Simple Staycations

Simple

Staycation

School holidays can be stressful. Learn to lighten the load and make it a break to remember with these simple tips and tricks from Kirsty France.

Over the past few months the idea of time away may have felt like a distant dream. If we managed a holiday it quickly turned into a major operation. Finding entertainment for the kids is always a bit of a challenge but lockdown restrictions have made it even more stressful than usual. I’m definitely one for an easy life. Half term is nearly upon us and we can’t be sure what that might look like yet. If you’re taking some time off, here’s my top tips for a simple life…

Stress free meals

I know I’m not alone in being bored with cooking the same few meals on repeat but lacking the energy to trawl recipe books for new ideas. During the holidays, I’m letting myself off the hook. Thankfully, my kids are happy with a few favourite meals so I’m following the path of least resistance by making sure the freezer is stocked and that their preferred sandwich fillings are in the fridge. Everyone in the family likes sticks of red pepper, cucumber and carrot so at least we have a fighting chance of getting our 5 a day. For the adults, I’m going to fill my cupboards with non-perishables and the fridge with vegetables then let staycation inspiration strike. Maybe I’ll come up with something new to do with that can of mixed beans or perhaps it’ll just be veggie chilli again. The important thing is that everyone will be fed.

Keep activities simple

Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a struggle, not to mention prohibitively expensive. I usually pick one or two paid outings. At the moment that means I’m keeping an eye on distancing measures to see what feels safe. Otherwise, I keep things simple. I have a list of local parks, indoor and outdoor games so we can get up in the morning and say, “It’s sunny, let’s go for a picnic”. Or, more realistically, “It’s chucking it down, get the board games out”. This approach doesn’t just work for children. As an adult you can find quality time by rediscovering simple pleasures like a socially distanced countryside walk (plus pub lunch if you’re ready for that) or challenging your other half to a game of Trivial Pursuits. Please tell me I’m not the only grown up who gets competitive over board games!

Pared back accommodation

Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a struggle, not to mention prohibitively expensive. I usually pick one or two paid outings. At the moment that means I’m keeping an eye on distancing measures to see what feels safe. Otherwise, I keep things simple. I have a list of local parks, indoor and outdoor games so we can get up in the morning and say, “It’s sunny, let’s go for a picnic”. Or, more realistically, “It’s chucking it down, get the board games out”. This approach doesn’t just work for children. As an adult you can find quality time by rediscovering simple pleasures like a socially distanced countryside walk (plus pub lunch if you’re ready for that) or challenging your other half to a game of Trivial Pursuits. Please tell me I’m not the only grown up who gets competitive over board games!

GOING, GOING… HERE TO STAY!

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