July: Five Things I Loved About It

Oh July, what a scorcher you were! July saw the U.K. hitting 40c + for the first time ever. Constantly talking about the weather is a very typical British problem, indeed! However, it is concerning if this eventually becomes a regular thing as this country is not built for this much heat, our houses and buildings are made to retain heat. 

Hot weather in London is not the same as it being hot in Dubai. During the crazy heatwave, we were also graced by the dreaded Chicken Pox! Many children in Miss A’s class were down with the Pox so it was inevitable that she would catch it too.

However, the timing of it was horrible – not only it was unbearably hot and uncomfortable but due to it she missed the last week of school. I had to lie to her that her summer holidays had begun, I was more heartbroken for her not being able to see or say goodbye to her classmates and teachers. She also ended up missing her Year 1 transition day but I guess some things are really out of our control, aren’t they!

Nevertheless, July was also filled with a lot of positivity so let’s talk about that!

SUMMER FETE

Aren’t school summer fete’s just the best? On the 1st of July, Miss A had her first experience of it. We had a lovely time after school, where Miss A got her Henna done and got her nails painted.

I think she was the most excited to be able to spend extra time with her bestie. Although I had only planned to spend an hour there we ended up staying the entire time as Miss A just didn’t want to leave.

EID

The second weekend of July was Eid! It was bittersweet as my brother and sister in law ended up getting covid in the week leading up to it. It was as if though it was a repeat of last year, as last year leading up to this Eid, my other brother and Mum had ended up with covid cancelling all plans!

However, we still got to celebrate at our cousins (brother and SIL in their own home so no close contact). Miss A had a lovely time especially opening up all of her presents. Thank goodness for Amazon prime as she requested a last minute gift the day before! 

A Percy book due to her current Thomas the Tank Engine obsession!

SPORTS DAY

Miss A also took part in her first ever school’s sports day! I think it got me rather emotional as I couldn’t believe it how grown up she was looking. 

It was a beautiful morning, seeing the children in their coloured teams rooting each other on. Miss A did feel overwhelmed at times and there were a few tears but that was expected considering the amount of people that were there, still strange for kids who spent a lot of time in lockdown.

My brother also represented her in the Parent/Carer race at the end and Miss A couldn’t stop shouting ‘Look! That’s my uncle!’ Overall, it was a fantastic morning, a lovely morning celebrating the children.

RENOVATION

July was also a busy month as we started up our home renovation. It was mainly painting and fixing up cracks here and there. It’s amazing how much a colour change can make such a big difference. We opted grey and white for the hallways, ivory for the front and living rooms and plain white for bedrooms*.

I know some people find plain white walls boring but I see it as a blank canvas. 

With plain walls, I find it easy to change the decor and colour scheme of a room as I please and gives the option of having colourful bedding to pop out!

 COUSINS 21st SURPRISE

24th July was my cousin’s birthday although I had planned a party for him that couldn’t go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances etc However, that week as I was working Miss A would go spend time at the cousins. An hour before her being due back I found out he would be popping by with her too.

After work, I made a mad dash to Asda and card factory, got a cake and decor. I have never birthday prepped so quickly before! But it turned out well especially since his birthday had passed so he really wasn’t expecting it!

So that’s the wrap of my July, why not share your highlights with me too?