WEEKEND AWAY WITH GIRLFRIENDS

Catherine, 31: ‘I am finding it is getting harder to keep up with my girlfriends these days, we are all so busy it can be a massive challenge getting everyone together in the same place at the same time. Once a year my girlfriends and I book a weekend away. It always refreshes me and makes me feel grounded seeing my old friends again.’

Try this:

• Book a weekend when all your girlfriends are free – give everyone plenty of time.
• Take control of the organising – perhaps book an activity such as hiking or sailing – it will give you and your girlfriends the opportunity to bond again, as well as being great fun!
• Make sure you tell everyone if they need to bring anything specific such as bedding or walking shoes.
• Research good pubs or restaurants in the area – have a basic itinerary so that everyone knows what the options are, and make a booking for dinner if you plan to go out.
• Cater to all friends' budgets, and make sure it’s affordable for everyone. It might be worth putting together a kitty to cover petrol and food if you are self catering.

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INDULGENCE DAY

Charlotte, 36: ‘Working as well as studying for a degree means I do not have a lot of time to cook for myself; I usually grab something on the go or do something simple and quick. So when I get some time off I like to have a pyjama day where I relax at home and treat myself by cooking up something nice. My favourite is chocolate chip cookies!”

How to:
Make chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients
125g Butter
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
125g Choc Chips (white and milk)
1 egg
1 3/4 Cup SR Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions:

Cream butter and add white and brown sugar and vanilla. Mix until dissolved and then mix in the egg. Add sifted flour and salt. Finally add chocolate chips and mix in smoothly. Roll into small balls and evenly space on greased baking tray. Cook in 180C for 10-12 minutes. Let cookies cool awhile. Enjoy!

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SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

Sarah, 35: ‘Juggling work and social commitments, I often find it is hard to set aside quality time with my family. Once a month I arrange a day out with my husband and kids, parents and siblings. The more we get together, the more fun it is. We usually try to find something that is fun for the kids, but also where we grownups have a chance to properly catch up with each other.’

Try this:

• Set up a running arrangement with your family so that it is easier for everyone to make the time. Perhaps choose a Sunday in a month and take it in turns to host lunch, dinner or even just afternoon tea!
• Your family more than anyone want to talk and hear how you are. Save the theatre and cinema trips for dates with friends and instead organise to meet up at a place where you can all talk freely.
• If it’s good weather, arrange a picnic somewhere that is easy for everyone to get to. Get everyone involved by bringing a different dish each, and make sure there are plenty of fun games lined up for the kids.
• Look at the events listings in your local paper. Lots of museums, galleries and other public institutions host free events at the weekends which are perfect for family outings of all ages.

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MAKE A SPA AT HOME

Gaby, 33: ‘My career took off when I hit 30 and I suddenly found myself busier than ever before, with more responsibility came less time for myself. It is important to me to feel feminine – so at least once a week I set aside a beauty night when I turn the world off, relax in a bath and give myself a facial, manicure and pedicure.’

How to:
Make a spa in your own bathroom

• Set aside at least an hour, turn off your phone and put on some relaxing music.
• Dim the lights or put candles around your bath. This gives off a lovely glow and relaxing atmosphere.
• Infuse your bath with relaxing essential oils such as Jasmine or Lavender which are both good for de-stressing. Or use dried rose petals in your bath to add fragrance and sensuality.
• Make your own spa treatments. Try these:
  • Lip treatment: Mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of granular sugar to smooth out dry cracked lips.
  • For your face: Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon yogurt. Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil helps moisturise, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

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