7 things that have made me happy

Hello lovely,

Gosh, two posts in one day is definitely a new record for me ^_^ But I felt it’s only fair to keep my weekly gratitude post going, so without a big intro, this week they are:

Having a date night with hubby and spending the evening laughing as we ate cheese and chicken quesadilla’s (one of my favourite meals – and it’s so easy to make at home too), followed by a few bites of his banana waffles with caramel and ice-cream.
Getting to see my wonderful work peeps on Wednesday for the first time in almost a month of being off sick, and having them tell me not to worry about the giant workload I’ve accumulated. Plus, reading this Creative Professionals post on Lifehacker and having a lot of the points hit home (specifically the “Over-identifying with my job” section).
Having one of my favourite UK lifestyle bloggers tweet back at me this week! I simply adore everything that Alix from I Covet Thee does – plus as a fellow Breton top lover, I’m quite envious of her numerous varieties. ^_^

Discovering that a little quick-shop down the road from me stocks Starbucks Frappuccino’s! I absolutely loved Starbucks coffee when I was in the USA (especially their double shot espresso cans)! Also, eating Fairview Full Fat Yoghurt – it has no additives, and is delicious on it’s own, or with a teaspoon of jam blended in.
Getting a Maestro 3-in-1 Food Processor and making delicious homemade smoothies – yoghurt plus fruits and a touch of fruit juice are what we’ve made this week. Smoothies are a great way to get your vitamins in, though I will start experimenting with green smoothies once my spinach patch takes off (and I get some watercress & wheatgrass – though I’ll definitely have to play with amounts, since I hate the taste of wheatgrass).
Playing with aromatherapy oil blends for our humidifier – the Frankincense and Sandalwood mix I’ve made smells amazing!
Being reminded about how incredible Epsom salt baths are (just remember to shower off after one).

What’s made you happy this week? ^_^

Hello lovely,

After stumbling across a few blogs (specifically these ones at Color Me Katie, The Nectar Collective, Style Generis and Cider with Rosie), which have bloggers sharing and showing gratitude on a weekly (or monthly) basis, I’ve decided to start my own round up of weekly gratitude’s and happiness’, from events which have brought a smile to my face and a sparkle to my eyes. ^_^

So here’s the first of my posts on 7 things that have made me happy this past week:

1. Nothing brings cheer to a house or beauty into a room as quickly as some freshly cut flowers, and I loved the fading, soft colours and sweet scent from these roses I got from work. ^_^

Family Christmas Brunch (C) Rambling with Rose

2. It’s been fantastic seeing family over this festive period, from my loving parents and brother, to my cousins visiting from Gauteng, to family from hubby’s side, and my wonderful auntie from Durban!

Ratanga Junction (C) Rambling with Rose (1) (Copy)

Ratanga Junction (C) Rambling with Rose (63) (Copy)

Ratanga Junction (C) Rambling with Rose (22) (Copy)

Ratanga Junction (C) Rambling with Rose (56) (Copy)

Ratanga Junction (C) Rambling with Rose (44) (Copy)

3. Having a day of giddy, carefree fun at Ratanga Junction with my hubby, wonderful cousin, and his beautiful wife. The cobra was our favourite ride (as per usual) though the Congo Queen got a few squeals out of us too. ^_^

Grandmother Samantha (C) Rambling with Rose (5)

4. Coming back home to our loving kitties, who’ve missed us during our 3-week house sitting stint.

5. But speaking of house sitting, I feel so blessed to have had the above view (and pool) during our house-sit (it’s gorgeous, isn’t it?!) We spent lots of evenings enjoying meals in the lapa beside the pool, with a glass of wine and conversation flowing.