Author: Alethea Awuku

I am a mother to 3 beautiful sons. I am a wife and homemaker. Some of my passions are the pursuit of a deeply fulfilled family life, marketing communications and creating valuable systems and products to encourage myself and other mums in homemaking. I am committed to raising my boys with excellence, wellness, fitness, writing and savouring a slower paced life.
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How to Start a Blog in 10 Easy Steps

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

If you’re wondering how to start a blog, and make money online, this in-depth post will guide you through the setup process step by step so that you can have your new blog up and running today!

I’ll be honest and say that it can all be overwhelming. There is just so much information out there, and as mums we already have a million tabs open in our minds. My aim in this post is to break down the process of what a blog is and how one is started so you’ll get an overview of how to start one too if you want to run a meaningful and impactful thriving business from home!

Mark today as the day that something profound shifts in favour for you and your family. You can completely change your lives, and see financial blessings over time by learning how to start a blog around a passion or interest. It is possible!

I left my corporate career in marketing and communications in 2022 to stay at home full time with my three beautiful boys, but I wanted to contribute to one of our family streams which was building our children’s savings accounts. I have tried multiple ways to make money from home as a stay at home mum. After many different ventures, I finally learned how to start a blog and make money from it. I am still learning and growing, and want to share everything with you too so that you can thrive right from home, and anywhere else in the world that you please.

This in depth guide will show you exactly how to start a blog, what tools to use, how to write your first blog post, how to get traffic and how to make money with your blog. It is a lot so bookmark this page so you can come back to it! I’ll also break down the sections for you so that you can read and link through them and come back to read when you need to.

I help and serve mums who want to start a successful blogging journey using their own authentic voice to share or provide value in the area of their passions and interests with a valued and small community. This guide can be used by any woman who desires to start a successful blog and earn an income from it!

  • It’s for the stay at home mum who wants to contribute to her family finances
  • The working mum who wants time freedom so she can spend more time with her children and loved ones
  • It’s for the mums of grown up children who want to explore a creative way of sharing their experience and advice
  • Any woman who wants to explore the world of digital marketing and how to earn an income from it!

It’s possible to have a blog up and running in just a few minutes, and in this guide, I’ll show you some of the important details behind starting a successful blog. I’ll be adding a lot of links (non-affiliate) and downloadable PDFs so you’ll have all the resources you need to get started quickly!

What is a blog?

A blog is a type of website or an online platform where you regularly publish valuable content, typically in the form of written articles, known as posts. Blogs can cover a wide range of topics, from personal experiences and opinions to specialised subjects such as technology, fashion, travel, food, or business. Blogs allow readers to leave comments, creating interaction and building a personal community around your content.

Topics covered in this guide:

Step 1: Brainstorm your passion and interests

Step 2: Think about your audience (niche)

Step 3: Choose a Blog name

Step 4: Choose your blog host

Step 5: Navigating WordPress

Step 6: Writing your first few blog posts

Step 7: Add Standard Blog Pages

Step 8: Decide on a Blog Posting Schedule

Step 9: Promote Your Blog

Step 10: Make Money Blogging

Step 1: Take time to think about your passion and interests

Grab a notebook and write down some of the first thoughts that come to mind when you think about the things that you are interested in. What makes you excited? passionate, sad, happy, hopeful? What stage are you in your life journey and what do you find yourself googling a lot about as a result? What websites or social media accounts do you enjoy and why?

Your answers to these questions will help build a picture about your interests and if you think broader, the kind of audience that consumes this content. This will help you shortlist possible blog areas that you can talk about.

Reminder: You don’t have to be an expert yet, as you blog you’ll become better! As long as there is a genuine interest, you’ll build consistency easily.

A genuine worry when it comes to our interests, is whether there will be enough people in the world also interested in it to help us build a profitable income. I here you. A quick way to gauge this is: Search on Amazon. Have a look under the topic you want to blog about. Have there been a lot of books written? what do the reviews say? This gives you an idea of what people are saying- good and bad. You can also do a good old google search and see what automatically pops up. This will help you to know if there is an audience for what you want to blog about. Evidence of a strong audience means potential for income which is a great sign.

Step 2: Who is your audience and how are they linked to your passion


Finding your niche audience is a crucial step in building a successful blog or business. Most likely, your area of interest is broad (e.g. I enjoy content around cooking meals for my family). This passion is completely fine, but we can niche down even more. What type of cuisines are enjoyed? why? Any health benefits? cultural interests or preferences? Are we cooking for babies, toddlers, teenagers, or thinking about hosting for large or small family gatherings? Are we adding the whole hosting (decor items) into the mix or are we thinking purely about the food preparation? Is the content around the purchasing of the food (and where to buy the most affordable ingredients), or the actual cooking and plating of it?

See what I’ve done there? There are so many ways that you can look at just one area of interest and break it down. As you break it down, the audience is niched down and this is great because you can then get more specific, and this means you’ll be able to offer specific advice that will actually be valuable to your audience! Value equals potential for consistent and good income.

Step 3: Pick your blog name

You may have a name picked out already, but if you are struggling in this area I would say don’t stress too much about getting the perfect name for your blog right now– what you blog about is much more important than the name you choose. The name will eventually come to you. It may end up being a fun quirky name, or a straight to the point name.

Either way, you can think about something that will be memorable, not too long and possibly relevant to your topic and audience. Once you know what purpose your blog will serve, you could add in that in the title of your blog e.g. ourfamilymeals.com. A name like this gives your reader instant information about what your blog will center on. If it’s a real struggle you could also just use your own name as your blog title! The benefits of having your own name as your blog is that it’s unique and branded, but also generic enough so you can blog about any topic. Using websites to help you think of blog names is also a great way to get the ideas flowing. 

Once you have decided on a name, you can search for it in domain websites to see if it doesn’t already exist. If you want to, you can purchase the domain name so it’s ready for your website.

Once you have thought of a name you can go ahead and also create a cute logo in an editing suite. Again you don’t have to have it completely figured out at this stage as most likely, you’ll evolve and develop your branding into something stunningly beautiful as time goes on.

Step 4: Decide where you want to host your lovely blog

A hosting website service, is a platform that provides the technologies and services needed for a website to be accessible on the Internet. When you create a website, you need to store its files on a server, and web hosting companies provide the space on their servers to store your website’s files.

Key Features of Web Hosting Services:

  1. Server Space: The core service offered by web hosting providers is server space where your website’s files, databases, and applications are stored.
  2. Domain Name Registration: Many hosting services also offer domain name registration services, allowing you to secure and register the address of your website (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com).
  3. Bandwidth: Hosting services provide a certain amount of bandwidth, which is the amount of data that can be transferred between your website and its users. Higher bandwidth is necessary for websites with high traffic.
  4. Email Accounts: Hosting providers often include email hosting, allowing you to create professional email addresses (e.g., name@yourwebsite.com).
  5. Security Features: These include SSL certificates, firewalls, malware scanning, and other security measures to protect your website from cyber threats.
  6. Database Support: Many websites require databases to function (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), and hosting services offer support for these databases.
  7. Technical Support: Reliable customer support is crucial for addressing any issues or downtime that may occur.
  8. Backup Services: Regular backups of your website’s data are essential to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or other issues.

For most users, Bluehost and Cloudways is a great beginner friendly place to start.

There are free platforms out there, such as Blogger and WordPress.com, and they are great for hobby blogs – but if you want to monetise your site, it’s best to have a dedicated blog that is self-hosted, where you control all of the content and have complete ownership of it.

I have always used WordPress.org and found it to be such a robust and reliable website that does it all! A self hosted website on WordPress.org will mean that you control your content and can monetise as your please.

You can now install WordPress and start building your site!

The homepage will look like this: Select “Set up with a hosting provider”.

This will take you to a page where you will have the option to select a hosting provider – Bluehost.
Once you select that option it’ll take you to the Bluehost website where you follow the instructions, purchase the first simple plan, and create your domain name- linking it with your hosting site and blog site.

