I love trips to the theatre

Since a kid I have always loved going to the theatre. As a child my parents with friends, took us a lot to the theatre to see children shows and after 30 or so years of wanting to see the Phantom of the Opera, remembering when it first was on stage I finally went to see it this year. Today I took my son to see a show called Arthur at the Polka Theatre and if they'd like to sponsor me that would be a dream come true because its brilliant for kids and adults and it was the best one so far. 

When I was a kid it was Keith and Orvil Show, Sootie, Buttermoon and loved double acts and got to see Cannon and Ball in Panto and many other stars and it was a regular thing we did and I loved going to London to see a show and still now with my son I love the theatre. Every year we go to a Panto. Its become a yearly tradition and will always be my thing to do.

My son really enjoys it. I would say to take them to the Polka at first before going to a bigger theatre because my first big show I took my son, well his first, there was a guy who was really rude to me and it was the afternoon matinee and so there were a lot of children there and it really put me off and so the children's theatres are a great way to introduce them to it and people can be unkind when going to bigger theatres and it was unnecessary. I feel people should understand that children do find it hard to sit still and he wasn't being a pain he was getting restless and felt that I did my best and I didn't need for that guy to be horrible. 

If you like to go to show where there is less children then go in the evening, my advice because the afternoon shows are for children and full of kids or go to an adult type show. 

I am sad that Live At The Apollo is not continuing as I loved that and a lot are doing one woman or mans shows and seeing Jason Donovan in the Rocky Horror Show was good and never thought I'd see Jason is women's underwear but that is the good thing about shows it can really help take your mind off your troubles and just taking it in and be in a different place. 

If you recommend any shows then please recommend in the comment section below. 

I feel theatre is in my blood and just love it so much and hope it never phases out. There's going to be a theatre show of Beatle Juice and so will be one I'd like to see. I feel that its just a great thing to do on your own or with family and friends. A good excuse to dress up and be somewhere else. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Finding My Style in 2026

Yes my style has changed a lot. I still like the Rock Style look but I also trying to use what I have. I have bought a couple of new items of clothing which I am happy about as they are quality, but not over spending on clothes and I love my journaling so investing in this and currently working on creating my own journals and it is good to have money for experiences. I am taking my son to two music festivals and we have a holiday in August and I'd rather a holiday, a day out somewhere and want to walk everyday. 

I never continued park run as I had moved from Wimbledon where I was living with mum and step dad and so now fully in Epsom now and been focusing on sorting the house I live with my husband and son. 

My room is coming together along with my son. My son chose a clock for his bedroom to be put up and doing it bit by bit. I have changed my eating habits. Trying not to snack and not too much of the bad food and trying to walk each day, do some toning and strength exercise at home and then journal everyday and posting blogs on my Site Everyone can build a castle, on my Life Coaching programme, Summer Project 2026 check out this blog https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2026/05/29/life-coaching-blog-being-good-at-what-you-do/and writing a new parenting book. 

I have many books I am writing and had to rewrite some because my laptop broke and using my husbands' at the moment and posting a blog each day. It is about consistency which I am really focusing on and watching my blogs and books grow, along with posting on Pinterest and now on Substack. 

I regularly post on Instagram and on X and I have had to start over on somethings, but I feel okay with that. I am not on my phone too much now and having less time scrolling and like yesterday I focused myself on sorting out my home and then completed another blog and it is good to reduce screen time which I am doing. 

The one area I have started to be conscious of my spending. I go through phases and one is buying things from Amazon and it is handy as I buy my toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and now bought a bulk of house tissues as we get through them so much. However I have become reliant and that is not good. So I am putting things in my basket and waiting. 

I will shop around and I will change my mind. 

In my journal I wrote today after watching a bit of Youtube wrote down what I would like to do and is a great tool. I decluttered and sorting through my sons clothes and it is good to have some organisation and as long as Henry has gotten to school okay and back, is my priority and making sure he has a bath, has clean clothes, had dinner and used up some energy.

I found that if I go for my morning walk I still have a whole day to sit and watch Youtube, organising my home, do some weights and if it rains you haven't wasted a day and so I am going to walk everyday, even if it is around the block. 

Reading teaches me so much, would like to continue with Youtube and making short videos at the moment and think I will use my phone rather than my camera and change up my vlogs a bit. 

So that is my style 2026 and now going to have some lunch. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

My Journal is MY Companion

I love my new Journal. I have been writing in it all day and its light weight and best notebook I have used. I am always going to get my Journals from Amazon as they are such a good purchase.

My Journal I am now using 

Since a kid I have journaled. Not everyday but now it is a must and I decided not to junk journal but write everyday to share feelings, goals and for memories and will be putting photos in it. It has been good to get it all out, of how I feel and want to do. 

It is good to empty the mind and was listening to Fearn Cotton Podcast and she says how she loves buying a nice notebook because it helps her to write neatly and yes I feel that way too. I love a good notebook and are my tools as a writer and content creator. 

