'Few things make me happier' by Vanessa Rae

Photo credit: Vanessa Rae on Flickr 

I can't believe we are nearly half way through February already. This month is flying by which is crazy after January felt like the longest month ever. I didn't blog for the first week of this month because I couldn't think of anything to say other than moan about how cold I was feeling and how I am so over this winter weather. But this week I think we have seen a few sneak peeks of spring and it has really lifted my mood. Monday for example was a gorgeous day. I wore a shirt instead of a jumper and I even had a window open in the house at one point. It's gone back to being cold again now but somehow it doesn't feel as bitter. And I loving that it is getting lighter in the evenings. It is still dark early but ever week when I pick my daughter up late from some after school club or other I notice it is not quite as dark as the week before.

So roll on spring. I am not even dreaming of summer just yet. Just an end to the freezing cold weather and being able to leave the house without having to wrap everyone up in many layers and hats, scarves and gloves.

This photo is so dreamy. It is like a flash back to a lazy spring or summer day. That sunlight is simply beautiful. And it goes to prove that backs of flowers can be just as interesting to look at as their faces!

'St Ives' by Me

Photo credit: PhotoPuddle on Flickr

This summer we went on holiday to Cornwall. It was our second holiday there and I loved it just as much as I did when went last year. In fact I think I fell in love with it even more. I hope we can manage another break away down there next year. It's hard to explain why exactly but the place has really captured my heart. It's still in England but feel like a million miles away. It's just so beautiful and I love the relaxed atmosphere. As you can imagine I took one or two photos so I had better start sharing them here. Here is Porthminster Beach at St Ives. It is such a lovely sandy beach I could stay there all day. Sigh... Cornwall I miss you...

'Hastings on Hudson' by June Marie

Photo credit: June Marie on Flickr

So how was you weekend? Mine was busy, busy and a little bit more busy. It included my very first Parkrun (a weekly Saturday running race thing for those of you that don't know about running, a major tidy up at home, an 80s themed 40th birthday party (which hubby and I both went to TOGETHER), a morning wander around Nymans in West Sussex, scrummy Sunday roast at the pub, a 3rd birthday party and finally an early night tucked up in bed watching the morning's coverage of the Great North Run. What did you get up to this weekend? Lots of fabulous things I hope!

I am using this photo today as it's summery and it seems that after a couple of dodgy weeks in August summer decided to come back to us in September. I love the warmth of this image and I am really drawn to the yellow car in particular.

'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!

'Buzz' by Me

Buzz, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Happy weekend everyone. Hope you're all up to lots of fun stuff over the next two days. It appears to be birthday season here at the moment and we're celebrating two more birthdays with friends this weekend.

Here's a photo I took in July which has nothing to do with birthdays but it does remind me of sunnier and warmer days. Perhaps the weather this summer wasn't so rubbish after all.

'Poolside' by dphock

Poolside, a photo by dphock on Flickr.

Well today was indeed a very hot and sunny one. The day started with a trip to the swimming pool as we decided we should take our son swimming for the first time. He definitely seemed to enjoy himself and he wasn't at all phased by the water or by people jumping in near us and splashing us. After that it was picnic time in the park which, surprise surprise, ended up with us eating 99 ice creams.

This post really needed a swimming pool photo to accompany it and I love this one. I love how it makes me feel really hot and I totally love the colours. What fascinates me most though is how exactly the shot was taken from that angle. Apparently it was shot from a hotel room. I imagine this is a picture that was flipped upside for effect but I still don't get how such an awesome angle was achieved.

Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the weekend and have lovely sunshine where you are too.

'English Countryside' by Time Photographic

English Countryside, a photo by Time Photographic on Flickr.

Well that's it for another summer. I know 1st September isn't officially the first day of autumn but to me it always feels like it. This summer - and I use the word summer losely - has gone so quickly. I'm not sure I'm ready for pre-school to start again or to fish all my big jumpers out from the back of the wardrobe. I've hardly even worn sandals at all this summer and I usually live in flip flops. I am now clinging to the hope of a late summer in September like we had last year. Although the only down side of that is that it's dark at 6 o'clock so no long summer nights sitting outside. I usually get quite excited at the thought of gorgeous autumn leaves, brisk walks in the winter sunshine and copious mugs of hot chocolate. Maybe it's the mood I'm in right now but all I can think of is getting colds, getting drenched in the rain and not being able to play outside.

