It’s fair to say that being a parent is bloody hard. Whether you’re a single mum or an attached dad or a legal guardian, the responsibility of being in charge of small human beings is massive and something you can rarely escape.
There have been times where even the smallest of parent-based responsibilities have freaked me out: I remember once writing a shopping list soon after Hux had been weaned and feeling totally overwhelmed with the pure responsibility of feeding two kids three healthy balanced meals a day. I mean, that’s not a huge task in itself, but when you factor in a 50-hour work week, a daily load of laundry, the constant picking up of LEGO and a healthy dose of sleep deprivation it can all seem a bit much.
I think if I didn’t have my short respite periods, my fortnightly weekends off or my trips away with the children, I’d go properly mad.
Which is why I always leap at the chance to relax and enjoy myself wherever possible. So when my friends at Optiwell said “hey, you’ve had a busy summer, fancy bringing the kids to celebrate our #ThankGoodness campaign at a gorgeous countryside hotel?” I said YES PLEASE WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!
We popped off in the car one sunny Thursday, motoring over to my old stomping ground of Worcestershire to meet up with a group of lovely bloggers and Optiwell representatives, ready to relax and have some fun.
You might remember me talking about Optiwell before: it’s a yoghurt drink new to the UK market, one our family has previously enjoyed at the breakfast table. At only 64 calories per 200ml it’s a really brilliant snack for busy women like me who may otherwise find themselves turning to Hobnobs or Haribo (guilty) for that 3pm hunger/boredom pang, and I was excited to learn more about it as a snack rather than a breakfast.
Arriving at The Elms in time for afternoon tea on the most gloriously warm day was such a treat. We were joined by Katie from Mummy Daddy and Me Makes Three, Aby from You Baby Me Mummy, Emma from Brummy Mummy of Two, Katie from Pouting in Heels and Sarah From Taming Twins. I have to say that whoever came up with that guestlist was inspired: though I knew only a couple of the other mums previously our little group got on like a house on fire, I don’t think we stopped laughing the entire time. It was really a delight to be in the company of such warm and inspiring women.
As soon as the cakes were demolished – including this gorgeous Raspberry Loaf cake with the Optiwell-inspired recipe from the talented Sarah – the children were despatched to play together in the orchard as the mums gossiped and laughed over more rounds of tea. We were duly collected for our spa treatments one at a time; pedicure for Hux, manicure for Elfie and the loveliest back and shoulder massage for me. I could feel the stress evaporating!
Soon after, our children were rounded up by The Elms’s nursery staff for a very special outdoors cooking lesson and feast in the last of the sunshine, as we looked on and enjoyed how happily they all played together. Having visited a Mark Warner resort this year – arguably one of the best holidays for childcare I’ve ever seen – I was interested to see what nursery staff at a UK-based hotel would be like.
I was nothing but impressed at the standard of childcare here, the children were engaged and happy with all the activities laid on for them and I was amazed that such brilliant childcare facilities were available at such a high-end British hotel.
After the children’s tea it was off to check-in and get ready for dinner. Our room was magnificent, Hux: “our bath has PAWS!!”, and there was much excitement-slash-debate over who would get to sleep in the super-cool camp bed in our room (Hux won). It’s always brilliant to not have to compromise on luxury when you stay in family-friendly hotels in the UK, and I thought The Elms thoroughly hit the mark with their well-appointed rooms, comfortable communal areas and brilliant facilities.
In what felt like the absolute height of decadence, I again dropped the children off with the nursery nurses for a slumber party with their new friends in their PJs. While they ate buckets of sweets, gave each other glitter tattoos and enjoyed a disco and a movie we were to relax over a three course meal and wine. HEAVEN. There were even candles, you guys! Between the other mums on the trip and the lovely Optiwell ladies I could not have been in better company, and my salmon starter, steak main course and chocolate pudding was thoroughly enjoyed.
Whizzing my sugar-high children to bed for 9.30pm I happily sunk into that paw-footed bath with a glass of wine and a couple of vintage episodes of Peep Show. Perfection.
Breakfast the next day was just as fun with the kids tearing around the banquet table after each other as we drank yet more tea and enjoyed each other’s company (and the odd bottle of Optiwell!). The weather had turned so the planned kids’ teddy bear treasure hunt was moved inside – just as well as Elfie and her new cronies had found all the clues the day before.
