Small, happy aaaand happy new year!!



Happy New Year to every one of you!!

I hope this year is full of love, laughter and exciting new things for us all!

Thanks for reading (I appreciate it so, so much) and I wish all the best to all of you!

A few of the many highlights of the year include going to Paris, the World Cup in Brazil, seeing my family in Portugal, qualifying as a teacher and moving in with my boyfriend. I need to reflect and look back but right now I'm faaaaar too busy eating Mexican food and waiting for the fireworks (before promptly going to bed #partyanimal).

Here's to 2015! 

Sophia x

Small, happy and a winter walk!

So this weekend my sister and I decided to make our Dad happy (season of giving and all that) and go on a little winter's drive in the beautiful Peak District!

As you can tell, I've always been shy and retiring..


Sister selfie!


This was slightly, blurry but all the others had my sister with a frothy lip! Master photographer right here...


Would you look at this view?! I honestly feel like I'm in Frozen! Although my Olaf was at home in bed in plush form, not bouncing around making jokes! This was the view as far as the eye could see when we took a quick, impromptu drive up to Derbyshire this past Sunday. 

It's so nice to be home and to appreciate the beauty around us. It makes you feel in awe really to know that this beauty is completely natural #gettingdeephere

I love being in Altrincham but Sheffield offers this beauty that is so accessible. It's wonderful and it just made my mind so clear and calm to see this peaceful view. It was nice to just stand there, take it and have some time to reflect. 

This is such a weird time of year, between new year and Christmas where the days all run into each other but I must admit I love it! How are you spending them? Any fun NYE plans?!

I'm planning a Mexican fiesta at home with my sister and our boyfriends! Haha very traditional! 

Sophia x


Small and Happy's Christmas!




Merry Christmas one and all!

I hope you had a fabulous, delicious and restful time with your friends, families, pets, partners, whoever and are enjoying this weekend (extra time off!).  We've had snow here so today entailed a trek to Morrison's (for emergency almond milk and carrots!) and more shovelling than a murderer on a dark night!

I shall move swiftly away from that slightly morbid comparison and back to the festivities!  I didn't take many pictures because I'm not a picture person at the best of times but also because I was spending quality time away from my phone and with my favourite people (and my family too....hehe!)

As an adult child of divorce, the festive period can appear to be a tricky sea to navigate but luckily my family is at a place where we can still all spend it together and these last few Christmases have been some of the happiest we've ever had.  I genuinely mean that, I'm not sugar coating it and saying that it's all perfect, but everyone is in a much better place and that has a knock on effect with us all.

Despite this, I know my sister (the taller one, obvs, hence the blog name!) wouldn't mind me saying this, but she is not in the best place with her own mental health and personal worries at the minute so the fact that everyone can come together and get on and enjoy each other's company was honestly the best gift I could have hoped for!!  But alongside that I got some lovely books to sink my teeth into (The Luminaries, The Miniaturist to name a few),some domesticy presents and some of these fabulous adult colouring books that are taking the world (well, Waterstones, so my world in effect) by storm to do in my spare time.


I also aim to treat myself in the sales at some point but it will all be happening online because I can't stand shopping at the best of times!  Helloooooo ASOS petite..

Anyway before my bank account takes a hitting, I have movies to watch and blogs to read so I'm going to stop rambling on!  How were your Christmases?  Any amazing gifts?  What was the best part of your Christmas dinner?  Any plans for NYE?

Sophia x

Small, happy and the things that make Christmas!


It's Christmas Eve!! 

Are we getting excited yet?! I know I am! I've been desperately trying to shift a cold alongside going to the dentist so it's not been the most jolly and festive of run ups but I am a determined Christmas celebrator (is this a word?!)  so I thought to help send my Christmas excitement into overdrive I would list some of the things that really make me feel jolly and goodwill to all men-y...

1/ Seeing the tree and all the beautiful decorations. Everywhere just looks nicer at this time of year and it makes me feel all magical and sparkly and excited inside. Even the most mundane places look a bit snazzier and it always makes me think about the people who took the time to make their office, supermarket, post office or wherever look a little bit shinier and bright and I think it's so nice that collectively we all enjoy doing that. 

2/ Planning and buying (and wrapping!). While this is arguably the most stressful part( have I remembered everyone? Aaah my budget has disappeared quicker than a mince pie out in front my grandma!) once all the presents are bought I usually sit back and think, no matter whether they love these presents or not the most important thing is that we will all be together and enjoying each other's company and that always calms me. I suppose it's the perfectionist and ultimate nurturer in me that wants everyone to be as happy as can be and to enjoy what they've received and avoid the awkwardness of having to pretend they like gifts but I need to remember that that is not all of my responsibility!

3/ The music! Buble! Obviously one cannot live on Michael alone (though many would try) so I have really enjoyed cultivating a more varied Christmas playlist this year meaning I can still enjoy all the classics but perhaps I can intersperse them with some different cover versions and artists so I can maximise festive listening without getting bored!! It really just gives a bit more of a Christmassy atmosphere listening to songs waxing lyrical about snow and love and chestnuts roasting and all that jazz, don't cha think?

4/ The food! All of the cooking shows offered up by our various chefs get my beyond excited! Even though I am nowhere near taking on Christmas dinner duties I have officially been given Brussel sprouts responsibility so perhaps this shows that I am truly on the first rung of the festive cooking ladder... It is always so exciting going to my grandma's because while she is too old (read lazy) to do everything from scratch (her words not mine by the way!) she can set a table so well it's as if the one and only Martha Stewart has possessed her and the confetti fairy has come along to visit too. If this wasn't very clear, basically she makes a rocking table. This holds true for Easter and any important family occasion.

5/ The general family experience! That old chestnut eh? No one's day goes perfectly, despite what their tweets, instagrams or Facebook updates wish you to believe. Putting different generations together along with a combination of alcohol and high expectations always leads to a few awkward riffs or two, or even a blowout if you're really unlucky/inebriated. However, in my experience there's nothing a good sleep whilst watching some festive tv can't heal. My advice if you have a family like mine is, keep the men away from the kitchen and your mother away from the wine!
(Sorry, mum!) Whatever happens on this day, try and appreciate being together, it is so rare for most families and especially if you have older relatives, be extra loving and caring. We never know how long we have with the people who are closest to us so never end a day full of anger or hate towards someone (even if they did cheat in that last round of cluedo..)

