This is all stemming from a recent visit to my doctor who said I’m not doing enough for ‘me.’ It’s certainly made me think about my ways (or funny ways, as Dan would say!).
I’m interested to know what you lovely people do when it comes to looking after ‘you’ ? Do share if you’d like to (this sounds like a very self-absorbed post otherwise!) ♡
Info / Postcards - Quill & Fox / Tray - Marimekko / Book from Happy Home / Cutting Board by Fine Little Day from Knots / Flower - by Cocon from Happy Home.
I am trying to look after myself better as well. Sitting a computer all day is not good, so I am trying to get more exercise in to my day. It does help!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of that soup...yum!
Yes, I think it really does. I always feel so much better if I’ve done some sort of exercise. PLus it encourages you to eat better too :) I love soup!
DeleteIt's not a self-absorbed post ! It's important to take care of oneself, to be well and in the best health and energy to take care of people you love and share beautiful moments with them :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I want to "look after me", I eat better, fruits in smoothie, good vegetables, I do some sport, gym and running, I try to keep smile and find beautiful in everything, I share moment with good friends , I sing in my hairbrush with loud music... LOL
By the way, pics are beautiful, I love the postcards :)
Thank you Mimii. I love your attitude! :)
DeleteI struggle to be good and eat enough fruit too. I'm good with my veg but I just don't seem to eat the fruit I buy. The only way, I find, is to have it with yoghurt for bfast, saying that we're going through a toast patch at the moment! It's easy in the summer when the sun is shining, but really I need to be healthy year round! I love those cards with the little gardens - where are they from?
ReplyDeleteYes, I’m the same - good with veg, but not so with fruit. It’s definitely easier in the summer, The cards are from Quill and Fox - there’s a link to them in the post :)
DeleteI also love the postcards!!! They are great!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with better care of yourself! :-)
Have a happy and healthy day!
Love Lisanne
lisannevandeklift.blogspot.com
Thank you Lisanne :)
DeleteAfter my almost-burnout of this year I'm slowly starting to realise that a person must take little breaks during the day. Such a simple thing but I really had to learn this again. Learn to feel when tension is too high. Learn to just sit and do nothing important at all. And it's working! I'm a little more relaxed nowadays!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a very good idea - glad it’s working for you. I should try and do more of that. I’m too quick to come to the computer when I get a minute!
DeleteSo many lovely things in your home... I'm so happy the pink kiwi plate will soon be living there with your family.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry it's not a self-absorbed post at all!
To answer your questions "To look after me" I have a daily routine since I'm really young, making exercices every morning for twenty minutes (used to go to Dance school which brought me that habit when I was only 12), when I don't do it I feel like I'm not really awake or didn't shower something like that. I feel really lucky to have acquired that habit when I was a child - teenager.
But I should definitely eat more fruits, a bit like you I have this moments "Now I will eat super lots of fruits" and go down to the bio shops buying a various ones, eating a lot for a week or so and than I eat again less of them...
Best wishes,
Thank you Johanna - I can’t wait to receive it ;)
DeleteWell done for having such a good routine :) I agree that it really helps to put things in place from a young age. I used to do a lot of sports when I was young - athletics mainly, so it did give me a good attitude to exercise. I think having my second child is what’s curbed it somewhat!
love this post... I try to keep smiling, it's the best remedy!!! G.
ReplyDeleteYes! Smiling really does help :)
DeleteI see a naturopath who gives me a concoction of herbal tonics and encourages me to eat a certain way (less sugar, more grains, always in-season fruit & veg). Would you believe me if I said I rarely feel tired? And when I do it's usually because I have lapsed in taking my tonic and sticking to a healthy diet. I'll admit that my naturopath is expensive but it's the best money I've ever spent - if I'm energetic and healthy I'm not tired and grumpy - hence the whole family wins!
ReplyDeleteThose garden cards - LOVE them x
That’s great Jodi. I’m glad it keeps you in good health and it’s very inspiring to hear. I used to see a herbalist a few years back and it did really help. x
DeleteI'm so bad with water too & drink way too much tea!! Tried swapping to green tea but can't quite give up good strong cups of earl grey with milk ...but there's water in tea right?!? :)
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the kids/work juggle to find enough time to fit anything in for 'me'... but started running recently (well at the moment still walking fast with a bit of running!) and I love it, especially as it's so quick, only 30 mins is enough. Loud music, fresh air - it really clears my head. I downloaded a 'get running' app to get me started.
