Getting ready for a new year 2024

Hello! So here we are 5 hours left and soon it will be a new year, 2024, and I feel positive for once. I feel new opportunities arising, and that it will be a good one. I will be getting my son ready to go back to school, got to look at Secondary schools, see if Henry is doing swimming lessons at school, and not saying too much at the moment, until I get stuff done in aid of it, but working outside. 

I have wanting to learn more about Childcare and Healthcare, and so feel that is about to happen. 

Today finishing 2023 we went to the Westfields Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush, and went to a Cat Cafe Called Java Whiskers, because my son loves cats, and thanks to my mum he got the chance to see some, play and stroke them and was really sweet. 

Then we had a lovely meal of picky food, and in my Pj's, and getting ready to go downstairs, to watch Jools Holland, as Rod Stewart is on it, and I watch it every year. I do feel tired, but don't want to miss the celebration, and one year would visit London, but not this year and wanted a quiet one. 

Check out my Instagram to see a picture I took, https://www.instagram.com/typicallondongal/?hl=en and last night we went to a Pantomime, Robin Hood, starring Anton Du Beck and Paul Chuckle, from the Chuckle Brothers and was really good. It was at The Victoria Theatre in Woking, and went to one last year at the same place, and they do have some good shows on there, so check it out. https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb 

So felt we had a perfect Christmas, one that was relaxing and peaceful. So lets all get ready and Happy New year.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Winding down after Christmas

So I am back in Wimbledon and my son is in bed, and I will be joining him soon, because we have been up so early, but wanted to get this blog out, and not let the side down, and staying up in case my son needs the toilet before I go to bed, and also want to watch a live and because I don't have to get up early, going to stay up for a bit, and have a bit of Me Time. 

In my opinion you need that time, because burn out is not good and can affect concentration, what we eat and just stay in bed all day. 

There was a time I did this, but I found that I would feel low, and had no drive to do anything, and then would feel low because it triggered negative emotions. 

Yes everyone is different, and one of nieces likes to be in her pajamas at the weekends, and that is up to her, and if helps to unwind from the week, why not, its all depending on how it makes you feel and if it benefits or not. 

Earlier my son and I went for a walk to hunt for the local cats we know, but didn't see any, but was good to be out and enjoy watching the world go by and watched the squirrels. 

I took some pictures and it was good to be out, it wasn't freezing, but very windy and there were others in the park we went to, and then chilled, had a lovely dinner and you have got to relax and recharge, to be ready for the next night and day ahead. 

Tomorrow we are off to see a Pantomime and yearly tradition, so looking forward to that, in the morning we may go for a walk, and play in the playground where we live and take it easy. 

Christmas takes it out of me, remembering the gifts, decor, food and entertainment. 

So going to take it easy. So bid you a good night and I will be back on this blog on Sunday, as it is new years eve. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

Having a good bedtime routine.

So, what did the day bring to me, it being very windy and in parts cold? Well my son got his hair cut with his dad. I was going to mooch around the shops but my son wanted to come with me, rather than getting his haircut so went with him to the barbers and so whilst getting his hair cut sneaked out, and went onto a charity shop, but the urge to look around the shops, that was feeling excited about, disappeared. So we went for a coffee, after my son and his dad, got their haircuts and looked in H&M and then went back home, and worked on my book, watched some TV and had a nice bath and now writing this blog on the sofa, and going to chill. 

I read an email by Mel Robbins, and she talked about doing nothing, and so that is what I am going to do, and chill until it is time for bed.

It is good to have routine, and it should include rest. I did walk on treadmill, whilst watching a live video on Youtube, but now it is evening want to relax, and be recharged ready for tomorrow. 

Having a bath always makes me feel relaxed, along with reading and watching a bit of TV, and want to watch Call the midwife, Christmas special along with watching a bit of Youtube. 

My son wants cuddles so I hope you have had a good day and bid you goodnight and you have to prioritize and have self care added in so you can settle the mind and switch off. I have an over active mind so what I consume is important before bed and give yourself alone time and do what you want to do too.

So see you tomorrow.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

Walking up in London, why I enjoy it.

Wow what a day. We, my son, husband and I walked from London Waterloo to Battersea today, as my son wants to walk from London Waterloo to Epsom, because he loves trains and wants to walk by or through the different train stations, and so doing it in bits. I love that he likes to walk, but with the rain and wind I did struggle but is the feelings that I get afterwards that makes me want to walk, because it is a free kind of Cardio exercise and bits, being in the gym at times. Not knocking gyms, because it was how I got into to exercise and miss the gym environment so going to be training in a gym again, as part of my exercise routine. 

Albert Bridge London when we drove through check out my Instagram of my photo for today: 

https://www.instagram.com/typicallondongal/?hl=en

Walking helps my mind be creative, and going to continue going for walks because I want to walk and visit different places, and love my sons and I walk we do on Sunday mornings, and it is by the River Wandle and listening to the birds, we often take a trip to Colliers Wood and going for a coffee and pop into Sainsbury's and then walk back. 

So today was good, and we walked along the river and it was quiet, and did film, so a vlog will be coming of our walk today and so if you subscribe to my vlogging channel you will be notified once it goes up, checkout my Youtube channel: Typical London Gal

I am tired, as we been up early, around 5am, as my son wakes up always really early and good to work off energy that helps me sleep and then be ready for another day. 

So, going to end blog here and will be blogging on this site again tomorrow and so see you then.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Life as a mum

At the moment my son is going to work on his Laptop, and is in the mode of copying me on my Laptop, and gives me a mouse, that I was using for my previous Laptop, but now have a new one! Lucky me, and hands me my Filofax, as I often will use when on my Laptop, and planning. 

Kids are funny, check out my blog, The Strangest things kids will do, and so we are on the sofa with our laptops, and makes me appreciate these times when he enjoys doing what I do, as time goes fast, especially when you have kids. It is also important for our kids to do their own thing, and discover life on their own. 

My son loves watching videos of trains and knows all the different routes of the trains and loves to personate, when walking that he is a train. So thanks Thomas the Tank Engine. As he believes that they talk and gets annoyed when he doesn't hear the recordings on the train, like "Mind the Gap between the train and the platform", and when he hears the message of the different stations, and gets annoyed when the go fast. Yet wants to go on a fast train. 

What does your kids like? Do they also personate? Please leave a comment below. 

