tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46446509013055803142024-03-13T11:29:39.917+00:00Morgan's MilieuMorgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comBlogger920125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-64805736416706678162021-10-18T09:00:00.001+01:002021-10-18T09:00:00.175+01:007 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term<div style="text-align: left;">
Half term is just around the corner and you know half-term can be stressful. Trying <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/10/activities-to-do-with-children.html" target="_blank">to find activities</a> for the kids to do as well as dealing with bickering, or snack requests, you're on edge for the entire week (or two if you're in Nottingham!) as they slowly drive you crazy. Instead, why not spend a little time looking after yourself this half-term - here's 7 ways you can de-stress.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd6QA_-cw_A/XFFs9e8WGfI/AAAAAAAAOoE/7uraA8V8foIPNZwAe-KbfKNigQOLXTRDACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bmain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term | Use these tricks to help you cope with the kids at home all week!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd6QA_-cw_A/XFFs9e8WGfI/AAAAAAAAOoE/7uraA8V8foIPNZwAe-KbfKNigQOLXTRDACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bmain.jpg" title="7-ways-to-de-stress-this-half-term" /></a></div>
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<h2>1. Play Centres</h2>
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Back when your little ones were crawling around on the carpet, or toddling about the house getting into everything, you dreaded the play centre trips didn't you? Climbing up those uncomfortable stairs - on your knees. Crawling over the wobbly bridge with your little one as you tried to teach them to not be afraid, despite your own fear. Play centres were where you spent an hour that <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/tired-mums-school-aged-children.html" target="_blank">zapped your energy</a> and sent you running to the bathroom for a cry whenever the kids made the request. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it. </span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Eileen Caddy</span></i></b></div>
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Now, with older kids, things are different. Play centres are wonderful places where your child can "go off and play" and they're excited. When my two boys were 10 and 15 years old I <i>loved</i> play centres. Even at 15 years old my eldest would play football with his brother or climb the highest place he could. It's a good opportunity to drink a hot coffee and chill out while they use up all their energy.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9zvryqKspQ/XFFs8JndRyI/AAAAAAAAOoM/VqvAyF_GKMMl-V1-B5TJzOW-4u04bkxawCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bescape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term | Head to the local play centre to wear your kids out - you may even chat with friends!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9zvryqKspQ/XFFs8JndRyI/AAAAAAAAOoM/VqvAyF_GKMMl-V1-B5TJzOW-4u04bkxawCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bescape.jpg" title="7-ways-to-de-stress-this-half-term-play-centre" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The play centre. Once a dreaded trip, now a welcome break!</span></i></div>
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When your kids are old enough to play on their own these centres are amazing. It's a great way to let your kids run riot for an hour while you have a coffee and <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2014/09/friends.html" target="_blank">catch up with friends</a>. By the time you leave your kids have no energy left and you're refreshed after sitting for an hour with a hot coffee. Play centres are great for helping you de-stress this half-term. </div>
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<h2>2. Local Activities</h2>
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Libraries, leisure centres, and local village halls tend to run activities for the kids during half term. They're there to <i>help</i> keep <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/11/keep-kids-entertained-raining.html" target="_blank">your kids entertained</a> and they tend to have refreshments (think tea, coffee, and biscuits). Visiting local places is a quick and easy way to get your kids out of the house and doesn't take much effort on your part. Let's face it, if you can have the kids entertained without you going to extra effort it's a win, right? Check Facebook for local pages, your local supermarket's "what's on" advertising space, or ask around at school - people are sure to let you know where to find the best activities.</div>
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Movie day at home</h2>
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Movie days are a brilliant way to keep your kids entertained and yourself de-stressed this half-term. Stock up on popcorn (and other snacks) and plan an easy lunch or dinner. Choose your favourite movies and settle down for a <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/04/15-movies-to-watch-with-your-children.html" target="_blank">lazy movie day</a>. You can all stay in your pyjamas all day. Eat junk. Chill out. What's not to love about movie days at home?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDUni5Q2aVg/XFFs9ULsxwI/AAAAAAAAOoY/GLKOIsRiA-ANk1cwmYY1fL9CgCveZAj8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bmovies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term | Pick movies, grab the popcorn, and wear your pjs!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDUni5Q2aVg/XFFs9ULsxwI/AAAAAAAAOoY/GLKOIsRiA-ANk1cwmYY1fL9CgCveZAj8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bmovies.jpg" title="7-ways-to-de-stress-this-half-term-popcorn" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">My boys love a good movie day.</span></i></div>
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Play outside</h2>
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Let - or <i>make</i> - the <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/10/family-time-away-from-technology.html" target="_blank">kids play outside</a>. Half-term is the best time to encourage them outdoors rather than playing video games all day.</div>
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Fresh air does them good, even if they claim to hate it. I have made my eldest play football with his brother to ensure he gets at least some exercise. It's bad for their health to be indoors all the time, they need vitamin D - especially during the colder months - so <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/02/being-evil-mum-is-good.html" target="_blank">being Evil Mum</a> helps them. </div>
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Consoles</h2>
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<div style="text-align: left;">I'm about to contradict myself here... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I just said you can't let them play video games all day but giving them time to play is not a bad thing, as long as it's regulated. Consoles and <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/03/teach-children-about-online-games.html" target="_blank">video games</a> are called out as the cause of anti-social behaviour but have a place in our society, particularly now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IPd-uLINyQ/XFFs9A1IxiI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/nEVtWoachj4hFWjKH9bqsXxI3KEdTNB0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bgames.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term | Let them play - it's okay occasionally." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IPd-uLINyQ/XFFs9A1IxiI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/nEVtWoachj4hFWjKH9bqsXxI3KEdTNB0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bgames.jpg" title="7-ways-to-de-stress-this-half-term-games" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't know what my boys would do without their consoles!</span></i></div>
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My boys play video games a lot; after school, at weekends, and especially during holidays and half term. Back in the day, when <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/06/video-games-good.html" target="_blank">we played games</a> (you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth!) it was always a solo venture as you took your miniature character over platforms or fought monsters in the dark. These days gaming is more social and your kids can chat with their friends while they play their games together. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The kids <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/teaching-children-about-work.html" target="_blank">work together</a> towards a common goal and it teaches them to cooperate gives them something to celebrate when they accomplish a goal. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. </span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Benjamin Franklin</span></i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Of course while they're playing video games you can sit down (ignore the housework for now) and enjoy a hot coffee while you de-stress.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Days out</h2>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Leave your house and visit theme parks, <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/06/visiting-bolsover-castle.html" target="_blank">castles</a>, or walk through the woods. You can teach your kids about the world around them, about the history of a castle or how roller-coasters work while being outdoors breathing fresh air and getting some exercise. I've always found that we talk about the world a lot more when we go out for the day. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TwRMzFeWGc/XFFs8LrMlLI/AAAAAAAAOoU/jsXjVm8yFpwF7-h71c2FfHeuRp7Y2gTUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bbolsover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ways To De-Stress This Half Term | Visit a local castle and learn about its history..." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TwRMzFeWGc/XFFs8LrMlLI/AAAAAAAAOoU/jsXjVm8yFpwF7-h71c2FfHeuRp7Y2gTUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B02%2B04%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bdestress%2Bbolsover.jpg" title="7-ways-to-de-stress-this-half-term-bolsover" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We love visiting our local area and learning the history of it.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">While on walks we've discussed everything from how trees grow to complicated science and maths questions. It gives your kids a chance to "get bored" and wonder about the world. Once they start the questions might never stop, but getting them thinking about the world around them can never be a bad thing, and chatting together will help your stress levels.</div>
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If all else fails</h2>
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If you tried the play centre and the kids didn't like it; the kids thought the local activities were "boring"; movie day failed because they argued over which movie to choose; playing outside was a non-starter; you confiscated their consoles because they couldn't stop bickering; it's raining so days out become days in; there's only one thing left for you to do... </div>
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Lock yourself in the bathroom!</div>
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Let the kids run riot. Forget about <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/05/why-i-give-my-children-chores.html" target="_blank">the chores</a>. Hide. Take a coffee and your Kindle or a book, and hope they can keep themselves busy long enough for you to de-stress and read a chapter!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/benefits-of-being-stay-at-home-mum.html" target="_blank">Being a stay-at-home mum</a> during half-term is taxing. The kids struggle with boredom and it's your job to given them enough activities to keep them busy. Hopefully my list will help you de-stress this half-term so you can return to normal routine without the need for a week off!<br />
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Further reading</h4>
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Over on the Huffington Post there's a great, scientifically backed, article that lists some ways you can de-stress! Check out <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/stress-relief-that-works_n_3842511" target="_blank">20 Scientifically Back Ways to De-Stress Right Now</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
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As for mums - it's all about surviving the holidays. That's why I love this post over on Nanny & Butler filled with <a href="https://www.nannybutler.com/survive-school-holidays-stress-free/" target="_blank">tips on how to survive the school holidays stress-free</a>.</div>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-31900536599451101662021-10-11T09:00:00.001+01:002021-10-11T09:00:00.155+01:00Keeping momentum with your routine, despite blips<div style="text-align: left;">
Routines make life easier. They <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/11/13-ways-be-more-organised.html" target="_blank">help you stay organised</a> and keep on top of your housework. But when the kids are off school, or you're ill, your routine takes a hit and you (and your household) fall into chaos. The kitchen doesn't get cleaned, the washing mountain grows, and dust piles up. Then when the kids go back to school it's difficult to get back into your routine because there's so much work. There is a way to keep momentum with your routines, despite these blips. Read on to find out how.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKv1QyOCdnM/XX9Y0z83hgI/AAAAAAAAP44/1J35S0zIpDYS0b80AMb-iVOkXzpkaDeOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | Your cleaning routine works for YOU, not the other way around." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKv1QyOCdnM/XX9Y0z83hgI/AAAAAAAAP44/1J35S0zIpDYS0b80AMb-iVOkXzpkaDeOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips" /></a></div>
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Blips in your routine don't make you a bad mum</h2>
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We <i>all</i> have these blips in our routines. We fall ill, <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/de-stress-this-half-term.html" target="_blank">half-term arrives</a> before we're ready for it, or a family member needs our help, and our routine takes a hit. But suffering a blip in your routine does NOT make you a bad mum.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCOoxYrn3A/XX9Yz7uAmFI/AAAAAAAAP4w/_3ly8h-onZkbfaS6PhQNrj5kA50eXUeTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bmess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | My son's bedroom is messy all the time!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKCOoxYrn3A/XX9Yz7uAmFI/AAAAAAAAP4w/_3ly8h-onZkbfaS6PhQNrj5kA50eXUeTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bmess.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips-messy-bedroom" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">My youngest's bedroom - a whole day's job!</span></i></div>
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It took me a long time to realise that I'm not a rubbish mum if I have an untidy house. I used to beat myself up every Monday morning as I looked at my chaotic kitchen. Plates piled high. A laundry mountain to rival Everest. It bothered me that I couldn't <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/get-bored-while-cleaning-try-the-keep-the-momentum-going-routine-222380" target="_blank">keep up with the routine</a><b> </b>over the weekend and keep the house tidy for my family. Then I realised what that chaos meant.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">I was actually prioritising my family over the cleaning! I spent time with my boys and the Hubby rather than doing the cleaning. I enjoyed playing board games, watching our favourite shows, and going out for family days. So why on earth was I beating myself up about being a bad mum? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is prioritising your family a bad thing? </div><div style="text-align: left;">No of course not.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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So if you have blips in your routine, and you feel bad for not being a better mum, take a moment to think about what you've spent your time doing. </div>
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The truth is you do an AMAZING job. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">William Arthur Ward</span></i></b></div>
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You can always get back on track with your routine</h2>
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The blips can throw your routine and then you have to spend extra time on your chores. But you can <i>always</i> get back on track. Spending a little extra time each day will get your routine back on track and come the weekend you'll be back to normal again - just in time for the <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/spend-time-as-family.html" target="_blank">weekend with your family</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DEIhRz9AAs/XX9YzzBX4bI/AAAAAAAAP5A/oJp9JPvGU78mPCyjxx9iU7oz80-aNcQLACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bfun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | Having fun with your family is more important than your routine." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DEIhRz9AAs/XX9YzzBX4bI/AAAAAAAAP5A/oJp9JPvGU78mPCyjxx9iU7oz80-aNcQLACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bfun.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips-family-fun" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Family fun - much more important than sticking to a routine.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">I spend the week catching up on and take the weekend for the family - then I'm back to where I started on Monday. But that's okay.</div>
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Keeping momentum with your routine</h2>
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The key to <a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/if-you-build-it/" target="_blank">keeping momentum</a> with your routine is to do chores a little at a time, more often. I have a giant list of chores, but I never try to do them all at once - that would be overwhelming and I'd give up. Instead I break down the list into smaller chunks so the chores are easier to tackle. </div>
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In a morning, after the kids have gone to school (or while they're getting ready), I'll wander around the house collecting dirty dishes. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNgSwXoksUE/XX9YzlWQaVI/AAAAAAAAP48/8hwh9gsDoHcmQQZrC9FCyyWebJUnGu5HQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Blounge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | A tidy lounge makes me feel so much better!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNgSwXoksUE/XX9YzlWQaVI/AAAAAAAAP48/8hwh9gsDoHcmQQZrC9FCyyWebJUnGu5HQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Blounge.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips-tidy-lounge" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tidying the lounge takes much less time if I do it a little bit at a time.</span></i></div>
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The laundry is another task. Loading the laundry into the machine takes 5 minutes and then I can leave the machine to do its job. This one I save until the kids have left for school. Another job done.</div>
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Cleaning the kitchen counters is next on the list, and depending on the day it can take anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. Once it's done I smile because my kitchen looks great.</div>
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I do these small <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2015/10/get-on-top-of--household-chores.html" target="_blank">jobs almost every day</a> (not counting weekends) and manage to keep momentum with my routine because the chores don't build up too much over the weekend. </div>
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Use checklists to keep momentum</h2>
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Whether it's paper, something stuck to your fridge, or reminders on your phone, using checklists to help you keep track of your chores is a great way to keep momentum with your routine. List all the jobs you do every day. Each time you finish one, tick it off. Not only does it feel good ticking off a chore but you can see you're making progress every day. And when <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/06/stay-at-home-mums-dont-be-ashamed.html" target="_blank">you're a stay-at-home mum</a> any kind of progress makes you feel better.</div>
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I use reminders on my phone. I have a list of chores I do daily, weekly, and monthly, and they pop up regularly. There are set days for each room, for example Mondays are my lounge days, Tuesdays are for my office. I concentrate on a room, do all my chores, then stop - so I'm not overwhelmed with all the cleaning that needs to be done. The routine also helps with keeping the whole house tidy - no room gets a chance to get overly untidy. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-akj3rh-qM/XX9Y0XdJctI/AAAAAAAAP5I/tBJc6SvOEBculTytrGtj5HUIAdPpD9CaACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bphone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | My phone helps me stay on track every day." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-akj3rh-qM/XX9Y0XdJctI/AAAAAAAAP5I/tBJc6SvOEBculTytrGtj5HUIAdPpD9CaACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2Bphone.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips-phone" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wouldn't be without my phone - it helps me stay on track.</span></i></div>
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Admittedly sometimes I ignore the reminders. Usually at a weekend. But I know they're there and it </div><div style="text-align: left;">encourages me to tidy up when I can so the chores don't pile up.</div>
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Having a reminder of the chores you need to do is an efficient way to keep momentum with your routine. Especially if it pops up every time you look at your phone. It's like a <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/02/being-evil-mum-is-good.html" target="_blank">nagging little voice</a> that never lets you settle. And while nagging is annoying - it works doesn't it?</div>
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Know nothing is set in stone</h2>
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No matter how many days you keep momentum with your routine you're always going to suffer blips. Holidays from school, or an unexpected visitor can pop in and your routine takes a hit - but that's okay. YOU are in control of your routine and you can always switch things around if necessary. </div>
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The key is taking control, no matter how many blips you encounter you can always get back on track. Keep going with the routine, even if it's just the essentials like loading the dishwasher because you have no clean dishes! </div>
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Keep momentum with your self-care routine too!</h2>
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Despite blips to your chores routine you need to <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/10-minutes-self-care.html" target="_blank">take care of yourself</a> too. When we fall ill we realise we've been neglecting ourselves. I've done this <b><i>so</i></b> many times - I finally realised taking some time for myself meant I was ill less often. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Self-care is really about taking care of you and focusing on feeling good about yourself - mind and body.</span></i></h4>
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I read, have time alone (while the boys are at school), and I spend time doing things I enjoy - like playing video games. I have down time. As a result I am more relaxed about everything else. I don't stress about the dishes, don't worry about the laundry. I follow my routine and I have time for me too - win!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxzrtWO6rEQ/XX9crPaHZnI/AAAAAAAAP5k/KTQWUxigEUwvvx7ySPpWNe7AcVG5xpNSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2BP1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping Momentum With Your Routine, Despite Blips | Your routine keeps you going, you just need to know how." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxzrtWO6rEQ/XX9crPaHZnI/AAAAAAAAP5k/KTQWUxigEUwvvx7ySPpWNe7AcVG5xpNSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B16%2Bkeep%2Bmomentum%2BP1.jpg" title="keeping-momentum-with-your-routine-despite-blips-pin2" /></a></div>
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Please make sure to allow time for yourself when you're working out your routine - it's just as important!</div>
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Do you manage to keep momentum with your routine?</h4></div>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-88953370112677507102021-10-04T09:00:00.004+01:002021-10-04T09:00:00.158+01:0010 things to do during half-term<div style="text-align: left;">
After a long summer the October <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/de-stress-this-half-term.html" target="_blank">half-term</a> can whizz by before you know it and the kids are back at school before you've had a chance to think about something to do. You haven't left the house all half-term and you're feeling guilty. But with a little planning, both you and your children can have as much fun during half-term as you did during the summer.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z41HHQympMo/XabIZIZ56iI/AAAAAAAAQBs/g-iG63eL9XQh9cKxaD6qytpXcTO7MKO8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B16%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bactivities.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Things To Do During Half-Term | A few activities you can with the kids do during half-term." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z41HHQympMo/XabIZIZ56iI/AAAAAAAAQBs/g-iG63eL9XQh9cKxaD6qytpXcTO7MKO8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B16%2Bhalf%2Bterm%2Bactivities.jpg" title="10-things-to-do-during-half-term" /></a></div>
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Chester Zoo</h2>
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<div style="text-align: left;">A couple of years ago we visited <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/visiting-chester-zoo.html" target="_blank">Chester Zoo</a> during the summer holidays. On the day it poured with rain but it didn't make much difference to our day. We took coats and an umbrella with us and wandered around the zoo just like we would've if it had been sunny. The best thing about the trip was that the rainy weather put other visitors off so there were more opportunities to see the animals. Chester Zoo even have an indoor picnic area so you can still take a picnic with you without worrying about the weather. Win!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh1fpaQ5yjk/V-JcXyyCPNI/AAAAAAAAIOI/csERQHCDpxIkI_BnGfGLyy7LfrvJaJ0XwCLcB/s1600/chester-zoo56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Visit Chester Zoo to see the tigers." border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh1fpaQ5yjk/V-JcXyyCPNI/AAAAAAAAIOI/csERQHCDpxIkI_BnGfGLyy7LfrvJaJ0XwCLcB/s1600/chester-zoo56.jpg" title="10-things-to-do-during-half-term-chester-zoo" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love seeing the tigers - they're so majestic.</span></i></div>
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Chester Zoo is open from 10am until 5pm every day apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. During half-term the entry prices go up a little - for a family of four (children aged 3-15) with all day monorail passes (adult: £3.50, child: £2.50) it costs £83.80. This may sound like a lot of money but it is so worth it, your family will have a wonderful day at Chester Zoo and you'll give your children the chance to see tigers, leopards, and rhinos!</div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Martin Buber</span></i></b></div>
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Hardwick Hall</h2>
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<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/visiting-hardwick-old-hall.html" target="_blank">Hardwick Old Hall</a> is managed by English Heritage and I would highly recommend the audio tour when visiting. You learn so much about the history of the building and Bess of Hardwick and your children may even enjoy wandering around such an old building. When we visited the boys had a great time and they still talk about it now. Being able to walk around the Old Hall while listening to someone talk about the history is a much more practical way of learning and it works wonders on the children!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSVzPd64Jo/V-JchwGjQBI/AAAAAAAAIOM/3vFtMOxLKY814qTNIudAwPLYv-GFEHWkQCLcB/s1600/hardwick-old-hall%25281.16%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Things To Do During Half-Term | Visit Hardwick Old Hall and learn about history." border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSVzPd64Jo/V-JchwGjQBI/AAAAAAAAIOM/3vFtMOxLKY814qTNIudAwPLYv-GFEHWkQCLcB/s1600/hardwick-old-hall%25281.16%2529.jpg" title="10-things-to-do-during-half-term-hardwick-old-hall" /></a></div>
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You can also visit the New Hall which is run by the National Trust. We have yet to visit the New Hall but I've heard great things about it. </div>
