Lovely things #7

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Who is stealing 2016…March is upon us and I feel like we just experienced Christmas? 

I’m surrounded by Pisces boys, so between Mr Fridge, my Dad and my little man February to March brings cake galore, endless wrapping paper and I’m partial to a balloon on the door (even if the bigger boys find it embarrassing).

Half term bought the chaos of potty training to our home and although at times I felt trapped in the confides of my living room walls, we did venture out to our local book store (J calls it the book shelf) for these newbies below, not PR related but Catherine Rayners books come hugely recommended (plus the sequel came out last week and is upstairs hidden waiting for an up coming birthday), we also purchased the doughnut below and I made a cup of tea for us both – we snuggled on the sofa and it was one of those delightful afternoons where being a Mummy is effortless and joyful. (Plus the prospect of cake helped stop him reading the books on the way home)

  

Next on my list of love was J helping me with my fridge business – he is just on the precipise of learning his alphabet (we are up to G), his favourite letter is C for crocodile – this plastic creature comes everywhere with us (inc bed) and was the best £2 ever spent. However, as I arrange my fridge magnets and usually usher him away (previous toddler behaviour has meant he had eaten them or ran away with a crucial vowel)…I realised he was interested, he wanted to help and to my Mummy delight – he was useful, well as useful as you can be if the letter I required was from A-G. This photo below was what happened to the remaining alphabet but for me captures that wonderful moment when you realise you made a tiny human. That really is a lovely thing.

 

I guess this time of year reminds me how blessed I am to be surrounded by a pretty awesome selection of boys / men who for most of the year drive me bonkers, really are the best team around. 

Incase you are thinking where’s the girlie bliss, the bubbles or the sparkle – I offer you this…

  

  The Neom candle is a slightly wonderful soya based delight that I’m in love with. This one is ‘tranquility’ and with a heavenly scent of English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine…I’m off to bed one happy lady

*dedicated to my boys and all of the beautiful candles of the world.
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Life is a BIG canvas

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 Quote by Danny Kaye.

I usually write while J sleeps be that in the day when he naps or at night but this blog is written by the side of a swimming pool whilst Daddy ‘swims’, he brought a Daddy friend (hehe) and J’s friend. It’s boiling on the sidelines and they are blaring out loud tunes whilst kids leaps on giant inflatables…think of it like a tropical paradise if you will (the reality is a little more mid Sussex at 4pm on a Saturday afternoon)…what’s that got to do with a canvas? Well twenty minutes a go we were snuggled on the sofa with no plans – then a friend calls and says ‘wanna go swimming’ and we’re here. Like I said the reality isn’t exactly the tropics but I don’t think canvas’s need to be…a good life painting should be varied, involve as many new experiences as possible and as many cultures, new foods and as close to natures as possible…for myself I’ll also add a wardrobe full of high heels and a book collection to turn heads.

There is a challenge where people say ‘yes’ for a year and although I’ve never done it myself the results seem to be impressive and the reflections are often how one opportunity leads to another or that the person realises how often they use to say no.

Saying ‘yes’ surely has to lead to bigger things and a better canvas as you exit this crazy Earth of ours? Worst case scenario you may end up an your local swimming pool with an hour  to yourself 🙂

It’s never too late…

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 Quote from George Eliot. Now a quick Google and I found out that this Victorian author was in fact female and was actually called Mary. Her pen name was masculine so that readers took her seriously…I love this quote even more now. I may even give one of her books a go, plus she felt her work was to enrich and enlighten – over a hundred years later and she is still doing this for me.

Alas, in true Lucy style I am going to lower the tone. When I was about five I fell in love with a Goldie Hawn film…this is the kind of love where you are able to watch  the film so many times you can warp the video tape but know all of the words. The Film was called ‘Over board’ (1987) and to this day I know every word, so much so I don’t find it enjoyable without receiting each word…which means no one will watch it with me.

This quickly led to the love of the film ‘Mannequin’ 1987 with Kim Cattral which I wasn’t so obsessed with but definetly secured my love of blonde chicks and also in my thirties, still secretly desire an actual mannequin for my home, I think I even asked for one for my eighth birthday? So practical…

The third film that I would note had another blonde…Daryl Hannah and Tom Hanks (don’t even start me on sleepless and Seattle or you’ve got mail) in Splash (1984) this sealed my dream – to be a Mermaid and my passion for crimped hair.

Now when Areil hit the big screen (1989) this only enhanced my love for both Disney and Mermaids, she was my ultimate heroine (if only she’d been blonde), amazing vocals, a fish as a best bud, perfect hair even in the worst of storms and let’s be honest how can anyone who takes guidance from a seagull not be loved? Areil was fiesty and independent; of course she would walk and I’d gladly have swapped my legs to be her.

