Month: March 2023

Gift Guides, Gifting, wellness

6 Sustainable Brands & My Honest Thoughts After Trying The Products

, 12 Comments

This gift guide featuring Sustainable Brands has been in the pipeline for a while now. As a family, we do our bit when it comes to recycling and saving electricity. We eat less meat and have downsized to one car. The next step for our family is to move to sustainable household products. And to cut down on buying single-use plastic.

Sustainable Brands

Quick Note: This post features gifted items and affiliate links – if you click on a link to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you

Toby Tiger

What makes the brand sustainable?

All the garments produced are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure they meet strict environmental standards for the production of textiles. In addition, all clothes are made in a safe and clean environment by well-trained employees who have the right to trade union meetings, safety gear and social benefits.

My thoughts on the product

I was thrilled to be contacted by the brand and gifted this wonderful organic cotton dress for my little one to try. The material is such high quality and feels great against the skin. Not to mention the beautiful pattern. I chose this one because she is constantly talking about wanting to be a rainbow unicorn. So cute.

As you can see from the images, she loves wearing this item. I would purchase from this brand again, simply because the quality is great and the items of clothing will last a long time. I purposely ordered a thing which was a little bit too big on her, so hopefully, it will last her a few years.

Sustainable Brands

WUKA

What makes the brand sustainable?

WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass because we believe that nothing should hold you back on your period.

We believe that periods should not cost the earth. Equality and social and environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything we do.

We replace plastic-riddled disposable pads & tampons with the world’s most comfortable and sustainable period underwear.

Periods are not shameful, but something to be proud of. We’re determined to break down body and period taboos.

  • Eco-friendly products & business practices.
  • Less waste. From our packaging to our products.
  • Leak-free periods.
  • Super comfortable. 
Sustainable Brands

My thoughts on the product

I have wanted to work with WUKA for a while now. As a female, in my late 30’s, sustainable period products are a must. It’s the one pretty significant contribution I can make monthly. As far as Sustainable Brands go, this was one of the main retailers I have heard great things about.

The company sent me a sample to try and I must say, the quality of the product feels fantastic. I was apprehensive at first. As a working mum, who is mostly out of the house, there was a worry about freshness. With reusable products, you can dispose of any used items. And it makes you feel refreshed and less anxious when you are out in public. However, I would use this product on the days I am at home. And when it comes to sustainability, every little change we can make helps.

Earth & Wheat

What makes the brand sustainable?

The mission at Earth & Wheat is to fight food waste, rescuing high-quality bakery, veg, and other ingredients which sing in your pan, whilst reducing food waste.

Sustainable Brands

My thoughts on the product

This box has honestly been a real treat for our family and served us well over the last month. It’s taken lunchbox sandwiches from standard to a deli treat.

I froze the majority of the box because there was a lot to go around. And I was impressed when I didn’t get soggy bread following defrosting process. As you do with normal, shop-bought bread.

We plan to purchase this box on a subscription monthly. Then defrost the items as we need to use them.

Here is what we did with our items:

  • Wraps – for work lunches and yummy breakfast wraps on a weekend
  • Flatbread – we used this to accompany our chilli, on a rare child-free weekend night. And it took the meal from everyday standard – to something which felt a bit more special. For a small additional cost each month.
  • Soft panini – these are pre-sliced and so soft, I ate a few plain
  • Pitta bread – Great for dips, and eating as a snack
  • Crumpets – we love crumpets in our house and these did not disappoint

REFERRAL OFFER – sign up & get £3.00 off (I get £2.00 per referral)

FFS

What makes the brand sustainable?

FFS, yep you read that right! For F*ck sake! The 3 words that express our frustrations! It started with female razors being inferior to male razors, seriously WTF is that all about? We fixed that!

Now our mission is much more!

We want to banish single-use plastics from homes and we believe that planet-friendly purchasing should not cost the earth!

FFS now stands for much more.

My thoughts on the product

I’ve now tried the razor and the whole kit is fantastic.

Let’s start with the shower clip. It’s stayed in place, despite some hot baths & showers over the last few days. Sometimes the sticky pads on bathroom holders slip off. But this one doesn’t.

