Category: Lifestyle

1. Blue Monday : How to find your motivation in 2019

   Posted on 8:00am Monday 21st Jan 2019

   Happy New Year, guys! Ish. We’re three weeks in, I know. But perhaps if I keep wishing everyone well, I’ll eventually feel the fresh buzz of the new year for myself.

   I’m not sure why I’m feeling a little dragged down by 2019, but I can’t seem to step into the swing of things. I’ve loved having Christmas off with the girls. Frankly, I didn’t want them to go back to school nor me back to work. Rather than starting a fresh and feeling as though I’ve got a whole year of opportunities ahead, I’m hanging on to December’s festive vibes. Reminiscing.

   Take me back!

   

   But, all this will never do! I’m absolutely positive that I’m not alone in feeling a little demotivated during January. I know it. After all, the ‘January Blues’ is a thing. How is it, at a time when so many of us are prone to feeling glum, the other half of us are motivated to hit the gym, quit the drink, or eat clean?

   I’m not committing to finding some ‘supreme level’ of myself in 2019, and I’m not signing up to any half-hearted resolutions, but I have had a think about my levels of motivation and how I can rediscover my mojo.

   Perhaps we all need to invest in a little love for ourselves. Some self-soothing wouldn’t go amiss, I reckon.

   I don’t know about you, but I’m much more content when I’m clam, relaxed and have simple things to look forward to. I’m motivated to get through the day and meet my deadlines, when I’ve something cheery to turn to in the evening.

   After pondering it over, I’ve decided that they key to giving myself a 2019 kick-start, is simply being and enjoying my days. Letting the pressures of work and school be what they are and focussing on the things I enjoy and the people I love.

   While I’d love to, this doesn’t mean booking loads of breaks abroad or splurging out on a new wardrobe.

   Rather, I’m going to put time aside to watch a series with my husband, download a film to watch with the girls or do some mindfulness colouring.

   I’m going to run a lavender bath and put my head back, let my hair become damp, and feel any worries wash away.

   

   I’m going to creep into bed at 8:30pm with a cup of tea and read three chapters of a paperback, before effortlessly falling to sleep.

   In 2019, I’m going to endeavour to take a step back, be mindful, and not become caught up in the fast-paced madness of the modern world.

   Now, hit me up with some tips in the comments below. How do you like to relax?

    

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2. Top Tips for visiting Birmingham Christmas Markets

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 11th Dec 2018

   Once upon a time, when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter I travelled to Cologne to see the German Christmas markets. Cologne provides a stunning backdrop to the markets and it is impossible to beat Cologne Cathedral, the magnificent Gothic edifice that took more than 600 years to complete and which today is still one of the city’s significant features.

    

   Fast forward 10 years or more and I don’t have to travel far to experience the bratwursts, tankards of German beer and the fruity flavours of hot Glühwein as Birmingham has one of the biggest markets outside of Germany!

    

   We went into Birmingham last weekend and there were notices already up in the train station warning of delays due to the increased number of passengers going to the German Markets. It is lovely to have it on our doorstep and people clearly come from far and wide to visit.

   We travelled in the early afternoon and the trains were already busy so the later it gets, the busier it gets. Weekends tend to be the busiest times - great if you enjoy a bustling atmosphere but it can get very crowded.   

    

   You can see from the pictures that there is not much breathing room so our top tips for attending the Christmas markets are:

   1. If you are planning on going without the children, try a week day as they are less hectic although it can get very busy in the middle of the day (from noon to 2pm when shop and office workers go in their lunch break).
   2. Avoid the times between 5pm up until about 7.30pm on a week day, as people stop for a drink and a bite to eat on their way home from work in the city centre.
   3. Some people think that it can be expensive to go to the markets but don’t get too caught up with price matching. Most vendors have equal prices, and although we love a bit of haggling, it isn’t common practice.
   4. If you want to venture a little further afield and go to the actual German markets in Germany, there are lots of travel operators offering coach trips, or why not book a hotel and enjoy a festive mini-break? It’s also worth checking to see if travelling by car maybe cheaper but always make sure that you have Car Insurance that covers European travel!
   5. And finally, don’t forget to sample the Glühwein. You may find that for a small fee, you can keep and re-use the special mugs. Not only are refills cheaper, you have a great souvenir too!

   Collaboration with Aviva.

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3. 3 easy ways to save money before Christmas

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 3rd Dec 2018

   With Black Friday Week  and Cyber Monday Week done and dusted, we’re all feeling the pinch in our pockets this week. Although we’ve all supposedly been paid last week, I’m shook. My bank statement sure doesn’t look like it!

   As the end of the year gets closer and we are cozy in our homes, it is usually a time when we all think about new years resolutions and maybe a new home. Moving house is a massive undertaking for anyone, so before you start getting moving quotes we have some top tips for saving money before Christmas. It sounds like an impossible task but it can be done! 

