Six Things I Can't Live Without.

Ever wondered what it would be like living without some of the things in your life? Well I thought about it and came up with these six things. Your list might be longer or shorter.

1) My Daughter. Spending time with my daughter is great fun and I enjoy her company so much. Even if it is just popping out to the shops she makes it special.

2) My Cat. The family cat is a big part of our household. He is our friend and companion and he loves to follow us around and sit with us. He is a constant source of amusement and delight. We love him dearly.  

3) Candles. A great source of calming and effect. Great ambience in the evening and they smell pretty great too. Not to be underestimated.

4) My Computer. I do so much on the computer that fills my days. I am writing a novel and of course my blog. I love Pinterest, Instagram and You Tube. Have started Society6 as well to be creative and sell some products. Genealogy is another venue I love and spend a lot of time on. Ancestry .com and other websites are amazing and I do a lot of google research. I will do a blog about genealogy at a later date.

5) Books. Reading is so much fun and transports you to another world. I find it relaxing and read every night. It also helps you sleep. Sitting outside in the afternoon with a good book is fantastic and the time flies by. 

6) My Shower. Love to feel the water on me in the morning. An uplifting way to start the day. You feel so much better and refreshed. A bit like clean sheets and pyjamas feel. 

These are the things that I would not like to live without and make my life so much more enjoyable.

See what you can come up with!

Our Souls at Night.

I recently watched a lovely movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. It tells the story of two elderly neighbours who are lonely and adjusting to life without their partners. To begin with there is an offer from one of them and then things progress. Both actors complement each other and do a great job of their interpretations. A grandchild is thrown into the mix with some lovely moments unfolding. The story progresses into an inspiring story of life and hope. This movie will not disappoint. Uplifting in its entirety and a delight to watch. I will not spoil the ending. Enjoy watching it.

Owning a Cat Versus Owning a Dog.

I like both cats and dogs and have owned both for most of my life. Of course there are pros and cons to both. Here are some thoughts on these.

Dogs.

 Friendly and in your face. You cannot ignore them and they make you get up and move. The one thing I found that I walked every day and this was good for me and the dog. Now my dog has passed away I miss going out for a walk and if I do I  feel strange without him to look out for. 

I cooked their dinner for them which consisted of meat and vegetables. In the morning they got either can or dry dog food. Dog biscuits and nibbles for a treat were given during the day.

Dogs are so friendly but one of mine growled when strangers came to the house. My cat followed this practice and still does it to this day. 

Dogs are higher maintenance and are more energy to look after but very rewarding and so much fun. They have to be walked.

When out walking you meet other dog owners and have a lot in common so it is more social.

Lots of dog hair. It gets everywhere and hard to remove. Lots of housework involved. 

You have to bath your dog regularly. Oneof mine had to be bathed weekly due to skin allergies and a special shampoo had to be applied. We got used to this routine and it helped a lot.

Fleas are a pain to control and expensive for the owner. It never seems to end.

Dogs are terribly loyal and love being with their owners. Easy to take in the car and they love a drive. 

They don't seem to loose their collars as much as cats do.

Cats

Can be distant and aloof. They can also be very friendly and affectionate. This of course is entirely up to the cat at the time.

They are their own bosses [not you] and the cat rules the household [not you].

I do not let mine out at night so he sleeps with me in the bed and hogs the electric blanket. Warmth is their big thing and he follows the sun around the house from window to window. He also likes to sit on the central heating vent on the floor to warm his deriere. 

Easy to feed . I use different flavoured cat pouches, tins and dry. Meat is very popular and he loves beef  and chicken which I give him raw but he also loves it cooked. 

Oscar our cat has a lot of cat beds and hiding places around the house. His favourite at the moment is my daughters old dolls pram which he curls up nicely in and goes to sleep. I can hear him snoring and blissfully content from within.

Toilet. Unlike a dog a cat has to be catered for unless outside. We keep a kitti litter tray in the laundry for him to use and this I clean out about every three days or when necessary. Not my favourite job but it must be done. 

Lots of cat hair all over the house and clothes. Always a challenge to remove. I have various implements but still in search of the perfect one!

Also the same flea problem as dogs.

My cat is very clingy and likes to have me around. I have had other cats that did their own thing and just wanted a feed. 

They all have their funny ways but we love them all the same.

Whatever your preference it does not matter. The thing is that you enjoy them and look after them well. They are a joy for us and great companions. So please love and spoil them. 

My Vegetarian Adventure.

In my early twenties I decided that I no longer wanted to eat meat.This was a conscious decision and one that I found easy to make. There were many reasons for this decision and I had never enjoyed eating meat. I did not like the taste of it or the smell when it was cooking. The texture did not appeal either in my mouth or on my hands. Certainly the idea of it upset me as well. All in all I did not like meat so it had to go. 

Meat was unhealthy. I grew up in New Zealand and lamb was on the menu most nights. Fat, fat, and more fat. Heart disease is very high in our society so I thought that the less meat we ate the healthier we would be. My father had two coronary artery bypass graft operations in his lifetime and was waiting for his third when he died. Surely less meat and more exercise would have kept him healthier. 

