10 cheap dates for nature lovers

Hey readers,

I am a big fan of being outdoors as quite claustrophobic and it got me to thinking about date ideas to do with nature lovers. So, here are my top 10 date ideas for the nature lovers out there.

1. Stargazing.

A lovely way to spend an evening with someone outside (unless it is raining) is to get a throw to go somewhere grassy have some drinks and star gazing. it is so peaceful and calm.

2. Nature scavenger hunt.

 A quirky date to do outdoors is to print a nature scavenger hunt and go someplace that is full of nature. A fun thing to do as well competes with one another and it is a great way to connect with someone.

3. Walk in the woods.

I love trees, they are just so beautiful so going to woods is in my eyes totally escapism. It is the beautiful natural environment and it just enjoyable disconnect from everything for a little while with someone.

4. Go hiking.

If you like a challenge and have the stamina then try going on a trek, it is a great way to do something that you have to work hard physically and feel really good after.

5. Outdoor picnic.

During the more milder seasons, a brilliant idea is to get some lunch food and a blanket again if you look locally there are plenty of places you explore. if you have the funds then maybe go further afield and look for somewhere that is eye pleasing. it will make a really good day out and you can't beat eating Al fresco, food just tastes much more enjoyable being out in the fresh air.

6. Go geocaching. 

If you have a smart phone download the free app geocaching where you use the map to locate containers called geocaches or catch at a specific location where you use coordinates to find it, which is basically a fun treasure hunt. You did need to have a GPS device to play, but everything is free just need to type the location and a map will appear of where the geocaches are for you to find. 

7. Go to the beach.

Alternatively to green type locations why not check out the beach with golden sand and watching the waves come crashing down is a fantastic place to chill out to someone.

8. Have a BBQ.

 Another fine Al fresco choice to do on a date outdoors is to have a BBQ in your back garden or some a place that allows BBQ, but be best to check beforehand instead of turning up to a place disappointed. 

9. Rent a bike.

You don't need to own a bike to enjoy bike rides as there are places now that cater to people loaning bikes for the day, which is awesome to go on a bike ride with someone. Also, check out places that allow bikes too as there many facilities that offer people riding bikes. 

10. Attend a festival.

This more apt for summer but check out where you live, as for instance I live in Coventry and every year they host a three day festival in August that has free music gigs outdoors in the beautiful Memorial park. 

What kind of date ideas do you like to do outdoors?

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Snapshot 03/02/2019

Change

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:

This is because I've had a couple of changes and that something I struggle with. but hey go carry on and all the stuff. 

My youngest had an awful cough and was sick because of the mucus. His temp was also up and on Monday he was like death. So he had a couple of days to recuperate.  

Also, this week both my boys had the opportunity of parents coming to have lunch with them. Sadly my youngest was sick but my eldest was fine so he had the choice of mummy and daddy. 

So he picked me eek was expecting that. Still, even though my anxiety was through the roof I did it by myself so was that slightly nerve-wracking. my eldest was also very tense and anxious so I something to focus on to try and keep him calm. 

He also is not good with the change to routine and he doesn't like the noise which was a lot more now that there were more people than normal in the dinner Hall. 

Anyhow, hope you have had a good week 

Cheers for reading. X

100 things that make me happy.

Hey readers, 

As someone who suffers from depression, it can be tough going and sometimes it can be hard. That is why just seeing some simple pleasures can really brighten your day up. Also, I personally can come back to this post when I am having a downer and reflect on things that make me happy. 

100 things that make me happy. 

1) The smell of fresh grass. 

2) Sunsets. 

3) Sunrises.

4) Witty puns.

5) Belly laughs.

6) Hot coffee.

7) Cracking your neck.

8) Listening to your favourite song.

9) Soaking your muscles in hot water.

10) Caccooning yourself with the quilt in bed.

11) Heated Blanket.

12) Summer evening walks.

13) Thrilling book.

14) A gentle breeze.

15) Taking an afternoon nap.

