An Autumn's Day Walk

My little blog has been rather neglected the past few weeks, the truth is I haven't really been feeling myself, and as a result haven't been doing anything worth blogging about.  I have been trying so hard to stay positive and trying to beat these feelings I have been having, but nothing seems to have worked.  

Last weekend me and James went for a nice long walk in Weald Country Park, Brentwood on a beautiful autumn day, in a bid to try and blow these awful feelings of mine away.  The weather was gorgeous, the sun was shining and there was a slight breeze.  We agreed that we do not do this often enough and have promised to try and do it more frequently.   

This was also the first thing I was able to cross off my Autumn List for 2011.  'Hear Leaves Crunching Underfoot During A Country Walk'. 

As we were walking along we came across some chestnut tree's.  As I had missed the conkers we decided to start collecting up chestnuts instead.

And then on the walk back to the car I found this beauty.  

I was so excited after finding this, I forgot to take any more photos of the conkers, well until we got home so you will have to excuse the bad photos of the conkers, but here they all are anyway.

Another item crossed off my list ' Go Conkering'.  So now I have started, I am even more determined to get this list completed this season, no excuses this time.  Plus I am hoping it will be a good feeling to actually achieve something.

Thanks for your patience and hello to all my new followers.

~ Gem x

Getting Organised

I am so glad it is the weekend at last.  Sometimes I feel as though I spend most of my time wishing my life away.

I have spent the past few evenings after work and my morning today having a real good sort through of all my things, I don't mind admitting it, I have become a bit of a hoarder :s.  I finally feel as though I am getting somewhere and boy do I feel good for it.  I have been able to clear out so much stuff that I just seriously do not need and will most probably never use.  I am ready for my own stall at a boot sale next year to hopefully make myself some pennies for the savings account and today I am feeling very organised.

Now all that is left to do is enjoy the rest of my weekend.

Hope you all enjoy yours too.

Love Gem xxx

Things I'm Grateful For

For some time now I have been noting down things that I am grateful / thankful for. There are so many things in life we take for granted. It took me a little while to realise it which is really bad, but when I actually stopped and thought about it, there are so many things that make me grateful and thankful for what I have, who I am and where I have come from.

• Independence. This is something that has obviously grown over time but un-doubtedly more so since I started working in London. It has really made me grow as a person and I can't be more thankful for that.

• Beautiful Scenery. This one was noted while I was in Shipley (I told you I had been noting things down for a while, this visit was back in July) When I take the time it is all around me, Chelmsford, London, Shipley the Lake District, everywhere I go there is some kind of beauty in my surroundings.

• Freedom. I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want (within reason obviously) As a woman I feel there are a lot of females from our past i have to thank for that, as well as my own family for the up-bringing I have been given.

• Great Colleagues. I have always worked with great people, some of whom I am still in contact with, but I can truly say from the bottom of my heart I have never worked with such incredible people as I do now, I get on with everyone and we have such a laugh which helps us get through the tough days we face.

This is one of my colleagues - he will probably kill me for putting this on here but it is called payback my friend ha ha (he will know what I am talking about if ever he sees this)

• Family. I am so lucky to have such a great and loving family, We have always been close and I wouldn't have it any other way.

• My Health. Touch wood. I have been very fortunate with my health, I just hope it stays that way.

• James. I know we have our moments, but what couples don't. What matters the most is that he is there for me when I really need him and when it matters and for that, well how could I not love him?

• Dreams. What would life be like without our dreams. I know there are things I dream of that I could never have, and to be honest, I probably wouldn't want them either, but can you seriously imagine what life would be like without your dreams.

I know I am lucky to have what I have.  I know there are others who are not as fortunate as myself, which is even more so reason to appreciate what I have. The list goes on, there are plenty of other things I could list here, but I thought I could always save those for another day. We shall see.

What are you grateful / thankful for? I'd love to hear from you.

Love Gem xxxx

Things That Are Making Me Smile

I have been trying to take more time to look around me and appreciate the things I have.  Here are just some of things that have been making me smile recently.

My new bed cover £12 from Primark, what a bargain.

A packed lunch made by James' Mum with a cute little note.

Sunflowers on my desk at work to brighten up my day.

Elemis Rose Petal Cleanser and Ginseng Toner, they smell divine.

A pretty little wooden heart hung up in my bedroom with great words of wisdom.

These 2 gorgeous bags, I love this print, perfect for those autumn days.

What's been making you smile recently?
Love Gem xxxx