Step 5: Navigating WordPress and writing your first blog post

All set up? Fantastic! Congratulations! This is an exciting step to launching your wonderful valuable business! Once you have logged into your new WordPress site (be sure to safely record your password details) you’ll see a homepage that looks similar to the below:

Spend some time going through the various settings. It may be confusing at first and overwhelming, but over time, it will all start to look familiar, and you’ll be enjoying all the great benefits of this powerful site. One of the first settings I recommend you change is the permalink structure. Click on “Settings” and then “Permalinks.”

Select the “Post Name” option. It’s important to make this change before you start publishing posts. Once you publish and have inbound links to your posts, it’s a little more difficult to change the URL structure.

Some of the areas in the left hand menu that you’ll need to familiarise yourself with are the Posts, Plugins and Widgets and themes! Installing a theme is really the fun part where you can customise and personalise your site to really reflect your style, or the style of your target audience!.

You can find out more detailed information regarding your dashboard on the WordPress site.

Step 6: Writing your first few blog posts

Once you know what your audience wants to see and know, and you figure out how to create value in your own unique way using your own unique voice, the next step is to create the content- aka write your blog posts! If you aren’t familiar with writing blog posts, this can take some time as you figure out. I would start with a few pillar posts. Your intial brainstorm activity would have given you enough information to know what you want to say, and how you want to present yourself to your audience.

One of the first things that I learnt when starting to think about blogging seriously was the fact that it’s super important to circulate your content around three different types of blog posts when you are just starting:

  • A blog post dedicated to growing traffic (offering valuable information)
  • A blog post to help make money (a recommendation post with links)
  • A blog post that grows your email list (offering something for free for a signup)

See examples of what post titles could look like if your blog was about making family meals:

  • Your traffic post could be, “How to feed your family on a small budget.”
  • Your money making post would be, “The Best Airfryer that saves time and makes food taste delicious.”
  • And your email list post could be, “The family meal plan that will save you time and money – free PDF”.

Keep building on this, giving relevant, relatable and valuable content.

Step 7: Add Standard Blog Pages

Setting up a few pillar posts, as well as foundational things in the first stage will help you build momentum, and will serve as a great central core for you to come back to if you need a reminder of what your blog is about and what you want to do. These posts can always be edited and updated in the future, but for now they are great to start with:

  1. 5 Pillar Posts
  2. A clear blog menu (what are the core areas of your blog purpose)
  3. A good profile picture (take one in natural lighting)
  4. An About Me page
  5. A Disclosure Page – if you plan on using affiliate marketing and selling on your site
  6. A way to contact you (you can add this to your About Me page)
  7. Links to your social media pages

Step 8: Decide on a Blog Posting Schedule

When you are first getting started it can be hard to post consistently if you aren’t used to it. But it’s crucial if you are going to build momentum, and get clearer on what you are offering to your audience. Here, I would suggest building a library of posts quite quickly so that readers have something to browse when they land on your website. Once you have 10-15 posts in place, it would be helpful to you to develop a consistent posting schedule so you don’t get overwhelmed and can give yourself time to think about what you want to write.

Common schedules include daily posts for news or dynamic niches, weekly posts for consistent engagement, bi-weekly posts for higher quality content, and monthly posts for comprehensive, in-depth articles.

You could plan your content calendar by brainstorming relevant topics and varying the types of content, such as how-tos, listicles, interviews, and reviews. Include seasonal and timely posts that align with holidays, seasons, or industry events, and ensure you have buffer time for editing and unforeseen delays. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar to organise your schedule, and leverage CMS platforms like WordPress for built-in scheduling features. Regularly monitor performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics, and be ready to adjust your schedule based on performance data and audience feedback.

For example, a balanced weekly blog schedule might involve publishing a new post on Monday, promoting it on social media on Tuesday, engaging with reader comments on Wednesday, conducting keyword research and outlining the next post on Thursday, writing and editing on Friday, taking a break or focusing on other activities on Saturday, and doing a final review on Sunday. By following these steps, you can develop a blog posting schedule that aligns with your goals and resources while keeping your audience engaged and eager for more content.

When you are posting at the same days and times each week, you become part of your readers’ routines and they come to expect your new posts, which makes it easier to build up a loyal community. The number of times per week or month that you post is up to you. Think about how many helpful blog posts you can publish on a consistent basis, and make that number work for you. 

Social-Media-Post-PlannerDownload

Step 9: Promoting your blog

It goes without saying that one of the first areas that is helpful to think about when promoting your blog and its content is social media. Leveraging social media by choosing platforms where your target audience is most active, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest is great as you’ll be able to build community and interested and engaged followers. Creating a consistent posting schedule will be very useful in establishing yourself as a reliable and go to person for your content which is exactly what we want!

Additionally, optimising your blog for search engines (SEO) is essential. Conduct keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your blog posts. Optimise your titles, headings, meta descriptions, and images with appropriate keywords, and use internal linking to improve navigation and SEO.

Building an email list is another powerful strategy for promoting and growing your blog. Offer a freebie such as an e-book, checklist, or exclusive content to encourage sign-ups, and send regular newsletters with updates, exclusive content, and promotions (if relevant). To enhance this, you can segment your email list to tailor content to different audience segments based on what they respond to; increasing engagement. Collaborating with other bloggers in your industry or area of interest is also a fantastic way of extending your reach to new audiences. You could also write guest posts for other blogs in your niche, engage in link exchanges to boost SEO and referral traffic, and partner for joint giveaways, webinars, or social media takeovers.

Utilising paid advertising to reach a broader audience can be very effective. Facebook Ads, Google AdWords, and Pinterest Ads can effectively drive targeted traffic to your blog. Creating high-quality, shareable content is crucial so do your best to use high-quality images and infographics, write comprehensive guides and how-to posts, and offer content upgrades like printable PDFs to encourage sharing and engagement. Engage in online communities by joining and participating in Facebook groups, answering questions on forums and Q&A sites like Quora, and leaving thoughtful comments on other blogs.

Networking offline can also be beneficial if that interests you or is your preference! Attending local events, meetups, and conferences related to your niche, and hosting or participating in workshops and classes to establish yourself as an authority is a great way to meet others, widen your reach and have fun immersing yourself in an interest.

Offering affiliate marketing is another way to monetise your blog. Join affiliate programs relevant to your niche, include affiliate links in your blog posts, and write detailed reviews of products you genuinely use and love. Always disclose your use of affiliate links to maintain transparency and trust with your readers. If you come across as genuine and honest in this area, you could see a real surge in your income with blogging as we are all looking for someone to share things honestly with us that will transform our lives in one way or another.

There are so many other areas that you could look at when it comes to monetising your blog, but for now I think these suggestions are enough to help you soar when learnt, implemented and mastered over time. By adopting these strategies, you can effectively promote your blog, build a loyal audience, and start generating income from your blogging efforts. Consistency and genuine engagement with your audience are key to long-term success and you can do it!

Step 10: Selling Digital Products

In this last but not least section (I could honestly keep going on!) I want to talk about digital products because when done well, and marketed well, they can be a great source of income. With this model, you create something — maybe an eBook, course, printables, and sell it to your readers on your blog. The great benefits of digital products are that you only have to do the work once when you create it. Then all you have to do is market it to your audience in the right way, or even upload it to popular sites such as Etsy, and you’ll receive an income each time you make a sale.

Unlike physical products, digital products have low production and distribution costs, allowing for significant profit potential. They enable you to leverage your expertise and provide valuable content to your audience in a more in-depth format, enhancing your authority and credibility in your niche. Additionally, digital products can be sold repeatedly without the need for inventory, making them a sustainable income source.

They also offer flexibility, as you can create and sell products tailored to your audience’s needs and preferences, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

SO there you go! What I hope is a helpful guide to help you mama. Blogging has the potential to be an incredibly lucrative business if we work consistently at it. By implementing one or more of the strategies shared above, your income could go from £0 to more than £100 a month to several thousand pounds per month over time!

