An Evening Stroll

We had to move out of our house for a few days this week whilst the builders relaid our downstairs floor. So, in search of some peace and quiet, we headed to a little Airbnb property in Fiskerton, just outside of Southwell.

I love this area of Nottinghamshire, Southwell itself is a wonderful town with plenty of cafes, shops, the minster and of course the Bramley apple, with a fabulous heritage walk that takes you close to the original Bramley tree.

Our little home for the week was in a small village, with a great little pub and plenty of walks close by. We headed out after dinner in search of the last few rays of the sunshine which had proved so illusive all day.

Marching down the lane, the children headed towards the fields, over the fields and across the train tracks, we later got talking to the signal box operator and he told us this one will be closing in October, which is rather sad.

Through the long grass we headed, picking up some dandelion clocks on the way, a favourite pastime of the children and it never gets old. As the children and their Daddy ran through the grass it made me think about how much we need to get outside more, especially since we'd spent last weekend packing up the house ready for the builders.

With the sun shining down on us, walking down country lanes past white painted houses, it felt a bit like we were in France. We'd taken some bubbles, so we stopped in the lane and blew them, the children chasing them all too excitedly as they floated down the road.

Do you like to go out for an evening stroll? With summer on the way it will certainly make it easier.

Helly Hansen Activewear Review

Recently, I have been on a mission to exercise more, in a bid to try and help my ongoing health issues, we aren't talking marathons but I have been walking and jogging regularly in order to build up to something more.

A few months back, Helly Hansen kindly sent me some of their collection to try out, I am absolutely in love with the items they sent, the clothes are stylish and the trainers are as light as a feather.

First up are the W Wicked Pace R2 trainers, I love the pink and black combo it looks really great on and I kinda want to wear them all the time. They really are so light to pick up so wearing them is like you have nothing on your feet, my feet don't sweat in them either and so far I haven't got any blisters from them.

Next the leggings, the W VTR Printed Capri leggings in Night Blue are really quite something, they come in a pattern to suit all tastes but I chose the Night Blue, not normally a leggings person I was worried these would irritate me and be more of a nuisance than comfortable sports wear but they weren't.

Once on, I couldn't even tell I was wearing them, they are comfy and lightweight and great for cooler evenings as they keep you really warm. Being tall I always worry they'll come up short but these were the perfect fit.

And finally the W Aspire Lifa Flow Singlet vest, I am quite broad shouldered so I probably should have sized up on the top as it is quite snug and for me I feel quite constricted, however it is lightweight and didn't make me feel sweaty at all. I love the colour way and the look of the vest it is perfect for what I needed.

I love these clothes and trainers, perfect whether you are out running in the countryside or working out in the gym, this colour way is absolutely fabulous and I love attention to detail with the little hearts around the bottom of the leggings and contrasting colours on the waist band.

I look forward to wearing these as my running progresses, we are off on a bike ride on Saturday and I will be wearing these. Hopefully they'll allow me to cycle without getting in the way as well as keeping my legs covered.

Thank you to my husband who came out with me on a recent trip to take some pictures and to the children who waited so patiently.

NB: I was sent these items to form the review, all opinions and words are my own.

Starting my Fitness Journey

My health at the moment is not that great, with exhaustion like I've hit a brick wall most afternoons, I know something has to change.

So, after a chat with a colleague about running, I decided it was time to do something about this and try doing the Couch to 5K.

Sainsbury's currently have the Fitbit Flex on offer, so I bought this to see how many steps a day actually do.

It's super simple to setup and looks just like a watch, it can be worn in the shower and the soft plastic strap doesn't rub. Using the app on my phone I can keep track of how many steps I am taking, as well as monitoring my sleep, calorie intake and how much i'm burning throughout the day too.

People often label stay at home mums as lazy, assuming all we do all day is sit on the sofa or in a cafe and drink coffee.

Well yesterday I did over 12,000 steps, I walked around the park, the shops, did the school run and generally went about my day.

So I know I am covering about the right amount of steps a day but now I need to get ready for the Couch to 5k. I have some great products coming my way to make things easier so stay tuned for my progress reports and reviews.

A Day of Athletics Fun at Sainsbury's Birmingham Grand Prix

This Sunday we got to spend several hours watching some of Britain's most fantastic athletes, I hadn't heard of the Sainsbury's Birmingham Grand Prix before, but it was a wonderful event for all the family, with lots to watch and take part in.

Settling down to watch the athletes, we were handed clappers, bands and flags as we walked in these were an instant hit with the kids.

We had really great seats, sat in front of the long jump and triple jump which I think are just brilliant events.

All of the events were exciting and whether British or from abroad the athletes got a massive applause and the atmosphere was electric.

After winning the 400m race we got to meet the very inspiring Christine Ohuruogu, she was absolutely lovely and I just love this picture of her and my son. He'd asked her how many times a week she trains....her answer, and that of the others, six times a week! I think you'll agree that is dedication and I am ashamed that for me running up the stairs is hard work!

The rest of the athletes were all as equally lovely and all had stories to tell about how they got in to their sport and their daily routine, I think you can tell I was a little star struck!

From the box we had a great view of the sand pit or the long jumpers, Greg Rutherford and Chris Tomlinson were brilliant to watch, as were all of the triple and long jumpers, getting the crowd to join in with clapping.

On to one of the races that everyone had been looking forward to, Mo Farah in the 2 mile race, he managed to break the British record that had stood for 36 years and by a whole 6 seconds. 

After the excitement of the 2 mile race, we went on to some even more thrilling events with the T34 races taking place as well as the mens T11/12 long jump which we all loved watching.

But the races weren't the only thing that was there, outside of the stadium there was plenty to enjoy and burn off any excess energy. We all had a go at running, not sure if you can tell but I am a blur so obviously very quick ;)

There were lots of places for a picnic or food outlets if you prefer, there was also a soft play area in the magnum ice cream tent if you fancied something cooler and for somewhere to chill out.

Overall we had an amazing day and I wouldn't hesitate in going again next year or to something similar. Meeting some of the stars of the day made it a really great experience that we won't be forgetting any time soon.

NB We were given complimentary tickets for the grand prix, however all words, thoughts and pictures are my own.

A Run About in the Park

Sometimes it's great to just go to the park and have a run about, in fact it's amazing how much kids seem to enjoy the simple act of running in circles.

The perfect way to get them out into the fresh air and an easy way of getting them active without them even realising they are exercising.

Running, jumping, rolling, throwing, catching and playing, so much and all you need is some grass, oh and maybe a ball and a frisbee.

Getting active needn't cost the earth either, you can take a picnic to eat and just find a large space to run about in, whether it is is a local park, national trust house or even your own garden. Make the most of the summer, enjoy running about and being free.

It's something we love to do and you get to make memories too.

Linking up to Active Family over on The Oliver's Madhouse