Thankful Thursday // All The Things.

It's been a while. Too long really. *Waves at screen!* I've had many a draft sitting there since I disappeared at the end of January; too tired to switch on and write, too tired to feel guilty for doing so. To be honest, the start of this year has been quite testing, I've lost myself a little and it's only really now I'm coming together again. I wanted to take some time to come back, read some books (so many books!) Watch some Netflix and spend some time resting. The cold evenings and even colder mornings have driven me to the comforts of hot baths, snuggles under blankets and pyjama attire whenever I'm not outside. A couple of days have been spent hands in the earth, making sense of the overgrown mess that my garden has become over the winter months. It's been good for me. Thinking about what the future holds for the rest of the year and with a little perspective under my belt, here's some things about myself that I'm thankful for...and totally unapologetic for being so...

• Being Strong: When shit gets tough, I'm like a rock. Yes I may cry whilst watching an episode of DIY SOS but when the proper grown up, horrible shit happens, I seem to grow 10ft tall. I'm proud of myself for that.
• Being Sensitive: In the totally opposite way, I'm starting to realise to stop apologising for being sensitive about the 'small things'. It's something I've been judged for before and I think we as women, feel we have to apologise for that sometimes? Well fuck that from now on, I'm sensitive because I care, I've got a great big heart and I hug like a unicorn, so there's that settled.
• Curiosity: If I could learn something about everything then I'd be happy. My Netflix binge has been a mis-match of documentaries, from art fraud, bees (obviously), to cane toads and space. It's been amazing.
• My Ass for Looking Amazing in my Wedding Dress: Because I'm not the greatest fan of my body but it looks pretty. fucking. great.
• Wisdom: Someone recently said to me that wisdom is something that only comes with age. I've thought about this a lot and I agree... to an extent. I know plenty of people older than me that are quite simply naive and I personally think wisdom is something that comes from life experience, how long you've been alive doesn't make you wise.

That's about enough self gratification for today I think. I've missed you all. How is everyone? I currently have over 650 missed posts to catch up on reading so expect a little comment spam! In the mean time, please go ahead and pop recent posts in the comments and I'll get to nattering with you even sooner!

Over & Out

Sophie

P.s. I don't actually steal forks, but Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the best programmes ever made. WATCH IT!

Thankful Thursday// June

I may be all a bit out of sync. I knew that June would be a bit of a topsy turvy month; It's Grandpa's anniversary and my main holiday for the year all in one month! Talk about mixed emotions! It's nice to look back and think about it all together. There's so much to be thankful for in the last month, I'm sure to miss loads out...

• One year until we get married passed. Of course I'm thankful for this awesome milestone!
• The two books I read pictured above. 'The Versions of Us' is a great concept, how one choice can impact the course of a whole lifetime. I loved that about this read and am sending it on to Chelsea this week so I'm sure she'll give you a proper review of it! The other book; 'Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.' Was leant to me by Leona and I read it in an entire day. She knew I'd love it as we discussed 'Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime' and 'Room' (both two great reads.) It was just one of the best books I've read in ages and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
• Speaking of which, I'm pretty thankful for catching up with my gal Leona- wedding planning and conspiracy theory Game of Thrones chats over Wagamamas is a pretty sure way to my heart.
• Working in the prettiest of places. Just look how nice that harbour is above. You're all a bit jealous aren't you? Does it make you feel better that I spend 98% of my day inside?
• The kind words of you all when I was going through my Grandpa funk. It's this little corner of the world that really helps me get through it. I'm feeling better. Thank you.
• Batman making friends. Since we re-potted our parrot plant, Batman's taken to snuggling down next to his friend Piggy in an evening and it really makes me smile.
• Eva & Davis fragrance is my new favourite scent ever. It's pretty hard to find their website though so I'm not entirely sure how to stock up!?
• A dinosaur sticker on the platform floor. Because who doesn't want to see a dinosaur on the floor the morning after watching Jurassic World and dreaming of t-rex's? 
• Toasting marshmallows and putting the world to rights with one of my favourite ladies in the entire land. I always feel so much more centred and positive after time with her and recently we enjoyed the most delicious tapas followed by a sugar coma inducing dessert! 
• A charity golfing event that I helped to organise raised over £1500 for Cornwall Hospice Care. I'm really thankful to everyone who helped support the event!
• Quality time talking about the future and laughing at the past with Harps. Almost eleven months to go!

