🎉💗 Gentle New Year: Stress-Free Resolutions for Busy Mums


New Year’s resolutions always sound so good in theory, don’t they?

”Wake up at 5am, exercise every day, drink green smoothies, and totally transform your life!”

But when you’re a mum with young kids and you’ve been up half the night with a baby or a toddler, those kinds of resolutions just aren’t realistic. And I don’t think they’re necessary.

You don’t need a whole new you! You’re already amazing.

What if instead of overhauling your life with big, overwhelming goals, you focused on small shifts that actually fit into your current season of life?

Let’s talk about how to step into the New Year feeling lighter, calmer, and more like yourself.

Forget the 5am Wake-Up Calls.

It’s tempting to think you need to wake up before the sun to be productive, but when you’re already sleep-deprived, the best gift you can give yourself is more rest.

If you’ve been up during the night, let yourself sleep in when you can. And if you can’t? Sneak in a rest during the day when the kids nap or watch a show.

There’s no badge of honour for running yourself into the ground. Rested mums are happier mums.

Ditch the ‘All or Nothing’ Thinking.

If you’ve ever made a resolution to exercise daily, only to feel like a failure by January 3rd, you’re not alone.

Instead of committing to an intense workout plan, aim for movement that feels good.

  • Dance around the living room with the kids.
  • Go for a walk while pushing the pram.
  • Stretch for a few minutes before bed.

It all counts.

There’s no need for a strict schedule when you’ve got little ones running around.

Choose Simple Self-Care Over Big Changes. You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine or a weekend wellness retreat to take care of yourself (although it would be nice!).

You can weave simple habits that will make you feel better into your day:

  • Drink your water while you make the kids’ lunch.Put on music while you’re cooking dinner.
  • Light a candle when you’re tidying up.
  • Take a long, relaxing shower or bath in the evening after you’ve put the kids to bed and the house is quiet.

Tiny moments of self-care add up, and they’re a lot more doable than a whole lifestyle overhaul.

Create a ‘Good Enough’ Plan.

New Year’s goals feel so big because we aim for perfection.

You don’t need a perfect plan when a good enough now will work just as well - even better in fact as there’s a lot less pressure.

  • Instead of meal planning every week, rotate through a handful of easy dinners.
  • Instead of decluttering the whole house, do one drawer at a time.
  • Instead of scheduling workouts, focus on getting outside for fresh air each day. Good enough is more than enough.

Celebrate What You’re Already Doing.

You’re already doing so much!

Take a moment to acknowledge yourself for that.

  • Did you get everyone dressed today? Win.
  • Run errands with the kids? Win.
  • Made it through bedtime without losing your cool? Win.
  • Managed a load of laundry and actually hanging it? Win.

The New Year doesn’t have to be about transforming yourself. It can be about recognising your wins - big and small - and giving yourself credit for everything you do, every single day.

Here’s to a New Year that feels lighter, simpler, and honours what you need! 💗

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10 Hacks To Make Life Flow Easier



Life as a busy mum can feel overwhelming, but over time, I’ve found little hacks that make everything run more smoothly. They take a lot of pressure off and help make everyday life feel easier. 

Here’s what's working for me right now:

1. A Load of Washing a Day
If I'm really busy, I put the washing on overnight while I sleep, then hang it out the next day (undercover or inside if it’s raining). I bring in the previous day’s dry load and put it away immediately. And if it's something that needs to be hung, not folded, I hang it on the hanger when wet so when it's dry I can put it straight in the wardrobe.

2. Ditch the Meal Planning
I don’t meal plan anymore - too much mental effort. Instead, I use my cyclical meal plan with 31 dinner ideas (and links to recipes) on repeat. It’s like autopilot for dinners, and it works really well during busy times.

3. Don’t Put Things Down, Put Them Away
This one is such a cliche, I know, but that's because it works so well. Whenever I pick something up or bring something home, I put it back where it belongs instead of setting it down randomly. It saves time & effort later, keeps the house tidy, and means I’m never hunting for lost items.

4. Sync Calendars
I log every school activity, appointment, and family event straight into my phone calendar the moment I hear about it. I always have my phone on me and it means I'm not collecting (then losing) appointment cards. My phone calendar syncs with my work calendar (I use Book Like A Boss), so I’m never at risk of double-booking myself. It’s a lifesaver for staying organised.

