Category: Motivationals

From Stockings To Stationery – What’s Your Story?

From Stockings To Stationery – What’s Your Story?

Posted on by Rebecca

CNA has inspired my world for decades, and I’m pretty excited to share “My Story” and journey with one of South Africa’s most loved brands.

 

For me personally, being a small town girl, CNA was (and still is) our go to store for pretty much everything “stationary & gift” related. Whether it was Christmas presents, school stationery or the latest novels, it really was our one stop shop. I can remember as a child my excitement for the Christmas and “back to school” shopping trips we would do as a family at CNA.

Over Christmas, our stockings were filled to the brim with cute fashion stationery items and other quirky products from CNA. My sister and I would take out each item one by one comparing who had the best eraser or glitter pen. Evening entertainment over the holidays always entailed many a late night of board games with my extended family. We spent hours arguing over games such as Monopoly, Pictionary and even Cluedo (yes even Cluedo!).  These are family memories created that I will treasure forever, as we all grow up, move away and are all scattered across the globe.

The start of the new school year always brought the excitement of showing-off my new shiny stationery items. The first morning back at school always almost always revolved around who would whip out the coolest “space case”, or who had the best colour highlighters. A luxury that a lot of children in this world today don’t get, but all deserve. The years progressed and so did my love for stationery. CNA supported me throughout my university years, as I bought BIC pens and exam pads in bulk, maybe even picking up a few valentine cards while I was there 🙂

As a mother now, my favourite stationery is still there for me, it is my go to for all things arts and crafts for the boys, or the latest PlayStation games for my husband. It’s not secret that i have a love for educational toys and STEM related learning and the range that CNA offers is spot on, it doesn’t hurt that their latest fashion stationery range is right down mama’s alley 🙂

I love the fact that my boys share my same excitement when we walk into the store. They don’t know where to look, from books and stickers to craft supplies and toys. My eldest is developing a love of all things stationery like his mama and goes towards the latest notepad to create treasure maps on, or the brightest pen or stickers he can find.

 

It’s a special thing when you can share memories with your children and I look forward to creating many more arty/ “gamey” moments with my family and CNA.

Whats your Story?

I’ll lie with you as long as you need

I’ll lie with you as long as you need

Posted on by Rebecca

I’ve been thinking more and more about how we will manage bed times next year, with the third baby here. Starting to stress about making the boys “big boys” and getting them to sleep by themselves. Gosh I wish I had that endless patience and determination to keep sending them back up those stairs.

The truth is, I didn’t plan to be the kind of parent that stays in bed with my children until they’re safely off to dreamland. Honestly speaking, I was the one who started to “sleep train” my baby, and it was my husband who broke and couldn’t bear to hear our 8 month old cry it out. So we chose to lay with him .

Yes, my boys might have a high-maintenance bedtime routine, but they’re also pretty darn well-adjusted, happy, and caring boys, so in my book. Its OK. At the end of the day, I don’t mind. This is our time.

The conversations we have while they (and I) fall asleep are my absolute best. With my 4-year-old playing with my hair or tickling my back and my 3-year-old lying snuggled in the crook of my arm. Its these moments I will cherish forever. We speak about their days, their favourite moment, their dreams. I hear about their plans for tomorrow and what their very best wish would be.

All too often in day we get distracted and tend to live past the moment, but in these dreamy hours, it’s just us, and time. That’s why I end up falling asleep with them so often. I can feel their bodies getting a little heavier on my chest and their breaths a little deeper. Taking in the moment and wanting to cherish that time, to listen to one more breath before I get up. An instant relaxation tool for me.

I’ve often been asked, why don’t I put my foot down? Why don’t I force them to sleep on their own? It’s quite simple. They need me. They need me for comfort, and for love, for companionship.  These quiet sleepy moments are the only time in a full 14 hour day that these boys of mine keep still. The moments where they share the best parts of their day and dream of all their plans for the next day. My youngest goes from being a little hyper monster, never stopping long enough for a quick squeeze, to my little baby who has to be held by mama. I need them, and these moments, just as much as they need me.

