Maintaining a work-life balance after maternity leave

Maintaining a work-life balance is something I have always been pretty bad at doing. Even when I’ve had the kind of roles where it’s actually possible to leave your workload in the office, I have never been able to switch off. 

My priorities changed massively when Cassius was born and instead of returning to my job in Local Government I made the decision to go self-employed and returned to ‘work’ when Cass was 10 months old. I was doing a combination of contracting, paralegal work and blogging and because we were in lockdown I didn’t have the option of childcare to help me back into a work routine. I really enjoyed the flexibility of working for myself and being able to set my working hours. Not having a guaranteed income was a bit stressful but I was happy to be able to work from home and fit in around Cass’s (non-existent) routine. 

I have since done a total 180 and have opened a zero waste refill shop on our local high street, which has meant I am out of the house 10-5, five days a week. This has been a shock to the system because it has thrown me into a proper routine and from being with my toddler 24/7- to out of the house most of the day. I'm even continuing with some freelance work alongside this just to make sure I have enough on my plate that I avoid ever actually completing my masters thesis. 

Cass has recently started nursery, this didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped but at least it is taking some of the pressure off. Managing a new business, and all of the admin that comes with it, is as time-consuming as you would imagine. Unlike my old job where I had my fixed, contracted weekly work hours, I basically work unlimited hours (for zero pay so far!). I don’t begrudge it at all, it is super rewarding to be able to totally work for myself and not be accountable to anyone else. It also gives me the warm and fuzzies to be able to feel like I am actively doing my part to limit plastic pollution in giving our local community the ability to shop without single use plastic. 

When Cassius actually goes to sleep at a reasonable hour in the evening, I do manage to sit and get some work done- mainly things like ordering and paying invoices. I feel like I’ve had to make a lot of compromises but this is mainly on things like my standards of tidying at home and keeping on top of the laundry mountain. I think maybe it hasn’t been an insurmountable struggle because so much of the stuff I would want to be doing weekly has been off the table due to the COVID situation; no café meet ups with my mum group, no soft play, no shopping and lunch out at a restaurant. It is easier to juggle everything when the whole family/social ball isn't in the mix.

Ultimately, I think I only have some semblance of a good work-life balance because I have a lot of help from family and I’ve stopped sweating the small stuff so much. I’m not going to regret not keeping up with watching my favourite series on Netflix but I will regret not taking half an hour to have a hyper dance party with Cassius or spend half an hour chasing down some geese to feed along the river. 

Eco Friendly Christmas Gift Guide 2020

 

Please note that this post contains some gifted items and links to my shop.

It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 gifts are unwanted and discarded at Christmas time, so give the gift of green this Christmas and give your loved ones something sustainable that they actually *need*. This is a little list of goodies that I personally love, and have sufficient eco-friendly credentials to balance out the over consumption during the festive period. When choosing gifts for other people I usually play it safe and choose presents that I really like for myself- I have tried everything listed here and they will certainly be making their way into some recyclable wrapping for my friends and family this year. If you have a zero waste/ eco-friendly shop in your home town I really recommend supporting local and popping in for a browse- you may be surprised by the variety of products that don't cost the earth (literally). 

Ad | 4 Things I'll Be Doing The Summer After Lockdown

Oh my christ, lockdown has been going on forever, and we're only JUST being forced to wear masks... Jojo's 'too little too late' comes to mind, but that's a rant for another day. Over 4 months we've been stuck inside, working from home, staying away from family and getting used to the new norm, but it's so hard not to think of what we could have been doing this summer if Corona never hit.

Can Your Blog Grow and Change with You?

Jasmine and I started a blog together back before university. I was still living in Switzerland and she was in the UK. Technology wasn't quite as advanced in 2010/11 and we basically just liaised about blog stuff over Skype once a week or wrote on each other's wall on Facebook. I know right, but it was a long time ago.

I Need a Whole New Wardrobe.. and Some More Gym Gear!

How has it been a month since Christmas already?! 4 weeks have passed and it's been a complete contrast from the first month of 2019 for me. 2020 has well and truly been kicked off to a great start and habits have been created that I hope will stick with me for the rest of the year. 

