After the wobbles of last week, it’s been a beautifully chilled weekend. Whilst some of my immediate work pressures have been reduced, there’s a lot to do over the next few months. I knew I needed to stock up on self-care bonus points to help me through the next couple of weeks.

Time for a new haircut

So, the first thing I did this weekend was to get my haircut. Whilst I’m tightening the budget on some things, getting my haircut at my favourite hairdressers isn’t one of them. It took me ages to find a hairdresser I liked after I moved to London. I find some hairdressers really stuffy. I feel so uncomfortable when the hairdressers are overly manicured and immaculately dressed. Thankfully my hairdresser in London is lovely. We spend most of my appointment chatting about the great outdoors.

Baking is a delicious form of self-care

Saturday afternoon was about catching up with some housework and baking a Banana & Chocolate Chip Loaf.

I woke a few times last night, as my cat decided to play with her toys outside my bedroom door. I had hoped to sleep in this morning, but Wigsy was having none of that either.

Exercise

So I decided to get up and make the most of my early start. By 9am I had my running kit on and was heading out for a jog. It was lovely to be out and about whilst London was half asleep. The park was empty except for other runners and a couple of sports teams warming up before kick off.

Every time I head out, I find myself running a bit further, and my body is loving the exercise. I used to convince myself that walking was enough, but I realise now that it’s not. Whilst walking’s great for you, it doesn’t get your heart racing. Breaking into a sweat and noticing the difference in how my body feels, is fantastic. It’s giving me so much more energy throughout the day, as well as helping me to sleep better.

After my jog, I carried on my workout at home, by lifting some weights. This time last year, I noticed my arms had got really big (and not in a muscly kinda way). That’s when I first realised how much weight I had piled on. Whilst I haven’t lost the extra weight yet, my arms are looking slightly more toned.

I’m super pleased that I booked my holiday before Christmas, as this is giving me extra motivation to keep exercising. I also have 2 weddings and hen parties to go to in the next few months. So I’m hoping that will keep me motivated well into the summer.

Pamper Session

After my workout I decided to get some more self-care points in the bank, with some pampering.

My brother always buys me really good beauty products for my birthday and Christmas. One of my favourites is a 1 minute facial by REN which has become a staple in my beauty regime. It is what it says on the tube, a 1 minute facial. So even when time is short, there is no excuse not to treat my skin.

Another great product he brought me last Christmas is a fizzy lip exfoliating treatment by GlamGlow. It’s great at this time of year when the weather and central heating are playing havoc with my lips. Like the facial, it’s really quick to use and leaves my lips super smooth.

Even shopping can be a good source of self-care

With my workout and pampering complete, it was time to head off to Westfield to do some holiday shopping. I had some vouchers to use, so came away with some lovely new holiday clothes and no buyers guilt!

Once home, I popped out to my terrace, to check on my plants. I love gardening, but as soon as the winter weather creeps in, I tend to neglect my poor plants. It was nice to tidy up and deadhead the flowers that hadn’t quite realised it’s winter yet. A perfect end to the day.

So after a topsy turvy week, it’s been a lovely weekend, with lot’s of self-care. I’d love to say I’m ready for the week ahead, but I would love another day or two at home.

At least I’m getting closer to my Algarve Adventure ✈️☀️🏖