In The Blink Of An Eye

Isn't it scary how quickly the years seem to fly by? I know people say it all the time but time really does seem to pass us by so quickly especially when it comes to our children growing up. It seems like only yesterday I was choosing Aalliyah's pushchair and cot bedding and yet Monday I found myself choosing her secondary school! I went to an open evening at a local secondary school that both myself and Aalliyah are eager for her to get in to. It really was an amazing evening touring the school but as I sat there in the auditorium surrounding by hundreds of girls and their parents it suddenly dawned on me, this time next year Aalliyah would be in her secondary school and more than likely helping out on the next presentation evening for prospective pupils. Its not like I am totally unaware of her age, but it just hit me like a bullet. 

I got thinking about all the "firsts" that I would never experience with her again. Her first words, steps, smile. Her first day of school, the first bit of artwork she brought home for me. It is sad to think that I will never get them years back but then as I looked at her watching the presentation with so much excitement in her eyes I started to think of all the new wonderful things we were yet to experience together. Starting secondary school, her first love, her first heartbreak, university, her graduation, passing her driving test and buying her first house. There are so many exciting adventures that lay ahead of her we will have so many "firsts" to still enjoy. Although she needn't think I'm going to be purchasing all these "firsts"! Who knows, maybe when she graduates and makes her "first" million she can actually buy me my "first" mansion. Ok, so not a mansion but there are plenty of beautiful country houses for sale that I wouldn't say no to.

Time really is precious and although its sad to see her leaving those baby years behind it is exciting and wonderful to watch her blossom into a beautiful, intelligent and independent young lady.

*This post in in collaboration with Strutt&Parker

The Easiest Daydream

Isn't it amazing how quickly our minds can travel? I mean one minute we could be sat at the bus stop waiting for the number 31 and the next minute we could be sat on a sun lounger in the south of France and what's even more amazing is how elaborate these day dreams can quickly become. They seem to evolve at the speed of light. I found myself in that situation a few days ago at a job interview. Now I should start by telling you this has been my first job interview in quite a few years as I have been a stay at home mum. As you can imagine interviews are few and far between especially with my all too vacant looking C.V.

Anyway, I found myself sitting in the "break room" waiting for the interview process to commence. It was just me and a little lady who was fixing the tea and coffee vending machine. As I watched her work and tried not to listen to the sound of my heart beating like it was coming out of my chest through nerves, I was suddenly in the interview room and half way through the interview. I was like an unstoppable force answering any and all questions put to me. The interview was going swimmingly then suddenly I am walking into the store and being shown to my workstation ready to begin my first day.

Well the first day must have been a success because quick as a flash I am going to the bank ready to take out my first wage! Then I'm buying that beautiful leather sofa I have been wanting since being given a second hand one when I moved in. I am replacing all my old mix match furniture with new matching items, upgrading the the ten year old television set, replacing all the outdated flooring and then buying that gorgeous shaggy rug I had my eye on. (Boy has this wage packet stretched!) But hang on.. Its six months down the line and I'm taking driving lessons. I have been saving hard and I have purchased a nice little run around for when I pass my test. Perfect for ferrying my daughter to and from school. Then I find myself sitting in a travel agents discussing my holiday plans..

Then I feel a tap on my shoulder and a lady asks me if I could follow her into the interview room. Turns out I had only been waiting for a few minutes and yet had managed to day dream the next year of my life away with great ease. Now to be fair, I wasn't interviewing for a job that paid a yearly wage in the millions and I'm certain all my worries would not cease to exist as soon as I was employed but a regular income right now would be the answer to my prayers.

We are only human and as much as we tell ourselves not to get carried away, it's what we do best. When there is something we really want we can spend all our time dreaming of what its like when we actually get it. It is funny how quickly things can change for us in a daydream. If only real life were like that. 

The easiest daydreams are the ones that are achievable but sometimes the most enjoyable daydreams are the most elaborate ones that seem out of reach. You should never stop dreaming (or daydreaming) as the case may be.. Anything is possible ;)

*This post in in collaboration with SCS

Blackpool Bound..

As much as I would love to be going on a "proper" holiday in the summer holidays (and by proper I mean abroad and for at least a week) sadly its just not going to happen yet. Among other things money just isn't flowing too much right now. So while most of the summer holidays is going to be filled with swimming, cinema, picnics and country parks, I did want to have at least a night away somewhere just me and Aalliyah.

I decided on Blackpool as I havent been for years and Aalliyah has never been and with so many local attractions making Blackpool a very appealing choice we are all booked up for a 2 night break. We are really looking forward to all that Blackpool has to offer. Can you believe that Aalliyah is 10 years old and this will be the first time we have actually been to a beach together?? MADNESS!!

