It's the small things in life that make you happy....

Hearing Michael's footsteps outside the window when he comes home from work

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Biting into a fresh Krispy Kreme donut

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The quality time I spend with my mum almost every weekend

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Unexpected text messages from a friend asking how I am

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Looking through old photos from my childhood

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Ice cold slush puppies

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A huge breeze when it's boiling hot

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Nights where we stay up talking about nonense and laugh ourselves silly

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Going to bed with fresh clean sheets

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A whole night of great television programmes

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Sitting in the cinema on my own with a large popcorn

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Finding that exact spot on the bus with the best breeze on a hot day

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Seeing a young person be kind and respectful to their elders 

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A big mug of tea and Heat magazine

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Film nights at home

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Summer mornings

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Waking up next to you every morning

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Seeing a beautiful house and daydreaming that I live there

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Getting packages

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Listening to a great song you haven't heard in years

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Random road trips

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A huge piece of chocolate fudge cake

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Deep and meaningful conversations with someone

Make your own little list of what makes you happy-it picks me up when I feel down!

xoxo

What is precious to me....

I have many people in my life who I am consider precious but also I do have objects which mean a lot to me and I thought I would share some of these with you....

My Wizard of Oz Globe

I have many globes and this one is very precious as it was a special gift from Michael, brought all the way from America and was very expensive! I love Wizard of Oz and it even plays 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and lights up. This is something I will always treasure and I would like to pass it through generations :)

'Tilly's House' by Faith Jaques

This is one of my most treasured posessions, it doesn't look much but this book has been with me since I was little. It was probably brought in a charity shop, it was my favourite story to read when I was young and I still read it from time to time to feel nostalgic-it reminds me of happy times and is a wonderful tale of a wooden doll who escapes her life as a maid in a dolls house to find a home of her own. I look forward to reading this to my children one day-it is a very rare and beautiful book.

My GIANT tatty teddy bear

My mum bought this for me as a present a few years ago and I cannot begin to describe how HUGE it is-it takes up a lot of our room but it's a wonderful thing to own, it is even big enough to be a chair! I have never seen a Tatty Teddy bear of this size and yes I may be too old to have teddies but this is so unique!

My Nan's jewellery box
This box is very special to me as it contains lots of my Nan's beautiful jewellery and the box itself is quite old and delicate-I never wear anything from the box, I am often worried about losing something so it has sat on my window sill for over 10 years now. 

 

My photo frames

I have tons and tons of photo frames in my bedroom and they are all precious to me as of course photos capture such special moments and these are my favourite-I love the photo of me and my mum, I had such a happy childhood and this was one where she let me wear her work uniform. Also the one of me and Michael is one of our first pictures together over 5 years ago and is one of my favourites because it was on our first holiday and I really fell in love!

I have had a really long and hard day today-going to farm was lovely but it was boiling, I am exhausted and sunburnt and trying to keep 3 year olds from running off into fields is tough! I felt really down when I got home but not long after Michael came through the door clutching these lovely flowers which is so so sweet! :)

I am so ready for the weekend, tonight I am going to get my sore feet into a nice foot spa, eat Michael's chilli and this weekend I am going to Michael's Uncle's 60th in Sussex which will be lovely. 3 weeks until holidays. xoxo

Cheryl...shares all!

 Now I could lie and say 'I don't normally do things like this but thought I would give it a try!'-the truth is I love surveys and quizzes, often I just can't be arsed to fill in questions but I quite liked the simplicity of this one which I have seen on a few blogs.

 

 1. Blogging. Why?

I have always loved to write, even from a young age and I always wrote a diary and little stories here and there. I love blogging simply because I love writing! I don't do it to get followers (I mean, I only have 10! Thanks guys!) I just do it as a way to express how I feel or what I know and if people read it along the way and enjoy it, then fab! I often wish I could write even more interesting blog posts but not much goes on in my life-I am not particularly fashionable or high-flying, so this blog is mostly just about boring old me!

2. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? 

If we're taking in terms of appearance, I do wish I had long legs and were a little taller! I hate my legs and never wear shorts/short skirts as I am so self consious. In terms of personality, I wish I was less sensitive sometimes as I often take things too personally-sometimes it is a great thing to be sensitive but often it just causes me upset and isn't worth it at all.

3. Chocolate or Vanilla? 

What a deep question. I do really love a good vanilla ice cream although I am also a massive chocolate fan but I do find it a bit too sickly sometimes so I will go for vanilla.
 
 4. Your favorite movie genre? 
A toughie as I love many genres of movie. I would probably have to say action however-I like chases and explosions and gunfire (random I know-Die Hard is one my favourite films)-any film with Arnie in it is a winner for me!

 5. What/Who inspires you? In terms of people I would have to say my mum as well as my grandparents. My Nan taught me that life is short and you should see as much as you possibly can in your lifetime. My grandad taught me to be kind and gentle to everyone. My mum has taught me that you can get through the worst if you just stay strong and that it's ok to be me. Many 'things' inspire me-I take a lot of inspiration from old quotes that I read online, especially from philosphers.

 6. The greatest lesson you have learned in the last year? 
To expect nothing from people and that sometimes you have to be your own best friend and rely on yourself. So many times I have given my all in friendships only to be let down and so many times I have shown kindness and not received it back. So I have learnt that in life, not everyone considers the feelings of others, you just have to keep being a nice person and rely on yourself. I have also learnt that because you have depression or anxiety-it DOESN'T have to define you.
  7. Where do you see yourself in five years? 
Well I would like to be married with a child :) I have thought that perhaps it the future I would like to train as a nursery teacher as I really like that age group-also I would love if one of my children's books is successfully published and I had a bit of extra cash!
  8. Dream travel spot? 
It will always be Italy, I love everything about it and would go back again ever year-it is my dream travel spot! I would like to go to rural Tuscany, Sicily and see more of southern Italy.
  9. Random fact about yourself? 
I used to want to be famous and I even attended Sylvia Young Theatre School-stage school for the stars! I decide to leave though as I felt it wasn't for me and I wanted to be a journalist (and then changed my mind again...lol!)
  10. Favorite way to relax? 

A cup of Twinings tea and cake, a Lush bubble bath, listening to my favourite music...or doing this blog, it does relax me funnily enough!

 

Hope everyone is having a good week, I had a lovely weekend and I am still counting down the weeks until the summer hols (just under 4!) and am making some nice plans. I went to the doctor today to get to the route of my pains in my neck/shoulder and found out I have a trapped nerve and may have to have physio, so at least I know now! Me and Michael are so exhausted from work today, how is it only Monday! So we are going to have some dinner and max out with some '24 Season 5' hope you all have a lovely evening xoxo 

Cheryl....spreads the love!

I always think it's extremely important to often remind your loved ones that you are thinking of them and being the romantic type, I often buy Michael presents and in the past I have made things. Sometimes it can just be something that costs nothing, just a little text or a note left to say you love them-I think these things are even more special! However there is nothing wrong with spending some money on the one you love when you can-here are some ideas, most of them I have done for Michael before or he has done for me.

Leave a love note or text

This is simple and costs nothing-it could just be an "I love you" note or a silly joke you both share or a text to say you are thinking of them, I know I always love receiving these and it brightens up my day.

Make a memories scrapbook

I made one similar to this for Michael a few years ago and we still have a look at it together sometimes-it was from very early on in our relationship so it's lovely to look back on and something you can add to with your partner together. Plus when you are old and look back, you can remember what it felt like to be young and in love :)

Book a trip to somewhere they love

It doesn't have to be expensive-if somewhere is booked in advance it can cost a lot less. Perhaps it may be a few days by the seaside, their favourite city or to a museum they love-it is something you can share together. Time alone is very important :)

Burn a CD/mix tape

I think the 'retro' idea of a mix tape or CD is really romantic and costs literally nothing-it doesn't have to be filled with cheesy songs, it could just be a collection of songs that reminds you of them or just really love.

