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Why You Need to Drink More Water In Winter

29/6/2018

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I'm not a huge fan of water in winter, especially this year! It's been an absolute battle for me to get even half the recommended daily dose the last few weeks. 

Can you relate to this? I've come up with 5 easy ways to help you ditch that dry habit and help your body, and skin, get the hydration it needs. 

Hydration 101: As most of you know, your skin is the largest organ of the entire body. Interestingly enough, the skin is the last to receive moisture since the body prioritizes your vital organs (such as your heart, kidney and liver) to get hydrated first. 

So if you're like me, you might not feel as thirsty in the winter, but for your skin's sake you actually need more hydration.
TIP: If you want to learn more about seasonal weather and skin, read this fantastic blog post by Chey, the owner of Black Chicken Remedies.
 
1. Start your morning with a nice long drink
All night long we dehydrate, so in the morning we often look, and feel, like a dry sponge! Start the day with a nice long drink to help you replenish what was lost over the last 8 hours of sleep. 

2. Track your sips
Most devices have a way to track your water intake nowadays. Fit Bits are great, and you can also use your iPhone to track your daily pogress. If you're really bad at remembering, you can even set a silent alarm on the hour (or whenever you want) to vibrate on your wrist, gently reminding you when it's time for more H20.

3. Drink more tea
I know quite a few people who just really dislike drinking water. Period. This becomes even more difficult to conquer in winter in a cooler climate. Your first option is to switch to drinking room temperature water if you haven't already tried that. Drinking tepid water is better for you anyway. If that still sounds unappealing, try tea. Tea is always fantastic in winter, I mean, you can't beat a cuppa on a cold day. Remember tea has about 1/3 as much caffeine as coffee, so don't overdo it. Another delicious and healthy alternative is hot water/very warm water with the juice of half a lemon and raw honey. It's so delicious, good for gut and very invigorating. 
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4. Tantalize your tastebuds
If water doesn't sound good, try to take it up a notch. Flavoring your water with fruit and herbs is a deliciously easy way for you to make water more interesting.
My fav combos are:
Strawberry + basil
Cucumber + mint
Pineapple + mint
Cucumber, lemon + parsley 

Lenanne Ward, The Fitness Dietitian, has just released some super nifty infusion bottles that have an inbuilt diffuser for your favourite fruit or herbs. They are BPA free, 950ml and only $22.

5. Eat foods with high water content
Ok, so this is doesn't really count as "drinking" your water, but it still works in my book. It's easy to forget that fruit and veggies have a ton of water in them too. Try eating lots of fibre as well a foods with high water content as this will help to keep your body nourished. Not sure where to start? Some foods with high water content are: grapefruit, watermelon, cherries, grapes, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery. 

Do you always drink like a fish, or have you noticed a drop in your water intake this winter?

EMK x 
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Monday Muse :: Sophie Guidolin

25/6/2018

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Meet Sophie Guidolin.

​International fitness model.
Health coach.
Goal Smasher.
Mum........ of four!!

You know the people you see on instagram and think, "Geez. Are you, real?" That's how I felt when I saw her rock hard abs and toned glutes before (AND after) twins. I wanted to know her story, so I asked her.

Sophie fell in love with health, fitness and weight training later in life than most.

She has worked tirelessly on herself to maintain a level of fitness most could only dream of, while running her household and multiple business. She's a serious go-getter and I'm always in awe of women who are killing it in their fields while also being a MUM.
​

While a lot of her IG page is super glam and all about being a #fitmum, her Instagram stories are so down to earth and raw. Picture hilarious snaps of potty training 2.5 year old twin girls and being peed on, a lot. She puts it all out there, which I love and appreciate as a mum myself.  I don't always want to see the mums with the perfect hair, immaculate face of make up, in an insanely styled and expensive outfit (they got for free) in a picture taken by a professional photographer. Sophie is continually sharing both sides of the coin, while showing others how they too can be better versions of themselves by eating better and training mindfully.

Let's dive in!
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Many people might assume that you've been fit and fabulous your entire life and that you've been blessed with incredible genes. What message would you like to share with our readers who might not have witnessed your incredible body evolution?

Oh my goodness no! Hahaha I actually had never stepped foot in a gym until after my two sons were born. I feel like it is never too late and I truly never thought I could change my body so dramatically! I was left 30 kilos heavier after having my sons and really wanted to feel good. I wanted to feel fit, healthy and energetic. It's amazing what exercise can do to your body!


Childbirth: Traumatic or transformative?

