As I start to write this post, I can't even remember what we did for Mother's Day in the first lockdown ... which started the day after on 23rd March.  I think we had a takeaway roast from our local pub!  I know my children had organised an outing but it all had to change!  Anyway, it looks like we will be celebrating Mother's Day 2021 on Sunday 14th March, in much the same way, at home!  So I am bringing you a few gift ideas, continuing my Christmas gift theme of uncluttered gifting based on things that can be used or experienced.

Hopefully some ideas for things you might like and can give hints to your children, or some ideas to treat your own mum.  I'm really excited to share these ideas with you, some really gorgeous gifts ...

I thought I'd pop in and give you all a progress update on my online personal training and the return to structured workouts, an improved diet plus an l carnitine supplement I have been trying out.  How are you all feeling?  My little positivity boost from a couple of weeks ago didn't last and I am having to dig deep to find some enthusiasm for lockdown life. But exercise is helping, at least it adds some structure to my routine.

I started this new focus early in December, just before Christmas and at the time I did wonder if I was a bit mad but now nearly 3 months on I am so glad I started when I did.  Like everyone I did gain a few pounds during the first lockdown and my exercise took a back seat due to my son taking over the log cabin (gym) to work from home!

When I was having my usual catch up and accountability call with Drew last week, I said to him, this is the longest I have stuck at a regular workout plan - three times a week.  I was pretty committed when I did The Body Coach SSS Plan but that seems ages ago now and my workouts with Drew are much more personalised for my needs, therefore so much better!

This week we did my fitness assessment.  On zoom of course!  And I am so delighted, actually I am downright proud and I am going to shout about it - my progress is amazing!  And I am surprising myself!

A lighthearted and positive post to lift our spirits in a never-ending lockdown (although I spy better news coming)!  Last week on instagram I shared some of my simple pleasures and asked you for yours, so today I am sharing more ...  make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and enjoy some simple pleasures!  And share yours in the comments below!

Plus it is my '5th blog anniversary' this week.  My first post was on 20th February 2016 and I cringe a bit now when I look back as I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, not sure I know much more now!  But I think generally I have improved.  I've kept my blog the same, not given it a facelift as actually I like it and it is easy for me to use and set up and I hope easy for you to find blog posts you are interested in.  But do get in touch if you have any feedback for me.  My main focus is to enjoy my blog, writing is my hobby, I am always delighted if a brand finds me but it isn't my sole aim, really I just like to help others.  I've had a few messages recently asking about menopause, I am always happy to help with general questions and see if I can point you in the right direction.

Shaving - do you or don't you?  I've been shaving since I was a young teen, I probably didn't tell my mum, I think I. just nicked one of my dad's razors!  But times have moved on and me and my daughter had a much more open discussion on the subject.  I encouraged her to start gently with hair removal cream and then later on she chose to use razors.  I wanted her to avoid the scars from over enthusiastic calf shaving with a blunt razor!  In more recent years I have favoured 'sugar waxing' ouch it hurts in some sensitive places but it is gentle on my skin, lasts a bit longer, feels lovely and smooth as it is exfoliating too and I quite like a trip to the beauty salon.  But I always have a razor to hand too - they are still an essential in my beauty kit.  And lockdowns and closed salons has meant we are all back to at home beauty anyway!

We can get subscription everything now!  Razors being one of many offerings that can arrive at a frequency you choose - flowers, food boxes, toilet roll, indian spices, wine ... it is no longer just for your glossy magazine.  I think they are great though, as long as there is full flexibility with being able to change, amend or cancel. 

​Estrid is a subscription service that wants to change our shaving experience!  They offer affordable, sharp and vegan friendly razors right to our mailbox.  No more 'pink tax' on everyday items that are marketed just for women. natural ingredients, no animal substances, better for you and the planet.  And they asked if I'd like to try them out!