Nice Things That Really Are Nice

[JennieLee]

In response to to the other thread I was wondering what other Mumsnetters enjoy.

Staying at home?
Staying at home when the house is really clean and tidy?
Not having visitors in the very clean and tidy house?

I imagine there are some slightly more exciting pleasures and am hoping people will share them.

Drinking alcohol in the sunshine, preferably whilst away without the DC. That feeling as it first hits your bloodstream and makes you all warm and buzzing!

In the last six months I've discovered two things that make me very happy.

A few times a week, after the DCs have gone to school and DH to work, I get all the housework done and then run a lovely bath with candles. I've realised that I can get everything done on an iPhone that I used to do on a laptop, so I just lie in a lovely bath doing all my emails etc (and calls if I lie very still ) It's much more efficient as I'm quicker and less distracted.

Also brisk hill walking a couple of times a week, after we realised we could reach the countryside above our city in a 15 minute drive. The endorphins afterwards are like no other and make me high for a good hour.

The sound of little granddaughters chatting and giggling in their beds before they drop off.
Clean hot running water.
Early walk through the city to fresh market stalls when it’s still quiet.
More leisurely time now that I’m retired.
The bin men at work.
The sublime privilege of peacetime in our country.

That moment when you get to the end of a book and you didn’t see the twist coming. I can probably only think of a few books where I’ve been genuinely surprised and it’s great when it happens.

Oh do share the titles! Always looking for a surprise twist but almost always guess.

My cat - she is a pure joy. I don’t work on a Wednesday so after DP gets up fir work and feeds her she gets straight into bed with me, and I wake up with her curled into the crook of my knees.

Fresh sheets.

Seasonal wardrobe switching - I love unpacking my beautiful knitwear or summer frocks which feel like both new things and old friends.

Unlike the posters on the other thread, baths. Boiling hot, loads of bubbles, my Kindle or a glossy magazine, and a can of Diet Coke. DP often goes to sport on weekend afternoons and I can happily spend two hours in there while he’s out.

A bit niche, but terrible made for TV Christmas movies that live in the very high numbers on Sky, They all have essentially the same story, and the same cast, and are just dreadful.

My favourite nights are winter nights in on my own after the cleaner has been. I light the fire and some candles, drink herb tea (or wine), and download something good on my Kindle so I can enjoy reading in silence, occasionally pausing to glance around and marvel that this beautiful neat tidy house is all mine.

A really big, comfy but not too soft shit, preferably while reading Take A Break or Chat.

The type that makes you jump on the scales afterwards to register the loss.

Bliss.

Coffee
Going for a run
Being asleep
Hot bath
Being a mum
Homemade food

Just can’t get enough of the mundane stuff, love it.

Seeing a random pussycat in the street, that meows at me, and comes over for some love. 😻

A brand new bar of dove soap in a hot shower.

Wrapping up warm in autumn and picking brambles to make a crumble.

Sleeping in clean bedding.

The view of crashing waves and storms from our living room window in winter.

Silence at home except for the sound of Mr Grombles typing on his computer.

Hearing my cat purring and shuffling about in her favourite cardboard box.

Ooh, what a lovely thread!

Definitely enjoying a clean house, by myself, in silence!
Fresh bed linen.
The hot air and new smell hitting you when you get off a plane on holiday (depending where you're going, of course).
Popping the foil on the lid of a new jar of coffee.
Going out for a long walk on one of those freezing cold, clear, sunny days.
Taking your heels off when you get home and putting your slippers on.
Cracking the top of a good crème brûlée.
Walking on sand with bare feet.

Hours of uninterrupted time at home alone

Playing my piano

Putting Away the last bit of clean laundry and there being nothing dirty
Ditto dishwasher.

Driving home after my last shift of my set (a night shift) watching everyone else go to work and knowing I'm done for 4 days

Watching my cats play together even though they are now old ladies p. They are so sweet.

Watching the squirrel that lives in our trees hopping from one to another then bound up the bird feeder to steal the nuts.

The birds in our garden

The feel of DHorse's velvety nose and intefering with his soft ears, and burying my face in his mane when I feel sad.

Grooming said DHorse, especially using thr shedding blade.... 😍😍😍😍😍

I originally read that as “DH’s velvety nose”

I love this thread. The simplest pleasures are the best.

A nice hot drink and snack accompanying treat.
Hot shower
Cold water on a hot dsy
Clean sheets
A nice walk
Being totally lost in the moment doing my largely forgotten hobbies
Ice cream

Brand new vacuum cleaner sent as replacement under guarantee terms very quickly with no quibble. Actually got really excited after procrastinating for nearly a year on claiming. Also my cat in all his glorious gingeriness.

Waking up with my cat asleep on my feet.

Clean sheets.

Nice croissants and coffee.

The half hour in bed before you go to sleep.

Choosing a new book to read.

Watching toddlers run about. They just boing around, sometimes humming as they bumble along, and they’re completely absorbed and in the moment, enjoying themselves. Bonus points for a puddle.

The smell of a sun warmed, purring cat.

13 wks pregnant with DC2, up for a wee two hours ago and unable to sleep since - this thread has cheered me up massively and been the boost I needed to face the day.

For me:

A perfectly-made cup of tea, slice of Christmas cake and bit of mature cheddar in an immaculate house on Christmas Eve, before the madness starts

Frosty walks in late autumn

Solo train journeys with tunes and a good coffee

@StrictlyAFemaleFemale I love the feels of the tiles in Azul too. I also love when you mix them up in the bag. Great feeling and sound.

Being alone in the house

My dog snoozing on me

Hugs from my family

Walks on the beach when the weather is turning cold

My dog coming to me for a back rub. He pushes up to me then turns his back and waits, then sometimes does a little grumble of appreciation when I give him a good rub.

What a lovely thread.

Can I add:

Opening a new novel for the first time
Following a car that has a really happy dog in the boot
The cuddles you get at school pick up
The smell of woodsmoke on an autumnal walk
Closing your eyes and listening to the sea.
Watching Harry potter with my dog and husband and kids all snuggled up - this is a new one, we've just finished the book.

That feeling of quiet companionable cosiness I get when sitting with DH. Both quietly doing our own thing but every so often we look at each other and smile or briefly reach out and touch hands. No words really needed.

The feeling of anticipation when you know there is a tv programme coming up that feels like a real treat. Rare for me as I barely watch tv, but, All Creatures Great and Small is back tomorrow!

The feeling I get when the day is winding to a close, everyone is in and fed and I can lock the world out knowing all is well and we're all safe.

The smell of the first cup of Coffee early in the morning.

Having goosebumps while listening to beautiful music

Feeling my DD kicking in my bump