The razor itself is amazing, such a clean shave but no risk of cutting yourself, because of the protective strips. It’s by far the best razor I’ve had and I am about to subscribe to the blades. Not to mention, the amazing razor handle, which is engraved and personalised for you. All around, a fantastic kit and I cannot recommend this brand highly enough.

Sustainable Brands

What do you get in your kit?

  • Reusable weighted handle (+ free engraving)
  • 2x super sharp blades
  • Shower holder – to keep razor dry and protected
  • Handy Green Travel Pouch
  • Tweezers
  • Clamshell Blade Protector

DISCOUNT CODE

Discount Code:

  • Discount Code: MUMMYCA
  • 15% off the first eco-friendly subscription box
  • Expiry: 30.04.2023
  • Terms: Offer expires 31.04.2023. (15% off applies to razor kits only. New customers only.)

Wild Refill

What makes the brand sustainable?

Millions of bathroom products are thrown away every year and the sustainable and natural alternatives out there don’t cut it — until now. At Wild, we want to shake up the throwaway culture of bathroom products with high-performing products made from natural ingredients that never compromise on convenience or efficacy.

Sustainable Brands

My thoughts on the product

I haven’t yet tried the deodorant, but there are mixed reviews online about how well this product works. As with all skincare & beauty brands, it depends completely upon the person using it. How your body reacts and what your skin is comfortable with.

The smell is amazing and I love the look of the dispenser. I would encourage anyone to give this a try and do their bit to help with sustainability.

Smol

What makes the brand sustainable?

We believe that each of us, every person, every customer, and every action, no matter how small, can contribute towards a better world. Our commitment to powerful performance with eco-friendly design, convenience and a great price makes more sustainable cleaning the effortless choice. Since its launch in 2018, customers switching to Smol have saved over 300 tonnes of plastic and more than 1000 tonnes of chemicals.

smol

My thoughts on the product

I ordered the Smol samples, where you pay the delivery fee only. Simply because I have wanted to try the brand for a while. The dishwasher tablets and the kitchen spray were great. And I would reorder the kitchen spray tablets.

However, the non-bio laundry tablets have brought my little one out in a rash. I also read some online posts confirming this happened to other people. That said, I am aware that certain laundry liquids can react badly with sensitive skin. But for this reason, we wouldn’t be in a position to reorder the laundry liquids and I have passed them onto a family member for use.

I did just want to say, that when you are ordering the samples, for which you only pay the delivery, you need to be aware that you will automatically be put onto a subscription. And you need to go into your account and cancel if you don’t want the next batch. Which are charged at a higher cost. I thought the reorder would be sent too soon and it didn’t allow me any time to try the products first.

Unfortunately, Smol were not that sympathetic to the situation with my little girl. And despite complaining, a refund wasn’t forthcoming. Upon notification of the rash, I would have expected the refund to be made ASAP, regardless of a product being sent or returned.

Final thoughts

I am on the lookout for more sustainable brands. Whether that be buying second-hand or trying brands with a total focus on helping the environment. If you would like your brand reviewed, or you want to work with me on a collaboration, visit this page.

Let me know in the comments whether you’ve tried these brands before and what your thoughts are

signature
Parenting tips, Toddlers

Conquer Anxiety and Keep Your Little One Safe: Essential Home Safety Tips

, 12 Comments
Via Unsplash

When you’re a mum, your whole world revolves around your kids. You want to keep them safe and happy at all times, which can sometimes be a challenge, especially regarding home safety. There are so many things to think about! This blog post will give you some essential tips for keeping your child safe at home. We’ll cover everything from fires and falls to poisoning and electricity. So read on, and conquer those anxiety demons – your little one will be safe and sound!

Tip 1) Fires:

Install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on each floor of your house, and make sure to check them regularly. Keep all flammable materials away from heat sources such as stoves or radiators. If you have a fireplace, buy a protective mesh gate and keep the area around it clear of debris.

Tip 2) Falls:

Baby-proof your home by covering sharp corners with bumpers, installing safety gates at stairs, and installing locks on kitchen cabinets containing hazardous items. Also, make sure no small objects like coins or marbles are lying around where curious fingers can get to them.

Tip 3) Poisoning:

Keep medications, cleaning supplies, and other potentially poisonous substances locked away in a secure location, preferably up high out of reach. Be sure to label all containers properly and dispose of expired medicines correctly.