Today we went for a coffee, as of course nothing was open yesterday, being Christmas day, and then visited TKMaxx and bought a few bits, which I have vlogged (video coming soon) and uploaded one today. Check it out: https://youtu.be/7iaZzlv1zgg

I now, thankfully, have a new laptop, thanks to my mum, and can upload and share weekly vlogs, and not have to break them up. 

So put a few weeks together to catch up, and so will be upload my Christmas 2023 in the next vlogs or two. 

I am now going to close my laptop and tomorrow we, my son and husband I will be walking, a long distance walk, and so will blog afterwards and check out my Instagram, as I have posted bits and please check it out, as post regularly, sharing part of my life: https://youtu.be/7iaZzlv1zgg

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Celebrating Christmas watching films

So it is Christmas day and today has gone so fast and was watching Wizard of Oz. I love old films, and takes me back to my childhood, as I would watch it all of the time. Calamity Jane was another old film I loved, and if there was ever a chance to be in a musical and play a part, it would be to play Calamity Jane. 

Doris Day and Judy Garland were my icons, because they could sing, dance and was effortlessly beautiful. The amount of times I dreamed to be them and imagine myself imitating them, and loved the clothes they wore. 

When it comes to films you can't beat the classics, and now many of them are now musicals, in theatres, and came originally from books. 

Growing up in the 80's there were some good films. I love the Superman films, with Christopher Reeves, who is sadly no longer with us, and Gene Hackman who I thought was a brilliant as Lex Luther, and do have the entire collection some where, and hoping that these will be on, still in the Festive season, and before it ends. 

The Ghost Busters, Three men and the little baby, Dirty Dancing and the films that Madonna had done, Who's that girl and Desperately Seeking Susan. Many singers did films, and the one film I struggle watching is Water Ship down. Rocky 2 I cried, along with Buff the magic dragon. 

Do you remember those. Of course I did watch the die hard films, along with Lethal Weapon and Batman films, and most recently loved the Justice League films and the magnificent Seven. 

Harry Potter, were amazing, as they were so detailed and got as close they could to each book the best they could, who produced and directed the films, with the special effects and my son's favourite films are The Grinch who stole Christmas and Polar Express. 

So going to continue enjoying Christmas day, and I will be blogging again tomorrow, and hope you had a lovely Christmas day and sending all my love to you all.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X    

Its good to visit places local and non local

One day to go and got everything and now chilling. I like to take it easy on Christmas Eve and like to have all my shopping done. There has been times where I have left it to the last minute, but I can't bear that now. 

I hate the mad rush, and the busyness, and get fed up of people bumping into me. 

Picture I took of Wimbledon Common 

Yesterday we had a meal in a pub near Wimbledon Common, called the Crooked Billet, because they have a cat, and of course my son loves them and is a nice pub but the food wasn't that good. I had a Crooked Billet Burger, which was fine. A bit red inside but was okay, but my mums meal wasn't that good and neither my step dads, which was a shame, because it was my step dads birthday. 

There other pubs near Wimbledon Common, and in Wimbledon Village which has shops and coffee shops, and Paul's is good but always packed. However the coffee is always delicious and they do donuts with chocolate inside, and in the summer is good as you can sit outside, however as said it is always busy so need to be there for when it is open in the mornings.

I have often walked via the village, as from there you can walk down hill to Wimbledon Tennis court and to Putney, and is nice to walk that way. There are often events on Wimbledon Common itself, and in the summer a good spot to have picnic. 

It is good to visit different places and spend time in your own towns, if you are not able to travel all the time. Of course it depends on where you live, and off course there a people who are fleeing off to find safety because of the danger living in their own soil, and makes me feel lucky to appreciate what I have around me. 

This year travelling has been difficult because of the industrial action and engineering works and faults, but when it is working, it is good to spend time in different places. 

So, going to enjoy the rest of the day, and will be blogging tomorrow, so have a good Christmas Eve no matter where you are or where you going and stay safe.

Many thanks for reading

Carrie X 

Good places to visit in the UK

We had a really good day once again, and went to Guildford to meet up with my Brother's family, to celebrate my sister In Law's and Step dad, birthdays and it was a nice meal, and at first we didn't see much of Guildford, but got a bit lost, and went down the wrong street, and it was nice with the lights and everything, and would go there again. It is a good place to shop, so definitely going to go back. 

It is easy to get too, just a train from London Waterloo and there are two train stations. There is London Road Guildford, and Guildford, and the last time I went there was with my Auntie and Uncle when they lived in Crondall near Farnham, and very different now.

This was a place my son wanted to go, as he loves trains and so asked where he'd like to go next, but didn't really get a reply as he kept saying Wimbledon, to go home, but has said before today, that he would like to go to Winchester and Portsmouth. 

So we will see. Tomorrow we are off to get some last bits for Christmas and going to go on, if not raining, our walk through a park called, Garfield, and going to pop into Sainsbury's, and my last present has arrived, and so will be it for this year. 

I haven't bought myself my gift set, so plan to pick this up before Monday, and then going back to Epsom on Sunday. 

I will be recording and going to put a vlog together of my Christmas, and so there are more blogs and vlogs to come, and working on a printable for the new year. No plans for new years, because Henry is going back to school on the third of January, so will probably stay in. The only thing is, my son loves fireworks and would want to see them.

I will let him stay up, and watch the fireworks on TV, and see the London Eye, and so I hope he will be happy about this. I would go up to London, but it is so expensive and be so crowded that we may not be able to see them, but I will do a bit of research to see. If you know of a good place to visit in Epsom, then please leave a comment below.

So I am going back downstairs to make a cup of tea and then watch a bit of Youtube. 

Have a wonderful weekend, and I will be posting on Christmas day. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Spending time visiting my home town, London

So what a day, and a good day as I finally got a new laptop and all my files are on here and so much better to have one that works sufficiently, and has more storage which was the problem with my other one and feels so better to have one that doesn't crash all the time. I hope I am not tempting fate. 

 love my mum, because she does so much for me and I have not always been a good daughter but going to forget all that and enjoy how we are now, not arguing and be thankful for the roof I have over my head and helps sort my life out. 

We also went to Covent Garden and watched a street entertainer, trying to juggle whilst on a ladder and was very funny, and wish part of me, that I could do that. They were talking about the street acts on the news and I feel that they are part of the London scene, and what Covent Garden is famous for. 

Then we took a bus to Oxford Street and visited Selfridges. We bumped into to Santa in there and my son had a picture taken with him and loved that Henry had a Christmas jumper on, and then I had to find some Turkey for Christmas as my husband couldn't get one, whilst he was shopping and so bought a Joint. 

