Episode 26: “Food prep and meal ideas for single parents with Dietitian Gen Hesse”

Single parents…I’ve got your back! This episode is for all the single mom’s and dad’s trying to navigate full time work, juggle school routine, extra-curricular drop off’s and picks up’s and of course adding cooking to the to do list. Chatting to single mom and Dietitian Gen Hesse from @the.noursishedmum was such a fun conversation about all thing's food, meal prep and LUNCH BOX ideas (I snuck this one in for all our parents…you are welcome!! 😊) Join us as we deep dive into navigating single parenting after a divorce or separation and WHY food and nutrition is so important to manage stress, emotions and the wellbeing of our children. Gen, speaks so passionately about food, her love for food and why nutritional health plays such a big part in her home for her as a woman her as a mom and importantly for her little boy. Gen also shares some great meal prep ideas, themed dinner night ideas and importantly why it is so important to keep cooking SIMPLE and for us NOT to hold ourselves to unrealistic standards and ideals of what parenting and cooking should be! It doesn’t have to be over complicated so be kind to yourself... Oh and did I mention she gave “breakfast for dinner” or “Nutella” a thumbs up as a food that is fun, fatty & contains fruit & fiber (the famous 4 F’s). Take a listen, share this episode with fellow friends and give @the.nourishedmum a follow. I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website. “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching, counselling & podcasts reach out on: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io  

Sara and I spoke openly and vulnerably about self-loss, especially after divorce and what that phase of support and life could look like. We leaned into our own narratives regarding OUR PERSONAL DIVORCE experiences and touched on the “real life” examples of how self-doubt creeps in when your marriage ends and you question who you are if you do not have a ring on your finger, when you are no longer a wife, a husband or a partner. This, being a harsh reality for so many of us navigating a separation or thoughts of divorce. As difficult as this chapter of life can be, you can navigate through it. It is a process of self-reflection ad understanding of WHO YOU ARE outside of those roles and responsibilities. It’s a process of authenticity of what you are feeling, how you are feeling and how you can move through those emotions and belief systems without guilt and self-destruction. It’s one step at a time. It starts with you. This episode was soul food, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the discussion. Sara has also just published her book on “IT’S ON ME”, where she delves into some of these topics and so much more, so go grab a copy when you can. Pop over to @millennial.therapist for more information. I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website. “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io  

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE if you feel like STUCK in life and love. Stuck in a space where you are living a life for others and not for yourself. Stuck in a space where you prioritising other people's opinions and happiness over your own. In need of a release. A release from the pressure of societal norms, religious norms and family norms. In need of giving yourself permission to focus on your own happiness and turn the lens back onto loving yourself too! #selflove Marishka Appalsamy, is the author of a book called “I am LOVE!” and shares how parts of her own story and stories of others inspired her to write this book about bravery, life, failed relationships, break ups and healing. If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their own journey and needs support. I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website. Want a copy of the book, go take a look at Empore Publishers on https://emporepublishers.co.za/product/i-am-love/ You can also grab a copy at the Lonehill @indiehotyoga or reach out to Marishka directly on @appalz_ “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, counselling, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE if you feel like life is spinning out of control. If you feel like the people around you take you for granted. If you feel like the people around, you just don't meet your needs the way you EXPECT THEM TOO… A POWER episode, shared from a space of utter vulnerability by Bianca Edwards from @the_modelmom as she shares her life journey of trauma, relationship challenges, the importance of boundaries and HOW SHE looked inward to LOVE HERSELF again. Bianca openly talks about her past struggles and how she has moved through her own journey of healing to get to a space today of how she taught herself to fill her own cup. She speaks about the EXPECTATIONS she used to put on her partner and the people around her to FILL HER EMOTIONAL SUPPLY and how TODAY her lens on self-fulfillment and self-worth is wrapped up in her OWN accountability of how she wants to feel and show up for herself, her family and her business every day. If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their journey and needs support. I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website. “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io

Where do even begin to start a legal process, when all you can think about is feeling angry, sad or overwhelmed? This episode was important for me to share with you for so many reasons. The legal side of divorce is daunting, overwhelming and can often feel like a never-ending custody and co-parenting battle. I wanted to find a speaker on this topic who could dive into the deeper parts of this journey and REALLY SHARE the "ins and outs" of WHERE TO START and HOW TO PREPARE if yourself mentally and emotionally when you start a legal process. @legallynik is a child protection solicitor based in the UK and has started her own legal social media platform to support people like ME & YOU navigate this side of the divorce journey. Friends if there is an account that puts the ebbs and flows of legal process into perspective it’s Nik 😊 Nik and I spoke about: The emotional and practical elements of a divorce and court processes The importance of understanding your own hurt, your own grief and your own anger before you immerse yourself in a legal process. What she sees in her line of work as COMMON MISTAKES people make when starting a legal journey Why parents lose focus of what the kids need and start the TIT FOR TAT games of manipulation The importance of keeping yourself grounded as a parent and ensuring you are doing what is IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR CHIDLREN at all times Tips on starting a legal process and finding a lawyer who you relate to and understanding that you might get advice you don’t like Nik’s words of wisdom when it comes to court and legal battles… And so much more If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their journey and needs support. I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website. “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com   Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io

