Last week was so much of chill🏡 Ugh, but now I’m back at my work desk (still at home but it’s a definite shift from last week!). Seriously why do we have to work? I feel so distracted today - heaps of things to do, but what I really want to do is not what I am currently being paid to do 😅 I hope that Riley sees how much we take care to fuel ourselves in our creative passions - music, art, astrology, being outdoors, hopefully travel (when we can eventually travel again) - time is what we value the most. And time just feels far too short when we spend most of our time working. There is just not enough time and we shouldn’t be slaving away for +40hrs a week just so that we can afford the life we want. Surely there has to be more balance?! #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #mindfulparenting #parentingtheshitoutoflife #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #holdthemoments #our_everyday_moments #slowmotherhood #mytinytribe #slowliving #familyadventures #documentingmotherhood #honestmom #slowlifestyle #slowtravel #slowlifegoodlife #livinglifeintentionally 
You know what tastes good whatever the weather, but especially on a grey, cold Friday? (Take away) Guinness pints for everyone 🍻Sláinte! ☘️ #leixlip #countykildare #kildare #riverliffey #liffeyriver #cokildare #irishcountryside #irishcountryliving #outinthecountry #irishcountrylife #irishliving #lifeinireland #iloveireland #loveirish #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irishpassion #expat #livingabroad #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #livingabroadadventures #whatevertheweather #whateverweather #irishweather #guinnessforstrength #guinnessdraught 
This is an old piece of artwork that Riley made at school, it’s hanging in her classroom still almost a year later. I’ve had both Granny and Grandma ask if they can have it, not to mention how I’d love this artwork for myself! But it’s currently being enjoyed by a small group of little humans so I guess there is joy in that 💕 Been thinking a lot about raising this kid we have been blessed with. Also thinking on how much work I did on myself to get to the point where I was ready to even think about raising the next generation of human. It was never this obvious thing that I would take on. In fact I hesitated a lot at first. I have always been incredibly aware about what a massive undertaking it is to become a parent. That responsibility seemed too great for me, and still on my harder days that doubt creeps back in - that need to get it right, do it all, and then I look at how this sweet child crashed into our world and is forever showing us that she is her own sovereign being - her own unique light shines so bright. And we are so blessed, because as it turns out... we aren’t only teaching her but she is teaching us so much more than I could have ever imagined 💗 
A week off of work 🙏🏻 Naturally I have a list of plans to fill my own cup with self care, rest, love, quality time. Plus a bit of learning, bit of creativity, bit of movement, together with some yummy food 🥘 4 days off might not be enough 😅 but I plan to make them all count 💗 
Even with a bit of snow flurries and a sudden drop in temperature, getting out for a daily walk (or three walks if Riley is home) has been vital for my mental health. Quiet mornings; calm head space; and deep, slow breaths all help ground me and bring me back to the present moment 💗 What helps you center yourself? 
Both of us officially on holiday now 🤩 Hello spring break as parents to a toddler - late family walks with the brighter evenings, followed by regular early mornings but hopefully with some midday naps for all of us🥂 
A tiny door of hope opened up with the announcement of ease in restrictions from the 12th April. 🌈 Although not much changes for our day to day, I’m excited to go on some different walks over the weekends, and the possibility of seeing one other household in the park is such a welcomed respite. 💗 Not to be a nagging old lady, but I hope folks ease into meeting up with other households (just because we can doesn’t mean we should go crazy). The last thing we all want is to be restricted again 🙏🏻 
Happy Birthday to this handsome man who I get to share this life with 😍 Sorry it’s been a shitty Monday one, but the take aways are being ordered, and hopefully we can crack a drink (or two) soon! In the words of our little person - Daddyyyy, Happy, Cheers! 🍻 
18 months of adventures with you... what a wild ride 🥰 #gratefulheart❤️ 
TFIF. A quick cheers outside with the sun before it starts raining/sleeting/snowing 🤪 Hello Friday glass of wine 🍷 😍... k byeeeee 👋🏻 
I did a session with my Kinesiologist last night and it came up that I have anxiety/fear sitting in my spleen and throat. I can see why that is but I’m frustrated as this has been a common theme for over a year now. As we get closer to Easter, people in Ireland are waiting for an update and announcement about what we will be allowed to do after 5 April. We have now been in level 5 lockdown since 27 December, and there is no sign of those restrictions easing. People ask why I took time off social media and mostly it was because I feel like living here, I’m stuck, while the rest of the world keeps turning. Ofcourse there will be comments about how you wish your country would restrict movements; how atleast Ireland cares for their people and so on. But can you really imagine what it’s been like for us? We haven’t seen family since December 2019. South Africans are pretty much grounded and not allowed to fly anywhere. Ireland has just announced mandatory hotel quarantine for 33 countries (South Africa included) which means our family couldn’t afford to visit even if they wanted to. More than the distance of being far away from home, or the fact that my parents last held Riley at 1 week old (she is 18months now). We can’t even visit our friends who live down the road from us. Yes we can exercise and we have lovely parks and walks but that’s restricted to 5km from our house. Do a radius of 5km around where you live and imagine keeping to that for a year. A whole YEAR of the only thing we can do is go for a walk. We cant meet up with friends, go for a meal, get our hair cut -is been that way for most of the past year. We have had to restrict, be cautious, worry and be fearful; living in Ireland like this has caused me to be in a constant fear state because of restrictions the government have deemed necessary and essential. It’s been a lot and clearly I’m still holding it in my body, to say I’m over it is a complete understatement. Enough now. 