Why do you want to start a blog? Leave your reply below, even if it’s just a few words!

Discover the joy and fulfillment of creating a loving, organised, and faith-filled home! Download my free eBook, “The Homemakers Framework,” for practical tips, encouragement, and inspiration tailored for mothers and homemakers. Start your journey towards mastering home management and nurturing your family’s well-being today. Get your free copy now and transform your home into a sanctuary of love and grace!

download your free ebook here

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My Journey from Corporate Career to Stay-at-Home Motherhood

Published on by Alethea Awuku4 Comments

I transitioned from a thriving corporate career in marketing and publishing, to being a fulltime stay-at-home mother in 2022 because it was a choice that was profoundly important for our family. As an ambitious and capable woman with many dreams and talents, this shift has been both challenging and rewarding.

When I left my first corporate job to work part-time for my church, I was driven by such a desire to serve not only my local fellowship, but as a newly married woman, I knew that I had a heart for home and family life and wanted to pour well into it. My passion for building a joyful, adventurous, and successful life for my tribe became a priority to me. I wanted to learn how to be intentional in creating a nurturing environment and focus on mapping out and bringing to life our unique family values.

Alongside this, my love for marketing and communications remained strong. I often felt the tension between pursuing this interest, and focusing solely on my home life. But what if there didn’t need to be a choice? What if I could beautifully and carefully blend the two while remaining authentic to who I am, and my journey as a woman, Christian, wife, mother, daughter and friend?

I have always had a natural ability in communications, and connecting with others in my own way. My husband encouraged me to pick up my love for this again and document my journey of growth during this transformative season of motherhood so here I am. Slowly, faithfully and authentically showing up as me- Alethea. Blogging is a real gift in the sense that it provides a space for us to have a creative release, as well as building a community of likeminded people who can journey along with us.

One of my worries about being a stay-at-home mother was how we would thrive financially (as this was one of our family goals). I was also deeply insecure about being at home because up until then, I believed that success for me as a woman was only linked to my output in a corporate office. Blogging has released all of that for me and has proven to be a vehicle that has unlocked financial blessing for us as a family, and we see so much potential in it! I believe we can thrive wherever we are. It requires hard work and wholehearted dedication, but it’s possible to build a fulfilling life from what God has placed in our hands, minds, and hearts.

I am a stay-at-home mother and a homeschooling mum to three beautiful boys. Our goal isn’t to become millionaires; if I am honest, the pursuit of wealth can be so exhausting and we want to take stock of where we are using all of our energy. Instead, I aim to create a meaningful, sustainable, and slow-paced income that allows us to feel grateful for our achievements, and build on our goals slowly; all through blogging!

I want to help other beautiful mamas who feel the heart to be based from home to build their families that they can absolutely do this! Staying at home and building a life from there is just as valuable as having a corporate career. We can build systems that serve our family values, and we can earn incomes from home, and build a wonderful community all at the same time.

Life is for living and we want to live it to the fullest with our favourite people.

We don’t want to be chained to a draining 9-5 with no freedom.

We also don’t want to be chained to our laptops, hustling 24/7 to build businesses all in the quest to achieve more and more and more.

I’m here to encourage and help you build a sustainable business that not only has financial blessing attached to it, but gives you peace, enjoyment and freedom to live your dream life without overwhelm. Personally, I don’t want hustle culture – it isn’t suited to me. I don’t want boss babe. I don’t want to be on the hamster wheel, or in front of flashing lights. My heart leans towards the simple, deep and quiet.

You also were not made to spend your life working and pouring into a life that you don’t enjoy. God has put so much in you, and you can connect with that, do work you LOVE, get paid really well for it, and serve your family in a way that works for you- all through blogging.

You can start a blog too and make money from home while helping others too.

If this sounds really interesting to you and you are new to blogging, you can find out more information on how to start a blog and earn an income right from home.

Discover the joy and fulfillment of creating a loving, organised, and faith-filled home! Download my free eBook, “The Homemakers Framework,” for practical tips, encouragement, and inspiration tailored for mothers and homemakers. Start your journey towards mastering home management and nurturing your family’s well-being today. Get your free copy now and transform your home into a sanctuary of love and grace!

download your free ebook here

God Bless,

Alethea

faceless black kids drawing and playing on carpet at home

How to create a fun learning environment for kids

Published on by Alethea Awuku3 Comments

Cultivating a space where curiosity thrives, imaginations soar, and hearts are touched by the wonders of God’s creation is an incredible process to be part of. As mums we have the opportunity to provide that for our children yet at the same time, it can feel overwhelming when we think of our tidy homes being transformed into a playground for little hands, minds and feet. Creating a fun learning environment is totally doable in any environment, and with a few systems and strategies in place, we can transform pockets of areas, and most importantly our atmosphere to bring life to all the souls that dwell in it.

I lean toward minimalism, but I have still found a few ways to make room for play and imagination in my home. In today’s post I am sharing some ideas that we have incorporated into our space to make learning fun for our 3 boys.


Please note that this post contains affiliate links. The purpose of this post is to recommend items that we use or would use. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running.

  1. Use colourful, relatable and engaging decorations: Decorating a wall or part of it with beautiful thought provoking artwork helps to spark the imagination. Incorporating bright colours within the learning space such as posters, artwork, and educational materials related to the subjects your children are studying is useful for igniting further interest in that area. So take your time to search for beautiful imagery, because it’ll not only be visually beautiful and inspiring to look at, but it’ll naturally lead to a conversation about the creativity, wisdom and unmatched power of God.
  2. Incorporate Games and Interactive Activities: Integrate educational games, puzzles, board games, and interactive learning activities that make learning feel like play. These can also include scavenger hunts, role-playing games, and simulations. Teaching on and learning about subjects such as Maths, English, History and Science can be brought to life by incorporating hands on activities. This just cements the information and children are more likely to remember facts and information when it is presented in a vivid way. The boys love learning in a very hands on way, and with my kinesthetic learner, group activities, and hands on activities work really well.
  3. Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Design a comfortable and inviting reading area with bean bags, pillows, rugs, and shelves stocked with a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and picture books. This could be in the children’s bedrooms, or in the living area next to the sofa. Reading nooks serve as a personal sanctuary (no matter how small or simple it is) and encourages regular quiet reading time which is great for everyone! It helps to break reading and learning out of a box and reinforces the truth that learning can and does happen everywhere!
  4. Utilise Hands-on Learning Materials: Providing manipulatives, such as blocks, LEGO, puzzles, and art supplies, that children can use to explore concepts in a tactile and hands-on manner is great for creating a fun learning environment. They are so useful for engaging the mind during down time or “gap moments” before something else is scheduled to take place. I have found that my boys are always engaged for a while as it really suits their learning style.
  5. Integrate Technology in a Purposeful Way: Incorporating educational apps, interactive whiteboards, educational videos, and digital resources can enhance learning experiences and allow children to explore topics in innovative ways. The boys love watching Science Max at Large, Dude Perfect, Superbook, Dr Bionics and Science Planet.
  6. Outdoor Learning Spaces: Taking advantage of outdoor spaces for learning activities whenever possible is a must if you want to create a fun learning environment for children. They love to run, jump, dive, create and so much more. If you don’t have a garden or balcony space, the park or fields, trails are absolutely great for getting everyone outdoors for fresh air and fun. You can also conduct science experiments, go on nature walks, get involved in gardening projects, or art sessions in the backyard or local parks. The boys attend forest school once a week and really enjoy swinging, jumping, building dens, playing in mud and working on craft activities.
  7. Incorporate Music and Movement: Music, songs, and movement activities are so important for children as they make learning complex information really fun and easy to remember (think of times tables, poems, languages science information). A quick search online can yield so many results and helps to to enhance learning and energise the atmosphere. Create playlists with educational songs or encourage children to create their own music related to the topics they’re studying!
  8. Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: Recognising and celebrating our children’s achievements, progress, and efforts with praise, rewards, certificates, or special activities can make their learning experience fun. Positive recognition boosts motivation and fosters a sense of accomplishment. We use stickers, and an achievement “trophy” that they boys can earn when they go above and beyond to do a particular work without prompt.
  9. Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork: Providing opportunities for the children to work together on projects, to solve problems collaboratively, and to share their ideas and knowledge with one another is important when trying to build a fun community based environment. We have regular “sports days” in our garden which is so much fun. It gets very competitive which adds to my fun haha.
  10. Rotate Learning Centers: Set up different learning stations or centers with activities related to various subjects or skills. Rotate these centers periodically to keep the environment fresh and exciting. We all need change once in a while to freshen our minds and give us new inspiration. Children are no different. When we change up the space every now and again it invites new energy into activities, and I have found that engagement and focus is also improved.

