Whimsical Mama Box - March 2023

Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products that you may not have known about before. Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.


I thought I'd give you a sneak peek into what was in the Whimsical Mama Box from March.

Whimsical Mama Box - March 2023

'Untamed' book by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is part motivational self help, and part memoir. 
It's all about learning to stop being who society, or we think society says we should be. She gives us advice on how to listen to our inner voice, and becoming free. It's an incredible read, real and relatable, packed full of wisdom. It'll inspire you from the moment you read the first page.

Whimsical Mama Box - March 2023

The vanilla coffee scrub is so good. It leaves your skin feeling so soft, and the scent is incredible! Although, obviously it has a coffee scent, the vanilla is so delightfully sweet! It’s a really soft, smooth and hydrating scrub - if you aren’t aware, coffee is actually amazing for your skin! I definitely recommend checking out more of their gorgeous scrubs - and we will definitely be featuring more of their scrubs in our upcoming boxes!

Whimsical Mama Box - March 2023

Caramel Biscoff candle from Tiny Tin Candle Co.
The Caramel Biscoff candle is delightfully spicy, similar to a gingerbread scent, with a sweet touch. When the candle is lit, the biscuity Biscoff scent really comes out! The candle has a very strong scent, but not overpowering, just delicious! It’s a really lovely sized candle, in a really cute tin. Plus, it looks amazing with little Biscoff sprinkles on the top. 

Lip Mask from Vitamasques
This mask came in a super cute lip print, in the same shape as your lips. It's easy to apply and stays put so you can go about your day, while pampering yourself! The scent is a gorgeous berry smell and it really helps your lips to feel plump, moisturised and brighter. Plus, it's vegan friendly too. 

Whimsical Mama Box - March 2023

Self Love Stickers from Etsy Seller

Self Care Activity

Plus A Creme Egg, A bath bomb and a extra goodie (that varied from box to box)

Our subscription box is designed to give busy mums a little break - a chance to relax, pamper themselves and even get a few laughs in the process. Every month you'll get a box filled with fun, thoughtful items that will make you feel special. We also include a personal note from us to give you a little extra encouragement and support. We hope you'll give us a try and get a chance to enjoy some guilt-free pampering!

If this sounds like your kind thing, be sure to head to WHIMSICALMAMABOX.com to grab your own box! I cannot wait to see you there!


In the meantime, feel free to head to our Instagram page for regular updates.




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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 


(AD/Review) Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders
I'm so happy, Spring is finally here. I was very much over and done with Winter. It's fun for a while, when it's Christmas and then it can just leave. Winter exhausts me, makes me feel down, make my asthma worse and gives me migraines too. I am gladly welcoming the warmer, beautiful weather with open arms!

When Spring comes, its finally time to ditch the big jumpers and leggings and switch up your wardrobe with brighter colours and more fun prints! I love to live in dresses, tights and boots or trainers when Spring comes along. That's why I was so excited to be able to work with Cotton Traders and share a few pieces from their gorgeous Spring collection!


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

I absolutely love a good jumpsuit, they are not only flattering, but they are so comfy too! This gorgeous jumpsuit is such a delight to wear. The crinkle fabric gives it a lovely texture while the beautiful green colour makes it versatile for any occasion. The straight leg makes the jumpsuit feminine and stylish, with an elasticated waist. The jumpsuit is perfect for dressing up or dressing down, it's ridiculous comfortable, yet feminine and girly. I love it. 


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

Oh my goodness, this To-The-Max Shirred Jersey Maxi Dress from Cotton Traders is just gorgeous.  The shirred detail adds the perfect touch of elegance, and the soft jersey fabric is so comfortable to wear. It's perfect for both lounging around the house or dressing up for an occasion. I love the versatility of this dress! It is also ideal for layering, which we all know is a must when it comes to the unpredictable British weather! I am IN LOVE with this dress.


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

The Maisie Printed Crinkle Maxi Dress is just amazing. The beautiful floral print is simply gorgeous, and the crinkle fabric gives it a lovely texture and movement. The maxi length is so flattering, and the elasticated waist makes me feel so much more comfortable and confident. Plus the fluttery sleeves are just too cute. I love this dress so much!


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

This  ¾ Sleeve Spot Print Jersey Top is perfect. I absolutely love spots and stripes and this spot print is adorable , while the jersey fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable. The ¾ sleeves are perfect for transitional weather, and the length is just right - not too short or too long. I love how versatile this top is - it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Definitely one of my new favourite tops.