I've written before of my big plans for 2020, with a few holidays/trips to go on and weddings to attend in the calendar that I wasn't really looking forward to... until now.. and some other plans that required me to be in good shape and healthy, both physically and mentally for this year. I've been determined to achieve this, so with the help of Holland and Barrett's newest product SlimBiome, I'm well on my way to being a happier, healthier me, ready to take on the world.

Starting the New Year Off Right | Ad

How are we 3 weeks into January already?! On one hand, I'm SO SO glad, because December's pay has been s t r e t c h e d to its absolute limit so I am counting down the days until payday, but on the other, I do feel like Christmas was absolutely ages ago, how can it not be February yet! I feel like I've really hit the ground running this year though with my new love for the gym, focus on myself and all-round self-love mission I've put myself on for 2020. This week, I'm feeling the best I've felt in a long time (minus the cold/flu that's creeping up on me... thanks work colleague...) and I'm actually so excited for the year ahead and the events and trips and weddings I get to go to throughout the year. This is all down, as you know, to my 4-week SlimBiome trial. So here's my week 3 check-in.

I've had a Major Boost in Confidence This Week, Here's Why.... | Ad

You'll likely have read my last blog about my first week trying SlimBiome (if you haven't - here it is - How I'm Regaining Body Confidence in 2020) and were interested in either trying it yourselves to see what results you could get - whether weight loss or just gaining energy and reducing your need to snack - or are just checking back in on my progress... either way, welcome back!

This week has gone by incredibly fast and the weekend, even faster. I've gotten into such a habit with taking my sachets after each meal now (or around the time I'm supposed to eat if I'm not hungry enough to eat) and taking lunches into work, going to the gym and making sure I drink enough water and get enough sleep, I certainly feel like this trial is setting me up with some great habits.

How I'm Regaining Body Confidence in 2020 | Ad

Disclaimer : I am in no way promoting weight loss, or intentionally fuelling to the negative diet culture. I am sharing my honest views of a product that has helped me and is helping me regain confidence in my body after a pretty shit few years of constant MH issues caused by and contributing to my weight gain.

Okay, so it's already 5 days into the new year and everyone seems to have already announced that they're more determined than ever to make 2020 their year, lose weight, feel great about themselves and look their best. Now, the thing with me, is that I always say I'm going to lose weight each year, but then either cannot find any willpower to do actually it or just get too busy with work, life and other stuff to focus on myself and my goals. This year, however (fingers are well and truly un-crossed for this one!), I hope it's going to be different. I have huge plans this year and haven't really set myself a 'goal' or 'target' as such, as I've decided weight watching and obsessing over my weight is super unhealthy, but certainly have some changes in mind that I'd like to achieve. One of these changes is to finally feel good about my body and be healthy, not lose weight as such, but to just feel good in my own skin and be happy with how I look, as well as be healthy enough to go ahead with my biggest plans of 2020. For me, personally, that means toning up, going to the gym more and fitting into my old clothes, though going up the stairs without getting out of breath would be nice! I'm such a bad snacker and have the appetite of a horse so I always fail at any sort of healthy eating or lifestyle changes as I am WEAK AF, so I know I need help curbing my cravings somehow. I've sought the help of Holland and Barrett's new product SlimBiome to help me stop snacking... and already feel better about the year ahead. Here's my 10-day check-in on my 4-week journey...

How I'm Set to Earn £300 from Home this Month Without Resorting to Hideous MLM Schemes | Finance

My Statutory Maternity Pay ends this month and I'm pretty anxious at the prospect of eating into my savings before I return to work. I've spent a couple of weeks researching ways I can make some money from home around looking after my baby, without committing to any sort of fixed hours. I have set myself a goal of earning a bit of money from home to ease the pressure on my savings account.

Making Sure your New Home is Safe with Y-Cam | Home Security

Having moved into our new home in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire just over a year ago, the first thing on our minds was 'how do we keep our belongings safe now we're not in a block of flats with security windows and doors?'. As it's our first bought home together, we're aiming to fill it with slightly pricier items than our two flats that were floor to ceiling IKEA. There's no more house moves on the cards for a number of years and this is the home that we really want to invest in, now that we're well-settled in our careers with a little bit more money to spend on well-built furniture. With a rather popular dog breed as our little pup and the hope to start a family in the future, security is something that's really important to us, especially when we're in a completely new area away from our friends and family.