 

Write a love letter

It makes me sad that no one ever writes letters anymore, there is something wonderfully personal about receiving a love letter-it makes me think of a man out at sea writing to his long lost lover. Anyway, I think this is cute-you may think it's cheesy but writing down how you feel is so romantic!

Pretend you are going on your first ever date

This is great idea to be romantic-take out your loved one and pretend it's your first ever date-share a nice meal and ask eachother those awkward questions-kiss eachother for the 'first' time at the train station....ahhh!

Bake them a cake

"If I knew you were coming i'd have baked a cake!" I always make Michael cakes, most of the time they are pretty rank but it's the thought that counts right? I always think baking is romantic-especially when the cake is smothered in yummy butter cream!

XOXO

Cheryl...learns to keep smiling

So this morning I woke up with the horrible overwhealming feeling of sadness-something which happens to me from time to time but also something I am learning to cope with. I do not know what causes this feeling, especially as when I went to sleep I felt fine but instead of letting it dwell inside me, I forced myself to keep going, go to work and remember that the feeling will go and things will feel better as the day went on. After a lovely text from my boy, I felt a little more able to face the world and to continue my positivity (PMA all the way), I wanted to do a little blog post about all the positive things I am looking forward to this year to keep my mind focused on all that is good :)

Finishing work in 4 weeks for a 6 week holiday

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6 weeks to do lots of fun things with no work to worry about!

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Spending more time with my friends over the summer

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Finishing my teaching assistant course and hopefully enrolling on a writing course

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Continuing to work on my book

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Starting a new job in September in a year group I love

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Going to Florence and Rome on 27th August

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Mine and Michael's 6 year anniversary on 1st September

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My 26th birthday in September

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Christmas! (and spending it with Michael this year)

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Seeing One Direction in concert-I am 2nd row! (don't judge)

As well as making positive lists like this, I have also found a number of ways to help myself when I am not feeling so good-I have found music to be quite calming and something which takes my mind off how I feel.  At the moment I am listening to Lana Del Ray and Emile Sande, both brilliant singers and ones which I have only just discovered! I also find that websites such as weheartit.com and pininterest.com are great for keeping busy. I also have a number of sites I visit which are full of inspiring quotes to lift your mood-perhaps I will share them all in a blog next time :)

So I will make sure I keep reading this list whenever I feel a little sad :) I hope everyone is having a lovely week, mine is going well and I have managed to get a doctors appointment so hopefully I will find out what is wrong with my back/neck etc. Hopefully it is something which will get better soon as I feel unable to carry my heavy work bag right now! This weekend I am looking forward to seeing my lovely friends and going shopping and for a nice meal-it has been a while since I have been out and properly seen friends so I can't wait :) 

xoxo

Cheryl's most wanted: June

Hello all, how is everyone? I am sat here on my sofa in a rather amount of discomfort with a hot water bottle on my neck so I thought I would write a blog post to take my mind off things! I am in a lot of pain at the moment as for the past week or two I have had recurring pain on my right side-my back, leg, arm, shoulder and neck. I am hoping the doctors can help me and hope it's nothing too bad or that I need physiotherapy for but we shall see.

So right now there are sooo many things I want but unfortunately earning what I do, I cannot afford to get everything and I have to pick and choose what I buy-I know how very fortunate I am to be able to get myself treats sometimes but a girl can still dream can't she? So, if money was no object, this would be what I would buy this month...

Cath Kidston Style Bag-Ever Ours-£15

This bag is super cute and cheap but do I need another one? I love the Cath Kidston print and this bag is half the price and just as nice! (I swear I should go into advertising).

Navy Collar Dress-Ever Ours-£17

This dress is to DIE FOR. I am in love with it.

