I Love You

I am lucky to have a husband who says I Love You many times each day.

But yesterday he said it in a lovely imaginative way!  He sent me an AmazeBox.

AmazeBox landed on doormat

AmazeBox is a little box that comes through the post with some treats inside.  Inside my box was a single red rose, a sweet smelling moisturiser and some yummy chocolates.

I love you - a special little sentence.  At our wedding we wanted our tables to have names so we called them "3 Words", "8 Letters" and "1 Meaning" all meaning I Love You.

We also had a Rose Ceremony straight after the wedding.  We exchanged single red roses as our first gifts as husband and wife.  The ceremony asks us to use roses as a reminder of our special day and if there are times when we are finding it hard to say the words we can use that single red rose to say those special 3 words "I Love You".

What a lovely idea, a little box of treats.

If you fancy 25% of an AmazeBox I have a referral code MSQ4G7

Enjoy! Love Mrs Brown xx

The little things

Hello! Long time, no speak.

I am not going to ramble on about being away or coming back, all I will say is that today I feel ready to write.

Today feels like a turning point, feels like I've been able to stop & take stock. Focus on the little things.

I seem to have glossed over the little things that keep me going.  I have been missing my zumba, my hair was in terrible need of a colour & cut, my skin was screaming out for a facial and my computer had been gathering dust.  The little things that make me feel "me" have been neglected.

Today I noticed that things were beginning to slip.  I was able to see what I needed to do!

My pick me up - repair kit

I got my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish from the back of the cabinet & gave my skin a freshen up.  The difference is incredible, my skin feels smooth & nourished.

Then I found a sample of shampoo & conditioner I have carted from the flat to here but had left it hiding in a drawer, probably never to be used!

But today I fancied a change, a pick me up.  My hair deserved it, my hair needed it!  So Tresemme Split Remedy to the rescue.  My hair feels silky smooth, it smells divine & looks much healthier.

No more split ends!

And I feel stronger, fresher & more together.  It's the little things that can make a big difference.

Love Mrs Brown xx

What have I been up to??

What have I been up to?

Good question!

I have been doing the stuff that must be done - like get washed, dressed, walk the dog, eat, go to work, etc, etc.  The stuff that keeps your life normal.

But that's about all I've managed.  Sometimes I just don't have the energy, the strength or even the will to do anything more.

So I have neglected my blog, I even stopped retweeting, I didn't check in on Facebook & Google reader - well apparently it is no more!  A little reminder that although I may have been standing still, social media and life in general never stops.

Slowly but surely I have been opening my mac again.  Dipping my toe into the world wide web again. Catching up with life.

And I think I'm ready to jump back in again.

Love Mrs Brown xx

I can see!

Hello, I can see you! Not in a creepy way, honest.

I can now see, thanks to my new glasses.

Last Friday I managed to get to the opticians.  I had been putting this off for a while, a few years to be precise.

Why put it off? Well, expense & choosing new glasses.  I did need new glasses my prescription has changed significantly & I have a new stigma - I have no idea what that all meant but I trust the optician.

Specsavers had the Buy one get one free offer so I took advantage & got myself not one new shiny pair but two!!  Now I have a choice again.

Hold on to you hats as I went for a change!  Hubby helped me choose which was good cos the sales people were nice but I do find it hard believe them when every pair looks lovely on you.

Gok Wan were my first choice.  I heard the collection was vintage inspired & hubby went straight for them in the shop.

Company Magazine said: 

GW by Gok Wan is a capsule collection of 30 stunning glasses. Think cool, retro designs inspired by decades past, from the 1940s right through to the 1970s. Using eye-accentuating colours such as ivory, caramel, navy and grey, coupled with discreet branding, the range oozes subtle glamour. 

I went for a gorgeous cats' eye shape a big change & still getting used to the statement they make when I wear them but I do love them.

My second pair are from Karen Millen & after trying on like what felt like every pair in the shop, these lovelies fit like a glove.  They also have a nod to the past & leopard print!  I decided to get Reaction lenses on these so this pair doubles as sun glasses - how very cool!

So what do you think?  You like my new glasses?

Love Mrs Brown xx

Sunday Social - Brought to you by the number two

Here we go again, its Sunday, so I'm being sociable!  A little later than usual but still linking up with the hostess' with the mostestesses - I know it's not even a word! ;-)  It's Ashley & Neely with this week's questions.

