Have A 'Hoppy' Time! - An Easter Message (and Photographs of Spring)

Hi!!!

Good morning and Happy Easter! To celebrate, I've put together my Easter message to you all, as is tradition, and this year it is filled with photographs I have taken that showcase the season.

 

When I think of Easter, I think of hope, joy, growth and celebrating life. It's a beautiful holiday, and one I really enjoy celebrating, not only because of its meaning but also because of its ability to bring people together. I wanted to fill this post with natural and floral photography because I think it represents Easter brilliantly - things like daffodils and buds remind us of the beauty in every day and are signs of growth and new life after winter. I also wanted to showcase Spring, because it is a season that matches these sentiments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of these photographs were taken at a garden centre that is local to me. I've taken a few trips to it with my mother over the past few weeks and it has been a lovely opportunity to chat, buy new plants, drink tea at the cafe and of course, capture spring flowers with my camera (I'm lucky my mother is so patient when I stop to take photos). It's been so interesting watching the plants develop from visit to visit, and to see what flowers earlier in the season and what flowers later. It is a true joy.

 

 

 

 

I've also been snapping pictures of the blossom on my way home on weekdays - Elf Girl has also been very patient when I stop to take yet another picture. There are also blossom tress in these photos from days out. This time of year is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, and I've been taking every opportunity to savour and appreciate all the season has to offer.

 

On a trip to London to celebrate the birthday one of a loved one in March, I came across a fabulous Magnolia tree in full bloom. I love Magnolia trees and putting this post together has made me notice how they bridge the gap between flowers like crocuses and blossom on, for instance, cherry trees. Nature really knows how to put on a coordinated display.

 

 

 

 

There is so much beauty to be found in all the seasons, and they are all special for different reasons. Autumn has its glorious leaves and conkers, Summer has its fresh green leaves and borders of flowers, Winter has its sparkling frosts and icicles and bare branches against soft grey skies. Spring has its own beautiful defining features - blossom, pastel colours, new buds, daffodils swaying in gentle breezes. It fills me with weeks and weeks of happiness and inspiration, and in many ways, the Easter celebrations the season builds up to, does too. There is beauty and hope in every day, big and small, just waiting for us to find it. Grabbing the opportunities to find it is something I think we should all do to carry the best parts of the season, and Easter, with us throughout our days, and brighten our lives.

 

 

 

I hope that whatever today means and involves for you, that you enjoy it and embrace it.
 I hope you are fortunate enough to spend it with people you love, and if you are not then I hope that you find joy in other ways today.
Take this opportunity to celebrate life and development, as well as the people you hold dear, the season of spring and chocolate eggs.
 Happy Easter to you and those you love.
 I'm sending good vibes, best wishes and lots of love to you all today xxx.

 

 

Thank you for reading. I hope you've enjoyed looking at these photos, I am really pleased with how they turned out.

What are your favourite things about Spring? What do you do to celebrate Easter? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday and make the most of the Bank Holiday tomorrow.

 

Happy Easter!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - 7 (More) Little Things To Get You Feeling Festive

Hi!!!

If you read this post last week, then the title of this one may sound familiar. Yes indeed folks, I'm doing part two - now there are 14 ideas in total to get you in the holiday spirit. Hopefully the first installment was an enjoyable read, and this one will jingle your bells, too - see what I did there?



Download a Festive Background for Your Phone.

I was reading Wish Wish Wish the other day for the first time in weeks and saw that Carrie had uploaded these super cute Christmas phone backgrounds. I downloaded one straight away and I love it - so simple but so special. And it's free! There's an iPhone one and the iPhone Plus one fits my Samsung Galaxy S7, just FYI.

Burn A Christmas Candle.

I got out my number one bae of a candle (John Lewis Winter Spice) out the other day to burn while watching Christmas Films and have had it going since. The cosy glow and lovely smells of Christmas candles are so wonderful. Some of my other top picks include Yankee Candle Red Apple Wreath, Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie and Yankee Candle Candy Cane Lane. 

Bake Some Christmassy Treats.

If you find the time - and I appreciate that you might not have loads spare - then I'd definitely suggest getting into the kitchen and baking something seasonal and delightful be it gingerbread or sugar cookies or cupcakes. It's lots of fun, a good way to take a breather and you can eat the rewards- it's win/win isn't it? Here's some recipes to get you inspired.

Head To A Local Garden Centre.

Garden centres are always places I like being in but at Christmas they really are something else.  They always have cool decorations and displays and twinkly lights and things like that. Spend an hour or so at one near you and take your time looking at everything- and yes, it's totally OK to leave with a few new decorations, I fully support this.

Go To A Heritage Property.

 Two I'd recommend are the Victorian Christmas at my favourite, Charlecote Park, and then the theme decorations at Chatsworth, this year they are based on The Nutcracker, which you can see snippets of in this post (although tickets are more expensive for the latter, it is worth it 100%).

Buy Mince Pies.

Buy a box of mince pies next time you're in the supermarket and consider eating the whole box in one go. Seriously, even just seeing the box is like a little hit of festive cheer. And if you don't like mince pies, there are plenty of other festive foods to treat yourself to instead.

Watch Comedy Christmas Specials.

Keep an eye out for your favourite comedy Christmas specials on GOLD, online and in your DVD collection and any time you're stuck for something to watch, put one of those on and laugh yourself silly. You can find a list of my recommendations here.

Thank you ever such a lot for reading.

What are your favourite things to do in the run up to Christmas? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed the post.

Have a spectacular day!

GingerSnaps xxx