Sunday, 31 May 2015

make the most of june - bucket list

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June just happens to be my favourite month of the year as it is my birthday month so I am very pleased to see it arrive. I am still a child at heart when it comes to birthdays. Over excited is probably the best way to describe my behaviour on the day.

I love to celebrate with family and friends with delicious cupcakes from my favourite bakery. Weather permitting we will be visiting 'my happy place by the sea' so I can feel the sand between my toes. 

As it's tennis season, I will be digging the tennis rackets out for a few games. Steve and I actually get quite competitive with each other. It must be quite funny to watch, there's me throwing tantrums if Steve says the ball is out and him running round the court at top speed trying to reach every ball I hit.

I gradually keep buying bits for our wedding and this month I am determined to find my perfect pair of shoes for the day. Unfortunately I have quite big feet so I expect this will be a challenge, as I struggle to find heeled shoes to fit. My toes always end up poking out at the end and as you can imagine that is not a good look!

What plans do you have for June?

It's hard to believe that we are nearly half way through the year already. I am looking back thinking, 'Where has the time gone and what have I got to show for it?' 

So, I thought, 'Hey girl.... do something you would never think of doing, like going on that roller coaster or water slide you were always scared to go on. This summer, act crazy and don't care what anyone thinks; live each day like it's your last because, before you know it, it will be over. Make this summer the best and live it without regrets'.

So, I have set myself a challenge to find 90 fun things to do this summer and post about each one.  As I work full time, each fun thing won't always be posted on the day I do it, but I aim to do all 90 this summer. Look out for my first post tomorrow.

Feel free to join in with me on Instagram #90daysofsummer2015.

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Friday, 29 May 2015

friday five






Welcome to my new Friday five series. I've decided to mix my small sighs up with a Friday five post every now and again. It will be a collection of loves I have seen through the week that I think you might like too.

How adorable is this picnic basket! Perfect for all those summer picnics and just so cute. I'm trying to think of so many reasons to buy it even though I have three already lol.

Have a great weekend lovelies.


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Monday, 25 May 2015

ten things i love about summer

Summer, time for picnics on the beach, splashing in the waves, sunbathing, ice creams, barbecues, lighter evenings and dining outside with family and friends.

Waking up to the birds singing, sunlight flooding through the blinds and warmth just makes us all feel happier; right? Doesn't life feel better at this time of year!

Here are my top ten things I love about summer:





iced coffee
recipe here

the sound of waves

summer cocktails

eating outside
recipe here

wildflowers

picnics in gorgeous places
see post here

summer salads
recipe here

sand between my toes

getting lost in a book for an afternoon

ice cream

What are your favourite things about summer? Have a great day lovelies.


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Friday, 22 May 2015

small sighs

What a mix of sunshine and showers we have had this week. I've been alternating between my wellies, boots and sandals. It's a nightmare to know what to wear! In between rain showers, we have tried to get out for evening walks, taking in the glorious views we have around us. 

Next week I am on holiday from work so I'm just hoping the weather gets better. I'm looking forward to lazy breakfasts in bed, cooking lovely meals for friends and family and maybe a cocktail or two.

Here is what I've been enjoying this week:

A new pair of shoes to add to my collection

Burt's Bees lip balm and foot cream

Trifle made with apricots, oranges and Greek yoghurt 

Flowers from a friend

 Tea with Audrey

Have a great weekend lovelies.

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Monday, 18 May 2015

baked feta salad with pitta crisps

This delicious dish always reminds me of hot, leisurely days on the beach in Greece. When I am in Greece, I have to indulge in a Greek salad at least once a day. It's perfect for lunch or a light bite and the added extra of pitta crisps finish it off nicely. 

Tasty, healthy and quick and easy to prepare. A delightful taste of summer.

Ingredients
200g feta cheese
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 red chilli  (deseeded and finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (finely sliced)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

for the salad
1 green pepper (deseeded and sliced)
1/2 cucumber (halved and sliced)
160g baby plum tomatoes (halved)
1/2 red onion (sliced)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp dried oregano

for pitta crisps
3 white pittas (torn into pieces)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

  1. To make the crisps, put the torn pittas on a baking tray and drizzle with the oil. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes at 200 C.
  2. Place feta in a small dish and scatter over the thyme, chilli and garlic. 
  3. Drizzle with the oil and bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Toss the salad ingredients in a bowl and top with the feta.
  5. Serve with the pitta crisps.
Have a great week lovelies.




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Friday, 15 May 2015

small sighs

It seems like the past few weeks have been a series of groundhog days.  Work, bed, work, bed. The days seem to pass by in a blur. But on Wednesday evening, as it was such a lovely evening, we made a point of going straight out after work instead of falling like heaps onto the sofa.

I am so glad we did. We drove to a country pub, sat outside with a meal and a glass of wine and took in our beautiful surroundings. Afterwards, we had a little walk and came home feeling thoroughly relaxed. 