5. Prep Clothes Weekly
On Sunday nights, I prep my clothes for the week. Anything that needs ironing gets done then, and I hang the outfits on a separate rack. No morning decision fatigue - just grab and go.

6. Shower at Night
I switched to showering or taking a bath in the evenings, and it’s one of the most relaxing parts of my day. It feels like a self-care ritual instead of another To Do. And it makes mornings much less rushed, with no fighting for the bathroom.

7. A Simple Hair Routine
I wash my hair twice a week - on Wednesday and Sunday nights - let it dry overnight, and straighten it in the morning. It stays neat for a few days, so I don’t have to think about it again.

8. Streamlined Make-Up
My make-up routine takes about six minutes because I use the same products every time. Everything lives in one bag, so it’s quick to grab and easy to apply.

9. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
My husband handles breakfasts, lunchboxes, grocery shopping, and most of the cooking. In return, I take on school communications, health appointments, and birthday & Christmas organising. We play to our strengths, and it all balances out.

10. Work Cosy When Needed
Some days, when I’m extra tired but still have things to do, I work from bed. I pile up the pillows, grab a blanket, and make it cosy with a drink and snack. It’s a little indulgence that makes work feel less like work.

These hacks are helpful for me at the moment but they change over time based on what's happening in my life. As a general rule, when I feel overwhelmed, I try to take a minute and think, "how can I make this easier or feel better?"

If you’re looking for simple ways to make your own life easier, my program, check out my online program The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier. it's on pre-sale right now, with the next round going live in December - just in time for the busy season!

Click here to sign up now and get access to the full program plus my Simple Christmas Planner on December 1.

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How to speed clean your kitchen


This process only takes about 15-20 minutes and will leave your kitchen looking neat and refreshed!

Clear the counters: Remove any clutter, dishes, or items that don’t belong on the counter. Quickly put them away or in their proper place.

Load the dishwasher or wash dishes: If you have dirty dishes, either load them in the dishwasher or hand-wash the essentials. Let them air dry while you continue cleaning.

Wipe down surfaces: Use a multi-surface cleaner to quickly wipe down the countertops, stove, and any other surfaces. For sticky spots, let the cleaner sit for a minute before wiping.

Clean the sink: Empty out any food scraps and wipe down the sink with a sponge or cloth. For a quick shine, rinse with warm water and a bit of dish soap.

Tidy appliances: Give the front of the fridge, microwave, and other visible appliances a quick wipe, focusing on smudges and fingerprints.

Sweep or vacuum the floor: Quickly sweep the floor or use a handheld vacuum to get rid of crumbs and debris.

Take out the rubbish: Empty the bin and replace the liner if you use one.

Final check: Do a quick visual sweep to make sure everything looks tidy and clutter-free.

Give it a try and let me know how you go with it!
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🚙 How to make the most of Parent "Taxi" Waiting Time




Have you hit the “taxi” stage of parenting?

Spending most of your afternoons driving around, dropping one kid off at soccer practice, another at ballet, or waiting in the car park while your teen finishes a shift at their first part time job?

When I made it through the trenches of the baby / toddler years, I was so excited at the idea of parenting in an era of not needing to do everything - bathing, hair brushing, shoe tying - and thought the way forward would be simple and smooth, with much more downtime for me.
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And it is much easier - but I had no idea how much driving or even just sitting in the car I’d be doing!
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It’s not as simple as a quick drop off and pick up, when you become the family taxi, you have to consider timings - have we left enough buffer time to find a car park and walk everyone inside before the session starts? Then once the drop off is done, do I even have enough time to do anything else before returning to pick up again? What if I can’t find a car park when I get back? It makes more sense just to wait in the car.

But what about the work I needed to get done this afternoon?

The idea of wasting time sitting in my car while waiting for the kids left me feeling frustrated and in efficient. Yes, I could (and probably should) bring a book with me and enjoy that quiet time, but it’s really not enough time to dive in deep and immerse myself into the story. And I can’t enjoy downtime with a to do list buzzing in my brain.

So what can I do with my “taxi” waiting time? Here’s what works for me right now!

Life Admin:

  • Review my online calendar (and book in a few “appointments” for my own self care while I’m at it)
  • Delete and unsubscribe from email subscriptions
  • Check my meal plan and write my next grocery list
  • Call a friend I’ve been meaning to catch up with
  • Listen to a guided meditation

What about work?

