Hey there regular readers and new ones too (where've you been people!)
This week, this family is luckily going away on a press holiday with the gorgeous James Villas to Marbella for some rest, relaxation and hopefully sunshine!
This weekend was gushingly one where I literally kept thinking, 'Wow I'm so happy, I'm so lucky'...stick with me...You see we are all so busy rushing around aren't we, running from here to there, working, hustling, multi-juggling that these last few days went by a bit slowly in comparison and allowed me to truly take stock.
The weekend was one relaxing affair, we stayed at my folks' house, the home I grew up in on Saturday night so Peter and I could enjoy a rare date night, and all woke up to buttery warm bagels and the best babysitters in town. Bliss.
As you get older and perhaps a little wiser (or in my Dad's case, sillier, much, much sillier-it can go both ways) you start to realise what really matters in life.
I think having kids can do that to you, that whirlwind of new love for the kid you made merged with the mammoth overwhelming weight of responsibility (no more spontaneity in life is pretty sobering) and puts everything that came before, and after it, into sharp perspective.
You don't need to have a kid for this I should add. Yay for being wiser without having to actually use your cervix! Life experience, travel, pets, nurturing plants, charity work, whatever it is that takes you out of yourself, can be enlightening,
It got me thinking about all the tiny touching moments that make up the bigger picture, the intricately woven happy-making little things I reflect on right before I go to sleep or if I'm away from my kids, missing them madly, or my zone out to more joyous times when I find the children fighting over toys/films/my affection and I need a happy place pronto.
Last weekend saw us pack up our bags and wrap up warm for two nights at Cowslip Cottage in the quaint village of Sleights, one of many luxury cottages within the Gorgeous Cottages portfolio.
Those that follow this blog know my great, sometimes obsessive LOVE of make up. I refer to it as my armour, it gives me confidence and helps to hide dark circles from the many sleepless nights I suffer sadly (thanks kids)-making me feel awake on the outside if not in.
Yesterday we headed to Famer Copleys in Pontefract, just outside Leeds for some seasonal family fun at their annual Pumpkin Festival!
Last weekend saw us head to the stunning Ox Pasture Hall Hotel for a weekend break. You can read our review HERE-warming you will want to either get a train or move to Yorkshire as soon as you do and you'll feel very hungry!
Last weekend saw my youngest son, Alexander turn 2, two whole years!
I know every parent on the planet says the same thing, but doesn't time fly, people?!
This family loves to party and those who follow this blog knows we have a lot of get-togethers-great Greek or Italian food (usually supplied by the family's restaurants), the funniest and funnest company you can imagine (we literally laugh the whole time), music (always) and most of all (and soppiest) there's always so much bloody love in the room.
Last week we spontaneously escaped for a few days away in Southport and Formby by the coast in Merseyside.
My friend Claire invited us to the preview of Stockeld's Park's Summer Adventure a week ago, to enjoy a day and evening of super summery fun for all the family! I took my Mum and kids along, Oliver, 4 and Alexander, 21 months.
This family LOVES Liverpool, I nearly studied English at the university there before opting for the bright lights of London and Goldsmiths, University of London- but now we live in Leeds, we like to visit it a lot-for culture, shopping, great food and family fun.
If you follow me on Instagram (and if you don't, where've you been?!) then you'll know last night saw my family come together for another legendary party at my stunning Auntie Angelou's beautiful home under a marquee in her garden.
I've just found these brilliantly cute pictures taken at Christmas and wanted to show you them to share the sweetness this Friday.