Small, happy and currently! #5


Well helloooo there!


So, I haven't done one of these in a while and I love being able to have a little recap of life at the minute! Here's what I'm currently enjoying, loving, thinking at the minute!


Dreaming...about being in Portugal seeing my family in summer. Just look at that perfect beach! 


Feeling...excited for my birthday! Just need to get my voice back...#littlemermaidoverhere


Loving...the new Glamour this month, having Taylor Swift as guest editor? Genius! My girl crush is seriously growing. I've always loved her music but I'm starting to really like her as a person too.


Receiving...a lot of support and praise at work. I've been given quite a big challenge for the next academic year and I'm taking it as a massive compliment that they've chosen me to do it.


Reading...The Rosie Effect. Absolutely loving it just like I knew I would. 


Watching....Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (so funny and upbeat!) and too much Dinner Date (massive guilty pleasure).


Wanting...too many cookbooks. So many recipes, so little time!


Counting down...to Summer? Aren't we all!


Waiting...for the Royal baby to be born! Come ooooonnn, I'm just an impatient Royalist here!


So catch me up, what are you loving, reading, cooking at the minute? 


Lots of love,


Sophia :) xxxx





Small, happy and planning a birthday!


My own, to be exact.


And why the photo of the froyo you may ask? Well, because if it's going to be a perfect birthday then it's gonna have to have fro. Plus, the photo is from the AMAZING froyo I had in Rome which I certainly could do with with this sore throat I'm battling. It was pistachio and hazelnut flavour, guys. I mean COME ON.


I'm a lucky sausage right now, I mean right now I'm off work in bed with a virus so not but aside from that, I'm lucky. 


I have the awesome birthday of May 4th. Yes, as in #mayhefourthbewithyou and all that fun!


Not only that but this date often falls in on around the bank holiday weekend and this year, it's the Monday!


So, what to do, what to do on this special Monday? I know you'll all be planning your own MondayFunday activities also, so I want to know what you're thinking if getting up to!  Wouldn't it be bliss to have a BBQ!?

Yes, it would.

But we live in the U.K.

That being the case, I can't get too ahead of myself with weather dependent plans but I definitely think I need to make a trip for some froyo and spend some time with special people. And that's as far as I've gotten so far! 


How would you spend a 'perfect birthday'? What would it entail?!


Please help this poorly 23 year old plan her birthday!

Lots of love and (germy) kisses,

Sophia

xxx

Small, happy and girl crushing! #6


The beautiful and hilarious Emma Stone.
She's one of those rare breed of women that suit all hair colours, don't you think?

I adore her ginger hair (actually not her natural colour!) but I must admit I do love her blonde too!

What's yor favourite Emma look? Do you dye your hair often?

Sophia :) xxx

Small and Happy's Rome snapshots!

Buongiorno my beauties!

I am so sorry for the quietness on this front however I have been away visiting the wonderful, eternal city: Rome! I loved wandering around the city in the sunshine pretending I was in The Lizzie McGuire Movie although sadly I was not mistaken for an Italian pop star and made to perform in front of thousands... c'est la vie!

I did however see the Pope up close and personal, see some perfect sights, soak in a lot of history and eat some delicious foods and see the world's cutest dog! 

Here are some snapshots of our trip...


Summer skiesssss.


My dream car although to be frank there is no way in hell I would ever drive here, the lack of driving skill or awareness is no joke.


Inside Vatican City, look at the beautiful blue skies!!


See what I mean? I was not exaggerating. I officially have gone from being a cat lover to needing a chow chow dog in one trip. 


In the land of gelato I will still always choose froyo. #faithful 


But of a colossal sight here...

I'm sorry.


Who knew Rome had such beautiful parks?! It's not all pizza and piazzas!


Every single street was just perfection. Quintissential Italian charm and class. I've even got the typical Italian hand gestures! See the woman in the red jumper near the front?


Possibly the world's most beautiful restaurant?! Loved the purple flowers hanging down, can any florist out there identify them? 


I don't even think Beyoncé would bring in this crowd at 9am on a Wednesday. Popular Popey!


Not the Trevi as it is shut for renovations (boo!) however proof that Rome is home to hundreds of beautiful fountains anyway. Every corner we turned round was a marvel and completely took my breath away.


So there's a little window into our Roman getaway! My boyfriend's the photographer of us two so once he's sorted his pictures I'll get them up here too!

It was just such a magical, historical feeling place and I already long to go back. Rome really struck a chord with me and I would love to explore more of Italy!

Have you ever been to Rome? Where else would you recommend in Italy? I've been to Venice so where should I tick off next? Florence? Pisa? Milan! The possibilities are endless!

Until next time,

Ciao! 

Sophia xxxxx













Small and happy's Disney Friday!


Happy weekend one and all!

Today's picture is from the Disney store in Rome!

I'm off there on Sunday and shall be making this one of my key stops alongside the colosseum and Vatican! I love the Roman theme and I'm very excited to see the merchandise. I wonder if Italy has been hit with Frozen fever too!

