Living With Eczema (and how to reduce scarring)I used to suffer really bad with Eczema, in the past I've had it all over my body but especially on my arms and legs. With my first pregnancy, my eczema was the worst it had ever been, I didn't even want to leave the house. My skin honestly felt like it was on fire, and it smelt like it too. TMI. But since then it's got a lot better, thankfully. 

Although my eczema has got a lot better, suffering so much with it has caused me a few problems - including scars. 

Living With Eczema (and how to reduce scarring)

Between the ages of about 10-25, my legs were absolutely covered in scars. More scars than skin visible at one point. I never ever wanted to show my legs, I would wear tights even on hot Summer days, or I'd wear jeans under dresses and that'd aggravate my eczema even more. I'd never let anyone see my legs, no matter what. 

I remember a moment that really stuck in my head from when I was a child, I must have only been about 10 or something. I remember there was one time I showed my legs, it was probably a hot day and I put on some shorts or something. But I remember some of my family members being shocked at what my legs looked like. There were almost worried. As if I'd harmed myself in someway. It made me so sad, and even more determined to keep them covered up. 

Living With Eczema (and how to reduce scarring)

As I grew up, I tried many different things to help my eczema and reduce the scars. Moisturisers, fake tan, "scar reducing lotions". My eczema wasn't always bad, I suffered from flare ups now and then, but it was really the scaring that got me down. I would do anything to improve the look of them. 

I figured out over the years that my eczema was triggered by the environment I was in. Dust, damp, mould, grass would all send my eczema haywire, and as soon as I was no longer around any of those things - my eczema did in fact clear up.

I haven't had a flare up in 7 years, and guess what - my scars have almost completely healed.

Patience, regular moisturising and removing any triggers from my environment and it feels almost like I never suffered in the first place. I feel free from it all to be honest.

Living With Eczema (and how to reduce scarring)

If you are still reading, and this is something you are suffering with too, trust me, it gets better.

Figure out what triggers your eczema, moisturise multiple times a day, avoid perfumed products as much as you can and let your scars heal on their own.
They will eventually, I promise.
 

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Self Confidence is key to happiness. Low confidence in yourself affects the way you see yourself  and your ability to interact with others. A few small changes each day can boost your confidence and self esteem to make the world of difference. Try a few of these confidence boosters every day, and you'll soon notice some wonderful changes!

How To Be More Confident In 8 Easy Steps 

Smile!

Always smile! Even if you don't really feel like it, studies show that smiling during stressful times can help you to relax, lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The actual act of smiling triggers your brain into releasing feel good endorphins! 

Accept Compliments

So many people, including me, simply shrug off compliments or find it hard to accept them. You start to think that the person is 'just saying that' to make you happy. I've never been good at accepting compliments but it's something I've been working on as I struggled to believe that people were actually giving honest compliments! The truth is, the compliments are genuine! Accept it, appreciate it and feel good about it!

Have Some 'Me Time'

Everyone needs some time to themselves. It's so important to make time just for you for your own health and wellbeing. Even if it's just half an hour to sit down and drink a cup of tea! Self Care is an absolute necessity. 

How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Say What You Like About You

This sounds like a cheesy one, but it's important. Each day 'say' or write down one new thing that you like about yourself. Create a list and refer back to it as and when you need to. Remind yourself of all the amazing things about you.

Make A Bit Of An Effort

I know some days you really don't want to do anything, some days I don't either! But making a little effort into your appearance can make such a difference. Even if you simply have a shower and get dressed! Feeling clean and in fresh clothes can make you feel so much more confidence. By no means am I saying spend ages every day getting ready or suggesting wearing loads of make up every day, but just a little bit of effort here and there.

Be Kind And Generous

Even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference to someone's life, and they will make a difference to how you view yourself as well. It is true there's no such thing as a selfless good deed, as you can't help feeling good when you are kind to others and your confidence will soar because of it!

Take Selfies

Something that has hugely helped my confidence is simply taking more photos of myself! It's viewing yourself how others see you, it's noticing the little changes as your confidence grows. Try taking a selfie everyday for a few weeks, and trust me, you'll feel so much better about yourself. 

Believe In Yourself

Decide what you want out of life, those ultimate goals and jot them down along with different ideas of how you can achieve them. Motivate yourself (using quotes, listening to podcasts, whatever works for you) Believe in yourself and smash those goals. Believe you can do it because you absolutely can.