16) Lying on the grass and looking at the clouds.

17) Having a picnic.

18) Stargazing.

19) Thunderstorms.

20) Being cosy inside when the rain hits hard on the window.

21) Jumping in muddy puddles.

22) Hot shower.

23) Ice cream.

24) Watching the bubbles forming in a lava lamp.

25) Bare feet on grass.

26) Hearing the right song at the right moment.

27) Realising you have more time to sleep in the bed.

28) People watching.

29) Walking in the countryside.

30) Being at the seaside.

31) Eating fish and chips at the beach.

32) Jumping waves on the beach.

33) Smelling the sea air.

34) A good old workout.

35) Blowing bubbles with kids.

36) Hot towels straight from the drier.

37) Watching children giggle and play.

38) Sleeping in on a rainy day.

39) Being a passenger on a drive in the dark.

40) Sitting on a hill. 

41) Having a candle burn. 

42) Incense sticks burning. 

43) Taking your shoes off after a long day. 

44) The smell of freshly baked bread. 

45) Climbing into bed with fresh sheets.

46) Writing an ace blog post. 

47) Getting a compliment.

48) Turning over the pillow and laying on the cold spot. 

49) Putting your feet out of the bed.

50) Stopping and smelling a flower. 

51) Feeling the sun radiate on your face. 

52) Having a cup-a-soup. 

53) Getting fresh air. 

54) Emptying the wash basket. 

55) Pottering about.

56)Putting washing on the line.

57) Mcdonalds banana milkshake. 

58) Stroking a cat. 

59) The sound of birds singing. 

60) Stretching your back. 

61) Having all your clothes hung up nicely in the wardrobe. 

62) Taking a nap in the sun. 

63) Feeling safe. 

64) A bacon sandwich. 

65) A rollercoaster ride. 

66) Getting a ton books out from the library. 

67) Having a brain wave. 

68) Having a good old cry. 

69) Buying some daffodils. 

70) Watching daffodils open up and brighten a room. 

71) Blossoms. 

72) Autumn leaves.

73) Kicking through crunchy leaves. 

74) Stripping off a face mask. 

75) Fluffy socks. 

76) Wearing a dressing gown when it is cold.

77) Hot water bottle. 

78) Eating al fresco. 

79) Cleaning out the lint from the drier in one single swipe. 

80) Fairy lights. 

81) Twinkling Christmas lights.

82) Watching Fail Army on youtube.

83) Squishing playdoh.

84)Watching a stand-up comedian. 

85) Seeing a rainbow. 

86) Fuffy clouds. 

87) Buying a new packet of colouring pens. 

88) Buying something in the sale. 

89) Housetops covered in frost.

90) A field covered with untouched snow. 

91) Writing out a proper letter. 

92) Finding some money in your pocket.

93) Walking through a forest. 

94) Learning a new skill. 

95) Chocolate. 

96) Peeling of nail polish in a single strip. 

97) Spotting a full moon. 

98) Blow drying your hair. 

99) Not feeling guilty for saying no. 

100) Emptying your spam folder. 

What are your simple pleasures?

Cheers for reading X 

Things not to say to an autistic person.

Hey readers,

As a person with autism, it can be frustrating at times talking to people about my condition as they have these preconceived ideas about what it must be like for me. Here is a list of things that I think don't need to be said to an autistic person like myself.

1.  You don't look autistic?

I got a feeling that a lot of autistic people have had this said to them. It is so frustrating because assume autistic people either sit and rock in a corner somewhere or are Rain Man, which I am neither extreme. Autism is a spectrum condition and it affects people differently and at different times. Not to mention that autism is constantly fluctuates depending on the circumstances and mindset of the person with autism.

2. Rain Man.

Like I said above some people assume you are Rain Man or you can excel in maths or computer studies. Yet again this is not me, I am not really good at either and enjoy fashion, ummm what about then.

3. Girls.

The amount of people who think autism affects only males is shocking. Ok, the thing is with the whole diagnosis is it is a bit outdated let's be honest. 

