were the character names, though I forgot Percy Green, heehee!)


2.The Hero of Hamblett
This was by far my favourite book for my dad to read at bedtime! My brother and I would either curl up on his bed, or mine, with my dad in the middle and I can remember finding this sooo funny!
What's even better, is that I found that copy not long ago, so Little Man will be able to enjoy it at bedtime too!


3. Roald Dahl
He was the author of my Primary School years! I adored reading all of his books! He painted amazing worlds were children could stand up for themselves and achieve fantastic feats! He showed how the 'under-dog' could outsmart even the evillest of villains in the end! He really sparked my imagination and love of reading!


4. Jane Austen
When I hit my late teens, with the help of the oh so yummy Mr Darcy (played by Colin Firth) showing each week, plus my dad's enthusiasm, my love of Jane Austen was born! I have read and re-read them over and over and over again! They have a special place in my heart and live on the shelf of my bedside locker, so are always at hand when I need them! I tend to read them when life gets tough, or problematic - I can loose myself in her words, like greeting an old friend, instantly transporting me to my comfort zone ;-)
Although my love began with Pride and Prejudice, it is Persuasion that is my firm favourite now! Weird how things change as you grow older, huh!


5. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
Thanks to the hype of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, my love of mysteries based in history and religion began. Labyrinth was one of the gems I found at this time and instantly, I loved it! The way the 2 stories of Alais and Alice wove in and out, the twists, the imagery... I could go on for ages, so better stop ;-)


(All images taken from Google image search)

So there you have it, these are the books that make up my life, so far! Many, many more could have made the list though ;-)
Off to have a look at some other book lists now, then I might be inspired and find new authors and genres to read next :-)

Listography: Simple Pleasures

Yaaaaaay! Listography time again! I think I now have a bit of an obsession with Listography, and get just a teeny bit excited when I see that Kate from Kate Takes 5, has posted a new list (I know, small things, heehee!) 

Anywho, this weeks theme is Top 5 Simple Pleasures, so here we go:

1. Hugs

image from google

I absolutely LOVE hugs!  and am a very huggy person!

Such a simple thing that can make you feel so much better, in seconds!

What's even better, is that hugs have sooo many uses. There are hugs of friendship and of love. Hugs to make hurt feelings or 'owies' better. Hugs to greet when you meet a friend, or farewell hugs to see you though the whole day. I'd better stop now, before I go too 'hug-listing' mad ;-)

I love hugs with close family and friends. Little Miss will let me hug and kiss her forever! Sadly, Little Man is now far too old for kisses now - at the oh so 'grown-up' age of 4 1/2 ;-) but I'm still allowed my daily hug fix! We have now advanced to the ultimate hug - 'skwudges' which are just the longest, tightest, bestest hugs ever ;-) My favourite hugs are those last hugs of the day, as I put my tired little kiddies to bed. That final gesture of love and protection, to see them safely through the night. *happy sigh*

2. Chocolate

I have a need for chocolate. Nothing more to say on this ;-)

3. A tidy, organised room.

I love it when a room in our house of 'organised chaos' finally gets a good tidy and sort out. I'm not into the whole minimalist look; where it looks like you're constantly waiting for a style magazine to drop by for a surprise photo-shoot, or worse still the 'museum home' where you just don't touch anything, ever! But I do like the sense of achievement, when you've bust a gut to clean and tidy everything into its place, and it finally looks organised, but lived in!

(I really, really want to put home, but it's just not realistic yet! Since hubby leaving last November, we have started the 'great big house sort' project and are getting there very, very slowly!)

4. Flowers

bluebells growing in our
front garden :-)

I think flowers are just beautiful! They have the ability to light up a gloomy room, or just to remind me how amazing nature is!

As I have an amazing knack of killing all flowers, potted plants, (even a cactus now!) so I prefer wild flowers or garden flowers ;-)   

I have a love of roses inherited from my Grannie and Granpie, who had stunning flower beds dedicated to them! I also adore fuscias, daisies and bluebells! The only tattoo I have is of bluebells and if I'm ever brave enough to get another one, it'll be daisies :-)

5. Clean sheets!

This might sound completely nutts, but there's just nothing like climbing into bed after another exhausting day, and have the gentle aroma of 'clean sheets' (fabric softener usually!) waft over you as you snuggle down for a good nights sleep! Clean sheets also have that lovely 'clean feel' that just isn't there by the end of the week, and I think that actually helps me sleep better!

So there you go, my top 5 simple pleasures in life.

Now time to link up and get looking at all the other lists :-)

Listography: top 5 personal achievements of 2013

Oooh another lovely Listography this week, achievements this time. (check out Kate takes 5, to view and share your own!)

