• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Little Fish

  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
    • Disclosures
  • Crafts and Activities
    • Easy Arts and Crafts
    • Creative Play
    • Sea Themed Activities
    • Books and Activities

A New Chapter for Our Family: Leaving San Francisco

October 6, 2017 by Rosie 9 Comments

So you might be wondering why I seem to have dropped off the blogosphere, or maybe even the planet, for a while? Or perhaps I’m flattering myself and you didn’t actually notice my absence…!

Well, anyway… regular followers over on Instagram and Facebook will have heard that there have recently been some big changes in our family – a new chapter. No, we are not having another baby (!) – we have instead moved thousands of miles across the ocean, from San Francisco to the United Kingdom.

Now The Hubster and I are both British, so you’d think this wouldn’t feel like a big deal. But coming home HAS felt like a big deal. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for our family.

I don’t normally write much on the blog about my personal stories. But I know lots of people have been interested in our move, so I’ve decided to write a little bit about it.

So here we go, A New Chapter for Our Family – Part 1: Leaving San Francisco!

It feels so significant really. I had my children in San Francisco. I started the blog in San Francisco. Leaving has felt like a real uprooting – despite having good reasons for it.

A few sentences can not sum up our entire time in San Francisco – I need to write a whole post on all the reasons it is such a wonderful place to live. The sunshine, the temperate weather, the beach, the bay, the park, the open and accepting culture, the innovative and ‘can do’ attitude.

There’s a reason for the title of Tony Bennett’s famous song ‘I left my Heart in San Francisco.’

I don’t know a single person who hasn’t fallen in love with the incredible city by the bay. Although we had our reasons, leaving San Francisco has wrenched my heart too.

So, what’s our story?

We arrived in San Francisco in 2011 – supposedly for 2 years! – but ended up staying 6 and having 2 children!

Honestly, San Francisco is such an incredible place to live and to be with children. We could have seen ourselves staying longer. Living in San Francisco is so easy in so many ways. No seasons, lovely weather, an outdoor lifestyle. Endless days in the fantastic Golden Gate Park, which I think I miss more than the city itself. I sometimes felt like I was in a time warp. Time literally stood still, as the sun filtered through the trees that we played beneath. I even embraced the famous fog, which was so refreshing on a warm day and so mystical as it rolled in off the ocean. What’s not to love?!

I’d always wanted to live abroad and I really think it’s something everyone should do – at least once in your life. The biggest thing have I gained from living in San Francisco is a new perspective.

It’s a cliche, but travel really does make you see the world differently.

I’m so grateful for the opportunities I had in San Francisco. I worked in museum education for a while – something I’d always wanted to do. I spent so much time having adventures with Little M and later with LP. Despite the cost of living, we made sacrifices so I could be with my children. We made so many amazing memories as a couple and then as a family. Memories I will always treasure.

BUT. In the end we had to make a decision about our future as a family and decided for many reasons that our next chapter was back in the UK.

Why did we decide to leave?

Despite it’s outer sparkle, San Francisco is an incredibly hard place to live as an ‘ordinary’ family (whatever that may be!) The cost of living is sky high. Apartments are the size of shoe boxes – if you’re lucky enough to win the battle of the renters in the first place! As a family of four, we squished into a one bedroom apartment. We had no laundry facilities, no car and no family help even remotely nearby. With rocketing rent, moving further out of the city is just as expensive an option – with the added hassle and expense of commuting into the city.

Although I loved my job it didn’t really pay enough to justify the expensive child care. I ended up working at the weekends, to have the best of both worlds. But for a long time this was very hard and we had to squeeze family time in between working hours.

After our second baby, I didn’t return to work, as my visa would no longer permit me to work. (What a shame, I know…!) But I knew I’d want to work again eventually, so this was another reason for wanting to return to the UK.

We had a fantastic last year. Ironically we left on a high. Things got easier financially. I wasn’t working. We were able to relax more and have more adventures as a family.

But still – every time we had a visit from a family member, it hit home how much we missed family and friends. Living abroad is wonderful and inspiring. I would absolutely be open to living abroad again! But there were downsides too.

However much we loved San Francisco, we just knew the next chapter for our family was back in the UK. So, in the last 3 months we have been very busy and have made it happen.

How did we do it?

The Hubster got a job. Ever focused, he literally applied for a handful of jobs and within a couple of months had a job offer in hand – what a guy!

We cleared out our one bedroom apartment – which despite being the size of a shoe box, took alarmingly longer than you would expect. With a little help from friends, we more or less did the whole international move ourselves. Nearly everything was sold. Furniture, toys, clothes… Thank goodness San Francisco has such an incredible re-using culture – easy to palm things off on someone else! We packed the precious things and the practical things and shipped them off.

