Sandals and Witches

So after yesterday's rather down post here's something more lighthearted (well I may mean strange) today. I love it when the weather is warm enough to wear sandals, they are probably my favourite type of shoe, so comfy, freeing and they make sure I get a pedicure as I don't feel dressed without a pop of colour on my teo nails! These sandals are probably my favourites. I actually bought them in New Look two summers ago and up until now have lasted me pretty well. Unfortunately I don't think that the zip at the back are going to last too much longer and I'll be so sad to throw them out. Don't get me wrong, I do have plenty more sandals at home, but these are by far the comfiest having a spongy and moulded insole (do sandals have insoles?) that really help with my fibromyalgia pain, which is surprising as they cost quite a bit less than other pairs I own.  I took the girls into New Look last weekend and they have a great selection of sandals again this year, so in hoping to take a better look this weekend and try to find a similar pair. 

 

The only thing I dislike about sandals even though it contradicts what I've just said, is that my toes are on show! I have small feet (a UK 3-4, whereas our older girls are a 5 and 7 already). Now I don't specialise in Early Modern history whatsoever but one of the things I remember is about the witch hunts and trials that went on in Britain, Europe and North  America between the 15th and 18th centuries. Without going into historian mode basically magic, witchcraft and sorcery were big themes partly due to religious sectarianism and the fear of 'devil worshipping' threatening Christianity was especially prevalent within the educated elite. Many people were accused of being witches, put on trial and punished. 

So, where do my feet fit in to this you may be wondering? Well, most evidence against women accused was based on superstition and evidence collected from other people however, there were some physical attributes which obviously meant you were guilty! One of which being that if the toe next to your big toe was longer then you were most definitely a witch - and yes out of the whole class I was of course the only one. 

After the whole witch investigation we thought we'd take a look at the persecution of other marginals of society and lo and behold I would have also been punished for being a prostitute! Yes, not only do I have a toe longer than than my big toe, I also have a big gap between it and my middle three toes, they are joined together, which means I was destined from birth to be a whoring witch! There really wasn't much hope for me in the Early Modern period, I would have most likely have been drowned in the local witching pool or worse (fellow students had great fun deciding my fate). 

Thank goodness I was born in the 20th century, although being a witch could come in useful. I can think of a few situations where I could use some magic at the moment. 

So there you have it, probably the most random post I've ever written and the reason for my foot insecurity! If you catch me looking at your feet in the summer you now know why, I'm looking for my witchy partner in crime! Although, I'd like to thoroughly refute the prostitute claims!

Now, on that note my black cat and I are going to get some brunch, then get down to the office. On my broomstick of course!

Have a great Wednesday.

Amy

xx 

Linking up with Shanna, WIWW 

Spring Mornings

Over the last month a new routine has developed in the mornings. After dropping Megan to school, Honey and I stop at the common where she loves to run around chasing balls, sticks and birds off the lead. Simple things that give her so much pleasure after spending the beginning of her life chained up in a back yard. She's so easily pleased - a lot of love, food, cuddles and a play and she is one happy pup and this new morning routine has also done me a lot of good also. 

The landscape here in Wales is so beautiful and spending an hour in the morning with just the dog and the hills for company is helping by being a little bit of calm to what is  turning out to be a pretty dark place in our lives right now. It's a time and a place for reflection and contemplation, giving me hope that this storm will pass and we will still been standing at the end of it, just as these hills and our beautiful dogs who have seen so much hate and despair, yet are now flourishing in their new lives.



 

 

 

 



 The hills and the coast have always been powerful places for me to get away to. Where do you go to escape and clear your head?

 

Amy

xx

 

Linking up with Jess and Shanna

Productive Mornings & Pretty Things

 

 

I'm so relieved to get back to some sort of normality this morning. I haven't been able to work for six weeks due to my car accident and I've had Megan at home for almost four weeks due to her having tonsillitis and the Easter Holidays. Although I've enjoyed our days out and relaxed mornings I have been eager to get back to being organised and moving forward with my business and blog. After getting back behind the wheel and driving again towards the end of last week, the anxiety and stress made me feel very unwell this weekend. This morning though I am feeling much more confident and motivated and I have already taken on a new intern for the summer, which will be a welcome help as I try and manage a few projects.

 

I don't know about you but I love spring colours, I love having pretty things around me (especially notebooks and flowers) they help inspire me both personally and in my work. I will definitely be popping out to pick some pretty tulips later and looking at giving this little blog a makeover. It feels good to be back in the land of the living and I'm feeling positive about catching up with all I've missed the last six weeks.