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For a family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) to visit Hardwick Old Hall it costs £15.60 and for a family ticket to visit <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall" target="_blank">Hardwick Hall</a> and walk around the house and gardens it costs £32.75.</div>
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Calke Abbey</h2>
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<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/calke-abbey-in-the-national-forest.html" target="_blank">Calke Abbey</a> is a home trapped in time. It's filled with historical artefacts and walking around the house is both interesting and strange - from grand halls to spooky corridors Calke Abbey has it all. Visiting the Abbey in the colder months is fine because it's mostly indoors but if you're looking for some outdoor fun Calke Explore is there for the children. Calke Explore has log trails, rope walks, and climbing areas to keep the children entertained.</div>
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For a family ticket to visit the whole property at Calke Abbey costs £31.90.</div>
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Nottingham Contemporary</h2>
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If you're into art I'd recommend <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/arty-at-nottingham-contemporary.html" target="_blank">Nottingham Contemporary</a>, there's always activities for the children to enjoy and you get to see lots of art. Visiting Nottingham Contemporary would probably take up a morning, so you don't need to plan for a whole day, and best of all entry is FREE.</div>
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Blackpool</h2>
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We love <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2014/08/an-impromptu-blackpool-trip.html" target="_blank">Blackpool</a>. While it's quite far away the boys love travelling for the day and walking along the beach or going in the arcades. Visiting Blackpool can be as cheap or as expensive as you like - you can visit the Sealife Centre, Blackpool Tower, or Madame Tussauds or nothing at all and spend the day on the beach. Not to mention all the seafront stores filled with candy floss!</div>
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All I would say is prepare for the cold. If you're used to being inland (Midlands) then going to the coast during the colder months might come as a shock. It can get very cold during autumn/winter so make sure you take scarves, gloves, and a warm coat.</div>
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<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2014/08/the-heights-of-abraham-matlock.html" target="_blank">The Heights of Abraham</a>, Matlock</h2>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Amazing views, caves to wander through, a town filled with shops. If you're based in the Midlands it's a great place to visit and won't necessarily take up the whole day. Be sure to visit the caves in Matlock, they're not to be missed. There's also a restaurant if you're hungry, and don't forget to check out the Punch and Judy show.</div>
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Picnics</h2>
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The weather might not be great but you can still <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/07/a-day-off-and-picnic.html" target="_blank">enjoy a picnic</a>, you just need to make sure you prepare for the wetter, colder weather. Perhaps take a small tent so you can all sit inside and eat your food, fill a flask with hot chocolate, and wrap up warm with coats and scarves. Oh yes, and don't forget to take a board game so you can have fun despite the weather.</div>
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Visit a local restaurant</h2><div>
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As a treat during the half-term why not take your children to a restaurant? In Nottingham there are so many to choose from and it really depends what kind of food you're after. If you'd like to try something new you could try <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/lunch-at-thaikhun-nottingham.html" target="_blank">Thaikhun</a> or if you want something different check out <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/04/lunch-at-barburrito-nottingham.html" target="_blank">Barburrito</a>! </div>
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Trick or Treating</h2>
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Of course during the half-term you need to prepare for Halloween. <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2015/10/easy-halloween-costumes-for-boys.html" target="_blank">Costumes</a> can be a pain, especially for boys, but it's all part of the fun. Decorate your home with pumpkins, cobwebs, and skeletons, and make sure you have lots of sweets in the house ready for other little monsters who come a'knocking.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween.</span></i></h4>
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<b><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Unknown</span></i></b></b></div>
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Movie Night</h2>
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For the October half-term why not have a scary <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2014/11/top-10-kids-movies.html" target="_blank">movie night</a>? Movies like Goosebumps, Ghostbusters, or even The Witches are great for a Halloween themed movie night. Snuggle up together beneath a blanket, with popcorn and spooky treats at the ready, and enjoy a brilliant movie night as a family.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Whether you're an active family or prefer to spend time at home there's always something to do during half-term.<br />
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What are your 10 things to do during half-term?</h4>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-56076065968172761652021-09-27T09:00:00.039+01:002021-09-27T09:00:00.185+01:0013 simple ways you can be a more organised mama<p style="text-align: left;">
Being a <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/benefits-of-being-stay-at-home-mum.html" target="_blank">stay-at-home mum</a> and having a happy and healthy home is achieve through organisation. In my 18 years of being a stay-at-home mum I've been through many stages, including being super organised and not-so-organised. I've learned that by staying organised my family and I are much happier and a peace descends over the house, and that means we can spend more time together as a family. It can be a struggle to get organised when you don't know how so I've put together this article giving you 13 simple ways you can be a more organised mum.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Get up early - a simple way to become more organised</h2><div><br /></div>
<p style="text-align: left;">Believe me I know how difficult it is to drag yourself out of a warm and cosy bed, especially when it's frosty outside and you can see that <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/tired-mums-school-aged-children.html" target="_blank">to-do list</a> for the day ahead. But if you leave that cosy bed you'll be able to get started on your to-do list <i>earlier</i>. To give you that extra boost you could even try working out first thing in the morning. You'll really be ready to start your day because it'll get your heart pumping and your adrenaline going. You can do this!</p><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odnbppVD8pw/W9m--ILAjII/AAAAAAAAN-g/zb64WW8lEVE3i2ka-4XvIFEB4vM4FH6lwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bsunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="13 Simple Ways You Can Be A More Organised Mama | Getting up at sunrise means you'll get some extra time for yourself." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odnbppVD8pw/W9m--ILAjII/AAAAAAAAN-g/zb64WW8lEVE3i2ka-4XvIFEB4vM4FH6lwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bsunrise.jpg" title="13-simple-ways-you-can-be-a-more-organised-mama-sunrise" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch the sunrise and enjoy the peace before the kids get up.</span></i></div>
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Get into a routine - simple!</h2>
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Getting into a routine can really help with being organised. If you've planned your day ahead of time it's easier to know how much time, if any, you have for other things. Tick off chores as you go and you may race through your list faster than expected, <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/07/embrace-your-stay-at-home-mum-status.html" target="_blank">making you feel good</a>. Routine is also good for your kids. Make them a list or explain to them how you want their morning to go and mornings will become a much more pleasant experience (most of the time). Another win.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine. </span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Mike Murdock</span></i></b></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;"><br /></span></i></b></p>
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Get a planner to become a more <a href="https://www.theorganizedmama.com/" target="_blank">organised mum</a></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The planner could be on your phone or a physical planner that you write in. Writing everything down makes it easier to keep track of all the appointments in your diary and chores on your list. I use both, a physical planner and my phone, because I like to have a copy with me whenever I'm out of the house.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The physical act of writing something gets it out of my head and gives me more thinking space, but it also means I am more organised as a result. I love my <a href="https://passionplanner.com/" target="_blank">passion planner</a>, but there are plenty to choose from if you prefer other formats.</p>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiMXDniK5wQ/W9nCOaxiahI/AAAAAAAAN-s/goN1ebYDGAk4D4Yk27uG9fEObUfttTXOQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bplanner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="13 Simple Ways You Can Be A More Organised Mama | By writing everything down you can become more organised." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiMXDniK5wQ/W9nCOaxiahI/AAAAAAAAN-s/goN1ebYDGAk4D4Yk27uG9fEObUfttTXOQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bplanner.jpg" title="13-simple-ways-you-can-be-a-more-organised-mama-write" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Be sure to write everything down!</span></i></div>
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Write <i>everything</i> down to keep track</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Make lists, write down your goals, list rules for the kids. Use your planner to keep it all organised in nice lists or in date order but write it <i><b>all</b></i> down. I write down appointments, including school trips, birthdays, and I include the Hubby's appointments too. By keeping it all in one place I can keep track of where everyone is going to be and any plans we have. It also helps to keep us organised when it comes to planning day trips for half term or other school holidays.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Checklists help you become more organised</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Whether it's a cleaning checklist, chores list for the kids, or even a shopping list, having them on paper or digitally helps you be an organised mum. The cleaning checklist is brilliant because you don't need to think about which chores you need to do today, it's right there on the list and you can get on with it and tick it off when it's finished. The same goes for the kids and their chores. My two are terrible at remembering what they need to do, so giving them a chores list has really helped them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I love checklists, they help me keep track of everything and make me feel like I'm actually making progress.</p>
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An organised mum has recipe lists</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">
If your family is anything like ours you have your favourite meals and you cook them often. You get into a routine, having the same meals few meals on a rota and you get bored. You need something new to cook and you go in search of something. Then <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/11/meal-not-like-recipe.html" target="_blank">you cook that thing</a>, again and again, until you get bored. Things come and go from the rota and you forget the recipes you used to cook.<br /></p>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izKJZ5RCmLA/W9nE3tfknXI/AAAAAAAAN-4/r4UQRjGg3uU1K5Itd7V9dAKgu-oKvmXwgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bsandwich.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="13 Simple Ways You Can Be A More Organised Mama | Keeping track of your favourite meals helps with meal planning, even sandwiches can be forgotten." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izKJZ5RCmLA/W9nE3tfknXI/AAAAAAAAN-4/r4UQRjGg3uU1K5Itd7V9dAKgu-oKvmXwgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bsandwich.jpg" title="13-simple-ways-you-can-be-a-more-organised-mama-sandwich" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even the best sandwiches can be forgotten.</span></i></div>
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Having a recipe list, or a meal list, is a way of keeping track of all the meals you and your family love. I have both, there are meals I love cooking and that the boys love to eat. I have meals that are quick and easy to cook, that are perfect for times when the boys are going out with friends and want something quick to eat. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">My recipe list includes all the meals I've cooked and want to keep. Recipes from <a href="https://tasty.co/" target="_blank">Tasty</a> that I've copied - one thing I've noticed about Tasty recipes is they change, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I have an old Chicken Lo Mein recipe that I've noticed they changed and while I'm sure they know best I know the old recipe worked well and my boys love it - so I'll stick with that one. I copy all recipes and keep them in a folder on my phone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Organised Mums meal-plan</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Every Sunday evening I sit down for 30 minutes and look at my meal list. I decide which meals we'll be eating during the coming week. Meal planning helps me stay organised, it makes it easier to <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/06/teach-children-cooking.html" target="_blank">get on with the cooking</a> when I already know what I'm making that day. It also means I can tell the boys what we're eating or list it on a weekly menu so they don't need to ask me (though they regularly do).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Organise your food shop</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">After meal planning you can organise your food shop. You'll know what you need to buy for the week and you'll spend less time wandering around the supermarket choosing your food. When I organise my food shop and list it on paper or the iPad, I get my shopping done much faster.</p>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jf4gAhf901Q/W9nHFNWFa2I/AAAAAAAAN_E/BbScgU_MZBk3PkqQVcZSIOEcmXB7ehayACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bveg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="13 Simple Ways You Can Be A More Organised Mama | Organising your food shop is easier than you think!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jf4gAhf901Q/W9nHFNWFa2I/AAAAAAAAN_E/BbScgU_MZBk3PkqQVcZSIOEcmXB7ehayACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-05%2Borganised%2Bmama%2Bveg.jpg" title="13-simple-ways-you-can-be-a-more-organised-mama-food" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Organise your food before you start!</span></i></div>
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Online food shopping - the Organised Mum's friend</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Once you've planned your meal and organised your food shop, get on the computer and order your food online. You'll get it done much quicker, you can arrange delivery for when it's convenient, and you'll save money by you not picking up bits and bobs you don't really need.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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All the planning, organising, and buying food can be done in the comfort of your own home. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now that's a win right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
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A simple step to being more organised? Meal-prep</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Once you've had your shopping delivered you can prepare your meals for the week. Chop vegetables and put them in air-tight bags, arrange other food so it's together in the "meals" you've planned. If you can grab a pre-chopped bag of vegetables from the fridge rather than spending 10 minutes peeling and chopping veg, you'll save time on the cooking and you'll have less cleaning to do.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Do all of your peeling and chopping when you have your food delivered and then you can clean it all up and know you won't have to do any for the rest of the week!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Organised Mum's clean as they go</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you do the meal-prep you'll only need to <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/05/its-good-to-have-cleaning-day.html" target="_blank">clean up the mess</a> once, and if you do it straight after the meal-prep it'll all be sorted. The other thing is to clean up as you make the mess. I tend to clean up while things are cooking. For example while I'm cooking chicken, waiting for it to brown in a pan, I'll wash a few pans or wipe down the kitchen sides. While the meal is in the oven I'll empty the dishwasher or fill it as needed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Marie Kondo</span></i></b></div>
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After dinner I tend to leave the cleaning until the following morning so I can spend time with my family rather than cleaning.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Have uniforms sorted and ready</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Wash and iron school uniforms before the week they're needed and arrange them in the wardrobe so the kids can find them easily. It'll make your life easier in the long run, you won't have to spend time finding clothes or helping them get ready because they'll already have everything they need.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
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Organise school mornings</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As you plan your meals for the week you should plan your school mornings too. Make sure everything is ready, uniforms sorted for the week, <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/ways-kids-eat-packed-lunch.html" target="_blank">packed lunches</a> made the night before or arranged into pots that can be grabbed from the fridge when needed. If you already have packed lunches made you won't be rushing around in the morning trying to get them sorted.</p>
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<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">When you have everything organised life is much easier and you can leave for school in a much better mood!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Being more organised can seem like an impossible task, but by taking small simple steps you can be an organised mum and your days will run more smoothly.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>
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What changes will you make today to become a more organised Mum?</h4><div align="center"></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-59447282858993736472021-09-20T09:00:00.016+01:002021-09-20T09:00:00.174+01:0010 ways you can feel better in 10 minutes!<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2015/05/being-mum-is-hard.html">Being a mum</a>
can strip you of your energy, leave you wiped out and disorganised. From
spending every waking moment taking care of others to tackling the washing
pile that is looking more like Everest every day. And it wouldn't be too bad,
if it wasn't for the fact that you never get time to yourself. Just <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/important-time-to-yourself.html" target="_blank">10 minutes to yourself</a>
can feel impossible, but if you can swing it, here's 10 ways you can feel
better in 10 minutes.
</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Take a shower</h2>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ioSkvFZuy4/WPckk_F93LI/AAAAAAAAJp8/qrCNtAo3BJ8o62UIZmdO-AOLrs39kdOpgCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-shower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ioSkvFZuy4/WPckk_F93LI/AAAAAAAAJp8/qrCNtAo3BJ8o62UIZmdO-AOLrs39kdOpgCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-shower.jpg" /></a><br />
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A simple (and quick) shower may be all you need to feel better. Wash away the
day, or start the day right, and give yourself 10 minutes to enjoy the peace.
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<i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: justify;">To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able
to keep our mind strong and clear. </i>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;"><i>Buddha</i></span></b>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Clear out a kitchen cupboard</span>
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It sounds dull, I know, but clearing out a cupboard can be therapeutic.
Recently I decluttered a cupboard where I'd been old baby cutlery - can you
believe I still had sippy cups and bottles?! I was so ashamed!
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<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/05/its-good-to-have-cleaning-day.html" target="_blank">Clearing out that cupboard</a>
felt <b><i>so</i></b> good. I got rid of things I didn't need and made space
for the things I use every day. Not only did I get extra space but I've saved
myself time by being able to put useful items in a more useful and accessible
place. It brightened my day and made me feel like I'd done something
productive.
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So why not pick one a cupboard you've been meaning to clear out and get on
with it. You'll be surprised by how happy it'll make you.
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Sort out your wardrobe</h2>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajY3ePqpUYE/WPclMK4240I/AAAAAAAAJqE/VEJtvwQwIWsgSxViHlFK0oxrgrg48M5OgCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-clothes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajY3ePqpUYE/WPclMK4240I/AAAAAAAAJqE/VEJtvwQwIWsgSxViHlFK0oxrgrg48M5OgCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-clothes.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Keep season-appropriate clothes in your wardrobe and put the rest
away. Throw away clothes you haven't worn in years, anything you'll never wear
again, to make space for new purchases! We all like an excuse to go shopping
right?!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My organising your wardrobe you're going to feel better in 10
minutes and you're giving yourself an opportunity to go shopping. Win, Win!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Plan a room makeover</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">
Whether it's a real makeover plan or
<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/fantasy-loft-conversion.html">just for fun</a>, planning what you'll do will make you feel both motivated and happy. Choosing
paint or wallpaper, or adding your own unique touch to your home, is a wonderful
feeling. Picking out furniture or ornaments, flowers or paintings, it's all
fun.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Even more fun is planning what you would do with a room if budget wasn't an
issue. Let your imagination run wild, pick out everything you always wanted and
dream big!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Put on make-up</span></h2><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPvrwueDBNU/WPclZ7V0lSI/AAAAAAAAJqI/N70VTW6p2ZkRGyuOnSjzM9r2esYTayWmwCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-make-up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPvrwueDBNU/WPclZ7V0lSI/AAAAAAAAJqI/N70VTW6p2ZkRGyuOnSjzM9r2esYTayWmwCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-make-up.jpg" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
A touch of foundation, mascara and lipstick. That's what I do. If I'm feeling
down, or a tad sorry for myself, I put on make-up. I may be feeling rubbish but
I can at least look a little better.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><br />Simple, easy, and you'll be done in less than 10 minutes!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Sit and have a cuppa</h2><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
No kids (if you can manage it!),
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/hot-coffee-when-kids-home.html" target="_blank">just you, your cuppa</a>, and peace. Don't put the TV on. Just sit and enjoy the quiet while having a
cup of your favourite drink.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sitting quietly is not something us mums get to do very often so when you do,
enjoy it. Take full advantage of 10 minutes and help yourself feel better.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Go for a walk</span></h2><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Fresh air, the great outdoors, nature... it can inspire and brighten your mood.
A walk through the woods or at your local park will give the children time to
run around but also give you the freedom to breathe fresh air without listening
to whining.</p>
<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--35sHQPXLnY/WPcls-EV8iI/AAAAAAAAJqM/iEeNULx1FHQzZAj7tidMI0b9Jp3IMyHswCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-country.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--35sHQPXLnY/WPcls-EV8iI/AAAAAAAAJqM/iEeNULx1FHQzZAj7tidMI0b9Jp3IMyHswCLcB/s1600/feel-better-in-10-country.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">
I love the occasional walk, especially if it's somewhere the boys can run off
for miles (as long as I can still see them). If you're in the Nottingham area
<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2015/07/the-magic-of-freedom.html">Wollaton Park</a>
is great, the kids can run off as far as they like and you can still see
them.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Go somewhere you can look at the scenery and smile. Trees, gardens, flowers,
anything that makes you smile.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">10 minutes for your hobby</span></h2><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
If it's
<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/stampin-up-uk-card-making-kit.html">card-making</a>, plan your next card. Sketching? Start your next project or continue your
current one. Have 10 minutes doing something you love and wait for the stress to
melt away.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: left;"><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: left;"><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: left;"><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: left;"><br /></i></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #e8618c; text-align: left;">If you do what you love, it is the best way to relax. </i></h4><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;"><i>Christian Louboutin </i></span></b></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Whenever I'm feeling like I need a time out I take a 10 minutes (sometimes less
than 10) and plan my next project. Sketching, card-making, or even writing, it
doesn't matter - as long as I get time to myself doing something I love, I know
I'll be happy.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Research a new hobby</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">As a mum you tend to forget who <b>you</b> are when those little bundles of joy
come along. It's so easy to look after the little ones and forget that you used
to love doing something. You don't allow time for yourself and as a result all
those hobbies you had disappear.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Take 10 minutes, whenever you can, to find a new hobby. If you don't have any
idea what to do then search the internet, you could even check out my post on
<a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/11/hobbies-for-stay-at-home-mums.html">hobby ideas</a>. Think of the things you enjoy doing and see if there's a hobby that
incorporates those things.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My hobbies include card-making, sketching, and writing. I get plenty of time for
most of them but even when the boys are at school every day I make sure to get
some time doing what I love.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">If all else fails...</span></h2><p></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//giphy.com/embed/6TLUfmT3AXIPK" width="354.78260869565213"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/hiding-6TLUfmT3AXIPK"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>via GIPHY</i></span></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">
Lock yourself in the bathroom and put earplugs in. Take a book or a kindle with
you, your phone even, and read or browse Facebook while getting 10 minutes to
yourself. Try to forget about being 'mum' for a while.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Being a mum is a 24/7 job, but that doesn't mean you're not entitled to breaks.
