We made the most of the weather yesterday and set off for a good, brisk, walk across the fields with the dog. We were out nearly three hours and saw just two other people, each with their dog. (Until we walked past the village pub and every single table outside was occupied. Spring is a-coming!)
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| I wanted to take a photo of the garden which is behind the pub on the right of this photo, but there were too many people! It felt intrusive. |
I love watching our dog so happy to be free, sniffing in the fields. Seeing her great big smile and the little bunny hops she does through the grass make me feel all squishy inside. As we walked, Drew and I chatted about nothing in particular (and squabbled good-naturedly about the right path to take through the fields). Perfect quality time together.
As soon as we got home we plonked ourselves on the swing seat in the garden - first time this year! I took off my socks and boots and wiggled my toes in the fresh air. That first cup of coffee and a sit down is such bliss when you come back from a good walk.
We spent the rest of the day reading - I have found it difficult to concentrate on anything lately so was thrilled to download a book on my Kindle yesterday that really absorbed me. I started it at 3pm and didn't put it down until I finished (at 1am). It was just chick lit, nothing high-brow, but it had a bit more substance than the usual girl-meets-boy novel. It is called Me Before You by Jo Jo Moyes if you fancy reading it. I particularly liked the ending; it could have disappointed but I was happy with the way it all wound up. I've now downloaded a couple more of Jo Jo's books. Think that I've found a new author to read - love that.
I know that I need to show you my little envelopes (little bit worried I may have built it up a bit too much - prepare for an anti-climax) but I am going to finish up by asking for some advice. I haven't been sleeping properly for the last few weeks. I don't think I'm worried about anything, I just have a lot on my mind - mostly just things I need to do. What is your top tip for a good night's sleep? A bottle of wine usually knocks me out but I can't have a hangover at work! ;-)
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.
Nicki
x
PS - our forthcoming holiday is a little trip to Center Parcs. BEYOND excited. Have never been before but am looking forward to lots of fresh air and naps. The best thing, by far, is the fact that my niece will be there too so I get a whole week with my favourite little girl! Will love being Auntie Nicki and Uncle Drew (pronounced, by her, as Ju) for the week. She loves messing around with my crafty stuff so I'm off to Hobbycraft at the weekend to buy a big stash of coloured papers, glitter and paints to take with me for any rainy afternoons indoors. Can't. Wait.
What a perfect Sunday, I love days like that, I'll have to check that book out. Everyone I know who have been to Center Parcs say it's fabulous, there is so much to do. I can't help with the sleep problem, sometimes I have a week of little sleep then I can sleep for England.
ReplyDeleteBtw I've got those Joules boots, i love them. Have a great week.xxx
Look at the colour of the sky behind the pub. It's so blue!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember when I last read a book straight through. Gosh I can't remember when I last read a book even! Gosh that's shocking for someone who has a literature degree!
Still love your new blog. It's delightful.
xxx
It sounds like a perfect day you have a lovely walk there and what a gorgeous little pub. I haven't read a modern book since my holiday in Greece last summer but i have just read a 72 year old version of the wind in the willows and i loved it nothing had been changed and to just hold it and flick the pages and imgain who must have done it before me i loved every minute of it. Your holiday sounds like its going to be fun and full of girly sweetness. Enjoy the rest of your week, dee x
ReplyDeleteI love that feeling of being engrossed in a book that you cant put down, and also of discovering a new author!!
ReplyDeleteMy best sleep tips are- cut down on caffeine, have a long warm bath, read, don't have computer or phone in bed, or in the bedroom, and a milky hot chocolate or horlicks in the bath, and most importantly chillaxing!!
Hope your holiday is amazing!
xx
Ooooh that sounds like a blooming lovely walk :) one that's oh-so good for the soul. I love watching Lucy run with gay abandon as well.....instantly brings a smile to my face and my heart. I so wish I could get back into reading but it never seems to be possible. Probably cos I'm addicted to my hook! As for sleeping...I've had lots of probs sleeping in the past & even ended up at the Dr's about it. I find now if I'm going through a patch of not being able to settle that the kindest thing to myself is go give myself a break and get some Night Time Kalms. I usually only need them for one or two nights to break the sleeplessness.....I highly recommend them for some relief. Life is so much easier to cope with after some decent sleep. Hope you catch some lovely quality zzzzz's soon lovely x
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jo x x x
I had a walk tonight but it was only for an hour and a half, had to get back to make dinner. I love reading and attempt to read for half an hour every night, am still reading the Miss Read books.
ReplyDeleteI have good sleeps, then not so good, am sleeping well at the mo but not feeling refreshed when I wake up :(
xx Sandi
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ReplyDeleteGrey, grey skies here, for days and days now, and everyone else seems to have such perfect weather. Looks like you had a great day, and I know just what you mean about watching the doggies do their thing when they taste spring in the sir :D
ReplyDeleteLOVE your boots!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it just make your heart soar when the weather is fabulous?
