What I have loved this week! Week 3. #FridayFavourites

Every year January always seems like such a long month but I think this year it is flying over. I think it's because I have been keeping myself busy and not dwelling on the rubbish weather we have been having, we've had no more snow just grey, gloomy skies. Although as I am writing this yesterday the sun is shining and it's an instant mood booster! It's Friday so I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea to share some of my favourites from the week.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth!

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is a TV series about the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 and the search for justice for the victims. In December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103, a transatlantic flight from London to New York City, was destroyed by a bomb 38 minutes after take off while flying over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew members. Parts of the aircraft crashed into a residential area killing an additional 11 people. The series follows Dr Jim Swire (Colin Firth) and his wife Jane as they work to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to trial.

I watched this drama over a couple of days and found it so sad and shocking but also so interesting. I was only about 9 years old when it happened so I remember it but didn't really know much about it until now.

Seeing my dad! 

I have seen my dad nearly every day this week and it has been lovely. I only usually see him once or twice a week but this week I've seen him five days out of seven and still spoken on the phone to him most evenings. He is 76 years old and still hasn't fully retired but he is starting to slow down with working a little bit which means there is more time for me to see him. 

Daffodils!

It's the season for daffodils! I got some with my grocery shop last week and by the middle of the week they were blooming. They are such a cheery flower! 

A call from college.

I got a phone call from a teaching assistant from college about a little thing to do with my youngest Ellie (it wasn't anything serious) and ended up having a good chat. I know my girl works hard but it's always nice to be told by someone else that she is such a lovely girl, has amazing potential and will go far in life.

Playing Nice!

An ITV drama. Set against a sweeping Cornish landscape, two couples discover their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix up and face a horrifying dilemma: do they keep the sons they have raised and loved, or reclaim their biological children? My dad recommended this to me, he usually watches things as they are shown on the TV and not watch ahead on streaming services but even he couldn't resist with this show. When I started watching this I did not expect it to take the twists and turns that it did. I don't think I could have watched the first 2 episodes and waited a week for the next two.

Watching football. 

I only usually watch the football (soccer) when there are international tournaments happening but on Sunday there were some cup matches on and I ended up putting the TV on and had it on when I was busy doing something and by the time I got comfy in my armchair on my laptop I had watched most of the first half and was committed to seeing who won. By the time that match had finished there was another starting and it was my fella's favourite team so we watched that too.

What have you loved this week?

Things I did as a teenager that I wouldn't let my teenagers do now in 2025!

When I look back at my teenage years, I can't help but chuckle (and cringe a little). The 90s were a wild time but as a parent in 2025, there are some things I absolutely won't let my girls do!

Disappearing for hours!

I could leave the house after breakfast and not return until tea time without my parents having a clue where I'd been. I'd go to friends houses, hang out in the park and go to town. It was the ultimate freedom.

I need to know where my girls are at all times. Even my eldest who's 22 I still like to know where she is. I am not a crazy, control freak I just know of the dangers that are out there!

Going out without a phone!

Back in the day, I would leave the house with just enough change for to use a phone box to call home (sometimes). Now the idea of my kids being out without their phones feels like a heart attack waiting to happen.

In 2025, phones aren’t just a luxury they're a safety net. Location tracking apps let me know they're safe (or at least where they’re supposed to be). Plus, they have no excuse for ignoring my texts! hehehe

Meeting random people from chat rooms!

Oh, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Chat were a mysterious gateway to random friendships. I remember setting up meet ups with people I met online with zero fear. My friends and I would casually mention that we’re meeting “someone from a chat room” as if it was the most normal thing in the world and my parents didn't bat an eyelid.

The internet has evolved, and so have the dangers. With today’s apps like TikTok and Snapchat, online interactions are so much different. Online safety is a must, and I’ve drilled the importance of not trusting random online strangers into my girls heads.

Skipping school for a day off!

Skipping school to hang out in the park or at a friend's house was a rite of passage. There was no digital register back then, so it was easy to disappear for a day without anyone noticing.

