Friday 21 July 2017

Words to my little Girl




I''ve blinked my eyes and this little madam is fast approaching two years old. Recently she has become even more affectionate- every night she reaches up and gives me a big bear hug and relaxes into my arms and tonight as I looked down at my little girl I realised that soon there will come a day when she is a teenager, a young woman and she wont fit in my arms like that anymore. A thought that really made me sad. Her feisty, stubborn and determined little character is really starting to shine through. She is happy, free spirited and fearless . She is afraid of nothing, as she danders off into the sea at the beach or climbs across the playground ropes without being fazed by the drop below. This makes me proud and fearful in equal measure. I want to instill so many things within her and know the balance of when to step back and let her learn and explore whilst mindful of her safety without coming across as stifling or over cautious. So my little girl, here are just a few words for you.

I want you to be adventurous and to try new things, to never feel timid or intimidated by anything or anyone. To know that if you want to do something that you can do it. To know that everything worth having is worth working hard for. I want you to travel, explore the world, seize every opportunity that comes your way because sometimes things can pass you by. At the same time I want you to know that it is ok if things don't happen the way you want or have planned. Sometimes Life isn't like that. But that you know it will all work itself out in the end.

I want you to keep being feisty and stubborn and voice those opinions, but to always do so in a kind manner. What you say will be forgotten but the way you make others feel will stay with them. To be aware that no matter how hurtful others can be that you can always rise above. To know that in order to succeed you don't have to knock someone else down on the way. I want you to be gracious and proud and humble. To offer a helping hand to others. But to always look after yourself too. Don't follow the crowd. Do your own thing, always what you believe is right. Stand up for your beliefs

I want you to know how beautiful you are, in every way. That your worth or capability is not determined soley by your pretty smile. To always love yourself even when you don't feel like it. to know that you are absolutely perfect, though you might not see it. To know your worth and not feel the need to have that validated by anyone. To Always be kind to yourself. Love yourself. All of you.

I want you to laugh, cry , love, make mistakes, learn from them, explore, seek adventures, be kind, compassionate and thoughtful. But you are already these and so much more.

Most of all I want you to know how loved you are. Every single day. Mo matter what you will always have a place right here in mummy's arms. A place that you can always call home. For you will always be my baby.






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Wednesday 12 July 2017

National Trust days out






Day trips out take on a new dimension when you have a family- with 2 small children we want somewhere that we can go and get lost in and spend a good portion of the day. When you are packing the car as if you are heading away for a fortnight the last thing you want to be doing is trawling the prams in and out of the car at various stops throughout the day- what we want is one place we can head to, unpack and spend a good few hours just roaming and little little miss run wild.

I have heard of The Argory over the years, ( outside the Moy) but have never been to it, so when we were deciding where to go for a day trip we settled on this for a Sunday day out. As part of the national trust properties, we knew to expect roaming grounds and picturesque views and we were not disappointed. Driving up the lane you are immediately greeted by the beautiful Irish gentry house surrounded by gardens.

The stunning house is set amongst 320 acres of land so there is plenty of space to roam. There are some beautiful walks including the lime tree walk- a beautiful trail set off by the endless lime trees along its path. There is also the stunning River walk - a good 2 mile scenic stroll. Both are suitable for prams so no excuses!.





As well as the beautiful walks there is the most amazing Rose Garden that is just overflowing with pink roses. It is just total garden envy. There is also a great adventure play area for the wee ones- plenty to keep them entertained, and there is also a zipline which I think Myself and my husband had the most fun on! Definitely not just for kids.








The main Courtyard itself houses the Gift Shop, Coffee Shop and the old stables and a little bookshop. There's also stables for the kids to 'muck out' complete with wheelbarrows, brushes, spades and hay. Great wee added feature to keep the little ones entertained.




We went on a Sunday so there was Live Music in the courtyard and a BBQ which was lovely and really added to the atmosphere. There is also the little coffee shop to avail of some treats if you wish- there are areas on the grounds for picnics and when we go next time we will most definitely bring one with us because I just think there's nothing better than a good picnic and tea from a flask- sure isn't that the best part. We availed of the bbq on this occasion. and whilst it was lovely- it was £4 for a plain burger; which I think is a little steep ( but then I'm a savvy shopper these days with 2 children)- just something to bear in mind if you have a larger family than ours as it would add up. So picnic up is my advice.




So if you are from around this part of the world I would totally recommend a visit, We will definitely be back and we have also invested in a membership for the year and plan to make the most of it.

Directions wise the Argory is approximately 45 minutes from Belfast and Banbridge direction, 20 minutes thereabouts from Armagh direction. They have the .' Lazy Sundays' on throughout July and August and the live music is great. so there you have it- The Argory- our first experience with a National Trust day out and most surely not our last.

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