'Pretty drinks on Boxing Day' by Me

Pretty drinks on Boxing Day, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I've been having a think and have come up with a few new year's resolutions. So I won't hang about, here they are.

Number one, and my main focus for the year really, is to become a better mum. I think I am a good mum but not as organised as I could be. I've always been very good at doing activities and going fun places but since my daughter started school in September I feel I've kind of been bumbling along a bit. I need to make much more of that time between school kicking out and bedtime. Also I don't think I've totally cracked being a mum to a boy yet. Definitely another thing to work on and I think a lot of that will take place running around outside!

My second resolution follows on from one I made for this year. I didn't want to put on weight or need to go on a diet and I don't really but my diet is appalling. This year I want to eat much more healthily. I will even have a go at getting my five-a-day.

Thirdly, money. I want to be a bit more thrifty this year. Not much to say about that really. Just a bit of think before I spend.

And finally, I am going to work on my yarn based crafts. I will try and crack crochet in the next twelve months. All I want to do is be able to make a granny square. And I want to learn more knitting techniques too. I am good with stitches but want to work more in different colours.

Right, so that's it from me. Fingers crossed I can keep these resolutions and achieve these goals.

'007' by jessicawetrust

007, a photo by jessicawetrust on Flickr.

As there are only a few days left in 2013 I thought it would be a good time to sit back and reflect on the new year's resolutions made twelve months ago. I am actually rather impressed with myself as I've never actually made new year's resolutions before which I've made a conscious effort to keep all year.

Firstly, I made the resolution to not to need to go on a diet this year and I can put a tick next to that one as my weight seems to have stayed pretty much the same all year. I can't put that down to healthy eating though - that is definitely something I need to work on in 2014.

The next resolution was to read more and once again I did well. I have definitely read a hell of a lot more than I have done in previous years since becoming a parent. I mostly put that down to being able to read on my iPad and iPhone. I do try to read 'real' books whenever I can though.

I also planned to have a good declutter this year and although there is still a long way to go I feel I have made a good dent in the clutter and I like it. Although I am a bit of a hoarder I do actually find getting rid of things really therapeutic.

And finally was photography. I planned to focus a lot on that this year and I have. I have finally worked out where I want to go with this photography lark. Surprisingly I have decided I don't actually want to become a professional photographer. I just love taking pretty and interesting photos. I love my DSLR and my iPhone camera in equal measure. And I am completely sure that photography will remain a great passion of mine.

So, all in all I think it's been a rather successful year resolution wise. I therefore have a planned a few more for 2014 which I will probably share with you in my next post.

I searched for New Year's resolutions photos and came across this one that makes me want to take up painting. I love how the soft colours give the whole thing a really calm and peaceful feeling. I wish I could paint or draw but unfortunately I am rubbish at that. That's why I make pictures with the help of a camera.

Hope you had a great Christmas and are enjoying the last few days of 2013.

'♥ Christmas' by { oh angie }

♥ christmas, a photo by { oh angie } on Flickr.

Christmas Eve is here and I think I actually find it even more exciting and magical than Christmas Day itself. I hope whatever you are up to over the next few days you have an amazing time. Lots of love from me xxx

P.S. Here is one last beautiful bauble photo. I will think of something else to show you after Christmas but I do like a pretty decoration!

'Make something' by Becky Sue

Make something, a photo by Becky❤Sue on Flickr.

The run up to Christmas has been, and continues to be, so busy. Quiet frankly I am getting more and more tired by the day. I'll be having an afternoon snooze on Christmas Day at this rate. (This obviously isn't really going to happen but it does remind me of the Christmas Day two years ago when I was pregnant and really did have a two hour afternoon nap!)

Anyway, we are busy, busy, busy, until the day after Boxing Day when I think we can actually start to relax a little bit. That's my plan anyway. I would really just like some chilled out time at home with my family. We shall just have to see how that turns out!

Here is a photo of how I wouldn't mind spending Christmas. Snuggled up in front of the fire (we don't actually have a fire but for the purpose of this fantasy let's pretend we do) with something nice to eat and drink and my latest piece of knitting on the go. Such a lovely warm and cozy photo. Perhaps I'll just sit and look at this and try to relax.