I will lie with them to fall asleep for as long as they need me, because I know, that one day soon, without warning, they won’t need me with them anymore. They will sleep in their own bed, and rush mummy out of the room.

Now I’m certainly not saying that to raise secure kids you need to lie with your children every night. Not at all. I just know that there is no reason not to if that is what works for your family, or if that’s what your children want you to do. I highly doubt my 13-year-old son will want mommy every night… You have to do what works for your family and your children.

So this night is a gift, and a gift I will always share with my boys. Each time I think that maybe it’s time for them to start sleeping on their own I’m reminded of just how short life is, and how quickly time passes and I relish these dream time moments.

We may just need to get a little more creative when number 3 comes, or I need to grow another arm 🙂

Leaving The Preschool Years Behind; Here’s What I’ll Miss The Most

Leaving The Preschool Years Behind; Here’s What I’ll Miss The Most

Posted on by Rebecca

Before we jump into bed every night my almost 5-year-old insists on placing his clothes out for school the next morning. He gets so excited to get dressed every morning and packs his bag in anticipation and brushes his teeth. He is almost completely independent, bar packing his own lunch box. When did this happen? When did my baby become so self-sufficient and “grown up”?

It marks the start of a new chapter, I’ve officially just handed in our “notice letter” for our last term of pre-school. Next year my baby will be starting big school and I’m feeling a thousand emotions. Am I making the right decision? Should he stay in the school he’s in or do we move him to the local primary school down the road? Will he miss his friends? Will he miss his teacher? Looking back at the past 3 years I can’t believe all the milestones we have crossed. From developing a fully-grown vocabulary which includes words like delicate, effective and communication (which he proudly teaches his brother the meaning of), from riding plastic motorbikes to full on bicycles without training wheels. Creative “scribbling” has morphed into proper pictures, with people, houses and real “things”.

Leaving the preschool years behind has got me feeling properly emotional, but I think I’ll miss it for these main reasons:

  • Showing up late or missing school isn’t the end of the world – My husband always used to laugh at me when I stressed about the time and I was always the firmer parent on attending school. Hubby always said, “he’s still young”, “leave him while we can”. In the past year I’ve realised this. I’ve savoured every moment that we would have mommy and me days or taking him out on spontaneous adventures. Once we start formal school being late or skipping school can come with some serious consequences. The extra time we have had together has been worth very single moment.
  • Sand in his shoes – Something that irritates me now is probably something ill miss the most. A sign of a day well played. Though I’m grateful my car may be a little cleaner, I will miss, what that sand represents: time spent running and playing, pouring and sifting, building and experimenting.
  • Walking into school hand in hand – Ok so maybe this will last a little longer, but every morning my son holds my hand so tight. From the time we leave the car, walking through the parking lot, up the school stairs right up until I hand him to his teacher, he doesn’t let go of my hand, not even for a second.
  • Pure Play – Probably the biggest and most obvious things we will miss. Yes, whilst there is some structure to his preschool all the activities are based around play, and learning through play. I’m going to miss the freedom he has of just “being a kid” the most.

  • Hanging around the class – I’m one of those moms who loves getting involved. I normally stick around for a few minutes after dropping them off (especially with my youngest when he was still settling). All the kids now me and run to give me hugs and tell me about their days, and speaking to other mums about nap times, extra curricular activities or current challenges. Next year the class starts in a much more prompt manner and even though its normal, I’m realizing I won’t know as much about my child’s day-to-day experiences.
  • Pure Friendship – In preschool there is no bullying or teasing.  Pre-schoolers aren’t judgemental, and they play with everyone! The friends your children make are pure and sweet. Once he hits big school and the comparisons begin I know I can’t protect him for a greater world of mean kids, teasing.
  • The Crafty Activities – The artwork, the sensory play, the imaginative creations and abstract architecture. I’m going to miss my son beaming with pride running up to me to explain his latest masterpiece. I’ve kept all the special ones, but If I don’t proudly display it on the fridge he gets upset and wants to know why. I’m going to miss the sense of pride and satisfaction he gets from creating and I can only hope that our selected primary school keeps a good balance.
  • The Community –I know I’ll create a new one, but I’m in a place where my child ADORES his teachers. He is always happy, smiling and eager to get to school first. I know that everyone cares from him, and everyone knows who he is, and I know they would pick up straight away if he was feeling down or unwell.

