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Simplified Mum Life

Nina A Spencer – Motherhood Mentor – Simplifying the every day for busy overwhelmed mums -Mum Of Twins Twice! Placenta Accreta Survivor, Mental Health Champion, On my own simple living Journey filled with adventure and travel . Embracing The Imperfectly, Chaotic moments of motherhood.
Health & Fitness

Creating a Hygge Home: Protecting Your Health This Winter

As the cold months set in, we’re all looking for ways to create a cosy, peaceful home that fosters calm. But did you know that your home’s lighting can play a huge role in your health, especially when it comes to winter wellbeing? We’re not just talking about setting up a comfy blanket fort or lighting a few candles (although that helps!). We’re talking about how we light our homes—and the impact it can have on our stress levels, mood, and sleep.

As busy mums, we juggle a lot, and winter’s darker days can often leave us feeling a bit off-kilter. Our focus this season should be about making our spaces as calming as possible, so we can recharge, reconnect, and protect our health. And here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s take a look at how simple adjustments to our environment—like hygge lighting—can help us feel our best. After all, this winter, we all deserve to feel cozy, calm, and ready to take on the season without burnout.

Why Lighting Matters

We’ve all been there: a late-night scroll through social media or catching up on emails after the kids have gone to bed. But did you know that the blue light from our screens can interfere with our body’s natural rhythms? Research shows that exposure to blue light especially at night can reduce melatonin levels, making it harder for us to get the restful sleep we need.

But here’s the good news: the remedy is simple and doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul. The answer is warm, cosy lighting.

“Soft light and candles create the perfect atmosphere for rest and reflection.”

By replacing bright, blue-toned lighting with warm, soft lighting—whether it’s through light bulbs or the flicker of a candle—you can start to feel a shift. Hygge lighting helps you signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, relax, and enjoy some self-care.

How Hygge Lighting Supports Your Wellbeing

In winter, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. This can leave us feeling drained, but lighting can help. Hygge is all about creating comfort, warmth, and a peaceful atmosphere, and lighting is one of the easiest ways to set the tone.

Here are a few simple ways to bring hygge lighting into your home:

  1. Switch to Warm Lights: Replace harsh, bright bulbs with warm, soft light. It mimics the warmth of daylight and helps signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
  2. Use Candles: Light a candle (non-toxic ones) (or a few!) after dinner to add warmth and create a soothing vibe.
  3. Turn on the diffuser: Diffusers often come with a light built in, set this to a warm tone and have some relaxing scents diffusing like “hygge” or lavender, camomile or ylang-ylang
  4. Dim the Lights in the Evening: Avoid bright overhead lights and go for softer lamps. Dimming your lights in the evening helps your body understand it’s time to prepare for sleep, especially when combined with a winding-down routine.
  5. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Try to avoid blue light before bed. Instead, read a book, do some journaling, or chat with your family over a cup of tea. Your mind will thank you!

“Lighting can transform the energy in your home. Make it calm, cosy, and reflective of the peace you want to bring into your life.”

Why It’s Important for Busy Mums

As mums, we often push ourselves to the limit—between work, school runs, running a household, and managing our own needs, it’s easy to forget that we deserve to feel good, too. Protecting our health isn’t about big changes; it’s about making simple, mindful choices that help us feel our best.

Creating a hygge environment with soft lighting is one of those small but impactful changes. When you allow yourself to slow down and enjoy the cosy moments, you’re not just enhancing your physical environment, you’re nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.

Winter Wellness Tips for Mums

Here are a few more easy tips to help you stay healthy, calm, and joyful this winter:

  • Get Plenty of Natural Light: Even in winter, try to get outside and soak up natural sunlight when you can. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm and improves your mood.
  • Create a Restful Evening Routine: Wind down in the evenings with relaxing activities like yoga, a warm bath, or a cosy cup of herbal tea.
  • Use Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, and cedarwood can help calm your mind and body. Use a diffuser or a rollerball for easy application.
  • Prioritize Sleep: With the holidays and winter routines, it can be easy to get out of your sleep routine. Prioritize quality sleep by keeping your bedroom dark and cool, and limit screen time an hour before bed.