Black Cherry-Yankee Candle-£18

These candles smell amazing (I go into Clintons just to sniff all the jars) 

Pink Filofax-£27-Paperchase

I have always wanted a filofax to organise my life and of course it has to be pink!

 Clueless Top-Forever 21-$9.99

 Clueless is one of my favourite all time films and I would love this top but unfortunately it's only available on the US Forever 21 site and the shopping charges are very high!

 Sherlock Holmes Collection-£17.99-Play.com

Apple Ipad

And of course, I want an Ipad! However I have decided after a lot of thought to leave it for now as I have a lot coming up I need to pay out for including the rest of my Italy trip and lots of events in the summer holidays so the Ipad will have to wait-sob sob!

xoxo

Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and I would like to dedicate this blog post to someone who was a significant man in my life whilst growing up-my Grandad. His name was Carmine Bonito but was known to everyone as Peter. He was Italian with 2 Italian parents called Lucia and Mattio. I love the fact that because of him, I have Italian in my blood and it makes me very proud to talk about. I think he would be very happy to know I am visiting Italy this year and have been twice in the past. He always talked about Italy and taught me lots of Italian phrases, most of which I have forgotton now! He was very proud of his heritage, as am I and I hope one day to visit his homeplace of Salerno in Naples. 

My Grandad, was unfortunately for a lot of his life quite unwell with various illnesses. For the later part of his life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which came quite debilitating towards the end but he never ever complained. To me, he was my 'Grandee' and I was his 'Little Junior' even up until I was 18 years old. It always made me feel so happy when we were in eachother's company. When I was younger I wasn't able to see much of him as he lived quite a distance from us but when he moved only a mile away in 1996, our relationship got a lot closer and we were able to develop even more of a Grandfather-Grandaughter bond. He taught me so much about life and I will never forget sitting on his knee and feeling so safe and warm when I was with him-he used to lift me up and pretend I was flying in the air like an aeroplane. He was, to me, my father figure and always supported me in every aspect of my life-visiting school events, being there when I got into college, passing my exams etc. 

Losing him in 2004 was not necessarily a shock as he was so ill but was still devastating for me and my mum-in the most part I felt guilty that I hadn't spent enough time with him in my later teenage years. I was 18 and my head was full of celebrities, going out and having fun. However I have now managed to let go of the guilt I felt about it because I know that he knew I loved him so very dearly. I will never forget how he was there for all my childhood and teenage years and helped shape me into the person I am today.  

This blog is for you Grandad and a very special poem I found online.

Grandfathers are fathers who are grand,
Restoring the sense that our most precious things
Are those that do not change much over time.
No love of childhood is more sublime,
Demanding little, giving on demand,
Far more inclined than most to grant the wings
Allowing us to reach enchanted lands.
Though grandfathers must serve as second fathers,
Helping out with young and restless hearts,
Each has all the patience wisdom brings,
Remembering our passions more than others,
Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.

xoxo 

Cheryl...gets paid!

Apoligies for my super cheesy post yesterday but sometimes you just have to express the love! I am enjoying a super relaxing weekend, as it was payday yesterday I have bought myself a few little things as well as planning a few trips for the summer holidays and a possible future purchase. I bought these two cute items from George at Asda, their range 'G21' is very me and I have buying from them for about 8 years now. I love the quirky prints they use and the prices are very reasonable. Normally I end up going to a supermarket like Asda or Tesco and end up buying clothes-whoops! I used their website for my purchases and arranged to pick them up in store-as it's free and saves me 3 quid on delivery! A lot of clothes websites have recently started having this option, like New Look, and it's a great money saver.

Tribal Print Dress. I love this as it's so simple and will just look nice with leggings and a cardigan. Perfect for £10!

 Apple print blouse. This is a blouse that has a super cute print and will look nice with my black skinny trousers for work. I like to wear colourful patterns for work and the kids always love them-only £8!