A bit of both- all mixed into one! I have had almost 'every' experience! My first son's birth was (in reflection) an incredibly traumatic experience- every interference you could possibly imagine happened. I wanted my second son's birth to be different and it was, I walked throughout my pregnancy with him to try and remain stronger in the legs to prepare for birth and it was a beautiful birth. The twins were both breech and born via c-section- so quite a mixture in there!


What’s the single best piece of advice you could give to all our postnatal mums reading this?

There is no wrong or right way to parent. Only take on board advice that works for you.


Sum up Mum life in 3 words:

Tiring, rewarding, purposeful.


As an insanely busy mum of four, juggling multiple business, how do keep the foundations of your marriage so strong?

Our kids all go to bed at 7pm, so we have the nights to spend together. Our marriage is surprisingly great. We work so well together and we run a very chaotic organised mess of a life! LOL We have a family diary and everything is planned out so we know what is happening everyday, who is at home, who is at work, who is doing pick up and who is cooking. No relationship is perfect, but I feel blessed that our biggest issues are that my husband works out too much and that he gets angry that I don't pick my clothes up off the floor. We argue about petty things like whether the heater is safe to be left on at night time and if we baby the twins too much. Overall it just 'works'. We enjoy our routine life and love nothing more than a weekend at home!


I’ve been teaching yoga for over five years now, and I find that yoga helps me to be more mindful about how I treat my body and what I put in it. Are cardio and weight training what you use to stay grounded and focused, or do you have other go-tos?

Oh yes! Weight training is like my therapy! I feel it allows me an hour to myself and not chasing after the kids! It keeps me sane!


If you could only do ONE exercise for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Squats! I just find they work every muscle, leave me feeling exhausted, there are so many variations and it is something you can really progress in!


Social media: friend or foe?

Hmmmm a very hard one! I love social media for the reason I can reach so many more women at once, I dislike it for the fact you can hide behind a screen. Things that are said to me online would never be said to my face and I feel people are disconnected with the sense that online is the same as face to face- everyone still has feelings and emotions.


How do you practice self care?

I must admit I am always on the go, making promises to slow down, it just never really happens- however some of my key things I do give in to myself are:
My weight sessions 3-4 times a week
My blow wave once a week (time saver times 10xxxx for curly haired mums!) must do!
Early nights- gosh I love sleep and when you're awake at 4am, this is key!

Give us your fast 10!
Right now I’m:


Reading… Those Other Women
Cooking… Butter chicken
Drinking… Sparkling water
Playing… Uno!
Dreaming of… school holidays!
Loving… my girl's age, they're so funny and have so much personality coming! (age 2.5)
Buying… nothing! It's end of financial year so I am being conscious of the extra expenses!
Watching… 13 Reasons Why
Snacking on… yoghurt. I'm obsessed at the moment! My hubby jokes that I am on the yoghurt diet!
Listening… One Kiss, Calvin Harris
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Hungry for more?
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Want some recipe inspo?
Check out Sophie's books
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Join the #bodsquad :: The Bod
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Have a look at her insanely cute slim line, Salis Society, that just launched
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HOT TIP: She is having a MASSIVE end of financial year sale (50% off most things and books too) which starts June 28th - BUT, it only runs 7am-5pm AEST

Who inspires you to keep fit and healthy for you family?

EMK
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5 Reasons To Start Dry Brushing

22/6/2018

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Dry Brushing.

What is it, how does it work, and why should you do it?

I found out about dry brushing reading a wellness article some time ago. I was intrigued at the concept and decided to give it a red hot go when I started to develop some abnormal, hormonal skin irritations after having my daughter.

I went to Biome and asked 547 questions about which brush I should pick and why, and decided to pick up an Eco Max Body Brush from Import Ants.

I picked this particular brush for a few reasons:
  1. I liked the size
  2. I liked that it was handmade, all natural, plastic and chemical free
  3. I liked that it was ethically made in Sri Lanka
  4. I felt like it was reasonably priced

So to reiterate, it's a soft, dry natural fibre brush used to brush the skin.

But why would you even want to brush your skin?

Great question. This is a completely natural and healthy way to invigorate the skin and nourish your body.

Key benefits:
  1. It opens pores and removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This acts like a natural exfoliant for your body, without using abrasive bath salts or course scrubs.
  2. The movement of the brush along the body helps to increase cell production! Crazy.
  3. Dry brushing also increases blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system, helping your body to release toxins. Brushing helps facilitate lymphatic drainage which is why the brush stokes are toward the major lymph nodes in the body (See diagram).
  4. Believe it or not, dry brushing also combats stress. Increasing the blood flow in the body creates a calming effect and helps to rejuvenate the nervous system.
  5. It's a wonderful way to practice mindfulness. Taking time out to look after your body isn't easy, but it's oh so rewarding. Making the mindful movement and knowing that you're helping your body from the outside in is pretty remarkable. I find my time dry brushing (and using my gua sha) to be two of my favorite times of day.

