Kids Books for a Better World | I Like Myself!

This little girl addresses the many different facets of body positivity. It’s clear that her life choices are made for her own benefit and no-one else’s. This is an age-appropriate foundation to lay for later discussions – for example if you want to wear makeup, do it for you, not to impress or please others… Continue reading Kids Books for a Better World | I Like Myself!

Facebook Saved My Parenting! How to build a Virtual Village | Everyone knows that parents need support - as the saying goes, 'it takes a village to raise a child'. But we are living in an era where families are far-flung. Friendships are transient, neighbours don't speak and independence is prized above all else. How on earth are we to rely on support networks that, for many of us, simply aren't there?

Facebook Saved My Parenting! How to Build a Virtual Village

Everyone knows that parents need support – as the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. But we are living in an era where families are far-flung. Friendships are transient, neighbours don’t speak and independence is prized above all else.

How on earth are we to rely on support networks that, for many of us, simply aren’t there? Continue reading Facebook Saved My Parenting! How to Build a Virtual Village

15 SURVIVAL STRATEGIES for Struggling Gentle Parents | This is for when everything is going wrong. When you are *this* close to chucking your positive parenting ideals in the can. When you risk yelling or resorting to sleep training. You feel the tension building in your muscles. Your jaw clenches, your temperature rises. When you need an intervention...

15 SURVIVAL STRATEGIES for Struggling Gentle Parents | FREE Printable

15 SURVIVAL STRATEGIES for Struggling Gentle Parents | This is for when everything is going wrong. When you are *this* close to chucking your positive parenting ideals in the can. When you risk yelling or resorting to sleep training.

You feel the tension building in your muscles. Your jaw clenches, your temperature rises.

When you need an intervention… Continue reading 15 SURVIVAL STRATEGIES for Struggling Gentle Parents | FREE Printable

Colourful Capsule Wardrobe for Curvaceous Mums | A couple of months back, it seemed every post I found on capsule wardrobes followed the same formula: expensive, high-brow, high-fashion pieces, all with restricted palettes, suited to high-power business women or svelte fashionistas. Now of course these are probably a large chunk of the target market for such blog posts, but I didn't feel there was anything I could relate to. I'm a hands-on, SAHM twin mama with a fuller-figure and gigantaboobs. I get covered in toddler messes every single day, because I won't turn my children away when they need me - regardless of how sticky they are! A case in point... I am forever rolling around on the floor or bending down to scoop up two little wrigglers, so I need clothes that are flexible and don't show my bum. I tandem breastfeed, so need to be able to whip the girls out with ease and speed. I LOVE rich jewel colours, and enjoy accessorising - but all my jewellery needs to be toddler-proof or it will get destroyed. Finally, I'm on a tight budget, since we're a one-income family! Seems like a tall order? Well fear not - if you're in my position it is TOTALLY possible to craft a fabulous, minimalist capsule wardrobe.

Colourful Capsule Wardrobe for Curvaceous Mums

I’m a hands-on, SAHM twin mama with a fuller-figure and gigantaboobs. I get covered in toddler messes every single day, because I won’t turn my children away when they need me – regardless of how sticky they are!

I LOVE rich jewel colours, and enjoy accessorising – but all my jewellery needs to be toddler-proof or it will get destroyed. Finally, I’m on a tight budget, since we’re a one-income family!

Seems like a tall order? Well fear not – if you’re in my position it is TOTALLY possible to craft a fabulous, minimalist capsule wardrobe… Continue reading Colourful Capsule Wardrobe for Curvaceous Mums

10 Interesting Things That Make Me Happy

…when my twins fall asleep on me:

There’s something so intensely magical about the utter surrender, warmth and trust of my two softly slumbering children, snuggled up against me.

If I was a better woman perhaps I’d attempt to get more housework or cooking done whilst the children are sleeping, but I’m not: instead I snuggle and breathe them in, and sometimes nap too… Continue reading 10 Interesting Things That Make Me Happy

How to Cope with Powerful Emotions: The 90 Second Rule | The Science of Strong Emotions: Dr Jill Bolte Taylor, author of My Stroke of Insight, is a powerful advocate for emotional regulation & brain health. Through her detailed study of the brain and its functions, she observed the chemical process that an emotional stimulus or event in the outside world produces... Click the link to read more on our blog!

How to Cope with Powerful Emotions: The 90 Second Rule

I’ve always been a woman of strong emotions. It’s what makes me me. It’s what my husband first loved about me – my ability to feel so deeply. My deep emotions are what allow me to have real empathy for others, and what sparks my creativity – be that music, poetry, or even blogging.

It’s what makes me a good mum.

But this capacity to feel so richly also comes at a cost. My ability to love deeply is balanced by a deep scope for pain. My tendency to examine my emotions can lead to bouts of introspection and depression if left unchecked.

My enthusiasm for new projects can lead to burnout and my tenacity can quickly become anger if thwarted. I have a strong desire to parent well, and a strong stress reaction if things seem to be going wrong… Continue reading How to Cope with Powerful Emotions: The 90 Second Rule

Spotlight on Childism | The Uncomfortable Truth About Mainstream Parenting: Learning about childism can be an uncomfortable reality-check. But what matters is what we do with the information. Will cognitive dissonance win-out and result in a forceful rejection of this idea? Or will we swallow that pill, consider our motives and resolve to do better?  It's never too late to start parenting respectfully.

Spotlight On Childism: The Uncomfortable Truth About Mainstream Parenting

I remember very clearly the first time I came across the concept of Childism. It was a complete blow-your-mind moment. In the space of one beautifully written article, I went from being completely oblivious, to the startling realisation that not only was this prejudice rife in society, but I was a major culprit… Continue reading Spotlight On Childism: The Uncomfortable Truth About Mainstream Parenting

Simple Living: No Spend Challenge! (FREE Budget template)

If you’re on a journey pursing simplicity, you’ll likely already have explored Decluttering/Minimalism, Capsule Wardrobes, avoiding busyness and calm parenting styles such as Montessori or Gentle/Respectful parenting.

But what’s the next step?

I’ve been mulling-over ways to further simplify our lives. Clearly, the next stage after decluttering is to buy less clutter… Continue reading Simple Living: No Spend Challenge! (FREE Budget template)

Capsule Wardrobes for Messy Mums Part 2: Summer at Primark (Plus Size)

There are mixed messages on what constitutes a capsule wardrobe, but in essence it’s about minimalism & coordination. You want to create a cohesive wardrobe that doesn’t include any excess, and yet makes you feel fabulous. You want items that can work in combination with each other, and create the feel of a signature style. Everything must be flattering, suitable for the chosen season’s climate and work with your lifestyle…
Continue reading Capsule Wardrobes for Messy Mums Part 2: Summer at Primark (Plus Size)