How many times have we looped around this park in one year 🤔🤪 and yet I am still able to find a different perspective, a little beauty from a new angle/focus. A new, fresh way of looking at things to be grateful for 💗 How beautifully serene and peaceful this park is at 8am on Sunday when everyone else is asleep 🌸 - thank you Riley for insisting on going for lots of walks 😅 so that we get to enjoy it all to ourselves some days 🥰 
Ice cream selfie🍦 Happy Sunday afternoon and we found a new spot in Leixlip that we hadn’t yet visited - @ohanazafari would be impressed 😁 Rob picked up the ice creams at the @salmonleapinn bus (top tip: worth the short walk over the bridge and there wasn’t a queue!) Then we sat along the Liffey River with this grassy patch all to ourselves 😍 Pretty sure that soon we will be buying 3 🍦 as Riley ate most of ours! Nom nom nom 🤤 
Spring Equinox 🌸 I’m definitely feeling a change in my energy this week, I feel like I have so many ideas fluttering around but battling to grab and hold onto one at a time. So this weekend is going to be a bit of a reset for me. Rest, pause, grounding outdoors and reconnection. It’s a constant balancing act for me, so here’s your reminder to switch off your phone and head outside for a bit this weekend 💚 
I did a thing today. Actually I did a few things. I acted for the first time in months, I just tipped myself forward and did it. Eeeek! No more second guessing myself. No more driving my friends and Rob crazy with all my overthinking and talking myself out of it before I even start. It was this moment of flow that on the outside might seem pretty rash and rather sudden to a few of you but truly it just feels like my soul finally leaning into something that I’ve been secretly desiring after for years. Literally, I have been searching for this for YEARS. I wanted to share it first here with you. So what’s the news? Well, I am in the very early stages of creating a side hustle. Yup, I’m starting a business of my own! I genuinely cannot believe I’m typing these words and equally stunned I’m publishing this post... but there you have it, it’s out in the universe now. If you want to follow the journey from the grass roots, follow me here: @theexpatastrologer To be clear, this account and my blog are going to remain the same. I’m still going to post about our life as expats and life in Ireland right here! However, for those interested in astrology combined with travel and/or moving to new countries, then the new account is where you will find more of my magical woo woo musings (and soon magical offerings 🗺!). Interestingly I started this account this time 5 years ago, so March seems to be a time for new beginnings for me (hello, I am an Aries Rising after all) so it seems written in the stars that I’d start something new right at this moment - but more of that over on @theexpatastrologer ✨ 
Hello blue skies on St Patrick’s Day🤩 In the 5 years we have spent here in Ireland, this is the first proper gloriously sunny day on March 17th! One year snowed, and all the others have generally been rainy, cold or last year I think was sunny but really windy. Today was pretty close to perfection 🍀 This good weather has gotta be a good sign?! 🙏🏻 Happy St Patrick’s Day from our little home to yours 💚 
I’m here for the sunset, but mostly for the drink outside without needing to wear my coat 😍🥂🌅 
Daily walks 🙏🏻💗 This year I started a new selfcare habit that every morning I go for a walk, alone, just after Rob has left to take Riley to crèche. It’s nothing strenuous or sweaty and sometimes it’s only 30min, depending on how my work day is looking! But it’s a walk out in the fresh air, alone, and just for me. Grounding and earthing at the same time 🙏🏻. Today as I turned the corner, nearly home - I spotted Rob running out (see quick snap on 2nd pic and zoom in to see him 😅) and I was met with this wonderful realization that we were both having a great start to the new week. It’s been essential that we carve out ways to fill our own cups, get some exercise and give each other space too💗 especially for the way this year has started. 
Feeling incredibly grateful, and with an utterly full heart that I am a mom to these two souls 💗 I am sending love and light to all those who may find today especially difficult. #mothersdaylove 
New traditions since working from home for a year and being in lockdown for most of it... we do a Friday lunch date, just the husband and I (while the little one is at creche so we can eat all the bad food without sharing 😉). I know if you were to ask Rob what it’s like working at home in an open plan kitchen under the stairs (together with me) ... he’d probably say he can’t wait to get back to the office 😅 but truthfully one of the best things to come out of this whole mess of a YEAR AT HOME is that we have gotten so much quality family time. And now with take aways being open, we make a point of taking time each week to support the small businesses of our lovely village, trying new foods off each of the menus and connecting a bit without one of us stressing about work or walking the dog or doing the laundry or chasing after the baby. It’s been these moments that I hold with such gratitude - such a beautiful simple slow life of living 💗 
This pic was taken a few weeks back, when we had a bit of snow/frost one morning. We had a really early start that day with the smallest human deciding brighter mornings means get up earlier 🤪 And yet that early start gave us the best way to start the day because we all bundled into bed drinking coffee and milk, plenty of time for lots of giggles and silliness. A day where both parents got to get showered and ready for the day * before * one parent usually takes the kid to creche. And as we all walked out to the car together, Rob taking Riley to creche and me able to get out for a walk before work - we were greeted with the most beautiful sky. A sky literally bursting into flames. Truly a magical reward for such a productive start. 
Can Instagram kill you? I posted a pic after over two months off social on Thursday and by Friday I succumbed to one of the worst infections I’ve experienced in years. I’ve been battling with raging fever, intense headaches and a throat so inflamed I could hardly swallow for the last 4 days (hellos blocked throat chakra - I see you, I hear you, I’m willing to change 🙏🏻). I’m only now feeling slightly more human. I know one post can’t affect you that severely but it was the reminder I needed that coming back online this time around is going to be slow. And in my own time. At my own pace. I’ve been enjoying life offline - like stopping and enjoying the cherry blossoms in bloom 🌸 this is your reminder to switch off your phone and go outside - big inhale, long exhale, feel the fresh air on your skin, find your inner peace 💗 
Take away coffee and walks on repeat these days - grateful for the brighter days ahead of us 💚 
Last post of 2020, my best nine on Instagram. 💚 
Not the Christmas we wanted but one we will never forget. Our hearts are so full with gratitude and love for everything we do have 💚 wishing you all a happy festive season 💚 
Throwback to this time last year when we had our first Christmas with R and with Rob’s family 💕. Gosh that view of Kenmare Bay was epic 😍. Holding onto those special memories and hopeful that we will make new ones in the future. 🙏🏻💚 
News of lockdowns all over the world, not entirely surprised that Ireland has followed the same route. Equally still really surprised that SA has not. But that’s a topic I just don’t have the emotional energy for right now👋🏻. For us, Christmas is not cancelled. We are just being forced to slow down, focus on family and health - and those really are what matter most right now. I’ve really accepted the news today probably better than all the other announcements - mostly because I think I knew this was going to happen anyways. But equally I think it’s the right call to make. Humans will always push boundaries, find loop holes and believe that it’s a them problem not an us problem. Sadly I’ve had 3 more friends share devastating news this week of how covid has hit their families 💔 Sorry to say that this pandemic is not going away. It’s coming with us into 2021. We still have a long ways to go with this and so I think I’ve reached a point of acceptance that it is what it is. Incredibly grateful that my family are healthy and safe. Incredibly grateful that we live in country that is proactively putting the collective community first. Incredibly grateful for all that we have. But even with that gratitude, this year has stretched us all in ways no one could have predicted. Be kind, look after yourself and those around you. 💚 Keep looking for the light. ✨ 