It's so easy to get into a routine of coming home to get ready for the next day, make dinner and fall asleep on the sofa. But going straight out made us realise how important it is to take time out to 'live the little things'.

Here is what I've been enjoying this week:

grilled halloumi and salad savoury croissant

a jug full of sunshine


popcorn and a classic

 the last of the magnolia blossom

 coffee table reading

Have a great weekend lovelies.



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Monday, 11 May 2015

six top places to marry

So many places to get married, so many decisions to make. As some of you may know, we are getting married in the summer and are still deciding where to go.

Have you any ideas where would be lovely? We have a tight budget which does make finding a venue more challenging. These are our favourite places, some of which have a special place in our hearts.

A Mamma Mia Wedding

We visited the island of Skiathos a few years ago and fell in love. It has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and also gorgeous pine forests and olive groves. To get married here, you have to have been on the island eight days before the wedding, so we would plan to stay two weeks. 

You also need to have all your legal documents transferred into Greek, which costs around £500, before you even start thinking about anything else. 

An Under The Tuscan Sun Wedding

Italy holds a very special place in our hearts. We fell held over heels in love with a small town called Cortona when we visited Tuscany. The weather was beautiful and, as it was early April, it was quiet and peaceful and surrounded by the most stunning scenery. The 13th century town hall, which we would get married in, stands proudly in the town square with cafes and small shops around it.

Again though, all your legal documents have to be transferred into Italian with the big fee of around £500. 

A French Lieutenant's Woman Wedding 

We fell in love with Dorset last year when we went there for a holiday. Lyme Regis is a small, tranquil and picturesque town, famous for its historic Cobb and harbour. 

It has a very vintage feel and it was the inspiration for A French Lieutenant's Woman and Jane Austen's Persuasion.  There is a grand building called the Guildhall, with stunning views across the sea, that is perfect for weddings. It dates back to the Stuart period and has grand architecture. I can imagine us getting married here then walking to the Cobb with an ice cream to admire the views.

A Venice Wedding

Who wouldn't want to get married in the beautiful city of Venice with it's stunning buildings and waterways. We only visited for the day when we stayed in Lake Garda, but again, we fell in love. I can see us now in a gondola listening to O Sole Mio with the sun shining down on us. 

The room where you get married in overlooks the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Perfect!

A Carrie Bradshaw Wedding

Who didn't love it when Carrie Bradshaw got married in Sex In The City; one of my favourite moments throughout the whole show. We love the idea of getting married in the city hall. You apply for a $35 marriage license (which you can do beforehand online), turn up twenty four hours later and pay $25 for the ceremony. How easy is that! 

What a beautiful city to be in; so many amazing sights to see and so many different cuisines to try.

A Paris Wedding

We would have loved to have got married on Le Champs de Mar, which is in sight of the Eiffel Tower. However, to get married in France, you have to have had residency for forty days. So it would mean having a registry office wedding here and a personalised ceremony there. So we have decided, as much as we would have loved to get married here, it's just not suitable for us. 

So there we have it lovelies. Which one would you choose?

Have a lovely week.

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Saturday, 9 May 2015

small sighs

This week has been a very busy and tiring one so I was very happy to say hello to the weekend! We don't have many plans for this weekend except maybe an out to a bluebell wood if the weather permits. I am quite happy to spend time recharging my batteries and pottering around the house and garden. I'm such a party animal!

Here is what I've been enjoying this week:



Date night amaretto and vanilla trifle



Bluebells growing in our garden

My new Cath Kidston mugs

 Saturday favourites



My favourite purchase of the year so far

Enjoy the rest of the weekend lovelies.




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Monday, 4 May 2015

make the most of may - bucket list


                                            click image for larger downloadable

Hi there lovelies! I hope you have all enjoyed the weekend. It's so lovely to have a three day holiday; a real treat. I can't believe it's May already! Aren't the months just flying by!

This month I'm planning to get a little fitter and step up my exercise routine. Lighter evenings and warmer weather do make this easier! I hear green tea increases fat burning and boosts the metabolic rate so I'm planning on drinking a lot more!

I'm also looking forward to going to see 'Far From The Madding Crowd.' Have you seen it yet? I would love to know if you enjoyed it. I loved reading the novel and watching the original film. I really hope it lives up to expectations.

Have you any plans for May?



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Friday, 1 May 2015

small sighs

This has been a week of spending quality time with family and catching up with old friends. A week well spent! Good food, good wine and good company, who needs more!

I'm looking forward to a three day weekend. We are planning to get out in the garden, do a bit of dress shopping and go for a picnic. Let's hope the sun keeps shining.

Here is what I've been enjoying this week:

The last of the blossom in the garden

My first wedding make up purchase

Some new additions to the jewellery box

A beautiful bouquet of spring tulips

Date night with lovely Leo

Have a great weekend lovelies.

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