Hello + Welcome!

come sit with me for a moment, I've been thinking…   What if the reason you are craving a softer way to live is not because something is wrong with you, but because something has adjusted within you? What if this pull towards slowing down, towards rest, towards creating space for yourself is simply a sign that survival mode is no longer your default setting?   Slowing down isn't always a choice, sometimes it is a response.   Maybe this season of your life is not asking you to do more, it is asking you to notice more. Notice how often you move through your days on autopilot. Or notice the guilt that sometimes comes with rest. There may be some resistance to this, and as a mother I get it, trust me. The endless to-dos and the internal pressure to “just keep going”.   But perhaps you can shift your perspective. Your mind, body and soul are asking for something different. Not less purpose, just more ease. Not giving up, just softening. Somewhere along the way, slowing down started to feel indulgent instead of necessary. And yet, your heart keeps whispering that there must be another way to live, one that feels more gentle, more intentional.   So consider this letter a pause, a deep breath.   A reminder that you don't have to earn your rest or justify your softness. You are allowed to move at a pace that feels nourishing. You are allowed to create a life that holds space for responsibility and tenderness. This is where we begin, by giving ourselves permission to slow down.   So if all you do today is slow your breath, place your hand over your heart and choose rest without explanation or guilt, that is enough. You don't have to have it all figured out or transform yourself overnight. This is not about becoming someone new, it is about coming home to yourself.   that's all for now, let's just sit here with it for a moment… Love, C. 

According to the Global Wellness Day Organization, wellness can be defined as an active process of becoming fully aware and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life, using the appropriate tools to make a you happier human being. With all the buzz around this lifestyle, the home is somewhat deemed unpopular, compared to mental and physical wellness. Odd right? [even though research shows that a healthy and happy home is vital for our overall well-being, and our personal environment has the power to influence our mood] So perhaps we should promote wellness in the home a little more. Without putting pressure on trying to define this concept, we can simply describe home wellness as the act of intentionally creating a healthy, nurturing space that supports you. A spiritual headquarters if you will, and this can be done in various ways.Eliminate Clutter Did you know that visual clutter can affect our anxiety levels, ability to focus and can generate more of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain? No, thanks! To combat this, put on some happy music and give your space a good clear out. This can double as a gentle exercise which releases endorphins [the happy hormone] to the brain, yay! Create Calm Spaces I love the fact that you can create your own oasis in the comfort of your home, for you and your family to enjoy. Colours, lighting and scent can largely determine our state of mind, so it is beneficial to consider relaxing tones, soft textures, warmer lights and soothing aromas to infuse your space with harmony and balance. Sounds super zen right? Bring The Outdoors InIs there a rise in popularity for indoor gardening? Yes, but we cannot deny its benefits. Nature affects us in powerful yet positive ways, so bringing plants and greenery into your home can stimulate and energise you, as well as boost your productivity. Design A Suitable Work Space Speaking of productivity, having a dedicated work space can help draw a line between your work and personal life. With deadlines to meet and personal goals to achieve, mixing both can increase one's stress levels which goes against the concept of home wellness. So, clearly define your work space, if possible near a window for natural light and air. In addition to all this, creating a healthy home means being commited to a new, improved way of living and to care for the space that cares for you. Talk soon, COSY.

Why go out when you can stay in? (such a homebody perspective right?). Not only would you be saving hours of getting dressed, but you’ll also be saving money too - it’s a win, WIN! When life gets a bit too much, one way to release tension is to have a GOOD LAUGH with the girlies! You’ll get to spend quality time with them and nurture your friendship because we all know how important our sister circle is - and it’s even better when there’s a little wine involved, right?  So let’s get into it!  .     .    . The first task is to pick the most convenient day. Everyone is busy with work, kids and life in general, so it can be tricky to get everyone on the same page. Talk the the girls, throw out some suggestions and choose the most suitable day. Pick a theme! - This is a fun way for your friends to express their creativity. I once saw someone host a girls night in and she asked her friends to come dressed in their favourite colour WITH same colour snacks to match their outfits - now that would make a cute picture moment! Speaking of pictures, get a Polaroid camera! These have certainly made a comeback and they make any setting look aesthetically pleasing. Also, if you are planning to have a phone-free evening, this would be a good way to capture all the moments. Encourage your friends bring a dish to share - now it doesn’t have to be a full spread, just a little somethin’ to avoid you being stuck in the kitchen all evening. Plan good games and activities - who doesn’t love fun competition? From painting to charades, it’s a fun way to get everyone engaged and laughing. You could even take it up a notch and have prizes for the winners! Lastly, MUSIC! Create a playlist that caters to your sister circle to give everyone an opportunity to vibe, shake off the day and MOVE!  .     .    . You’ll find that there might be a request for another ladies night in - so maybe start a group chat and ask your friends to bring ideas for the next one! Talk soon, COSY.

I know what you’re thinking, I don’t have TIME for that! I see you, I hear you, I FEEL you. Self-care overall is very essential and should be part of everyone’s weekly routine, but for mums, I believe self-care should be part of our DAILY routine. .     .    . Being a parent is probably one of if not THE most intense role there is. As a mother myself, I feel obliged to say ; if you have not scheduled in time for yourself, here is your firm, yet friendly reminder to do so. For a role that feels like one is moving at 100mph, making a conscious effort to slow down and somewhat temporarily ignore the every growing list of to-dos can be daunting - but mama, it’s necessary! .     .    . The beauty about this decision is, it’s entirely up to you! The only rule is that you must do what refuels you. SIMPLE. What is that thing that makes a busy day worth it? For me, it’s a warm shower, cosy pjs, a scented candle and a good book or evening jazz playing in the background. Now this might seem like a lot to some, but I’ve simplified this combination in a way that allows me to show up as my best self the following day. .     .    . We all know the famous quote “you can’t pour from an empty cup” - this has to be one of my favourite sayings. Not everyday works out exactly how we’ve planned it, but mama, giving yourself the gift or self-care whenever you’re able to, for as long as you can, will be extremely beneficial to your daily life, your children and your loved ones. Here are some tips I want you to try at your chosen time. Pick what you need and do it with the intention to relax; + 10 minutes of meditation + journaling your thoughts on paper + give yourself a facial + watch your favourite TV show (and laugh out, LOUD) + listen to a calm playlist or podcast. Talk soon,  COSY.

Welcome back to the journal, let’s get straight into it! Okay so the term “slow living” will definitely raise some brows which is why it is important to shed some light on it. Harriet Clifford defined this beautifully - and I quote, “the slow lifestyle advocates adopting a slower pace of life, consciously making an effort to be more present in the moment, and therefore living in a more balanced, meaningful and life-affirming way.” .     .    . I believe this practice started in the 80s but a lot of people have recently adopted aspects of this lifestyle after the pandemic. We live in an ever-evolving, fast paced world - which isn’t completely a bad thing because it shows progress, but it can have some unhealthy effects on our wellness such as stress and anxiety. .     .    . Shaking off the misconceptions about slow living being for sluggish, unproductive people, this lifestyle is more of a mindset shift that allows one to experience life to the fullest. Practices like living mindfully in self-awareness, dedicating the right amount of time to things that matter to us and embracing our journey regardless of societal pressures or timelines will afford us a more delightful life. .     .    . As a famous author once wrote “This isn’t a race with a start and finish line. This is slow, imperfect, intentional and evolving.” If you practise slow living or want a deeper insight to this lifestyle, I would love to hear your thoughts below. Talk soon, COSY.