That Mama Club

30 Days Wild 2022

Filed Under: HOME, KIDS CLUB, NATURE, PLAY //

It’s Almost June, which means #30dayswild is back! #30dayswild was set up by The Wildlife Trust to encourage young people to get out in nature. It’s where you to do one wild thing a day throughout the whole month: for your health, well being and for the planet. The Wildlife Trust provide packs and materials and you can still sign up and join in, it’s completely free! Once signed up, you will be able to download and print and abundance of material and things to do throughout the month of June.

Here at TMC, we wanted to encourage you guys to join in with #30dayswild. So, we have decided to ditch the normal # challenge for the month of June and have created #TMC30dayswild challenge!! We did this last year and it was such a hit and some of you have already been asking if we are doing it again this year. The answer is yes. Yes we are, and it will be bigger and better!

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7 Things to know when you are trying for a baby

Filed Under: MOTHERHOOD, TTC //

That Mama ClubTrying for a baby can be stressful for some people. Especially if they already have any underlying medical issues or it is taking longer than they expected to become pregnant. Information surrounding trying to conceive can sometimes be confusing or misleading. So here, Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife offers some myth-busting facts to clarify any grey areas and give a bit more information.

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Building stronger connections with your teenager

Filed Under: HOME, MOTHERHOOD //

 

CONNECTION WITH YOUR TEENAGER

When kids are small, they look to their parents for help in virtually every aspect of their life. But they become far more independent during their teen years as they continue to learn about themselves and the world around them. As a parent, you will have to let them grow and learn things for themselves. Nonetheless, you will want to maintain a strong bond, not least because they will inevitably fly the nest at some stage. Here are four great ways to achieve a connection with your teenager.

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Finding more security + comfort in pregnancy

Filed Under: MOTHERHOOD, PREGNANCY //

finding more security

Pregnancy can be one of the most wonderful processes you will ever go through, after all, even those who may be non-religious admit that there’s something truly miraculous in having a child. That said, it’s hardly the easiest adventure you could go through, and is quite taxing on your body and mind to put it lightly. This is especially the case for first-time mothers, who have to go through this process with care and diligence in order to retain their health and the health of their baby. Of course, no advice you could read online will ever counter the personalized care and attention from your medical professional aid and midwife support. That said, sometimes it can be that you feel the need for finding more security and comfort in your pregnancy, especially during those times when your mood is being affected by the intense demands on your body. Anyone could and should forgive you for needing a little care at this time.

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Making Time For Your First Born After A New Baby

Filed Under: MOTHERHOOD, PREGNANCY //

It’s quite a universal response of first-borns to feel threatened by the news or arrival of a new addition to the family. Their world as they’ve known it all their life is changing and they have no control over it. While in many cases, first-borns look forward to becoming a sibling, it can be an emotional time for everyone involved. Welcoming Baby #2 does not mean that you won’t have time to spend with your first-born, it just means you’ll have to be a little more creative about how you share yourself among them. Here are some ideas on making time for your first born after a new baby.
Making Time For Your First Born
 

Let them help

 
The arrival of the new baby may make your first-born feel displaced. Help them combat these feelings by letting them help where they can with the baby. Offer them a spoon to help at meal times or let them get hands on changing baby’s nappy. You can also designate them a special job like reading to the baby before nap-time. Make sure that during that time, the focus is on your first-born and acknowledge how helpful they’re being. This will serve as another great way of spending time together.
 

Designate separate toy areas

Your first child will experience inevitable feelings of displacement once the new baby comes home. Limiting the amount of shared items will help your older one understand that the arrival of a sibling does not naturally mean they no longer have their own place. Dedicating an area in the house for just their toys and activities may help with this. Find some space in your home (that you can afford to lose) and dedicate it to your first child’s favourite activities and toys. Maybe they can help pick out some new accessories like a desk and chair or a new shelf. Let Them help with the set up of it. Make them feel as involved as possible and ensure they understand it’s their corner. If you want to take it a step further you can also create a similar space for the new addition and let them help with that, too. This is not meant to isolate them from each other and does not eliminate a shared space where they can (eventually) play together but carves out spaces for each of them to have time to themselves.

