Individualism is great

We had a lovely drive out today and visited the delightful town of Melbourne in South Derbyshire. Not only is this gorgeous town steeped in history claiming to be the birth place of Thomas Cook, but
there is something very special about this pretty market town with new things to discover on every street.

As we walked around exploring the area, they are some stunning Georgian houses which simply make you stop for a while and admire their beauty. You cannot help but admire the beautiful parish church which has been described as a "cathedral in miniature" and if you enjoy a relaxing stroll you can walk alongside Melbourne Pool and feed those lively ducks.

Whilst I appreciate the history and the beauty of the area, one thing which I found so very refreshing was the town centre. It was wonderful to discover a selection of superb local independent retailers all passionate about their businesses and all delighted to see us. We had a fab coffee in
Forteys and then purchased some traditional sweets from the vast selection of jars on offer. We explored the stylish shop Lily and Lime as we looked for Christmas gift ideas and gazed at the stunning flowers in the Blossom Tree. This town has every service each modern family needs and it was wonderful to see a town centre that did not replicate those up and down the country.

So if you fancy a lovely day out for a bit of history, walks and shopping that offers you something a little different, then check out Melbourne.

Crossroads

I have reached a crossroads in my life at the moment and am really unsure which path to take.

I am in my mid thirties with one gorgeous child, who is smart, funny and everything we could have ever wished for. I have had a career break for several years and however during this time I set up a small business to work from home to earn some money but also keep my brain active.

I am conscious that the old biological clock is ticking but also I have been out of the wider world of work for a long time and worry if I leave it too late I won't be able to have a good solid career, which will challenge and excite me.

Mr H and I have gone round and round in circles trying to decide whether we should have a second child or whether we should stick as we are. We have gone through the usual conversations about feeling selfish if we only have one as we are denying our daughter the chance to have a sibling who she could become great friends with.

Being a mum these days is so very different to the time when my mum stayed at home. We were raised being told we could achieve anything - go to university and have a great career. I was ambitious and I did all those things, but nobody told me how hard it would be once you have a child what happens then?

Do you ditch all your hard work and ambitions to stay at home and devote 100% of your time to your children? Do you work part time and try and have the best of both worlds? or do you go for full time and feel wracked with guilt that you are not looking after your little ones properly?

I love being a mum and I will cherish all the magical moments Miss H and I have shared together whilst we were at home. Believe me we have had lots of fun and created memories we will both have for always. The question is can I do it again? or is my desire to get back into a suit stronger? If I delay my career for another two years will I feel frustrated or will everything just work out fine?

I am really unsure where to turn at the moment and what decision to make.

The joys of being a modern mum.