SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS AND RAINBOWS - WHAT'S MAKING ME HAPPY #2

In times of uncertainty it's good to focus our thoughts on the things that bring joy and remind us of how blessed we are.

IT'S TIME TO BE HAPPY

Last month I decided to change my end of month catch-up from a virtual cuppa to sharing some  "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" ..... Sunshine - what's been happening to make me happy, Lollipops - silly things and memes that gave me a smile, and Rainbows - what I'm grateful for this month. So without further ado - here we go with September's Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.

SAVOURING THE HIGH NOTES

Life is a constant cycle of ups and downs - it's up to us to choose the positives in every situation.

HIGH NOTES AND LOW NOTES

This year I chose "SYMPHONY" as my word of the year. I thought it was a wonderful way to sum up the idea of making the most of the years that lie ahead. Creating my Midlife Opus - and encouraging others to share their stories about making the second half of life great. Then on top of all of that came COVID-19 and all it brought in its wake.

LIFE AFTER A MID-CAREER MALAISE

You're not alone if you're feeling fed up with your job - here's three ways to respond and move forward.

CAREER CHOICES IN THE 1970's

I really admire people who choose a career in their teens and then stay the distance until they retire in their mid sixties. I'm not one of those people. Originally I had plans to be a teacher.  For a lot of young women back in the 70's, teaching, nursing, or office work were the main choices - but teaching didn't pan out for me because my parents didn't want to support me for those extra years of university - after all "women just get married and have babies, so it'd be a waste of time and money" (my dad's words). Fortunately times have changed for the better these days and young women can be whatever they choose.

SUPER EASY ORANGE DRIZZLE MUFFINS

 Super easy muffins - with a lovely sweet citrus drizzle - perfect for afternoon tea.

INTRO

I don't know about you, but a lot of the recipes I see online these days are waaaay out of my cooking comfort zone. They all seem to have mile long ingredient lists - usually including things I've never heard of, or that are hard to source (ie: freshly whipped butter from the milk of a himalayan mountain goat - churned at dawn on a Thursday......)

CANVAS PRINTS FOR A SUREFIRE EMOTIONAL BOOST

Easy on the wallet, simple to order and quick to arrive, photo canvas wall prints are a great way to create a positive Spring vibe.

INTRO

I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like COVID has sapped little bits of my peace and happiness, and the only place I feel truly safe and calm is in my own home. Keeping my surroundings peaceful and lovely soothes my soul, and I've found myself looking for little extras to reinforce that feeling. I'm a minimialist at heart, but one new item can really lift my spirits and give me a little boost for the week.

Recently I was approached by a company who make beautiful wall art out of photos - your own or those you love from elsewhere (I particularly love the copyright free sites like Pixabay and Unsplash). Today's collaborative post is about their beautiful products and includes some lovely examples and how to create your own.

LEARNING THE ART OF SAYING "NO" GRACIOUSLY

We all have to learn to say "No" for our mental and physical wellbeing. Let go of people pleasing and look after yourself.

WHEN YOU SEE YOURSELF IN OTHERS

A friend shared a link to another blogger's brand new blog the other day with the thought that I could leave an encouraging comment to help start her on her new journey. It was no problem at all to pop over and read her beautifully written post, but I find that life can sometimes show us a little bit about ourselves when we least expect it  - and this was one of those occasions.