The endless stream of tasks, making sure everyone is fed and clothed. Trying to juggle a screaming baby and a moody pre-teen all while trying to cook dinner and do the washing and reply to emails and answer your 28 unread WhatsApp messages.
You’re literally drowning.
The anxiety is creeping in and you don’t even realise it until you’re standing breathless in the kitchen, frozen to the spot, overwhelmed and not knowing what to even do next.
You don’t even have time to use those healthy coping mechanisms which usually help to ground you and keep you sane.
A walk in nature – but it’s pissing it down and you only have 30 mins to get dinner, bath and bed wrapped up.
A gym session followed by a sauna – but you have nobody to watch the kids and even if you did you have parents evening soon and need to get ready.
A spa day with your friends – but you have to pay for a 300 odd pound school trip that has to come first.
Alone time with your partner – but the kids want to be involved so you have to skip the adult activities and humour them instead.
The list goes on. It’s not always easy to take the time to reset. You just have to take the anxiety for what it is and keep on swimming. It’s there, it’s loud and it’s fucking annoying.
But what if there was a way to keep it at bay?
Maybe do less of something to make space for yourself.
Less cleaning?
Less washing?
Less planning?
Less running around?
Is it actually possible to reduce the load of a busy mum or parent?
The only way to get through it sometimes is to stop and BREATHE.
Take a hot shower – when the kids are asleep
Sip your coffee slowly and enjoy it before it gets cold – throw some food at the kids and just take a minute
When the overwhelm hits and you can’t go for a walk, stand outside your front door and taking a minute in the fresh air – the kids are safe inside
Just find pockets of time to reconnect with yourself before you get lost.
I have been struggling lately and without the micro moments of self centering, I have frozen, unable to do ANYTHING. But taking control enables you to keep your head above water. Voicing it to the people around you, recognising it and moving through it certainly helps and telling yourself it’s normal to feel that way. Is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
Tucked beside the gentle edges of the New Forest National Park, where wild ponies wander past and the trees seem to exhale calm, Ormonde House Hotel is the kind of place that immediately slows your pace. It’s close enough to Lyndhurst’s high street for convenience, yet close enough to the forest that you can be among the trees within minutes. It’s comfort and countryside side by side — exactly what you want from a short winter break.
Our room for the night (room 6)
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. All the staff were friendly, the service was fantastic, and as a family travelling with a baby, we instantly felt looked after. Our little Ivy had everything she needed, from a travel cot in the room to a highchair waiting at breakfast. It made our stay feel easy and stress-free — a huge win for any parent. She slept literally like a baby too, so we know she felt comfortable.
Ivy loving the hotels Christmas tree
Where the Forest Adventure Begins
The New Forest spreads out from the hotel’s doorstep like an invitation. You can wander through ancient woodland, spot ponies at the roadside, or simply enjoy the fresh air as you stroll along quiet paths. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a casual walker, or a family looking for gentle outdoor adventures, this area has something for everyone.
Sundays Hike
Festive Forest Feels
Visiting during the festive season adds an extra layer of charm.
Ivy and Daddy enjoying the Christmas displays
During our stay, we enjoyed the Christmas light switch-on in Lyndhurst. A couple of mulled wines and a firework display later, we headed to The Forage for a delicious wood-fired pizza and Ivy’s favourite – Spaghetti bolognese! The ideal comfort food for a winter evening and the staff were very attentive. Back at the hotel, we wrapped up the night with a hot drink and some quiet time — simple, cosy, and exactly what we needed before the busy Christmas rush. We even watch The Snowman in bed with Ivy and seeing her little face filled with excitement was precious.
If December tends to feel frantic, this is the kind of escape that helps you reset. Mornings at Ormonde House start slowly, with spot-on coffee and a hearty breakfast to ease you into the day. Even with a baby in tow, everything felt calm and manageable.
Photo credit – Ormonde House Hotel
Afternoons can be spent exploring the forest, browsing local shops, or dipping in and out of festive events. Evenings are peaceful — relax with a drink in the hotel bar, a perfect chance to unwind before heading back into the whirlwind of the holidays.
