One of the most important posts you'll ever read.
As I mentioned in December 2015 (that seems so long ago now)! 2016 is the year of the collaboration for me, and that it is!
We all dream of escaping the rat race, go travelling and leading a nomadic lifestyle.
Here, in the latest guest post as part of my Who's The Daddy series, Samuel Stonehill of Moving Time Lapse shares his own experience of seeking out true happiness, travelling the world, creating films that matter while offering his young son Esteban an unconventional yet rewarding education.
For those following my blog or even just my Facebook and Instagram accounts, you'll know my deep love of Yorkshire.
Born in Leeds, I moved to London for uni then stayed for 11 years, before returning back up North 4 years ago with husband and first child in tow.
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.
Life can sometimes feel like a non-stop rollercoaster can't it, juggling family life, work as I/we try to be everything to everyone.
The last few months have seen me take time out more, to relax daily and prioritise on what really makes my family and I happy. I always say, happy parents, happy children.
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.
Yesterday was a perfect Autumnal day at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate.
With the trees turning russet and golden, it was a beauty to behold. I think Autumn might just be my favourite season of all-a time of change, leaves mature, reach their peak, the air is still warm yet fresh and Yorkshire, my friends is at its finest.
Last night something amazing happened. My gorgeous friend Jess Huie (publicist and founder of the wonderful multicultural cards and gift company Colorblind Cards) arranged for JLS, friends of hers to call my younger cousin Solos.