What are you all thankful for at the moment? Sunshine I'm sure! Thanks Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful with your beautiful soul (and face!)

Love Sophie XX

Thankful Thursday// April.

This is an actual selfie taken mid-sneeze. Isn't my sneeze face sexy? I thought you'd agree. We're in MAY! Which means that actual proper summer is on it's way! We had a beautiful April, alas as you can tell from the above pose, I had the most horrible cold during most of it! May has come to save the day (and my poor nose!) slowly my body is aching a little less, my knees grateful for some vitamin D and slightly warmer mornings makes my heart smile. 

In April I was thankful for...

• The first BBQ of the year!
• My flask of tea (it's ok to be thankful for this every month. Must keep the flask gods happy!)
• Conquering the trains for a whole month. Thanks train gods!
• My new friends in my new place of work! Thanks for making me feel welcome guys!
• The continuing love from my old branch family.
• Continuing wedding plans! We have a marquee booked you guys! Actual shelter for our guests! But on that note, can we just talk about how INSANE marquees cost? You're all lucky Harps wouldn't let me force you all to be outside all day and night!
• New glasses! Ok so I wasn't thankful for losing my old glasses on my fancy trip to St Ives and almost DIED (almost) from the headache that followed for the week without any sight! Alas, sight has been restored and I am back to being fully alert like a badger!
• BANK HOLIDAYS! A day dedicated to me as a bank worker (that's what they're for right?)
• That little off button on my work phone. "Begone Voicemail!"
• Batman has almost finished malting which means happy buns all day long.
• Charity planning! Oooh finally I've started to have meetings with a couple of awesome charities that I can't wait to tell you all about!
• All of my adult bridesmaids shoes have arrived! They look so pretty next to each other!
• The overwhelming response from everyone following my mental health post. It was so uplifting to have such great people surround me. 
• Banana shampoo. For obvious reasons.
• Day dates and fun frolics with friends, reminding ourselves that getting older isn't so bad.
• Quiet walks to work in the morning, before the cars are filling the streets and the babble of people start to awake. The perfect time to prepare for the day. 

As always, and even more-so this month, thank you Lisette, your thankful Thursday posts remind us of the fragility of life and the positivity in the shadows. You're super duper.

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday// March.

How can we be almost a quarter of the way through the year?! Raise your hand if you've barely stopped writing 2014? Me too. Anyway, March has been a rather elusive month. I travelled to the big cities and have been mostly found nose in a book somewhere. It's been a month of planning and now things are starting to fall into place I'm feeling much more settled and much more excited about the rest of the year! Here's a few things I've been grateful for in March...

• Lighter evenings.
• Carby dinners with best friends.
• Starting my new job and the future it brings.
• Never-ending support from my dear Harps.
• Honest talks with my parents and honest thoughts with myself.
• Being appreciated.
• Sharing a vanilla NY cheesecake with Harps that's meant for six people.
• My favourite flowers filling the house.
• Fresh scents. I've recently bought two of The Library of Fragrance range- fresh linen and mango. They're perfect for everyday wear and it's nice to have a single scent sometimes! (Currently 2 for £25 in Boots!)
• Wedding planning. Marquees here we come!
• Hot cross buns
• The not so great eclipse. It still got me excited! And blurry vision for a few hours!
• Terry Pratchett enriching my life.
• Three (almost four) new books ticked off the o'l To Read list!
• The four day weekend that starts tomorrow

What have you all been thankful for in March? April is here and it brings us hopes of warmer weather again! High five to the long weekend and Easter treats!

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday// February

- Dinners with second mummies.
- Booking adventures for the year.
- Honeymoon browsing.
- Windy walks with mother.
- Time being silly with Harps.
- Being taken care of when I was ill.
- New beginnings.
- Time spent under blankets with books.
- Liz Earle shampoo.
- The excitement of wedding fairs.
- Days spend lounging and baking.
- The first signs of spring.
- Starting new candles.
- Singing emo hits in the bath loudly.
- Fresh cotton sheets to fall asleep in. 






The last Thursday of the month has arrived and it's been good to get through it. I've spent a large portion of this month being pretty ill and whilst slowly on the mend, the last few days of February are set to be super. It's Liona's birthday on Friday, my mummy's on Saturday and Harps, mother and I are going to a wedding fair on Sunday! I'm thankful for the comforts this month and can feel my aching bones waking up for spring. It's getting set to be a great year.