What are you up to this weekend? Have you ever been to Rome before? If you have, any tips?!

Have a gorgeous weekend whatever you do,

Lots of love,

Sophia :) 

Small and happy's top 5 childhood tv shows!

My top 5 childhood tv shows!

I got thinking the other day about my favourite shows from when I was younger. The kind of shows that when I rewatch them now they remind me of so many happy times when I was younger and still bring me joy today. I love with the power of youtube we can still enjoy our old favourites. From watching videos like Pokemon and the like and seeing the thousands of views I know I'm not the only one who loves revisiting childhood shows so I thought I'd try and list my top 5 and ask you what all of your faves were! 

1// Sailor Moon



I absolutely loved this show. My sister and I used to set alarms to catch this in the half term break because that was the only time they showed it! If you haven't heard of this it's an anime show about these girls who all have secret alter egos that fight crime. They each represent a planet, Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars etc and they all come together to fight the forces of evil. They are led by Sailor Moon whose real life persona is Serena and she is the clumsiest, whingiest (yes I know this is not a word) girl ever! So it makes for some hilarity along the way. There's also romance, adorable cats and some gorgeous animation. I haven't ventured far into the world of anime but if it's all as amazing as this I'm missing out! So any recommendations let me know!


2//Pokemon


Obsessed doesn't cover it. When I young and the Pokemon craze first hit I had the cards, the books, watched the show, played the games, everything. It's hard to remember now just how into it all I (and the whole world!) was. But I seriously loved following Ash and his pals and loved learning about all the different Pokemon and their evolutions etc. I also loved his friend Misty and her water Pokemon and pre teen Sophia also had a little soft spot for Brock, this May or not may have been a little crush..I was too young to be sure!

3// Sabrina the Teenage Witch



I still totally watch this now all the time. I think every girl out there wants to be a witch no? Before I dreamt of being Hermione, it was Sabrina's life I wanted. Living with two fun aunts, in a lovely, old house, magical powers and a nice selection of hot boyfriends and quirky friends. Harvey, Josh, Harvey, Josh, I definitely torn for a while! Plus, whenever she used to just point her finger and change her outfit or where she was that was pretty much the coolest thing ever. I just loved the humour and the fun of this show and I thought Melissa Joan Hart was the bees knees!

4//Two of a Kind



My Mary-Kate and Ashley obsession has been long lasting and this short lived show (only one season was made?!) was one of my favourites growing up and I still watch reruns whenever I can find them on youtube or the like! It follows the Olsens when they're about 10 years olds and their antics with their college professor, kind of uptight Dad and their carefree, young nanny. Even when watching the show as an adult I genuinely find it funny and the humour is a lot sharper (and more adult in some places!) than a lot of 'kids shows'. I really enjoyed this as a child like all of their other tv shows and movies. I just wanted to be an Olsen, okay?!


5//Lizzie McGuire 



Oh Lizzie. A girl after my own heart. I thought this show was so original. I loved the cartoon Lizzie that just blurted out everything she was feeling, I think we all need one of those when we're teenagers! I loved watching this as I was nearing my teen years and watching her navigate friend, family and boy problems was a real help to me. The episode where she goes bra shopping anyone?! Disney used to really address some important issues in a sensible, helpful and always heart warming and funny way and I feel so lucky to have been in my generation to enjoy it at its best! I also loved hers and Gordo's relationship, I remember chatting for hours with my besties about the latest developments in their friendship! Aaah the early days of shipping!


So those were some of my favourite tv shows when I was growing up. To be honest the beauty of these is that I could watch any of them now and still enjoy them, and I do! What were your favourite shows? Do you still watch shows from your childhood now?

Lots of love

Sophia :) xxx

Small and 10 happy things! #12


Well hello there! It's April! And wow is the sun shining! I had a lovely last week of March and there were lots of happy things to round up so here we go! :) My ten last happy things of this month! 


1// Seeing the amazing Easter egg creations at school. The kids pulled out all of the stops creating their scenes using eggs. We had an 'Egg Sheeran', The Owl and the Pussycat and a solar eggclipse!


2// Finishing work for the holiday on Thursday, Thursday! 3.15pm rolled around and I waved goodbye to my class (who were at this stage climbing the walls ready for the break!) and all the teachers just collapsed into giggles and chats about Easter holiday plans! I am really lucky to be in such a fun and supportive work environment. It makes the tough days so much brighter.


3// Getting a lift back to Sheffield. Boyfriend's mum had come over to visit on Thursday and she offered to drive us home with all of our stuff which was just so nice. The convenience of going door to door makes cars so worth it sometimes!


4// A totally blissful Good Friday. My mum, sister and I all went to the cinema early doors in the morning (that's how we roll) to go and see Cinderella. It was absolutely wonderful but I've already banged on about it enough here I know!


5// My grandma sending me a hilarious photo on Whatsapp. I am so thrilled she has taken to the technology and it's so nice that we can share all this silly little moments even when we're apart.