Conquer Anxiety

Tip 4) Electricity:

Cover unused electrical outlets with plastic guards and make sure that barely used appliances are unplugged when not in use. Teach your children the dangers of electricity by explaining why they cannot touch exposed wires or put objects into wall sockets.

Tip 5) Health Risks:

Purchase a good first aid kit and keep it in an easily accessible place. Make sure you know where to find the emergency numbers for your local doctor and hospital, as well as the Poison Control Center. Keep up to date on vaccinations and checkups for your child, too.

Tip 6) Cleaning:

Cleaning and maintaining a safe home can be challenging, especially with small children running around. To help you stay on top of this task, make sure to vacuum regularly, clean up spills immediately, wash bedding frequently, and replace worn carpets or rugs. Be sure to get vertical blind cleaning tools to get in those hard-to-reach spots.

Tip 7) Sanity:

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping your little one safe. Make sure to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and take some time for yourself each day. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you more alert and prepared to handle any safety issues that arise.

Children are our most precious gifts, and ensuring that their homes are safe and secure is essential. By following these home safety tips, you can help reduce the risk of accidents or injuries in your child’s environment so they can grow up happy and healthy. Don’t forget to take a few moments each day – you deserve it!

Conquer Anxiety
Mental Health, Mindset change, wellness

Joining TikTok & How It Helped Me Grow in Confidence

, 10 Comments

From where I was mentally and emotionally back in 2021. Had you told me I would be dancing in my living room to TikTok videos, I genuinely would never have believed it. It would be a long time before I would Grow in Confidence!

Pretty much all of my adult life, I’ve dealt with intrusive thoughts and high levels of anxiety. I don’t know exactly where it came from, but being hard on myself, a perfectionist and slightly controlling didn’t help matters. Coupled with the fact I was in a soul-destroying job. And I’m an empath who cannot help but soak up everybody’s energy. It’s taken me years to finally feel confident in myself and embrace who I am.

Let’s dive into how TikTok helped me Grow in Confidence, embrace the challenges life throws at us, and find a community of liked minded people

Grow in Confidence

Confidence

I used to think confidence was a mask, an act that people put on. Now I realise it’s being your true self. Authentically and without apology. Nobody walking this earth is perfect and we never will be. There is no point in striving for perfection. We will always be disappointed with the results if we aim for perfection. So why set ourselves up for failure? Especially when we have the ability to thrive in life. If you follow my blog, you will know it took me years to answer these questions.  

We are all just muddling through

Following my mental health struggles, I now see people as people. We are all facing some sort of struggle. And trying our best to get through the day and have happy moments. This is why I can write honestly and authentically for my blog. My main blog has been live on the internet for almost two years. And I know my writing helps people because the comments on my blog and social media accounts prove this. 

When we struggle mentally, we often just need to know we are not alone. It can help to see an uplifting social media post or knowledge that someone is going through a similar situation. To give you some context, when I first started the blog it was totally anonymous for the first year. Mainly because I was still living in fear. And this was due to workplace trauma and the anxiety of working in such a hostile environment, for so many years. I also didn’t have the confidence to show my face. 

Enjoying TikTok

I have slowly shared more of myself and my life. And graduated to video content on TikTok. 

I must say, I am really enjoying making these videos. It fills me with confidence and allows me to embrace the don’t care attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I care about the important things in life. But I no longer reserve a space in my head for drama, caring what others think of me, or pointless emotions, like jealousy and anger. 

Helping those people who also struggle mentally

I want my TikTok account to be a place where people feel safe to share. Where another mum can feel less alone, after seeing a vulnerable post about my struggles. I want other mums to know it’s totally okay to want a break from your kids. And actually put plans in place to take one. Regularly.

For anyone struggling mentally, I want those people to know this is a daily battle for me. And it’s totally okay to have good and bad days in life. It’s all about balance. And riding out the ups and downs. 

Mentally we need to stay on top of our mental well-being in order to stay well. Just like we would do physio on a weak muscle in our physical body. I just wish society would catch up with this pretty simple notion. 

Come join me over on TikTok and dance your way through the challenges life throws at us!

Final thoughts

Ultimately, I am here to tell everyone out there, it does get better. Hang on, stick around, and get out of bed. Get up and fight! Trust me, I know how painful and draining it is to even think about getting a shower and walking out of the door, following a mental breakdown. But you must. This world needs you. 