I use a big black notebook for planning my radio show and one of planning meals and just find it so good to get everything down on paper and so why I like a good pretty journal and is like having a companion and would not live without them. 

If I was stuck on an Island I'd make sure I took a journal and use the river to wash and plants as food along with fish and use wood from the trees and twigs on the Island to make a bonfire to cook and whilst cooking write in my journal. 

Jamie Oliver uses a journal for his gardening and used it for one of his cooking programmes. Oprah Winfrey uses a journal and shared one on her show she had back in the 80's and 90's and she shared about her struggles with her weight. 

I think of Harry Potter where Dumbledore uses a well to empty out his memories and that's how I see journaling and I haven't kept them all or notes because I wanted to get rid of those memories and thoughts but now I add photos and greeting cards I've received then I do keep them. 

The one thing I am looking forward to is to go to a coffee shop and writing in it and have written that in it that I'd like to do that next week as we come to the end of this week where we already have plans and it I like to jot down the little joys aswell as the big joys. 

Everything I have written or listed in a journal has happened. I do use plain notebooks to write my to do lists with Notion but these I don't always keep and take out the notes I feel I need to keep will take out and put into a folder. I love writing stories on paper or on the computer and writing notes for my books and and it is important to store these and use your journal for a story you want to tell. 

Make your notebooks and journals your bestfriend and take them wherever you go. There are no rules and just write. I find once you begin you continue and it doesn't have to be everyday and not for very long. Just a sentence a day is still something and there is bullet journal where you have everything in one place. 

The Perfect Set up

It is good to have different areas in the home where you can watch something on the TV or now as I write this blog, which inspired this post, watched Youtube in the kitchen whilst I cut up some potatoes for my dinner and it is one of my favourite things. 

At the moment now I have my laptop on cushion on the sofa and it is good to be sitting on a soft seat. 

It is good to be comfortable and not get distracted. I love having that time to write and now I am no longer in #Wimbledon I have more time to write and spread my time out and tasks. I like working at a desk as I watch Youtube get ideas on blog posts, planning my week and I like having a different place to write and so it is good to have a good spots around the home to do what you love and Mondays I always stop in as I like to be out throughout the rest of the week. 

Sometimes I will use the edge of the sofa to type. In Atomic Habits he says you should have a different places for different purposes, so I will use the Living room to type and create a blog or work on a book and it does not come up with me to bed, but did once upon a time when living in Wimbledon and Epsom but prefer to work in the Living room.

When watching something though it is the in the Kitchen or Living room. 

For reading I like reading in bed but going to read through the day too and today had chill out music playing whilst I read and gave me proper break from my Laptop and when watching TV I am in the Living room and when travelling like to listen to music, podcast or an audio book. 

When getting fit I like to watch Youtube. At the moment I play four songs, but also to podcasts or videos. I I love creating playlists and will play different ones depending on what I am working on. It is good to have a good set up so prepping dinner is not a chore and takes the burden of making dinner away. It helps to stop me from Procrastinating and when reading I like to have to wrapped up and so relaxing and is a ritual for me. 

What areas of your home like to write or relax? You can use the comment box below. 

I have may blog sites and post them on Pinterest, X and Facebook. 

(4) Pinterest

The Typical London Gal (@Carrie82434764) / X

Typicallondongal | Facebook

I also have a Vlog Channel: 

Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes - YouTube

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Living A Peaceful Life

This morning has been a good one and that is because there is no rushing. I popped out to get some bread and my son is getting annoyed because he wants a kinder egg and it is only quarter past seven. That boy could eat a horse if he was given the permission. 

However it is been a good morning. I have been that person who has left things to the last minute and it just did no good for my wellbeing and so I always give myself plenty of time.

I make sure I fuelled with breakfast and it will be some toast or cereal mainly, except for this morning I had a Sausage Sandwich and means I won't want much later, in terms of food. I like to start a blog which is this one today and I have another to write and just listening to some good music, with the TV news programme, GMB. I try to not consume much news but watch a bit of it.

I enjoy my evenings too. Last night Henry did some homework and then we watched a bit of TV and I just like the peacefulness of the day where I can properly wake up and then properly relax at the end of the day. 

It has taken a lot to get into having more peace but it is possible and just adjusting to the time of the day, not worrying, as I used to worry all the time. It is a habit that is hard to break but it is possible and I still get bouts but now I know how to fight it off and not allow things to get too much. 

I get nervous still and I do get anxiety but I have learned that it is not fear it is excitement and looking forward to the day and have set things into place to help reduce stress. Like I will read, write in my journal and working on writing a book. That is my happy place and watch a bit of Youtube or will do a bit more reading and will sometimes go for a walk. It has been a hard one to keep up at the moment because of the weather but just do what I can, not feeling guilt and just do what is suitable for my mind and body. 