We will be visiting the Pleasure Beach and the Blackpool Tower and then the rest of the time I'm sure will be spent relaxing in the sunshine watching the waves. Being a MASSIVE Spongebob fan Aalliyah is super excited to visit Nickelodeon Land and we are both pretty nervous about going to visit the tower with its remarkable glass floor.

We are setting off on the 22nd of August and already counting down the sleeps...

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The Summer Holiday Essentials

It's that time of year where most of us are packing our bags and jetting of to a far away land of sun, sea and sand. Sadly for me this years holiday is not going to stretch much further than the good old English beaches, but for the rest of you lucky lot I have come up with a top ten of your holiday essentials from T-Shirts to Tea bags. Now you might be looking at some of them and thinking "Well obviously!" but you would be surprised at some of the simple things us Brits forget to pack.

1. Luggage - OK,so before anything else, the first thing you need is luggage. The type of luggage you need will depend on where you are going. Are you traveling with someone? or children? Then you will need a fair sized suitcase for all your things. Going on a short city break then check out the smaller sized cabin suitcase ranges available.
2. Clothing - Yes I'm talking about your T-shirts, shorts and what ever else you plan to wear out and about on your holidays. It's all very well to get the sexy swimsuit and designer sandals sorted but when it comes to walking around town or going out for dinner your bikini just wont cut it. Don't forget the wardrobe essentials!
3. Swimwear - Most guys will just pick out any old pair of trunks and be done with it. But for us ladies picking the perfect swimsuit takes time, planning and lots of prototypes! We take this kind of thing seriously. After all this is the thing that we have been dieting for , this is the single most important item of clothing in the suitcase and the reason we have been doing early morning sit ups religiously for. We can all look decent enough in a pair of linen shorts and a cute T-shirt, but when it comes to the swimsuit we have to look "bellissimo".Lucky for us ladies we are inundated with women's swimwear designs so you are sure to find one that's perfect for you.
4. Cables/Leads/Chargers - Nearly all of us will take some sort of gadget with us on holiday and with the iPods, Kindle's, Smart phone's, digital cameras and camcorders taken away with us it's not surprising that many of us will forget the necessary chargers needed to use them. Don't forget your chargers and if needed an adapter for your plug dependent on the country you are visiting.
5. Toiletries - Forgetting your essential toiletries on holiday can be as bad as forgetting your clothes. After all imagine having to go for week without your shampoo and skin cream. Granted we could get some toiletries at the hotel but us ladies know how naked we feel without our favorite perfume on. Get yourself a toiletry bag and fill that baby right up. You can never take too many toiletries.
6. A Good Book - Delays are inevitable when travelling. Even if travel plans go smoothly there will be some point in your journey that you will be waiting around whether its waiting to check in or even on a long plane journey a good book or even a couple of your favorite glossy magazines are a must. Beat the boredom and pass the time a little quicker by getting lost in some literature even if it is from "Vogue".
7. Protection - No, I'm not talking about the rubber kind (although if you are single and looking to mingle then go for it) I'm talking about UV protection. Too many people get ill from not taking the necessary precautions in the heat, so remember your sun cream, hats and your sun shades. Enjoy the sun as much as you like after all that's why we go, but stay safe and sensible in the sun.
8. A Good Brew - Chances are that when you are away you will have to endure some not so pleasant local teas and coffees. So if like me you know what you like (in my case a good strong mug of Yorkshire tea) then don't forget to pop a few tea bags in your case or if coffee is your thing put some into a zip lock bag and tuck it away. I personally can't start the day without my brew and I would never go abroad without taking some...just in case.
9. Sensible Shoes - While we have so much fun purchasing our sexy sandals we just now are going to look so hot against our tanned feet on the beach chances are you are going to be doing much more walking than you would at home. Even strolling along the beach is bound to clock up those miles. If you know you are going to be going sightseeing or maybe visiting some nearby towns then comfortable footwear is a must! Don't let painful blisters ruin your day and cut your walks short. Try out your footwear before you by them. Can you imagine walking all day in them?
10. First Aid Kit - You don't have to rush out to the nearest chemist and purchase an expensive first aid kit. Get yourself a cheap toiletry bag and fill with the first aid essentials should you have any minor injuries  Make sure you have some plasters, insect repellent, bite/sting cream, painkillers, diarrhea remedies and some antihistamines. Chances are your wont need to use any but if you get in any trouble at least you have it to hand. Also you could be charged an obscene amount of money for emergency treatment/medicines, even if it was just Piriton!

So there you have it, my own top ten holiday essentials. Yes I could have easily wrote a top 100 as the list is endless when you start thinking of what to bring on holiday but with these things you are sure to have a safe and worry free holiday! With so many places online now, its easy to snap up some last minute bargains for your holiday. Take a look on Littlewoods online and check our their range of everything you need for a perfect summer vacation.

Are you going away this year? I'd love to know where you are going? What do you pack and more to the point what do you always forget?