Getting Older and How To Keep Young & Healthy

Last week I turned 33 and once I had snapped out of my mini meltdown of getting older and not being able to control this (and the not so fine lines/wrinkles that keep appearing) I decided to change my outlook and embrace ageing in style. Here are my top tips for a healthy mind and body that I'm going to stick to going forward..

1/ Give yourself some time in your day to relax - have a bath, meditate for 10 minutes, read a chapter of your book, put a face mask on, do your nails, watch some trashy tv - anything that relaxes and gives you a bit of precious time out.

2/ Eat a good breakfast every morning. This isn't hard for me as I LOVE breakfast but if you can make time in the morning for some eggs or porridge it really will give you that much needed boost everyone needs on a morning. Failing that make a smoothie or take some fruit if you're heading out early. 

3/ Exercise. Annoying as it is if we want to look and feel good we need to work out regularly - I aim for 3 x 30 minute gym sessions (I follow Chloe Madeleys fitness plan) and 2 x Pilates classes a week and then walking the dog daily. There are weeks when I can't be bothered or run out of time but when I do stick to this routine I instantly feel happier, stronger and have more energy. Less thinking about it, just do it! 

4/ Get out in the garden. Spring is coming (thank god!) and our garden is currently looking like a jungle of weeds. There's something so satisfying about being out in the fresh air getting your hands dirty and then seeing the results of your hard work when the flowers or veggie patch starts growing.

5/ Sleep! Who doesn't love a good nights  sleep? When you have a baby the recommended 8 hours a night goes out the window but now Max is sleeping through I annoyingly don't need as much sleep as I used to..however I could do with switching my phone off earlier and trying to go to sleep before midnight as sleep is one of the best things for your body. Night night..

6/ Drink water..lots of it. I used to drink so much water when I worked in an office-probably just so I could have a gossip at the water machine-but since having Max it's more tea and coffee so I'm trying really hard to drink 8 glasses a day..which is also good for reducing snacking as downing a glass of water every hour is pretty filling! Water is amazing for your skin, flushes any toxins out and keeps your body nice and hydrated. Drink up! 

7/ Smile :-) This is bittersweet because smiling probably increases wrinkles but nothing beats a friendly face and I'd rather have a happy face than a smooth one (did I just say that..) There are days when we can't always smile and quite frankly don't want to but if we can try to find the positives, no matter how small, I reckon we will all be happier, healthier and look a lot younger!

What keeps you young and healthy? 

Sarah ❤️

Center Parcs Top Tips

So a couple of weeks ago we went to Center Parcs-the new one at Woburn and had a fab time! It was our first time going to Center Parcs and I can see why families love going there for their annual holiday. Surrounded by lovely scenery, woodland walks and plenty of activities to keep the children entertained (not to mention tire them out!) it was so lovely watching Max have fun with us all and I actually got to sit and finish a book which is a rare treat!

I've put together a few handy tips if you are heading to Center Parcs this year so I hope they help and enjoy your holiday! 

1/ Have a look at the activities you can do online and book any you are keen on as if you leave it until you arrive (like we did) the chances are they will be fully booked. You can book up to 6 months in advance

2/ Bring your bikes-there are loads of fab cycle routes

3/ Remember your swimwear and towels for swimming (the accommodation do provide towels but not extra ones for swimming) as the swimming pool is a major feature of Center Parcs with lazy rivers, huge slides (I'm a scaredy cat but I did give them a go and they were a lot of fun!) and wave machines

4/ Eating out is nice a couple of times during your stay but can be pretty pricey so do a food shop before you arrive and take it in turns to cook dinner or bring a couple of pre-cooked meals so you can just reheat and relax 

5/ Feeding the ducks was one of Max's favourite things to do and there are plenty of them that inhabit Center Parcs so rather than giving them bread which actually isn't good on their stomachs take some bird seed, sweet corn or a few porridge oats for their daily snack 

6/ Take warm clothes and comfy footwear-it's lovely getting out in the fresh air but if you're cold and in heels you won't enjoy it so layer up and pop some wellies on

7/ You can choose the location of your lodge for a small charge-we got lucky and ended up being directly opposite the swimming pool but the site is huge and can be a real trek if you're heading to the pool or playground multiple times a day so it may be worth requesting a lodge close to where you're going to be most-if not then all the walking will keep you fit!

8/ Register your car details and group names online prior to arrival to ensure a quick check in-the kids will thank you!

9/ If you have requested a cot they are comfortable but they are slimline so if your baby likes to move about (Max is a real wriggler) then perhaps consider bringing your travel cot that they are used to and don't forget cot sheets and their cot comforters - teddies, blankies, Ewan Dream Sheep etc

10/ Check out time from the lodge is 10am so it's a good idea to pack everything up the night before so it leaves your final morning stress free and you can relax before heading home

http://m.centerparcs.co.uk/

Sarah xx