Schedule activities they enjoy

Think about some of the activities your first-born likes and make realistic plans to schedule them in. Consider switching it up to accommodate the environment or circumstances when the situation arises- for instance, when the baby is sleeping. If they enjoy doing crafts, pull out the craft box and encourage them to make some crafts for the baby nursery or to display. Provide them with a choice of activities and let them lead the direction of the project with your guidance. They will enjoy having control over the activity and expressing their creativity. Not only does this allow you to spend quality time with them doing something stimulating and productive, it will keep them occupied should the new arrival interrupt.
 

Go On Adventures

Depending on your circumstances, you may not feel quite ready to leave your baby alone in the first few months. However, once you feel ready to take that step, plan adventures with your first-born that are specially for you two. Whether it be to a cafe for a milkshake or a more adventurous trip like going to a soft-play or play park, your first-born will appreciate the quality time spent together. Not only will this help to instil their confidence in your bond but will also create special memories.

Hugs and cuddles

 
This is probably the easiest to do. Hugs and cuddles, cuddles and hugs. As your arms get fuller and your first-born gets older, these spontaneous bouts of affection may happen less naturally or even less frequently. Even if you’re using down-time from the baby to get some much deserved rest, scoop up your first-born for a snuggle and enjoy some quiet time together. Not only will they treasure the close physical contact it may help to quell any feelings of jealousy watching you cuddle up to the baby.

Spend as much time as you can

It may be easier said than done but spending as much time as you can with your first-born is crucial to maintaining their sense of security which is inevitably challenged by a new arrival. Especially when that new arrival is adorable, small and chubby and everyone is coming over to “see the baby”. Life with a child can be unpredictable, let alone two. Any small snippets of time you can muster with your first-born will make all the difference. It doesn’t have to be large or time-consuming events or adventures; it can be a little tickle time on the rug or a quick story on the sofa.
Time with you is all that will matter.

6 Things You Don’t Expect To Feel When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Filed Under: HOME //

find out you're pregnant

When you find out your pregnant for the first time, planned or not, it’s flipping scary. You begin to picture yourself with your little babe, holding him or her for the first time and picturing if they’ll have daddy’s eyes or mummy’s lips. It’s an exciting time and there are plenty of lovely thoughts to go with it. However, there are a lot of things that some may worry about at some point down the line. Those hormones like to make us panic a little bit and wonder what the hell are we doing. Even if this is everything we have ever wanted!

Oh shit, shit, shit. Do I even want children?!

For some unknown reason, there are those split moments when you realise how much life will have to change and it’s actually kind of scary and pretty darn overwhelming! Life before kids is quite nice isn’t it. You can sleep when you like, go on holiday whenever, stay up until god knows what hour and you generally don’t really have to think about anyone but yourself!

What If I Am An Awful Mum?

“Ok I’ve never done this before, what if I’m terrible at it? What if he doesn’t like me? What if I forget to feed/bath/wind/change him?!”.

I’m pretty sure every first time expectant mum goes through this little stage. The fact you are even questioning if you’re going to be a good mummy or not, already makes you a good mum. You got this!

How The Eff Am I Going To Push An Actual Human Being Out Of My Lady Parts?

A woman’s body is bloody amazing thing, we are made to be able to do this. Try and get in tune with your body, deep breaths and try not to panic!

Following on from that… Will My Lady Parts Ever Look The Same Again?

Does it go back to normal? Will I be able to pee like normal? Is sex ever going to be the same? Can I even do that again?

Stop panicking. It takes time… but you’ll get there. It’s different for every woman, but like we said above, your body can do this!

What If I Poop Whilst Pushing?

This is something we’ve all had nightmares about at some point. What if you’re pushing and pushing your precious little bean out and all of a sudden, a little pre-birth present arrives for everyone to see?

In reality, when it happens, if it happens (it probably will), you won’t even notice. The midwives whip it away that quickly, that no one tends to really notice anyway. If someone does notice, are they really going to tease a hormonal woman who’s in the middle of pushing a person out their vagina? I don’t think so!

Ok, So How The Heck Am I Going To Afford This?

Pushchairs, cots, bedding, bottles, toys, clothes, changing mats, burp cloths… jeeez these kids need a lot of things don’t they! One thing we will say – you don’t need it all, there are clever marketing tricks that make us first time mums panic if we don’t have it all. That gorgeous changing basket you’ve been seeing all over Instagram IS gorgeous, but you’ll most likely be changing baby on the floor most of the time!

