I’m delighted to welcome Ellen from Babies, Biscuits & Booze to the Happiness Series this week. I love her blog title & reading about her funny take on parenting! Take it away Ellen…
1. Name three things in life that make you happy. And, please tell us a little about each one.
a. My family – obviously including my lovely baby boy and husband but also my siblings, parents, nieces, and nephews. I’m really close to all of my family and they are my best friends. They are always supportive and never fail to make me laugh! My husband and son are just absolute delights and I feel so lucky every day for our little family.
b. Food and drink. Eating and boozing form a big part of my family’s social life and I ADORE food.
c. Reading. I have always been an avid reader and I love books. Before becoming a mother I could get lost in books for hours and although I don’t have that luxury now I still make time to read as often as possible.
2. What’s something you do to find your happiness when you’ve lost it?
Watch my baby boy giggle, speak to any member of my family, read a good book, eat chocolate/cake or have a nice bath. Music is always good too – a great song can really lift my mood!
3. What cheers you up after a long, difficult day?
Cracking open a beer, relaxing and catching up with someone. I’m a social creature so I like to be in the company of others or communicating with people in some way! A phone call with one of my old uni pals can really perk up my week.
4. Does your job make you happy? If you are a SAH parent, does that make you happy?
I’m on maternity leave at the moment and it makes me really happy! I love that we aren’t on a schedule and I adore spending time with the baby. Before this, I was working in my partner’s pub and I enjoyed that too; it was lovely getting to know regular customers and always being sociable.
5. Share a happy memory with us.
Most of my happiest memories are of Christmas time – I adore Christmas. When I think about memories I think about how for my mum’s 60th birthday my siblings and I made her a scrapbook. We spent lots of hours going through old photos, reminiscing about our childhood and laughing about my mum’s quirks. It really put into perspective how very lucky we are.
6. Do you think money can bring happiness?
I don’t think money itself brings happiness but it is very difficult to be happy when you don’t have enough money. If you’re worrying about how to pay the bills or if you can provide a home and food for your family then you are naturally going to be worried and distressed. That said, being rich does not mean you’ll always be happy and I think it’s the things money can’t buy which bring true happiness; family, friends, love.
7. Is your happiness influenced by the things you do or the way you think?
I suppose a bit of both; if you are a positive person you are more likely to find the happiness in everyday situations. Obviously when you are doing things you enjoy (or not!) that will affect your happiness, too.
8. Which would make you the happiest – a sun holiday, new car or a new job opportunity?
A holiday! Although not too much sun, I burn really easily and get grumpy when I’m hot. A caravan by the sea will do me fine, ta!
9. Which wine makes you happier – red or white?
White! I really don’t like red wine. I keep trying it in case my taste buds have matured enough but I am still not a fan. To be honest, any wine gives me a killer hangover so I’d rather have a beer.
10. Share a quote that makes you smile.
Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing – Jarod Kintz
I’m Ellen and I blog at Babies, Biscuits and Booze. I am a new mum writing about our family life and the hilarity of parenthood. Usually found wearing novelty sunglasses and drinking beer. I can be found on Twitter & Instagram.
