It’s a hard task being a modern day mum. It’s often a thankless task too. Time is generally of the essence- or lack thereof unless you work on a 24 schedule, which is often possible with the hours that some babies like to keep! At each different age your child’s needs change but yet they you find that most of your life is centred around that same one room- the kitchen! Its no wonder that they have become focus rooms in houses. Whether it be heating up bottles and washing them up, to making endless batches of purées to freeze in cubes to finger food through to toddler meals. Small portions of brain-growth-encouraging oily fish and fields of broccoli that get steamed only to be thrown on to the floor (along with all the rest of the lovingly slaved-over fayre!).
Having lived through some difficult stages and emerged alive (not triumphant, mind you) the other end one would think that I would have masses of useful advice. Well, I can’t say that I do although the most important and the advice that I find impossible to follow is to ‘relax’. Children don’t starve themselves. ‘They will eat when they are hungry’. Familiar words? I’ve read and heard them a million times over but if you are a control freak like me then my best bit of advice is get someone else to handle meals! I hope that doesn’t sound mean. I don’t intend it to. I love my gorgeous little boy so much that of course I want him to eat all his healthy food when and where I tell him. I have his best interests at heart. Have you tried telling that to a 17 month old? Does he listen? Of course not!
So, I’m going to throw a curveball here and say that my real advice is that ‘a tidy kitchen is a tidy mind’!
What I mean by that is being organised can help the most frustrated of control-freak mums. Having the right equipment and keeping tidy and hygienically clean. Being prepared. I have found much solace in controlling all the things around me in my oh so important kitchen when Alexander decided to do his own thing!
So, what would I recommend to help a modern mum in the kitchen? Click here to find out!!!! Happy cooking! Continue Reading
I’m on a bit of a health drive at the moment. Badly timed I know but nevertheless, much-needed. So, it was my good fortune that a box of tea landed on my doorstep yesterday courtesy of Bloom. Their teas have won awards and grace the shelves of Selfridges and Harvey Nichols-exactly where they belong in my opinion because not only are they excellent teas but they look good too!
In this day and age, everything has a status even the once humble ‘cuppa’. There have been many speciality teas over the years but Bloom look like they are supercharging the market. Their teas look good, taste good of course (none of that overpowering nonsense either, just ‘subtle and delicious’ as my sister put it having tried the lemon verbena and ginger root) and then they come in to their own; each masterfully blended 100% natural tea is packed full of anti-oxidants which boosts the immune system and protects against free radicals. So, you can sip away happy in the knowledge that you are giving you body a healthy boost.
They offer a ‘5 Step Tea Treatment plan’ which to you and me is basically a tea to accompany breakfast to energize and kick-start metabolism, a mid-morning tea to de-stress whilst you work, packed with jasmine, echinacea, green tea and rose petals, a delicious digestion tea with peppermint, fennel and aniseed for a post lunch cleanse, a Concentration tea to stave off that mid-afternoon lull we often feel and lastly, one of my favourites, the Relaxation tea made with rooibos, elderflowers, vanilla and liquorice.
Without sounding like an out-and-out advert for Bloom ( I wasn’t paid by the way but I only write about things that I truly like!) I just have to mention that they do a range of speciality teas; rare blends from their premium collection that can be found in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and also a beautifully packaged range of other functional teas; the Calming Chamomile ‘Ideal for Evening’ or the Zesty Hibiscus for breakfast. It’s always good to multi-task. Who has the time these days to add another element to their busy lives in a so-called hope of improving something? That’s what I like about Bloom. Their teas give me one less thing to worry about. When I sip my cup of tea and can feel just that little bit smug that I am doing something good!
I have a French au pair. You will know this is true because it’s ten to six in the evening and I am actually able to write this. My gorgeous son is next door in his room playing with Gaelle the au pair. Wonderwoman; not just any au pair. No, she comes with a degree in childcare, vast experience working in creches and a first aid certificate – get that! And, not only that, she is twenty-five, mature, quiet but not shy, goes out but not too much and loves my little boy as I do (well, almost!). I can practice my French with her and she’s teaching Alexander-his only word so far is ‘non’! I’m going to stop now to touch wood and also before I jinx us but suffice to say I’m happy and at last I feel a little normal. I have some time to do things!
About Me
Indulging a passion for perfection. Researching and reviewing luxury, family lifestyle.
Huffington Post blogger and freelance journalist.