There are so many alternative products on the market these days like quorn, bean curd [tofu] and tempeh which are all readily available in supermarkets, health food shops and Asian grocers. Recipes on the internet and Pinterest are available and you may find it fun experimenting and using your imagination. Keep looking and keep trying. It is loads if fun and so worthwhile.

Animal cruelty is a big issue. Not only the slaughtering but how the animals are kept and housed in the process. 

Vegetarianism is so much healthier, not only for the person but for the animal as well. After six months of not eating animal products I started to feel so much better. My skin and bowels improved and I was amazed. I have never looked back and feel so much better and happier for doing it. We cannot go on consuming meat the way we do. The environment cannot sustain this.It takes so much water to produce a small amount of meat. The waste products from the animals is not good for the environment as well and it is all way too wasteful. We need to change our ways and our thinking. I for one am certainly glad that I did.

Over the years I have saved a lot of money as meat is hugely expensive and have put that money to better use.

Hygiene is another area that puts me off eating meat. As a child I suffered from food poisoning found on the meat that I had eaten. I was in isolation for months and was very sick. All this meat is handled, packed, stored and open for contamination. Where it comes from on the animal as to how much e. coli it accumulates is another area of concern. Cooking properly and for long enough is essential so as not to get sick. Better I think to just leave it alone.

 Please enjoy some happy healthy vegetarian eating. 

 Bon Apetit!

Some Things That I Hate.

There are always things in life that you don't like or that annoy you. I am no exception and so have compiled a list of things that do just that. 

Animal Cruelty. This is a big one. Nothing upsets me more than this.

Bad Manners. Not saying please or thank you or not asking for something politely are things that I just don't like.

Reckless driving. Reckless or dangerous driving not only endangers yourself but everyone else out there on the road. Definitely not to be done.

Stupidity. Like reckless or drunk driving. I could probably come up with a long list of others if pushed.

People with Bad Hygiene. There is nothing worse than sitting next to someone who smells terrible. I feel that it is polite to shower every day and wear clean clothes. 

Polititians. Not my favourite people. Not sure they are in it for the right reasons. 

Poverty and Famine. So unfair to see starving people and the plight of them in famines. I feel more should be done by governments and humanity.

Laziness. 

Things like not cleaning up after yourself. It always amazes me that some people don't pick up their own rubbish. Who do they think is going to do it for them? They must take so many people for granted.

White and beige.

 I love colour so find the lack of it very depressing. White and beige are so bland and colourless. They would make anybody depressed. Some people think it looks clean. Not me. Both of them look dirty to me and make me feel bad. I find white very hard on the eye and beige just a non event. They are definitely not for me.

Circus'

I hate the circus. Although I can appreciate the skills required for their acts and the time put in to accomplish them I do not find they hold my interest. If any animals are involved that is a definite no no. I am better to just stay home and not go. I am not afraid of clowns at all as some people might be. The tent or big top I do not find exciting and the seating within uncomfortable and inadequate.

These are are few things that I am not keen on. Maybe you have a list of your own.

Why I Have So Much Fun Blogging.

I just love blogging and here is why...

First of all I started blogging to record my trip to Europe, for myself so that the memories don't fade away. It turned out to be a great way to share the trip with friends and family, and of course you the reader.

Having taken so many photos I also wanted to share these, as what is the point of them stuck in a box or never looked at on my computer? 

There is something wonderful about sitting outside on my computer composing sentences and ideas for my blog. It keeps my brain active and is so rewarding.

My cat appreciates the fact that I sit outside while he languishes on the table licking himself. We like time together.

Learning to use the computer and blogspot is beneficial. Uploading photos and putting them on my blog has been a new experience. I have learnt so much and obtained better computer skills (thanks to my daughter who has patiently put up with my fumblings). I also uploaded photos onto my Pinterest board called European Vacation.

Creativity is a major part of blogging and there again you can be as creative as you like. I enjoy this aspect of it a great deal.

I now have to think about what to blog about and be creative.  

Whenever I go out somewhere I see it as an opportunity to blog. I never leave home without my camera and everything is a photo opportunity. 

Never would I have imagined that I would do a blog but here I am and loving it.

Challenge, consistency and perseverance all come easily when you love doing something.

I think blogging is all about sharing. Please enjoy.

Some helpful hints on Life.

To young mothers today I would like to say make some time in the day for yourself no matter how hard this may seem. Even a small amount has benefits and can relax you. Time out is important. I used to walk the dogs on the seaside and in the park or just around the streets.Walking is so therapeutic and helps you enjoy the rest of your day.

Time in the garden, either pottering or just sitting was a welcome break. Even a cup of tea, coffee or chai latte can be relaxing. Oprah Winfrey was on TV in the days when I had a young family and I enjoyed watching an hour before picking my daughter up from school. Even if I did the ironing while I did so it still helped. At least it was some time out to contemplate other issues. 