Thank you Lisette, your inspiring Thankful Thursday posts are always wonderful to read. 

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: A Cosy Home This Christmas.

Thursday is here my thankful friends, and despite missing the last couple of weeks posts, I've come to the conclusion that I don't really put my heart into these as much as I'd like to. I panic on a Thursday evening that I haven't written that when I do, they become disjointed and lacking in depth. After seeing that my gal, Leona, has quite probably been on the same wavelength as me, recently changed her Happy Things Thursday to a monthly thing, and in the spirit of not regurgitating the same old shit about how I'm thankful for wooly hats (duh-I always am), I'll be saving up all the real life loveliness for a monthly post!

Something that of course I'm grateful for at this time of year is precious hours with my friends and family, I thought I'd share with you all a few official christmas decorating photos! Batman helped of course! Actually he mainly got himself covered in glitter and chewed the ribbons on 4 out of 9 of my new decorations. *shakes fists*

Every year Harps does the lights...

Whilst I made some delicious hot chocolates! Seriously amazing!

Traditional and homemade is this years theme- red, white, green
and a little brown.

I love this 3d snowflake from Wilko. 

Batman busy jingling some balls..and chewing the ribbons...

Ahh this time of year makes my little heart swell with joy. How is everybody? Feeling stressed or full of festive cheer? I was pretty stressed a couple of days ago! Have you all decorated the house yet? I've made some more paper chains but haven't started on my snowflakes, to the scissors I go!

Love Sophie (and a sparkly Batman) Xx

Thankful Thursday: A Little Wish.

Two days to go until my final charity event of the year! I promise that this is the last time I'll mention it (until I tell you all about it on Sunday of course!) Currently too busy to reflect on what I'm thankful for (there's currently a running list in my head of people that I'm thankful to!) there is one little wish that I have for you all.

Please share and promote our charity event as much as your little hearts will allow you to for the next couple of days, you all know how much the work the People and Gardens do means to me and my little family- it would mean the world to raise as much money as we can for them.

Thank you Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful. And thank you to every single one of you that's shared/ mentioned to friends and family/ may even be coming on Saturday night!

Now how to get down that catwalk without falling on my face?...

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday

Hitting the very almost middle of November just seems insane. There I've said it. Every shop I walk into means I'm bound to be singing festive songs for the rest of the day and winter warmers arriving in Costa and Starbucks have only heightened my adoration for hot chocolate. There are only SIX more Thursdays until 2015! With that in mind, here are six things I'm thankful for this week...

1) Animal antics- By this, of course I mean spending time with Liona and Rexamus. I ventured to Plymouth on Sunday to catch up with this pair, and after scoffing a yummy lunch with Liona and Liam, we wandered around Plymouth town centre, stopping to get more sugary delights. After our food had gone down, we took Rex for a walk around near the Hoe and I returned home. A great way to spend a few hours on a cold day! 

2) Friends doing so well- Isn't it just a really great feeling when good news comes to your friends? My best friend, Stacie, has just landed herself a job as the new marketing manager for lingerie company Mish. Sounds amazing doesn't it?

3) Hot water bottles- Because I'd forgotten how bleddy lovely it is snuggling with one tucked up your jumper.

4) Crunchy leaves- Make my walk to work so much more entertaining. And not many things can do that for me early in the mornings.

5) Sitting around the table with my family- There are some things that are priceless all year round. Though we're not your typical family, it's what I've got and they do make me smile rather a lot. (Poet laureate right here!)

6) A secret invitation- I have been cordially invited to a very exciting location! I really can't wait to show you in a couple of weeks! Eeeekk! 

Thank you Lisette for inspiring me to keep such a lovely record of the things that so easily could be forgotten.

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday

Thursday has snuck up on me like a little sneaky badger, which means that this time tomorrow my little holiday will be over *you may all cry along with me for the rest of this.* I've had such a relaxing few days that I really don't know where to begin with all the happiness. *you may also vomit a little in your mouth* I bang on about it all the time but it really is rare that Harps and I have proper time off together and then suddenly when you do, you realise; 

"Oh yeah I actually really do like this non-porridge-bowl-rinsing-bafoon!" 

