Reasons to Smile: Part 2
‘Reasons to Smile’ is my blog mini-series, documenting recent moments in my own life that have brought me joy, in an attempt to practice gratitude and inspire you to do the same :) You can check out part 1 here.
1. Flickering candles
The days are getting darker and nights drawing in earlier, prompting the need for more light. I’m very conscious of using artificial lighting due to its negative effects on the circadian rhythm (does anyone else notice headaches increasing as they switch on more lights during the day?!), so I’ve been using more candles throughout the day (and evening) to give me the light I need without disrupting my sleep pattern. Aside from the health benefits, the warm glow of candlelight makes me feel all calm and cosy - now I just have to refrain from spending ALL my money on candles.
2. This traffic light chilli
I spotted this in the kitchen Michael is working in. I was already wowed by the fact that there were still chillis growing on the plant in November(!), and then noticed this bad boy! Red, yellow and green, all in one chilli. It brought an instant smile to my face reveling in the beauty of nature.
3. Mr Tofu
My sweet baby boy 💖 He’s been with us around 7 weeks now, and while it certainly hasn’t been all plain sailing, he makes me smile every day. I love watching him grow in confidence, interacting with the world around him and generally just spending time with him. He has his quirks, but he’s super sweet (especially when he throws his head into my neck for a ‘cuddle’), very smart and a little bit dopey, and I wouldn’t have him any other way. We’ve still got a long way to go with training and settling, but I can’t wait to watch our lifes unfold together :)
4. Jumper season
HELL YEEEEEEAH it’s jumper season. Anyone who knows me will know I have a thing about textures, especially when it comes to clothing, and I’m not sure there’s anything more satisfying than the feeling of a soft, fluffy jumper against my skin. And a turtleneck?? Dreams really do come true. I love love love love it and I am throwing myself 100% into jumper season. I find winter can be a struggle mentally, so I’m reminding myself to enjoy these little mindful moments each day.
5. Indulgent food
Michael is currently working at a country hotel in Scotland and one of the perks of the job means we get to eat the food that he cooks up in the kitchen - meaning my evenings usually consist of something restaurant-quality for dinner - and he’s an amazing chef. The meal pictured was lamb rump (pink, of course), potato and parmesan croquette, beetroot and parsnip purees, green vegetables and a lamb jus 🤤 It’s been so lovely to see him in action, and even better to be on the receiving end of it! I’m also partial to a cheeky dessert too, but try and limit it to a couple of days a week to save my blood sugar 😂
I’d love to hear your Reasons to Smile today - share them in the comments :)