'happy new year!' by Debby.S

happy new year!, a photo by Debby.S on Flickr.

Here is a wonderful New Year's Eve photo to post today. I think this would have worked well in colour but I think the black and white is beautiful. I hope you all have a fabulous time seeing in the new year tonight and I wish you all the very best for a truly spectacular 2013. Here's hoping all your wishes come true because I know you deserve it.

Happy new year everyone!

'Beauty on a grey day' by Me

Beauty on a grey day, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

So have you made any new year's resolutions? I don't normally make any myself. I tend to make big resolutions with myself at other points during the year just when it feels right. Sometimes this is on my birthday as getting a year old seems a perfect time to make a change. And often September is a good time of year for resolutions too. I think because even though I'm in my thirties I've never stopped thinking in school years!

Anyway, since deciding I wanted to do a post on how I don't make resolutions I seem to have accidentally made a few. Here's hoping I can keep them. I don't think they're too hard though.

My first resolution is that I don't want to go on a diet in 2013. By that I mean I have lost my baby weight and apart from a little overindulgence over Christmas I am pretty happy with what I weigh. I want to now eat sensibly so it doesn't creep up when I'm not looking and one day I suddenly can't do my jeans up.

Secondly, I want to read more. I love reading but never find the time to do it. I have a huge 'To Read' pile so it would be good to make a big dent in that.

Thirdly, I want to de-clutter my house and have a good old sort out. I know it's an impossible dream but I would love to live in a house that was tidy all the time.

And the resolution that is most relevant to this blog is that I want to make more time for photography. Other than photos of family and friends I've hardly taken any pictures in the past couple of months. I think I get put off by the bad weather. I need to learn to embrace the grey skies more like I did in the photo above. I took this on a dull day but I think it is still a great dramatic image. Also I got bought Polaroid film for Christmas so I'm going to have fun playing with that.

So tell me, what do you resolve to do (or not do) in 2013?

'Snow!' by Hugrun Lena

Snow!, a photo by Hugrún Lena on Flickr.

Did you all have a fantastic Christmas? I really hope you did because mine was wonderful. In fact I have loved the whole festive season. We've done so much and been really busy and it's been great. Christmas Day itself was just brilliant. It was definitely made extra special by the children who had such great time. Naturally my four year old was super excited but I was really surprised by how much my eight month old got into the Christmas spirit too. He definitely knew it was a special day. He was a bit of cliche because he did spend a lot of time playing with the packaging and the wrapping paper. But the funniest thing was bedtime. Usually he's so tired by the end of the day and completely out like a light but that day he took ages to settle and just wanted cuddles. I genuinely think didn't want to be left alone. I think he would rather have been downstairs continuing the celebrations.

Anyway, there so much I could write about Christmas but I'll stop now and look forward to the next few days chilling at home with family and friends. It's sort of a shame there is no snow forecast as that would have finished off the holidays perfectly, especially as we don't really have to get anywhere in a hurry. I love this snowy Christmas photo as it really has captured the magic of freshly fallen snow. I love it when it snows at night like this. It makes everything just seem so peaceful.

'Christmas Decorations' by sweet berry me

Christmas Decorations, a photo by sweet berry me on Flickr.

It's Christmas Eve Eve and I must admit I am rather excited although not as excited as my four year old daughter appears to be. She has been on such a high all day and it took her hours to get to sleep tonight. Goodness knows what she'll be like tomorrow. Thankfully my eight month old is taking it more in his stride. All he wants for Christmas is a big pile of wrapping paper to play with and possibly try to eat!

Talking of festive things to eat how cute are these decorations? I must make some edible decorations one year. Although not sure how long they'd last on the tree.

Anyway, time to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I hope you all have a fantastic time celebrating with friends and family.

'329/365 - Festive Monkey' by Samantha Warren Photography

329/365 - Festive Monkey, a photo by Samantha Warren Photography on Flickr.