I would say get your turkeys now as I feel they will sell out and I am traditionalist and no it isn't a crown but a joint will do, and not having to pay a fortune for one. It is one day, so for me, my son and husband, it is perfect. It also means nothing goes to waste. 

So just got a few more presents to wrap, and waiting for another present that should come tomorrow and will check to see if it arrives and then, today we also popped in Whsmiths and was looking at the diaries and wanted but he uses one of mine I used to have so thinking rather than buying a new one I will get a diary insert for him with note paper, and he can use that, and have bought him a calendar for his room in Epsom, that comes with a diary. I got this from, The Card Factory, and because he loves cats, got one which has pictures of kittens. 

Tomorrow we are off to Guildford, to celebrate my step dad's and my Sister In-laws, birthday and my son has wanted to travel by train to Guildford, and thanks to my mum, this is happening and they have a Christmas Market on, I think and so will be a good day too.

So, my son is in bed and I am going to watch a bit of Youtube and perhaps TV and then go to bed myself ready for tomorrow. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having lots of bags

It is Tuesday, and managed to get some of my sons gifts wrapped for Christmas and have a bedroom full of bags. I did manage to pack things to reduce some of the bags, but yes I am over crowded, but once all the gifts are wrapped it will be less. 

When I say bags, plastic bags. I wrote a blog today about 10 things to organize on a regular basis: https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2023/12/ten-things-to-organize-on-regular-basis.html

I will be doing a reset and get my bedroom organisation done. I am going to sort out my clothes again, and going through what I still not worn, or for a while. I like clothes but not when it clogs up certain spaces, then it time to decide on what can go and what can stay.

Many items I have are second hand items. I love visiting Charity shops, and checking out amazon, and do have the Shien APP, and I will click items, but keep them in my basket, and see if I can get the same product but on the high street and charity shops, as you can find some really good items.

I write a blog called Carries Versatile Fashion, and like items that I can wear all year round, and that have longevity. I like investing in items that is going to last for many years and because I tend to stay the same weight, I do have items that I bought a long time ago, that have lasted for a long time. 

Then I have my toiletries. I rarely have to buy Shower Gel, because I make them last and has helped save me money, and I will plenish more once I have used up what I have got. I talk a lot about this, on my Youtube channel: My way of living.

I always like to have perfume and for me is a must in my what I own and love treating myself, because like other items I have, I make them last. 

The same with Jewellery and cut down my shoes, but I am feeling like I do want to buy another pair but can't decide what type, as I could do with another set of boots of some kind. I had a pair of knee highs that I bought from amazon, and they fell apart, and so could do with another pair. as I like wearing knee high boots with leggins, sometimes and really helps to keep my legs warm but can wear summer time, and so is a good investments, and so going to have a look to see if I can buy another pair. 

So going to end blog, and please let me know if you too have a room full of bags. You can leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having a time to rest and ready for the week ahead

Its been a good weekend and had a proper rest. My injury I had on my side feel's like it is getting better but going to do all I can to not carry too much. Looking after our bodies is so important. That is why I like to make sure I get time to switch off and felt I did that and it felt so good.

My son looking at the Wandle River 

I spent time watching some films. The Crinch who stole Christmas and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, along with Match of the day and then went for a walk, and was good to get out and didn't walk to fast, but at a comfortable pace. 

Getting in touch with nature always helps and we saw a couple of foxes, and then we had a lovely roast dinner. There is nothing better than a roast dinner, and I bought another item to give to the local foodbank and was going to give to a foodbank once as month, but going to do this everytime I shop. 

There will be people on their own, and that saddens me. I am sorry if I have kept writing this, but I feel it is important to me and so want to do my bit to give and help other families and people. Not just at Christmas but all year round. 

Today it being Monday my and son and I are planning on going up to London and doing a long walk. I am going to try and see if I can upload more vlogs, and blogs, and will vlog Christmas, and so, if you'd like to check out my Youtube channels, then please do. Check out my Pinterest and Twitter which has all my videos on and links to my blogs: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carrie82434764

I have my Newsletter to do for December and I post this on my blog: https://www.everyonecanbuildacastle.com

So there is more to come, and so wish you a good week and will blog again tomorrow.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting ready for Christmas and the new year.

Hello! It is another Friday, end of the week and it has been good. I completed my Christmas shopping, just got to wrap my presents up and decorate my bedroom. 

Today my mum put up her tree which we helped decorate, and tomorrow we may go up to a Christmas market up London, and see the lights. It all depends on the weather. 

This was some Christmas ago and love it as this was the year where Henry started to be aware of Christmas and enjoy the festive season. 

I uploaded another vlog: https://youtu.be/fUlvNK1v_tM and trying to get up to date. I do have some Christmas vlogs to edit and so plan to get them up on time, but today my son finished school for the Christmas holidays, so it is working around it, and should have a new laptop, so hopefully I can edit my videos, as want to get one with more storage available, as the one I am using now, has low storage, which makes editing videos very difficult. 

However I will be posting on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/typicallondongal/?hl=en and writing blogs, and the best place to find my content is on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carrie82434764

I am also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/typicallondongal/?paipv=0&eav=AfazaAhzLDCA7bIULHGFKuU6lymBOPh-KPRQbQh4EtUPIY7s_ebw86xMUW4JTTSLTP8

I have been planning for 2024, and started to set out my goals, and things I want to change, and new habits I want to start doing. I will be doing No Spend January, and did this last year and felt good, and would recommend, and I do have no spend days, at the moment, and I get fed up of buying things, or spending a lot of money, and so I plan my spending now, for each week and month, and use cast wherever possible and has made a difference, to my financial situation.

Not saying I won't be buying anything. I will avoid splurgies, and concentrate on what I need, and esssentials but not buying items just because they are cheap, and shop my stuff I already have, and use up what I have got and don't need to spend money on more stuff, and save. 

So, this is the last blog for this week, but will blog again next week.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Never too late to learn

So today I went to see my sons Art Exhibition at school and it was really nice to see all the children and Henry's art work. School life is so different now. Not saying that we never did anything when I went to school. We did, like visitng various parks and theatre shows. Would do painting and remember we'd play with paints and stuff to make potions. They are lot more inventive, and really praise kids work now and make an effort, for kids to feel good about themselves. 

Check out this book, my son received for his birthday if your kids love cooking and is an essential skill to learn. 

We have had a hard time with schools, because of finding a good setting, that met his needs, and is his third school, because of the schools feeloing they can't met his needs. He does behave, and had a few instances where clashed with anotther child, but going to see my sons first Church Service, it was so nice and the kids knew all the words of the hymns without using a song sheet, and sounded beautiful. 