I hope these tips and ideas have been helpful by incorporating these elements into your learning environment, you can create a space where children feel excited, motivated, and eager to explore and learn! Are there any other things that you do to make learning fun for your children?

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5 ways to be productive at home

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment


Finding Grace in the Chaos: Productivity Tips for the Christian Mother.

Being productive at home is essential for maintaining efficiency, organisation, and overall well-being. As Christian mothers, we are juggling numerous responsibilities: nurturing children, maintaining a household, perhaps working from home, and most importantly, fostering a spiritual environment for our families. In the midst of this whirlwind, finding ways to be productive at home can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a little organisation, a lot of trial and error and grace, it’s entirely possible to manage our time effectively and create a peaceful, thriving, productive home.

Whether you’re homeschooling, managing a home business, or simply trying to keep up with daily chores and tasks, these tips will guide you towards more organised and fulfilling days. Let’s transform our homes into spaces where faith, love, and productivity coexist harmoniously. Here are some quick fire tips to help us achieve this.

Streamline your routine

Simplify your daily tasks by creating a streamlined routine. Identify repetitive tasks and find ways to automate or batch them to save time and energy. Establishing a consistent schedule for chores, meal preparation, and other household responsibilities can help you stay organised and productive.

Declutter Regularly

Keep clutter at bay by decluttering your home on a regular basis. Take time to purge unused or unnecessary items. You can start small and pick a draw or corner of the house. Organising your belongings in a way that maximizes space and functionality doesn’t just provide a clutter-free environment, but it promotes a sense of calm and clarity, making it easier to focus and enjoy your living space.

Prioritise Multi-Functional Solutions:

Opt for multi-functional furniture, storage solutions, and appliances to maximise space and efficiency in your home. Look for versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman that doubles as extra seating, and a place for toys and games, or a fold-down desk that transforms into a dining table. Choosing multi-functional solutions allows you to make the most of your space without sacrificing functionality.

Create Zones for Efficiency:

Divide your home into zones based on functionality to optimise efficiency and organisation. Designate specific areas for activities such as work, relaxation, and play, ensuring that each zone is tailored to its intended purpose. Creating designated zones helps minimize distractions and promotes productivity by providing dedicated spaces for different activities. Sharing our living space with children doesn’t mean that our home can’t feel calm and organised. We can create fun zones for them, as well as more minimal areas that serve the purpose of relaxation, rest and productivity.

Embrace Minimalism

Embracing a minimalist mindset helps us to prioritise quality over quantity and to focus on what truly adds value to our lives. If it is your preference, curating a home environment that is clutter-free and conducive to peace and tranquility can help your mind feel much calmer. Embracing minimalism allows you to simplify your life, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of contentment with less.

I hope you enjoyed this quick fire style post! I hope that you’ll be able to build on some of the points and they help enhance efficiency, organisation and productivity in your life.

Here’s to an ever enriched life.

God bless,

Alethea

white and pink cherry blossom

My help comes from the Lord

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

There are days when I don’t know whether I am going or coming…

I feel an overwhelming sense of grief- partly because of what I see going on around me, and also from internal thoughts. However paradoxically I am at peace because I know that I am in the place that I need to be. I am positioned where God needs me to be in order to be pruned.

Character development is crucial.

I ask the Lord of a few things, frequently. Strength to help me to stand against the enemy, a discerning spirit to know what to pray against, and for the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind.  I have no strength apart from what He graces me with. Since I left career I have not blogged about my experience because quite frankly I have not been able to articulate the experiences, and I do not feel as though I actually have my feet on the ground…

To say that the past few months have been a blur and a whirlwind is a serious understatement. How can multiple thoughts, feelings, emotions and knowledge all co-exist and be activated all at the same time?

I suppose that is where I should be though right?

In my weakness His strength is made perfect. In my weakness, I find myself clinging unashamedly to His hope and the cross even more. In my weakness I dare not even boast in my own ability.

One MAJOR thing that I didn’t even think about, are the enemy’s attacks. They have become more vivid and more visible than I have ever experienced them to be. The past few weeks have been filled with a variety of attacks from terrible dreams, thoughts, irritations, frustrations and physical obstructions and injuries.

Until I realised…

How could I make such a bold step for the Lord and not expect the enemy, my adversary to rage. WOW.

His obsessive preoccupation is to steal from me, to kill dreams and to destroy my life (John 10:10). He will go after any and everything, subtle and obvious. He seeks to ravage my soul with his lies and and blind me to the truth of God’s goodness and provision for my life. He seeks to convince me of failure and hardship, convince me that there is something wrong with me when in fact there is everything wrong with him.

He throws things my way all to evoke anger, jealousy, annoyance and resentment regarding many things. It is very hard and it can be discouraging. Fear creeps in. I feel lost and doubtful. As soon as my mind starts to trail onto these things he ponces on them.

I realise that I have a very real enemy as a woman who stands for the things of God and who is seeking to live His way. This enemy is a terrorist to my soul..

However he does not get the victory because my Bible tells me in 1 John 4:4, But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

I am intentional about deciding to bat away his lies by not entertaining his deceiving thoughts that come into my mind.

Be encouraged mama…

Our responsibility is to ask the Lord to help us seek out the subtle things that the enemy goes after. For me it was the seduction and temptation to accept something into my life that will ultimately take me off track and distract me from my journey. This came in the form of discouragement and doubt.

My prayer is Lord help me to discern the enemy’s work in my life.

My weapons against him are;

The Word, praising God, continuing to walk in obedience, faith, prayer, worship, and fasting.

I realise that the greater my commitment to the Lord, the more the enemy will try to attack. Whenever there is a move into a new season of your life/work/ministry he will do all he can to wear you down with discouragement, sickness confusion, guilt, strife, fear, depression or failures. He threatens your mind, emotions, health, work, family and relationships. I realise that Abba has given me this portion to diligently engage in spiritual warfare. I cannot afford NOT TO.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 –Though we walk in the flesh we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

You see when we go through things in life we have to know that it is not in our own strength to overcome. God is at work behind the scenes- even in the seemingly ugly. We must continually stand on God’s Word, and hope in Him alone. This season of my life is EPIC and I look at all the things that God is doing with me right now! Cast them down with the authority that I have been given. My life is beautiful not because of any material/outward possession.

My life is beautiful because I have Jesus Christ and He alone is my strength and hope. Forever.

Stay encouraged, be encouraged my love. Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ Jesus no matter the storm or life experience.

crop anonymous black mother holding hand of baby lying on bed

9 Hacks to help you thrive in motherhood

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

Being a mother is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, filled with joy, challenges, growth, and never ending love. When we bring our babies home, our lives are changed forever and when you weave the threads of our Christian faith into this journey, it takes on an even deeper significance.

Christian motherhood is not just about raising children; it’s about nurturing and training souls, instilling values, and guiding young hearts to know and love God and others. It’s about embodying Christ’s love and grace in every moment of our lives, whether we’re comforting a crying baby, helping children with homework, diffusing tantrums and outbursts, and encouraging anxious, frightened and insecure hearts. It is a deep work. A deeply fulfilling one and as much as we give out, we also must dig deep to fill ourselves constantly for the marathon journey.