Then, we got on a plane with eight suitcases, two children, various strollers, car seats and baby paraphernalia and flew to London.

Honestly, I can’t believe that we did it. I think it’s one of my biggest achievements after child birth!

I miss San Francisco already. The sun, the busyness, our friends. But I am so happy to be back with our family, to see people we have not seen for so long. Family matters to me and I think even I didn’t realise how much I had missed everyone back home.

If there was any lingering doubt, when I saw the look on my son’s face when he saw his granny and grandpa at the airport, I knew absolutely that we had made the right decision.

Ultimately, leaving San Francisco has shown me that it really isn’t where you are it’s who you are with. I have my wonderful little family – and so long as they are happy, I can be anywhere in the world.

So actually, I don’t think I have left my heart in San Francisco after all… although I’ve definitely tucked a little piece of San Francisco in my heart. All those memories, friends and experiences from the city by the bay. They will be with me forever.

Look out for Part 2 of this post: Arriving in Cambridge!

Have you ever lived abroad? Or returned home again? Any tips on starting out somewhere new?

Photo credit: Andrew Ruiz courtesy of Unsplash

Related Posts

  • 13 Amazing Things to do with Your Family on Vacation13 Amazing Things to do with Your Family on Vacation
  • Moments of Gratitude #27Moments of Gratitude #27
  • A Word About Potty Training (and a Reminder to Trust in Our Children)A Word About Potty Training (and a Reminder to Trust in Our Children)
  • Invitation to Make: No Bake Energy Bites (Using Construction Vehicles!)Invitation to Make: No Bake Energy Bites (Using Construction Vehicles!)
  • A Visit to Stinson Beach in MarinA Visit to Stinson Beach in Marin
  • Why Thanksgiving is My Favourite American HolidayWhy Thanksgiving is My Favourite American Holiday
Sharing is caring...Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
0Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter

Filed Under: San Francisco, Thoughts

Previous Post: « Living Arrows: 34/52 Last Day of Forest School
Next Post: 12 Easy Christmas Treats to Make with Your Kids »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caroline

    November 3, 2017 at 12:14 am

    Oh Rosie, what a wonderful adventure you have had in San Francisco. It sounds like a beautiful place and something I’m sure you’ll never forget. I would love to live abroad at some point in my life too and it’s fab that your children got to experience that, even though they are little it’s those first little roots that will stay with them as they grow up. Wow 8 suitcases and 2 kids you did amazing well with the stress of that journey, but now you start your new chapter and in beautiful Cambridge. Embrace the changes enjoy the seasons and I’m sure you’ll continue to have a wonderful life with your lovely family xxx welcome home!!

    Reply
    • Rosie

      November 6, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Thanks Caroline – what a lovely comment. You are so right we have to embrace it all and roll with the changes. San Francisco was wonderful, but being home is wonderful in different ways. We are excited for Christmas and being near family again. I have a new niece due around Christmas and she’ll be right around the corner, which is so lovely!!! xx

      Reply
  2. Sinead (shinnersandthebrood.com)

    November 3, 2017 at 2:09 am

    I visited San Francisco as a teenager and have always wanted to go back. It really was beautiful. I can only imagine how lovely it is to live there. I hope you enjoy this new UK chapter. Having more space will certainly be a plus but I’m guessing that readjusting to the seasons might be tricky! 😉 Welcome back!

    Reply
    • Rosie

      November 6, 2017 at 8:08 am

      Oh I do hope you get to go back one day. It was a wonderful place to live, although did have it’s challenges too – mainly so expensive!! We are enjoying being nearer family, although as you say the seasons are a bit of a shock! Need to get the kids some hats and scarves….! xx

      Reply
  3. Kelly-Anne | Mimi Rose and Me

    November 3, 2017 at 4:40 am

    It’s such a big step making a big change in your life, can’t believe you finally did it though lovely. I’m sure there are so many new adventures for you and your family to have in the UK. Perhaps once you’re settled in we could grab a coffee as we not too far from one another! Just a train journey away.