4 Gift Idea Hacks for Her | Christmas 2019

Shopping for a woman can be quite stressful for some, just ask my husband! – but it absolutely shouldn’t be, and not when there are so many great products and gift ideas out there that every woman is guaranteed to love. Whether it’s your partner, sister, friend or mother, these hacks are set to help you prepare yourself for your Christmas shopping, whether last-minute or otherwise!

1. Take Inspiration from What She Already Has 

The best inspiration comes from simply observing. Yes, lads, that means you actually have to listen! ;) See what she wears, what she uses in her everyday life, how she furnishes the home and what she likes to spend money on – anything which can give you a hint into her habits, wants and needs. This is much easier if the lady in question is your partner and you live with her, so you can see her day today, but if it’s another loved one, take the time out to pay more attention – even if means having a quick scan around when you’re next round at their house. My husband is actually quite good at this, even when I think he’s not listening, he manages to surprise me! 

2. Check Current Stock Levels 

If the woman in question has a certain routine with items she uses – especially beauty items – it might be that she’s running low on her favourite stock. This could be makeup, skincare or perfume, or maybe even kitchen items if she’s a foodie - but definitely not something that you’d benefit from; she’ll see right through it, trust me. Anything which she uses regularly, and which has an expiration date. 

You can then investigate in more detail into the make and model (when she’s not looking, of course) and simply replace the item as a gift. You can buy women's perfume online either to replace her current favourite or go for an entirely new one with similar top or base notes to her current one!

3. Consider Trips Away Rather Than Specific Items

If you’re really struggling to think of anything you can wrap up under the tree, why not think about a trip away? This could be a mini-break for the weekend, a city break abroad or go the whole hog and book a luxury two week holiday - the dream! Best case scenario, you can book the trip for you, too, meaning you can both enjoy this special gift together. For me, I would be over the moon if my husband surprised me with a trip to Disneyland - hint hint.

Maybe she’s always mentioning somewhere she would like to go, or always been hinting about a certain luxury retreat. You can always consider it (budget-allowing, of course!).

4. Ask Her 

It’s always nice to receive a surprise gift which someone has put a lot of thought into, but if you’re seriously struggling, there’s nothing wrong with asking! It may be that she has something in mind she desperately needs but nobody has thought of. She’s probably written a list even!

If you’d rather think of something yourself, you can always buy her the item she mentions and buy a complementary item you have thought of yourself, too. 

She may even simply say ‘Surprise me!’ in which case you might feel a little less pressure to get it right and have a bit more freedom in what you choose. 

Gift-buying shouldn’t be a stressful time – what matters most is the thought, and any woman is going to appreciate that someone thought to buy them a gift, whatever it may be.

p.s. after 9 years of HINTING like crazy, my husband finally listened and bought us a trip to Disneyland! There's hope for him yet!

Easy Peach Chia Pudding Recipe | Ciao Gusto Italy

Paid Partnership with Ciao Gusto Italy

One of my favourite things to do when I am travelling is to check out the local supermarkets. There is something so interesting about how food is packaged and marketed differently and I love trying new and interesting products. I have spent half my adult life living abroad in different countries in Europe and I really miss having such a wide variety of different products to choose from. I do my grocery shopping online a lot more often now that I have a baby, it is so much easier to sit and plan meals then explore the aisles online than trek to a supermarket to do the big food shop. I find buying online has given me so much more choice, and The Ciao Gusto Italian Deli at Ocado has expanded that further- bringing a tonne of different Italian products to the UK, including Santal juice.

Eco Friendly Baby Gift Guide under £25

Please note that this post will contain some affiliate links, this means that I will earn a small commission for any sales at no extra cost to you. 

If you are on the hunt for the perfect present for new parents or a new baby this Christmas, I have assembled a gift guide with all the things I have loved for my little boy. I'm definitely the kind of person that prefers a useful or practical gift and I'm really excited to share all of the environmentally friendly products that I recommend. These would work just as well for a baby shower or Christening gift and will last many, many years. Since having my son I have been much more aware of the waste we create as a household and the impact that this has on the environment- and the consequences this has for the planet my baby's generation will inherit.

