Parenting & Self Care - Balancing Your Needs with Your Childs
Being a parent is the most wonderful, rewarding thing - but it also demands a huge amount of love, sacrifice and dedication. As mums we often find ourselves with a million and one responsibilities, an overflowing to-do list of what we 'should' be doing - trying to cater to our little ones every needs, but accidentally neglecting our own needs. Neglecting our own needs, time for ourselves and self care can lead to burnout, overwhelm and stress, not to mention losing the ability to be the best mum we can be.

I wanted to talk about today, the importance of self care for mums, and how to find balance between caring for yourself and caring for your children.

You know on airplanes how you are reminded to put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else - this exact same principle applies to parenting. The very repeated here saying 'You can't pour from an empty cup'! When you prioritise yourself, you become a better parent. A less stressed, more relaxed, more fun parent. Your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing directly impacts your children, and your parenting skills! It also sets a positive example for your children - taking care of yourself too, makes you an amazing role model for your children. 

How To Fit Self Care Into Your Daily Life

Parenting & Self Care - Balancing Your Needs with Your Childs

Self care doesn't always mean hot bubble baths, spa days or mini breaks. It can be as simple as reading a book, taking time out to exercise or working on a hobby. Whatever makes you feel good, whatever rejuvenates your soul - there is no right way to do this, we are all different.

Time is precious, particularly when you feel like you have very little of it spare. Perhaps having a set routine, or allocate specific times during the week/day just for you, treat them as non negotiable! An hour each night, a day each week - whatever suits you, but remember - they are not negotiable.

Personally I am a huge fan of routines. Morning routines, evening routines, weekly routines, work routines - you name it. Why not try adding a few quick self care items scattered throughout your day. A morning workout, reading during meal times, a warm shower and skincare before bed. A couple of little regular touches throughout your day can make a world of difference! No one ever said self care had to take forever. 

Balancing Self Care & Parenting

Parenting & Self Care - Balancing Your Needs with Your Childs

You might not have hours to spare, but it's important to make the most of the time you do have. Spend quality time with your little ones as often as you can, focusing on quality time over quantity. Have a meaningful discussion at breakfast time, or set some time to play with them before dinner. This not only fills their emotional needs but it helps to create a stronger bond between you, too. 

As mentioned above, if your little ones see you prioritising yourself, prioritising self care - they learn that it's essential to take care of yourself - you are sharing a huge life lesson with them!

Lastly, unless you feel strictly that your self care is just for you - why not let your little ones get involved too? (Personally, when I go for a run, that is my ME time. Just for me. Time to zone out, and I don't want anyone else there, and that's perfectly fine!) But if you feel your children could be a part of some age-appropriate self care activities, that's amazing too! Maybe having a pamper session, trying yoga together or going for a peaceful walk. 

Little Reminder
Let's just clarify one thing - you are doing your best. Parenting is not a race, or a challenge, it's a journey - there's a lot of things you learn along the way, learn by doing.

So embrace your imperfections, celebrate your successes, and remember - you deserve the love, care and compassion you give to others. 


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! 



Parenting & Self Care - how to balance your needs with your childs

Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, amazing, life changing moments and big challenges too. Amongst the whirlwind of responsibilities it's easy for mums to feel overwhelmed - and forget to notice, and cherish the magical moments. In the fast paced world, finding magic in every day is essential for growing as human beings, connecting with our selves and the world around us. Let's talk about how to rediscover the wonder in the little moments, embrace the present and notice the simple pleasures that make the motherhood journey extraordinary. 

Embracing The Here And Now
While multitasking and juggling all our responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of what is going on right now, in this present moment. However the magic of motherhood lies in being fully present with our children. In this day and age, letting go of and putting away distractions is not the easiest thing. Flicking through our phones is an awful habit, that the majority of us have! It's going to take strict determination to put your phone away if you want to be present in the moment. So take a deep breath, let go of distractions and immerse yourself in the here and now. Whether it's reading a bedtime story, playing in the park or enjoying a family meal - be present with your child, savouring the time you spend together!

Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood

Look At The World Through Your Child's Eyes
Children have a natural ability to see the world as it is meant to be seen. With wonder, magic and awe. Embrace their curiosity and join them in exploring the small miracles that surround us daily. From the colours of a butterfly, to listening to their imaginative stories. Let your child sense of wonder reignite your own.

