10 things that made me happy this week

There has been a lot of happy and a lot of busy in the past two weeks since our house finally settled! It's great being homeowners but also really hectic as we had such short notice of settlement that we had to madly clean the place and prepare to move in. Some work still needs to be done before we can move in but we are in full swing packing and preparing for the final moving day! During this crazy busy time looking for the little happy things has been extra important, here's what made the cut this week:

1. A couple of easy days at work - extra appreciated in this busy time.
2. Finding and watching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix.
3. Finally finding someone to put fences up at our new house.
4. Leftover roast lamb for 3 days - easy, no fuss meals are the best!
5. Getting around to making a Facebook page for this little blog - follow me here
6. Ticking off another book from my reading goal - 10 down, 40 to go!
7. Having an electric kettle at both houses so a hot cup of tea is always within easy reach.
8. This dress being back in stock at Modcloth.
9. My own version of a ploughman's plate for dinner - crusty bread, sharp cheddar, crisp apple and chunks of mettwurst, yum!
10. Broadchurch being back on TV for its final season.  

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that made me happy this week

Source - If I was less broke I would be very tempted by these!

This weeks happy list is very much a celebration of the simple things in life - it's been busy and filled with the fuzziness of many sleepless nights (the bi-product of a dog recovering from surgery and rebelling against the strict no walking rule!) but that has enhanced the simple joys of family time and relaxation on the couch! Without further ado, my happy list:

1. A pile of library books waiting to be read.
2. Getting the go ahead from the vet to resume full activity with Akela again! 
3. Pulling out some of my old favourite recipes and getting back in the kitchen.
4. Late night Hamilton karaoke - Starring me as Hamilton and Mark as Burr.
5. Lunch at O'leary Walker's in Clare with one of my best girls, Rosie!  
6. Trying out Walt's Chilli (with a few of my own modifications) - turned out pretty good, if I may say so myself.
7. Getting out my paperwork so I can, hopefully, start getting some work soon.
8. Cups of tea with biscuits - accompanied by one of those library books.
9. Watching the first few episodes of Outlander -  It's a promising start and I'm looking forward to watching more.
10. Planning for another day in Clare this weekend - looking at potential wedding venues!

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that have made me happy this week

This week has been a pretty big one for me with some very exciting things happening! Let's get straight to all the excitement:

1. Getting engaged! Mark planned out the most amazing proposal (and picked out an amazing ring) - details to follow, watch this space!
2. Securing tickets to go see Hamilton while we are in San Fransisco next year!
3. Charlie the Choo-Choo arriving in the mail.
4. Wrapping all of the Christmas presents and putting them under the tree - I felt a tiny bit of my usual Christmas spirit returning!
5. Glancing down at my hands and seeing my ring at odd times - makes me smile every time (yes, I'm in a bit of a sappy mood this week!)
6. Giving the bunnies their papaya tablets (to keep their digestion all running smoothly while they moult) - they get so excited to gobble them down and it's adorable!
7. Hidden Mickey nails.
8. Cuddles with Akela - he was in a sooky mood yesterday and I loved every minute of it! 
9. Starting to look at all the first wedding details: Honeymoon ideas (Disney World is looking like a possibility at this point), theming (again with Disney - don't tell me you're surprised!) and colour schemes... All very exciting!
10. Watching movies with my classes on my last work day - such an easy and enjoyable way to finish of the working year. 

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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Goals: 30 before 30

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At the end of last year, when I had just moved house and gone through some pretty tough times, I wrote this list. 30 things I want to achieve before I am 30 years old. Since then my life has changed drastically all over again - some positive but also many negative. For the last 12 months I have quietly got on with some of these tasks but for many others the list has been pushed aside and forgotten about. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been feeling very uninspired of late, so I have dug that list up and I've decided to post it on here! Accountability and all that!

So, a bit of preface to the list: I will turn 30 in July of 2018 that give me just over a year and a half to complete the list! Also, I've had to change one item on the list. Those who know me IRL know that I had a dog when I wrote this list, she was my very best friend, one task involved her and us working together, when she passed away in February of this year I was absolutely gutted. I did not intend on getting another dog and I thought my list would just stay at 29 before 30... But, a chance encounter with another puppy softened my resolve, enter Akela - This little boy has gotten under my skin and into my heart, he in no way replaces my beautiful Echo but he has helped me heal. Consequently I have changed my initial goal to one shared with him, in honour of my beautiful Echo.

With that preamble out of the way, here's my list! I promise to post updates between now and my 30th birthday!