I am also starting to seriously consider buying an Ipad at some point this year but I am still unsure as to whether it's worth the money as I already have a laptop-what I need to research is what it does that a normal computer doesn't. At £300+ it is a serious purchase so I need to do some thinking. 

This weekend Michael and I have also planned a little trip back to Arundel in July. We both break up on the 20th and go back on the 4th September so we have lots of time to spend together, I am very lucky that we get the same holidays and we can do things like this. Arundel castle is having a medieval week which is why we are going back plus we have fallen in love with the area! Our holiday to Rome and Florence is still a long way off at the end of August but I am starting to research trips we can do and also something nice for our 6 year anniversary on the 1st Sep. We will be in Rome so I guess we will have our pick of romantic things-any ideas?! I start work 2 days after we fly home so it's going to be a busy time!

Tonight I am looking forward to Michael's chilli-he always cooks it for himself as he likes to make it spicy but for the first time in years, I am willing to try it! I hope it doesn't burn out my mouth-wish me luck!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend-as tomorrow is father's day I will probably do a little post about my Grandad as I like to remember how special he was to me. Take care everyone xoxo

I love him because...

**WARNING WARNING-EXTREME CHEESINESS APPROACHING**

~

When we are together he makes me feel like I can do anything

When I am crying, with mascara running down my face, he gets me a tissue and wipes away my tears

When I feel like giving up, he tells me everything is going to be ok

He cooks for me every night, even though he is tired too

He makes me tea and gives me cuddles when I feel ill

He makes me laugh every single day

No one would understand our jokes, except us

I trust him with my life

He buys me cake when I've had a bad day

The way I feel when are walking down the street and he puts his arms around me

When I achieve something, he is always there to support me

He says he loves me at the most unexpected moments

He has never tried to change me and never will

He poses for silly pictures with me even when he doesn't always feel like it

He travels to so many new places with me 

He allows me to be myself and nothing but...

 

xoxo

That's my goal...

I have been thinking a lot recently about all the things I want to achieve for the rest of this year, even little things, and maybe some personal goals for myself to do and thought I would share with you some of these. I can't believe it is half way through the year-so far I feel like I have done pretty well with handling my anxiety, I have had some blips in my depression but I have also noticed that the way I handle some things have improved. I want to do and see so many things but I have to be realistic!

Spend less time on Facebook

This is a biggie of mine and it may seem strange to put down as a 'goal' but I do really get frustrated with the amount of time I spend on Facebook-most of the time I could be doing something better and often it is the cause of problems in my life. I don't think I could ever erase something like this from my life purely because I use to talk to friends and people I don't get to see but at the same time I don't want it to be something I check so often-I just want it to be something I stop by and read sometimes. I guess to solve something like this, I need to take up a hobby, which leads onto my next goal...

Take up a new hobby

To be honest, I don't think I could genuinely say I have a 'hobby'. I like going online, sure. I like writing, watching the television but they are not things that really keep me busy when I'm feeling rubbish. I would love to have something to be part of or to work on that is fun. I have thought about taking other short courses (as I am a bit of a study geek) as well as something like scrapbooking as I am creative like that!

Perservere with my book

I have to admit, I haven't been very motivated with writing my book recently. Which sucks as not only do I love writing children's stories, I also think I am pretty good at it. I have so many ideas floating in my head but little motivation to put them down in writing-if money allows I am thinking of enrolling in a children's writing course this summer to help me as I am unconfident with structuring a book.

See my friends more

I have some wonderful friends and I would love to be able to see them more. Recently due to both my anxiety and being busy/tired from work I haven't been able to see friends much but I really hope this summer to spend more time with them!

Make new friends 

I hope my new job which starts this September will allow me to do this. I guess a personal goal of mine is to be more confident in regards to meeting new people-I come across as shy to a lot of people so I have been told and I have this stupid idea in my head that people won't like me because I'm quiet.