It’s a getaway that reminds you how important it is to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with yourself.
A Reason to Return
After a relaxed wintery morning, I joined the winter launch of New Forest Hikes — a guided walk that now runs regularly from the hotel. Starting and ending right at the front door, it’s an ideal activity for anyone wanting to explore the forest more deeply.
Sundays hike
Our guide, Amy, was brilliant. She knows the New Forest so well and took us along routes we never would’ve found on our own. Her passion for the area — and her fascinating backstory — made the experience even more memorable. If you’re staying at the hotel when one of her hikes is running, I’d highly recommend joining.
With the staff’s kindness, the hotel’s comfort, the AMAZING post hike cake and coffee and the surrounding forest’s charm, we left feeling refreshed and already talking about the next hike on the 14th of December.
Stay Connected & Book Smart
Call to book directly – 📞 Ormonde House Hotel: 023 8028 2806
If you’d like to keep up with upcoming forest events, future guided hikes, and latest offers, be sure to follow both New Forest Hikes and Ormonde House Hotel on Instagram. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop — and to benefit from any exclusive offers available when booking directly through the hotel.
The hotel are also running a Giveaway! Follow the link below to enter 👇
If your family is craving fresh air, open space, and a break from screens, the New Forest National Park delivers all of it—without needing a complicated itinerary. With ancient woodlands, wide-open heathlands, and its famously free-roaming ponies, it’s an easy place to breathe deeper and slow down.
We’re lucky enough to live here and enjoy the national park every day. But I wanted to share a little insight with readers farther afield, so you can add the New Forest to your bucket list and hopefully love it as much as we do.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit the New Forest
1. The Free-Roaming Wildlife
Ponies, donkeys, cattle, and even pigs wander freely through the forest and villages. They’re an iconic part of the landscape and a huge highlight for visitors of all ages. (Important: Admire them, photograph them, appreciate them—but don’t touch or feed them. They are genuinely wild animals and should stay that way.)
2. Family-Friendly Cycling and Walking Routes
Miles of flat, accessible trails make the New Forest great for young children, pushchairs, bikes, and even tired adults who didn’t realise “short walk” could mean 40 minutes (or 4 hours if you’re with me 🤣). The scenery changes often, keeping everyone engaged.
3. A Calm, Unhurried Atmosphere
Unlike many busy tourist hotspots, the New Forest has a gentle pace. Villages feel authentic rather than overly curated, and even popular areas have quiet corners. It’s ideal for families who want space without crowds.
4. A Strong Sense of History and Identity
Despite its name, the New Forest is almost a thousand years old. Established in 1079 by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground, it has evolved into one of the UK’s most treasured natural landscapes. That long history is woven into everything you see—ancient woodland, traditional commoning practices, and villages that still echo the past. You can feel it in the landscape and the way people and wildlife coexist. Sharing a few fun history facts as you explore can also make your visit more engaging and educational for kids.
5. The Wellbeing Boost
Being surrounded by nature has a real impact: reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, and peaceful moments for the whole family. Children settle into the environment quickly, and adults benefit just as much. It’s a simple but powerful reset.
Why the New Forest Works So Well for Families
Families love the New Forest because it’s easy to enjoy without strict plans. There’s plenty of open space, safe paths, and endless opportunities to explore at your own pace. It offers variety without overwhelm and calm without boredom.
How Nature Supports a Better Lifestyle
Outdoor time naturally encourages slower thinking and calmer living. The forest has a way of quieting mental noise and grounding you in the moment—something many of us don’t experience enough in daily life. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or sitting beneath a tree, the shift in mindset is noticeable.
A Relaxed Escape With Lasting Benefits
The New Forest isn’t about flashy attractions. Its magic lies in its landscapes, wildlife, and the chance it gives families to reconnect with nature—and each other. Bring comfortable shoes, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to slow down.
The forest will take care of the rest. 🌲✨️
Look out for my upcoming blog posts where I’ll be sharing my favourite places to visit and the best spots to stay within the New Forest National Park. Whether you’re planning a family adventure or simply need a peaceful break, there’s plenty more inspiration on the way!
