So, here it is...the very first 'Scribed' journal entry! To kick things off, I've included a little bit of everything this week.
Enjoy!
In preparation for my renewed dedication to writing, I bought myself a diary.
A good, old-fashioned, pen & paper diary. Settling down to organise my life, I came across a list of 'random dates to celebrate'. Seemingly, I've already missed 'Festival of sleep day', about which I was understandably devastated! However, I noticed that January 17th is National 'Ditch the New Year's resolution' day and I realised, I didn't actually make any this year!
Honestly, I hate New Years; the hype annoys me & fighting to stay awake reminds me that I'm middle-aged before my time. Nevertheless, every year I set myself some torturous task that I will feel crappy about doing; and then feel even crappier when I, inevitably, give up.
According to history.com, we have been making New Year's resolutions for over 4,000 years! Historically, it was to do with making sacrifices and offerings to the gods; whoever they were at that time. Whereas most people's sacrifices, these days, tend to be offered more to the Gods of Active Wear and Abs, we still make them and break them as regular as clockwork.
Why do we still do it to ourselves?
Clearly, we are gluttons for punishment. I say, enough is enough! Time to get off our own backs and give ourselves a break. Yes, we overindulged at Christmas. Yes, we all have bad habits that we really should break. But, do we really want to buckle down on a New Year this way?
Instead of promising to stop things we like or begin things we hate, start something that does you good!
Start being kind to yourself. Start being kind to others. Start a hobby, meet new people. Start the things you've been putting off. Start making time for your family and friends. Start being true to yourself. Start chasing that dream!
Ditch the Resolution & start living!
*Busy toddler? Try this week's activities*
Painting is so simple yet AMAZING for your bub's development!
Not only does it encourage colour recognition and engage all their senses (buy non-toxic or make edible paint), but it gives them a chance to work on their fine & gross motor skills and explore cause & effect.
If you don't want the mess yet, pop the paint and paper inside a zip lock bag. Tape up the top of the bag for extra paint-security!
I can't emphasise enough how important messy/sensory play is for a growing kid!
This was an awesome sensory make that was so easy the Boy makes by himself! A lot quicker and easier than play-dough to make and more interesting for him to play with. Cornflour, washing up liquid, mix and go! Find the recipie we used here: http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/dish-soap-silly-putty/2
(YUM) Give this a try... (YUM)
We have been on a mission in our house to reduce (ideally eliminate) sugar, but I have an incredibly sweet tooth! These scones are a good middle ground; not totally sugar free (it's in the lemonade) but almost.
Slather on your choice of topping ...yum!
You Need:
300 ml cream
300 ml lemonade
4 cups(ish) self-raising flour
vanilla essence to taste (optional)
Method:
1/pour cream into a big bowl
2/use cream bottle to measure lemonade and pour into bowl
3/add self-raising flour and combine until you have a smooth, non-sticky, mixture (you may need more or less then 4 cups..hence 'ish')
4/turn out onto floured surface and cut out shapes or use your hands to dollop mixture onto a lined baking tray
5/bake at 180 degrees for approx. 5/10 minutes, depending on the size of your scones. They should be springy to the touch.
-Ssshhh...Time for a sneak peek -
This week's sneak peek comes from the blurb of one of my projects entitled, 'The Last Day'
A story just beginning, a tale coming to an end…
To anyone else, this peaceful street appears to be like any other, and it is. Within each home along the morning-kissed cobbles, tiny worlds are being created, celebrated, mourned and destroyed.
Safely tucked away between four walls, they feel (we feel) contained. Our choices affect no-one but us. Our courteous interactions with the neighbours mean nothing. Life for others goes on, as ours change, accelerate and end; making no difference to those around us. Or does it?
‘The Last Day’ is a novel of silent observation. A chance to experience the full spectrum of what life can offer: from the spectacularly beautiful to the spectacularly terrible. It will make you cry, laugh and (maybe) make you think twice next time you glance down an ordinary street, in an ordinary town.
To read more by 'Scribed by Abi', click here
That's all for this week!
Thank you so much for dropping by and if you want to find out more about 'Scribed by Abi', click here to visit the website or here to subscribe.