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6 Weeks of Lockdown Life

Its been 6 weeks.  Wow.  Like everybody, my family have faced adjusting to a new norm; social distancing, living to a set of government guidelines to help limit the spread of Covid-19, shield the most vulnerable and protect the NHS so it …….  The way we went about our daily lives changed almost overnight.  Welcome to Lockdown Life!

Like many, I had been watching other countries go into lockdown and knew it was only a matter of time we would face the same restrictions experienced by our neighbours in Europe.  But I will be honest, I kind of thought it would be different for us, done differently.  It was when the  government announced that schools were closing this was a reality check for me.  I work in education and we were starting to talk about the possibility of schools closing a few weeks before it actually happened but I was not ready when it was finally announced.  For me that was the game changer, the ‘this is really serious now’ then came pubs, cafes, restaurants and Gyms closing.  but were not ready for when it actually happened.

So the last few weeks, like for most people, has been a learning curve for me and the rest of the family.  Adapting to a new way of doing things without much time for it all to settle in.

Faced with many challenges how the Taylor family adapted?

– Working from Home

Rather ironically, I’ve always whinged on about employers failing to grasp the benefits of working from home and it was a matter of trust and empowerment.  So now most organisations have had no choice.  Both my husband and I are working from home.  He is running his business from the front room and I’ve got the kitchen.  He is able to get in the zone a bit better than me.  There have been the usual arguments sparked by inadequate broadband but so far so good I think.  I miss the team culture but I am catching up with the team via video call.  Mentoring and motivating a young team via video calls and emails has its challenges but as long as we share, get our tasks lists done and have a giggle then I think we are doing OK.  My husband is vlogging, having video client appointments and keeping in touch with his furloughed staff.

I’d say its working 80% of the time which I don’t think is bad, like many I just miss the face to face contact with others so I feel lucky that we have the option to work from home.  We’ve learnt to be disciplined about a start and finish time, making sure we pack everything away at the end of the day so our home becomes a home again!

– Doing our own thing, it’s OK just to do nothing!

When we initially went into Lockdown, whilst my husband was worrying about the future of his relatively young business, I saw it as an opportunity to do the things that we never normally have time to do or really don’t want to do.  Yes I have accomplished things I’ve generally put to one side but social media posts, stuff on the news about people doing amazing things, accomplishing amazing feats or mastering new skills have at times left me feeling rather inadequate.  So I’ve decided not to take social media too seriously and just enjoying the opportunity to slow down a little.  I’ve enjoyed reading the paper on a Sunday morning, exploring nearby parks at a slower pace, baking a bit more  and finishing off the odd DIY task.

 

 

– Home-schooling Teenagers

I did think at first I had it easy as my kids are in secondary school.  To an extent I think I still do but it has the been a challenge as when they are stuck with the work set, getting them up in the morning and getting them to self-manage a timetable.  I have been worried about the how inactive my kids have been.  I’ve learnt that they still need a routine but agreeing a bedtime (even for my 18 year old), letting them lie-in a little but insisting they are at their desks at a certain time have worked.  I’ve also bribed them to do fitness challenges, jobs round the house and that’s something that helps for a happier household!

– Home Haircuts and Root Touch Ups

The happiest my teenage boys have been during all of this was when the hair clippers arrived on Monday.  Oh the elation was off the scale.  Despite reminding them that we are in the middle of a pandemic, we were subjected to constant the whinges and moans .  So when they arrived, if it wasn’t for social distancing, I would have run-off with the delivery driver for the safe delivery of this precious cargo.  I on the other hand have partaken in a spot of panic buying concerning root-touch-up, it even featured in last weeks online shopping list.  With an inch of grey, I wasn’t going to take any chances.  So last Sunday I spent the best part of the afternoon attempting to shave, blend, layer, fade, trim my boys hair into a semi respectable haircut.  See for yourself!

OK so son number two’s cut was more mushroom than Vidal but eldest boys cut, not bad.  I on the other hand am building up the courage to do my roots, hopefully looking like a badger could be the next big thing.