We were treated to sandwiches and more lovely cake for lunch, and before long it was time to say a sad goodbye to our new friends. We were waved off with a beautiful goody bag for each of us, very full tummies and a head full of happy memories. I am so thankful that my job allows us to have experiences like this and Optiwell truly treated us like Queens (and princesses and princes); the experience of this beautiful hotel and such wonderful company was just what we needed to conclude our lovely summer.
The Elms is part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, who have properties all over the UK. In partnership, Optiwell and the Luxury Family Hotels Group are offering one lucky winner £350 to spend on a stay in one of their beautiful hotels! All you have to do is enter below to be in with a chance of winning. Good luck!
Competition ends at midnight on 28th September 2016. The prize will be administered by Optiwell/Luxury Family Hotels group and there is no cash alternative.
Huge thank-yous to Optiwell for working with MTT and treating us to this magnificent stay at The Elms.
I would say #ThankGoodness when ever my parents or in laws offer to have M so we can head into London to stay at a gorgeous hotel with room service!
#thankgoodness for my friends I’ve made since having my girl. There for me no matter the time of day, no conversation topic out of bounds and certainly no judging.
I would say #thankgoodness to my husband who puts up with me working very long hours and helps so much with our daughter and things around the house. Would be lovely to treat him.
#thankgoodness for my mum who has come to the rescue so many times over the past few months, who since having children myself I have so much more respect for.
Also that photo of Hux having a pedicure is everything, he looks so chilled!
#thankgoodness for friends with kids, who know what it’s like to need to talk at a million miles an hour, constantly pausing to referee tittle tattling, while nursing cold coffee even more thankful to those with DL passes- #thankgoodness for soft play!
#ThankGoodness for taking my shoes off after a long day at work
I always say #ThankGoodness on a Friday evening, after a manic working week, juggling a very stressful and hectic job with 2 beautiful girls, when the girls are tucked up in bed and I know I have a lovely weekend off work. I snuggle up on the sofa after a long soak in the bath, in nice cosy PJ’s, a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, bar of my favourite chocolate and either a good book or a film!
#thankgoodness for wine in the fridge and a comfy sofa!
#thankgoodness for weekends so I can get time to relax with my family, juggling work and homelife sometimes gets rather hectic
#ThankGoodness for my little family who make me feel so lucky my little boy who always makes me smile. My husband for standing by me and helping me so much cant thank him enough. I am so lucky and happy they are in my life I am so #ThankGoodness
How would you say #ThankGoodness and relax?
After everyone is in bed I have a mug of tea and a square of dark chocolate and enjoy a moments quiet
i would say #ThankGoodness for the fantastic family holiday we have just had
with a big hug and chocolate
Honestly? I like to say #thankgoodness for still being in one piece after a very turbulent few years. I’m thankful for the support of a few and to the inner strength I have – which I’m pretty sure I got from mum. :) X
#thankgoodness for a job that I love, 2 amazing children, the best friends ever and a wonderful family <3
However it's 9.30pm on a Friday and I'm already in bed, totally exhausted! Haaa the single mum life! ;)
#ThankGoodness for my mum being my absolute rock! I love to relax with a good book and chocolates :)
#ThankGoodness for cider, chocolate, friends, hugs and all the little luxuries in life which make me feel very lucky to be alive
I say #ThankGoodness and relax with a school friend whom I’ve know for so long I don’t have to worry about being judged and can relax. We love to spend the day at the spa whilst our husbands do ‘boy stuff’ with our children
I pour myself a glass of red wine, get cosy on the sofa and put on my favourite box set #thankgoodness
#thankgoodness my heart is still beating and slip between clean sheets with a magazine and a green tea
#ThankGoodness every night when my daughter falls asleep!
#ThankGoodness to my amazing friends and family that have helped me out with emergency childcare etc and made me feel that I’m not alone. I couldn’t do half of the things I do without them x
I say #ThankGoodness after a long day by having a long soak in the tub and putting on PJs and Slippers especially now the seasons are changing!
I say #ThankGoodness when I get home and someone has made dinner
#thankgoodness for family, sunshine and seaside
#ThankGoodness for a day with no tears and happy faces and of course a long nap!!
#ThankGoodness- cuddled up with a cup of tea reading stories to my son
I say #Thankgoodness fir my son getting good as level results
I say #Thankgoodness for my son getting good as level results
#ThankGoodness for a day of work today
Such a fab couple of days, loved getting to chat more and hope we can do it again soon. #dubstep
I say #ThankGoodness for date nights
I would say #ThankGoodness and relax after a long day’s work at the office and once the household chores are completed
#thankgoodness for my health & children and relax after a long day rushing around
I say #thankgoodness for my health and happiness
#ThankGoodness for good health and my wonderful family!
