Balancing Act: My Journey as a Teacher and Blogger

Picture this: It's 4PM, and I've just finished guiding a class of enthusiastic teenagers through the intricacies of colour theory. As the last student left the art room, I quickly tidied up, my mind shifting gears. In less than an hour, I'll be at home, transforming from Mrs Burgess, the art teacher, to Kay, the blogger behind Mummy Burgess. This is my daily reality – a delicate dance between two passions that fuel my creativity and purpose.

Finding Calm in Chaos: 5-Minute Mindfulness Tricks for Busy Mums of Tweens and Teens

Today I want to chat about something that's been a total game-changer for me – mindfulness. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Kay, between work, managing the house, and dealing with pre-teen and teenage drama, I barely have time to breathe, let alone be mindful!" Trust me, I've been there. Juggling my roles as a mum to a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old, planning art lessons for my students, and trying to keep up with this blog, some days feel like I'm riding a unicycle while juggling flaming torches!

But here's the thing – I've discovered that even the tiniest pockets of mindfulness can make a world of difference. So, grab a cuppa (or a glass of wine, no judgment here!), and let me share some super quick mindfulness tricks that have helped me stay sane in the beautiful chaos of motherhood with older kids. 

Post-Winter Garden Makeover: Tips for a Fresh Start

Whilst Winter is kicking in I'm already looking ahead to spring! Getting the garden ready for spring and summer blooms starts early it can mean the difference between having a garden that blooms in despair, but after those chilling winter months, your garden might need some serious loving and attention to get it back on track. Do you have dead plants, out-of-control shrubs, or just no greenery going on? A garden makeover will rejuvenate your outside area ready for the warmer months ahead. This article gives you a few key tips and directions to revitalizing your garden post-winter, from cleaning out dead matter, to planning for cycles of planting new trees & hedges.

Clear the Winter Debris: 

Dead leaves, branches and other plant material covering your lawn are likely to affect its growth adversely. Rake up leaves and prune out dead or damaged branches in trees, and shrubs. If you have a lot of waste that needs moving faster than usual, skip hire is an effective way to get rid of the rubbish as quickly as possible. Preparing the ground will certainly help your garden start over from scratch with new plants and landscape accents.

Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Mallorca

This time of year is perfect for thinking about your next summer holiday to keep you going through the winter months and Mallorca is the perfect place for busy families to unwind. The gem of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, offers a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or exploring charming villages, this Mediterranean paradise promises a memorable family vacation. Here are the top 10 family-friendly activities to enjoy while in Mallorca.

How to Cut Down on Screen Time for Kids During an International Staycation

Now, an international staycation can be a dream come true for parents and kids alike—a fresh location, a break from the usual routine, and plenty of time to explore. Overall, there’s a family adventure waiting for you all at every corner, right? But at the same time, you have to be realistic with yourself, too, because, believe it or not, eventually, there’s going to be a battle to keep the kids off their screens.

Spooktacular Fun: Top 5 Kid-Friendly Halloween Attractions in London

As the crisp autumn air settles over London, the city transforms into a playground of spooky delights, perfect for families seeking Halloween thrills. From enchanted gardens to haunted cruises, the British capital offers a treasure trove of kid-friendly Halloween attractions that will leave your little ones wide-eyed with wonder. Let's dive into the top 5 must-visit spots for a truly spooktacular family adventure in London this Halloween season.

1. Kew Gardens Halloween Spectacular

Imagine stepping into a world where nature meets magic, and that's exactly what you'll find at Kew Gardens during their special Halloween event. For several days leading up to October 31st, this botanical wonderland undergoes a bewitching transformation that's sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

As you wander through the illuminated trails, you'll encounter glowing pumpkins, eerie mist, and fantastical creatures lurking among the ancient trees. The gardens come alive with interactive light displays, creating an immersive experience that's more enchanting than frightening – perfect for tweens who love a dash of spookiness without the terror.

Coping with Christmas When You Miss a Loved One: Heartfelt Ways to Keep Their Memory Alive

Christmas is often thought of as a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive traditions. However, for those who have lost a loved one, the holiday season can be incredibly challenging. The lights, laughter, and celebrations can feel bittersweet, amplifying the absence of someone dear. Missing a loved one at Christmas brings its own kind of grief, made all the more poignant by the festive cheer around you. But even though your loved one may no longer be physically present, there are beautiful and meaningful ways to honour their memory and keep their spirit alive during the holiday season.

Creating a New Tradition in Their Honour

One of the most comforting ways to remember a loved one at Christmas is by starting a new tradition that honours their memory. Whether it’s something small or more elaborate, creating a ritual that reflects their personality or interests can provide a sense of connection.

