Human Design – This is My Journey

Have you ever felt like you were constantly jumping from one thing to another, only to be criticized for it? That’s been my story too, until I stumbled upon something that felt like my true life purpose. In my 40s, I finally found my calling, and it all started with meeting Jules & Claire from Space and Freedom, who introduced me to Human Design. Imagine a blend of personality tests, astrology, and genetics all mixed together to create a unique manual for your life. This is the story of my journey with Human Design, a journey that’s helping me understand my strengths, quirks, and the path that’s shaping my future.”

Imagine if personality tests, astrology, and genetics came together in one mixing pot. – that’s pretty much Human Design. It’s like the universe’s personalised manual for you, giving insights into your strengths, quirks, and how you can rock this journey called life.

Picture this: your birth information – the time, date, and place you popped into this world – gets mixed in the mixing bowl of life. The result? A unique Human Design chart, a cool blend of energy centres, gates, channels, and types that reveal the YOU’est you!

So what does my blue blueprint look like?

Well, I’m a manifesting generator 1/3. which may mean nothing to you. But it’s a unique blend that’s shaping my future journey and has shaped my journey up until now.

There are 12 possibilities of the human design numbers mine is 1/3 we all have our own blend. This is what 1/3 means for me.

1: I’ve got this incredible thirst for knowledge and truth – curiosity is practically my middle name. Imagine having an internal detective, always piecing together the puzzle of life’s mysteries. I thrive on gathering insights and sharing them, helping bridge those gaps in understanding. That’s why I love Tv shows like Bones, CSI and other retro “who done its”. And why I hate Magic – I just need to figure out how it’s done!

3: I’m the bold pioneer, a trailblazer who dives headfirst into the unknown, fueled by the quest for discovery. Yep, I’m no bystander; I’m all about participating fully in life’s grand experiment. Sure, there might be a few bumps along the way, but my willingness to embrace the imperfectly chaotic is my superpower.

There are 5 design types, Mine is a manifesting generator.

Being a Mani Geni (Manifesting Generator) is like having a turbocharged engine – I’ve got the energy to spark things into motion and keep them flowing. Multitasking? Oh, I’ve got that covered. My enthusiasm is like cosmic fuel, driving me to tackle multiple projects at once. No wonder I can have the tv on while scrolling my phone and drinking tea!

My human design means I’m great at trailblazing and helping others start their journey. This is probably why I am so lit up by the work of helping busy mums get out of the overwhelm, and take the next steps into the life they truly want to live.

Learning more about Human Design, mine and the kids has really helped me to parent better. As I now understand how they tick too. It shows me how they learn, how they take in information and how they like to eat. Ok, It can’t tell me that even though they loved lasagne last week they are not going to like it this week. Though it would be nice to have that heads up. But I know now that maybe they are not here for big meals, or 3 meals a day they are designed to graze through the day.

Still on a journey

I’m still in the process of fully embodying my Human Design and exploring its depths. Learning more about my 1/3 profile has so far been a journey of self-discovery and growth. As I navigate the chaos of life, I’m finding ways to align my actions with my design, embracing both my investigator spirit and my pioneer heart.

Let’s keep exploring, and keep manifesting!

If you want to know about your human design head on over to see my friends Jules and Claire at Space & Freedom

They have a whole host of knowledge on the subject.

Tell them I sent you and I’m sure they will guide you in the right direction.

You can grab your Human design Chart here. ( use the code 75OFF for a introductory price of £111)

Nina x

10 Instant mood boosters for busy overwhelmed mums

Instant Mood Boosters for busy mums

Being a Mum can be a rewarding journey, but it can be intense at times and the work never ends! Between juggling work, household chores, and taking care of family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and head towards burnout. But there is good news, mama, There are simple and effective ways to boost your mood, even in the midst of chaos. Let’s explore 10 practical tips to help you find quick relief and recharge your spirit. Here are 10 instant mood boosters for busy overwhelmed mums

