SMALL JOYS

Things I like this week (or distractions from half term shenanigans)

We’re deep in revision mode at our house (A Levels, mock GCSEs, SATs), the three school age offspring are on vacation while we work round them, the eldest is back from Uni for a break bringing the 8 bedraggled pot plants that seem to travel with her, we’re mid-packing for a trip home to Cornwall so odd socks are everywhere and a giant elderly looking and slow moving spider keeps making a return visit to the top left corner of our shower prompting much screaming, so I’m on the look out for uplifting distractions. I’m sharing a few here for other frazzled parents.

Loved this music video, mostly for the fashion!

And hold your horses Derry Girls is coming soon. We watched all the previous shows with our youngest who is 10 and she loved it despite the slightly adult humour for her age group. The trailer is hilarious.

And I have just discovered Mob Kitchen recipes via my 21 year old student daughter, and it is a godsend for me (I’m a veggie too and the rest of the family eat meat so I always need inspo). But look team, this video below on how to bring stale bread back to life is the tip of the useful Mob iceberg. It’s a great site full of easy but super tasty recipes and advice. And I love the presenters, full of youthful enthusiasm and wild optimism for their stuff turning out to be tasty (which I personally lack).

And if your are a fan of our podcast then this Sunday April 10th we talk sex with Frolic.me founder Anna Richards and my co-host Trish Halpin takes a course in reviving your sexual energy. It’s uplifting, a little racy but life affirming. Listen here: Postcards from Midlife

And on the subject of midlife desire I cannot wait to see Emma Thompson in Good Luck To You Leo Grande out in June.

And if you’re facing midlife upheaval yourself then the best selling author of Courage to Care, A&E nurse Christie Watson’s new book is now on pre-order: ‘Quilt on Fire, the messy magic of midlife’ Buy here

And I’ve been scrolling some funny Mums or ‘moms” on instagram and loved these two: Cat N Nat, whose podcast I went on last year to publicise my book on parenting teens. Their videos helping each other get dressed will raise a giggle. Watch here: Cat n Nat

And finally we’ve been rewatching Parks and Recreation on Netflix to make us laugh because finding a TV show that suits 10 to 21 year olds is a struggle and apart from the US Office we find it hard to satisfy all our family of six’s tastes. But this really hits the spot even the third time round!

So I hope your half term is going well and this adds a something to your day. Thanks to all those who have signed up and once we’re out the other side of the school holidays I will be posting some more useful pieces on family life, midlife, books and any thing else you feel I should cover here in The Candy Club.