This weeks theme for The Gallery is 'Chilled Out.'
There are many ways in which I personally like to relax and unwind- lying in a nice bath with candles and reading my book, watching television in the evenings while cuddling up to Mr E, getting into my dressing gown super early and having a large glass of white wine. I could go on. I think I am most chilled out when on holiday, I am happiest in the sun, lying on a sun lounger, reading my book with a cocktail in my hand. All the stresses of life are forgotten when you are on holiday. Although I realise it won't be quite as relaxing now Mads is on the scene!
Which is why I couldn't pick just one photo for my post this week when I have two which perfectly sum up the theme in my eyes.
The first...my 'old' life...travelling is one of my passions and I honestly enjoy nothing better than having the sun on my face. (although I have recently started getting the dreaded crows feet so ought to reign it in a little!)
The second...my 'new' life which I would not change for the world. Mads is a very chilled out baby who can sleep anywhere. In this photo I put her down for about two minutes to put some clothes away in her wardrobe and this is what happened! (I put her in her moses basket after taking the photo- I am not that cruel to let her sleep on the carpet!) I know it will change as she gets older but it never ceases to amaze me that she can sleep anywhere and through anything! We went to a charity pub quiz with all my family a couple of weeks ago and were going to leave early but she ended up sleeping under the table. I am very lucky that she is a 'chilled out' baby who rarely cries. (although she does have her moments!)
So there you have it. Two very different interpretations of 'chilled out' but both perfect in their own way.
Now head over to Tara and check out the other entries...
Mr E and I's first holiday abroad together was to Cuba. Since then we have been extremley fortunate and have travelled to some wonderful places all over the world but no holiday has had quite the anticipation as that first time. We were in our newly together phase and were so thrilled to be going away with each other. We booked it last minute and managed to get the holiday for £500 each all inclusive which is obviously a really good deal to go long haul.
The flight was long and tedious, as we travelled with Thomas Cook and had to touch down on one side of the island to let some people off before flying over to our side. This was tiring and not fun for someone who doesn't like flying. (me!) When we got there it was then a long transfer to where we were staying. It had been raining and it was really late at night and the air was so humid and wet. We got to our hotel and we were greeted with the most awful smell of damp and as it was so late were given the dregs of the buffet which was cold and not very tasty. When they escorted us to our rooms I sat down on the bed and it felt wet with damp. I have been very fortunate to generally stay in very nice hotel's due to my job and I was so upset and just didn't feel comfortable. We asked to change rooms and the next room was slightly better but I still wasn't totally happy. I think everything seems worse at night, especially as we were so tired.
Fast forward to the morning and the sun was beaming through the curtains. We went down to breakfast and although the food wasn't amazing, it wasn't too bad. Everything seemed a lot better and I felt much more optimistic.
And I was right to be optimistic. Although it wasn't the best hotel in the world, everyone was very friendly and we really had the most fabulous first holiday together. We drank cocktails and got tipsy every night and sunbathed and ate all day! We went swimming with the dolphins which was one of the most amazing experience of my life and we have a lovely video to treasure.
What made the hotel for me was the beach. I have been fortunate enough to be to go to some wonderful hot countries, including Thailand, Barbados and Mexico, all of which cost a lot more money, but none of them had as beautiful beaches as Cuba.
I have never seen such clear water as we did on those beaches. The above photos are not edited in any way- it really was that blue.
We went on a day trip to Havana which was really interesting- Mr E used to invent cocktails so we spent to two famous bars, one where the Dacquri was invented, and we also looked around the Havana Club Rum factory. A lot of Mojito's were drunk! We also loved looking at all the old Classic cars which are very popular over there and learning about the history between them and the US. (They have a long standing history which means that no American products are allowed in Cuba and Americans don't tend to visit.)
All in all it really was the most amazing holiday. We were young, had no worries and were totally wrapped up in one another and even though we had initial concerns with our hotel, for the price it was fine. We have been very lucky to go on some wonderful holidays and although money is tight now we have Mads, I really love travelling and do hope to go on some more great trips. (Although not this year!) However amazing, they will never have that anticipation of that first, carefree holiday and because of this I will treasure the memories forever.
Head over to Karin's abode and check out some more Flashback Friday's...
For my Flashback Friday this week I thought I would relive two very special Christmas Day's.
I have always adored Christmas, when I was little it was for the presents (obviously!) and now it is because it is the one day of the year that life doesn't get in the way, I get to see all my family in one place, no one is rushing around here and there, and I have their undivided attention.
I had never spent a Christmas Day away from my family until two years ago and I have now done it twice in a row!
Christmas Day 2009 was the first time I had spent it away from them. Mr E and I had just got married on the 20th December and we flew out on our honeymoon to Mexico and Miami on the 21st so we were away over the whole of Christmas and New Year. It was a fabulous honeymoon and I loved every single second but it was strange not being with my family and opening our stockings together like we do every year! I have been abroad over Christmas once before, we went to Dubai, but I have never been away without them.
It was a magical Christmas. We woke up and each gave each other a gift that we had packed- mine was a charm for my bracelet and Mr E got a few different bits. My mum had also packed us a present each. We went for a lovely early morning walk on the beach and Mr E took this photo.
The beach was deserted which was lovely and we got a lone walker to snap the photo of us below.
We then lay by the pool and it was surreal because a saxophonist played Christmas songs while we were sunbathing and drinking champagne! Below is a photo we took to send to our family to wish them a Happy Christmas. (And also make them jealous!)
We then had a candlelit dinner on the beach in the evening which was amazing, we were the only ones on the beach and we drank a lot of champagne and wine and celebrated our first Christmas together as husband and wife,
Fast forward to December 2010 and it was a slightly different story!
Our beautiful daughter was born on Christmas Eve and I was in hospital on Christmas Day. Unfortunately the hospital had closed the ward to all visitors except your birth partner due to Swine Flu so my family couldn't meet Mads until we were discharged which upset me a bit. Also they were strict with the visiting hours which meant that Mr E had to go home at lunchtime. I enjoyed Christmas Lunch on my own while Mr E was round at my mums with all the family!
I got a midwife to snap this photo of me cause I just look so pitiful! I had to pull my cracker with the midwife and have my Christmas dinner alone! (Well Mads was there but she wasn't too entertaining!)
That thing on my plate was supposed to be stuffing but after the midwife said it looked like my placenta I decided to give it a miss!
Here is Mads getting in to the festive spirit!
Two very different Christmases but both absolutely amazing! This year we have promised my Mum that we will most definitely be there to drink and get merry with them all. I can't wait, we will all be there but this time we will have an extra special little person there to share it with. Christmas is going to get even more magical as she gets older because we can live the magic through her eyes. I can't wait to put out a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph.
Now head over to Cafe Bebe and check out the other entries in Flashback Friday this week.