Anyway, I am now feeling fantastically festive (and alliterative apparently) after thinking about the things that really make Christmas and I can't wait to chill out today on the sofa before celebrating the big day tomorrow!

What makes Christmas for you? How do you celebrate? Any cute, quirky traditions in your family? If love to know!

Merry Christmas to all, may your days be merry and bright!

Sophia

Small, happy and the WANDERLUST tag!


I absolutely love travel. Love love love it. As soon as I'm back from one trip I get that desperate urge to be planning something else. I know it's bad to spend your life counting down to events and I should be savouring every moment etc etc and I do, but counting down to a trip just makes evey day so exciting!!

I've been lucky through my degree and choice of work that I have quite a few weeks off work throughout the year and as such travel addiction can be fed and is only growing the more places I see!

So let's kick this off, the wanderlust tag! I've seen this floating around on a few blogs and vlogs so I just had to give it a whirl!

Let's set off...

1. Where was your first plane to?
It will have been to Faro, Portugal. Being half Portuguese I have all my mum's side of the family there so we go every year to see them all. The first time being as a two month old on my very first plane! I'd liked to imagine that I was a perfectly behaved baby the whole time. Seeing as I've never heard anything to the contrary and yet I've heard many a relative laugh about how my sister was such a crier I'll take that to mean that I was a little travel pro from the get go!

2. Where have you travelled to that you'd love to visit again?
Easiest question I've ever been asked, New York, I would go tomorrow if I could. And the next day, and the next day...

3. You're leaving tomorrow, money is no object. Where are you going?
I kind of answered this in the second question but I'll expand it to say I'd do an American tour and then end in the Maldives!

4. Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or car?
I like how with planes you can pretty much go anywhere, however the faff of security and the effects of long haul travel aren't my favourite parts of travel at all! I like the ease of trains, you can get up, wander around and you can watch through the windows to see where you're going. Plus they don't dent my bank account as much as planes do!

5. Favourite travel website?
I love sta travel, purely because being under 26 this is where I book all my flights for my big exciting trips so I always associate it with big adventures!!

6.  Where would you travel just to eat the food?
Hmm, this is hard. I'd love to go to Japan and try all of their sushi and sashimi and ramen. In fact yeah, that wasn't hard at all, Japan!

7. Is there a place you would never go again?
This year whilst in Brazil we popped down to the Iguazu falls which were pretty amazing,however I've seen them now and the area they're in offer nothing else to see really so I probably wouldn't go there again.

8. Can you recite your passport number from memory?
I reckon I could have a good go and get about 50% of the numbers right so probably not a risk I'd be willing to take!

9. Do you prefer the window, middle or aisle seat?
I have the world's smallest bladder so aisle seat every time. One of the easiest ways to piss off a total stranger is clambering over them for the fourth time that hour to 'nip to the loo' while they're trying to sleep.

10. How do you pass the time on the air plane?
Reading, watching inflight entertainment, writing my diary, bugging my travel buddy and asking him lots of boring, lengthy questions. And then getting sad when he mysteriously falls asleep...


If anyone else has done this tag let me know, I love reading these things!

Sophia x

PS - It's almost Christmas!!

Small, happy and graduating...AGAIN!



So throwback to 2012 and here I am tossing my lovely mortar board up in the air upon graduating with a first class honours degree in Psychology from the University of Liverpool. I will interject to add that this photo was a fifth attempt so it means a lot in several ways! Here it was July and I'd just gotten back from Thailand so I was sporting a very nice tan if I do say so myself and feeling immensely proud.

Flash forward to today where I did the whole thing again. Less tanned mind you, a bit chillier, but still very proud, happy and inspired. Today, I graduated again, officially, this time as a primary school teacher. All those early morning get ups dragging myself to placements, the endless observations, lesson plans, targets, naughty children (really selling it right?!) all came down to this moment. To
this day where I can officially teach and do what I really do love, despite those earlier grumbles.

Today is the official start of my professional journey.  Yes, I've been working and teaching and have a class but today's ceremony really kind of kicked it off! I've had my photo (where the man even rearranged my rings?!) and I've made it up the stairs and across the stage to get my certificate without falling and all I can feel is so proud of myself for sticking with it.

Not just the PGCE but the everyday grind of how difficult this job can be. I have had my mind widely opened to the incredibly diverse situations our children are living in. Some children have it all, both materially and emotionally, some children are deprived, in every sense of the word. Deprived of love, support and even sometimes, basic care.

I am aware that I'm not a social worker and their home life is not my responsibility. However, what today means for me is that I have the power to affect change in these children's day to day lives. It is difficult and sometimes I get nowhere. But sometimes I get somewhere and if those children can feel safe and cared for and passionate about learning because of my presence, that is surely a reason to celebrate, no?

At this point I would like to add the the University (Leeds, by the way) clearly didn't think so as they only put on tea, coffee and TAP WATER for our reception! I mean I'm not asking for Moët et Chandon (I wouldn't ask them to take it back either but hey ho) but some prosecco, cava or hell, even a throwback wkd wouldn't have gone amiss in this celebratory occasion!

But perhaps I am just tapping into what is truly wrong with British society that we need alcohol to celebrate. In all fairness they did have sausage roll shaped things that were actually stuffed with cranberries, so perhaps that was meant to be jolly enough...

My grandma certainly didn't think so when she loudly declared, 'where's my sausage?! I wanted some meat!' So perhaps she thought today was a pretty big deal too...

Anyone else graduating in Decmeber?!

If you are congrats and wrap up haha!

Sophia

Small and happy's silent Saturday #2



The beautiful Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper girl in a gorgeous, snowy New York. Isn't this photo just perfection?!

Small and happy's Disney Friday. TOP 5 FILMS.