Obviously all these thoughts are very natural, your body is going through a huge change and an increase in hormones are playing a huge part in how you feel. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous, it’s a scary process, especially if it’s your first baby.

All we can say, is that IT’S GOING TO BE OK, YOU GOT THIS MAMA!

POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION AFTER PREGNANCY AT 40

Filed Under: BIRTH, HOME, POSTPARTUM //

DEPRESSION AFTER PREGNANCY

There are many factors that lead to depression after pregnancy. I am mentioning a few factors below:

Postpartum depression, or peripartum depression occurs after a woman gives birth. Within a few hours of giving birth the amount of the two female hormones, estragon and progesterone, return to their pre pregnancy levels. Many researchers feel that this drop in hormone levels,
much like the smaller changes in hormone levels can affect a woman’s mood just before her menstrual cycle, is one of the causes of postpartum depression. It is more like an unexplained sadness & depression. It is a feeling where you feel bad, guilty, helpless & in pain just to explain it in words.

1. Genetics – One factor that can lead to postpartum depression is genetics. This type of depression can be passed down from mother to daughter. There is also a correlation between postpartum depression and women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome.

2. Hormone levels – As I have mentioned earlier changes in the hormone level also plays an important role in postpartum depression

3. Baby Demands – In the initial days babies can be very demanding, making the new moms so busy that they don’t get time for themselves which leads to depression.

4. Labour – Going through labour is in itself very stressful which after the birth of baby takes its toll on the health of new moms. This in return turns into depression.

5. Self-doubt – Many new moms go through the self doubt process where they doubt the ability to be a good mom & be able to do the right things for their babies.

6. Family disconnect – With all the time taken by the baby new moms can have a disconnect with the family. They can go through the feeling of loneliness even when whole family is present as they are completely busy taking care of the newborn.

This also can lead to depression To be honest after my first baby was born when I was 30, I didn’t experience any kind of postpartum depression. But when I gave birth to my second baby, when I was 40, I underwent postpartum depression. So after my Pregnancy at 40 I understood what Post Partum Depression actually is.

When postpartum depression kicked in I felt sluggish, unconnected to reality, and often underwent several other symptoms that include depression. During my postpartum depression (PPD) at 40, I would often go through bouts of crying uncontrollably and very seldom with any particular cause. I would feel emotionally charged all the time & my emotions would often play tricks on me. My postpartum depression at 40 also lead to some sleepless & troubled nights. Once a baby is born the family, friends, mother and so forth are suppose to join in a joyful expedition. But in my case I went through postpartum depression and the birth seemed more like a painful expedition than a joyous moment.

Instead of sharing a happy moment I often felt a sense of guilt because I felt a kind of resentment in me. The whole giving birth process seemed like an inflicted pain than joy. Then all of a sudden, I would begin the feeling of sadness, despair, worthlessness, and insomnia kick in. Most professionals will treat postpartum depression with antidepressants combining it with therapy. In my case, I did not undergo any kind of therapy because, luckily for me, my postpartum depression didn’t last for too long a period. But it is important for mothers with postpartum depression to seek help immediately, since the depression does not only affect the patient, it affects everyone around you, including your baby. Babies need their mother, and when the mother is unable to provide emotional nourishment and loving care, then the baby will suffer as it grows into adulthood.

Just like any diagnose there are triggers that may interrupt the mother, including difficult births, isolating one self, death, changes in living arrangements, hereditary, financial difficulties and so forth. Unfortunately, some of these triggers are going to happen. Most therapists have found treating women with postpartum depression, treating them with antidepressants and therapy has worked wonders. Recently studies are finding that depression may also be treated with Electroconvulsive therapy. Scientists are constantly searching for a solution to treat depression so the end of the world hasn’t arrived.

REF: The Best Ways To Treat Postpartum Depression – HealthPrep.com

There is hope. Studies have also shown that writing down your episodes, feelings and so forth is a great therapeutic relief. Talking is also a great source for eliminating stress, which is often linked to depression. It is important to get regular check-ups after your baby is born to
eliminate biological reasoning for the postpartum depression. In most cases, doctors may prescribe different medications. It depends on the person, but for some mothers one or the other medications work, while others have no results. If you are suffering postpartum depression, it is also important for the family to offer support and understanding.