I like to wonder. Today, now it is later in the day I have walked and checked out the Charity shops, books shops and just enjoying the outside to break up the day whilst Henry is learning and not cooped up. 

So how do you live a peaceful life? What changes have you made? You can share below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

 

What is my perfect weekend?

The weekends at the moment is spent with my son. Yesterday my son had football training, then we went on a bus ride, a train ride and then got back home and watched Gillett Soccer Saturday, played cricket and then today Henry had his rugby. On some Sundays I do a radio show and then have a nice Sunday roast. 

Our Weekend Riding through London 

It is good to rest and recharge our batteries and let the stresses of the week go. I loved it yesterday and going on different routes and I love vlogging my weekends. 

Check out my Vlogging Channel: (23) Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes - YouTube

I never get sick of my home town, London and Brixton which I realised I had not seen in daylight was really surprisingly a full of light, with people shopping, there was a band playing, market stalls and so lively and so gonna visit and take a look around. 

I love discovering new places and journeys. 

It is good to have a coffee whilst my son plays Rugby and after my sons football training. 

My son loves it on Sundays before his rugby, watching Match of the day and I like that we don't get until 7am and during the week it is at 6am and at the moment he has a tutor until he gets a place in a school and on Friday we went to the park and played tennis and last Friday I did my first walk on the treadmill. The first this year after a break. 

It is good to have some much planned and not enough hours so we make the most of our time and will be doing more and spending time just, me and my son and with family too, to explore. I would like to travel and travel and walk around towns and places in Surrey. 

#travelling is my sons favourite thing and knows all the bus routes and trains too and already planning walking from London Bridge to Fulham Broadway if there isn't too many routes that have problems as in the UK the weekend travel can be tricky as that's when they do engineering works and roadworks.

Travelling in London can be tricky but not impossible. Its just good to know the different routes we can take to get to the place we want to see and getting home. 

The joys that give you a bit of time to just enjoy the journey of life and what will be will be. Yet life is full of journeys of life having a good weekend really helps to revaluate and reset. 

I am so looking forward to 2026 adventures and have more fun at the weekend. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Tea and Toast

It is good in the mornings going out. Yes it is cold but you can't beat the fresh air and you can't beat the basics of a nice cup of tea and lovely tasty toast, reading, listening to music or to a podcast. Or watching a bit of TV, watching the nighttime turn into the day. 

I feel so good about things now and loving the little pleasures of life and not on the big pleasures and I have a new found attitude to life and not thinking about what I haven't got but what I have got. 

Life is full of the life if you spend time looking around you. 

I love going for drive, getting a takeaway coffee aswell as being indoors and writing blogs, filming and planning my other things I like to do and it is so refreshing to not worry about what will happen. Let life show you what it can create and become. 

With all the love in the world feels a little strained, it makes me wake up to feeling good and spending time with family and enjoyed it, not a burden or a pleasure because of conflict or you feel uncomfortable. It can turn around by swallowing your pride and forgive those that have hurt you and move on. 

Time will never wait and just popping into see someone and chatting to a friend can help with our feelings and feel this year is about healing from passed wounds and not allow hate in the past over take and want to reunite with friends even if they don't want to. 

Wish those you keep in contact with a Happy New year. I send an old teacher I keep in contact with on  X and you be surprised what an impact that has. People want acknowledgement and surprises, like a little message. What I use social media for, is to wish people I know that I don't see anymore a happy birthday or a on congratulations, they have achieved something and just that little amount of praise and wishing someone well with a cup of tea and toast can make someone feel so good and you. Love is a strong word and I love friends and family, no matter what happened before. Live for today and just have those little pleasures. Life is yours so spend it having those little pleasures, not allowing the bad side to life bring you down.

Me and my son like to go on bus trips and train rides and having a cup tea and toast can help set your day on a high and for others it is coffee. Yes I like a coffee too followed by a cup of tea and some toast.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

You Can't Beat a Pair of fluffy socks

You can't beat a pair of fluffy socks. Not so much in the summer as it is shorts and t-shirt but Winter it is a fluffy pair of socks and there is nothing better. Fluffy bed socks are a great stocking filler, along with a box of chocolates and a warm comfy PJ's and dressing gown. 

I like to put on my PJs early to then work on a book, blog or watch a bit of Youtube. 

They are great for a clean moisturized pair of feet and honestly your feet will thank you in doing so. 

Nice bath with salts and a nice glass of wine, hot chocolate or a cup of tea. 

My choice for the winter is a Bailey's ooh and a Bailey's Coffee. It is a real treat and just chill and be thankful for being you and for me is a luxury. 

I love when cooking watching something on my laptop whilst peeling potatoes especially in my PJs and getting ready for another evening and be fully refreshed for the next day. 