If you struggle with quick go-to meals for your little ones, then let me help you out. These egg bites are easy, healthy, and perfect for days when you don’t have much time to prepare anything. It can be tough squeezing so many tasks into one day, and making a batch of these honestly makes my life so much easier.
You’ll Need:
🔸️Silicone muffin cups or tray 🔸️1 egg per silicone cup 🔸️Cottage cheese (optional but adds extra protein) 🔸️Grated cheese 🔸️Finely chopped veggies (peppers, spinach, mushrooms, etc.) 🔸️Optional: diced ham, herbs, cooked sausage (omit salt for babies under 1)
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Prep your silicone cups Lightly grease if you want easy removal. 2. Add 1 egg to each cup Crack one egg directly into each silicone cup. Whisk each egg lightly with a fork right in the cup. 3. Add cottage cheese Add a spoonful of cottage cheese to each cup and give a quick mix. 4. Add your fillings (mix after each addition) Into each cup, add: Finely chopped veggies Grated cheese Optional ham or other extras 5. Fill to about ¾ full Everything together should come to around three-quarters of the cup.
🔥 Cooking options:
Air Fryer 200°C for 10 minutes Check at 8 minutes—air fryers can vary. Oven 180°C / 350°F for 15–20 minutes Bake until the centres are fully set.
❄️ Let them stand to cool Leave the egg bites to cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the cups. They firm up nicely and cool to a baby-safe temperature.
🧊 Storage Store the egg bites in a sealed tub or container in the fridge. Use within 3 days.
👶 Baby-Friendly Notes Suitable from 6 months+ Soft, fluffy, and easy to pull apart Serve warm or cold
I hope these little egg bites make your busy days just that bit easier. They’re quick, healthy, and a lifesaver when you need something nutritious on the table fast. Give them a try and enjoy!
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After birthing a child, you get so wrapped up in the depths of new motherhood that it’s easy to lose yourself. Your boobs are leaking, you’re crying at Instagram reels, your clothes don’t feel right, and your hair’s whisping all over the place. You start to drift into the vast plains of parenting, unsure where you belong now. You’re overflowing with love and joy — yet there’s this quiet ache, this subtle mourning for the woman you used to be.
It’s confusing, isn’t it? How something so pure and magical can coexist with this tiny thread of sadness. You love your baby with every fibre of your being, but you also miss you — the spontaneous you, the confident you, the you who wandered freely.
I was lucky enough for my baby blues to pass quite quickly. I truly believe that years of self-reflection and healing helped pull me out of a potentially dark place early on. Knowing what would bring me back to myself wasn’t just helpful — it was an essential survival tool. And I’ll be forever grateful to my past self for doing the work before my second bubba arrived.
Because here’s the truth: finding yourself again after motherhood isn’t some big cinematic moment. There’s no movie montage where you rediscover your “old self” while the music swells and everything falls into place. It’s quieter than that. Slower. More like a gentle remembering.
For me, it started with movement. Nothing fancy — just slow walks outside, one foot in front of the other, usually with the baby strapped to my chest. Feeling the sunshine on my face, listening to the trees whisper in the wind… those tiny moments were breadcrumbs leading me home. Nature truly heals, tell me I’m wrong.
Then came the baby steps (pun intended). Dusting off the yoga mat and stretching deeply in ways I couldn’t while pregnant. Being kind to myself. Drinking more water than I thought humanly possible and fuelling my body with real, nourishing food. Using snippets of time to do small things that spoke to my soul — a hot bath, a little home pamper, or a good old wardrobe clear-out. A reset.
And then… I started to wake up.
Probably because dancing to drum and bass in the kitchen at 7 a.m. shook something loose in my soul and reminded me I was not small — I was BIG. I remembered who I was: the chatterbox, the bouncy ball of weirdness, the loving, feels-too-much, loves-too-hard, wonderful human with a lust for life and everything in it. I was a mum, yes — not a regular mum, a cool mum (IYKYK), but I was also a human being, navigating life on this floating rock in space that we call Earth.
