Sweet for Sunday

This week I've decided to share with you some of my favourite things lately - things that have made me smile, or that are just super lovely!

It's half term here, which means that my Mum is home during the week, so I have her help to make something gluten-free and delicious. My recipe inspiration for this bake is from a new cookbook I got for Christmas, I adapted it slightly to make it completely Mel-friendly and surprisingly it came out quite well.
        The recipe I tried was a red onion and rosemary focaccia - this is my first ever attempt at a gluten-free bread from scratch, rather than a packet mix. I was stoked that it came out so well, and when I troubleshoot it to perfection I'll share the recipe with y'all! But here's a look at my first attempt…

I've started making a collection of recipes to try, so hopefully on some of my good days (and with the help of my Mum) I'll be able to try even more and get some tempting, scrummy alternatives for us allergy sufferers!

So what else have I been loving this week?
        Cheeky days that look deceivingly like Spring. Waking up and looking out to blue skies and sunshine makes me instantly happy. Mix the blue skies with some relaxing music and you've got yourself a b-e-a-utiful start to the day.
        Another bonus of this weather is the gorgeous river walks (well rolls… what word do you use for going for a walk in a wheelchair?!). I go out wrapped up like a Michelin man to stay warm, cause despite that sun it feels like I could freeze, but it is so nice to escape outside, and forget for just a few moments all the troubles and worries.

Lastly this week I've gone crazy for the Bodyshop's Pink Grapefruit Body Butter - the smell is divine! I wish somehow I could upload the smell to the internet to let y'all have a wiff of the summery goodness!

Progress… perhaps?

These past few weeks have definitely had their ups and downs, unfortunately slightly more downs than ups. It has been a pretty busy schedule compared to what I usually do, as my sister came home for just under two weeks; it was her birthday whilst she was down, so everything got a little more chaotic.

I'm gonna rewind to before she came back first, and tell ya some of my ups - although I felt similar to usual, I saved enough energy to attend Monday night prayers at Church. The thought of it made me overly anxious - I hadn't been out for a while, and I was unsure who I would know there, and my mind was jumping ahead (as it likes to do) thinking of the consequences of it all. With the support of an extremely close friend, everything turned out fine. I felt so blessed to have the support of friends and overwhelmed with the huge amount of love.

I got mail this week too, with a gorgeous surprise gift arriving from America. It was a present from Brianna, and I can't do justice to how lovely and thoughtful it was - I cried just from reading the note, and then the actual gift made me cry more. It was an Alex & Ani bracelet, with a water lily charm. It reminded Bri of me, and when I read the description card I understood why.
        I couldn't have been happier with the gift; the only downside is that I can't thank her in person, and it just makes me miss her more.
       If you are looking for a special gift for someone Alex & Ani make lovely jewellery; they are all hand made and each one has a different meaning. Stunning.

Last week my family and I went to see Sarah Millican in concert. We'd booked the tickets over two years ago, and I'd nearly completely forgotten. She was so so funny, all be it a little lot rude! It was her 'Home Bird' tour, and we all got either a Home Bird or Dirty Stop Out badge - I'm definitely a Home Bird, I love everything about my home, being with my family, relaxing, and of course I can't do much else apart from be at home lately. Even if I could do a lot more, I'd definitely still be one because staying out late is not my thing. I'm a pyjamas and cuppa splash cuddled up on the sofa kinda girl.
        Which one would you be?

For my sisters birthday we went out for lunch, just her and me, to our local garden centre, which has a little cafe in it. It was great to spend some time with her, chatting things through and eating yummy food.

All the busy-ness (not sure if that's a word) took its toll, and I've been paying for it this week, but it was worth it. To spend time with friends and family, and to do things that I enjoy was lovely, and I think there is perhaps the tiniest bit of progress happening - there's just always that cloud hanging over me waiting.