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10 Things I Can’t Wait to do Post Lockdown (and what I haven’t missed)

15/07/20 ᛫ Add a Comment

After months of lockdown and life being on hold, the UK is slowly (and cautiously) beginning to open for business again. From restaurants and shops to hairdressers and hotels, suddenly there are new ways to spend our time and money (whilst staying safe and practicing social distancing).  Lockdown has been an eye-opening opportunity to figure out the elements of our lives that we really need, enjoy and crave. As things begin to return to normal, see it as a chance to re-curate your life and bring back only the parts that brought you joy! Leave the rest behind.

I’ve been surprised by how much I have missed certain elements of my lifestyle during lockdown. Then other things I thought I’d miss, I really haven’t missed at all. So here are the 10 things I am most excited to do post lockdown (and the things I won't be rushing back to)…

Our doorstep portraits were shot by local Leeds photographer Matt McCormick

1. Take our First Family Holiday Overseas

To say I am a travel blogger, it has been such a long time since I have really travelled. After Theo's premature arrival I was too anxious to go abroad. When I finally felt ready, the pandemic hit and delayed our travels further. Going abroad for our first family holiday will feel like a healing process for me after all that we've been through. If it is safe to do so and travel restrictions allow, we will be going back to Almuñécar in Spain in September. Fingers crossed!

Read my blog post about 7 Reasons to Visit Almuñécar

2. Go on a UK Staycation

With many people not wanting to risk overseas travel this year, Staycations are set to become hugely popular. I love exploring new corners of the UK and cant wait to plan some Great British mini breaks for the remainder of 2020 and during 2021.

Read blog posts about some of my my previous UK trips;

My Cornwall Travel Diary

A Whitby Mini Break with Baby

A Mini Break Guide to St Andrews

3. Return to Yoga Classes

This is one of the things I was surprised by. I found myself missing yoga not only for the movement, but also for the headspace. If I have had a hectic day with Theo, my yoga classes were a chance to switch off and shift my focus. Getting back to my yoga studio is definitely a priority for me.

4. Have a Day all to myself

Having a full day to myself sounds like heaven. No real plans. No toddler. No boyfriend. Just time to potter in a tidy house. Time to pop out and get coffee. Time to call my best friend and chat for an hour. Time to listen to a podcast whilst painting my nails. I've not had a day like that in a long, long time.

5. Go to a Restaurant

I love dining out so much and I've really missed it during the lockdown. Scott and I have booked to go to The Ivy Leeds in a couple of weeks. It will be so nice to go out and enjoy some indulgent food that I don't have to cook or tidy up after. We really will appreciate the little things all the more now won't we?

6. Take Theo to a children's playground

The last time Theo went to a playground he was crawling. Now he's walking and has a whole new sense of freedom! I can't wait to let him loose in a playground and see what he gets up to. I am sure he's going to love it.

7. Have a Post Lockdown Games Night with friends

I have a competitive streak and it comes out to play every so often when my friends and I have a games night. Social distancing measures means we haven't had one for so long. I can't wait to get them started again.

8. Visit My Grandparents

My Grandparents adore Theo but due to lockdown we haven't seen them and they've missed a big chunk of his growth and development. I can't wait to spend time with them again and show them all the new things Theo can do.

9. Go to the Hairdressers

I'm surprised I waited til number 9 to feature this one! I can't wait to colour my hair (for the first time this year) and this time I'm going for a softer golden balayage look.

10. Go for a Massage

Going for a massage is my all time favourite thing to do. It's such a treat and I would choose to spend money on a massage over most things. To me, it's the ultimate form of self care and I always feel great after one. Spas have now been able to re open in the UK so I've booked to have one in a couple of weeks time and I'm so excited.