    Reply
    • Rosie

      November 6, 2017 at 8:06 am

      I know, it’s such a big change – I still can’t quite believe we did it myself!! We are slowly settling though and enjoying exploring our new area. We should definitely get together! That would be so fun! xx

      Reply
  4. Emma

    November 4, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Oh this post! Love it. I’ve really enjoyed reading your San Francisco posts and I am now determined to visit the city one day as a result. But how lovely that you are home and you must now be enjoying the extra space! And yaaay for grandparents 🙂

    Reply
    • Rosie

      November 6, 2017 at 8:05 am

      Oh I do hope you get to visit one day – you’ll love it, it’s a must visit place in my opinion! We are enjoying the extra space though, it does make a real difference. Plus we are seeing much more of family already. My sister lives 5 minutes round the corner, which is lovely!! x

      Reply
  5. Cal at Family Makes

    November 8, 2017 at 11:36 am

    I’ve missed you and your blog! Although still had you on Messenger which is good. It’s lovely to hear your story and your decisions. I completely understand as we were in the Highlands with my family in the North East – not quite as far but still not immediately there when you want or need them. So we moved home when I had to have heart surgery and we knew we couldn’t manage alone. Family are so important, but it’s nice you’ve tucked a piece of San Fransisco in your heart xx

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Hi, I’m Rosie!

Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler!

I’m here to help you, with sweet and simple ideas to inspire your children.

Art, crafts, creative play and a splash of nature. Let’s get creative, the simple way!

Take a look around…

Popular Posts

  • Making Play-Doh Dinosaur EggsMaking Play-Doh Dinosaur Eggs
  • Miniature Fairy Envelope Craft for Kids to MakeMiniature Fairy Envelope Craft for Kids to Make
  • Toilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine CraftToilet Paper Roll Animal Valentine Craft
  • Book Character Painted Rock CraftBook Character Painted Rock Craft
  • How to Make Easy Stencilled Whale CardsHow to Make Easy Stencilled Whale Cards

Give us a Like!

Tweet with me!

Rosie | Little Fish 🐠Follow

Avatar
Avatar
12 Jan

Question for #supplyteachers Have you been furloughed? I was last time, but have heard nothing from my agency this time so far. Wondering what your experience is?

Reply on Twitter 1349125769142939654Retweet on Twitter 1349125769142939654Like on Twitter 13491257691429396541Twitter 1349125769142939654
Avatar
6 Jan

Wow, what a week and it’s only Wednesday...

Reply on Twitter 1346963236260884482Retweet on Twitter 1346963236260884482Like on Twitter 1346963236260884482Twitter 1346963236260884482
Avatar
16 Dec

Just finished my final supply teaching shift of the year 🙌 - ready for a rest! 🤞none of my classes are asked to isolate in next couple of days...

Reply on Twitter 1339246266358910978Retweet on Twitter 1339246266358910978Like on Twitter 13392462663589109783Twitter 1339246266358910978
Avatar
5 Dec

Simple Christmas tree stencil gift wrap! Keep the kids busy, whilst making wrapping paper for the grandparents, win win! Have you made your own gift wrap before?

https://littlefishblog.com/homemade-christmas-gift-wrap-that-kids-can-make/

Reply on Twitter 1335224537303175168Retweet on Twitter 1335224537303175168Like on Twitter 13352245373031751681Twitter 1335224537303175168
Retweet on TwitterRosie | Little Fish 🐠 Retweeted
Avatar
30 Nov

The reindeer are all self-isolating, so Santa is bringing in the giraffes this year...

Reply on Twitter 1333503263510048768Retweet on Twitter 13335032635100487681Like on Twitter 13335032635100487682Twitter 1333503263510048768
Load More...

We’re on Pinterest too!

Member of:

TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
TOTS100

Footer

Follow us on Instagram

littlefishblog

Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So what action do I commit to do?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
#blackouttuesday #iamlistening #blackouttuesday #iamlistening
Do your children ever say that they are 'bored'? 😑 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Children are the masters of their own creativity. 🖼 Given the time and space, children will think of ideas that will never fail to surprise you!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But sometimes we all have moments when we're at a loose end - children included. A little inspiration can go a long way. 💡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try putting some ideas for play and projects into a jar or box, ready for when inspiration is needed. 📦 You could include some of your ideas and some of your children's ideas. 👶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To start you off I have a FREE PRINTABLE with 40 simple ideas to inspire your children’s creativity! Grab your printable from my bio - print and cut! You're ready for when boredom strikes! 🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do your children ever get bored? How do you try to inspire them?
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Disclaimer

This site is for information purposes. Please use your own judgement as to the suitability of each activity for your child.

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Please see my full Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information.

Copyright © 2021 Little Fish on the Foodie Pro Theme

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cookies are small files stored on a server to help ensure a smooth user experience. Some cookies are functional and required to make this website work. Find out how to disable cookies in your browser by reading the full policy.Accept CookiesDisable Non-Essential CookiesRead more