#ThankGoodness for my healthy, happy, now at school 4 year old :-)
#Thankgoodness for being blessed with a beautiful family
I’d say #ThankGoodness by enjoying an hour’s quiet time in a long hot bath with my Kindle!
#ThankGoodness by having a bath and a good book
I would say #thankgoodness by enjoying a quiet cup of tea with chocolate and a book after the kids have gone to bed
I would say #ThankGoodness while relaxing in a giant bubble bath.
After a long week of work and family life nothing says #ThankGoodness and relax like feet up with a glass of wine and a good box set !!
#ThankGoodness with a glass of wine and the next episode of my tv show at the end of the day
#ThankGoodness for the love in my life
#ThankGoodness and then quick shower, pop on my comfies , make a nice cup of tea and on with a girlie film.
#thankgoodness for the times when I come home from work and my boyfriend has tidied and made dinner (it’s a rarity!)
I would say #thankgoodness for friends picking you up when you are down.
I would say #thankgoodness for a Walnut Whip – washed down with a cold beer or glass of fizzy
#thankgoodness that my 19 year old cat who was given less than a week to live has survived 6 weeks so far and is back to her old self :)
#thankgoodness for my family who are all healthy and happy
I would say #thankgoodness for my wonderful parents who stepped in and have supported us since I lost my husband 16 years ago when my children were just babies
#ThankGoodness and relax when we’ve finally got homework done and the little ones are in bed
I would say #ThankGoodness to my husband for always been there for me and we would go away for the weekend taking the kids
I would say #ThankGoodness to my fiance for helping me with the stresses of wedding planning and treat him to a weekend spa trip to relax
i know i always #ThankGoodness when i have a busy morning and my daughter has slept through the night!
I say #ThankGoodness for all the wonderful days out with friends, and then recover from them with a relaxing film night and a big bar of chocolate :)
I would say #thankgoodness for my health, my family, my life- ? am thankful for everything!
#thankgoodness for my mum who takes me to my hospital appointents
#thankgoodness for my Mum who is the darling of my world, and couldn’t anything more to make it better.
#ThankGoodness for sunny days when I can relax in the garden reading a book and sipping wine
#ThankGoodness for cool evenings after hot days
#ThankGoodness for a long hot bath at the end of the day, and also for my family but after the bath.
#ThankGoodness for the weekend and wine!
#ThankGodness for my girlfriend always being there for me.
#ThankGoodness for my family who make my world amazing
I #ThankGoodness for my family
I say #ThankGoodness for all my close friends and family who really make day to day living possible and enjoyable. x
#ThankGoodness for my boyfriends great cooking!
for friday night to relax!
I would say #ThankGoodness to a beautiful hotel room and comfy bed after a fabulous day sight seeing in london all thanks to Optiwell Luxury Family Hotels Group
#thankgoodness for chocolate hobnobs and a cup of tea for 5 mins of blissful relaxation :)
#ThankGoodness for weekend family time for smiles & laughter :)
#ThankGoodness for the cheerful time with my daughter and husband :)
The only way I can #ThankGoodness and relax is by being away from my normal environment, where I don’t have to worry about washing, washing up, putting things away, hovering, cleaning etc., etc. Basically, I need a holiday!
#thankgoodness for my mum, who helps out when one of the kids are poorly x
#THANKGOODNESS For my flatmates – they are wonderful
I would say #ThankGoodness and relax by sticking on my comfy PJ’s after a long soak in the tub, light up a yankee candle and enjoy a brandy and coke with my feet up for a change. with 3 kids I am on them more than off even a week after surgery on my spine
I would put on a new pair of PJ’s make a nice cup of hot chocolate and sit down with a book and relax.
#thankgoodness for my gorgeous wife Becky – for keeping me going when I’m busy and
stressed!
#thankgoodness for my beautiful family, my husband and my gorgeous children
I would say #ThankGoodness to my sister when she has my two children so me and my husband can go to warmer climes for my husband who has Cold Agluttinin
#Thankgoodness for my beautiful family ????
#ThankGoodness for lovely places to go out walking, and then coming home to some amazing food and good company!
#ThankGoodness for child-friendly holidays with entertainment and fun for the kids! Makes holidays truly relaxing for us parents!
by watching a nice family film
#ThankGoodness for wine and bubble baths
#thankgoodness for health and love
#thankgoodness for a good book and a hot bath.
