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

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

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.
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
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