As a mom to a little one, I know full well how difficult it is to keep any space tidy for longer than five minutes. With our 10 month old, things tend to be thrown about the house more often than not. And the demands of being a working mom also plays its bit in ensuring that our home almost always looks like a bomb went off. Whether its dishes I’ve been meaning to get to. Or toys thrown around the house. The idea of keeping a clean house seems almost impossible at times. Which is why over the past ten months I have come up with a few ways to keep our home and space as tidy as possible. Whilst these tips and tricks are in no way fool proof. They do help keep things in check most of the time.

• Have baskets or boxes for toys: One of the first things I bought when I could was a set of baskets to store our daughters toys in. This has been a huge help when tidying up at the end of the day as I often just throw all her toys into one place and it makes the nightly clean up that much easier.
• Have a 20 toy rule: Whilst on the subject of toys. Having a 20 toy rule is a must when you have children. As any parent will tell you, most kids and babies play with anything and everything. Which is why keeping an edited number of toys is important. When loved ones and relatives buy toys, donate some that you little one barely uses to charity. When they are old enough, encourage them to come with you to donate. This will also teach them the importance of charity.
• Tidy up before bed: Whether you have children or not, it is important to tidy up for a few moments every night. Do the basics like putting dishes that are lying around in the sink or dish washer. If you have the time and energy give them a quick wash too. Put pillows back to where they belong and files, papers, and computers away. Get your whole family involved in the process and it will go much faster.
• Put things away as you go along: One way to ensure your nightly clean up goes faster is by putting things back as you go along. This means putting dishes in the washer or washing them. Juice back in the fridge. And any paperwork or office stuff in its rightful place.
• Make your bed in the morning: This may seem like an obvious one. But take it from someone who rarely makes the bed in the morning. When I do finish this little task, I find I can start my day off on a good foot. Not only that but nothing feels better than getting into a tidy put together bed at night.
• Open the windows every morning: This last one is not so much about keeping your space clean. But it is.a good way of ensuring that you breathe some new life into your home every morning. Personally I never did this until I met my husband who insisted on opening windows every morning even in the dead of winter. Getting that fresh burst of air helps to refresh the energy in your home and takes little effort. Just open your windows and doors for 15 minutes and voila. You have clean energy to live with throughout your day.

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Is it just me, or does this year feel like a a make or break year for relationships, connections and ties? Personally I have had to reevaluate the friends I value and want to stay connected to, even when staying connected seems hard. Similarly, my sister and I have gotten closer in the past year of not seeing each other than we have in previous years. In part because she has been my source of laughter and release in times of stress as a new mom during COVID whilst on another continent. But also because not seeing each other for so long made us both realize how much we rely on and love one another. Something that can go unrealized when time and proximity are on your side.

On the other spectrum is the personal and joint growth my husband and I have experienced as new parents during these often scary and uncertain times. His unrelenting optimism even with very little sleep still surprises me and reminds me of all that is good in the world. Which is why this is one of my personal favorite gift guides. Because it symbolizes the growth, shifts and realizations many of us have had in our relationships. And what better way to honor that than saying thank you to the ones who have kept us sane this year?

Bee keeping kit 

Whilst this may not be the first gift you think of gifting a loved one, it is one that makes sense for the planet. Not only can loved ones  help house bees (that are harmless and do not sting) but they can also help ensure the well being of our planet as bees are fast becoming extinct, despite their crucial role in our eco system. This is the perfect gift for those who have given you plenty to be thankful for this year but want little in return. And the great thing is that you don’t need much space just a balcony or a small garden and you will be set to house one of the planets hard workers. Read more about this amazing company here and shop for loved ones who would love nothing material for Christmas

Natural body products

We’ve spoken about Liha already in our gift guide here but can you blame us? Not only is this brand sustainable but it is also run by two women of colour. Which is why I am grabbing one of their Liha x AAKS gift bag for my sister who may be in need of some TLC after showing up for me this year.

Educational toy subscription 

As a new mom I can tell you first hand that finding the right toys for your little one can feel like a monumental task, which is why I love the Lovevery subscription boxes that are tailor made for your babies and toddlers play and educational needs. Modeled after the montessori method of learning, Lovevery takes the guess work out of toys and educational material that is age appropriate. Add on top of that their belief in using natural products to produce their toys and we are sold.

31 Bits jewelry

Sustainable and jewelry are not two words that you hear used together too often. Which is why we love 31 Bits. Founded on the the simple idea of giving artisans jobs in Uganda, this jewelry company is now operating on three different continents and selling beautiful jewels perfect to gift to loved ones.

Natural personal hygiene products

With personal hygiene steadily moving into the clean space, we can think of nothing better to gift our girlfriends (and ourselves) for Christmas than some non-toxic, natural personal hygiene products. Which is why we are loving Lola, which not only makes organic feminine hygiene products. But also natural condoms, lubricants and other sexual wellness products.

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