happiness

And On Our 8th Christmas, We Got Engaged!

In the midst of this Covid era, it’s nice to have the people you love close to you and it’s important to have things to look forward to. For what has a whirlwind of a year, 2020 has been somewhat different for us. We have enjoyed every minute of the extra time spent together. Mine and Danny’s love for each other has grown stronger than ever in a way I never could have imagined. Every day he brings more light into my life. And to my surprise, this light was only just beginning to shine.

On Christmas Day this year, things were certainly very special. Danny always brings experiences into my life which are magical but this one was different on our 8th Christmas together.

We went downstairs to open our presents. It was a quiet Christmas morning until the moment where I screamed as I opened a new pair of Stitch pyjamas. We had breakfast together, then get showered and got dressed.

Danny shouted up to me to tell me he forgot, there was another present downstairs for me. He said it was on the Christmas tree so he finally got me to go downstairs and over to the tree. I wondered, “What am I looking for?” so I turned to Danny quickly not knowing what I’m supposed to do with this bauble! He told me to look at it again, closer. Then I seen it. My heart started to beat faster and I slowly turned around to look at Danny, down on one knee! Glistening right at me was the most beautiful engagement ring. Our song was playing in the background and the candles were lit.

I see other people post about engagements and imagine what the feeling must be like. Then I stopped to think, “Wait, it’s happening to me.” as our memories of friendship over the years, and falling in love came flooding in. I smiled and cried some more. The moment in time froze and felt it like the world was ours. From two kids in primary school, to smiling as we passed each other in the college corridors, to being lifted in the air over puddles in the rain, to lots of adventures, to THIS.

By this point, I couldn’t take my eyes off Danny. He said some heartfelt words for a few minutes and before I knew it, he asked the question, “Will you marry me?”

“YES! YESSS!” I said very emotionally. We kissed and hugged each other so tightly. I couldn’t believe my eyes and the whole feeling. I never thought my heart could be any fuller.

Holding hands with my engagement ring on

Danny spoke to me all about how this had been planned for a very long time. His original plan was to propose to me in New York but Covid got in the way of that. Regardless, it couldn’t have been any more amazing than it was. Just me and him, in our own home, together. The moment was an absolute dream and I keep having to remind myself that it’s all very real.

I really do believe that we feel a kind of love that’s only for us to share. I remember being 19 years old when Danny asked me if I would ever marry him one day. Apparently he has known since then. Ahhh! The most wonderful man in my life, my best friend, has asked me to marry him! I cannot wait for the rest of our lives together.

My engagement ring has been sent to the workshop to be resized and won’t return for a few weeks but that’s okay because we have a lifetime together. I couldn’t ask for a more kind-hearted, generous, and handsome man to have by my side for the rest of my life. Here’s to nothing but positivity for 2021 and all of our years to come.

back of the head shot of Tasha on her Mac

Daily Positive Wellness Check In

Positive wellness is good for the body and the mind. Do you practice any healthy habits? I often think that wellness is something we think is here for us ‘to survive’ but it’s so much more than that. Regardless of what’s going on in your life, instead of just living to go to work, coming home, getting the tea on etc. why not think about thriving for more, for happiness? For me, this starts when you see how precious the little moments in life are. I hope you will be able to take away one or two of these examples, that help me when I feel myself heading towards a slightly difficult or lower state of mind.

Going outside

If you follow me on Instagram, you will see like I like to go out and about, getting those steps in, and I do enjoy a good walk. Anyone who knows me, knows how I am willing to walk anywhere and everywhere. But there’s something about taking myself for a stroll that enlightens my mind. It is a breath of fresh air and nice to stretch your legs, but it’s also escapism. I don’t just been being cooped up in the house to COVID-19, it’s a way to reduce any worry and to focus on things clearer. Going for a walk helps me to focus.

Dancing in the kitchen when there’s no music

From the moment we became homeowners in February 2019, one of our favourite firsts was dancing in the kitchen with no music. Then we started to bring it through to the living room. It makes me feel so warm inside and moments like that really melt my heart. Sometimes, all you need is to be held and feel calm with your favourite person.

