Light...

This winter has proven to be a little challenging for me. As much as I love the coziness of snuggling like a hibernating bear inside my den, I have longed for the sun's balmy warmth to wash over me. Grey, dull skies have dampened my mood, and it takes a monumental effort to hoist myself out of bed in the mornings. But, having said that, nothing is more charming than those crisp, clear mornings when all is draped in icy crystals, and the landscape lies white and still after a blanket of frost has settled upon it. Today has been such a day. The sun came out to accompany the blue sky in a symphony of light! Those of you, who like me, wait with bated breath for the 'good light' to appear so perfect snaps can be taken, will know that one must 'make hay while the sun shines'! 

All budding photographers will know that natural light is your best friend. It drives away shadows that can make your pictures look a little lacklustre. Everything looks so much nicer draped in light! 

Here are a few snaps taken on brighter days...

Even the daffodils have been coaxed from the snuggly earth they've been buried in...

And we know this little fella likes the light too!

Today was a good day...

Here's to a bright and sunny weekend! 

Styling the seasons

Well, the new year is well on it's way, and I'm looking forward to all it has in store! With every new year comes a blank sheet of endless possibilities, new memories to be made, exciting challenges to face, and the turning over a new leaf to get a fresh perspective. This applies to my home life too. For a while now I have swooned over the wonderfully inspirational blogs of the very lovely Katy and Charlotte. They have been challenging us to participate in a monthly feature named 'Styling the Seasons'. Now, in essence this concept isn't new to me, because as those of you who have been following my blog for a while now will know, I am forever changing areas of our home to reflect the changes in seasons. But, these ladies have inspired me to take a fresh look at how this is applied to decorating one's home. We're kicking things up a gear! I have decided to join them on this journey of expression, being mindful of the changing seasons month to month. Starting with...January...

#stylingtheseasons 

January....

After the clutter of Christmas, I am hankering after an air of freshness! The living room is where we spend most of our time as a family, and it is often where I choose to change things up a bit. So, it's only apt that I should tackle a corner here for my first ever 'Styling the Seasons' feature. My word for this new year is 'Flourish'....

Flourish....my definition of this...'to bloom where you are planted'.

A fresh start...'Time for new things'...

I am super excited to try new things this year. I am planning to indulge in creative pursuits a little more, and hoping to learn some new skills along the way. 

Finding 'Joy' in all you do... 

Do what brings you joy! This is what I hope to achieve in 2015...And sometimes, it's the simpler things in life that satisfies most...

New memories to be captured...

Yes, there will be many moments to mark 2015, moments that will come together in a symphony of new memories made. January...what moments will define you?

New adventures on the horizon...Let's sail away and explore...

I will get in that boat...That proverbial 'boat' that sails out of my comfort zone to horizons unknown, challenging me to grow...to flourish...

And the colours I choose for January? Floral tones...teals, greens, pinks and blues, anchored by the occasional pop of black...nothing too defined...A bit like a wild cottage garden...

I have so enjoyed styling this corner of our home whilst reflecting on January and what it means to me. I have always believed that your home tells your story. I look forward to writing new chapters, while 'Styling the Seasons'...

Holding on and letting go...

Time...Where has it gone? I blinked, and 2014 is a thing of the past. I am sure those of you who have followed my blog for a while would have noticed the sporadic and infrequent nature of posts in 2014. I ask myself why, and the answer is a simple one. Life. Life got in the way. I think it is only natural to reflect on the past, in an attempt to glean some pearls of wisdom from experiences lived, mistakes made, and lessons learnt. I find myself doing this at the start of every new year.

When I look back at 2014, it is with a sigh of relief that I put it behind me. I have always been an optimist, looking for the silver linings, 'cups-half-full' instead of 'cups-half-empty', even when situations seem a little dismal. But hand on heart...2014 was my hardest year yet. And for so many reasons. One of my biggest challenges this year was adapting to life as a working mum. Suddenly my days turned into a huge juggling act of  'to-do-lists'! Going back to work has meant that I've had to practise the skill of prioritising, and being the optimist I am, I always aim to achieve everything and more on that list. It has been exhausting! Not to mention the feelings of guilt when you can't do it all! It has been full of challenges on so many levels, many of a very personal nature too, and all I say is that I have felt myself being dragged by a strong current in a sea of 'trying to keep head above water'. But, there is a silver lining...I have learnt so much, about myself, my strengths, my weaknesses, what really matters, what to hold onto, and what to let go of into the sea of lessons learnt.

As the year drew to a close, I felt a new energy and vigour taking place in my heart, mind and soul. I look forward to 2015, and new, fresh beginnings. What I have learnt, and what I will endeavour to listen to in 2015 is this...

Worth holding on to...

NOTHING can separate me from the love of The One who created me, formed my innermost being, and Who carries me through every storm I face...

Family first. Period. Guard your home with love, respect, forgiveness, laughter, and invest in the importance of spending time together. Family matters.

Let it go...

Let some things go...You can't control or change the past. Let the hurt go, let the anger go. Choose happiness today.

Stop people pleasing. I can't please everyone...After all, I am not a jar of Nutella! I need to be kinder to myself. Loving others does not mean that I have to give power to the opinions they have of me. Just because someone says or thinks so, does not make it so. Full stop.

The people who want to be in your life, will be. And if they don't, you'll know. That is okay. Let it go.

Choose well. Live well. Love more. Stress less.

I look forward to 2015! Yes I do!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of our Christmas at home. I enjoyed every minute, although it has been a crazy busy time! Here too, a lesson learned... Simplify.

I hope that 2015 will be kind to you.

Blessings