As soon as October rolls around I start to troll the pages of pintrest looking for inspiration on how I can smash elf on the shelf out of the park this year. It is the third year that elf is with us and every year begins with such optimism and hope that I am going to be the pintrest-mom that I imagine myself to be.
I LOVE finding bargains on eBay and Ali Express to help you achieve your elf antics that the children get so excited about each morning. And to be fair I've got the first week of activities nailed. Advent calender's, Christmas shirt's and hanging upside down from the Christmas tree.
But that's where it ends. And for that I owe you an apology.
I do LOVE everything about you. And I am really good at Christmas. BUT I am really bad at you!
Back when you first arrived, I was 110% dedicated to the cause.
I had a notebook with the number 1 - 24 listed down the side. I had ideas penciled in every single night. I even created a pintrest board with at least 50 'back up ideas' in case I needed extra inspiration. But in all honesty, you did not get a pintrest perfect family - you got me.
I'm sorry that you were merely moved from shelf to shelf last year with no creativity put in at all. I'm sorry for all the late night texts to my partner to move the elf when he got home from work happened atleast six night's a week in the lead up to Christmas.
I'm sorry that you were stuck with a name like 'Chippie'and that your friends have cool names like 'sparkle and fairy floss'. While were here i'm sorry your friends have cool accessories, drive cool barbie car's and have nicer clothes.
But the truth is, you are an essential part of our Christmas. And the kids wouldn't have it any other way. Life may have become more hectic as we start the festivities with school aged kids now plus a few more but you elf - are here to stay.
The first thing the kids say in the morning is 'can I go find Chippie?!' followed by a cackle of laughter and it just reminds me that we may not be perfect but we are damn good enough.
Here's to another year of elf antics.
But it's important not to let ourselves get completely lost in the #mumlife trenches. Ive put together a list of ways in which we can change some of the every day things we do to help us feel better and more content.
FUEL YOURSELF NUTRITIONALLY AS WELL AS THE KIDS
How easy is it to make sure our kids aren't having junk food, they're eating their fruit and they always have some greens on their plate at dinner? It is like top priority! But do you find yourself grabbing an energy drink and chocolate bar on the way to school pick up?
I have noticed in my kids if they eat good food they behave so well. So we owe it to ourselves to give our bodies the same good stuff.
TAKE OFF THE PERFECTION STANDARD.
Let's be real - NO ONE is a perfect mum. We all forget our kids book bags every now and again and feel like we have failed them. But truth is were not perfect so don't be too hard on yourself if you find yourself falling short one day.
Also remember that that is a standard you have set for yourself. No one else is judging you on it. The class teacher wont be mad if you do forget that book bag - she will understand your human like the rest of us.
LOSE THE GUILT FOR SAYING NO
Probably one of the hardest things to do is learn to say no but once you do you will not regret it. We make sure that our kids don't over commit themselves and head down the one way street to a burnout so don't feel bad if you purely just don't want to do something.
Also in saying that don't feel like you have to make excuses. I am the worst for justifying it to everyone by saying 'no because such and such a is on' when in fact you don't owe it to anyone to justify a no!
EMBRACE HOBBIES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU
I have written many of posts in the past about how easy it is to lose your sense of self while being a mum and one of the things you need to do is remember who you are, what you love and what you stand for.
Do you like playing twilight netball? Do you like painting? Dancing? Whatever it may be find a group that has adult night classes and go for it! Doing something you love will increase those endorphins and leave you feeling supppper happy!
VALIDATE YOUR OWN FEELINGS
In my house i'm big on validating. If someone says something, especially one of the kids, we always make sure we validate that we heard what they're saying. Even if it's a 'that's good' when they're telling us the same story for the fourth time. Just like when they have a tantrum we acknowledge and validate that they are upset because of such and such.
Do the same to yourself. Are you feeling a bit down because you forgot that book bag? That's ok. Your allowed to feel that way. Once you have acknowledged it simply leave it and move on. Tomorrow is a new day.
I hope you have found something usefull in these tips.
Remember, you are important too mama!
Good morning beauties!
Happy Friday!
Have you ever wondered if mornings are just as chaotic in other people’s house trying to get out the door to school in time? I have! I love watching morning and evening routines on YouTube to see how other mums do it and I thought why not record ours.
This is what a typical morning would look like in our house in winter. Of course not every morning. Looks like this - some days we are up at five! If you want a daily recap of the day then make sure your following on Instagram. (@morethanmakeupx).
Enjoy the video below!
Happy Friday!
Have you ever wondered if mornings are just as chaotic in other people’s house trying to get out the door to school in time? I have! I love watching morning and evening routines on YouTube to see how other mums do it and I thought why not record ours.
This is what a typical morning would look like in our house in winter. Of course not every morning. Looks like this - some days we are up at five! If you want a daily recap of the day then make sure your following on Instagram. (@morethanmakeupx).
Enjoy the video below!
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