Hygge Is About Embracing the Season

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but don’t forget to slow down and embrace the beauty of winter. Embrace the warmth of your home, the cosy lights, and the quiet moments that will help you recharge. By focusing on simple changes—like hygge lighting—you’ll create a space where both you and your family can thrive, both physically and emotionally.

“The best way to spread warmth and joy is to start with yourself.”

This winter, let’s focus on calm. Let’s create spaces that nurture our health, clarity, and joy. Hygge is all about feeling good, and you deserve it.

Nina x

If you’d like to learn more about how to simplify your life, bring more calm to your day, and nurture yourself with small habits, join me for a 1:1 Power Hour or stay tuned for my upcoming retreats where we’ll dive deeper into mindfulness, relaxation, and creating a more balanced, joyful life. 💫

Follow me on Instagram or leave me a more info below to find out more!

To read more about the effects of blue light take a look at this post by @pixelateddad

The Impact of Blue Light at Night and the Benefits of Warm Lighting
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Health & Fitness

Taking Time for Me While Home Educating: How to Find Balance as a Busy Mum.

Homeedding is amazing but let’s be real—it’s also a full-time commitment that can easily consume your time and energy. You might find yourself constantly putting your own needs on the back burner. But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty teapot. Taking time for yourself while home-educating is not a luxury—it’s essential.

I want to share how I balance home-educating, running a business and working a part-time job while carving out time for myself, even when it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Spoiler alert: it’s all about giving yourself permission to prioritise you.

Accept That You Deserve It

As mums, especially when we’re homeschooling, we tend to carry this invisible weight—always feeling like we need to be on, available, and giving every ounce of ourselves to our kids. But remember, you deserve time too. The first step is accepting that your well-being is just as important as the lesson plans and the science experiments and meet ups.

In fact, when you’re rested & calm, you’re a better teacher, a better parent, and a better version of yourself. For me, this was a hard lesson to learn, but it completely changed the way I approach my days.

Schedule Your “Me Time” Just Like the lessons and meet-ups.

Reading, real-world maths and those meet-ups are scheduled, right? So should your self-care. I started treating my self-care as a non-negotiable part of our daily rhythm. Whether it’s my morning moments, time to journal, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in peace, I slot it in like any other subject on our home ed agenda.

If you’re juggling multiple kids with different needs, especially in a neurodiverse household like mine, this can be tricky. But even micro-moments—like pausing for deep breaths or sneaking in 5 minutes of meditation—make a difference. discipline is key. You may not get an hour, but even 10 minutes of intentional time for yourself can reset your energy.

Involve Your Kids in Your Self-Care Rituals

One thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to involve your kids in your self-care practices. In fact, it can be a learning moment for them too! We sometimes do family meditation sessions or take nature walks together as part of P.E. Not only are these activities good for them, but they also give me the chance to recharge while spending time with my kids.

My kids have also come to recognize that when mummy is taking a few minutes to herself, it’s not just for fun—it’s because I need that time to be a better version of myself. Now, it’s not perfect (nothing in motherhood is!), but this little practice of leading by example is teaching them to value self-care for themselves too.

Let Go of Perfectionism

I used to feel guilty for wanting time for myself, thinking it would make me a “bad mum” if I wasn’t constantly available. But I realise that home edding doesn’t have to look like the perfect Insta-worthy scene every day. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go of perfectionism and embrace the messy, beautiful chaos that is motherhood is.

It’s okay if the kids spend an extra hour playing outside so you can grab a moment for yourself. It’s okay if the lesson plan gets pushed back by a day. Prioritising your mental and emotional well-being isn’t just allowed—it’s necessary.

Use Essential Oils for Quick Resets

One of my favourite quick resets during the day is using essential oils. A few drops of orange or peppermint can work wonders for my mood and energy levels. When the day feels overwhelming, and the noise level in the house hits a high, a simple whiff of a calming oil helps me breathe through the chaos. I even diffuse oils during the day to create a more calming, focused atmosphere for everyone.