Love your pics, those plums look amazing in that bowl & LOVE the terrarium postcards
Rachel, I used to drink loads of green tea, but can’t seem to take it these days - I’m just a normal tea girl! Well done with the running/fast walking! Thank you for your lovely comment x
DeleteMy goodness! I thought I was the only one living on toast :) I have two sons, 4 and 1, and feeding them is my top priority. I need a gluten and dairy free diet myself (since I was 4), so I often find myself cooking only for the men in our household. I'm constantly trying to get rid of this bad habit, but I always steer towards what is easy and fast.
ReplyDeleteLove your products btw, you're a true inspiration :)
http://sirpansirkus.blogspot.com/
Hi Sirpa - thank you for your lovely comment. Hehe, no you’re not alone with the toast - although I have been so much better this week and really do feel brighter. I know exactly what you mean though, I make sure my children are getting their five a day, but when it comes to me, I really neglect myself! I hope things will improve for you too :)
DeleteFirst of all beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI have just done the same, and since the new year I have tried to give myself more time for me. It's so easy not to when you have children, & this is the first time since having my 2 I have given myself a little more thought, and I am feeling so much better for it. I think my family are all feeling better for it too! I have been eating better, drinking more water, really enjoying swapping some cups of normal tea to green tea, & getting back to the gym.
I look and feel so much better for it, & it has given me a renewed energy for life! Although have to say I have a horrid cold this week so all good plans have gone out the window, but I can't believe how much I miss it and am looking forward to getting back on track next week!
Thank you Ruth! And well done!! That is exactly how I want to be. I hope your cold goes away quickly so you can get back on track. Thanks for your words :)
Deletecome to pilates with me when i go back in september. it's amazing! x
ReplyDeleteI might just do that! x
DeleteI wish I could reach into my screen and take out that soup!
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to look after myself better, too, but I find it so hard. Especially when it comes to drinking water. I drink far too many fizzy drinks and during the day time I tend to go for crisps and toast like you do.
You've inspired me to have soup for lunch instead!
Hello, I hope you had some soup for lunch! Yes, I do find drinking water a challenge, but I’m finding the more I force myself to drink, the more I seem to want/need it - try it!
DeleteI think you are doing absolutely the right thing! It is so hard being with small people sometimes. We are NEVER off duty and the responsibility takes its toll. You must be exhausted. Prolonged lack of sleep makes you feel terrible so you must be kind to yourself! Lots of treats ! X
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you very much ( I am pretty tired after 2.5 years of no sleep!) This new way of life is really helping though. I wasn’t helping myself before, so I hope I can keep this up. It’s certainly a round the clock job, this mothering lark isn’t it!
DeleteThese things are very, very lovely! Good choices :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Irene :)
DeleteHi Kerry, sometimes it's not so easy. I am also trying my best this month. I joined "healthy may" -a nice idea found in another blog where we try to set few goals for ourselves about an healthier life style and each sunday we blog about how it is going. It might be a nice way to be more inspired about healthier food and more exercise and fun to share. Check the posts called "healthy may" on my blog to find out more if you wish and join in :-)
ReplyDeleteSee you there maybe :-)
Hello - yes, I saw on Here Comes The Sun about Healthy May. It’s a fab idea, and well done for getting involved. Maybe I should try something like this. Thank you :)
DeleteLove your lovely things, that flower is beautiful and you are doing a great thing, I need to do the same, my doctor told me to eat better, I am a slim person but my cholesterol is not so good , so I need to take care of myself, sometimes is hard, with a husband, 6 year old son, two dogs, my blog, : ) , sometimes I forget about me, so good luck and enjoy your fruit!, have a lovely day, big hug!.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard isn’t it. We tend to neglect ourselves and make sure our loved ones are ok and healthy! This must change though - I hope you’ll be eating more fruit too!
