Firstly, big thanks to Eurostar for inviting us to the magical town of Avignon in the South of France- and to the Avignon Tourist Board for their advice and generosity too-merci beaucoup!
I visited Avignon as a child although I couldn’t remember the place before arrival, so it’s been a joy to explore this incredibly serene and beautiful medieval town. With its miles of pristine streets, located on the left bank of the picturesque Rhône River, it has been the perfect retreat for us.
We’ve wandered this ancient city (stuffed our faces with all the carbs) and reconnected as a family away from all the busy-iness that is life.
…This is a quick post I wrote as the family slept in this morning as I wanted to share a few life lessons, and timely reminders I’ve had whilst here, on parenting, and frankly, simply chilling out and doing exactly what I/ we please in life.
High fives all round!
It’s been utterly relaxing and enlightening for sure and it’s only day 3!
1. These are the days of our lives and I’m savouring them like crazy because kids are only young once right and these adventures together are truly precious.
Perhaps to your surprise, I’m actually pretty good at switching off. I work hard, oh yes I do, but I also like to play hard and by play hard, these days, I mean running around a playground with my kids (playing hard), eating pain au chocolat by the river and simply BEING IN THE MOMENT.
Yesterday, I sat on the banks of the Rhone, the kids playing beside me and looked up at the swaying arch of trees above me, the sun glinting through the branches and thought, ‘This is the life’. Simple, beautiful moments that are EVERYTHING.
I love to share pics on Instagram and of course, tweet snippets of my life online (I’m a blogger, that ain’t never going to change) but I’m not obsessed with social media or my site however much I love them dearly.
The turnaround happened earlier this year if I’m honest. When your life is your work, it’s important to check yourself before your wreck yourself and carve out strict boundaries on your time and energy.
I have scheduled posts going live for brands I adore whilst I’m here but I’m relishing time out my usual schedule too.
I do know, hence this post, that I can’t live (happily) without putting pen to paper, fingers to laptop.
Even if I’m not physically tapping away on the blog, I’m scribbling in notepads in my bag or by my bed as inspiration tends to hit in the most unusual of places.
Taking time out only serves to make us all more creative too. That space to live really inspires us to work.
2. Candy floss as big as your head is good for the soul. Whilst I’m all about sugar in moderation for my kids and I, I want childhood to be carefree, as it should be and that means as my Papa G would say, ‘Everything in moderation’- and nothing says holiday than warm, freshly spun candy floss at the fair on a summer’s night.
3. Watching your kids have cute little conversations (when they’re not trying to kill one another) is a little bit amaze-balls isn’t it?! My sons’ relationship has really blossomed lately and it’s something I’ve been patiently waiting for! I turned to my husband the other day and said, ‘Isn’t it funny that we made those little friends over there chatting about what they want for dinner’. Parenthood certainly is surreal!
I turned to my husband the other day and said, ‘Isn’t it funny that we made those little friends over there chatting about what they want for dinner’. We both marvelled at the madness. Parenthood certainly is surreal isn’t ti?!
4. Little hands in your’s as you wander around, the sun warming your cheeks, a spring in your step really is the sweetest, most humbling feeling ever. Your whole world in your hands. Literally. Big heart eyes emoticon times ten.
5. Doing as we please. My son turns 4 at the end of September and whilst here, we bought a cheap pram for when his legs get tired and he wants a ride around town. We can hang bags on the handles and navigate the city more easily thanks to this fab little pram and anything that makes life less stressful and more fun gets a big tick from me!
Can we just hit pause forever with the parenting pressures please and stop caring what anyone might think. Liberate yourselves people and do what’s right for your family. I know lots agreed with me over this on my FB Page. Yay to parenting whatever way we please, hey!
6. Did I mention the carbs? Carbs make me happy and they’ve not done the French any harm, right?! Can we stop demonising them and start enjoying them, please. I know I am.
7. These are the days of our lives. Did I already say that? I often feel these are the glory days on weekends, breaks away and holidays abroad but all of these days, the tougher times and the more wondrous, will be the ones I know I’ll look back on in years to come, my heart full, as the BEST TIMES. A gushy end to a gushy few days away so far.
A gushy end to a gushy few days away, so far.