Create a Simple Evening Wind-Down Ritual

After the chaos of the day—after the learning, the inevitable mess, and the emotional ups and downs—I’ve found that having a wind-down rhythm in the evening is essential for me and the kids. Whether it’s putting the diffuser on, using a bit of my favourite skincare, or reading a few pages of a book or watching a show I take this time to reflect and reset.

Ask for Help When You Need It

I know this can be tough, but it’s important to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or even hiring a babysitter for an hour or two, give yourself permission to ask for support. You’re not expected to do it all alone.

In our house, my husband takes the kids to give me some quiet time to myself. This simple routine has helped me recharge for the week ahead and helped us both value teamwork in our parenting journey.

You Matter Too

Home education is a beautiful way to spend time with our kids, to watch them grow, and to take charge of their learning. But that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. Remember, taking time for yourself is not just important—it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty teapot, and by filling your own, you’re able to pour so much more love, patience, and joy into your family.

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath, remember these tips, and remind yourself that you matter too. And when you take care of yourself, everything else tends to fall into place.

For more tips and real-life insights on finding balance as a homeschooling mum, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @ninaaspencer.

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Eco-Friendly

Embracing Sustainability with IKEA’s Live Lagom Program #ad

Embracing Sustainability with IKEA’s Live Lagom Program

As a busy mum of a large family, finding ways to simplify life and maintain balance is always a priority. When I was given the opportunity to participate in IKEA’s Live Lagom program, I jumped at the chance. This year-long initiative focuses on sustainability and making small changes that can have a big impact. So far, our family has delved into topics such as food storage, growing your own & combating food waste, and I’d like to share the start of the journey with you.

Introduction to the Live Lagom Program

Live Lagom, a Swedish phrase meaning “just the right amount,” is IKEA’s sustainability program that encourages participants to live a more balanced and sustainable life. In each session, we explore different aspects of sustainable living, from reducing waste to conserving energy. The program began with an introduction that gave us insight into Lagom and what we would be looking at through throughout the program & emphasizing that small, manageable changes can make a significant difference.

Combating Food Waste with Smart Storage Solutions

One of the first topics we tackled was food storage and waste reduction. With a large family, managing food effectively has been tough. The program provided us with practical tips and products from IKEA to help minimize food waste. Here are some strategies we’ve implemented:

  • Proper Food Storage: Using airtight containers and glass jars from IKEA, we’ve significantly reduced the amount of food that goes bad before we can use it. These containers not only keep our food fresh for longer but also make our fridge and pantry look neat and organized.
  • Meal Planning: We have been meal planning for a while as a family as meal times were always one of the hardest points of our day. This has helped us buy only what we need, reducing the likelihood of food spoiling before it’s eaten.
  • Leftover Love: We’ve become more creative with leftovers, turning them into new meals rather than letting them go to waste.

These simple changes have not only helped us reduce waste but also saved us money on our grocery bills.

Growing Our Own Food

Another exciting aspect of the Live Lagom program is the focus on growing our own food. As someone with an allotment, I’ve always liked getting stuck into gardening. This year, we are. growing strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and more. Here’s how growing our own food has benefited our family:

  • Cost Savings: Growing our own produce has significantly cut down our grocery expenses. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be pricey, but having them in our backyard makes them easily accessible and budget-friendly.
  • Healthy Eating: There’s something incredibly rewarding about eating food you’ve grown yourself. It’s fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. Our children also enjoy the process, which encourages them to eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Educational Experience: Gardening is a fantastic learning experience, especially for our home-ed kids. They’re involved in almost every step, from planting seeds to harvesting delicious crops. This hands-on approach teaches them about nature, responsibility, and sustainability.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Participating in the Live Lagom program has so far been an enlightening experience. It’s shown us that sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, thoughtful changes in our daily lives can lead to significant benefits for our family and the planet.

Our journey is far from over. Each session brings new insights and practices that we’re excited to incorporate into our lives. As we continue, I’ll be sharing more updates and tips on how you too can live a more sustainable and balanced life.

