This song has been in my head right from the very first time I heard it, I connected. There is something about going down to the river that clears your mind, gives you a break from reality and the drag of real life.
There is something about just taking time out by a river that works wonders for the soul.

This gorgeous dress is one I bought from local boutique Aluna J  in in Norwich before it was even available in store after making a debut on Twitter. What do you think? I adore the gorgeous green pattern along with the light summery feel to the dress. It's not often I go for a strappy dress, my usual style is more high line but I have to say I felt comfortable in this neckline, it wasn't too low to cause concern and made for a nice change. If you ask me, summer calls out for a long sheer skirt with a mini underlay, just like the dress I wore for my forest shoot with Jon Clifton. The way the light shines through is kind of magical to me and keeps things that bit more fun that a plain maxi.

I picked the boots up at a local yard sale for £1 and they look brand new as well as smelling suspiciously like leather. Also worn with some walking socks, an arm party and a bird gem necklace.
My hair was acting the goat so I had to tether back the front fronds which has actually made for a serendipitously sweet do, I'll have to try it more often.

If you want to get your sticky paws on this dress or just have a good nosey at what's in store  at Aluna J you certainly can do.
Pictures taken on the Fakenham River walk, more to come from there soon, plenty of wildlife caught on camera to share!
Hugs to you all,
Sophie
Lyrics are those of Ella Henderson’s Ghost

The Fakenham River Walk is a well-kept secret I have to say, we hardly ever meet many people along the quiet footpath. There is never a shortage of wildlife regardless of the season, which allows for a steady stroll with ears pricked and eyes peeled followed by plenty of pausing to take pictures. On our last visit in January  it was far muddier and dreadfully grey so I converted all the photographs to sepia which is in stark contrast to this visit.

To let you in on the gem that is the Fakenham River Walk I made a dinky video so you get an idea of the soundtrack. Pretty delightful isn't it? Ahhhh, birdsong makes my heart sing.

You’re welcome.

If you too want to stroll the tranquil path by the river then take the gravel drive next to the gas museum, you will find a (usually) empty car parking area. Follow the path and cross the footbridge.

To me, there is something very peaceful about a wander along the riverbank. In my heart I'm desperate to see a kingfisher but my head knows just how unlikely it would be. Maybe one day? We saw a nice gentleman who said his neighbour kept an injured one safe overnight (he lived nearby, the kingfisher had flown into a window) so I am optimistic that one day I'll be lucky. Taking a picture on the other hand is pretty much out of the question.

Fancy a riverside stroll?

Sophie

It's important to stay hydrated properly and of course water is your best option but how many of us can claim to stick to that all day? Did you know that tea and coffee are diuretics? Maybe you didn't. Diuretics promote the body to produce urine and so in fact drain the body of more water than necessary. Drinking regular tea and coffee all day therefore is a really bad idea! My grandmother (under the watch of two carers) took a turn, perceived to be akin to a stroke so paramedics were called to the scene (3 turned up, all guns blazing) which turned out to be a dizzy spell caused by dehydration, the result of too much tea and not enough water. Do you get headaches through the day? Could be too much tea or coffee. Be warned.

So what should we drink instead? Well, if like me you can't face glass upon glass of good old H2O then fruit teas and herbal infusions are a great idea. There are hundreds of different varieties you can pick up so whatever your taste there WILL be something you like, trust me. I was given quite a few new selection packs for Christmas and I'm rather excited to be trying them, they sound great. I discovered Fruitbroo late last year and want to try more flavours.

Above is my current tea selection, Twinings are reliably good and the others were bought for me. There is is my beloved peppermint tea; a must to start the day with a very large mug of this. I firmly believe that a good night's sleep and a large hydrating and invigorating beverage is the right way to start the day instead of an IV of strong coffee. Most evenings I like to sip upon a large mug of Twinings camomile honey and vanilla infusion as it's delicious and of course, caffeine free. Favourites are Raspberry and Echinacea, Blackcurrant and Rhubarb, Blackcurrant and Vanilla as well as (not pictured) Blackcurrant and Nettle.

There are many conflicting studies out there regarding the positives and negatives of coffee, caffeine and green tea. Who knows what is in fact the truth? Personally, I like to think it's wise to have plenty of hydrating beverages, a cup of coffee and a nice mug of green tea each day. (Don't forget that green tea has caffeine and is a diuretic too, unless you buy decaf). There are plenty of alleged health benefits to green tea and let's face it, there has to be if it tastes *that* bad to start with, though I've become so accustomed to it now that I don't even notice the flavour. If you've been put off it then do persevere. I love fruit juices but after being berated by my dentist, I try drinking them through a straw in an attempt to save my teeth from being eaten away by the acid.

Water can be jazzed up with the addition of a slice of lemon, lime or orange if you're feeling super holy. I indulge in a little weak squash but am planning to try more waters in an attempt to be a little more grown up.

Are you guilty of dehydrating? Have I persuaded you to make any changes?

Sophie