Hi there lovelies! I can't believe it is November since I last wrote a blog post. Isn't it scary how fast time flies by! I hope you are all keeping well and have had a great start to the year.

Since my last blog post, my life has basically been work, work, work. I have hibernated through the winter months, choosing to stay snuggled by the fire, as I have seemed to catch every germ going! But doesn't it feel good to see signs of spring? Lighter nights, waking up to birds chirping, warmer weather, tulips and the beginning of new life are just some of the things I love about this time of year. I always feel spring marks the beginning of a new year more so than January 1st.

I have really missed being here but I'm hoping to gradually get back to posting on a more regular basis. My batteries needed recharging and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs doing. Have you any tips on how you juggle blogging with work and family? Some time management skills would be greatly appreciated!!

We have some exciting things planned for this year which I'm looking forward to sharing with you over the next few months. 'Happiness is looking forward and not back.'

Have a wonderful Easter weekend lovelies. May the Easter bunny bring you all the eggs you wish for. It's good to be back.

For lunch we decided to have roast chicken with pearl barley, instead of lamb, for a change. I used a recipe from the River Cottage Everyday cookbook. It was delicious and I will definitely make it again as it went down a treat with the family. Empty plates all round!

For dessert we had a chocolate nest cake and chocolate mini egg buns. I did cheat here as I went to Marks and Spencers and saw this heavenly cake and thought to myself that it would so much better (and easier) to buy this.

I decorated the sideboard with chocolate eggs and daffodils, it is really versatile as I can dress it up for any occasion. My girls think I am obsessed with bunting but I love it and it always makes the room look inviting and pretty.

What have you done for Easter this year?

A lovely, cosy corner of my dining room. I was very pleased with myself when I came across this side table. The colour is very Farrow & Ball french grey and just what I was after to fill this corner of the room. It could also be used as a bed side table too.

I keep candles in the drawer for my nights by the wood burner and my favourite music discs in the basket. The photo frame was a present from S. I put a card S gave me for my birthday inside it. A friend asked me once if the picture was of my girls which I thought was quite sweet as I think it is really pretty. I keep myself surrounded by flowers as they have a real feelgood factor for me.

What is a feelgood factor for you?