Grow in Confidence
Toddlers

7 Ideal Gifts For Little Ones

, 10 Comments

Gift-giving can be difficult, especially when the recipient is a toddler! Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to show how much you care, picking out the perfect gift for your little one can be quite challenging. But don’t worry – here are seven ideal gifts for toddlers that will put a smile on their faces!

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

1. An Activity Table:

An activity table is a perfect way for toddlers to learn and explore new activities! Activity tables come in all shapes, colours, and sizes and can feature anything from educational games to puzzles. They are an excellent way to keep toddlers occupied and engaged while developing problem-solving, coordination, and creativity skills.

2. A Doll House: 

Dollhouses offer endless hours of imaginative play, and they’re great for little ones who love pretend play. Whether it’s assembling a mini family or creating storylines between their dolls, kids adore acting out stories with their friends or siblings. Plus, they make great additions to any playroom!

3. Ride-on Cars: 

Let’s be honest – what kid doesn’t love a cool ride? Ride-on cars are a great way to get toddlers moving and provide them with hours of entertainment. From electric models that look just like mom and dad’s cars to those featuring cartoon characters, such as this children’s Lightning McQueen ride-on car, these toys will surely bring great joy!

Gifts For Little Ones

4. Kitchen Sets:

Kitchen sets are a great way to get toddlers involved in pretend cooking and baking activities. They can even help with real tasks such as stirring ingredients and setting the table. These toys also allow children to use their imagination while having fun playing together! 

5. Puzzles: 

As kids age, puzzles become very important for cognitive development and problem-solving. From simple three-piece puzzles to more complex ones featuring multiple pieces, they help children learn how to think through problems by working out each piece until the puzzle is complete. Puzzles are also a great way to keep little ones entertained when you’re on the go – just grab one of your favourite travel puzzles, and you’re good to go! 

6. A Swing:

Everyone loves a swing! Swings are an essential part of childhood, providing toddlers with lots of fun and joy. From traditional swings that you hang from a tree branch or ceiling to modern ones featuring adjustable heights, there are plenty of options out there that your toddler will love!

7. A Play Tent:

Play tents are an excellent way to get toddlers to explore their environment. From simple indoor play tents to those with endless features, they help kids use their creativity while having a blast in the process. Your little one will love creating stories and adventures while playing in their tent! 

When it comes to picking out the perfect gift for your toddler, these seven ideas are sure to please. Whether it’s a ride-on car or a kitchen set, you’re sure to find something that puts a smile on your little one’s face! So shop around and pick out the ideal gift – your toddler is sure to thank you for it! 

Gifts For Little Ones
Achieving personal development, Mental Health, Mindset change

The Greatest Gift I Gave Myself in 2022 Was Self Improvement

, 6 Comments

With the Valentine’s Day hype now over, it’s a good time to reflect on the self-improvement gifts I give to myself. And how doing this benefits me hugely. My hope is that one day we normalise taking time for self-care. Instead of seeing it as laziness.

If you follow my blog, you will know in the past I struggled with my mental health. Mainly because I was super organised, controlling and pretty uptight. However, it’s clear now that underneath all that, I was an anxious wreck. And I certainly wasn’t a happy person. 

self improvement

It was time for a brain reset. Strangely my mental breakdown gave me this, in part. But obviously not in a healthy way. And I needed to, once and for all, align my habits and circumstances with what I truly wanted out of life.

Why I chose hypnotherapy

Although a series of life circumstances made me reassess my whole life, there was still something missing. I knew I didn’t want to seek out counselling or a therapist, as I had used these tools several times in the past. Some of it worked and some of it didn’t. The option of a life coach was considered. But when I settled on a hypnotherapy course, I basically got the whole package. A life coach, a guide, impactful meditation. And a range of tools to use in my life moving forward. This was a lifetime solution. And once you go through intense meditation sessions, your brain is permanently changed for the better. There is no going back, in the best way possible. 

Case study of our sessions

You might remember me posting on social media about Kevin, my therapist, writing a case study summarising our sessions together. It’s great to read through the progress we made. And I hope this will give you all an insight into how a hypnotherapy course can help you. 