'Cards' by Me

Cards, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Tomorrow is the last day of term. Hooray! I have been counting down the days for the past couple of weeks. My daughter's first term at primary school has been amazing. She has achieved so much and I am really embracing my new role as a mum to a school girl. But I am also shattered and I can tell my little girl is too. I am now really looking forward to a couple of weeks of chilled out family time, including some quality mother and daughter time.

Here are some of my daughter's Christmas cards from school. She has a lot. More than the rest of the family I reckon - popular girl!

'christmas time!' By SabaPhotography

christmas time!, a photo by SabaPhotography on Flickr.

As I type this post I am listening to the rain absolutely hammering it down outside. The weather is truly rubbish and I am so pleased it wasn't like this during the day when I had to be outside. I am also sat in bed trying to shoo away a slight cold I have. I don't have time to be ill right now so I really could do with the sniffles not turning into anything else.

So as that's the reality of Christmas for me this evening I thought I would share this photo with you that I feel is Christmassy but real. It's not a happy festive image but it not a depressing image either. It's just.... real. I wish I could find better words to describe why I like it.

'Untitled' by sara.robin

Untitled, a photo by sara.robin on Flickr.

It's a good job I am not doing my 'blog every day' challenge this month as there just doesn't seem to be time for anything like that at the moment. Every day seems to be busy, busy, busy - mainly with festive activities. This weekend, for example, was filled with lots of Christmas celebrations. There was dinner, drinks and giggles with friends. Party food, games and presents with family. And time spent with my husband and children Christmas shopping, singing carols and watching fireworks.

I need to make sure I get a few blog posts in throughout this week though or I won't be able to show you the wonderful Christmas photos I have found. Like this one which is hauntingly beautiful.

Must go now, I can hear a small child waking up from his nap. Hope you've got lots of fun festive stuff planned for the coming week.

'Abeja2 - Apis Mellifera' by jcarlos.abad

Abeja2 - Apis Mellifera, a photo by jcarlos.abad on Flickr.

OK so this photograph isn't at all Christmassy but I just had to feature it as it's so amazing. I don't really have to describe what I like about it as you probably think the same. The bright colours, the great detail, the lovely composition - all so brilliant.

Stay tuned... Next time I might just find another festive little something to share with you.

'Vintage Ornaments' by Gigi Thibodeau

Vintage Ornaments, a photo by Gigi Thibodeau on Flickr.

There's only two weeks now until Christmas. I go through phases of being all excited about it but then I have moments where I'm all stressed out and not feeling very festive at all. I think I am just really tired to be honest. It's been such a busy few months and more than Christmas Day I am looking forward to the school holidays. It'll be so nice not having to rush in the mornings and also getting to actually spend some quality time with my daughter. I bet the holidays fly by though.

Anyway, as there are only two weeks until Christmas this means that there are only two weeks for me to fill this blog full of pretty seasonal photos. Therefore here are some pretty baubles. I love vintage decorations like this. And I love the way they had to be packaged up so carefully. They look so special. Great photo.

'I heart Christmas' by Me

I heart Christmas, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Every Christmas I try to take a great photo of our Christmas tree but I am never totally happy with the results. This year I think I've cracked it. I love this one! I like the simplicity and the warmth of it. Yay. What Christmassy things shall I snap next?

'Christmas wrapping' by {miss bex}

Christmas wrapping, a photo by {miss bex} on Flickr.

Just a quick post from me tonight as there is work to be done. The tree is up, the house is decorated, we have M&S nibbles in the oven, a glass of rose wine in our hands and Elf on DVD. That can only mean on thing... We are about to start on the Christmas wrapping! There seems to be so much of it to do this year. I blame the children. It's so hard not to spoil them at Christmas isn't it?

Right, best get on so I shall leave you with this photo of wrapping paper. I was mainly drawn to this picture as the paper is so pretty. I also think it's a fab photo. I love what the photographer has done with the focus. Early Merry Christmas to you all!

'Trafalgar Square' by Me

Trafalgar Square, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Last weekend I got the chance for a bit of might be referred to as "Me Time". I was meeting some friends in London for dinner and drinks in the evening so I thought I would make the most of my train ticket and go up early. I spent the day basically taking photos and shopping.

This photo is my favourite of the day. It sums up why I love iPhoneography and why I love my phone so much now I could actually marry it! I took this using the Hipstamatic app and I think the colours are just really beautiful. I also really like the pattern the water in the fountain is making. I am so pleased with how this picture turned out. I hope you like it too.