1. My gorgeous Little Miss arrived 6th January! Even though she was late, she was my little miracle, as my hubby's family only ever have boys! Plus I managed on gas and air only, as I didn't have time for pethidine like I wanted, heehee!

2. I finally made my first pieces of jewellery - something I've wanted to do for ages :-)

3. I have finally found my spiritual self and am the happiest I've been in so long. I'm now a 'born again' (don't know if that's the right term?) Christian and feel so much more calm and at peace! Been especially important in recent troubled times! I'm looking forward to hopefully getting Confirmed some time in 2014!

(Ok, I'm struggling a bit to think of 2 more, might have to come back in a bit!)

4. I'm no longer afraid of the future!
Since leaving teaching back in 2010 / 2011 I have felt really lost, as it was my 'plan' for my future since I was 5! I was married, had Little man and had no clue where I was going, which was such a new experience it completely freaked me out! All of my life-long plans were either fulfilled or no longer applicable!
Due to some really hard times in the last month, (which I'll blog about soon), I have found my inner strength at last and am actually looking forward to the multitude of opportunities my future could hold!

5. I have finally started winning with my ongoing battle of severe depression and post-natal depression. (Will blog in more detail soon) but v long story short, my new meds are working brilliantly :-D Have finally started to feel like 'me' again!

Looking back, a strange mix of achievements, but at least I managed to achieve something ;-)

Listography - Oh I have missed you!!

The wonderful Kate over at Kate takes 5 has started her Listography going again! So so exciting!
This week she is being helped by older single mum and the theme is guilty pleasures! (take two!)

I wasn't blogging the first time this theme was shared, but even if you were, it's still a chance to have a look back and see if any have changed!
Don't forget to check out some of the other lists and maybe add your own!

So here we go, my top 5 guilty pleasures: (all images from google search)

1) Johnny Depp! Mmmmm...

I just think he's not only gorgeous, but such a great actor too! My favourite character he plays is Jack Sparrow, he just makes me laugh and for some weird reason I think he's yummy!! This guilty pleasure has caused slight embarrassment, as I follow a fan page on facebook and have had to cut down on the amount of yummy pictures I kept sharing, as I annoyed a few friends - woops! To be fair they were men, so perhaps they just don't understand, heehee! (even more secret, is sometimes I still post loads, but just to show on my own page, heehee!)

2) Nutella, eaten from the jar with a spoon!

3) Freshly baked treats! I'm really sneaky and have to try a cookie / cake/ whatever I've baked before anyone else! I justify it as quality testing ;-)

4) Spicy coated nut cracker thingies.

If you have a Co-op, that's where I found them. They're similar to Japanese rice cracker nuts, but way way better! I can eat a whole packet (or 2!) all to myself! They aren't huge packets, but I still hate sharing!

5) Ice cream! This is saved for when I'm feeling really rubbish! It depends on my mood as to which flavour I have; the top favourites at the moment are Ben and Jerry's Phish Food, Caramel Chew Chew or Karamel Sutra. 

These are usually devoured in one evening!! (V bad!) Only very occasionally can I restrain myself and save some for another day ;-)

So there you go, my guilty pleasures!

Off to have a look at some other lists :-)

Listograpy: 5 things that are better than One Direction

Oh how I have missed listography (is that really sad??)
I found one today from the lovely Kate from Kate Takes 5 and just had to join in!
Theme this time is 5 things that are better than One Direction (5 things I'd like my little ones to look forward to / experience in their life, that are better then One Direction!)

So here we go!

1. True love.
The unconditional kind that makes you feel needed, loved and special just for being you! I truly found my soul mate in my hubby and count my blessings every day he still sticks with me ;) He is my friend and lover all-in-one! I hope that my little ones find someone that makes them blissfully happy, and then can enjoy growing old together.

2. Happiness.
I rate happiness as one of my top priorities in life, and am so lucky to have experienced lots of things so far that have made me happy - teaching, crafting, playing the viola, reading, watching films and many more! I'd love my little ones find things that makes them happy, even if it is only for a short while, or something that continues a life time. Then they'll have good times to look back on, instead of a heap of regrets and 'I wish I had tried..' moments.

3. An amazing holiday.
I think everyone should have at least one amazing holiday in their lifetime (some may get more!!) Mine was def going to Cuba with my hubby! One day, hubby would love to go to New Zealand, I would love to learn to snowboard somewhere and finally, take a family holiday to Disney World, (I recon that they would be pretty amazing too!)