With today’s technology the schools/colleges send out automated calls, texts and emails within minutes of them not showing up. Even if they tried to skip, I’d know before they even left the school gates. I remember a good few years ago Becky went missing from school or I thought she did as I got a message from them saying she wasn't there when I thought she was. Turns out it was an error with the electronic register and a supply teacher.

Hitchhiking!

Back in the day hitchhiking was another rite of passage. If you needed to get somewhere, you'd stick your thumb out and hope for a lift. It seemed totally normal to hop into a stranger's car. The dangers did not cross my mind. I would only do it if I was with friends and to be fair we lived out in the countryside so chances are the person we flagged down was probably someone my parents knew.

There is no way my girls would get into a car with someone they didn't know really well! I've seen all the true crime documentaries and news stories so the idea of my girls getting into a stranger’s car is absolutely terrifying. Public transport is so much better than it used to be now, thankfully!

Riding in cars without seatbelts!

I still remember hopping into the back seat of a car, sometimes even the boot with no seatbelt in sight. No one gave it a second thought. It was like playing a game of who could slide across the back seat the fastest when the car turned.

Today seatbelts are non negotiable and for good reason. With everything we know about road safety, I’d never let my kids in a car without one. It’s not just law, it’s common sense!

Playing out until after dark!

There was no internet so we spent most of our free time outside, playing until the streetlights came on our universal signal to head home!. No phones, no way to contact us, and somehow it all felt perfectly fine.

In today’s world letting our kids wander around until it gets dark doesn’t sit well with me. Sure I want them to have fun but with so much awareness of potential dangers, I’m all about planned activities and knowing where they are at all times.

Living without sunscreen!

Sunscreen? In the 90s? I’m pretty sure it was an optional extra. We were out in the sun all day, baking under those UV rays with little more than coconut oil slathered on for that perfect tan. I remember getting sun burned so bad each summer and one year my friend had to go to the doctors as her sunburn blistered and it had become infected! Eek!

In 2025 sunscreen is an everyday essential. In the summer practically chase my girls around with a bottle of sun cream. The idea of going outside without it makes me cringe, especially knowing how much we have learned about keeping safe in the sun, skin cancer and sun damage since then.

Going to random house parties!

Remember when we'd hear about a house party, grab a few friends and just show up? No real idea of who was hosting or how many people would be there but it didn’t matter it was a party!

House parties are a big no for my girls unless I know exactly where they are and who's going to be there. Unsupervised parties with random's in 2025 is too risky!

The world has changed a lot since I was a teenager and while some of the things I did back then feel innocent or at least mildly reckless in hindsight they just don’t fit in 2025. My girls may roll their eyes at my rules and restrictions, but as a parent, my job is to keep them safe, even if it means banning a few of the fun things I once did. 

What did you do as a teenager that you won't let your teenagers do?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge!

For the last year or even more I have seen the weekly linky the Wednesday Hodgepodge from Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond and never got around to taking part but now that she is posting the questions on a Sunday it gives me more chance to get a post put together so I thought I'm going to join in. Each week Joyce asks 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. 

This is a tough one, depending on the time of day I think I need a little of all three but as of writing this I think I would chose inspiration. Inspiration helps us carry through with opportunities and embrace change. It could help me see the world differently and give me some motivation to start some new projects.

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself?

I think it's a bit of both. There are moments when it feels like the stars align and a chance just lands in my lap but other opportunities I feel like I have worked hard for. Sometimes it's about putting yourself out there and saying yes to things you wouldn't normally. Like joining in with this linky, I might join in and then find new blogs to read who are also linking up. That is a great opportunity. 

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? Do you have a favorite?

I haven't visited any museums for years, not since my girls were younger. We used to love visiting museums and there were some great one's when we used to live near Newcastle, up in the North East. I think our favourite was the Hancock museum. It was such a great day out, there was so much to see and lots of hands on activities for little ones.

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day)...do you like oatmeal? How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? How do you like yours? What about an oatmeal cookie? Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? 

I had to Google oatmeal as I knew it sounded familiar but wasn't sure if it was just another name for porridge. I ate porridge three mornings last week. It certainly has been the weather for it. I don't make it from scratch, I get the sachets where you just add milk and pop in the microwave for a couple of minutes. My favourite one's are the one's with golden syrup in and I will always add some fruit.

