I try not to make any New Year resolutions as a few days in, I know I am already going to give it up, and that is why instead I like to put in to practice some tips to live by, tips that are more than manageable and certainly achievable.
As parents we are more than capable of nudging our children in the right direction, so why is that I find that I struggle to put my own advise in to practice. This year, especially after the last two years we have all gone through in this pandemic, I've decided to pull up my big girl panties and set my self goals, targets, call it what you like but tips to help me through the new year and I certainly plan on adding to the list - Check out some I've listed below!
1. Put my phone down
Guilty as charged right here. I say to myself I’ll only be on it for 2 minutes, I’ve just got check my emails real quick, which turn into Instagram, TikTok, Leanoras crafty YouTube setup, LTK a little edit and tweak over on Lightroom and a sneak peak at the daily mail, before you know it, a good eight hours have passed and that’s me only at work and I've yet to check the emails.
It’s so easy to get lost in to your phone and clock up hours, but I plan on restricting my time, jut simply dedicating a period and sticking to it, so I can be more present in the real world, spend more time with Leanora, even unpack and fix the radiator cover I brought a few weeks ago and put that up and free up some space in the hallway to even read my latest book by Lisa Jewell.
2. Let’s go do it
I am the worse, I can easily talk myself out of something. Take for instance the other day, well to be fair I was shattered and just worked a 6 day week and was out with Leanora and Mum the day before at the most amazing exhibition this year to date, (can you see me procrastinating ) which you can see on my Instagram and TiKTok . I woke up on the Sunday did the house work then realised we had tickets booked for ice skating and I was cream crackered (shattered) and I just hit a brick wall, now the thing is If we had gone, I knew we would of had an amazing time, but maybe laziness took over, kinda hoping it's tiredness, but these little thongs shouldn't prevent us from going out and having a blast, after all we've been locked up long enough due to COVID. So any opportunity to go out and have fun, lets go and do it, you won't regret it.
3.Meal prep
I started this last year and become a bit of a nut at it. Every two weeks I sit down and think about what I or we want to eat, this is A great one to budget B helps you to reduce waste and I am all hear for that.
It can take a little time, but that is fine, this is what you and your family will be consuming over the next few weeks, plus its a major money saviour, I couldn't imagine going to the supermarket everyday and buying ingredients on a daily basis, plus its a great time saver on cooking, especially if you batch cook and put the extras in the freezer to eat another day.
4. Take care of your body
I kind of let this go a bit, especially now back at work full time and picking up extra time in the office on a weekend, it is so easy to just take 30 minutes each day to help take care of your body, be it a little morning yoga or meditation, a quick HIIT on youtube to even simply consuming water.
I invested time to find a few good people to follow on youtube to help me get fit, which is an added bonus on saving money and going to the gym and bought a few water bottles and a big brita filter to help with our daily water intake and adding a little healthier lifestyle will certainly get those endorphins going.
Have you got any tips that you find helps you, if so let me know in the comments below.
Stay well, stay safe.
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Lindsey
Planning on travelling over the festive season? There are quite a few things you are going to need and to check out before you hit the open road to keep the family safe and the kids entertained and occupied.
Whilst over the last year we’ve not been big travellers, I’ve travelled with Leanora enough to know what I need to travel with to have a safe and easy journey being a short or long-haul travel journey, as they say, you live and you learn!
We recently visited family in Northampton and before we sped off down the open road, We made sure to take our safety measures, especially as our car is not new and well over 3 years old and was in need of an MOT so glad that Calmac Tyres was able to help, they checked the brake pads which I was grateful as they were a little worn and replaced them immediately. One must be aware of the brakes functioning properly, negligence to this may lead to devastating consequences and may cause inconvenience along the journey. They also topped up and made sure that the fluid levels are appropriate. Since I travelled with my kid I did not want to go through the hassle of stopping at service stations, I just wanted to get home as quickly and safely as possible, so prior to our trip we made sure to fill up our engine to the required oil levels. I cannot recommend enough visiting Calmac Tyres for all your car servicing needs, you can even book your car in online on their website free of cost.
Games
Be it if you are in the car or on a plane, games are essential to have in your travel e bag to keep the kids and you entertained, mostly you sane from the kids kicking off and complaining every five minutes. Whilst I eye spy is a great game for the family, it can easily become boring, so stock up on cards, activity books and colours.
Translator
We are off to Paris for New Years, now whilst I may have learnt French at school, I literally know the bare minimum. Google Translate is my new best friend and is great to have at hand especially if sightseeing and you get. Little lost or if your child has allergies and need to let the hotel or restaurant know.
IPad
I cannot lie we always take ours when travelling and it goes without saying, bring the IPad I know I will be! Make sure it’s fully charged and even bring a travel battery charger so if the battery is running low whop out the extension lead to keep it going, perfect for long haul flights and drives.
First Aid Kit
It goes without saying, this is a must, you don’t have t9 bring a massive one, but even if you pack a vanity bag with essentials such as plasters, antibacterial wipes and normal wipes, goes without saying!
Are you travelling over the festive period, where are you guys off to? If you have any great tips for travelling I would love to hear below! Always insure before setting off particularly if driving that your lights are fully working on your vehicle along with all fluids are topped up including fuel, coolant, brake fluid and oil, this is so important and doing these little checks can save you a lot in the long run, no one wants to break down on the motorway ever and keeping your car MOT tested regularly will help you and your family.
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On humpdays I like to get focused, it is easy for me to get into a bit of a downward grove, but I try to keep as upbeat as possible. I mean the worse thing is being negative, no one likes a negative nancy, plus humpdays are great to keep on top of your game and prepare ahead making your week more of a breeze, leaving you to sail through to the weekend dancing and feeling happy.
To Do List
Nothing says forward-thinking and planning than creating a to-do list. Listing out what you need to do, gives you better leverage in getting organised and staying on top of things.
Meal prep
A great way to save a bit of money, plus knowing what you are eating and what you need to buy. Do you ever go to the supermarket and think, yeah I'll have that and that and that, sod it I'll take the bloody lot! Yeah, that's me alright, but not anymore, take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves and all that jazz!
Get it done
Washing, ironing, confirm dates & appointments! Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today, quite simple really, so let's stop procrastinating let's get it done, you will feel much better and mind a lot freer
Be ruthless
I hate saying no, but sometimes you just gotta say no, how else are you going to get shit done, it is all about freeing up your time to enjoy the weekend.
Grow your relationships
With busy lives, you can forget and neglect those close to you, so get building some bridges, send a whatsapp message and get connecting and spend some quality time with those that make you happiest, come weekend you got a plan and fun scheduled in or just a lazy day or weekend planned.
How do you make your week count and I would love to hear, nothing like sharing some tips and tricks.
What's better than the weekend, Fri-Yay, yes ladies and gents we have survived and it's now time to de-stress after a long week.