When we look at the criteria it is hard to see the complexities as its focus on certain characteristics and autism does not always correspond in that way. Because girls get diagnosed a lot later than the male counterparts they have to survive and that is where masking comes in, hence why they say girls are better at it, but that is one of the reasons why. 

Masking is basically mimicking the behaviour that the individual has observed someone do. The downside to this coping mechanism is that it is restrictive behaviour. The autistic person is not able to adjust if something changes because again you haven't learnt that pattern. The changes are you don't know what you are doing just basically blagging in order to try to fit in. I know because I still do it now and fail often.

4. Adults and autism.

A classic assumption is that children, once they reach adulthood magically, do not have autism anymore. People believe that the condition just vanishes overnight and the person when they reach adulthood can somehow function normally. 

However, I can assure you that this is not the case as autism still affects me and many more autistic adults. Autism is a condition that you have for the rest of your life, though you can create coping mechanisms to help manage living in a neurotypical world. 

I think this assumption is down to the fact sadly that there is little information or research was done on adulthood, yet but I feel optimistic that in the future there is more awareness about autistic adults.

5. Empathy.

People assume that a person with autism is cold and has no empathy. Yes, we do struggle with emotions and putting emotions in the wrong context etc. However, there have been times when I have been too empathetic with someone and literally felt their pain go through my body.

6. You can't have relationships. 

Yes, relationships of any variety are hard but I am married still going strong and raising two boys. It can be done with a lot of patience and understanding, it does not come easy and definitely not a smooth ride but if you work at it then it can be obtainable. 

Cheers for reading X

The A to Z of Valentines

Hey readers,

Love is in the air....well it is in the shops with all the Valentines paraphilia everywhere. So, for a little light-hearted read. I thought I would breakdown Valentines with an A to Z of everything you need to know about the love event and how I view Valentine's day, not everyone will agree, but hey ho it is all a bit of fun right.

A - admirer you say?  no change of any admiration around here just my boys waking me at God forseen hour of the day to get up and make breakfast. Let's get this day rolling. 

B - ballons apparently, red and bright and that pop in your face.

C - chocolate is not something I would put my nose up, chocolate for days, chocolate saves lives. Chocolate is love. 

D - dear you look so sexy when you fall to sleep and dribble like that it gets me so excited. Keeping it real is key to a happy and long term relationship.

E - embrace the fact that we don't bother now after 10  years, love is now when husband sprays air freshener when he has had a poo, who needs flowers and cards to waste money on.

F - fourteenth February for some, just standard day may even push the boat and hubby makes me a tea, ooo the luxury.

G - gifts are apparently a thing for Valentines, the only gifts I want is a lie in, please.

H - handsome devil yes you are.

I - I hate you, is so underrated.

J - jokes about the last one.

K - kiss not when you burp in my face.

L - laughing is the key to my heart.

M - morning because it is a normal day in this household.

N - nob I say under my breathe as hubby flicks through the channels while watching one thing and then watching something else.

O - opportunity to give a passive aggressive comment because I like to keep my love real as we know relationships are tough and are not just for one day to make it all magical. 

P - perfect is something unattainable.

Q - questionable is my sanity, who needs love when your mind is intact.

R - roses are so red, I am mad, everything is messed, let me go to bed.

S - sorry I forgot to empty the washing machine, but it is Valentine's day and I still love you.

T - tulips are my preferred flower of the day.

U - unreal for thinking valentines is about love, let's face it all this valentines stuff is commercialism at its finest.

V - My view of my family is perfect. I am so lucky to have all the love I need.

W - work harder to hide the remote, to stop you from flicking through channels, grrr.

X -  xxx please empty the bin.

Y - yours truly who has to clean your pants up from the bedroom floor. 

Z - zzzz darling, I may kick you in the pack for snoring.

Lots of love to you and don't get too bogged down in the love, just remember to be happy. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 27/01/2019