And let’s talk about support — because having a partner who actually shows up makes a world of difference. I’m lucky enough to have someone who lets me be my messy, emotional, beautifully exhausted self without judgment. Letting me ugly cry for no reason and then passing me a plate of food is top tier relationship goals (just saying). Not everyone has that, and it breaks my heart that some mothers walk this road feeling alone — I did once.
But I do believe finding someone — whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a parent, or another mum who just gets it — is essential. Someone you can rely on, who makes you feel seen, who reminds you that you’re still you beneath the motherhood.
Because that’s the real magic of it all — realising you’re not trying to get “back” to who you were. You’re meeting a new version of yourself: softer yet stronger, stretched in every sense, but somehow more whole. Never apologise for who you are or who you are becoming. We change and grow with every season in life. If you resurface as a different you after becoming a mum, that’s ok! You might find a different you, a better you. Just as long as you feel comfortable and happy in your own skin, that’s all that matters. Stay true to yourself. It doesn’t have to make sense. None of it does. You just have to remember that every day is a new day and you’ll find yourself along the way.
So if you’re somewhere in that hazy fog, trying to remember who you are beneath the nappies, the sore body, the cold coffee, and the emotional rollercoaster that is motherhood — just know this: she’s still there. You’re still there. You’ll find her again — one home-cooked meal, one walk in the sunshine, one filthy drum and bass track, and one honest cry at a time.
Taking care of yourself can easily slip to the bottom of the list when you have children. There’s always something — or someone — that comes before you. And while you don’t resent that, it can leave you craving a little time for yourself. That craving can become all-consuming, and you find yourself daydreaming about something as simple as going to the toilet or having a bath in peace, or wandering the supermarket alone without a small person asking for something they can’t have.
Those daydreams sound ridiculous, right? But not to a mum in desperate need of a break. The truth is, sometimes in life, we don’t get breaks. It’s continuous, and all you can do is ride the wave.
But here’s the thing — you can shift that. It’s a common misconception that self-care requires time and money. It doesn’t have to be a holiday or a spa day. It can be small moments sprinkled throughout your day — glimmers that remind you to breathe, be present, and remember that you matter too.
This can look like:
✨ Enjoying a hot coffee
✨️ Stretching your body
✨ Lighting a candle
✨️ Slapping on a facemask
✨ Taking a long, steamy bath
✨ Ordering those vitamins
✨️ Burning some insence
✨ Curling up with a good book
✨ Walking in nature
✨ Getting your nails done
✨ Laughing with a friend
✨ Dancing in your kitchen
✨ Cooking yourself a meal
These small moments, practiced regularly, can ease that longing for something bigger. Don’t get me wrong — those big breaks, real time-outs, are glorious. But sometimes they’re just not feasible. And that’s okay. The little moments add up. They create a happier, calmer version of you — one that isn’t selfish, just mindful of your own needs.
The worst thing you can do is tell yourself you don’t have time (we all do it!). But you can find time for yourself — even in the busiest days. When the children go to bed, while they’re playing independently, or when they’re eating breakfast. If you can find time to clean, fold washing, or scroll on your phone, you can definitely carve out a few minutes for you. Those moments matter more than you think.
You’re also showing your children the importance of self-care — teaching them how to show up for themselves, even during the busiest seasons of life.
So next time you feel like you need a time out, step away. Find something that makes you smile. Have that coffee — and drink it hot. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Cook that steak, nourish your body, treat yourself, and remember who the fuck you are.
Mindfulness — it’s a word that’s become pretty trendy lately, right?
It seems like there’s a bit of a stigma around calling yourself a mindful person these days. As if saying you’re a mindful mother (or parent) means people expect you to bake only organic goods, wear dungarees, have an allotment (I actually did have one once 🤣), and never drop the F-bomb or enjoy a few too many glasses of wine.
I’m here to tell you — that’s a load of crap.
So, What Is Mindfulness, Really?