That's all fine and dandy, but WHEN should I brush, HOW OFTEN and for HOW LONG for?
​
​You can dry body brush any time of day before bathing.

The Import Ant's website recommends dry body brushing 2 times a week for 2 - 20 mins.

I personally try to dry brush first thing every morning for 2-3 minutes before my morning shower. I prefer dry brushing in the morning because I find it to be an incredibly invigorating experience and it really wakes up the body. My skin is left tingling for a few minutes afterward, like the surface is literally buzzing. ​


When brushing: start at the feet, stroking brush from toes to heel, up the ankle and continue up the legs toward the groin area. After the legs, move to your buttocks/back and then to your abdomen. Then move on to the hands are arms. Brush from fingertips to wrist and continue up the arm to the shoulder and armpit.
*DON'T dry brush your face with a body brush as the fibers will be too firm.  

​I recommend brushing in the morning, showering, and then moisturizing afterward with something like this, or this.
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Also, I don't wash my brush because it has natural fibers around the handle. If those were to get wet for any reason, they could develop mold. My brush doesn't go anywhere near the shower because I'm afraid I'll forget and get it wet! I keep it securely under my bathroom cabinet (but in our next space I'm going to have it hanging on the wall next to our vanity as a gentle reminder). I'll continue to use the brush, and I'll simply replace it when the natural fiber bristles start wearing out. If you want to learn about ways to clean your body brush, read this excellent brush care guide from Stass&Co. 

Your skin is the last part of your body to  absorb nutrients and it's the first to show signs of deficiency. There are other things you can do beside drinking copious amounts of water and drowsing yourself in collagen supplements.
Naturally helping to detox - Firmer skin - Calming the body.... What more could you want? 
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Have you ever tried dry brushing? Will you give it a go now?

EMK x 
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Still wanna know more?

You can follow Import Ants  on Instagram 
or on Facebook 
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Check out Strass & Co 's beautiful line of plastic free beauty
​They are on Facebook and Instagram too  
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Still unsure about what to do?
Watch this video about how to dry brush ​
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Monday Muse :: Interview with Leah Barnum

11/6/2018

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Leah Barnum, owner of Grey + Gingham with daughters Greyson & Elle

Meet Leah Barnum.

California girl. 
Mumpreuner. 
Mama Bear x 2. 
... and my real life BFF.

She is also the creator, designer and owner of Grey + Gingham. 

I've known Leah since 2004 and in that time I've witnessed her start not one, not two, but three different companies. She has a creativity and a drive that is unparalled to most people I know, and her latest venture, grey+gingham, is a personal favourite of mine.

​Leah makes the most stylish drool bibs, tethers and baby accessories for the munchkins in your life. She has accessorized A-list celebrity's kids (even Tori Spelling is a fan!) and she is stocked across various shops across the US and now Australia as well!  
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​Come learn more about this driven #MomBoss with the biggest heart I know.
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You’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have started multiple businesses in California. Can you tell us about the genesis of grey + gingham in particular?


My husband travels a lot for work so when we got married I stopped working so I could take a year and travel with him. I found that when we were at home I was looking for something creative to do with my time. I came up with a fashion blog, grey + gingham. I would create pieces of clothing and then style them in outfits and blog about it. 
While doing that, I was getting my hair done and my stylist was talking about needing bandana bibs for her teething son. I told her I would design something and bring it to her. The day I brought them to her salon I walked out with 4 orders from other moms who were interested as well! From there grey + gingham went from a fashion blog to a children's brand!


You taught yourself how to sew watching YouTube (remarkable), and you still create each Bandie lovingly by hand. What is something else we might not know about
g+g?

I pride myself in the quality of the products I sell. Since g+g was launched, I have never once had someone try and return or complain about the quality of their Bandie! This means everything to me! 


Tell us about your creative process picking fabrics

I'm really, really picky when it comes to choosing fabrics. I try and set myself apart from other brands by choosing prints that are fashionable. When making children's products it's easy to choose the "kiddie" colors and designs. I always ask myself....would I wear that print? 
I usually have two collections a year...Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. These two collections have at least 12 Bandies divided between more feminine, masculine, and gender neutral styles. I like the prints within each collection to match. 
I use Pinterest to organize the fabrics I like. Once I have a bunch of ideas I lay them out on my computer desktop and see how they all look together. This process usually takes me a few months
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Social media: friend or foe?