Mommy & stepmoms this episode was recorded just for YOU! A brand new podcast on SELF-CARE, MINDSET and having morning meetings with YOURSELF….Yip, you read that correctly! What a fun and fantastic recording with the beautiful Lourette du Toit, Dermology business owner, Safari wife & mother. Lourette, spoke so passionately about the importance of: - Self-care and what it means to her - About the importance of prioritizing ourselves by finding a routine that WORKS for YOU as a woman, professional & mother…”less is more” - Lourette, shared a snapshot of what her daily routine looks like and how she makes time for herself in between the hustle and bustle of the day and all the different ‘hats’ we wear as woman - We spoke about the importance of having a morning meeting with yourself, (I don’t want to spill the beans on this one too much, so go take a listen and let me know what you think about this concept…I freaking LOVE IT!) - How Lourette believes mindset is a power-tool to shift behaviour for herself as a woman and the teams of women she works with daily across South Africa - …and of course I asked Lourette, as a skincare specialist and skin laser clinic owner, to share her top 3 skin care tips with us…(you’re welcome 😊) - oh and…so much more! I loved this recording. I loved the energy of this recording. Importantly, I loved the key take-aways of HOW we can incorporate self-care tactics into our daily routines without over complicating our lives. Share this episode with a friend who might need to take a little time out and prioritize themselves too! Friend…we’ve got your back! Reach out to lourette on @lourettelaserandskin and @safari_wife for more skin care tips and self-care tips or just to take a peak at the incredible work they do at Dermology. I personally go to Dermology for my skin laser treatments and I wish I started sooner…Thank you Nomsa for waving your magic BBL wand!! It would help so much if you could LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on this topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io  

All I can say is WOW! Naomi Holdt, is a psychologist, book author, speaker, mom…and over and above all of this, just a fantastic human being! I reached out to Naomi and asked her to share her insights and guidance on how divorced parents get through a festive season when “it isn’t there year on in the visitation schedule”. Her immediate response was YES!!! Friends, this is such a hard reality for divorced and separated parents who know they only see their children for these festive moments every second year (or as outlined in their visitation schedule or planned with the other parent). Can you even image spending a Christmas, Birthday or Easter without your kids? I didn’t have my daughter for Christmas last year (second year without her and it just doesn’t feel like it gets any easier so I get this feeling of sadness & grief all too well). We got real, we got honest, and Naomi spoke so beautifully about allowing yourself as a divorced parent to GRIEVE these moments, and importantly allowing your children to grieve them too. It can be an emotional dynamic for everyone. Naomi, shared insights from her practice, what she sees when working with divorced families and children and how her book 'BOUNCE' speaks through so many of these parenting triggers, the importance of inner healing and tips for parents who are divorced. I got my copy today!! Friends it takes one step at a time…but you can work through these emotions and get through this Christmas... Do you want to reach out Naomi – pop her a DM on @naomiholdtpsychologist Please listen to this episode and PLEASE SHARE with other people who could relate, resonate and lean into her vulnerability. IF there is anything you take away from this it's that you CAN GET THROUGH this! Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available below. “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io  

If there is a podcast episode you need to listen to it’s this one. Friends, I got goosebumps recording this episode and got goosebumps editing this recording. Caroline from @cutewithkids shares HER story about marriage, children, being cheated on and navigating the steps she needed to take to put her life back together again after her sudden divorce. Caroline spoke so honestly and vulnerably about the devastation of her family unit coming to an end… a story SO MANY people can relate to! Pour the glass of wine... Grab your notebook... Listen to this episode & PLEASE SHARE her story with other people who could relate, resonate and lean into her vulnerability. IF there is anything you take away from this it's that you CAN GET THROUGH this! We spoke about: Taking a step back to identify the RED FLAGS of CHEATING in a relationship How Caroline found out her marriage was over Hearing the words “I don’t love you anymore” and having to realise the life you thought would be forever is over Putting your life back together for your kids and yourself Finding coping strategies that work for you to heal after divorce How to navigate CO-PARENTING with someone you DON’T TRUST The importance of boundaries and understanding what “IS GOOD AND NOT GOOD FOR YOU”… Its ok to say NO Living a life of joy and love for you and YOUR KIDS “This too shall pass” And lots more… Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below... “I’ve got your back!” For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 18: Meeting a partner with kids and creating YOUR OWN family BLEND with Sally & Martin This is the FIRST couple recording on the Blending & Mending’s podcast and damn I had so much fun chatting to Sally & Martin about their blended family life adventure. If you haven't quite yet figured out what 'couple goals' looks like, then just watch these two humans chat, laugh and interact with each other and it all just makes sense #goals Sally & Martin share their story with us on THEIR blended family life: - how they met, and that they didn’t even like it each other at first (we had a good     giggle) - how Sally felt meeting a man with two children in her 20's, starting a relationship     and becoming a stepmom - how Martin had to juggle relationship dynamics between being a dad and being       a partner  - figuring out how to find your role in your new family blend - managing boundaries and expectations and understanding your family role - having an "ours" baby - blended family life challenges and importantly lessons learnt - the joy of blended family life - and so much more!   Did you like this episode? Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below “I’ve got your back!”   For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com   Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending   Music by: @freebeats.io        

Dealing with the shock of accepting your marriage is over & healing through the pain with Natalie Where do you begin to put your life back together after realising your marriage is over? This episode tugged on heart strings and my sister Natalie, vulnerably shares her story of divorce and healing. We spoke about…. - Her shock - Her pain - Her coping mechanisms - Her post-divorce triggers - Trusting your gut as you navigate a space of unknown with your children - Living a blissful and CONTENT life with her two beautiful kids   AND... - Finding her REAL SELF through a journey of pain and disappointment and realising how capable she really is of doing this thing called LIFE and PARENTING! Did you like this episode? Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below “I’ve got your back!”   For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending Music by: @freebeats.io