I am so pleased with the quality and the look of all these items, plus all the patterns are just beautiful. Cotton Traders have impressed me again.

I loved all the products I picked from Cotton Traders #PatternPark collection. You can view their whole range at www.cottontraders.com



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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 


Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas

Self-care is an essential aspect of every individual's life. It is about taking the time to invest in oneself and ensuring that one's well-being is a top priority. Nonetheless, the idea of self-care often seems to require spending a lot of money on massages, spa treatments, or a fancy dinner night out. However, practicing self-care does not need to be expensive. There are simple and budget-friendly ways to practice self-care that can improve your mental and emotional well-being. I would like to share with you some of my favourite budget-friendly ways to practice self-care.

Take a walk in nature
Going for a walk in nature can be a great way to connect with the environment and release stress. Walking outside and being surrounded by trees, plants, and fresh air can be invigorating and help one to feel more grounded. Take a stroll in a local park or explore some hiking trails near you. Walking outside in nature can not only improve one's well-being but also help them to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Meditate
One of the most effective ways to practice self-care is through meditation. Meditation is a practice for calming the mind and bringing peace to the present moment. It can be a powerful technique to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. There are several guided meditation apps, such as Headspace or Calm, that you can use to help you practice meditation every day.

Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas

Take a bubble bath
Taking a relaxing bubble bath is a great way to unwind after a long day. Not only does it help you to relax, but it also provides a little bit of tranquility and peace. Add some soothing music, light candles, and indulge in your bubble bath with minimal distractions.

Enjoy a DIY Spa Day
Instead of splurging on a spa day, create your own DIY spa day at home. Use a facial mask, create your own sugar scrub, and give yourself a soothing pedicure. It is a great way to pamper yourself and give yourself some much-needed self-care.

Journaling
Journaling is an excellent tool for practicing self-care. It is a way to express yourself, reflect on the day, and track your personal growth. Journaling is also an excellent way to set intentions for the day, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, and gain better insight into your life.

Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas

Practice Yoga
Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. You can access free yoga classes online and practice at home. Yoga can be a great way to centre your mind, relax your body, and alleviate stress.

Create Art
Creating art can be a great way to express yourself and practice self-care. Whether you draw, paint, or do crafts, anything that allows you to unleash your creativity can be relaxing and therapeutic. Art can be a way to connect with your inner self and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Practicing self-care does not have to be lavish or expensive. Self-care is all about taking the time to prioritize yourself, so start by incorporating these affordable and effective ways to help you maintain your emotional and mental well-being.

It is always a joy to find creative ways to indulge in the practice of self-care without having to break the bank.




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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



Benefits of collagen - So Body Co CollaSlim review
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in bones, skin and muscles. It accounts for 30% of your body's protein. Providing strength, structure and support to your body.

Although we make collagen naturally, as we age the amount our body produces, reduces. This is why our body can start to wrinkle, our joints ache and our muscles become weaker.

Scientific research has proven that adding collagen to your diet can provide you with anti-ageing benefits and reduce the issues mentioned about. 

I was kindly given the opportunity to review So Body Co CollaSlim, meal replacement shakes with collagen protein.

*Just to clarify, I would never recommend or suggest any weight loss products or plans, but we are allowed to try new things, right? Besides, I am keen to feel and look a bit healthier in myself this year, so it's worth a try.

So can CollaSlim from So Body Co reduce signs or ageing, and lose weight? We'll see!

CollaSlim is the first meal replacement shake with added collagen. Providing a full meal to support weight loss and introducing more collagen into your body. Honestly, recently I've been missing out on having breakfast. I find the morning can be one of my most productive times of the day, and because of that, I don't stop to sit down and eat. On the days I don't eat breakfast, I tend to feel a lot more tired and prone to overeating later on in the day - after all, 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day!'.

So I decided to instead have a CollaSlim shake for breakfast, and it worked perfectly for my routine. No need to stop or slow down, but I could still filll myself up without snacking on all the unhealthy foods. 

Collaslim come in a range of flavours, Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Bread, Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Coffee - I chose to go with chocolate and salted caramel, flavours I knew I wouldn't have an issue with. 

Benefits of collagen - So Body Co CollaSlim review


On the packets it is recommended to mix a scoop of the powder with almond milk, which honestly sounds delicious! But almond milk isn't something I regularly buy, so I mixed the powder with water instead - and I can confirm they taste great! Like a low calorie milkshake almost. 