This week is sponsored by the number Two.

If you were stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have?

Are we talking practical or just crazy wants?
Practical (I'm thinking I could survive for longer if I had these as long as there was food as well of course)
1. A good supply of razors - or else I'd end up like a hairy animal!
2. Music - preferably 80s or cheesy pop would see me through the long days
Crazy Want
1. iPhone - to call home lol
2. a hair dryer - my hair looks greasy if I let it dry naturally

What are the two TV shows you'd watch over and over?

1. Got to be Grey's Anatomy - I am addicted.  Plus sooooooo much happens in each episode I never get tired of it. Drama, medical stuff & hot doctors what more could a girl ask for!

2. My second choice is not so clear cut.  I think at mo I would have to say New Girl - it's my new obsession & seen a few repeats already & still find them funny! It's Jess!

If your house was on fire what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?

Sadly I know I would go for my phone & my laptop - it would be a big loss to me to lose both of these.  My mum did have a house fire, I wasn't in at the time, but everything can be replaced nowadays even photos & memories.

What are your two favourite articles of clothing?

Scarfs! I wear one everyday, even though it doesn't comply with uniform policy.  I need a scarf!

What are your two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?

This one sticks in my mind.  Use your time wisely.


Not in the last year but also sticks in my mind - had the cinema to myself & loved Michelle's take on Marilyn.

What are your two biggest guilty pleasures?

1. Galaxy minstrels but I don't like labelling chocolate as guilty pleasure so I'd say cheesy 80s music (two in one line, I must really like the number two)
2. Buying yarn because it's pretty even though I have too much already - I do the same with shoes!

Love Mrs Brown xx

Sunday Social

Sunday comes round so quickly these days! That time again where I link up with Ashley & Neely for Sunday Social.

This week the theme to the questions is We're Getting Deep

What is your ideal way to relax?

Walking the dog or meditating
Listening to music also soothes me - weirdly though I have to plan to relax, doesn't happen naturally very often.

Where is your favourite place to be?

By the sea - even on a freezing cold windy day in Scotland I love the beach or my bed!

Who do you consider your biggest role model?

Stumped - not really sure I have one

What does you life look like in 3 years?

Happy.
Maybe a wee kiddie? Oh I've said that out loud now.

If you could go back & change one decision what would it be?

I think if I ponder this one too much I could get quite deep but I think the best answer for me would be Everything happens for a reason.  You may not know the reason now or ever so I don't want to change that big master plan for me!

What is you biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

This is a funny one for me as recovering from depression you need to learn to accept lots of little accomplishments along the way.  I used to say getting my degree but honestly there was days (not so long ago) when my biggest accomplishment was getting dressed.  My fire & glass walk has also got to be high up the list.

Enjoy what's left of your Sunday,

Love Mrs Brown xx

Week of 3s - Sunday Social

Happy Sunday!

My first Sunday Social in our new home. I want to get a blogging schedule going & Sunday Social gives me a chance each week to post & answer some great questions so you can get to know me a little better.

This week is the week of 3s.

Top 3 favourite kinds of food

1. Italian foods - pasta, pizza, garlic, gelato
2. Bread - I have a weakness for freshly baked bread & we got a bread maker for Xmas so be making our own now!

3. Mexican - this love affair started in America - tacos, chilli, chipotle!

First 3 things you do in the morning

1. Switch off my alarmS (I need a few snoozes!) on my phone, I also check for any messages or tweets

2. Say good morning to my Bailey Boy

3. Go to the loo!

Last 3 things you do at night

1. Take my night time tablets

2. Get washed & changed for bed

3. Check my alarm is set for the morning then roll over & sleep ..... that's the plan anyway!

3 TV Shows you NEVER miss

1. Eastenders

2. Greys Anatomy (although now wait & get all on DVD)

3. RiverCity - a Scottish soap, just love the accents & humour of it!

3 Places you want to visit

This one is easy - we have these 3 places drawn into this picture

1. Florida
2. New Zealand
3. Canada

3 people you can always count on

1. My hubby
2. My doggy - yes he counts
3. Myself - I'm stronger than I look!

Enjoy your Sunday! 

Love Mrs Brown xx

Moving House

We are moving house!

Moving week has finally arrived.  We have been living with boxes for what feels like ages now but it is now really happening - we are moving house!