So, after my second week in my new job I am happy, feeling rewarded and exhausted and about a a million other emotions. Kind of goes hand in hand with teaching I suppose. But anyway, because of my silly busy-ness I haven't done a Disney Friday for a while. I've had this in my drafts for too long but kept holding it back because I couldn't agree with myself on what my favourite of Disney's animations are! But here are the top 5 as they stand (right now!):

The Lion King

This is just classic on so many levels. I really feel like the music in this film puts the movie on another level. Every single song is fantastic, catchy and beautifully animated. Not only this but the story (based on Hamlet, so extra cultural points there!) is brilliant and manages to be both hilarious and uplifting as well as incredibly moving and at points just down right distressing (anyone over Mufasa yet?!)

The characters are great. Zazu ( a hilarious Rowan Atkinson) and Scar (possibly the best villain in a Disney movie?) are just two stand outs for me.

This is a timeless classic and is a true example of Disney at its toe tapping, emotional, magical best.

The Little Mermaid


I'm going to say the most stereotypical thing ever as a girl and admit and I love mermaids ( I also love the colour pink so there you go!) Like any girl watching Ariel swim around with that amazing hair and her awesome shell bikini I was addicted hook, line and sinker. Like the nautical references? I was quite impressed myself. Anyway, as an adult I still love this film. Sebastian is an adorable ray of sunshine. I love the musical sequences, especially Part of your world and Kiss the girl and I always always tear up when her dad turns her into a human. Plus a Prince Eric is definitely one of the best (read 'hottest') Disney princes, for sure.

I just love this film so much I can rewatch it and rewatch it, while Ariel is not my favourite princess there's a lot of top characters in this and it's just a lovely, sweet story.

Tangled


A more modern classic. When I saw this in 3d at the cinema (completely worth it!) I fell in love instantly. I couldn't believe that Disney could still produce the kind of films I loved as a child and I feel so lucky that I am still able to see these films be released and see such good quality. Rapunzel is a princess for our times in terms of her spunky, independent nature.  As well as this, the humour, the music and the characters feel modern and current and yet the old Disney magic is still there. All that combined makes this one of my absolute favourites.

Aladdin

I will never stop loving this movie! I will love Aladdin forever. Thanks to the fantastic Robin Williams it's definitely the funniest Disney movie (totally my own opinion obvs) and the songs and the story is fabulous.  It's just got everything I want from Disney and on top of this the movie has my favourite princess.  I love Jasmine, she is so bad ass and beautiful and has the rare gift of being able to rock harem trousers and makes her own choices like a boss. It is a classic underdog story with a good boy done good, and what Brit doesn't love that? 

Frozen

I feel like Frozen has had a slightly delayed surge of popularity. It seems to be even more popular now than when it first came out and I for one can't quite understand how that can be?! I am proud to say that I was a mega fan from the start! For personal reasons, I think it's the fact that the main crux of the story is all about the love between two sisters and I am extremely close to my own that makes me love it :)  The whole Scandinavian style and animation is all beautiful and I just love this movie for being so adorable and more importantly for always reminding me to just LET IT GOOOOOO!


Ahem.

Now I've regained control and have stopped singing (somewhat) I'd like to hear your favourites!  Are you an oldies but goldies lover or do you love the newbie Disney offerings more? It must be said this was a very difficult decision as a I love Beauty and the Beast and many others, however I purely went off the ones I love to watch again and again.  It's never easy when it comes to Disney!

Happy weekends all :)

Sophia x

Small, happy and currently #3


Buying// My last Christmas presents, yeah for real, I am beyond organised!

Watching// Friends with Benefits, as in I'm literally watching it right now, love a bit of Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.  Who's hotter though, seriously?!  #toughdecisions

Reading// The Rosie Project again, such a funny and heartwarming read.  If you haven't read it, do, please!

Celebrating// Getting my first full time time teaching job!  Officially got a class of my own!  Feels good to finally be settled.

Thinking// About how lucky I am to have so many good people around me who have been such a support.

Coveting// Pretty much the whole ASOS website, so nothing new there.

Trying// To worry less and not put as much pressure on myself.

Debating// What edible gifts to make for family for Christmas presents (any suggestions would be welcomed!)

Loving// All the FESTIVITY!!  Christmas is coming people...



Small, happy and a silent Saturday #1


Small and happy (and thankful!)


Hello and happy weekend all!

Please bear with me... I may or may not have completely broken my laptop and because I'm no rich kid I have no other iPads, tablets or other means of updating I'm writing this on my phone!

As we Brits are more than aware because of Black Friday creeping into our favourite shops it was Thanksgiving this week. And while I am no Yank, I do love their tradition of being with family and thinking about being grateful for what we have. As inhabitants of countries where all our basic needs are met and we are becoming more and accepting and equal (for the most part) we have a lot to say thanks for.

Here are some things I am thankful for all year round:

1// My wonderful boyfriend, my rock, I don't know how I could get along without him. I mean I would because I'm a touch chica who don't need a man but still, it's lovely to have one as great as him.

2// My health. I feel like this is something we take for granted too much but this year has made me really really grateful to not have any health concerns or issues affecting my family or myself (touch wood).

3// My job. While I don't have a permanent role yet, I do need to be grateful that I can do what I love and get paid well (enough) for it.

4// My family and friends, I have some great circles of friends and I am so grateful for that. It's nice when you have fellow weirdos or people who get over excited about the  things as you!  In terms of my family, my parents have been through a bit of a time the last few years and I think by them not being together everyone is now closer than ever, and I never thought we'd reach this point.

5// My passions in life. This is a weird one but I was thinking about how lucky I am to be in a day and age where I can read anything I want, learn anything I want through the internet and can indulge anything I want to discover or experience through the many brilliant opportunities this world presents us. For a bookworm who loves travelling and cooking and learning about how other people live their lives the world of social media and the internet (as well as wonderful libraries) service those needs beautifully! I guess it's the teacher in me that is thankful that I always have an opportunity to learn and to grow and to develop.

I'm thankful that I'm still finding new things to be thankful for all the time.