Do the things you love. Avoid limitations but embrace your bed, your TV and the hot or cold drink you enjoy and put on some festive music and decorating your journal. Now my son learns in the Library I like to spend time listening to some chill out or festive tunes and fill in my journal, read and plan radio shows I do on a Sunday and planning trips and on Christmas day I am going to have my PJ bottoms on with a festive jumper and just take the festivities in, with a few non and alcoholic drink and fantastic food. 

I love Advocate and Lemonade. I am going to buy the small already mixed bottles this year and will have on with my dinner and watch some good Christmas TV. With some films. In our home it is Polar Express or the Grinch. Then of course the Snowman and love Ground HOG Day. 

It is good to be comfortable and fully relaxed and let them look after your feet and your body is what holds you together so why not look after it, the best way you can. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

What I do to Relax

For me it is essential to have time to relax. I have several blog sites and a mum. I also have three Youtube Channels and on various social media and like to highlight the things I love and so the first one is.

A Pot of tea in one of my son and I's favourite Coffee Shops 

• I love to write so find it relaxing. Along with reading with a brew and listening to music. 
• In the mornings and before I go to bed is read. I like to silence my phone and have a cup of tea. 

My son is not allowed to take his tablet to bed as when he did he would wake at 3am and so now only allowed it after we all are up and no longer allowed it with him in bed in the morning.

• I like to watch a concert or some TV, but not a lot now. My bed time at the moment keeps changing because we are out early taking Henry to see his tutor. We are out by 8am to about 1 or 12 and we both so tired so this week we have been going to bed around 8pm.  

It has been my sons birthday and so we have been focusing on that and he didn't want too much fuss and didn't want Candles and feel a little sad but respect his wishes. Instead we have been testing out one of his gifts. I got him a Telescope and so been testing and he loves it. 

When I relax I feel the day fading and so won't look at my phone as I do have a Overactive mind especially when I go to sleep so I read and completely switch off. 

It has been weird with Henry not being at school and he and I both miss the routine and it has been stressful sorting out his learning as been teaching at home. Now he has a tutor the routine has changed but it is okay, as I do get that time to myself and hope by end of 2026 he gets a Secondary School place, so he can see other children again. 

I find cleaning and cooking relaxing by playing music or listening to an audiobook and it doesn't have to be rushed, so I take my time. 

Seeing the difference helps me relax and not having tasks hanging over my head. 

I at the moment enjoying a magazine to read whilst my son is learning and going for walks around town and building my steps. I love to walk and another thing I do whilst my son is learning and we like to have a drink in a coffee shop beforehand and when my son has his bath we will often sit and chat. 

Letting the day flow of the things that I enjoy and making tasks that aren't usually enjoyable fun and it seems less work but pleasurable. So what do you like to do to relax? You can leave comment below. 

Please check out my Pinterest where you can find other blogs I write and of fashion, food and how people plan their lives: https://uk.pinterest.com/thetypicalLondongal/

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

My Home Comforts

It is never to early to put on your PJ's or stay in them. My niece loves being in her PJs all day at the weekend and I loved this too, but when I did I would feel some sort of guilt. It made me feel that it was a waste of a day and was bought up to believe that mornings were about getting up, making your bed, getting dressed, brush your teeth and go out, but there are days I don't want to go out and indoors reading, writing and spending time watching TV with my son.

I love seeing the clouds and sky turn from daytime to night especially during the Winter

Yet looking back as a kid I am glad that I didn't always stay indoors because I loved the weekends. We were always socialising and would go to see a friend, see my grandparents, watch my brother play football, I would be at dancing school and so my brother did judo and I lived a very sociable life. 

Now, I have a few or at least one or two days a week indoors or an afternoon indoors, as I love going on morning walks. It's a bit hard at the moment to walk, because my son Henry, likes to take the bus, but like to have break in the afternoon, so my first Home Comfort, which I do in the morning and evenings too, is having a Cup of Tea. 

I do like coffee but I like to go out for one. I tried a new Flavored Latte called Nutcracker in Costas and is lovely. 

A second home comfort is having a magazine to read. I have just got back to buying a magazine and so want to buy another magazine to read and when Henry has his lessons, as he will have a tutor, whilst we await for a place to be available at a Secondary School, is to read a magazine in a coffee shop. 

Then there is clothes. I like to put on my jogger bottoms and a jumper. I like to watch a documentary or a concert. I am into the Celebrity Traitors and like to have a nice cup of tea and write along with a biscuit too. Not trying to do this too much as I am starting to be a bit more of a lunch girl and avoiding having a snack. I enjoy food and mix it up, by having a McDonalds or a pastry, just not all the time.

I like to watch sport and I love my radio show. I like to plan meals and will be Christmas shopping soon but will think about this at the beginning of December.

Have a blissful life and feel you have to over do it. I like to take my time and focus on my mornings, then the afternoon and then the evening as it comes, with a bit of a structure and take a break from a to do list and pleasing other people. 

So what are your Home Comforts? I will be adding this blog post on my Winter Wellness Programme that starts today and it is all about having a better Winter if you dread this time of year and enjoy it more. 