I have no doubt he will embrace “big school”, every day when we drive past the school he asks how many more sleeps it is until he gets to go to big school, with a big cricket pitch. Its more my emotions, and my fears for him. Leaving the preschool years isn’t easy.  It’s the start of a new chapter both in childhood and in parenting. I plan to savour these last few months of preschool with unhurried mornings and lots of artwork praising.

Finding My Balance

Finding My Balance

Posted on by Rebecca

I’ve always been a believer that if you manage your time properly then you can fit most things into your life and for the most part I still believe that. Managing your time and prioritising what’s most important is hard and takes practice  but it’s not impossible. However, something I’ve realised lately is that there is only so much time in the day and it’s not physically possible to do it ‘all’.

I was up last night thinking about balance, well the concept of it anyway. Everything you see these days points to “Finding a Balance”, magazines, health seminars, articles on how to create the perfect “work/life” balance. Is it possible to actually achieve a balance? Honestly? I don’t think so . You will never be able to balance all aspects of your life all at one time. Life has seasons, and chapters, and it ebbs and flows. “Balance” is not static, it’s a state of constant flux. The pressure we put on ourselves to try and equalize “life” and “work” is ridiculous. I honestly think the drive to achieve “a balanced” daily lifestyle could lead to put so much additional pressure on ourselves.

Raising children is hard enough, and then there’s building your career. Life is a constant balancing act of work, time with children, school runs, lunch appointments, if you are lucky you get to squeeze in a gym session, but when do we stop? When do we just breathe and take a moment?

If we just accept the fact that some weeks may be easier than others, some weeks you may get to gym 3 times a week, and others you may skip completely, but you know what, that’s OK! As long as you don’t lose sight of your greater goal/intention, you can only do the best you can. I LOVE my time at New Body Studio. I adore my Pilates, Yoga, Ballet and yes SOMETIMES even Rebound. More than the exercise itself I love connecting, having a good chat and spending time with like minded people. I am far from a fitness freak, but every person needs their “something” whether its immersing yourself into art classes, cooking up a storm, walking in the wild or perfecting your tree. Its important to take time out for self care, to reconnect your soul and mind. Try and find your thing and always keep sight of it.

We have to stop thinking that there will be a magical moment where it all pans out. A place where we will suddenly juggle work, family, self-goals and still roll into bed at 10 pm. There are not enough hours in the day! Life involves constant adjustments and priority shifts. You put focus into one area, and another area has to step back for a while. Some weeks I may work until 3 everyday and get to do fun activities with the boys, and others I may only get home in 5, just in time for dinner, bath and bed time routines. On those nights, I cherish my snuggles and kisses that much more. Not being able to take my boys out and about when they are on holidays and I’m in the office pushes my mommy guilt through the roof! I wish I could just show them everything the world has to offer, It doesn’t make me a bad mother, it makes me a normal mother! Trying to balance life in heels. Months may fly by where I don’t make one on one time with my friends, I feel like I’m the worlds crappiest friend or sister. Yet other months we may see each other 3 times in 2 weeks. The ability to see beyond the “black and white” balance is what I’m trying to get at. I need to stop focusing on trying to cram all things into one day, but step back and evaluate what matters and reallocate time to those things.

Let go of “trying to be perfect”! People living “perfect” lives and posting about them online can be daunting for those who live a normal life and are constantly scrolling. Don’t succumb to the pressure, the idea of perfectionism is hugely subjective. If you can accept that no one is perfect and absolutely no human being has the perfect balance you will let go of the guilt. Go easy on yourself mama, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other.