Things I really haven't missed

  1. Go drinking in bars - maybe it's because I'm 30 now, but being in a crowded, sweaty bar just doesn't appeal to me at all! Nights out are a total no go for me. However, I would consider going for a drink somewhere that was spacious without outdoor seating.
  2. Go clothes shopping - I don't seem to have the patience anymore to go clothes shopping. I'd rather jump on Asos and find what I am looking for in a few clicks
  3. Going to the Gym - I cancelled my gym membership just before lockdown as I rarely went. I've been exercising from home during lockdown with Hannah Mummy Mills' live postpartum Zoom workouts and its made me realise that I can get my workouts done so much more efficiently if I do them at home. Paired with running and yoga, I can stay strong and fit without needing a gym membership

 

What are the things you've really missed during lockdown and can't wait to do? Have the things you've truly missed been surprising? What have you been able to live without? I'd love to hear your thoughts so please leave me a comment below. Jess x

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Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

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I wish everyone could read these words on their ro I wish everyone could read these words on their rock bottom days 🖤💫 
 
I used to post mainly about luxury travel. Instagram felt glossy and superficial. Then came the life-changing plot twist of an extremely premature baby. When I decided to start telling my story and showing vulnerability, I had no idea how much it would resonate with others and connect me to a whole new community of women who have experienced the same unique, isolating pain.

I have discovered a version of Instagram that is so much more honest, real and raw. I still hope to post about travel again in the near future, but there is a new depth here now. And it’s a version I much prefer. Who’s with me? 💫 

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Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a place of so many special memories and ‘firsts’, but we have definitely outgrown it and feel it’s the right time to move on to an exciting new chapter. We are relocating from Leeds to York, which is my home town. After all the isolation of the pandemic, we can’t wait to be closer to family and friends. We’ve listed our house with @purplebricksuk and are managing all our own viewings through the Purple Bricks app. Check out my house move story highlight to keep up to date with how we get on. Wish us luck for a smooth-ish process. This is uncharted territory🤞🏼😆
Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my d Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my dream man @scottwh9. I love you more every year 💫
I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after @mother.ly reposted one of my prematurity posts. So, I thought I’d say Hi and introduce myself if you’re new here. Here are 6 things to know about me ☺️👋🏼

1️⃣ My name is Jess. I’m 30 and I live in Leeds which is in Yorkshire, UK. I live with my partner Scott and son Theo who is 2.

2️⃣ The Travelista is a travel blog I created in 2013 which grew to become my full time job and business. I plan to travel regularly again and show my son the world, when it’s safe to.

3️⃣ My son Theo was born prematurely at 25+6 weeks gestation due to #PPROM. He spent 109 days / 4 months in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before coming home. He’s now healthy and thriving. I now also use my IG to advocate for #prematurityawareness 

4️⃣ I speak openly and honestly about mental health and the healing process I am going through after experiencing PTSD and post natal anxiety after Theo’s birth

5️⃣ I am a proud working Mum. I run The Travelista as a small business and work part time for a UK charity, making use of my digital skills for a great cause 

6️⃣ I love to write and a personal goal of mine is to get a book deal and publish a successful novel

Whether you’re a new follower or an original, leave me a comment and tell me where in the world you’re following from. Thank you for being here 💓🌏
Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn car Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn cartilage and finally unlock my knee. After a long wait and 3 cancelled surgery dates, I managed to get transferred to the trauma list at Leeds General Infirmary, which was a very, brilliant, last minute plot twist. 

I will need a second surgery to repair my torn ACL ligament in a few months, but yesterday’s surgery will allow me to get back on my feet and walking again which is the most important thing. Yesterday brought many PTSD triggers surrounding Theo’s birth, but I kept reading over the affirmations I wrote with @naomipsychotherapy as well as calming breath work. I am proud of myself for getting through the day.

I’m now back home recovering, very sore and drowsy from meds but feeling relieved and grateful that everything went well. The staff were wonderful and all truly deserve medals for what they do. Now time to rest, start gentle movements and ultimately get back on my feet ☺️💪🏼💫
Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that first holiday post-Covid? Do you ever think about how profound it will feel? I wrote a poem about it to escape these long, dark days.

Warm skin, 
Frizzy hair. 
Soul alight, 
Without a care. 

Tanned legs, 
After sun. 
Mind is calm, 
Just having fun.

A day of new experience, 
Has just taken place. 
You embrace the unfamiliar, 
And every new and friendly face. 

The sun begins to set, 
And tomorrow is unplanned. 
You sip on something cold,
Toes buried in the sand. 

Midas touch is on the horizon, 
Peace is in your heart. 
Surrounded by those you love,
This moment is a work of art. 

Something feels different, 
You've seen sunsets before. 
But all your sense are heightened, 
You feel it at your core. 

Over a year of loss and struggle, 
The entire world is healing. 
Simple, little, wild things, 
Now have so much meaning.

As the sun sets, 
You realise the magnitude.
All you’re feeling in this moment, 
Is a new found sense of gratitude. 💫

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