10 Things - 10 Little Things You Can Do To Have A Little Holiday At Home

We are in week one of term here. Sigh. Backed to packed lunches, school uniforms and the morning rush. Sigh. I didn't get a break in the holidays. I know, I know, I spent some time at the beach and Mr Cool was around, but between a baby with burns, a tonsillectomy and an ear-infection - it was all a bit intense.


You may remember that last week I wrote a list of '10 Things I Really Need To Get Done This Week'. Sigh. I got two of the things done. I started with gusto, but then realised I was just too tired. The holidays were not restful, I wasn't able to sleep properly, it was pretty full on, I needed a break. So.... I took a break. I rested. I had to. If I didn't, I knew I would get sick. 


So, for all of you out there who may not have had the holidays you hoped to have, or if you need a little pick-me-up, or if you simply need to take some me time here is this week's list:

10 Little Things You Can Do To Have A Little Holiday At Home

1. Read a novel

• read whenever you can - in the middle of the day, when the urge to vacuum hits ... anytime!
• Good books to read would be: 
• Anything by Alexander McCall Smith - I am reading 'The Miracle at Speedy Motors'
• One of the Janet Evanovich books - I have just read 'One for the Money'
• Anything by Monica McInerney - love 'The Alphabet Sisters'

2. Sit in the sun

• Remember the sunscreen
• Wear a big hat
• Drink something cool in a glass - with an umbrella

3. Ask friends out for coffee

• Sometimes in normal weeks this is too much of an extravagance. But, on a little holiday, it is essential!
• Cake is good for the soul, so is good company!

4. Write a to do list...

• Then tear it into pieces!
• Housework is very patient, it will wait until you are feeling more chipper. 

5. Walk in a garden

• If your own is gross - like mine - find a nice one somewhere! 
• Enjoy being outside and in the fresh air, very important things on a holiday.

6. Paint your toenails

• Nothing says, 'I have had a vacation' like well manicured nails!
• Do it yourself:
• soak your feet
• scrub off old skin
• push back cuticles
• smear with a lovely thick moisturiser and let that soak in (see step 1)
• paint nails a lovely red
• do a second coat (see step 2)

7. Do something cultural

• There are art galleries, museums, libraries and historic buildings everywhere. Go check one out. Bring a camera, a water bottle, and do some exploring.

8.  Buy something new to wear

• It doesn't have to cost much, but a new top or beads or scarf can lift an outfit and make you feel so hip.
• This will involve a shopping trip - find some funky markets or drive to some funky shops you don't normally go to.

9. Listen

• Discover some new music. Try...
• Bloom - by the Paperkites
• The Call - by Regina Spectra
• Something in the Water - by Brooke Fraser

10. Make an occasion out of everything

• Make tea in a pot and enjoy it on a porch chair
• Put your lunch onto your prettiest plate, give yourself a napkin and a tall icy drink
• Read a magazine propped up against pillows on your bed in the middle of the day
• Watch a movie in the afternoon
• Have a nap on clean sheets with the windows wide open 
• Buy yourself some fresh flowers

I have learnt that even half an hour of time when I tell myself it is 'holiday' time has helped me to unwind. This has been really nice, because I don't usually let myself unwind. I am wound pretty tight most of the time.

Last week was the start of my holiday and I will take another week this week to rest and re-group. I am looking forward to it.

Happy girls are the prettiest. 

Audrey Hepburn