Calling all who Identify as Women

Calling all who Identify as Women

What does it mean to be a woman in 2021? Is it all beauty, feathers, glitter and sparkle? What is women's work? How do we define work? What do we value and who do we allow into the fold? A couple of weeks ago, the shining light that is Kitty Maguire shared a story on...

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Hope in the time of COVID

Hope in the time of COVID

Way back in October I planted bulbs, excited at the prospect of them flowering from the frosts in February to midsummer. A few weeks ago most of them had pushed their green heads through the soil. I wanted to whisper to them 'go back down, I know it's warm right now,...

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A kitchen garden

A kitchen garden

A friend asked me this week how to decide what herbs to buy, where to buy them and how to look after them. I realised that the wisdom I soaked up as a child, surrounded by parents who grew everything under the sun, wasn't common knowledge. In truth, whenever I buy...

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Welcome Spring, Happy Imbolg

Welcome Spring, Happy Imbolg

I've been seduced by the darkness. I used to hate the Winter. Boring and quiet and moody. I didn't want to hang out there at all. I wanted daffodils. I wanted new growth and new projects. The appeal of comforting stews & winter woolies always wore off quickly....

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Writing a new ending…

Writing a new ending…

Yesterday I read a post from one of my favourite writers, Brené Brown, who has just published a new book; Dare to Lead (on the Christmas List) She shared the post below & it grabbed me. Mostly because I felt intimidated by it...followed swiftly by curiosity. I...

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Before I wasn’t a parent…

Before I wasn’t a parent…

Before I wasn't a parent, I was the perfect parent. Before I went through fertility treatment I was the perfect patient. I knew what was needed to succeed. I knew which boxes to tick & I bloody well ticked them. Twice for good measure. Except of course that I...

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Stiff Upper Lip

Stiff Upper Lip

I often feel that I need to bite my tongue, rather than ask for what I need. I feel that the world around me doesn't much want to hear about my needs, my feelings, my sadness. Sometimes I feel that not being a Mum can mean my need for rest, compassion and comfort...

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Obstreperous Young Woman…

Obstreperous Young Woman…

I used to be polite, to the exclusion of being real, being myself, being seen. I used to smile when strangers asked me probing, personal questions. I used to wince & bite my lip as I tried to tell them a story they could hear, something that would fit with their...

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Grace & Gratitude

Grace & Gratitude

When I wrote my last blog post, waaay back in April (I know, it's been a while) I was pretty taken aback by the response. Close friends, strangers...all sorts, insisted my story should be read by everyone. I was happy to share my story but I wasn't convinced it was...

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My Top 3 Fertility Hacks

My Top 3 Fertility Hacks

I bet you've heard this before. You're struggling to get pregnant because you left it too late. You focused on your career when you should have been finding the right man or woman to settle down with and now you're paying the price. Am I the only one that has to sit...

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Embrace Your Body

Embrace Your Body

Last Sunday night, I met with some of my favourite women and went to see the Dublin premiere of Embrace, a feature length documentary by Taryn Brumfitt. I got to chat with Taryn too (woop!) and want to share her message with you. Taryn is an Australian Mum of 3 and...

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A Winter Solstice Ceremony

A Winter Solstice Ceremony

New Year's Eve has always been a bit of an anti-climax for me. I've felt distant from the partying, booze and glamour of that night, for as long as I can remember. Somehow, moving from December 31st to January 1st has never felt all that special, try as I did to...

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Festive Advice on Thanksgiving…

Festive Advice on Thanksgiving…

Today in Ireland, it’s a quiet November Thursday. I’m starting to think about virtuous mince pie recipes and considering the best tactics to ensure I eat well while celebrating this Christmas. The festive buzz is just beginning to make itself felt in my home. I reckon...

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This journey hurts…

This journey hurts…

It hurts, this journey. It hurts and then it eases and then, like a smack in the face it hurts again. I didn’t expect that. I thought it would be easier to process, move on and feel optimistic again. Get on with my joyful life. As I get older and wiser, I’m learning...

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Confused about Folic Acid?

Confused about Folic Acid?

In Ireland, there are ads on the radio, promoting a brand of folic acid. It sounds like a public health announcement. The pleasant sounding woman tells us that whether we're planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, we should take 0.4mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid...

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5 Tips to Remove Fertility Damaging Chemicals

5 Tips to Remove Fertility Damaging Chemicals

I can’t remember when I realized that big brand shampoos, toothpastes, body lotions and deodorants were filled with chemicals that were, in a word, nasty. It’s been a slow journey, but these days I never wander down the ‘personal care’ aisle in any supermarket. Now I...

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What if IVF DOES work?

What if IVF DOES work?

For many, the first time we 'try' to conceive a baby, naturally or otherwise, can be quite exciting. Hope, optimism and joy abound. The idea that in 9  months or so there might be a 'mini-me' joining the family is cause for celebration. Skip on a few months or years,...

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Right Every Time Risotto

Right Every Time Risotto

I have a risotto recipe. It's amazing and I'm kind of reluctant to share it...though I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is so bloody good and I want to give the impression that I can make gourmet risotto without breaking a sweat? I used to struggle to make risotto,...

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Rest is the new Hustle

Rest is the new Hustle

In the world of small business, I see this instruction everywhere. Hustle! Hustle! Hustle! Don't miss an opportunity, learn all you can, work smart and reap the rewards. I get it and yet, it has never resonated for me. Yes, in all parts of my life I want to work smart...

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It’s never too late…

It’s never too late…

Every year, in the last days of December I think to myself, “This year I’ll take a day all for myself to review my year. I’ll reflect on my achievements, my wins, my losses and begin to visualize and plan for next year.” Every year, I get to January 4th or 5th and...

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