Friend!!! My business has been built from my Instagram. I would say 95% of all my sales are from my Instagram followers. I love the community I have built and follow on IG. 
I wish I was better with Instastories! Really trying to get better at that!


Speaking of social media, what are your FOUR favourite Instagram accounts?  Other than @ohmmyyoga of course ;-) 

1. @emilyshuman
2. @edeneats
3. @drawbertson
4. @damselindior



What's the most challenging part of being a small business owner?

Balancing life alongside your business. Small businesses need time and attention to nurture and grow. I feel that it can become difficult to have a work/life balance. I find that it's challenging to give g+g 100% of what it needs all the time. 


Who is the most famous kid to wear your Bandie?

My husband is a Hollywood film producer and did a movie with Alec Baldwin a few years ago. We gifted Alec some Bandies for his son!


What's your life mantra in one sentence? 

"It is all going to be ok!"


How has motherhood changed your perspective on life as a woman and a business owner?

 I have to admit that after having both my children I have had moments where owning a business has not seemed as important as it once did. Then I start to miss the creativity and achievement that owning a business creates and I get re-inspired all over again! 
While I sew my 2 year old daughter sits and colors in her coloring book. She calls this her "work." I love that my daughters will grow up watching me work hard to build something I am passionate about! I want them both to see that when you work hard anything is possible!

Give us your fast five:

I’m listening to….Glorious (feat. Skylar Grey) by Macklemore

I’m reading…. 123 Magic - 3 Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting

I’m loving….fresh flowers in my kitchen.

I’m lusting over…my new house!! We just bought our first house and I'm obsessed!

I’m inspired by…. working mamas who are building businesses! 


What exciting things are in store for g+g in 2018/2019?

I have some ideas for a few new products!! I'm hoping to start developing them soon! ​
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You can find Grey + Gingham on
Facebook
Instagram 
and of course, online at www.greyandgingham.com
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Live in Australia want to purchase some g+g gear?

Head to Babyandcostore.com
or visit their IG: @babyandcostore

Questions / want to stock her bandies / or collaborate with Mrs g+g herself? 
Drop her a line: greyandgingham@gmail.com

​What's your favourite baby accessories you've found? Tell me in the comments below!

EMK x 
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Monday Muse :: Interview with Kate Dalton

4/6/2018

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​M
eet Kate Dalton.

Nutritionist.
Business owner. 
Natropath. 
Surfer girl. 

She is also the owner of Mayde Tea (pronounced Made).

I love a cuppa. I mean I really, really love a cuppa. I find them to be a mini dose of therapy in a way. I used to have one every night in winter when we lived in Melbourne. It was like a little ritual to seal my day in a sweet, sweet way. I opted for a cuppa tea instead of coffee when I was pregnant, and I even used tea as therapy when I was suffering with a hormonal imbalance in my early 30's. 
​

​I discovered Kate's beautiful range of organic tea before I ever knew who she was. We serve Mayde Tea at Bliss Float in Bulimba. Often times I would prepare the tea for our guests who frequented the relaxation lounge. Depending on what time of day it was, I would select a particular tea. I was so impressed with the quality, look, texture and flavors of Kate's range. I loved that her tea was organic as well as therapeutic --- and don't even get me started on her branding.... swoon. 
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So Kate, thank you so much for being apart of this special series! Tea or coffee? (only joking)
But do you drink coffee? 


Hehe yes! Once a day, and only if I actually feel like it.


What was the catalyst for you to study naturopathy and nutrition? 

My own health issues to be honest! I wanted to find the root cause for my depression and digestive issues, and fix that- rather than using bandaid options that were being prescribed by doctors.


You started your business, Mayde Tea, at 23 years of age! How did you come up with the name and what is the meaning behind it?


My middle name is May. I wanted it to be known that our products are hand made.



You have said that you used to suffer with anxiety and depression. Other than tea, how did you help to conquer these hurdles?


A lot of lifestyle changes, diet changes and hard work! I meditate every day, practice self love and eat a diet low in sugar and anything processed, and high in good fats and protein. I take a few different supplements that are required for serotonin production (which is the feel-good hormone) as well as herbs that balance hormones which was something that was out of balance and therefore exacerbating my symptoms.


If you could share one health tip with our postnatal readers, what would that be? 

It's a simple but oh, so effective one. To have a positive relationship with food!


Can you talk us through your process when you’re meeting with a new client for a consultation. 

This goes for 75 minutes, and I ask lots and lots of questions! This is so I can get to the root cause of the symptoms they’re presenting with. We explore all of the appropriate body systems and then I put together their first treatment plan.