How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Learning to love yourself is an ongoing process. Look after you.  

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try TodayI'm a firm believer in the power of expressing gratitude and being thankful for every thing you have. If you are feeling down, negative, disorganised, all over the place or just generally negative, starting a gratitude journal may just change your life. In the current times, with all the fancy technology we have at our fingertips - apps are often the way to go. I decided to try out a few different gratitude journaling apps and I wanted to share them with you!

Easy Ways To Start A Gratitude Journal With An App

5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today


Regular journaling has been scientifically proven to improve your wellbeing, and helps to create a positive mindset. By making a point of writing down all the things (big or small!) that you are thankful for, can really improve your mental health and wellbeing, as well as being inspiring to look back on. So if you are interested in starting your gratitude journaling journey, but you are more of a digital note maker these 5 gratitude journaling apps are the way to go!

Gratitude

Gratitude - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today
Gratitude is a lovely little app, quick to get going and easy to use throughout. Beginning each day on your 'journal' it gives you a prompt to write about, and you can even add a photo from your camera roll for each entry too. It then goes on to give you the option of creating daily affirmations (which some people love, some don't and that's ok). The app also provides you with fab quotes of the day and even the ability to create a vision board too! (Free, but there is a paid version option) Available on Android

Gratitude - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today

Presently

Presently - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today
Presently is my favourite gratitude journal app on this list, simply because it's just that - a gratitude journal app. It's simple, it's elegant and it's so easy to use. No frills, nothing fancy or extra, just exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to focus on simply jotting down what you are grateful for today, and yesterday and keeps it all neat in a little diary. Perfect, sweet and simple. (Free & 100% ad free too) Available on Android
Presently - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today



365 Gratitude Journal

365 Gratitude Journal - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today
365 Gratitude Journal is more girly and cutesy than the other apps on this list, but if that's totally you, go for it! It's a simple app to use, and uses science based tips to keep you motivated each day. Plus it gives you journaling prompts if you're stuck and has an easy to use mood tracker too! Plus, 365 Gratitude Journal is different because it's gives you the opportunity to join in with a likeminded community for plenty more inspiration too! (Free 7 Day trial, then £3.57 per month after) Available on Android and IOS
365 Gratitude Journal - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today


Gratitude Garden

Gratitude Garden - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today
Gratitude Garden is another more simpler app. Again it does exactly what it sets out to do. Gives you the opportunity to fill in 3 things you are grateful for that day and each time you fill in your 3 things you get 'gratitude points' which can be used to buy things for your beautiful 'gratitude garden'. The app also let's you turn over a new card each day, with a motivational quote and inspiration for your day going forward too. Easy to use, fun to play and beautiful to look at! (Free) Available on Android and IOS
Gratitude Garden - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today

HappyFeed

HappyFeed - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today

HappyFeed is a slightly different type of gratitude journaling app. It does of course first give you chance to fill in a little journal, with prompts or hints if needed, and you can add photos or locations too, which is fab. The little bit extra to this app is the fact you can join in a group or a 'private pod' to share your moments with too! It also allows you to look back through memories and sends you a highlight of your month too. A really lovely app if you are looking for something a little bit more than your basic gratitude journal. (Free) Available on Android and IOS

HappyFeed - 5 Gratitude Journaling Apps To Try Today

I completely understand that apps aren't for everyone. Some people like to keep parts of their lives separate, off their phones, and some people are more pen and paper people - and that's perfectly ok too. If you are unsure, why not give one of these apps a go, it can't hurt right? 

No matter what works best for you, try and stick to it - to make your happiness a habit and feel the true benefit of gratitude in your life. 

Have you tried any Gratitude Journaling apps before? 
Do you think you might give one a go?

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

The weather's getting colder, particularly in the evenings which can only mean one thing - Autumn is finally here! Oh I love Autumn so much! A perfect way to spend those chillier evenings is to take some time to relax, make a delicious hot drink, light a candle, snuggle down under a blanket and watch a good movie! I wanted to share with you a few amazing movies which are perfectly for a cosy, snuggly movie night
10 COSY MOVIES TO WATCH ON A CHILLY AUTUMN NIGHT

10 COSY MOVIES TO WATCH ON A CHILLY AUTUMN NIGHT 


You've Got Mail

I am not ashamed to admit, I freaking love this movie. I forgot how much I loved it until recently, but you really can't go wrong with a Tom Hanks movie can you? It's a really sweet (if a tad cringey) movie, with lots of beautiful Autumn scenes to really get you into the cosy mood too.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Not a particularly 'Autumn' movie, but a fantastic movie none the less. It's the perfect date night movie, it's so good. Watch it! Just watch it. It's not completely and utterly predictable and naive like many romantic comedies, it's more realistic and relatable. It's a definite feel good film.