I feel I often underestimate Henry and I feel that this has happened in schools, as they need to be heard and be involved in decisions when it comes to school, and that they are happy, and enjoy it. 

For me, I found school hard, and found it hard to make friends, and would sit by myself, and was worried in case Henry was like that, but he is not. He will play by himself but he will join in too with other children and so glad that my son is creating paintings and getting certificates from his music lesson, and get as much out of it as possible, and I admire him so much. 

I have to admit I could have tried a lot better to learn and get more out of school, but you can't turn back and so learning from that, now I am doing online courses, put in the effort and like learning. 

It is good to learn different things and currently doing a Life Coaching course and finished one part of  it and few more sections to go, and can do it in my own time. There are some courses I want to do in terms of writing and spend time watching Youtube to learn from others who write and coach. 

So if you want to go back to school then its never too late and learn what we didn't do at school. Check out Youtube University, which Mel Robbins, who is a Life coaching and has a podcast that have been brilliant in building my knowledge of the mind and how to improve our lives.

I hope you find this blog helpful then please leave feedback and if you have any thoughts and advice on learning and schools. You can leave a comment below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

loving each day and not allow challenges in life get you down

I hope you are well and had a good day. Mine was okay but been in pain. I think it is carrying too much from carrying my laptop and books, so couldn't walk much today, as I'd liked, so just took it easy, but still a productive day, and got almost of what I need for Christmas and doing other errands, like food I needed to donate, and food for myself, so not a complete waste of a day and in a small workout this afternoon, but just simple slow workout so I don't aggravate my side, and watched a documentary by Stacey Dooley and it was about funerals. She admitted that she is scared of death, and it made me see how life can end at any time, so live and be happy the best you can. and don't hold yourself back. Here is the link to the documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDSFuC6P0iE

I didn't watch it because I like death easier, but was curious, and I do think it is good to plan ahead, and let your family and friends know of what you want, and prepare yourself for it. 

I'd like to know what you think. You can leave a comment below. 

With my son, I would like to make sure he is left with good memories, and make sure he is taken care of when I go, whenever that may be. 

I uploaded a new vlog, and catching up with my vlogs. Check it out: https://youtu.be/AtGZAmL3xI4

Life is challenging, and it is sad when people die, so live for each moment. Let fueds go, learn as you live in order to live better, and that love is a powerful word, and should not be used likely and that you surround yourself with people who have your back, and there for the good and the bad. 

So, I hope you don't think I am being morbid, but the documentary was so interesting, and it reminded me that I live each day like it is the last and enjoy my days, not just live it, but love it.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Books I like to read and listen to

It was challenging to get up to day, and yet I slep well. My son wanted to run off with one of my Christmas jumpers and chuck one of my white bras, so was not happy, but forgetting that had a good day.

I wrote a Book Review, https://mybooksandstories.wordpress.com/2023/12/12/book-review-autumn-2023/

This is my new book available on amazon, it will really make you laugh

It is so good to read, and trying to get my son to do some, now he has gone off it, is challenging. 

As a baby he found it soothing, and loved a bed time story, which he still often does, but not read the book himself.

If you have any recommendations of books to read, then please share. There is a comment box below.

The books I like are comedy, historical and true stories. I do like some children stories and have partly written a kids book, but still got to get that finished. I had read Harry Potter books and found them so good, and love the films too. 

For me what makes a good book, is one that is full of surprises or could be true. I love reading books written around the 40's and 50's, because I find it connects me to my nans and grandads, who were alive then and keeps their memories alive. 

I liked books like Bridget Jones, and Devils Wear Prada. I like self help books, but like to listen to these books via audio, and good to test out the books, as there are some I'd like to buy aswell and have the physcal book, and listen to test, to see if it is good or not, and that really helpful in building my knowledge and understanding, of how to look after the mind and creating habits that are substainable. 

Example, I am currently listening to Atomic Habits, and like it, but will be buying the paperback, as I'd like to mark the tools that I find helpful and if some of what the author suggests is affective, and many of them have activities, that help with making changes in your life, and live happier, and life you feel good about. 

Mel Robbins books the 5 Second Rule and the Hi-five habit, and Tony Robbins are good and have a few in my Library to listen took, and will review once I have started to listen to them, and again if you know of any that you've read that are good, then let me know below. 

So going to relax for the evening and see you in another blog tomorrow. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie x 

 

Getting organised to have a good Christmas.

So it is start of a new week, and getting nearer to Christmas and feel the anxiety of getting everything together and making sure I get all my gifts wrapped up and got to get a box of Roses, Christmas Crackers and a Parsnip as we are having, my son and his dad, and I and so don't need to get too much food, but that we celebrate in style. You can still do that even on a tight budget. 

Check Charity shops, amazon, where I have bought most of my gifts and on places like Buyagift.com as they have great packages and experiences. 

The Fire place that my husband decorated for This year's Christmas 

It is time to get out my two Christmas jumpers and going to see if I can get another jumper from the Charity shops, that are local to me and by a few CD;'s for my son and record to see if my record player that I want Henry to have, is working and a calendar for him. 

He wrote his letter to Santa, and asked for a helicopter and headphones, well I have told him, that he will have to wait as it is up to Santa. 

I like the fact he acknowledges it, as when he was a baby and even as a toddler wasn't that interested and it has helped the joy of Christmas back as I did lost it for a while. I felt that it was all about companies making money and that it was just a normal day.

As a mum I do think it is important for our kids to experience these occasions, for them to decide on how they see Christmas and build memories of the fun things that Christmas brings. 

I want him to have a nice dinner and watch a film, and go for a walk on Christmas day, as this is one of my favourite things and on boxing day too. 

I love the dinner and it reminds me how thankful I am about it, and having a glass of wine and going to get some Baileys and have another, as I had one over the weekend, a Baileys Coffee. Would recommend. 

So going to end blog here, but will be back blogging tomorrow, and check this blog i wrote on my site, Everyone can build a castle: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2023/12/11/finishing-2023-time-to-let-go-and-create-new-goals-and-habit-life-changes-for-2024/  

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Changes to how i see life now going into 2024

I feel that it is only right that I changed this blog. When I previously wrote this blog, I was going through a tough period and my mental health was bad, and felt like everyone was against me and alone.

Appreciating the people and things I have in my life, has changed that. 