DeleteWe get a veg box delivered everyweek...and thats the best thing ive done for me in a long time. its completely change my/our attitude to food, suddenly we're cooking proper meals...and enjoying it! I also steal my friends dog three times a week and take him for a huuuuge walk. and ive recently started having 'selfish thursdays' which generally involve me buying a magazine and a coffee...by myself, i then proceed to while away a few hours with just me and the magazine...not especially healthy (given the caffine) but it helps my brain space!!
ReplyDeleteYes, veg boxes are great. I used to get them years ago. We’re actually very good with veg, and meal times. It’s just my during the day habits really. Good to hear they have had such a positive effect on your eating habits. Loving Selfish Thursday!!
DeleteI love those postcards :)
ReplyDeleteTea counts as water, it's quite good for you. Earl Grey is great, it's the bergamot which helps to boost metabolism and cut down cholesterol apparently. But, like you, I feel like I should be drinking more plain water, except it never feels particularly refreshing, maybe with a slice of lemon or lime.
I don't get enough 'me' time, I'm a carer for my mum and I find I take the time to make sure she drinks plenty of water, gets fruit, eats right and then find I'm eating toast or a bagel.
I guess my 'me' time is walking my dog and rearranging stuff in my house, I get satisfaction moving bits and pieces round and displaying things, as well as taking the time to draw, etc because you can pick up a pen at any time. Trying to get myself back into taking photos too.
Oh and of course reading blogs, I like to start my own one but I'm not very good at committing to things :)
Thank you Elia - I hope you get to start a blog one day. It sounds like you have a a lot on your plate. I know just how it feels to care for those around and then when it comes to you, just reaching for toast, or whatever’s easier/quicker - just to fuel up really!
DeleteIt’s good you find time to walk and draw. I always enjoy having a change around at home too. And of course blogs - now where would I be without them?! :)
the cards are wonderful
ReplyDeletemake sure you take it easy and try to find some MEtime
Thank you Kay - I will try :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehehe, I think we have very similar taste... some things I have on my wish list for ages... like Kulkue Marimekko tray... I love everything! :)
ReplyDeleteWell about taking care of myself... I like to read a lot (and now-days I have to make time to do it) ... and I also love to relax in bubblebath (although in this apartment we don't have a bathtub and I actually miss it)... :) Preparing a cup of tea and sipping it slowly is also nice and I try to think of this moments as a moment for myself...
Hi Ana - yes, I think we probably do. I was so pleased to find that tray actually, as I don’t see much of that series around these days. I hope you get one too :) good to hear you make time for yourself to read - shame you don’t get your bubblebaths anymore though! I love to slowly sip a cup of tea too. Just need to cut down (which i have done this week). At least it makes you appreciate it more!
DeleteI'm pretty rubbish at lunch, too, but try to make it somewhat interesting - avocado with melted goats cheese, sea salt on toasted sourdough, for example, or things with pulses like soup or tuna salad + cannellini beans (I make enough for a few days.) Yum. I recently signed up to a Riverford box + highly recommend it. I'm always throwing fruit out but I'm making a real effort. They have a fruit box too. Re: exercise - I have to admit I just need to be rich + afford a personal trainer. I recently bought a voucher on Groupon for 10 Fitness First sessions for £10 - and I let it expire, even though the gym is less than 5 minutes walk from my flat. I'd like to go to Pilates, too - and there is a Pilates studio literally 1 minute away from home - but I can't bring myself to pay £15 per session... I reckon I walk up to 5 miles most days - but think I'm not very fit - and I'm exhausted all the time - so a lot to improve! Good luck + love the terrarium pics too.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynne. i like the sound of your lunches. That’s the kind of things my husband always makes himself for work. I don’t know why I don’t just do the same, darn it! The riverford boxes are great. We’re very good with vegetables and meal times here, it’s just my daytime habits really! But they have really improved this week and I’m determined to stick at it! I know what you mean about the gym etc - it’s a big effort (no matter how close you live!). I hope you can find something you enjoy so you’re not as tired x
DeleteLovely seeing all these beautiful things :) I've had a similar moment recently where I realised I had to get fitter... strangely, I've taken up running! (I always thought runners were MAD people!) so I have no idea why but I'm addicted to it now... worse, I LOVE it! I wake up at 5.30am every morning with no alarm clock and almost spring out of bed to go running. I plead insanity, but here to let you know that it does happen ;) Good luck with your endeavours Kerry! Kx
ReplyDeleteThank you Kylie! Wow, go you! What an inspiration! I used to be rather addicted to exercise once, so I do know that feeling - I hope I can get something of it back! Keep at it :) x
DeleteNot self absorbed at all - it's really good to talk about these things, it helps you to take action.
