Holiday Series - Planning

Since booking our holiday, I've been doing a bit of research and found some good links that I'd thought I would share with you.

Mumsnet - How To Survive Journeys With Children

Mumsnet - Family Journeys Through Airports

Mumsnet - Holiday Checklist

A Cup Of Joy - 10 Ways to Entertain a Toddler on a Plane

HelloBee - Packing Checklist

BabyCentre - Packing List

My Dear Lizzy - Flying With a Toddler Checklist

BabyCentre.co.uk Holiday Guides

Have Baby Will Travel - Packing List

Mission2Mum - Going On Holiday With a Toddler What To Pack

Our Little House In The Country - Tips For Travelling With Kids - she has 4 posts, the other three are linked at the bottom of this post

Pinterest search for Family Holiday Packing List - loads more lists on here, love Pinterest!

I am a big planner when we go on holiday, as I don't like to forget anything, even before I had Ben I would write lists. The one time I didn't and I forgot a beach bag, so had to buy one there!

I normally start with a general list - right now that's in my head. I will then write it down (probably in April as we go 1st June), but won't add numbers of items or anything. I'll then do a more detailed list 3 weeks before we fly, with numbers of each items etc.

Quite a bit part of what we take will be as to how Ben is coming along with the potty training, at the minute not so good, so we may need to take nappies for day and night. But my plan with that is to pack as many as possible, as we have 60kg of hold luggage between us. And also buy some at the airport from Boots once through security if needed. That way we don't have to worry about buying any out there.

I also plan cleaning the house, and washing of clothes. As I like the washing basket relatively empty for when we get back, as you have enough washing to do with everything that you've worn on holiday! I am working the day before we leave, but I do have that evening (we'll be leaving just after midnight - so we won't be sleeping) and the day before. And as we won't be doing our usual trip to the supermarket we'll have extra time.

I also try not to leave the house the week we leave (apart from work), as I can stay more organised with sorting out the suitcases, carry ons and cleaning and laundry.

One thing I like to do is write a shopping list, of toiletries that we need, and start buying them 2/3 months before you go, so you don't have to buy them all in one go, as suncream and aftersun is rather expensive!

Organisation - Our Weekly Routine

I've told you about our daily routine (which is still pretty much the same). I wanted to show you our weekly routine, how I fit in cleaning, blogging and work around looking after Ben and still getting time to myself.

Monday
On Monday's I try to clean the bottom floor of the house. This includes tidying, dusting and cleaning the lounge, cleaning the shower room and also the kitchen. I also have the bathroom and kitchen floors to mop, although I don't do this every week, although I probably should. I also do some loads of washing, towels and work shirts are done EVERY Monday, and then another load after if needed.

Tuesday
Is when I do the upstairs of the house, Which includes the bathroom, bedrooms and spare room. I also try to get some ironing done. And also any loads of washing and sorting the laundry out from the day before.

Wednesday
.I keep clear for doing little extra's around the house if I feel like it! And also for doing more washing and sorting of laundry. I do a load of washing nearly every day apart from Sundays'.

Thursday
Bed changing day as this is the day Steve starts work earliest so I can get it done the earliest and in to wash earliest! I also work on Thursdays, so like to relax more whilst Ben naps

Friday
I prefer not to do anything! Well apart from the daily washing up and laundry. I also plan the meals for the week ahead and write the shopping list.

Saturday
We do our weekly food shop every Saturday morning. Before we go I always put on a load of washing of our work trousers and aprons. Then once we're back Steve hoovers and I put the food shopping away and then hang up the washing and maybe put another load in. Before tidying up the lounge ready for hoovering (Steve starts upstairs). Then I like to go upstairs and tidy up both bedrooms and put more laundry away!

Sunday
Sundays I work a full shift at work so I don't do any cleaning after work, I like to relax and spend some time as a family before putting Ben to bed.

Every day I like to make the bed, and we also do a couple of loads of washing up between us every day. Also if we're going out on a certain day I'll have to arrange the housework around it or complete it the day before or after.

Regards as to my blogging I fit that in where possible, if Ben's being a good boy and is happy playing by himself I'll sometimes pop on my computer and write a post of two whilst he's up. I mostly have to take photos when he's napping, and try to get them taken when it's a nice clear day, as photos taken in natural light are so much better.

Time to myself mostly comes in the evenings when Ben is in bed, this is when I cross-stitch, catch up on reading blogs and watch youtube videos. If Ben's still asleep once the house work is done then I do get some time to relax then.

I'm thinking about doing a post on how I use my diary and also my monthly calendar printable to keep track of my days and also money etc. As this is part of my new years resolution to be more organised, and I'm always looking for organisation inspiration.