I think we can all go through phases of not sleeping very well. A glass or two of red wine knocks me out but, if not, I visualise picking up all my thoughts one by one and then putting them into a pretty box. Sounds a bit mad but it nearly always works for me!
How lucky is your niece to have such a lovely crafty auntie!
Hx
Hi Nicki,
ReplyDeleteI love a good walk, it really refreshes you!
Centre Parcs is fab! The villas are cosy, especiially at this time of the year. The swimming pool feels like a tropical paradise and it's free! If you get a chance do some night time swimming. There is an outdoor pool area where the water is sooo warm, and the river rapids are great fun too.
If you have any badminton rackets bring them along in case you book a court, it makes it a lot cheaper than hiring there ones!
Hope you have fun
Gemma x X x
Don't you just love that spring is in the air?
ReplyDeleteMy friend swears by valerian tablets, you can get them from the health food shop. She says she takes one and is out like a light with no grogginess in the morning.
When I can't sleep I occasionally use Nytol to get me out of the rut - I think once you've had a couple of nights with no sleep you then expect to have trouble and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Which Center Parcs are you off to? We've been twice to Longleat and once to Sherwood - you'll love it!!
Hugs,
S x
I agree with Jooles on the sleeping issue. 1. Write down all the to do stuff and anything worrying you 2. Have a milky drink just before bed 3. Take a book up to bed but don't read til you are over tired 4. Avoid napping in the afternoon or crashing on the settee in the evening; it sort of takes the edge off sleep
ReplyDeleteBet you feel heaps better after Center Parcs - all that fressh air and exercise! Have fun. Lily. xxx
Oooooooo envious that you are going to Center Parcs! It honestly is amazing. By going there you will get the best nights sleep ever ;) But you have to take a bike or rent one, makes it so much better!
ReplyDeleteLast summer I couldn't sleep at night at all, I'd drift off about 4am and tried so many ways to try and get to sleep, but unfortunately nothing worked fantastically! But I'd suggest maybe like no technology (TV, phone, the lot) from about an hour before you go to bed, I find that keeps me really awake. I seriously DO NOT recommend any of that herbal stuff you spray on your sheets, it actually keeps me awake because I enjoy the smell so much. Also try not to have any bright lights on at night before you go to bed :)
Good luck in trying to get to sleep!
(and oh my God, I swear I have seen that pub on Google Maps before when I have been searching for mansions ha!)
xxx
One of your giveaway featured on my site. This site is set-up for international giveaways. If you have another giveaway that you would like advertising please email me: susand1408giveaways@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome to become a follower and see if there are some giveaways you would like to enter. The advertising on my site is currently for free. I post a picture with a link to each giveaway and these are posted 5 days before the end of the giveaway. http://susand1408giveaways.blogspot.com/2012/02/giveaways-ending-26th-feb-2012.html
Sounds like pretty perfect Sunday to me
ReplyDeleteAs for sleeping, I'd say knock the caffeine on the head as much as poss and try camomile tea (the one with honey and vanilla is nice) but not too close to lights out and a notebook nearby to jot things down in
Plus getting rid of the clock from the bedroom really can help I've heard (I don't have a clock myself)
Hi Nicki,Love your walking boots with the pink socks,they look wicked! Looks like you had a lovely day for it. Love your sweet doggie. I can't sleep unlees I have a slice of toast and a small cup of hot choccie(Only a small one or I'm up weeing all night!)I love taking My hot water bottle too if its chilly...Hope you sleep better.Nytol works for Me if I'm having terrible trouble.take care,lol juliexxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely Sunday, the weather was gorgeous. Lucky you off to Center Parcs, I have always fancied going myself. I have just finished a blog post about my lovely giveaway prize from you. Hope your sleeping improves soon, it is probably just a passing phase you will be back in to a routine soon. I know I don't sleep well when I have lots of 'to do' lists in my head.
ReplyDeleteAnn x
Hello Nicki, there is nothing better than going out for walk, and your walk looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope your sleeping a bit better now!
Your new look to your blog looks fab...
Lou xxx
Ooooh your new blog design is gorgeous!!! I love it. Your boots are cute and I love Lizzie. She is so cute. My old school friend used to have a Westie, we painted her claws Chanel red and she loved it.
ReplyDeleteWhich Center Parcs are you off to?
Try Valerian tea. It's brill.
Sorry, this is the first proper chance I've had to reply!
Lots of love
Gem x x x x x
Ooooh your new blog design is gorgeous!!! I love it. Your boots are cute and I love Lizzie. She is so cute. My old school friend used to have a Westie, we painted her claws Chanel red and she loved it.
ReplyDeleteWhich Center Parcs are you off to?
Try Valerian tea. It's brill.
Sorry, this is the first proper chance I've had to reply!
Lots of love
Gem x x x x x
It is really good. You can use the sock aid, shoe accessories, walking aids for walking disabled person. You can find them here at a very moderate rate.
ReplyDelete