Catch you all soon x
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You’re so right! I definitely need more time away from daily pressures and desperate scrabbling to get things done, which in the end won’t matter anyway. Am I going to look back on my life and say “I wish I’d done more housework”? I don’t think so! Thanks for reminding me to enjoy life! #BrillBlogPosts
Haha so true, I absolutely agree with you xx
I’m nodding along to all your points because they are the memories we will be thinking about tomorrow, next year and the year after. Those snapshots that come back at us from time to time to make us smile. Tempting as it is to keep recording and writing, it is, as you say – wonderfully refreshing to just dip out and discover isn’t it. Thanks for hosting ”brillblogposts
Nicky Kentisbeer recently posted…September : A Full & Empty Nest
So true Nicky, thank you for your touching comment x
Sounds like you are all having a great, relaxing time in France! You’re very right that our kids don’t stay kids for very long, so definitely make the most out of it 🙂 #BrillBlogPosts
So important, France is just wonderful thanks x
It sounds like a wonderful trip! I agree inspiration often strikes when you’re feeling relaxed and not scrabbling around for things to write about! xxx #brillblogposts
Absolutely, thanks Sarah x
It looks like you are having a magical time. I hope you are enjoying time out with your lovely family. #brilliantblogposts
Amy Le Pelley recently posted…Baking Along with the Great British Bake Off and Cook Book Giveaway
Sounds like youre having a lovely time in Avignon! I had a few moments of reflection like these on our holiday recently. I really couldnt agree more, these really are the days and moments of our lives and it was so lovely to switch off from it all for 10 days. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, cant wait to see pics and hear more 🙂 Emily #brilliantblogposts
Aww I love listening to little ones conversations so are so adorable and funny!
Avignon is top of my husband’s bucket list – I darent show him this post!
This is lovely. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the things life throws at you on a daily basis and forget to stop and just be in the moment. Sounds like you’re having a lovely time – enjoy the rest of your break (and the carbs!). #brilliantblogposts
Haha thanks, we are having a wonderful time x
Great post and your pictures on Instagram are beautiful. It’s looks really nice there and everyone can say that you have great time 🙂 #brilliantblogposts
ohmummymia recently posted…You can count on Daddy!
We are having a wonderful holiday x
What a brilliant, thought-provoking post. Beautifully written as always! I often find the same; that time out gifts you the time to reflect on what’s important – not that we’re not appreciative of the small things ordinarily – and put things into perspective. I’m so happy you have had such a wonderful time away with your gorgeous family. Xxxx #brilliantblogposts
Thank you my darling, holidays and time away really allow you the space and time to reflect and simply be away from responsibility huh, thanks for your touching comment x
Oh gosh Vicki what a lovely, thought-provoking post – YES to all the little things in life that make it special, from candy floss to sitting by a river to listening to conversations between little ones (always hilarious). All very wonderful (and now I’m craving candy floss!!!!)
Catherine x
Thank you my darling, hope you get your hands on some candy floss! xx
Ahh ‘being in the moment’ – something I try so much harder to do now I’m a Mum cos as you say, they grow up so damn quick! Isn’t it such a great feeling when you can just literally sit for a while and take it all in? 🙂 Hope you enjoy the rest of your break. I’m now off to google ‘local places that sell candy floss at 10pm…..’ X
It sounds like it’s a wonderful place to visit. I completely agree that taking time out, even from something you love, can help to recharge those creative ideas. Enjoy your holidays. x #brillblogposts
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…Discovering Playpress
Sounds like you’re having a fabulous time. You’re right of course, these really are the best days and the feeling of that little hand in yours is the very best. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
#brillblogposts
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…Fountains Abbey in Ripon
looks like you are having a wonderful adventure, Watching your kids’ relationship blossom is truly magical. #BrilliantBlogPosts
Aww that’s so lovely and heart-warming! A great reminder of the important things and so very true. These are the moments we will look back on. I love that candy floss made the list! That’s my kind of holiday. I also can’t believe you wrote this before your family work up. I look forward to those days. Right now waking up before the family would mean starting the day at 3:30am. Haha. #brillblogposts
Haha they’ve been properly sleeping in this holiday-think it’s the later nights, I haven’t yet grasped what it is to lie in yet, not fair! Oh no, wow that is an early start, remember those days x
