CALM AMIDST THE CHAOS
The mother-of-five blogger, co-founder of Babyccino Kids and creator of In The Loop e-courses on how she finds calm amidst the chaos
As a busy working mum of five, what does wellbeing look like for you?Wellbeing for me is about balance. I really love having a job that keeps me busy but I also really love having nothing to do but be with my family. For me, it’s about finding the balance between work and family, and even squeezing in a bit of ‘me’ time.
How do you find calm amidst the chaos?
Surfing is my calm. It’s the only time my mind properly switches off and I can be completely calm and still. I love the connection to nature that comes with being in the ocean, and the feeling of disconnect from the chaos of life.
You always look so together, is this always the case?!
Well, that’s nice of you to say. If you asked my kids, they’d tell you it’s not always the case that things are calm around here. Patience is not my best quality, and it’s something I am constantly working on. I used to try really hard to always stay calm in front of my kids, but I’ve come to realise that it’s actually okay if my kids see me occasionally lose my cool. We are all human, after all, and I think the best thing we can be is honest to ourselves and to our children. I’ve never been someone who is calm and quiet all the time. I’m more fiery and strong, passionate and fiercely loving. Sometimes I lose my patience. We all do!
How do scented candles play a part in your home?
I love lighting candles, especially in the evening when the lights start to dim and our family gathers inside. Without the kids really knowing it, I love giving our home a distinct smell — one that will always feel like home to them. There are little things I do in our home that help to make our children feel cosy and comfortable in this space, and lighting candles is definitely one of those rituals. Rose has always been one of my favourite scents, so I really love the Hello Calm candle.
What is your all-time favourite smell in the world?
I bet you don’t get this answer very often, but I love the smell of a barn with hay and horses and leather saddles. It reminds me so much of home. I also love the smell of a newborn baby, the smell of coffee in the morning, and the smell of palo santo wood burning. And my worst smell? Cigarette smoke!
Tell us about your new In The Loop family lifestyle e-course?
In The Loop is a 5-week collaborative e-course covering a different topic each week: Family, Home, Food, Travel & Lifestyle. I’ll be sharing lessons, tips, tutorials, insightful interviews, and Q&As in both written, video and live formats. I’m also creating an Instagram community for subscribers, so we can connect, share and learn from each other in a supportive online space.
How will it differ from your Instagram platform?
After 12 years of blogging and 7 years on Instagram, I’m excited for this new platform as a way to dive deeper into the different topics, to answer questions and to connect in a more meaningful way with people from around the world.
Sign up for Courtney's In The Loop e-course here, which runs 20th May - 23rd June. Registration closes on 15th May