TWENTY FIFTEEN.

I was a good three-quarters of the way through today before I realised it was February! Blimey, that crept up on us a bit. I don't feel like I've even had chance to catch up with myself after Christmas (but that's probably because we have 6 birthdays in the family, including mine!)

So this weekend I felt I needed to slow down a bit and take a breath.
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BIRTHDAY BREAK.

Last week, I celebrated my 24th birthday. I'm totally rubbish when it comes to organising a birthday event for myself. I always get a bit too stressed (more than you should on your birthday!) and then just give up.
So this year, after one of my best friends offered to plan something for me, I accepted before she even had chance to finish explaining!
She got cracking straight away and was on a pretty strict deadline. But she did an amazing job...

SEASONAL YOGA.

I first started practising yoga a few months ago and I guess I went into it very naively. I just wanted to be more flexible.
I honestly never would've imagined the affect it would have and how much of a part of my life it would become.

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V Fest. My first ever festival.

Ok, so we didn't camp so it wasn't a proper festival but it was still an amazing day!

This week, was also my 'Commercial Anniversary'- a whole year working in my job.
Those feet belong to some very special people in my life and, just over a year ago, I didn't even know they existed.
It's crazy to think how much of an impact people can make on your life, in such a short space of time. 

Baldwin Wedding

As an ex-Baldwin, there are some genetic traits that will stick with me, no matter what my name may be.
Baldwins are notorious for always being late to the party. But also being the last to leave. We love good food, good wine (I'm working on that one!) and a good laugh. We're very laid back, practically horizontal, but we hate early mornings.

We're also a 'spontaneous', and quite frankly disorganised, bunch so it's pretty rare that we all manage to get together in one place, at the same time.

However, last Thursday, we all gathered to celebrate the marriage of Emma and my uncle Mark.
The wedding was held in my favourite place in the world- the city of Bath.
Our day began with a leisurely walk to Waitrose to buy the thank-you presents for the speeches (I did say we were disorganised!)
The ceremony was truly beautiful and everyone was glowing with happiness.
The reception followed and we celebrated long into the nigh. And, as you might expect, we were the last to leave.

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On Thursday, we welcomed the beautiful Emma into the Baldwin clan.

She looked absolutely stunning and it was a wonderfully relaxed day.

(Oh, and my uncle Mark scrubbed up pretty well too!)

Back to school... An update!

 

Well, I am half-way through my 10 week photography course... where the heck did those 5 weeks go!? I've already learnt so much but I still have a long  way to go.

 

My one downfall? I just can't seem to find the time to get outside and practice.
But as my lovely Nan would say, "There is no such word as can't!" So I need to start making the time, otherwise I simply won't get anywhere.

This morning, I had a quick look through some photos that I've taken this year... And I must admit, I'm pleased with my progress so far.
I just hope the rain stops soon!

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This week has been one of highs and lows.
Number 7 is now officially on the market, with the first viewing yesterday. It all feels very real now.

We also found our dream house, lost our dream house, then snatched it back again. All in one week.
I'm not getting overly excited just yet- there is still a long way to go. But we are keeping everything crossed for this house.

An apple a day...

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a really delicious apple as much as the next person, but I was a little sceptical about visiting an entire festival dedicated to apples.
Well, I say festival but it was actually just a few small but lovely stalls, run by people who are clearly passionate about that scrumptious little fruit!

It was held at Snowshill Manor, a National Trust treasure that my dad came across a few months ago.
The manor house is wonderful; crammed to the rafters with incredible objects and artefacts, collected by one man, over his entire life.
Words cannot do it justice, and the lighting in the house is a tad gloomy for photos, so I would highly recommend a visit (but look out for the samurai! Yep, I said samurai!)

Waffle Fest!

Ok, I'm going to let you in to a little secret- I absolutely love waffles! C'mon, what's not to love.
So when I heard about 'He Says She Waffles', in my favourite town of Cirencester, I knew I had to pay them a visit.
On Sunday, we jumped in the car, with our tummy's rumbling... But little did we know, it was in fact their first birthday party and that meant, free waffles! We only had the choice of maple syrup waffles, but boy, were they delicious!
(Of course, this means we'll have to go back again to sample more of the menu- What a shame!)

Mr H and I have been caught red handed and we made a sneaky appearance on their Facebook page, oops!

Back in the saddle!

When I was younger, I adored my weekly horse riding lesson but I haven't had a proper lesson since the stables closed down. So after finding out about Rein & Shine, a brand new local riding school, it was time to get back in the saddle! And yesterday, my sister and I had our very first lesson.

The school is wonderful; clean, organised and passionate. You can immediately tell they really care about making you a better rider; our horses were chosen for us based on our ability and our instructor spent 15 minutes after the lesson talking through our good points and things that could be improved upon.
For my sister, this was her first ever riding lesson and she was well looked after and, although I was pretty rusty (and I'm aching a lot today!), it all started to come back to me. I guess it's like riding a bike... with legs!

Oh, and this little beauty is Charlie. Isn't he gorgeous?

Weekend friends.

I'm sure you'll agree that weekends are all about relaxing with your loved ones. And this weekend was extra special for me, as I went to visit my wonderful best friends.
The hours were spent giggling and eating and catching up, as we haven't seen each other since May.
They are both doing so well in their careers and I am so proud of them; B has been working in Switzerland since February and E is writing the plans to follow her dreams.

P.s. B's house deserves a 10 page spread in Country Living magazine, it is utterly stunning!