It has taken a lot to change my mindset and now feel stronger than ever to having the life I have dreamed of and spend time doing the things I love and building my life, to help others to build theirs

Picture taken going over Queue bridge and like seeing different birds, really helps with my feelings and nature can be the most beautiful site ever 

How you see the world is important in looking after yourself and managing your negative thoughts.

Life is full of challenges, and means we have to take time in understanding who we are and if we are having really bad thoughts that we talk to someone who can help. 

I am so glad that mental health is a serious topic now and that it can have a way of making ourselves feel bad and that there is nothing in this world for us. 

Illuminate the things you don't enjoy, and change them into the things you do want do enjoy. 

Set boundaries and if you need time alone, take it but don't close the door completely shut.

It is important you allow people in, and there are Crissis teams that can give you support and manage your life so you don't feel worthless, and know that you are here on earth for a reason.

Having a pet is good, for me I like writing and keeping a journal, going for walks and take time in pampering myself and reading, 

Music has played a huge part in my life, but I also like to turn things off and have some quiet time. 

I make sure I rest properly. 

A lack of sleep can have a real affect on us, and so take time in getting ready to sleep. Turn things off and just be with your thoughts and some find meditation really affective.

Stop allowing mistakes play on your mind, it is how we learn. We all make mistakes, and so once you have taken some time, sit down, to restart and get back up on your feet.

Have a room or an area in your home just for you, or a room for anyone who just want to be by thenselves for a bit, and allow yourself and them space, when things get too much.

I do have a blog that I write, that has tips just like these. Check it out via this link: http://everyonecanbuildacastle.com

So, have a great week ahead and I will blog every week day, and will try to write one each Sunday too, of more things I want to share.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Another week finished

It is Friday once again and it has been alright. I got more subscribers on my main Youtube channel and 500 views for my other, and really means the world to me. So if you are one of them then thank you. 

I never thought I'd be writing blogs and doing Youtube videos and on social media, because as a kid who was born in the seventies, and grew up in the 80's and 90's where there was no internet until say 97 that the internet started to become a new way of communicating with people and not everyone had a mobile phone. 

At Secondary school we never had personalised phones in our bags, and now a distant memory. 

It is amazing how far the world has come in terms of technology, and now we can communicate all over the world, and yes it can comes with faughts, like hackers and trolls, and groomers, but it can also be a great way of helping charities, build funds and help support local businesses, that can grow into bigger ones and people earning money by showing their life online.

I feel that there is always going to be faults with the internet, because it is an open window for criminals and people being scammed, but if we share our stories on those topics the more we can all make it a safer and use it to change laws and make the world a better place to live.

Why people want to abuse the internet is beyond me, and why I do monitor what my son consumes and keep note of what he is watching, and he doesn't have a social media page or anything, and now he often will say no to a photo, to share on social media, which I totally respect.

I think listening to your kids and ask their permission to film them or be in a photo for my social media sites, is important, as their voices should be heard, and respect their wishes.

Not all kids want to be on camera. I for ages didn't want to put photos of myself on my social media, blogs and videos, and it took a lot of courage, but now feel more confident and being part of the online community. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

How time goes so fast and plans for the Christmas Holidays

So getting to the end of another week. It is one week away from when my son breaks up for school and so means getting things done before that arrives and my son wants us to walk from London Waterloo to Epsom so we are going to give it a try. It was a fail the last time, but if he wants to give it a go then we will try. So gonna gear myself up by doing walks in the morning and on the treadmill I have. 

I like the fact he likes to walk, I just hope thatt the weather will be okay and not to cold.

A Picture I took two years ago of the Christmas lights in London 

Also if there is going to be disruption on the trains, as we are going to take the train from Epsom to Waterloo, and then walk.

The good thing is though I won't have to set an alarm, as I wake up early anyway, and not gonna rush, but walk at a pace where we don't end up walking all night aswell as day. 

I would like to see the Christmas lights up in London, as this is something I have done since I was a kid and just so nice to see. I hope we get a chance this year, and see the markets along the Southbank too. It can be busy so good to get up there early, and may see Santa. 

My son keeps asking if the Teletubbies are going to be up there and wants to meet them. I have explained that they live on a land far far away. 

It is good to take these moments in, because kids grow so fast, and so going to embrace the age of my son is at now and see who we can bump into. You never know. 

If you have tips of where to go for Christmas, then please share, you can comment below. 

I today got the last of my presesnts, just got a birthday gift to buy, and a few more gifts for my son, and then that will be that for another year. 

It is amazing how fast it has come. 

So going to enjoy my evening, and I will be posting tomorrow, and then take a break over the weekend. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Schools and education.

Can't believe it is midweek already, and today I had a meeting with my sons school, about moving up to seondary school, and they transition the children at my son's school to move on up into a secondary school, and am a litttle anxious about it, because my son has already been to three schools, because they couldn't meet my sons needs and had to change classes in his new school he start this academic year and would like him to stay in one class with the children and I thought that was one of the reasons the local authority made the choice of him to change schools. He kepr changing classes in his first primary school, and second and so feel frustrated by it. I just want my son to have a good education, and be settled. 

I want him to get a lot out of it and one issue he was having was relating to other kids and interacting with them so he can real peers, 

Things need to change in the schools, and I was praising schools and is different from when I went to school, but feel very let down. 

My son had ADHD and really struggled with concentrating and would have one to one support. In his new school he doesn't and is learning with other kids which is good, I just don't want him to have to keep changing classes. How can he form friends if this continues, and so hope that moving to secondary school will go ok.

I still got another year, but still feel very pressurised and not knowing where to begin to look at secondary schools, his current school recommends, as one of the mothers was saying that one of th LAN schools she had visited the children seems very advanced and felt that her child struggle in moving to this secondary school, so I pray that we make the right choice,

The school systems do need to change and feel that with understanding learning difficulties all schools should provide the right education to suit all kids and meet their values that they say the have, do kids can stay in one school unless the child or parent decides its not the right school for their child. 

It shouldn't be decided by the school or local authority.

Please comment below if you have had problems with schools too, and what you think of the school systems in Britain and if they could be better. You can leave a comment below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Wantng to make a difference in the world and support families and people in need

So today was miserable. I felt good in myself and wanted a day indoors as I wanted to edit and upload another vlog: https://youtu.be/FXIZTf8SgDU but my son spilled his milk all over the table because he was trying to start his laptop, and my keyboard didn't work and checked the batteries were ok, but it just wasn't working and needed to have one because I have a Teams meeting tomorow about my son moving up to Secondary School, and so my day indoors didn't go to plan, but actually the one I bought was high priced and doesn't make hardly any noise typing and a lot lighter to type on. I bought it from Rymans.