4. The big 'firsts'
First time they: have an alcoholic drink / drive their own car / get their own place to live /fall in love! I'm sure there are plenty more, but my mind has gone blank ;)

5. Their own family.
I can't express how much I love having my little family! From the minute I found out I was pregnant, to holding them asleep in my arms, to hearing the magical words 'I love you mummy!' - all soooo yummy!

So there you have it, my attempt!
Am off to have a look at some other lists now :)

Listography: Top 5 Truths (according to women)

I have so missed taking part in Listography, so when the lovely Kate over at Kate Takes 5 posted this weeks list, I thought I should have another go!

This week it about the Top 5 Truths (according to women).
I think that along my journey to 30, I have managed to pick up a few things - and am sure I have many more to learn in the years to follow ;)

1. What goes around, comes around
I am a great believer in Karma! I have often seen that those who do good are rewarded (be it small recognition or lovely surprises!) and those negative / evil / nasty people will get their comeuppance eventually!!

2. Moderation is key
My Grannie always told me to eat a little of everything you like, as you only have one life (unless you believe otherwise) so you might as well enjoy eating your favourite things and be happy! I've tried so many diets where I've denied myself this and that, and have never managed to stick to any of them - leaving me feeling even worse than before! So, I'm going to stick to my Grannie's plan from now on ;)

3. Age is irrelevant!
I have always had friends of all ages. When I was younger, some of my closest friends were at least 10 years older than me and it never mattered! I also think that when choosing a partner, the older you get, the less age matters. For example my brother's girlfriend is 5 years older than him and you wouldn't know it!
It also applies to the well known saying 'you're as old as you feel' - though on some days I feel about 100, so that isn't always a good thing, heehee!

4. There are different types of friends in your life.
When I was younger, I used to worry a lot about being 'accepted' and 'liked' at school. Then one day, I just stopped worrying and decided that I would be 'me' and people would either like me or then wouldn't and that was fine!
I also found later on, that there are different types of friends;
There your friends for life; people that you meet (sometimes when you're really little) who will always be there for you, who you don't have to see or talk to often, but when you do catch up it's as if you've never been apart.
The 'comet' friends; those who come and brighten your life for a brief time, then fade and drift away again.
'Fair weather friends' who you might see once in a while for a coffee, or comment on their pictures and posts on facebook.
Some you see every week, some once a year, but all have a special place in your life!

5. Everyone is flawed.
We might look at our friends or family and wish that we had their gorgeous wavy hair, or their ability to handle really stressful situations, or their perfectly behaved children etc. The strange thing is that they will be doing exactly the same thing! No one is ever completely satisfied with themselves or their lot in life and will always be looking around and wishing for something else!
So I like to think that 'perfection' is a myth! We all have our strengths (and weaknesses!) and we should try and take a note of them once in a while!

There you have it, my attempt at truths I have learnt so far!
Make sure you check out some other lists over at Kate Takes 5

Listography: wishes for my child

As ever, the lovely Kate from Kate takes 5 has given us another great theme for this weeks listography. If we could have fairy Godmothers bestow our child with 5 wishes, (as in the films Cinderella and Ella Enchanted) and this time we could have a say in them, what would we wish?

My 5 wishes for my Little Man

1) Self confidence and belief.
Not that I want him to be 'big headed' or conceited, just the ability to believe in himself. I have never found it easy to believe that I am capable of doing anything well or particularly good - I always focus on negatives and put myself down (it didn't help with the bullying boss in the past either!) If my little man could have the ability to believe in himself and his strengths, work on his weaknesses and strive to reach his goals, it would make me really happy!

2) Empathy and tolerance.
I believe in this so much! When I was a primary teacher, I used to try and teach this concept, that it doesn't matter where they were from or what they looked like, I would always treat the the same - usually with an example like 'It wouldn't matter if you were black or white, or purple with green hair and originally from Mars! I will treat you exactly the same!'
All those famous sayings spring to mind as well; ' never judge a book by its cover', 'never judges a man, until you have walked a mile in his shoes' (or something like that). I would love my little man to 'treat others as he would like to be treated himself' To embrace similarities and differences that make us unique and special - and the world a far more interesting place!

3) A sense of humour.
My family have a truly wicked sense of humour, heehee! It helps get you through those bad times ;)

4) Love and happiness.
I have never wanted the big career, lots of expensive possessions etc etc. For as long as I can remember, I just wanted to be happy and content with my life. For my little man, I would hope that he had the ability to love others, and hopefully find that special someone to spend the rest of his life with. Then, 'to be happy with his lot in life - friends, family, career, hobbies... and the rest! Also to be have interests and pursuits that he loves, that add to his happiness!

