Happy Friday everyone!
Gardening
Being in the garden has been so nice and I definitely appreciate very much the space that we have, especially being able to eat supper outside – it just feels like such a treat!
I’ve sowing seeds like there’s no tomorrow, had two bare root roses delivered from David Austin, just received a delivery of bulbs from Farmers Gracy (they’re based in the Netherlands, but are great value) and constantly been chasing the chickens away from my newly planted agapanthus, which they seem intent on sitting on. Little buggers.
I’m so excited for my roses to flower and I know it might be a while, but I’ve got two other David Austin climbing roses in the garden, which are full of buds and I can’t wait to get a sniff. I really consider all plants that I buy and make sure they’re either scented, bee friendly or evergreen.
The two roses that have just arrived are shrub roses and are called Desdemona – they’re beautiful repeat flowering roses, have a strong fragrance with hints of almond blossom, cucumber and lemon zest smell and they’re going in huge pots either side of the front door.
Bluebells
Now I know I might be late to the party here and you know I like to think of myself as a bit of a novice gardener, but how in the world did I not notice the incredible smell of bluebells? I reluctantly picked some from the front garden (I feel bad for picking flowers when they look so gorgeous!), to take some pictures and as I was doing this, I kept thinking, what is that gorgeous smell? What an idiot.
I noticed this morning that the bluebells have really come out in the woods in our village, and the smell was just out of this world. I always feel calmed by this sight, just a haze of blue with the birds chirping and flying about above your head and the occasional sound of the pheasant crowing. So, so peaceful until Bella runs off to chase the pheasant.
Sunshine
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but the sun really helps with lockdown. Just being able to spend 30 minutes outside, in the sun, eating my lunch and taking a deep breath makes a huge difference. I seem to be either up or down, with no in between. Fortunately, I’m mostly up but when I’m down, I feel in a bit of an unhappy fog and focus on all the wrong things, like not seeing my family, not seeing my friends and all the things that I can’t do. When this happens, I find that putting things into perspective helps – I’m at home and I’m safe, my family are safe and I’m utterly grateful and thankful for all those people on the front-line that are trying to get us through.
Birthday Girl, Bella!
Our angel turned five this week, meaning she has spent three of her two years with us. We think that’s her age anyway, as we rescued her from The Dogs Trust in Evesham and her adopt-aversary is also coming up, so another excuse to buy more squeaky balls and treats. Happy birthday to my goofy girl, we love ya!
Routine
I love having a routine and especially now it gives me a focus. Work really helps with that and some things have gone by the wayside, like wearing makeup for example, but I really look forward to getting ready for the day ahead.
I’ve got such an array of gorgeous beauty products and it’s been quite nice to sort through all of this, get rid of stuff that’s years old that I’m holding onto for some reason and give my skin a daily treat.
Weleda skin food is something I always use – it’s perfect for dry skin, doubles up as a nighttime moisturiser and is organic.
I find it easy not to wear makeup, but there’s no way I couldn’t put my earrings in – I’d feel naked without them! And the Nuxe oil gives my skin a little shimmer and smells divine, so I don’t even tend to bother with perfume (poor Dave!).
Lastly, Dave bought me the Bobbi Brown facial oil and it’s fantastic. I’ve got oily skin and suffer with breakouts, but this oil is especially designed for this type of skin and it really works. I wonder if he’ll buy me another when I run out?
Have a great weekend 🙂
A x
Abi in the Garden 