THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR RIGHT NOW | Lockdown Diaries

Right now, with our current situation, so many things are uncertain and if this whole lockdown/pandemic situation has taught me anything – other than to STAY THE FUCK AT HOME – it is to really appreciate the small things in my life. There are so many things I took for granted; like meeting up with my sister every week, seeing my mum whenever I wanted, giving my nieces & nephew a hug, going to McDonalds… SOB.. come back to me babe. My fast food addition aside, this shit show situation has also made me take a good look at my life and realise how lucky I am. I thought I would share with you the things I am grateful for right now.

I have a roof over my head, I have my two beautiful boys and a fella who loves and supports me despite my mood swings and boyyyy do I swing. Sure I wouldn’t say no to a few extra thousand in the bank LOL, but we are lucky enough to travel, keep up with my book buying addition and the kids are always dressed hell-a cute.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

I think we’re all guilty of not appreciating how bloody good it feels to be outside! We have had a National Trust membership for around a year now and I hate to admit that we didn’t make as much use of it as we should! Just you wait, as soon as this is over, i’ll be there every single week! However, until then we have been making use of our back garden, which I LOVE. It was actually one of the main selling points when we bought our house as it has a huge back garden, but we spent time renovating inside the house, then reproducing so it kind of got neglected…

We have spent the past 5/6 weeks getting the back garden in a much better condition, I say we…I actually mean Aaron but I watch the kids! SO it’s a solid team effort. It isn’t anywhere where we would like it to be but Teddy has a place to run, have his slide & paddling pool and right now that is more than enough. We have been so lucky with the weather – thank Christ – and had glorious sunshine most days.

DISNEY+

PRAISE BE TO DISNEY+!! You ever tried looking after a toddler and newborn in a worldwide lockdown? It aint fucking pretty let me tell you and some days I have needed the tv to do a little parenting for me, especially when I am stuck under a breastfeeding baby for 79 hours a day. Disney+ is definitely just as much for the adults as it is the kids – so far I have marathon-d all the Marvel films (Winter Soldier is my fav FYI) and I am currently watching The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical : The Series (who the fuck came up with that name seriously?).

MY KINDLE

I have always loved my kindle, if people ask me whether I prefer a physical book or an e-book, it is genuinely a hard decision. Sure, nothing feels as good as holding a proper good floppy paperback – you know the ones – but an e-reader is so bloody convenient it’s ridiculous. I’ve picked up some amazing 99p bargain kindle books over the past few weeks and I am thrilled about it. I’m on maternity leave, gotta save the pennies where I can. My kindle is also really practical to hold one handed whilst feeding or holding Oliver so i’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful piece of tech.

MY ONLINE SPACE

Never have I relied so much on my phone or the online community I have. I might not have thousands upon thousands of followers but I have met the most amazing, supportive and just bloody lovely people through the internet. You might have noticed a little #spreadkindness going around on Twitter (@_Rachael92) where people are sharing their Amazon wish lists and I have LOVED it. Not only for the fact I have received some amazing gifts for me & the boys – all books obviously, this is me – but how lovely it feels to buy people gifts and it’s so addictive! I love looking at my friends wish lists and sending them a little something, whether it costs £1 or a fiver. It has just been so lovely to see.

I am also grateful for the escapism I have found on Instagram, I sometimes find the app quite negative and usually that’s me spending too much time comparing and feeling some-what not good enough but recently I’ve been absolutely loving the insight into peoples lockdown lives and interacting with new people as well as keeping in contact with my favourites.

WINE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

Lets be real right now. I’m a parent to two young children so an alcoholic beverage or five is essential for survival. I have recently discovered independent wine shops that deliver straight to your door and there are two in particular I recommend for a lovely summer evening; Montecillo Rioja Rosé 2017 – a delightful rosé, aromas of flowers, strawberries and cream, a winner of Decanter Bronze Medal and Crios Malbec Rosé 2017 | Mendoza Argentina – a refreshing and crisp Malbec rosé of excellent quality.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the things I am grateful for right now! I’d love to know something you’ve been feeling grateful for recently? I hope you’re all staying safe & my inbox is always open if you fancy a natter!