6// Reading The Wrong Knickers. This book has been making me laugh and laugh this week. If you are in your 20s or you've lived through them you will identify with this book! It's an account of The Telegraph writer Bryony Gordon's 'decade of chaos' she calls it and I must admit, it make me thankful for my stable, almost boring lifestyle!!


7// Discovering chamomile tea. Tried it once and hated it but I gave it another go this week and loved it.


8// Getting gel nails! I had my nails done for the first time ever and I am completely in love. I can't believe how good they look, how they've not chipped at all and that they're actually MY nails! A lovely little holiday treat that I think I'll be needing to do more often!


9// Being back at home and sharing a room with my sister. Most people would hate this but my sis and I now share a room (and a bed!) whenever we both happen to be back in Sheffield at the same time. We absolutely love it and it's like having a sleepover with your best friend every night.


10// Champneys spa weekend! My sister, mum and I spent the Easter weekend at Champneys, which is brilliant piece of heaven on Earth! I came away never wanting to leave as usual. I will probably do a more detailed post at another time so I won't delve in too much now but suffice to say, a spa trip is always a good idea no?


How was your last week of March? Did you have a lovely Easter weekend? What did you get up to? 

Lots of love,

Sophia xxx

Small and happy's Disney Friday: Cinderella review!


I am on cloud nine. A Disneyfied, magical, romantic cloud.

In case this isn't clear enough, I have just seen Cinderella and loved every. single. minute.


It was the perfect fairy tale adaptation, there was not one tiny bit I would have changed. It was perfectly cast (with Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter having the star turns), perfectly shot and perfectly staged.


To quote another Disney lady you might say it was 'practically perfect in every way'.


Lily James (of Downton Abbey fame) took the lead role and did a wonderful job of making Cinderella so positive and happy and princessy but not too sugary sweet and Richard Madden made a lovely modern but also dashingly handsome and traditional prince. They always had really great chemistry, I really believed them as a couple. This is rare for fairy stories when the couples meet so little and then proclaim to be madly in love but it totally worked for me this time.


In terms of the story, it was the one we all know and love but with a few little tweaks along the way so that it didn't seem too play by play and predictable. I was gripped and interested right from the get go. The Frozen short they showed beforehand definitely could have helped....


Now onto the costumes, they were just phenomenal! Cate Blanchett's deliciously evil step mother had equally fabulous outfits and looked fantastic in every scene. If I didn't believe that clothes could reflect character I do now! With Cinderella THE dress itself for the ball was absolutely stunning and I swear I could hear several gasps and awwws in the cinema when she twirled in it! 


The staging and production was all brilliant and I really felt like I was watching an epic, magical fairytale unfolding in front of my eyes. It was mesmerising and I couldn't imagine how a little girl would have felt watching this movie! Every single scene was absolute stunning, the castle in particular and the whole ball scene was a feast for the eyes!


Don't get watching this expecting anything avant garde or different like Into the Woods or Maleficent, this is Disney at its best, through and through and it is an instant classic. It was heartwarming, funny, romantic, inspiring and it just filled me, my mum and sister's hearts with joy and gushy feelings!


I'm already wanting to go and see it again!


Sophia :) xxxxx



Small, happy and rounding up March!



Perhaps #madmarch would have been more appropriate.

Usually this is the kind of post where people wax lyrical about how they can't believe how fast the month has gone.


This is not that post. This has not been that month.


Don't get me wrong, as always I've enjoyed lots of fun little moments in March but I've also some very high stress moments like my school being inspected and my boyfriend being hospitalised!


However as we all do, we made it through and now I can look back on March fondly for all the good it DID bring!


I had lots of birthday to celebrate this month, my Dad, my Grandma and one of my best friends. This meant a lovely trip back to Sheffield and lots of great food. My Dad also surprised me and my sister with gift hampers from Champneys, our favourite spa ever, which was completely out of the blue and very much appreciated. The bear pictured now lives on my bed with the rest of the cuddly crew and has been names Clarissa, for anyone who wants to know!


I ended the month with a trip to Liverpool as I've just mentioned and this was just perfect. I loved living there when I was at uni and I'm so glad to be somewhere where I can get back there anytime in less than an hour. I feel so lucky to have such a brilliant group of friends living so near. Two of them also just had offers accepted on house (like proper grown ups) so I forsee lots of housewarmings coming up!!


My grandma also got an iphone this month so we've been having lots of FaceTimes and emoji chats, she is serious fan of the animal ones...I really feel like this has been a wonderful month in terms of family and friends. I've had so much support and love from so many different people and that's what I'm most grateful for in March. It's not about going to lots of different restaurants and fancy places and much I actually DID in
a month that makes it. That's all brilliant don't get me wrong, but what makes a great month (and a great life) is those special people that we surround ourselves with. 


So on that note, I for one feel very lucky to be coming away from March feeling yes, drained, slightly worried (for my boyfriend's health) and sleepy. But I also feel very loved, supported and cared for. So that makes it a pretty awesome month in my book!


How was your March? Do you ever have months where everything crazy comes at once? What are your plans for the Easter weekend?


Lots of love,

Sophia x


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