You know what makes me chuckle? Christmas jumpers! I find it funny how they are rather trendy this year. The reason this amuses me is that in years to come people won't recall that this was the year that Christmas sweaters were cool. There will just be lots of old photographs of people in really cheesey jumpers and people just asking themselves "what was I thinking?".

The same goes for Movember! It's obviously a fantastic cause but Movember won't happen every year forever and like with the sweaters there will be lots of photographic evidence of bad moustaches and no way of reminding people that it was honestly just for charity.

I think this photo is perfect to accompany my thoughts on festive fashions. It's a very well taken and composed picture but what I love the most is Monkey's Christmas jumper. We have one of these Monkey toys at home but his top is nowhere near as cool as this one.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I hope you are having a lovely and festive weekend. Only three more sleeps!

'My very first Flickr photo' by Me

My very first Flickr photo, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I thought tonight I wouldn't post anything festive and instead show you the very first photo I posted on Flickr. I am rather unimpressed with many of my early pictures but this one I actually really like. I find that trees can make really great subjects for photos. I love the shapes of the branches here and of course I love the blue sky.

'Silver bokeh' by LindaScannell

Silver bokeh, a photo by LindaScannell on Flickr.

This time next week it'll be Christmas Eve which I think is very exciting. Christmas Day itself is always fantastic but the night before is definitely the most magical time of the festive season. I've always felt that way even before children but since become a parent it's even more exciting for obvious Father Christmas related reasons!

I found it very hard to choose a photo to share with you tonight. Whilst looking for festive images all the ones that really caught my eye were ones of baubles! I hadn't realised I was so obsessed with them. Or perhaps they are just the prettiest thing about Christmas! I did love this one though. I love it's simplicity and of course it wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of sparkle.

'Olney window' by Clive Wagner

Olney window, a photo by Clive Wagner on Flickr.

I just had to blog tonight as I needed somewhere to express my amazement at how well today's Christmas shopping went. We needed to head out to the shops to get a few bits an pieces so we went to our local town centre. On driving past the car park we usually park in we noticed a huge queue so we thought we'd try elsewhere. For some unknown reason we thought we'd try out a tiny little car park that is always full. Amazingly, there was a space. We didn't even have to wait for someone to leave it was just sitting there all empty. Result!

After a trip to the library and a few shops we decided to have lunch. We were going to grab a coffee shop sandwich but a spare of the moment desiscion meant we had a delicious pizza for lunch at Ask. We felt that we were going to need to get our strength up, after all the next stop was going to be Tesco!

There were more nice surprises at Tesco though. For a start it wasn't really any busier than a normal Saturday and once again we struck gold parking when we got a parent and child space straight away. Then the shop was actually quite quiet. But the best bit was that both our children were complete angels the whole way round. Usually one or both of them get bored.

So all in all we were very pleasantly surprised today. Whoever said that the shops at Christmas are a nightmare didn't know what they were talking about.

Oh and the photo.... I love this. So festive and lovely and definitely looks like a place I'd like to go shopping. It also looks really cozy even though we are on the outside in the cold looking into the warm shop.

I hope you are all having a good weekend.

'Macy's Christmas window in NYC, 2008' by Maryann's *****Fotos

Macy's Christmas window in NYC, 2008, a photo by Maryann's*****Fotos on Flickr.

I couldn't resist another bauble photo with a fabulous reflection. Love the colours too, you've got to have lots of colours and sparkles at Christmas. So what do you have planned for the weekend? Lots of Christmassy things I hope. We need to do a little more shopping, mainly food which unfortunately means braving the supermarket. And we're hosting a family party which I'm really looking forward to.

Happy weekend folks. Hope yours is full of Christmas sparkle.

'DSC_0206' by margheonair8

DSC_0206, a photo by margheonair8 on Flickr.

Here is a simple yet stunning photo. I love everything about it. I love how cold it looks but cold in a nice way. I adore the colours. Those fresh blues and greens are lovely and the reason they are so gorgeous is that fabulous sunlight. Now here's hoping that if it snows round here the sun will be kind enough to shine like this so I too can capture a few snowy moments.

