I genuinely think that 2015 was the year that I learnt the most in my whole life and perhaps, dare I say it even, grew “up”. I’d gotten over the bleary, sleep-deprived, puppy love experience of having a newborn and constant comparing and conferring with other new mums about the amount my baby was sleeping / crying / feeding / pooping and started to discover my mothering style and in turn discover who I now was as a wife, mother, daughter, friend and woman. Sure, there were ups and downs but things seemed more stable, and in turn more beautiful. Maternity leave was a joy, we went backpacking around South Africa, Jack turned 1, I returned back to the my job four days a week, Summer came and went, I turned 30 – a big and happy milestone for me, I fell pregnant again (yikes!) and Christmas and New Year have been ahaze with sofa, movies and carbs whilst Jack is making us laugh out loud every day and turning into the most awesome boy.

But there is a lot of growing to do still (there always is, right?) so based mainly on listening to others, because I think quite simply that is how you *really* learn about yourself warts and all, here are my 10 Intentions for 2016:

1. Don’t compete, complement: As a parent, it’s easy to think that one person is “doing” more to contribute to the puzzle of life than the other (even if the puzzle of life is just about getting everyone out the house). However, I have learnt that by giving more to a situation (you being the one to get out of bed) you actually get more back (a longer lie in the next day – unless you have a partner who really takes the biscuit) so basic as it sounds, I want to strive even further to work as a team to make us an even stronger and happier unit.

2. Appreciation: Everyone loves a kind word or gesture whether that’s a handwritten card in the post or just being told how good a job they are doing. I don’t think I currently do enough of a good job on this front so…colleagues if you’re reading this, expect more cups of tea and Sam, my husband, you rock my world.

3. Don’t compare myself with anyone else. It’s a real killer, and so counter-productive. Everyones’ situation and reality is entirely different and we know that, so why bother comparing? It’s a total waste of time and emotion.

4. Keep a lid on the drama: Bringing unnecessary drama to a situation is something I hate, and yet I find myself doing it from time to time (usually when I am underslept or pregnant!) I know it’s more than likely just my hormones having a bit of a rave inside of me but I want to make sure I cut this out entirely for 2016 or at least, know when it’s happening and control it.

5. Scroll less, stare more: Working on a screen is one thing but mindless scrolling of social media (Facebook especially) actually feels wrong. When I have a spare minute or two I am going to resolve to just be in the moment, to not pull out my phone to begin peeking at other peoples’ lives but to just sit with the time and enjoy it. Not only is it relaxing but it actually serves to empty the mind (as opposed to Facebook checking, which is purely cluttering the mind) Every Friday we now have a ritual whereby we are screen-free all evening (trust me, it’s harder than it sounds, unfortunately). But the result is quite beautiful. I just find myself staring at Jack as he plays with his trains and really watching how he pushes the little choo choo train back and forth on a piece of track giving myself a feeling of warmth and immense satisfaction that he is enjoying his Christmas gift instead of mindlessly flicking through social media as I may have done on another night. Sam and I get into bed, read the papers and have early, cosy nights. It’s bliss.

6. Focus on my blog: This blog brings me a lot of contentment, but to date I’ve not been good at scheduling my content and generally prioritising it. I really want this to change this year and hope to push myself to the next level with Mamalina. Watch this space, folks and thank you so much for all your support up to this point.

7. Challenge myself in new ways: Last year I taught myself movie editing and this year I really want to step it up and learn more sophisticated editing to up my game on that front. Any ideas for where to start much appreciated!

8. Carve out me time: I think women can be particularly bad at this somehow always letting something or someone else (normally the kiddo) get in the way. But I have learnt if you really carve it out, it is possible and your nails can actually get filed and painted and you can get that half an hours of yoga in.

9. Spend time with older people in the family. I have untold amount of respect for older people, I love hearing their stories of relatives now long gone and love stories unfolding at underground parties during the Blitz. I resolve to spend more time with the older generation this year and in turn bring each other happiness.