So yes some weeks I may cram in a million crafts and adventures with my boys, and other days I am a Martha Stewart extraordinaire. Sometimes I even get it right and manage my 3 days of exercise per week, or push out 3 blogs in a week, but mainly I’m just trying to find a way to get through my to do list, one point at a time. From high heels to high chairs, trying to balance work, life, motherhood and marriage. Life is beautiful! With all of its chapters and seasons. If I ever find the magic formula I’ll let you know 🙂

Ultimate Fathers Day Gift Guide

Ultimate Fathers Day Gift Guide

Posted on by Rebecca

Fathers day is one of those days that I absolutely adore buying gifts for, but I’m so tired of seeing the standard “beer, braai, biltong” gifts around. Sadly none of the men in my family are huge star wars fans (apart from my brother in law), because there certainly is not a shortage of star wars paraphernalia around. I never struggle finding gifts for my dad. Hes a “mans” man, so he loves anything outdoors, survival tools, a good chocolate or a giant bag of liqourice. My husband on the other hand always leaves me stumped. He has more refined taste. He likes luxury clothes and colognes that I often cant actually afford 🙂 I’ve previously gifted him with experiences an opposed to material things and that proved a hit, so I have listed some here.

I’ve put together my top list to help you out with some of the thinking. Be it something small, like the ultimate survival tool from mantality, to a bigger buy such as the swing tracker or drone; there’s something in here for everyone!

From top left to right:

The Satchel 13” – The Burgundy Collective R2500 . Simulator and Intro Flight Experience – Mantality R2999. DJI Tello Drone (This is a great mid range drone and its on special) – The Gadget Shop R1799. Matsimela Vanilla and Sandalwood Medium Crate R380 .Victorinox – Spartan 91mm – Red Swiss Army Knife – Takealot.com R305. Tonglite light up Braai Tongs – Mantality R320. Sorbet Man Voucher (or Shaving Kit products). Invitcus by Paco Rabanne – From R1030 at Edgars. Wild & Wolf Grooming set – Mantality – R799. Fathers Day Pyjamas – Edgars – Starting from R129.95  Gear Cuff Links – Mantality – R149. Garmin TruSwing Golf Club Sensor – Loot.co.za – R2131. Mini Survival Kit (Perfect for climbers) – Mantality – R99. The Dopp Kitt – The Burgundy Collective – R650.

There you have it, just some of my favourite picks to spoil the special men in your life. As I was out and about this weekend I also saw some cute PJ’s for dad at Edgars (you can view more on my instastories) and Netflorist.co.za is always a fantastic place for personalized chocs and cookies.

“A Father is someone you look up to. No matter how tall you grow.” – Unknown

Whatever you get enjoy every second spoiling your loved ones. Happy Shopping!

Top Childrens’ Book Picks for Ramadan

Top Childrens’ Book Picks for Ramadan

Posted on by Rebecca

Ramadan (a Muslim holy month of fasting, where we commemorate when the Quran was revealed), is fast approaching and I’m busy preparing myself as a working mum, for an even busier month ahead. Meal plans, activities for the children and stocking up the house. A like to create as much excitement for my boys around Ramadan as possible.

Teaching my kids to love books and reading is hugely important to me, as is teaching my children the history of Islam. Naturally in Ramadan we increase our reading a bit more, I normally put away all of their other books and we only focus on our Islamic ones. They are at that “in-between” age at the moment, where they are a little too young to start Madrasah (Islamic studies for kids) but are at the perfect age to learn about Islam and its history. I try to increase their knowledge by reading Islamic books at home and encouraging learning in everyday tasks and crafts.

Suhayla Kids is my go to for all Islamic books and educational toys. In Johannesburg I don’t particularly like driving into Fordsburg/Mayfair and dealing with parking and traffic. SUHAYLA kids is an online store and has the best, most up to date titles, follows global trends and they deliver nationwide (they have even done deliveries to Botswana). Their customer service is second to none, and Taahirah’s personalised notes and quick delivery makes every customer feel special and unique.

