10 Things that Make me Happy

The lovely Kirsty from Winnettes (not-so) recently tagged me to share my 10 happy things, so here we go:

1 - Family
It goes without saying that my family makes me happy. They also drive me completely batty but I wouldn't have it any other way. I look back and whilst I miss having time to myself, I really don't know what I actually used to do with my time.  Being immersed in family life for almost five years (FIVE!), my days are non stop and I can't imagine it being any other way.  

2 - Seaside
I've said it before, I'll say it again. The seaside is my happy place. If I could live anywhere, I would love to live near the seaside.  I don't get there anywhere near as much as I would like to, purely because if we go during the weekends, it is such a slow road from ours and it clogs up so quickly with caravans and everyone else having the same idea.  Having said that, my favourite time to visit is whilst its still cool and you still need a coat. Walking along the promenade with the wind hitting my face and the sound of the waves crashing down is just my idea of bliss. Sigh. I really must make a trip soon... 

A post shared by Kate (@newmummykate) on

3 -  Sales Shopping
I don't do anywhere near as much of this as I used to but I do love getting a good bargain! Before we had the girls, we would go sales shopping on Boxing Day and I would come back with bags and bags full of things. These days, I tend to pick up presents for the birthday box (incase I forget anyone or the girls are invited to a party) and things for the girls.  

4 - Having a good sort out / a clean home
There's something I find very therapeutic about having a good clear out and those being clean. Even if it stays clean only for a short time, I like being free of clutter and the room smelling fresh with a hint of furniture polish when I walk into it.

5 - Time to myself
If I know I have some time alone, without D or the girls, I find myself looking forward to it. I'm someone that loves some time to myself.  I like not having anyone to talk to and the quiet around me, not having the TV or radio on as background nose. Time to think, to crack on with jobs or housework or to do nothing at all.  I've always been the same. If we meet with friends or go away, I prefer to visit them, so that I can come away when I've had enough and I struggle if I have people to stay, with them being around me the whole time.  Some people find this offensive but its just who I am.

6-  Pamper session
Something else that I don't get round to doing very often is a pamper session.  I'm talking shaved legs and pits, foot scrub, face mask, nail and hair treatments, the works. These days I just tend to do something as and when I have a little time to myself. 

7 - Gardening
Something I'm really enjoying this year is gardening. More than I thought I would!  I'm finding it really therapeutic to get outside, planting and weeding the garden. My head clears and I just concentrate on the task at hand.... inbetween playing referee when the girls start bickering! Its not a big garden but its keeping me busy and now that there's a little bit of colour out there, it all looks like it is starting to come together, which is very satisfying.  

8 - Reading
I've always been a book worm and some of my earliest memories involve books. I can remember my grandparents reading religious stories to me when I would stay over, being curled up reading Enid Blyton books and visiting the library, looking for me.  When I was in infant school, my Mum had to come in to speak to the teachers because I'd read all the books in my age range and had started trying to pick those in the next age up. Apparently that wasn't allowed... until they'd spoken to Mum, that is!

These days I still read a fair bit, albeit to the children than for myself.  Since having them, I've not read anywhere near as much as I used to but in January I set myself a goal or 12 books. 1 a month. Slowly but surely I'm working my way towards it and reminding myself of just how nice it is to be sat down and immersed in a good book. 

9 - Catching up with friends
I'm not the most sociable of people, I tend to get quite awkward and I don't have many friends. Those that I do have, I've made through nursery and school. Some of them I will only usually see at drop offs and pick ups and the odd play date but when we do catch up, its nice to do so and I feel tons better for it. 

10 - Being Creative
One thing I really miss about living with my inlaws is the space to have my sewing things out.  Other than my sewing box and sewing machine, everything else is packed away - ribbons, buttons, fabrics, etc etc.  I'm trying to do something creative when I can, I'm loving using the chalk paints still and I have some hexies that I'm working on joining together to make into a pillow case. Creativity is good for me, I need to make more time for it

What 10 things make you happy? 


  1. Hi Kate, what a positive post! I can't imagine not living near the sea, a walk on the beach is perfect for blowing the cobwebs away and lifting the spirits. Anytime you are feeling down feel free to pop over and sort out my house, it's in definite need I warn you!

    Settling with a good book is a very nice thing to do, even if it is with the children.


  2. Love this post and I see a lot of myself in your ideas. I too like to have alone time, enjoy reading and crafting and pamper sessions. Lovely post #TwinklyTuesday

  3. I love being by the sea as well and have just embarked on a quilting project, I'm making a small blanket for Project Linus which sends them off to kids who just need a bit of extra love #TwinklyTuesday

  4. Being creative and coastal adventures make us happy! Wish we had more time for reading x #TwinklyTuesday x

  5. Sometimes, when the mood is right, there's nothing better than a nice long drive out in the countryside. That's a go to of mine when I need to reset.

    Also, thank you very much for featuring my post on this weeks #twinklytuesday

  6. Right there with you on the seaside. It's my happy place.

  7. I am right there with you on family and seaside! #twinklytuesday
    tracy www.viewfromthebeachchair.com

  8. What a lovely post, sometimes it is good to write things like this to remind us of all the good things! #TwinklyTuesday

  9. Awww what a lovely read and full of positivity. X #twinklytuesday

  10. Great list of what makes you happy - I love positive living #twinklytuesday

  11. What a lovely post! I also love being by the sea! And the simplicity in just having a moment of peace with a hot cuppa is something I enjoy, and since having kids I no longer take for granted!