One of my deep desires is to thrive in motherhood and to be truly happy and joyful in my home. In this post I am sharing some “hacks” to help you thrive in motherhood. These tips aren’t don’t really lean towards creating shortcuts, but rather they are methods that when implemented, help us not just live efficiently, but to enjoy our days and feel deeply fulfilled as we laser in on building a life that truly matters to us.

1. Daily journaling

Being intentional with our time can be achieved as we seek to be held accountable for the every day choices and decisions that we make. I have found that documenting my thought patterns and behaviours, and journaling through some of the experiences that I go through helps me to pinpoint areas that could use some improving, as well as celebrating the things that I enjoy about my life.

The practice of keeping a traditional hand written journal has fallen out of favour in recent years due to the influx of digital and social media/podcasts etc, however nothing can truly replace the practice of maintaining a journal.

Journaling is a deeply intimate and private thing. It is the recording of your thoughts and your heart. You write things that you would not consider to share with others on social media or in person. What I love about it, is that it is a beautiful way to explore and work through your thoughts and experiences in private.  This can be deeply impactful as you converse with yourself and God about some of your struggles, weaknesses, pain, joys, and the different experiences that you go through in life.

Using different tools and techniques to journal will help you to rediscover what makes you tick and encourages you to do more of what makes you happy. It can help to plan a schedule, write down some goals and journal about your achievements at least once a week to keep you encouraged.

2. Fill up your own well frequently

There is wisdom in filling ourselves up before we give to others. Prioritising regular “me time” for activities that recharge you can look like reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. Investing in self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being.

As a busy mum, it is easy to spend any down time binging on things that don’t necessarily feed my soul because I feel tired and drained after a long day with my children. As relaxing as it can feel to go through a series on Netflix in one sitting, or watch countless Youtube videos, after a while I am still left feeling drained.

Finding creative ways to squeeze in things that inspire and encourage my soul has been a real intentional effort as I seek to shape and stir my mind towards things that delight and inspire me to love my home and family better. I listen to podcasts while cooking, audiobooks while taking a walk or doing the food shop, and read books/ my Bible during my morning breakfast. All of these practices help build up contentment and joy in my heart.

3. Simplify Your Wardrobe:

Creating a capsule wardrobe filled with versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly is a big hack for us busy mums as we often have children waking up through out the night and early in the morning. Using an already tired brain to think of what to wear for the day (so I look and feel put together) can add to my stress and frustration.

I have found that taking the time to streamline my closet, and thoughtfully select pieces that I actually would love to wear has saved me time and reduced decision fatigue, leaving me feeling confident and stylish every day. Simplifying your wardrobe as a busy mum is a game-changer in the quest for efficiency and sanity! With a streamlined closet of versatile pieces, you spend less time agonising over what to wear and more time focusing on what truly matters—like tending to your family’s needs or stealing a precious moment for yourself in the morning. A simplified wardrobe means fewer decisions, less clutter, and effortless mix-and-match options that ensure you always look and feel put together, even on the most chaotic days. Sometimes, if I can get dressed quickly, I am able to steal a few moments to listen to a favourite podcast, or put some makeup on which equally makes me feel great.

4. Meal Prep

Knowing what you want the family (and yourself) to eat on most days of the week is important in helping you to not only run your home efficiently, but to beat the overwhelm that comes with not knowing what to make and having little time to make it. Having a scheduled weekly plan is a great way to organise your thoughts, allocate budget and enjoy the process of cooking for multiple people. Spend a few hours each week prepping meals and snacks to save time and make healthier choices. Batch cooking and meal planning can simplify your weeknights and ensure you always have nutritious options on hand.

Meal prepping is a lifesaver for busy moms, providing a solution to the perpetual question of “What’s for dinner?” With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can save valuable time and energy throughout the week. By dedicating a few hours on the weekend to batch cooking and putting meals together in advance, you ensure that wholesome and nutritious options are readily available for your family, even during the busiest of days. You don’t see the true value of meal planning and prepping until the week begins and you are carting back and forth to different activities. Arriving home after gymnastics and knowing that dinner is already there – it just needs to be heated up or quickly cooked is a real blessing when you have children ready to eat!

5. Learn to be present and content

This point is so important. Your intentional lifestyle will look completely different to mine. You are your own unique person with your own tastes and preferences. Your family is unique and your household rhythm is unique. How you choose to live your life and how you order your days should be unique to you.

In our wonderfully connected social and digital age, most of us spend our time drawing inspiration and motivation from so many different sources, creators and influencers. I’ve found that personally over time this becomes a big distraction for me actually being present in my own life and tending to the unique demands and needs of my own heart and that of my children and my husband. When our eyes are constantly looking “over there”, we can easily fall into the trap of comparison as well as building something that is essentially a carbon copy of someone else’s life.

Of course we can get some great suggestions and inspiration from others, but ultimately to be present in our own life journey is where the true beauty lies, and is the starting block to building a thriving experience for ourselves. We begin to learn about ourselves and those that we live with on an intimate level, and this helps us to make decisions that are uniquely ours to treasure for a life time. This truly excites me! Looking at my marriage and focusing on what my husband and I can do to improve it leads us to make intentional decisions that not only will bring us closer as a couple, but create beautiful lasting memories that fill our hearts with joy and gratitude.

Looking at my children and seeking to cater to their unique needs, personalities and interests opens up a whole new world of adventure for us as a family and that is so exciting! The possibilities to be intentional when you are present in your own life is endless!

Establishing and becoming in tune with your own rhythm and pace also frees you up to make a shift when you need to. Maybe you wake up feeling tired, or unwell, or feel like you need a change of environment. Being aware of your unique needs and lifestyle means that sometimes you can change up what you do and how you respond to your feelings and emotions so you can meet your needs in the best way possible.

6. Set Boundaries

Learn to say no to commitments that drain your time and energy, and prioritise activities that align with your values and goals. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your well-being and maintaining balance in your life. Overscheduling the children can leave you burnt out and feeling discouraged.

Since becoming a mum, I have learnt that I don’t have to say yes to every single invitation that comes my way. With all the social events of friends combined, there is generally always something happening that you don’t want to miss out on, but if you said yes to everything by default, you would never have any time for anything else.

Learning to politely decline invitations and say no to commitments can feel very hard especially when in your heart you want to celebrate with all your loved ones. However being intentional with our time means that we should be able to say no to free up some space just as confidently as we say yes. Recently the boys were invited to a family outing and I felt that it was going to tip me over the edge after an intensely busy week. I was tired and needed a moment to just sit, breathe and reset. In declining to attend, I was able to redeem an afternoon of just what I needed – a little bit of space.

Being intentional is a gift and I am learning to use it without feeling guilty. If declining invitations feels really difficult and unnatural for you, a good first step may be to wait for 24/48 hours before replying to an invitation. This gives you some space to be thoughtful in weighing up your options, feelings and alternatives before responding.

Always remember that you have the freedom and power to fill up or create space in your schedule as you wish. Intentionality is a gift given to us because our time is on earth is precious.

7. Invest in good friendships

Nurture meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones by scheduling regular quality time together. Cultivating strong relationships enriches your life and provides vital support during both good times and bad. It is so much harder to do in the season of mothering little children, but connecting with even just one other mother in a good healthy relationship can be such an encouragement and fuel for your journey. Cultivating good friendships as a busy mum is not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining balance and well-being.

These relationships serve as a vital support systems, providing understanding, encouragement, and a listening ear during the ups and downs of motherhood. By surrounding yourself with like-minded friends who understand the joys and challenges of parenting, you create a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and find solace in solidarity. Good friendships also offer opportunities for laughter, relaxation, and rejuvenation, helping you recharge and replenish your emotional reserves. In essence, investing in friendships is a powerful hack for navigating and persevering on the journey of motherhood! I am an introvert and I have had to step out of my comfort zone to nurture this area of my life because it is just important.