Choose something to be thankful for

Has today been one of many of those ‘worst days ever’? How many times have you told yourself it’s been a rubbish day? Stop for a moment and think about the things you are grateful for that day. Just one thing, make a note of it, or just keep it in your mind. It could be something as simple as that nice cup of tea you had this morning or that moment after work when you soak yourself into a hot bubbly bath.

Smiling and laughing

I was saying the other day, how would I cope if I didn’t laugh so much? Unfortunately, that is the case for some people. I am so lucky to have people around me who brighten the mood no matter what. Whenever I am not in that situation, I tell myself to now remove myself and find another ‘place’ as in taking myself away from a person, place, or time. Smile back at the old lady at the bus stop, the shopkeeper who serves you, smiles can mean much more than you think.

Find a good mechanism

If you have been a reader of this blog since day one, you will know that writing is my therapy. That why I am here on this blog. But I must admit, I have come a long way since I hit the publish button on my first post. It’s taken a good few years but I find myself feeling much more positive in situations and I also have a different perspective in those times when worrying and negative thoughts used to take over in the past. Listening to music also releases the energy that isn’t needed. I am a very active person that discovers there is something to tidy, clean, or clear away (even if others don’t see it). We all have something eh?

Remember to take part in things you enjoy. Some things you can’t pick and choose and things can happen that aren’t predictable. But it helps to have a positive mindset no matter what you are experiencing.

river view with purple sky during sunset

Using the Lockdown as a Time for Reflection

Lockdown is treating us all in different ways. I’m enjoying the Monica in me, the extra time to clean, tidy and organise. I’m like a crazy woman running round the house with the music on full volume. My poor neighbours! As far as food is concerned, I’ll make it short, I think I’m eating too much of it… yes the scales do agree. Through it all, I’m lucky to still be working so I’m glad that holds onto some kind of sanity I have left.

Positive reflecting

Lockdown has sent a lot more ‘me time’ my way. I’ve spent quite a bit of time reflecting on – what’s important, what really matters, and coming to the realisation that I’ve eaten more packets of crisps than ever before. Seriously though, just the other week I had a sudden phase of calmness. I’d usually have something on my mind to worry about and it took one moment for everything to come flooding in to remind me that happiness is everything. No matter what that means for you, it matters, always.

Some of my time has been spent looking back at memories, reconnecting with old friends, getting closer to those who I wouldn’t tend to call or video call pre-lockdown life. The thing is though, it’s mainly my mum and dad that I video call and I spend the first 5-10 minutes laughing because I can’t help it. Does anyone else get that or is it just me?

Still missing friends and family of course

I can’t wait to go out and celebrate with my friends. Celebrate what? Just life itself and obviously that’ll be when it’s safe to do so. The moment where I get to hug my mum and dad is something I often think about. Ahhh, it makes me a bit emotional. Grandad’s anniversary is in a couple of weeks so I’ve got to stay in happy spirits. And in the back of my mind, is a reminder of uncle Dom’s anniversary next month, which will mark one whole year since he passed away.

If lockdown has taught me anything, it’s that time flies. I knew it already but wow… even though many of us are feeling a bit bored and fed up at times, I think it’s gone so fast. And for me, the positive reflection has really helped to get more of the positive mindset back that I missed. It’s hard to find things to occupy you 24/7 but remember that this wasn’t all for nothing. It’s important to stay safe and help to save lives.

Hold onto the people and things that help you

Who and what had made you happy throughout the coronavirus outbreak? Remind yourself of whoever and whatever that might be whenever you feel a little low. Here’s to more singalongs to myself, dancing whenever I feel like it, a clearer perspective and remembering how good it feels to smile as much as possible no matter what’s happening in the world.

I am grateful heart on wooden background

There’s Always Something to Be Thankful For

It’s crazy to think that our generation can say they were here when the Coronavirus lockdown was happening. We don’t know exactly how long it’s going to continue for but we do know how to do our part in keeping ourselves and others safe. Feeling positive during the Coronavirus pandemic can be difficult so, I’m sharing some of the things I’m thankful for and you might be too.