Hello Age of Aquarius 🖖🏻 as an Aquarian I’m positively buzzing about all of these new energy vibes 🥰 it’s time to believe in all the magic inside of YOU, let your weirdness shine and hey, maybe let’s just all run away with the fairies ♒️ ✨💚 
Attracting and shining the light this winter solstice 😍 key take away from this evening’s ritual session was not to worry about the dark - focus on adding more light in - let your unique light shine ✨ There is always dark in everything, just as there is light - focus on the light 🙏🏻💚 #wintersolstice #winterrituals 
Walked to the village to see the Christmas lights, grabbed a mulled wine, walked with another family, Riley got to see another baba her own age! - really trying to make this Christmas feel festive and special, especially given the year we have all had... tonight really was just what my heart needed 💚🎄 
Festive and biodegradable - 100% in love with the wreath lovingly made by @howehillflowers 🇮🇪💚 
Been quiet on here for a while. Truthfully this season / moment in time in my little life has been pretty trying. But I’m still here. Maybe not thriving and hustling and living my best life - but I am here and I am content and I am forever grateful for all the lessons I’m learning 💚 
Got the results back and it’s a negative 🥳 still feeling absolutely shattered though 🥴 so I’m still sick, just regular sick not pandemic sick. I’m glad I got tested to make 100% sure though. We have basically restricted our movements since March, it’s the reason we chose not to fly home for Christmas, we have chosen to limit seeing lots of people, and we are choosing to stay safe at home for a while longer. No regrets for any of these decisions we have made - keeping our family and our community here and back in SA safe, is our top priority 💚 
Walking (very slowly) to the holidays... I’m feeling so low in energy for this last push, big deadlines looming and everything urgent vibe at work - I think this year has been a lot for us all. I am so looking forward to more fun with fam and less teams meetings 💚 
Literally making up all kinds of stories in my mind on what’s behind that door. What could it be for you? I feel like this energy shift and learning phase I have been recently going through, has really been preparing me to let go of all the perfect plans society has told us we should want and rather surrender to just living a slower life which is the way I really want to live my life. Less rat race, more intentional and slow 🙏🏻 I listened to a podcast as I was going to collect R this eve and we are literally shifting into a new paradigm and age of living as a collective - from 21 December it starts 🙌🏻 How incredibly exciting is that?! Hello Age of Aquarius... I’m ready for you 💚 
Adventures often include stopping for coffee (and snacks ofcourse) - and most certainly always stopping to take pics. I used to carry my old DSLR camera around with me everywhere we went, but now I’m pretty sure my phone takes better pics than it used to 🤣 #travelnow #moretosee #adventuresawait #slowtravel #traveladventures #travelandexplore #travelessentials #travelfamily #travelhappy #travelslow #traveljourney #borntoroam #thosewhowander #peoplewhotravel #collectmemoriesnotthings #collectingmemories #memoriesnotthings #travellingfamily #holdthemoments #our_everyday_moments #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyadventures #documentinglife #travelwithbaby #babytravel #adventureswithbaby #thisisliving #thisisusliving 
I have this thing for sea cliffs and epic nature views... it’s always these kinda views where I feel most inspired, most at peace and have had many sudden life realizations while immersing myself into the wild nature. 🥰 With the full moon and lunar eclipse energy surrounding us all, I’m itching to get on the road, travel, wild adventures await... but for now, I’m choosing to use this last day of lockdown to pause, before we all get caught up with Christmas and things opening up again... Im choosing to really release and let go all the past versions of myself that don’t serve me any more - but this need to be in the wild, this need for nature, those are things I’m never letting go of 💚 #getoutdoorsmore #adventureseeker #adventuresoutdoors #outdooradventures #outdoorslife #getoutsideandplay #outdoorclub #walkoutside #adventureanywhere #adventureoutside #followthetrail #outdooradventure #outdoorsy #outsideisbetter #thegreatoutdoor #wildones #wearewild #wildernessbabes #thegreatwilderness #natureishealing #natureiswild #wildnature #wildlife_seekers #outdoors #hiking #getoutside #whatevertheweather #roadtrip #optoutside #exploremoreoutdoors 
Didn’t want this weekend to end, time just flies by these days (except Mondays 😑) In other news, it’s the start of December this week and so I can officially start talking about Christmas (from Tuesday, friends 🙏🏻) - watch this space, it’s about to get festive AF here 🎄💚😍 #thisisusliving #adventureswithfamily #travellingfamily #parentingishard #mindfulparenting #thisismotherhood #myparentingstyle #parentingtheshitoutoflife #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #holdthemoments #letthembelittle #bestdaddyever #our_everyday_moments #slowmotherhood #familyforever #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyiseverything #positiveparentingtips #parentsbelike #familyadventures #documentingmotherhood #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw #familyoutdoors 
Soul Saturday - I filled so many cups today, not saying it was perfect but it was good day. There is still a lot of uncertainty and waiting to see what happens, and no plans being made just yet but the news of some of the restrictions being lifted soon and The Late Late Toy Show, there’s a lightness in the air here in Ireland 🇮🇪 and I for one, really am savouring this happy feeling. I feel truly thankful for the country we live in, and how big the hearts are of the Irish folk here 💚 #discoverireland #ireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #visitireland #irishpassion #irishliving #lifeinireland #irishcountryside #iloveireland #loveirish #loveireland #irish #inspireland_ #loves_ireland #irishlove 
This pic automatically makes me smile 😊 this really is such a good representation of us - out for a walk, being silly, laughing, just living life. If you missed my stories, we are going to be doing a bit of a mini cleanse the house before Christmas- starting this weekend, getting rid of stuff that does not spark joy - time to make some more space, join in if you are keen 🙏🏻💚 #thisisus_decluttering 
I forgot to post last night, did anyone notice? 🤣😅It was a busy night in this household 💚 #getoutdoorsmore #adventureseeker #adventuresoutdoors #outdooradventures #outdoorslife #getoutsideandplay #outdoorclub #walkoutside #adventureanywhere #adventureoutside #followthetrail #outdooradventure #outdoorsy #outsideisbetter #thegreatoutdoor #wildones #wearewild #wildernessbabes #thegreatwilderness #natureishealing #natureiswild #wildnature #wildlife_seekers #outdoors #hiking #getoutside #whatevertheweather #roadtrip #optoutside #exploremoreoutdoors 