'Trinket boxes' by Me

Trinket boxes, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I thought I would show you another 'corner of my house' style picture tonight. Here is another favourite corner of mine. I guess things here are what you would call trinket boxes as they are wooden boxes I keep bits and bobs in. The beach hut one I love because it's the closest I have come so far to owning my own beach hut. The other one I bought at a shopping party at a friends house where they were selling all kinds of pretty stuff like this. The heart at the front is actually a picture frame but I never got around to putting a photo in it as I just really like this one of the flowers in the vase. And finally there's a card which my hubby and daughter got me once just to say "we love you". It was over a year ago but I still keep it up permanently just because it makes me smile!

'love these ornaments' by nanaCompany

love these ornaments, a photo by nanaCompany on Flickr.

I must admit I do like photos of Christmas baubles. I think it's for two main reasons - firstly, all the colours as I love bright and colourful photos. And secondly, they appeal to my slightly voyeuristic side. I do like examining the baubles to see what's going on in the reflection! Luckily for me this photo ticks both those boxes. Lots of lovely pretty colours and I've been able to have a good look at what's going on in the rest of the room!

Happy weekend everyone!

'mince pies' by sarahabnett

mince pies, a photo by sarahabnett on Flickr.

The trouble with Christmas is that I'm not a big fan of Christmas food such as mince, pies, fruit cake or Christmas pudding. Or anything really with dried fruit or marzipan. I make up for it though by eating lots of chocolate and instead on mince pies I always make sure I have a box of apple pies in the house.

Although, I must admit I am coming round to the idea of Christmas pudding. I tasted a spoonful from my husband's plate during our meal out earlier this week and it was actually rather nice.

And then I see gorgeous photos like this that really make me fancy a mince pie. I know I won't like it but these look so delicious I could be tempted into trying one. I am very impressed that the photographer managed to actually get a photo of these without scoffing the lot! I bet it wasn't a long photo session!

'Making Christmas cards' by Me

Making Christmas cards, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I think I am going to have to give in and let my husband put the Christmas tree up. It is starting to feel rather festive around here. The festiveness really got underway last night when my hubby surprised me with a meal out, just us two. This was fantastic as we NEVER go out together on our own in the evening. We had a delicious meal in a lovely restaurant and it felt all Christmassy because we had turkey dinner and pulled crackers.

This morning it snowed, not for long and it didn't settle, but the flakes were really big and it did seem rather magical. Then this afternoon my daughter and I spent about three hours making Christmas cards. She worked so hard as she wanted to make the cards and write them all herself. Oh and whilst we were doing this we had the music channels on playing Christmas tunes.

So to conclude, I think Christmas is here and I like it.

'Kitty gift' by Lisa-Mari

Kitty gift, a photo by Lisa-Mari on Flickr.

This photo is for my husband. He wanted to put the Christmas tree up today but for me it's way too early. I am starting to feel festive but if the decorations went up now I'd be bored of them by 25th December. I would happily wait a couple more weeks and literally put them up the week before Cheidtmas but we've compromised and the tree is going up next weekend. We have family visiting and the school nativity so it does make sense.

In the mean time I hope my dearest hubby will enjoy looking at this gorgeous tree instead. I love how this has been taken. The fairy lights have been captured so perfectly. And talking about light, I think what I love most is the blue glow you can see outside as it's such a contrast to the warm and coziness inside.

What about you? Is your tree up?

'p is for pink' by paper pastries

p is for pink, a photo by ♥ paper pastries on Flickr.

My husband has been away with work this week and although I missed him loads I've had a lovely time with my two children. They've been so well behaved and lovely. I did wonder whether solo parenting for that long would leave me reaching for the gin every night (I don't even drink gin) but I had nothing to worry about because they have been great and so much fun. I shouldn't have expected anything less really. I am pleased that my husband is home now though and our family is complete again. Although I think I may miss having the bed to myself tonight. It's funny how differently I sleep when I'm on my own.