More time to spend with your significant other

Not everyone is lucky to live with their boyfriend/girlfriend/partner during the pandemic so I understand how lucky I am. Some might say they’re ‘stuck in the house’ with each other 24/7. But the way I look at it, you’ve got company all day and they are there to put a smile on your face.

Danny still checks in on me when we’re doing our own thing.  When I think about how we spend most of our times at work, we’re lucky to still be working in our house and seeing each other during work time. Our routines haven’t completely gone out of the window; we eat breakfast, lunch and tea together; have our film nights; and be there for one another if either of us are feeling a bit low.

Having health and happiness

As miserable as the COVID-19 climate is, continuing to do the things that makes you happy feels good. Okay, so, I can’t go out shopping in the home section all of the time or go on days out but there are several other positives. A number I’ve mentioned above plus, more time for cleaning and organising; a hug from Danny any time of the day. Don’t feel guilty for having these moments. You’re allowed to smile and do the things that help to maintain a positive mindset.

Although I was unwell for a couple of weeks, it could’ve been much worse. That’s the thing I keep telling myself about all of this. There are people losing their lives all around the world; families facing such heartbreak; and parents who can’t see their children or as much as they would like to. It’s important to keep a healthy mental and physical balance. Can we exclude the amount of Easter eggs I’m going to eat though? I think I’ve earned the chance to indulge after giving chocolate, cake and biscuits up for Lent.

More time to spend in the sun

We might not be allowed to go into the outdoors as far and as much as we would like to but there’s still ways to enjoy the sunshine. If you have a house, choose from your front or back garden; if not, try a walk around your local area. Some people underestimate the power of going outside and getting a breath of fresh air. I think it was taken for granted when we weren’t limited to where we could go before coronavirus hit us.

If you’re lucky to get your hands on some gardening bits, have fun and get things off your to-do list. Danny is planting new flowers in the back garden as I’m making my way through de-weeding the front. I cut my hands the other day (silly of me for wearing no gloves) but it feels good to get involved with the hands-on stuff!

Making the most of technology

If you didn’t hear on my Twitter @tashalifestyle, my mum has come a long way in her world of getting to grips with technology. She can now send photos on WhatsApp and calls a video call ‘Face WhatsApp. Bless her heart.

It’s so nice to keep in touch with friends and family over the phone, messaging, via apps. My mum started to cry at the end of a call last week because she just wanted to give me a hug. I cannot wait to squeeze her, the same goes for my dad and brothers whether they like it or not (mwuahahaha).

It’s also nice to FaceTime with people you don’t usually, like our nephew over the weekend, so cute! Unfortunately, I can’t keep in touch with my niece so she’s another little soul who’s face I can’t wait to see.

So, these are just a few things to think about. As bad as things might seem right now, it will get better. Each day is another day closer to hitting some kind of normality. Take the time to realise what’s important and you’ll see all of the things you’re thankful for. Remember you’re not in ‘prison’, you’re staying safe.

close up of pink petal flowers

Things to Do During the Coronavirus Lockdown

As surreal as the lockdown in the UK might feel right now, there are plenty of things you can do to stay occupied. Unfortunately, for the most social groups of people this is probably quite difficult. Also, it can pose challenges for those who are out of/can’t work. I’m lucky enough to be working from home so I still have some kind of routine. It does feel strange not having to travel to and from the office and I miss seeing my colleagues face-to-face.

For the past 10 days I’ve had Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms so I’ve stayed indoors (self-isolating). The only places I’ve been includes the bins at the front of the house and going into the back garden. Those who are on the COVID-19 high risk list have been urged to stay at home (shielding), whilst others are staying 2 metres apart (social distancing) and under restrictions to only go outside for:

  • Shopping for necessities
  • Exercise
  • Medical reasons
  • Traveling to and from work if ‘absolutely necessary’

Take advantage of the time you have to relax

If you’re anything like me and you struggle to just relax and chill, now is the time to understand why you should do it more often. ‘Me time’ is really important. I’ve talked about ways you can relax before. Pamper yourself or take the time do something you usually put aside because you don’t always have the time e.g. reading a new book, starting a blog etc.

