The way the pearly white sheen suddenly brings life and beauty to the mundane.
Sparkles and glints of light dance here and there.
Sophie
We parked by Ladybower reservoir, there's a long layby but it does get very busy, we were lucky to find a space) and took a walk across the road. I think the book we found it in said it was around 4.5 miles so it was just about long enough to be a proper walk and took less than 3 hours.
Never underestimate just how windy it will be up high. We took a walk along the summit and the wind was incredibly strong. I had to brace myself! C leant into the wind but I may have blown away if I'd tried it! C has asked me to point out he is not this size, his coat has been inflated by the wind.
I had to laugh. I saw a woman wearing the exact same Mountain Warehouse coat as me but her partner was also wearing the same shade as C. Doubles!
Sophie
You know when you come across something so rare and lovely that it warms your heart with a happy glow? That's what happened when I discovered Mandy's Heaven, a fabulous boutique based in a 400 year old thatched cottage in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside. Sounds delightful doesn't it? But it gets better. Mandy's Heaven has a mission of being the best shopping experience you can get and to my mind I think it ticks all the boxes. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with coffee, cake and Prosecco, taking time to browse and ponder without feeling rushed. Specialising in plus size knitwear, clothes for mature women along with a wonderful range of jewellery and accessories. I had a thorough look online and I've got to applaud the particularly coordinated and concise collection; everything fits together well and you could easily put together a capsule wardrobe of items which would work together.
This black tote bag is absolutely smashing, a real gem. Not only is it the perfect size for me, but of good sturdy leather construction along with a sealing zip and inside pockets. I love this cute handle for carrying while I'm out and about, though I could pop on the shoulder strap if I want to keep my hands free. The black bag is out of stock but good news: it's still available in navy as well as a great range of handbags of which I particularly like the blue satchel and purple clutch.
I'm a fan of a long drop necklace and this beauty is right up my street. There is such a beautiful collection of jewellery and accessories there which complement and coordinate with the selection of clothes. This jewel drop necklace is very similar to mine, utterly gorgeous and a real go-to choice piece.
Sophie
Thanks to Mandy's Heaven for sending me the accessories for me to feature. All content and opinions my own.
The start of every new year can be a little unsettled; what with getting over the last dregs of Christmas as well as the introduction of resolutions. I'm not entirely sure I like beginning anything new in the middle of winter - it's the worst time of year for inspiring any sort of enthusiasm. Surely spring would be the optimum point in the year for implementing positive changes? Certainly from my personal viewpoint it would make more sense. Nevertheless, in accordance with my resolutions for 2016 I have been making a few changes which I'll probably cover in greater depth over the next little while.
In the spirit of talking a little bit more about things I love this post is a little jumble of bits and bobs.
After the success of last years amaryllis, I'm already filling up with joy over since planting this little beauty (another present from my Nan) and this one is an unusual purple one so I'm excited to see what the flower will look like in a few weeks' time. The bulb from last year was kept around the house and after just sprouting greenery I lopped it all off and stuck it in a dark cupboard for a number of weeks. Last week I took it out, watered it and popped it out on the table, I'm not convinced it will spring back into life but who knows.
I've bought bunches of daffodils two weeks running to keep on the kitchen table. They've been so bright and cheerful which is well worth £1 a week, I can tell you. Fresh flowers are a real treat so I make sure I look at them as much as I can to exude maximum positivity.
We've been cooking! When I say we, I mean predominantly C in his wonderful way. He's a better cook than I am. My preference is to cook up things I know how to make, then perhaps make variations on them. I'm all at sea with cooking new things on my own and I'd much rather return to dishes I've made (and enjoyed) before. I have made a few meals; this pie being one of them, a labour of love (although that labour did not extend to making pastry, when it's available pre-rolled I'm hardly going to sweat it out trying to make my own). It's a Jamie Oliver turkey and leek favourite which we make with Christmas turkey leftovers every year. The best thing to do is make enough for two meals as it takes zero more effort but you will be so happy when you get pie again a day or two after, trust me.
The skies have been utterly phenomenal lately, I can't help trying to capture each one but they change so quickly. I feel thankful to be able to witness such stunning natural displays wit my own eyes; Norfolk's big skies are so inspiring. I must look up more and be grateful.
This week I've been drinking rejuvenation water. Do I look younger and sprightlier yet?!
That's all for the moment but I have plenty on the horizon so keep your eyes peeled and your minds open.
Sophie
The coldest days often are flooded with light; the landscape barely defrosting in full beam of the sun. Water reflecting the glare from the sky and rays piercing their way through dense undergrowth. Spring does seem to be appearing in the early stages which is a worry. Much as I love spring and summer, you can't rush nature and the turbulent manner in which winter has played out is just.... wrong. Blossom coming out now can't be good, daffodils already. The seasons are there for a reason; you can't have a successful spring without a winter.
Sophie