This photo has nothing to do with anything really, it's just really pretty and what's the internet without pretty pictures?

Happy weekend everyone.

'Bear Lake Sunrise' by Darrell Wyatt

Bear Lake Sunrise, a photo by Darrell Wyatt on Flickr.

This photo is so beautiful. The sunlight is just perfect. I love it when the sun bounces of snow like this. In the past I've tried to take pictures of light shining on the snow like this but can't say I've captured anything this stunning.

I hope you're all keeping warm because here in the UK the temperature is definitely dropping. I don't think we'll be getting any snow down here just yet - but those are famous last words are they!!

'The gap' by woodmaniroc

The gap, a photo by woodmanlroc on Flickr.

I've been watching the best ever programme on TV recently and am so sad it was the last in the series tonight. It's called George Clarke's Amazing Spaces and it's about making places to work, live or relax in very small spaces. I am fascinated by things like this. I can't say I'd liketo actually live in a tiny space like that - I've done my time living in bedrooms and little flats over the years - but i woud love a little place of my own to hang out in. This programme has made me really, really, really want a beach hut. I think I will definitely buy one when I win the lottery (note to self: start playing the lottery).

I love the colours in this beach hut photo. So sharp and clear and the light is perfect. It's really not helping me get over this beach hut obsession of mine!

'Bright flowers' by Me

Bright flowers, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I wanted to post this photo of mine today as these flowers are just so damn colourful. I need a bit of colour to brighten up what has been a very grey, cold and wet few days. You've got to love the British weather. In my last post I said give it a few weeks and it'll really feel like it's winter but actually I only needed to give it a few days. I'm now not sure if I'm brave enough to check the weather forecast for tomorrow. Perhaps, I should just accept that I'll probably be all cold and soggy for the foreseeable future! Anyone fancy a hot chocolate to warm up?

'Fallen chestnut leaves' by NikonDigifan

Fallen chestnut leaves, a photo by NikonDigifan on Flickr.

Autumn definitely is the fastest of all the seasons. I've noticed that already those beautiful autumn colours are starting to fade as the trees become more and more bare. I reckon give it a couple of weeks and it'll definitely feel like winter is here.

This is a beautiful autumn photo. Such stunning detail of the water droplets and of course gorgeous colours.

Happy weekend everyone. Hope yours is full of lovely autumn colours. Or indeed spring colours if you happen to live on the opposite side of the world to me!

'The bead box' by Me

The bead box, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

My baby boy is starting to get very mobile. He's not actually crawling yet but he's getting everywhere by rolling and kind of shuffling on his belly. This means it really is time to put all the small things away which is really hard when you have a four year old in the house. I can't believe how many little toys she owns, such as Hello Kitty and Moshi Monster figures, Barbie accessories and of course those annoying little toys that come off the front of comics. I have told her that all these kind of things have to live in her room now but we'll just have to see how that goes! Nap time is very exciting though as it means we are free to get out all the less than suitable for a seven month old activities. Today we had the Lego out and the other day we got busy making jewellery with a huge box of beads!

Here is a snapshot of the beads. I am pleased to say that none of them escaped or ended up in our baby boys little mouth!

'gioco di piume e ombre' by macribabuder

gioco di piume e ombre, a photo by macribabuder on Flickr.

I think this is such a clever photo because it's a picture of something that is normally known - and loved - for it's amazing colours. The photographer has, however, stripped this peacock feather of it's colours and still managed to make it look beautiful. The black and white, the shadows and the shapes are all fascinating and rather dramatic. Great work.

'My commute' by david barclay

My commute, a photo by david barclay on Flickr.

It's starting to get cold outside. This week started off kind of mild but by Friday I could feel the temperature really dropping. I don't think we're anywhere near getting snow yet which I think I am pleased about. I'm not quite ready for that yet. I hope we get a little bit but I can't be bothered with the country going crazy the minute the first snowflake appears. I just want to build a snowman!

