Introduction Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it often comes with a hectic schedule that leaves little time for self-care. Amidst the chaos of balancing work, household chores, and caring for children, finding time for fitness can seem like an impossible task. However, prioritising physical activity is essential for maintaining health and well-being, both for parents and their families. In this edition of Notes for Our Lovelies, we'll explore ten practical fitness tips specifically designed for moms and dads with busy lifestyles, offering actionable strategies to incorporate exercise into ..read more

Children are naturally inquisitive, and at ages 4 and 5, their exploration knows no bounds. There are many informative and engaging books available that can cater to your child's curiosity and stimulate their growth. Children who are read to at least three times a week by a family member are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less than three times a week.   Furthermore, reading aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. And it's no surprise that reading books with children h ..read more

As a mother, your life will change after you give birth to your baby, but there are ways to adjust while maintaining your identity. Bringing a new life into the world is an exciting and rewarding experience, and as a mother, you’re likely to be feeling a whole range of different emotions all at once. The postpartum period lasts for about six to eight weeks, and in this time, it’s not uncommon for new mothers to feel disorientated, anxious and a bit uncertain.  Research shows that nearly half of new mothers feel anxious, and it’s understandable why. The new baby in your life, while a littl ..read more

 Although giving birth can be a wonderful experience, some births can be traumatic. You’re not alone in what you have experienced, and there is help out there for recovery. Although some women find birth a blissful and unproblematic experience, that’s certainly not the case for all. Unfortunately, when it comes to giving birth to your child, a number of things can happen that can make the experience traumatic.  In fact, 25-34% of women report their birth as traumatic, and 9% of these women experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth. So, it’s import ..read more

As a new mum, there is a lot think about; you’ll likely find yourself worrying about many things. That said, intrusive thoughts are completely normal, and there are ways to overcome them. When you become a mother, you’re suddenly responsible for a vulnerable little human who needs to be cared for and loved. Equally, you’ll want to make sure that you can do everything you can to keep them out of harm's way and ensure their safety. That said, it’s not uncommon for new mothers to encounter intrusive thoughts about their baby and fixate on what they or others might do to their child.  It can ..read more

Mindfulness for Mothers: Our Hints and Tips As a new mother, change will be a big part of your life, and mindfulness is likely to be the last thing on your mind. There’s so much newness to which you must adapt. New responsibilities, new routines, new sleeping patterns, the list goes on. So, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of it all.  That said, practising mindfulness can really help to slow you down and get you back in tune with yourself and your emotions. It’s also a great way to centre yourself and can help you be more present with your baby. At Hiccups and Buttercups, we kno ..read more

Bonding with your baby is essential for their development and helps you form a healthy, secure relationship with them. It can take time, though, so don’t panic! For new mums, bonding with your baby is incredibly important. Your baby’s first months after birth are vital for brain development and growth, and bonding can be a great way to stimulate this and nurture your relationship.  That said, it’s not uncommon for mums to experience some initial difficulty or delay with bonding. After all, the time following your child’s birth can be exhausting. As a new mum, you are adapting to a whole ..read more

At Hiccups & Buttercups, we've teamed up with MoonKin to release two sets crystals with a New Mother Intention Kit and a Fertility Intention Kit. The products we are offering feature a collection of stones, with the products to care for them to help you feel supported on your journey to and during motherhood. Miche from MoonKin says the collaboration is founded on a shared vision to help and heal mothers and mothers-to-be and a passion for driving forward the power of female entrepreneurship.  Crystals & Chakras The Hiccups & Buttercups and Moonkin col ..read more

The climate crisis can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge to tackle, but changing the way you think about sustainability can make a huge difference. In the busy hubbub of day-to-day family life, it's easy to get swept up in the quickest and easiest options when it comes to purchasing, getting rid of waste and travelling from A to B. Sometimes, it feels like there really isn't a second to spare! Yet, worldwide, we are facing a climate emergency and scientists say that "the overexploitation of the earth" has reached a tipping point. So, what we all do now matters. We can no longer ..read more

These days, it's more important than ever to live sustainably and be kinder to the planet. Reducing your carbon footprint is easy to do too, and little changes can make a big difference. Sustainability is the word on everyone's lips as we become increasingly aware of the necessity to fight climate change and tackle the crisis. The planet is warming, and without action worldwide, there will be ecological disaster. Sea levels will continue to rise, flood risks will increase, heat waves will become more frequent, and animals will lose more than half of their habitats. Pretty scary stuff, right ..read more