10. Write more: Yes I use this blog as a sort of journal but I can’t help but think that “this” is not fully real and that one day it will ultimately be lost in the ether. I have a diary for Jack which I write in infrequently but I want to ensure I remain close to it and actually put pen to paper at least a few times a month.

So that’s it. My 10 intentions for the year 2016 to keep my mind healthy and happy. I’d love to hear what yours are and if we have any of the same so pop me a comment below. Thanks for reading and have a great day 🙂

Now that I’m a mama, time is so much scarcer and the thought of buying gifts for everyone these days actually makes me slightly antsy (anyone else?) Gift guides make me genuinely happy and have given me so much inspiration so I thought I’d do my own. I’ve kept it simple and picked three items ‘For Him’, ‘For Her’ and ‘For Little Ones.’ (toddler age specifically) Hope you enjoy it and remember to get your orders in quick – not too long to go now til the big 25 and remember you will need to allow time for shipping.

FOR HIM:

There’s something a bit special about Dr Bronners. Not only is it an organic brand with absolutely no synthetics and a beautiful family history behind it, but the quality and packaging really conveys an occasion to me. This male grooming set in peppermint is no exception and will make any man in your life the envy of the changing room.

FOR HER:

Not only do Bloom and Wild do the most beautiful blooms that seem to last for an eternity (wahoo!), they now also offer gift boxes that just like their flowers, fit through the letterbox meaning no pesky trip to the post office. This box, the Dorchester, has to be my fave. Filled with alpaca bed socks, Jasmine scented bath salts, the perfect travel candle, a Turkish towel and the most divine sea salt and honeycomb day chocolate, it really is the ultimate in luxury.

FOR HER:

Idan Oil is probably my favorite beauty discovery of 2015. Made by the gorgeous Liha, this oil which I use as perfume and a bath oil, is made from natural cold pressed coconut oil into which a Tuberose flower has been immersed. Sound wonderful? That’s because it is. The smell has me all giddy, and if I’m feeling really lavish, I use it as a moisturising oil.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES:

Little Goldie is a new discovery but this online kids boutique has just well, got it right. Handmade in London, this wooden kitchen (yes, I’m all about the wooden toys) is the perfect addition to your little one’s playset and certainly looks classy enough for any adult kitchen. I love the mustard colour and the accessories are just as cute.

FOR HIM:

My hubby has grown an inexplicable interest in ale. I don’t even know the difference between beer and lager so adding ale into the picture has completely thrown me. Beer52 make it easy and offer packages whereby you receive different ales each month in the post. Simple and a bit different; I’m super excited to give Sam this one.

FOR HIM:

I heard about Dave Trott through work and although he is an advertising copywriter, the ideas in his latest book, One + One = Three, are equally applicable to writing a novel, making a film, launching product, managing a football team, making life changes…and umm, pretty much everything else you can think of. It is perfect for a man with a creative side and a head full of ideas.

FOR HER:

I have only recently stumbled across the gorgeous organic brand Ilia but their lip balm is proving to be a total godsend for the cold weather these days. It leaves my lips feeling soft and as if they’ve just had a beautiful kiss (the non sloppy, nourishing kind). Only problem is, I wish I had one for my handbag, changing bag, desk, car….Oh, and the packaging is sleek and totally divine.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES:

I’ve got a particular weakness for Asda wooden toys as I think they are great quality and reasonably priced, and they always seem to come fully assembled which is a big tick for me. This farm table which comes with a 15 piece farmyard and has a reversible table top is no exception and I reckon any toddler would love it.

FOR LITTLE ONES:

Sophie & co is a small company based in North London creating high quality, hand made pieces for the little people in your life. Products include sass pants, african sasspants, and uber cute bloomers. We absolutely love these trousers and will be getting multiple pairs over the years I imagine…

Thanks so much for reading folks and I do hope you may have found a bit of inspiration here. Happy holidays – may they be joyful and restful… <3

I’m writing this from the comfort of my friend’s sofa during one of our babysitting shares. There’s something strangely luxurious about sitting in someone else’s living room, their baby sleeping, enjoying their food (a huge bowl of pasta and pesto, naturally) and just having that rare moment to really reflect without distraction or guilt. It’s what I need to digest the last 24 hours which have been a total emotional rollercoaster.