I love this photo because it was taken in Canada where they're really not put off by a little bit of snow. It looks freezing cold in this picture but if the title is anything to go by this photographer was still making his way to work!

'So small' by Me

So small, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

So what do you think of this photo? I took it when my son was just four days old and I think it's quite a broodiness inducing image! It's hard not to love tiny baby hands and feet. It's funny but compared to this my son's hands now seem huge. And don't get me started on my daughter's giant hands! It's funny how my baby girl suddenly got so grown up over night. Actually saying that there was no overnight as I had my son during the day, but you know what I mean!

'Untitled' by Daniel Martin

Untitled, a photo by Daniel Martin. on Flickr.

This is a really great photo and one that got my imagination running wild. I love it when photos do that! I love seeing things in photos that make other people think I am a bit weird. In this one I see trees hugging. Honestly, it really does look like there are trees embracing. Do you get what I am going on about or am I just a bit crazy?

'A corner of my home' by Me

A corner of my home, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I love reading blog posts where the blogger has posted a little snapshot of a corner of their home. I like seeing all the little detailsand it makes me really want to see more. I thought therefore that I might like to try a few shots like this. This is one corner of my home that I like. It's probably nothing special to look at but the things in it make me smile. I love the flowers. Hubby is often buying me flowers He does it for special occasions, to cheer me up or just because he thinks I might like some. I love this lamp. There is no story behind it, I just think it looks rather stylish. But my favourite bit is the photo. It's such a special image of my husband and my daughter just going for a walk together. She was only eleven months old but already was so good at walking. Proud mummy!

'kỷ nịm 1 năm cầm máy :)' by [TroJan]

kỷ nịm 1 năm cầm máy :), a photo by [TroJan] on Flickr.

Happy weekend everyone. I hope yours is as bright and colourful as this very summery photo. It makes me want to grab a blanket and sit in the sunshine, except that's probably not a great idea. Even if it is sunny this weekend it'll be freezing cold out and even if it's not freezing cold the grass is sure to be damp. Ah well, indoor picnic it is then. We've had one of those already this week and it's almost as good as an outdoor one!

'42::52' by small::bird

42::52, a photo by small::bird on Flickr.

I love this photo because it's me... Well it's not actually me but it could be. Stripy top and converse shoes appear to be my default setting when it comes to clothes. I never really believed in having a "uniform" when it came to clothes but I do seem to have one. If you peek in my wardrobe you'll find seven pairs of Converse and about a zillion stripy tops of various types. This seems like a pretty chilled out image though and the outfit looks great so perhaps my style isn't too bad!

UPDATE: I just had this post open on my computer and my four year old daughter asked "Is that you Mummy?". When I said no and laughed she said "Well it looks like you, that's your top. And are they your shoes?". I think she has just proven my point!

'Natural Firework' by Habub3

Natural Firework, a photo by Habub3 on Flickr.

It's Firework Night tonight but I've not actually been hearing many fireworks outside. I think most people got their fill of fireworks at the weekend. Never mind, here is a fantastic photo of a plant that looks rather like a firework. Nature is such a wonderful thing isn't it? And this photographer has captured this little piece of nature so well. Beautiful shapes and stunning sunlight.

'Lunch' by Me

Lunch, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Not been taking nearly enough photos recently so I think it's time to dip into the Instagram file again. Here is a favourite picture of mine. It's my son trying toast for the first time. We're not really doing baby led weaning but I am being much more brave than I was with my daughter about giving him finger food and letting him eat things for himself. Toast appears to have become a firm favourite.

'New year' by Novoselov

New year, a photo by Anton Novoselov on Flickr.

This evening we went to a fourth birthday party which included a bit of a firework display. I guess that's the cool thing about having a birthday so close to 5th November, you just have to celebrate with fireworks.