Jack loves going on adventures with us, I often wonder how he feels about how his life turned out... born in Montana, Pretoria... moved to Joburg, and then to Durban to visit the grand parents many times, trips around SA (Clarens and Dullstroom were two highlights for him!), then flew on a plane to Frankfurt, Germany and another flight to land in Dublin, Ireland on a pretty chilly day in November 2016! He has been on most of our trips around Ireland and been to Northern Ireland! I’d reckon he has seen more of Ireland than some Irish folk I know 😉 Best little life for the best doggo 🐶💚 #puglife #pugs #pugsofinstagram #pugsnotdrugs #puglove #lovemypug #adventuresofjack #dublin #dublintown #igersdublin #discoverdublin #dublinlife #discoverireland #ireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irishblogger #pug_feature #pugfamily #pugsfirst #loveyourpug #lovepug #lovemypug #pugbaby #spoiltpug #pugsarethebest #bestpug 
Something about how blue the sky gets even if it’s bloody freezing outside. A sweet reward for the cold months ahead 💚 The wind is howling outside this eve anyways 🥶 Rob and I got given “homework” from the creche this eve - to write a wish for Riley for the new year✨. Both of us as passionate writers, ended up writing 5 wishes, and a bit of an essay/letter to her which is probably completely overthinking the brief for a one year old at creche 😅 gosh but we love being her parents 🥰 #discoverireland #ireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irelandgram #instaireland #visitireland #tourismireland #wanderireland #irishpassion #irishliving #lifeinireland #irishcountryside #iloveireland #loveirish #ireland_gram #loveireland #irish #insta_ireland #igersdublin #igersireland #inspireland_ #ig_ireland #loves_ireland #icu_ireland #eire #irelandaily #irlanda #pocket_ireland 
Adventures might be slower than we would like these days but it is oh so exciting exploring with you 💚 The truth behind this pic taken today 😆👇🏻 We all got in the car to go collect a parcel, then thought it a good idea to go to Castletown for a family stroll - the place was packed. So much busier than I’ve ever seen it - and it made us uncomfortable to be there (even if it’s outdoors, we are still supposed to be on level 5 and socially distancing!) so we gave up on that idea and left - but because R very much wants to be moving these days, and the delay in the car turned into lots of unhappy screaming and me pulling out endless snacks and toys to distract her. Then we thought we’d go to the park closest to us and that was even worse 🤪 clearly everyone had the same great idea of getting outdoors with the weather looking fine. It resulted in the parents feeling a little twitchy and frazzled, R ate all the snacks in the car and Jack just wanted to go back home to the couch. We ended up abandoning the car on the side of the road and just walked around the outside of the park. The minute I think I’m getting hang of this parenting gig, the minute I’m realizing nothing ever goes to plan. R ended up giggling and walking on her own loads and getting muddy trying to eat stones with Jack and smiled all the way home. A fun day out for all. So it’s worth it, getting out is worth it, but this pic shows only the good bits of the day and that’s kinda important to remember too. #newbaby #firstbaby #officiallyamommy #iamamomnow #fatherhoodunplugged #dadlifeisthebestlife #travellingfamily #parentingishard #mindfulparenting #thisismotherhood #myparentingstyle #parentingtheshitoutoflife #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #holdthemoments #letthembelittle #bestdaddyever #our_everyday_moments #slowmotherhood #familyforever #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyiseverything #positiveparentingtips #parentsbelike #familyadventures #documentingmotherhood #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw 
Best Saturday with the fam - R is walking and talking all over town... such a joy to see 😍, even if it’s day 32 of lockdown level 5 💚 
The sun, the moon, the planets and stars - all mapped out in such a way to create you - just as you are, you are special 💖 Day 31 and I’ve reached a new level of self love Truly. 💚 We are all on this crazy journey: the highs, the lows, the stuff that goes to plan, the stuff we have to pivot and rethink and rework, the stuff we have to let go, trust, breathe, exhale, and everyday keep trying again. I’ve been meeting and listening to a lot of people recently, all raising similar themes for me: let go, slow down, be true to you, use your voice, boundaries, self love, trust, have faith it will all work out as it’s meant to be. It’s a whole lot to process but I’m loving this vibe. When we moved here to Ireland 4 years ago it was this giant leap of faith, a true moment where I let go and trusted that all my planning and research and systems would let it all work out. And it did (and it didn’t) work out exactly as I had hoped. It was a huge shift in my self that occurred. I learnt to be even more vulnerable, share more of my story, and slow right down. Slow travel, slow life, slow appreciation for myself and what I can add in this world. So here I am, more sure that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, with exactly who I am supposed to be, nurturing and growing and most importantly learning every day to be more me 💚 #expat #irishlife #luckoftheirish #livingabroad #proudlysouthafrican #proudlysa #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #missinghome #expats #expatriate #expatblogger #expatexplore #livingawayfromhome #lifeawayfromhome #southafricansabroad #southafricanabroad #livingabroadadventures #expatwoman #expatfamily #expatproblems #expatliving #livingoverseas #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #findingyourself #livelifeyourway 
Day 30! And a month of gratitude 🙏🏻💚 
Choosing to start taking my nails off at 8:30pm on a school night? What kinda crazy woman am I? Really gutted that this is the second time this year I’ve had to go without me nails 😭 ah well - Day 29 of lockdown level 5 and it’s giving me something to do... like staying up late! 😅 This is a pic just before the first lockdown when we snuck away to the most southernly point of Ireland, Mizen Head - that view was incredible - really want to get back there when we can! 🙏🏻💚 
Went to collect R from creche today and she walked out holding onto her teachers hand - where’s my baby I asked? And she just giggled in response - silly mama, I am right here 💖 Day 28 and I’m happiest when I’m watching you grow 💚 
New moon vibes 🌚 I set a few intentions last night and woke up today feeling a bit lighter today. I still find it pretty wild how speaking my truth on this little social platform has really helped me to connect to people better. I had some wonderful folk reach out to me over this last week and it really does remind me why I continue to show up here - we are all human, we all have so much to learn from each other - and the only way to really connect is to keep being honest about how we feel and reaching out when we need to. Thanks to you all for holding space for me, I hope I do the same for you 🙏🏻 Day 27 and I’m feeling lighter 💚 
Today marks my 4 year anniversary in Ireland. It is also 4 years since I left South Africa. Through various unplanned life circumstances, incredibly hard decisions, and great sacrifice - it’s also 4 years (and counting) since I’ve returned to my beloved South Africa. This week was excruciatingly painful - perhaps the build up to today was worse than the actual day itself. Because today arrived much like all the other days before it and life just seems to carry on. I’m carrying on, I guess. It’s unclear when I will ever get back to SA at this point but it’s at the very top of my wishlist, I know I will eventually get there, and when we do - I can’t wait to breathe the air, I can’t wait to feel my whole body exhale with the comfort that comes with simply being home, I can’t wait to show my daughter where we come from, and I can’t wait to see our dear family and friends. One day. We will get back one day. For now, we are just here. Day 26 and counting 💚 
Day 25 of Level 5 Lockdown in Ireland. I don’t have much to say right now, which I guess says a lot about my head space at the minute 💔 keeping this going so I can look back later when I get through it 🙏🏻 