So, at around four years old I also decided to be a teacher, which as you guys know worked out great as I love my job…but I wouldn’t hesitate it in a second to dive ‘under the sea’ to be ‘part of that world’ because ‘Darling it’s better down where’s it’s wetter, take it from me’…fine I’ll stop the lyrical inserts and I’ll even admit that it would have to be ‘Disney sea’ that I lived in with talking fish and bright blue / warm waters rather than the south coast murky, absolutely freezing can’t see bugger all real sea…but the dream is still present.

The dream makes me smile from my belly button, it makes me wonder how a 2016 Splash would adapt to 4g and surround sound, to mobile phones, tablets and ‘gizmos of plenty’? I will demand until the moment that I fly from this planet that dreams are possible, no matter how extreme or how unlikely. I will always live in my world where dreams can be achieved no matter how old, fat or thin you are, whether you’re rich or have little, loved or are allergic to nuts because what’s the point otherwise?

Maybe your dream isn’t reliant on growing a fin, maybe it’s stemmed in a new venture or way of life…maybe the dream for you begins tomorrow – however close or far it is, dream big and never let anyone tell you any different, perhaps they have lived a sheltered life without Disney or Goldie Hawn for entertainment and moral structuring, meanwhile I will move a step closer by asking my Mum to knit me a Mermaid blanket.

(Seriously look it up on Pinterest)

We have tomorrow for a reason 

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Quote Anon.

The concept of tomorrow gives me a little hope, so I think this post will mainly be about that four letter word that is way more powerful than most seven lettered words (small things and all that).

When the day isnt flowing how I’d like or I feel suffocated by the world around me as people demand, take, grab and ask…I often think that ‘tomorrow will be better’, without defending into melancoholy it’s true that we don’t know when our tomorrow’s  will run out, but I hope for tomorrow and to an extent I expect it. Tomorrow gives me hope, for better, less demanding, more enjoying moments.

Having just swerved (but acknowledged) the subject or death rather neatly I also feel the need to do the same for ‘living like everyday is your last’ that’s great if you’re backpacking around the world and seizing the day…but seriously who would have just hoovered their lounge, spent a week of there life potty training a 2yr old ( also know as a prisoner in my own home), who would bother to run the washing machine today if ‘seizing’ was a long term achievement? In reality I’ve just done all those things and I blooming hope for a tomorrow that will be a little more fun…hey at least if it’s not we will all have clean undies 🙂

The indulgence of ‘tomorrow’ gives us hope for long term goals to be fulfilled, to not eat all the biscuits (that’s why I’ve eaten them today, to help tomorrow out), for things to ease and change to occur.

Change is often like a leaky tap, when really we would all prefer a fountain of change at times, particularly a positive financial gain or when we face a long term illness.

I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring? We have plans so I’m hoping it will be lovely, I’m hoping it will come and I’m hoping yours will to…but before we rest our heads and wait for it to arrive make sure that once the chores are out the way there’s a little time today to indulge, to make small changes or just to smile.

Exist to be happy not to impress

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Quote by American author Richard Bach.

One of my indulgent fav’s is my mini series on the delights of the previous month titled #things I’m loving and back last year I posted this little joy  #things I’m loving 2 you may need to have a quick read for the next paragraph to make sense.


Anyway, I think it shows that once purchased my bestie and me seriously didn’t care and wore our best friends t-shirts with giggles (pride was lost during our Univeristy years)

This week my little dude and I were blessed with her arrival and apart from a little t-shirt loving we made time to sneak off for a secret Hendricks Gin at my local (which felt rebellious at one in the afternoon) but was nice to breath in a little ‘us’ time before we walked home and she was on story telling duty with my son who insisted reading occurred in his ‘Igloo’ (she really does love him)


Once little man was snoozing in bed me and Mr F cooked up a storm with this fish dish to wish for. Seriously yummy and not that indulgent at all with the only ‘minxy’ ingredient being 100ml single cream – which split between four was irrelevant…win! We served it with sour dough as a treat. 

Where am I going? Well I realised that in my little bubble it may be a bit ‘unique’ but joy is found amongst us and those we wish to share, I’d never want to go back to my ‘care about what people think’ teenage years – but for those that have entered that bubble, like my bestie – it’s always a blessing.

If you care a little too much what others think perhaps you should also buy bestie t-shirts, drink Gin in the afternoon or read in a snuggly place just because. I know from my own experience that those whose opinions I used to care about are long gone and like a gin – the others get better with age.

*Dedicated to my awesome bestie and the greatest God mother on the planet, we adore you x

  All is well

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Quote by Law of Attraction Queen Esther Hicks. 

A simple quote that also works as a lovely affirmation which I think packs a powerful punch.

When dreaming big (here at the Fridge we are alway planning bigger, wishing greatly and hoping huge) the hum drum of life can become soul destroying or make you feel like you are miles away from the destination that you desire.

A little Law of attraction reading or YouTube inspiration will quickly remind you that you then ‘attract’ the very thing you don’t want, be that a lack of funds or poor health…

It’s at this point I say this little affirmation and then think of 5 things that make me happy or that I wouldn’t want to change. For example; Thanks you for my health or my gorgeous family, a phone call to a friend or a recent purchase that makes me smile. I’ve no idea why 5? 3 seems not enough and anymore than 5 when I’m feeling sorry for myself can be hard to achieve, and that my friends is the exact opposite of what we are trying to achieve in that blue moment.

