cafe art calendar

Is social media good for the soul? I recently posted these musings on Instagram to mark World Mental Health Day and thought I’d also share here.

I definitely go through phases when I struggle to scroll through squares of smiling faces on Instagram, visions of trim bodies and people who – it appears – totally have their s**t together.

Sometimes I don’t want to post because I don’t want to be judged on the image I’ve chosen.

As I get older I am more and more comfortable in my own skin but there’s always something that can make me stumble and my confidence falters. Is my business doing well enough? Am I doing enough for my kids? Am I where I want to be in my career?

Talking about it helps. Family, friends, playgroup mamas, school run parents, church family…😊 So here’s a throwback picture of me on the beach this summer, no make up, and natural hair, that I never posted at the time because I didn’t think the angle was quite right 🙈

So here’s to talking, sharing and being yourself.

I WOULDN’T say I’ve subscribed to the whole ‘new year, new me’ mentality, I’m just working on being even better than usual!

Jokes aside, I’ve been trying out the new Boots Good Gut range which put simply helps to create a ‘healthy gut environment’.

There’s something for everyone in the range – my nine-year-old daughter has happily been taking the Live Bacteria for Kids edition which comes in a chewable strawberry flavoured tablet. And with an added vitamin C boost it’s also good for the immune system (you know these kids pick up everything going at school).

Meanwhile I’m sold on the Live Friendly Bacteria with Skin & Hair Support which comes in a handy size tablet. I’m not great with taking tablets, but I found the size of this one reasonable and not unnecessarily huge like some supplements.

Another plus is that the range is vegan and does not have to be kept in the fridge. So basically, smiles all round #winning.

Do you have a daughter who at times struggles with loving her curls wholeheartedly?

I would definitely recommend this lovely little book called Curly Kids Rock 👌🏾

Written by Lemoy Majen, it’s full of simple affirmations even the youngest of children can relate to.

And the book, complete with joyfully bright illustrations by Ann Pomelova, is not just specifically about afro hair either 😊

It’s a big thing for me to make sure my daughter loves her hair and she told me that the words were ‘great to hear if I’m ever feeling down about myself’.

Head over to Amazon where you can pick up a copy.

THIS week me and the boy have been testing out the Aveeno Baby Dermexa range, in particular the Good Night Emollient Balm and the Daily Emollient Cream.

And I’m not going to lie, the good night balm has been an absolute lifesaver for my little boy as the cold winter nights start to creep in, causing his skin to get drier than usual.

I’ve found the slightly thicker night balm perfect for helping to ease his itchy skin as he sleeps.

I’ve always been a fan of Aveeno for my little one’s skin, and talking to lots of other parents they too are full of praise for the brand – I mean it’s just one less thing to worry about right?

Parenting is hard enough, so it’s something to tick off the list and, the good news is there’s 1/3 off at Boots until November 6. #winning