Benefits of Writing a Gratitude Journal

 My gratitude journal is a pretty little notebook from Accesorize that lives by my bed, where-ever I am in the world. I took it to Kefalonia, and I took it to Canterbury when we took a trip there for Dan's graduation. It is something I write in daily, reflecting back on the day I've had and looking for the good, which is especially important if I'm feeling a little low, and have had a tough time. Starting my gratitude journal as one of my New Years resolutions last year, was most definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made. It helps me to put things into perspective, and remain as positive as can be.

I'd recommend it to anyone because...

• When you've had a really tough day, or week, it's good to focus on the good. It helps me to put things into perspective and to remember that I am incredibly lucky to have been born where I am. Although everyone will have struggles, even finding just one thing a day helps me to feel better about the tough day that I've had.
• It is a FANTASTIC way to keep some precious memories that you might have forgotten about otherwise. I know that I will keep these books for years to come, and that it will be a lovely way for me to remember things. A great example of these things, would be like a really nice evening in with the family, or a lovely meal out of which the memory might have faded eventually if I hadn't written it down.
• Being grateful is always a good thing. No matter where you are, there will be things that you will be grateful for - it might be a small thing, such as having a nice dinner, but it might be a huge thing like being grateful for getting a job, or having some nice praise from a work colleague, or friend.
• Getting into a positive mindset can be so beneficial. It's easier to deal with the trickier things you are faced with, and I find it becomes a good coping mechanism. I can accept that something negative has happened, but think about the good things that will come of it, or the other good things that happened to me that day. It's been amazing the change just keeping the journal has made for me in some situations!

 This is a habit I've gotten into that I would recommend to anyone. I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I definitely focus on the negative too much, and the things we worry about. Starting a gratitude journal has, in a way, encouraged me so focus on the positives, and realise that you can have the worst day, but there is STILL something good about it. 

Have you got a gratitude journal? Would you ever start one?

Doffy's Vintage Tea Room

 Doffy's Vintage Tea Room is an absolute gem. It's light, bright and white, which is of course every blogger's dream. It's only been open since November, but I wish that I'd found it sooner - I've definitely found my new Saturday morning spot. Doffy's is located in Haverhill, which is about a 20-30 minute journey from Cambridge. If you live near the area, I couldn't recommend it more!

 My friends and I decided that we'd opt for some crumpets and tea cakes - which I'd fancied for a very long time. They were even better than I had been hoping, and all of the crockery in the team room was so cute - think dainty and floral. Doesn't tea taste so much better when it's served from a cute little tea pot? I think so. I opted for the English Breakfast tea which was delicious, but I definitely want to try the Hot Chocolate too!

 One of the best things about Doffy's was that the menu was varied. They had a special menu for their teas, with a lot of choice - but you could also grab a cold drink too if that was what you fancied. Alongside their breakfast options, they also had a selection of cakes you could choose from which was very tempting - next time I'll be going at a more cake appropriate time. If you're heading there at lunch time, they also serve jacket potatoes, sandwiches and soup which just makes this quaint tea room all the more appealing. I love that they have an option for whatever time you fancy going.

 Doffy's is the perfect place to visit for Sunday brunch. If you're on a budget, there's no excuses because this place is SO reasonable. Two delicious tea cakes for less than £2? Sign me up please! I was so impressed by the quantity, quality and service that we recieved in Doffy's, and I'm so excited to head back in the next couple of weeks - my mum would love it!

 I'm so pleased that something so pinterest worthy has come to somewhere so locally to me. Definitely obsessing a little bit over the interior. If you're in the area, and looking for somewhere to lunch, I've found your place. They even do Afternoon Tea - what more could you want?!

Have you ever been to Doffy's Vintage Tea Room? Do you like cute cafes?