Check out Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/thetypicalLondongal/winter-wellness-2025/

Check out my blog site: https://www.everyonecanbuildacastle.cm 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

I love to Plan in my Pajamas

Thursdays are becoming my Fridays where I won't do so much. I will read with a cup of tea and plan in my Pajamas. It helps take my time and plan. We have a storm so good excuse to have an easy day. I love days where I can potter, watch a bit of TV, Youtube and perhaps some cleaning. I love writing lists.

Photo of the morning in my PJ's 

Having a nice hot drink when it is wet outside, with a notebook, feels me up with so much joy and been planning the week ahead and it doesn't have to be a fancy notebook, just having a set of regular tools can help with making plans and just set the week ahead. I also keep track of what I want to accomplish on what days. 

I like going through appointments and special dates. It is my sons birthday soon along with my Mums and brothers so it is a very busy time of year, so it is good to have plans for home, my blogs and books, along with vlogging and meals planned and listen to some music, whilst in my PJ's.

When it comes to planning my life it is good to do it as a family thing. So you all have to plan whilst in your night clothes and do it each evening or once a week and I find it takes the chore aspect away, but a fun activity. 

It is good to be in bed and plan, with your bed clothes with a cup of tea and a bit of TV on. I like to plan whilst watching TV or Youtube as it gives me ideas of what content to post and is still being productive and being in my PJ's I plan better. I find it hard to plan when comfortable. 

When my son is in the bath tub we will chat and make plans. I have to write it down and put it on Notion as I know I will forget. It is good to have a bits done when still in your bed gear or at night getting ready for bed. 

Then once the planning is done it is time to get dressed and kick start the day. We do go out mainly in the mornings, but have a day where we have time indoors and not having to get dressed before 7am but when I feel ready to.

So do you like planning in your PJs? Does this give you ideas on planning?

You can leave a comment below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Getting The Most Out of Everything

It is good to have productive days and getting endless tasks done, but be able to relax and put your to do list a side. The one thing I like is a good tasty dinner and at the moment I am doing some work on my laptop, with a bit of cake given to me from a wedding I went to and a cup of tea. 

Yes I could be sitting watching TV but to be honest there is very few programmes that interest me. 

I love having a good book to read. Check out my blog site: My Books & Stories – Reading is the food for our writing and including a good Audio book on many different topics. 

It is good to have a good breakfast and going on walks. Tomorrow it will be a busy day as having work done on the shed in the garden along with hopefully getting the fence sorted out and part of it was and still falling apart and it has taken such a long time to get someone to sort this out. 

I am home schooling now and so this has changed many things and for my son sake and us (his parents), because wants to, get a place in a school that matches his needs as it has been a mission. 

Henry helped me today make dinner and I do need to relax and not get anxious as it is great that he wants to help make food and want him to be able to cook for himself and I am lucky, he is not a fussy eater and will try many things. 

Not always been the case but making sure I encourage. As a kid I was super fussy and would not eat hardly anything. So not going to take it away from him, if he wants to try different food. The more they try the more they will be less of a fussy eater and makes life a lot easier. 

Then there is personal care, Bath time is good as I will sit with my son whilst he's in the bath and I sit on the toilet, seat down of course, and we will have a chat, then I will get myself washed and ready for the evening and wind down when it gets near the end of the day and it is good to have a good routine, that helps to get the most of the day and evening.

It is not about having the perfect day, but a day that has structure. We had a bit of lunch out today. I l like getting out each day. I would like a day or two staying in, but I feel more tired when I do, so if I can get out I feel so much better. 

So make times count in your days and that you have had time to yourself aswell with the ones you love around you. 

Have a good rest of the week.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Enjoying Home Life

It is good to be out and go for a coffee and cruise around in my husbands car and be able to peel potatoes whilst watching video and my son playing rugby with his teddy bear. We watched a bit of a repeat of The Final Score that was on at the weekend. 

I love having family dinners. This can really help with keeping, if you have children, seated at the table. 

My and Son I after we completed a local Parkrun

Henry, my son is responsibility is to put out the knife and forks out onto the table.

He will often help with the cooking too. It is good to get your kids involved in everyday tasks as my son loves to have a responsibility. I enjoy it when we watch things together, when we play sports and planning our days together. 

Don't get me wrong, it is not always a bed of roses, my son is changing from a young boy to a teenager and with that, it can be a strange time. They become more aware of the world and will find their own path, so the moment I can have, I know I have to celebrate the good. I can be grumpy too. 

I do get annoyed if the toilet roll has not been changed to a new roll, the farting and not being able to go the toilet in peace. I think back of when I was a kid. My dad was a micky taker. He would moan about the people upstairs, the TV and never talk about football. Yet he would have us crying with laughter and so as much as his fleurs, I loved my dad and am makes me treasure the times I have now with my son, when he is not being mischievous. 

