I had my day all planned out- first, go to the nearby park in the morning before the day starts getting too hot and start my exercise regime by running…ok jogging around the oval while the kids cycle their bikes, then head home and start on the housework. The kids could do the general cleaning, like picking up their toys, cleaning their rooms while I dust, vacuum and mop. As an incentive, we would get to go to the movies on Monday! A boring but then again, in my opinion good plan nonetheless.

Thankfully though, my friend of mine sent through an email inviting us and some other kids from my daughter’s class to go to the beach in the morning. Hmmm…jogging, and cleaning versus the beach…not a hard choice really! Bonus, not only do I NOT have to do the housework – yes I could do it after we get back, but really, it would be too hot – 36 degrees celcius…seriously, it’s just cruel to put a woman through housework in that heat, but I also get to meet up my friends and the kids get to have their fun too!

Which did I choose? The beach of course! Never have I seen the kids get ready so early during the holidays and without any prompting at all! Food, water, sunscreen, towels and all other essentials packed. Off we went. Did we have fun? Yes! Anything beats doing housework! Besides, it’s the holidays, what are the chances that the house will stay clean, neat and tidy while they’re at home? Housework can wait.

Beach tip: If you don’t want any sand in your car after a great day at the beach, remember to bring some talcum powder. Dust them on their feet (and yours) then either rub it off your feet or wipe them off with a towel. The sand would come off very easily! And no sand in the car means, no sand in the house later one either.