Argh, this post has got a bit depressing so here's a gorgeous summery photo to cheer me up. I love all these vibrant colours. And check out the beautiful blue sky. I could really do with a few days like this before summer is really through.

'Untitled' by pbloxb

Untitled, a photo by pbloxb on Flickr.

Well here ends another August Bank Holiday weekend and I've had an fantastic few days. It's also made me think back to this time last year when I had literally just found out I was pregnant. In many ways this past year has flown by and what a busy year it's been. We spent today with the same friends we did last August Bank Holiday and I couldn't help but be amazed that this year I was there with a very grown up little girl and a four month old baby boy! I am so proud of my beautiful children.

Anyway, I could ramble on about my kids all night but you're probably more interesting in looking at this simply stunning photograph. I'm always wondering if I'll run out of beautiful images for this blog but judging by this photo I found today I don't think that will be a problem. Enjoy!

'dusk and summer.' by brittnay

dusk and summer., a photo by brittnay. on Flickr.

It was such a weird day today. One minute it was sunny and the next minute it looked like it was going to pour down with rain. It meant I kept changing my mind about taking the kids to the park for a picnic lunch. In the end we decided to go for it and it didn't rain. In fact by the end of the afternoon it was really hot and sunny.

I love picnics. Such a lovely way to spend some time outside. Of course picnics with two children aren't quite as relaxing as they were when it was just me and the hubby . Or even when it was just me on my own with a really good book.

This is a really perfect lazy summer photo. I love the light and how you can see the sunset peaking through the trees. I sure could do with an afternoon relaxing like this.

'Untitled' by koreline

Untitled, a photo by koreline on Flickr.

I have found another one of those photos that looks like it has a story behind it. The girl in this photo is wearing a pretty dress and is eating juicy watermelon pieces. It's a summery picture but I can't help thinking it has a rather sad feeling to it. I bet I'm completely wrong though. It was probably taken on a lovely day and there's no story to go with this at all. It's fun to try and delve deeper into photos though sometimes.

'Strawberry picking' by Me

Strawberry picking, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Today has been a really fun and productive day. We repainted a radiator that was in dire need of some TLC and we mended the roof of the shed. By 'we' I of course mean my husband! I wouldn't know how to fix a shed! We also accomplished a lot at the shops when we bought lots of stuff we'd been needing to get for ages and also helped out a friend by getting something for her too. And if that wasn't enough we also managed to squeeze in a trip out strawberry picking which was a great suggestion by my daughter. We finished the day with a sneaky barbecue. Nothing fancy, just a few burgers and sausages, but that's the best bit of a barbecue anyway. And what made the day extra special was the fact that it was actually hot and sunny. Summer is finally here at last. I hope you've had a lovely day too.

And I know I promised you macro flowers tonight. They are on their way honestly but it just made more sense to show you a photograph from today. Here is my daughter in a strawberry field. I think it's a lovely, summery, chilled out picture.

'Strawberries and a little sunshine...' by nawalieex3

Strawberries and a little sunshine..., a photo by nawalieex3 on Flickr.

It was another scorcher of a day today. It looks like summer has definitely arrived. We spent the afternoon in the garden with friends and of course we had a barbecue. I wanted to show you a fabulous barbecue photo but while searching for one I stumbled across this wonderful strawberry photo. I think it's a lovely summery image. The strawberries look juicy and delicious and I love that summer sunlight which has been perfectly captured. We have strawberries sitting in the fridge right now, I may just have to go and get myself a bowl.

'Summer radio' by Me

Summer radio, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I thought I'd share a summery photo with you tonight as it's just rain, rain, rain here at the moment. I guess it is April so we should have expected a few April showers. Just a bit of a shock to the system after March was so gorgeous.

I took this photo last summer. I don't really know what my inspiration was. We just had a radio in the garden and it seemed like a nice idea to hang it in a tree and take a picture. I think the result was a rather relaxing image.