These books are great for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. Teaching other children about Ramadan and why their friends families are “fasting” teaches understanding and respect. They have also been great helping my family (who aren’t Muslim) understand our traditions and celebrations more.

Here’s a list of my top picks for Ramadan:

Night of the Moon – Hena Khan

I ADORE Hena Khan’s books. She has such a beautiful, simple style of writing and this book in particular is both my boys favourite (apart from Ilyas and Duck which we will get too). Its also a great book to teach little ones about the cycle of the moon.

“The sighting of the Moon’s first crescent begins the month of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. This vibrantly illustrated story invites children to experience the traditions of the month through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl named Yasmeen, who watches every night as the moon grows and shrinks and finally disappears. When the moon’s first crescent reappears, it’s time to celebrate “The Night of the Moon” and the gift-giving holiday of Eid – when Yasmeen has a wonderful gift in store!”

Available from Suhayla Kids for R230.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of colours – Hena Khan

I got this last Ramadan and we still love it.

“With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, this book magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions. This book uses objects found in many Muslim cultures to teach colours. With simple language suitable for even the youngest readers, a young Muslim girl and her family guide the reader through the traditions and colours of Islam.”

Available from SUHAYLA kids for R120.

Ilyas & Duck and the Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr – Omar S. Khawaja

One of the boys favourite’s (and mummy’s too). So much so that my son wanted to dress up as Ilyas for World Book Day this year.

Part of the highly-acclaimed Ilyas & Duck series! Eid-al-Fitr is here!

“It’s time to celebrate! But what is Eid all about? Join Ilyas & Duck in this fantastically delightful story as they explore the fun and excitement of Eid while learning about the charitable nature of it all. Eid has never been so much fun!”

2015 Moonbean Children’s Book Awards Silver Medal (Multicultural – Non-Fiction picture book)

Available from Suhayla Kids for R235 (and so worth it).

Hassan and Aneesa love Ramadan – Yasmen Rahim

We love this series, another one we love is the “Hassan and Aneesa go to the Masjid”.

“It’s the night before Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa are very excited for this special month to begin. During Ramadan, they will read the Qur’an, give charity, share food with neighbours, and try to fast as their parents do.

Follow Hassan and Aneesa on the first day of Ramadan and find out why they love it when this holy month arrives.”

A steal at R50 from you guessed it, SUHAYLA kids

On our wishlist:

I haven’t got my hands on these yet but am determined to add them to our collection this year.

Its Ramadan, Curious George – Hena Khan

One of the most popular books in the UK, and proving to be so here too (Its currently sold out and on my wishlist too).

It’s the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan.

R125 from SUHAYLA Kids for R125.

Migo & Ali: Love for the Prophets – Zanib Mian

 

I LOVE the fact that this book tells a summarized version of each prophet.

“This delightful hardback book, with 164 full colour pages, contains vibrantly illustrated stories of the prophets, from Adam (as) to Muhammad (saw). These stories are concise, and told in engaging, child-friendly language. A question and answer session after each story is also unique in its style, depicted as a conversation between the two lovable characters. Ali pretty much asks Migo the questions that will be on your child’s mind.”

R275 from SUHAYLA kids

Allah Tells Me – Ali Gator

 

This book just looks like a beautifully simple introduction of the Five Pillars of Faith in Islam.

“This book introduces young children to the 5 pillars of Islam through beautiful illustration and gentle words that will develop both a consciousness of Allah as well as a curiosity to learn more.

InshaAllah (God Willing) this book will inspire young hearts to learn about & love Allah.”

R75 From SUHAYLA kids.

 

That’s our top list! I would love to hear some of your favourites too. ALL of these books are easy to read with no uncomplicated language or descriptions, perfect for young minds. The bright illustrations help children remember and I cant wait to put them all out for our Ramadan book corner this year.