'Pastel beach huts' by ZedBee | Zoë Power

Pastel beach huts, a photo by ZedBee | Zoë Power on Flickr.

Well here is December. And before I move on to any cozy, cold and festive winter photographs I thought I would just look back at my 'blog every day in November' challenge. I managed to blog 24 days out of 30 and I am pleased with that. I think what I learned was that I still love blogging and that it's OK for life to get in the way of it sometimes. If I am too busy or too lazy to blog for a week then so be it. It's not going anywhere I'll blog next week instead. And my love of beautiful photography will definitely never end. Whilst searching for gorgeous images can be time consuming but it is never a chore.

Here is a gorgeous beach hut. I can't believe I attempted a month of hardcore blogging without featuring even one beach hut. I love the lovely pastels here. It's a beautiful photograph of a beach hut which I imagine would be just as beautiful in real life. I would so like to stay in there!

Right, now to start searching for a few great festive images to share with you. And time to start taking some of my own too! Happy December everyone!

'And that was autumn' by Me

And that was autumn, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Autumn is pretty much over now. As usual it seems to have flown by far too quickly and I didn't take any of the gorgeous autumn photos I wanted to take. Here is the most autumny picture I did take thanks to my daughter who wanted to collect leaves on the way home from school one afternoon. It's hard not to love all the those beautiful yellows, oranges and browns. The trees are pretty much bare now and I can't wait for the spring blossoms. Which I WILL take some lovely photos of!

Happy weekend everyone!

'Sunny Day on the Patio at Mission Rock Resort' by rosemarie_mckeon

Sunny Day on the Patio at Mission Rock Resort, a photo by rosemarie_mckeon on Flickr.

Yesterday I told you I might just feature a messy sandwich of some sort. I searched but as I couldn't find one I really liked I thought I would take one myself. So, all in the name of art, I decided to make myself a fried egg sandwich for my lunch today. It turned out to be the least messy fried egg sandwhich I've ever made. Usually I end up with yolk running down my chin when I have this for lunch! But this time even when I cut it roughly in half with a butter knife it all stayed in place and looked rather neat. Weird, because you can usually count on me to be messy!

So, as I have no food related photograph to show you here is a photo I am posting in order to try and warm up. I am freezing at home today and this picture is reminding me how gorgeous summer is. I especially love all the oranges and yellows. Actually I am not sure if this image is warming me up or just depressing me! Hurry up summer, I want you back!

'My Wednesday sandwich' by Cubilla Milan

My Wednesday sandwich, a photo by Cubilla Milan on Flickr.

I never thought I would find a photo of a sandwich particularly stunning but I am just finding this one mesmerising. This sarnie isjust so perfect looking. So much time must have been spent making this look so precise. I bet a very sharp knife was used. And the photographer has captured it really well. I love the fresh bright colours.
Although, I must say there is something to be said for a messy sandwich too. Personally I love biting into an egg sandwich with a really runny yolk exploding out. Watch this space - perhaps tomorrow it'll be the turn of a really messy sandwich!

'13/52 - The Guardians' by A.J. Pye

13/52 - The Guardians, a photo by A.J. Pye on Flickr.

For some reason every time I go to Ikea I seem to feel the need to blog about it. Apologies for that but I love it there. Although I must share with you the experience I had there today. When we got near the exit I realised I'd forgotten to get something I needed. I therefore decide to get back for it. Now that was a surreal experience - going round Ikea the wrong way. It felt rather rebellious and a bit like driving the wrong way down a one way street. And if I think about it, it also made me a little dizzy! Ikea the wrong way round is weird.

Anyway, enough of my wrong way round waffling here is a photo of those iconic chimneys at Ikea in Croydon. Even though they are such a famous landmark in the south east they do seem to be quite difficult to photograph. This photographer has done an amazing job. I love the black and white. Even though you don't get to see the famous yellow and blue you don't need to. You know exactly where this is.

Right, best go, I have napkins, candles and random storage boxes to sort out!