Clean up and tidy up

I always find something to rearrange whether it’s clothes in the wardrobe, the cupboard under the sink, the medicine cabinet, you name it, there’s always something. Why did I have 6 boxes of plasters in the medicine cabinet, who knows? I love to organise and keep the house clean and tidy so this an everyday hobby for me.

Binge watch TV series or films

Okay, I’ll admit, I do this anyway. But there’s no harm is watching more right? Make the most of those Netflix subscriptions. I’m making the most of some girly series at the moment, including a bundle of Gilmore Girls episodes (my 3rd time watching the whole series from start to finish). And as Disney+ is out in the UK, you might as well sign up and be ready for all of your Disney favourites. I’m so looking forward to reliving my childhood!

Do some gardening

If you have the tools available, why not take the opportunity to venture into garden. It’s never really been on my to-do list before. However, since we moved into the new house last year, the back garden has been an area I like to spend my time in, when the weather is nice enough. I’ve had fun tidying the garden, cleaning the patio, and painting the fence.

Keep in touch with family and friends

The most important one on the list. Check in on your family and friends. And don’t forget about your neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable. There are many options such as: a call, text, social media, instant messaging like WhatsApp, video calls e.g. FaceTime etc. Some groups of people are also using quiz/gaming apps to keep them in high spirits.

As miserable as everything seems at the moment, do something that you can look back on and know it was time well spent. Think about the positives and have a forward-thinking perspective to keep you motivated.

pathway made from decking with hearts at the side

Don’t Let Anything Stop You From Dreaming

With everything that’s going on at the moment, there’s a lot of uncertainty about what happens next. It’s so easy to feel unmotivated or doubt many things right now. But it’s down to you and the perspective you have that makes a difference. There were so many things I was looking forward to in 2020, it was going to be the year.

  • June 2020 – New York
  • July 2020 – finally going to see Alicia Keys
  • Somewhere after that – buy a puppy (I’m a changed woman)

Never stop dreaming

You can wonder, it’s only natural to think things like… “I wish… We could’ve..” blah blah. But for me, the thing that matters the most is the health and happiness of those around me. Yes, I’m gutted that we might not get to experience the trip of our dreams to the one place I’ve always wanted to return to. But it doesn’t mean that we have to stop dreaming. There are countless of things to be thankful for and many things we’re blessed to have, putting each other at the top of that list.

I also think that as much as you to try plan things, life happens. It always will. If the current situation around the world doesn’t teach you the importance of not taking the small things for granted, I don’t know what will. Time is more precious than some people realise.

Putting all of this into perspective I know that good things can still happen. No matter how long it takes, I’ll keep dreaming until it’s real. And that’s why I’m not afraid to share it. I don’t talk about every single detail of my life with others everyday. But sometimes as long as you know what you want and you’re not afraid to go for it, you can do anything. When it comes down to it, there are much bigger and special things to look forward to than trips, no matter how exciting there are/were going to be.

Anything can be in store for the future

There’s so much the future can hold – good and bad. But I think even during the hardest of times, if you have each other, you have everything. That’s something I’ll never take for granted. And as most of you will have read before on my blog, I’m a big believer in doing things in your own time. Life isn’t a race.

It’s like when I tell people about how I’ve longed for a family of our own for quite some time. They seemed shocked. Perhaps it’s because I don’t put it out there. I’m already afraid that it might not happen because of complications mum has had in the past and wonder if I’ll experience it too. Kinda stupid I know because we all have our bodies but it’s true. And she does have 3 children who adore the bones of her. Some might wonder, why haven’t you got there then? It’s not about ‘getting there’. Me and Danny talk about these things and have known from the get-go what we want. I can only imagine how heartwarming it would be. Until then I might just have to bombard you all with some puppy love when that happens! Can you guess what Disney character’s name we’ve picked?

There’s always something to be thankful for

When you think about these things, it shows you what matters in your life. As much as I’d like to venture outside more often and continue my usual routine, it’s not much of a sacrifice when I still have the luxury of working from home, Danny’s company 24/7 (yes I genuinely love it) and my health and happiness.

Think about all of the reasons to be happy If you’re missing someone right now, FaceTime them, message them, call them.