Take 10 minutes for yourself - you, and your family, will feel better for it!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">How
do you make yourself feel better in 10 minutes?</span></h4><p></p>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-39153258902945449642021-09-13T09:00:00.010+01:002021-09-15T10:11:15.119+01:00Why it's important to have 10 minutes to yourself<p style="text-align: left;">
As a busy <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/07/the-awesomeness-of-being-mum.html" target="_blank">mum of two boys</a> it's almost impossible to get just 10 minutes to myself on any given day. It might sound ridiculous but my days consist of doing things for others or working and when I think I may get 10 minutes to enjoy a hot coffee, or read a magazine, the boys are causing havoc and I have to intervene. But 10 minutes to yourself is <i>so</i> important and that's why I'm trying harder for me.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">
After chatting to <a href="http://michellereevescoaching.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Reeves</a> a couple of weeks ago, I decided to get up 30 minutes earlier than usual. My usual waking time is 6:30am but I chose to get up at 6am instead so I would have time to enjoy a hot coffee and watch the news without interruptions or arguments from the boys. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">My alarm went off at 6am and I hit the button quickly so as to not wake the Hubby. I crept out of bed and into the bathroom and hurried through my morning routine as quietly as possible. I then went downstairs, avoiding that one creaky step, aiming for the kitchen. I closed the kitchen door behind and hoped the noise of the boiling kettle would be confined to the kitchen and wouldn't wake the boys. I made myself a coffee and, with coffee in hand, I opened the kitchen door.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sat on the stairs, with his best smile, was LP.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm disappointed to see that smile but I was a little disappointed that my first attempt to get 10 minutes for me didn't go so well.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #e8618c;">I think women are natural caretakers. They take care of everybody. They take care of their husbands and their kids and their dogs, and don't spend a lot of time just getting back and taking time out. </i></h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><ul>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;"><i>Reese Witherspoon </i></span></b></div>
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Why is it so hard to have time to myself?</h2>
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Being a mum to school-aged boys doesn't mean I get the <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/tired-mums-school-aged-children.html" target="_blank">whole day to myself</a>. The time they're at school I spend doing chores or writing articles for my little corner of the internet. Any free time I find during school days is spent on things that don't need to wait until later, because I want to spend free time with my family. My whole life is about making life enjoyable and happy for my children and my husband, and as a consequence I often forget about myself.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8UVfsPM_Vo/WMknXfwYq_I/AAAAAAAAJb8/NMTzLucjBCwFDm694qA1W0dwzUUqc-jWACLcB/s1600/time-yourself-cheering-mum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blonde haired woman with her arms in the air, a beach in the background" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8UVfsPM_Vo/WMknXfwYq_I/AAAAAAAAJb8/NMTzLucjBCwFDm694qA1W0dwzUUqc-jWACLcB/s1600/time-yourself-cheering-mum.jpg" title="Yay! time for me!" /></a></div>
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So how do you get time to yourself?</h2>
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It's not easy. If you're a morning person you can get out of bed a little earlier and attempt what I did, but it's not a guarantee.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is where giving your <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/childrens-chores-teaches-responsibility.html" target="_blank">children chores</a> will give you more time. Perhaps your 10 or 11 year old can load the dishwasher and your 6-7 year old can pick up dirty clothes and put them in baskets. The vacuuming is an easy job to give to your older children and doesn't take long, but it will give you a few extra minutes.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e8618c; text-align: justify;"><i>It is amazing how quickly the kids learn the operation of the DVD, yet are unable to understand the vacuum cleaner.</i></span></h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><ul>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;"><i>Etienne Marchal</i></span></b></div>
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Hiding in the bathroom may work, but you can't really sit in there with a cup of coffee and enjoy peace and quiet while you're hiding from your children can you?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you have older children you could instigate times during the day when they're not allowed to interrupt you, no matter what (barring emergencies of course). They can entertain themselves while you enjoy a drink and read a magazine.</p>
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Why is time for yourself so important?</h2>
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Having time for yourself allows you to think.</p><p><br /></p><p>You can <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2015/01/finding-me.html" target="_blank">be you</a>, without thinking about housework or the kids. Ignore everything but your drink and your magazine or book, or whatever you choose to do in your time. Time to wind down, to enjoy something for yourself, just like everyone else does, can make a huge difference to your general outlook.</p><p><br /></p><p>That 10 minutes to yourself may help you find a new hobby, learn something new, or even stumble across a business idea.</p>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80stl0Jb-Y/WMko2_BWy9I/AAAAAAAAJcI/6kV-XojYPy0m3F8fF0BEUSunl0lGi9-PQCLcB/s1600/time-yourself-relax.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="brunette woman sitting in a yoga position by a lake, relaxing. The lake is in the blurred background." border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80stl0Jb-Y/WMko2_BWy9I/AAAAAAAAJcI/6kV-XojYPy0m3F8fF0BEUSunl0lGi9-PQCLcB/s1600/time-yourself-relax.jpg" title="Relax, take time for yourself." /></a></div>
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<br /><p>You are not just a mum. You are not just a wife. You are someone who devotes themselves to making others happy, and allowing yourself 10 minutes every day will make you happy. </p><p><br /></p><p>I haven't yet managed to get any free time in a morning. Whenever I try to get up early LP joins me. He's a light sleeper and the sound of anything downstairs wakes him. I'll get 10 minutes eventually, perhaps on the days he has after school clubs. But no matter when I get those 10 minutes I've realised it's important to have time for myself, and I urge you to try too.</p>
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Do you get 10 minutes for yourself daily?</h4></div>
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</div>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-90878652300753084542021-09-06T09:00:00.004+01:002021-09-15T13:16:47.082+01:00How to get 10 minutes for self-care<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Self-care can mean many things, but when <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/benefits-of-being-stay-at-home-mum.html" target="_blank">you're a stay-at-home mum</a></b> who spends time taking care of other people it doesn't matter what it means because you don't have time for it. But with a little organisation, knowing what to spend time on, and prioritising yourself, you <i>can</i> get 10 minutes for self-care - even if you're a stay-at-home mum.</div></div>
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Why getting 10 minutes for self-care is important</h2>
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As a mum you put everyone else first without thinking about the effect on yourself. And when you get stressed out and have an outburst you feel guilty. By taking 10 minutes to for yourself you're helping everyone.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mmmm, a hot coffee...</span></i></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Thinking time</span></b>. Getting time to be alone and think is good for you. Whether it's looking out of the window with <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/hot-coffee-when-kids-home.html" target="_blank">a hot coffee in your hand</a></b>, or walking along the canal and watching the ducks, that thinking time helps you. You can organise your thoughts, think through your to-do list, and even check things off that have already been done. All in peace.</li>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.</span></i></h4>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Deborah Day</span></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Be you, without obligations</span></b>. When was the last time you thought of yourself as anything but a stay-at-home mum? You spend all your time looking after others and as a result you tend to lose yourself. <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/get-10-minutes-for-yourself.html" target="_blank">Getting 10 minutes</a></b> for self-care allows you to re-learn who <i>you</i> are, it helps you work out your likes, dislikes, and most of all it helps you know yourself.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Learn something new</span></b>. An opportunity <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/11/hobbies-for-stay-at-home-mums.html" target="_blank">to learn a new hobby</a></b>, read an interesting article in the paper or online, or taking an educational course, makes you feel good. When you do something that makes you happy you're ready for anything.</li>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Learn to take amazing photos!</span></i></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Taking care of you <i>IS</i> taking care of others</span></b>. When you take care of yourself you're more willing, and even happier, to take care of others. By getting 10 minutes of self-care you're saying you value yourself and that you play an important role - and your family will start to see it too!</li>
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Benefits of using 10 minutes for self-care</h2>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #c2a664;"><b>Less stress</b></span>. When you get 10 minutes <b><a href="https://www.clairebuck.com/benefits-of-me-time/" target="_blank">for self-care</a></b> you can let the stresses go. It is easier to cope with stresses when you are getting down time.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">You're more positive about life</span></b>. As a result of those 10 minutes for self-care you're happier, and more positive about everything. Something might be going wrong, or there's a mishap somewhere but because you're getting time for you you feel ready to take on whatever life throws at you.</li>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just smiling can make you feel good.</span></i></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Improve self-esteem</span></b>. You start to feel good about yourself. You could be taking a yoga class, or delving into a new hobby but you're <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/self-care-stay-at-home-mums.html" target="_blank">spending time improving yourself</a></b>. And that feels good.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #c2a664;"><b>Improved health</b></span>. By taking the time to think of yourself for a little while every day you're noticing things that need to change, or things that are a niggling issue and you get them sorted. You may start an exercise class to lose weight. You could notice something hurts and get it checked out by a doctor. Either way, you're taking care of yourself - and that's essential.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Improve concentration</span></b>. When you're not distracted by impending school trips or your Hubby's washing pile, concentration is easier. You feel ready to put your brain to work and concentrate on the job at hand.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Your kids can make you feel amazing...</i></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Better productivity</span></b>. Have you noticed that when you're happier you tend to work faster? I know I have. Whether it's getting the washing into the machine, sorting out the kids' packed lunch, or seeing the Hubby off to work in a morning, it all goes quicker when you have a smile on your face.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">You feel more giving</span></b>. When you <b><a href="http://www.thelawofattraction.com/self-care-tips/" target="_blank">take 10 minutes for self-care</a></b> you are more willing to help others. You're happy, fulfilled, so giving time to a family member makes you happier. </li>
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How to get 10 minutes for self-care</h2>
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Start small</div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/take-care-myself-every-day.html" target="_blank">Make small changes</a></b> to your current routines. Instead of getting straight on with the cleaning as soon as you get up why not take a minute to drink your hot coffee? That's how I started my new self-care routine and it really helps with my motivation in a morning.</div></div>
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<span style="color: #e8618c;"><i>Learning to love yourself is like learning to walk - essential, life-changing, and the only way to stand tall.</i></span></h4>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Vironika Tugaleva</span></b></div>
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Do one thing just for you</div>
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Like I said, that coffee is a must for me but for you it could be something different. You might enjoy a nice breakfast, or watching your favourite show could be what makes you smile. Whatever it is make time for it in your day.</div>
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Change your priorities</div>
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It really is okay to put yourself first sometimes, even when you're a mum. I know we spend our days <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/does-parenting-get-easier.html" target="_blank">putting everyone else first</a></b> but doing something for you is allowed. I regularly take 10 minutes for self-care - it can be yoga, drawing, or even sitting and drinking my coffee - but I do it regularly so my family know I'm taking care of me <i>and</i> them.</div>
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Learn to say no</div>
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Whether it's the friend who always stops by, a family member who asks for your help too much, or even the kids asking for snacks - it's okay to say no. By saying no to some of the demands on your time you're giving yourself that time back - which you can then use on self-care.</div>
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Create routines to get 10 minutes for self-care</div>
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The very best way you can get 10 minutes for self-care is to <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/everyone-help-chores.html" target="_blank">create routines for yourself</a></b>. Daily chore checklists, the kids' routine for school. It will take time, believe me, but if you do the same things every day and establish a routine you'll soon find that you have those 10 minutes for self-care - then you just need to work out what you're going to do with it!</div>
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As a busy stay-at-home mum you need to start prioritising yourself. Not all of the time, but for at least 10 minutes. Self-care is important - it makes you happier and that means you're more ready to deal with the day-to-day stuff that comes with <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/what-stay-home-mums-do.html" target="_blank">being a stay-at-home mum</a></b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope this article has helped you see how to get 10 minutes for self-care and I would be happy to hear how you've been spending those 10 minutes.</div>
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When was the last time you got 10 minutes for self-care?</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-14716658873242801542021-08-16T05:30:00.002+01:002021-09-08T16:13:58.246+01:00Fascinating English Heritage Castles to visit in the East Midlands<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's the <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/time-for-you-school-holidays.html" target="_blank">summer holidays</a></b> and you're sitting on your favourite picnic blanket. The sun is shining and you're watching your kids run around the field in front of a castle ruin. You've spent the morning learning history related to the castle - which even the kids found interesting - and you're about to enjoy the lovely packed lunch you brought with you. It's been a brilliant morning spent with your family exploring the fascinating English Heritage Castle you visited - and the best bit? It was only a short drive from your home in the East Midlands.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy2NrviXm_E/XTWoTTXe40I/AAAAAAAAPu0/9tAy68oTEQgI7gUqzJG5Cl5kr6hewkYKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Learn lots about history and have a fantastic day out with the family." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy2NrviXm_E/XTWoTTXe40I/AAAAAAAAPu0/9tAy68oTEQgI7gUqzJG5Cl5kr6hewkYKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Explore inside the castles too!</span></i></div>
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Like the sound of that? It could be you by visiting one of the fascinating English Heritage Castles in the East Midlands - there are so many of them and I'm almost certain there's one on your doorstep! Read on to find out where your nearest castle is.</div>
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English Heritage Castles in Derbyshire</h2>
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Bolsover Castle</h3>
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Okay, so I started with my favourite - Bolsover Castle. Of all the English Heritage Castles we've visited in the East Midlands Bolsover Castle is my favourite because it's where I <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/06/visiting-bolsover-castle.html" target="_blank">married the love of my life</a></b>. I remember planning our wedding and wondering where on earth we would get married - and then I found out you could get married in a castle - I mean who wouldn't want to get married in a castle? It's out of a fairytale, isn't it? So yes, Bolsover Castle is my favourite place to visit and it will always hold that special place in my heart.<br />
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But it's not on the list because of its personal meaning to me, it's actually a fascinating castle. You can <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/uk-day-trips-for-easter-holidays.html" target="_blank">explore the ruin</a></b> and the intact part of the castle. You can walk along the wall, see paintings of past residents of the castle and even learn about the history of Bolsover and the surrounding area. There are some awesome views from the top of the castle too. Oh, and if you visit, pay special attention to the Star Chamber - I said my vows in there!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz8J8Zt_pz4/XTWoRnKYQdI/AAAAAAAAPu8/uhETCNgrkC0esNSjUMsh036cpQiNyWj1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bbolsover%2Bruin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Explore the ruin of Bolsover Castle" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz8J8Zt_pz4/XTWoRnKYQdI/AAAAAAAAPu8/uhETCNgrkC0esNSjUMsh036cpQiNyWj1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bbolsover%2Bruin.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-bolsover-ruin" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The boys loved investigating the ruin at Bolsover.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6dcAIT05t4/XTWoSHL8tcI/AAAAAAAAPvU/s-OLKbUaY0oHiuSzQhM3tBZ15FuA3N7BwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bbolsover%2Bwall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Walk along the wall and see far into the distance." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6dcAIT05t4/XTWoSHL8tcI/AAAAAAAAPvU/s-OLKbUaY0oHiuSzQhM3tBZ15FuA3N7BwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bbolsover%2Bwall.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-bolsover-castle" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are amazing views to be had on the wall!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ei1Zu4VDco/XTWoTpUjvkI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/2dNJ2CsOo88m2OmRa_l4SVmv2hsn-uykgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bwedding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Hubby and I said our vows in the Star Chamber at Bolsover Castle." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ei1Zu4VDco/XTWoTpUjvkI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/2dNJ2CsOo88m2OmRa_l4SVmv2hsn-uykgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bwedding.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-vows" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hubby and I saying our vows.</span></i></div>
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Hardwick Old Hall</h3>
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Hardwick Old Hall may not be a castle, but it may as well be. It has an interesting ruin to walk through which has stairs so you can even walk around and see the upstairs despite there being no floor in some places. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qy1t0GhNoh8/XTWoSAFxOSI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/OXN5ibygB5IMCLlAjWMAr0d7w9Tmip2DwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bhardwick%2Bold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Hardwick Old Hall is a great place to spend the day." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qy1t0GhNoh8/XTWoSAFxOSI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/OXN5ibygB5IMCLlAjWMAr0d7w9Tmip2DwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bhardwick%2Bold.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-hardwick-old-hall" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let your kids explore while you listen to the audio tour.</span></i></div>
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If you <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/visiting-hardwick-old-hall.html" target="_blank">visit Hardwick Old Hall</a></b> though you really must listen to the audio tour - not only does it tell you about the Hall and its residents but it has some interesting facts too, like the reason behind the four-poster bed which I'd always wondered about.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEH5IW9Ieac/XTWoSqm1B1I/AAAAAAAAPvU/O7CP0sCibCsyI-7cYgEFRZzN-yKaODeKACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bhardwick.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | You can see Hardwick Hall from the old hall too!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEH5IW9Ieac/XTWoSqm1B1I/AAAAAAAAPvU/O7CP0sCibCsyI-7cYgEFRZzN-yKaODeKACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bhardwick.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-hardwick-old-hall-view" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can even see Hardwick Hall from the Old Hall - brilliant.</span></i></div>
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The last time we visited <b><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hardwick-old-hall/" target="_blank">Hardwick Old Hall</a></b> we had a blast. It was so much fun learning about the residents of the area and the things they got up to. And I remember the kids saying they'd enjoyed it too, and given they were probably 5 and 11 at the time I think that's a win!</div>
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Peveril Castle</h3>
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In Castleton in Derbyshire, Peveril Castle has some breathtaking views all around and there's an interesting Keep for you to explore. Again there are ruins to walk around too, and dotted around the place are plaques with information about what you're looking at. That's where you can learn about the history of <b><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/peveril-castle/" target="_blank">Peveril Castle</a></b>. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Marcus Garvey</span></i></b></div>
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Peveril Castle is one of the earliest Norman fortresses and the Doomsday survey mentions it!</div>
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It's been a few years since we last visited Peveril Castle, but it was a great place to learn about English history and appreciate the things our ancestors did to keep the area safe. As it's mostly a ruin, it's definitely one of the most fascinating English Heritage Castles in the East Midlands.</div>
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Sutton Scarsdale Hall</h3>
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While not really a castle, Sutton Scarsdale Hall is still an interesting English Heritage property to visit if you're enjoying the castles. There's plenty to see and wonder about, as well as explore. There's a lovely field in the area too so you'd be able to enjoy a lovely picnic while looking at the vast shell of the Georgian mansion. Just looking at the columns on the outside makes me wonder about the people that once lived there. Have you ever visited?</div>
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English Heritage Castles in Nottinghamshire</h2>
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Rufford Abbey</h3>
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The most interesting thing about Rufford Abbey is that it has both ruins and a later built mansion. In Rufford Country Park, the ruins that date from 1170 were incorporated into a 17th century mansion. At Rufford Abbey you can learn about another one of Bess of Hardwick's husbands as well as enjoy walks or a picnic in the 150 acre country park.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmu7vVhRYHI/XTgVzjqKtPI/AAAAAAAAPvg/RBjq63fcXWMmLBemPyFaS4-trkCOWI5xwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Brufford.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Rufford Abbey has places for you to explore as well as a fantastic field to have a picnic." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmu7vVhRYHI/XTgVzjqKtPI/AAAAAAAAPvg/RBjq63fcXWMmLBemPyFaS4-trkCOWI5xwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Brufford.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-rufford" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A plan of the Abbey.</span></i></div>
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As we live fairly close, Rufford Abbey is on our list to visit this summer - it's a great place to wander around as well as learn about the history. With the country park and plenty of grassy areas, it's the perfect place to <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/free-activities-in-nottingham.html" target="_blank">enjoy a summer picnic</a></b> while the kids run around.<br />
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<a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/mattersey-priory/" target="_blank">Mattersey Priory</a></h3>
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While a small ruin, you can still imagine what things might've been like for residents back in the 13th century refectory and kitchen. Despite there not being much left of the original building, there are plans for you to check out showing the layout of the building and you can learn about a fire that ruined the church nearby, and the history of the Gilbertine monasteries.</div>
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English Heritage Castles in Lincolnshire</h2>
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Tattershall College</h3>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The building of Tattershall College completed in 1460 by William of Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester, after the death of Lord Cromwell, its patron. As you walk around the interior of the college, you'll see Tudor arched doorways and note the red brickwork, which makes the college one of the oldest brickwork buildings in England as it retains its original fabric.</div>
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I always find it interesting to walk around old buildings like this and imagine what life would've been like for its residents.</div>
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Bolingbroke Castle</h3>
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The remains of a 13th century hexagon shaped castle, the birthplace of the future King Henry IV. Later besieged and taken by Lord Cromwell's parliamentarians. There's not much to see, apart from the ruins, but I still think it's worth visiting, because you can see the brickwork used to build the original Bolingbroke Castle.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">History is merely a list of surprises. It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Kurt Vonnegut</span></i></b></div>
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Lincoln Medieval Bishop's Palace</h3>
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I always enjoy visiting Lincoln, what with the cathedral and the lovely streets and shops. If you ever visit Lincoln, you really must visit Lincoln Medieval Bishop's Palace where you can see one of the once most important buildings in England.</div>
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The palace stands almost in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral and you can walk around the ruins led by a fantastic audio tour. And after walking around the Palace and learning about its history, you can enjoy a picnic in the gardens nearby, they're a peaceful <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/10-minutes-self-care.html" target="_blank">place to sit and reflect</a></b> and enjoy a family picnic.</div>
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Gainsborough Old Hall</h3>
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One of the biggest and best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, Gainsborough Old Hall is a must visit. See an enormous medieval kitchen with an immense fireplace and an ornate wooden ceiling in the great hall. You can check out the interactive floor plans and see lovely wall paintings while walking around the hall. <b><a href="https://www.gainsborougholdhall.com/about-the-old-hall" target="_blank">Gainsborough Old Hall</a></b> is such an interesting place to visit as it's not a ruin - it's a well-preserved building with a roof! You can wander around and look at everything and learn about its history too. Win.</div>
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Thornton Abbey & Gatehouse</h3>
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With a truly breathtaking gatehouse building to explore, and a field to enjoy a family picnic, Thornton Abbey & Gatehouse is a great place to visit. Learn about the history of one of Britain's richest Augustinian abbeys as it was one of the few places to survive the suppression of monasteries. It's a place to snap some amazing photos and enjoy family time - a great day to be had by all.</div>
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English Heritage Castles in Leicestershire</h2>
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Kirby Muxloe Castle</h3>
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An actual moated castle you can explore the remains and learn the history surrounding the fortified mansion. Built for Lord Hastings, Kirby Muxloe Castle serves as a poignant memorial to his ambition and sudden death, as he was seized and executed by Richard III.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKlHxjdA5E/XTgV1c-9khI/AAAAAAAAPwM/G0I7ky8ftQ0GDg9m3wdKZy8xZzH8pnGEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bmuxloe%2Btower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Check out the tower at Kirby Muxloe." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKlHxjdA5E/XTgV1c-9khI/AAAAAAAAPwM/G0I7ky8ftQ0GDg9m3wdKZy8xZzH8pnGEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bmuxloe%2Btower.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-kirby-muxloe-tower" /></a></div>