Basically, I'm one big, pile'o mush. To the extent that I knew this post was going to be so mushy that I felt I had to add the photo of me being 'ard' and getting my new tattoo just to toughen it all up a bit. (Excuse my man's nips there!)

1) Time to relax- I can never sleep in anymore. You know when you get to that *shudders* age when if you sleep any later than 9am it's a disaster? You've wasted some of the day? Well despite my body clock waking me up early every day, I made a stand and stayed in bed with tea until 11am one day this week! How great is that!? 

2) Time with my man- Because he's actually still pretty funny after six years and under that HORRIBLE moustache is a pretty good looking guy. *sidenote- Harps isn't partaking in Movember this year, he plays a game with himself every winter to grow as big a beard as he can and this year he's going for gold. 

3) Travelling tattoos- You may know that Harps and I have started our series of 'travelling tattoos' for when we visit new countries. As our anniversary gift to each other, we finally got round to getting our 'Rome' tattoos from last year. It hurt far more than any of my others but I'm really happy- I'll show you soon!

4) Central heating- We've broken. It's time for the heating to go on. There is no sodding way I was going to 'relax' at home without it. I love sitting and watching the rain outside when you're all snuggly and warm.

5) Feeling ready- Ready for winter and ready to crack on.

What are you all thankful for this week? I've been absent for a little while with these posts, but I've been constantly catching up with the inspiring Lisette's posts. Go have a look, shmook! 

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: Opportunities

Is it just me or is it fecking freezing suddenly? I spent my day off primarily wrapped in a giant wooly scarf- yet the sun did shine, right before I was drenched in downpour, and had to grab the chance to take this rather chinny and blurry selfie. (Is it bad that I cringe when I use the word selfie? Is self portrait still acceptable?) Autumn is officially here and this Thursday I'm sure that the bags under my eyes are looking even more prominent than they do in the photo above, taken two days earlier. Hey ho, I'm extra busy this week- and even more so next week, so if I disappear I haven't been kidnapped by gremlins, I'm just hiding under a blanket, willing the week to finish! You may already know the reasons behind this; firstly, please take a quick minute to look at my post which will unveil to you all my busy preparation for the final charity event of the year- the opportunity of this, PLUS the fact that between you and me, I'm applying for a promotion next week and really want to get it, means that it's busy town in Sophie Land.

This is what I'm thankful for this week, the chance to involve myself in my community and my work and hopefully make some sort of difference? Why be one of those people that whinges about where they live? How improvements could be made etc...Go for it the Sophie way, pull your finger out, get involved and make some changes!

I'm also incredibly thankful to all of you who have shown me such inspiring belief and support. Everywhere I turn, one of you is offering your help, sharing my surveys and events, even just a little pat on the back really does go such a long way. So thank you to all of you for continuing to encourage me, help me and generally keep me sane. What better things to be thankful for?

Lisette, you inspired my thankful Thursday posts and they keep me focused on the good in life, thank you for that. Leona, you are one of the best friends a shark could ask for (even if we have had to grow up on social media!)

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday

I am so goddamn busy this week! I feel like I haven't caught up with any of you properly in ages! I miss you all! How is everyone this week? I have its of exciting things to share and have set aside a large mug suitable for copious amounts of tea and this Sunday afternoon for a good ol catch up and tell you all about my exciting plans! 


1) Darker Mornings- They're not at the stage where they'e too dark yet and I feel like I'm walking to work in the middle of the night, however I am really loving not waking up at 5am anymore because the sun is peeking through my curtains.

2) A Hair Cut- Usually I am the worst when it comes to my hair. It's been about eight years since I've been to a hairdresser, I'd just rather cut it myself then really bother *hairdressers gasping as they read* going somewhere. Besides it's not like I have a 'hairstyle'. Anyway, it really needed a good trim and I finally took the scissors to it. I always cut it too short and yes I have this time too but I feel much better for it and it's nice having lovely soft ends, like spaniel ears :-).

3) Being Humbled.- I was incredibly fortunate to present a cheque to a charity that I did some fundraising for earlier this year. CHICKS has been mentioned in my blog before (I dressed up as a giant bear and bucket collected) and finally having the piviliage to visit them and meet some truly wonderful children that were there, I immediately wanted to stay forever and 'create memories; with the team. Such wonderful children, normal to you and me, brought together by a selection of life altering circumstances is incredibly moving and I can't wait to support them more i the future. In fact we have some very special festive plans so keep your eyes peeled! 