Since, you may have suicidal thoughts the last thing anyone needs to do is push you over the edge. It is also important that the resentment you feel is not necessary toward your baby. It could be that you resent an area of your life, or an occurrence and the baby seems to be the target. You might want to try listening to easy music when you feel a sense of loss, or episodes of the depression erupt. Music has proven to heal the soul. In addition, you might want to start exercising since this too has proven to do wonders with people that suffer mental or physical illnesses. Exercise relieves the mind often because you are doing something to better yourself and improve your health. To sum it all, the biggest difference that I felt between Postpartum at 30 & Postpartum at 40 is the depression & physical pain that I went through. With the passage of time, the recovery path has also been fine.

I had good family support during both my deliveries which helped me overcome my pain & depression. Therefore, if you are in postpartum depression especially after 40, there are answers and you should never give up hope! So let’s leave the Post Partum depression behind us as a bad dream & let’s give our motherhood foremost significance in the whole journey of Parenthood.

Bio :

I am Rupali Paul, a Mom of two kids, one teen & another a toddler and I blog in the Parenting niche.
I write blogs on various Parenting & Motherhood topics primarily. I also blog on topics pertaining to Travel with Kids & review various products relating to Mom or Kids. All in all a Blog which caters to family topics surrounding Mom, Dad & Kids and their Life.

You can find my blog at https://momkidlife.com
Instagram handle @momkidlife
Twitter handle @momkidlife
Pinterest handle @momkidlife
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/momkidlife

SEAMS Indulge Hand Cream Set | Review

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE, SELF CARE //

SEAMS hand cream

SEAMS is a London founded company, launched by Karen J after many years of working in the fashion & beauty industry. Karen was looking for a hand cream that could be used quickly throughout the day and wouldn’t transfer any grease onto fabrics, she struggled to find one so set out to create SEAMS Hand Cream. A special Biomimetic Lipid Complex ensures the formula instantly melts in the skin and locks in moisture! Karen’s strong sense of smell lead her to create our signature Amber Cocoon scent, a clean fresh cotton fragrance that doesn’t linger on the skin.

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MOIST AF BANANA BREAD

Filed Under: FAMILY RECIPES, FOOD, HOME //

Sorry if you don’t like the word “moist”! There really is no other word for it. This banana bread from @feedingtheirfutures is moist as you like, plus it’s grain-free, refined-sugar free and packed with nutrients, so perfect for kiddie winks. (The spices make your kitchen smell like heaven while it’s cooking too).
To “healthy it up” she’s switched out the usual nutritionally-void self-raising flour for a mixture of almond flour (full of healthy fats) and hemp seed flour (an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre). If you can’t get hemp seed flour, any other plain flour will do the job. She’s also exchanged the usual refined sugar for a combination of mashed bananas and maple syrup making it much more baby (and waistline) friendly.

Here are the ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups almond flour (ground almonds)
  • 1/2 cup of hemp seed flour (or any other plain flour e.g. wholemeal, spelt, white)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • Spices – 1 tsp each of ground cinnamon, ginger & nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp hemp seed oil or olive oil
  • 3 free range eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract

The Method:

  • Put all the wet ingredients in a food processor and mix well. You can whisk it by hand if you don’t have a food processor – just mash the bananas first.
  • Put all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well.
  • Grease a loaf tin then pour in the mixture.
  • Bake at 170°C for 45 mins or until a knife comes out clean.

Please give this banana bread recipe a go & tag us if you do! Don’t forget to check out the wonderful Claire’s website where she shares so many delicious recipes that are perfect for the whole family.

DECEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | JUST HAVEN’T MET YOU YET BY Sophie Cousens

Filed Under: BOOKS, HOME, THAT MAMA BOOK CLUB //

Welcome to the final book club review of 2021! How did we get here already? It’s been an amazing first year; we have a fantastic club full of beautiful, intelligent women and a huge year with even more bookish fun lies ahead. Our first ever book club pick back in January this year was This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, so when we heard that her second novel, Just Haven’t Met You Yet, was being published in November, fate had decided on our final book club pick of 2021.

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TOP 10 POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS

Filed Under: BIRTH, BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY, HOME, MOTHERHOOD, POST BABY, POSTPARTUM, SELF CARE //

While everyone loves to support you with what you’ll need (and potentially don’t need) when you’re pregnant, quite often us poor old mums get left by the wayside once we’ve popped out our cute little nugget. We’re left to fend for ourselves amongst leaking boobs, saggy skin and stinging bumholes and quite frankly, the postnatal fuss that we deserve is lacking! Here is our guide of Top 10 Postpartum Essentials that you need to make that time after birth just a little bit easier.

