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Showing posts from 2020

Lockdown Lessons

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Here are a few of the things that lockdown taught me Having fun doesn’t have to cost a penny If you follow me on Instagram , have read previous posts or seen my YouTube videos then you will know that we love to get out and about and have fun but lockdown made us realise that the fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Once restrictions were lifted a little we were able to get out we had so much fun on literally a few pound which proves that you can have fun for next to nothing.  We really don’t need to eat out as often I have to admit, we probably eat out more than we should but with the restaurants shut and not being a fan of delivered food we really got back to basics in the kitchen and had so much fun trying new and old recipes and I can honestly say it didn’t feel like a chore...it was enjoyable. There is more time in the day than we realise for me time or self care We often say we don’t have enough hours in the day to do all the things we need to do but with the combination of homesc

Am I Enough?

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The last 6 months have been interesting to say the least. The impact of what we have been through has not just physically taken it’s toll on so many of us, it has also left a vast majority of us mentally scarred too . After months of homeschooling, trying to keep on top of my own work, housework and everything else I have had to juggle, the whole experience left me questioning or rather doubting my abilities. Am I a good enough parent? Am I being a supportive enough wife? Have I been there for my friends? The list went on. Recently I started reading a book called How To Stop Feeling Like Sh*t. Every chapter involves a challenge where you are asked to look at different areas of your life and really take stock of how you feel about and treat yourself and I realised that I wouldn’t treat others how I treat myself. It’s only really the last couple of weeks that I’ve actually stepped back, taken stock of everything and wholeheartedly challenged the self doubt and my reasons behind it and do

Life After Lockdown

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So yesterday Boris announced further plans to ease the lockdown and many people up and down the country will be excited by the things they will now be able to do and the people they will be able to see. As long as you adhere to whatever guidelines are in places there is no wrong or right way to start doing things, just what is comfortable for you and your family. A common question we’ve been asked when catching up with friends, family and colleagues during lockdown is how on earth are you guys coping? People that know us, know how much we like to explore, seek adventure and just generally always be out and about so being confined to the our home was always going to be a bit of a challenge. From exploring a little village that we’ve stumbled across on a drive out to a fun and adventure packed day out we live for the great outdoors. Between home schooling, walks in the park, board games and family quizzes we’ve muddled through but the one thing that it has made us think abou

Saving with Plum

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I’m a list maker, FACT! From as far back as I can remember I’ve liked a list and usually I write them to keep me on track and to help me reach targets and goals. As well as daily to do lists, at the start of every month alongside my monthly budget I make a list of the things I’d like to achieve that month. Some goals are as simple as finally fixing the cupboard door and other household things, some are financial and other goals are bigger. In January when I set out my intentions for the year, one of those things was a target of saving £1200 by December in a ‘just because’ pot. I save monthly for different things but each pot has a purpose so I wanted to try and save this amount for no particular purpose other than ’just because.’ This month marks the half way mark of my savings challenge where I should have £600 saved so far but secretly I wanted to be a little ahead of the halfway mark by saving £700 and I managed to smash that target less than 2 weeks into the month. Nope, w

Lockdown Achievements

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For the last few weeks I’ve been seeing a meme, quote, picture or whatever you want to call it doing the rounds. It states something along the lines of “If you don’t come out of lockdown with either a new skill, starting what you’ve been putting off like a business or more knowledge then you lack discipline” and if I’m perfectly honest it p’d me off. There are thousands of people up and down the country who are not only trying to work from home but also play home educator to their little darling/s, provide 3 meals a day, keep the house tidy, stay on top of the laundry not to mention queuing up for hours to get the weekly shop. There are also people who are struggling with their mental health and quite frankly, if they get through the day is an achievement. Then you’ve got the people that are volunteering their spare time to help those that can’t get out and about. It wasn’t that long ago that we were talking about ‘in a world where you can be anything be kind’ an

Weekly Meal Plan 30/03/20

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With the current situation we are making the most of what we have in to avoid having to head to the shops. Monday Meatballs and spaghetti in a tomato and basil sauce Tuesday Quiche, new potatoes and salad Wednesday Sausage, mash and onion gravy Thursday Veggie or fish fingers, homemade wedges and baked beans Friday Chickpea, cauliflower and spinach korma with basmati rice Saturday Fry up Sunday Roast dinner Have you got creative since we’ve been in lockdown or are you sticking to firm family favourites and comfort food? Emma xoxo

Weekly Meal Plan 03/03/20

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Weekly Meal Plan Monday Gammon, egg and chips Tuesday Spaghetti Bolognese Wednesday Chilli chicken, rice and spring rolls Thursday Toad in the hole Friday Jerk chicken pasta salad Saturday Enchiladas, wedges and corn Sunday Roast dinner

2020 Bucket List

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Last year for the first time we came up with an annual family bucket list , this included things to achieve as a family, personal goals, couple goals and things we would like to do in our home. Our 2019 Bucket List looked like this I’ll be honest, I did doubt whether I would stick to it or if it would be completely successful. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions so wanted goals that we could take our time with and achieve throughout the year and that weren’t all personally focused and I have to say our annual bucket list was a complete success and whilst we didn’t manage to complete everything on it we did manage to make a huge dent in it. In December last year I thought that it would be a good idea if we made another bucket list for 2020. Together, we made a list of goals again personal, family orientated, home related and couple goals. January was a very productive month and lots of progress was made but by February things had stalled. I couldn't put my finger on what

Weekly Meal Plan

Quite a few family favourites on this weeks menu Monday Chilli con carne Tuesday Smoky bbq ribs, spicy wedges, corn on the cob and onion rings Wednesday Sesame and soy glazed pork belly and noodles Thursday Out for Baby Sam's birthday Friday Omelette with a choice of fillings and hash browns Saturday Mediterranean chicken breasts, new potatoes and salad Sunday   Beef bourguignon, mash potatoes and green beans What are some of your week night favourites? Emma xoxo

Weekly Meal Plan 06/01/2020

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My first post of 2020 is nothing overly exciting but I am excited to be getting back into a routine with the kids going back to school this week and march into the new year to make some amazing things happen. So here is my first meal plan of 2020 Monday Chicken tikka massala with cauliflower rice and salad Tuesday Shepherds Pie, veg and gravy Wednesday Homemade breaded chicken goujons, southern fried wedges and corn on the cob Thursday Tuna pasta Friday Toad in the hole, brussels and roasted new potatoes Saturday Pizza, onion rings, salad and garlic bread. Sunday Roast pork with all of the trimmings Are you getting back into a routine or are did you never get out of one? What's on your menu this week? Emma xoxo