4) Batman- Watching him sprawl across the carpet, watching the tv makes me laugh every day. 

Thank you Lisette, you inspire me to be more thankful for the happiness in my life, what a wonderful quality. Liona, you inspire me to be more sarcastic, funnier and sassier. I adore you. What's been making you all thankful this week? 

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: The Big Picture.

Thank fuck it's Thursday...doesn't have the same ring to it does it? Anywhooty, how is everybody doing on this mid-September day? I've been feeling super thankful this week so far, lots of time spent with family from both Harps and my side, all you can eat Chinese food definitely helps, as does spending time with my bestie, Stacie. 'That in itself is a lovely trio of thanks' I hear you cry? You're right it is *smug face* but I have even more exiting and wondrous thanks to be shared, so lets get on with it shall we?

1) A Big Project.- Something which has just started budding, something I've hoped would flourish for  a while now....is in it's beginning stages. I haven't felt so excited about something expressive in forever! 

2) The Big Picture.- Looking at life in 'The big picture' is really refreshing. For the first time in a while, I feel like I have a strong three year plan. It's super top secret at the moment, but it slots into place nicely, career wise AND life wise, which isn't always easy to do! 

3) Bimble's Smile.- As you may, or may not have read, it was my darling Bimble's birthday on Sunday and looking back over the photos as the week goes on makes my little heart swell with happiness. Genuinely, he has one of the most angelic smiles that I've ever seen. I promise to keep that smile for as long as I can.

4) Contentment.- If someone asked me when I started this blog in November, how I felt at the time? The answer would have been twofold. 1) Amazing- I'd just got engaged and was in a spiral of absolute, total bliss. 2) The other would have been 'fidgety'. I was feeling like I was struggling with a work/life balance, questioned old friendships and whether I should try and reignite them, thinking of reinventing my 'look' (the dishevelled pretty?). It had been brewing for a little while. I think everyone has these moments, actually I think they're quite good for us. Fast forward to now, I couldn't feel more excited for the future, accepting of myself or comfortable in my own skin. Sure there'll be more wobbles, but for now, that's pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty good.


Thank you Lisette, you inspire me to not only be more thankful but also to look out for what I'm actually thankful for in life. And Liona, you're a babe- but you already knew that ;-)

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday. That Inner Voice.

Thursday is here and we're all a little bit worn out from the week. I'll be honest, earlier today I decided that I wasn't going to do a TT post this week. I didn't really know how to explain how I was feeling in a thankful way, so I snuggled down for a bit of a snooze with Batman (we love a slumber party!) Simply, it all came down to; actually I'm probably the most thankful that I've been in a long time. 

Over the weekend, someone who can only be described as, an adopted family member, had a terrible accident. I mean, we didn't know that he'd make it at one stage. But he will. In fact, for someone who's broken his neck and skull, he's doing pretty fucking brilliant. Which in itself is something to be thankful for. It was a car accident, and I've spent the week feeling really rather....human. I mean how fragile is life? Incredibly. The doctors have said that had he had the roof down on his convertible car (a pretty much sure thing with this guy,) that he'd be dead. Simple. Yet he says, something told him not to take it down that day. Something stopped him.

Talking about this accident with a close friend, she told me of a time when she was younger, back when you didn't legally need to wear seat belts. So she never did, because nobody did and why would you if you are told you don't have to use them? One day, driving home from work in the sodding rain, upset at some family news she's just received, she veered down a hill. Something made her decide to put her seatbelt on. As she carried on, overtaking another vehicle, she had a head on collision with another car. Wearing that seatbelt saved her life.

Now I know this all seems like a traffic safety post, it isn't. Those are just examples of that little inner voice that we all have. That little voice that nudges us in the right direction, the one that tells us when something 'just doesn't feel right' and the one that saves our lives. That's what I'm thankful for.

Thank you Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful. And thank you Liona for being an amazing friend.

Love Sophie and Batman Xx

Thankful Thursday

I am ready for bed. In both the mental, emotional and literal sense. Ever have those weeks where you sleep so badly that it becomes a routine of sleeping badly? Yeah that's where I'm at right about now. It has now got to today, where I am actually really bloody struggling to be an adult because all I want to do is cry until someone puts me down for a nap, strangely, not to dissimilar to what Harps did about an hour ago. Big baby right here. Don't judge me, I'm a loose, sleepy cannon. Any tips Thursday readers? Please tell me all about your week and your thankfulness so that I have something to read in the middle of the blinking night?!