My husband I have mixed views on many things and are very different but for Henry he needs stability and we both agree that we will make sure he never goes without and ready for when he decides to fly the nest. 

So I am now going to chill now and watching a bit of TV. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

I love my Super Noodles

Yes I am at my desk, well the dining table that also is my desk, with a bowl of noodles and crackers and love it. Yes I know process food, but not something I eat everyday. It is when I want a day indoors and this meal is, a big hug in a bowl. 

I also like to have a hot breakfasts on some days. This time of year though my taste buds change and like to have yogurt some mornings and eating a muesli with Granola and some fruit, like a banana. 

When my husband family visited, we'd go to a local cafe for a All day breakfast of sausage, fried egg, mushrooms, or cook a breakfast and so on and it would make a nice change and fill us up for the day. We would then venture out and since then though the cafe, we used to go to changed and not so good. 

It is good to change it up, but when I'm at home and working on my blogs, books and videos, like food that warms my insides and makes me sigh, feeling blissful and content. I like to sit out in the sun and read and write. This will be happening and have plans of tidying it up and also want the shed to be where I do my crafting and make scrapbooks and I have designed my own journals and will be blank so you can use it how you wish, but I am going to use mine, because I have two proto types, as a memory journal. 

During the summer holidays I sat in a local gardens and read, this year going to invest in a picnic basket, blanket and a flask with some homemade food, and sit and read and write and be in the moment and blanking out what is going on around me and make the most of what I have and have booked a nice holiday in a farm and have another trip to the seaside and would like to sit outside with some noodles to eat if I feel like it and lose myself. 

It is good to have noodles and watch some TV but I like to write in the day and share parts of my life. I am doing some training at the moment on one of my other blogsites: Everyone can build a castle | Creating goals, habits and being empowered aiming for success and filmed my first Youtube video about it, if you'd like to check it out: Video 1: Change YOUR Life/Coming last

It is free training and will more videos will go up. In the days where it is dreary I like to have leftovers and why meals like Spaghetti Bolognese that you can batch cook and helps to control my snacking. 

So have a bowl of noodles and just take in the moment, taking a deep breath and just be in the moment and that you have your phone on silent and just enjoy. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Finding a new style for 2025

So I feel that it is time for a change of style. I do like clothes that feel like a big hug but I also like the tailored look to the rock style chick look. I love the rock style and wearing boots that I can wear with a pair of jog bottoms and like the oversized look. 

I use Pinterest for inspiration, as a kid and adult, before the internet existed I loved clothing in Catalogues and couldn't wait to be able to be older to buy clothes from Catalogues but led me to debt and so I have stopped buying clothes from Catalogues and love charity shops and secondhand fashion. 

The other places I like to style is my bedrooms, I stay in the week to look after my son in Epsom and weekends and holidays, stay at my home in Wimbledon, where my stepdad and mum live and changing my style on how I see my relationship with money, by changing my shopping habits and stop relying on clothing to make me happy. I am doing No spend January again so means not buying clothes, saving where possible and still go out for coffee, and take my son out before he goes back to school but not buying items I don't need and using up what I have got.

I am still going to buy food and use cash that was paid to me as my husband, to buy fish and chips on Friday and so I got cash for this and but will be the last one. My son and I are going to be, on Saturday's mornings, doing a local parkrun in Wimbledon and feel this will really help me save as I want to have a proper holiday this year and the park run is free, visiting a pay as you go gym once a week and change my fitness lifestyle as it needs improving and get back in running again. 

It is good to restyle your life if there are areas in your life you want to change, but not sure where to start and that could be fashion, a room in your house, your health and your relationships, visiting friends you've been meaning to meet up with, but not got round to seeing. Making time for yourself to write as writing and walking are areas I love and want to change my lifestyle to grow my books, blogs and videos and build on my other two Youtube channels. Financial Living and my educational youtube channel. Continue to vlog and help others change their life by making changes of my own. 

My word for this year is "Lifestyle". last year was "Grow" and year before was "Build".

I have changed my lifestyle, by focusing on what is important to me and being honest with myself and how would like to live? Who do want to me meet in my life? What parts of my life do I like? 

In 2024 I applied to work on Epsom Hospital Radio and this was something that I had wanted to do when I left school, this was 29 years ago, but didn't know how to go about it. I saw an advert outside Epsom Hospital getting off the bus and so I filled in the waiting list, not thinking anything will happen, but received an email about a Recruitment Evening and then started training and now I have my own show on a Sunday.

So never give up on your dreams and they can happen unexpectedly. I had to change my way if thinking by altering my lifestyle. I wanted to get fit and do running. This really helped my lifestyle because it changed my energy levels, my relationship with myself, no longer giving myself a hard time but use the positive side of the brain and took on things I never thought I could and did the Great North run, the Royal Park run, Race of life, Women's 10K run and the London 10K Run. Working in a corporate environment made me make effort to dress smartly, put on make up and get fit. 

