‘There is a real buzz around the concept of self care at the moment and it’s really not hard to understand why. In a world where we are continually told we can do it all – Mother, work full time, renovate, blog – I know from personal experience that it can leave you feeling burnt out, exhausted, run down and in some cases ill.
‘Rest & Self Care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. ‘ Eleanor Brownn.
Research conducted by British Land, owner of New Mersey, shows that 58% of mums in Liverpool get less than an hour to themselves each day. The most popular ‘me time’ activities that local mums enjoy are Netflix (38%), reading a book in peace (46%) and having coffee with friends (20%).
These days it’s the little things for me. Heading to the gym, reading my book, running myself a hot bath, walking, retail therapy & coffee dates.
‘Self Care is not about self-indulgence, it’s about self – preservation’. Audre Lorde.
This weekend, New Mersey set me a challenge…. to enjoy ME time! My husband happily agreed & gave me the best early Mother’s Day Treat – an afternoon off! Self Care Sunday! So I took myself off to my local retail park – New Mersey, Speke, Liverpool for a spot of fresh air, a potter around the shops & a long overdue coffee date with a friend.
To no surprise my first stop was Next! Where I wondered around carefree browsing the lovely sofas & mirrors. I then headed over to the beautiful artificial flowers and candles. The new ranges are beautiful & well worth checking out! Check out this cool Mum cushion! Couldn’t resist picking Ally up a swim suit for our upcoming holiday in May in the boy’s section.
I then popped to H&M where I treated myself to a few new spring pieces! My body shape has changed so much since having a baby so it was nice having the time to just try on different types of jeans & pick a pair that best suit my figure.
It’s thirsty work shopping, so naturally I needed a coffee break! I met my lovely friend (who’s also a Mama) for coffee & short bread in the on site Costa! You take for granted friend time & nursing/finishing a hot drink in peace. If you are a mum you’ll know! Forever posting on stories about my half empty cups of coffee left around the house!
Last stop – Marks and Spencer’s where I picked up a tasty 2 dine for £10 dinner for the hubby & I & some Mother’s Day treats – pink blush roses & an afternoon tea hamper! Happy Lady! Bliss.
I had a wonderful afternoon of ‘me time’ & felt so much more refreshed/relaxed. I’ve made a promise to myself to do it more often. I was re energised & ready to cuddle the socks of my little man & continue with the best job in the world ‘motherhood’!
If you are local I can’t recommend the retail park enough. It boasts free parking, has everything we need on site {B&Q is our second home} and keeps me out of the city centre {I see enough of it through the week at work}! Click here to visit New Mersey online.
Super excited for the new cinema/restaurant complex to open soon too!
*This post was a sponsored partnership with New Mersey Shopping centre but all views and content are my own. As always I would only ever work with brands I truly love. *
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