'New hat' by Me

New hat, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Well if the weather reports are anything to be believed then the weather's on the turn as of tomorrow. Apparently it's going to get cool and cloudy again. I don't think we can really complain though as it's been absoultely beautiful here lately. So sunny and warm without the heat and humidity of a boiling hot summer day. It's been so nice to go out in March wearing sunglasses and no coat.

Here is a photo I took the other day of my daughter in her new Hello Kitty sun hat which I am sure is going to feature in quite a few photos over the summer. She did rather well in the wardrobe department over these past couple of weeks actually. As well as this hat she also got sundresses, t-shirts, a pair of shorts, sandals and flip flops! Lucky girl. She's all set for summer now so I hope it gets nice again soon!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! We haven't got a lot planned which is great as this evening hubby and I wrote a huge to do list of jobs that we've decided need doing round the house. I blame the pregnancy "nesting" phase. I wonder how much we'll actually get done! I'll let you know!

'It's March!' by Me

It's March!, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Yep, it's March so obviously here are a few of the essentials we needed today - sun cream, new sun hat and new flip flops! We could have gone out and about to enjoy the sunshine but decided it would be just as nice to hang out at home and chill in the garden. And take some photos of course. Now I'm just waiting for the blossom to appear on our trees as it hasn't yet but you can see it's just about to. Hurry up, I need to take blossom pictures! This will have to do for now though. I love that this looks so summery and could just as easily been taken in July. Such beautiful sunshine today.

'~ summer love ~' by ~Fussel~

~ summer love ~, a photo by ~Fussel~ on Flickr.

Well I spoke too soon about it not blowing a gale yesterday. The wind did indeed get much stronger in the night, so strong in fact that one of our fence panels came down and has squished one of our patio chairs. Serves us right really, we should have put all that away by now!

Because the weather is so cold and miserable outside I really felt the need for a hot and summery photo this evening. This one does the trick! I feel much warmer just looking at it. Those warm tones are wonderful and I really like the creative angle. I don't know if it was really there or added afterwards but I think the balloon finishes it off perfectly - especially as it matches the flowers exactly.

'happy last day of summer!' by hannah * honey & jam

happy last day of summer!, a photo by hannah * honey & jam on Flickr.

I'm showing you a photo tonight that I think is really lovely. It's just a simple collection of plants picked from the garden but I think they look so pretty put together like that. I really love the colours here. The yellow and green are so fresh and summery. And of course the light is wonderful. I thought now would be a nice time to look at this as it's finally starting to turn wintery here now. The scarves and gloves are now out.

'Summer Reading.' by Miss Sydney Marie

Summer Reading., a photo by Miss Sydney Marie on Flickr.

Today I went out in shorts and flip flops. What's that's all about? It's October tomorrow. It's a weird sensation being so hot at this time of year. Mentally I'm ready for snuggling up in the jumpers and boots. I guess I'd better try and enjoy it while it lasts though, apparently we may see snow in October! Where's the regular autumn gone?

I think this is a great summer photo. It's just the way I'd love to spend a sunny afternoon. Before my daughter was born I used to spend a lot of time sitting outside with a good book. In fact this could be me, I even have a hat like this! This is definitely a photo I'll be revisiting to warm me up when the cold weather does come.

'First day of summer' by Soffia Gisladottir

First day of summer, a photo by Soffia Gisladottir on Flickr.

Here's a bright and happy photo for you to start the weekend with. I love the composition of this as it's a really intersting take on a picture of a sunflower. Normally you'd have the whole of the flower itself and not a great big chunk of leaf but this works really well. I never get tired of looking at sunflower images so it's nice to see something a little different.

Happy weekend everyone. Here's to a lovely couple of days!

'The smell of summer ....' by Weirena

The smell of summer ...., a photo by Weirena on Flickr.

Today was a summer day. The sun shone brightly, it was hot and we had ice creams. We went to the park to hang out with friends and it was lovely. I love watching our children play together while us mums have a good old natter. I don't think this weather will continue but it was a fantastic goodbye to summer.

I was instantly drawn to this photo as I can't help but smile when I see bright yellow flowers. I really love the colours and tones of this. And I love that the flowers aren't perfect. Some aren't open, some of the petals are bent and I'm sure there's bug crawling on the lens. But that's what makes it great. It's real and real is beautiful.

Happy weekend to you all!