Discover Beauty In The Mundane
In the routine of motherhood, we often overlook the beauty in the ordinary. As mentioned above, try to pause and notice the little things in your every day life. From the way the sunlight shines through your window, your children's laughter or a warm hug. Embrace the magic of these mundane moments and find gratitude in the simple things in life.

Engage In 'Magic' Rituals
Add a touch of magic to your motherhood journey by lighting scented candles, cooking by candlelight, listening to calming, peaceful music, creating a soothing bedtime routine or practising gratitude in the morning. These rituals can ground you and your children, creating a sense of calm in your home.

Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood

Capture Moments
There is a fine line of using your phone to distract yourself from daily life, and using your phone to document the special moments of every day life. The little, magical moments of motherhood can be treasured forever with the help of photographs and journals. Take photos of precious moments (and print the photos!), write down funny anecdotes, jot down your children's insightful quotes. By documenting these magical moments you create a treasure trove of memories to revisit and cherish as your children grow.

Seek Support 
Motherhood can be isolating, but finding a community of like-minded mothers can be the touch of magic you need. From support groups to parenting communities, or best friends who share your experiences. Sharing these moments with other mums who have been or are going through similar experiences can remind you that you are not alone, and the magic of motherhood extends far beyond your own home.




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! 




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Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood


Whimsical Mama Box May 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.


Let's have a look at the Whimsical Mama Box from May!

Whimsical Mama Box May 2023


The Happiness Journal
The Happiness Journal by Carole Hénaff is a delightful and uplifting companion for daily reflection. Its thoughtful prompts and beautiful design make journaling a joyous experience, helping to cultivate a positive mindset and gratitude.

Collage Gel Under Eye Patches 
These offer a refreshing and rejuvenating solution to combat tired eyes. With their cooling sensation and easy application, these patches effectively reduce puffiness and fine lines, leaving the under-eye area feeling smoother and revitalized.

Exfoliating Tea Tree & Peppermint Foot Peel
This foot peel mask is a game-changer for tired and rough feet. The combination of tea tree and peppermint not only invigorates the senses but also works wonders to remove dead skin, revealing soft and baby-smooth feet.

Green Tea Face Mask Stick
A face mask stick is a convenient and mess-free way to pamper your skin with the goodness of green tea. Its creamy formula glides on smoothly, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and deeply hydrated, making it a great addition to any skincare routine.

Sour Sweets
Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon Sweets are an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The perfect balance of tangy and sweet, these candies deliver a burst of mouth-watering flavour that is hard to resist.

Jade Roller
The Jade roller is a soothing and luxurious tool to incorporate into your skincare regimen. With regular use, this cool gemstone roller can help reduce puffiness, promote circulation, and leave your skin feeling revitalized and radiant.

Self-Love Crystal Set
This gorgeous Crystal set from Etsy is a beautiful and meaningful collection of crystals that encourage self-compassion and positivity. The carefully selected stones make for a thoughtful gift or a lovely addition to any crystal enthusiast's collection, promoting a sense of mindfulness and inner harmony.




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! 



Homemade Shaving Scrub

Homemade Shaving Scrub

In our quest for smooth, glowing skin, we often turn to commercial products packed with chemicals and artificial additives. However, the solution to achieving healthy skin may lie closer to home. Natural ingredients, such as lemon juice and sugar, have been used for centuries in beauty routines due to their remarkable benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonders of lemon juice and sugar as we delve into the creation of a homemade shaving scrub that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.


Homemade Shaving Scrub

Natural Ingredients

Lemons
Did you know, lemon juice in packed with vitamin C and boasts a range of benefits when topically applied to the skin. The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells. It also has natural bleaching properties which can brighten skin and lighten scars or spots. It can also reduce excess oil in your skin!

Sugar
Sugar is a fantastic skincare ingredients and regularly features in my homemade beauty products. The granules of sugar work as a natural exfoliant and can help unclog pores, preventing razor bumps and ingrown hair! Sugar also locks in moisture to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished! Sugar can also help promote the production of collagen. I've said it before and I'll say it again, sugar is an amazing natural skincare ingredient!

Now that we understand the amazing benefits of lemon juice and sugar, let's combine them to create a gorgeous shaving scrub. It exfoliates your legs, helps you to get a closer shave and give you smooth fuzz free legs!