I have always wanted to change my lifestyle to follow my dream to write a book and so when I became a parent and was getting ready to change my lifestyle in terms of work, I discovered blog writing, that lead me to write my first book, The Parenting Adventures and wrote a novel called A Lonely Walk to happens and learned about this by watching programme about it and lead me to Youtube and having my own channels and blog sites. 

In 2024 I have done a lot of courses in mental health, life coaching and counselling and got 10,000 all time views on my blog site, Everyone can build a castle. 

Now it is 2025 I am going to be doing a Winter 5K Walk in London to raise money for the British heart foundation, check out my fundraising page if you'd like to sponsor me: https://www.justgiving.com/page/typicallondongal

There will be more I want to do and have set my goals for 2025. I have created my vision boards and really ready to take on more challenges and experiences to make 2025 even better, by changing my style and learning more to continue to build a lifestyle I love.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

What I like Autumn to look like

It is coming towards the end of October and I am glad that like today it is not raining and the sun is out. 

Inside Wimbledon Theatre watching the musical Hairspray 

I like the colours of Autumn, warm orange colours, browns and yellow leaves. I like to go for walks through our local commons and parks with a coffee and a pastry. 

On Sunday's have a roast, a coffee with my husband and son. I wrote a blog on my parenting blog about the Little Things that I enjoy as a parent: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.wordpress.com/2024/10/23/building-memories-enjoying-the-little-moments-of-being-a-parent/

We went to see Hairspray and I like going to shows this time of year and already booked to see a panto and doing Autumn adventures, like having a seasonal drink. We are going to have Hot Chocolates and to the park tomorrow, local as I am done with travelling this week, as getting back from Wimbledon, after seeing Hairspray, we got stuck as the first train that stopped at Epsom was packed and no way were we going to get on it. 

I love going to markets and buying myself some new knitwear and a scarf, along with good shoes or boots and wrapping myself up so snuggled and ready for the cold crisp mornings and days and adjusting to the time changing and snuggle at home watching a film or a TV series, read a book or watch a bit of Youtube and other drinks, like herbal teas and different coffees. 

Not all days are plain sailing as Henry can be demanding as he want to there and everywhere and go a certain route and if not can have a meltdown. He has ADHD and Development Delay. 

The other thing I love is having lunch with my son and having a cooked breakfast and as a kid every Sunday my dad would make me a Bacon or Sausage Sandwich. I would get told off for not eating much of it as found it too big and hard to finish, but just nice to wake up not get dressed straight away and having a nice hot bath whilst listening to a podcast, audio book or music. 

I like having PJs and creating my own by using a t-shirt, vest top and bottoms. I love wearing fleece and cosy socks and shoes with fur (fake) inside them. 

What does Autumn look like for you? You can leave a comment below. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Life doesn't have to be too much

Wasn't sure if I was going to post this on my other site everyone can build a castle as I am doing a yearly Life Coaching Programme Summer Project 2024. 

I think I will share it on there. 

The inspiration for this post came about watching a video on Youtube of BGT those that auditioned and where they are now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gFvSuo10A 

There was a dancing group, where one of the dancers had a spinal condition where she feared she'd never get to dance again, and that must be so hard to face, knowing what you have dreamed of could be over but shows her afterwards and she still got to dance, and helped my Simon Cowell and I know he may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like the guy and he is putting Variety Performers back out there and that your dreams can come true, you just should never stop believing. 

We get so stressed each day that we forget to enjoy ourselves and spend time just being free from errands and things that we have to do otherwise other things don't get done and so make time for you to enjoy life and listen to an audiobook whilst having a coffee in a local park. Do a bit of dancing whilst doing the housework and call your friend you haven't heard from for a long time. 

I today went to Marks and Spencers hoping I would bump into a woman I know from when our sons were born and were both in the Special Care unit, but didn't see her as we chatted about having a playdate. 

So good to have a girly and a men's chat, and with a coffee and on Sunday which I hadn't done in a while gone for a Sunday morning walk. One of my most favourite things and did my steps for the day and today finishing this blog went on a morning walk and it feels so good and mix my walking with the treadmill I can use, its my husbands and walking outdoors. 

Doing a walk in the morning gets the day going and feels me with such good energy. 

So life doesn't need to be hard work, but be a joy doing the things that bring you joy and a better wellbeing.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Managing my life as a mum

I love being a mum, as my son is a real character but he loves it when I play sports with him and when I make his dinner, and feel in some way sad as he is growing, but it is important to me to also have time for myself, so I can give him my full attention. 

When he was a lot younger it would be full on and when they become toddlers they will want to put their hand down the toilet, flood the bathroom playing with the taps and chucking his pooh across the room.