10 instant mood boosters for busy overwhelmed mums

  • 1. Breathe: When stress levels rise, take a moment to breathe deeply. Deep breathing triggers your body’s relaxation response, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
  • 2. Gratitude: Shift your focus from what’s overwhelming you to what you’re grateful for. Take a few minutes each day to jot down things you’re thankful for. This simple practice can reframe your perspective and boost your mood. Gratitude practice is part of my everyday toolbox necessities. When you practice this regularly it becomes a super tool for mindfulness practice.
  • 3. Mini Meditation: You don’t need hours to meditate; a few minutes can make a difference. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath or a soothing word. Even a short meditation session can help you feel more centred and less stressed. I find the Calm app a great place to start if you need some guidance.
  • 4. Movement: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Incorporate short bursts of exercise into your day, like a 10-minute brisk walk or a few yoga stretches. Or even a kitchen disco – this can also benefit your children. Not only will your mood improve, but you’ll also feel more energised.
  • 5. Uplifting Playlist: Music has a powerful impact on emotions. Create a playlist of your favourite upbeat songs and listen to it when you need a pick-me-up. Sing along or dance around to release stress and elevate your mood.
  • 6. Connection: Sometimes, a friendly conversation is all you need to lighten your mood. Reach out to a friend for a quick chat, whether through a phone call or a text. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and remind you that you’re not alone.
  • 7. Laughter: Laughter truly is the best medicine. Watch a funny video, listen to a comedy podcast, or reminisce about amusing moments with your family. Laughter reduces stress hormones and increases feel-good chemicals. Michal McIntyre never fails to make me laugh.
  • 8. Get outside: Spending time outdoors can work wonders for your mood. Take a short walk in a nearby park or simply sit in your garden. The fresh air, natural surroundings, and sunlight can help alleviate stress and rejuvenate your mind.
  • 9. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a quick self-care session. Whether it’s a soothing bubble bath, a face mask, or a cup of your favourite tea, these small indulgences can provide a sense of relaxation and refreshment.
  • 10. Practice Mindfulness: Bring your awareness to the present moment through mindfulness. Engage your senses by focusing on what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Mindfulness can help ground you and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

As a busy mum, it’s important to prioritize your well-being and prevent burnout. These instant mood boosters are like mini-tools you can use whenever you feel the weight of responsibilities getting to you. Remember, taking care of yourself benefits everyone and allows you to be the best version of yourself for your family. So, What are you waiting forget try these tips whenever you need a quick Energy top-up – Everyone will thank you.

We only get one life we should live it to its full potential and not be overwhelmed by the never-ending laundry basket of life.

Amidst the Chaos, I’m here to support you to a more simplified #mumlife

Nina x

“I’m excited to continue our connection. Be part of a community that turns chaos into collective strength.

Simplified Mum Life Village is a community just for that.

Head on over and let’s connect some more.

Create “That Home” where the kids want to come and hang out.

“Unlocking the Secret to Creating a Welcoming and Safe ‘Home‘ where the kids want to come and hang out”

Kids playing with balloons with the blog title creating that home

In my younger days, I loved the amazing adventures I shared with my best friend and her family. Our bond was so tight and our mothers were close friends too, making us virtually inseparable. We even spent holidays together, and I can still remember the times when my friend’s mum would pick me up from school, claiming we both had tummy aches, just so we could spend the day together. Sometimes, we’d even sneak away for impromptu seaside trips, a luxury that is often frowned on now.

Those adventures were nothing short of amazing. Then, during my teenage years, I found myself living with another friend’s family, a busy household with six kids, parents, and friends from nearby villages. It was a lively, full house, and I loved every moment of it. My friend’s mum, who remains as great as ever, welcomed me in. Although my stay there was relatively short, it marked one of the most memorable periods of my teen years. Even now, I consider her my adopted mum, a title she often uses when introducing me to others.

Both her house and the home of my first friend felt like ‘that home.’ You know the type—a place where all the kids can play freely and feel safe, where the rules exist but are mixed with a healthy dose of coolness. As I grew older, I found myself wondering if I could create ‘that home’ when I had kids of my own. I wondered about the secrets and steps needed to become the go-to house for my kid’s friends to adventure to.”

Becoming “that home” where your kid’s friends can play and feel safe, is a great goal to have. Creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for your own children and their friends is not only rewarding but also an important part of building a strong sense of community.

Firstly, I know what you are thinking, I could never become “that Home”, I am already overwhelmed with my own kids and the housework. But I have great news for you. Stick around to the end of this post and I will tell you a way to let go of that overwhelm so you can become “that mum” and have “that home”

Here are some simple steps to help you become “that home”:

  1. Open Communication: Building trust and rapport with the kids in your neighbourhood starts with open communication. Take the time to listen to them, ask about their interests, and genuinely care about their well-being. Let them know they can always talk to you. Like you
  2. Create a Welcoming Space: Ensure that your home is a comfortable and inviting place for children to visit. Having activities that are age-appropriate for a range of kids is essential.
  3. Boundaries: While being welcoming can be a good start, it’s also important to have some basic rules in place. I know my energy can drift from one day to the next especially if we have had a high energy zapping day the day before or if I need to get back on top of routine. Make sure your kids and the ones that visit know that sometimes we all need space and while you love having friends over today is not that day. They also need to know what is expected of them regarding behaviour, safety, and respect for your property. Enforce these rules consistently but with kindness.
  4. Safety First: Make sure the kids have age-appropriate supervision, they know how to navigate any potential hazards properly and that any unnecessary hazards are removed.
  5. Snacks and Refreshments: Snacks are essential to becoming “That Home” Again create boundaries regarding snacks you don’t want to be spending ££££s on snacks each day. Let your kids know they can always make sandwiches, hot dogs or other cheaper bulk-buy snacks cheaper than prepacked mini snacks.
  6. Include Everyone: Ensure that no child feels left out or excluded. Encourage inclusivity and teach your own children the importance of being kind and inclusive as well.
  7. Be a Positive Role Model: Kids often look up to adults in their lives. Be a positive role model by demonstrating kindness, respect, and good manners. Show them how to resolve conflicts peacefully.
  8. Support Learning and Creativity: Foster an environment that promotes learning and creativity. Provide access to books, art supplies, and educational games. Encourage their curiosity and help them with any educational work if needed.
  9. Activities: Plan fun activities or playdates for your kids and their friends. This can include themed parties, movie nights, or outdoor games. Building these positive memories will make your home a favourite destination.
  10. Build Relationships with Parents: Just like your friends’ parents did when you were younger, establish strong relationships with the parents of the children in your neighbourhood. This helps in building trust and ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety and rules.

The Secret is keeping mum life simple

Becoming “that home” where kids feel safe, loved, and welcomed can take a little effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. You’ll not only create lasting memories for the children but also contribute to a sense of community and belonging in your kid’s community. Remember, it’s the small acts of kindness and genuine care that make all the difference.But if you are already overwhelmed with motherhood how can you still foster this goal?

  • First up create a rhythm to your home which means it doesn’t take a lot to rest after a full playdate.
  • Imagine Toys easily get tidied up, towels from the pool get washed, dried and put away, snacks being in stock etc. Wouldn’t that be great?
  • Rhythms can be a sticking point if you fear routine and schedule but they really can help the flow of your home.
  • Make sure you have time for yourself. Topping up our teapot of wellbeing is an essential part of my simpler mum life. If we don’t top up our own mental well-being we simply can’t look after anyone else. Not without reaching burnout anyway.
  • Boundaries I said this previously but stating your boundaries is important for creating a calm place for the kids and friends to hang out. If you have worked nights the day before, if you have been on a big day out, or are feeling sick added pressure of other people’s kids is not going to help your energy levels and may push you over the edge. So tell your kids your boundaries and stick to them. If it’s the summer schedule “drop-in days and non-negotiable quiet days.

For more help on rhythms, time management, boundaries and more why not head over to Simplified Mum Life- My membership for busy mums like you who want that extra support from a mum who has been there, in burnout, close to burnout, and come through with the skills and strategies to help myself and others live a simpler life

Join here for free for 14 days

Always here to guide you to a simpler mum life

Nina x

Try On The Dress already!

No, I don’t mean the wedding dress unless that’s what you feel like. Trying on the dress is a metaphor after I tried on a friend’s dress for a fancy book ball. A dress I would never normally go for. Something pink and poofy not at all me, or so I thought. A little like my life right now actually. Try on the dress already!

Years ago, I’m talking teenage years, my older cousins all having babies My nan said you’ll be next! Not me, I don’t want kids I thought. Now, look two sets of twins and a stepson! Or looking back to me being a new mum of those first set of twins, I never thought I would be friends with best-selling authors, mentors and change-makers of the world let alone be one! Yet here I am! Because I tried on that dress! I put one foot in front of the other tried that life I really wanted to live and moved forward.

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

Henry Ford

Staying where you are comfortable in those mum leggings is great for a while. Until you realise you don’t get to live your very best life. Don’t get me wrong mum leggings have their place But you are not going to hit your dreams wearing them.

So step out of your own closet, and try on something you never thought you could. I sometimes think about all the opportunities I’ve missed out on due to lacking confidence, due to wanting to stay comfortable.

What is that big dream you had as a child? What is that thing you loved as a child more than anything in the world as it made you feel free, but now you dont try it because “its not what grown ups do”?

Go try on that dress!

I’d love to know what you are going to try on for size. Either comment below or come and connect with me on Instagram.