8. Continuous Learning

You don’t have to hide or disappear under a rug now that you are a mother. Make a habit of learning something new every day, whether it’s through reading, podcasts, online courses, or workshops. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp, expands your horizons, and opens up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As a busy mum, it’s all too easy to let the demands of parenthood overshadow our own dreams and aspirations. However, it’s crucial not to give up on those dreams! Seasonally, we may not be able to put our efforts into everything, and it’s important to accept this as a reality of being a mother. However with a little creativity, planning with our spouses and support, we can still keep connected to the things that we enjoy.

Pursuing our passions and ambitions not only enriches our lives but can also set a powerful example for our children. By carving out a little time for personal growth and fulfillment, we fill up our own tanks, and feel refreshed to pour out to our families. Pursuing some of our dreams allows us to maintain a sense of identity and purpose outside of motherhood, fostering a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness in the long run.

9. Practice graciousness to yourself

Cultivate a spirit of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards yourself and others. Motherhood comes with its share of challenges, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and perfectionism. So many things are left undone and unsaid each and everyday and when we dwell on this alone, we can become incredibly discouraged and burdened with guilt and inadequacy.

Embracing grace allows us to let go of perfectionism, embrace imperfection, and live with greater ease and joy. Giving yourself grace mama looks like this: acknowledging that you’re doing the best you can in the circumstances, and that it’s okay to include self-care and rest when it is needed. It’s a powerful hack for combating burnout, reducing stress, and creating a greater sense of peace and contentment in our roles as mothers. So, let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace the beauty of imperfection, knowing that you’re enough, just as you are.

Now take take these points, apply them and go thrive!

If no one has told you today, I’ll be the first to say YOU’RE AMAZING!

Alethea x

a cup of tea beside an open book with stem of green leaves

5 Practical Ways To Be Content

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment


As a Christian homeschooling mother, being content in raising my children and embracing our own unique family journey is essential if I am to nurture a joyful and fulfilling home environment, as well as be at peace personally. I’ll be honest- I am not always content, and I don’t always feel like being content. However I recognise that it is crucial to learn how to embrace contentment if I am going to thrive in this chapter and season of my life. Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”.

Finding contentment as a mother and woman is an area that we have to hold focus on because God has blessed us with so much, even when we are going through difficult seasons. I have found that when I shut my eyes and ears to the noise of the world and tune into my own life and the journey that God has me on, contentment grows in my heart. I am satisfied with what I have, who I am, and where I am going. Here are some practical steps that we can take to cultivate contentment and enjoyment, whatever season we find ourselves in.

1. Ground Ourselves in Faith

Our spiritual tanks run on empty, flashing red – a warning sign that if we do not fill up immediately, we will dry up, die out, and grow weary. The amount of time we invest into our spiritual lives is just not enough. We can never have too much of God. He is our anchor, foundation and hope. Yet if I am honest, with how busy my days are, I am often left feeling so tired physically tired that it is sometimes a challenge to reach towards things that will build me up in faith. Yet that is exactly where we need to be at all times during the day. If having lengthy moments to fill up your spiritual tank is just not possible and feels too overwhelming, then take it in bite sized portions.

Start each day with prayer and scripture reading for a few minutes as this will set the tone for the day. Listen to short podcasts, Youtube clips, audiobooks or songs throughout the day. All of these things help to keep our spiritual lives pumping as we face different things each day. Trusting God is believing that He loves us, He is good, He has the power to help us, He wants to help us, and He will help us. Settle your heart on this truth daily and you’ll soon realise contentment and gratitude growing within you.

2. Embrace Flexibility

This isn’t always easy but necessary because life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Embracing flexibility gives room for spontaneity. As a type A person, I don’t typically do well in this area as I enjoy structure and predictability. However, it is true that embracing flexibility helps us to let go of rigid expectations and enjoy the unique opportunities that arise each day.

So what are some practical ways to do this in order to be content? Well, in all your planning, don’t forget to build-in flexibility, allowing room for adjustments as needed. Secondly, mindfulness practices such as meditation on the Word or deep breathing helps us to stay focused on the present moment and reduces anxiety about the future. Varying our routines every now and then helps to introduce variety in our lives and helps us to become more comfortable with change.

3. Focus on Relationships

The backbone of society and family life is built upon the quality of relationships between us humans. One of the wonderful things that God has given us is the ability to form deep bonds that transcend time. Prioritising building strong relationships with our children, spouses and friends helps to create opportunities for meaningful connections which fill up our contentment bucket daily. It takes intentional work, but the output of this work truly enriches our lives.

We can build this area of our lives down by slowing down, and taking stock of the people in our lives. Write down a list of all these special people and what they mean to you and you’ll instantly realise how blessed you are. Then have a think about how you can increase or deepen your bond with them Some examples are quality time spent together, heartfelt conversations, and shared experiences. Investing in relationships fosters a sense of closeness and unity that enhances our journey in this life and if we can find our people and build consistent healthy interactions, we’ll add several more bricks to our house of contentment and gratitude.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

One of the big causes of discontentment is when we are so laser focused on perfection, that it blinds us from seeing and appreciating our progress in life no matter how small. As mothers, we try to be conscious of this for our children, but not so much for ourselves. Celebrating progress rather than perfection is an important mindset shift that can lead to greater satisfaction and motivation in our lives. Remember that perfection is elusive and ever changing based upon our ever shifting goal posts. Here are some practical ways (bullet pointed) to celebrate your progress and build contentment in this area of your life.

  • Create a Success List: Maintain a list of your accomplishments and add to it regularly! Even the tiniest things… Review it periodically to remind yourself of how far you’ve come. It’s progress!
  • Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate reaching milestones with small rewards or activities you enjoy, such as a favorite meal, drink, walk, snack etc. It motivates our brain to keep going and keeps us encouraged.
  • Regular Reflection: Take time to reflect on your journey in a specific area of your life and the progress you’ve made. Consider what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. This encourages gratitude.
  • Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that recognise your efforts and progress. It may feel difficult and strange but stick to it. Write it down if it helps and place the affirmations in a place you know you’ll see them everyday. Positive talk and practicing self compassion takes practice.
  • Forgive Mistakes: Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process and don’t dwell on them. Use them as opportunities for growth, and be grateful that you have had the opportunity to do better.

5. Practice Self-Care

Contentment can feel very difficult to reach for sometimes when we are simply burnt out or tired to the bone. Including personal renewal in our schedules helps to recharge and rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirit. Set aside time for activities that nourish your own soul, such as prayer, meditation, reading, or pursuing hobbies and interests. Taking care of yourself (even in small ways) allows you to show up fully present and engaged in your role- specifically for me as a homeschooling mother to three boys.

Self care and time for renewal looks different for us all, and the most important thing to remember is that you have to honour who you are and what fills your tank. By leaning into this authentically, you create and consistently build a foundation of well-being that supports a more content and fulfilling life.

Here are some Bible scriptures that I hope will encourage you on your journey of contentment.

Do Not Worry Matthew 6:25

Seek God First Matthew 6:32–33

I hope this has been helpful.

God Bless,

Alethea

basket with vegetables on stool in kitchen

The Power of your grocery list

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

In the whirlwind of busy mum life, where time is of the essence and distractions abound, staying efficient and focused is a crucial skill that all of us mums need! Whether it’s juggling work, family, or personal commitments, mastering efficiency can make all the difference, and one seemingly simple yet profoundly effective tool in the arsenal of efficiency? The humble grocery list that we carry in our heads or on a piece of paper each time we go to the supermarket.

Whether you are are a prepper and have your list ready days before you go out, or you are a last minute scrambler, having something to refer to is so helpful when you you face an overwhelming amount of options on the shop floor. If you haven’t realised the power of a grocery list, you’re in for a treat because in today’s blog post, I delve into why making grocery lists is more than just a mundane chore, but an effective strategy in saving our time, money, and mental bandwidth!