For example, if they had a favourite Christmas dish, you could make it part of your festive meal. Or, you might choose to add a personal touch to your home with memorial Christmas tree decorations that represent them. Many people find solace in using ashes to glass products, which turn a loved one’s ashes into a stunning piece of jewellery or decoration. You could hang a memorial glass ornament on your tree, offering a tangible reminder that they are still with you in spirit, sharing in your celebrations.

Starting a new tradition in their honour not only brings comfort but also helps bridge the gap between loss and love during this special time of year.

Sharing Stories and Memories

Sometimes, one of the hardest parts of grieving during Christmas is feeling as though others have moved on, while your heart still aches for the one who is gone. However, sharing stories and memories of your loved one with family and friends can offer an incredible sense of comfort and connection.

Whether you’re sitting around the table after Christmas dinner or decorating the tree, take time to talk about the person you miss. Reflect on the moments you shared during past Christmases or recount the little quirks and traits that made them special. Encouraging others to share their memories can create a warm, supportive atmosphere where everyone can contribute to keeping their memory alive.

It’s important to remember that grief doesn’t have to be hidden away. Talking about your loved one reminds others of the special place they held in your heart and allows them to offer support when you need it most.

Creating a Memory Box or Display

Another thoughtful way to feel close to your loved one during Christmas is by creating a memory box or a small display in your home. A memory box can hold photographs, letters, or items that remind you of happy times spent together. You might also include personal treasures, such as jewellery or pieces made from ashes to glass, which can serve as beautiful keepsakes during the holidays.

You can create a corner in your home where you display these meaningful items alongside candles or festive decorations, providing a peaceful space to reflect on your loved one. During particularly tough moments over Christmas, having a dedicated place to sit quietly and remember can offer great solace. For some, the simple act of lighting a candle near the memory box or display can become a symbolic gesture, representing the light that your loved one continues to bring into your life, even in their absence.

Giving Back in Their Name

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving and helping others. One powerful way to honour a loved one’s memory is by giving back in their name. Consider volunteering for a charity or making a donation in their honour to a cause that was important to them. Acts of kindness can offer a sense of purpose during a season that might otherwise feel empty without them.

You could also give a gift to someone in need, either anonymously or in the name of your loved one. By spreading kindness during the Christmas season, you can continue their legacy and bring some light into the world, just as they did when they were here.

Embracing Your Grief and Allowing Yourself to Feel

It’s common to feel pressure to be happy and festive at Christmas, but if you’re grieving, it’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions. Grief doesn’t follow a set timetable, and just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to suppress your feelings. Allow yourself to feel sad, miss your loved one, and even shed tears. Grieving is a natural part of the healing process.

Some days might be harder than others, and that’s okay. By acknowledging your grief, you give yourself the space to move through your emotions rather than bottling them up. It’s also perfectly fine to seek support from friends or family members who understand what you’re going through. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone else recognises your loss can make a world of difference.

Writing a Letter or Lighting a Candle

If you’re struggling to express how you feel or if the holidays bring up difficult emotions, writing a letter to your loved one can be a deeply therapeutic exercise. In your letter, you can talk about the things you miss, reflect on past Christmases, or share how you’re honouring their memory this year.

Some find comfort in placing their letter near a photo of their loved one or in a memorial Christmas tree decoration created in their honour. Additionally, lighting a candle in their memory can be a simple yet powerful way to symbolise their presence. Whether you light a candle at the dinner table or keep it near the Christmas tree, this gentle gesture can serve as a reminder that they are still with you in spirit.

Finding Comfort in Memories

As the festive season unfolds, you may find moments of comfort in memories. It’s these memories—whether through stories, traditions, or physical reminders like ashes to glass keepsakes—that help soften the edges of grief. While Christmas will never be the same without your loved one, it can still be a time to honour their life and legacy.

Conclusion

Christmas can be an especially difficult time when you’re missing someone dear, but by finding personal ways to remember them, you can create space for both your grief and your love. Whether it’s through creating new traditions, sharing memories, or displaying memorial Christmas tree decorations, honouring your loved one can bring a sense of peace and connection during the holidays.

In the midst of the festive chaos, remember to take time for yourself, embrace your emotions, and find comfort in the love you shared. Your loved one’s presence is still with you—woven into the very fabric of the holiday season, in every cherished memory and heartfelt tradition you continue.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post

Practical Tips for Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Parenting a child is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences in life. When a child has Special Educational Needs (SEN), these challenges can feel amplified. As a parent, you’re not just a caregiver but also an advocate, teacher, and constant support system for your child. It can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset, resources, and practical strategies, you can help your child thrive. Having worked within the Education sector for 15 years and working with many SEN parents,  in this post, we’ll explore practical tips that can assist parents of children with SEN in managing daily challenges and fostering a nurturing environment.