Bits to add to your basket…

 

1. The Peri Bottle

One thing they do not tell you after childbirth is the fear that comes with going to the toilet, especially after an episiotome.  The peri bottle (or any bottle of lukewarm water) is a lifesaver; simply spray or pour it on you urethral opening to dilute your urine and take away the sting!

 

 

2. Breast Pads

Whether or not you choose to breastfeed your child; once your milk has come in you’re going to leak – it’s science! Getting caught unawares while you’re chatting to the postman is a nightmare. You need

something to back you up and soak up that colostrom if your boobs start to gush like the Trafalgar Square fountains.

You can choose to get re-usable breast pads (bonus points for eco-friendly options mama!) like these ones from Simply Gentle, or you can go for the disposable option like these Lil-Lets on Amazon!

 

3. A GOOD Nursing Bra

Did you know it’s possible to wear a nursing bra and still feel sexy? In a time when we probably feel a bit like a slovenly blob, having that little sneaky pick-me-up while remaining comfortable and practical is amazing! These HOFISH Seamless bras from Amazon are comfortable, wash well and look great on! *Tried and tested by our own TMC admin!*

 

 

4. Epsom Salts

Soaking in a warm bath full of Epsom salts. as often as you can, can lessen swelling and promote healing in the most delicate of areas. Epsom salts are gentle so while they’re doing all the good stuff, you can be sure that they won’t sting or ache while you’re having a soak!

 

 

5. Donut Pillow

Postpartum mamas have a special place in their heart for the donut pillow and we can’t blame them! When you’re resting as much as possible at home, sitting can become painful (tenfold if you’ve got stitches to contend with). Donut pillows give an added reprieve for your toosh that you won’t know you need until you do!

 

6. Nipple Cream

Stinging bums, sleepless nights and cracked nipples – it just gets better and better doesn’t it! Having a nice, soothing cream will do wonders for when your nursing and your nipples start to become tender. Use it after each nursing session to reduce pain and keep your nipples moisturised. If you treat yourself to this Burts Bees cream your nipples will smell great too!

 

 

 

7. Stool Softeners

That first poo after having a baby can be pretty horrifying. The last thing you want is to work to push out your poos if you’ve had to push a baby out less than 24 hours before! Dulco Soft is amazing with helping your body while it readjusts and preventing haemorrhoids too.

 

 

 

8. New Pyjamas

Do I need to say anymore? You’ve just given birth mama, you deserve a pair of clean, soft pyjamas and some nice warm socks! These pjs from Marks & Spencers are stylish and made using the M&S Better Cotton Initiative, so you’re doing your bit for the environment whilst treating yourself too!

 

9. Vitamins

With the blood loss, sleep deprivation and trauma that your body has been through; you need to make sure you’re getting everything you (and your baby) needs! Pregnacare are an amazing brand with postpartum vitamins that are jam-packed with all the good stuff that your body needs to get back on the road to recovery. If you’re breast-feeding, Pregnacare also have their breastfeeding postpartum range of vitamins that means you can ensure your babies safety while taking them too.

 

10. Breakfast Tray

One of the the hardest things to do as a mummy, especially a new mummy, is rest. Our brains go into overdrive with all the things we need to be doing for our little one (and hopefully for ourselves too). While you’re feeling tender, save yourself some trips by setting up a little breakfast tray – or ask your partner to realllyyyy nicely – just so you can at least create the illusion that you’re taking it easy!

 

 

OUR POSTPARTUM LIFESAVERS

ASH: “Having a beside cot is a must! Working in a kids store I never really thought they were a necessity but they were a dream with Laila. A boppy pillow was amazing for my son’s silent reflux too.”

CHARLIE: “I had an episiotomy with my first son and lavender essential oil baths were a god send for healing!”

CHARLOTTE: “Cloth breast pads. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, there’s a good chance your body will produce milk! With cloth breast-pads, they are super soft and absorbent, and you can pop them in the wash so you’ll never run out! Well.. those and a HUGE backlog of bingeworthy TV!”

JADE: “Adult nappies were my best friend for the week after Grayson was born. Nobody tells you just how much you bleed after giving birth, so having a failsafe giant hug wrapped around my vagina was a huge welcome. Plus, they were nice and stretchy, which is always a bonus!”