I've looked at moving checklists, moving tips, change of address list - I've searched online many at time for some inspiration or organisation to this move.  But there is only so much you can do before the big moving day and there is a limit to how organised we can be.

I like organisation, hubby likes clean & tidy so we are both really struggling to get our head around these past coupe of weeks living with boxes, packaging & stuff just lying all over the already cramped flat.

You wouldn't believe the amount of stuff we have accumulated over the past 4 years in our wee flat.  We had several clear outs & several trips to the dump! & still we have enough stuff to fill 3 cars & a lorry!

This is how I imagine move day!

We have had some good times here, and some not so good times.  This is the flat we first moved in together.  This is the place we decided to get a hamster.  Then we decided the flat was big enough for a dog. Our first home as a married couple but just not big enough for what we have planned.  Moving on to better things.

Onwards & upwards.

I may be a little quiet over the next few days due to the move & getting our internet connection sorted in the new house.  So I will leave you with some pictures of the chaos we have been living in! & my biggest tip for moving:

Don't take anything you don't really need - be brutal with the clear out.  Remember you have more stuff than you think you have!! Oh and start early!!!

We've been playing Spot the Dog in all the mess, good game eh?

See you soon in the new house!!

Love Mrs Brown xx

(a lot of exclamation marks in this post but forgive me I am a little excited)

First Ever Sunday Social

My First Sunday Social

It's about getting together, getting to know some new people & being sociable.

So here's some answers to this weeks questions so you can start getting to know me a bit better.

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year?

YES! Recently my eating habits have been slipping so I wanna get things back on track with eating decent foods instead of snacking on rubbish! Moving into our new home I plan on putting our new kitchen which is double the size of our present kitchen to good use! I also have a new bread maker & new food processor so they will definitely be influencing my food choices in the coming months.

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays?

My tip would be "Work Out".  Just do something.  If you want to see a change in your body, you have to change what you do with it! I have tried many workouts & it really is true if you do something you enjoy you are more likely to stick at it! My fave at the moment is Zumba at my local class.  I also wrote about a review about Nike Fuelband.

3. Favourite thing you did over the Holidays?

We played the game we got our nieces for Xmas - Don't Say It!  All the family round the table playing games is great.  Best part was a 5 year old trying to describe a Goat. The clue was it goes "Grrrr" We were all stumped! It was such fun & a lovely memory of the girls understanding the game quicker than the Grandparents!

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2013 that you did not in 2012?

Probably something that is in the air a lot this time of year.  Weight Loss.  I started off well on my journey last year then went a stray gonna make 2013 my year to do it.

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why

Moving House - because we've been waiting for this move so long!! Plus the move will open up so many new exciting things for us in 2013.

My 30th Birthday - growing up this year!

Our first BBQ in our new garden - hopefully we'll have some sunshine this summer so we can really enjoy the garden

Blog Awards

"I have nominated you for a blog award."

Probably the best comment you could receive on your blog, right??

I was very excited, I mean me, a blog award! I have only been rambling on here for 6 months - really an award?

Well ........

A lovely wee logo but what does it mean?

I was nominated by Miya Loves a pretty blog following the Life, Loves & Likes of a blooming beauty. She has beautifully outlined the rules of the award.  I have to answer some questions & pass it on. Right.

I was then also nominated by Teaching with a Fashion a fashion loving third grade teacher.  On her blog she explains the origins are a mystery but that Liebster means "favourite" so it's like nominating your favourite blog.

Great.  It's an award nice award from where, who knows but pass it on to your favourite people.

What a lovely idea!!  The cynical me just couldn't rest with that so off to google I go!

1,690,000 results!! 

WOW I'm in good company with this blog award

Okay so the dictionary I looked up said Liebster was German & definitely a word of endearment. 

So ............

I accept!!

Liebster Award Rules

• Thank the person that nominated you
• Write 11 facts about yourself
• Answer 11 questions asked when nominated
• Nominate 11 blogs with less than 200 followers
• Ask them 11 more questions
• Go to the blogger page & let them know you have nominated them!

Kinda like a tag game, or link up but with a pretty button & a massive acceptance speech! 

Bear with me guys - it's for an award.