1. Go on another overseas holiday
2. Move into a bigger house – preferably my own!
3. Get my blog off the ground with regular posts and readers
4. Perfect my blog design
5. Start an Etsy shop (or similar)
6. Get my arrow and snowflake tattoos
7. Get a good sized Christmas tree and fill it with homemade and special decorations
8. Get back into running
9. Complete one of my manuscripts
10. Make crafts from my Pinterest craft board – including learning new skills
11. Get back into scrapbooking
12. Holiday around SA (camping and pet friendly)
13. Get to know my local area
14. Get a new camera and learn to use it properly to take great photos
15. Be confident in myself and be more assertive (work through my anxiety)
16. Live a healthier lifestyle (run, eat better, drink more water)
17. Entertain more
18. Decorate my house – including a gallery wall and styled shelves/mantle
19. Read through my (current) Goodreads list (was 78 books now down to 47)
20. Organise my house and schedule
21. Get on top of the sewing/craft projects I have planned
22. Start a herb and vegi garden
23. Get a puppy and work to train it/ form a bond (Akela had not been named when this addition was made!)
24. Be a good bunny mum – make sure they always have plenty of toys and a balanced diet
25. Have regular ‘date nights’
26. Have regular ‘pamper nights’
27. Learn to make my own beauty products – bath bombs, scrubs etc
28. Spend time with family
29. Start a regular ‘smash book’ type journal    
30. Enjoy life!

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10 things that have made me happy this week

Those that read yesterday’s post will know that things have been a bit hectic and overwhelming for me at the moment, this is all the more reason I need to keep focusing on these posts and focusing on the little happy things going on in my life at the moment, so let’s dive right in, here is this weeks 10 things:

1. Reading one of the best books I’ve read in a long time The Hate List by Jennifer Brown – I was so engrossed I read it in two days.
2. Looking at pictures of Akela from when I first brought him home – where has my little puppy gone!
3. One Facebook groups attempt at flooding out all of the American election coverage on our newfeeds – made my Facebook feed such a happy place for the day (think cute animals, geekery and crafty goodness)
4. Wearing my acetylcholine necklace to work – I’m sure no one else recognised it but it felt rather fitting.
5. Getting my hair done last Saturday – including requisite puppy related conversations with my lovely hairdresser.
6. Crossing things off of my to do list – gives me a little room to breathe.
7. Ending the working week with more days lined up for the following few weeks.
8. Wearing a skirt and short sleeves and not getting cold.
9. Seeing my little rescue bunnies Scully and Mulder get comfortable enough to flop down and snooze out in the open after breakfast.
10. The service we got from the vets when Akela had his little accident, they were kind and accommodating and even sent us a quick text message this morning to check up on him.  

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that made me happy this week

Well, here we are again, another week has passed, another hectic week I might add! I'd tell you all about my week but this post is suppose to be the happy things and this week hasn't been the best. So this weeks list is the epitome of finding the silver lining, let's get straight to listing those little bright parts of the week:

1. Going to a 'Stranger Things' exhibition that was on in the city last weekend.
2. Finishing 'What Alice Forgot' and crossing another book off of my 'to read' list.  
3. Spending some time bonding with my bunnies over a banana.
4. Cups of tea with apple tea cake.
5. Crossing things off my to do list - I've felt a little snowed in recently and crossing off some tasks has been such a relief.
6. Catching up with some of Mark's family after our visit to the city.
7. A really successful class at work on Thursday - everything just clicked into place and left me feeling really focused.
8. Wearing my new overalls, comfy and stylish.
9.  Finding three pairs of jeans at Savers for less than I would have paid for new jeans. 
10. Finally being able to walk Akela - getting out in the fresh air and walking off some of his energy.   

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that have made me happy this week

The first week back of term is always a bad one for me, I'm a person of routine and going back to the uncertainty of relief of work is always difficult for me, because of that I find I need to really focus on the little things - even if they aren't the most exciting!

1. Catching up with my Dad in Burra last weekend - lunch, cider tasting and coffee with scones, the perfect way to end the holidays.
2. Putting on classical music for the bunnies and watching them relax - it helps drown out distractions and makes them feel calm enough to stretch out and sleep.
3. Pub takeaway for dinner on Wednesday night - didn't have to cook and for once it wasn't even soggy! 
4. Watching old episodes from the first season of Gilmore Girls - even if it's mildly scary that I'm now closer to the age of Lorelei than Rory! 
5. Being able to take off my jacket yesterday and enjoy the sunshine in a light weight shirt.
6. An unexpected two days at work for the week.
7. My holds coming in at the library - new books to read always make me happy!
8. Hot cups of earl grey tea.
9. Lego bunnies arriving in the mail - since Mark's Lego takes up such a large part of our house I decided we needed some bunnies to add to the collection.
10. Being able to see a noticeable improvement in Akela's training - sometimes it takes ages to start seeing results but it's so rewarding when you do!

