Pampas and Pearls

"Spring is natures way of saying, 'Let's Party'"  - Robin Williams  As they say Spring has Sprung and the flowers are coming up to bloom. With the weather set to be warmer and keeping our fingers crossed that it is going to be warm. Here are ten things to do to create memories in Spring: Number 1: Plant a vegetable garden. Number 2: Go for a hike and enjoy the blooming flowers. Number 3: Take a road trip and explore a new place. Number 4: Have a picnic in the park. Number 5: Visit a local farmers' market. Number 6: Stop and look around, without your phone.  Number 7: Have a back garden campfire. Number 8: Go for a bike ride. Number 9: Take a cooking class. and finally Number 10: Have a BBQ with friends. Happy making memories  Kisses Katie xx

 "To the world you may be one person: but to one person you may be the world" - Dr Seuss when I refer to mother in this post I want to make it clear I am referring to ANY figure you see in the position of mother to you.  What is a mother? Well that is something up for debate but for me a  mother is someone who is attentive and caring, nurturing and supportive, and puts the needs of her children before her own. She should be patient and understanding, willing to listen and offer guidance and advice. She should be encouraging and positive, and provide a safe and loving environment for her children to grow and learn. A good mother is also a role model, setting a good example for her children and teaching them important life lessons. She should be able to provide discipline when needed, but also show her children unconditional love and acceptance. Ultimately, a good mother is someone who loves and cares for her children and puts their needs first and ultimately tries her best...

 "No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anyone but oneself"  -Virginia Woolf There is no right way to begin this story and that's okay. I have told my story before but I feel now is the right time to re-share and update my story, hopefully it will help someone else out there either with anxiety or help someone understand anxiety a little more.  I have suffered with anxiety since I was bullied in primary school by my teacher no less. She terrified every class she had and mine was no exception. My anxiety got to bad I would make myself sick to avoid going to school or I would pace the floor while rubbing my hands together.  One time I sat in the head teachers Office too scared to go to class because I didn't understand the homework and was petrified of being told him. Almost every morning before school I was sick and refused to leave my parents side, keep in mind I was 8-9 years old. It continued throughout primary school especially when it came to SATs i...

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible” - Audrey Hepburn   So, I am sure we have all been there, being incredibly busy and just putting things here, there and everywhere. Well, this year I am going to try and be proactive and productive and keep tidy. With this in mind here are my top tips to help keep tidy and be more proactive with it. Tip One: Making the bed! Now this might be an obvious one but it definitely helps. However, don’t  make your bed the second you get out of it. This traps in bacteria and could make your sheets dirtier quicker. In fact, you should fold the duvet down and leave it to air for a short period of time. This could be while you get dressed or take a shower! Tip Two: Every little helps! Pop clothes in the basket before they hit the floor, if they aren’t on the floor to begin with then they can’t make a mess. Keep a basket in the places you get dressed and undressed this again reduces your chances of throwing it on the floor. ...

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - Winnie the Pooh   Before I begin, I just want everyone to know not everything works for everyone, we are all different and cope with grief differently. This is what works best for me and what I have researched. Grief is not always something I deal with well; I am sure it is not something any of us deal with well. Expressing myself is difficult and I prefer to keep it to myself (which is something I am working on for 2023) and then eventually it all boils to the surface, so here are some things I will be trying to use to help with dealing with grief: Number 1: Accept that it has happened. This is the first one and most difficult one, it has happened and unfortunately nothing, and I mean nothing, with change it. This takes the longest the do and processing it is the toughest challenge of all. Number 2: Create a memory book. This can have photos, cards, clothing, any form of memories. Sometimes havi...

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens" Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music As we enjoy the first few weeks of 2023 I thought I would note now a few of my favourite things about the year 2022, some of these may have made it into blog posts, others may not have. This list will comprise of everything from makeup to music, to friends (no not my favourite friends but favourite activities with friends) Lets begin with Makeup shall we, I have very much been in love with the E.L.F flawless finish foundation, in fact this is my second bottle. I love this foundation, it isn't too full coverage and suits my skin like most foundations don't. It is under £10.00 and absolutely fabulous. I have also been in love with most of my nude lippies but this one from kiko is my absolute fave! Music is next, now this isn't so clear cut. I am sure we all know different songs suit different moods and occasions. I must admit I love all thing...