What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

Having people come back on their second consultation and telling me how much their symptoms have improved! They always look physically glowing and happy, it’s the best feeling in the world for me.


 My personal fav Mayde blend is DIGEST. What’s your fav blend in your line of teas?

Restore. I will never get enough of that lemon myrtle-y goodness!



Your tea is found in over 200 cafes and retailers in Australia. What’s your goals for Mayde in the coming years?

I don’t set huge goals in the business. I mostly set personal goals and that’s to look after myself and free up some time by employing more staff, and delegating more. The business keeps doing it’s thing :)



A lot of people might not know that tea is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in commercial farming. This is one of the many reasons we should consume organic tea. What is something else we might not know about the tea industry?  

That most teabags are laced with chemicals. They’re bleached to look pretty and white, have staples and are usually fastened with glue. This all ends up in your cup!


Social media, friend or foe? 

Haha, love hate relationship! It’s fun, it's a platform for me to showcase what I LOVE which is my tea business, but it is very time consuming!


Best advice you’ve ever received?

Not to get stuck working ‘in the business’ and make sure I have space to work on it.


Worst advice? 

Not sure I’ve had any, or maybe I’ve strategically blocked it out ;)


Early riser or night owl? 

Definitely early! I wake up before the sun with so much energy and a huge appetite! 


 What is one thing you believe above all else?

That you should listen to your body before listening to anyone else.


You seem to have a love of tattoos and you have some beautiful handiwork on your arms. What do these symbolise? 

Haha yes I do! I have 'My only sunshine’ written on my arm, and that's because my granddad used to sing it to me. He was the best man in my life! I have a daisy chain which makes me remember being in Germany one day with some amazing new friends I'd met. I randomly picked up daisies and was making daisy chains for everyone! I have a swallow which represents freedom. I have a random love heart on my arm too, just because it's cute!



You like to meditate each morning. Walk us through what that looks like. Do you stay in bed, play music, use an app? 

I use the app called insight timer and listen to a guided meditation for 10 minutes each morning. Lately it's been while I’m in bed because the doona makes it a little sweeter!


I seek inspiration from….

Nature


I practice self care by….. 

Allowing at least one hour out of every day completely alone, even without a phone or any form of technology.

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To learn more about Kate
Make a booking with Kate for a naturopathy consultation in person or on Skype here

Check her Instagram for inspiring content 
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To Learn more about Mayde Tea
You can learn more about her organic tea company, Mayde Tea 
Their stunning Instagram is too pretty to not check out
Made Tea Facebook Page

Have you ever tried Mayde Tea? What's your favourite blend?

​EMK x 
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Whole Hearted Health Book Club (Feature) :: June Book Club Reveal

1/6/2018

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Our theme for June: Mindful Mama 
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The Whole Hearted Health Book Club is excited to announce our book for June!

It's The Mother's Mind Cleanse written by Jacqui Lewis, and it's essentially a guide for the modern mum.

Now I have "FEATURE" in the title because it's the first book in our book club existence to focus on such a specific topic/gender. To all the non-moms and guys out there in our WHH book club, please don't be alarmed or leave us....!!! Maybe you could purchase or hire a copy for your partner/friend because it really is fantastic. 

Wait a minute- how do I know that? Because I have already read it and I NEED to reread it. So, that's what I, well we, are going to do together.  

The book was penned by the amazing Jacqui Lewis who is spreading the word about 
meditation for mothers. She co-founded The Broad Place and is a mum herself. Her honestly is refreshing and oh so welcomed if you ask me. I'm all for putting my hand up and being the first to say, "Hey, I'm new here on this motherhood journey and I actually don't know what I'm doing . . . but I'm doing the best I can."
We are all in this together after all. 


Like I said, Jacqui lays it all out there. She is very brave and I admire her candour. There were times when I was reading her words and they resonated with me in such a strong way, it was as if I were reading my own journal or revisiting my private thoughts. 

Mamas, give this book a read if you are like me and looking for a concise guide to inspire you to take action and be the best mum you can be. There is a lot of pressure on us these days to be a partner, mum, working woman, stylist, cleaner and chef.... so many hats, so little time. This book will help you to reprioritize your life, and not in an airy - fairy way. 

If you think I'm full of smoke, maybe you've heard of Not So Mumsy, the life and style blog for the modern mum. Check out this blog post for their thoughts on the power of this book and mediation.

The book is 102 pages. That's 25 pages a week or 3.5 pages per day.... too easy.
​
​You can purchase the book here 

​Happy reading!

EMK x 
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