Friday the 13th, a full 8 months since we went into self isolation/ social distancing/ lockdown and all the 2020 vibes. Seems crazy to me that I’m sitting here counting lockdown Day 24 when it’s actually been 246 days (actual number, I checked). I feel quite emotional lately, more so than usual. I go through moments of gratitude and bliss and happiness and then I find my whole body and mood get thrown down a landslide of endless tears and feeling genuinely at the pit of my stomach just physical heartbreak and despair. It’s this constant, purposeful shift in my mind that I have to pull myself up, dust off and keep trying. I don’t always feel happy just like I don’t always feel sad but rather I’m flat out exhausted by this constant swaying between the two. In previous times there were ways in which I could cope with it, plan for it, and the recovery was quicker. Now I just feel like “it is what it is” - so I sit here, about to go on another teams call, a team build/ quiz kinda thing after a week where I’ve been sick, been crying, genuinely not keen to be around people - and yet the very reason I’m sad is because I’m not able to be around people. Human emotions, what a wild ride. Slowly learning that the empath in me just needs to feel all the feelings. I have made peace that this is just the kinda person I am. I’m not looking for advice, or tough love, or even commiserations. Just asking if anyone feels me, to just takes the space they need to pause. Feel the feelings, as they are, and not try change them in any way. We are all just made up of feelings at the end of the day. Maybe what we all need is to just feel them for awhile? It is what is 🙏🏻💚 #selfloveisthebestlove #putyourselffirst #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #livelifeyourway #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstruggles #anxietyisreal #keepyouropiniontoyourself #trustyourjourney #journeytowellness #mentalhealthjourney 
I did a manifesting class a few weeks ago, and I’ve been sitting in this limbo space of waiting to figure out what it is that I really truly truly truly want - which seems crazy right? Doesn’t everyone just want to manifest a bucketload of money??? What I learnt in the workshop I did (low key punt to my good friend @unselfishlyme ) is that you need to get ultra specific - like details, it’s all in the details! Plus on top of really wanting something, you have to be prepared to work for it. I know right, who would have thought that it takes work! Last night was the first time I spoke out loud what I want to manifest. It just bubbled out of me after a walk last night - and I was super specific. Afterwards, I ran and wrote it all down in my journal. So it’s in pen now, folks. Let the manifesting begin! While I’m not ready to share it here yet, I am pumped about it, a small fire in the pit of my belly kinda pumped - so I feel like we may be onto something here. 💚Day 22 of lockdown and I will leave you with this from my 11/11 @moonomens message to self: “I am embodying the highest version of me possible in this present moment. I surrender to divine grace as I am meant to be the messenger of light and love” - Lucas Notes #northireland #bangorni #bangornorthernireland #countydown #northernirelandtourism #discoverni #discovernorthernireland #northernirelandcoast #discoverireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #visitireland #wanderireland #expatblogger #livingabroad #proudlysouthafrican #lifeabroad #overseaslife #expatexplore #livingawayfromhome #lifeawayfromhome #southafricansabroad #southafricanabroad #livingabroadadventures #expatwomen #expatfamily #expatliving #livingoverseas #adventuresabroad 
This time two years ago 😭💚 almost forgot how gorgeous this view is in Autumn 🍂 photo credit to @angrymeabh it’s the perfect indie rock band cover in my not so humble opinion. 💚Day 21 of lockdown- they say it takes 21 days to break a habit. I gotta say, I still miss people! 🤦🏼♀️😂😅 but in all seriousness, one thing I have learnt is that even in a lockdown, I’m still finding every day things to be grateful for, so this daily gratitude has been good. #kerryireland #torcwaterfall #irishroadtrip #travelandlife #discoverireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #visitireland #tourismireland #wanderireland #roadtripireland #thisisireland #loveireland #irelandtravel #beautifulireland #irelandcalling #irelandtrip #irelandroadtrip #roadtripping #roadtrippers #roadslesstraveled #ireland #irelanddaily #irelandgram #instaireland #ontheroadtrip #icu_ireland #pocket_ireland #inspireland 
Creative. Messy. Learning. Growing. Life, that’s just you creating your masterpiece. Listening and speaking your truth. Being you. As much as we teach kids, equally we have so much we can learn from them. 💚 Day 20 and I spent the whole day in bed. My body is screaming at me to slow down. So much so that I’m now forced to listen to it. 🙏🏻 
Always trust your gut. Last week I just felt off, all week, just plodding along - I felt my energy dip and was saying to friend, maybe I’m getting sick... and then voila, here we are now - and I’m properly feeling 💩. 💚Day 19 of lockdown and whilst I’m not feeling great physically, I did settle on a nice new pair of slippers today (not the pink ones in my stories 😂) and as a few of you replied in my DMs - if I’m gonna stay home all this time, good foot health is an investment and should be a priority 🤗 
Rob’s face when he realised that there was a Robertstown in Kildare 😂 “These are my kinda people” 😅 🌈I’m still searching for a Megan’s Town 🧐🧐🧐 let me know if you know of one! 💚Day 18 and I took a day off my phone, and feel better for it 💚 
Hope restored but let’s not kid ourselves, still a lot of work to be done. But I am holding onto hope 🙏🏻 Day 17 lockdown vibes and a bucketload of gratitude for this day 🌈 💚 #thefutureisfemale✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 
Hey there Cliff at Lyons peeping you over the wall there since we can’t visit you in lockdown 😂 Day 16 and it’s FRIDAY 🥳 💚Finished work early after a particularly long week, TGIF! 💚Walk with the boys 🧔🏻🐶 to pick up the paper - we famous now! 🤩 💚Homemade burgers and tjups for dinner 🍔🍟 yasss weekend, I’m ready for you! 😍 
Day 15. Not a particularly fun day. Let’s talk about my dream life... Somewhere with no wifi signal, a pretty view, near water, and not having to work a 9-5 job. Also somewhere that has limited storage space, with not a lot of physical possessions. I’d love to rent a van or live on a houseboat and just not be grounded to any one place - just move each time I felt the need to flee. Recently learnt that both Rob and I have zero earth elements which really explains how badly we crave to be outside - always trying to ground ourselves. 💚Leaf stomping with Jack 💚Dance party for one while the family watched in awe or maybe it was horror😅 💚Wine Video call later with @andsfouche 😘 
Seen on our walk around the neighborhood 🙏🏻💕 Day 14. Look I’m not going to lie, today was not all great. My anxiety about the state of the world and current affairs literally is sitting in knots in my shoulders. I battled to think of the good things that happened today. Everything felt a little too privileged and I started to doubt whether I should even post today. But listening to a friends voicenote she helped me realize how we all just need a bit of hope this day. Perhaps these remind you of the good in your day. 💚Voicenotes and maintaining human connections with friends - hearing the sound of their voices - sometimes daily with a few of you 😘 💚The postman, delivering snail mail and special packages from special people. 💚Laughing. Honestly today has been stressful AF, and it’s likely I will need to work this eve but joking with Rob is stress busting. Laughter really is medicine we all need a heavy dose of right now. Now off to have a bit of a dance bath party with R - baby giggles, yassss. It’s what I need to hear right now 🙏🏻 