I gave the shakes a try every morning for 2 weeks, and honestly I did see an improvement with my aches and generally body creaks Haha!

However we were then struck down with a sick bug, so my body was back to feeling completely empty and achey again, but I can tell already that the little morning boost of collagen will make a real difference in the long run. 

So I'm determined to start again and give them a proper go this week. In regards to the weight loss, I cannot confirm or deny the effects as I do not weigh myself, I much rather go on how I feel, and after feeling ill, my body feels a little delicate. But like I said, I ready to give these shakes another go and experience the full benefits.

Do you fancy winning a month supply of CollaSlim and giving it a try yourself?

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!

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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



www.whimsicalmamabox.com

In case you haven't seen it plastered all over my social media, the Whimsical Mama Box is here.

Our subscription box is designed to give busy mums a little break - a chance to relax, pamper themselves and even get a few laughs in the process. Every month you'll get a box filled with fun, thoughtful items that will make you feel special. We also include a personal note from us to give you a little extra encouragement and support. We hope you'll give us a try and get a chance to enjoy some guilt-free pampering!



Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products and services that you may not have known about before. We hope you enjoy this special treat! Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.



If this sounds like your kind thing, be sure to head to WHIMSICALMAMABOX.com to grab your own box! I cannot wait to see you there!


In the meantime, feel free to head to our Instagram page for regular updates.


If you want to be in with the chance of winning a !!SPA DAY FOR TWO!!, enter the giveaway below. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



How to show yourself some love this Valentines Day  - Self care
Valentines Day isn't just about romantic love, it's about the love of a friend, the love of a family member, the love of a child and their mother, self love - love is all around

Self Care and Self Love are so important, we all know it but sometimes it can be hard to put the effort in and take time out just for yourself. Unfortunately when you don't make the time for you, burnout, stress and exhaustion are often a result. 

There's no better time to show yourself some love, make some effort to care for yourself than Valentines Day. It's a great excuse to indulge in a little self care, to slow down and enjoy your own company. Do things you enjoy - you deserve it!

So I'm sharing a few ways you can show yourself some love this Valentines Day!


self care ideas for valentines day

Take the day slowly

Not every day needs to be constant, on the go from the second you open your eyes - particularly if you aren't exactly eased awake by a blaring alarm clock either! Wake up slowly, stretch your body, try some light morning yoga and make your favourite morning drink. You don't always have to rush, take it slow, embrace the easier mornings and appreciate all that you have. 

Journaling

Valentines Day is a fab time to fill in your journal, or even just write a little note to yourself. If you don't fancy that just take a few minutes and have a think about just how incredible you are.

- what is your favourite thing about yourself?
- what is your favourite part of your body?
- what do you enjoy doing on your own?
- what is your biggest dream?
- what is your favourite meal/snack you could whip up, right now?
- what gives you energy?
- what do other people love about you?
- what amazing things have you accomplished in your life so far?

Eat something delicious

Your favourite meal, an amazingly delicious snack, your go-to takeaway or even your favourite chocolate bar. Treat and indulge yourself. 

Put the effort in

Unless you fancy prancing around in your pyjamas all day (totally acceptable too btw!), why not put a little effort in and make yourself look and feel good. Try a new makeup look, wear that gorgeous dress you put away for a "special occasion", give that hair curler another whirl. Whatever you fancy, just have fun with!

Laugh

Laughter is the best thing ever. Laughter decreases stress, increases oxygen intake, releases endorphins and generally just makes you feel amazing! "Laughter is the best medicine" is actually true because it offers you amazing health and wellbeing benefits!
So watch a funny movie, spend time with others who get your sense of humour and make you laugh till your stomach aches. 

If you only do one of these ideas today, make it this one. 

Have a soak

There's nothing better than a good bath to relax your body and soothe your muscles. Have a proper fancy, all out pampering bath if you fancy it. Use your best products that you put away for a special day - every day is a special day! Treat yourself! Fill the tub with bubbles, bring a drink and a snack - a book too maybe? Whatever you like, but I want you to really make this bath a good one!

self care ideas for valentines day

Do something you enjoy

Make an effort to do something you enjoy today. Everyone enjoys something! Do you have any particular hobbies? Painting? Knitting? Running? Writing? Cleaning? Gardening? Gaming? There's a million different things you could do, and if you aren't sure what you enjoy - why not give a few activities a go and see what takes your fancy, you might discover a whole new hobby you love!