 

 

What motivates you at the beginning of the week?

 

Amy xx

 

Linking up with Jess

 

**All images can be found on my Pinterest

 



Weekend Words

 

 

I love pinning quotes on Pinterest, I have a board devoted to them and they are my go-to when I'm needing some inspiration or a pick me up. Each Saturday I will be sharing one from my ever growing selection! Please feel free to check out my 'Quotes Board'.

 

 

Amy

xx

Lifestyle // Country Escape

 

I used to find Somerset too quiet and too claustrophobic. For the city girl in me it was empty with nothing going on and nothing within easy reach. These days that's exactly what I love about it, it's my escape and although it's the polar opposite of Cardiff with only one village shop, the relaxing appearance is deceptive as there's plenty going on if you take the time to look, especially at this time of year. 

This week I've laid outside listening to the neigh of the horses at the bottom of the garden, the birds singing and the tiny 'baas' of newborn lambs. We've taken daily walks down the lanes with the dogs at dusk, stopping to watch the sheep and spotting new lambs whilst watching the most beautiful sunsets framed by the hills and trees, alongside the smells of the spring flowers and wild garlic that's growing in masses at the side of the lane. 

We've enjoyed picnics and the girls have played out with the slide, hose pipe and trampoline, whilst the dogs have played for hours outside (and may have escaped out of the garden to neighbouring fields on more than one occasion). We have watched our pup grow in both size and confidence learning from Maya who has taken the most motherly of roles. 

I will always need the buzz of the city in my life, but the slower pace of the countryside is growing on me gives the children a wealth of experiences and opportunities to learn that you just don't get in the city. 

For now though I'm back in South Wales in time for the weekend and actually had to remind myself to check what day it was. I've definitely embraced the long, leisurely days and also the Prosecco and rugby-esque Easter eggs!

Enjoy your weekend.

Amy xx  

Days Out // Easter Fun

 

 

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend? How amazing was the weather? It felt like a summers day yesterday and it was so nice to be out in the fresh air with no coat or boots. 

We spent most of the weekend out and about with the dogs, Honey has come on so much in the two weeks since we've had her. She's doubled in size and is such an enthusiastic pup who thrives alongside our Husky, Maya. Maya also seems to be enjoying teaching her how to be naughty though, which resulted in five escapes from the garden yesterday and a lab pup now howling like a husky!

 

 

Above are just a few iPhone pictures from Easter Sunday and Monday. We spent a day exploring the Brecon Beacons and then stopped off at Sand Bay in Somerset on our way back on Monday. I'll be posting more on our day at Garwnant Visitor Centre when I've edited some photos, but i'm ashamed to say that I'd forgotten how beautiful Brecon was even though it has been on my doorstep for so many years. I'd truly recommend a visit if you're after a free day out in the fresh air and it was made all the more enjoyable with our pups.

 It looks like the beautiful weather is here to stay a bit longer and we are continuing to enjoy picnics in the garden and trips to the park to make the most of the school holidays. The girls are actually in their swimsuits playing on the slide with the hosepipe whilst I get on with some work. We really weren't expecting this beautiful weather for the holidays but we're very much enjoying it and looking forward to summer!

 

Amy

xx

 

Linking up with Shanna

 

 



Mixed Up Morning

My heart sank when the plumber text on Thursday to ask whether they good upgrade the gas to my new boiler at 8am this morning. I mean seriously, it's Easter weekend and my only opportunity to have a lie in as everyone else would be away this morning. I envisaged a lie in, relaxing bath and popping to the shops for a browse on my own, as cabin fever has well and truly hit after being in hospital and at home for over a month. 

But alas, I got up at 7am to clear the space they needed and now the pup and I are upstairs staying away from the plumbers. Pup isn't happy with the banging and drilling  and I have allowed her to curl up next to me on the bed. I however, just discovered that The Sword in the Stone is on the TV which made me so happy. My sister and I used to watch this at my grandparents house when we were kids and it brought back so many memories instantaneously. So here I am, no kids in the house watching a Disney classic on my bed, thinking about the amount of chocolate I'm going to consume this weekend, crafts we can do with the girls (I love the chick wreath above that I found on Etsy) and hoping that the dry weather will hold out so I can get to the shops a bit later without a car (not being able to drive this last month is driving me insane!). Maybe I should make the most of this time to tidy upstairs before everyone gets home later ....... **reaches for nail varnish**

Enjoy your Easter weekend whatever you're doing.

Amy xx