Sometimes I pack a separate “work” bag with my laptop, AirPods, microphone etc, sit in the back seat of my car (as if I have my own driver) and create a little mobile office to work in for an hour.
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I use this time to write articles & emails, record podcast episodes, plan & schedule social media posts and work on collaborative projects for both Beautifully Organised and The Simpler Business Podcast.
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I hotspot to my phone for internet access, and make the most of my work time by getting myself into a state of flow, usually by listening to lofi music on YouTube or Ruby Lee’s 90 Minute Productivity Flow Track. I’m always happily surprised at how much I get done when I listen to these while working!
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This has been working so well lately that I’m thinking of making it proper “work time”. I only like to work a couple of hours each day and this helps me make the most of my waiting time so I can do more of the stuff I love - puzzles, reading, bubble baths - when I’m at home 💕
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How can you use your “taxi” waiting time more productively or enjoyably? I’d love to hear your ideas!

x Marissa

P.S. I hope you found these ideas helpful! If you’re ready for next steps in organising your home and life, you might want to check out my popular House & Family Binder. It’s a simple set of prints to help you get organised and run your household without stress and overwhelm.


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Teaching Your Children Responsibility with Age-Appropriate Chore Charts




Raising responsible young adults is the goal for many of us parents, and the path is much easier if we start when our kids are little.

One effective way to teach responsibility to young children is through the use of age-appropriate chore charts. They encourage independence and self-discipline while also providing opportunities for children to contribute to the household in meaningful ways.

Here are a few ways you can create and implement chore charts tailored to your children's ages and abilities:

Understanding the Importance of Chores.
​Chores go beyond simple household help. They’re a foundational part of child development and help to teach essential life skills like time management, discipline, and organisation. When your child completes a chore, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their contribution to the family unit. This fosters self-confidence and allows children to recognise their abilities and grow as individuals.

Starting Young, but Sensibly.

Introducing chores at a young age, like during the toddler years, helps to nurture a sense of responsibility. Simple tasks like picking up toys or placing napkins on the table are appropriate for young children. Align chores with their developmental stage, and provide support and guidance so they don’t get overwhelmed. Early introduction lays the groundwork for more complex tasks as they grow.

Creating a Chore Chart That Works.

Creating an effective chore chart requires a little thoughtfulness. Pictures for younger children can make the chart engaging and easier to follow. Stickers or ticks for completed tasks help give a sense of achievement and motivation. Tailoring the chart to your child's age and personality ensures it becomes an empowering tool rather than just a task list.

Incorporating Choice and Flexibility.

Involving your kids in the chore selection process allows them to feel a sense of control and engagement. By giving them choices, chores become collaborative rather than directive. Flexibility in scheduling, such as allowing for changes or negotiating deadlines, accommodates children's unique needs and interests and shows they are valued family members at any age. This approach nurtures a more positive and responsive relationship with chores and reduces pushback and arguments about doing them.

Setting Clear Expectations and Rewards.

Clarity in what’s expected from each chore helps children understand their responsibilities. Defining the steps involved and the desired outcome makes the chore clear and easy to understand. For young kids, reward systems like verbal praise, extra playtime, or special treats, add incentive and reinforce positive behaviour, making chores much more appealing.

Fostering Collaboration.

Chores should be a communal experience, not a lonely obligation. Doing tasks together like cooking, cleaning or gardening fosters teamwork and strengthens family bonds. It provides opportunities for us parents to model desired behaviours and it creates a shared sense of purpose and achievement as a family.

Evolving the Chart as They Grow.

As children grow and their skills develop, their chores should evolve too. Regularly reviewing and updating the chore chart ensures that it remains challenging and relevant. This ongoing adaptation keeps kids engaged, encourages continual growth, and reflects their maturing abilities and contributions.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: A mindful approach to assigning chores avoids common mistakes like setting unrealistic expectations or offering excessive rewards. Overcomplicating tasks or turning chores into a power struggle can undermine the educational value of chores. Recognising potential pitfalls and navigating around them ensures a more successful chore experience.

Celebrating Achievements and Effort: Celebration is a crucial component of teaching responsibility through chores. Recognising effort, not just completion, emphasises the value of hard work. Acknowledging milestones, both big and small, reinforces positive behaviour and builds your child's self-esteem. Even when the reward is simple, like a kind word or a special sticker, the impact is profound.

I hope you found these ideas helpful! If you’re ready for next steps in organising your home and life, you might want to check out my popular House & Family Binder. It’s a simple set of prints to help you get organised and run your household without stress and overwhelm.

x Marissa


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