What Dreams May Come

It's heartbreakingly beautiful, but so autumnal during some scenes. It also has this general sense of shedding and rebirth, plus you need blankets, tea and tissues to watch.

The Notebook

An absolutely beautiful film, perfect for snuggling with a loved one and watching. A really romantic and wonderful love story about true love and one that gives us all hope - definitely a movie to watch with someone you love.

Uncle Buck

A classic 80's John Hughes movie. Feel good, funny, and makes you want to wrap up all snuggly and warm with your loved ones.

10 best Autumn movies to watch this fall

Dan In Real Life

Another one of my favourite RomComs of all time, which just so happens to have Steve Carell in it again! It's a really sweet movie, and very relatable too. Plus it gives you all the Autumn feelings.

Big

The perfect movie for any time, any day, with anyone. It's such an iconic movie, you can't not love it. It's a fantastic story, and Tom Hanks is as amazing as ever, plus there are lots of beautiful Autumn scenes. It would make a lovely late evening movie, snuggled under blankets with your little ones, drinking hot chocolate.

StepMom

I haven't watched this movie for a while but it is a really good movie. Susan Sarandon & Julie Roberts are amazing in any film, but they are especially brilliant in this. It's a fantastic movie any time of year, but particularly perfect when you are snuggled under blankets (with boxes of tissues, you'll need them!) and watch the wonderful autumn scenes in the movies too.

Good Will Hunting

An absolutely wonderful, heartwarming movie. One of my favourite Robin Williams' movies (one of many), it's just a really lovely film. Plus the Autumnal scenes are absolutely beautiful, and will really get you in the mood for the colder weather.

Practical Magic

A fab film to get you in the Halloween mood, without being scared! With love potions and spooky spells, not to mention the beautiful, peaceful Autumnal town it is set in - it's really the perfect film to snuggle up with a warm blanket and a few candles lit. 

 What are you favourite movies to get you in the Autumn mood?

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

(Ad/Review) Absolute Goddess Handbook

We've all seen the word "glow up" floating around the internet over the past year or so, not to mention the 3 words that literally make my bones cringe "hot girl summer". Everyone wants a "glow up", a refresh, a bit of a makeover - it's exciting! But it's cliché, uninspiring and unrealistic. Hot Girl Summer is particularly derogatory, who qualifies as a "hot girl" then? I detest it. 

Then I came across the Absolute Goddess Handbook by Elizabeth @ Ice cream whispers Clara, and although it may seem similar to your typical glow up routine, or makeover tips - it's not, at all. It's so much more, and the best part is, it's all for you. Not to show anyone else, just how amazingly perfect and gorgeous you are, it's about you, learning to love the skin you are in, accentuating your beautiful natural features and realising just how freaking incredible you already are. 


Absolute Goddess Handbook Review

The Absolute Goddess Handbook is available as a digital download here, and it full to the brim with tips, advice, self care ideas, lifestyle suggestions, skincare, wellbeing tips and so much more. Transforming who you think you are into who you want to be. A real life love potion, for yourself. 

The first section of the course discusses typical beauty standards, how to use them to your advantage without succumbing to them. All about being your own person, loving the skin you are in - and making the most of your perfect, unique, natural features.

I love that Elizabeth goes into discussion and shares tips about forming a reliable, easy and functional skincare routine, she also shares a wonderful array of hair care tips. Personally though, I really love how she talks about the importance of pampering and taking care of yourself, and how to find the time to be able to do that. She is a mother too, so she knows what it means when you say "I don't have time!", but pampering is just another form of self care, and it can truely be a wonderful one. 

The next section of the course is about make up and hair, with many recommendations and routine suggestions. I mean, I've never and never will be a classic "pretty girl". I love dresses, I love make up, but I'm a hot mess - let's be honest. My hair is more often than not in a scruffy bun of some sort, my nails are often chipped and my clothes probably have some sort of food/paint/juice stains. But that's all ok, and perfectly acceptable. No one is perfect, and I certainly am not. But I still love taking a little extra time to do my make up in the mornings, I love having a long pampering bath on a Sunday night, and I love painting my nails bright colours. 


