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Original poster

Help me plan my secret day off tomorrow.

106 replies

CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:19

I have taken annual leave for the day.
My husband and kids don’t know, I know it might sound wrong but I need a break.
To put it mildly, it’s been the worst year of my life.
Anyway, I’ve booked a massage for the morning. I’ll probably go to the beach for a bit and find somewhere nice for lunch. what else shall I do?
Im so looking forward to it. Can’t do anything at home as husband and both teens will be there.
Thanks for any ideas
I’ll be in Shoreham area if anyone has any wise ideas for there or nearby but just anything really

OP posts:
Original poster
CHO0SE · 19/08/2025 08:28

Mydahliasareshit · 18/08/2025 21:42

Pedicure is a lovely long lasting treat if you don't want to do obvious manicure. I'd have both while in the process, but you do you!

How about buying a lovely notebook or journal for yourself, and starting to read The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, which is amazing. It certainly changed my life. You can have a read of it on
https://archive.org/details/julia-cameron-the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity/page/n44/mode/1up?view=theater

Lovely idea. Maybe for next time!

OP posts:
Original poster
CHO0SE · 19/08/2025 08:27

Poshjock · 18/08/2025 22:45

Plan and pack!

Take a book or kindle if reading is your jive. Stick a folding chair in your car so if you do end up at a beach or in the car you can sit comfortably, nothing worse than setting down for a good read and your back and bum are sore from sitting on the ground or a wooden bench. Water for hydration, wet wipes for on the go freshness. If you like a bit of music, remember your earphones and a battery pack for your phone. Sunglasses, sun hat, and suncream for weather protection. Chose your clothing wisely - I've had shoe disasters where my feet were in ribbons during what was meant to be a relaxing mooch because I picked fashion over comfort for my feet. Ditto wearing a dress on a hot day and not putting on chub rub shorts or not having a cover and ending up with sunburnt shoulders.

A relaxing day means thinking comfort up front. Plan well!

Great tips!

OP posts:
Original poster
CHO0SE · 19/08/2025 08:26

NerrSnerr · 18/08/2025 23:39

I really think it’s a sad state of affairs that you have to keep this secret. Is it because your husband would refuse to care for the kids if you have leisure time or your own sense of guilt?

He wouldn’t refuse. He’s a lovely man who has also had a hard year. It’s my guilt

OP posts:
Original poster
CHO0SE · 19/08/2025 08:25

Thanks All! Today is the day!

To answer some questions.
we don’t use location finding apps or have any of that turned on.
I am sure it would be ok for me to tell everyone but I am not. As I said, it has been a very bad year. My daughter has been in hospital for most of it and needs care at home. I feel like if I do this I will feel even a tiny bit renewed and ready to carry on with our quite difficult life.
My husband regularly goes out for the day at weekends. It’s just that it’s a work day.
Anyway I don’t know why I need to justify it! I just like that it’s my little secret day!
Lovely to hear some people inspired, hope you are booking those days today!

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 18/08/2025 23:39

I really think it’s a sad state of affairs that you have to keep this secret. Is it because your husband would refuse to care for the kids if you have leisure time or your own sense of guilt?

NerrSnerr · 18/08/2025 23:38

DancingNotDrowning · 18/08/2025 22:18

Do you have teens?

if I told mine I was having a day off, all four would want me to pick up something from the supermarket; one would want to come and have a mani pedi with me; two would also fancy a mooch around the shops; I’d get at least seven calls asking me for a lift/where sellotape was/have I seen their shoes/hairspray/lip gloss.

easier not to let them know my plans

Show quote history

It sounds like you need to take some days away so they can realise that you’re not always there/ available. Do you get the calls about sellotape etc when you’re working?

Cucy · 18/08/2025 23:25

I would go for a long walk or swim, then get a massage and then have something to eat at a nice place overlooking the sea.

I’m confused why you need to do this in secret though.
Surely your DH should be looking after the kids so you can do this regularly (and vice versa).

MounjaroMounjaro · 18/08/2025 22:53

That's why she's going out!

Whatwouldnanado · 18/08/2025 22:51

Don’t know your neck of the woods but hope you have a smashing day. And plan the next one. Does you good to recharge your batteries.

SquishedMallow · 18/08/2025 22:49

Just realised that might not work if your family is in the house 🤭

SquishedMallow · 18/08/2025 22:48

Oooh lush ! 😍 Love a day like that. Adds to the cozy feeling of relief when it's a secret.

