'Yellow Burst' by James Green (jag)

Yellow Burst, originally uploaded by James Green (jag).

Now the summer is in full swing so all the beautiful flowers are coming into bloom. It's getting rather annoying actually. I'll be enjoying a nice walk with my daughter in her pushchair when all I can see are gorgeous flowers in people's front gardens that I just so want to photograph. One of these days I will give in and knock on the front door and ask if they mind me taking pictures in their garden. Actually no, that day will never come! I'd never have the confidence to do something like that!

This photo is one that I wish I'd taken. I love really close up shots of flowers as it really makes them seem even more beautiful and interesting. What strikes me about this one is the focus of the petals. It's a really clear and sharp macro shot but the petals are just really soft and dreamy. And I just love that shade of yellow.

I'll post some of my own flower photos soon and don't worry, you don't need to watch out for a strange woman with a camera hanging around in your flowerbeds! I'll be good I promise!

'my tools' by 372.dpi

my tools, originally uploaded by 372.dpi.

I love notebooks and have never been able resist a pretty one, however far too many of them still lie empty. I've always kind saved them for "best" whatever that might be! I even have ones I bought as a teenager that are still waiting for "best". Sadly I don't have much use for notebooks any more (other than for writing my long 'to do' lists, but that's for another post). My hobbies are mainly computer based and of course you don't need to write much down when taking photos.

This photo of notebooks really caught my eye. I think because it's so close up. I think shots like this of everyday items can be so interesting as it makes you look at things in a completely different way. I also think the light and tone of this is fantastic. I hope these books get used for all sorts of interesting things.

'Flowers in the sky' by Me

Flowers in the sky, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

So, I just joined Twitter. Was a bit of an impulsive decision really as I've never really understood it but it seemed like it would be a good extension to my blog. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing so any tips would be much appreciated! So if you are on Twitter and fancy following me then you can find me listed as PhotoPuddle. I promise I will try and think of some interesting things to say.

This photo doesn't have anything to do with Twitter. I just thought I'd better add one of mine tonight that I really like in case any twittery type people came over for a visit!

'summer love' by sma_kee

summer love, originally uploaded by sma_kee.

Happy weekend to you all. I love the simplicity of this photo. I love the vintage style and the colours are lovely. I think daisies are great too. They are essentially weeds aren't they but still so pretty and fun.

I hope your weekend is full of glorious sunshine and pretty daisies.

'SUMMER :)' by gege.gatt

SUMMER :), originally uploaded by gege.gatt.

You see this photo proves the point I made yesterday - there are just so many fantastic summer photos out there! The one yesterday was a real perfect summer in the garden photo where as this one is the ultimate holiday image! It looks like such a hot and sunny day at the beach. I want to run onto that sea myself right now.

Oh and I also think this would make a fantastic album cover. Not sure exactly what the music would be on it but it would have to be something chilled out and happy.

'summer memory' by {life through the lens}

summer memory, originally uploaded by {life through the lens}.

This has the potential to become my all time favourite summer photo. (I'm not going to commit to giving it that title just yet though as there are just too many wonderful summer photos out there)!

The funny thing about it though is when I saw it first it was a miserable day and to be honest it didn't really capture my imagine that much. But then when I took a second look it the sun was shining bright and I instantly fell in love! Watermelons are the ultimate summer fruit I reckon (close second is strawberries) and even though you can't see the blue sky or the sun you just know this was a perfect summer's day.

'Pink heels and lots of sparkle ~' by ~A.n.a~

Pink heels and lots of sparkle ~, originally uploaded by ~A.n.a~.

I love this photo and I love the shoes. In fact I really want a pair just like these even though I have no idea when I'd wear them. I so miss wearing my high heels but being a stay-at-home mum and running around after a speedy toddler all day rather lends itself better to a pair of trainers or flip flops.

The photo is fantastic because it's a really interesting angle. I really love the sparkle and the dreamy tone it has as well. If this was used as an advert for these shoes then I am sure they'd sell incredibly well.

'West Wittering' by Me

West Wittering, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

As promised here is one of the photos I took at the beach yesterday. We went to West Wittering beach in West Sussex which is fantastic as it's so sandy. We built sandcastles, ate ice cream and generally had a fantastic time. Oh and there were beach huts, yay!

I love this photo because it makes the beach look really empty and peaceful when really it was packed with happy people enjoying a day out by the sea.

'Bon Appetit' by Angie Naron

Bon Appetit, originally uploaded by Angie Naron.