Here is a really striking firework photo. The first thing I really like is the fact that it's so bright. So many firework photos are of a dark black sky. I also love that you can see where the firework is coming from rather than just an explosion in the sky.

'Be Very Afraid' by Renee Rendler-Kaplan

Be Very Afraid, a photo by Renee Rendler-Kaplan on Flickr.

Happy Halloween! I hope you've been having a suitably spooky time today. I just wanted to quickly show you this photo tonight as I do like a bit of sparkle. I love the colours and shine of these pumpkins. A lovely Halloween photo which is completely different to yesterday's picture.

'Lonely at the Big Top' by Little Piggies

Lonely at the Big Top, a photo by Little Piggies on Flickr.

Is it just me or is Halloween becoming a bigger and bigger event every year? I'm not complaining, I just find it fascinating how the shops are full with people shopping for pumpkins and spooky party accessories. The costumes are getting more and more elaborate as well. My daughter is excited about it being Halloween tomorrow but I'm not really sure why. I said we'd eat Halloween chocolates and make a spider cake though so I guess that's reason for a four year old to celebrate!

I've never taken part in trick or treating and always hope that no one will knock on my door demanding whatever it is kids demand at Halloween these days. I do however like the idea of doing organised trick or treating where are all the neighbours get together and decide which houses are going to take part. This is such a cute trick or treating photo. Nothing scary about this costume by the looks of it. I hope the little one got a huge bucket full of goodies!

'yay' by karahaupt

yay, a photo by karahaupt on Flickr.

I seriously seem to spend my life tidying up. Just as I think I am on top of it all the house just gets messy all over again. Sometimes I wish I could take everything out of the house and start again from scratch with brand new furniture which included fantastic storage. I'd also like to find places for things like in this photo. Books and cameras are two of my favourite things so how lovely would it be to have a cute display like this?

'Autumn colours' by Me

Autumn colours, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Well I couldn't put it off any longer, I had to leave the house today. I'd only had one day indoors but it was almost as if I'd been inside for months as the weather had really changed. It's fair to say autumn is properly here now and the winter coat has been liberated from the back of the wardrobe.

Here is a very colourful autumn image. I've been dying to take a photo of colourful autumn leaves for ages now so when my daughter collected these on her way home from pre-school the other day I knew I had to take a few quick shots.

Hope you're all managing to stay warm this weekend!

'november' by liivia s

november, a photo by liivia s on Flickr.

I decided after a really busy week that a snuggly day indoors was in order and it appears I made the right choice. Hubby said it was freezing out and Facebook has been full of people saying how cold it is. I feel very smug that I've spent the day in my nice warm house in just a t-shirt. I am sure the weather will catch up with me as soon as I step outside tomorrow but for now I am going to stay in my snuggly little world and pretend it's summer.

I thought this was a perfect photo to accompany today's weather. It makes me feel cold just looking at it but I do like the idea of all the fantastic knitwear. I hope the photographer wasn't too cold. This reminds me I need to dig out my camera friendly fingerless gloves.

Hope you all have a lovely and not too cold weekend!

'Birthday girl' by Me

Birthday girl, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

This week was a very special week for my children as my daughter turned four and my son was six months old.

I can't believe my baby girl is so grown up. The past four years have gone so fast and I really do love her more and more each day. She is so beautiful and clever and funny and happy and basically amazing.

Six months feels like an important milestone too. My son is a proper little boy now, not just a fragile newborn. Like all babies he has his grizzly moment but all is forgiven with one flash of that beautiful smile of his. He's already proving to be such a charming and bright little fella. And I also love him a bit more with every passing day.

I am so lucky to have such fantastic children who make my heart swell with pride. Here is a picture of my daughter dressed as a fairy chilling out after her birthday party! It was a fabulous day!