'Hipstamatic pier' by Me

Hipstamatic pier, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

As you might have noticed I have failed in my challenge to blog every day this month. Tiredness was my downfall. I took my iPad up to bed with me on Wednesday night meaning to do a quick post from there but before I even got a chance to think about what I was going to post I had fallen asleep. When I woke up it was passed midnight so my opportunity for a post that day had gone! Then last night I just didn't get around to it either. Don't worry I'm not mad at myself. Instead I am impressed I've managed to blog as much as I have lately. Let's just see what happens now!

Here's another picture of Brighton taken by me. I love the hipstamatic app but more on that in another post.

Happy weekend one and all!

'pink sparkly shoes' by jacquelinetinney

pink sparkly shoes, a photo by jacquelinetinney on Flickr.

What I feared would happen with this blog challenge of mine is now happening and I am feeling a little uninspired. I guess I've just used up a month's worth of blog posts already. But I am determined, I will crack on and I was wondering if you lovely readers could help. What would you like me to feature on here? What kind of photos can I find for you? Let me know!

And I am sharing this particular photo with you here as it's pink sparkly shoes. You've got to love pink sparkly shoes and I love how this is all about the shoes and nothing else.

'Coloured fairy lights in black and white' by Me

Coloured fairy lights in black and white, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Whilst taking some photos of coloured fairy lights the other week I decided to switch the black and white setting on. I wanted to see whether I'd be able to take a photo of something very colourful in black and white and still make it seem very striking and interesting. I think I have achieved that, what do you reckon?

'rock water sun' by heatherkh

rock water sun, a photo by heatherkh on Flickr.

Tonight is one of those nights that I have nothing to say, I don't feel like blogging and have just had a nice night chilling in front of telly with my hubby. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but as this is 'blog every day in November' month I have to put something up here! I therefore thought I would share with you this photo that I find wonderfully calm and relaxing. It's so crisp, clear and fresh looking I half expect to be able to put my hand right in the water. Such an excellent photo.

'Instagram Brighton on a rainy day' by Me

Instagram Brighton on a rainy day, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

There is a quote by fine art photographer Ansel Adams that I love. He said "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs". I love this because it's something that I too really believe. I think everyone has the potential to take wonderful photos. You don't need to be a professional who fiddles with their camera getting the settings right to take a great photo. You can just be an average person with any kind of camera - a old fashioned polaroid, an iPhone, a compact camera or a fancy DSLR - and when you see that perfect shot you just point and shoot. I think best photographs come from the heart if that makes any sense.

I am always really pleased when I take a photo that turns out like this one. If I am taking a picture on my mobile phone that usually means I am in a hurry, only get to take one or two shots and have no time to think about photographic rules. When I saw this view I knew it would make a nice picture and after a bit of editing on my phone I ended up with this dramatic image.

What about you? Do you always play by the rules?

'Snowblind' by Jo Bradford

Snowblind, a photo by Jo Bradford on Flickr.

This is my 15th post of the month and because it is 15th November today that means I have got half way through this month posting every single day! I am really impressed with myself. I know I set myself a 'blog every day in November' challenge but I kind of thought it would end up as 'blog nearly every day'. I feel really motived now. I wonder if I will actually be able to end the month with 30 posts! *Just doing the quick "thirty days has September rhyme in my head to check there are thirty days in November*.

So anyway, let's kick off the weekend with a photo that just kind of takes your breath away. Well it took mine away anyway. It looks so beautiful in it's simplicity. It also looks rather cold.

Happy weekend everyone!

'Nude Shoe' by R.C. Loveland

Nude Shoe, a photo by R.C. Loveland on Flickr.

It dawned on me today that for the first year in ages I don't have a fancy Christmas party to go to. I don't think I will have an excuse to go shopping for a nice dress and sparkly shoes. I therefore thought I would blog about sparkly shoes instead. I love this picture. It's different as you can't see all of the shoes but that doesn't matter you can still see how pretty they are. And talking of pretty, I think the thing that makes this really pretty is the whole softness of the colours. I think I should perhaps start looking for pretty pictures of fancy dresses now!

'Untitled' by Lauren Treece

Untitled, a photo by Lauren Treece on Flickr.

It's hard not to love this photo and that's because even as an adult it's hard not to love a tent. Especially a makeshift one like this. Sometimes we will chuck a blanket over the dining rooms chairs to make a den for the kids but it's hard not to crawl inside as well. It looks like the person here has found their happy and safe place. I want to go tent building now!

'Ice Abstractions' by The Danish Girl

Ice Abstractions, a photo by The Danish Girl on Flickr.