Simplifying Sustainability

Being part of IKEA’s Live Lagom program has reinforced the importance of sustainability in our daily lives. By making small, sustainable changes, we’ve been able to reduce waste, save money, and create a healthier environment for our family. Whether it’s through smarter food storage or growing our own produce, these practices are easy to adopt and have a lasting impact. I encourage everyone to take small steps towards sustainability and see the positive changes they can bring to your life and the world around you.

Stay tuned for more updates from our Live Lagom journey and join us in making a difference, one simple step at a time.

Take a deep breath, you’re doing amazing. Let’s simplify and prioritise what truly matters, together.

Nina x

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Mum Life

Finding Work-Life Balance: Tips and Tricks for Busy Mums

Finding Work-Life Balance: Tips and Tricks for Busy Mums

As a busy mum running a business or working a demanding job, achieving a work-life balance can seem like a far-off dream. The constant juggling of responsibilities can often lead to overwhelm and burnout. I’ve been there, trying to do it all, only to find myself exhausted and unable to appreciate the good things in my life. But I’ve discovered that creating a life we don’t need a break from is not only possible but incredibly beneficial. Here’s how you can achieve it and how working with me can help you simplify your mum life and reach your goals without burning out.

The Negative Effects of Trying to Do It All

For years, I believed that I had to be everything to everyone. I worked tirelessly, never taking a moment to breathe. The pressure of managing a business while being a present mum of twins eventually took its toll. I was constantly stressed, my health suffered, and I felt disconnected from my family and myself. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: trying to do it all isn’t sustainable.

The Benefits of Work-Life Balance

  1. Improved Mental Health: Achieving a balance between work and personal life reduces stress and anxiety, leading to better mental health.
  2. Increased Productivity: When you’re not overwhelmed, you can focus better and accomplish tasks more efficiently.
  3. Stronger Relationships: Spending quality time with family and friends strengthens your bonds and creates lasting memories.
  4. Better Physical Health: Reducing stress levels can lead to improved physical health, as you’re less likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses.
  5. Greater Satisfaction: Living a balanced life allows you to enjoy your achievements and feel more satisfied with your life overall.

Tips for Busy Mums to Achieve Work-Life Balance

  1. Set Boundaries: Clearly define your time. This helps to ensure that you have time for both work and personal life.
  • Example: Designate specific times for work and family. Avoid working during family time and vice versa.
  1. Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that fill your teapot, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby.
  • Example: Schedule self-care activities into your daily routine, just as you would with important meetings or appointments.
  1. Delegate and Outsource: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks at work and home to lighten your load.
  • Example: Hire a virtual assistant for administrative tasks or ask family members to help with household chores.
  1. Plan and Organise: Use planners or digital tools to organise your tasks and schedule effectively. This helps you to stay on top of your responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Example: Create a weekly planner that includes work tasks, family activities, and self-care time.
  1. Simplify Your Life: Focus on what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary tasks or commitments that don’t align with your goals and values.
  • Example: Conduct a weekly review of your commitments and let go of any that aren’t essential or fulfilling.

Creating a Life You Don’t Need a Break From

The key to achieving a work-life balance is to create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from. Since finding human design this has become so much easier for me. As I learn to let go of the guilt behind some of the traits that are aligned to me and learn to use them to my potential.

This means designing your life in a way that integrates your work and personal life harmoniously. When you love what you do and have time to enjoy life, the concept of needing a break becomes less important.

Working With Me to Simplify Your Mum Life

As a mum of 4 and entrepreneur who has experienced the struggles of trying to do it all, I understand the challenges you face. My coaching services are designed to help you find a more simplified mum life, enabling you to reach your goals without burning out. Together, we’ll work on setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and creating a balanced schedule that works for you.

Conclusion

Achieving a work-life balance is essential for your well-being and success. By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, delegating tasks, and simplifying your life, you can create a harmonious balance between work and personal life. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.

If you’re ready to simplify your mum life and achieve a better work-life balance, let’s work together. Book a free discovery call with me today and start your journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life.

