Live Life With No Regrets
![Sneezing Season [Treating Seasonal Allergies]](https://i1.wp.com/millerinthecity.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sneezing-Season-for-Allergies.jpg?resize=660%2C495&ssl=1)
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons. It is a time when everything is in full bloom. But Spring is also dubbed the sneezing season. It is the season where pollen counts are high and when blown all over; those who suffer with allergies experience sneezing, runny noses, puffy eyes, itchy eyes and throats.
Perusing through old photographs brought back memories of when I was skinny. Those were the good old days. The reality is I will never look like that again. As a child, I was super skinny with no fat thighs or flabby arms and certainly no hormones that had an influencing effect on my weight. I was never weight conscious and I could eat what I wanted without gaining any wait. Very active in playing netball and could easily clock in a good 8 – 10 hours of sleep.
Remembering that my weight annoyed the dressmaker who made my matric ball dress. My waist size would be smaller every time I went for a fitting. Resulting in the dressmaker having to make the necessary adjustments. As a shy and very naive teenager, I would just smile and accept the criticism of my skinny shape. It didn’t bother me at all. Life was then carefree and my weight was certainly not an issue.
Today, I called in a sickie. Yes, I did feel a bit under the weather but most of all I think I just needed a break. The past couple of weeks have just been so busy and when your body gives you signs, you need to listen to it. Today, I wanted to be lazy and have a very unproductive day.
I didn’t wake up to do my girls’ hair for school, or see them off by the door. They came into the bedroom to kiss me good bye. I opted not to fetch them from school either.
Guess what, I got out of bed at 09h00. Think it has been 12 years since I allowed my body to sleep so late.
But everything about sleeping in just felt so good. No housework or extra little chores that I tend to dig out when I’m at home. I chose not to work on any future blog posts. The car stayed parked in the garage as I had no intention of going anywhere. This day was not about going out and pampering myself or doing retail therapy.
Today, I just didn’t want to get it together. Instead, I browsed social media sites, slouched on the couch and watched television. I snacked and drank so much coffee.
It was such a beautiful day that I sat in the backyard a little and spoke to the dogs. Call me insane but dogs give you all their attention and they are really good listeners. They didn’t nag, tattle tale, backchat or give instructions – they just sat there listening and wagged their tails.
Then I caught up on some reading and the best thing ever – I took an afternoon nap. When last did I do that?
…and you know what, I am not feeling guilty about it not one bit.
Today was about me, not about taking care of anyone else, not about deadlines, writing reports or research articles. No thoughts about work or what still need to be done. In fact, I had no productive thoughts. These few hours spent alone were about me, myself and I and it felt so good. It was a time to reconnect with myself. Something I haven’t done in years.
Having this unproductive day did wonders for my mind, body and soul. Now I’m ready to tackle tomorrow and slave away at things I didn’t today. I will post probably regret it tomorrow as I’ve just stared at the pile of washing and ironing.
I guess, another unproductive day will be scheduled in the near future. Try it, it does wonders.
This chilli con carne recipe has slightly been adapted by my husband and is based on Jamie Oliver’s Recipe. It has become one of my favourite dishes. This spicy dish is delicious and if you want to make it slightly mild for kids to eat – hold on the chillis. A healthy alternative to your usual mince meal. It is a one pot wonder. Best served with a baked potato or nachos, sprinkle of grated cheese or gaucamole.
A spicy Mexican dish best served with a baked potato or nachos.
Prep time: 15 min
Cooking time: 1 hour
My parents would always tell us tales of their upbringing in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. They could walk the streets of various suburbs to visit family and friends during the day and late at night. Back then they were raised to be street smart children. They knew everyone and no matter where they were, knew their way back home.
Every year my daughters’ school have a dress up day to mark the end of book week. This year, the theme was “Fantastical Faraway Places”. Their choice of costumes were that of Peter Pan and Slightly. Slightly (fox) is one of the lost boys from Neverland. I usually give myself two weeks to figure out how I’m going to make the costumes. This year, I only had 2 days to put these costumes together. This diy Peter Pan and Slightly costume was super easy to make.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. I am not big on wearing makeup and don’t wear any at home. Minimal makeup for work and a full application when I go out. As I never had a problem with acne, oily or dry skin, there was simply no need for me to cover my face in makeup.
The alarm clock sounds and you tell yourself just another 5 minutes and hit the snooze button. It sounds again and eventually you get up just to be in a flat spin. For most the morning rush is crazy not to mention a panic. Trying to wake the kids for the umpteenth time, pack lunches, avoid arguments and finally making it out the door only to be stuck in traffic. Leaving you exhausted by the time you get to work. This is what happens in most households.
Not all of us wake up in a good frame of mind. And having a crappy start to the morning, will determine how your day will turn out. Some people loath the morning routine as it turns into total chaos and madness.
Winter is a time for comfort foods and there is nothing more delectable than having a warm dessert. My mom’s creamy sago pudding is definitely a winter favourite. Served with custard this winter dessert is on my list of comforting desserts along with chocolate, bread and butter, apple crumble, sticky toffee and ginger pudding.
As a married couple with kids we are not so fortunate to have a date night every week. Therefore we try and schedule one at least once a month. However last night was not scheduled and was just a spontaneous last minute decision. The girls were sleeping over at their grandparents and this was a perfect opportunity for a date night. Brent and I decided to do something very casual and ended up up going to Foresters Arms Pub and Restaurant. Please note this is not a paid or guest review of Foresters.
Scheduling a date night when you are married is very important but it doesn’t have to be fancy and doesn’t always have to be romantic. So last night we decided to do something very casual and ended up at the pub.