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...

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish"  - Michelle Obama Why I think it is important, now that is a question I have been asking myself a lot lately. Women have achieved a lot over history from the right to vote in 1928 to even right now where women are demanding a voice of the change in law with regards to abortion in varying part of the world. I take being a woman as a symbol of power, a symbol of strength and a symbol of unity.  I love being a woman and I wouldn't change it for the world.  There are many women who inspire me, mostly from modern day but a few from History. Emma Watson inspires me for speaking up in the UN. Adele inspires me for not changing who she is to her very core. Demi Lovato inspires me for trying be to her authentic self. Our late Queen inspired me with her keep carrying on attitude, even when times were tough. Ada Lovelace inspires me with her passion and determination to achieve in times where women scarcely did. Mary Shelley 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...

 "How do we change the world? One Random act of Kindness at a time" - Morgan Freeman We could all do with a little more kindness in our lives and doing one tiny thing at a time will help the wider picture, being kind is not difficult, returning a smile or saying hello, picking up a dropped item. It all adds up.  I myself am guilty of not always being kind or always helping people when I could but this year I am going to try and make an effort to help someone when I can these acts of kindness can be: Going to see an elderly relative you know is on their own or you haven't seen in a while. The pandemic has a lasting impact on us all, vulnerable people especially, taking the time out of your day to see someone or even simply give them a call on the phone will go a long way.  Push the stop button on the bus. If someone is clearly struggling or unable to push it for themselves, it takes a second, it really isn't difficult.  If you are able to, donate any amount you can, t...