Looking forward...

I'm struggling a little with this new month, new year. While I'm sticking to my two main goals, I'm having a hard time finding a balance with the usual healthy eating, more activity, less stress side of things. Maybe it will settle more when I get back to work full time. In the meantime I thought I'd jump on Amy Liz's bandwagon and describe what I'm looking forward to this year.

Getting back to work!

I know it will be stressful and bring on a new wave of working mum guilt but I am looking forward to getting into a new challenge, taking my career in a different direction and bringing a bit more financial stability to our family. I'm especially looking forward to meeting new people and enjoying conversation with other adults!

My sister's hen do and wedding.

This Summer I'll be heading to England twice for these wonderful events. The first should be a fun, girly weekend and the second is especially exciting as we're taking my mother-in-law with us and I'm excited to show her my home country and get all the family together again.

The kids' birthdays.

While Isabella's incessant talk of her birthday party and the guest list is incredibly annoying right now (she turns four in June), I am looking forward to it. As with Christmas, birthdays with children just seem more magical and both of the kids are a joy to watch as they grow and learn.

Completing some ongoing projects.

I'm really hoping this will be the year I finish my biggest crossstitch yet.

I'm carrying on apace with my crochet course and looking forward to finishing the blanket project.

I'm also really excited to see how the one second every day video turns out. I'm backing up weekly and week one had both of us grinning ear to ear.

5 Pampering Tips for Winter

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Yesterday, I managed to send myself and the bump head over heels down the last couple of steps at work, landing with a bump of the wrong kind.  We spent time with our doctor and at the hospital and luckily baby is fine and it looks like I have just got a nasty sprained ankle.  I have a couple of days rest and a follow up appointment to come and so far have been indulging in a little pampering, which is perfect for this time of year.  I thought I would share some of these ideas with you.

1. Candle lit Bubble Bath

I love my showers and don't take enough baths.  I had read a few warning about hot baths while pregnant but apparently that is only a problem later in the pregnancy and it doesn't have to be too hot to be relaxing.  For optimum experience, make sure there are lots of bubbles and a good book in there with you.  I love Lush bath bombs too.

2. Moisturising Face Mask

Winter really takes it out on our skin.  I normally have oily skin but at this time of year I always find myself reaching for the moisturizers - be it lip balm, face cream, hand cream...  A good moisturizing face mask is a luxury that also really helps and makes me feel refreshed and ready to get out an about again.  I really recommend this one.

3. Pedicure

It seems ridiculous since our feet are covered up most of the time at this time of year, but it feels like walking on air after a foot soak and a slathering of good foot cream.  Personally, I am easily bored by peppermint footcream - this is my personal favourite - I'm a sucker for citrus.  

4. Body Scrub

Don't forget all of that skin in between your face and feet - especially if you are also nursing an expanding baby bump.  I started moisturizing after every shower again around the three month mark but once a week I try to exfoliate as well.  It's made much easier with this staring at me from the bathroom shelf.  I can't get enough of soap and glory.

5. Wrap up with a cup of tea and a good book

Pampering doesn't have to stay in the bathroom.  It doesn't matter what time of year it is, the mind can always use the pampering effects of a good book.  The best thing about winter for me is curling up under a blanket with a book and some good English tea or peppermint tea.  Look out for my book reviews later this week for some tips.