I've been snuggled up this evening watching a film with my husband which was lovely except it meant I completely forgot about blogging. Therefore here is a quick photo before bed. This amazing picture was taken in Iceland. It looks like there is such beautiful scenery there. I would love to visit. In fact I have a friend who lives in Iceland. Perhaps she'll find me on her doorstep one day.

Right, speedy blog post done. Time for sleep. Night all!

'Brighton Pier' by Me

Brighton Pier, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Recently I've learned something very important - it's OK to quit things. This might seem obvious to most people but for me I've never felt like I can give up on things without feeling like a quitter. I have found myself in many situations, relationships, jobs, education etc which I know are bad for me or don't make me happy but I've always stuck at things for too long. For some reason recently I've found the courage to step back from a few things that weren't right for me and have stuck at for longer than I should have. Not my marriage by the way - no need to worry hubby if you're reading this! And you know what, it's been fine. In fact it's felt quite freeing. Now I have time and energy to put towards new things - of which I don't know yet - but who knows what the future has in store.

Here is a photo I took in Brighton. I could never quit loving Brighton.

'Project 365 - 11/7/2013 - 311/365' by cathy.scola

Project 365 - 11/7/2013 - 311/365, a photo by cathy.scola on Flickr.

And so ends a really wonderful weekend. As I have mentioned already we had a fantastic day down in Brighton yesterday and today we had good friends visiting and we just had a lovely chilled out day. We even managed to make a good start on our online Christmas shopping this evening.

I didn't know what photo to post tonight but I saw this one and I couldn't help smiling. What a cute selection of rubber ducks and such fabulously bright white tiles. Great photo, great bathroom!

'The sunshine after the rain' by Me

The sunshine after the rain, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

This weekend my husband and I decided we needed a break. A holiday would be fantastic but as that wasn't exactly possible a family day out seemed a like a good second option. We therefore thought we'd have a day out down in Brighton. It's not that far away from us but whenever we go we always have such a lovely time - today was no different.

When we got to Brighton it was hammering it down with rain. To be honest we really weren't looking forward to getting out of the car. But by the time we'd parked inside and got ourselves back outside the rain had stopped and it wasn't even that cold. We had a great time having lunch (pizza and pasta), shopping (mainly treating the kids to things), walking along the seafront (taking loads of photos) and visiting the Sealife Centre (hugely over priced even with a voucher but worth it because my one-year-old loves fish!).

Here is one of my favourite photos of the day. Even though we didn't get caught in much rain the day was pretty grey. However, when I stopped to take photos of the Brighton Wheel the sky looked like this. I've not edited this photo even a little bit, the sky really was that blue. It looks like this photo could have been taken in the middle of summer.

I also took a couple of iPhone photos today that I really love. I will share those with you soon as well.

'Magical' by Tony Cornish.

Magical, a photo by Tony Cornish. on Flickr.

I started my blog every day in November challenge a week ago and I am really pleased with how it's gone so far. Apart from feeling a little bit unmotivated on day two it's not actually felt like a chore which kind of surprised me. I was wondering whether I had lost the blogging love but no I haven't and that makes me happy. And I mustn't forget that blogging is a two way thing. It's not just about posting on my own blog it's also about reading and commenting on others. Therefore I plan to comment more on the blogs I love reading regularly. I would also like to discover a few new blogs to read so any suggestions you might have would be very welcome.

Here is a beautifully tranquil photo. It sort of represents how I am feeling this week about blogging. In a crazy life full of all sorts of highs and lows of emotion this really is my happy place. Unless I think it really necessary I don't want to be negative here and moan about things. I want to post pretty pictures and write about happy things. And there is nothing but happiness and peacefulness shown in this image. I love it.

Happy weekend everyone xxx

'country apples.' By lara sheleheda

country apples., a photo by lara sheleheda on Flickr.

Our garden isn't particularly big but it does house a plum tree, a pear tree and a cherry tree. Unfortunately this doesn't really excite me a lot as I really don't know what to do with the plums and I don't actually like pears that much. Luckily I hate cherries because if I liked them I'd be disappointed. The birds always get to them before they are even ripe. What I would really like to have in my garden is an apple tree. I would love to be able to pick a basket full of lovely juicy apples just like in this gorgeous photo. I don't know what else to say about this picture other than it is just lovely and really sums up all the good things about early autumn.