I'm feeling thankful for...

1) That I'm not living in a war zone or place with any conflict. Pretty lucky here in the Cornwall shire. Turning on the news is pretty hard these days.

2) Thinking Clearly- See my new book above. I'm thankful that this little book is expanding my thinking and subtly encroaching on my life (in a good way.) I want to do a few little posts about some of my findings in here. Watch this space.

3) The little return of summer- Kind of. But it's been bleedy brilliant (I'm sure Michelle has been loving it too as she's sick of my GO AUTUMN attitude.) 

4) Myself- I'm grateful to myself this week for being a strong ox who follows her own vision and own plans and actually is pretty good at these things! Who'd have known!? I'm in a place where I actually feel like I'm on Team Sophie and I feel proud for being about there. (Even if Team Sophie is about to throw a tantrum because she can't decide what to have for dinner/stood on a raisin) 

5) This quote.  Because it sums up EXACTLY how I feel right now. Which is a pretty good outlook on life I'd say?

Thankyou Lisette and Leona, you both inspire me to be more thankful, which I think is a wonderful thing to be responsible for.

Love Sophie Xx

P.s. Sorry if when I read this tomorrow it's just a rambley mess of messness. 

Thankful Thursday

How is it already Thursday?! Oh yeah, because I was off on Monday and Tuesday- Boom! Slipped that bad boy in well didn't I? By the way, not entirely sure why I look so moody here, or maybe it's pouty? Either way- FRINGE! But seriously folks, when is it Sunday again? I'm sure that I respond worse to having time to actually relax? Does anyone else feel that way? Getting out of routine makes me sleepy- in fact I'm starting to look forward to wintery naps. I know, I know you're all thinking "Jeez Sophie, you've changed your tune!" 



Well in truth, I have. I usually dread winter, I'm scared of ice- like petrified;


"What if I slip and fall and break my neck and my pants and the whole world sees my foofoo?!" Those sorts of panics. Plus, my knees get real bad that even the stairs seem like more like fucking Jacobs Ladder then one floor up.


I really can't tell you what it is precisely brining on my excitement. All I know, is that this week I'm feeling pretty thankful for the imminent winter.

1) Possibly (and highly likely) wintery naps is high up on the list
2) Being able to say; "Winter is coming Jon Snow" after EVERYTHING! 
3) Cracking out my amazing wooly hat collection
4) Oversized jumpers, coats, scarves...anything really
5) Stews! I chuffing love stews
6) WHICH MEANS DUMPLINGS! I AM A DUMPLING FIEND!
7) Followed by crumble! Any kind is just perfect...Hmm this is turning rather food based. Maybe I'm excited for winter purely for the foods? Which reminds me, does anyone have any lovely slow cooker recipes?
8) Fresh, crisp air in the mornings
9) Conkers and bonfires
10).........Christmas...Shhhhhh!

As always, thank you Lisette and Leona for inspiring the thanks.

What are you all thankful for this week?

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday.

Is it just me, or now that the sun has for sure disappeared for another year, is the week going INCREDIBLY slowly? Boooo! I miss summer already. I'm all in my autumn coat (see above) and this was my genuine face for my entire walk to work this morning (hence the tired chic look) because I WAS FREEZING COLD! I've had a couple of things on my mind this week and decided not to post yesterday because why would anyone want to read a half assed/ miserable post? I still haven't quite emerged from my funk today, so please bare with me if this post seems a little rambley. 

It's not that anything is wrong, far from it. I'm fine- who couldn't be with this snazzy set up for breakfast on my day off? Just a bit reflective and deep in thought. i've been thinking a lot about trust. As someone who's pretty naive, an open book, to a certain extent. I trust easily. This hasn't always been the case, in fact if you speak to anyone who's known me for longer than say, three years. They'd have laughed in your face. I think a combination of Harps calming nature, losing Grandpa and other big changes have broken softened me. The shell was cracked a while ago and now I'm one for giving people the benefit of the doubt. I share myself quite honestly, after years of hiding myself. I am proud of who I am, the choices I've made and though have lost a lot of friends that I thought I never would be without- I've also made some keepers. Naively, again, I have trusted myself that others are as genuine as I am. I don't think it's a bad quality necessarily, but sometimes it can come back to bite you. Now it hasn't 'bitten' me so to speak, more 'nibbled'. That nibble is enough to have put me into my slight funk and slightly reflective. I'd love to know how you guys and gals are when it comes to trust? 