#thankgoodness for my children x i got something right x
#thankgoodness for my husband and children always loving me and i can love them
I’d go for a walk a long the coast with my husband and daughter #ThankGoodness
I’d say #thankgoodness with a nice meal and a good book :)
#thankgoodness I’ve got a husband who will share all things children with me 50/50 and that we can relax with a nice meal st the table
#thankgoodness for mum chats on the school run – great start to the day! We like to relax in a sunny pub garden with a G&T
when i have done everything that needs doing like kids baths, stories, dinner, washing up, washing put away I grab a cup of tea and put on a movie and say #thankgoodness its my time!
#ThankGoodness my bus home from work has arrived on time and i can then relax
A nice peaceful soak in the bath when the kids go to bed is my #thankgoodness
#ThankGoodness for getting woken up at 6 every morning by more boys
I would have to say #ThankGoodness for my amazing Hubby and our 4 children. Been through a hell of a lot in our 18 years together, but is has always only brought us closer together #luckylady!
#ThankGoodness I have my hubby for support through thick and thin!
#ThankGoodness for wonderfully supportive parents, and a cupboard well stocked with chocolate!
#Thankgoodness for a nice glass of bubbly and a warm bubble bath on a Friday night! xxx
Bedtime, #ThankGodness for bedtime – at least sometimes ;)
#thankgoodness for nights out with cocktails giving me a night off from been mummy
Thank goodness for a cup of coffee! And my espresso machine :D
I would say #ThankGoodness for Marvellous Marj ( my darling wife) for making my life so wonderful
#Thankgoodness for having two amazing healthy children, that have made my world complete! And thank goodness for my wonderful mum xx
I say thank goodness for having some amazing people around me all the time, and beautiful children and thank goodness and relax when work is over! :-)
#ThankGoodness to my partner who is fun and cooks for me when im wanting a treat!
When I know that my family are all safe and well #ThankGoodness
#thankgoodness for my family :)
#thankgoodness for my family and chug Arthur I love them all xx
#thankgoodness to have found such an amazing and kind boyfriend who is also my carer. Thank you for the chance xxx
I say #Thankgoodness when I get to speak to my mum who lives in Australia & I miss her like mad
I would say #ThankGoodness to my partner who understands how hard it is to be a stay at home mum to our one year old. And #ThankGoodness for the fab coffees he makes me !!!
I’d say #thankgoodness for craft beer and a lovely boyfriend in a doggy friendly pub!
#thankgoodness for the health & happiness of my family x
Id say #thank goodness for a bit of peace …lovely to see the family though !
#thankgoodness to have found such fabulous friends especially relaxing in the hot tub with a good wine!
Once the kids are in bed and I can relax in front of Netflix
I would say #thankgoodness for the opportunity to take a short break from my daily routine!
I say #thankgoodness when my daughter say’s shae will have my grandson for the weekend, as my grandson lives with me
I say #thankgoodness for drink! only joking!!!
#ThankGoodnessa good book
I would say #ThankGoodness when it is Friday night and work has finished for that week and I can enjoy the weekend with my boys
I say #ThankGoodness for my family. Love relaxing in a hot tab in a nice cottage
#thankgoodness for my lovely cats and daughters
I #ThankGoodness for our monthly special family nights when me, my partner and our two children stay up and watch a movie with lots of munchies
My favourite way to say #thankgoodness and relax is with a good cup of tea and a chance to colour, I love how when I colour I am able to completely clear my mind of all background thoughts and completely relax
#ThankGoodness for long hot soak at the end of the day after the kiddies are tucked up in bed x
#ThankGoodness for a nice bath at the end of a long day
I say #ThankGoodness when all children are in school/play school, I don’t get much time to myself so make the most of the 3 hours twice a week when I’m alone
#ThankGoodness when l take my shoes of after a long day
I would say #thankgoodness while in a hot bubble bath sipping some champers
#ThankGoodness to my mam and dad for always being there to help!
#ThankGoodness for times of quiet peace and companionship with hubby :)
#ThankGoodness for amazing friends who give me a dose of sanity when my boys are mad, and for those amazing hugs and kisses my boys give me.
#ThankGoodness for my Husband and Family and relax spending time with them :)
I say #ThankGoodness on a Friday evening when the working week is over, and I put my feet up with a glass of wine and the TV
#thankgoodness for my mum
I would say #ThankGoodness at the end of a busy day, as I put my feet up to relax on the sofa.
#thankgoodness for my partner who looks after me whenever I am ill
I #thankgoodness for a lovely bath with my book and a glass of red wine :)
#thankgoodness to my wife for being there for me
I’d say #ThankGoodness by booking a cheeky weekend away for my Husband and I.