'Halloween biscuit decorating' by Me

Halloween biscuit decorating, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I'm so proud of my daughter. So far this week she has been given a glowing report at her first parents evening and has also achieved her first badge in her gymnastics class. I therefore thought a photo of her as today's blog post would be a good idea.

Here she is decorating biscuits on 31st October. She gets really excited about halloween which is kind of funny because she also gets freaked out by anything too scary. You obviously can't tell from this but she is dressed as a pirate so nothing too frightening!

This photo also reminds me that I love photos taken from above like this especially of tables with food on. I must try and take a few more. And share them here of course.

'Fireworks Seattle' by JM Clark Photography (jamecl99)

Fireworks Seattle, a photo by JM Clark Photography (jamecl99) on Flickr.

As it's the 5th of November and firework night I thought it would be appropriate to show you an absolutely stunning firework photo. What's not to love about this one? The composition is amazing. And the sky is such a gorgeous colour. It's a perfect piece of artwork.

'Fairy lights' by Me

Fairy lights, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Whilst rummaging around in the loft this weekend I came across a random string of fairy lights that hadn't been packed up with all the other Christmas bits and bobs. I therefore decided to take the opportunity for a bit of a fairy light photo shoot as I've never really taken such a photo that I am happy with. I am pleased with this though. It seems pretty clear and crisp, the colours are good and I love the shine of the light. Can't wait to start snapping away at more Christmas decorations now!

'Balloon Inflating' by Ingrid Truemper

Balloon Inflating, a photo by Ingrid Truemper on Flickr.

It's Sunday night and not only is it the end of the weekend but it's the end of half term too. I've had such a lovely (and busy) week and as I'd hoped it was lovely spending so much time with my daughter again. I'm going to miss her tomorrow and I my son is going to miss his big sister too. I also can't believe how quickly I got used to not having to set the alarm again. Tomorrow morning is going to be painful.

Here is a photo which just made me think "Wow". Hot air balloons are so huge and this photo really shows off the size. It's a really colourful shot too and I do love a bit of colour - especially on a rainy Sunday evening. I so hope the rain goes away before tomorrow morning's school run!

'Untitled' by raquel fialho

Untitled, a photo by raquel fialho on Flickr.

It's been a busy day and I'm shattered. Last month if I was feeling like this I wouldn't have bothered blogging but I set myself a challenge for November and I can't mess up on the second day of the month! Therefore here is a very autumnal photo that I think is great. It's such a simple concept that just makes me think 'why didn't I think of that?'. I think that the photo has extra depth because of graininess of the image and also because the windowsill isn't perfect.

Right, that's that done. I need some Zzzzzzz.

'99 colourful balloons' by aimeeclaire

99 colourful balloons, a photo by aimeeclaire on Flickr.

I feel like I have lost my blogging mojo of late and that makes me sad as I do love my little blog. I am therefore planning a 'kill or cure' approach (if that's the phrase I am thinking of). I intend to blog every day in November. Even if I've not got much to say I will just post a picture I took that day on my iPhone or an image I've seen on Flickr that makes me smile. Fingers crossed I can rise to this little challenge. And if you like what you see here please do leave a note. I know that reading some comments here will keep me motivated.

So here goes. A photo that is happy, colourful, pretty, simple, well observed and just lovely really.

Happy November and happy weekend everyone xxx

'Pumpkins for sale' by Me

Pumpkins for sale, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

As a rule my dreams are rubbish. Really vivid but for some reason very melancholic. Apart from the fact that it means I have to get up I am rarely that fussed to wake up from them. This morning I was having a suitably rubbish dream but this time I was a bit disappointed when I woke up. I was annoyed because in my dream I had taken some really fabulous photographs which of course didn't find their way onto my camera in real life.

I obviously can't show you my dream photos but trust me they were great. Instead I will show you a snap I took on my iPhone today. When I saw these pumpkins outside a shop I knew I had to photograph them. Especially as it was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for taking lovely autumn pictures. Hopefully I'll be able to take a few more autumn photos like this before winter arrives.

'cause baby you're a firework' by {she tells stories}

'cause baby you're a firework, a photo by {she tells stories} on Flickr.