'Aurora Borealis, the ts seen incolored ligh the skies around the NorthPole, the Northern Lights, from Bear Lake, Alaska, Beautiful ChristmasScene, Winter Star Filled Skies, Scenic Nature' by Beverly & Pack

Aurora Borealis, the colored lights seen in the skies around the North Pole, the Northern Lights, from Bear Lake, Alaska, Beautiful Christmas Scene, Winter Star Filled Skies, Scenic Nature, a photo by Beverly & Pack on Flickr.

I won't accompany this photo with many words because I've said on here before - more than once I would imagine - how much I really want to see the northern lights. I can't resist showing you this magical photo though as the light and the colours are just beyond beautiful. The purple glow on the snow is just amazing.

'I am wishing' by malinamelone

I am wishing, a photo by malinamelone on Flickr.

I don't think there is much rain forecast for the next week so I can post a fabulous rainy day photo and not feel too depressed by it. And this picture really is fun and fabulous. It looks like there must have been a lot rain before this was taken but then rain cleared up, the sun came out and the welly boots went on. What fun jumping in puddles as big as this!

Do you know what I hate about the rain? Being stuck in a downpour when out with the pushair and no way of carrying an umbrella at the same time. And then having to stay stuck in the wet clothes for hours afterwards. Do you know what I love about the rain? Lying in bed listening to the rain hammering it down outside while I'm all tucked up warm and cosy.

What do you think when you see rain forecast?

'A Piece of Autumn' by G.Tamás

A Piece of Autumn, a photo by G.Tamás on Flickr.

I can't believe it's the weekend again. This week has just flown by. I guess that's down to being a busy bee and not sitting around the house feeling sorry for myself! Have you got anything fun planned for the next couple of days? I shall mostly be party planning as my daughter will be turning four next week and serious celebrating needs to be done. I can't believe she's going to be four. That's so grown up!

As well as busying myself with birthdays I also should find a bit of time to lie down on the ground and take some fabuous photos of autumn leaves rather like this one! The colours in this are beautiful. Just vibrant, bright, and well, autumny.

Happy weekend to you all!

'Too many?' by Me

Too many?, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Well I seem to have completely recovered from the unsociable mood I was in and this week has been manic. But that's the way I like things. I like to be busy. I did find time to take some photos though. I wanted to take a few snaps of my ever growing Converse collection. I have called this 'Too many?' which was a daft question really as of course it's not too many. I need more!

'OIA, handmade houses' by Frizztext

OIA, handmade houses, a photo by Frizztext on Flickr.

It's late and I don't really have time for blogging tonight but I just thought I'd visit my blog briefly to post this lovely photo. I love this sort of image of Greek buildings and as a follow on from my last post really makes me want to go on holiday. I have been to Greece once, a place called Lefkas, and I really loved it there. I hope one day to go back and explore a bit more of the country.

Anyway, must dash. Hope you like this photo as much as I do.

'Boing 747 -- 30.000 feets' by Joseph Ventura

Boing 747 -- 30.000 feets, a photo by Josep Ventura on Flickr.

Last week my husband went abroad for a couple of days with work and I took the kids up to the airport to wave him off. My daughter loved every minute of it. She even took her little wheely suitcase with her and pulled round the airport with her all the time we were there. I must admit I rather love airports and the excitement of being about jet off on holiday somewhere. Being at the airport really made me want a holiday abroad. We used to take holidays abroad all the time but now I just keep wondering how stressful it would be as a family of four which is silly really as people do it all the time!

I love this photo of an aeroplane especially the very fluffy looking vapour trails. The best bit is that deep blue sky though. How beautiful.

'Untitled' by Meryl CA

Untitled, a photo by Meryl CA on Flickr.

My awesome hubby bought me new Converse today to cheer me up as I've not had a great week. Job done, a new pair of Chucks is an instant mood lifter! I really need to get a photo of all my Converse trainers as I am sure it'd actually make for a rather cool image. I think the last time I did a group shot there were five pairs and I have seven pairs now! And before you ask, yes I do actually wear all of them regularly. You can tell by how bashed up they're all starting to look.