White & Gold Letter Cake Recipe | Kirsty's Baby Shower | Ad

I can't believe that my little nephew is almost here! Last weekend I threw Kirsty a baby shower  as she's just 8 weeks away from her due date. Inviting her friends, our close family and colleagues, I found a lovely venue and started planning what food and decorations we'd need. I decided on a white and gold theme and headed straight for Pinterest for some pretty cake ideas. Letter cakes have been such a big thing on Instagram and Pinterest for the last year or so, I just had to try my hand at creating one for Kirsty's special day.  With a fluffy sponge and super sweet springy icing, I managed to create the perfect letter cake recipe which I've detailed below.. read on to find out how to create your own letter cake!

Creating the Perfect Sleep Sanctuary | Tips for Better Sleep | Ad

I've mentioned a few times before about my struggles sleeping and how I've used various products to help me get more sleep. Since I wrote those posts, I've still struggled to settle into a proper sleeping pattern, or wake up refreshed. Having been diagnosed with Chronic Migraines and suffering from whiplash and various other back issues following a go-karting accident in April 2018, my disrupted sleep hasn't quite gotten back to normal yet. I've invested in an incredible iGel mattress and pillow set, I take tablets for my migraines which knock me out (sometimes), got blackout blinds, purchased a mist diffuser with essential oils to aid sleep, and have even started going to bed earlier. Most of all, I've found it's really important to get your surroundings right and ensure your sleep sanctuary is just that.. a sanctuary.

We Tried Hertford's Newest Addition | The Hummingbird Pub

In one of the towns I've had the pleasure to call home, a new gastro pub has popped up that's sure to make a lasting impression on locals and visitors alike. With flavoursome food and an exciting drinks menu,  Hertford's Fore Street is now home to Aspley Pub's The Hummingbird* and I'm so gutted it only popped up after I'd already moved counties! Having attended their launch, and received a personal tour of the venue by the fabulous General Manager Jan Nova, this pub is just what Hertford town centre so desperately needed, and boy, their chilli cheese balls are to. die. for.

Getting Back into Shape in 2019 | Esquared Fitness

How is it March already?! 2019 is slipping through my fingers and my body hasn't quite got the message that it's no longer Christmas, or a time for fattening up for hibernation (I totally wish that humans actually hibernated!). With a friend's wedding and a potential holiday on the cards this year, I think it's about time I got more active and started cutting down on all the junk food I've been scoffing... My banking app legit sent me a message the other week saying if I go to McDonalds one more time this month, it'll start listing it as a monthly bill. HAHAHA Shame on me! 

In this bid to kick-start my metabolism (or what is left of it) ahead of Lent and become happier and healthier this year, I've teamed up with Esquared* to challenge myself to workout during my lunch breaks using their new London based Fitness App.

I Lost My Fake-Tan Virginity! | Bondi Sands

Fake Tan - something you instinctively associate with the smell of biscuits (not the good kind) and nights out. For me, I spent years and years applying fake tans on my friends before a night out, it became somewhat of a ritual and I must say, it kind of put me off using it myself. It always went streaky when it got wet, it stained all their clothing and smelt horrific for days, so I swore I'd never use it. I've been feeling a little pasty recently from my lack of holidays so when I was approached by Bondi Sands, I decided that it was finally time to pop my tanning cherry and give it a go.. after all, who doesn't love being tanned!

Colour Trends to Update Your Home | Interior Decor

Since moving home, I've done a lot of reading up about home decor, colours that work, neutral tones and how to accessorise. Unfortunately, as I've bought a new build, we're not allowed to paint for at least 12 months whilst the house settles, but I've done a lot of research and planning for what I'm going to do as soon as those 12 months pass. If you follow my home on Instagram, you'll know how interior obsessed i currently am, so you'll know I couldn't wait to start sharing my newfound knowledge to our readers.  

Over time, even the most beautiful property can start to look dull and in need of an update. Rather than completely redecorating your home, however, sometimes a lick of paint or a few accessories in a different colour can be enough to breathe new life into your space. Whether you want to give your home an update or you’re looking for ways to improve the appearance of your buy to let property and appeal to more tenants, take a look at these top colour trends for 2019.

Tips for a Winter Getaway | Travelling in London

London is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but most especially during winter. There's a vibrant and electric energy, making London very pretty once the sun goes down. This makes it a great time of year for visitors and there are many popular hotspot which are particularly good at this time of year.

Whether you enjoy Soho and Chelsea or find Camden more your scene, London can cater to all types of people and personalities. For those looking for tips for their London getaway this winter, keep reading.