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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Honestly Speaking: Why I Love Blogs

Today I intended to write up an account of a little trip we took to the Barossa Valley last week but I haven't been able to get the topic of blogging off my mind so I've postponed that little recount in favour of some random ramblings (why not, it's my blog after all!)

When I started this blog I didn't really know what I wanted to do with it, I knew I enjoyed reading blogs and I thought it would be a little bit of fun but the idea quickly floundered when I realised I had absolutely no aim or direction for it - enter reading even more blogs! For the last couple of years I have been exploring and finding more and more great blogs and realising that, for me, they are the perfect medium. There has been a lot of speculation recently that blogging is dead, I don't think it is, I think it's just slowed down a bit and ultimately it will stick around, I don't think I'm the only one that loves what blogs have done for our media! Ultimately it re-inspired me to jump back into blogging and I haven't looked back! Here's what I love about blogs and blogging:

Some different perspectives I've read recently (top to bottom): The birth of Rosie's daughter on Cider with Rosie // Jen's Personal Emergency Plans on Epbot // Michelle's Acts of self love on Life Outside London  

Different perspectives: blogging has given us an inside look into different peoples lives and often their personal feelings including many experiences we may not have shared. Lifestyle bloggers in particular open up so much of themselves to their work it is impossible not to gain some understanding of the differences in everyones lives.

Clockwise from top left: Paige Joanna // I Want You To Know // A Clothes Horse // Scathingly Brilliant

A step away from mainstream media: One of the things I like best about fashion blogging is all the differences of the individuals, in the mainstream media we tend to see models that all fit the same mould - blogging is a different story, rather that bloggers being restricted anyone can share their fashion journey enabling us to see clothes, outfits and creativity on people from all walks of life.

It's easy (and free): Well, it's not easy being the one to create the content but it's so easy to consume! We all have the internet on our phones now so when you get stuck in the waiting room you can still check the latest posts from bloggers you like! It's way better than magazines because it's on the spot, free and you get content more than once a month!

Product reviews: Yes, I hear the arguments with this one! Many bloggers do produce sponsored content but, in all honesty, this makes them no less reliable than magazines or other media and, as previously stated, you're getting the content for free! I do hate when a blog goes to all sponsored content but so what if they are getting a kick back sometimes! And who doesn't want to hear what the latest trends or the go to products are - even if it's basically in the form of an ad!

Community: Blogging, or even just reading blogs, bring a feeling of connection - you can relate to this person, maybe you comment on posts, maybe you just look at the pictures but you're making a connection with a complete stranger who you probably have something in common with (or why else would you be there!) and I think that's pretty amazing!

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6 tips for staying sane in a temporary living situation

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Right now I'm living in a little rental house, I've been here just shy of 12 months. I moved into this place from a reasonably large old house that I owned and I know that eventually I will be buying another house and moving into another big old home. In the mean time, while I wait for life's complications to be worked out, I'm stuck here in a temporary home that is far too small for my lifestyle. I know just how frustrating it can be so I've got a few tips to share with you today that I've found have helped me when I've been feeling down. 