ReplyDeleteI am very similar to you in that I eat really well at dinner but during the day I just eat whatever is easy or lying around. Often bread or sugary things. I think it's the carbs/sugars that create dramatic highs and lows in your energy throughout the day. Try introducing a lot more protein snacks (boiled eggs, tofu, tinned tuna/salmon etc) I find when I eat a lot less sugar (including fruit, sorry!) and eat small regular protein based snacks my energy levels are so much more consistent.
I was doing so well at the end of last year but have unfortunately fallen off the bandwagon and am trying to get back on board.
Are you still breastfeeding? It drains so much from you, especially if you're not putting the good stuff back in. I find after feeding Lalie I am wiped because there's no fuel in the tank to start with!
Sorry about the long comment! I hope you find 'you' again soon! x
Ah, thanks Claire, yes I have been just the same (but much better this week) so I’m determined to keep this up! I think I do lack in protein actually, so that’s good advice, thanks. It is so easy to fall off the bandwagon though, I know - especially when you’re tired and have the demands of a small person upon you.
DeleteYes, I am still breastfeeding (very frequently still), so I think that is what drains me - and I haven’t been good at looking after myself or taking this into account. Don’t be sorry for your comment - i so appreciate your words, thank you. I hope you can get back into it again soon too x
lovely details of your home!
ReplyDeleteand i know what you mean about trying to get healthier. it often seems that there is no time to take care of oneself.
Thank you Elisabelle. Time is very much the issue, I agree! Let’s hope we can all find some more time to look after ourselves :)
DeleteThe only way I can avoid the too-much-toast-in-the day syndrome is to fling together a soupy concoction whose very essence horrifies my husband. Tin of tomato and chick peas or mixed beans and stock and garlic with a WHOLE BAG of green things (kale gets extra ticks) wilted in at the end with lots of salt and pepper and chilli flakes. I whizz some of it and mix with the still chunky chickpeas. You may also be appalled but it fills me, no-one fights for the leftovers and it means I eat LOTS OF GREENS. And therefore feel utterly pleased with myself. Not easy, looking after oneself is it?
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, no that sounds delicious to me. My husband often whizzes up things like this - I’m just a bit rubbish during the week. When he has a day off (and at dinner times), I eat really well! Looking after oneself is tricky, I agree! i can’t seem to do it very well when my husband’s not around! But things are changing!! Thank you for your comment :)
DeleteI do eat a lot of fruits and I try to drink more water; also I try to eat something in the mornings, even I'm busy, sometimes a sandwich or a salad, and I started to spend less time on line.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great, well done. I think the less time online bit is a very good thing too. It can become an unhealthy obsession - and unnecessary too.
DeleteIf you fancy some death-cercise, I have a treadmill and cross trainer in the house you're welcome to use/abuse.
ReplyDeleteI run every morning and carry around a 1.5L bottle of water and force myself to empty it by dinner, then drink more. Gurgle. I'm not naturally slim. At all. So it takes work to not be a total pillow. Boooo.
Ha, well maybe we should start our own little gym club!! Well done for getting out and running everyday - wowsers, impressive and the 1.5L too!
DeleteOh, I know exactly how you feel! I was really good at taking care of myself a couple of months ago - drinking lots of water, eating lots of organic veg and good protein/fats during the day, no refined sugar etc, but I've fallen off the bandwagon a bit and am struggling to get back on. It usually takes me a couple of weeks to kick the bad habits and then I'm back to feeling right again! But at the moment I am feeling super tired and sluggish :( I find I have so much more energy if I eat regular snacks/meals during the day and not let myself get hungry, especially as I'm still breastfeeding Everly often. I've also vowed to start doing yoga again once a week, as I found it really relaxing as well as being a gentle form of exercise. Good luck and I hope you are feeling more sprightly soon! x
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of it can be down to the weather - maybe the change of seasons for you has got you craving more comforting foods - I know I do in the autumn/winter. I’m still breastfeeding too, so I haven’t been helping myself really. However, this last week has been much better, so there is hope! I hope you’re feeling more sprightly soon too - and you get back into your yoga again. I’d love to try yoga - never done it before. Thanks for your lovely comment - have a good week x
DeleteAt the minute I have a special event that I'm working towards, so I'm trying to eat as much fruit as possible and I'm doing at least half an hour of exercise everyday (it is just on the wii but it really makes you sweat).