How about you? Did you bag any Black Friday bargains?! Have you been thinking about what you're thankful for too?

Sophia x

Small and Happy's slightly belated Disney Friday! #3

 


 source

Firstly, I am sorry this is late, it's been a crazy week and I'm onto a busy weekend (Manchester Christmas markets, HUNGER GAMES AAAH) so I thought I needed to crack this post out before Friday is just a distant memory...

So for today's Disney Friday I'm sharing the trailer (enjoy it here) for the Big Mouse's new live action version of the classic Cinderella.  The new film set for release in 2015 stars Richard Madden aka the King of the North aka the beautiful Robb Stark, Cate Blanchett and Downton Abbey's Lily James as the titular role. I hope no one laughed at the first part of that word....we are all adults here, I hope!

So I want to know, what do you think? I must admit, I do love it and am excited for it for all the same reasons I loved the story as a child: the magic, the fairy godmother, the handsome prince, THE DRESS, so in terms of achieving all of that it looks like it's onto a winner.

But what do you think of live action versions of the animated classics? Are you for or against them? I personally would love to see a live action Aladdin although I do think The Lion King might be slightly harder to pull off (very funny, I know...)

So let me know, are you excited by this at all? Or are you dying for something more original?

Sophia
X


Small and Happy Christmas! (cards) The Paperchase edition.


I don't know about you but I am obsessed with buying cards. Birthday cards, Christmas, Valentine's,  get well soon, thinking of you, everything. If there's any kind of teeny occasion that could warrant a card, I'll buy one. So when Christmas comes around and I have a bunch of people to get cards for, for me it is, for want of a better phrase, like Christmas come early! With no doubts in my mind, Paperchase is my first port of call, they always have so many gems and the festive season is no different.

I love the Gemma Correll card, she's always so funny and her cards are so brilliant. Cute and quirky for people who don't love the more mushy, cheesy cards. Any fans of Elf will love the 'Santa, I know him' card so that works for pretty much everyone! I particularly love the 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas' card. It's simple and elegant and it reminds me of one of my favourite Christmas tunes. This card would be perfect for any friends who have those kind of all white, pinterest kind of beautiful rooms where you feel bad introducing any kind of garish colour! Anyone else have any of those kind of friends?

This advent calendar house card is so beautiful, it has little advent windows as well so this is definitely the card that keeps on giving. I might even buy this for myself, I don't have an advent calendar yet after all! Couldn't get over this troll card either, remember thirds little guys?! So cute! God, why is it not socially  acceptable for people send themselves cards yet?! I want them all.

Dad is much more into cheesy cards then my mum (go figure!) and I reckon he'd like this card, anything with a cartoon on and he's sold, yep he's never grown up. My favourite people to buy Christmas cards for are my sister and boyfriend as I have the most private jokes with them so I can always try and get something really quirky and the kind of card and everyone else looks at like 'eh?' But you just give each other a knowing look and smile!

Where do you buy your cards from? How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? If anyone knows any cute card online stores please tell me, I have a slight card addiction as you're probably well aware by now...

Sophia
X

Small and Happy's Disney Friday! #2

 Pictures taken from ones pinned on my Pinterest board.

Another week has flown by! I cannot believe it's already time for this post again but hi ho there we go (bit of Snow White there!)

Anyway, I thought with this series I'd try and encourage a bit of discussion as well, Disney themed obvs. Sorry I can't help it! I need Disney fanatics to step up here.

So anyway, my first question in this topic:

What nationalities would you like to see represented in newer Disney films?

For example, we have had China, Scandinavia and Scotland covered albeit briefly in Mulan, Frozen and Brave respectively but what other countries or ethnicities would you like to see explored? Diversity is a big thing for many who love Disney and I know a lot of people have opinions. I for one would like a film that looked more into the Indian culture, perhaps taking a well know Indian story and bringing it to a wider audience. The Indian culture is so diverse in itself and full with colour, stories and music and I think it would make for a cracking film! I know some people are not always happy with how the ethnic minorities have been represented but at the the end of day as much we adults love them, we need to remember that these movies are being made for children. In my mind even bringing any awareness to different cultures to children can't be a bad thing, right?

Anyway that's my two cents but what do you think? Where do you think Disney should venture next, or should they at all if they don't know them well enough? Do you feel like they represent different cultures well? Which movie featuring an ethnic princess have your preferred so far?

Aside from that, what are you guys up to this weekend?  I for one will be lounging in front of the tv tonight, laughing (and crying, no doubt) at Children in Need and Gogglebox!  Have a good one whatever you are doing, please tell me your plans!

Basically I have a lot of questions haha! So pipe up and let me know :)

Sophia
X

Small, happy and the Christmas tag!

1. What is your favourite Christmas movie?
I love anything festive themed, but my two favourites are The Holiday and Love, Actually.  These movies combine Jude Law, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant for one and are also romantic, funny and feel like a warm hug every time I watch them.  Jude Law's Mr Napkin Head cracks me up to no end.  If you don't know what I'm talking about then you seriously need to watch this film!

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning!  Although to be fair we spread it throughout the whole day because I open mine with my mum and sister and then we head over to Dad and my grandma's to do theirs and then I see boyfriend late afternoon and we open each other's.  It's a wonderful way to spread the joy of Christmas throughout the day!

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
That's a hard one, I always have fond Christmas memories, but last year spending Christmas morning watching Disney movies with my sister stands out as one of those moments where I just stopped and thought, "yep, this is perfect."

4. Favourite festive food?
Roast parsnips, absolute fave.

5. Favourite Christmas gift?
Again, nothing specific, I do enjoy getting money and vouchers (boring, I know) because I love going on shopping sprees as I never treat myself!

6. Favourite Christmas scent?
Cinnamon, heaven on Earth, although to be fair I'll have cinnamon candles going all year round!

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
Usually I'll cuddle up in bed with my sis and we'll watch something Christmassy, last year it was all the Vicar of Dibley Christmas specials.  The one where she goes to all the dinners is a classic!

8. What tops your tree?
An angel at home, but in mine and the boyfriend's new place I'm hoping to get a nice, huge, in your face star.  No, I'm not kidding, I love all things twinkly!