Organise more trips

Yes, more! I love organising events, trips etc-I have a few planned in my head but I shall not reveal those until a later date ;) however I do want to see more new places this year-especially in the North, I would love to go back to somewhere like Yorkshire.

Use my video camera more

A few years ago Michael bought me a wonderful video camera for my birthday and unfortunately I do not use it much, I don't ever really find the opportunities other than holidays. I plan to use it more this year, not only in Italy but for other things too-perhaps I could do a video blog (or vlog as they say) one time?!

Get fit

Yawn, very cliche I know. But I really don't hardly exercise at all and I plan to work to and from work in September as it's only 20 minutes away. The thought of even walking to my local shop kinda puts me into a sweat so it will be a challenge. However I hope to burn off all those calories I will eat from staffroom cakes.

Research my family tree

I would love to do more about this as I don't know much about my family history, not way back anyway. Recently I found, or I was found, by a cousin (who is lovely :D) on FB. However other than my Mum I am pretty low in the family area so I would love to research my family tree properly.

Finish my TA course

I am one assignment away from finishing and I am still lacking motivation-what is wrong with me? I could literally finish it probably within a week or two so I need to get this done.

Focus on the ones who care

This is an ongoing one and not really a goal rather a motto I want to remember. I STILL spend so much time being upset about those who don't care, people I always seem to let me down-I need to keep focusing on the people who are there for me, who want to be there in my life.  

 

xoxo 

Dedicated to my Nan...

I thought, today, I would dedicate this small space on the web to somebody who was a huge part of my childhood, somebody I love with all my heart and somebody who I lost 12 years ago tomorrow. This is for my Nan, Betty, who I still miss every day of my life.

I do my best not to reflect too much on such a devastating loss in my life but inevitably, it is not that easy. I don't know if I can say that it's true that time is a healer-of course, everyone keeps moving forward with their life, the world 'goes on' but then sometimes when I truely think, feel and remember my Nan, it feels like only yesterday that we lost her. You see, my Nan was such a big part of my life. She wasn't just a Nan to me, she was my friend, someone who I could turn to for advice and someone who made my childhood such a happy time filled with special memories. I still remember all the times we would just jump on the tube and visit random places. She loved charity shops and we would visit them all over London, she just loved a bargain, sound familiar?! But I still find it difficult to look through photographs, the more recent ones, of my Nan as I can still recall those moments we spent together and I feel the hurt of her not being here now.

I was 13 when I lost my Nan and whilst this was a significant portion of my life-especially my whole childhood and the start of my teenage years, the thing that makes me the most sad is that she hasn't been here for other important moments in my life. Passing my exams, my graduation, my first job, meeting Michael. The thing is though and I don't often share this thought for fear of sounding stupid, I do believe that she has been there and still is there in my life in some way or another. I just feel it. I am not a religious person as such but I believe that her spirit is watching over me, allowing good things to happen but also allowing me to experience all that life is-good and bad. I know she doesn't 'make' things happen but I certainly feel like her presence is STILL here, whether it is part of me or part of something bigger. I can only feel what I feel and it's difficult to describe to anyone else.

What keeps me going is all the wonderful times we shared together and also the fact that as I grow older, I am developing more and more of her ways and her temperament. I have her emotional side and I am sure she would have been first to admit that she thought with her heart, always, even if sometimes the emotions would become overwhealming. That is me too. I carry that trait of hers and whilst it isn't always a great thing to always think with the heart and the emotions, it can sometimes be a wonderful thing. I like to think I have her humour too, her desire just to enjoy life and to see new things-I love travelling, even just a few hours to get out of London and she was exactly the same. I never expected to become so much like her but over the years, it has just happened. And it is a comfort to me because I know that in that sense, she is still going strong through me. Perhaps my children will carry her traits or have her lovely eyes or her slim physique-to me, that would be even better to know that she is moving through generations. 