 

– Staying Connected

Thanks heavens for Zoom, House Part and Teams!  We’ve zoomed with families, house-partied with friends and kept our productivity going through Teams.  My!  What a learning curve this has been.  I like to consider myself pretty handy when it’s come to technology but I did struggle to start with.  For work and family it’s been OK but I’ve struggled when it comes to catching up with friends.  Things can get lost in translation and I do feel I shrink into the background if there’s a large group so that’s one for the road once we are allowed to mix again but for now I will just grin and bear it.  The kids are finding the whole affair rather toe-curling and prefer to slink away and catch up via Snap Chat or Xbox. I have particularly enjoyed observing the headsets colleagues have been using, who knew those Turtle Beach Gaming headphones would come in so handy eh?

– Keeping Fit

I love the gym, it’s my therapy.  This hit me more that pubs and restaurants closing, ok that might seem weird for some to contemplate.  I’d worked so hard to get fit and lose weight.  So it was a godsend when my PT offered Zoom Boot Camps.  4 times a week, 30 minute sessions.  This has been a great way to keep motivated but also has kept me connected with some of the the other girls I know from the gym.  Added to this I’ve started to run again, nothing major just 5 km 2 or 3 times a week.  There’s also been loads of stuff on social media and my team at work have also been doing fitness challenges.  It’s been a case of trying anything and seeing what sticks!

 

– Family Time

We’ve cooked together, worked out together, had a lot of fun.  My kids are at the stage where they will hide in their bedrooms for 90% of the time given the choice when when they have emerged we’ve for the most part had a hoot.  We have all suffered from Cabin Fever but focusing on the good times we’ve had has eclipsed all of that.

In September, fingers crossed, my eldest will be moving to Leeds for University, OK he will be back for when term ends but after that who knows?  He may decide not to move back to Newcastle or may want his own place.  He may decide to stay in Leeds, he may move back to Newcastle, he may want his own space.  So despite the arguments that have tended to erupt over the usual; messy rooms, Xbox, the WiFi, whose walking the dog I’m making the most of us all being together before my boy goes off to University.

– A New Routine

At the start, life was very chaotic to say the least.  6 weeks on, the scatter-gun approach to keeping busy and productive has settled down and we’ve found our own groove amidst it all.  I think that has been one of the important aspects of Lockdown; establishing a routine that suits all five members our families.

Being realistic about bedtimes for the kids, making sure they are doing their school work and helping with chores but also letting them kick back.   Ground rules have been set for working from home, the laptop goes away at 5 pm Friday not to be seen again until Monday morning, no answering work emails at the weekend.  The kids have learnt to knock before bursting in to the living room in case there’s a call or teams meeting going on; that took some doing!  Importantly, we celebrate the weekend but at the moment don’t have the Sunday night fear or pile of ironing that normally accompanies it.

 

 

So we’ve coped, we’ve adapted.  Looking back it’s made me realise how pampered and sheltered our lives have become.  It’s also made me realise as a family how resourceful and resilient we are.  I’m also grateful that despite at times getting on each others nerves, we are a happy house.  Yes these times have been anxious and stressful but this time will pass

This week the PM is due to address the nation; laying out a road map as to how restrictions will gradually be lifted but I think we will still remain pretty much the same.

Will things ever be the same again?  Once lockdown is finally over, will we go back to our old lives.  I sincerely hope not, well not all of it anyway.

Helen x

Hello Blog! It’s been a while

I haven’t written anything on this blog since September 2018.  Why?  Nothing exciting  has happened just work, kids, life in general.  So like everyone else, I’m now sitting here in Covid-19 Lock-down (week 3) with a lot of time on my hands.  I’m lucky to still have a job work but it’s Easter hols at the moment.  House is spotless, the garden is almost weedless, the dog has never been walked so much, I’ve embarked on the occasional run, practised the art of social-distancing and taken part in numerous Zoom video calls including a Bootcamp.  Just like everyone else I suppose, keeping busy and staying at home.

