Zoe Loves the Second Act

  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...

  Last Saturday I spent a wonderful evening with my parents in Chatsworth House Gardens watching 'La Boeme' opera. It was a gift for my parents, and I packed up a lovely picnic with prosecco for us, all ready for a lovely evening. We were informed the event would go ahead regardless of the weather but luckily it was a beautiful evening. Sitting for 3 hours in the rain eating a picnic would certainly not have been as pleasant an evening!!!! Chatsworth House is a stunning stately home in Derbyshire, and the grounds are stunning. What a setting for watching a beautiful opera!  We settled down in a fabulous spot near the front and got our chairs & picnic set up. There were more than 600 watching but it didn’t feel like that many as it was so well organised and it’s such a vast space, but we certainly did well getting there early and being some of the first in. As the opera began the sun began setting on a beautiful evening which created a wonderful atmosphere. The sing...

  Chapter 8 Out of office on, Summer is here, bank holidays, sunshine – fingers crossed, Bees buzzing from flower to flower, bbq’s, homegrown potatoes, humid nights, open windows & doors, dog walks in fields with beautiful views, airports, packing & unpacking, time to recharge & reset!   FABULOUS THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST MONTH 1. A wonderful few days in beautiful Prague with Tony 2. Another successful exam completed & passed with a very high mark! 3. Some lovely meals out with friends  4. My beautiful Mum’s birthday & lots of celebrations!  5. I got my ‘mojo’ back at the Gym!!! 6. A great day watching Gladiators live with Max 7. And……. we’re getting a new puppy!!!!!!!!!!! A miniature Dachshund!!!!!!   LIFESTYLE, LEISURE, PLACES & HOME Beautiful Prague Tony & I have just spent a couple of days in the beautiful city of Prague. I’ve wanted to visit for a while & it truly is a beautiful city with such pr...