January always feels like the longest month of the year for me and the January blues are a real issue. The weather is usually miserable, my budget is stretched to breaking point, and there aren’t any big events to look forward to. But, you can beat the January blues. I’ve found a few tips and… Continue reading Beating the January Blues
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2025: The Year of the Nerd
It’s January 2025. So, it’s that time of year when everyone seems determined to be a new, better version of themselves. Rather than jumping on the healthy eating, gym-going, detoxing bandwagon (let’s face it, I love pizza, comfort and booze too much), I’ve decided to opt for something a little different. 2025 is going to… Continue reading 2025: The Year of the Nerd
Summer Holidays as a Solo Parent
One of my biggest goals this year was to take my children away during the summer holidays as a solo parent. We had gone away almost every year previously and missed having a break last year. But, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Firstly, I don’t drive. So I had to be really particular about… Continue reading Summer Holidays as a Solo Parent
2024: A Life Update
At the start of 2024, I made a resolution with myself. It was more of a stubborn, determined promise really, but resolution sounds nicer. I decided to make 2024 my year of memories. The previous 12 months had really taken their toll on me mentally. I’d lost friends and family members, moved home, lost work,… Continue reading 2024: A Life Update
10 Ways I’ve Gone Without
It’s been a while since I had a political rant. But, there are very few things that get me on my soapbox quicker than incredibly privileged individuals claiming to know what it’s like to live at the other end of the social spectrum. So, for that, I guess poor Rishi should be congratulated. Because our… Continue reading 10 Ways I’ve Gone Without
Writer’s Block: a Confession
I’ve got a confession to make. For the last year-or-so, I haven’t enjoyed writing. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that at times I’ve hated it. I’ve had (and am still dealing with) writer’s block. There have been days when I’ve sat staring at my laptop for hours, willing the words to… Continue reading Writer’s Block: a Confession
You Can’t Fill From an Empty Cup.
The idea that you can’t fill from an empty cup is one that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s very true. The idea is that if your cup is empty then you can’t fill up the cups of others. Obviously this isn’t a literal cup – we don’t all walk around with random mugs… Continue reading You Can’t Fill From an Empty Cup.
My One Rule
I don’t parent in a particularly normal way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the kind of person who believes that children shouldn’t have any restrictions at all, but I do firmly believe that too many rules can be a bad thing. This is why I only have one rule. I’ve never really needed any… Continue reading My One Rule
Listen to the Little Things
Possibly the most important thing I’ve learnt in 19 years of parenting is how important is it to listen to the little things. As a parent, you probably have to listen to the little things all day, every day. “mum, have you seen my special rock?” “mummy, do you know where that thing went I… Continue reading Listen to the Little Things
It’s Been a While…
Hey! Remember me? Don’t worry, I’m not insulted if you don’t. It’s been almost 18 months since I last updated anything here. At the time, I didn’t intend to stay away. I had plans to post about Christmas preparations and all sorts of other things. But, it’s true what they say about best-laid plans. Life… Continue reading It’s Been a While…