Being a list-writer, I’ve always set out what I need to achieve each day but up till now it’s all been a little mundane the usual life-admin consisting of shopping, work-stuff, jobs to do in the house.  The other day I read a brilliant quote that appeared on Instagram ‘This is a Pandemic not a productivity test’ (@thegoodquote, @BryannAndrea) and it really resonated with me.  Whilst its been amazing and inspiring seeing all the things that other people have done I have felt at times a little overwhelming.  However, when we all come out of this and go back to normal life (whatever that will look like) I do want to be able to look back and say that in some way I made the most of this time.  So I have made a list of what I would like to accomplish, nothing major or life affirming (yet).  On the list was to revisit my blog and maybe write some content.  So here’s me dipping my toe back in the water of blog-dom yet again.  For me this is will be my therapy, my online diary, something I can look back on when I’m back at work looking forward to the weekend or getting stressed to hell something unimportant like forgetting to book a supermarket delivery slot!

I’ve forgotten how to do all the flashy stuff that you do to get more reach in terms of readers but to be honest I’m not that bothered about that.  Can’t remember how to add a fancy font or a professional looking title.  It’s nice just to write, reflect and maybe give me more focus in terms of making the most of all this spare time.  We could be in lock down for a few weeks, months, who knows.  It’s a difficult time for everyone at the moment so maybe this will play some part in helping me cope with it all.

Helen x

(Gosh just noticed the ancient About Me Picture ……. that will need to get changed at some point)!

 

5 Things I’m Loving This September

5 Things to love this September

Now September is here, there are so many things to love about the start of Autumn.  Yes summer is over but time to look forward to a new season.  From walks in the park to the perfect excuse to go out and buy new clothes, there’s plenty to look forward to as the nights draw in.

Here are the 5 things I’m especially loving this month.

  1. Currently reading Frazzled by Ruby Wax
  2. Cooking with Harissa Rose paste
  3. New Running Music Playlist
  4. Buying posters from Desenio
  5. Going for walks in Heaton and Armstrong Park

 

Helen x

 

My May Goals for 2018

May Goals

My May Goals

I haven’t published a blog since last October!  Can you believe it? I suppose work, family and life just took over as these things tend to have a habit of doing and I got out of the habit of posting articles. The towel nearly got thrown in a few weeks ago and the plug pulled but I thought back to when I started my blog, what I loved about it and concluded that all I did was fall out of the habit like we all can do with a lot of things.  So here goes, I’m starting things off with my May Goals ……..

  • Commit to posting some content onto this site on a more regular basis
  • Crack on with sorting the house out; this includes fun stuff like redecorating my bedroom and the rather expensive and boring stuff like rebuilding a porch and re-leading a bay.
  • Update my CV; we should all do this regardless of whether we are happy in our jobs or not!
  • Run at least two times a week with youngest son
  • Revamp my Gym workout for May; got stuck in a rut recently doing the same old thing so putting a stop to that right now!
  • Get baking again!
  • Make time for my lovely friends including those that I don’t see very often – you know who you are!
  • Look to change the look of my blog; maybe it’s time to makeover my website.
#blogshare My May Goals #motivation Click To Tweet

There all done!  It’s made me realise that I have let a lot of things in my personal life slide so this has been the perfect chance to reflect on things and pull my finger out when it comes to getting things done and making time to enjoy the things that I love doing!  Actually I’ve missed this.  Sitting down and taking the time to write this, being creative in my own way; so maybe I’ll not be throwing in the towel just yet!

 

Helen x

 

 

10 Healthy Habits for Autumn

Healthy Habits

10 Healthy Habits for Autumn

I’ll admit it Autumn isn’t up there as one of my favourite times of the year.  Summer can seem more of a relaxed affair and with more daylight and sunshine my mood is generally in a happy place.  Then its BAAM! Back in to the routine of school and once past Halloween it’s that build up to Christmas.  Saying that I do like those first initial chilly mornings, the beauty of Autumn and having the kids back at school has it’s advantages, so ok maybe it’s not so bad?  For me when the nights start to draw in, the central heating goes on and my wardrobe switches to boots and sweaters it can be an excuse to start hibernating a little, switch to a stodgy diet and perhaps ease off on the running front.