5) Fun!
We only have one life, so we need to make the most of it! I think in previous years, I was so caught up in the stresses and pressures of life - work, money, more about money, illness etc etc I used to forget to stop once in a while and just enjoy things!
So, maybe for my little man to have the talent to find time to kick back and have some fun! (I am getting better, but still at the 'work in progress' stage!)

That was actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, heehee!

Right, off to see what other people wished for their kids!

Listography: Top 5 albums by male solo artists

As ever, the lovely Kate over at Kate takes 5 has given us another great theme for this weeks listography! I love listening to music, although, in trying to complete this weeks list, I have come to realise that I mainly listen to bands and female solo artists!!
However, I love a challenge and with a lot of rifling through my CDs, I have managed to find my top 5 male solo artists :)

1. Richard Marx - Greatest Hits

image from here

I remember that 'Hazard' was one of the first cassette tapes I ever bought myself! On the other side happened to be another song of his that I absolutely love 'Right Here Waiting', which became my wedding song! Hubby and I spent 4 years apart, whilst I was at Uni (we got engaged just before I left) and hubby had been right at home, waiting for me! I got this song played at my 30th birthday party on Saturday as well :)

2. Bryan Adams - Best of Me

image from here

Ever since I heard the song 'All for Love' from the Disney film 'The Three Musketeers' I have loved Bryan Adams!

I used to listen to his music all the time when trying to get through writing my assignments at Uni!
Still love listening to him when I'm busy crafting :)







3. Andrea Boccelli - Romanza

image from here

I do love a huge range of music! Andrea Boccelli is my favourite classical artist!
I always listen to music when I'm 'playing' on the computer and Andrea Boccelli is one of my favourites for late night, relaxing sessions :)









4. Michael Buble - It's Time

image from here

I love listening to some of the 'golden oldies' from the 40's / 50's and think that Michael Buble has done wonders for re-introducing a new generation to the magic of 'Big Bands' and Jazz music.









Up to this point, I had no trouble in finding the artists that I really liked!
It came a close run between Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson, but in the end, Michael Jackson won!
(sentiment won in the end!)

so 5. Michael Jackson - The complete Michael Jackson: Epic Music

image from here

I don't care what opinion people have about Michael Jackson as a person. I loved him when I was little and I love him still now!












So there you have it, my top 5 male artists.

Right, I'm off to have a look and see who made it to the top 5 of other lists!

Listography: April Goals

The lovely Kate over at Kate takes 5 has given us another great theme this week - 5 goals for April.
It reminded me that all that time ago, I made some goals at the end of 2011. This has been great reminder to see how I'm actually doing - and to get my butt into gear on making my dreams and goals a reality!

1. I am going to make a really big effort with my business 'Happy Crafting'. I have been making a few cards over the last few days, but I think I can do better! I aim to make at least one bag and maybe 10 cards a week  to start with, then see how I go from there.

2. I will get an exercise routing going! I was really excited about the idea that I might be able to join in a Zumba class with a friend, but I've now got an extra shift that night of the week. However, she does do a Boxercise class, maybe I should sign up for that instead??
Me and my Wii fit will be getting re-acquainted as soon as possible!! Maybe I'll manage a session this evening, when Little man has gone to sleep??

3. Have an outing with Little man at least once a week. I've been getting much better at trying to do things with Little man outside of the house / garden! We've been to our local lakes, out for a family lunch and to the local park. I just need to keep doing something with him, as else I feel terribly guilty when he is stuck at home all the time - not that he minds (as long as he can make castles in his sand box / table thingy!) I just want to give him lots of different experiences, before he goes off to Pre-school in September! I'm liking the idea of Geocashing, and possibly swimming with friends and their kids, with more trips to the lakes and parks too. If anyone has any other cheap / free suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

4. Remain positive now that we're trying for baby 2. It took us 2 1/2 years for me to fall pregnant with Little man. Now that I'm in a new job, feeling loads better and less stressed, I hope that it won't take that long again! I know not to stress too much about it and that it will happen when it's supposed to, so I'm aiming to remain positive and keep my faith that number 2 will arrive soon! (fingers crossed!)

5. Get a house cleaning system sorted ! We've been living back with my parents for 1 1/2 years now and in that time I have been really really poorly. However, now that I am better it's time for me to pull my weight more with the chores - so I have been doing the hoovering of late. I think I'll become the 'cleaner' of the house, so that my mum only then has to do the cooking (I'm exceptionally bad at cooking!!) and we share the washing duties!!