9. As a kid, what was one (crazy, wild, extravagent) gift you always asked for but never received?
A pet!  I wanted to get a little spaniel in a box like in Lady and the tramp!  To be fair I'm glad I didn't get it, but I always, always asked for some kind of animal!  Now, it's a kitten...

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you? 
Being with family and just having some down time.  Also being able to share moments like seeing someone open a present and love it or just enjoying the festive tv without the guilt of having anything else to do that day.  Mostly, it's just the feel that everything and everyone has over Christmas, a little sparkle!

Anyone else done the Christmas tag?  I'd love to read your answers!  Also I must say thank you to the lovely Victoria over at Lily Loves Lola and Milk Bubble Tea as I borrowed this from them!

Sophia

Small, happy and currently... #2



Happy Monday everyone! Another week closer to Christmas! (Sorry I'm not sorry..) here's what I've been loving, doing, lots of other verb-ing recently!

Eating: Muller light greek yoghurts, in all flavours (apart from toffee, too far for me).  They are all soooo delicious. I like to eat them and imagine I look like Nicole Scherzinger whilstdoing it. Although sadly I feel like I'm not quite mullerlicious yet seeing as I'm usually eating them slouched on the sofa with my dressing gown on.  Like right now...mmm raspberry...

Reading: North and South (still!) but also the new Christmas Cosmo with the one and only T Swift on the cover!

Watching: Homeland. Thinking: WTF Carrie?!

Wanting: to start getting seriously festive. The Buble album is itching to come out!


Hoping: for some permanent jobs teaching in my area to come up, fingers crossed.

Deciding: to be as positive as possible, count my blessing not my burdens etc.

Doing: a TON of exercise, between Zumba, step class and this weekend's hour and a half walk I'm feeling pretty fit!

Buying: people's Christmas presents, it's happening, I am getting organised.

Looking forward to: going back home to Sheffield in a few weeks to see the Northern ballet's version of Cinderella at the Lyceum. It's set in Imperial Russia people, think of the costumes!

What are you all up to at the minute? Anything exciting (other then Christmas obvs!) on the horizon?

Hope you've all had a nice, happy Monday, the week only gets better from here!

Small, happy and smelling fruity and nutty.

1. Mango Festive Picks £17 2. Nutty Sweethearts £12 3. Cocoa butter lip care stick £4 4. Glazed Apple body butter £13 5. Satsuma shower gel £4

I know the blogging world is obsessed with Lush. Every blog I read is reviewing their Christmas range and yet, I have always loved The Body Shop, me and their body butters go waaay back. So because I feel like I'm the only fan in this blogosphere I felt like I should give it some digital love with a selection of a few of the things I'm lusting after this festive season.

1. The mango festive picks - I love the smell of this, so fresh and fruity and not sickly so having a full set of all the best mango goodies would make a perfect gift. This is a great scent if you're not too sure if they're into sweet scents, it's nice but not overpowering.

2. Cute packaging and some really nice smells,  coconut is my favourite out of these nutty, more neutral scents.  Plus, three body butters for £12?!  Amazing.

3. Great as a stocking filler or a gift from you to you, this cocoa butter lip care stick stick makes your lips taste so nice and chocolatey and it smells great! Totally addicted to this stuff.

4. I can't say too much about this as I haven't actually tried  their new glazed apple range but I am absolutely desperate to and I am confident that it will smell delicious and festive. There are cranberry and vanilla ranges which are limited edition too so if you like any of these Christmas smells get your (ice) skates on and get to the shop!

5. Another great stocking filler or secret Santa I love the satsuma range as well and this is another nice present if you're not sure what their specific tastes are. Body shop's shower gels are great, if you've not tried them I would really recommend them, they last for ages! 

Anyone else love The Body Shop or are you all Lush ladies through and through? Have you tried the glazed apple or other festive ranges?

Sophia

Small, happy and having an OAP weekend! #Halloweenrecovery


Yay, Halloween! Can you believe it was already more than a week ago? I feel so behind the times posting about it now but I hope you had a good All Hallows' Eve anyway, and that the hangovers are but a distant, painful memory. I for one spent last Saturday lying on the sofa feeling like the undead, so quite apt I guess given the spooky occasion the night before. Unfortunately, I could not head for an early snooze as I had to stay up to go to my ultimate bff's birthday meal which was not until 9.45! PM! Who do you we think we are eating at this time? Do we think we're on the continent?! Anyway, I say BFF because by the way I was feeling there was absolutely no way I would have left the house for anyone less important. For real.

For us Halloween night turned into to a huge catch up, drinking games, far too much vodka jelly, singing sessions (I do believe the entire Frozen soundtrack was performed as a one woman show by yours truly) and I must admit it felt so good when the birthday girl said 'shall we just stay here?' To be fair it was easily half 12 at this point and we probably wouldn't have gotten any kind of taxi to the city centre, but still. So we stayed up chatting, real adult chats like our future children's names, marriage, hen dos etc etc. We are all aware that we are not yet engaged but seeing as we are all in very long term relationships it seems fine to discuss these tres important matters to our girly hearts' content. I don't know if our boyfriends (who were all there mind you) felt the same but hey ho!

I have decided that I do like playing the host. I think it suits my personality well, I feel awkward not wanting to overstep my place in other people's spaces as I can be a bit of a Take-Over Tilly plus I like I am very maternal and love doing things for other people so all in all it suits me very well.

However, I must admit, it also feels nice when you get your space back, the make up can come off, the pjs can be very much on (lucky boyfriend, I know) and you can truly just be in your space. Bliss.

That's exactly what this weekend is going to be, we're planning on doing a lot of cooking, a lot of X factor watching (staple winter telly) and a whole lot of nothing else. I played at being a teenager again last week and I think this weekend I'm more than happy pretending I'm an OAP, snuggling up and going to bed very early.

Anyone else with me? Anyone else love just love slobbing out after a heavy one or are you all party animals every weekend?! Go on, make me feel bad!