Developing healthy habits will help to see you through the chillier weather, help to maintain a positive attitude and, fingers crossed, stave off potential weight gain.

Here are my 10 Healthy Habits for Autumn

  • If you must comfort eat make it healthy
  • Commit to a weekly Workout Schedule and log your progress
  • Revamp your running or training gear if you exercise outdoors
  • Stay hydrated; the colder weather is no excuse not to drink plenty of water
  • No Hibernating!  Stay Sociable!
  • Make one day a week a Family Day
  • Declutter
  • Unplug/Go Offline; even if it’s an hour before bedtime
  • Eat seasonal produce
  • Get outdoors more and take time to enjoy the beauty of Autumn
Days are shorter, there's a chill in the air, adopt #healthy habits for Autumn to help boost your mood and fitness. Click To Tweet
Let’s see how many I can stick so!  What are your health habits for Autumn?

 

 

 

 

 

 

My June Monthly Goals

monthly goals

My June Monthly Goals

A little late but here are my June Goals!  Website problems; it’s still a learning curve for me.  I’ve kind of taken my foot off the gas in terms of this blog, maybe lost a little focus along the way but I still love my blog just feel that other things are taking priority.  Work, family; it’s easy to lose focus and get out of the habit of setting time aside to the things you love.

New monthly goals; Summer's here, get outdoors, socialise more but remember to include something that makes you happy Click To Tweet

Since making a conscious effort at the beginning of the year set myself monthly goals instead of a list of New Year Resolutions I find I’m actually getting more stuff done and also focusing on allowing a little more time for what I actually want to do.

  1. Put together a new 15 Minute Full Body Workout
  2. Make Nutella Cupcakes  – Cupcake Jemma is my latest YouTube crush!
  3. Paint the Garden Fence – oh the glamour!
  4. Entertain more; whether it’s a BBQ with mates or just drinks Summer is the perfect time
  5. Run more!  No excuses!  I need to running motivation
  6. Switch off from work a bit more; stop checking emails late at night!
  7. Go meat-free at least twice a week; going to try Basil Avocado Pasta from Nourishyourglow.com
  8. Get back into a regular blogging routine; read 10 Habits of Successful Blogging by Blog Beautifully
  9. Start planning California Road Trip 2019; if I don’t plan this trip it won’t happen.  I’ve set up a Pinterest Board to keep me motivated.
  10. Be kind to myself a bit more often; I think most of us fail to do this or don’t consider it a priority

 

So what are you wanting to achieve this month?  If you are in the habit of setting goals each month, remember to include something that you want to achieve as a personal goal.

My Monthly Goals for March

Monthly Goals

March Goals

New month, new monthly goals for me (sorry bit late posting this).  Spring is finally here!  It’s lighter in the mornings, days are getting longer and it’s not so hard dragging myself out of bed to go for a run first thing.  Spring makes me want to get out more. get more active, get more stuff done!

So far I’ve not done too badly at achieving my monthly goals.  Some harder than others but I’ve enjoyed the challenge and the feeling of having achieved something at the end of each month.

  • March Fitness Challenge – 30 Day HIIT Challenge
  • Be disciplined about making sure I prioritise some time for myself
  • Tidy up the garden
  • Snack healthily – try these Eat Clean Snacks
  • Create a new 15 minute workout
  • Get outdoors with my children more
  • Put together a Spring Running Playlist
  • Go watch Beauty and the Beast (even if it’s on my own)
  • Fall back in love with Instagram
  • Get ahead with my blog posts and spend a day writing content

Like many people, I guess what I find hardest is finding time for myself and when I do making the most of that time; so that is why I have put this on my list for March.

What goals have you set your self this month?