JOSIE: “For anyone that has had an emergency c-section I would strongly recommend peppermint tea as part of your recovery! No one tells you about the excruciating pain you can be in from built up air inside you, and it was only when my sister-in-law told me about it three days in my pain started going away. Who knew built up gas could be so painful!”

 

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January Self Care Ideas

Filed Under: HOME, LIFESTYLE, MENTAL HEALTH, MOTHERHOOD, SELF CARE //

self care ideasIt’s January, it’s 2022 and it’s time to make some time for YOU! We’re all run ragged after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period, so what better time to slow down and take care of yourself. Here’s a few self care ideas to make time for just you, whether you take a day to yourself of just ten minutes of your day, there’s something you can do that is solely to make you feel good.

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WHAT’S COMING TO NETFLIX IN JANUARY 2022

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, HOME, LIFE //

As you have probably gathered by now, we are huge fans of streaming services & Netflix is constantly providing us with brand new content – including firm favourites we know & love and brand new exclusive content. We have put together a selection of all the best things coming to Netflix in January 2022.

Netflix in January 2022

Queer Eye Season 6 – January 1st

We are SO glad this is back! The FAB 5 are back on our screens doing what they do best and we all know it’s going to be emotional. If you haven’t watched Queer Eye before, you need to rectify that right now. It is so wholesome, hilarious & fun!

Cheer Season 2 – January 12th

Another reality show but this one is BRUTAL. Think Dance Moms but cheerleaders. We never gave much thought into how hardcore cheerleading is as it’s not really a thing in the UK but for America – it’s a huge deal and this series really shows that!

Brazen – January 13th

This film is a Netflix exclusive following a mystery writer who needs help when it comes to solving her sister’s murder. We love an easy watch & this sounds like just that!

After Life Season 3 – January 14th

The show is a dark comedy drama which follows the life of a man named Tony (played by Ricky Gervais) in the immediate aftermath of losing his wife to cancer. It’s equal parts hilarious & oh so heart breaking. Definitely one to watch.

Too Hot To Handle Season 3 – January 17th

Ahhhh reality tv at it’s finest and this is one of our favourites. It’s super fun, cringe & binge worthy! It’s also hell-a sexy, think of it as Love Island back when it was fun & also a much more interesting concept.

Annabelle Comes Home – January 17th

If you are a horror film all year round kinda’ person – Netflix has some great ones! Being added this month is a favourite from the Annabelle/Conjuring series. The Annabelle films are about a haunted doll that scares the shit out of everybody. ENJOY.

In From The Cold – January 28th

An American single mum must juggle family life and unique shape shifting skills when she is exposed as a ex-Russian spy. This show is said to be exciting & suspenseful.

 

 

 

 

5 BLOGS TO READ IN JANUARY

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE //

BLOGS TO READ IN JANUARY

Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely festive season and Christmas. We are ready and raring for 2022 – it is the ultimate fresh start and we are ready to kick arse on all our goals! A brand new month means brand new advertisers and we have some amazing bloggers to share with you!

AD – FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ADVERTISING PACKAGES CLICK HERE

BLOGS TO READ IN JANUARY:

First up we have Chloe, more widely known as Nyxie online. She is a twenty-something cat mum with a passion for writing, illustrating & video games. Her writing is predominantly focused on mental health, general wellness & eating disorder recovery. This list has evolved over time & she’s been known to take on book reviews, interior advice (in regards to mental wellness) & even articles on pet care. She even goes as far as discussing more controversial topics such as feminism, feminine health &  inequality in Northern Ireland.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

blogs to read in January

Next up we have the lovely Vourneen! Welcome to The Plain Simple Life! I’m Vourneen: Minimalist, professional de-clutterer & organiser, Christmas fanatic and certified coach. I help overwhelmed women to regain control of their homes by switching their mindset, decluttering and organising and introducing simple and sustainable living practices into their daily routines.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

Jenny is a blogger who creates content on blogging, well-being and self growth, aimed to guide bloggers to grow and gain confidence in the industry. But you might also find a bit of beauty, travel and Disney from time to time too.