In my older years I have become interested and now practice meditation, which has been a life saver, especially in menopause. It has a definite calming influence and helps relax the brain from the business within.

Yoga is another way to chill out and you feel so much better for doing it, both mentally and physically. It has helped me deal with arthritis by not making me so stiff in the joints. I used to go to classes but now enjoy it on my own at home in front of TV via You tube. You don't even have to leave the house. It is amazing what is on offer in the way of exercise on You tube. I do chair yoga, light weights and walking at home but more about these in a later blog. 

Some days, when my daughter was young, I have been known to leave the house nine times in one day. That was my record and "Enough Already!" Now days I want to just stay home with the cat, sitting at my outdoor table under the large blue umbrella that shades it so well. There is nothing nicer than sitting outside with a drink (hot or cold) enjoying a good book or working on the computer. The cat enjoys it too!

Music is another way to soothe the soul and whatever type it is put it on and enjoy listening to it. I particularly like having music playing in the car as I travel about. It is fun and relaxing too. Sometimes it is quiet subdued music, other times loud and fun. Go with your mood.

Catching up with friends and family (as long as they uplift you) can be a great way to enjoy life more. It is often nice to meet for a coffee or lunch and do some shopping.

Pets have such a beneficial effect on people. Not only are they funny but give out unconditional love as well. I could not live without one and have had many over the years. Children learn a lot from owning a pet and they are great for the whole family.

There are many ways to relax. (See my blog on Hygge) Find one that fits your lifestyle.

Try to find a spot in the world that suits you and has a calming effect. Enjoy life.

What To Do At Home All Day.

What do you do when you are at home all day by yourself? This is a good question as is it sometimes hard to fill the day. Here are some ideas and suggestions as to how I fill my days. 

1] Reading. I have a great love of reading and always have a book, if not two, on the go at all times. I love to curl up on the couch in winter with a good book and in summer sit outside under the verandah or umbrella and read to my hearts content. A magazine is fun, as are catalogues in the mail. I love to browse my cooking books for good recipes to try out. This can be beneficial for the whole family in the end.

2] Coffee, Tea, Chai or Wine. Stop and have a nice break and a drink. This is especially nice while reading, with lunch or pre-dinner in the late afternoon with some nibbles. Any time is the right time really.

3] Lunch. Make a nice lunch to enjoy and spoil yourself with some nice food eg, soup and toast, toasted sandwiches, leftovers, eggs (the style you most like), macaroni and cheese, pasta, or salad. Have some fun with this and be inventive. Enjoy and make the most of it. 

4] TV or movie. Watch something on TV like a movie or documentary. Perhaps watch something different that you would not usually watch. Maybe start a new series to enjoy. 

5] Gardening. If this interests you it can be therapeutic and it is good to be outside in the fresh air. Pruning, potting, weeding, watering and rearranging can be fun and the garden looks so much better for it. 

6] Cooking. Although I am not a cook and do not enjoying cooking, I am getting better. Practice makes perfect. Cooking what you like to eat helps and trying out new recipes is fun. Bake a cake or some biscuits. Give them to someone for a treat.

7] Computer. Have some time on line. Read or write a blog. Have fun on Pinterest (I can spend hours on Pinterest). Learn a language. Do some research, on any topic you like. Genealogy is a great way to find out about yourself and your family. It can be very time consuming but you learn so much. If you are really keen you could write a novel, some short stories or poetry. Be creative and surprise yourself. I  did.

8] Exercise. After all that sitting get up and move. I enjoy gentle exercise and you tube is the answer. My favourites are Qigong, chair yoga, and walking inside. All fun and move the whole body. You can be as gentle or advanced as you want. 

9] Foot Spa. The feet are always neglected so time to spoil them a bit. I have a foot spa that vibrates but this is not a necessity. A tub or bucket that you can fit your feet in will do just as well. Fill with warm water and add some shower gel. I use a cup of apple cider vinegar which is very good for you and eliminates foot odour. Sit and soak for half an hour and see how you feel afterwards.

10] Crafts. So many to choose from. My favourites are scrapbooking which is easy and creative. A great way to use and display those photos that are being wasted in a box or drawer. Knitting is my other craft that I enjoy in winter. I have knitted since a child and made all sorts of things. eg. jumpers.scarves, hats, toys, leggings, purses and gloves. 

Other crafts to try are mosaics, card making, long stitch, cross stitch, tapestry, jewellery making and flower pressing. 

11] Meditation. A fabulous way to relax and take some time out. A great stress reliever and helps you unwind in a busy world. Nice to do outside or in a special place inside. Try incense, candles and a guided meditation found on You Tube. Start off with a short session 5-10 minutes and work your way up from there. You will be surprised how much better you feel afterwards. 

12] If you are feeling industrious, clean out a drawer or wardrobe. You will feel so much better and the space will look great. Pack up the unused stuff you don't need and donate it to the Op Shop. Why not recycle and make the world a better place. 

If you need to get out go for a walk and you will feel so much better.

I hope these ideas help and come in handy. Enjoy life.