Precious moments for them....... And us!

Hurray for the summer holidays again! I am lucky enough to have six whole weeks with my two partners in crime to enjoy some wonderful adventures. 

My main aim this holiday was to slow things down and do less. Life has been pretty hectic and I felt time was passing  by in recent months in a bit if a blur. 

I felt my most said phrases had become "hurry up" and " if we have time". 

Not great.

So with school out for summer we began our adventures, I was biting my tongue to stop the above mentioned phrases making an appearance.

We took time over breakfast and I asked my two questions, simple questions about what they had enjoyed the previous day and why. They began to teach me what I already knew in my heart. It really is the little things that make the wonderful, memorable moments. They loved the days in late July we had in the garden, the late evening strolls followed by hot chocolate, playing out in the street, meeting friends but mostly they loved the fact that they had their best vacation in the world this year.          ( again)

 "Where did you go?" I hear you ask..... We spent five days in the lake district, with lots of rain and a chilly August breeze. That melted my heart. 

All this aside, all these wonderful days, two happy children....... I am exhausted! I'm not complaining, but it is hard work being a mum 24/7. Anyone who says anything other isn't being 100% honest. It's the best thing and the hardest thing. 

So what about us mums? When do we get five minutes to recoup?

 At this point I hear you snigger, especially those of you with under fives. 

 

Here are my top ten tips for soothing body, mind and soul when time is of the essence. 

1. A cup of tea and a giggle friends. I'm really blessed to have some very special friends and we make time to do this on a regular basis. They probably don't realise but it always lifts my spirits. The tea helps too. 

2. Read a book. I'm guilty of doing this less when I'm busy. But actually it's a real soul soother, I find I disappear into the story and sometimes am genuinely upset when the story is finished!

3. Excercise. I'd love to say I run four times a week and do Pilates.... If you'd asked me five years ago if have said I do. Now I lack time and energy BUT I do power walk as many days of the week as I can, for about an hour and until I'm breathing a little faster. My two go on their bikes or scooters so I have to work a little to keep up! Not the most intense workout but it helps me relax. 

4. Drink lots of water. I drink gallons of the stuff, I always have a bottle in the car, one on  my desk at work and it's the first things I do when I wake on a morning. Try it. Not drinking enough can leave you tired and can cause headaches. 

5. Meditate. Just a few minutes a day can really help. Take a look at  "headspace" they do a great APP and it's really easy to do. Helps you escape for just a few minutes a day. 

6. Pamper yourself. In an ideal world a massage every few weeks and a fortnightly facial and massage would be top of my list but it just isn't a possibility. So home pampering is the way forward. A face mask, an overnight hair mask,       ( I'm really into using Lucy Bee coconut oil at the moment) and a file and  polish. It's amazing how much better you feel just with painted nails! 

7. An early night, or two or more! This without a doubt makes you feel better. Lack of sleep and sleep deprivation really makes you feel bad. It's difficult when you have hungry babies that like to snack in the night! But little naps when you can will help just a little bit.

8. Write. Even if it's a one line diary entry, a one off page about how you feel or a debut novel! I write all the time from poems to one off pieces to a few novels!! It really helps me switch off. After my beloved Grandpa died I was privileged to read his life story that he had written. It blew me away on so many levels. I'm sure it was used as an outlet to him too. My uncle also writes fantastic things.  Writing is in my family's blood. I love it. Try it. 

9. Connect with nature. This is like marmite. You will either love this or truly hate it. Give it a try, you might surprise yourself. Take your shoes off at the beach and walk on the sand. Go into the garden in the dark and watch the moon and stars, walk in the forest. Paddle in the sea or a river. I know it's sounds cliched but you really do realise how small you are and a sense of calm washes over you. 

10. Take a break. This isn't always possible for various reasons. A night away can really clear the head. If this isn't possible a long day trip does the same thing. Pack up snacks, a camera and head off somewhere you've never been,  take pictures of the things that interest you or of the people you are with. 

Enjoy the journey and use it as a chance to converse. Leave all your troubles at home...... They'll be there when you get back! 

I would love to hear your ideas- I'm always looking for quick and easy ways to clock off for short periods of time!

Happy relaxing after your summer adventures! 

Sunshine a plenty

As we packed up the car Sunday afternoon and headed toward the beach I felt the weight of the working week bearing down on me and the apprehension of the busy week ahead film my soul. 

"Mum, have we got the buckets?"

" shall I take my swimsuit?"

" have you got the snacks?" 

And so it went on...  All the while I rushed around the house grabbing everything we may possibly need and in the back of my mind dreaming of evening when I could climb back into my bed and shut off. 

At last we were in the car, I breathed that sigh of relief.... You know the one..... It's almost like a relief to be finally headed off, a peaceful thirty minute journey began.

As we neared the chosen beach for the day, one we had never visited, my eyes saw a sight that made us all squeal withy just a little excitement.....

There in the distance were two little rows of brightly coloured beach huts. 

As we neared we decided we would have to have one for the day and promptly set about finding out how to obtain one. 

Ten minutes later, keys in hand, we entered our little beach hut for the day and as we opened the door, I also opened my heart and packed up all the baggage I was carrying, looked around and knew right then this was going to be a good day.

My two were quick to test the deck chairs and promptly gave them the seal of approval. 

Fine minutes later we were running find to the sea, splashing each other and jumping waves. 

We had such fun, had our lunch outside our beach hut and of course took many photographs. 

We also met lots of lovely people who stopped as they passed, marvelling at the beach huts. " come inside, have a look" became my favourite line, " I should be on commission" I giggled. But for me, there is nothing sweeter than sharing something wonderful with others. 

By now I felt relaxed, had switched off from the weekly grind and was genuinely enjoying some quality time with my two. 

It is hard, when we are busy, to connect with our children, talk to them and most importantly listen to them. I am guilty of that all too often. 

As we drove home, the late afternoon sun hovered low in the sky, we all chatted about the day. The consensus was " we'll definitely go back" and guess what, in late August we are! X