This week I'm thankful for...

The people who guide me, prompt me and take that little bit of care of me when I've let someone in that maybe I shouldn't have. I'm thankful for the people in my life that take the time to say 'Be careful Sophie.' And lastly, I'm thankful to those sneaky little snakes- for keeping me on my toes.

Thank you Lisette and Leona for inspiring me to be more thankful. And for being lovely ladies.

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday

Good evening Thursday thunder cats, how are we all doing this week? Anyone with exciting plans should share them with me because I've had a long, tiring day and can barely see the screen as I type. For this reason, I'm going to make this week's post short and sweet and then sink in a bubbly bubble bath and sing my heart out to Johnny Cash like a drunk cowboy...You're welcome for that mental image.

I am very thankful this week though;

1) Saturday night birthday palooza!- We had some friends over for a summer palooza, planned a lovely bbq, got some bunting, planned to play board games in the back garden until the stars came out....and it sodding rained. LOADS. You can see from the top, centre picture that Harps and I got out art attack skills out and fashioned a bbq shelter (we had a LOT of meat) out of some plastic sheet, some pegs, a lot of staples and some string. Winners! I had a super time.

2) Blueberry pancakes- We had these the next morning- DELICIOUS. 

3) My birthday boy- Harps is now closer to thirty than twenty and for the last few months I think he's secretly been thinking of starting to grow up some more. Crazy stuff!

4) Mango Juice- MANGO MANGO

5) Awareness about depression- I posted this status, below, on Facebook about the sad, recent news of Robin Williams. I'm thankful that I've had such amazing friends and family supporting me that I am currently not dependant on medication nor seeing any therapists. 

 'The ignorance circulating around the sad loss of Robin Williams has brought a still, sadly, taboo subject of depression to the forefront of our minds. Comments like "What does he have to be depressed about?" shock and appal me from people that I'd have judged higher than that. Inspired by this and my darling Pete Marsh's forthcoming and eloquent admission of his own depression, I choose to do the same. Depression is an foe that I've been at battle with for a number of years.
The statistics tell us that one in three of us will face some kind of mental illness in our lives, that you would expect a more understanding and caring world by now. Sadly, illnesses with sometimes little or no physical symptoms can be ignored or even doubted and I myself, still today, in a good spell, get judged and labelled as 'mental'. Mental illness to me, is like shadow, casting doubt on your confidence, self belief and yes, at times- sanity. In my opinion strength in measured in many ways and Robin Williams, a man who candidly spoke of his battle with depression, lost the strength to continue the fight. For this, we shouldn't judge in our glass houses; simply remember a beloved icon and maybe take the time to learn a little more.'

I've just remembered that I need to bake a cake for work tomorrow, so best be off. Thankyou to Lisette (CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MOVING NEWS!!!) & Leona for inspiring me to be more thankful.

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday- A Big One...

You may remember a post I wrote for another thankful Thursday a few months back. It was about a visit to Little Harbour, a children's hospice local to me. Please if you didn't have a read then, check it out now quickly. I talked about the amazing, inspirational and heart warming place that it is; I also blubbed almost constantly whilst writing it. The aim of the game was to do some sort of fundraising for them, and after the visit it was set in stone. I am so very lucky to work for a company that encourages charitable work; so much so that they will match whatever I raise for a charity. Seems like a no brainer to getting involved right? So as you've seen me over the last few months, dressing as a bear and bucket collecting for CHICKS, helping out at a local fete for The Lowan Ward and hosting a poker tournament for Bosom Buddies UK. This time, my whole branch was getting involved! So many friends, family members and local bakeries helped us produce the most amazing cake stall and we all headed down to Porthpean Education Centre for a super duper family fun day! Thank you to every single person that supported us, baked their little hearts out and came along for the fun. Here's some of my favourite photos of the day! 

We also had pin the tail on the donkey...but it was rubbish and only two people played all day..

I made some snazzy peanut butter brownies, courtesy of Lisette.

