Zoe Loves the Second Act

  Chapter 10 My birthday month! Pumpkin lattes, red & gold leaves crackle under foot, harvest time, trick or treat, cosy coffee shops, brisk walks with bracing air, comfort food of soups & stews, lighting the fire for a cosy night in, boots & warm sweaters on, muddy dog paws, cosy pyjamas.   FABULOUS THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST MONTH 1. Our puppy Frank is settling in beautifully! 2. Sober September was good after a fun Summer! 3. A September reset for the last few months of 2024 4. Max is loving college life! 5. Max got his first job and is now a fully-fledged Lifeguard after passing his course and a successful interview. My boy is growing up! 6. A very successful show for my theatre school!   LIFESTYLE, LEISURE, PLACES & HOME A day at Fountains Abbey  On a beautiful late summer day, just before the weather turned and storm Lilian decided to pay us a visit, my parents, Isabelle & I spent a wonderful day at the stunning Foun...

  On a beautiful late summer day, just before the weather turned and storm Lilian decided to pay us a visit, my parents, Isabelle & I spent a wonderful day at the stunning Fountains Abbey. Fountains Abbey is located approximately 3 miles south-west of Ripon in North Yorkshire near the village of Aldfield. This stunning Abbey was founded in 1132 and operated for 407 years, becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in England until its dissolution, by order of King Henry VIII in 1539. Today it is owned by The National Trust & maintained by English Heritage.  The ruins of Fountains Abbey are some of the oldest in the country and are truly something to behold. We were blessed with beautiful weather, which is obviously preferable, but I would most definitely still visit on a less desirable day. Throughout the Summer & school holidays there are numerous activities for children & families which are in-keeping with the Abbeys history & stunning grounds a...

  Chapter 9 Summer over for another year, back to school & college, new term, new beginnings, new stationary, Indian summer breezes, squeezing summer clothes out for a bit longer, a soft glowing harvest moon, a few leaves starting to fall, a slight nip in the air, bright blue skies, woodland strolls, picking blackberries, crisp dog walks!   FABULOUS THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST MONTH 1. Welcoming our new Miniature Dachshund Puppy Frank!!! 2. A fabulous day in Liverpool with my mum to watch ‘Hairspray’ the musical & a meal at The Albert Docks! 3. Attending the Classique de danse awards at The Winter Gardens Blackpool! 4. Some much needed time off from work to recharge my batteries! 5. Max qualified as a Lifeguard after an intense weeks course. 6. A wonderful meal at Manor House Lindley for our 21 st Wedding Anniversary. 7. A wonderful meal at 4 th Floor Brasserie Harvey Nichols with a friend. 8. A lovely day at Fountains Abbey with my mum, dad ...

  SELF CARE TO COMBAT THE STRESSES OF WORK & LEARNING TO PUT ‘YOU’ FIRST SOMETIMES! The importance of 'self care' has been in the press a lot recently and, as a working mum we all know the feeling of utter exhaustion and burn out, trying to put everyone first so that we end up bottom of the list. I wouldn't have this any other way as my children come above anything, however, after an extremely busy year last year, the demands of work and trying to be the best mum possible left me neglecting my own health, fitness and well being. Last year left me feeling very drained with no energy and I knew that things had to be different this year and, to continue to be a good mum and to give my work 100% I had to start thinking about my own health and fitness much more and also putting a little bit of time aside each week for me. In the past this always felt like a selfish concept and still does to a certain extent as my kids needs will always come before my own. But when you...

  Oh my! August has been a crazy month as we welcomed a new family member – a miniature dachshund puppy we’ve called Frank (Frankie)! He’s absolutely adorable & such a friendly little fella who’s settled into our home & lives so well. He’s friendly, feisty, fun & loveable and we all adore him – that is except for our 6 year old Cavachon Dora!!!!!  Dora is the sweetest dog,   but she definitely took a while to get used to a new puppy in the house and wasn’t the friendliest towards him at first. Frank on the other hand just wanted desperately to be her friend & play with her!!! However, she is warming towards him more & more each day. I wouldn’t say she loves him yet but she’s getting used to him!! I really had forgotten just how tying a new puppy is though, I feel like I’ve got a newborn!!!! He’s been excellent with toilet training & he sleeps right through at night which is great, but his energy levels are on another level!!!! ...

  My family & I had a horrible start to the week as, on Monday morning, we were woken up abruptly to our dog Dora barking like mad and black smoke pouring in through our windows. We rushed downstairs to find our next door neighbours house was on fire & there were fire engines, ambulances, police & paramedics everywhere. Very sadly our lovely neighbour didn’t make it & died from smoke inhalation which has devastated us all as he was the nicest man who would do anything for anyone. It really does put life into perspective and how we really do have to make the most of every day we are given. I turn 50 this year and, whilst many people struggle with ageing, I see it as a privilege as I know many people, including one of my best friends in the world, who died very young, would have loved to be the age I am now. I’m sorry if this is all a bit depressing but life’s tragedies always make us assess our own lives & it really made me re think about making every day...