Searching for those beams of hope - Level 5 Day 13 🙏🏻 💚Today I am so aware of what I have, a warm home, and my family is safe and healthy. Whatever about anything else - I am so grateful for what I have. 💚Happy that I took my full lunch, had lunch away from my work station and walked Jack - I didn’t choose one over the other. It sounds silly but working from home has been such a lesson in establishing better boundaries with work and home. 💚I set some intentions yesterday of things I wanted to achieve this week and happy to say I’ve ticked two big things - one was work related and one was cleaning the bathrooms 😅 look, I’m being real here. Selfcare isn’t always face masks and massages, sometimes it’s finally cleaning the loo! When last did you celebrate the trivial, boring things you ticked off your to do list? Name them here! 👇🏻 
Lockdown level 5 Day 12. Happy Monday, folks! 💚Productive Monday, smashed a lot of work out today (still loads left to do but hey ho 🤦🏼♀️) 💚Friends 😍 the ones I can have a proper laugh with - you know who you are 😘 💚Sunset on the drive to collect Riley. Look, it’s a bit sucky that the sun sets so early but it was really gorgeous this eve! Looking for those golden nuggets each day, it’s taken a while but I’m starting to see the benefits of daily gratitude (there are a lot of other things that I started doing daily too, but gratitude is a biggie) 🙏🏻 
Lockdown level 5 day 11 feeling good feeling positive! 💚Cleaned out more cupboards, got rid of a few things that had been cluttering my space - clearing the path for more abundance this month 🤞🏻 💚Bought more books 🤦🏼♀️😂 it’s funny because it’s not like I’ve actually read the ones I have yet 🤣 💚 Lots of cuddles with Riley, like proper hugs the ones that just fill my cup with such love, such a little light she is 😍 Ready to go into this new month, second to last month of this year - who’s feeling the vibration of that blue moon energy 🙋🏼♀️ 🌀💙🌀 
Lockdown level 5 day 10... spooky vibes, ready for that blue moon energy 😍 💚Did a manifesting class with my friend Jane 🙏🏻 @unselfishlyme last live for the year! 💚Watching Riley chase Jack and Jack sniff Riley’s face causing her to giggle uncontrollably- dogs and babies man, it’s the best 😍 💚mac n cheese bubbling in the oven this eve - feed me, all the cheese 🧀 Hope your Halloween was more treat and not too many tricks 👻🎃🦇🧙🏻♀️🇮🇪 poor Jack is absolutely hating the fireworks this year 😭 why must people still let them off? 💔 
Lockdown level 5 day 9. Happy Halloween vibes this Friday 👻 I’m a day early but whoooooooo cares? 👻 💚Riley dressed up as a baby bat 🦇 👻Voice notes from a friend, just when I needed the cheer up 💚Jack and his love of crunchy leaves and how he hates to leave a man/woman behind! Ready for a few days away from the ‘ol laptop. Happy Halloween Weekend vibes 🎃 #notricksjusttreats #notrickortreat #halloween2020🎃 #pumpkinpatchkids #pumpkinpatch🎃 #outdooradventure #outsideisbetter #wildones #wearewild #wildernessbabes #thegreatwilderness #natureishealing #natureiswild #wildnature #wildlife_seekers #getoutside #whatevertheweather #exploremoreoutdoors #halloweeninireland #irishhalloween #happyhalloween🎃 #babybat #crunchyleaves 
Lockdown level 5 day 8. A view on our walks, same spot only the seasons change it. 💚Jack all snuggly in his pjs 💚A Hubby that gives me hugs in the middle of the day when he sees I’m getting stressed. 💚A surprise interview for the local paper! Guys... I think I’m gonna be an influencer now 🤷🏼♀️💁🏼♀️😬 ugh, in all seriousness, this morning was a slow start. I did not want to get up. Much like the seasons imma fall back ➡️ then spring forward, and repeat 🔁 - if you are feeling like me, hang in there! 
Lockdown level 5 day 7 - one week down, 5 to go 🤞🏻 💚Lunchtime stroll with my two fave guys 💁🏻♂️🐶 💚Halloween inspired cupcake for tea 🧁 💚Happy sweet child of mine and her love of blueberries 👶🏻 💙 #leixlip #countykildare #kildare #riverliffey #liffeyriver #cokildare #irishcountryside #irishcountryliving #irishcountryhouse #outinthecountry #irishcountrylife #irishliving #lifeinireland #iloveireland #loveirish #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irishpassion #expat #livingabroad #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #livingabroadadventures #whatevertheweather 
Lockdown level 5 day 6, full-on woo woo vibes with this pic too 🤩 💚Morning meditation to start of the day, burnt my last white sage incense too 🙏🏻 💚Lunch time online course in Chakras with @unselfishlyme 🧘🏼♀️ 💚First Virtual Kinesiology appt this eve 💫 Gotta say this finding the good in each day is really doing wonders for my mood! 💕 #selfloveisthebestlove #putyourselffirst #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #livelifeyourway #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstruggles #anxietyisreal #keepyouropiniontoyourself #trustyourjourney #journeytowellness #mentalhealthjourney #dailygratitude #gratitudejournal #lockdowngratitude 
Lockdown level 5 day 5... the look on Rob’s face in the middle of falling leaves 😍 💚Video chats with the grandparents 💚Morning naps for the whole family - yay for bank holidays 💚Meditation course with @irish_yoga_girl great way to get back into daily practice 🙏🏻 Back to work tomorrow, I’m not feeling it but I got bills 💸 and I’m trying to stay positive 🤪 #leixlip #countykildare #kildare #riverliffey #liffeyriver #cokildare #irishcountryside #irishcountryliving #irishcountryhouse #outinthecountry #irishcountrylife #irishliving #lifeinireland #iloveireland #loveirish #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irishpassion #expat #livingabroad #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #livingabroadadventures #autumnleaves🍁 #fallismyfavorite #autumninireland 
Lockdown level 5 day 4... Issa fall vibes 🍂🍁🍂 💚R woke at her usual time and not an hour early - thank you sleep queens 🙏🏻 💚Lunchtime strolls along the canal, with crunchy leaves 💚Cleaning out the fridge (rob said that wasn’t newsworthy enough for stories 🤪 but he ain’t the boss) with a Tesco delivery arriving afterwards, hello fresh veggies 😍 Now blasting tunes and bum dancing on the stairs, yay for a bank holiday tomorrow! #liveyourbestlife #littlethingsinlife #enjoyeveryday #intentionalliving #livinginthemoment #livingintentionally #intentionallife #bestlife #livelovelife #livelifehappy #lifeinthemoment #weekendmood #weekendchill #travelandlife #weekendvibe #readyfortheweekend #weekendplans #weekendgoals #restandrecover #rnr #restandrelax #hometime #homebody 
Lockdown level 5 day 3 🙏🏻 Key to staying sane in the middle of a list of restrictions and limitations that make you feel trapped - getting outside every single day. Fresh air. Bit of a walk/ stretch the legs. Breathe. Feel the earth. Exhale. 💚Today I cleared and sorted out some cupboards that had been irking me for awhile. Love a bit of a tidy day! 💚I had a cheeky afternoon nap. 💚It’s happy hour here, got some party tunes playing and we all having a bit of a dance dance dance. Love watching R get into the music. Are you ready for the clocks going back this eve? #getoutdoorsmore #adventureseeker #adventuresoutdoors #outdooradventures #outdoorslife #getoutsideandplay #outdoorclub #walkoutside #adventureanywhere #adventureoutside #followthetrail #outdooradventure #outdoorsy #outsideisbetter #thegreatoutdoor #wildones #wildernessbabes #thegreatwilderness #natureishealing #natureiswild #wildnature #getoutside #whatevertheweather #optoutside #exploremoreoutdoors #raisingkidsoutside #freshairclub #groundingenergy #earthyourself 
Lockdown level 5 day 2... hmmm after my stories, let’s see how long I can keep this up for 😬 but today was a really good day: 💚It is Friday of a bank holiday weekend; 💚I had two separate coffee/walk meetups with friends today (one even brought cookies 😋) 💚Rob is making dinner and I’m sitting on the couch with a wine 🍷 Here’s to the last bank holiday weekend of 2020 🤞🏻 
Lockdown in Ireland (again) level 5 day 1 - so I thought I’d focus on ☝🏻 good thing every day. Today there were a few good things: 💚We are off work this week, 💚I’m doing a creative crafty project and it’s coming along really nicely, 💚We got out for a family walk before the sun set 😍 Let me know one good thing about your day? 