   

   We all know that December is tight. It’s no secret that when we get towards the end of the month, there’s an element of scrimping and saving. Luckily, we’ve already bought sufficient supplies of snacks, so at least we don’t starve. So long as you’re happy feasting on Festive Friends biscuits, M&S chocolate rounds, Pringles, and Quality Street toffee circles. If you’re lucky, there might even be an allusive After Eight left lurking somewhere amongst the empty wrappers.

   In all seriousness, while this is certainly the season for splurging, there are ways your can keep hold of some of your hard-earned cash.

   1. Go a bit Grinch with gifting

   OK, so that’s not in the holiday spirit, entirely, but it’s definitely worth rethinking your gifting. Sure, if you want to splurge on your children at Christmas, that’s great. You do your thing. But do you really need to be a second Santa Claus for the children of extended family and friends? Do you have to gift your parcel delivery lady, the staff at school, your colleagues? Probably not. Tot up what you would spend on presents you actually begrudge gifting and consider gradually decreasing the amount your pocket parts with. Alternatively, if you’re brave enough, scrap it altogether and simply explain you’re cutting back should the conversation arise.

   

   2. Say no to seasonal outings

   Not all seasonal outings, of course. You want to head somewhere special with your family, whether it’s Christmas markets, a panto, or Santa’s grotto. Sure, you do. However, you don’t need to show your face at every festive event with extended family, friends, or co-workers. Prioritise your time. Don’t go to anything that really doesn’t do it for you. Choose the odd one or two occasions, and really enjoy them. As well as saving money, it could well save your sanity at this time of year!

   3. Bag the bargains

   There’s two ways to save mega bucks when it comes to buying presents: get gifts early or get them real late. Chances are, if you’re considering this tip, purchasing pressies early is out of the equation. Luckily, during December, stores start to panic and slash the prizes on prezzies. For example, M&S frequently slashes Christmas gifts by as much as 50 per cent at this time of year. Keep an eye on your inbox, as companies give sales a final push, you should see a whole host of discount codes appear in your emails. Don’t panic buy, put a couple of evenings aside, search online for the best prices, make use of offers and discount codes, and save some cash on the RRP.

   If you take heed of some of our top tips, you will notice that your savings will quickly add up. Good luck! 

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4. Pinocchio at The Old Rep Theatre Birmingham

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 24th Nov 2018

   Going to the theatre is such a treat, it is a way to escape reality and Director of the Pinocchio at The Old Rep Theatre, Alec Fellows Bennett feels that in the age of iPads , smartphones and computer games that it is important to come together as a community and fall in love with live theatre. 

   

   This year The Old Rep are sharing the story of Pinocchio, the tale of a wooden puppet who wants to be a real child. "To me Pinocchio is the perfect story for this theatre," says Alec. "If you asked a young child to draw a theatre they would pretty much draw The Old Rep auditorium. The idea of a story where toys come to life and it's all make-believe is the perfect story for a classic theatre like The Old Rep."

    

   The lead is played by Holly Sayer and her ability to actually act and walk like a puppet had you believe from the outset that she wasn't a "real boy" and you are rooting for her portrayal of Pinocchio to be successful in his quest.  

   

   The ensemble cast for Pinocchio is made up of Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) students. This is very personal to me as my best friends daughter is auditioning for BOA next year, so it was a great chance for me to see the opportunities that are ahead for her. 

   Launched in 2011, BOA is an independent state-funded academy which specializes in creative, digital and performing arts. Sponsored by the Ormiston Trust and Birmingham City University, the academy is for students aged 14-19 years old and The Old Rep is an amazing platform for them to perform. 

   

   I couldn't recall the tale before we went into the show and I had forgotten quite how "dark" the storyline was. I was amazed to learn that the adventures of Pinocchio is the second most translated book in the world, beaten only by the Bible! The original version of the story was written to teach children moral lessons and whilst the live show is a little more light hearted than that Collodi's original story it still keeps its moral compass. 

   We were invited to the press showing of the stage show but the tickets are reasonably priced as;

   Stalls Tickets £19.00 (Conc £17.80)*
   Balcony Tickets £16.00 (Conc £14.80)*
   Schools & Groups £9.90
   *Price includes £1 restoration levy 

   We also got the chance to meet some of the cast after the show and I "may" have pinched the Fox's hat ....... he was crafty enough to get it back though! 

   

   At the start of this review, we mentioned that the Director wanted a new generation to fall in love with live shows and we were captivated by the Pinocchio production at the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham but fell in love completely with the Blue Fairy. Daisy Ann Fletcher might be my new girl crush.

   So if you are thinking about introducing your children to live theatre shows, The Old Rep Theatre is the perfect place to start.

   And don't forget, think Blue ....  

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