As a family we always seem to spend our weekends racing around doing things, whether it be catching up with friends, getting jobs done or just getting out for the day as a family. Today was meant to be just like that. More birthday celebrations with family (my little girl is rather dragging her birthday out) followed by an evening at a firework display. Unfortunately due to illness and bad weather both these things were cancelled. At first this was really disappointing but we ended up having a really nice chilled out day at home. We watched a couple of films, I did lots of knitting and the kids plays happily together in a tent made out of dining room chairs and a blanket. In fact, don't tell anyone but, I didn't actually get dressed until the middle of the afternoon. We definitely need to find more time to just chill out as a family like this.

I am, however, a bit disappointed about not seeing the firework display as I was rather looking forward to experimenting with a bit of firework photography. It's only October though so hopefully I might still get a chance before the firework season is over. In the meantime here is a wonderful photo I found. I love how this has been captured. You really feel the energy. It also looks like it would have been a really fun photo shoot!

I hope you are having lovely weekend!

'No112' by Windmanom2

No112, a photo by Windmanom2 on Flickr.

I love the light in this photo. And I love the composition. I also love the whole mood of this. It's a simple image yet I could look at it for ages.

And talking of things I love, I love the fact that it's half term now. I love that I get to spend a week properly hanging out with my daughter. I do miss her now she's at school. She is getting on so well and she's totally loving it there. I am also rather enjoying my new role as primary school mum but I know I will always cherish the holidays and the quality time I will get with her during them.

'Untitled' by lanabelle

Untitled, a photo by lanabelle on Flickr.

As I mentioned yesterday it was my daughter's 5th birthday party today. We decided not to do anything big just a few friends round at our house for a party with food, crafts, games and general things five years olds like to do to entertain themselves. And you know what it was absolutely perfect. I think my daughter was initially a little disappointed that we weren't doing some kind of soft play extravaganza with loads and loads of friends but she really appreciated it today. In fact she told us she loved it.

The biggest hit of the party though was probably the balloons. This is where my husband has been doing a little "I told you so" dance. He really got it into his head that he wanted a helium balloon kit. At £22 I thought this was a waste of money but he couldn't help himself and got one anyway. The money paid off though as all the kids loved the balloons. It was like they'd never seen a helium balloon. I guess they'd just never seen so many in a living room before.

I therefore had to include a balloon related photo with this post. I have chosen this one just because it's really pretty. I love the sparkles.

I hope you've been having a lovely weekend too xxx

'puddle jumping' by jrodmanjr

puddle jumping, a photo by jrodmanjr on Flickr.

Today wasn't exactly the most relaxing of Saturdays. This was mainly due to the fact we had a lot of running around town to do getting bits and bobs for my daughter's birthday party tomorrow. (I can't believe she's turning five this week but I'll save that post for another day!) This wouldn't normally be stressful but my son refused to have a nap when he was obviously shattered. Pushing a grumpy boy round the supermarket was a little bit on the stressful side. Anyway, it's funny how a day can be rescued by one little moment. We had a quick walk to the local shop before bed so the kids could splash in puddles. We were trying out my little boys new boots and it was his first puddle jumping experience. He loved it! It was a lovely end to the day. I definitely think we'll go puddle jumping again soon. Looking at the weather forecast for next week I don't think we'll have to wait long for new puddles!

No one is jumping in this puddle photo but I couldn't resist showing you it as it actually took me a while to realise that it's flipped upside down. I love the way puddle photos look so effective like this. And of course I love the light in this. I hope I can get better at capturing evening lights like this.

I hope you are having a fabulous and stress free weekend.

'On the pier' by Me

On the pier, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I don't really feel like writing today but I did want to do a blog post as I haven't posted much recently. Therefore here is a photograph that I took ages ago, April in fact, but never got around to showing you. This picture was taken pretty much on the move. We were heading off the pier in Brighton, I looked to my right, saw this view and thought it would make a good photo. One snap of my camera and I was on my way again. I am pleased with the result, especially after I made it black and white.

Untitled image by Ramona Nevermind

, a photo by Ramona Nevermind on Flickr.

It's gone all cold. The rain has come. Autumn is properly here now. I intend to keep myself wrapped up warm and cozy at all times - especially on the school run as we all know 3 o'clock is always the time it starts to hammer is down with rain. I also have new snuggly slippers and pyjamas. I plan to stay in these a lot too. Not on the school run though, I think I'll manage to get dressed for that!