Our official branch mascot- Lola.

Look at all the lovely cakes!

The fanciest cakes made! Froggies! 

Some delicious black forest cupcakes.

SNOW CONES!

Sasha and I. Another branches mascot and my good pal :-)

Sasha getting fondled at the dog show.

I escaped to go on the bouncy castle JUST as my mum arrived and caught me in the act. Sorry to everyone that saw my panties.

Aaah end of the day and almost sold out.

Thank you Lisette and Leona for inspiring me to be more thankful.
Really couldn't be more thankful.
Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: The Summer Tag.

Good evening summer buds of July! How the devil are we all this week? I've been spending as much time as possible outside, growing tomatoes (brilliant aren't they!?) Eating ice-cream in my summer hat, embracing my freckles and getting rid of my milk bottle complexion. It's been pretty damn great. Except for my poor neighbours that have been witnessing me in barely-there clothes. Sozages guys! I apologise for missing yesterdays post, I actually wasn't frolicking, just busy. I actually had loads of weird news stories to share and just forgot to post it when I FINALLY sat down...so you'll just have to wait in suspense until next week for a super duper news post! (Yes I'm aware that my new excitement expression is super duper- for this I do not apologise.) I also had a list of thanks to share this week, but to be honest it's all summer related. Since the bodacious Michelle tagged me in The Summer Tag, I figured "Hey you crazy cat Sophie, why not include it all in that?!". So here we are chums...

1. What's your favourite thing about summer?

Living in Cornwall. You all know my love for my homeland, and I'm not being a bitch *totally am* but if you live anywhere other than Cornwall/ Devon...SUCKS TO BE YOU! Everything is awesome about Cornwall in the summer and I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else! I don't even understand why Cornish/Devonish people go abroad in the summer when they are in THE.PERFECT.PLACE.

2. Do you have a favourite summer drink?

Michelle! I LOVE PEACH ICE TEA TOO! This is also a shoutout to anyone who can send us both ice tea recipes please!? I also really become obsessed with anything mango related. Mango tea, mango juice, mango smoothie, mango milkshake...GET IN MY FACE MANGO. (This is rapidly becoming a very excitable Thursday post!)

3. Is there a location you prefer to go to in the summer?

I love all the beaches obvs but there are also some really beautiful gardens in Cornwall  If you're coming down this year, be sure to check out The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Ennis Gardens. Both are stunning. St Ives is buzzing this time of year and though I prefer it in the winter months (quieter) it really is the perfect artsy seaside town. 

4. Favourite make up look for summer?

Just moisturise and a bit of SPF. Nobody wants a gross face. Waterproof mascara and in the evenings maybe a bit of lippy. Otherwise just really basic.

5. Dresses or Skirts?

DRESSES 4 EVA - I need to spray paint this somewhere. I feel it in my bones.

6. Sandals or Ballet pumps?

Sandals show your feet which makes them the devil's shoe. So ballet pumps. Though I probably spend more time in converse.

7. Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for summer?

It's pretty much always down now until I get food in it or sun cream of ice cream or it sticks to my face because I'm sweltering *all of these things have happened to me in the lat 48 hours*. I have it up for bed, mainly because I'm secretly a bit scared that I'll choke on it or it'll strangle me (ya know, as hair does). 

8. Deep smoky eyes or bold lips?

I have big eyes so a 'deep smokey' look just makes me look like a panda. Especially in the summer. So I'll go with bold lips.

9. Favourite perfume for summer?

Marc Jacobs all the way. Though I actually really like the smell of sun on skin? Not sweat- do you know what I mean? So if I've been in the sun and I'm going for the relaxed look (pretty much my only look) i won't wear any. I know. Shock.

10. Last but not least, favourite music for the summer?

Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Blink 182, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Belle & Sebastian, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Spunge, Backbeat Soundsystem, Jimmy Eats World, Flogging Molly and much much more. i love summer music. I need some new bands though so please feel free to suggest some!

I tag the spectacular: Lemonaid Lies, Samsam Cherie, Daydreams of Summertime, A Rosie Outlook and Stacie Clark. (By all means don't do this and on your head be it! On the other hand if i haven't tagged you but you've done it, let me know!)

As always I'm grateful for Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful. To my darling Liona, I'm sorry it's been a hard week- your sharky loves you very dearly.

Love Sophie Xx