I want to use my blog today to say Happy Father's Day to my husband as I know he will be reading this. He is such a terrific dad to our little girl and even though she's still too young to know what Father's Day is I know she'd agree he's the best dad in the world.

As planned we went off to the beach today and had a fantastic time. I have taken loads of photos - surprise, surprise - but still need to sort them out. Will try and be organised enough to show one to you tomorrow.

Therefore, today's photo is a bit random but I wanted to include it as I think it deserves a special mention simply for the effort that went into creating it. It really is one of those photos to make you smile! Although I think if was woken up to this as breakfast in bed I might just be a little bit startled!

'Gifts' by Shan B

Gifts, originally uploaded by Shan B.

Happy weekend everyone. I hope you have lots of lovely things planned. We are off for a picnic with friends and also hoping for a trip to the beach. Fingers crossed for lovely sunshine. I am going to pretend the rain we had earlier this evening didn't happen.

This evening's picture is one to inspire me to take some lovely beach shots. I love the simplicity of this. It just looks so peaceful as if they were the only people on that beach that day. And the water just looks so sparkly and gorgeous.

That's it... I'm off to find my bucket and spade.

'Balls!' by Me

Balls!, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

You'll be pleased to know that yesterday's bad mood was gone by this morning. The lovely weather helped of course! I was hoping for a paddling pool day as it was so sunny but a bit of a chilly breeze turned it into a ball pool day instead. As you can imagine a toddler with paddling pool full of balls did mean lots of throwing them about. No matter, it just made for a good photo. I like this one because it looks a little bit surreal in a way. Probably because I took it from so low on the ground. I also like it because it will remind me of happy summer days in the garden.

'Have you LOL today?' by jackn888

Have you LOL today?, originally uploaded by jackn888.

I've been in a grumpy mood today. I don't really know why but I even had a little "why do I even bother blogging?" moment. It passed quickly lucky but don't we all have thoughts like that about our blogs occasionally?

So I needed a photo to make me smile and this one did! Isn't it just so cute? I love the composition of the picture and the way the character's head is just popping in from the corner of the photo. Really brings it to life. Now here's hoping I wake up tomorrow in a fantastic mood!

'Pillows For The Perpetual' by Samantha Lamb

Pillows For The Perpetual, originally uploaded by Samantha Lamb.

I thought I'd stay with the picnic theme tonight and chose to post this lovely photo. The sunlight on this has been captured wonderfully and it looks like a blissful way to spend a summer's day. And I just know that a picnic basket full of lovely goodies was also not far away.

'Strawberries in the green' by Karin A~

Strawberries in the green, originally uploaded by Karin A ~.

One of the best things about summer is definitely picnics. I love them. They can anything from grabbing a pack of sandwiches from the supermarket and eating them in the park to elaborate dishes prepared for a huge gathering of friends and family. Either way they are still so perfect for a summer's day. My husband, daughter and I had a picnic today at a National Trust Garden in Sussex called Nymans. It was lovely and relaxing. Although a little bit tiring at times because my little one decided she wanted to do running races even thought she's only one year old she's actually getting rather fast! But when I got my breath back it was relaxing!

This is a lovely picnicy photo. Strawberries are just the best summer fruit don't you think? I love this photo because even though it only features some grass and some fruit it still captures that relaxed summer feeling. And the colours, well they are just so vibrant and sunny!

'The enchanted forest' by Heaven's Gate (John)

The enchanted forest, originally uploaded by Heaven`s Gate (John).

The photographer has called this photo The Enchanted Forest and isn't it just so fitting? The unusual shapes of the trees and the burst of sunlight just make this picture look so magical. It's hard to believe it was taken in Birmingham in England and isn't a set of a children's fantasty film.

Hope you are all having a magical weekend!

'Sweeties' by Me

Sweeties, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

Anyone for a strawberry sweetie? I took this today in a totally unplanned photo shoot! Basically, I had a little box of sweets and was tipping one out into my hand to eat. However, I obviously tipped too far as all the sweets came out. But looking down at them in my hand I really liked how they looked and had to take a photo. So I grabbed my camera, swiped some coloured paper from my daughter's box of craft stuff and got clicking!

Oh and in case you were wondering these sweets are from M&S and are totally delicious!

'twinkle lil flowers' by manitarz

twinkle lil flowers , originally uploaded by manitarz.