Sophia x


Small and happy, Disney Friday! #1

peter and wendy <3



Gawrsh! 


I'm a massive Disney fan. I always have been and I feel like this love is only growing with age.  Throughout school, university, any bad times, Disney has always been something that has boosted me and kept me going. Now, another thing that makes me very pleased is when the weekend rolls around and I really hope you've all had a good one.  Just in case you haven't and seeing as it's Friday (and we all deserve to be happy on a Friday) I'd thought I'd share some cheery, Disney pictures to kick off our weekends, because let's face it, it's impossible to be even the tiniest bit blue when you're faced with Disney magic and smiling kiddes.  Unless you're made of stone of course, in which way, you're probably best leaving right now...(crosses fingers and hopes blog followers don't dramatically plummet).

What do you have planned for this weekend then?  Anymore Disney nuts outs there?

Sophia x


Small, happy my favourite things!

I saw this on the lovely Jennie's blog (I swear she's becoming one of my must reads) and I love making lists and I love talking about my favourite things so I thought, why not?!  Plus, having an excuse to put Julie Andrews in a post is always going to be wonderful.


Oh, by the way, if you don't know why Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music is applicable here then oh my God, please go and watch that movie and then come back here!
Done it?  Yes?  Desperate to be a nun/have seven children?  Good.. so here we go, my favourite things:

1. Products/things: My phone (I know, so bad..), my panda toy (yes, I know I am an adult), my diary, Body shop body butters.

2. Foods: Houmous, frozen yoghurt, most types of cereal, ALL fruit and veg, my Portuguese grandma's cooking.

3. Places: New York, New York and New York.  Joking aside I also love Portugal (obvious reasons) and any Disney shop, land or world!

4. Things you'd miss if you didn't have them: My boyfriend, my friends, my family, good health.  Anything else you can easily live without.

5. Things you do when you're bored: Read recipes, blogs and pinterest.

6. Things you enjoy when it's sunny: LIFE.  I come alive when it is sunny.  I can't explain how much the Sun makes me enjoy everything on another level.

7. Films: Moulin Rouge, most disney, Bring it on, Pride and Prejudice, How to lose a guy in 10 days, Crazy stupid love.

8. Songs: Aerosmith - I don't wanna miss a thing is my all time favourite, favourite song.

9. Brands: Topshop, H&M, Anthropologie.

10. Outdoor things you like: Exploring new places.

11. Events: Birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, my anniversary.

12. Cartoons: Sailor moon, Scooby Doo, most things that were on the Cartoon Network in the 90s.

13. Buildings: Empire state building (obvious, yes).

14. Anything in everyday life: People being kind to each other, seeing happy old couples, finishing a great book.

15. Traits in a person: Kindness, patience, acceptance.

16. Influences: My old dance teacher.

17. Drinks: Green tea, cosmopolitans, most vodka cocktails.

18. Experiences: Celebrating with family and friends, travelling.

19. Things to watch: Friends (just, forever), Desperate Housewives, Parenthood, Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, I'll stop listing now...

 20. Books: Harry Potter, love you, HP, forever.

If you've done anything like this on your blog, please link me, I love to read and get an insight into what makes people tick!

Sophia

Small, happy and making lists #November

 


I know this is the cliche thing to say but I still cannot believe where October went.  I mean I know September draaaaaaaaaags on and from there the rest of the year flies by but still this October took the biscuit (and did so very quickly I might add).  So anyway, here is November then and because time is just flying on by I feel like I need to organise my life and make a note (who can resist a good old list?!) of all the things I would like to do this pre Christmas month.


1. Go to our local farmers'  market.

I know right, could I sound more like a 'blogger' going to markets and what not.  But our market in Altrincham is just amazing and every weekend they have something different going on.  As much as I love the vintage markets this weekend is the first chance we will have to go to their FARMERS market which means one thing and one thing only: FOOD.  And lots of it.  Can't wait to see what they have on offer!  If you live in the Cheshire/Manchester area I would seriously suggest hitting this place up.  Also if you're near me, leave me a comment!  I'm still relatively new to the area and I'm always on the lookout for more places to discover.


2. Finish my book.

This one kind of has a time limit on it purely because I've already renewed it at the library once plus I really just need to get it done but life (okay fine, tv) just seems to be getting in the way.  It's North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and I am enjoying the story, I am, it's just the writing style that I'm finding a bit convoluted.  But anyway, I will persevere, mostly because a) I want to see what happens and b) I'm not allowing myself to watch the BBC version until I'm done!


3. Do lots of job applications and school visits.

The aim to get something more permanent for January in the teaching world is still very much at the forefront of my mind.  While I know you can't rush these things and I need to find the right place for me, more and more opportunities are coming up so I'm going to grab those by the horns and get going so hopefully I can rely less on supply and get something more structured.  I'm a Taurus so I crave structure!


4. Have a date night to see HUNGER GAMES!

This has been pretty much the highlight of November 2014 for me ever since the release date for Hunger Games: Mockingjay was revealed.  If you're as big a fan as me you'll know that we've known this date for a while so you understand how long my excitement has been building.  Boy and I will be booking tickets very soon and will be preceding the event with a date to Nando's.  We love our fancy food and we've been coking up a storm recently but I have Portuguese blood within me and sometimes we just need a Peri-Peri treat!  We've also stopped ourselves from going for ages to really enjoy it this time haha, sad?  Perhaps.  #itsamediterraneanthing


5. Get my Christmas shopping done.

Yes.  I'm serious.  I say this all the time but I genuinely feel like this could happen for me this year.  My family have all been quite organised this year and I know what they want and I have planned what I can get other people.  Boyfriend and I will probably be spending our money on each other by planning our trips next year so that's easy too, so I really could get this done.  This will make December full of fun and stress free so I can just spend my time watching Love, Actually, The Holiday and roasting chestnuts!!

So I feel like these are all either good goals or great things to look forward to in the month of November.  I feel confident that it will fly by and I'll be decorating for Christmas before I know it so I'm making a conscious decision to make the most of November and whatever little we have left of 2014.  