Life is full of challenges and so you have to take them, and luckily was easily able to get a bus in town there and back quite quickly. I have decided and wrote a blog post talking about it,going to donate and raise money for foodbanks, and each month going to do a grocery haul or donate money towards them as it really saddens me that there are families who rely on them to be able to feed their family.

You can read this blog here: http://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2023/12/05/donating-to-others-for-christmas-and-plans-for-2024-to-raise-money-for-good-causes/

I going to get back into fundraising by walking in fundraising events, and build my fitness, and be a fundraiser and make a difference. I want to help families in need, the elderly and poor countries, and do what I can to help the world. 

The idea came to me when watching Steven Bartlet vlog channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DOACBehindTheDiary

And for the people in Ukraine creating a card where they can use to buy anything they need and it came to me that I want to support food banks as I have been wanting to do his a lot, and when they have had baskets, collecting items give to food banks and want to do more, and did this the other day in Epsom for those raising funnily encough Ukraine and I just feel I need to that, and want to start this month for Christmas and continue. 

I want to volunteer to help charites, and I do feel a little nervous about it, but know I will be helping peoples lives, and do more to support those who just want to be able to feed their children and not suffer and the elderly too.

I hope it will motivate people to do the same and bring the world together and get rid of war and suffering.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

A Good Weekend to recharge my batteries

So another beginning of the week. It was a good weekend. We were going to go to a football match but my son wanted to stop in and so we did. It was super cold. We popped out in the morning, but then had quiet day and played some football indoors and watched some football on the TV and did some filming, for another vlog. I post twice a week on my Youtube channel, Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes.

Today I feel a lot better and felt I had a good chance to unwind down and really recharge my batteries and stepping back is often what you need. 

Just let go. Let go of the negative feelings, the feeling of business and overwhelme and take time out. So important to continue to build yourself, and get back your deterimination and focus.

I am all about happy living and what makes you look forward to each day. 

Get rid of the anxious feelngs each day. Worrying about what each day will bring and enjoy your life. 

Yes life can be tough, because we feel we have to put others first, when in fact you need to look after yourself first to be there for others and just some self care and away from screens can help feel better and refreshed. 

Turn off youi phone at night to make sure you have a good nights sleep and a tip from Mel Robbins, who I am watching now as I write this blog, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNEZvfLmXKw&t=28s), move your phone away from your bed, and since doing this for about 2 years it has really made a difference.

I think we consume so much that its no wonder we get stressed and have a headache.

Slow down and give yourself a break and if you need to delegate and others offer to help then accept it.

Or if you feel bringing self on board and start looking around you to see who you know who can help and don't put doubt in you and fully supportive of you. 

Life is not about rushing around but putting you feet in front of the other and building your happiness and wellbeing. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

I nice Fish and chip supper

 Yes it is Friday and happy that it is. No school for two days and yes still going to wake up early tomorrow to do some shopping, Sunday I am going to sleep in if it is possible and not set an alarm and get up when I am good ready. 

Tonight I am not going to go bed too early, as I woke up around 2am this morning and took me ages to get back to sleep.

Today was a homely day and published another vlog, if you'd like to watch it is a Writing Vlog and working on a vlog and writing another blog. Here a link to my new vlog, I uploaded today: https://youtu.be/3u_-67AOi2o

Friday it is winding down and just chilling and if the weather is okay we will be going to see Leatherhead FC as my son got a free ticket from school, play. It's been a while since we have been there, and so if it goes ahead will be a good afternoon, making sure we wrap up warm. 

I really like going to see different teams play, especially lower division and can be really good fun and good matches. You can never underestimate football teams, no matter what league they are in. So would recommend to support local teams and great way to get out and meet people, and just enjoy the game. 

Not soon before Christmas and bought another Christmas present. Check out BuyAGift.com, as they have many different experiences, and if you didn't read my blog on Wednesday, went to the Patisseries Valerie in Victoria, for a afternoon tea and it was really nice. It was a present from last Christmas and as said in that blog, I would do it again. 

So going to end blog here and enjoy the rest of my Friday and chill.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Walking in the cold and getting outdoors

So it is Thursday and wasn't feeling so good today, as I was still full from the day before but walked it off and had a lovely couple of Capuccino's and was a new blend and tasted so nice. This was Cafe Nero in Epsom and really good service and planned for the day and notes for my Youtube channel, My Way of living: https://youtu.be/c0KMzn6_zA0 

It was super cold glad I did some walking and felt better. I will be uploading another vlog, and written a new blog on my blog site, Life as a writer: https://inalifeofawriter.blogspot.com/2023/11/write-or-no-to-write-that-is-question.html

If you feel groggy then getting outdoors, and yes it is cold, but it helps clear germs that can spread.Yes you do need to  layer up, but just a steady walk when it is cold can do wonders. 

Seeing frost can make things look pictureress. 

Then when you are back indoors, it is nice and warm, and helps me with my energy levels, as I struggle with getting out of bed in the Autumn and Winter especially, and good to have a lovely hot bath in the evening. 

Give yourself time to your self. It is so important. It allows you time to breath and just calm down from the day, and have a good nights sleep.

Sleep is so important, and I used to suffer with bad Insomonia,, now though, not so much and I can go back to sleep when I wake up in the night, and also I get dressed straight away when my alarm goes off and prevents me from going back to bed and set the tone for the day.

I am all about happiness and wellbeing. Being content with what is around and what you have got, rather than what you haven't got and being thankful for the things you have in youir life, and not taking the days for granted. 

So going to get myself ready to relax and chill for the evening, ready for the next day and be ready for the weekend.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

A great day out having an Afternoon Tea

Today was super cold this morning and was going to do a floor workout with Trinny London, because she does a live video, doiing Yoga but my left side of my back was hurting so couldn't do it. Check out Instagram and Youtube for good workouts as there are so many.

Then I went for an Afternoon Tea, a gift from my brother, his wife and children, from last Christmas and was at the Patisseries Valerie in Victoria and it was really nice, and was able to bring some of it home and would recommend having an afternoon tea there. 

