Motivational Monday #9

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday to you. If you live in the UK, I hope, like me, you enjoyed the gorgeous weather this weekend. If you live somewhere else, tell me where in the comments. I'm fascinated by how wide this Glitter Family might be across the globe. 

Source

Talking of globes (ooohh smooth transition there), this week I am digging out my passport and jetting off to Orlando, Florida, to attend a YouTube convention called Playlist Live. 

I'm nervous. I'm excited and grateful and motivated but I'm nervous. It doesn't matter where I go in the world or who I go with but I always suffer from a little bit (or a lotta bit) of home sickness. I read somewhere recently that 'extreme adult home sickness' is a thing and was relieved to see I wasn't just being pathetic. I won't go into it too much because I think that's for another post (if you want it?) but yep, I get anxious about leaving home/my home people and it sits along side my excitement. 

Saying all that, I 90% of the time, say 'yes' to going on trips. I go because I know they are good for me. I come back so proud of myself and with a whole heap of new memories and amazing experiences in the bag (not to mention photos and videos!). I meet new people, see old friends and fully step out of my comfort zone. 

This week and some of next I won't be blogging (except for the things I have scheduled) as I will be dancing around outside of my comfort zone and urge you to try it too. No matter how big or how small, I would love for you to force yourself out and come along with me on a scary yet exhilarating challenge!

Let me know in the comments how you get on <3 p="">

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

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Saturday Night In

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Once upon a time there was a gal called Louise who spent her Saturday nights in high heels, sipping cocktails and dancing til the small hours. Then, with love and joy, things changed. 

Our Saturday nights are spent in a land of cosy blankets, Disney films, story books and juice cups and I'm so OK with this. 

What do you Saturday nights look like at the moment? 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

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Playdate Tips

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Having a little one around is a hoot and a half, but seeing your little one playing with other tiny people is even better.

Playdates are a great opportunity for social development, fun times and one Mama (in this case my gorgeous neighbour) having a rest. To ensure playdates run as smoothly as possible, here are some tips and tricks I try to adhere to. They might not float everyone's boat, but they work for me!

Photography

Since I like to snap everything that moves, I always check with parents if a) it's OK to have their children in pictures and b) if it's alright to put them anywhere (Facebook, Instagram etc). If they say no, respect their wishes and abide by them. Fortunately, my neighbour is a good egg!

Set Activities and Free Play

Before guests arrive, have a few games/ideas up your sleeve to encourage structured play. This provides ready made entertainment and a little bit of focus. Once they tire of that (and that really depends on age and character), leave them to their imaginations. Darcy and Becca spent more time playing in her bedroom with princesses and dolls than they did painting with me. Time just slips away when they're in play mode. It's lovely. 

Expect and Allow Mess

In my books, making a mess of your bedroom whilst playing is entirely fine. There's little point getting in their way and tidying up behind them so as long as the chaos in confined to one room, I'm gonna let them go for it. It might feel unnatural to let destruction rein but for the hour or so they are playing, I like to see children be free spirits. When Darcy is a little older, I'll expect her to clear up herself but for now, it's a pleasure to put it all away knowing she's had a good time. 

Offer Drinks and Toilets

But not at once, heh heh. Offering regular drinks is obvious but when you're little and you're caught up in the moment of play time, it's easy to forget you need a loo break. Just a bit of gentle asking here and there is worth it. 

Love Love Love

The way I look at it is this- if Darcy were at someone else's house, I'd want her to feel loved and cherished there. With this in mind, I like our miniature guests to feel looked after and wanted too. I'm not saying go wild and squish them to bits, but encouraging words and a few cuddles (if they don't mind!) don't go amiss.  

And that's about all we do. What are your top tips for smooth running play dates? I'm always open to learning more. 

Toodlepip!

xx

Contributor - Louise

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser -Amy Lauren. Click HERE for more info.