She has been blogging for over 6 years, having started out just reviewing books and have been a full-time blogger for around 2 and a half years. Despite having started as a very niche hobby over time, she grew to enjoy expanding her topics more and more and she firmly found her feet within the “lifestyle” sector.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

blogs to read in January

Sarah, An established content creator trying to make her way in life. You can expect to find posts about lifestyle, eco swaps, veganism and Netflix recommendations. Sarah create content that’s designed to make you feel better about things. She has been living in Harrogate, North Yorkshire for 5 years now and have grown to love its many charms. Sarah enjoys walking in the Yorkshire Dales and documenting her travels.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

Last but certainly not least, we have Jamie! Jamie shares all things book – whether it is short stories or reviews. He also has his debut book; The Fathers, The Sons & The Anxious Ghost that is out NOW in paperback & kindle.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

There you have it, 5 blogs to read this January! Do you have a favourite blogger? Do any of these blogs catch your eye?

New Year To Do List: 2022 Edition

Filed Under: LIFE, LIFESTYLE //

Happy New Year! We can’t quite believe we are now in the year 2022, it sounds crazy! We know lots of people are sick of the whole “new year, new me” campaigns that are thrown around at this time of year and frankly, we are too – We are fucking awesome as we are! So instead we are bringing you a New Year To Do List full of lots of different new year’s resolution ideas!

New Year To Do List

NEW YEAR TO DO LIST

  • Go for a walk
  • Take some time for yourself
  • Read more books
  • Start a new hobby
  • Do something you have been putting off
  • Brighten up your space – maybe a new painting or home decor
  • Catch up on some sleep
  • Cook something new
  • Appreciate the small things more
  • Be more grateful for what you already have
  • Spend more time outside
  • Be kinder to yourself
  • Volunteer
  • Go on a holiday – whether that is a staycation or abroad.
  • Try to be more sustainable
  • Ditch one bad habit
  • Create a bedtime routine for yourself
  • Take more frequent social media breaks
  • Complete a no-spend month
  • Take time to appreciate your accomplishments
  • Work on creating a more balanced life
  • Do a little act of kindness weekly
  • Record 1 second of your life every day (there is an app for this!)
  • Go for a spa day
  • Call your family & friends more often – check in with how they’re doing

What are you hoping to do more (or less) of this year? Let us know!

Want to feel like an amazing parent?

Filed Under: BABY, HOME, MOTHERHOOD //

Everyone wants to be a great parent. Figuring out how to do so can be complicated, however. It’s not as though you’re handed a manual once your child is born. That could lead to you looking for things to do when you feel like a bad mum or dad. It could also make you strive to do better. There are multiple ways to be an amazing parent. It doesn’t have to be as difficult as you’d think. Doing everything you can to make the best decisions for your child will be enough. You can do that in a few ways. While it’ll take effort, it’s much simpler than you’d expect.

an amazing parent

Easy Ways To Be A Great Parent

Be A Role Model

It’s easy to tell your child how they should behave. It’s harder to show them, although it’s something that you’ll need to do. You should be a good role model.

People learn by imitating, especially during their early years. Being a positive example during this time is essential.

Your child is likely to do as you do. If there’s something that you don’t want them replicating, then don’t engage in that behavior.

The opposite can be said for positive behaviour you want them to engage in. The more you do it, the more they will. It could also be a great way to build a relationship with them.

Show Your Love

There’s no such thing as loving your child too much. You’ll need to show them that you love them, however. That shouldn’t be done with presents.

If you typically show your love by giving gifts a lot, you could spoil them. It’s much more recommended that you show them with acts of love, such as hugs.

Spending time with them as much as you can is also suggested. It’ll show them that you support them and are there for them without spoiling them.

Talk With Your Child

You’ll already know the importance of communication in daily life. That’s especially true with work and with your partner.

Many people overlook it when it comes to their child, however. You’ll need to communicate with them regularly, regardless of what age they are.

That doesn’t simply mean talking to them. You’ll need to be an active listener. Doing so will help your relationship with them flourish.

There are other benefits to this. You can help their brain develop. By using their brain to communicate regularly, your child exercises certain parts of their brain.

That should be enough of a reason to speak with them as much as you can.

How To Be An Amazing Parent: Wrapping Up

Everyone wants to know how to be an amazing parent. While there’s a lot of advice that you can follow, these can depend significantly on you and your child.

You’ll need to adapt to you and their needs and preferences. Focusing on their best interests will be a priority.

Doing so will make sure that you’re an amazing parent. While your child mightn’t always agree with you, looking out for them will be the most effective way of parenting.