Beautiful Blooms, Unexpected Sunshine and a Birthday Bonanza {Little Loves}

A new month has arrived and I’ll be honest, I’m not really ready for it (probably the reason why I’m late with this post yet again). September whizzed by in an absolute blur so I’m not sure if I have much content to share but I’m going to give it a jolly good go.

One of the ways that helps me to stay positive in life, is to focus on the good. I am a firm believer in the notion that where your mind is, your heart will be also. It’s for this reason that I continue to share my ‘Three Things Today’ at the end of every day on Instagram Stories. This monthly ‘Little Loves’ post is kind of an extension of that, so here goes…

Read in September

I’ve not got on brilliantly with books this month. I think I probably peaked last month when I read 3 in a week! I’m halfway through a historical fiction novel written by Francine Rivers, called Redeeming Love. A friend lent it to me about 2 years ago and I’ve finally cracked it open! I wouldn’t normally go for historical fiction and I think that’s why I hesitated initially. Really enjoying it so far though.

As for blogs, I loved this post by Gail from Wellies on the School Run. I could have written it myself (not as well of course).

Watched in September

I always find it difficult to remember the best things I’ve watched when I’m under pressure but two spring to mind this month…

First up is ‘Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over‘ on Sky’s W channel. This a series of short documentaries where Stacey spends the weekend with a family who are living what might be considered an ‘unconventional’ life.

If you’re nosey like me, it’s a fascinating watch. I’ve enjoyed Stacey’s documentary style for quite some time now but I think what I like most about her, is that she smiles all the time. She literally looks like she has sunbeams coming out of her face! Watch and you’ll see what I mean.

Secondly, I’ve been totally hooked on the ITV drama, ‘A Confession‘ with brilliant acting from Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton. It’s actually based on a true crime and police procedures that were brought into question as a result. There are six episodes and the final one airs tonight! I can’t wait.

Heard in September

I go to a body balance class every Thursday, or at least I try to go. I hadn’t managed to get there all summer due to a cracked rib that I acquired after suffering from a cough for 3 months. I went back at the beginning of September and immediately realised how much I had missed it. I feel myself unwinding physically and mentally, as soon as the class starts.

The music really adds to the whole experience and the current routine ends with stretching, during which our ears have the pleasure of listening to ‘Fall on Me’ by Andrea and Matteo Bocelli. It’s such a powerful piece of music that brings a lump to my throat every time I hear it.

Tip: turning it up really loud adds to the experience!

Wore in September

Flip flops, trainers, boots and back to flip flops again! It really has been a typical September with the changeable weather. Whilst I adore autumn clothes, seeing the sunshine again mid-September was a pleasant surprise.

Made in September

Most importantly, I made time for the things I love this month. As friendship and flowers are two of those things, I took a trip to RHS Wisley with a friend. Whilst there, I took as many photographs of beautiful blooms, as I possibly could!

The day couldn’t have been more glorious and it did my soul so much good. I also made my son a birthday cake but I forgot to take any photographs and it wouldn’t win any prizes so probably best left un-photographed this year!

And Lastly…

September is all about celebrations in our house. We have two birthdays at the end of the month and it was our 22nd wedding anniversary early September.

I love a birthday so trying to make that one person feel special for the day is really important to me. Sadly my husband’s is the day after my son’s so his can often be a bit lack lustre and I’ll admit that this year’s fell into that category.

The OH and I popped to a local bar for a snack and a quick drink in the evening but there was a pub quiz on so it was impossible to hold a conversation! It was also lashing it down with rain so all in all, not the best 49th birthday. I’m going to have to pull out all the stops next year aren’t I?!

Thanks for reading. Until next time…