Thanks, thanks and more thanks

Thanks to 

- My lack of clients – for reminding me how much I love my job and miss having clients 
- The burst water pipe which has meant we haven’t been able to use the taps all day – thanks, I didn’t have to wash up my lunch things.
- The disappointing grocery store I visited – for reminding me how lucky I am to usually have Coles and Woolies in the one place to choose from.

Based on Leah Dieterich's website thx thx thx.

Best Things In Life

 The 'best things in life aren't things' post is about appreciating non 'things' in life.

1) The feeling of accomplishment when you finally finish something you have been meaning to do forever
2) The smile that spreads over your face when you smile at something on the car radio, only to realise the person in the car next to you is looking at you like you are a mad woman.
3) The feeling of satisfaction when you are the first in a line of cars lapping the car park, and you nab that last free spot.
and
4) The sweetness of seeing an elderly couple, shuffling along hand in hand, gazing into each others eyes.

Believe in yourself

Mars Caramel

Now I do have a sweet tooth and I do love normal Mars bars, so of course, I HAD to try the new Mars Caramel.
The Mars caramel is the same size as a regular Mars, but instead of having the nougat with a thin layer of caramel on top, they have taken out the nougat and the entire bar is just thick, gooey caramel (with the usual chocolate coating). I love these - although I must admit, that much caramel does border on too much of a good thing.
I really like these and I cant wait to have another. Maybe I will put the next one in the freezer for awhile to harden the caramel.

I still prefer the Mars Midnight (does anyone remember those?), but this is another super yummy spin off of regular Mars.

Life is a juggling act

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. 

You name them . . . work, family, health, friends and spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air. 

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. 

But the other four balls . . . family, health, friends and spirit . . . are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.

Fantastic Rice Crackers

Fantastic Cheddar Cheese Rice Crackers.

These Cheddar cheese (not to be mistaken with the plain ‘cheese’) rice crackers are absolutely covered in bright orange cheesy flavour. You know that ultra cheesy flavouring on CC’s, Doritos and the like? These rice crackers are like those, so if you feel a bit like cheesy corn chips, but want something a little different, give these a go. They have that same (strong) cheesy taste, but the usual super crunch of a rice cracker.

I love these rice crackers, and have to make a real effort not to inhale the entire packet in one go.

Be Yourself

Shall We Dance by Maggie Alderson

      I’ve just finished reading Maggie Alderson’s newest book, Shall We Dance.

This is a lovely book (if a bit predictable at times), which explores the various levels of relations – from mother/daughter, through to same sex and opposite sex friendships, sisters and relationships across age gaps.

The book is written from the perspective of LouLou and her daughter Theo, with alternating chapters from each one.

*spoiler alert* The story revolves around LouLou’s business (vintage dress shop) and her relationship with her daughter, which becomes complicated when LouLou starts seeing a young man, who is her daughters age. Theo also has her own issues throughout the story and almost has an unsuitable affair of her own. The insight into unexpected sexual attraction is an interesting reminder that we cant always help who we are attracted to (despite our conscience). They do both find ‘suitable’ men at the end of the book and it is all happily ever after.

Initially I found the chapters by Theo (a 21 year old) quite frustrating, as I felt the way it was written better portrayed a 15 year old whingey teenager, but this did improve over the course of the book. You just have to persist with it for awhile.

Despite being somewhat predictable at times, it is a lovely story and for anyone interested in fashion (vintage or modern) the setting in the world of fashion may add a little something extra.

This wasn’t my fave Maggie Alderson book, but I would still recommend it

Self Help, Therapy and Reflection

So, I think its about time I do a self reflection and therapy time here on PureHappiness. Reflection is something which fascinates me, I love constantly learning things about myself and exploring the who/what/why’s.

So for todays exercise

Imagine you are 95 years old, looking back on life.
Finish these sentences. And remember, this isn’t about here and now necessarily, this is your whole life, when you are 95 years old.

I spent too much time worrying about ………..
I spent too little time doing things such as ………
If I could go back in time, I would ………

***

I spent too much time worrying about – money, things happening at the right time (ie- getting married by 25, having kids by 30 etc), what other people thought of me and whether I was good enough.

I spent too little time doing things such as – going and doing the silly, spontaneous things, trusting myself, being true to who I really am.

If I could go back in time, I would – have more fun, take more risks (life is an adventure), put myself first a bit more. But in the end, I would probably change very little.

How would you finish the sentences?