Well there we go - still some of the same goals I had to start 2012, but a great time to get a reminder and another 'kick-start' that I needed!

Right, I'm off to have a little look at some other people's April goals!

Listography: 5 reasons I know I'm a...

tad obsessive!

The lovely Kate over at Kate takes 5 has given us a very broad list this week and I have chosen to share my little obsessions (of the OCD variety) and the routines that I have to follow, or I get all out of sync!

1. Locking doors - I have a terrible obsession with checking that I have locked doors. When I get out of the car, I have to press the lock button at least 10 times to make sure it really is locked - even though I can hear the 'clunk' and see the lights flashing!
At night, every time I go into the kitchen and pass the back door, I have to check that it's locked by trying the handle 3 times - even though I can see the bolts are across!!

2. My Internet 'routine' (which I always do in this order!!) I have mozilla open and turn it to facebook. I then open explorer and turn to my e-mails (I then switch between the 2) When my e-mails are sorted, I open another tab and then check the following; my blogger dashborad, Netmums Parent Bloggers Network pages, then Netmums chat pages - usually the coffee lounge! (again whilst still switching back and forth to facebook!)

(OMG - just these 2 make me sound completely nutts!! Oh well, I've started now so I'll finish!)

3. My bedtime 'routine' (how sad am I!!) I always go and turn my radio to classic fm and turn the bedside light on. Then I get in my jammies. I go to the bathroom and go to the toilet, then brush my teeth, then cleanse, tone etc my face! Next, I go to Little Man's room to say good night, and a little prayer for him. On the way back to my room I say the Lords Prayer ending with kissing the cross on my chain. Then it's off with all my jewellery, take my asthma inhaler, put a few drops on Olbas oil on my jammies top. Finally (I know huge list right!) I set the radio to sleep mode (always in 90 mins) and settle down to read my book!

4. I always have to hang washing out on the line (by the little rule I was taught by a friend's mum) 'hang tops from the bottom and bottoms from the top!'

5. I'm forever apologising! I go round work saying 'sorry' all the time! I have to do it though, even if it's not technically my fault!

Phew, so there you have it! I have now shown how much more of a complete fruit loop I am, then ever before!!!
I'm off to check out some of the other top 5's!

Listography

I was really gutted that I couldn't take part in last weeks listography on mugs (as all of our mugs are stored in boxes whilst we're living back with my parents)
So I was really glad to be able to have another go at joining in, with the topic this week being the top 5 things that make you happy.
If you want to read some more, or join in the fun,  pop over to Kate at Kate Takes 5.

Top 5 things that make you happy:

1) My gorgeous little man - but specifically his cute little 'butter wouldn't melt in my mouth' smile and the gorgeous hugs and kisses he gives now!

2) When my wonderful hubby gives me giant hugs!

3) Curling up in bed, under my thick duvet, reading a good book before I go to sleep each night. The only problem is sometimes, if the book is too good, that I end up reading into the wee hours of the morning! - good job hubby works nights ;)

4) Making cards and bags - that one day I will get around to selling (with some of the profits going to my 2 charities Mind and MS Society).

5) Chocolate buttons - I have a very bad obsession with them at the moment - they just seem to call to me from the fridge (as hate warm melted chocolate!) and I just can't resist!!

Right, I'm off now to have a look and see what makes other people happy! :)

Kate Takes 5 Listography

Kate Takes 5 Listography - Top 5 websites

Having made good progress with my mums e-blogging course, I have decided to try one for Kate Takes 5 Listography

Here goes:
My top 5 websites:

facebook

I have to go on here nearly everyday (I know really sad!) but it is one of the only ways I have of keeping in touch with friends who live miles away. Also I have a bit of an obsession with playing castleville, words with friends (even though I loose every game I play!) and hidden chronicles! It is also really handy to send message to groups of friends at a time (we organise our 'ladies and babies what lunch' this way every week!)

My blog dashboard

Another essential that I  access almost daily, though not always to post. I love looking through and seeing what the other bloggers I follow have been up to.

Net mums Blogging network

Again another place I visit almost daily as I love looking at what other bloggers post about. It also gives me a chance to see what my blog could look like when I've got to grips with the more technical things!!

My netmums home page 

I only usually go to chat - coffee house usually, but lately I have found the section for miscarriages and still births really helpful. It's great to be able to chat to other mums (and sometimes dads) about everything and anything - usually to do with toddler issues I'm having with little man!!

Mad about cards

Finally, my last favourite website is one where I can get loads of the resources I need to make my cards. Usually they have really good sales and deals on, so I nearly always manage to grab a bargain!

So there you have it, my top 5 websites!