This fantastic photograph has help me make a decision. I am so buying my son a pair of red ones when he's able to walk! I'm not sure I actually fancy red for myself but they look so cool on kids!

Hope you all had a great weekend and have a fab week ahead to look forward to.

'Untitled' by Nicholas H

Untitled, a photo by Nicholas H on Flickr.

Well it turns out that my week of being unsociable didn't do me much good after all. I just ended up feeling stressed and a bit lonely! This meant that when a friend called to ask if I wanted to meet for a quick after school coffee this afternoon I couldn't get out the house quick enough! It's confirmed to me how much I appreciate my friends, especially the mummy ones. It's great being able to talk about all the silly things you've been fretting about. I am so lucky to have such a good group of freinds with children the same age as my little ones.

In other news - tonight is my little boy's first night in his own room and I must admit I'm a little bit sad. Going to miss him at the end of our bed.

Here's a lovely photo to kick off the weekend with. Love the retro colours and the chilled out vibe. And I love the hat!

Happy weekend everyone!

'Loves of my life' by Me

Loves of my life, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I love my children so much. That's a given when you are a parent though isn't it? You are meant to love your children more than words. I knew I would, I've always known I wanted children and that I would love them unconditionally but it's not until you actually have children that you realise what that love feels like. There are no words really are there? Makes it a bit daft trying to write a blog post about it then so here is a photo which I am so pleased I managed to capture and that will always make my heart swell. My son and my daughter already love each other to pieces and this makes me so happy.

'Rainbow Guard' by linh.ngan

Rainbow Guard, a photo by linh.ngan on Flickr.

Do you ever feel really unsociable and just want to hibernate for a few days? Well that's how I am feeling at the moment. I am usually a really sociable person and always up for meeting up with friends but this week I guess I am feeling like a bit of a loner. Unfortunately I can't go completely into hiding as I have school runs to do and places I have to take my daughter but other than that perhaps a few days at home with no plans might do me some good. I am sure I'll have snapped out of it by the weekend though and be planning all sorts again.

I thought this photo was great as it is a powerful photo which provokes mixed emotions. Is it a happy picture or a sad one? Positive or negative? Is obviously raining as there's a rainbow but could that be a bit of sunshine breaking though. Gorgeous light whatever though. Very well captured rainbow.

And for the record I'm not sad - just in need a of a bit of a breather. I think we all feel like that every now and again.

'White Bouncy Castle' by stundenhotel

White Bouncy Castle, a photo by stundenhotel on Flickr.

How was your weekend? I hope you had a good one. Birthday season continued here for us as we were at another 4th birthday party this afternoon. I have realised over the past few weekends that bouncy castles really make me nervous. I am convinced that my daughter will get bounced out onto the ground or someone will jump on her and squash her. I think the fear probably stems from an accident I had an university though. Alcohol, a bouncy castle and a hard student union floor - that could only end in tears.

The bouncy castle in this picture however looks nice and big and safe. And from a photographic point of view this image is really eye-catching because bouncy castles are always so bright and colourful. It's interesting so see one in just black and white.

'Little hands and feet' by Me

Little hands and feet, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I couldn't resist showing you this cute photo I took of my baby's hands and feet. I've got to take as many pictures like this as I can before he gets too big! Plus he's obsessed by his feet at the moment and nibbles on his toes at every opportunity. I wonder whether that's a sign of teething!

Happy weekend everyone. Hope you all have a lovely couple of days.

'the lonely visitor' by montel7

the lonely visitor, a photo by montel7 on Flickr.

I've been dying to share this picture with you for a while as it's so cute. I love the idea of a pigeon just going for a stroll through the streets of Italy. I wonder if it's a tourist pigeon or if it lives there and is just taking an afternoon stroll. Anyway, I thought this would be a great photo to accompany some little anecdote about my life. However I don't seem to be doing anything with my life right now that fits this image. I can't wait any longer though so here it is! Hope you like it too!