april showers

Spring has sprung. Warm sunshine and blue skies on at least two days prove it. Today however was a washout. Cold, windy with endless pelting rain. The wood burner warmed us up from early morning and the little ones and I planned some April fun.

This month we're celebrating the birthdays of our eldest and littlest. We're hoping to see a carpet of blue in the bluebell woods. We're planning to answer the call of the sea. We're hoping to enjoy a picnic on the lough shore.

We've crossed our fingers that the sun will shine and that the rain will disappear, so we can enjoy these long days of spring. 

What about you, what are your April plans? 

late winter days

This morning we were awakened by sunshine streaming through our bedroom windows. An unusual occurrence this wet, grey and stormy winter. An opportunity to get outdoors. One we didn't want to miss. So we took off exploring, searching for signs of spring. We were perhaps a little eager, as this far north it seems everything is a little slow in stirring from the long sleep of winter.

But, we happily found signs that spring may well be on its way and that these precious late winter days deserve to be savoured too. It was cold and bright, and the sun shone warm on occasion. We listened to birdsong and marvelled at the tiny wonders of nature. Beautiful blue skies and wispy clouds were a pretty backdrop to the bare branches just beginning to bud. And we discovered a carpet of snowdrops in full bloom. 

Tomorrow we're hoping to go adventuring again. This time to the coast. Fingers crossed we wake up to sunshine streaming through the windows again.

simple pleasures

Just a few of the simple things making me smile lately. 

: :     Bright blue skies and birds singing.

: :     Her joie de vivre. Her feet never seem to touch the ground.

: :     Top knot. The current style of choice. So perfectly pretty.

Joy can be found everyday if we just take a moment to look around and find it. I know January can be a struggle sometimes, but just appreciating fleeting moments and simple pleasures might help shorten this long winter month.

So what's making you smile lately? I'd love to know.

beginnings

So 2016 is already under way. Like last year I have some good intentions to live by. Resolutions don't feature in my welcoming of the new year. I simply don't enjoy the pressure. 

Last year, I intended to live simply, take time to slow down and enjoy the everyday. To enjoy special moments and simple pleasures. And I'm pleased to say I had a lot of fun doing just that. 

This year, I want to continue exploring, learning and adventuring. Enjoying experiences and availing of opportunities as they arise. 

A lyric from a song by Kacey Musgraves has been playing around and around in my head recently. 'Follow your arrow, wherever it points.' This year I will be doing exactly that. I'm excited to see where it will lead me. 

Wishing you all a wonderful 2016 and thank you for stopping by to read my ramblings. I really appreciate your company. 

life lately and a christmas wish

Life lately has been all about festive making, foraging, woodland walks, decking the halls, celebrating solstice and enjoying the welcome glimpses of sunshine.

The little ones finished school last Friday for the holidays. We have been enjoying a slow build up to the big day. Tonight though, excitement levels are considerably higher. In fact, I think there is a real danger someone may spontaneously combust. Reindeer food has been liberally sprinkled on the lawn to guide Santa on his way and three stockings are hanging by the stairs. All that's left to do, is to get snuggled into bed for a Christmas bedtime story. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas full of love and laughter.

goodbye november

Goodbye November, as you disappear for another year. You've been fun. Bringing many days to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Hours spent outside kicking through the fallen leaves, exploring, playing and making music in the woods.

For every calm day, there was a stormy one to balance it. Days for curling up by the fire, building dens, baking, and crafting the day away.

A month to savour. The calm before the storm. December arrives tomorrow. And with it, the excitement of Christmas. I'm looking forward to some festive fun. How about you?

dark days

This weekend, the dark and grey days have reflected my feelings. The horror of the events in Paris on Friday night, brought home all too clearly the cruel reality of the world we live in. It saddens me to imagine the world in which our little ones will grow up.

I only hope kindness, love and compassion prevail.

hello october

October. Morning fog gave way to a beautiful, bright day. Washing dried on the line, billowing in the light breeze. I enjoyed my lunch on the patio, soaking up the sunshine. The little ones played in the golden evening light. We watched the sunset setting the sky alight. A precious day savoured.

My beloved autumn, in full swing. I'm relishing this change of season. The promise of falling leaves, cosy jumpers, happy hours curled up by the fire, cup of tea in hand, enjoying a good book. And those beautiful first frosts. Just perfect.

I'm delighted to be back here in my little corner of blogland after an impromptu break. Two months is a long time. Life has been busy and I felt like I lost my way for a bit. But I love this space, and so I will be rambling here for the foreseeable future. Hopefully you'll come along for the ride.