If you are in Johannesburg next week (3-6 May 2018), SUHAYLA Kids will be at the Eid Shopping Festival at the Dome (Stall C5). They will have a wide selection of their Islamic books, toys, decor and more, all to inspire and expand young muslims minds. Including one of our favourites, the Dua Pillow.

Keep an eye on the blog or subscribe to follow some of the cute Ramadan crafts I have planned over the next month!

 

The dreaded “D” word – overcoming Demotivation

The dreaded “D” word – overcoming Demotivation

Posted on by Rebecca

The dreaded “D” word, relax, I’m not referring to “divorce”, I’m referring to “demotivation”.

Something that’s been plaguing me the whole week.

I have a mountain of work to catch up on, 3 half written blog posts saved on my desktop, and I have 2 DIY projects that keep being pushed back. I struggle to keep focus and my mind shifts to something new every ten minutes. It doesn’t matter how many cups of tea, Krispy Kreme’s or Chocolate eggs I devour, nothing seems to give me the energy to snap out of it. (Yes I know those are all the wrong foods). Every day that passes, the more work builds up, its like a black cloud hanging over my head.

I am a very impulsive person. When I do something it must come to me in the moment, naturally. If I have to sit down and think too hard about things, I lose interest quite quickly and get frustrated. That’s how I have been feeling this whole week, nothing is “flowing”.

Blame it on the flu? Perhaps, but I have seem to have lost my mojo….temporarily of course.

Does anyone else find they go through highs and lows in terms of productivity? I know it’s related to motivation, but I find one week I can accomplish 20 thousand different things and then the next I pretty much just need to take a step back to chill.

Motivation is central to creativity, productivity, and happiness, how do I get it back?

Typically, when I fall into a slump, it’s because I have too much going on in my life. I try and take on too much, once I’ve accomplished all of those things I fall into a slump, it’s sucked my energy and motivation.

The first thing I’ve recognized is You have to choose one goal, for now. For me, it’s one blog post. While my 3 other half finished posts are more relevant to parenting, this blog post is most relevant to ME, right now. So here I am, focusing on one goal, completely. You can always do your other goals when you’ve accomplished your one goal. Shut off all distractions, for me that’s switching off my phone and internet.

Go back to writing your goals down. Select one achievable goal for each day and write it down in big letters. Keep it in front of you. You know for that day you won’t stop until you achieve that one thing.

Realize that there is a natural ebb and flow. You cannot remain motivated 100% of the time, every single day (which is why I always tend to maximize on those motivated spells and knock out so many goals). It comes and goes, and goes and comes back again. I know that if I’m having a down week, it doesn’t mean I’m in a “deep dark hole” screaming for help, I know its natural, and it will come back.

Whatever you do, don’t give up. Stick with your goals. Even if you don’t feel the least bit motivated today. The sun will rise tomorrow. Your goals, your motivation is a long journey, with bumps in the road. Use those bumps to rest, reflect and recharge. Listen to your body. You will get there.

Squash all your negative thoughts. Self-talk is critical to success (I don’t mean you have to stare at yourself in the mirror reciting mantras all morning, though for some people that does work. I mean in your thoughts, or like I’m doing by writing out this post.

Lastly I would say is to communicate it. No one will judge you. Tell those close to you how you are feeling. Let them support you. Ask them for their input or take on an accountability partner. In every big goal in your life you always need a team to support you. Surround yourself with positive people. The saying “Your tribe is your vibe” is so very true in more ways than one. You feed off peoples energy around you, so make sure you choose well.

So there we have it. Here’s my one small goal. I completed a blog post, Hip Hip Hoorah, and I think I just may have “self-talked” my way out of my slump. Onto brighter weeks!

I Choose Love

I Choose Love

Posted on by Rebecca

Valentines day is surrounded by controversy. It’s a completely commercialised day coercing consumers to unnecessarily spend money. It’s a pagan festival celebrating a “saint” we should not follow, there shouldn’t be only one day dedicated to love… I mentioned before, that now, more then ever we need love in this world. We need more people to open their hearts and love, with empathy.