The one thing that I do like to manage is meal times. There was a time that my son would eat his dinner first and then we'd, my husband and I would then have ours, but for me I like to have a meal together. This helped with him moving from his table during meal time. This helped with planning meals that were healthy and what we could have, as his appetite grew. 

I like also to have lunch when he is at school on my own at times and catch up on Youtube or watching TV. I like to spend time reading and writing. I now get up early whilst my sons in bed to get things done, and at one time was using the evenings, but felt it would take a lot to switch off so like to do it in the morning then it is done and can then concentrate on getting my son ready for school. 

Once he has gone to school I will go for a walk or start my day going through what I need to do for the week or day and ticking off and finish for around 2pm, so I am not on my laptop all day and make dinner and watch a bit of TV or read and spend time with my son, who will do some reading and then it is bed time. 

I always plan the night before and journal. I will make sure I have gotten myself washed and cleaned, aswell as my son and have a good nights sleep. 

He has always been an early bird, well from about when he was a month old and never sleeps in, further than 6am. It means managing my time constructively and wisely. 

It means having clothes out that I can grab and has made me more organised, even though I can still be untidy and that my son puts his stuff away and items like clothes are in a place he can grab and put on with little fuss. 

I avoid buttons at the moment, as he finds using bottoms tricky, but make sure it is a poppers or zips that easy to use, or have him have a t-shirt on and a jumper that he can just put over his head. The same with bottoms. 

When it comes to tidying up, make sure we all are responsible for this and keep the home tidy. He will tidy away his plates and cups, and if you want them to do this naturally, to start them early in teaching them this habit and they will just do it without being prompted, and be like drinking water or breathing, so they know to take all plates, bowls and cutlery in the kitchen near the sink. 

The more they can look after themselves the better. I need to take a further step back, but learning and often he will say he will do it himself, so I need to just allow him the space to do that, and chill. 

So it is a juggling act but would not change it for the world, being a mum and watching my son grow gives me so much pleasure. 

If you'd like to be kept up to date when I post a blog on this site then click subscribe and you be alerted everytime I write and publish on this site. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Why I love a bit of coffee time

 As a kid I rarely drank coffee and found it would give me headaches, but now it is my one thing when my son gets picked up to go to school, is to make myself a coffee and enjoy it whilst I start getting stuff done and every sip of my coffee brings me joy and I drink it slowly, and I like meeting for a coffee and each week I go to a local coffee shop and start writing notes and planning and just good to be in a different environment, but do like a coffee at home too. 

I find it's me time, once my son goes off to school and after I have been out for a walk and getting some good fresh air and taking a coffee on the go. 

It helps me write and concentration. It is good that there are so many blends and it is a gift to myself when it has been a busy and hectic morning. My son at the moment is not always obedient, check out my new blog I wrote on my parenting site: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.wordpress.com/2023/10/12/behaviour-issues-and-setting-boundaries/

So it is good to have a that time. I am all about improving my health and wellbeing, because I no longer want my mood to be up and down, but stable and I am at that place. It is all about taking steps towards a life you want and dream about, and going for a coffee, really helps with that. 

I like a good milky coffee and if you know of some good alternate healthier milk, then please recommend by leaving a comment below. 

Today it is the end of the week and for Halloween bought myself a Halloween mug and I love it and think I am going to have a set of seasonal holiday mugs, because I love a mug and no I don't want by a lot, just the same ones for the different seasons. I already have one for Christmas in Epsom, and so need one for Easter and valentines day. I have one that my son bought me for mothers day and I drink from it all the time. 

So find a different a place to have a coffee once a week or so, buy a special mug and different coffees to enjoy. It is getting the most out of what you love and honestly is my one daily pleasure. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Nothings better than a brew

As a kid I was a avid tea drinker and would drink about 8 cups a day but in recent years as I have gotten older got the taste for coffee. The thing is I love making my coffee in the morning. I do have jar that I bought from Poundland and I hope it is nice. As there is nothing good with coffee that is bad and would spoil my day. 

It helps with my energy to to wake me up and it is the little things I like that's made a huge difference to the way I like to live for my wellbeing. It is important to have comforts and for me I wouldn't go a day without a cup.

For me it helps kick start my day and I look forward to it. It goes lovely with some nice biscuits. I know this may be frowned upon in the healthy world but I like it. I like dunking biscuits, please don't shoot me for that. 

I am looking forward to having an Iced Coffee. I don't have these until it starts to get warmer and reading in the park and having a picnic and do some writing. 

What did we do when there was no coffee? Who knows but I know for a fact I'd struggle without it. 

My son loves going to a coffee shop because to have a glass and has asked if he can have a coffee, I would allow him to because its just widening his taste buds, but I like making my own at home, and buying coffees out all the time can be expensive, but I do like to work in a coffee shop and plan to do that this week, and it can be relaxing but so is having a coffee indoors and I like trying different kinds. 

So are you a coffee drinker? Please leave a comment below and would be welcomed of recommendations of ones to try. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X

@Typicallondongal