Generally it seems to be enough to alter my energy vibe and put me back on track – like a sprinkle of glitter or a ribbon on a gift.

So if you are feeling a little off track – remember ‘all is well’ and believe it in your heart, afteral there is always someone worse off and you may just add that ribbon to your dreams quicker than you thought. 

You are what you love

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Quote by Charlie Kaufam. 

This is a quote that I find affirming. It’s one that even with self love and an inner awareness we all benefit from being reminded.

Apparently as mothers we are experts in putting others above ourselves, a clear example is when I spend blooming hours creating a roast for the family, I always give the best pieces of meat to Mr Fridge. I subcontiously learnt to do it from my Mum, who no doubt learnt it from Nanny. Bizarrely, even now I recognise this behaviour trait – I still do it?

So what do I love? Opposed to who or what loves me…

I love the fact my son sings Christmas songs at the top of his lungs in the middle of February and didn’t usher a single Jingle bells during December – timing is everything.

If love and happiness define me then that’s awesome, I’m made of small victories and scrumptious delights from simple breakfasts to gourmet cuisine. I am new cultures, travel and the warmth of the sun. I am snuggly PJs and an open fire and I’m giggles that escalate to full on abdominal agony. More importantly I am not defined by how others wish or perceive me to be.

I am the emotions that I surround myself with and the things that I let occupy my time…and when I do not love, I have a choice to change, rebalance, reassess and start again.

This valentines I am not who I love although I may choose to tell them, but every day I am me and I have a duty to love me and my mini universe.

Stay true to yourself  and always make time for the things that you love. 

Love is…

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Just popping in to quickly update you on some action from a blogger I follow personally (she’s sassy and honest; a great combo) and she recently wrote about love. To see it in its full glory click the link to Thirty something belle blog. 

(Mum you will love this because I feature in the post )

Enjoy and love wisely x 

Things I’m loving #6

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February! Oh my thank heavens your are finally here, was it me or was that January pretty tough? Legends fell from Lemmy, Bowie, Rickman…and then in the last moments of January the heavens decided they needed a presenter and pinched Wogan 😦

I’m not a big fan of the sales so tend to give the January high street a miss…until I saw this gorgeous little gem below! It was in Next and priced at £4 I thought it would make amazing present (warning: if I buy you gifts this is likely to be what you receive for the next few months), I was super proud as my little man now knows the letter J, yes that’s right loving candle mummy used a candle to teach her son his letters. (Sigh as I lay back proud, my work is done) 

2. I love nature. I secretly love gardening and a fluffy cloud, sunset or sunrise is my kind of heaven. (I still screech high pitched when I see a rainbow). This was on my way to work, so lovely 🙂

3. I seem to be a breakfast fan, which given my teenage years was a Kit Kat and a glass of Ribena – I’ve come along way.

This is toast, real butter (it’s better for you and actually has taste, we buy organic grass fed), smoked salmon and poached eggs…so nom nom and was my Sunday brekkie whilst the boys played in the snow.


So farewell January you did have some glimmers of sparkle.

What are you loving and how is your NY resolution going?

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Memories 

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  Quote by Cesare Pavese, a little Google research on who he is makes me want to read some of his work (any recommendation gratefully received)

We recently had a death in the family and as in most cases it forces you to reassess your own direction and also reflect on that individual. 

It was at this point that I found this quote intriguing. Each person in my life is a series of memories that can come to the surface purely from one of my senses being triggered. One of my Aunts always had a wrigleys chewing gum in her pocket and so peppermint reminds me of her, although I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, I can take a trip back down memory lane by a stranger in the street lighting a Benson and Hedges cigarette ( and weirdly I know the difference). In memory lane I am adored and treated kindly by a couple, one of which was one of my Dads best friends. 

Memories are funny because they can become a little glamorous as time goes on, enhanced by others opinions or even a photograph. Even if I reflect on my day – it’s a series of moments rather than a day that my mind recalls. 

This is why I think it’s so very important to make opportunities to capture these moments and also to allow them to happen. 

This week, make dates with friends and family, notice moments and capture them, either  by retelling a friend about them or noting them down in a diary…you could even write your own blog.

My memory for today is a first, J ate his first pizza in a restaurant. Until now I’ve always taken bits and pieces with me to keep him occupied throughout the meal. Today he saw the Pizza ovens and told his Great Nanny that he would like a pizza. His Great Nanny, Daddy and me then spent the rest of the meal watching him devour his food, it was literally big enough for two to share…or a two year old? He did come up for air once but that was just to let me know he’d seen the table next to us be served ice cream.

If that hasn’t inspired you to search for the good moments in your day, then celebrate that tomorrow is February and say a farewell to the darkest, wettest month…February you’d better be kind 🙂