The little things in life.

I'm no deep thinker, after all I can't even work out how to get steam out of the new iron, but I do try to appreciate the good things in life.
I'm not talking about fine wines or expensive clothes, more about the little things that make life special.

Perhaps I've just reached that certain age when it's time to wise up and get as much as possible out of life and not to stress the small stuff. I seem to have come over all philosophical, then again, I did watch 'Eat, Pray, Love' the other night. Julia Roberts, all big smile and great hair, cycling across Bali on her way to self-awareness. Not sure it'd be quite the same on a muddy lane in Wiltshire, the only self-awareness I'd have is that my tyres need pumping up.

We all moan and have down days from time to time but when those blue days hit I'm going to try to remember the little things that matter to me.

Books - I'm known as the girl who takes 30 books with her for a three week summer holiday and is rarely to be found without her nose in one. I love that moment of opening a new book and reading the first page, it never fails to thrill.

My hair grows really fast - shallow and vain, I know, but every winter I lop my hair off and then want it long for the summer so the fact it grows as if I'd dunked my head in fertiliser is something to be thankful for.

My three best girlfriends - you know who you are and what you all mean to me.

Maltesers - chocolate so full of air they're almost guilt free.....

A starry night - standing looking at the stars until I get a crick in my neck.

The person who came up with the idea of bringing back the Mini - thank you BMW for making driving fun again. Just getting behind the wheel of my Mini and putting the roof down makes me smile from ear to ear.

The sea - sitting listening to and watching the waves. It doesn't matter if it's Brighton or Cannes, sunny or raining. One of my favourite places is Lulworth Cove where I took the picture at the top of this post on a recent visit.

Lipstick - there's nothing like lippy to lift the spirits, I can be feeling and, probably looking, at least 100 but a slick of Chanel's bright red Enthusiast and I'm good to go.

Music - doesn't matter what the mood is, there's always music to suit it.

Apple crumble - the best pudding ever invented. With vanilla ice cream, naturally.

Brian O'Driscoll - every girl needs a phwoar moment every now and then and he's mine. Irish, gorgeous and a fantastic rugby player. Phwoar indeed.

Stripey tops and dresses - I just love stripes. If the fashion police were right I should never go near a stripe with my impressive frontage but sod 'em, I say.....

Laughter - looking on the funny side of life and laughing so hard until my sides ache.