1. Consider storage: The house I lived in prior to this one was much larger and the eventual aim is to move back into a large house again. Many temporary living situations involve downsizing or sharing a space and you have to cram a whole life into half the original size. Consider storing some of your things, a storage unit can keep things off site or, if money is tight, consider storing some things in plastic containers in a shed. It can also save space to keep some things in boxes and store them under beds or on top of wardrobes - the main thing is that trying to unpack everything into a smaller space can be a recipe for disaster and just make the space unliveable.
2. Make things work for now: Living in a temporary home it can feel like your life is standing still and you just want to push forward with any or all plans possible. I know, I've been there, but sometimes it's just not viable. Try and plan for now - there might not be much point going through and making huge plans for home decor if you plan to leave in 12 months or planning extravagant dinner parties when your dining room only sits 4. Yes, it's frustrating having to put your life on hold but it's better to plan around what works for your situation, for example planning a nice dinner out rather than inviting everyone into a place that's cramped can ultimately reduce your stress rather than adding to it.
3. Improve the things you can: This might seem like a contradiction of the previous point but actually they compliment each other. While you can't change the big things you might be able to make a few little changes that are cheap, easy and make your life easier! That could mean something as simple as rearranging a room, buying storage solutions for your pantry or carving out a small corner of a room for yourself - the little things can make a huge difference to your mental health. Extra points if you can do with things you know you will have use for when you leave!
4. Don't completely abandon decor: While it might be tempting to keep the decor packed away to free up space for the things you actually use it can be a mistake. You don't want to clutter your space with too much but keeping out a few things that you love and make you happy can be enough to lift your spirits. If in doubt add fresh flowers or greenery for an instant lift.
5. Try and get out and have fun: If, like me, the reasons for your temporary shift in accomodation are financial, this can be difficult but sometimes you just need to get out, get some fresh air and have a bit of distance from the situation. Try a walk in a nice park, catching up with friends or a trip to the local library/cafe for some cheap you time.
6. Remember it's temporary: This one can be really hard, particularly if you have no set timeframe, you get driven to distraction wondering when you will ever get to move on to your 'real life'... but it is temporary, in the darkest moments just stop and thing about where your headed and that this is just a stepping stone. 

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10 things that have made me happy this week

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This week has been fairly busy, not only was I in at work everyday but I got to spend some time planning some lessons and actually teaching them, which was tiring but a nice change from the usual week to week activities. Consequently writing my usual preamble is proving to be a little more difficult than usual! To save my work addled brain I'll jump straight into it:

1. Pasta bake for dinner - ever since my trusty base sauce was discontinued I've been trying to find a way to reproduce it, (preferably as quickly and easily as the original) last night I think I did it, and it was even better reheated for dinner again tonight!
2. One of the books I ordered from the library coming in - I now have a bit of a stack but I wouldn't have it any other way.
3. Catching another morning tea at work - I've really lucked out on the good food this term.
4. Seeing the sun peek out today - reminds me that winter is on the way out.
5. Three dogs gleefully running around the back yard together.
6. Curling into a warm bed after a long day and reading a couple of chapters of one of my books - obligatory German Shepherd cuddles most definitely included.
7. Cheap blueberries - a great healthy little snack and I can't resist the love I get when I share them with the bunnies! 
8. Planning for the weekend - a hair appointment, a catch up with my dad and maybe some time exploring Clare.
9. Finally trying out the bullet journal trend - I think I'm sold. 
10. Walking into the kitchen to find the cat stuck in the rabbit's play pen - silly thing can't even jump waist height and had to unceremoniously haul herself up the side of the pen to get out! Cat clearly can't cat. 

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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Life Lately: Wednesday Update

The last few weeks have been crazy busy between work and the menagerie of animals and finding time to write posts has been hard, let alone finding the content! no one wants to hear about my job, after all! He's a quick update on the little things that have been filing my life lately:

Watching: Stranger Things - Well, I just finished it and loved it! Cannot wait for the next season.
Reading: Wizard and Glass (Book #4 of Stephen King's Dark Tower series)
Listening to: Comeback Kid by The Band Perry
Cooking: Lamb Yiros - one of my easy go to meals for busy days.
Feeling: Tired but relieved - I spent most of last night up with a dog who had broken into the dog food container and was feeling very sorry for himself! He's definitely feeling better now he's gotten it all out of his system.
Planning: A better system for storing the dog food!
Loving: My dear father and his wife for coming up and helping me clear the weeds from the back yard.
Enjoying: Some solid days at work before the holidays.

Little things of note:

• Akela's ears have now reach the crazy stage - one is almost always up (if a little sideways) and the other one is still firmly down. My little puppy is growing up too quickly!
• The internet has been S.L.O.W... like, shoot me now, slow. I'm assured it's because they are working on the NBN and that it will all be worth it but in the mean time it's less than fun.
• I've been grappling with this Twitter thing - I'm not sure I'm convinced but I guess time will tell! (link at the bottom of post if you want to follow along with my awkward Twittering)
• I'm more than a little sad that spring seems to have given way to winter again.
• Those faces up there at the top of this post... they are making me pretty happy at the moment! 

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10 things that have made me happy this week

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This week has had a few little frustrations - the main ones being the fact the internet seems to have decided to only selectively load some pages - some days blogger has refused to load and my plans to post have been thwarted! It's also been cold and wet and decided to bucket down on the day I organised someone to come and do yard work. Such is life and the dangers of being dependent on the internet! This week has also been pretty productive - lots of things crossed off my to do list, even if one of those things was just finishing my book! Overall, aside from the weather, I can find some pretty great points for this week!

