After a stressful few weeks at work, top of my list was relaxing. Limited screen time, less electronic devices buzzing incessantly at me to action something, and plenty of fresh air. I certainly managed that last weekend!
My dad’s 50th, a hired cottage sleeping 10, family friends and dogs, it wasn’t as relaxing as I had planned but I certainly felt rejuvenated. Days started with helping my mom cook massive fry-ups and debating where to spend the day. The majority of the weekend was taken up with trying to wear out children and dogs. Basking in the sun on Saturday. Discovering that 18 miles on a bike (bought when I was 8!) stuck in fourth gear is impossible (my bottom remains bruised). Sheltering from the cold with on the Sunday. Giant bowls of chilli and tortilla chips. Sending the men outside to BBQ, ferrying food through windows so we could eat without shivering. Sunday roasts. Practicing first aid when play-fighting meant eye brows hit sideboards (it’ll be a lovely scar). Hide and seek in the huge hired house. Board games, films, plenty of baked goods. A pretty perfect weekend.
Apart from being chased by cows, and trying to stay standing as my dog hurls himself to the end of his lead after sheep (the far end of the field I hasten to add, I wouldn’t risk walking him close to sheep!).
Diet ruined, plenty of baked goods were consumed. A customised birthday cake from M&S was as delicious as it was huge, despite the disturbing green icing. I made some delicious Bounty Flapjack (recipe to come soon), Dad whipped up Peanut Butter Brownies (at 6am…the smell was a killer waking up!), and W made an amazing Malteaser Tiffin that I’m slowly trying to get the recipe for!
Being fortunate with the weather on Saturday, I spent the day moaning about being too warm in tights and shorts. The sudden cold snap on the Sunday meant I was hugely grateful for my new
Barbour Jacket from
Repertoire Fashion. It’s actually a men’s jacket, as I find they fit me better (I don’t have to size up and they cover my bottom adequately). I’ve loved browsing the site as they have some great bargains, though sizes are limited so if you see something I’d snap it up pretty quickly!
I picked up a standard Barbour Heritage* in navy, though I’m hugely craving the Merlot Red color now too. It’s perfect, warm and cosy, protective from the wind, yet it allows me to scramble up/down hills and really get a pace on whilst walking. I’ve always assumed you were just paying for the brand, but the jacket just screams quality. I’m not sure I’ll ever buy a different branded dog-walking jacket again! Just excuse the not-so sensible shoes, my Joules wellies have cracked and I’m yet to find any suitable for my wide-calves…
The most wonderful weekend, quality time with family and friends, delicious food, and succeeding in wearing out the dog. I rediscovered how stunning the countryside is around Leicestershire and Rutland, remembered how I love using footpaths as opposed to more tourist-y country parks, and I’m itching to pick up an updated OS map (the one I use is from the nineties!). Now if only I could have another weekend to recover!
What have you been up to with your weekends lately?