Anyone else got any November goals?  Anyone already done their Christmas shopping?!  Go on, tell me you have and make me feel bad!

Sophia
x

Small, happy and wanting to cook ALL THE THINGS

I must admit, teaching part time is pretty great in many ways.  There are downsides sure, like not knowing where I'll be teaching that day, or even who or what (!) but it does mean I have more free time.

I have used that time the best way possible, by cooking, A LOT.  Boyfriend and I have been cooking up a storm and whats more he's been so up for trying anything I feel like cooking (even when those dishes have a distinct lack of meat...)  

While neither of us are vegetarians I do think it's great for your body, your palate and your budget to branch out and see what amazing dishes you can create when you step away from the 'must have meat mindset'.  So here are a few little things I have pinned recently that I'm dyyyyyying to make!

The original link for all of these delicious pins are on my pinterest board Health Nut follow on if you love a bit of sometimes meaty, quite fishy and extremely veggieful food porn!

What about you?  Do you choose to go meat free sometimes?  What have you been rustling up at home recently?

Tell me pleeeeease, I am beyond nosy when it comes to people's eating habits (and most things really....)

Sophia
x

Small, happy and getting motivated #1


Today as it's a Monday (and who doesn't need a little boost on a Monday?!) I thought I'd share one of my favourite motivational quotes that I've pinned on my Pinterest board 'Inspiring'. I find doing this really therapeutic, if I'm ever feeling a little..meh, it really helps me calm and refocus and gets me out of my funk. This quote below really, really struck a chord with me.


So true.

This is so so true, and I have never felt that this quote is more applicable than when you're in your 20s.  All the way through school it's the same, you and everyone your age goes to school and you do GCSEs.  You might do an after school club or a sport at the weekend  but by and large, you are doing the same as everyone your age.  Then it slowly starts to change.  For me a couple of people went the college route after 16 but most of my class went onto A Levels, uni and then boom we were 21, we had a degree yes, but a clue? Not so much.  All through education I was told, go to uni then you'll be set.  Set on the path to career, marriage, babies, whatever you choose, with a degree behind you you're sure not to lose.  Just felt like rhyming, it's all getting a little Dr Seuss up in here.

But everyone I know since then have all taken very different paths.  One friend went straight into work and then tried to utilise her law degree by doing her LPC (solicitor training) and then decided against it.  Another friend went straight into working in the theatre which her degree trained her for (she's a stage manager for operas la de dah!) while my friend and I went into further study after a year doing various work.  I went into teacher training and she chose another three year course to become a speech therapist.

These paths are all very different and no course is 'right'.  It's hard when you're used to looking to your friends to know what the 'norm' is.  We were always able to do that like how many hours should we study for this exam you both have, what AS levels should we drop, when are you allowed by your parents to go out or stay at a boyfriend's etc and then suddenly you all leave uni and everyone's playing a different game to you, a different life.

It's difficult because it's human nature to compare ourselves, and it really is the thief of joy comparison.  I've been lucky enough to move in with my boyfriend into a wonderful flat in a beautiful area of the UK, but all I can think is that I'm doing supply while friends from my PGCE are working full time in their placement schools because they stayed in the same area.  Instead of comparing my position in my career to theirs, I should be thinking how grateful I am that this choice that I've made has moved me along greatly in terms of where I want to be living my life and ultimately that will help me in my career because I am in a fantastic catchment area with some great, great schools.

What I (and this quote) are trying to say is that wherever you are and whatever you're doing in your life, that's okay, that's 'right'.  As long as you are happy and healthy that is all that matters.  Just because your friend might be married or be having a baby or be in the exact career they want to be in that does not mean you need to have all that sorted out yet.  Nor does it mean that you are any less 'ahead'.  In some ways you'll have progressed more in some areas of your life and in some ways you might need longer to sort somethings out, and that's fine.  Once we get through school life becomes a bit murkier and while people may comment and say things like 'isn't it time you got a real job?' or 'aren't you ready to quit travelling and settle down?' they do not have to live your life, YOU DO, and you are the one who needs to be happy with it.  After they've made their comment they go back to their lives and get on with their own things and their own comparisons, they're not worrying about you and what you're doing, trust me.  If you live your life because of what you think others think you should be doing at that stage you won't be happy.  I don't know much, but I know that, I have learnt that.  I am trying to make sure that I'm happy with what I'm doing and that's working for me right now.   All we can do is try and be kind to our selves, stop comparing and start celebrating what you are doing right, which is probably a hell of a lot!

If you have any inspiring quotes or any great boards that you follow (quotes or just general, I'm Pinsessed! Does that work? I'm not sure...) please share, I'm all ears!

Small, happy and believing in fairies and magic...THE DISNEY TAG

https://24.media.tumblr.com/40cbf750ce9a99636c9e30801d7e5f5f/tumblr_mwnbsu7NUI1r2navio9_500.jpg



1. Favourite Disney Film?
Ugh, well this is too hard, for an all rounder favourite I feel like I have to say Aladdin however Little Mermaid, Tangled, Frozen, Lion King are all up there too!

2. Favourite Disney Character?
Trying to stick with the original classics, Daisy Duck is my fave.  She's so glam and she rocks a bow.  In terms of the movies, I love the Genie, a lot.

3. Favourite Disney Princess?
Jasmine, 100%, easy question.  She is beyond gorgeous, has a strong mind, pretty amazing hair (although what princess doesn't?) but to top it all off her palace is pretty perfect and she has Aladdin and a PET TIGER.  I feel like the last reason tops it all.

4. Rather be Aurora or Cinderella?
I would definitely rather be Aurora.  Who wouldn't want three beautiful fairies looking after them?  Also I love me a bit of Prince Phillip!

5. Rather be Hercules or Tarzan?
I'd rather be Hercules, because hello?  He's a Greek god!  I love anything to do with Greek mythology so definitely a Hercules fan.

6. Rather be Lizzie McGuire or Raven Baxter?
Lizzie McGuire!  I related to her so much growing up (the episode where she gets her first bra?  Totally was my life!)  but I want Raven Baxter as my BFF because she was just too cool and she had her head screwed on right so she'd give good advice too.

