There are a great array of speakers lined up from Olympic gold medal winners to globe trekking extraordinaire. We tend to pop in and out of the talks, I like how they inspire my daughter to achieve more in running. I am a big believer in if she sees sporty role models she will want to be more sporty and so having such a great variety of speakers provides a wealth of inspiration for her.

As well as the fantastic line up of speakers there is also a host of amazing brands to visit. In fact there are over 250 exhibitors! I will be sure to be visiting Active root as my daughter loves their drink all most as much as I do. Big Bobble hats, because I can never have enough hats! Of course I will be stopping by Worry Less Design. As one of their ambassadors I love all of their products so am looking forward to seeing the team in person.

If you would like to visit the show please head over and use code LBROOKE for free tickets! I look forward to seeing you there.

I am an ambassador for the National Running Show but have not been paid or asked to write this post 

 We have been invited to the press night to the Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall. 

A few weeks ago my youngest daughter asked if we could visit Father Christmas at the place with the 12 days of Christmas walk. I asked her to explain a little more even though I knew where she meant, I wanted to see what she remembered. She proceeded to tell me how she walked through a winter wonderland where they met elves in a toy workshop. In the workshop they made toys and food the reindeers with the help of the elves before writing cards for Santa. The winter wonderland continued and she recalls the snow on the trees as she talks about walking through the magical lights to find Father Christmas.

Father Christmas is waiting for them in his log cabin with toys and fire place. They shyly approach to tell them what they want for Christmas. She tells me she remembers sitting on the sleigh afterwards for pictures before grabbing a hot chocolate and some cake in the cafe. 

I can't wait to see her face and her siblings when I surprise them with a visit to Lotherton Hall this Christmas. I love making these memories with them. This year there are even more surprises as I have heard Mrs Claus is going to be there, and she might even be hosting some gingerbread decorating in the Hall!

Tickets for this years Christmas Experience are available to buy now, but be fast they are selling fast!

I was provided with the first two lessons on the course free of charge in exchange for a review

I started this blog back in 2012 as a way to combat Postnatal Depression. I was really struggling to see the positive moments and found myself struggling mentally. Having two children under two was hard work and life seemed to engulf me in such a way I couldn't think or see clearly. This blog in a way saved me, it gave me a chance to see just one positive in each day and from that start on a positive mindset.

It isn't always easy, there are days when adopting a positive mindset is hard work. The world feels and seems against you and nothing seems to go right. I am however working on it. A few years ago I started the hashtag #capturemypositive on Instagram and that in someways gives a refocus to the positive mindset.

Recently I have been taking part in the course The positive mind training course by chartered psychologist Graham W Price. Graham has recently developed an online version of the Positive Mind Training, which can be completed in six illustrated webinars of 20 minutes each and has benefits of which include enhanced motivation, confidence, resilience, ‘work and life’ satisfaction, improved relationships and eliminating stress, conflict, regret, worry, self-blame and other limiting thoughts and feelings, including dealing with Covid-19.

I found the length of the course just right to give you enough information to think about and retain so that you could apply the outcomes in the real world. The course uses illustrations and video to further highlight important aspects of the course at the perfect pace, and with the tone of the instructor pitched that you want to listen to more. I found the graphics really useful and the course seemed to pass by quickly.

The course is ideal for those wanting to focus more on positive thinking or for those looking to adopt a more positive mindset in every day life. After one of the courses I felt confident enough to apply for a job I wouldn't have previously had the courage to do and am pleased to say was successful at securing it. Sometimes it is amazing what the power of a positive mindset can do, i'd thoroughly recommend the course which can be found here , please make sure to select individuals. 

 I was provided with complimentary tickets to see the performance in exchange for a review.

Last weekend the girls and I headed over to Elsecar Heritage centre as we had been invited to watch a performance of Edgar- A Hidden Life. With the show most suitable to the over 10s Little Man had gone to play at his Grandma's house and so it was just me and my girls. We arrived in plenty of time so made the most of Elsecar park whilst we waited. 

Personally I found the story very gripping, you wanted to know what would happen to Edgar. You also want to know if the story unfolding is what actually happened. Having the performance outdoors and within the grounds of the heritage centre added something special to the performance and made it seem and feel much more real.

There was absolutely no pressure to participate in the final part of the show, in fact my eldest daughter didn't want to and said no. My youngest however jumped at the chance to join in.

The girls enjoyed the show and it was great to do something a little different. Everything felt COVID safe as we were asked to wear masks and the whole performance was outside. I did have to explain some parts to the girls, as mentioned previously, but they said they enjoyed themselves. I thought it was a great performance and I immediately came home and googled Edgar Bower!

Thank you for inviting us!

This post is a sponsored post and has been paid for.

Pre children, and what feels like a lifetime ago I bought my first house. I had just finished university and had managed to save up a deposit. Back then 0% deposit mortgages were a thing, and the housing market was booming. I bought a two bed end terrace house. I spent hours redesigning the interior, the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. I drew plans and picked paint colours.