5. What's something useful you learned in high school? 

Friendships can be temporary and that’s OK. In my first year at high school it felt like the friends I made would be my besties forever. By Year 11 my friendship group looked completely different and that’s just life. People grow, change, and take different paths and I learned that it’s okay to let go. The friends who truly matter will stay with you and sometimes letting others drift away is the best thing you can do.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am ready for spring and some warmer weather! I am sick of the cold weather and the darkness. As I am writing this on Sunday it is just grey and gloomy. Someone send some sunshine!! On the other hand January doesn't seem to be dragging, it always feels like such a long month but I think it's flying over so far!

How to save time on the chores around your home!

Wow! Time flies! This will be my third year linking up with a fantastic bunch of ladies sharing some of my life with the Share Our Lives linky! At the end of December I saw the list of prompts for each month and I am excited for them! This month we're starting off with Saving time on our chores! 

Doing the housework and chores around the house is no fun, well I don't find it fun at all. I don't wake up and think what a glorious day to scrub the toilet but unless you want to live in a dirt filled house some cleaning is required! There are ways to save time on the chores around your home and I am sharing them.

Declutter first, clean later!

The less stuff you have, the less you have to clean, it’s that simple!! Take a good look around your home and ask yourself if you really need all those knick knacks, old magazines or random gadgets gathering dust. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask, “Does this bring me joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to say goodbye. I have always found that when there is less clutter it looks tidier and it certainly makes it easier to clean.

Do a good enough clean!

Perfection is overrated. Do you really need to polish the kettle until you can see your reflection? If the sink is shiny and the kitchen sides are crumb free, you’re winning! Think of it as the difference between Pinterest clean where you just clean what is necessary and Mother in law clean where everything inside and out of everywhere is spotless. 

Multitask!

If you're waiting for the kettle to boil wipe down the kitchen sides while you’re at it or if you’re binging your latest TV obsession fold laundry at the same time.

Go for All in One cleaning products!

Why juggle five different bottles when one multi purpose cleaner can do the job? Look for products that can tackle multiple surfaces, like glass, counters and tiles. You’ll save time switching between products and make your cleaning caddy much lighter.

Delegate like a boss!

Why do all the work yourself when you can enlist help! Got kids, perfect they're unpaid workers but shorter. Turn chores into a game: who can pick up the most toys in two minutes or who can match socks the fastest. Convince your partner that vacuuming is a “fun couple’s activity” or that taking out the bins is a workout. Bribery works, too. A cup of tea or a cheeky biscuit can be a great motivator!

Invest in time saving gadgets!

Technology is your friend. Robot vacuums are basically pets that clean up after you and don’t get me started on cordless vacuums, no more wrestling with a plug that doesn’t quite reach the corner. If a gadget can shave minutes off your chore time, it’s worth it. Treat yourself!

The 10 minute dash!

Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can get done. You’ll be amazed at how motivating it is to race the clock. It’s like being on a game show, except the grand prize is a clean living room and the satisfaction of being an adult who has their life sort of together.

Have a cleaning playlist!

 I remember when my girls were at school the teachers would play the Mission Impossible theme to motivate them to tidy the classroom. Make a list of songs which motivate you, one's you can sing and dance along to help! You can also use the playlist as a timer!

Lower your standards!

Sometimes, the best way to save time on chores is to not do them. Nobody ever died from skipping a week of mopping. Dim the lights, light a candle, and suddenly your slightly dusty home looks cosy instead of chaotic. Remember: dust is just a protective coating for your furniture!

Reward yourself!

Every chore session deserves a reward. Cleaned the bathroom? That’s a brownie worthy achievement. Tackled the pile of dishes? A cup of tea and a sit down are in order. Positive reinforcement isn’t just for training pets it works on humans too!

At the end of the day chores are just chores! They’re not meant to take over your life. Remember, a house doesn’t have to be perfect to feel like home!

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.

Dara from Not In Jersey.

Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.

Joanne from Slices of Life.

Sarah from Toronto Sam.