Embrace the journey, and may you find peace, clarity, and abundance along the way.

Take a deep breath, you’re doing amazing. Let’s simplify and prioritise what truly matters, together.

Nina x

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Health & Fitness

Detoxing: Clearing Clutter, Mind, and Soul

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant noise and clutter—both physical and mental—that surrounds us. From overflowing drawers and cupboards to racing thoughts, clutter can weigh us down and prevent us from experiencing true alignment and clarity. But do not fear mama, for there is a way to get back on track and take steps to banish the overwhelm: The art of a detoxing reset. I will give you some strategies I used and still use to simplify my detoxing journey. We will explore the benefits of detoxing the mind, body and soul. I’ll give you some practical tips and strategies for decluttering physical spaces, letting go of mental clutter, and cultivating inner peace and clarity in our lives.

Before we dive into the tips and strategies for detoxing our lives, I want to share a bit of personal backstory. Back in 2007, when my husband and I were struggling with infertility, a voice inside me urged for a change. I believed that cutting out chemicals from our lives might make a difference. However, I have to confess, I wasn’t as firm as that voice. Influenced by those around me and overwhelmed by the complexity of the task, I couldn’t fully commit to a chemical-free lifestyle. While I made some swaps, like ditching bleach where possible, many harmful chemicals lingered, as did highly processed foods. It wasn’t until the arrival of our second set of twins that everything shifted dramatically. It was then, as I delved deeper into the harmful effects of our toxic way of life, that I found the strength to create these changes. Our journey towards a healthier, toxin-reduced lifestyle began, and though I’ll be the first to admit, that I still indulge in chocolate binges (a habit I’m diligently working on), I’ve significantly minimised highly processed foods. Pizza Fridays and ice cream on hot days are still a part of our family rhythms, a reminder that balance and enjoyment are essential elements of a wholesome life.

The Benefits of Detoxing: Detoxing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful tool for reclaiming our sense of well-being and restoring balance in our lives. When we detox, we rid our bodies of toxins, our minds of negative thoughts, and our souls of emotional baggage. The benefits are manifold:

  1. Physical Benefits: Detoxing the body can lead to increased energy levels, improved digestion, clearer skin, and enhanced overall health and vitality and protect us against illness and disease.
  2. Mental Benefits: Detoxing the mind can help reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, leading to greater mental clarity, focus, and emotional resilience.
  3. Emotional Benefits: Detoxing the soul can foster a sense of inner peace, joy, and contentment, as we let go of past hurts, regrets, and negative emotions that no longer serve us.

Tips and Strategies for Detoxing:

  1. Declutter Your Physical Space: Start by decluttering your physical environment, one room at a time. Donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Create a space that is clean, and organised, and promotes peace and relaxation.
  2. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness by bringing your awareness to the present moment. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to quiet the mind and centre yourself amidst the chaos of daily life.
  3. Let Go of Mental Clutter: Identify and let go of mental clutter, such as negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, and self-doubt. Practice self-awareness and self-compassion, and challenge negative thought patterns with positive affirmations and gratitude practices.
  4. Embrace Self-Care: Prioritise self-care activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it’s taking a long bath, going for a nature walk, or indulging in a creative hobby, make time for activities that bring you joy and replenish your spirit.
  5. Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors connecting with the natural world. Take walks in the park, go hiking in the mountains, or simply sit in quiet contemplation amidst the beauty of nature. Allow the healing power of nature to soothe your soul and restore your sense of inner peace.

Detoxing is a powerful practice for clearing clutter, both physical and mental, and creating space for peace, clarity, and joy in our lives. By decluttering our physical spaces, letting go of mental clutter, and nurturing our souls, we can experience greater vitality, resilience, and well-being. So, mama, I invite you to embark on your own detoxing journey today. Clear the clutter, quiet the mind, and nourish the soul, for true wellness begins from within.

Embrace the journey, and may you find peace, clarity, and abundance along the way.

Take a deep breath, you’re doing amazing. Let’s simplify and prioritise what truly matters, together.

Nina x

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