And to the lovely Annie at Fable & Folk, a big thank you for the kick up the proverbial I needed. Pay her a visit, if you haven't already. She's all kinds of wonderful.

bloom in the park

Late May, and my birthday sailed around again. My mum offered to look after the little ones for the day, so we made the most of it, deciding to visit Bloom in the Park in Dublin.

Bloom is a four day gardening festival, which showcases the best Irish garden design alongside innovative Irish food producers. We spent the day gaining inspiration from the impressive show gardens, admiring the beautiful blooms around every corner and savouring the delicious food on offer.

Unsurprisingly one of my favourite areas was the craft village. There were so many lovely products to covet. I couldn't resist a beautiful plant pot from KaroArt, a very talented ceramic artist based in Dublin. Her Etsy shop is a delight.

As the day drew to a close we decided to leave before the traffic jams inevitably swallowed us up. It was a good decision. We escaped the bedlam, stopping off for dinner on the way home.

A lovely day, well spent. I think we may already have a plan for my next birthday. 

nine

Today our eldest turned nine. Although I'm not sure how this could possibly have happened. Time just seems to pass so quickly.

He is just lovely. Growing up and becoming confident. Articulate in expessing his opinions and feelings. I really enjoy our chats. He is full of wise words. 'A rock of sense', my granny would say.

Kind, thoughtful and always concerned if someone is upset. I really love the big boy he has become. 

I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate my firstborn, our lovely boy. 

Happy birthday, little man.

simple pleasures

Spring has well and truly sprung, bringing simple pleasures and sunshine.

::   Blossom. More beautiful blooms appear everyday.

::   Watching our nature lovers explore and learn about the world. 

      Like little sponges.

::   Blue skies and colourful street art on a trip to Dublin.

We've had some lovely sunshine this weekend and we've spent our time outside enjoying the warmth. The sky is beautiful this evening. All glowy and pink. A shepherd's delight. Promising more sun tomorrow.

I hope you've had a great weekend with sunshine and blue skies. Wishing you all a lovely week.

five

Today we celebrated our littlest turning five. She has been so excited for weeks. She couldn't quite believe the Easter Bunny would be delivering eggs on her birthday. 

We've had a really lovely day. Presents and chocolate eggs as the sun shone this morning. Then out for Sunday lunch with my parents. The birthday girl was the centre of attention all day. And she loved being spoilt.

Our precious little one. Growing up to be a beautiful little girl whom we simply adore. Full of fun, giggles, kindness and love. A smile so infectious, you bring so much happiness. We all love you so very, very much.

On Saturday next, we will have a small birthday party. With chocolate mousse cake and crispie buns. And fun and games with your brothers and cousins.

Hope you've all had a lovely Easter weekend however you chose to celebrate.

The photo is from our holiday last year in Wales.

beach combing

Oh how I love the beach. Especially this time of year. Wrapped up against the cold wind. Tasting the salt on my lips.

As has become a tradition around St Patrick's Day, we answered the call of the sea. This time to the east and the beautiful Antrim Coast Road. Fossil hunting on our Jurassic coast. 

Hours spent searching for treasures. Sea glass, pebbles, rocks, shells and anemones. So many excited squeals of delight as special finds were crammed into pockets. Adding to their collections.

When the cold became too much, we headed back to the car for a picnic. My numb fingers tingling with relief as they circled a hot cup of tea. After, we drove a little further into the glens. It's a truly beautiful place and we made plans to return when the weather gets warmer. 

We returned home after stopping for tea. Our littlest declared 'this is the best day of my life'. Enough said.

lately

Time for a breather. I can't quite believe that it's mid February already. The shortest month of the year seems to be passing at the speed of light. The little ones are on mid-term break. This time a short one. They have only Monday and Tuesday off from school. I hope we get to enjoy some quiet downtime for a few days. We really need it.

We've been on a merry-go-round of birthday parties, school activities and family commitments and I want to get off. Thankfully the remainder of February is much less busy. To my utter relief. 

Today, was a pleasure. Pottering around in my pyjamas until almost midday. Perusing a recent charity shop find, The Reader's Digest Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of Britain. A lovely book full of interesting little paper cuttings tucked inside by its previous owner. 

Admiring the sun's rays on my newly re-potted pilea. And the delicate little bloom on the echeveria, which needs a new pot too. Playing numerous games of snakes and ladders and enjoying a roast dinner. I've curled up now with a cup of tea in front of the fire. 

A slow Sunday, savoured.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, however you spent it.