OK, I’m going to have to start with the obvious…how on earth are we half way through 2016 already!!! This year is just zooming by and May in particular just seemed to evaporate into thin air, maybe because we had so much going on. May was a good month for me, mainly because it was filled with so much love and special moments with my favourite people. There’s also some exciting news that means some big changes for our little family, but more on that later.
Right now, we’re taking a short family break in Ireland. Since we’re attending a wedding at the weekend and we’ve never been to Ireland before we decided to make a bit of a holiday out of it. At the moment, we’re in Dublin, before heading south for the weekend to see our close friends get married.
WHAT I GOT UP TO IN MAY
Stourhead is simply stunning!
Earlier in the month, we became members of the National Trust, which has meant we’ve enjoyed some lovely family days out visiting some stunning places in Dorset.
I was supposed to be attending a blogging conference but decided instead to spend a fun-filled weekend in Cardiff with some old friends and their cute children. We had such a terrific time. I definitely made the right choice!
The gorgeous sunny days in May have allowed us to enjoy lots of trips to the beach. I’m incredibly lucky to live right by the sea, such beautiful part of the world.
May has been the month where I’ve been paying close attention to looking after myself by getting back on track with exercise and eating after a funk in April. I feel so much better after spoiling my body with nourishing food and moving my body more.
I’m all about a healthy balance because life would be boring without cake and ice cream! OMG! This salted caramel and peanut butter gelato is probably the best gelato I’ve tried outside of Italy…and I love my gelato!
FAVOURITE OOTD
As part of spoiling myself and practising some self-care, I’ve been updating my wardrobe too. I just adore this nautical style pencil dress that I got from Warehouse. I’ll probably do a wardrobe edit haul on the blog soon as it’s been a while.
FAVOURITE READS FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Why Trying Is More Important Than Succeeding
- 35 Delicious Ways With Quinoa
- How To Avoid Burnout
- 5 Ways To Combat Your Inner Perfectionist
- 5 Ways Exercise Is a Game Changer for Women’s Health
- 20 Mouth Watering Make Ahead Breakfasts For Stress-Free Mornings
- 5 Lessons on Moving Forward Fearlessly
- Learning to Re-Love My Body Post-Pregnancy
FAVOURITE PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH
1. GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER
I love my Neals Yard cleanser and toner, but they’re not so great at removing my makeup. I know it’s not organic or natural like my preferred skincare choices, however, this cleansing water is so gentle on my skin and excellent at removing my industrial mascara. I’m definitely sold!
2. LINDT SALTED CARAMEL DARK CHOCOLATE
Yum! I love anything salted caramel and this chocolate bar from Lindt is one of my favourites. My favourite way to eat it is paired with British strawberries for an evening snack, utterly delicious!
3. RUDE HEALTH COCONUT & CHIA GRANOLA
Recently I’ve preferred to make my own granola because it’s so easy and has less sugar than shop bought versions, but I’ve loved this organic granola from Rude Health with full-fat Greek yoghurt and berries.
MONTHLY GOALS FOR JUNE
- Catch up with my one book a month challenge
- Clear out my wardrobe and recreate my capsule wardrobe
- Sort out my accounts
- Go with the flow more and enjoy life!
- Carry on with my nutritionist course and grow my business
- Switch off from social media for one weekend – now that’s going to be a challenge!
- Do some yoga…it’s been too long!
So, who thought that I was pregnant again? Alas, I would love another little one, but the timing really isn’t right for us now. I’m so proud of my very clever hubby because he’s landed himself a new job! This means relocating all over again in the next couple of months, but it means that we can finally settle for the long-term and finally find our forever home.
We’re moving back up to the East Midlands, my old stomping ground and although I will miss beautiful Dorset, it’s never truly felt like home. I may be over exaggerating, but this move is seriously going to be life changing for us because my family is going to be less that 30 minutes away. Since having Aiden, we’ve never had family that close before and I’m sure all new parents can appreciate it’s wonderful knowing that you have the security blanket of experienced family members nearby. Admittedly, I’m not looking forward to another big move again (I hate moving!), but I know that this is the start of a real adventure for us and quite poignant as this is where our little boy will now grow up and build his own roots.
HOW WAS MAY FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT JUNE?
