I will put my hands up and be the first to admit that the festive period has brought with it much indulgence that otherwise without the excuse of Christmas, I’d frown upon. Two years ago I was pregnant, last year I was nursing a new born so when this Christmas came around, there was no stopping me falling off the rails a little and enjoying rich foods and an evening tipple every other night.

When I say falling off the rails, I don’t mean I’ve gone full alcoholic and been rattling down bottles of grey goose or crying into my gin glass, but I’ve enjoyed myself with a glass of prosecco, a late night gin (7pm) when the baby has been bedded and I’ve snacked on all things I dare not to think of (I’m basically half human, half chocolate bar) .

Anyway, I was going to use this post to share a wee insight of how I spent the last weekend of the festive break. It’s been an amazing two weeks off with Euan and Eleanor, at home surrounded by family and close friends. I’d not have spent this any other way and it may be the best Christmas yet. The time off to wind down together after a busy year yet again has been so special. On our last weekend of the holidays before I head back to work and Euan offshore, we planned to have an afternoon out just the two of us and had Eleanor over at my mum’s for a sleepover.

A sleepover, yep! We had free reign to do as we pleased and we tried to make the very most of it and squeeze in everything we enjoyed. We got dressed up and headed off out for an adventure. This began with a walk to town and a coffee to go as we browsed the stores. Picked up a few bargains and some holiday goods and it was nice to be able to think while shopping without having to rush out of the store with the baby crying or trying to grab at anything she possibly could.

Next up was the cinema, a firm favourite outing of ours. Obviously we went for a popcorn and juice to share, mixed popcorn and an ice cold tango orange. Bliss. We went to see Holmes and Watson, a comedy take on good old Sherlock. Not a movie I’d ever give the time of day to again but it made us chuckle and wind down together. It was slim pickings while choosing a film so we opted for silly over anything else and though the movie was poor, we had a rare time giggling at the bad jokes and snacking.

We then decided to go for cocktails at a local haunt, las iguanas. A chilled out atmosphere, good company and a great range of seriously delicious cocktails – oh and a handsome Husband on hand, it was perfect. We each had two cocktails, both packed just enough of a punch without being too deadly. Just the right amount of a hit to get our mood elevated and prepare us for our dinner booked for 8pm.

It was amazing to sit, take in the outside world and relax in our own wee zone, not something we can do very often or like to do when we have Eleanor around. We love alone time together, but without our Daughter, we are lost and tend to pine for her while she’s away as she’s part of us, she’s on our team and to be apart from her is really quite difficult even if we do cry out for alone time when times are hard and the pressure rises.

To be out on a date day and enjoying one another’s company is the therapy we needed as it is always so important to take time out for one another and just be at peace. We had booked a table at the buffet for 8pm, a risque move as we never leave feeling too well. Having had little to eat during the day to set ourselves up for a night feast we were ready to take on any challenge. We managed a few plates of food each, a variety of all sorts just as you expect from a buffet.

Finished up with a dessert plate , though as I filled up on noodles,I couldn’t manage a lot more, my tummy was aching and likely craving fruit but I still took one for the team and tried a little of various pudding. I done my sweet tooth and my stomach proud.

Before heading off we grabbed some fortune cookies for the road, one for Eleanor too but before we could leave we found ourselves engaged in conversation with a couple who had been sat next to us, low and behold one hour later we were just catching the bill, not only did we over indulge with food we were spoiled for company, an unusual situation and one we made the most of. It’s nice to get chatting to strangers from time to time. I’ve never left a restaurant so late (10pm) to be precise.

We got back home, got ready for bed and I can safely say, I had the best sleep I’ve had since pregnancy. To be able to stretch out, cuddle and sleep in without any disturbance from Eleanor through the night was amazing. I missed her dearly of course but the time alone as a couple was just a real treat.

Proud to say that I kept my end of the bargain with my New Year resolutions to be more generous. I treated Euan to cocktails and dinner before he leaves for offshore, a gentle thank you for the best two weeks of Christmas and all he does not just over thet holidays but every day.

Here is to being generous and keeping up good habits, life’s too short to be anything but kind. Now to get back to saving for a house, wish us luck!!