Back to level 5 here in Ireland until 1 December and I’m honestly now well and truly struggling to cope with it all. It’s been 7 months of working from home, and we have heavily restricted our visits. So much so that I know we have seen a total of 14 people from 9 other households, and less than 15 interactions/visits total since March. Most of the people either Rob/ I saw (not both of us at the same time) and for some we have only seen once, outside at a park, socially distant. Two people outside of our home has held Riley. We’ve only sat inside another persons home a total of 3 times since March. How sad is it that I can physically count the number of visits/people we have seen or met this year? The last time my parents saw Riley was 382 days ago. The last time Rob’s family saw Riley was 293 days ago. I’m not coping that we have to keep these level 5 restrictions in place for 6 weeks till 1 December. That again we have no idea when we will be able to see family. Let alone friends who live down the road. I’m not coping that we have a friend living alone with no support but living in Dublin and we are in Kildare so we can’t see her. I hate that I’ve become bitter and jealous and judgmental of what other countries and other families are choosing to do when we have chosen to stick to the rules and make heavy sacrifices. And for what? How has any of this made one single bit of a difference? 
We were supposed to be heading up to county Cavan this weekend for a week of exploring our 29th Irish county but alas, we had to cancel it ☹️ regardless we still have a week off work, with no where to go 🥴 - just gonna make it work, by doing what we do best - winging it, laughing with/at each other and getting outside as much as possible! 💚 #expat #irishlife #luckoftheirish #livingabroad #proudlysouthafrican #proudlysa #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #missinghome #expats #expatriate #expatblogger #expatexplore #livingawayfromhome #lifeawayfromhome #southafricansabroad #southafricanabroad #livingabroadadventures #expatfamily #expatproblems #expatliving #livingoverseas #adventuresabroad #allovertheworld #raisingkidswild #whatevertheweather #getoutsidemore #everdayoutdoors 
Not ever going to take for granted that this is our view, safe at home. ❤️ #leixlip #countykildare #kildare #riverliffey #liffeyriver #cokildare #irishcountryside #irishcountryliving #irishcountryhouse #outinthecountry #irishcountrylife #irishliving #lifeinireland #iloveireland #loveirish #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irishpassion #expat #livingabroad #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #livingabroadadventures 
Hello weekend, we seeeeee you! After two days of R staying at home whilst we both needed to work. I can honestly say I don’t know how I would cope if we had to work full time and mind the baby at home full time. Jeeez talk about FULL TIME HARD WORK! Ready for the weekend where we can all hang out, and I don’t have to sit in endless Teams calls 🤪 #whatevertheweather #letsgetoutside #moretosee #adventuresawait #slowtravel #travelandexplore #travelfamily #travelhappy #travelslow #traveljourney #borntoroam #thosewhowander #peoplewhotravel #collectmemoriesnotthings #collectingmemories #memoriesnotthings #travellingfamily #holdthemoments #our_everyday_moments #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyadventures #documentinglife #travelwithbaby #babytravel #adventureswithbaby #thisisliving #borntobeoutside #outdoorsbaby #raisingkidsoutside 
So we had to cancel our upcoming Irish roadtrip 😭 💔 but atleast the sun is coming out a bit this week, grateful for any bit of fresh air we can get at this point because lately I have been feeling like the 4 walls of our house are suffocating us a bit. We don’t go anywhere exciting, we don’t see anyone, I have next to nothing to really say about anything anymore 🤦🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ I think the thing I miss the most is being able to plan and look forward to things in the future. This year has killed my organizer/planner vibe so hard. It really is teaching me to be more present in this moment right now instead of wishing time away. Trying to keep reminding myself that all we have is right now. 🙏🏻❤️ #discoverireland #ireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #irelanddaily #irelandgram #instaireland #visitireland #tourismireland #wanderireland #irishpassion #irishliving #lifeinireland #irishcountryside #iloveireland #loveirish #ireland_gram #loveireland #irish #insta_ireland #igersdublin #igersireland #inspireland_ #ig_ireland #loves_ireland #icu_ireland #eire #irelandaily #irlanda #pocket_ireland 
Not a pic of Ireland... 😂 Throwback to that time I went to Mauritius to see my family... but didn’t know I’d come back pregnant 🤦🏼♀️🤣 Holidays are such fun! I definitely blame my niece and nephew (definitely not the rum shots, @nathalie_tapson) - too much sun and sea but oh so much love 💕 Missing the family so much more these days (and no, not just today, @sox_tap!) #expat #irishlife #luckoftheirish #livingabroad #proudlysouthafrican #proudlysa #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #missinghome #expats #expatriate #expatblogger #expatexplore #livingawayfromhome #lifeawayfromhome #southafricansabroad #southafricanabroad #livingabroadadventures #expatwoman #expatfamily #expatproblems #expatliving #livingoverseas #adventuresabroad #allovertheworld #familyiseverthing #familyadventures #familyfirst❤️ 
Something that has stuck with me the last few days is how much 2020 has thrown at us, but equally, how much we have all risen to those challenges. I’ve done a lot of heavy introspection, offline learning and self discovery this past year - not much of it can be seen here on social media, but a lot of you have picked up the shift in my online attitudes and how my voice is becoming a bit more louder. It’s no coincidence that it’s my first year as a mom, and that’s really helped fast track me into finding my own voice. More than finding my voice and confidence, the truth is I have done a helluva lot of work on myself prior to even thinking of having a kid. In the past I have shared a bit about my mental health, my depression and most recently, my anxieties, but what I’ve failed to share is all the work I’ve done to heal and work on myself internally. Make no mistake it’s taken me 38 years to get here. It’s not been quick. I think it comes with time, but I’m slowly learning that in order to really embrace all the parts of me, I have had to love even the unlovable bits too. All this work really is now not just for me, it’s raising a human to not repeat the same history. It can be heavy work. Hard work. I don’t do any of this because it’s easy. I don’t share it to be cruel or mean. I do it simply because I’m trying to be better for myself, and now not only me, but for my child. #raisingawarenessformentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #selfloveisthebestlove #putyourselffirst #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #livelifeyourway #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstruggles #anxietyisreal #keepyouropiniontoyourself #trustyourjourney #journeytowellness #mentalhealthjourney 
Little town of Trim 😍 I know when I post this, our dear friend will be chuffed to bits seeing his home town featured (Carlow is next @tanzij just to even it out 🤪) The Irish are very proud of where they come from, and I love that they will go home often. It’s an important connection to their past that they hold on to🙏🏻 I think I only started appreciating Durban once I left 😆 I had so many big dreams, and so badly wanted to hit the road on an adventure that only now do I look back with fond memories of good ol’ KZN. Maybe that’s just it, you don’t realise what you miss until you leave? For us, Joburg is the home we miss the most, it was the best of everything- it’s where we learned to live together, it’s where our careers really stepped up, it’s where we bought our first home, and it has this kind of pulsating energy about it - once you have lived there, that vibe just never leaves you. So I can appreciate loving where you grew up, I just ended up really growing into the person I am today in a few places I still call home. ❤️🇿🇦🇮🇪 #expat #irishlife #luckoftheirish #livingabroad #proudlysouthafrican #lifeisajourney #lifeabroad #overseaslife #missinghome #expats #expatriate #expatblogger #expatexplore #livingawayfromhome #lifeawayfromhome #southafricansabroad #southafricanabroad #livingabroadadventures #expatfamily #expatliving #livingoverseas #adventuresabroad #allovertheworld #familyadventures #trimireland #countymeath #irelandtravel #staycationireland 
