Life begins at 40, right?!

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, I realised it's a biggy for me this year. Turning 40 in May! I mean, I still feel 30 (possibly even 20 ha-ha) so I don't quite know where 40 snuck up on me from? I've heard good things about turning 40 though. Many people I know say their 40's have been some of their happiest years, as life just seems so settled. Many people have already met 'the one,' they've got married, they've become a little family if that is how they wanted their life to go and they are settled in a job. And it made me think about my life and me and how much I have grown in my 40 years on Earth. Here are some things I have found out about myself.

being a mom was my calling

I can't actually put into words how much I love being a Mom. I knew I aways wanted children and I hoped that someday that would happen for me. Having worked with children for pretty much all of my working life, I had always loved children. I knew it would be even more special when I had my own but I can't even explain how much they have changed me. They are literally my whole world. I take my parenting responsibilities very seriously and I want my girls to always know that everything I did was to give them the best start in life. The love I get back from them both is the best feeling in the world and I count my blessings every day. There is no other job like it and as morbid as this might sound, if I died tomorrow, I would die a very happy lady because of the joy they and their Daddy bring me.

i love being a photographer

It was never a job that I had even considered until recent years but I am so glad I made the jump into it. Hearing the words "these made me cry" are probably one of my favourite parts of my job. I love being able to capture photos of your precious babies and families for you to treasure for years to come. 'You never really know the value of a photograph until it's all you have left' is a quote that resonates with me. It is so powerful when you think of it like that. I am always learning, evolving and training to give you the best of the best and I don't think I have felt as driven in any job I have had as this one. The sky really is the limit.

I like my circles small

I am not a person who enjoys being around lots of people. I would probably say I am a bit of an introvert and only feel comfortable around people I know well or who I feel are genuine. I have small groups of friends who I value dearly and each group has its wonderful qualities. Shoutout to my best girls who are always there though thick and thin. The ones who I could call at 1 in the morning sobbing and they would be there if I needed them. They are my rocks and I feel so lucky to have them in my life. Then I have my school mom buddies. They are my coffee date girls, who enjoy a chinwag over a nice cuppa and a cake (sometimes provided in the poshest crockery - you know who you are ;-)) and I thoroughly enjoy their company. They are also my girls who I can talk to about anything and we are always there for each other. And then I have my friends who I have known for years and we see each other occasionally but nothing changes, we just pick right back up where we left off. I feel very lucky to have all of them in my life.

I love simplicity

This speaks for itself. I love simplicity. This is in pretty much everything. I love simple home decor, nothing bold and out there, pretty neutral and fresh looking. I love simple foods. I am not a big foody, into delicacies and the 'finer things in life' and I would choose a nice bit of pub grub over any fancy restaurant. Simplicity shows in my work, too. I like classic, neutral, unfussy images and always shoot in the style that I would love in my own home. I guess I just like having a simple, uncomplicated life!

I found 'the one'

They say 'when you know, you know' and that was definitely true for me. In my past relationships, although never terribly unhappy, I always felt like there was something missing. It wasn't until I met Ross that I found the missing piece. We were made for each other and he honestly makes me feel like I'm the only girl in the world (just like Rihanna says!.) We are so similar in many ways and yet so different in others and that is why we work so well. We met on Plenty of Fish in 2012 and were married the following year. I had never been so sure of anything ever and knew he was 'the one.' He always says that about me too and tells me he knew he was going to marry me before we even had our first proper date. Big softy he is.

I'm a quick decision maker

My lovely mother won't mind me saying this (because it's true) but it takes my mom aaaaggggeeeeessss to make a decision about EVERYTHING. Oh my gosh, I don't know if you have ever encountered one of these creatures that can literally spend an hour choosing which tin of beans to buy, but they are real! And it's so annoying! ha-ha.

I, on the other hand, can make a decision pretty quickly about most things. If I am shopping online for something, I can read a few reviews (you should always do this!) and within a minute or two, I've bought it. Whhhhhhy would you spend so many precious hours thinking whether to do something or not? Just do it! :-)

I'll never eat meat again!

I was 11 when I decided to not eat meat. I remember my mom booking an appointment with our doctor to ask if I was doing the right thing by cutting meat from my diet at such a crucial age of development. Of course, the doctor said it was absolutely fine and that I had a good diet rich in all other foods so not to worry. I took vitamins (and still do) to supplement the things I would be lacking such as iron. I didn't eat much meat anyway, I only really liked white meat and fish but decided to cut all meat out after seeing an upsetting documentary and decided to only eat fish. I don't miss meat as I really can't remember what it tasted like anyway. I still eat fish, albeit rarely, but live a very happy, healthy life on plant based foods (and pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!! - mmmmmm.)

I'm not a bad cook

I really enjoy cooking. I don't think I really started to enjoy it until I joined Slimming World and started making meals from scratch. Honestly, if you saw my spice cupboard, I think I must own at least one of every spice you can buy. I didn't appreciate how tasty you can make meals just by adding some spices and now, I will cook everything from scratch and enjoy them far more than a ready meal or a sauce from a packet or jar. Just lately, I have been making a lot of fresh, homemade soups and they are so quick and easy. I always feel so full after eating a bowl of it and you don't need any bread with it or anything. My eldest daughter says one of her favourite meals is my homemade vegetarian bolognese. I'm still working on the hubby and my youngest ha-ha!

Crime documentaries are my bag!

There aren't many things on TV that I could watch all day, every day butttttttt crime documentaries are definitely one that I could. They fascinate me and I often wonder if I should have looked into joining the Police as a detective. I have quite a 'suspicious mind' and I am usually quite good at working out mysteries and 'who did it.' A lot of the documentaries I have seen have been upsetting, tragic even, but seeing justice served makes me it easier to watch. I am loving Netflix and BBCiPlayer just lately as they have absolutely loads on there and they are so gripping. I think DCI Simkins has a good ring to it!

i love travelling

I am a big fan of travel. I mean, there are so many beautiful places around the world and some of them just need to be experienced in real life. I have been lucky growing up to have already seen some beautiful places in the world but I still have many more to add to that list. It isn't as easy to do that once you have a little family due to school holiday restrictions, budget, thinking of holidays where the girls would enjoy themselves too and not be stuck looking at things more suited to adults. But I have made a list of the places that I would still love to see and one day I hope to tick them all off.

I am a joker

I like to think I am quite witty. I can be a quick thinker and I enjoy a bit of banter. My husband has the same sense of humour that I have so we can have fits of laughter over the silliest of things. Mainly me winding him up. We have many little jokes and I always believe that laughter is the best medicine. I have started being a joker to our girls too, like winding them up about little things or teasing them in a loving way. They get it. Erin has started to do it too, especially to her Dad which he finds hilarious. You have to have a bit of fun in life and not take everything too seriously.

As I head into my 40th year I just know that I am a happy lady that has a lot to be grateful for. I have had the best years so far and I am excited to see many more. Every year gets better and better and I know that life is not always roses but I will always remain positive wherever I can. They say life begins at 40, and I am excited to write Chapter One! :-) x