We don’t buy cakes often. If papa, Georgie or I crave a certain type usually I’ll just bake it over the weekend. We all have our own favourites so nothing takes too long to whip up. But then there are times (and as my pregnancy progresses they’re getting more frequent) when baking is the furthest thing from my mind. But eating isn’t.
1. How to write smarter to do lists.
2. Six ways marathon training helped me cope with life.
3. Get Fresh did something really nice.
4. What it’s like to get pregnant at 15.
5. I want this nude lipstick.
6. Free Greek writing classes for kids in Cyprus. Such a great idea.
7. Big brother and big sister books for preparing your child for a new baby.
I am a huge fan of TED talks. A motivating talk on a topic I am passionate about can be a great source of inspiration to me. That’s why I was beyond thrilled when I was asked to become part of the TEDxNicosia team as their official blogger. These independently organised TED events have been taking place in Nicosia since 2011 and have covered some amazing areas and brought forward leading thinkers prepared to make a difference in our society.
It’s not easy to prepare a healthy and creative lunchbox when it has to be portable, nut-free (school policy) and liked by fussy eaters. A great deal of preparation is required that includes shopping for ingredients and night-before arrangements. I often prepare Georgie’s lunchbox about the same time I make dinner which tends to lighten the morning load. I also like to set aside an afternoon or morning during the week and weekend when I can cook/bake/prepare a dish that can be stored in the fridge for a few days. These dishes include pasta, boiled eggs and roasted chicken.
The other day Georgie had a much-appreciated day off school so we lazily made our way to Larnaca for some lunch and sea air. Sitting down for a meal with my boy is one of my favourite things to do. Just him and me, it’s something I try to fit in our schedule at least once a week.
But that day I had a sudden urge to buy a magazine and read at lunch while basking in the warm sun. Obviously with a five-year old in tow there was no way that was going to happen the way I pictured it happening. But I did have a trusty old colouring book and pencils with me. You know the one you keep for special occasions such as these. So we sat down for lunch and I opened my magazine and dove straight into an article about the Brexit and how women can affect the vote when Georgie pointed out the word ‘the’. And then ‘that’ and ‘up’. I put the magazine down, took one of his colouring pencils and circled the word ‘and’. ‘What about that one?’ I said. He read it. Loud and clear.