How To Make Homemade Shaving Scrub

Although this homemade scrub is made of natural products, I still wouldn't recommend using it on your intimate areas or arm pits. Just legs and arms.

You Will Need;

* 1 & 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
* 1 cup oil (baby oil, olive oil or coconut oil)
* 3 tbs lemon juice

1. Add all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well, really well.

2. Pop the mixture into a cute jar

3. You can use the scrub on dry or wet skin, but I recommend getting your legs wet first and then doing it. So just pop the shower on for a minute or so and turn it off again.

4. Slather your legs in the scrub, and shave! You don't need to wash off the scrub to shave.

5. Add some more scrub, and shave again!

6. Wash the scrub off well and moisturise after your shower and you're good to go!

Homemade Shaving Scrub


Have you ever made a DIY face mask before? 

I'd love to hear if you give this 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 coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



Homemade DIY shaving scrub


How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

We all know the importance of self care, and taking time out just for you. But with the ridiculously busy world we live in, work, children or other commitments, finding that time can be next to impossible

We need to learn to be smart about our time, use each day wisely, and take a breather now and then when you feel you are pushing yourself too hard. I like to plan my days out, and my evenings so I don't waste any time and can just get on with my day straight away. (Obviously I am flexible because of my little ones, but it's a rough plan!) You don't have to be as crazy as me, but having a rough idea of your day/week is a great way to ensure you make the best of every day!

So here are my tips for finding time for yourself!

Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
If you stay up too late (I'm not one to judge, trust me!) you need to try and adjust your bedtime. If you are more of a night owl, you could try making your bedtime an hour earlier. Get ready for bed, take your make up off, make a hot drink and hop in to bed then. Take that extra hour you've got to make some time for you, read a book, write in your journals, do whatever it is you like to do to wind down. Then by the time your normal bedtime rolls around you'll be all relaxed and ready for sleep. Plus you will have had quality time for yourself too!

If you are good at going to bed at an appropriate time, I applaud you! But if, because you go to bed earlier, you feel you haven't done anything for yourself - why not try waking up a bit earlier? Although I haven't tried it myself, I am not a morning person - you could give the 5am club a go perhaps. Or even just waking up a bit earlier than your little ones can make all the difference. Even half an hour earlier means you could grab a hot drink and watch morning tv in peace, plan your day, or even just sit in silence and enjoy your breakfast!

How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

Save An Evening Or Two For You
If you tend to just crash on the sofa after the little ones have finally fallen asleep, that's ok! But why not try to save a couple of evenings a week to do something you enjoy. Whether it's a craft hobby, reading or even just enjoying the bubbliest bath in the world. Take those set evenings each week and do something just for you!

Exercise!
Until recently, I didn't really believe in the power of going out and getting some exercise! I started running a few times a week for the past few months and it's made a huge difference to my overall wellbeing. It's made me happier, it's made me more confident - I totally get it now! If you have really little ones who luckily still nap - why not take half an hour of that to try a workout on Youtube or an exercise DVD? Or if your children are older and at school, just grab half an hour during the day to get outside and go for a run, or even just a walk! 

For the first few days, if you're not used to exercising much like I was, it'll literally feel like you are punishing yourself, as opposed to treating yourself to some time off! But once you get into the swing of it, you'll learn to love it. I tend to go for a quick run on the days that my husband is home and can look after our youngest. Just popping my headphones in, finding that perfect feel-good playlist and going for it, it's an amazing feeling!

Book Something Now
If you are the type of person who's like 'Yes, I do this - I'll write it down on the calendar and make sure I do this for myself, then somehow it just doesn't happen', then this one is for you. Book something for you, today. Whether it's plans with a friend, a hair appointment or even a live event - book it today and you can't just not do it!

Send Your Little Ones To Bed Earlier
If you are still struggling with making any time for you, do not feel guilty about sending your little ones to bed a little earlier once in a while. If they tend to settle themselves, that makes this easier for you as you can just move their normal bedtime routine slightly earlier, even just half an hour earlier. If I've had a particularly difficult day, I will send my three to bed that little bit earlier, and they are none the wiser. Whether it's one day a week (why not try Sundays?) or even just once a month, that's a lovely little slither of time you can have just for you - you deserve it.