7. Favourite Disney song?
Pretty much the whole Lion King soundtrack.

8. Which Disney character would be your best friend?
I'd love to have Flynn Rider ;)  just friends, honest.

9. Which Disney character would be your pet?
I want Rajah please, a mini Raja, I love tiger cubs, so cute.

10. Have you ever been to Disneyland?
 I have been lucky enough to go to Disneyland Florida, Paris and Hong Kong.  The next dream?  Disney Tokyo! 

I could talk and talk about Disney all day, and read it about it too having said that so if you've done this tag please comment so I can read!

x

Small, happy and obsessing over instagram! #1

 I love instagram, completely, utterly in every way.  If instragram was a guy, I have fallen hard.  It's a love that is long lasting and continues to grow.  I love gaining these little windows into people's lives.  I love that I can see pictures from my own friends interspersed with celebrities and bloggers everywhere.  As a travel lover I use it to seek out new places (and the restaurants in them!) as a healthy foodie I follow food blogs and read their recipes and as a  general nosy lady I follow as many lifestyle blogs as I can.

So I thought I'd do a series about my favourite instagrams, in the hopes that you'll discover some new ones maybe and that you'll give me ideas of who else to follow too (as if I need more!)

To kick off, my first post is my favourite bloggers' instagrams.  These five lovely ladies all run very successful and beautiful blogs and these instagrams are a wonderful extension and addition of those, an extra slice while we're waiting for the next delicious blog post morsel.



@wishwishwish

I think we all know Carrie, her beautiful jet setting lifestyle, lovely fashion posts and cute little trinkets that she posts blow me away.  If you read her blog you'll know how gorgeous her photos are, so if you read her blog but you don't follow her, change that now!


@garypeppergirl

Nicole's blog and the photography has some of the most beautiful photos I have EVER seen.  Her outfits are lovely but I'm more of a wanderluster than a fashionista and the backdrops of her outfit posts are absolutely breathtaking.  She's in Paris, Hong Kong, New York, you name it, she's been there and posted some exquisite pictures of it.  I can't use anymore amazing adjectives to inspire you to follow her.  Simply stunning.  Instagram was made for accounts like this.


@caraloren

Or in other words, the instagram of the world's best looking family and yes I'm including the Pitt-Jolie clan when I say this.  Cara posts the most stunning outfit posts that even I stop and take notice and she also includes the fashion of her husband and their two beautiful boys.  Everything about her photos and her blog posts are perfection and I'm sorry but surely her HAIR is reason in itself to follow her?  I mean seriously, I have never seen more princess worthy, beautiful hair.  #inlove



@livpurvis

I love Olivia.  I love her blog, her bakes, her fashion posts, her gorgeous Paris posts and I love seeing even more of that on her instagram.  I love seeing her lifestyle posts ,I'm a sucker for any cute stationery, macarons, flowers or food photos you see and Olivia's instagram has plenty!



@laurenconrad

Aaaah Lauren Conrad.  I've lover her since her "I want to forgive you and I want to forgot you!" dramatic day on The Hills but she is quite a different woman nowadays.  Her blog is fantastic with fitness, wedding, lifestyle, bookclub, beauty, DIY posts and her photography is simply some of the best on instagram.  She is a very smart but fun and girly business woman and her instagram gives a more personal side to the blog and Lauren's life herself.  Gorgeous photos and she famously denies which instagram filter she uses, which really only makes me stalk her photos more!

There will be more posts like this to come, my instagram following rises daily but if you'd like to have a snoop at my photos or simply see who else I'm following here's my account: @sophiacristina

Who do you love to follow?  Tell me please please please!

x

The Autumn Tag


 
Source: Pinterest

So, as much as I love summer and desperately cling onto it for dear life, I can't bury my head in the (warm, wonderful) sand any longer, Autumn is here!  But on a more positive note as I try to live as positively as possible sans moaning about the cold, the wet, the dark etc, there are

1. Okay, we're talking coffee. What is your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero?
Hmm, probably my usual favourite from Costa, a skinny cappuccino with sugar free caramel syrup.  Guilt free and DELICIOUS.  In terms of Starbucks, I think my sister summed it up best this weekend when she said "go to Costa for hot drinks and Starbucks for cold." I pretty much agree and since it's waaaay to cold for frappuccinos, it looks Costa will be getting the majority of my business for the next few months.

2. Accessories - What do you opt for - boots, scarf, gloves?
I am always freezing.  Always.  So for me it's all three, pretty much all year round for me!  Wish I joking...in terms of a scarf, I have just bought the most beautiful one from Zara.  When I was in Chester this last weekend a man actually stopped and asked me where I got it.  This NEVER happens to me, I am not exactly a fashion afficianado. 


3. Music - What do you love to listen to during the Autumn?
My music tastes don't really change over the seasons, I'm kind of a pop princess all year round, I usually listen to summer like music to keep my spirits up when the nights draw in and I need to boogy in my room to keep warm!  Although I will say I enjoy more acoustic music in the winter, especially when I'm curled up in bed reading.


4. Perfume - what's your favourite scent at this time of the year?
My usual go to, Chanel Chance eau tendre.

5. Candles - which scents will you be burning this season?
Anything with cinnamon.  I am actually on the lookout for a coffee candle, I love that smell!

6. What do you love most about Autumn?
The fact that because it is getting colder and darker you can't be judged for getting all cosy in your pjs and

7. Favourite make up look?
I love dark, berry lips and sparkly eyes (although not at the same time!)

8. What are you looking forward to most during this season?
I love Halloween: dressing up, pumpkins, trick or treating, the decorations, the scary films all of it.  I also love being able to get into my pjs, get cosy and sit down in front of the fabulous tv that's on over winter, The X Factor, The Apprentice, Homeland and all of the other wonderful American shows that I stream.  I also love warm comforting stews and soups and long nights in knowing you have nowhere you need to go.  Blissful and calming.  I guess Autumn's not so bad after all!

I saw this post on the wonderful Jennie's blog so thank you for the inspiration!
Sophia
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