Get our family photo albums out of my Mum’s wardrobe and you’ll see plenty of photos of my brother and I as children on holiday on a British beach, digging holes, making sandcastles and burying each other, sometimes in wooly jumpers, sometimes in swimming costumes or shorts. I remember the donkey rides, tea from a flask and the fact that packed lunch sandwiches always tasted so much nicer than if they had just been made.
I’ve no idea how March finished so quickly. It only seems like five minutes since I was writing our last Me & Mine post at the end of February. We had just finished half-term and the boys had gone back to school and now they are already on their Easter holiday.
As soon as springtime rolls around and everyone gets happy about the sunshine and warm days, a large group of people also have a daunting feeling creeping up on them: the allergies are coming. Every sniffle becomes a sign that the days of puffy eyes and clogged noses are getting closer, and we are arming ourselves for the season. For some, it will only be a month or so, while for others, it will last from the first days of spring, all the way until fall. But before you start stuffing yourself with medicine, try these simple natural remedies that will help you get through the allergies with fewer symptoms, or none at all.
Spring is officially here now but what with all this cold weather and snow in recent weeks I’m still craving comfort food. I want warm dinners with meat and two veg and to light a candle on a cold evening and then snuggle up on the sofa feeling full and content! This cottage pie is so good, you’ll be going back for second helpings.
The last four weeks have been really good apart from a little bit of illness for Oliver. We sailed through half-term and back to school and now time is racing towards Spring and the Easter holidays. This month’s photos were taken on the first of March when we had our first ever snow days and school was shut for two days running. We tried to make a snowman but the snow wouldn’t stick as it was too cold (-5), it was so powdery and just wasn’t wet enough to stick together.
Does February feel like ages ago or is is it that this final push to Spring feels like it’s taking so long? I’ve finally put together last month’s Snapshots & Scenes post which is a round up of our everyday moments and adventures. Since I bought my new camera last Christmas, I just love capturing our life through a mixture of photos and video, although sometimes it can get tiring and I don’t pick up the camera for a few days, especially when we’re busy with school runs and work. The highlight of February had to be Half-term, just that little break from routine and the non-stop hamster wheel of school, work, bed repeat.
The last few years we have holidayed on the east coast of Italy in the Marche and Abruzzo regions. We tried both self-catering and full-board accommodation. Going away with family means that you want to travel to a place that meets everyone’s needs. Somewhere that is great for kids but makes the adults happy too. Somewhere that caters for those that want to be active, but also for those that just want to totally relax and forget about their busy life back home for a short while. Matteo loves the beach and the sea air, whilst I am more than happy by the pool. The boys love both, as long as they are active they’re content. This includes playing football on the sand and going in their boat on the sea as well as jumping in the pool and riding on Daddy’s back.
I’ve mentioned before that my boys are very opinionated about their wardrobe and that I can’t choose what they wear anymore. They permanently want it to be warm enough to wear shorts and t-shirts and so they’re so looking forward to it being Spring.
As the seasons change so does the nature of our skincare routines. We need to turn to lighter and healthier products that will give our skin a natural and youthful glow. Adapting your skincare regimen to spring and adjusting it to your skin type will help you achieve the best effect and accentuate your natural beauty. Furthermore, as a busy mum who needs to take care of her kids, it’s not unusual for you to have a slightly tired look. However, you don’t need to worry because, with these simple steps, you’ll look fresh, youthful and beautiful.
February has finished. I normally feel relief at knowing that Spring is just around the corner but what with the freezing temperatures and snow of this week I’m wishing the time away a bit. Tonight the temperature is -6! February has gone quickly, half-term flew by. I’ve worked two weekend days and been to a conference on one of the other weekends.