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You can explore the castle and enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and take a stroll around the moat. Definitely one for your <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/time-for-you-school-holidays.html" target="_blank">summer/school holidays</a></b> list.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42sCmLdXBaU/XTgV1V1lKLI/AAAAAAAAPwM/HOkQTY-qdt8gcSDod0jclfON3zy6vax8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bmuxloe%2Bmoat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | A moat surrounds Kirby Muxloe Castle." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42sCmLdXBaU/XTgV1V1lKLI/AAAAAAAAPwM/HOkQTY-qdt8gcSDod0jclfON3zy6vax8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bmuxloe%2Bmoat.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-kirby-muxloe-moat" /></a></div>
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Ashby de la Zouch Castle</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vggWIRvD9ck/XTgV3f3chcI/AAAAAAAAPwE/bowLs_PYyT8LpesvIoqvnVZxWJ5_EkOeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Ashby De La Zouch Castle is an interesting place to check out." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vggWIRvD9ck/XTgV3f3chcI/AAAAAAAAPwE/bowLs_PYyT8LpesvIoqvnVZxWJ5_EkOeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-ashby" /></a></div>
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One of my favourite places to visit in Leicestershire, Ashby Castle is a great place for a family day out. With an audio tour where you can learn about its colourful history including the attacks during Civil War, and a tower where you can climb and see breathtaking views from the top, Ashby Castle is sure to be top of your list whenever you're looking for a family day out. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGbWUsgtmRQ/XTgV3a_u6lI/AAAAAAAAPwM/kUkZsXZuW24snSL2VPeaaVDt5w4VGPYIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby%2Bmorgan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Morgan walking along the ruins of the castle." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGbWUsgtmRQ/XTgV3a_u6lI/AAAAAAAAPwM/kUkZsXZuW24snSL2VPeaaVDt5w4VGPYIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby%2Bmorgan.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-ashby-morgan" /></a></div>
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I remember enjoying a sit down on the grounds of Ashby Castle as the boys ran around exploring the ruins nearby. I remember smiling as I watched them play and how I was enjoying a rest after exploring the tower. It really is a great day out.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33yiLFS6Kug/XTgV3T5s6sI/AAAAAAAAPwI/wm7PL4ydK0gC2eiPn5h2nRnzItyVQ5EIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby%2Bmorgan2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Ashby Castle even has a field where the kids can play." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33yiLFS6Kug/XTgV3T5s6sI/AAAAAAAAPwI/wm7PL4ydK0gC2eiPn5h2nRnzItyVQ5EIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bashby%2Bmorgan2.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-morgan-ashby-castle" /></a></div>
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English Heritage Castles in Northants</h2>
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Kirby Hall</h3>
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Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton. While partly roofless there are still rooms redecorated to 17th, and 18th century specifications for you to explore and enjoy. You can get a view of the gardens from inside as well as explore outside too. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUVg6dJI0g0/XTWoTIl0IdI/AAAAAAAAPvM/15noIoknl8EUypfltffUA2iwUb0_fKOgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bhall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Kirby Hall is a great place to explore." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUVg6dJI0g0/XTWoTIl0IdI/AAAAAAAAPvM/15noIoknl8EUypfltffUA2iwUb0_fKOgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bhall.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-kirby-hall" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Explore inside and out.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5jEfVd58xA/XTWoSyUid6I/AAAAAAAAPvI/O7pEhvWc_fw_4WEzNOQyt8u3MCJw0pdiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bhall%2Binside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fascinating English Heritage Castles To Visit In The East Midlands | Walk inside ruins at Kirby Hall." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5jEfVd58xA/XTWoSyUid6I/AAAAAAAAPvI/O7pEhvWc_fw_4WEzNOQyt8u3MCJw0pdiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B24%2Benglish%2Bheritage%2Bmidlands%2Bkirby%2Bhall%2Binside.jpg" title="fascinating-english-heritage-castles-to-visit-in-the-east-midlands-kirby-hall-ruin" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">And don't forget to explore the ruin too.</span></i></div>
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The gardens are beautifully kept and walking around is peaceful and enjoyable. Be sure to stop by and listen to the audio tour too!</div>
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When I was in school, I thought history was boring, but when I visited some of these castles in the East Midlands, I couldn't get enough of the historical information. Learning little snippets about people's lives back then or how they went about building the amazing castles was cool, and I always look forward to going back. The best bit about it all is that the <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/stealth-education-in-walt-disney-world.html" target="_blank">kids enjoy listening</a></b> to the audio tours too - they listen carefully to the history stories and pay attention to what they hear. And if you're planning on enjoying a picnic too, they even have something to look forward to when they're finished. Visiting any of these English Heritage Castles in the East Midlands is sure to be a fantastic day out - whichever you choose.</div>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-68303531731860992022021-08-09T05:30:00.000+01:002021-08-09T05:30:00.176+01:00How to keep your kids’ bedtime routine this summer holiday <div style="text-align: justify;">
There’s nothing more exciting in a kid’s year than <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/11-ways-cope-school-holidays.html" target="_blank">the summer holidays</a></b>. A whole six weeks free from school to focus on having fun and just being a kid. The same can’t be said for us parents though. The summer holidays for us are stressful, expensive and time-consuming to say the least. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr70cTh19sY/XTGM227_VSI/AAAAAAAAPtI/_dJ4HZ1TM_sYAMAxyKMh4Uf_D37WCJgBgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Keep Your Kids' Bedtime Routine This Summer Holiday | Routine is important - even during the summer holidays!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr70cTh19sY/XTGM227_VSI/AAAAAAAAPtI/_dJ4HZ1TM_sYAMAxyKMh4Uf_D37WCJgBgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine.jpg" title="how-to-keep-your-kids'-bedtime-routine-this-summer-holiday" /></a></div>
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There is some enjoyment to be had though as we get the chance to <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/10/activities-to-do-with-children.html" target="_blank">spend more time with our kids</a></b> and enjoy long, lazy summer days together. </div>
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However, all this fun can often throw you kids schedules out of whack. With no school to wake up for it can be difficult to keep your kids feeling energised. This means that when they do go back to school, you’ll have a hard battle getting them to bed at a reasonable hour.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoJ1XDaf3C4/XTGM2FtHVUI/AAAAAAAAPtU/gdBSh8jN8_kQbB9hkmFheMUxFKihZZyxACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine%2Bread.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Keep Your Kids' Bedtime Routine This Summer Holiday | They can stay up later - but stick to a routine." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoJ1XDaf3C4/XTGM2FtHVUI/AAAAAAAAPtU/gdBSh8jN8_kQbB9hkmFheMUxFKihZZyxACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine%2Bread.jpg" title="how-to-keep-your-kids'-bedtime-routine-this-summer-holiday-reading" /></a></div>
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With that said, here are a few tips and tricks to keep your kids in their normal sleeping routines. </div>
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Bedtime and sleeping </h2>
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While the summer holidays are meant to be a break from everything for our kids, it's still important to make sure they’re sticking to their regular sleep schedule. The odd late night here or there won’t do any harm, but the importance of <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/12/importance-good-bedtime-routine.html" target="_blank">a bedtime routine</a></b> shouldn’t be overlooked. </div>
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Getting a good, regular nights sleep will stop your child from being irritable and tired which could ruin the summer for both them and you.<br />
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To combat this, make sure you’ve got their bedrooms properly set up for good night’s kip. </div>
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With lighter evenings it can sometimes be hard to get kids to settle. Therefore, things like blackout blinds massively help to improve the length of time your child sleeps for. Places like <a href="https://www.directblinds.co.uk/curtains/filter/grey/" target="_blank"><b>Swift Direct Blinds</b></a> offer a range of blinds and curtains that can be custom made for your windows.</div>
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As well as this, trying to stick to a familiar routine is especially important for younger kids and toddlers. Making sure they’ve had a bath and gotten into their pyjamas will keep that familiar pattern that means they’ll find it easier to fall asleep. </div>
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Getting some night-time air</h2>
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As mentioned previously, summer brings us those longer days and lighter evenings. Use this to your advantage and make the most of it. If your child is struggling to wind down for the evening, go out for some fresh air. </div>
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Whether this is <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/nordic-walking-parklives.html" target="_blank"><b>going for a walk</b></a> or just letting them run around the garden, the fresh air and activity will wear them out soon enough. </div>
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You can also leave their bedroom window slightly open during the night to make sure a cool, fresh breeze is circulating in their room as this has been <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/news/a2914/open-window-better-nights-sleep/" target="_blank"><b>proven to improve the quality of sleep</b></a>. </div>
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Keep their bedding lightweight </h2>
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If there’s a heatwave (which in England, is optimistic), your little ones will find it hard to get a proper night’s sleep. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqOwwp2GVU8/XTGM2BcPL2I/AAAAAAAAPtM/nEc4KfkNSdsT3sa8T7aV6njUwgfyto1QACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine%2Bbed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Keep Your Kids' Bedtime Routine This Summer Holiday | When it's hot they'll struggle - so let them sleep without the quilt." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqOwwp2GVU8/XTGM2BcPL2I/AAAAAAAAPtM/nEc4KfkNSdsT3sa8T7aV6njUwgfyto1QACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B19%2Bsummer%2Bbedtime%2Broutine%2Bbed.jpg" title="how-to-keep-your-kids'-bedtime-routine-this-summer-holiday-sleep" /></a></div>
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If the temperatures are hotter during the day, make sure their bedding isn’t too heavy. This can cause your child to overheat in the night meaning they will wake up and struggle to get back to sleep.</div>
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Keep bedding to <a href="https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/get-kids-sleep-summer/" target="_blank"><b>just the sheets</b></a> without the duvet and let them sleep in pyjama shorts. </div>
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Be careful of too much sun </h2>
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This goes without saying but make sure your kids <a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/5-tips-managing-kids-sleep-schedules-summer/" target="_blank"><b>don’t experience too much sun</b></a> during the day! </div>
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Even the slightest burn can make bedding and clothes feel scratchy and sensitive. This will make them feel uncomfortable and ultimately will make getting them to nod off that bit more difficult.</div>
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Always make sure your kids are properly <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/protecting-your-skin-in-summer.html" target="_blank">protected against the sun</a></b> by using sun cream, hats and other protective clothing. </div>
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Heat can also cause dehydration, so make sure your kids are properly hydrated throughout the day and make sure to leave a cup or bottle of water by their bed overnight. This way, if they wake up thirsty, they won’t need to come knocking on your door in the early hours. </div>
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Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines. By following these steps, you should be able to better keep your kids in their usual routine which will leave them feeling well rested and able to enjoy their summer in the best way possible!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Collaborative post</span></i></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-17585067272991809242021-08-02T05:30:00.001+01:002021-08-02T05:30:00.206+01:00How to get housework done in the school holidays<div style="text-align: justify;">As a <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/06/stay-at-home-mums-dont-be-ashamed.html" target="_blank">stay-at-home mum</a></b>, with kids who are usually at school, you get the housework done most days. But when they’re home? Not so much. The dishes pile up. The washing mountain is looking more like Everest every day. Dust coats every surface. You also look forward to one or two lie-ins, and forgetting the usual morning routine for a more relaxed start to the day. The housework ends up being last on your list, but it <i>is</i> possible to get the housework done during the school holidays. </div>
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<span style="color: #e8618c;"><i>I'm a housewife: I spend far more time on housework than anything else. </i></span></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Annie Dillard </span></i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Your days start with getting out of bed to make breakfast for everyone, resenting not getting your lie in. Making breakfast results in mess; plates and dishes to clean, and food to put away. The daily trudge begins, and you're just not ready for it. </div>
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But can I give you a tip? </div>
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Do the housework during the school holidays </h2>
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It sucks, I know. When you get up in a morning and realise you’ve got a ton of work to do before you can even think about the day’s activities. Rather than leaving it until the end of the day, or even for tomorrow, why not <b><a href="https://organisemyhouse.com/get-things-done-in-the-kids-summer-holidays/" target="_blank">get on with it</a></b>?</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Get the laundry folded. Get the ironing done. And then it's done!</span></i></div>
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There's nothing worse than entering a kitchen to find messy counter tops and dirty dinner plates everywhere. With five minutes of cleaning when breakfast is over, you’ll save yourself doing an hour of tidying later. </div>
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I have left dishes on the countertops. They mount up until I have to put the dishwasher on <b><i>twice</i></b> before it's all done and even then I have to spend ages washing pans that won't fit into the <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/04/cleaning-hacks.html"><b>dishwasher</b></a>. Sometimes, I really don't want to do the housework. </div>
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But do you know what always happens? I hate myself when I leave them because it's <i>more</i> work. It uses up time I could use on self-care, or enjoying family time with my boys. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">You will get a tidier home and a happier you if you do the housework little and often. You won't have to <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/everyone-help-chores.html" target="_blank">spend hours cleaning</a></b> and you have more time for yourself AND your kids. Try making a shorter to-do list and check things off as you go. </div>
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Don't ease up on the kids </h2>
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It may be the school holidays, but don't let them get away with not <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/childrens-chores-teaches-responsibility.html" target="_blank"><b>doing their chores</b></a>. In fact, it's more important they do them during the holidays than when they're at school. You do daily chores, no matter what's going on, and so should they. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJORwd1L3k8/XS7Sk97ZOWI/AAAAAAAAPp8/Z0gbNuHCma8nrOMTuFJCz2Zna2Emd93AACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B17%2Bhousework%2Bschool%2Bholidays%2Bkids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Housework Done In The School Holidays | Get the kids involved in doing the housework and you'll win!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJORwd1L3k8/XS7Sk97ZOWI/AAAAAAAAPp8/Z0gbNuHCma8nrOMTuFJCz2Zna2Emd93AACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B17%2Bhousework%2Bschool%2Bholidays%2Bkids.jpg" title="how-to-get-housework-done-in-the-school-holidays-vacuum" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Older kids can tackle the vacuuming no problem. </span></i></div>
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There's plenty of time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/06/video-games-good.html" target="_blank">playing games</a></b> during the holidays, but if you also let them off with the chores, there's more work for YOU and that's not fair. The holidays are for spending time together, not for them to watch you do their chores. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">When it comes to housework the one thing no book of household management can ever tell you is how to begin. Or maybe I mean why.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Katharine Whitehorn </span></i></b></div>
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You could rope them all in getting the housework done during the school holidays. Your youngest can help you load the washing machine or the dryer while your eldest does the vacuuming. Get them to tidy their bedrooms before they go downstairs in a morning. And the Hubby? Well, he can do the dishes, of course! </div>
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You could even try making the game-playing a reward for doing chores. If they don't do chores, there’s no time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/03/teach-children-about-online-games.html" target="_blank">playing video games</a></b>. </div>
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Get the housework done and there’s no pressure</h2>
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The most important thing during the school holidays, though, is to <b><a href="http://runningintriangles.com/self-care-routine-sahm/" target="_blank">give yourself a break</a></b>. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I159m0-FCcQ/XS7SlhEazhI/AAAAAAAAPpg/IeD9L7M5uD0cEckHyGk8NRwcjI-ezp8RACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B07%2B17%2Bhousework%2Bschool%2Bholidays%2Bplay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Housework Done In The School Holidays | By being organised you'll still have time to relax and play with your kids!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I159m0-FCcQ/XS7SlhEazhI/AAAAAAAAPpg/IeD9L7M5uD0cEckHyGk8NRwcjI-ezp8RACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B07%2B17%2Bhousework%2Bschool%2Bholidays%2Bplay.jpg" title="how-to-get-housework-done-in-the-school-holidays-play" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Play with your kids, and enjoy the holidays!</span></i></div>
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It's not only a chance for your kids to get away from school but it's also a <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/10-minutes-self-care.html" target="_blank">chance for you to have a holiday</a></b> too. Yes, there’s still housework to do, but it's not essential to have the house looking pristine before you step out of the door. </div>
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Give the kitchen a quick tidy in a morning and leave it at that. Your kids want to see you having fun too, so let go of the day-to-day pressures and <a href="http://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/important-time-to-yourself.html"><b>enjoy time off</b></a>. </div>
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<i>What tips could you offer to get the housework done during the holidays?</i></h4></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-89776837065777554552021-07-26T09:00:00.001+01:002021-07-26T09:00:00.188+01:00How To Get ME Time During School Holidays<div style="text-align: justify;">
The kids are about to be off school. You're used to them being at school and
being able to
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/hot-coffee-when-kids-home.html" target="_blank">drink a hot coffee in peace</a>.</u> You like the quiet hours during the school term when you can choose
what to do without interruption or just get the chores done before they get
home. So how do you get time for you during the school holidays?
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtg5oS3tC4A/XJ3wGcb1znI/AAAAAAAAO94/NJGBLLB25rc4LPuJBv1Yg-2rRcGGzacvgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | The kids may be off but you can still enjoy some peace!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtg5oS3tC4A/XJ3wGcb1znI/AAAAAAAAO94/NJGBLLB25rc4LPuJBv1Yg-2rRcGGzacvgCLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays" /></a>
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We love our kids but we still want time for us
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It doesn't really need saying but I'll say it anyway, just because we want
that time on our own doesn't mean we don't love our kids. Of course, <u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/05/awesome-being-mum-to-teens.html" target="_blank">we love our kids</a></u>. But when they're at school every day, it's easy to get used to the quiet and
then the school holidays roll around and you've suddenly got them around your
feet every day. It's frustrating because you can't get chores done, the house
is <i>never</i> quiet, and your coffee has gone cold. Loving
your kids does not mean you shouldn't want time for you during the school
holidays.
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<span style="color: #e8618c;">Motherhood is... difficult and... rewarding.</span>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Gloria Estefan</span></i></b>
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Get time for you during the school holidays by planning</h2>
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Knowing when the school holidays are - ahead of time - is key, that's
why I spend some time at the start of the school year checking the school
websites and marking the holidays on my calendar. I have 3 calendars - one
on the wall in my office, a diary, and the calendar on my phone. When I
check the school websites, I have my diary in hand and a highlighter, and I
go through the year highlighting all the school holidays.
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to make yourself a coffee while you're planning!</span></i>
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I've found transcribing the holidays into my diary to be quickest way to get
the information. I can then go through my diary and add the holidays into
the months, add them to the calendar in my office, and especially add them
to the calendar on my phone. That is the most important one because I carry
it around with me all the time and whenever I'm making appointments, I need
to check if the kids are off school.
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So, planning. If you can see in your diary/calendar that you've got a
half-term coming up this month, or an
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/03/10-things-for-easter-holidays.html" target="_blank">easter holiday</a></u>, then you can think about it ahead of time and plan accordingly. For
example, as the Easter school holidays are coming up, I'm planning on taking
the boys to see my family for at least one day. We're going to
travel to Grimsby and
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/08/connect-with-older-generation.html" target="_blank">spend the day with my parents</a></u>. We're also planning a few walks, and LP has mentioned he
wants to go to the local play centre.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now of course those things aren't about me getting time for me, but if I
know what we have planned for us and the boys, then I can schedule in time
for me too. Like when we go to Grimsby, I'll spend the day driving 2 hours
there, and 2 hours back, as well as spending time with my family - and
that's great - but in order to get some me time too I have to make sure I
get home in time to chill out. Which I always do. I'll
arrange it so I come home at about 6pm and then the boys will play their
games or watch TV and I can sit in my recliner, get Netflix on the go, and
chill out. And BAM, in one day I've entertained the kids AND got time for
me. WIN!</p>
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Spend time together during the school holidays doing something you
enjoy
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If you
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/06/teach-children-cooking.html" target="_blank">enjoy cooking</a>,</u>
you could get time doing something you love, as well as entertaining the
kids during the school holidays.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">LP has been asking me for ages if we could bake some cookies. I've been
putting it off if I'm honest, I don't enjoy baking, it's not really my
thing, but I told him I would and I really should. But if you are a baker,
and enjoy it, it's the perfect way to get that time for yourself as well as
keeping the kids busy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I bake/cook with LP, I have a recipe on my iPad,
<u><a href="https://www.menkind.co.uk/i-prep-stand-white" target="_blank">stood up where we can see it</a></u>, and LP will read out the instructions and try to follow them. I'll be on
hand to help if he needs it. Having the iPad to hand is great, it
means he can see instructions and doesn't need much help unless it's
something particularly difficult. We chat while he does stuff and we both
have fun. And then I have an excuse to sit and have a coffee later!</p>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Having a stand for the iPad is really useful - head over to Menkind
to find an awesome one available for £21.99!</span></i>
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But there's not just baking, you could go for a walk or meet up with friends (and meet up with other mums!), whatever it is you choose to do with them - use
it as a bargaining chip. You do the thing, and then later you get to have a
coffee in peace.
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Get time for you during the school holidays by keeping the kids busy
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Another way to get that time for you during the school holidays is to keep
the kids busy. You could let them play their games, you could give them
activity books or
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/05/building-lego-tie-striker-set-75154.html" target="_blank">Lego to play with</a></u>, or you could tell them to play outside. By keeping them busy or occupied
you get to sit down, for at least 10 minutes (but hopefully longer) and do
what makes you happy.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DedicsFg97g/XJ3wFPrO0kI/AAAAAAAAO98/DZKzrvJaN3AQPGzmoUGkmtVD5i99KzBgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Blego.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | Tipping out a box of lego and just letting them create is a great way of being able to drink a hot coffee while they're home!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DedicsFg97g/XJ3wFPrO0kI/AAAAAAAAO98/DZKzrvJaN3AQPGzmoUGkmtVD5i99KzBgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Blego.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-lego" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego can keep them busy for hours!</span></i>
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When the boys
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/04/best-games-play-as-family.html" target="_blank">play their games</a>,</u>
I make myself a coffee and read a chapter of my book. If they're
watching a movie, I'll take some time to do some drawing. And if they're
playing outside, I know I have little time before they'll be coming
inside complaining or fighting, so I make myself a quick coffee and sit and
watch them through the window. Each time I get to do something I love, and
it's during the school holidays!
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Forget your morning routine during the school holidays
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<p style="text-align: justify;">
Getting chores done, or even started some days, can be a bit of a pain
during the school holidays. The kids get toys out, eat food all day, and make a mess - which makes your job that much harder.
</p>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRsO2FO_Ed0/XJ3wFm47UNI/AAAAAAAAO98/qFj9YJ5FNnMCOxyL8CqLA2FgeBVHBfMMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bmess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | Messes can just pop up when the kids are home - give yourself a break!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRsO2FO_Ed0/XJ3wFm47UNI/AAAAAAAAO98/qFj9YJ5FNnMCOxyL8CqLA2FgeBVHBfMMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bmess.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-mess" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There'll be the messes that just pop up, so why bother with the usual
routine?</span></i>
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In term time I have a good
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2015/12/my-morning.html" target="_blank">morning routine</a></u>
that leaves me with the rest of the day to do the things I enjoy. But in the
school holidays that morning routine
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/04/get-housework-done-in-holidays.html" target="_blank">doesn't work as well</a></u>. I can't get the kitchen looking spotless in 10 minutes because the boys
have used 1 billion glasses overnight and the dishwasher will need to go on
10 times before the kitchen is clear. Despite that, I try to stick
to a routine. So, if the boys have used all the glasses (and plates!) I fill
the dishwasher to its capacity and then leave the rest. Yes, it means the
kitchen isn't spotless, but it also means that there are clean glasses and
plates, and the kitchen looks a little better. I don't have to get it
perfect, after all the kids are home and I can't stop them from using
things!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">You don't have to make sure you do <i>everything </i>during the school
holidays, like you do in term time. If you try, you'll be working all day and
end up with no time for you, so instead leave some cleaning for another day
- or better still get the kids to help!</p>
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Get time for you by booking a Spa Day
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One way to guarantee you'll get some time for you during the school holidays
is to book yourself a spa day. Yes, the cleaning won't get done and the kids
will run riot while you're gone but you deserve a break and the Hubby can
cope for one day at least - right?
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlENCZXTVe0/XJ3wGVf3H9I/AAAAAAAAO-A/FnxZ5YA5s9g0z1HBGsyMSKZXsGoLnDLggCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bspa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | Spa days are brilliant, it's about time you spoiled yourself!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlENCZXTVe0/XJ3wGVf3H9I/AAAAAAAAO-A/FnxZ5YA5s9g0z1HBGsyMSKZXsGoLnDLggCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bspa.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-spa" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aaand.... relax.</span></i>
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I love spa days - an entire day just for me doing what I love. The last time
I visited Eden Hall I spent the day reading, drinking coffee, and best of
all? Eating cake! I had a lovely massage, facial, and even had my nails
done. It was very indulgent, but utterly heavenly. I always come home from
Eden Hall thrilled, and even if I have to cook dinner when I get home I am
happy to do it. Getting an entire day for yourself, one where you don't have
to think about anyone else at all, is freeing and you will feel 100% better.
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Indulge in your hobbies during the school holidays
</h2>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">
If you have a hobby, and it's one you could teach your kids, why not teach them about it during the school holidays?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">By teaching them
<u><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/04/ways-to-spend-time-sahm.html" target="_blank">about your hobby</a></u>
you're showing them something you enjoy doing but you're also giving them
the chance to find a hobby too. You get to do the thing you love; you get to
spend time with your kids, and perhaps even give them something to occupy
them the next time they're off school!</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Shopping is a bit of a relaxing hobby for me, which is sometimes
troubling for the bank balance.</span></i>
</h4>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Rebecca Hall</span></i></b>
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I have a few hobbies, writing and drawing being a couple, and BP loves
writing too. We'll spend time during school holidays going through some of
his writing and editing to make it better. The last time we did we
spent hours talking about his writing and after editing he was really proud
of what he'd come up with. It's so lovely to pass on stuff like
that and seeing him progress and take in what I'm saying is
brilliant.
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Step away from the phone</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TWLe62qEpA/XJ3wEHvzgpI/AAAAAAAAO98/-_65ram-tVc6pnw_Fs-LycO7HytZNbbzACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Biphone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | It's amazing how much time you lose when you spend all day scrolling!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TWLe62qEpA/XJ3wEHvzgpI/AAAAAAAAO98/-_65ram-tVc6pnw_Fs-LycO7HytZNbbzACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Biphone.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-phone" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stop scrolling and use the time to make yourself a coffee!</span></i>
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We all know what a time suck social media is right? You scroll, and
before you know it 3 hours have passed and you've got nothing done. I do it
in a morning and sometimes I forget the time and then have to rush around to
get things done. So instead of spending hours staring at your phone and
losing time, during these school holidays why not agree with yourself
(and your kids) that you'll step away from the phone. You'll keep it in your
pocket instead of in your palm. That way you may find that you have more
time for yourself than you realised!
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy evening drinks and time for you</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCv4Dhz7WrE/XJ3wEAC_VfI/AAAAAAAAO-A/mPkx6feu0uYhiVM7IB4BBveoldi-U2dUACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bbourbon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | Have a good drink at the end of the day - this is your time, when they're in bed!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCv4Dhz7WrE/XJ3wEAC_VfI/AAAAAAAAO-A/mPkx6feu0uYhiVM7IB4BBveoldi-U2dUACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bbourbon.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-bourbon" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We do love a good bourbon!</span></i>
</div>
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<br /><p>
When you have older kids - I'm talking 8+, after they've gone to bed your
time is pretty much your own. You could even let them stay up a little later
during the school holidays, but you still end up with a good chunk of time for you.</p><p><br /></p><p>My boys are 10 and 14 and in term time they go to bed at 8pm and 9pm. During
school holidays we let them stay up a little later, after all there's not
really any reason they can't stay up. So in the holidays their bedtimes are
8:30pm and 10pm - LP only gets an extra 30 minutes because he's younger and
still needs a nice long sleep. BP loves the school holidays because he gets
to stay in bed in a morning!</p><p><br /></p><p>But anyway, back to my point - your evenings are yours. Once the kids are in
bed and the house has settled down, you can sit down and enjoy the time. How
do I do that? With evening drinks. The Hubby and I love to drink bourbon and
coke
<u><a href="https://www.menkind.co.uk/on-the-rocks-glass-ice-ball-mould-gift-set" target="_blank">from our favourite glasses</a></u>
while watching House of Cards, or a movie on Netflix. We get to sit
together, enjoy a good drink, and chill out - and we know the kids will stay
in bed.</p></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3me5ILSqN7s/XJ35rfldcFI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/7kyq--aWF9oCTyG3K0LgxmTh3_FzcFhBACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bglass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get Time For You During School Holidays | A lovely glass of bourbon to enjoy in the evening!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3me5ILSqN7s/XJ35rfldcFI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/7kyq--aWF9oCTyG3K0LgxmTh3_FzcFhBACLcBGAs/s1600/2019%2B04%2B01%2Btime%2B4%2Bu%2Bholidays%2Bglass.jpg" title="how-to-get-time-for-you-during-school-holidays-glass" /></a>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bring on the bourbon!</span></i>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">
Once your kids are in bed and settled, why not check out Netflix and choose a
movie, then settle down with
<u><a href="https://www.happinessisagift.co.uk/personalised-glassware/personalised-tumblers/personalised-tumbler" target="_blank">a glass of your favourite drink</a></u>
and relax. The rest of the chores can wait until tomorrow!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Getting time for yourself during the school holidays can seem impossible,
but if you put the right things in place, and forget about the chores for a
while, you can enjoy that hot coffee or even read a book!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
How will you get time for you during the school holidays?
</h4>
</div>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-29826490126677870282021-07-19T09:00:00.001+01:002021-07-21T13:57:14.439+01:00How to get that hot coffee even if the kids are at home<div style="text-align: justify;">
Getting just five minutes to yourself when <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/08/focus-on-being-real-not-perfect.html" target="_blank"><b>you're a busy mum</b></a> can be tough. When the kids are at home, there's always something to be doing, whether that's entertaining the kids or putting another load of laundry in the washing machine, but that doesn't mean you can't get that coffee. Below are just a few ways you can grab a hot coffee even if the kids are at home.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-rpgYfwZ0Y/W8BzOleunFI/AAAAAAAANyk/k3nDVZdMzS8KBesq6HCfuKv6yjnfDz6GgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bmain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-rpgYfwZ0Y/W8BzOleunFI/AAAAAAAANyk/k3nDVZdMzS8KBesq6HCfuKv6yjnfDz6GgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bmain.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoy movies (and coffee) with the kids at home</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Movies are great for occupying your kids long enough for you to enjoy a hot coffee and a bit of peace while they are at home. You could choose the <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2015/03/list-disney-pixar.html" target="_blank">latest Pixar release</a></b> (check out The Incredibles 2 if you haven't already!) or something for older kids like Guardians of the Galaxy. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVHfRb9Xe0E/W8B1gGO17VI/AAAAAAAANyw/Ei2KwhNs_Ssj2-QnfRHCEFv6ysAF-FgLgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bpopcorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get That Hot Coffee Even If The Kids Are At Home | Movies on hand, with popcorn, to keep the kids busy. A bowl of fresh popcorn." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVHfRb9Xe0E/W8B1gGO17VI/AAAAAAAANyw/Ei2KwhNs_Ssj2-QnfRHCEFv6ysAF-FgLgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bpopcorn.jpg" title="how-to-get-that-hot-coffee-even-if-the-kids-are-at-home-pocorn" /></a></div>
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The key here is to make it a treat, so have blankets if it's cold and dreary outside, be sure to have popcorn on hand, and set them up so they can have the lights off too. My boys love it when we have the lights off and sit to watch a movie, they can almost convince themselves they're at the cinema. Whenever I say we're having a cinema day they scream with joy, and I secretly cheer too because it means I'll have some quiet time while they enjoy their movie. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're struggling for ideas for a movie, look at <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2014/11/top-10-kids-movies.html" target="_blank"><b>my boys' favourites</b></a>.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Reading / writing / drawing</h2>
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Get your <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/09/encouraging-kids-creative.html" target="_blank"><b>kids to be creative</b></a>. If they're enjoying reading a book, you could get them to draw something out of the book. Tell them to imagine their favourite character and to draw them. If your kids don't enjoy drawing, you could try asking them to write something - again use something they really like - Fortnite motives both my boys so during the upcoming school holidays I'll tell them to write a story featuring their favourite character from the game. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. </span></i></h4>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Franklin D. Roosevelt</span></i></b></div>
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Reading is another great way to keep them occupied, particularly if they're reading a book they're enjoying. LP is in the middle of the first Percy Jackson book and LOVES it, he read for an hour last night because he wanted to finish the chapter, and he's always looks forward to reading. It not only teaches them but it's a good way to kick start their imagination. Even someone like LP who is more logical that creative, enjoys being able to imagine scenarios for the characters in his books.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Activity book distractions so you can get that coffee</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your kids aren't creative at all, then colouring in or activity books are another good way to occupy them. Again LP loves sticker books, especially the Lego ones - he's had 5 or 6 so far and I know he'll be asking Santa for more this year. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to grab your copy!</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like I said, school holidays are just around the corner and because I know the boys will be at home all day, I've been working on ways to keep them busy. That's why I created the Fun with AniPals activity book, it's more for LP, who at 10 years old would probably find the activities easy but would enjoy them either way. There's colouring pages, and puzzles, - and you can grab your copy of my <a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/fun-with-anipals" target="_blank"><b>Fun with Anipals! activity book</b></a> and keep your kids busy so you can grab your hot coffee!</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Let the kids enjoy games when they're home</h2>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being a parent to any school-age child these days means you <i>must</i> have heard of <a href="https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/buy-now/battle-royale" target="_blank"><b>Fortnite</b></a> and Overwatch. My boys obsess over both these games and are on them almost every day. Now I'm not saying you should let them play all day, but giving them an hour to <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/03/teach-children-about-online-games.html" target="_blank"><b>play games with their friends</b></a> means you'll get a little time for yourself. They become so engrossed in the game that they forget to ask you for anything and will leave you in peace for a while. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOzgD8rwNo8/W8B34mHJ49I/AAAAAAAANzE/CU8K4br-3xMGrx8eaNEfzDmnOLsCsYmLQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bxbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Get That Hot Coffee Even If The Kids Are At Home | A white Xbox sits on a dark brown wooden table." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOzgD8rwNo8/W8B34mHJ49I/AAAAAAAANzE/CU8K4br-3xMGrx8eaNEfzDmnOLsCsYmLQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-10-15%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bhome%2Bxbox.jpg" title="how-to-get-that-hot-coffee-even-if-the-kids-are-at-home-xbox" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
My boys have time limits for their games. We don't allow them to play for hours every day, but I don't mind increasing their time during the holidays, especially when the weather is horrid. The occasional day when we let them indulge in playing their games means we get quiet time and the rest of the holidays are more bearable. </div>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Puzzles</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on the age of your kids you could occupy them for anywhere between 10 minutes to 2 hours with puzzles. I'm talking jigsaw puzzles here, but if there are other puzzles you have - like a Rubix cube - then give them that too. </div>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. </span></i></h4>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Albert Einstein</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BP likes a good jigsaw puzzle, he enjoys helping <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/08/date-night-kids-in-bed.html" target="_blank"><b>the Hubby and I</b></a> when we get ours out but he also enjoys his own. LP has a good one that teaches him about European countries. He fits the pieces together, and when it's finished it shows a map of the continent. He then has to find where places are - he has pieces with all the city names on them. It's a great teaching tool.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
School holidays are a tough time for <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/06/stay-at-home-mums-dont-be-ashamed.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">stay-at-home mums</a>. We have to cope with having the kids at home when we're used to having the day to ourselves. But that doesn't mean we have to lose our minds, we just have to consider how we'll schedule in our 'me time'. Hopefully, these ideas will help you out - and don't forget to grab your free Halloween Activity Booklet!</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
What do your kids enjoy doing that could help you get that hot coffee?</h4></div><div align="center"></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-40816757672645496202021-07-12T08:00:00.002+01:002021-07-12T08:00:00.179+01:009 Simple Ways To Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids<p style="text-align: justify;">
The sun is high in the sky, and you're sitting on your favourite garden chair
as the kids run around the garden. Happy shrieks fill the air as they splash
in the paddling pool and chase each other around. Toys lay on the ground
amongst the grass, but you don't care. The smile on your face says it all -
this is how you enjoy summer days with the kids.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
While the summer school holidays can be tough, and
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/hot-coffee-when-kids-home.html" target="_blank">having the kids home</a>
(and knowing what to do with them) is draining, there are simple things you
can do to make the most of the sunny days at home and enjoy the time with your
kids.
</p>
<p>
<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-WJ7HVkPHU/XUBFvXmvOiI/AAAAAAAAPxY/M-W152kplAY5thtf6xBiIZoY3JNipK_xACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bwalk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Simple Ways To Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids | Take a walk with your kids!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-WJ7HVkPHU/XUBFvXmvOiI/AAAAAAAAPxY/M-W152kplAY5thtf6xBiIZoY3JNipK_xACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bwalk.jpg" title="9-simple-ways-to-enjoy-summer-days-with-your-kids-walk" /></a><br /><br /><br />
</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Enjoy Summer Days By Not Sleeping In</h2>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The first day of the holidays it can be tempting to switch off that alarm
clock, sleep in (if the kids allow it), and enjoy not having to do the school
run. But if you get up at the usual time, sort out the
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/03/eating-breakfast-together.html" target="_blank">kids' breakfast</a>, and get ready for the day, you'll find you're more energised and happy to
do <i>something </i>during the day.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
By getting up early you're getting the usual stress and strain out of the way
early and you may even find you'll feel better for it.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepeacefulmom/" target="_blank">The Peaceful Mom</a>
has some great tips on
<a href="https://thepeacefulmom.com/2015/06/01/how-to-enjoy-summer-with-the-kids/" target="_blank">how to enjoy the summer</a>
too - quick and simple, which is great for the summer.
</div>
<p><br /></p><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Invite Friends Over To Enjoy Summer Days With The Kids T<i>ogether</i>
</h2>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One great way to
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/08/time-for-yourself-during-summer.html" target="_blank">enjoy the summer days</a>
with your kids is to get together with friends. Invite them over, maybe even
sort out a picnic for the garden and you can all enjoy the sunshine. When the
kids are in the garden playing nicely together, you'll get to enjoy a chat
with a friend. It's a great opportunity for you both to get that adult
conversation you crave, while the kids have fun outdoors.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let the kids go crazy, get out as many toys as they like, and enjoy the sun.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e8618c;">Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.</span>
</h4>
<b><div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">George R.R. Martin</span></i></b>
</div></b><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Let The Music Play During The Summer Days</h2>
When the sun is out and the kids are in the garden just stop and think for a
moment - is there anything that could make this moment better? Probably
not...
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Except maybe blasting some 80s tunes from your iPod (or ghetto blaster!) and
getting the kids involved in a dance-off Run DMC style!
</p>
<p><br /><br /></p>
<center>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="403" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TLGWQfK-6DY" width="600"></iframe>
</center>
<br /><br />
<p style="text-align: left;">
Playing music while the kids play in the garden, or getting them involved in
that dance-off, is a great way to enjoy the summer days. The kids will
probably recognise some of the music, because they include most of it in
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2014/11/top-10-kids-movies.html" target="_blank">their favourite movies</a>, and they'll enjoy watching you smile and have a good time. Nothing can make
your kids' day like seeing you have a good time.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Head To The Local Water Park Or Swimming Baths</span>
</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
You don't have to spend every summer day at home, so why not take one of those
sunny days and head out with the kids. Pack up their favourite swimwear, a few
towels, and maybe even a picnic and make your way to your local park that has
a pool - or perhaps the swimming baths. The kids will have fun playing in the
water and you can sit by the side and watch them, or maybe even get in on the
water fun too! Why not forget about being the "mum" and enjoy the summer days
with your kids by splashing in the water with them!
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Picnic, History, And Fun!</span>
</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
First, scout out the best location - that could be the best park equipped with
play areas for the kids. Or it could be an
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/english-heritage-castles-east-midlands.html" target="_blank">English Heritage Castle</a>
with an enormous field and actors to make the day seem more historic. Then
pack a picnic, filled with yummy sandwiches, awesome cakes, and snacks and
drinks to keep the kids happy. Pack up the car (not forgetting the outdoor fun
toys) and head out to your chosen destination to spend a day of family filled
fun.
</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLfkA1eyPNQ/XUBFvOtcFeI/AAAAAAAAPxY/9IUJnaITGVACP3jaF8UFlwWt5wLA9f2sACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bcastle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Simple Ways To Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids | Visit a castle and have fun with history!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLfkA1eyPNQ/XUBFvOtcFeI/AAAAAAAAPxY/9IUJnaITGVACP3jaF8UFlwWt5wLA9f2sACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bcastle.jpg" title="9-simple-ways-to-enjoy-summer-days-with-your-kids-hardwick-old-hall" /></a><br /><br /><br />
Picnics are great, you can sit and read or play with your kids and you all enjoy
the sunshine (while it's there!).
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids On A Bike Ride
</h2>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
When the sun is out and the wind is low but cooling, it's the perfect weather
for a bike ride with your kids. My youngest, LP,
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/09/learning-to-ride-bike.html" target="_blank">loves bike rides</a>
with his dad - they ride for hours and talk the whole way, but the best thing
is that they're getting outdoors and enjoying the summer while LP is still
young. He loves being able to race his dad; he loves being able to challenge
his dad, but he also loves that they can connect with each other while riding
along.
</p>
<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGS7o2DSyXc/XUBFu28naoI/AAAAAAAAPxU/IUof-C75IhotmbszRkWZeA23yHyD3fEUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bbike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Simple Ways To Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids | Riding bikes is fun!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGS7o2DSyXc/XUBFu28naoI/AAAAAAAAPxU/IUof-C75IhotmbszRkWZeA23yHyD3fEUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bbike.jpg" title="9-simple-ways-to-enjoy-summer-days-with-your-kids-bike" /></a><br /><br /><br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Bike rides are great for getting a little exercise, taking in the fresh air on
a gorgeous summer's day, and best of all - connecting with your kids.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Camp In The Garden And Enjoy Summer Says With Your Kids
</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Pitch a tent,
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/kids-activities.html" target="_blank">build a fort</a>, or just grab a large stick and a blanket and make yourself (and your kids)
a tent. Make sure you have blankets, pillows, and plenty of entertainment -
but get out into the garden and enjoy those summer days with your kids.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
We have a tent, but I don't really enjoy camping. That's why camping in the
garden is great - I don't have to do the whole sleeping outdoors with no
amenities thing and the kids can enjoy time in the tent playing make-believe.
The best bit is that I can nip into the house, make them a wonderful snack and
surprise them with it - to make their make-believe fun even better.
</p>
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Stargaze In The Garden At The End Of Those Summer Days
</h2>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
After letting the kids spend the day camping in the garden, why not get in on
the fun. As the sun goes down and the stars come out, make your way into the
garden with the kids and enjoy the summer nights too - because it's not just
the days that are great. You could even
<a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/03/you-should-listen-to-they-might-be-giants.html" target="_blank">educate yourself</a>
on the finer points of star spotting - or rather constellation spotting!
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e8618c;"><br /></span></i>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e8618c;"><br /></span></i>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e8618c;"><br /></span></i>
</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e8618c;">Oh, the summer night, Has a smile of light, And she sits on a sapphire
throne.</span></span>
</h4>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Bryan Procter</span></i></b>
</div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you struggle a bit with identifying Orion's Belt or the Big Dipper, why
not check out the many apps in the App Store. They can help you spot the
right stars and you can amaze your kids with your wondrous knowledge.</span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids By Learning In The Garden</span>
</h2>
<br /><br /><img alt="9 Simple Ways To Enjoy Summer Days With Your Kids | Watch bees in your garden - and learn!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeoCz9x-gvY/XUBFumIbqEI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/WnMVnobME44O3tKsi4MXaD9N22An_4xPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B07%2B31%2Bsummer%2Bwith%2Bkids%2Bbee.jpg" title="9-simple-ways-to-enjoy-summer-days-with-your-kids-bee" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watching the bees can be fascinating. </span></i>
</div><br /><br /><br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">
From creepy crawlies to chirpy birds, there're loads of things you can learn
from the comfort of your picnic blanket. Get the kids out in the garden
spotting bugs to start with - have your phone on hand to teach about the bugs
you see. Watch the bugs, let the kids see how they move and maybe even what
they eat. Do the same with birds. It's a great opportunity to pay attention to
nature and also spend some proper time with your kids, enjoying the summer
days. This and many more are ways you can enjoy the summer days for free - why
not check out Lauren Greutman's list of
<a href="https://www.laurengreutman.com/summer-activities-for-kids/" target="_blank">31 ways to enjoy the summer for free</a>.<br />
</p>
<br /><br /><br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The summer doesn't have to be stressful... or rather it doesn't <i>have</i> to
be stressful all the time. There are going to be bad days, but with a little
planning and taking the time to see that summer is a wonderful thing you can
really enjoy summer days with your kids.
</p>
<br /><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">How do you enjoy summer days with your kids?</h4>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-484759386285455302020-11-09T05:30:00.001+00:002020-11-09T05:30:03.660+00:00How to keep your kids entertained when it's raining outside<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time of year the risk of being stuck in the house increases, more often than not there's reason to stay indoors. But that means that you need to have things in the house that will keep the kids entertained so you're not climbing the walls by the end of the day. In my many years of <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/07/10-things-youll-learn-from-being-parent.html" target="_blank">parenting</a> I've had my fair share of rainy days which means I've managed to gather a few ideas to keep them entertained when it's raining outside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf2pq6MTzts/W-WapjraCZI/AAAAAAAAOCw/uLOffBI6IGArp3ioHJTajBISpTX7I9mJQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-12%2Brainy%2Bday%2Bactivities%2Bmain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Keep Your Kids Entertained When It's Raining Outside | Rain on the window" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf2pq6MTzts/W-WapjraCZI/AAAAAAAAOCw/uLOffBI6IGArp3ioHJTajBISpTX7I9mJQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-12%2Brainy%2Bday%2Bactivities%2Bmain.jpg" title="how-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-when-its-raining-outside" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Movies are great when it's raining outside</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first port of call when it's raining outside is a good movie. There are <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2014/11/top-10-kids-movies.html" target="_blank">plenty of kids' movies</a> to choose from, like my boys' top 10, but if you have older children I'd recommend scrolling through Netflix or Amazon Video, there's some great movies there to choose from and I have no doubt you'll find something the kids will like. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cz1IBgIsdc8/W-WbIIyTJXI/AAAAAAAAOC4/dOtctt3UvPkYpCwQDmqE9od3nLg17lSHgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-12%2Brainy%2Bday%2Bactivities%2Btv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Keep Your Kids Entertained When It's Raining Outside | A TV set up with tall speakers in lounge." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cz1IBgIsdc8/W-WbIIyTJXI/AAAAAAAAOC4/dOtctt3UvPkYpCwQDmqE9od3nLg17lSHgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-12%2Brainy%2Bday%2Bactivities%2Btv.jpg" title="how-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-when-its-raining-outside" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Get the TV ready... it's movie time!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you're planning a movie day it's easy to have popcorn and other goodies on hand but when it starts raining outside that's harder to plan for. I keep a multi pack of popcorn in a cupboard just in case, or even have a box of un-popped popcorn that you can just put into the microwave. The boys love freshly popped popcorn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Keep your kids entertained with sticker books</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These books come in really handy when there's nothing else to do. You can buy them fairly cheaply on Amazon, I've seen prices from £2 to £8, and there's all sorts of different ones to find. LP has always enjoyed the Lego themed sticker books, I think he had 5 or 6 of them now. The best bit about these is that they not only have the sections where you put particular stickers in the right place, but they have pages for your kids to create a scene using lego stickers. </div>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. </span></i></h4>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Albert Einstein</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
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The best thing about sticker books though is that there's something for everyone. From Lego to Peppa Pig, Disney Princesses to learning about Dinosaurs - no matter what your kids' tastes you'll be able to find something they'll love. </div>
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Raining outside? Let your kids play console games</h2>
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On rainy days being stuck in the house can give you - and your kids - cabin fever, especially if there's not much to do. Letting them play on the consoles for a short time will make them happy and you can sit and have a coffee. My boys <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/03/teach-children-about-online-games.html" target="_blank">play on the Xbox One</a>, Fortnite and Overwatch are a couple of their favourite games, but when they were younger they liked playing on the Wii U and there were plenty of Lego games (my favourites) they played.<br />
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It may be raining outside but you can play board games together</h2>
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A family favourite here we have quite a collection of games now and the boys love it when we say it's game time. LP has been playing <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/03/colt-express-review.html" target="_blank">board games</a> since he was 4 years old (he's now 9), we used to team up and he would listen to our strategies and be involved. It's how he learned how to play and now he's quite the strategist. He's an expert in the games we play these days and actually he beats me at Scrabble more often than not!</div>
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Activity Books can keep your kids entertained for hours</h2>
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Both BP and LP have had lots of activity books in the past, and themes have been Dinosaurs to holidays and everything in between. The thing with Activity books is it's not just one thing for them to do, there's a range of activities to keep them entertained. Crosswords, wordsearches, colouring pages, depending on the book you get you could end up with hundreds of pages of activities. The themed activity books are great, when they're off school at Christmas and you're in need of some activities for them to do a Christmas Activity Book is a perfect distraction. It's Christmas themed and will keep them busy even when the rain is pouring outside.</div>
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Coding can distract them from the rain outside</h2>
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This is a new one, but something that kids are encouraged to do at the moment. LP likes the idea of programming - I think it comes from his dad being a programmer - but he's interested in it and we're trying our best to help him find things to do. So far there's a couple of things, the first is Scratch - which I don't know much about other than it's something kids can use to create their own games. LP has also been trying out Apple's programming stuff, I think it's called Swift. He bought his own iPad and Apple Pencil so he could try out the new things they have for kids to learn coding. Apple also run sessions in their stores, which are free, for kids to learn about programming - we've yet to attend one but it's on our list to do soon.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Are your kids coding yet?</span></i></div>
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Keep the kids entertained by teaching them about drawing</h2>
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BP is quite <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2014/11/drawing-stitch.html" target="_blank">a creative boy</a> and loves drawing, so when he's given a challenge he enjoys going for it. LP likes to draw occasionally too, but for LP it's more following instructions that he likes. That's where "how to draw" books come in handy. Again there are plenty to choose from, Amazon have a great selection, and when he puts his mind to it he really enjoys himself. </div>
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Give the kids a pencil, a piece of paper, and something to draw and they might show you a talent you never knew they had!</div>
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Colouring</h2>
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Colouring books, colouring pages, or even telling them to colour in the drawing they've just done, it'll keep them busy while the rain hits the window outside. Have a selection of coloured crayons (wax or pencil) to hand and it'll keep them busy for hours (if you're lucky).</div>
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Get them writing about the rain outside</h2>
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BP enjoys this one more than LP, he enjoys being given a sentence to start with or some line that will inspire him and then he's off. Some of his <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/09/encouraging-kids-creative.html" target="_blank">writing has truly blown me away</a> and I hope he continues with it. LP likes writing sometimes, but does need a lot of encouragement and this is where I would say to try writing a story for a character they like - like someone from Fortnite. Younger kids would find it more interesting to write about a character they already know. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds. </span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Gilbert K. Chesterton</span></i></b></div>
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Sometimes it's fine to let the kids <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/11/let-them-go.html" target="_blank">find they're own way</a> too - don't give them anything to do but give them restrictions. Perhaps they're not allowed to play console games but should do something else. These kind of restrictions will often get them thinking about what they <i>want</i> to do. I've tried it on LP a few times and he often ends up playing with older toys he's been neglecting - and then will tell me how much he's enjoyed himself during the afternoon because he'd forgotten how much he enjoyed playing with his toys. That's always nice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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So when the dark clouds roll in and you hear the pitter patter of raindrops on the window there's no need to panic. With just a few ideas on your list it'll be easy to keep your kids entertained when it's raining outside.</div>
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How do you keep your kids entertained when it's raining?</h4>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-51630530964026245952020-10-20T09:00:00.000+01:002020-10-20T09:00:01.949+01:00How to spend quality time with your kids when you're a busy mum<div style="text-align: justify;">
You spend so much of your time cooking, cleaning, and taking care of everyone that sometimes it's easy to forget about <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/quality-time-your-kids.html" target="_blank">spending time with your kids</a></b>. Whether you're just chatting or having fun together spending <i>quality</i> time with your kids is important. Finding the time though, when you're a busy mum, can be difficult - there's always something to be done. But it IS possible to do it all...</div>
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How to spend quality time with your kids when you're a busy mum</h2>
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What is quality time?</h3>
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First of all you need to think about what you classify as quality time - because really <i>any</i> time spent communicating with, or even just <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/04/activities-bring-together-as-family.html" target="_blank">being with your kids</a></b>, can be classed as quality time. If you're having fun, chatting, being together, it's all good for them - and you.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7BZ6Y4Iscc/XW5iHCeiGRI/AAAAAAAAP2I/RpYBraeKWsw8jRKGZZ4WkDeqoglWT8u6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Blaugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids When You're A Busy Mum | Laugh with your family - it's all quality time." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7BZ6Y4Iscc/XW5iHCeiGRI/AAAAAAAAP2I/RpYBraeKWsw8jRKGZZ4WkDeqoglWT8u6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Blaugh.jpg" title="how-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-kids-when-youre-a-busy-mum-laugh" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to laugh together!</span></i></div>
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Spend quality time with your kids while cooking or cleaning</h2>
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Have you ever noticed how the kids get all excited when you ask them for help? I'm talking younger kids here - the teens will likely roll their eyes at you or think you're being mean (and that's a whole other thing!). My youngest, who is now 10, loves to help with everything. If I asked him to help me with cooking dinner he'd love it - and the great thing is if you use a simple recipe, as suggested by Real Mom Help in her post <b><a href="https://realmomhelp.com/quality-time-with-your-child/" target="_blank">10 Simple Ideas for Spending Quality Time with Your Child</a></b>, they can do a lot of the work too. If I asked for his help with the cleaning he'd jump at the chance - despite not ever wanting to do his own chores!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1nVQ_GKELY/XW5iDo9BZuI/AAAAAAAAP10/gMz1M3RXtjAi-RvTltEyNdLdbi2qMKxqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids When You're A Busy Mumn | Make breakfast together - and eat together too!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1nVQ_GKELY/XW5iDo9BZuI/AAAAAAAAP10/gMz1M3RXtjAi-RvTltEyNdLdbi2qMKxqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bfood.jpg" title="how-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-kids-when-youre-a-busy-mum-breakfast" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Make breakfast together. And eat together too!</span></i></div>
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The thing here is to get the kids involved in the things you do on any normal day. By involving them in your mum duties you're not only teaching them about the cooking and cleaning, but you're also showing them what you do when they're not around. You get to spend quality time with them, chatting and doing work, while also teaching. That's a parenting win right there!</div>
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Get errands done and spend quality time together</h2>
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Everyone knows that most errands you have to run when you're a busy mum are pretty dull. Food shopping, nipping to the pharmacy, even birthday shopping, it's almost never for yourself and no one thanks you for it - but they're jobs that have to be done. So instead of leaving the kids at home, or waiting until they're at school, why not just take the kids with you?</div>
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<span style="color: #e8618c;"><i>Love your family. Spend time, be kind & serve one another. Make no room for regrets. Tomorrow is not promised and today is short.</i></span></h4>
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With the food shopping you can send them to look for something you want. I usually send LP off to get bread. But while you're shopping you get to talk to them too. You can wander up and down the aisles, and sometimes it will even <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/12/teen-wont-talk.html" target="_blank">spark a conversation</a></b> you weren't expecting. I remember once discussing race and the differences between food and cultures after LP spotted curry ingredients in one of the aisles and then asked why different countries like different foods. It was an interesting, and sometimes difficult, conversation to have but I feel like we connected and LP learned something. </div>
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Spend a day together and you'll get quality time</h2>
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Have a day - probably during the school holidays - where they spend an entire following you around. Whether that's watching/<b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/09/childrens-chores-teaches-responsibility.html" target="_blank">helping you with household chores</a></b>, going on errands with you, or just sitting with you while you fold and iron clothes. They may get bored during some of it, but they will learn and you can spend the time talking. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Get the kids involved with the chores and it goes quicker as well as you get to spend time together.</span></i></div>
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Again by sharing what you do with them they're learning that you don't just sit home all day waiting for them to return from school. You have your own jobs and while you do stay home it's not to watch TV all day - unfortunately. It's healthy for your kids to see the things you do for them, but it's also good for you to show them how much work you do. It will make you feel better, because we all feel a bit rubbish sometimes don't we? And again, you get to talk about all kinds of things while you spend the time together.</div>
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Crafting can help you spend quality time with your kids</h2>
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I'm not really much of a crafter, but I do have lots of craft equipment in my office. I even have a craft drawer downstairs that the boys can access whenever they want. They don't choose to often but it's there if they want it. And when they do choose to, they often want me to get involved too.</div>
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Crafting is a great way to spend time with your kids. You can all get messy creating something beautiful (or something messy if that's your thing), you laugh as you make mistakes or go wrong, and most importantly <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/enjoy-summer-with-kids.html" target="_blank">you have fun together</a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbS_31hPaqU/XW5iHz2gRqI/AAAAAAAAP2A/1Iz5gF326bgFJ8i4k3y5GpLEeh93uOOzACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids When You're A Busy Mum | Paint - fun for all the family." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbS_31hPaqU/XW5iHz2gRqI/AAAAAAAAP2A/1Iz5gF326bgFJ8i4k3y5GpLEeh93uOOzACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bpaint.jpg" title="how-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-kids-when-youre-a-busy-mum-paint" /></a></div>
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When both my boys were younger we used to have messy days. I'd get the paints out and let them go nuts and they <i>loved</i> it. I have a photo of BP after one of our messy days and he has paint all over him, on his face, in his hair, even in his ears! And BP still remembers that day - he laughs when he looks at the photo and can't believe he ever did it. At 15 I think it's great that he remembers this kind of thing, it sparks good memories for him and that makes me smile.</div>
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Engage in the things they like in order to spend quality time with your kids</h2>
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Whether it's Fortnite or Minecraft, Teletubbies (are they even still around?) or Thomas the Tank Engine, showing an interest in the things they like will bring you closer together. I was just talking to BP yesterday about how much he used to love Ben 10, and we reminded him how many Ben 10 related things he had. His school bag, his lunch box, clothes, toys, even his watch was Ben 10 branded. And as his mum and dad we knew all the characters names and their special abilities (not that I could tell you them now!). These days it's more about Fortnite, and the Hubby plays too. He knows all about V-bucks, "skins", and Battle Passes (all Fortnite terms), and while I know a little about it I'm no expert - which is a good thing according to Parent.com who, in their post <a href="https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/positive/quality-time/" target="_blank"><b>How to Spend More Quality Time with Your Child</b></a>, say that letting your kids "kick your butt" is showing you are human and vincible. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s91tUVGsYLU/XW5iDt2MQRI/AAAAAAAAP1w/BRWtH_i2TD4EukJGnnjEQrWlmlp27O18ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bgames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids When You're A Busy Mum | Get in on the gaming!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s91tUVGsYLU/XW5iDt2MQRI/AAAAAAAAP1w/BRWtH_i2TD4EukJGnnjEQrWlmlp27O18ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2Bgames.jpg" title="how-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-kids-when-youre-a-busy-mum-games" /></a></div>
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The thing is, because we know a little about the things they like our boys enjoy talking to us about those things. If we had no idea what they were talking about they'd wander off and chat to friends, or keep to themselves. By engaging in their hobbies, or their favourite shows, we're showing them we are open to learn and they are more likely to talk to us about their other likes and dislikes because of that.</div>
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Spend quality time reading to your kids at night</h2>
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For years I read stories to my boys before they went to sleep at night. It was our quiet time together and I know they both enjoyed it. BP, my eldest who is now 15, used to love listening to the different stories but would fall asleep after I'd been reading for 10 minutes or so. I tried time and again to read Dr Seuss Sleep Book to him but we never managed to get to the end - he was always asleep before we got to "goodnight". LP, now 10, was completely different. He would stay awake until I had finished the very last page and then he'd ask questions about the book. His favourites included The Dinosaur that Pooped series, Dr Seuss was a regular, and the Mr Men books featured often too. Because I'd always wanted to read Dr Seuss Sleep Book and actually reach the end I tried it with LP, and of course we got to the end - every time. And every time he would ask different questions about what he'd heard. He recognised characters from other Dr Seuss books, his vocabulary increased, and we had at least 30 minutes quality time together every single day. I will always cherish that time - and I know they will too.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFALGQaHsr4/XW5iWIsLIkI/AAAAAAAAP2I/KNZ2arPbTM4l9yXcszYhHD_aGSdj2tiiACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2BP4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids When You're A Busy Mum | Your children get only one childhood..." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFALGQaHsr4/XW5iWIsLIkI/AAAAAAAAP2I/KNZ2arPbTM4l9yXcszYhHD_aGSdj2tiiACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B09%2B04%2Bquality%2Btime%2Bkids%2BP4.png" title="how-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-kids-when-youre-a-busy-mum-quote2" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Regina Brett</span></i></b></div>
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While my boys are no longer at the age they want me to read to them I know that by spending time <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/12/read-to-your-children-this-christmas.html" target="_blank">reading with them</a></b> before bed I got to spend quality time with them every day for years. I read to my boys from the day they were born, with BP I stopped when he was around 6 years old because he asked me to, but by then I was reading to LP too. I didn't stop reading to LP until he was 8, and that was only because he could read himself by then and wanted to move on to bigger stories. </div>
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When your kids settle down for the night, and you're reading their favourite - or what could become their favourite - story, you're showing them how much you want to spend time with them. You want to put in the time, and even if they ask a million questions when you're finished - it's worth it.</div>
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Any time with your kids is quality time</h2>
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As I said before, any time you spend with your kids is quality time. They are more likely to remember the times you spend laughing and playing together, than how much time you spent in the kitchen making dinner. Spend time with your kids and your bond will strengthen, you'll make connections that will last a lifetime, and when - if it happens - you have grandkids, you can smile because it was all worth it.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We love walking in Wollaton Park.</span></i></div>
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If you prefer listening to podcasts I've been listening to <b><a href="https://www.girlnextdoorpodcast.com/" target="_blank">The Girl Next Door Podcast</a></b> and while their kids are younger than mine I can totally relate to them. The episode Quality Time with Kids is great, it's full of good ideas and chat about spending time with your kids, and if you do listen let me know if you would love to try the cocktail they mention at the start of the podcast. I can't wait to try it!</div>
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What are your favourite ways to spend quality time with your kids?</h4>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664; font-size: large;"><i>Grab the colouring page and spend quality time colouring in with your kids.</i></span></b></div>
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<script src="https://static.mailerlite.com/js/w/webforms.min.js?vd890ed88b3a28c805acc70e1a88fa27c" type="text/javascript"></script>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-71995353841133186572020-10-15T09:00:00.000+01:002020-10-15T09:00:01.762+01:009 Self-Care Activities You Can Do in 10 Minutes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Making time for self-care activities when you're a mum can be tough. With kids running riot during the day, and the chores and your partner wanting your attention at night, it's easy to see that finding time for yourself is difficult. But you <i>can</i> spend time on yourself with these 9 self-care activities you can <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/07/10-minutes-self-care.html" target="_blank">do in 10 minutes</a></b>!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaThzKTbeWg/XZ77meKXrBI/AAAAAAAAQA4/R3TRKV2JrLwvstMJKhauraeJBSrzJfm1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Got 10 minutes? Here's 9 activities you could do." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaThzKTbeWg/XZ77meKXrBI/AAAAAAAAQA4/R3TRKV2JrLwvstMJKhauraeJBSrzJfm1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes.jpg" title="9-self-care-activities-you-can-do-in-10-minutes" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnGoL0ETFfI/XZ77kFBqmQI/AAAAAAAAQBE/PQxb3gGwwVIRQHJm8o3dX2MQ58HSX5CrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Practice self-care the way you want..." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnGoL0ETFfI/XZ77kFBqmQI/AAAAAAAAQBE/PQxb3gGwwVIRQHJm8o3dX2MQ58HSX5CrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP3.png" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-quote1" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">There is no picturesque version of what self-care looks like; it's different for every person who wants to practice it.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Jenna Wortham</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zew1M5W5WI/XZ77imjSTUI/AAAAAAAAQA8/HiVmWzc7TzAPzkgjI0R2_oWaowQxCijPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Spend just 10 minutes on these activities for self-care." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zew1M5W5WI/XZ77imjSTUI/AAAAAAAAQA8/HiVmWzc7TzAPzkgjI0R2_oWaowQxCijPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP2.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-pin2" /></a></div>
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Take a shower</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03Gs30Fa0gY/XZ77mHkhOXI/AAAAAAAAQBQ/aa9VVlGKQ34moXO9S0U9EqBSEPHMndHqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bshower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Take a shower and you'll feel a ton better!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03Gs30Fa0gY/XZ77mHkhOXI/AAAAAAAAQBQ/aa9VVlGKQ34moXO9S0U9EqBSEPHMndHqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bshower.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-shower" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Taking a shower can make you feel like you again.</i></span></div>
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A quick shower can do wonders for your mood. Washing away the stress and strain just getting 10 minutes to take care of yourself can set you up for the day. Whenever I get a chance for a shower it's like the sun is shining. The water flows over me and I smile because it's time just for me, no one bothers me and I'm completely alone.</div>
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Write in your journal</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaTDIh37krc/XZ77lQ7LsvI/AAAAAAAAQBM/t-kg-VKAykI--toP_TDM0KMKaixr3FAJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bjournal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Write about your day in your journal." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaTDIh37krc/XZ77lQ7LsvI/AAAAAAAAQBM/t-kg-VKAykI--toP_TDM0KMKaixr3FAJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bjournal.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-journal" /></a></div>
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Journaling can really <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/journaling-self-care.html" target="_blank">help with your mental health</a></b>, or even just to get ideas out of your head so you don't feel so cluttered. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by everything I write, I get the ideas and thoughts out of my head and when I take the time to do that I feel so much better. We spend so much time thinking about everyone else and storing information in our head that we can get "clogged up" and suffer as a result. Take 10 minutes for self-care, get things out of your head occasionally, and you might find yourself smiling a little more.</div>
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Put on make up</h2>
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This could be a full face of make up or just a little lipstick. I don't do full face make up, it would take me hours, but I do like to wear a little mascara and shiny lip balm. These days, as I get older I need highlighter under my eyes too so I don't look so tired. But to be honest I like to keep it simple. Just using those three things I feel loads better. I don't have to spend ages putting on make up and I get that little boost to my confidence - even if I'm not going anywhere.</div>
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Paint your nails</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohnkeXwrtw/XZ77lsqaUHI/AAAAAAAAQBM/1fLq-NGXuGYXsP9PCDKnPu57bZn38o9OwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bnails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Take some time to paint your nails!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohnkeXwrtw/XZ77lsqaUHI/AAAAAAAAQBM/1fLq-NGXuGYXsP9PCDKnPu57bZn38o9OwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bnails.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-nails" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always enjoy painting my nails - it makes me feel good.</i></span></div>
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Like I said I'm not much for the beauty stuff, but I do like to paint my nails regularly. Somehow it just makes me feel good. I don't spend hours in a salon having my nails done, it's just normal nail polish (I like Rimmel Super Gel) and I do it myself. When I get 10 minutes I spend it on one of my favourite self-care activities - I paint my nails. Then, even though the rest of me may look shocking, I can look at my hands and smile, because at least something is nice and put together. </div>
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Do your hair</h2>
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If you're anything like me you get up in a morning give your hair a quick brush and then throw in back in a hairband or quick bun. Most of the time I like my hair to be out of the way, up off my shoulders and tied back so it doesn't get in the way when I'm cleaning. But sometimes I'll take the time to "do" my hair. And no, I don't spend ages on that either. Just 10 minutes is all I need to put some mousse in my hair, scrunch it up, and leave it. That's it. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRlr6tQnhc/XZ77k-g-52I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/3FWGgvw9GCw8H6GzRAG1bxFHKwgTydRWACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Do your hair, it'll make you feel a little better." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRlr6tQnhc/XZ77k-g-52I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/3FWGgvw9GCw8H6GzRAG1bxFHKwgTydRWACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bhair.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-hair" /></a></div>
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I've got curly hair, well wavy really, but I don't like to spend ages messing about with hairdryers and special products so all I do is bung some mousse in, scrunch, and done. And to be honest I love how my hair looks when I do that. </div>
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Why not take <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/get-10-minutes-for-yourself.html" target="_blank">10 minutes for yourself</a></b> and make your hair look nice? It's amazing the difference it can make when you can look in the mirror and say "huh, my hair looks good today!".</div>
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Meditate</h2>
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If you can find 10 minutes this self-care activity can really help. Simply sitting in the quiet and breathing is therapeutic. It helps you let go of the things the aren't important, it helps you focus, but most of all it helps you centre yourself. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alAR716tEf4/XZ77kWxCdlI/AAAAAAAAQBA/NyVwkaTfUk4y2ATT33-IBJrxk6JTPfzdACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Sit in your backyard and meditate..." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alAR716tEf4/XZ77kWxCdlI/AAAAAAAAQBA/NyVwkaTfUk4y2ATT33-IBJrxk6JTPfzdACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP4.png" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-quote2" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">I like to sit in my backyard. I go out on the hammock and sit in silence and kind of meditate. Nature is calming, and it's nice to go out there and clear my head.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Devon Werkheiser</span></i></b></div>
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The thing with the word "meditate" is that if you're anything like me you imagine sitting cross-legged with your hands out to your side, forefinger and thumb making a circle, saying the word "om". And it makes you giggle. But meditation isn't about finding the right pose, it's about getting a little time to sit and <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/10/practice-self-care.html" target="_blank">basically do nothing</a></b>. To clear your mind, concentrate on your breathing, and calm yourself. When I get the chance (which isn't often) I do like to sit on my bed, eyes closed, and just clear my mind. I sit and breathe, and do nothing else. It's a calming experience and can really help with those hectic days.</div>
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Read a chapter</h2>
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Nothing says "me time" like sitting to read a chapter of your favourite, or current, book. Taking 10 minutes for this self-care activity is not only helping you get time for yourself but depending on the book you're reading you could also be working on <i>improving</i> yourself (not that you need improving!). I'm currently reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F***: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson and it's quite different to my usual reads - like <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/02/me-before-you-after-you-book-review.html" target="_blank">Me Before You by Jojo Moyes</a></b>. My book is opening my eyes to my own thoughts and actions and I'm making small changes in my thought processes to try to improve things. That's not to say I think I need improving, just that the book has helped me see some bad habits I've got into. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrBEIUwv7nU/XZ77l6dUvuI/AAAAAAAAQBM/AYYsBByLvLweRZWSwxJyzu0eX33FSQl6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Read a chapter of your book - a great escape." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrBEIUwv7nU/XZ77l6dUvuI/AAAAAAAAQBM/AYYsBByLvLweRZWSwxJyzu0eX33FSQl6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bread.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-read" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Escape adulting and delve into your favourite story.</i></span></div>
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Reading is a way of letting go of the day-to-day stuff. To escape, if you're reading fiction, into a far off land where you watch the lives of other people (or creatures). You broaden your horizons, you go on adventures, and experience all the emotions that go along with it. And taking the time to read during the colder months is brilliant because you can snuggle under your favourite fleecy blanket with a hot coffee and your book!</div>
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Colour in</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxPiETi6kzM/XZ77km2FJBI/AAAAAAAAQBU/nOtwixt6SoU0puQ04uj1K_Zrr6ku4GSRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bcolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Colour in with your kids, you'll both have fun!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxPiETi6kzM/XZ77km2FJBI/AAAAAAAAQBU/nOtwixt6SoU0puQ04uj1K_Zrr6ku4GSRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bcolour.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-colouring" /></a></div>
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A while ago adult colouring seemed to take off in a huge way, and while it seems to have died down again I think it's a great way to spend 10 minutes. The other thing about colouring is that you can involve the kids too! Give them a colouring page, grab your own colouring book or page, and get colouring. It's a great way to spend time with your kids but you're also getting that all important self-care time.</div>
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Waste time</h2>
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Whenever I look at self-care activities that people suggest it almost always consists of taking care of yourself activities like the ones above. It's about making sure you get time to make yourself feel better. But sometimes what you actually need is just time to switch off - to stop being mum, even if just for 10 minutes, and to "waste" time. To be able to sit and mess about for a while instead of feeling like everything is your responsibility and you <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/self-care-stay-at-home-mums.html" target="_blank">have to be an adult</a></b> all the time. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gktUkY_dX3E/XZ77lC8CiMI/AAAAAAAAQBI/PvwMXpusPzkXF7dXp6W6uOme0sKzn2xSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Grab your iPad and have some fun!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gktUkY_dX3E/XZ77lC8CiMI/AAAAAAAAQBI/PvwMXpusPzkXF7dXp6W6uOme0sKzn2xSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2Bipad.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-ipad" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spend some time on your favourite game.</span></i></div>
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That's why my last self-care activity is to waste time. Grab your iPad (or other tablet), download a game, and waste 10 minutes. Play games, do a puzzle, whatever it is you like to do. There are lots of games I use to waste my time and at the moment I like Merge Dragons (on the iPad) and Zelda on the Switch Lite. It's nice to just switch off and be me.</div>
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To be honest you don't have to play games, however you like to "waste" your time - do that. Because it's all about letting go of the responsibility of adulting. Let it all go for 10 minutes and you'll feel so much better!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjfZeV0IPBM/XZ77iqjy_NI/AAAAAAAAQBI/wKuSuidtkE4J0AKJHFy0mhYkBXXn5OC6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Self-Care Activities You Can Do In 10 Minutes | Got a spare 10 minutes? Try out these things to look after yourself." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjfZeV0IPBM/XZ77iqjy_NI/AAAAAAAAQBI/wKuSuidtkE4J0AKJHFy0mhYkBXXn5OC6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B10%2B14%2Bself%2Bcare%2B10%2Bminutes%2BP1.jpg" title="9-self-care-activites-you-can-do-in-10-minutes-pin1" /></a></div>
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Self-care is an important part of life, and as mums we neglect ourselves far too much. Give yourself 10 minutes per day for self-care activities and you'll soon get into the habit of looking after yourself. Of course there'll be <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/09/keeping-momentum-routine.html" target="_blank">blips in your routine</a></b>, but that's okay too, as long as you get back to it. The key is learning that it's okay to take care of yourself sometimes.</div>
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Further reading</h4>
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I've been reading about self-care and how we should be looking after ourselves and found a few posts I think you might like. Sara over at Get Mom Balanced shares her ideas for <b><a href="https://getmombalanced.com/15-minute-self-care/" target="_blank">15 Minute Self-Care: 15 Quick and Effective Strategies</a></b>. And if you're looking for a quick read full of ideas check out the guys at Good Therapy who have <b><a href="https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/134-activities-to-add-to-your-self-care-plan/" target="_blank">134 Activities to Add to Your Self Care Plan</a></b>.</div>
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Which self-care activity will you spend 10 minutes on today?</h4>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-41896927368021615582019-11-22T05:58:00.000+00:002019-11-22T08:29:57.464+00:00Post Comment Love 22nd - 24th November<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a> </b>- our little linky hosted by myself and <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/11/22/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b>. We welcome all bloggers to share their posts with others and read what interests them. The linky opens every Friday and is open throughout the weekend. Will you be joining us?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMC5WXcI8QU/XdZb21Q1ncI/AAAAAAAAQIw/IPkgSUw-i9EFrQJ90CHFKAn7rljt96IHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B11%2B22%2Bpocolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Post Comment Love 22nd - 24th November | Join me and Stephanie for our little linky." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMC5WXcI8QU/XdZb21Q1ncI/AAAAAAAAQIw/IPkgSUw-i9EFrQJ90CHFKAn7rljt96IHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B11%2B22%2Bpocolo.jpg" title="post-comment-love-22nd-24th-november" /></a></div>
<br />
Well this is it folks - my last Post Comment Love. Hosting this little linky has been brilliant and it's one of the things that makes stopping blogging so difficult. I've loved reading all the different posts, from parenting to lifestyle, fashion and home. It's been so great to learn about all of you and make some friends along the way.<br />
<br />
I want to thank Stephanie for being a lovely co-host and friend. We've been hosting PoCoLo for a few years now and it's been so good to keep it going.<br />
<br />
And of course I want to welcome Suzanne, who is going to be taking over from me as Post Comment Love co-host. We all know Suzanne, you can find her over on <a href="http://www.chickenruby.com/" target="_blank">Chickenruby</a>, she's been a Post Comment Love regular over the years and is a lovely lady. I wish her all the best in co-hosting - I'm have no doubt she'll be great.<br />
<br />
As much as I will miss blogging and hosting this brilliant linky I know I have made the right decision. In the last couple of weeks, I have been happier in myself and I've made progress on the book I was writing. I've been blogging since 2011, and it's a difficult thing to let it go. Sometimes it feels like I've wasted the last 8 years, but in reality I've learned so much! I've made friends, learned about social media, and written thousands of words. And if I'm honest I think the whole blogging experience will help me with my writing. But the time has come to move on, to let go of the pressure of writing posts people want to read in order to get views. I feel so good knowing there's no pressure to write a post. I'm happier knowing I have a lot of time to do with what I like. It's made my home life so much better.<br />
<br />
So thank you, to all of you, for coming back week after week to link up and give Stephanie and me some great posts to read. Thank you for reading our posts, offering support when it was needed, and being wonderful, supportive people.<br />
<br />
It's been a blast. x</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Pocolo</h2>
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Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The rules; Link up your best post written in the last week and we'd like you to comment on at least two other linked posts, as well as the hosts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Help us spread the #PoCoLo word on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/MorganPrinceCom" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and include the badge on your post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please do pop over and say hi to this week's Blogger Showcase. It's always nice to get a comment or two. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you'd like to be featured in our Blogger Showcase please do <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" target="_blank">check out the questions</a></b> and email your answers to us at postcommentlove@gmail.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you for popping by.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Post Comment Love" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" style="width: 400px;" title="Post Comment Love" /></div>
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
</div>
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<div>
</div>
<br />
<pre style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; font-size: 11.7px; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 587.685px;"><div align="center"><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" title="Post Comment Love"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" alt="Post Comment Love" style="border:none;" style="width: 250px;" /></a></div></pre>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-26112846856654685992019-11-15T05:58:00.000+00:002019-11-15T05:58:02.656+00:00Post Comment Love 15th - 17th November<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a> </b>- our little linky hosted by myself and <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/11/15/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b>. We welcome all bloggers to share their posts with others and read what interests them. The linky opens every Friday and is open throughout the weekend. Will you be joining us?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHamYnSTFY/Xc0jZ9qry3I/AAAAAAAAQIQ/OSaBgDzEP-s-d5dtM1UMa2LBAYjpyEVVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B11%2B15%2Bpocolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Post Comment Love 15th - 17th November | Join Stephanie and me for our little linky." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHamYnSTFY/Xc0jZ9qry3I/AAAAAAAAQIQ/OSaBgDzEP-s-d5dtM1UMa2LBAYjpyEVVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B11%2B15%2Bpocolo.jpg" title="post-comment-love-15th-17th-november" /></a></div>
<br />
It's funny how freeing it is to have decided to say goodbye to blogging - I moved to blogging back in 2012 when I was trying to write a book and thought having a blog would be a good way to get the book noticed. What happened was blogging took over, and at the time I thought it was a good move. I've spent years chasing views, wondering why I wasn't getting the thousands of views that other bloggers were, and feeling like I wasn't trying hard enough. In the end I realise that it's partly because I refuse to put more hours into it. I would much rather spend the time with my family than spend every waking moment trying to get my posts 'out there'.<br />
<br />
Now I know that's not how every blogger does it, and to be honest I'm not even criticising those that do. If that's how you like to work then great - but it's not for me. And in the end that's what led me to decide to give up on blogging. I don't want to be chasing the views, to be searching for companies to work with so I can make a little money from this little thing. I can now concentrate on my family, and more importantly finish my novel. I feel so good writing creatively again and given that it's been a life-long dream of mine to write a book then I figure I'm making the right choice.<br />
<br />
We're working on finding a co-host to work with Stephanie and we have someone in mind, we'll be in touch with them soon. And then hopefully you'll have a smooth transition when it comes to switching over. I'll be sticking around for one more week, next week will be my last PoCoLo and honestly I'll be sad to let go. It's been a pleasure hosting every week. So, for now I'll sign off and save my proper "goodbyes" for next week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Pocolo</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-84881253484804308512019-11-08T05:58:00.000+00:002019-11-08T08:18:52.741+00:00Post Comment Love 8th - 10th November<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's Friday again and that means it's time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a>. </b> Our linky, hosted by myself and <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/11/8/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a>,</b> welcomes all bloggers to share their posts with others and read what interests them. The linky opens every Friday and is open throughout the weekend. Will you be joining us?<br />
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It's been another slow week - which is nice at the moment. It's nice to have slow weeks sometimes. Hubby and I had lunch together yesterday, it was great to get together during the working day while the kids were at school - even if it was raining!<br />
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We're already back into normal routine after half term, it certainly didn't take long for us to settle in a good routine. It is quiet being at home all day without anyone to talk to but it's something I've gotten used to. I do enjoy the quiet but I think I need to start going out a bit to speak to people, even if it's just the supermarket. I spend far too much time staring at a screen and that can't be good for me. Maybe a trip out to grab a coffee or a sandwich at lunchtime might do me good.<br />
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We're still looking for my replacement as co-host for Post Comment Love. If you're interested get in touch and let us know.<br />
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Pocolo</h2>
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Please do pop over and say hi to this week's Blogger Showcase. It's always nice to get a comment or two. </div>
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If you'd like to be featured in our Blogger Showcase please do <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" target="_blank">check out the questions</a></b> and email your answers to us at postcommentlove@gmail.com.</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-27894090566605463322019-11-01T05:58:00.000+00:002019-11-01T05:58:00.888+00:00Post Comment Love 1st - 3rd November<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's time for <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a> </b>- our little linky hosted by myself and <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/11/1/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b>. We welcome all bloggers to share their posts with others and read what interests them in the hope you find a new love. The linky opens every Friday and is open throughout the weekend - will you be joining us?<br />
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So I'm almost at the end of half term and I think we've done okay. We haven't been on a lot of outings but we have enjoyed staying at home and playing board games and video games. It's been nice to not have to think about the school routine and having Hubby at home some of the time too has been great. The boys are back at school on Monday and it'll back to a normal routine again.<br />
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After some serious thinking and introspection I have decided it's time for me to step back from blogging. I've been blogging since 2011 and in that time I've made some lovely friends and met some wonderful people. I have written thousands upon thousands of words and shared our life online. But these days I think it's become more about sharing the exceptional, whether that's something that has happened to you, something you're campaigning for, or just to "strive to be your best self". And that's really not me. As a blogger you have to spend so much time on social media that there's little time left for anything else. I was never in it for the big views or the hope that I'd make a million. But that seems to be what it's all about - bringing in the views so you can make money. And to be honest I'd rather be writing.<br />
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So where does that leave our little linky? Well we're now on the search for someone to replace me as co-host for Post Comment Love. We think co-hosting works really well as you can share the workload and it's a fun, collaborative thing to enjoy. So if you're interested in becoming a co-host for Post Comment Love let us know! You can message either me or Stephanie on Twitter or simply send us an email. I'd love to see our little linky continue (I may be stopping blogging but I won't stop reading!) so don't hesitate to get in touch. If you've ever thought about getting into hosting linkies this may be your opportunity!<br />
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I will be sticking around for the time being as co-host for Post Comment Love until we've found a replacement. So don't forget to link up!<br />
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Pocolo</h2>
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Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.</div>
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The rules; Link up your best post written in the last week and we'd like you to comment on at least two other linked posts, as well as the hosts. </div>
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Help us spread the #PoCoLo word on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/MorganPrinceCom" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and include the badge on your post.</div>
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Please do pop over and say hi to this week's Blogger Showcase. It's always nice to get a comment or two. </div>
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If you'd like to be featured in our Blogger Showcase please do <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" target="_blank">check out the questions</a></b> and email your answers to us at postcommentlove@gmail.com.</div>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-89639700806635036402019-10-28T05:30:00.000+00:002019-10-29T08:12:35.064+00:00What is self-care for stay-at-home mums?<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/07/embrace-your-stay-at-home-mum-status.html" target="_blank">stay-at-home mum</a></b> you spend all your time looking after others, but how much time do you spend taking care of yourself? Self-care for stay-at-home mums always seems like one of those things you'll get done "one day" doesn't it? There's just so much other stuff to get done that self-care is probably last on your list. In fact, what <i>is</i> self-care for stay-at-home mums? Well that's why I'm here today, read on to find out how you can take care of yourself while still <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/take-care-family-and-me.html" target="_blank">taking care of your family</a></b>.</div>
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The importance of self-care for stay-at-home mums</h2>
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When you spend your days taking care of others it's easy to just keep going, even when you don't feel like yourself. You fill the washing machine, wash the dishes, clean the countertops, and tidy up the kids toys without a thought for yourself. You make sure the kids are sent off to school with packed lunches (or sorted for school lunch), and you buy all the things you need to make a wonderful dinner for the family. And then you start on the daily chores.</div>
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But, <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/journaling-self-care.html" target="_blank">making time for self-care</a></b> - giving yourself a time out - does wonders. Just the fact that you're thinking about no one but yourself can give you some relief from stress. It may sound selfish, but sometimes that's what you <i>need</i>. No matter what activity you choose to do the act of giving yourself some time instantly makes you feel better. And what's more, if you <i>plan</i> the self-care time you can even get excited about it before hand.</div>
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Why not listen to a few of these TED talks to learn about the <b><a href="https://www.ted.com/playlists/299/the_importance_of_self_care" target="_blank">importance of self-care</a></b>.</div>
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<span style="color: #e8618c;"><i>When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.</i></span></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Benjamin Franklin</span></i></b></div>
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So why is self-care so important?</h2>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Gives you a break from stress</span></b> - whether it's the kids driving you nuts, too much laundry to get through (hello washing mountain!), or simply the day-to-day tasks of <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/07/benefits-of-being-stay-at-home-mum.html" target="_blank">being a stay-at-home mum</a></b>, the stresses can get you down. By taking a break from all that you're giving yourself a little relief and stepping away from the stress. You will feel lighter, and maybe even be able to cope with more as a result.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rePvw3raM8U/XOaLnooNfVI/AAAAAAAAPWU/zAo2XSi9tp4YeMmuwlexn-f8MRKrjR3uACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B05%2B27%2Bself-care%2Bstay-at-home%2Bmums%2BP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Is Self-Care For Stay-At-Home Mums? | Take care of yourself, no one else will..." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rePvw3raM8U/XOaLnooNfVI/AAAAAAAAPWU/zAo2XSi9tp4YeMmuwlexn-f8MRKrjR3uACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B05%2B27%2Bself-care%2Bstay-at-home%2Bmums%2BP3.jpg" title="what-is-self-care-for-stay-at-home-mums-pin2" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Time alone</span></b> - Do you ever get any time alone? When was the last time you read a book? Or had a bath uninterrupted? I'm lucky to go to the toilet without interruptions and my boys are 10 and 14 - if your kids are younger I can imagine the interruptions are numerous. Getting that <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/spend-alone-time.html" target="_blank">time alone</a></b> is so important, it can help you organise your thoughts, it helps you calm yourself. Just stepping away from the to-do list and the needs of everyone else, and focussing on self-care, will make you happier.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Soothe yourself</span></b> - Self-care is another way to soothe yourself. You can use a hot bath and relax for a while, or book yourself a spa day and enjoy a massage. Whatever you choose to do it's that soothing feeling that will make you feel so much better. It's a healing activity and when you're bogged down with to-do-lists and kids' needs it can feel like the weight is too much. By giving yourself time to heal, soothing time, <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/04/10-ways-to-feel-better-in-10.html" target="_blank">you will feel 100 times better</a></b>.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Inner happiness</span></b> - This isn't the happiness you feel when someone asks you if you're happy, this is the inner glow, that thing that makes you smile inside. Self-care gives you that. And as the saying goes "Happy mums raise happy kids" - so why not make yourself happy?</div>