ReplyDeleteGood Luck, I hope you start to feel more lively and fitter soon.
New Follower
xox
Hi Beth - welcome here! Thank you for following :) Well done for all the exercise and healthy eating you’re doing. A lot of people swear by wii fitness! We don’t have one, so the gym it will be. Have a great week and enjoy the special event x
Deleteit is so important to have 'me' time,everyone needs it-probably more important when you have a family-you need to be healthy and happy so that you can give your all when you are with others. my thing for me is rather expensive yoga classes and runs with my dear friend debbie-that is her time too away from her children, for her, when we gossip and exercise...then drink coffee and eat pastries! ha!
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, thanks for your comment. You’re right, it is so important to look after yourself, especially when you have a family. The yoga and running sound great - and so nice to run with a friend too, so it becomes a fun social thing as well as exercise - win all round! And it means you can treat yourself to coffee and pastries!!
DeleteI love sleeping and worst about kids is that they don´t understand it ; ) Take care Kerry.
ReplyDeleteVery true Minna - although at 11, Maisie would sleep for half the day if I let her - so there is hop you’ll get some lie ins in a few years!! Have a good week :)
DeleteI know what you mean. I hate cooking for myself too, would just rather have a bowl of yogurt and some crackers. Now days, I'm making a concerted effort to eat better and have started eating the same lunch as my daughter, so it's good wholesome food. As much as I love to eat good food, when I'm on my own, it's just a bother. And like you, I've always been slim and even thin, but after baby, even though the weight is gone, I just don't feel fit anymore. No energy, no pep, just tiredness. Slim doesn't equal fit at all, and I really need to get on board with doing some exercise.
ReplyDeleteps: whenever I did my Surya Namaskar's in front of my daughter, she would just laugh at me!
Thank you for your comment Shalini - you sound a lot like me :) Good to hear you’re making more effort too. It’s so easy to think about your family, but then forget yourself and do what’s quick/easy/lazy!! I lost my baby weight very quickly, so am lucky in that sense too, but like you say, if you’re unfit, it’s not good! Have a good week :)
DeleteThank you :) Healthy and happy - that’s the way to be. I think as long as you have a good balance diet, there’s plenty of room for cake. I could never give up cake!
ReplyDeleteI'm going through a similar thing at the moment. I too am naturally slim, but over the last few year I've gotten a little squidgy (I blame the sit-down job). I walk to work, but have been trying to sqeeze in little bits of extra exercise when I can. I'm hoping to see some results soon! I've also been pretty good at saying "no" to biscuits at work, but I'm not sure how long this is going to last!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois - great that you’ve been trying to fit some exercise into your day. I always found it hard to say no to biscuits at work - sometimes they’re what keep you going in the workplace!! Thanks for you comment :)
DeleteI have to start the day with a coffee from the local deli, we are lucky enough to have great one at the end of the street. I take my little one along and he loves it too. It's something I like to fit into my day every day for me and sets me up for whatever lies ahead. Though reading these comments I should think about swapping to green tea occasionally. Also allowing myself an hour of blogging or such after little ones bedtime is also for me.....
ReplyDeleteOooh, that sounds like a lovely way to start the day. And so nice that your little one enjoys and shares that morning routine with you too. Yes, those precious moments when they're asleep...that's when I'm at the computer too! :)
DeleteBeautiful pics as always :) On the looking after yourself... I'm not great at it really, way too much time hunched over a laptop and being a stress bunny. However, hot yoga is good if you have one near you (my sis highly recommends yoga haven http://yogahaven.co.uk/london/)... and just getting out for a walk and a bit of breathing time. Tonight to destress, my husband is taking me to the park to play frisbee so that might help too. xx
ReplyDelete