Great gift to give, and I have been wanting to go and have afternoon tea, and so was a real treat and would do again. There were other customers in there too, who was also dining in there and not far from the station and buses: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wrJXdgz35BhSTyG86

Victoria really being built up, and there are shops, pubs and restauants and Theatres, and love visiting the Victoria Place shopping centre and didn't get a chance to look, but if you looking for different gifts for love ones this Christmas and youi can visit Victoria it is worth checking it out. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5PMATqsS8BQxmD1m9

You can always have a Afternoon tea at home, with sandwiches, cakes and a lovely selection of teas and coffees. Why go out f it is too cold outside and put some lovely music on, and have a Christmas jumper day and have a lucky dip, where you put gifts in a bag and each person doesn't look, and pick out a gift or do a secret santa.

Christmas is about making memories and building relationships and celebrating with the ones you love. So why not do a huge family photo and give each family member a copy, and making it into a tradition. Go for a walk on Christmas day. Something I love to do and just taking the day in and just having time to think about the story of Christmas and that it is time to forgive and forget. Mend feuds. Its only going to affect you even more. So find a way to let it go and celebrate, without feeling angry over a argument that happened 10 year ago. Do you even remember what it was about? And be the one to make the first move. 

I have filmed a little of the afternoon tea and so that will be up I hope in the next couple of weeks and tomorrow I am going to edit another vlog to go up and catching up with my videos, and thank you if you have already subscribed. Check out my newest vlog: https://youtu.be/DKxmJxz_Ogw

So going to enjoy the evening and going to go through what I have got to do by the end of this week and getting my life together. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having a good homemade dinner

I feel a lot better today. Yesterday I was so tired that I just needed to rest and give myself time to relax. So today I uploaded a new vlog: https://youtu.be/DKxmJxz_Ogw and wrote a new blog on one of my google blogs, https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2023/11/getting-through-festive-season.html

Now just read through one of my new books as I do have others planned and drafted, to get the fourth edit done, and had a few phone calls to deal with, and so now going to write this blog and then gonna rest and catch up on some TV and Youtube and put work to rest for another day.

Tomorrow I am having Afternoon tea in London, and so very excited about that and then going to see if I can get a few more Christmas gifts and start getting my plans together to continue planning for the rest of this year and next. 

I already have dinner one as using my Slow cooker, and have Chicken Casserole and would recommend a slow cooker and just saves so much time. 

If there were four things I could pack to take away with me, if I ever move again, it will be having a kettle, dinner set, my Laptop and slow cooker. 

What would you take? Of course it would be if you are a parent, our kids, and spouses, partners but objects and equipment and love money saving ideas and a slow cooker is one of them. 

You have to invest in gagdets when it comes to having a good dinner and nice to have a warmly dinner that takes little effort but tastes good and so going to start making homemade healthy dinners and still have naughty foods. 

I would like to make a curry from scratch again and Chickpea and Pilar rice and not had a stirfry for ages so got a few meals planned and it is good to be back in the kitchen and cook, whilst listening to music, podcast or audiobook. The current audio book I listening to is Atomic Habits, and Podcasts are usually Mel Robbins, Real Talk Kim, Diary of a CEO, Happy Place and Happy Mum Happy Baby.

So going to continue my day and will blog tomorrow and will be vlogging too, so have a good rest of Tuesday.

Carrie X 

A good weekend of visiting a new pub and having a super weekend

Oh boy what a weekend and welcome. This is my daily blog if you are new here, and post Monday to Friday about different things, and how I feel today and various topics. 

So, it was sad to hear about, Terry Venables has died who was a footballer and manager, and well respected, because of taking England Football team to the Semi Finals in 1996, and I remember watching, at my nans and Earls Court, and my nan spent a lot of time on her balcony because England would win every time she was out there. 

Picture I took yesterday walking passed Wimbledon Common 

This week I was clearing my emails, and had over 8,000 emails in one account and completely cleared and done the same this morning and feels so much better and unsubscribed from a lot of sites, and would recommend others to do the same, if you feel bogged down. 

We visited a lovely pub on Saturday where they have a cat and my son of course loved it, as he loves cats and recommend visiting Wimbledon Village and Common. It was cold, but we had sunshine and good to go for a walk and visit new places, and then yesterday they had a Winter Fair on, in Wimbledon. It was okay but wasn't blown away and was super cold so went back indoors. 

I sorted out my bedroom, and always like doing a reset and will film another Reset as one is due and glad to have gotten my emails down, and also having a clear out of my blog posts that are irrelavent and want to update. Check out my blog site: http://everyonecanbuildacastle.com

I am going to do the same with my other blogs and just having a good sort through. 

It is good to declutter and will be sorting out, more areas out and do a Winter Clear up, and decorate for Christmas, getting more gifts for the festive season and plan more walks to help clear the mind and plan to visit Carshalton and will take you along. If you didn't know I have three Youtube channels, and post vlogs on my channel Typical London Gal, and here is my new one I posted this week: https://youtu.be/WFtMwhqln0I 

Today I do feel super tired and so not planning on doing a lot, and if you feel wiped out it is important to rest and recharge and so going to do little and just chill.

Have a super Monday and will blog again tomorrow.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Exploring the UK

Today I walked from London Waterloo to Vanxhall and from Ewell West to Epsom, and it a quite a walk, along with tears and tantrums, because Henry was determind into walking from London Waterloo to Epsom. which is such a long way. 

This was a image I took of the Thames in Bishops Park London where we walked and travelled by Uber Boat too, from Canary Wharf to Putney, which is near by 

I need to relax, but it wasn't the best start, as the toilets were out at the station and had temporary toilets which were disgusting and it was super cold and windy, and the train was parshley delayed, and wanted to turn back. The sun did come out, and began to enjoy but was a little uptight and we could have walked on, I just felt deflated and Henry then was upset and so we agreed to do more walking as we travelled nearer to Epsom.

So we are going to do more walking and walk to Epsom, but break it up, and perhaps do the whole walk but is a long way and something you need to walk towards, and my anxiety got to me today, and so need to chillout and not be so pessimistic and not allow dirty toilets and travel delays bother me. 

It is good that he wants to walk, and the last bit we did was good, walking passed a local pond, and so not going to put him off, as I like walking too, and plan to do more walking and do like the fact that he wants to do with me, and so I will work on my feelings, and I do like walking through London, so next time going to enjoy it and not allow my fears to stop me. Often you have to get out of your confort zone and challenge yourself, so that is what I am going to do.

If you know of some good walks then please comment below and what places you like to walk?

I will film it when we did, like today, and sharing via blog, and enjoy the surroundings and visit more places of where we have never been before. The UK has so many places to visit and would like to make time to discover my home Country and all its glory, and with my son. He is my companion, and because he loves trains, go to different trains to visit various places, and take it all in.