Organisation Leads to Efficiency

As busy mums, who have our hands full with different priorities, being organised in the area of food shopping can relieve stress and anxiety when it comes to meal prepping for the family. At its core, creating a grocery list acts as a blueprint and guide for our shopping trips. It’s a curated selection of items we need, neatly organised to streamline our visit to the store. By taking a few minutes to jot down what you require before you set foot in the aisles, you’re essentially creating a roadmap that prevents aimless wandering, unnecessary backtracking and impulse purchasing. More often than not, grocery lists help us stay within the range of our budget which is also a win! I know that I am less reluctant to pick up that cute top in Sainsbury’s when I know that I came in specifically to purchase and tick off the 5 items that are on my list. If I do pick up the top, I accept that it is an extra £15 that I have added to the budget! A list helps to train us in the habit of living within our means, as well as moving with purpose and efficiency.

Minimising Distractions and Impulse Buys

In keep with my earlier point, have you ever walked into a supermarket intending to pick up a few essentials and walked out with a cart full of items you didn’t need? It’s a scenario many of us are familiar with. I then spend a few minutes when I get home trying to hide some of my purchases from my husband! (ha). Without a list to anchor your shopping trip, it’s all too easy to succumb to impulse buys triggered by enticing displays or hunger pangs (I have heard it said that you should never go to the supermarket when you are hungry because you’ll make bad decisions lol).

However, with a list in hand, you’re less likely to veer off course. You know exactly what you came for, helping you stay focused and resist the temptation of unnecessary purchases. This not only saves you money but also time spent deliberating over items you could do without. When I go to the supermarket with my sons, they are given their own shopping lists (as I am training them to be involved) and we are teaching them that the purpose of the list is to help them stay as self controlled as possible.

Maximising Efficiency in Meal Planning

A well-crafted grocery list goes hand in hand with meal planning, another cornerstone of efficiency in the kitchen and home. By strategising your meals for the week and compiling a corresponding list of ingredients, you eliminate the need for last-minute dashes to the store or frantic searches through your cupboards. Instead, you can approach your cooking and planning with intentionality and confidence. In most cases, you can also save some money because if you purchase the exact ingredients need for your meals, everything else then becomes “extra”- and extra is optional, which means it can be omitted from the list for that week.

Empowers Healthy Choices

We are always looking at ways to encourage and maintain a balanced diet for our families and here, a grocery list can be a powerful ally. By outlining your meals and snacks in advance, you’re better equipped to make thoughtful, nutritious choices at the store. Rather than succumbing to the allure of convenience foods or unhealthy snacks (que chocolate and crisps), your list guides you towards more wholesome options that align with your dietary goals. In this way, a grocery list becomes more than just a tool for efficiency; it’s a tool for self-care and well-being. I love this!

Harness Technology for Added Efficiency

In today’s digital age, the traditional pen-and-paper grocery list has evolved to encompass a variety of digital tools and apps designed to enhance efficiency. From smartphone apps that allow you to create and share lists with family members to meal planning platforms that generate shopping lists based on your chosen recipes, technology offers a wealth of resources to streamline the grocery shopping process.

If you have a smart phone, you can create easy lists easily. We use Google Keep, Excel spreadsheets and Apple Notes, and at times I have used spreadsheets to monitor the prices of staple groceries that we purchase every week. By harnessing these tools, you can take your efficiency to the next level, leveraging the power of technology to simplify and optimise your shopping experience. It also saves on waste as you don’t have to carry and throw away pieces of paper.

While it may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of things, the act of making a grocery list can really help us become more efficient, organised and focus which we always want more of as busy mums! It can sometimes feel tedious to make one but by embracing this simple yet effective tool, you can save time, money, and mental energy, allowing you to approach the task of grocery shopping with clarity and purpose. So the next time you embark on a trip to the store, take a moment to craft your list—it might just be the key to unlocking a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience.

What do you think of grocery lists? Hit or miss for you? Have you found it to be helpful relieving stress or frustration concerning food shopping?

living room interior with furniture and flowers in vase

How to be happier at home

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

This post is to encourage you to know that you can find joy and happiness being based right from home. You can thrive in your own environment when you create the conditions to help support you and your family. It takes time but it is well worth the effort.

By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established; (Proverbs 24:3)

Wisdom helps us to order our lives with intent. The virtue of wisdom has constructive, life-giving qualities. It initiates life, produces good fruit, creates, nurtures, fosters, establishes, and fills a house- a physical house, a family, and even our personal character with strength for our days.

Feed your soul the inspiration it needs

As a busy mum, it is easy to spend my down time binging on things that don’t necessarily feed my soul because I feel tired and drained after a long day with my children. As relaxing as it can feel to go through a series on Netflix in one sitting, or watch countless Youtube videos, it doesn’t truly feed my soul with the inspiration and strength that I need in the long term. After a while I am still left feeling drained which means that it’s imperative to fill myself with spiritually, physically and mentally nourishing “food”.

Finding creative ways to squeeze in things that inspire and encourage our souls has to be a real intentional effort as we seek to shape and stir our minds toward things that delight and inspire us to love our homes and families better. When we pour into ourselves well, we are not only strengthened, but the overflow is like a beautiful fragrance that fills our environment- which in turn blesses those around us.

Some helpful tips include listening to relevant podcasts while cooking, cleaning or having a shower, listening to audiobooks while taking a walk or doing the food shop, and reading books/our Bibles during morning breakfast or read aloud time with the children. Also, identifying an interest that you may have, and finding a small margin in your schedule to engage with it (e.g. exercise, leisurely reading, drawing, cooking etc) helps you to engage with the things that make you you. I’ve found that when I have given myself a little time, I feel a little more refreshed to then give of myself to others.

Taking tasks in bite sized forms to beat overwhelm

Some days just feel very blah and no matter how much you spiritualise or “speak into existence”, it can just be a very flat day that requires things to just get done. As busy mothers, the to do list is endless. As you cross off one thing on your list, five more are added and this can create a lot of overwhelm, and feelings of being buried. Inspiration can be hard to draw upon, procrastination knocks persistently at your door and you just feel like doing absolutely nothing even when you have things to do.

So how can we be happier when we have a never ending to do list? We can break down our tasks into order of priority and categories, and start tackling them bit by bit. The satisfaction of ticking a few things off creates a snowball effect that gives us momentum to tackle the other things. What are the things you want to spend your time on? Prioritise the categories, put the most important ones first and batch/ block them so you feel more accomplished as you tick things off slowly.

This is a great way to be intentional with your time particularly when it all feels like a melting pot of things that need to be done but you don’t want to do it. Intentionality is not about ignoring the things we don’t enjoy, because that creates overwhelm, anxiety and stress. It’s about the management of all the moving parts of our lives and, and taking back the control and order as much as we can. When practiced and mastered, it helps us to live in a much happier, calmer state of mind.

Take stock of all the positives and be thankful for it

We are prone to look at the negatives all the time because there are painful, challenging and frustrating things to deal with on a daily basis. A part of it is the reality of adulthood! Decide that although challenging moments are always there, you aren’t going to camp there. While dealing with challenging and frustrating things, we can still take stock of all the positive things that we do have in our lives and that we have been blessed with.

One of the greatest hacks to be happier at home is contentment. We can make the choice to be content with what we have in our lives, and how our lives look like. This can be a hard one because we live in a time where we see and know everything that goes on in the lives of other mothers and families and it can make us feel as though we aren’t enough and don’t have enough.

Taking time out to write down the things which you are thankful for will help you to realise that you are indeed blessed- everyday! Your life is unique to you and your family and accepting this helps us to truly own it and then look for ways to beautify and enjoy it!

Decide what matters

Following on from the first point, I believe that intentionality means prioritising the things that you do every single day that line up with your personal values and your personality. We get to choose the things that matter to us and this in turn helps build a life around things that we need to do in order to achieve the goal of what matters to us. For example, being outside for some period of time each day is very important to me.