Why not sign up to download the PDF document and read it? Maybe you are ready to begin your hypnotherapy journey… 

Read all the blog posts in my hypnotherapy series

Looking way back to my past self

Sometimes when you’re in the moment, you cannot stand back from the situation enough to use hindsight and make informed decisions about what happened. As a process, hypnotherapy doesn’t look too far back to your past self. The theory is that it doesn’t matter. And I agree with this.

However, I’ve recently been having a huge clear out of my camera roll (it’s a must as a blogger – all those TikTok videos take up a huge amount of space) and noticed a few things about who I was five years ago (I use the five-year mark because this is around when things started changing for me):

There were numerous helpful quotes saved to my phone, from social media. Now I try to be the one creating these images for other people.

I reflected on group photos with people who are no longer in my life. They were not on my wavelength and they were a total drain on my energy. Whilst I wish others well in life, I must surround myself with non-toxic people. I’ve learned, you don’t have to be everyone’s friend. And it’s okay that people are on totally different paths in life.

There were endless images of self-development notes I started writing. The inner work on myself began several years ago. I just didn’t realise it at the time. It wasn’t easy to comprehend where this journey would take me. I resigned myself to a life of stress because I genuinely thought that was how everyone lived.

Ultimately, a series of events which happened over the last five years would force me into changing my circumstances and myself, whether I liked it or not.

self improvement
Read more about my circumstances on this page

The impact of not aligning your goals, priorities, values and character traits

I now feel in synch, with my priorities, goals and how I live my life. Imagine planning a train journey. You book activities in Norfolk for a 7-day period, but your train is heading to Wales. You’re in the wrong place. heading in the completely wrong direction. That’s how I felt for years!

Imagine starting a construction job, but you don’t have the materials to begin the first stage. I felt like this daily – like a really important component of my life was missing! Like my life, the people around me, and how I was living, were totally out of sync with my goals. Once major changes happened in my circumstances, it was clear I still had old habits, which also didn’t match my circumstances. 

It was time for a brain reset. Strangely my mental breakdown gave me this, in part. But obviously not in a healthy way. And I needed to, once and for all, align my habits and circumstances with what I truly wanted out of life.

I will be honest and say, everyone, is a constant work in progress. There is always work to do on yourself and we as human beings, should never stop progressing.

Reflecting on my hypnotherapy journey

It’s now time for me to reflect on my hypnotherapy journey and summarise the benefits and what I learned. 

It’s important to note that since completing the course, I’ve been able to cement considerable changes in my life. I had started making progress on significant life changes before I met Kevin. However, the power of hypnotherapy in implementing lasting changes is the reason I am where I am today. 

These are the main differences in who I was before 

Be Intentional in everything I do

Set boundaries in ALL areas of my life

Say no when I need to protect my mental health

Value my time 

Be kind to self 

Experience joy daily

Practice gratitude

Consciously participate in fun activities with my toddler

Talk openly about emotions and problems in order to solve them

Help and guide others who may be feeling low

An example of how my life has transformed

A great example is my career, I spent 15 years in a stressful, demanding career and I genuinely thought everyone endured this level of stress. Turns out it wasn’t what everyone experienced in their working lives. During my hypnotherapy journey, I completely changed my career and finally pursued my passion for helping people. I put in a lot of work and successfully applied for two job roles. I am finally putting one of my main character traits and values top of the list – HELPING OTHERS!

I still have bad mental health days – just like everyone else

To clarify, I still have bad mental health days. If you follow me on TikTok you will know this. But how I deal with the bad days or weeks, is what makes a huge difference. And honestly, I wouldn’t be in a position to do that as well, without the tools the hypnotherapy course gave me. Resilience to deal with your life circumstances and challenges is the best gift I ever gave myself.

I approach each day now with a mindset of what can I achieve. What is the list for the day? Let’s smash this. I work hard, but no longer play hard. Our new family goal is watching the pennies, saving and planning for the future. 

Final Thoughts

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to go on this wonderful journey with Kevin. It’s the best thing that could have happened to me. And I truly believe that everything happens at the right time. Sometimes things come along that you really need. And this was one of them!

Have you tried hypnotherapy?

Is it something you’ve been thinking about trying?

Have you downloaded the case study yet? I would love to hear your comments on this below.

self improvement

Disclaimer - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy