Things I Loved May 2020

It feels like forever since I sat down and typed a blog post, with everything going on in the world it did not feel right for me to be blogging about days out, reviews or any of my usual topics. I have had a super long break from blogging and social media (apart from two blog campaigns I agreed to pre-lockdown). The break has been lovely and just what I needed, I think I am one of the few people who actually likes 'lockdown' as it has been nice spending time at home with the children and having a bit of a break from the chaos of normal life. 

So much has happened over the past few months, I was so unwell all of February and some of March with my first ever chest infection - it was the most unwell I have ever been (I do wonder if it was corona) and I am still not 100% months later. It has been challenging at times having three children at home and I will be honest not a great deal of home-schooling has gone on, but that's ok the kids are happy and healthy and that's all that matters. Obviously, we have had holidays cancelled and press trips cancelled but we luckily managed to get our money back from TUI. The other half is still working so thankfully our finances haven't been hit like a lot of people, so I am feeling very fortunate. 

Anyway, I have decided it is time to slowly start blogging again as I have missed it and it would be a shame to throw the last 6 years of hard work away (my social media followers and stats have dropped lately). So what better way to start blogging then to look back on the month gone by and all the things that I loved from May 2020. 

1.) 7th Birthday

Sophia turned 7 at the end of May, it was not the birthday we had planned - we were meant to be on holiday for her birthday. However, she still had a nice day at home on her 'lockdown birthday'. We got her a pink switch and Luigi mansion game, an Elsa dress, Frozen Lego and a colour change Barbie. She picked the foods for the day (pancakes for breakfast, party food for lunch and pizza takeaway for tea) and we watched the new Disney film Onward. It was a nice day and she actually really enjoyed her self which I was relieved about. 

2.) We Got A Puppy

We got a puppy called Teddy! I know it is a bit controversial getting a puppy during lockdown but we had talked for ages about getting a puppy and agreed we would get a one this summer after our holidays were out the way. However, Teddy came into our life by fate as when our holiday was cancelled back in March we found someone selling Poochon Puppies and the husband reserved him straight away. He is a Poochon - half toy poodle, half Bischon and he is hypoallergenic, making him ideal for the girl's allergies and asthma as he does not shed any hair. He is a bundle of fun and I am so glad we got him, even though he is a tinker at times. 

3.) Finished First Year Of Open University

I have been studying with the Open University since September - which is why I haven't been blogging as much. I have now completed my first year of study and I am just waiting to see if I have passed (fingers tightly crossed). I am not sure if I will return to study next year or not, we will see. 

5.) Family Time

I have loved having all three children home during the lockdown, it has been hard work at times with fighting, tantrums and I haven't had any peace at all but I wouldn't change it for the world. I think lockdown has made the three of them closer and it is a time we will all remember filled with lazy days, walks exploring the local area, baking and days spent in the pool. 

6.) Family Walks 

This is something I never thought I would enjoy but as a family, we have been going on family walks exploring the local area and we have discovered so many places we never knew existed. The children love exploring new places, we live in a village surrounded by fields and a nature reserve so we have lots of places to explore. 

7.) Finally Made A Start On Garden

Since we moved 3 years ago we haven't touched the gardens and they were a mess as the previous owner had lots of hedges, ivy and rose bushes growing - we even have a rhubarb patch. We have actually made a start tidying it up, digging up hedges and bushes. It is going to take a lot of work (and money) to get it how we want it to be but at least we have made a start. 

8.) Sunshine

The weather has been wonderful the past few weeks and we have enjoyed spending time outdoors. The children love being in the garden and in the paddling pool and it has just been nice to get some fresh air and feel the sun on our skin. It certainly made missing out on our family holiday abroad easier to deal with. 

9.) Food Delivery

Since lockdown started so many local companies have been delivering food and we have used a few of them and they have made a nice change to using supermarkets. It has definitely changed the way we will shop from now on. We have ordered from Northumbrian Free Range Eggs, Northumbrian Sausage Company, Hillheads Farm Shop, Grainger Market Delivery, Premier Meats and Sprinkled Cupcakes. Worth checking out if your local as they have all been great and well worth the money. 

10.) Slower Pace Of Life

Before lockdown, I was stressed out! I was tired and anxious and just worn out - like a lot of parents. Juggling three kids, housework, blogging, studying and all the kid's activities were just too much! Four nights a week we were out at after-school clubs and then on weekends Jacob had football and we often had days out planned. Since lockdown, we have had no plans at all and it has been lush. I think we will definitely be making some changes to life after lockdown is lifted. 

So those are some of the things that I loved in May 2020, the current COVID-19 crisis has certainly made me realise what is important in life and made me even more thankful for what I have. 

How was your May?