All sounds and looks beautiful and amazing, so enjoy!! Not expecting a reply to this comment you should be relaxing! All those things you listed are the most important in the world- totally, 🙂 X Lou
Haha relaxing back at the hotel so happy to reply lovely, we are super relaxed here, loving it x
Glad you are all having such a lovely time! Carbs oh how we adore thee…if only you adored us back! And I totally agree, nothing better than exploring with a little hand in yours! #brillblogposts
2travellingtots recently posted…Things that make me irrational…
Haha, that made me laugh, having a super time lovely x
Glad you’re having a time in the south of France, it’s beautiful down there. I love it, and I love carbs. since living in France it’s been hello carbs! But it’s good quality carbs here, and the secret….no snacking. Enjoy! #BrilliantBlogPost
OOh yes, just eat at dinner, love it and adore the SOF, was in Cannes in April and visit every year pretty much, think I need to plan to spend half a year here and half in the UK, the dream x
Sounds fantastic. What a great idea to buy a cheap buggy for an older child! And I love carbs too. They are not the enemy. #brillblogposts
They are not are they. The pram has really helped us all x
What a fabulous place. Visited as a boy and adored it, so you’ve rekindled some fond memories
Oh how wonderful, incredible place
Beautiful Avignon. Such a gorgeous part of the world. Yesterday I sat on the beach in the sun in the North East of England and watched my parents play with my children. Remember this , I thought, this is the best of times. #brillblogposts
Aw that’s really moved me, precious, precious times x
Lovely post. It’s all about the adventures experienced as a family. Those really are the days of our lives. So glad you’re having a lovely holiday. #brillblogposts
Rach recently posted…Review: Ex On The Beach All Stars
Absolutely Rach and thank you x
this is such a lovely post. It really captures that lovely holiday feeling. We are already back to school here, and I’m already missing those carefree days! #brilliantblogposts
Kate Orson recently posted…How To Stop ‘Doing’ Parenting And Simply Be A Parent
Oh the summer goes so quickly huh, we are treasuring these days as back to school in a few weeks x
Loved reading about your adventures. Getting a balance between work and life is something we all have to work to achieve but it sounds like you’re doing great. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
#brillblogposts
suz recently posted…Last day to win “Things Evie Eats” on Goodreads.
Thanks so much Suz x
You holiday sounds lovely. Very calm and relaxed. I do keep trying to sit back and enjoy the moments but we have a lot of screaming going on at the momemt due to teething so these are not the moments i want to remember. Hope you have a great rest of your week.#brillblogposts
Oh no, I’ve been there and it’s hard but promise it will pass soon xx
Sounds like you’re having a great break. As it happens, I have just returned from Portugal where I spent two weeks and had a lot of very similar thoughts. Enjoy Avignon and, more importantly, time with your family.
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Thanks John, so lovely, bet Portugal was fab, we love it there 🙂
Love this! It’s so nice how a little time off really puts everything into perspective! Enjoy your time with the family! #brillblogposts
Kim recently posted…More Than Just a Bikini Competition
Thanks Kim, really does x
A lovely post! Pleased to hear you are resting and enjoying your time away! You are quite right! These are the days of our lives, and we need to live in the moment and enjoy! #brillblogposts
One Messy Mama recently posted…5 Ways To Have A Successful Family Outing.
We really do, huh, thank you x
Beautiful post! I nodded my head through all of it. My favourite bit: “by play hard, these days, I mean running around a playground with my kids (playing hard), eating pain au chocolats by the river bank and simply BEING IN THE MOMENT”. It’s funny how parenthood changes us and our interests and loves change (except pain au chocolats – I’ve always loved those! haha). Enjoy the rest of your holiday. #BrillBlogPosts
Lucy (@Lucy_at_home) recently posted…How To Coach Kids To Cope With Failure
Haha so true, my love for pain au chocolats is endless! Thanks for your lovely comment x
I love this post, it just screams holiday and it’s obvious that you’re having a fabulous holiday. Life is precious! #BrillBlogPosts
Andrea @ Topsy Turvy Tribe recently posted…Breastfeeding & Identifying Posterior Tongue-Tie
Thanks darling, it really is and we are having a wonderful time x
Hey Vicki, your Facebook posts on your Avignon adventure have been great! Sometimes we all need a change of scenery. This time when my husband was pretty poorly we headed to France. We loved taking the girls to the beach and Big Munch loved spotting the French farmers around the beautiful countryside. France is also great as they celebrate carbs! It’s part of their national cuisine, a meal wouldn’t be a meal without some baguette. So I’m embracing carbs too, doubt I’ll ever be able to give them up! #BrillBlogPosts
Sunita recently posted…Time to Shine: Celebrating those winning moments as a parent – Guest post by Kimberly
So wonderful here, hope your husband is better now and yes to baguettes, so good x