I think this is such a fresh and lovely photo. I love the clean white with just a hint of pink and green. And framed this image would look fantastic on a bright white wall. I also totally adore the subject of the photo. I like flowers arranged in creative ways. This is just delightful and makes me want to go recreate this on my window sill.

'Reflecting but not pondering...' by clay.wells

Reflecting but not pondering..., originally uploaded by clay.wells.

Where has the summer gone? Why all this rain? Fingers crossed the sun will be back again soon! In fact it was a little sunny in places today so I think it's just hiding. But a bit of rain doesn't have to mean photography has to stop. In fact incredible shots can come from something as simple as a puddle. Take for example this photo of an amazing relfection. I love the dark blue sky as it looks like the rain has passed and it's actually turned out to be a lovely summer's evening.

So if you see a weird woman walking along looking at the ground over the next few days then that's probably me! I shall be looking for perfect photo opportunities in the puddles.

By the way, it didn't come to me until I starting writing this post but... Photo.... Puddle.... PhotoPuddle! Ha ha, it was meant to be!

'delicious' by Chelsea (Disco Tetris)

delicious, originally uploaded by Chelsea (Disco Tetris).

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who reads this little blog of mine and for all the lovely comments you've been leaving. It really makes my day to know that you are enjoying the pictures I am posting and I get especially excited when you say nice things about photos I have taken.

I would love to bake each and every one of you a delicious cup cake but not sure I could make them pretty enough so here is a cupcake picture I really like. It looks perfectly made and I bet it tastes great but what I love about it the most is the turquoise background. I have a real soft spot for the colour. I don't really know why but it always attracts my attention.

'West Pier' by Me

West Pier, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

I'm posting this one of mine because I really quite like it. It's of West Pier in Brighton. This is the pier that was destroyed by fire and I must admit that even thought there is not much left of it now it is really fascinating and wonderful to photograph. I am particularly proud of this one as I like the simplicty and I like contrast of the dark pier against the soft blues of the sky and sea. As always, I hope you like it too.

'Sweet Escape!' by jessamae22

Sweet Escape!, originally uploaded by jessamae22.

I am off to see Sex and the City 2 this weekend and I must say I'm rather excited! I know there have been mixed reviews but I'm not after anything deep - just a little bit of fabulousness. Anyway, I thought I would start the weekend by dressing up in fancy frock and making myself a gorgeous cocktail. Unfortunely I have found myself sitting in my PJs drinking Lilt so instead he is a fabulous cocktail photo. It's fabulous because it's a really summery shot. The tones in the this photo transport you to a warm summer's evening sat outside with friends gossiping until the small hours. And there's only a little bit of the pink drink on show here but I bet it tasted delicious!

'adventure' by sasha

adventure, originally uploaded by sasha (www.birdsflyphotography.com).

I find this photo beautiful and intriguing. I am so curious to know what the dress looks like as I bet it's stunning. And the smile on the girl really draws you in. What kind of smile is it? What's she thinking about? It's hard to tell for sure when we can't see her eyes. I bet the photographer could have taken an equally fantastic photo of the girl that revealed these things but I think what has been done here is just really creative and special.

'barefootin' by My Inner Child

barefootin, originally uploaded by My Inner Child.

It's June and it's sunny - hooray! I am therefore officially announcing summer is here and flips flops shall now be worn, rain or shine, until September! And it just so happens I have a wonderful flip flop photo to share with you (you see what I did there?).

The beautiful turquoise colours in this are so fresh and summery. And although you can't see the sea properly the sparkle is just fantastic and makes you just want to go running in right now. The sand has been captured really well too. In fact I can almost feel it between my toes as I type this. Ahhh, summer.....

'Bicycle' by Me

Bicycle, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

Do you want to know what my latest fascination is? Maybe not but I'm going to tell you anyway. It's baskets, wicker ones in particular. I have always wanted one of those baskets you put on the stairs so you can fill it up with things that need to go upstairs. Well I finally got myself one last week and I love it! It's actually really useful and fantastic in my quest for trying to keep the house uncluttered.

I am also loving bicycles with baskets on the front. They are just so pretty. I went to Cambridge a few weeks ago and I was amazed by just how many bikes there were around the city. And so many of them had these lovely baskets on. I want one now so I can ride around town with pretty things sitting in front of me.

I took this sneaky picture while in Cambridge. There were loads of bikes resting against the wall and I couldn't leave without at least one photo. And I thought making it black and white would give it a nostalgic feel and finish the image off perfectly.