Feel love

What makes you feel loved? Does your partner? Your friends? Your parents? Your children? Everyone wants to feel love from another person - so make an effort today to spend time with those who make you feel like you are the most important person to them. Make sure you show them just how important and loved they are too! 

I hope you have an amazing Valentines Day, make sure you fill up your cup! 


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! 

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children
Becoming a mum changes your life, there's no doubt about that. It's one of the most life changing experiences that you can go through. You go from being independent, just having yourself to take care of, then suddenly being responsible for a whole new life. It's sets us up on a completely different pathway. It can make you feel like you are losing part of your identity, you no longer feel like you anymore. Or at least the you you once were. It's so important as a mum that you have a strong sense of self, of who you are. Even if it's not the you that you used to be. Yes it might be a drastic change, but it's an amazing one. I'm sharing a few ways to help you feel like you again, after having children.

It might feel like your identity has been forgotten somewhere along the way, that you have lost yourself. But trust me, you're still in there. You just need to reignite that feeling, rediscover the person inside. 

Catch Up With Old Friends Or Make New Ones
Meet up with some of your old friends for a coffee, invite them over for a catch up. This is definitely something that works. I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I see my old friends, even if I haven't seen them for a good few years it doesn't feel like that. It doesn't feel like any time has passed. You should even try to make some new mummy friends. New friends who you'll have things in common with, and you can sit down with a coffee and a cake together and discuss motherhood, and everything that comes with it. While it's fantastic to keep in touch with your old friends, it's great to make new, like minded friends like you too. Visit a parent & baby group, get chatting to parents at the park. Whatever works for you. 

Do Things Just For You
I know I find it hard to do things just for me sometimes, but it's important. You need to take care of yourself and you deserve to do things just for your own fulfilment now and then. Remind yourself that you are 'not just a mum'. Treat yourself, do something you love doing, something that makes you happy and feel good. Learn something new, apply for a job, go out for the afternoon. Everyone deserves a break now & then.

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Ask For Help
Ahh the classic piece of advice new mums are always given. 'If you need help, ask for it', but the truth is we don't want to. We don't want to ask for help or advice because we will feel like a bit of a disappointment if we cannot cope alone. This is such rubbish. Everyone needs help sometimes, everyone deserves help sometimes. There's no shame in asking for it, especially when you are a new mum. It can be overwhelming, and people are more often than not so willing to help out. Take advantage of an extra pair of hands!

Do Something Spontaneous
When was the last time you were spontaneous? Yes it's pretty tricky to do something on the spur of moment when you have kids, because of course you don't just have yourself to think about. But it's still possible. Hire a babysitter, or ask a family member and go on a spontaneous date night! Book a last minute holiday, pack up and go on a road trip or even just go for it and book yourself in to have that hair cut you've wanted for months. 

Do Things By Yourself
As a mum, It can be hard to find time just to yourself. There's always something you should be doing. But finding that time just for you is so important. We tend to feel a bit guilty when we take time out for ourselves, because there's always something else we could be doing, something to tick off that never ending checklist but truth is, some things can wait. Taking care of yourself is something we should be doing - so add it to that checklist! (and not right at the bottom!). Make the time to do things by yourself. When your parents are looking are your little ones, when they're at nursery, or school. Do something alone. Just by yourself. Go to a café, the cinema. Go on a long walk or snuggle on the sofa with a movie and popcorn. What ever you fancy, just spend some quality time with yourself!

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Try Some Retail Therapy
When you first become a mum, your whole sense of style tends to just get thrown out the window. It's totally understandable! Comfort is key! But when your little ones get a bit older, you can spend a bit more time on your clothing choices.  Treat yourself to a new item of clothing, it'll make you feel and look amazing. 

Spend Time On Your Appearance
I get it, I totally get it. When you have children, it's so much harder to find the time to make yourself up like you used to. You might have discovered that you love more neutral, natural make up and that's perfectly fine! I tend to wear minimal make up in the day now, and just shove my hair in a mum bun! But every once in a while, spend a bit more time. Get your hair done, paint your nails. Pamper yourself. You're worth it.

It's not the fact that your identity has disappeared, or you have forgotten who you are. It's the fact that yes, becoming a mum is a huge, life changing thing. It's going to change you, but it doesn't mean you are not you anymore. It will add to who you were. You are different. But that's ok. 

You have changed but you are still you, and you are amazing. 

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!