Do you know what I'd do ? Bed day. Hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmallows, cozy PJ's and lounge in bed with a great series to binge on. Eat some naughty snacks too. It will really recharge the batteries. Then have a warm bath with a book before anyone's due home and slap some clothes on. Enjoy !

angelco · 18/08/2025 22:46

Have the best day but be mindful if you have things done like nails etc they’ll notice the difference when you return also the same if you turn up with new shopping bags etc! But enjoy you deserve it xx

Someone2025 · 18/08/2025 22:45

CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:30

Also like the idea of reading in the pub or on the beach. I have a pile of books waiting

Yes, say you have to work late and go for dinner and a drink in a nice pub, may as well make the most of it alternatively take a beer to the beach and relax / swim/ read a book…..enjoy

Poshjock · 18/08/2025 22:45

Plan and pack!

Take a book or kindle if reading is your jive. Stick a folding chair in your car so if you do end up at a beach or in the car you can sit comfortably, nothing worse than setting down for a good read and your back and bum are sore from sitting on the ground or a wooden bench. Water for hydration, wet wipes for on the go freshness. If you like a bit of music, remember your earphones and a battery pack for your phone. Sunglasses, sun hat, and suncream for weather protection. Chose your clothing wisely - I've had shoe disasters where my feet were in ribbons during what was meant to be a relaxing mooch because I picked fashion over comfort for my feet. Ditto wearing a dress on a hot day and not putting on chub rub shorts or not having a cover and ending up with sunburnt shoulders.

A relaxing day means thinking comfort up front. Plan well!

Itsjustnotthevibe · 18/08/2025 22:43

I would head over to Lancing, have lunch at the perch and then swim in the sea, read my book or listen to music/podcast (or both), and finish off with a sauna there too.

Alwayssnacking · 18/08/2025 22:38

A full spa day ! With lunch xx

itsallabitofamystery · 18/08/2025 22:25

@Cherrytree86meaning I wouldn’t get away with sneaking about, which is what this is. I don’t mind my teens knowing where I’m going, and if I did want a day to myself, I would tell them. I’m simply making reference to the OP having children and that if they’re like any modern teens, they’re likely to know where she is anyway.

Btowngirl · 18/08/2025 22:23

DancingNotDrowning · 18/08/2025 21:01

Sounds lovely - I’d do massage, a bit of shopping and cinema in the evening (just to keep it going).

I do a day occasionally but I was recently awestruck by a colleague who takes 4 days to herself every year and checks into a five star hotel, swims, reads, orders room service, does a bit of low key shopping. She doesn’t do it in secret but she of off grid with her DH and DC. I’m going to do similar next month 😊

The stay over thing is heavenly. Just discussed this with DP & we are going to take a turn each midweek for a few nights while our kids are in nursery, thanks for the idea!

Cherrytree86 · 18/08/2025 22:22

itsallabitofamystery · 18/08/2025 21:43

I wouldn’t get away with this, my teenagers love to spot me on Find my iPhone Blush

@itsallabitofamystery

what do you mean , you wouldn’t get away with it?? You’re a grown woman, you can do what you want! Deactivate the tracking app for a day - your teens don’t need to know where you are every minute of every day.

Cherrytree86 · 18/08/2025 22:20

pizzaHeart · 18/08/2025 21:16

are you going to tell them afterwards? If no, don’t do nails .
I personally wouldn’t tell to keep this opportunity open for the next time.
Have fun for all of us! I won’t be able to do this as we all have life 360 on the phones so no chance 😂.

@pizzaHeart

how stifling! Deactivate the 360 app for a day so you can do what you want!

DancingNotDrowning · 18/08/2025 22:18

BountifulPantry · 18/08/2025 21:57

Why do you have to lie about it? Just tell them what you’re doing.

Do you have teens?

if I told mine I was having a day off, all four would want me to pick up something from the supermarket; one would want to come and have a mani pedi with me; two would also fancy a mooch around the shops; I’d get at least seven calls asking me for a lift/where sellotape was/have I seen their shoes/hairspray/lip gloss.

easier not to let them know my plans

BountifulPantry · 18/08/2025 21:57

Why do you have to lie about it? Just tell them what you’re doing.

hobbledyhoy · 18/08/2025 21:47

What a great idea, why haven’t I thought of this before?!

I’d have a leisurely walk around the shops, stop for a nice coffee and read a book, buy myself a little something and try to finish it off with a nap!

itsallabitofamystery · 18/08/2025 21:43

I wouldn’t get away with this, my teenagers love to spot me on Find my iPhone Blush

pinkcow123 · 18/08/2025 21:42

I’m doing the same… I’ve booked a solo spa day!! Enjoy your you time tomorrow!