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Self-care tips for stay-at-home mums</h2>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Set time aside</span></b>. Carve out some time during the day for yourself. It could be 30 minutes to read a chapter of your book, or it could be just 5 minutes to enjoy a hot coffee, but make sure to get a little time for yourself. Let the family know the time is for yourself and you're not to be disturbed. Let yourself indulge. Like Katrina over at <b><a href="https://rulethisroost.com/self-care-ideas-for-moms/" target="_blank">Rule This Roost</a></b> says "schedule it and follow through with it".</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Spend time with friends</span></b>. If you have young kids and a Hubby who works it can be difficult to set time aside so why not spend time with friends instead? If they have kids too you could take the kids to the local play centre and enjoy a coffee and a chat while the kids play. Chatting to friends about things that are bothering you, or just having a little laugh, will make you feel better and you'll smile.</li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCNUr0TVhk/XOaLo45CYFI/AAAAAAAAPWU/29hviY9kt1A3EVvsVJaVqOKfmbU3uRxDACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B05%2B27%2Bself-care%2Bstay-at-home%2Bmums%2Bfriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What Is Self-Care For Stay-At-Home Mums? | Meet up with friends for a laugh, and some self-care." border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCNUr0TVhk/XOaLo45CYFI/AAAAAAAAPWU/29hviY9kt1A3EVvsVJaVqOKfmbU3uRxDACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019%2B05%2B27%2Bself-care%2Bstay-at-home%2Bmums%2Bfriends.jpg" title="what-is-self-care-for-stay-at-home-mums-friends" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #c2a664;"><b>Plan an exercise routine</b></span>. Get up an hour earlier than everyone else and go for a walk (or a run if you like!). Once the kids are in bed head to the gym and run off that stress. Or find a local yoga class and take the hour for yourself. Exercise is a great way of adding <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/03/time-for-you.html" target="_blank">self-care into your day</a></b>, and while it may feel weird to start with you really are looking after yourself by being active. I recently started attending a yoga class on a Saturday morning and I feel so much better for it. It's not helping with the weight loss but it definitely makes me feel good. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Engage in non-baby/kids related things</span></b>. When your life revolves around your kids you can <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/11/finding-yourself.html" target="_blank">end up losing yourself</a></b>. You forget who you were before you had kids and it's difficult to think of things to do when you're not being "mum". That's why doing non-baby related things is important. If you like reading pick up a fiction book - I'm loving Solitude right now. Step outside of your own world and into the fictional world. Have a hobby you used to love? Get back to it. Remembering who you were before you had kids will make you happy - and give you the break you need.</li>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">If you are to be a light for those you love, you must find ways to nourish yourself, to feed your fire and keep it burning.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Seed & Song</span></i></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Shower</span></b>. It's amazing the difference a nice long shower can make. I will often stand under the hot water and smile as I let the water flow over me. There is something particularly enjoyable about a long shower and when you get out and put on your favourite perfume or spray too it makes you feel a whole lot better. Washing your hair, styling it even, will make you smile too.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Dress nicely</span></b>. If you get up every day and wear pyjamas and a dressing gown all day you're going to start to feel bad. If you wear the same things every day you'll end up in a style rut and start to feel bad about yourself. Instead of getting yourself in a rut take a moment to look at your wardrobe and pull out an outfit you love. It doesn't matter if it's for "going out-out" or just for hanging around the house, if it makes you smile - wear it! I have a lovely friend, Renee from Mummy Style, who helped me recently and she told me something I'll never forget - "dress the body you have, right now". And if you're struggling to find anything you love in your wardrobe check out Renee's <b><a href="https://www.mummystyle.co.uk/mummy-style-experiences-new" target="_blank">Mummy Style Experience</a></b> which includes a Wardrobe Cleanse and then she'll send you a gorgeous lookbook where she suggests clothes you'll love. She helped me with my wardrobe recently and now I love getting dressed every day - I even bought a new dress that I'll actually wear!</li>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">When was the last time you went shopping?</span></i></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Resist the urge to clean</span></b>. I know the feeling, you're sitting on the sofa having just finished your coffee and you're thinking "I really ought to vacuum the carpet" or "there's a load of laundry that needs doing". Then you get up and <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2015/10/get-on-top-of--household-chores.html" target="_blank">get on with the chores</a></b>, forgetting you're supposed to be taking care of yourself. <i>Self-care</i> is about taking care of YOU, not making sure the cleaning has been done. Do your best to ignore the cleaning and enjoy a little time for yourself.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c2a664;">Don't feel guilty</span></b>. This is one of the hardest things to master, especially when you're new to taking time for self-care. As a stay-at-home mum taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. Having a shower is not something <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/03/use-time-you.html" target="_blank">you should feel guilty about</a></b>. Wanting to read a book is not something you should feel guilty about. And wanting to enjoy a hot coffee in a morning is definitely not something you should feel guilty about. Allow yourself that time - guilt free.</li>
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Self-care for stay-at-home mums is just as important as taking care of your family and getting the household chores done. Isn't it about time you scheduled time for self-care, the same as you do for the chores?</div>
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How would you spend your self-care time?</h4>
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<i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Become an Organised Mama and you'll have time for all the self-care you want! Grab the </span><b><span style="color: #e8618c;">Organised Mama Pack</span></b><span style="color: #c2a664;">, it has chores lists, a daily planner, and even a chores list for your kids (for you to fill in).</span></i><br />
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<script src="https://static.mailerlite.com/js/w/webforms.min.js?vd890ed88b3a28c805acc70e1a88fa27c" type="text/javascript"></script>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-5910175716270791262019-10-25T05:30:00.000+01:002019-10-25T05:30:10.903+01:00Post Comment Love 25th - 27th October<div style="text-align: justify;">
Are you ready for <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a>? It's Friday so that means it's time for our little linky hosted by myself and <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/10/25/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b>. We welcome all bloggers to share their posts with others and read what interests them. Will you be joining us?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKG0kkrnJU0/XbFdGHR0ZII/AAAAAAAAQGM/yWEoC1BPkP0xm4IGrHTAf_iiuJyT9v9mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B25%2Bpocolo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Post Comment Love 25th - 27th October | Join me and Stephanie for our weekly linky." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKG0kkrnJU0/XbFdGHR0ZII/AAAAAAAAQGM/yWEoC1BPkP0xm4IGrHTAf_iiuJyT9v9mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B25%2Bpocolo1.jpg" title="post-comment-love-25th-27th-october" /></a></div>
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Just a quick one from me this week as I've got the boys home for half term. It's been both a busy and an easy week this week. With Hubby at work, but the kids at home, I've been keeping busy by occupying them but I don't have to think about packed lunches and school schedules - which is a nice break.<br />
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One more week to go then they're back at school. And then before you know it it'll be Christmas! Eek! I can't believe I just said that!<br />
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Better get thinking about Christmas shopping...<br />
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Pocolo</h2>
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Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.</div>
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The rules; Link up your best post written in the last week and we'd like you to comment on at least two other linked posts, as well as the hosts. </div>
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Help us spread the #PoCoLo word on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/MorganPrinceCom" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and include the badge on your post.</div>
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Please do pop over and say hi to this week's Blogger Showcase. It's always nice to get a comment or two. </div>
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If you'd like to be featured in our Blogger Showcase please do <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" target="_blank">check out the questions</a></b> and email your answers to us at postcommentlove@gmail.com.</div>
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Thank you for popping by.</div>
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<img alt="Post Comment Love" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" style="width: 400px;" title="Post Comment Love" /></div>
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<pre style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; font-size: 11.7px; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 587.685px;"><div align="center"><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" title="Post Comment Love"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" alt="Post Comment Love" style="border:none;" style="width: 250px;" /></a></div></pre>
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Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-33887700382072265302019-10-24T05:30:00.000+01:002019-10-24T05:30:07.486+01:005 Top Reasons To Drive With Winter Tyres<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every year, as winter rears its ugly head drivers in the UK prepare themselves for the possibility of snow and ice. We buy de-icer for the windscreens, and we start the car 10 minutes before we have to leave. But how many of us think about changing our tyres for the winter? Here's 5 top reasons you should drive with winter tyres this year.</div>
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Why should you change tyres for the winter?</h2>
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Okay, so thinking about changing tyres for the winter may be a bit of a pain. It may be more hassle than it's worth right? But there are real differences when it comes to driving with <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2015/10/lands-end-winter-style.html" target="_blank">winter</a></b> tyres, which I will cover below, but the main point is they keep you safe. With the holiday season approaching isn't worth considering?</div>
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Better performance at low temperatures</h2>
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The type of rubber used in winter tyres is different to that in regular tyres, and it performs better at low temperatures. The <b><a href="https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/motoring/reasons-why-winter-tyres-cheap-13995439" target="_blank">winter tyres</a></b> don't harden in lower temperatures, which means better grip. This is obviously what you're looking for when it comes to winter driving. With snow, ice, or even just rainy roads in the cold you want to have the safest drive possible. </div>
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Improved braking distances</h2>
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With better grip comes improved braking distances - even in snow or ice. I remember roughly 10 years ago the winter was tough, it snowed - a lot. The roads were covered, lots of cars had trouble getting around, and one particular evening the Hubby and I went out and had some trouble of our own. As we drove around a corner the car slid and almost hit a tree - it scared me a lot and it made me realise how different it is driving in <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/08/autumn-winter-style-staples.html" target="_blank">the winter</a></b>. If anything can help with braking distances I'm for it.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.</span></i></h4>
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Superior traction</h2>
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Snowy roads are slippy, icy roads are worse, so something that could give your car superior traction is worth thinking about right? Driving with winter tyres will improve your traction on the road, they were made for the <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2017/01/staying-cozy-this-winter.html" target="_blank">colder temperatures</a></b>.<br />
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Fuel efficiency</h2>
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We're all looking for ways to be more economical when it comes to our fuel efficiency and driving with winter tyres will help with that. Because <b><a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/advice/winter-tyres" target="_blank">the winter tyres</a></b> were made for the lower temperatures during the winter your car is more economical when compared to driving with regular tyres.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Aristotle</span></i></b></div>
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Be safe</h2>
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If there's one thing you should absolutely consider when deciding whether to drive with winter tyres this winter it's safety. With better performance at low temperatures, improved braking distances, and superior traction, it's fairly obvious that winter tyres are the safer choice. </div>
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If my top 5 reasons to drive with winter tyres has convinced you you need some <b><a href="https://www.dattyres.co.uk/tyres/winter-tyres" target="_blank">visit DAT tyres and book your winter tyres today</a></b>!</div>
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Have you ever considered driving with winter tyres?</h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Collaborative post</i></span></div>
Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-5298534849276530372019-10-21T05:30:00.000+01:002019-10-21T10:17:43.408+01:00How to routinise your self-care<div style="text-align: justify;">
Self-care is one of those terms that is quite popular at the moment. With people saying you should spend time on yourself, "it's okay to be selfish", and "spoil yourself occasionally", you can be fooled into thinking that self-care is more about <i>treating</i> yourself rather than looking after yourself. But for me self-care is about looking after me, making sure I take a shower, or <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2018/10/hot-coffee-when-kids-home.html" target="_blank">have a coffee</a></b> in a morning. It's about making self-care a part of my every day routine so that I don't even think about it. If you're having trouble with fitting it in below you can read about how to routinise your self-care.</div>
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Adjust your morning routine</h2>
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Every day you roll out of bed and brush your teeth. Your parents taught you from a young age how important it was to look after your teeth right? And now you just do it, you don't even think about it - it's just a <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/10/practice-self-care.html" target="_blank">part of your routine</a></b>. And you should think about self-care in the same way. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;">Take time to do what makes your soul happy.</span></i></h4>
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Change or add to your morning routine <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/10/self-care-activities-10-minutes.html" target="_blank">by choosing activities</a> </b>that are just as quick as brushing your teeth. One of the reasons we don't stick to our self-care bits is because we think it takes too much time but by adding something quick to your morning routine you can fit it in and feel a little better. So, after brushing your teeth perhaps you should moisturise your face, or put on a little make up. Yes, you may be at home all day with the kids, or not be seeing anyone, but it may help you feel a little better about yourself. It will give you that little boost first thing in the morning, and we could all do with that sometimes couldn't we?</div>
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Routinise your self-care by making it easy</h2>
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When you add new things to your routine I bet you give it up within a few weeks. It just drops out of the routine for whatever reason and a few months later you realise you gave up. And then of course you feel bad, or guilty, for dropping the new routine. </div>
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One of the main reasons we give up on new routines or new things is that it's not as easy as we wanted it to be. Whether that's exercise (um hello treadmill covered in dust!) or promising yourself you'll do your hair every day. Sometimes it's just <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/05/self-care-stay-at-home-mums.html" target="_blank">easier not to bother</a></b> isn't it? And I totally get that - I do it myself. I get up and think "I'm not seeing anyone today so what's the point in doing my hair?". Then I wonder why I feel rubbish all day.</div>
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So the answer is to make it as easy as possible to stick to your self-care routine. If doing your hair takes too long, or is too much hassle, try to think of ways you could make your hair look nice - but quickly! I love putting my hair in a bun - I have <i>really</i> thick hair and it's a pain to put up in a bun so I bought a roll thingy to use. I can't even remember the name of it (it could be a donut?) but it's amazing (and they're cheap) I put my hair in a ponytail, add the roll and wrap my hair around it then add a few hair grips. Then I'm done. It takes me 5 minutes and my hair looks like I've spent some time on it. That's a good win to start the day.</div>
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Exercise is self-care - make it a routine</h2>
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You may hate it, you may think it's a waste of time but it's important and it's another way you take care of yourself. The key is finding the exercise you <i>enjoy</i>. Find something you like to do, like walking, and make it a part of your routine. It could <a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/02/take-care-myself-every-day.html" target="_blank"><b>be an exercise class</b></a> - one of my friends like to dance and she attends a clubercise class every week. She gets to dance and stay fit while looking after herself. I like yoga - it's a calming exercise and helps me to take time for myself as well as getting exercise. It's an hour that is completely for myself. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">An exercise class is a great way to get out there and make new friends too.</span></i></div>
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Build your exercise into your routine - if it's a class attend every week, if it's going on the treadmill give yourself the time. Making exercise a part of your routine is acknowledging that you need to take care of yourself. </div>
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Routinise your journal writing</h2>
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Writing in your journal should become a ritual, a little time you give yourself to vent. To write everything down, to get it out of your head and onto paper where you can either ignore it or deal with it. </div>
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Maybe you write in your journal whenever you get the chance, but this may mean that you end up with days going by without getting the chance. So try scheduling time <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/journaling-self-care.html" target="_blank">for your journal writing</a></b> - it could be in the morning after the kids have gone to school, or at the end of the day before you go to sleep.</div>
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Stick to your routine</h2>
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As with everything the more you do it, the better you'll get. Do your best to stick to your routine and it will become like brushing your teeth - not something you think about, you just do it. In a morning you'll get up, brush your teeth, moisturise, and do your hair - maybe even put on a little make up. During the day, or in an evening you'll attend your exercise class, and then before sleep you'll write in your journal. It will just be the thing that you do, rather than having to <i>make</i> yourself do it.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #e8618c;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.</span></i></h4>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c2a664;">Unknown</span></i></b></div>
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If you forget about new routine things easily then try setting reminders on your phone, or leave little reminders around your house. And most importantly don't beat yourself up if you forget something.</div>
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Leave the guilt behind</h2>
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Forget about the guilt. Guilt is what makes you feel bad all the time, whether you take time for self-care or not. It's time to get rid of that guilt and free yourself. If you want to spend an extra 5 minutes on yourself in a morning that's okay, the kids can cope for 5 minutes. If you want an hour to attend an exercise class that's not only okay - it's awesome. You're deciding to take care of your health, and that can only be a good thing. </div>
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Take care of yourself by <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/04/stop-guilt-spending-money.html" target="_blank">ditching the guilt</a></b>.</div>
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Keep promises to yourself</h2>
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When you promise yourself you'll take that extra 5 minutes in a morning - do it. Imagine you're <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2019/09/keep-promises-to-yourself.html" target="_blank">keeping a promise</a></b> to your best friend if it makes it easier but be sure to do the thing you promise yourself. Make you a priority.</div>
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Self-care is essential, and while sometimes it's easy to push it to the back of the queue, eventually you'll end up feeling worse. Making self-care part of your routine will help you in the long run.</div>
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<h4>
Further reading</h4>
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On the topic of routinising your self-care I came across a great post over on Life Goals. In <b><a href="https://lifegoalsmag.com/how-to-create-a-daily-self-care-routine-that-youll-actually-stick-to/" target="_blank">How To Create A Daily Self Care Routine That You'll Actually Stick To</a></b> the writer talks about how to make simple choices and also gives a few ideas of things you could add to your routine.<br />
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I love list posts and when an article lists lots of ways to spend time on self-care it becomes one of my favourites. That's why I loved the post over on Wholefully.com from Cassie where she shares <b><a href="https://wholefully.com/self-care-ideas/" target="_blank">51 Self Care Ideas to Kickstart Your Self Care Routine</a></b>. There's lots to read through and some great ideas for you to add to your self-care routine.</div>
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How will you routinise your self-care?</h4>
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<script src="https://static.mailerlite.com/js/w/webforms.min.js?vd890ed88b3a28c805acc70e1a88fa27c" type="text/javascript"></script>Morgan Princehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929878897599036944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644650901305580314.post-66356458183299317892019-10-18T05:30:00.000+01:002019-10-18T05:30:07.388+01:00Post Comment Love 18th - 20th October<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/search/label/Post%20Comment%20Love" target="_blank">Post Comment Love</a> </b>is here to brighten your weekend with posts from you, me, and other bloggers. <b><a href="https://www.lifeat139a.com/139a/10/18/post-comment-love" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b> and I love to see you linking up each week and are looking forward to seeing what you've got in store for us this week. The linky opens every Friday and is open throughout the weekend. Will you be joining us?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLAN6Q5oFI/Xag4hQHmXfI/AAAAAAAAQDs/chgtmyrHtGsHVlbrLSajcgFOW8Tq-XT7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B18%2Bpocolo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Post Comment Love 18th - 20th October | Join us for our weekly linky." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLAN6Q5oFI/Xag4hQHmXfI/AAAAAAAAQDs/chgtmyrHtGsHVlbrLSajcgFOW8Tq-XT7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B10%2B18%2Bpocolo1.jpg" title="post-comment-love-18th-20th-october" /></a></div>
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It's been quite a busy week this week, I've had something on after school almost every day. That makes it quite an unusual week for me. It'll be nice to get to the weekend and chill out for a while!<br />
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We've had days checking out colleges for BP, parents evenings, and a meet up with a friend. It's weird though, I kind of enjoyed it. Keeping busy meant I had to keep track of what I was doing every day and I actually managed to get <i>more</i> done than in a normal week.<br />
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I've also had to get <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/2016/10/10-things-to-do-during-half-term.html" target="_blank">ready for half term</a></b> - and this time it's two weeks instead of one. Our district has decided to change the school holidays from this year. So we have two weeks for October half term, and 5 weeks for the summer. LP will be going to a kids club during the break, which he loves, and I'll be taking him to our local play centre too. With BP being older he's made his own plans and I'm sure he'll be seeing friends and chilling out at home when he can. Half term starts next week for us.<br />
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Are you doing anything good for half term?<br />
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Blogger Showcase </h2>
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If you'd like to answer our questions don't forget to send your answers to us. We're thinking of changing it up soon and Stephanie and I are working on what changes we'll make. We'll keep you updated. </div>
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<img alt="Post Comment Love" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCSl521Y0Fc/WVYUymNCbmI/AAAAAAAAKKk/TX81ZztHEoUdupGFn2r8sbjFzaB6zDRpgCKgBGAs/s1600/blogger-showcase-badge.png" style="width: 400px;" title="Post Comment Love" /></div>
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<pre style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; font-size: 11.7px; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 587.685px;"><div align="center"><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" title="Post Comment Love"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCSl521Y0Fc/WVYUymNCbmI/AAAAAAAAKKk/TX81ZztHEoUdupGFn2r8sbjFzaB6zDRpgCKgBGAs/s1600/blogger-showcase-badge.png" alt="Post Comment Love" style="border:none;" style="width: 250px;" /></a></div></pre>
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Pocolo</h2>
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Each week you'll be able to link up from either of our sites and between us Stephanie and I will comment on every post linked.</div>
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The rules; Link up your best post written in the last week and we'd like you to comment on at least two other linked posts, as well as the hosts. </div>
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Help us spread the #PoCoLo word on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/MorganPrinceCom" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b> and include the badge on your post.</div>
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Please do pop over and say hi to this week's Blogger Showcase. It's always nice to get a comment or two. </div>
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If you'd like to be featured in our Blogger Showcase please do <b><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" target="_blank">check out the questions</a></b> and email your answers to us at postcommentlove@gmail.com.</div>
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Thank you for popping by.</div>
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<img alt="Post Comment Love" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" style="width: 400px;" title="Post Comment Love" /></div>
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<pre style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; font-size: 11.7px; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 587.685px;"><div align="center"><a href="https://www.morganprince.com/p/pocolo.html" title="Post Comment Love"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lCpxSHtaG8/WVYR7bxOfcI/AAAAAAAAKKU/am26sOjHNioCMleG3QJiS88gfbkXbczEgCKgBGAs/s1600/post-comment-love-badge.png" alt="Post Comment Love" style="border:none;" style="width: 250px;" /></a></div></pre>
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