How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

Get Outside Help
There is absolutely no harm in asking for help now and then. Everyone needs help and no one can be in 'mum mode' every single second of your life, you need time to switch off! Whether it's booking a babysitter so you can go out one evening, asking friends to watch your kids for an hour or so, and doing the same in return for them on another day or even hire a cleaner if that's where you are struggling. We. All. Struggle. So ask for help!

Accept That Not Everything Is Urgent
Looking after your little ones is top priority, looking after you is top priority - that's it. Washing up building up in the sink? That is not urgent. If you're desperate to sit down and just switch off for a while, the hoovering can wait! If you're trying to decide between having a much needed relaxing day at home in your comfies or taking your little one to soft play - the answer is already there. You need it and you deserve it.

However you can manage to make time for you, never ever, ever, feel guilty for needing that time for yourself. You are so incredibly busy and it's so important to look after yourself and make yourself a priority!


How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum



How To Find Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum


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! 




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! 



What's In The Box - April 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.


Let's have a look at the Whimsical Mama Box from April!

What's In The Box - April 2023

Your Are Your Best Friend by Anisa Makhoul
A delightful and uplifting book that reminds us of the importance of self love and self care. With absolutely gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt messages, this book is a gentle reminder to put yourself first and treat yourself as you would you best friend. 

'Take Care Of Yourself' keyring from Punky Pins
I loved this keyring for so long, I knew I had to include it in a box! This gorgeous keyring is a small yet powerful reminder to look after you! It's really good quality, made from sturdy materials to serve as a constant reminder and source of inspiration! 

Daffodil and Vanilla wax melt bar from Whitcliffe Aromas
A fragrant delight that creates a warm, fresh, inviting aroma in any space. The combination of vanilla and daffodil is gorgeous, so floral and sweet. I love the idea of a wax melt bar, allowing you to just break off a chunk as and when you need it. 

Raspberry Bliss body butter from Skin Century
This luxourious body butter combines the richness of shea and mango butter, with the delightful fruity freshness of raspberries. Leaving your skin feel soft and supple. Plus, it's really great for all skin types, even sensitive - and it's packed with vitamins A B C & E! A really gorgeous pampering product.

'Self Love Club' window suncatcher from Mindful Little Studios
SUCH a cute window catcher sticker that radiates positivity and self acceptance, not to mention - raaaainbows! It beautifully captures and reflects sunlight, creating beautiful rainbows in your room. A gentle reminder of how amazing you are, while spreading sunshine and rainbows in your home!

Himalayan bath salts from Conscious Spirits
These divine bath salts will make you feel like an absolute goddess each time you take a bath. With a beautiful concoction of Himalayan bath salts, Ylang Ylang essential oil, coconut oil and dried rose petals.


What's In The Box - April 2023


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! 



Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

Be honest, do you feel guilty when indulging on a delicious chocolatey treat? Perhaps you were being strict with yourself and you had a "slip up" or maybe you accidentally scoffed far more than you had intended to?

I'm here to say there is absolutely no reason you should feel guilty about treating yourself to this 'forbidden food'. According to studies, 1 in 5 people in the UK feel guilty after eating chocolate and guess what, most of those people are women. This difficult relationship with chocolate can be harmful in many ways, both mental and physical. 

We all deserve to eat things we enjoy, and we all deserve to treat ourselves without instantly feeling regret or shame over our decisions. Maintaining a balanced diet is just that, balanced. Everything in moderation, not too strict and definitely not cutting out your favourite foods!

Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

What you need to know:
* Chocolate can improve your mood, promote positive feelings and generally makes you feel good! Why do you think so many people turn to chocolate if they're having a bit of a rubbish day?

* And for the same reasons, chocolate is a great 'comfort food'. Dark chocolate in particular helps induce a calming and soothing effect in the body.

* What you really need to know is, no matter of the health benefits, if you love chocolate - then goddamn eat some! You deserve it!

Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

The health benefits
Although dark chocolate is more beneficial than other types of chocolates (due to the high cocoa content, and less sugar!) Don't let that put you off scoffing a bar now and then when you fancy it. 

Chocolate can improve memory, reduce fatigue, increase organisational skills, reduce PMS and ease cramps, reduce anxiety, improve mental maths skills, increase blood flow, increase heart and brain function and so much more! Chocolate is amazing!

Chocolate should not be your guilty pleasure, there's nothing to feel guilty about! If chocolate is your happy food, then grab a bar and brighten your day. 

Do you love chocolate as much as me?




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! 



Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure