This isn't a huge ask for me, as it's kind of like a paper blog, right up my street, especially when I have a pretty notebook to scribble in. We've been encouraged to do whatever we wish for content, just to record something every day to help with anxiety, depression, boredom etc during Lockdown. 

I know writing can be therapeutic - have even blogged about it in the past - but I hadn't realised just how good journaling can be for your mental and physical health.

For me, it helps me keep my brain ticking over while I'm not working. It's a fantastic outlet for emotions and can help with clarity. When I'm in a bad patch with my anxiety (thankfully not for several months now) I feel confused and foggy, and clarity is something I really need to work towards, so this really helps. 

On good days, like today, journaling helps me to appreciate the small things. Today I wrote down three  good things which came along today. 

1. I made a new type of sweet bread - Dulce Milanese. (Not worth the 6 hour prove and 25 mins of kneading!!)
2. The sunshine was amazing today.
3. I spoke to my grandma who's isolating with my uncle in Norfolk. 

It's easy to see here how journaling can really give you a boost. The blog on Positive Psychology says there's 83 benefits!!!!

https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

Have you ever tried journaling? It doesn't have to be much, just listing three good things each day counts, but some people write poems, sketch, 'flow' write, do a diary... you can do whatever takes your fancy really, as long as you do it every day.

Stay well,

Lou x

I found an old cookie recipe book and am baking with renewed enthusiasm! These are camomile tea cookies, and soooooo tasty. 

At least, I think they're camomile flavoured. I took a punt on the teabags type, they smelled about right but weren't labelled... 

Either way they taste amazing!

Lou x

Recipe here:

Yes, they stop you breathing in vapour trails of other shoppers.

Yes, they protect others when you might not know you have covid-19.

Yes, they stop you touching your face so much. 

And yesterday, I was asked for ID at the supermarket because the cashier couldn't see my face. Boom, I liked that. At 35, it's a thrill, trust me. 

The stupid thing was, the cashier looked at my driver's license and let me pass with my box of beer, but didn't see my face without the mask.... so how could she check it was me on the card?

Totally overthinking, I know. 

Here's that photo again of me in hospital, with my mask. Just cos I like that photo.

Stay safe, stay home.

Lou x

For the last two weeks, El Husbandio, our baby and I have been shielding following my appendicitis. Today was the first day we could leave our house.

We've been so grateful for the garden, especially during the first week when it was lovely and warm. I was really dreading it, but was so thankful that we decided to isolate together, so I wasn't holed up alone in a room by myself. How miserable would that be, and honestly, I don't see how I'd be protected when my husband would have been grocery shopping, cooking for me, using the same bathroom, passing me Rox for her feeds... 

I spent a lot of time baking bread and playing with Rox. She's now learned to lift the flaps when we read Dear Zoo! We watched very little TV, which I'm pleased about, and even got a board game out when the babe was napping. 

We were really lucky to have people supporting us, from friends, neighbours and family... grocery runs, an emergency formula delivery, a bunch of flowers... all of that helped us get through, thanks very much you kind folk, much appreciated.

So what did we do for our first outing today? We went to Lidl. Needs must! I have just come back from the post office too, having had seven parcels for birthdays etc sat in our hallway for almost a fortnight. 

It may not be all exciting stuff, but it's a relief. And when  play parks, cafes, cinemas, restaurants, and most shops are still closed, theres not a whole lot of choice. I will definitely enjoy my dog walk later!

----

Something productive: I think the post office run counts? Definitely glad to see the back of those parcels!

My 'do something for me' thing: I have a mums therapy session online today, for new mums with anxiety. It's part two of ten, and last week was helpful, so I'm feeling positive about that.

I made someone smile by: Meeting a friend and her kids for a socially distanced dog walk in our local park. It's been too long, friend!!! 

Lou x

Government guidance is now to wear a mask in confined spaces. That's basically Lidl for us, as we don't luckily need ride the bus or anything like that. 

It's harder than you think, not touching your face. I have hayfever so my nose and eyes are itchy and runny. El Husbandio and I both wear glasses, and we habitually, unconsciously touch our face all day, I am sure. 

We plan now to wear a mask when we are finally released to grab the groceries, which may help, but eurgh!

Hooray for being let out the house soon though! 

---

Productivity today: I fixed a photo frame that's been staring at me for weeks. 
Made myself happy: I parcelled up some family tree info for my mum and a book for my brother-in-law. I love posting fun things, and I'll be down that Post Office tomorrow! Oh the things we now look forward to...!
Brought a smile to someone's face: Rox has learned to lift the flaps in the Dear Zoo book, which she enjoys reading with me. 

Lou x

And, hey, they are delicious. They're a sweet bun containing icing sugar, desicated coconut, and two eggs. Sorry baby, another one you can't nibble, Miss Egg Allergic! 

I could eat the whole batch. I won't. I shouldn't.

Productivity today: See above!!!
Thing to make me happy: I started season 3 of This Is Us. Love it.
Something to make someone smile: Rox was introduced to bubbles today, we went through two tubes with a giant wand, fun!

Lou x

Productive activity - check! And they were so yummy and easy to make - recipe here. 

Something for myself - I painted my toenails. Glam or what.

Something to make someone smile - Played Big Bang Theory Monopoly with El Husbandio, and he won. Twice. I didn't do it on purpose but he loves to win!!

Lou x

Accidental spill of my Diet Coke on the highchair tray turned into a fun wet play exploration activity... Video here >> https://youtu.be/EaY-874UO-8 For some silly reason I can't paste the video here. Restrictions of blogging via smartphone!

Cookie Dough Sensory - uncooked cookie dough is awesome, tasty and fun to play with. Video here >> https://youtu.be/VBadvJpy1VE