1. A last minute trip into Port Pirie last night for some dinner and a spot of shopping.
2. Akela almost sleeping through the night - just one trip outside at 4am and no accidents!
3. The sun showing itself today - indulging in my morning cuppa sitting in the sun watching the dogs play around in the back yard.
4. Spending the time to sit down and finish reading a whole book - a few hours in the evenings/afternoons put aside and I feel happy and refreshed.
5. Oven baked potatoes (no lazy microwave method here) piled high with sour cream and cheese for dinner one night - so unhealthy but so good.
6. Burning scented candles and making the living room smell amazing - I've nearly reached the end of an amazing caramel soy candle that makes the room smell sweet and cozy.
7. Adding to my novelty bag collection with a cute popcorn shaped bag from Kmart (does not appear to be on their website) - coming soon to a blogpost!
8. Hot showers after cold days, then climbing into warm pyjamas and cuddling up to my hot water bottle, and cat!
9. Being given a couple of bags of clothes to sort through from an acquaintance of my fathers - I found some pretty amazing things and a few pieces to rework once I can find my sewing machine!
10. Morning snuggle time with my little family - pile two people, two dogs and the cat onto the bed and enjoy... Unfortunately the bunnies have to miss out!

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that have made me happy this week

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This week has not gone to plan. Not at all. I was all set to gush in my list about going into Pirie and doing some shopping, I had plans to go and find some much needed craft supplies since all of mine either got thrown out or pack into boxes when I moved and I have a new project I want to start... However I came home and found a sick little puppy had eaten something that did not agree with him at all! I won't go into details because it was horrible, suffice to say he's back to his energetic little puppy self now and I'm desperately trying to find out where to hire a steam cleaner! Poor little dear has also been pining for his best friend Sam, He spent a few days walking around the house crying and his training was all but forgotten until he got used to being by himself - I'm imagining a very happy reunion sometime in his future! But, for all the set backs, I do love that little fuzzy face and I wouldn't change it for the world! Here is my slightly different than expected happy list:

1. An unexpected morning tea at work, including the most divine banana and white chocolate cupcakes.
2. Finding the time for a hot cup of tea - the milk had gone off because it was so long since I'd used it but even black it was great to have that time to sit and savour a moment of simplicity during this crazy week (month!)
3. Waking up during the night to find a rather large puppy snuggled up to me - I have know idea how he got up without waking me but I had to laugh! Poor darling doesn't realise he's going to get far to big to be allowed to sleep on the bed!
4. Re-watching old episodes of Nigella (some of Forever Summer and Feasts) and being inspired to get back in the kitchen - I now have a lamb roll sitting in the fridge for a weekend roast!  
5. Winter is over - now someone just has to tell the weather!
6. Finally watching The Princess and the Frog (just a bit behind the times with that one!) - definitely an underrated movie.
7. Starting to plan costumes for next years D23 Expo - why, yes, I'm more than a little excited!
8. Pub pizza on Sunday night - after a long busy weekend it was a perfect easy meal.
9. Anticipating a weekend at home to catch up on my long to do list.
10. That moment when I looked down, straight into Akela's eyes, and realised that right in that moment I was his whole world - It made my heart melt to see so much love and devotion focused solely on me.    

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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10 things that have made me happy this week

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If you read Wednesday's post then you know just how busy this past week has been! But the busy has, overall, been very positive and I've been doing a lot of lovely things. Of course having a brand new puppy hasn't made anything easier! Oh well, that's the way of life - here's what's been making me smile this week:

1. My new hair colour being almost exactly what I wanted - I was expecting it to take at least a couple of appointments to get it right.
2. Seeing Bad Moms with the lovely Julia.
3. How well Sam and Akela are getting on - love those pups.
4. Going to the Fisherman's Wharf Markets and the football with my dear old dad. 
5. My students reaction to my new hair colour - 'you look like Anna from Frozen, Miss'
6. Akela sleeping in until 7.30 on Tuesday morning.
7. Finally being able to wear my mustard yellow duffel coat without it clashing with my hair (much)
8. Watching Akela play - he's managed to coerce Jack into a game and he's made an awful mess playing in his water bowl, so messy but had me laughing!
9. Finding the time to sit down and actually finish a hot cup of tea.
10. The first signs of spring - trees are bursting into blossoms on the side of the road, it's glorious! 

*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

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