So going to watch a bit of TV and will blog again, next week.

Have a great weekends.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting tasks done and getting ready for Christmas

This morning was bliss and so good to get out and walk, and have a coffee out and planning for my channel, My way of living: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9agww2YOWIU  and did edit a vlog for my other channel, The Typical London Gal, but it won't save. I use ClipChamp on my Laptop and it is rubbish. I so looking forward to having a new laptop, because the one I use, I have so many issues with it.

Anyway, it has been a productive morning and day, and so going to get my tasks completed, including this daily blog. I needed some new underwear and socks for my son, so picked these up, and recommend M&S as they do some nice clothing and bits, and they have food stores too, so picked up sone Garlic Bread to go with today's dinner. 

It is good to be productive and not wasting days, because it can bring us down when we haven't completed no tasks. Of course it is important to have a break and rest, but you can still be productive by doing that, like watch a TV series or read a book, and I like using afternoons to do a workout when I don't got outside and walk.

If you didn't read my previous blogs, I completed my monthly Newsletter, which I post on my blog site:

http://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2023/11/22/november-newsletter-2023/

I ordered another gift, and so getting that done, and feel that I am getting ahead. Christmas shopping, and so gonna wait next week, to buy another set of Christmas gifts and deciding on where we will be over the festive period as may go away somewhere, but not sure as of that. 

Soon it will be time to put up those decorations, and then planning food. I know some plan ahead of time, and would say get your veg and freeze it, as this can help save the pennies and getting prepared so there is no last minute rush, to get it all. 

Tomorrow we are off up to London Waterloo, so going to see if the Christmas markets are on yet and my son wants to walk from London Waterloo to Epsom. So see how we get on. 

So gonna end this blog, and hope you have a good rest of the week, and may post tomorrow if not it will be either Sunday or Monday.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Travelling across the world

Much better day today. I have been decluttering. Sorting out my sons clothes, put out some laundry and worked on a blog post for my blog site: http://carriesversatilefashion.com, and published my newsletter for this month on my site: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2023/11/22/november-newsletter-2023/

I have also been watching a bit of TV, to take a break from Youtube and watched Celebraties Race Across the Road, and it is brilliant. So gonna watch more of that. I will watch the non celebrity one too. 

It is on BBC 1, and I am not sure if I would ever do that. I'd like to walk the whole length of Britain, but in a different country, not so confident about it, and would struggle to set of and so thought it was good to watch and encouraging too. It is amazing how much you need to work together, as they are teams of two. 

I think it is good to do challenges as I do a lot, and when I moved to the south coast of England was good for me, and it was a change I needed, but would take a lot to race across the world. 

Would you do it? Please leave a comment below. 

The one place I'd like to explore more is America. Going to America at Christmas time was so much fun and it was an experience that I'd never thought I ever get to do, so when I did it was so motivating, to do this again, and so there are countries that I would like to see. 

I would like to take Henry on more train rides. He is my son and loves trains, dinosaurs, Blippi and helicopters, and go on the Bluebell again, which is old fashioned steam train. We did this one Christmas, with my brother, his wife and kids, and was such a good day out. 

It is good to explore, and with others. I did a charity walk with friends and family, walking over the bridges in London, and was for a Hospice, and it was hard, but once done we had a drink, and got a lift back and would love to do this again, and so see if I ever get the courage, and Race Across the World too.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

It is hard being a Woman, and travelling from London to Surrey

Oh boy what a day. I am not good today due to my Menstraul cycle and so not able to do much because of it and support Vicky Pattison on women and periods, because it can really bring you down. I find now mentally, but the one area it doen't get me is fatigue and that is due to diet and looking after my health. 

Today though I had a appointment about my Mental Health and it went well, all is good in terms of weight, BMI and medication, its just hormones due to being on my cycle and why it is hard to be a woman sometimes. 

I travelled by bus to Epsom today, after my appointment and picking up some bits up on the way, and it was a good journey, but today the bus driver didn't stop for a lady as I was on the journey, and it used to be request stops and non request stops, but, it seems now, to be lost in translation, and not stopping so you always have to put our hand out.

Yes I could have got the train, but would have had to wait for a bus once I got of the train, because I couldn't do much walking today, as my cycle is heavy, and on one of he buses I went on, as I take two, one from Wimbledon to Morden and the other from Morden to Epsom, is close by and didn't have to wait long for them today.

Travelling from Surrey to London can be good and I do like to go by bus as I can listen to an audiobook or music. With the train is it shorter but is expensive to do this everyday. 

I wrote a blog about my son now being 10, which I don't post on all the time, but I created it initially so my friends and family on social media could catch up on my son, but now I do it to reach out and talk about my son, to help others with learning about the different milestones. 

https://theparentingadventuresthebirthofmyson.wordpress.com/2023/11/21/henry-at-10-years-old/

The other thing I did today, is start my Newsletter for November, and what is coming in my content and what I have been doing, and getting ready for the festive season. 

So, that is my thoughts and feelings today, and I have been filming for a vlog and going to upload a vlog twice a week, and so when this is done, I will let you know. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Get ready for Christmas 2023

I didn't manage to write a daily blog yesterday, I didn't feel to good and spent time playing football with my son and rugby and so back today. I have uploaded a new vlog: https://youtu.be/xwDk7M7MJSo 

The weather was bad this weekend and so was hard to find things to do, so took Henry to a place called Gravity and it was good but is expensive and a bit of a rip off, but he enjoyed it and he did some drawing, then we played shops, which is a good fun game for kids. 

I have some Christmas presents, and pulled out my Christmas folder which needs to be updating and a idea that can help plan for the festive season, and get the Christmas panic, of getting decor, food, drink and presents. 

The one thing I don't like is the mad rush around Christmas when it comes to shopping and so I like to shop in the morning to miss all that, and do the same when visiting the Christmas markets there are, and look forward to a Christmas drink and some Mulled Wine. 

What are looking forward to? And what drinks do you like at Christmas?

I have been playing some Christmas music and yesterday my husband put some on and feel ready.

For me Christmas for me is to take a good break and like to go for a walk on Christmas day and a few drinks and just celebrating with no stress and be with family, and switch off from the everyday life. 

So try not to get stressed, and the greatest gift for your love ones is you. 

There was a time I didn't like Christmas and was a humbug and was just another day. Now though since having my son, see it from his eyes and it is magical and want him to enjoy it and have good memories of this time of year to celebrate too and restore his love for it, and an enjoying time.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X