I find walking to be a great form of exercise, but very therapeutic and healing as I get time to pray, reflect, release and just enjoy the movement of my body and my surroundings without feeling the pressure of passing through to get to somewhere else.

As this is an important thing for me, and even more so for my boys, I choose to make it a priority for us to get outside in nature as often as possible. Depending on the day I’ll build our schedule around it or if we are having a particularly difficult morning, I’ll pause, we’ll put our trainers on and get outside for movement and fresh air.

Knowing what matters to you and how you can make steps to achieving that can be helpful when thinking of ways to be intentional as a mother. You don’t need to have a long list of things, but just taking action on a few core areas that are meaningful to you helps you to feel grounded and in control of your life during the busy and quiet periods. Working on a family mission statement is helpful in this area as it encourages you to dig deep to identify the things of value to you and your home. Once you begin to lock in on this, it makes you happier in the home and with life.

Create a Christ-Centered Home

Last but not least, as Christians, infusing our homes with the love and fragrance of Christ brings such peace and joy that really cannot be matched. Cultivating a Christ centered home is essential to the quality and longevity of our family unit and as a multilayered and complex thing that God has ordained to be put together, there is purpose, intentionality, and beauty that can be experienced deeply when we choose to keep Christ at the centre of the home.

We can achieve this by incorporating scripture readings, prayer time, and discussions about faith into our daily routines. Playing worship music throughout the day also really helps to draw our hearts back onto God as well as helping the children to memorise songs!

toys on the floor

5 ways to Navigate diverse learning styles in our children

Published on by Alethea Awuku3 Comments

I looked at my little 5 year old as I attempted to engage him in some sit down learning and I felt two strong emotions. Compassion because I could see he wasn’t just struggling with the task, but he really wasn’t enjoying it. I also felt frustrated because here we were, on yet another day and I felt like a failure at not being able to “crack the code” when it came to winning his interest and attention to sit down and work through some pages with me.

Teaching our children can feel like a very daunting task, and one of the beautiful benefits of home schooling is that learning can be tailored to the strengths of each child, and time can be given to really personalise their learning experience and build their confidence. Equally, it can be frustrating because you are dealing head on with their struggles everyday. If you are feeling overwhelmed with where to start with the different personalities of your children, here are some strategies that you can try which I hope will help:

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1. Identify Each Child’s Learning Style

Learning styles infographic

Understanding how each child learns best is the first step. Common learning styles include visual (learning through images and spatial understanding), auditory (learning through listening and speaking), kinesthetic (learning through physical activities and hands-on experiences), and reading/writing (learning through reading and writing activities). Supporting our children to learn in a way that is natural to them will help them thrive and it will alleviate a lot of the frustration that we and they feel when it comes to growing learning and discovering the word around them.

It takes time and you may have good days and bad days, but I’m learning to just embrace it all and take my time and try to enjoy the process. First born is very much a kinaesthetic learner and so I can exercise wisdom in this area, and instead of expecting and demanding him to do book work, what I try to do with his learning is to break it up into chunks of tasks. He will do what I refer to as core discipline studies which is a few minutes on penmanship, working out some number sums, and a little bit of phonics. Once he has completed that, his reward is working on a lego project or STEM activity which he absolutely loves.

2. Create a variety of learning activities:

Offer a mix of activities that cater to different learning styles. For example:

  • For visual learners: You could use diagrams, charts, videos, and illustrations to explain concepts.
  • For auditory learners: Engage in discussions, storytelling, reading aloud, and listening to educational podcasts.
  • For kinesthetic learners: Incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, role-playing, and physical games.
  • For reading/writing learners: Provide written materials, encourage note-taking, and assign reading assignments followed by discussions or written summaries.

DIY project tasks have worked really great with my eldest because it allows him to use his brain in a very active way which he absolutely loves. He loves to solve puzzles, and find solutions to tasks, so this has really engaged him. I also see how it fuels his confidence because once he realises his strength and what he’s naturally good at, he wants to learn more and he wants to do more. He loves to talk about the things that he’s created and how he has put it together which is so encouraging to hear.

My second born is predominantly a read and write learner. He takes in information that’s written down in a very logical way. He enjoys books and equations so I find that the traditional books work well. He enjoys the typical comprehension, questions and tasks, and figuring things out, so my approach for him, leans towards text, and any visual or auditory representation of an idea, which he does really well with. Seeing these two different learning styles makes me realise that God really makes none of us the same. We are wired so differently, so uniquely, so wonderfully by Him. As a mother, it is amazing to be able to nurture and bring out, and help my children to discover who God has made them to be.

3. Provide Choices

And another way you could figure out your child’s learning style is by providing them with a few choices for different types of work that you want them to complete over the period of a few weeks and observe what they gravitate to. This will help you to know where to lean into for learning activities. You can also engage in conversation with them about things they enjoy and why they enjoy it. This will give you an idea of how to put together their learning and play sessions. Hopefully in doing this, it will help your child to enjoy and stay focused on what they consider to be fun while also learning and activating a huge part of their brains in an activity. 

Offer choices whenever possible to empower children in their learning process. For instance, allow them to choose from different assignments or projects that align with their interests and learning styles. Observe how your children respond to different learning activities and environments. Talk to them about their preferences and experiences in learning situations.

4. Create an environment that makes learning look fun

I am a minimalist calm, create a spa like ambience in my home type of girl, and so the thought of turning my entire home into a nursery or learning class doesn’t quite appeal to me, but I do recognise that for children, visuals are so important for inspiration, for memory, and for representation of where they are in this life stage. My laminator, my printer and Twinkl website are my best friends as I print put together little resources and learning packs for the boys.

I always have to remember that they are children and it’s important to encourage them to see the world with wonder, and to beautify it in a way that appeals to their senses. When I look at it from that perspective, creating a learning environment whether it’s a corner, conservatory, a whole room, or a bedroom seems like so much fun and even an inspiration to myself.  

Creating a fun learning environment can really enhance their engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Most of us don’t have a separate room that we can turn into a magical learning world for them but if we really look around, we’ll see that we have pockets of space throughout our homes that we can use. If you want to encourage a love of books, you could create a small nook with either a book shelf or some baskets and keep a few books there, or scatter small piles of books throughout the house for them to casually pick up. The same can be done with toys and puzzles or whatever their interest may be.

5. Assess, pivot, personalise and pray

We can pray and ask God to give us wisdom to encourage and teach our children, as well as to give the process over to Him to do a work in our own hearts. We all change as we grow and so do our children’s learning styles over time. Keeping our expectations open will help us to pivot when we need to without feeling too overwhelmed. I am trying to be so much more intentional about just enjoying life and enjoying the process with them. The rest will surely fall into place as we journey along.

A book that has really encouraged me in this area is Sally Clarkson’s book: Awaking wonder. As mothers we want the best for our children. We want them to thrive in every area of their lives and we want to give them a strong foundation. However, it’s so easy to lose sight of the wonder that is found in the journey to this destination, and I think that I’ve come to understand how childlike wonder really can become lost in the fog of formulas, strict curriculum and pressure from external things. Helping my boys to engage authentically and confidently with who they are, while leaning into the truth that wonder and curiosity without constraints does empower such a powerful educational experience.

My encouragement to you Mama

“To give a child the gift of time to imagine, to dream, to create, to engage, and to wonder is to allow time and space for his heart to be touched by the beauty surrounding him, for his mind to have room to grow strong on the feast laid out for his imagination, and for his emotions to bathe in the tranquility of a peaceful life in an unhurried rhythm. Then we offer a feast of theology, math, story, literature, virtue, faith, science, nature, art, music and culture upon which to apply his wondering and wonderful mind. To lay this foundation is to give our children beauty and strength of imagination and the strong pleasure of learning and acquiring knowledge over a lifetime. Wonder is the catalyst in shaping a powerful, engaged intellect.”

Sally Clarkson