Absolute Goddess Handbook Review


There is no right, or wrong answer. In this course, Elizabeth ensures we all understand - this isn't a strict "this is how you should do it" "this is how you should look", it's all about looking after yourself, self love, no need for a glow up, when you are already pretty freaking amazing. 

The course then goes onto discuss food, wellbeing, clothing, lifestyle and so much more.
She discusses about tuning in to your inner goddess, listening to her, trying new things. Taking risks, making changes and ultimately - becoming your very best self, becoming an absolute goddess

Throughout the handbook there are many tips, ideas, suggestions - ways to help you tune into your body and mind. There are no rules. YOU make the rules, she's just helping you visualise it all. 
Absolute Goddess Handbook Review

Overall, I really love this course. I have taken a lot of notes, and inspiration throughout this course and will be implementing many aspects into my life. Reading the handbook, it feels like she is speaking to you as her friend. She's helping, suggesting, listening to your needs - without being pushy or bossy. She's a kind hearted soul, and you can really feel this when reading.

The only downside I honestly have to the course, is that I wish it came in paperback format! I'd love to have a copy on my shelf, that I could just browse through now and then, when I'm looking for a burst of inspiration or guidance. 

You can find the course here - I highly recommend checking it out! RRP £31



 

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

happy face, balloons with smiley faces, future self
If you are feeling uninspired or unmotivated, do something to change your life today. You need to fight for what you want, you need to plan ahead and even small changes can make a big difference to your life. Try and tick a few of these things off today, and your future self will thank you!

12 Little Things To Do That Your Future Self With Thank You For


Sort Out Your Wardrobe

Go through your wardrobe and give it a good declutter. Fill up a bag of items to take to the charity shop, things that you don't wear or don't fit. Not only will this benefit others by donating to charity, but it will save you a lot of time in the future when deciding what to wear!

Automatically Transfer Money To Savings Account

Set up a standing order to automatically transfer some money on payday to your savings account. Even a few pounds every month can soon build up, and if it comes out straight away, you'll begin to not even notice it going. I've got a fantastic little set up with my bank, that means every time I pay on my card (which is pretty much every time I go to the shop) it rounds up the amount I spend to the nearest pound, and transfers those pennies into my savings account. It's a fantastic way to save without really noticing, I strongly suggest you see if your bank does this too!

Organise A Date With Friends

Spending quality time with your friends is so important. You might have 100 friends, you might only have a few but make some time every month to see those closest to you. Organise a date in advance to make sure you get a chance to see each other as regularly as possible. 

Get Into The Habit Of Taking Time For Yourself Everyday

Looking after yourself is so important, and spending quality time alone is one of the best things you can do when you need to recharge your batteries. Start scheduling quality time just for you, and you'll thank yourself when it starts becoming a habit.

happy woman with confetti

Leave Money In Your Coat Or Bag

Oh this is one of my favourite things to do for myself as and when I can. It works particularly well when the seasons are changing too. For example, leave £5 or £10 pounds in your winter coat pocket, as winter is turning into spring. You'll soon forget it's there, and you'll high five yourself when you discover it again in a few months. OR if you don't want to leave it that long, you could tuck a note behind your least used cards in your purse, and you'll discover it again at a later date. 

Book A Holiday

Book a weekend away or a holiday a while in advance, even up to a year in advance. Pay for it as soon as you can and you'll have something to look forward to for months! It'll make it more exciting, and you'll definitely thank yourself for taking that leap and booking something early!

Fill Your Diary/Calendar Up

One thing I've started doing more now is writing down important dates and things to remember as soon as they come up. Say you did book a holiday, or a date with friends - write it down there and then! Or perhaps you got a letter for the various holiday and inset days for school, write it down straight away! You'll be so glad you did when you've got too much on your mind later on and have completely forgotten!

Spend Time With Your Family

Make sure you set time aside to spend with your family and those you are closest too. Even if it's just an afternoon of drinking tea and catching up. Ensure it becomes a regular occurrence, and don't let little things get in the way of family time.

Cook A Big Batch Of Food And Freeze

Such a genius idea and really easy to implement. Cook a big batch of whatever you are having for dinner, or do it with every dinner - portion out the extras into separate tubs and freeze. You'll be so thankful for this in the future when you haven't got anything to eat, or perhaps you're not feeling well but you still need to make dinner!