Photo credit – Google
At its core, mindfulness is simply about being aware — noticing what’s happening inside and around you without judgment. And that’s something anyone can do with practice.
The kids have dropped food all over the floor, everyone’s screaming and overstimulated? Take a deep breath and remind yourself: we’re all just tiny humans living on a floating rock in space. That’s mindfulness.
Chasing your kids through the forest, covered in mud, trying to stop your youngest from eating rocks — then taking a moment to stop, look around, breathe in the fresh air, and feel grateful for the beauty around you. That’s mindfulness.
Taking time out for yourself — whether it’s yoga, the gym, a walk in nature, dinner with friends, or even a Netflix binge in your pajamas with snacks — and allowing yourself to reconnect and unwind. That’s mindfulness too.
How to Practice Mindfulness
There are so many ways to bring mindfulness into your day, but it often starts with something as simple as pausing in a moment of overwhelm.
Take a breath.
Meet whatever’s happening with steadiness and kindness.
Doing this regularly helps rewire your brain, creating new neural pathways that make it easier to stay grounded and aware of your emotions.
Whatever you’re feeling — anger, sadness, joy, gratitude — let yourself feel it. All of it. Feeling is what makes us human.
Nobody’s Perfect
And let’s be real — nobody gets it right all the time. I certainly don’t! My mindfulness practice escapes me sometimes. I get angry. I shout. I cry. Sometimes I go inward and struggle to express myself.
But those moments are exactly when I realise I need a time out — a mindful pause — a break from my thoughts. I take a step back, breathe, reevaluate, and try to meet whatever I’m feeling with patience and understanding.
A Final Thought
If the idea of mindfulness feels a bit unrealistic or even frustrating, that’s okay. It can sound like one more thing to add to an already overflowing plate — especially as a parent.
But mindfulness isn’t about perfection or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about giving yourself a little space to breathe, reflect, and approach your day with a clearer mind and softer heart.
So next time things feel chaotic, take a mindful moment for yourself.
Pause.
Breathe.
And remember — you don’t need to be perfect to be present. 🙏✨️
I don’t know about you, but deciding what to have for dinner every single day can be tedious. Don’t get me wrong — I love cooking. Feeding people has always been a kind of therapeutic practice for me. There’s something so fulfilling about putting love into food and watching it put smiles on faces.
But when you’re in the midst of a crazy busy week — juggling work, school runs, laundry mountains, and a never-ending to-do list — cooking can stop feeling like therapy and start feeling like just another chore.
Let’s be honest: time and parenting go together about as well as toddlers and white sofas. Between packed schedules and the nightly “what’s for dinner?” interrogation, the idea of calmly preparing a wholesome meal can feel like a fairytale.
Enter the slow cooker — the unsung hero of family life and the best friend of anyone trying to keep the weekly shop on budget. You throw in a few ingredients before the day begins (or the night before), and by the time you’re home, your house smells like comfort. It’s basically culinary witchcraft, minus the cauldron — and bonus points, it’s cheaper than a takeaway (and healthier).
Why the Slow Cooker Is Every Parent’s Secret Weapon
Less decision fatigue. Dinner’s sorted before breakfast is over.
One pot, minimal mess. Because who has time for a sink full of dishes?
Budget brilliance. Cheaper cuts, tins, and cupboard staples become hearty family favourites.
Family togetherness. Dinner’s ready, the table’s set (well, mostly), and everyone can actually eat together — screens off.
So dust off that slow cooker and let’s dive into three recipes (beef, mince, and chicken) that busy, budget-savvy parents will love.
This is the kind of recipe that makes your home smell like a hug. Tender beef, soft carrots, herbs, and a gravy so rich it feels like a reward for surviving another weekday.
Why parents love it:
Works perfectly with affordable cuts (braising or stewing beef).
Feeds a crowd — and leftovers freeze beautifully.
Sneak in any veg you like — picky eaters rarely notice!
Parent hack: Make double and freeze half for next week’s “I can’t even” day.