How exciting to hear you will be close to your family! Do you have any tips on relocating? I’m moving with my husband’s job and could do with advice on the move. I’m excited but nervous about giving up my job!
I know I cannot wait! I hate moving, but just thinking about how close my family is going to be makes it all worthwhile. Relocating is hard, but it doesn’t have to be scary. I actually have a blog post planned in the next few weeks about relocating.
I don’t envy you having to move again, especially away from a place as gorgeous but as Dorset . But having family close by will be such a huge bonus do it will be worth it in the end.
It will definitely be worth it. Dorset is a stunning part of the country, but it will be nice to have my family close by.
That’s exciting about relocating! I know it means lots of work to pack up and move but it sounds like a great opportunity!
I think it will be great in the end, it’s just the actual move that fills me with dread! 🙂
I know, this year is flying by. It’s June already. I like your monthly retrospect. I think it makes you think and appreciate all the fun moments in life a bit more.
So true, they’re really nice to look back on.
Haha, I did think that you might be pregnant again when you mentioned ‘some exciting news’! I can understand it’s not easy for you to move again but if it means better life for you it should be worth it.
Haha! That’s why I thought I should give some context at the end of the post.
I have been loving the cleansing water too – so perfect on my skin!
It’s lovely isn’t it, such a nice find.
It sounds like you had a great month. Congratulations to your husband, hope everything goes well with the relocation! I also started eating healthy again towards the end of May (only a few days ago). Somehow I enjoyed Easter for far too long! 🙂
http://lilinhaangel.com/
Thank you! It’s a very exciting time for us. Ha! I think a lot of us enjoyed an extended Easter.
I am lucky enough to live by the sea too, it’s os nice to walk down to the end of the road and see the sea! You got up to a lot in May. It’s always great for the soul to visit friends.
What a lovely month you have had. I love your photos too and sending you lots of luck with relocating.
Thanks a lot Joanna!
You have my total sympathies for needing to relocate but having family so close really will be wonderful for you! Exciting times indeed, and enjoy Dublin x
Thank you lovely! I’m really looking forward to having my family close by with the little one.
I know moving isn’t particularly fun, but being closer to your family is going to be amazing I’m sure!
I can’t wait for that part, having family close by with a baby is going to be life-changing I’m sure.
Can’t belive how quickly the year has gone by, but congrats on the relocation. Lovely photos as always!
A Girl Called Glasgow
Thank you! Time is flying by.
That’s so great you’re moving closer to your family. I absolutely couldn’t live too far from my family. I’d be lost without them!
Love that striped dress as well!
I can’t wait to be closer to my family again, especially with a little one.
My Fiancé and I just moved to a new city and found the whole process to be so stressful. However, now that we are moved in and settled it’s lovely. Take it one step at a time and keep your moving to do list updated and handy (that saved me!) Best of luck on this new adventure!
Thanks Michelle! I know everything will be fine once we’re all settled.
Good luck for the move and congratulations to you husband on his new job! I can’t believe we’re in June already (or that I’m wearing a coat today!) x
Exciting news on the move – I would love to relocate but sadly its not really possible for us with work and schools. Ireland is one of my favourite places on earth – the Irish know how to do weddings so well!
It was a beautiful wedding and Ireland is indeed a stunning place to visit, loved it!
Wow. May was a busy month. We had a busy may too thinking back.
It was really busy, but fun!
That Stourhead photo is beautiful – what a great shot! And yay for you moving nearer to your family, it will really make such a difference! Good luck with the move and good luck to your hubby with his new job! xx
I can’t wait to move just for that reason, although I’m not looking forward to the move itself if that makes sense.
Exciting busy month for your guys I need that pencil dress in my life, it’s fab.
As for Ireland, congrats on the relocation. Where bouts you staying? I’m in Dublin ????
We actually headed to Dublin and then down to Tinakilly for the wedding. Such a stunning place!
Exciting busy month for your guys I need that pencil dress in my life, it’s fab.
As for Ireland, congrats on the relocation. Where bouts you staying? I’m in Dublin ????
WOW Stourhead is stunning. We have just become members of the National Trust and there is on my list to go to, now I want to go even more!
Stourhead is such a beautiful find! You will love it if you get the chance to visit.