#thankgoodness for daily gratitude, decent connections and decent, helpful people!
I #ThankGoodness for having two happy, healthy children but I love relaxing with a cup of tea, reading my favourite blogs while they’re napping x
I say #ThankGoodness for looking after my partner and making sure he is well! xx
i would say #ThankGoodness to my hubby for always being there for me
#ThankGoodness for Grandparents to give me a break from my little man now and again
#Thankgodness and relax on saturday when our daughter does 2 hours of dance and my hubby plays football. I get to curl up with a good book or catch up on the blogs I follow in peace :-). Your stay looked amazing btw xx
#Thankgoodness when i see a beautiful lady bringing up her children brilliantly, make you relaise not everyone is ”jeremy kyle” also sweetie for some reason my twitter tweet link came out as ”tom hiddlestone & taylor swift are not together”???? (i have no idea how that happened) heres the link to my tweet xx https://twitter.com/themasta10/status/780797370988687361
I would say #thankgoodness and relax after a hard week at work. I just want to sit down (after standing all week) and have a bit of peace and quiet.
#ThankGoodness for putting PJ’s on after a long day at work :)
#thankgoodness for the weekend after a hard week at work!
#thankgoodness FOR MY LOVING FAMILY AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES…
I would say #thankgodness for my mum, she works fulltime but still helps by watching my 5 year old so i can work too, would be lost without her
I’d say #ThankGoodness and relax when my four sons are asleep and my hubby is watching football and not mithering to use the ‘quiet time’ for Nookie :P Nice Bath in peace and Hot chocolate
I say #thankgoodness and relax after bedtime when I sit down with a hot chocolate and good book.
Definitely #thankgoodness they always go back to school after a looooong summer holiday! ;-)
#thankgoodness for bed time is the way i feel today lol :)
I say #ThankGoodness for lovely family and friends x
#ThankGoodness for my boyfriend who has helped through a horrible illness the past few weeks. Would love to treat him
#thankgoodness this day is nearly over!!
#thankgoodness For walks on the lovely Cornish Coast – followed by a glass of wine in front of the log burner! :)
#Thankgoodness for cuddles with my little ones after after school club and a husband who makes me a cuppa every weekday so I can function! Thank goodness for this competition to mentally imagine myself here with all the family having fun! X
#Thankgoodness for my child making it to her first birthday and for our little family being happy and healthy
#thankgoodness it’s time for bed!
#ThankGoodness My mums asked the kids over for a sleep over.
I say #ThankGoodness the kids are in bed and chill out with a glass of wine and a good film :D
I would say #ThankGoodness for my family – everyone is amazing! :)
#ThankGoodness for my lovely husband who always looks after me. A night away and a bottle of wine would do the trick!
#ThankGoodness I have such an amazing family who are always there to support me
Thank goodness for a bath in peace
#ThankGoodness for my amazing Mum who looks after literally everybody. I would love to thank her with afternoon tea in a posh hotel!
I would say #ThankGoodness for my family that is my mum, sister and my 2 boys they are my blessings
I say #ThankGoodness at 5.30pm on a friday when i go to pick the little one up after work at after school club…. #ThankGoodness we survived another week ;-) Looks like you all had a fab time!
#ThankGoodness for my 2 healthy grandchildren they make everyday so much better
A bubble bath
I would say #ThankGoodness to the little things in life that make me smile, they are very precious and often make such a difference to my day
#ThankGoodness for my beautiful children!
#ThankGoodness for a warm cozy bed! Anddddd relaxxxx! x
#ThankGoodness for locks on the bathroom door
I see my see my say #ThankGoodness and relax when i see my lovely family around me having a happy time x x
#thankgoodness to my college buddies who give me support during my studies
#thankgoodness for my 2 closest friends who are also work colleague so I’m with them everyday! Talk about being in each other’s pockets haha! X
#ThankGoodness for all my family and friends in my life
#ThankGoodness to my fiancé doing the cooking for me
I say #ThankGoodness for a fabulous family and opening a nice bottle of red
#ThankGoodness for lots of quality, fun times with the family and those relaxing ‘me’ times on my own.
I say #thankgoodness to my sister in law who has just had my niece and works very hard bringing up my newborn niece and my 17 month old nephew bless her she needs a break
Who won, cannot seem to find the announcement?
Hi Kirsti, we didn’t announce the name of the winner but they were notified and prize delivered.