Photo credit BBC Food
2. Slow Cooker Chilli con Carne (The Family Favourite)
This one’s a total lifesaver: hearty, filling, and adaptable for the whole family. Mild for the kids (unless they like the heat, mine do!), spicy for the grown-ups — and it tastes even better the next day.
Why it’s brilliant:
Uses store-cupboard staples and inexpensive mince.
Makes enough for lunchboxes or leftovers.
Serve with some grated cheese, sour cream and nachos, if you’re feeling fancy!
The name says it all — creamy, dreamy, and just romantic enough that you might fall in love (with your dinner). This BBC Good Food favourite is usually made on the hob, but it adapts beautifully to a slow cooker for hands-free comfort.
Why it’s perfect for parents:
Rich in taste, costs little.
Chicken thighs or breasts both work.
The sauce clings to pasta like a culinary love story.
Serving tip: Add spinach for extra colour and nutrients (bonus points if your kids don’t pick it out).
No slow cooker? No problem! Here are three budget-friendly options that will have you slow-cooking like a pro in no time:
Recipe or not, it always seems to turn out well! (For me anyway… I’m not sure my partner would say the same!) The slow cooker is wonderfully forgiving. Leftover veg, a random tin of beans, a forgotten chicken breast — toss them in, add some seasoning, and let it work its magic. Dinner’s served, and your creativity gets a pat on the back.
Slow Cooker Success Tips for Busy, Budget-Savvy Parents
Prep ahead. Chop and measure the night before.
Use cheaper cuts. Chicken thighs, beef shin, or turkey mince — all perfect.
Don’t overfill. Leave space for simmering magic.
Batch cook and freeze. One effort, three future dinners.
Shop smart. Frozen veg and tins work wonders.
Eat together. Even if it’s noisy, messy, or someone’s still in uniform — it counts.
The slow cooker doesn’t just save time; it saves money, energy, and your sanity. It turns affordable ingredients into meals that feel like home — and gives you the one thing we all crave most: a quiet moment to breathe (and maybe even sit down).
Final Thoughts
With winter creeping in, there’s no better time to let your slow cooker shine. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and basically the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Toss in your ingredients, press a button, and let dinner take care of itself — because, let’s face it, you’ve earned it!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!
Parenting is a wild, wonderful adventure. Some days are sprinkled with laughter, messy kisses, spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen, and stories that get sillier with every retelling. Some days feel like trying to wrangle a tornado of tiny humans, snacks, and runaway socks — but still full of joy, in the best possible way.
Amidst all this delightful chaos, every parent deserves a little pause — a tiny, warm escape where you can take a breath, reconnect with yourself, and just be. Enter the sauna: your hot and blissful hideaway.
Whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, or the lucky adult in charge of bedtime, caring for children is full of moments that make your heart soar. But even the most joyful adventures can leave you a little tired, a little achy, or a little frazzled.
Saunas are a place to slow down, let the day melt away, and reconnect with yourself — a gentle reminder that you CAN put yourself first, it’s not a crime. Self care is vital.
What a Sauna Does (and Why Families Love It)
Step into the warmth, and instantly… ahhhh. Your muscles sigh, your circulation perks up, and those happy little endorphins start doing a tiny dance.
You’ll sweat, yes — but the good kind of sweat. The kind that makes you feel like you’re melting away the little stresses and carrying the lightness of the day ahead with you.
Here’s what that heat brings to busy parents:
Stress relief: Press pause on the endless planning and enjoy a rare moment of stillness.
Better sleep: Even if little humans wake you at 2 a.m., the sleep you do get is deeper and more restorative.
Muscle and joint relief: From carrying children to squatting up and down all day, picking toys and clothes up off the floor — the warmth eases and restores tired muscles.
Energy boost: Circulation improves, your body feels lighter, and you step back into life with renewed sparkle.
Skin glow: Sweating flushes out impurities, leaving you with that fresh, radiant glow that says, “I’ve got this — mostly.”
Immune boost: The heat gently strengthens your immune system — perfect for parents constantly surrounded by coughs, colds, and the dreaded ‘back to school germs’.