Wondering where our next adventure will take us? Yea me too 🤔 I realised today we haven’t anything planned for the rest of the year! Which is very unlike us! We only have 4 counties left to complete our county challenge 🙌🏻 so I guess I better start doing some planning so we can put some more pins in our map 📍🇮🇪 #irishroadtrip #traveltips #travellingtips #travelbuddies #travelandlife #discoverireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #visitireland #tourismireland #wanderireland #roadtripireland #thisisireland #loveireland #irelandtravel #beautifulireland #irelandcalling #irelandtrip #irelandroadtrip #roadtripping #roadtrippers #roadslesstraveled #ireland #irelanddaily #irelandgram #instaireland #ontheroadtrip #icu_ireland #pocket_ireland #inspireland 
Heaviest I’ve been in my entire life and... ... and I wish I could say the happiest I’ve ever been or the zero fucks I give or that I have a plan and I’m working on losing it or that I’m in any way motivated to change or improve or strengthen but the truth is, I’m just not anywhere yet. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not willing to do anything about it. I know that sounds crazy. My whole life I’ve battled with my weight, and the fear on what others think about my weight, that always made my feelings about my weight worse. I wanna be slim but also, that’s a lot of fricken work right now. Please don’t @ me about just finding 30min a day to sweat; or cut down one treat a day and especially don’t start shaming your own body in a way to make me feel better - it’s all so body conscious and I never ever take it in a good way. One of my biggest life lessons will be in learning to not worry so much about what others think about my body and in turn love my body the way it is, just simple sweet acceptance in all its sweet glory. But I’m not there yet. Not by a long shot. So here I am, not hella happy about my weight but also owning that I’m not going to do anything about it either. #officiallyamommy #iamamomnow #liveauthentic #septemberbaby #travellingfamily #familywhotravel #mindfulparenting #thisismotherhood #myparentingstyle #2019mum #firsttimemum #honestparenting #bestofmom #honestmotherhood #holdthemoments #letthembelittle #motherhoodrising #ohheymama #our_everyday_moments #slowmotherhood #joyfulmamas #justmomlife #familyforever #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyiseverything #littleandbrave 
What has 2020 taught you? For me it’s finding my voice, learning that life really is so much bigger than my own worries and problems. Not to take away from what you might be currently experiencing but it’s almost a given that someone else has it harder. And holy shit, I’m not able for people with their heads in the sand, keeping silent, hoping these things will just quieten down and everything goes back to normal. It won’t change if we don’t change. The system is f*cked. It needs to change. Humans need to change. We all need to do better. I’ll be damned if my kids generation has to fix this shit. #justicefornathanieljulius #downsyndromeawareness #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #beabetterally #useyourvoice #learningandgrowing #listentolivedexperience #amplifymelanatedvoices #endgenderbasedviolence #saytheirname #endgbv #learnabouttheworld #lifeisforlearning #youpostedablacksquarenowwhathaveyoudoneaboutit 
Don’t mind the dirty windows, look past them and see that beautiful sunset 🌅 I’m thinking back to when we went down to West Cork over St Patrick’s Day back in March - how uncertain everything was back then. Fast forward and I still feel a lot of that same uncertainty. We now know people who have died; and loads who have tested positive, some who after months later have still not recovered from some of the symptoms. The uncertainty of how your body will react to this, is what keeps me wanting to keep my distance, and not chance getting it. I realise this is how it’s going to be for a while, the uncertainty of not knowing how we or our loved ones will be affected by this. So it really makes me uncomfortable when I see people carrying on as normal when I’m just not there yet. I guess it comes down to how risk averse you are. Or maybe it’s privilege that you don’t have any bad experiences with it, so you don’t think about the unknown risks? Or maybe it’s hope, that if we all put it behind us we can go back to normal. I’m not really sure if I want to go back to normal though, I’m enjoying the slower pace of life. Selfishly savoring these moments in our small family bubble. #selfloveisthebestlove #putyourselffirst #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #livelifeyourway #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstruggles #anxietyisreal #trustyourjourney #journeytowellness #mentalhealthjourney #slowliving #slowdowntime #slowpacedlife #livinglifemyway #livinginthemoment #thisonelife #onelifetolive #livelifehappy #liveyourlifenow 
Guinness Tower in Cong, bit of a secret tourist spot - it’s fairly hidden in a woods behind Ashford Castle. It’s easier to park at the Equestrian Centre and walk from there if you have small kids. The tower itself is as tall as the trees, so getting to the top gives you a lovely treetop view. It’s also open at the top so if the weather has been wet... then the stairs are a bit slippy. I ended up walking up to the top on my own because Rob was carrying R - this was a big deal for me because I hate heights but worse than that is a I suffer from FOMO. I would have had regrets at not atleast seeing them top - how can I tell people to visit there without actually seeing it all for myself! #irishroadtrip #traveltips #travellingtips #familystaycationireland #travelandlife #discoverireland #irishlife #luckoftheirish #visitireland #tourismireland #wanderireland #roadtripireland #thisisireland #loveireland #irelandtravel #beautifulireland #irelandcalling #irelandtrip #irelandroadtrip #guinnesstowercong #congmayoireland #roadslesstraveled #roadtrippers #irelanddaily #irelandgram #instaireland #staycationireland #icu_ireland #pocket_ireland #inspireland 
Riley meeting donkey: Joh, that’s a big Jack! Ack ack ack ackkkkkk! Guys, but seriously, I’m in disbelief that this child is 11 months next week and a year old at the end of next month?! Time flies when you have lots of growing and learning to do!! #newbaby #firstbaby #officiallyamommy #iamamomnow #fatherhoodunplugged #dadlifeisthebestlife #travellingfamily #parentingishard #mindfulparenting #thisismotherhood #myparentingstyle #parentingtheshitoutoflife #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #holdthemoments #letthembelittle #bestdaddyever #our_everyday_moments #slowmotherhood #familyforever #mytinytribe #lovemyfam #familyiseverything #positiveparentingtips #parentsbelike #familyadventures #documentingmotherhood #honestmom #motherhoodintheraw 
Pretty much living a real life version of Paula Abdul’s song - taking two steps forward, but like then 4 steps back, some to the side, then back again 🤦🏼♀️😅😬 all the juggling I’m doing right now, maybe I should just join the circus 🎪 🐒 #anxiousmuch #breatheandletgo #justkeepswimming #notmycircus #mycircusmymonkeys #selfloveisthebestlove #putyourselffirst #trustyourjourney #liveyourjourney #journeytoabetterme #maketimeforyou #bestlifepossible #liveyourbestlifenow #lookingafteryourself #findingyourself #findyourpurpose #yourjourneyisyourown #livelifeyourway #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthstruggles #anxietyisreal #keepyouropiniontoyourself #trustyourjourney #journeytowellness #mentalhealthjourney