Here is a rather warm looking photograph to start the weekend with. I love the fact that when you think about it's actually of nothing just a wall and a floor but it comes alive with those fantastic shadows. What a wonderfully well observed photo.

'Autumn through my iPhone' by Me

Autumn through my iPhone, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I've had my iPhone just a few days now and already I am beginning to wonder how I ever lived without it. Not so much for the whizzy jolly Internet things but mainly because of the camera and various apps I have installed.

Today was a beautiful autumn day so I thought it the perfect opportunity to see what the camera can do. For years now I have walked pretty much weekly through a small wood near where I live. Every time I go over this bridge I think it would make a lovely picture. I have often taken out my compact camera, which I take with me everywhere, and taken a few shots but I am never happy with the results. Even after editing I have never been able to achieve the photo I can visualise in my head. Admittedly I've never tried the shot with my DSLR or anything better than the compact camera or my old mobile phone but I still don't think it would have helped. But today iPhone in hand I thought I would try again to get the photo I wanted. After a bit of work in Hipstamatic and Instagram I came up with the photo above which I adore.

Be warned I am not likely to get bored of my new gadget any time in the near future. Expect to see more iPhone photos published here soon.

'ladybird' by Bearseye

ladybird, a photo by Bearseye on Flickr.

This evening I have mostly been stitching black spots on to red clothes. Yes, that's right I'm officially a primary school mum now. I am making a ladybird costume for my daughter's book week at school.

I therefore thought it only right to share a fabulous ladybird photo with you. I love this one because the detail is incredible. The colours are really vibrant too.

Oh and in case you were wondering the lady bird my daughter is dressing up as is the one from 'What the Ladybird Heard'. I hope the costume ends up looking OK!

'elegantlyRed | iphoneography series' by davidclifford

elegantlyRed | iphoneography series, a photo by davidclifford on Flickr.

Today was a very exciting day. Today was the day that I got my first iPhone. I know, I know, I am about 300 years behind the rest of the world but I've always got on fine with my Android phones so never felt the need to change before now. Anyway, now I am a proud iPhone owner I can finally get myself properly into iPhoneography. So, can any of your suggest any apps I should be getting for my phone?

This is a hipstamatic image. Is that a must have app? I really like this photo because of the raw graininess of it. It kind of illustrates that instant photo image that I love. I was also drawn to this as I thought it looked like it was taken in a bathroom. I noticed, however, that it was taken in Lisbon and from my recollection Portugal is all about the tiles so I guess it could have been taken anywhere.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend. And do let me have you iPhone app suggestions.

'Balls of wool' by Me

Balls of wool, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

My blogging keeps taking second place to knitting at the moment. I find it really relaxing and I like seeing my pile of knitted squares growing. It gives me a great sense of achievement actually. I thought it was about time I did some knitting related photography though and here's a picture of the wool I am working with at the moment. Don't you just love these colours? And for the record this shot is straight from the camera with no editing. The colours really are that bright. Right, back to the needles. Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

'Untitled' by shabon*

Untitled, a photo by shabon* on Flickr.

It's funny how Saturday mornings have taken on a new meaning since my daughter started school. Sadly I don't get to lie in bed for much later but it's so nice to be able to come downstairs and have a bit more a of a chilled out start to the day. We can have breakfast without constantly looking at the clock and worrying about getting everyone dressed, making lunch and generally getting ready to leave the house. That said, we can't relax for long this morning as we have a busy day ahead of us mainly in the form of birthday parties. It's the third week in a row of children's parties as another of my daughter's friends turns five. And tonight the hubby and I are out at a 40th birthday party. We've got a babysitter and everything!

I thought I'd start the day with this photo as it's so beautifully fresh looking and feels rather morning-like to me. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

'IMG_20130821_154719' by Samira Photography

IMG_20130821_154719, a photo by Samira Photography/facebook on Flickr.

I really wanted to show you a butterfly photo I had taken over the summer but then I saw this and it made me say 'Wow!'. I therefore thought I'd share this instead. I'm not sure what exactly impressed me so much,I think it's a mixture of a lot of things. The wonderful detail of the butterfly, the softness of the photo and the beautiful sunlight and shadows. Perhaps I'll show you my picture another time but it's not as nice as this.