Most of all, I just hope she knows that there hasn't been a day, a single day, in the last 12 years where I haven't thought about her. Even if it has just been a passing recollection or a moment of sadness where I miss her dearly, she has always been there. She will always be, to me, the best Nan that anyone could have asked for and to have her for those 13 years is something I am so grateful for and something I will treasure for the rest of my life.xxx

This is a very special photo I wanted to share of my Nan and Grandad on their wedding day in 1952-I love it because it captures a moment of their pure happiness together.

Cheryl...gets back to normal!

Well, it is all back to normality now after a lovely break away in Southport. Me and my mum had a wonderful time, we always make sure that we go on holiday every year just the two of us. Sometimes you just get caught up in the craziness of life and I think it's really important, that even at 25, I always make the effort to spend lots of time with my mum. She is, after all, not only my mum but my best friend too :) 

Being typical as holidays in the UK are, we weren't blessed with the nicest of weather, although our first two days there were quite sunny and warm, the days that followed were rainy and dreary! Still, we knew this in advance and planned what we did accordingly. We stayed in a lovely self catering apartment about 10 mins out of town, we like staying in our own apartment as it gives you the freedom to cook your own meals if you want to (instant money saver) and I always find them much more homely that hotels. We were lucky that we found this place on the internet and also, buying booking our train tickets with Virgin a few months in advance were managed to get a pretty good deal, considering we travelled a fair distance! Also, this time of year is particularly hard for us as the 11th June is my Nan's anniversary so we like to go away to take our mind off everything.

We had a great time wandering along the promenade, the pier, the lovely quaint shops and of course the obligatory 2p machines! I swear, one day, I will win one of those strategically placed keyrings! We also had 2 afternoon teas, one horrible (which was bought with a online voucher-whilst it was cheap, the food and the service wasn't great which was a real disappointment) and then on our last day, a lovely one in which we even had glittery cupcakes! It's safe to say I have come home from holiday with a real cake belly and probably a good 4 pounds heavier! But what are holidays for?

We also visited one of my favourite cities, Liverpool and we went twice-once to go on the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour and once to visit the Albert Docks area and the shops. Liverpool often gets a lot of stick for not being a very nice area but I couldn't disagree more-it it's a wonderful place, full of friendly people (I have to admit, being a previous Brookside fan, I do love the scouse accent) and it is steeped in a lot of history, particularly musical. It is like any major city, just like London or Manchester, in which there are beautiful open green spaces as well as not-so-nice run down areas. 

The Magical Mystery Tour was so much fun, we got to visit the old homes of the Beatles and also key places from their songs including Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. I have always been a big fan of the Beatles, mainly due to my mum and also my Grandad. He used to talk to me all the time about them which got me interested. I remember being 8 years old, wearing huge headphones and sitting in our living room listening to their classic hits and I have been a fan ever since.

We really wanted to do and see more, like visit the smaller seaside towns along that coast like Formby but sadly time and also weather was against us! I bought some lovely little bits in the gift shops, including a giant frame which I lugged home (will put some pics in a later post), some nice jewellery, some fudge and tea for Michael and some little bits for our bedroom.

So now the holidays are almost over and I am back to work for 6 weeks before the long summer holiday is ahead of me. I can't believe it has gone so quickly-yesterday I came home to a package from my new school including my contract which I need to sign. I am so excited to finally have a permanent position somewhere and also to be starting a fresh and meeting new people-which is a very scary thing for someone shy like me! However, it's something I need to do. I am going to do my best to have a relaxing weekend now, I have a few blog posts planned soon so watch out for them. Have a lovely weekend everyone xoxo

Cheryl....has a fab weekend!

So I am officially on a break yipeeee! I had an awesome day yesterday, Michael and I first caught the train down (only cost us £5.50 return as we booked online in advance) to a little town in West Sussex called Amberley-there isn't much there other than beautiful scenery but with a 2 for 1 voucher, we paid a visit to the 'Amberley Working Museum' which is a lovely open air museum filled with exhibitions varying from an old fire station to old radios, televisions etc...it really is a lovely mish mash of vintage bits! 