So here’s a little bit about why I CHOOSE LOVE.

I remember during my psychology studies at University, coming across the story of a “Dr Emoto” and his “Messages from water” study. He basically had people “speak into water”. They whispered words of love and affirmation, and shouted words of anger onto the water. Those water samples were then frozen and photographed. He found that water that had been exposed to loving words created brilliant, complex, and colourful snowflake patterns. In contrast, the water exposed to negative thoughts, formed incomplete, uneven patterns with dull colours. This more than anything should show the world how our words and our energy impact the earth itself as well as our positive health. Another reason to say a prayer before we eat or drink 🙂 My favourite words (in terms of water crystal pictures) are happiness, gratitude and “I love you.”

I choose happiness. Of course the world can get you down, bad things will happen. In my family we have coined the term “Wilson’s law” instead of Murphy’s law as typically what can go wrong will go wrong, but it’s the way that you get through those things that make the difference. Your attitude. If you aren’t naturally a bounce off the wall “happy” person there are certain things you can do to choose happiness and positivity. Be the best that YOU can be, make a choice to surround yourself with the right person. As you saw above the power of another person’s energy on you has a dramatic effect on your wellbeing. I know personally if I have a fight with someone my body literally feels drained. I can’t quite explain the feeling but I physically feel weak and drained. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Everyone is in the same boat, whether you are the CEO of a global conglomerate or a street sweeper, we all have a same emotions and fears. Never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone a little to see where your potential lies.

Choose to help others when you are able. There is no greater joy in life than the joy in seeing someone’s gratitude to receiving something, to helping someone in need.

We also get so caught up in our day to day world that we forget to tell those people closest to us how much we love them, we forget to show them through actions. So frankly, I love a day to use the excuse. I take my husband as an example. I honestly feel that in the past 2 years I could probably win the world’s crappiest wife award, and yes, I do think the title of worst husband could go to him too 🙂 (sometimes). We are caught up in life. Between work, school, raising our children and everything in between we often live “past” each other. Not even connecting with each other on truly how we are doing. For years in our relationship my husband was my sole priority. I did everything for him and he had my undivided attention and then came the job changes, the kids and with that my priorities shifted dramatically. He was bumped off his pedestal. So my dear husband, firstly I want to apologize to you, for not always giving you the attention you deserve, but you will always be my number one. Secondly I want to thank you, for supporting your family with such determination. I admire that so much. So this year my focus is you. My focus is showing those around me just how much I love them, how much I appreciate them.

My focus is on spreading the love and giving freely. If I could add a bit of positivity into just one person’s life it would be worth it. Choose love with me. Choose to rise above the hate and negativity in this world because there is far too much of it. Choose to be a BETTER PERSON. Yes there are horrific injustices in the world, which break my heart, but instead of focusing on how bad they are and blaming someone for them, CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE YOURSELF.

So happy valentine’s day everyone, yes we don’t need a “DAY” to tell someone special that you love them, but sometimes it’s nice to have a forced reminder !

My ultimate Christmas Wish List

My ultimate Christmas Wish List

Posted on by Rebecca

I really am not a hard person to please, I like pretty things, breakfast in bed and maybe a good sleep in. It is that easy 🙂

December is a busy time in our household with birthdays, anniversaries, and of course, the Christmas season. So I thought I’d make it easier for those around me to Continue reading “My ultimate Christmas Wish List” →

On taking back your life…. after motherhood.

On taking back your life…. after motherhood.

Posted on by Rebecca

When you become a mother your whole world changes. Suddenly, you are thrust into caring for another human being, making sure they eat, sleep, drink and poop enough. Ensuring they live a healthy life and develop a mind. Safe to say, you lose “yourself” a little. I don’t mean it in a negative way. I would not change anything Continue reading “On taking back your life…. after motherhood.” →