 

My February Goals

monthly goals

My February Goals

Ok we’ve got through January, it’s noticeably lighter and spring is on it’s way!  January surprisingly didn’t drag as much for me as normal.  Ok so I still had no money, other friends were feeling the pinch so no socialising to get rid of the January blues.  Setting my own January Goals helped me to focus on things and be more pro-active about getting things done instead of mopping around the house.  I consciously made a plan and effort to achieve each of the goals that I set, 10 in total.  Some were easy, some were harder and took a while to complete.  It’s given me the motivation to carry on setting monthly goals and see what I’ve managed to achieved at the end of the year.

New month, new monthly goals. Getting things done one small step at a time #blogshare Click To Tweet

So here are my new monthly goals:

  1. New Fitness Challenge for the month – Abs and Squats Challenge
  2. Repost one of my very first workouts (ideal for a beginner), I’ve got loads so why not share?
  3. Freezer Meal Prep Session – check out these ideas that you can through into your Slow Cooker from livingrichwithcoupons.com and more ideas from smartschoolhouse.com
  4. Put together a meal plan for my children’s suppers and use it! I’m using a printable meal planner from shesaved.com found on Pinterest.
  5. Re-think my fitness goals and put a new plan of action in place
  6. Organise a cinema trip with my daughter and a couple of her mates to see ‘Sing!’
  7. De-clutter the Living Room (phase 2 of my whole house de-clutter)
  8. Go Sugar free for February, read this infographic if it all looks a little daunting!
  9. Revamp some of the images on my Busyfitmama blog
  10. Create a Photo Gallery for my Kitchen

Looking back to the goals I set for January (read my blog post My January Goals) I’ve noticed that they generally focus on fitness, health, blogging, family and my messy house!  I suppose it’s what I’m all about but here’s to hoping the messy house will be a goal I achieve sooner rather than later!

Do you set goals each month?  What are your February Goals?

My January Goals

january goals

My January Goals

 

Welcome to 2017!  A brand spanking, new year!  No more resolutions, instead I’m going to concentrate on monthly goal setting.  It might give the opportunity to focus instead of just feeling overwhelmed by what needs doing or what I would like to achieve.  My January goals are a mixture of blogging, fitness and home life  So let’s just see how it goes!

Setting monthly goals gives a clearer focus, helping you create a more manageable plan to help achieve them. Click To Tweet
  1. Post a new Gym Workout on my Blog
  2. January Press Up Challenge; 30 a day
  3. Completely de-clutter, deep clean my kitchen – boy it needs it!
  4. Get back into a proper sleep routine; if you too are struggling check out this useful Infographic
  5. Put a new Workout Music Playlist for the Gym; need inspiration checkout my Pinterest Workout Playlist Board
  6. Begin to look at re-designing my blog; staring with the theme so back to WordPress for some inspiration!
  7. Re-vamp, update and repost one of my older blog posts
  8. Get outdoors and take some photos
  9. Set aside a day to do some baking with my daughter
  10. Add a new healthy dish to my children’s meal plan; such as these Salmon and Sweet Potato Fishcakes (Charlottes Lively Kitchen) or One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Veggies (Julia’s Album)

What are your goals for January?

2017 Goals

goal setting

My 2017 Goals

Happy New Year!  After a hectic 2016, I am excited at the prospect of starting afresh with 2017.  There are lots of things I would love to achieve and have lots of plans for 2017.  Looking back at 2016, I realise that most of my dreams remained just that.  Yes I did achieve a lot, but a lot of that was by chance or out of necessity.  This year instead of just dreaming about it I’m going to start setting some goals.  I might not achieve them all, they may change.  Who knows but at least by goal setting I will get some kind of focus as to what I would like to accomplish in 2017.

Goal setting also sounds a lot more positive than making resolutions; been there, done that!  Like many resolutions made on New Years Eve the majority have normally fallen by the wayside in the first couple of weeks of January.

Dreams will always remain dreams unless you set #goals, have a plan to turn them into reality! Click To Tweet

So I suppose I have to start somewhere, here’s what I would like to accomplish for 2017. These are my goals for this year.  I intend to break them down over the months so that they become achievable targets.  By the way the Dishwasher, for those that know me, is okay maybe not a dream but a bit of a sore point!

 

goal setting

What are your goals for 2017?

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