The sun came out for us and we had a lovely lunch in their restaurant (complete with Victoria sponge, soooo good!) and then had a good wander around for a couple of hours. We went on a nature trail up a very steep hill, it was painful on the legs but the view from the top was worth it and we took some lovely pictures :) after that we decided the catch the train again down 1 stop to our favourite new town of Arundel (see previous blog post!)-the town was alive with Jubilee celebrations, it was lovely to see and we managed to fit in our favourite pastime of mini-golf-only £3! 

Of course, Michael won and we then had a bit of time for a wander around the town before catching the long train home. We were exhausted but had a lovely day-when we got home it was a takeaway from our fav Indian restaurant and the Voice final! 

To be honest, I do find all the Jubilee celebrations a little over the top-it's great to celebrate the Queen and all she does but 4+ days of events means absolute chaos for those living in London like me. Still, it gives us all an excuse to eat lots of yummy cakes, fly flags and perhaps feel a little united :) Today we had a little tea party, I got some fondant fancies, scones, strawberries as well as finally using my lovely teapot I got for Christmas. Very British and very lovely!

Tonight, I am going to finish packing as my mum and I head off on holiday tomorrow and we will be returning on Friday. The forecast doesn't look fab but we shall make the best of it :) we have lots of fun activities planned so it should be great! So I won't be updating my blog for a while, so I hope everyone has a lovely week and will no doubt do a holiday blog after I get back :) Take care everyone xoxo

Cheryl...thinks about the future!

So at the age of 25, I guess it is pretty normal to be at the stage where I feel broody. I have always been the mothering type-even when I was aged 9, I would spend my lunch and break times at school helping to look after the younger children. Now, as I work with children on a daily basis and in particular adorable 3 year olds, my broodiness has reached an all time high. I don't feel like there is any specific 'right time' to have children, it is different for everybody and whilst someone could be ready at 19, another woman may rather wait until she is in her 40's. I know for me, I have spent many years wondering whether I would be a good mother. I have worried about my anxiety-would it effect my child? Would I pass on my depression to them? Could I handle pregnancy? These are questions that can't really be answered until it actually happens. I have been concerned in the past that I was too immature and not yet quite strong enough in myself to be a mother. However, recently, as I have grown more independent in myself and grown a little more control of my anxiety and depression, I have thought that perhaps that soon I may be ready. I honestly don't know whether my anxiety would increase or decrease if I had a child.

A few years ago, my broodiness was a 'omg babies are so cute and I would love one!" type but now, I have been feeling that pure motherly instinct, one in which I feel that I would love to be able to have someone new in my life that is part of me, someone that I can make happy, help grow and someone to love unconditionally. As I have said, there is no right 'age' and I cannot pinpoint when I will have or be ready to have a baby. I know that for now, I have a fantastic base in terms of my own relationship with my boyfriend in which we are loving and committed enough to be great parents. Also, it is something we are both equally as enthusiastic about. But when will be the right time? Do I want to have a real career first? I am hardly past my 'peak', I am barely beginning but then again, my personal choice is that I do not want to be 30 years old and not have children.

In recent years, according to research, the average age for a woman to have her first baby has climbed to 29. Perhaps this is because of the rise of more career-focused women in today's society. The average age has creeped higher and higher, back in the year 2000 the average age was just 26.5. Recently I have began to start saving in a special account so that I can, at some point, be finacially stable enough to support a child. This is the 'sensible' thing to do I guess but ultimately, it is not just about money but also about being emotionally ready. All I know is that I would love to be a mother. It must be the best feeling in the whole to be able to hold a baby in your arms and know that they are part of you and you feel that rush of unconditional love. I hope I will feel that at some point in the future, when that day comes I will be unbelievably happy but until then I shall continue to become stronger in myself so that I can be the best person I can be :) xoxo