Nina x

For The Mum Having More Bad Days Than Good

Everyone has a bad day from time to time but when you feel you are having more bad days than good you can feel like you are a constant hamster wheel trying to get off and everyone is looking in. Well thats how I used to feel anyway. I would wish that i could live more simply if thats a thing. When my big twins were in their first year or so I would wake up day after day dreading the day ahead, three of us crying and not knowing who to console first. Feeling constantly drowned by the washing piles, feeling like If I didn’t have it all together like everyone else (thats I had seen on youtube or instagram) then the babies that I’d waited so long for would be taken away. Now I do still have moments that feel hard days that feel bad but I now know not to stay stuck there I now have a toolbox of well-being that I have filled over the past 15 years that I can dip into when I need it. So for the Mum having more bad days than good this is for you. Some of the ways I have found that flip the lights back on on darker days.

For The Mum Having More Bad Days Than Good

Just so you know, you are still an awesome mum even on your bad days

Let yourself feel that bad day

Sometimes we need those bad days to appreciate the better ones. So call in sick, grab some chocolate, make a brew, stick some Netflix on and snuggle into a duvet day. Just don’t stay there too long.

There is no such thing as perfect

If you are on a constant strive for perfection, to be the perfect mum it can cause you to feel less than you are worth. Know that there is no such thing as perfect. There is the best version of ourselves but that perfect mum does not exist. You may feel like you see perfect on social media when you are scrolling first thing in the morning or while you are procrastinating from cooking dinner. But honestly, those perfect lives you see are only snippets of their lives they are not the full picture. I guarantee you they have scooped some crap out of the way to take that insta moment.

Cry It Out Mama

There is no shame in sticking on a weepy film and crying that Sh*t out. Crying releases so much tension. It shows our kids that emotions are allowed so when they feel like they are having a bad day they can cry it out too. If you don’t want to cry in front of the family you can always head off for an early bath or shower. I find there is nothing better than a cry in the shower when I’m having a low moment.

Run Away

Ok, we are not really going to run away although I have packed a bag before with two pairs of pants and a chocolate bar. I mean that is all you really need isn’t it? But take off for the day, send the kids to school, ask granny to take them for a while, leave them with their dad or send them on a play date. head to the spa, the beach, the library or a coffee shop and just let yourself be. Take away that mum guilt right now. there is no room for that here. – Mum guilt just robs us of experiences. You are not doing anything wrong in fact taking some time for you is super important. Topping up that teapot is like resetting your hearts on a computer game, You have to do it to keep you in the game. Remember that next time that pesky mum guilt strolls in.

In the Words of Elsa let it go, let it go.

Get out that journal, a piece of paper, or your notepad and let everything flow out onto the paper. Burn it if you don’t want others to see it, keep it to look back on at a later date or if you have some to-dos from this outpouring organise them with actions points and dates / times you can get them done you could even delegate some of the tasks to others. But let that pen and paper flow. If you are feeling brave you could blog it out too. Thats where I started many moons ago. Through the infertility years I would blog on those long sleepless nights It was cathartic and knowing my words could help others felt like I was doing something good with m pain.

Flip that mood with something fun

Turn up the Alexa, and ask her to put on a 90s dance playlist or something that would make you get up on a dance floor and get that kitchen disco started. Get outside and do some jumping on the kid’s trampoline, take the kids to the park and go on the swings or zip wire too, Or find something else that is fun to do. Let me know what you get up to.

Mindset Shift

This is hard to start with but the more you practice the easier it gets and over time it will become the default. I am a recovering pessimist as such I would lay in pity over the life I had been given, and the hardships I’d face. Yes, motherhood is hard but we always default to I’ve got to … do the washing, cook the dinner, figure everything out. If we start saying more positive phrases like “I get to feed the kids that I always wanted” instead it helps our brain feel grateful instead of overwhelmed. Try this one ” bad things always happen to me” Instead we say “I am a much stronger and resilient person from the adventures I’ve been through” ” every bad day, moments, hiccup is a learning opportunity to help me when I really need it most! Try it yourself. practice with the little negative thoughts and work up to the bigger ones.

Its not too late to say sorry

Own up, tell the people that matter that you are having a bad day. Say sorry if you are snappy or not very fun that day. Taking ownership of our bad day and apologising helps others do the same. It shows them that even mummy the best mummy in the world for your children has bad days and has to say sorry.

Bad days will come and go. Over time my hope for you is that they hold less power and you are able to see that there are more good days than bad moments.

Take care lovely,

Remember those kids love you no matter what!

Nina x

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The information in my blog posts are to be used with your own research. I do not guarantee this will change your life with any of the information I give you alone. To do this you have to put in the work too. I mentor with tools that have helped me and my family and share these tools to hopefully offer you the reader or client ways of helping you along your motherhood journey. Sometimes within a blog post, there may be links to products with an affiliate nature - I will only link to an item that truly fit with my ethos and my family