Beaulieu River (yoga retreat) – 📷 my own
Family time
If your children are older – why not visit a sauna together? It could be incredibly beneficial for you all. Taking that time to unwind together and create space for conversation all while improving your health and well-being, sounds like a great example to set for future generations.
Quick Reality Check
Pregnant? Skip the sauna for now — high heat isn’t safe during pregnancy.
Health conditions? Check with your GP before using a sauna.
Hydration: Keep sipping that water! Nobody wants to be dehydrated!
Croyde Bay – 📷 my own
My Favourite Saunas
Now, full honesty: saunas themselves aren’t for everyone — but views? They’re irresistible.
I’ve visited saunas across the country, and the scenery always adds something extra to the experience. Some of my favourites include Croyde Bay, where the coastal air meets the heat perfectly, and The Lime Wood Hotel, where you can unwind while looking out over serene forest views.
Closer to home – Solace Sauna on Lepe Beach is my happy place. With wood-fired heat, Bailey’s warm welcome, and the forest and sea stretching out around you, it’s a place where you can laugh, exhale, and remember who you are!
What really sets Solace Sauna apart is the attention to detail. The little sauna hats keep your head cool in the heat, and the traditional whisking practice is a rejuvenating ritual that boosts circulation and enhances the experience. (Follow Solace Sauna on Instagram!)
Beyond the sauna itself, Solace Sauna feels like part of a wonderful local community focused on wellness and connection — a place where people come together, recharge, and share the experience.
“Many families visit Solace Sauna to spend quality time together. In today’s socioeconomic climate and technology driven culture, sauna offers an accessible way for families to connect with each-other and nature year-round while experiencing the physical, mental, and social benefits of contrast therapy. In just an hour, you can feel completely reset and help regulate your nervous system. Be that with your family, or having a mindful break from the kids”
“I have regular families who come to celebrate birthdays, spend time together, and activity to do away from screens and an outdoor activity all year round – winter dosent mean you have to stay in with the kids.”
Here’s what works for me: I book ahead and pay upfront. That way, there’s no backing out — and I’m guaranteed my little window of peace.
Even half an hour or an hour of sauna time can feel like a mini-vacation — a pause filled with calming heat and lightness — the perfect antidote to a busy family life.
So…
Next time life is filled with tiny hands, big imaginations, and spontaneous dance-offs in the living room that leave you slightly jaded, remember: a sauna isn’t just heat.
It’s your pause button. Your secret hiding spot. Your little bubble of calm and wonder.
Because even parents who can do it all deserve a moment to sparkle — and maybe a little warm indulgence too. ✨️🔥🍃
When you’re thrown into the depths of life itself, it can feel as though an invisible force is dragging you down. Deep beneath the surface—where the light once sparkled—you find yourself in the hollow of darkness. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a heartbreak, financial struggles, or that familiar feeling of loneliness and hopelessness, most of us have been there to some extent.
Pulling yourself out of that all-consuming hole—the kind that makes the world feel unbearable—is no small feat. It’s something to be deeply proud of.
Once upon a time (and not in a fairy tale sort of way), I was a single mum with not a penny to my name and no place to call home. Life wasn’t exactly handing out gold stars. But I had a choice: stay down there, or claw my way up. So, I did what any determined, slightly sleep-deprived mum would do—I got to work.
I found a job. Then a place to live. I enrolled in a degree. I even started my own business. Somewhere along the way, I found my purpose, my flow—and, most importantly, myself. I kept going, eyes forward, heart focused. My life and my child became my North Star.
Don’t get me wrong, distractions came at me from every possible direction—some tempting, some not so much. But whenever I got lost, I rerouted (sometimes with a few tears). And somehow, I made it. I climbed out of the darkness and let the light back in.
Every hardship shaped me into who I am today and led me to this place of peace and happiness. Now, I have the space to express myself and be unapologetically me.
I am brave. I am strong. And I am proud to still be standing after being swallowed by the black abyss of life—and honestly, I think that deserves a bit of a standing ovation (or at least a decent glass of wine).
Mamas life adventures 