Write A To-Do List For Following Day

Something I do every single night, without fail. Grab your diary and check what you've got going on the following day. Make a to-do list, even if it's just a few things to tick off the following day. (Make sure you add a few easily achievable things too though, like taking time out for you, or sitting down and drinking a cuppa while it's hot!) It will stop you forgetting anything, and encourage you to make the most of every day.

happy woman with bunches, sunglasses on, making peace signs on both hands


Plan A List Of Goals And Steps, And Take That First Step

I absolutely love writing goal lists, and they are all well and good but if you haven't got a plan of how to achieve them, they aren't going to be ticked off the list anytime soon! So write down a list of goals for the week/month/year and steps to achieve each one. Then take that first step towards one goal there and then. Plus, if possible, you could even add the next step to tomorrow's to do list!

Plan Your Outfit And Pack Your Bag For Tomorrow

Almost an essential thing to do when you have children, but plan and set out your outfit ready for the next day, each evening. (I recommend checking the weather beforehand!) It'll save you a task in the morning, and no faffing around searching for a particular item of clothing. As well as planning your outfit for the next day - get any bags ready too! Pack your handbag/changing bag/ kids lunchboxes ready in advance and it'll save you so much time in the morning!

So which item on the list will you be checking off today? 
How do you like to treat your future self?

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

Mum self care. Mum rubbing skincare products onto face. Holding mug with hot drink. Mum dancing with child.

Self Care is so important. Your needs are so important, and you need to take good care of yourself. It helps your confidence, self esteem and helps to build a healthy relationship with yourself. Self Care will make you feel better about yourself, and promote positivity in your life. When you are a mum, self care can be trickier. Harder to find the time to do it, knowing you've got a million and one other things to do. But don't forget, you are needed. Your child need you to be there, to be happy, to be strong. They depend on you, and you matter. Taking that time out just for you, is so important. 

So I'm sharing a few self care ideas for a busy mum!


Before I share my ideas, just remember this - This isn't a checklist. You don't have to go along and do all of these things. Self Care is about taking time out for you. Do something you enjoy, something that makes you feel good. Don't do something because you think you should, or you don't like it. That completely defeats the point! So first things first;

Make Time For Yourself 

As a busy mum, it can be so difficult to find any spare time, but its so important to make that time. Whether it's the time when your little ones are at nursery, while they're busy watching their favourite tv show or even when they've gone to bed. Find the time. When you've found some spare time, grab it with open arms! Instead of doing the things you think you should be doing, do something for yourself. 10 minutes everyday, 1 evening a week, whenever you can.

Create Something

Express that creative side and create something. Paint a picture, make some home decor, bake a delicious snack, make a Youtube video. Everyone is capable of being creative in some aspect, and it's so good for you to express it! The options are endless.

woman drinking hot drinking while relaxing on bed and reading a book.


Read A Book

Read that book you've had on your shelf. You know, the one you've been meaning to read but haven't found the time. Or go buy a new book, one that really grabs your attention. Sit down with a cuppa, no tv, no noise. Just you & your book.

Pamper Yourself

Take a nice long bath. Light some candles. Use bath bombs, and those expensive products you've been saving for a special occasion. Today is a special occasion. Pop a hair mask or a face mask on, paint your nails. Do whatever you fancy.

Exercise

Exercise is so important to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and it helps to promote confidence & self esteem. Whether it's a quick youtube workout, a bike ride or heading outside in the fresh air for a quick jog. Whatever you fancy, just release those endorphins!

Watch A Feel Good Movie

My personal favourite. Snuggle in bed with Netflix, or on the sofa under a blanket and watch something happy, something that'll make you feel positive and leave you with a fuzzy feeling inside.

hot drink in windowsill with glasses


Write Something

Write in your journal, write a letter, jot down your goals & aspirations or remind yourself of all the positive things that have happened to you that day.

Get Outside

Go for a nice long walk. Pop your little ones in the pushchair if you want to. Explore somewhere new. Fresh air is amazing, and helps improve your mood and well being.

Do Something That Makes You Feel Like You

This one might be a bit harder to achieve, but it could make you feel amazing. Remember those things you used to do before you had your little ones? Something you loved doing, something that made you feel good, but you just don't seem to do anymore? Go on a spontaneous day out? Go out for coffee with your friends? Dye your hair a crazy colour? What's stopping you doing it now because you have babies? 

Which of these self care ideas is your favourite? 
Let me know what your favourite type of self care is!



If you loved this post, perhaps you'd like:
or


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it!