I’m full of excitement and love and yet I am burdened with sadness and despair. For today we woke up to the news of the atrocities that took place in Paris (we caught it as it was unfolding last night but the true horrors only revealed themself this morning) and it’s just changed everything. This time the evil struck bigger, closer and more randomly than ever before in a horrifically planned attack. Paris is a city I once called home – I used to live just around the corner from the restaurant that was targeted, I have partied at the Bataclan, I have drunk in the streets and picnicked by the canal. Paris is weeping. And so am I.

But I need to be strong – not to stand up to terrorists and beat them, because we cant beat them, and we definitely cant beat them through more vioience. No, I need to be strong because today Sam and I had confirmation that we are bringing a new human being into this world. We watched as it lay in my womb – all 5cm of it – and squirmed a little when the radiologist prodded it. Jack watched on – this wasn’t Peppa Pig on the screen, but it was certainly something interesting. The relief I felt at seeing that image is indescribable and of course, I welled up as I threw glances between Sam, Jack and the screen whilst the obstetrician just kept asking me if I was ok? (Is it that weird to cry at the sight of your baby inside of you!?) My tears were also for Paris, and also for the refugees and their children and the circumstances they find themselves in and the crisis we and they are all going through. So yes, I feel like I’ve been crying a lot over the past 3 months and so this morning has been extra emotional.

One can’t help but think, what sort of world are we in anyway? When I look at Jack he is so pure and so beautiful, what can I tell him? What will I tell him? Is this now our reality? Why are we bringing more people in to this life, some might say. Is this what I feel? No. I refuse to believe that. I want to bring good people into this world, to educate and entertain them, and in turn have them spread love and laughter. That is the plan, and that is why this morning’s news fills me with happiness and pride.

So this post is dedicated to life – to celebrating it, mourning it and to living it.

Thanks for reading. Oh, and I made this 5 minute video about how I’ve been feeling the last three months and how I knew I was pregnant long before sticking any plastic white stick in my wee.

This time it feels different. It feels different because I’m pottering about with a naked person on the morning of my birthday, and that naked person isn’t my husband. It feels different because on the night of my birthday party, I am delighted to be in bed by midnight. It feels different because this year, it’s not really about me, it’s about us, and our journey.

I recently read an article over on the Pool (SUCH a great site) by Lauren Laverne on how having kids made her more efficient. I love this article, especially the part where she says  “Looking after a small baby is like rolling a huge boulder up a hill – simple, just bloody hard.” However, whereas Laverne talks of prioritizing what she works on, I find myself saying “yes” more and more often. I am embarking on new projects, not knowing where they will lead, surely knowing some will fail, but trying all the same. I am putting myself out to the universe and seeing what or who might want to talk back. (this blog you are reading now is a case in point)

Turning 30 has made me assess where I am, the kind of person I am and where I want to be. And time and time again, now that I’ve started a family with my number one, now that I am stable, the theme of living free and having adventures all together comes up. Call it an early mid life crisis, but turning 30 and becoming a mother makes me want to do more, learn more, give more, travel more and basically live more. I am addicted to travel blogs, to making things from scratch, reading about overseas current affairs.. but it doesn’t feel overwhelming like it may have done a few years back, it feels exciting and within reach.

So we will see where the next decade takes us but as we cruise, the bed will go unmade, the pottering will continue and the journey will surely evolve. All I know right now is that I feel younger than ever.

This post is dedicated to a very special person, Rebecca, my second cousin who lives on the other side of the world in Australia. She is one of the mothers out there who most inspires me  – check out her business and you’ll see just one of the reasons why. She made the beautiful spoon that features on the front of this blog post and she is insanely talented. Please go say hello.