11 FACTS

1. I am Scottish but was born in Germany ( my dad was in Royal Air Force so based abroad when I was little)
2. I say I am 5ft 3inches but I am really only 5ft 1 (Size really does matter to some girls!)
3. I have 2 tattoos (& want loads more!)
4. I got my tongue pierced when I was 16 years old
5. My eyes are blue
6. I am on the donor register (Useful thing to know guys!)
7. I was a highland dancer for 11 years.
8. I won the Robert Burns Competition at school for singing when I was 11yrs old
9. I have a letters after my name BSc & RD (posh, eh?)
10. I don't really like chocolate - shock horror
11. I love 80s music & cheesy pop

PHEW - that was harder than it looks!

11 Answers to Questions asked by Teaching with a Fashion

Decided you have to go to her blog to find out the questions, more fun having random list of answers!!

1. To be a paediatrician 
2. Yes, I just 'knew' when I met my hubby
3. Would be New Zealand - not been yet
4. Knitting
5. Speak a foreign language
6. Both but better at Singing
7. Dirty Dancing
8. Online
9. Not into Sports
10. My hubby
11. In our new house!!

11 Answers to Questions asked by Miya Loves

1. No
2. I have 3 penalty points on my driving license!
3. Spring
4. Quiet
5. To get back into my Duchess Sating Coast Dress
6. A doggy, called Bailey
7. Learning new things
8. Grey's Anatomy
9. Knitting
10. Scotland 
11. June 2012

Now to ask my 11 questions - I feel a mix of these two is perfect!

1. When did you start your blog?
2. Describe one goal for 2013
3. Do you have any pets?
4. What was your childhood dream?
5. Do you believe in love at first sight?
6. Are you a Dancer or a Singer?
7. What is your favourite movie?
8. Do you prefer online or in store shopping?
9. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
10. What is your favourite hobby?
11. Diet Coke or Pepsi Max?

Now to pass it on, to 11 blogs that deserve a real award! Check these ladies out.

Please note you if you are on my list I think you are a darling, a sweetheart.  Please remember that when you start writing your acceptance speech!!

The Adventures of Ally

The Curved Opinion

Unevenlemming Beauty

A dress is for life

Bringing along OCD

She's Electric

Sunny Days R'Love

ashLeenikol

The Broderie

Share the Love

Tea Tree

DONE!!

What a year! Part 2

I started my round of What of a year! Part 1 but only got half way through before I felt we needed a comfort break!
To recap we are half way through 2012, my mood has lifted, I am back at work, I've started a blog & I've been married a whole year, okay?

July

I went looking for a car & ended up buying one! That was one expensive window shopping trip.  Of course New Car Equals Road Trip.

New car smell & banging tunes - great combo!

August

I am settling in well at work, getting used to the office & patients again when I get a bout of toothache.  This is the kinda pain that stops you in your tracks.  I bite the bullet & decide I have to see a dentist, not an easy decision when you have Dentophobia.  I manage to pluck up the courage & they some how talk me into coming back - cue my Reoccurring Dental Nightmare! I have to say though I am very proud of myself for finally facing my fear & getting my oral health back on track.  I have a few more sessions before I am classed as 'dentally fit' (yes, apparently that is a term in the industry) but I am well on my way to a celebrity worth smile.

September

My birthday month.  Another year older. My work colleagues really pushed out the boat & made me Cola Cupcakes!! I have a bit of a diet coke addiction, something I am hoping may be part of my new years resolutions, if I make any!

They were delicious!!

October

Ahhh my first holiday of the year & I crank up my knitting again.  

My first Brown family holiday! My first time travelling as Mrs Brown! Just before we go on holiday we accept an offer on the flat - We are Under Offer!! & we are now on the move.

November
My second holiday of the year! Another first, this time my first time flying business class.  I think it suits me!!  Also my first time in Turkey & my first time on going out with Mr Brown for business with his colleagues.  A lovely break but I did bring along a bit of anxiety on holiday.

Then my proudest achievement of 2012 - my Glass & Fire Walk for Charity.  Enough said! Just goes to show I can do anything I put my mind too!

We are getting there I promise!!

December

A milestone - I have been back to work following long term sickness with depression & anxiety for 6 months.  I am proud of myself & how I am Dealing with my depression.

I wrote a guest blog post for Black Dog Tribe - Loving Someone with Depression.

We have a new house & move in 14 days!!

And some how I managed to squeeze in another holiday before Christmas in Prague!

So as I wave a fond farewell to 2012 - I say "What a Year!"

Bring on 2013!

What did you do in 2012? What does 2013 hold for you?

Love Mrs Brown xx