Maria Newman Coaching
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Grab a cup of your favourite something, make yourself comfy and then allow yourself the time to read one of my blogs.
I Want To Help
Over the last 6 months, I’ve been thinking a lot. I’ve been reflecting and thinking. Reflecting on the last few years. Thinking about all the things that have happened. So much has changed. If you’d told me at the beginning of 2016 that in a few years I would have left the security of my corporate job and I’d be doing my own thing, I doubt I would have believed you. Although, I would have been intrigued.
How will you keep busy over the festive season?
Christmas can be expensive, so over the festive season I am more mindful of the money we spend. For me, the important thing is spending time with our family and friends. However, the kiddies can get a little bored being dragged from house to house.
We’re lucky to live in such a vibrant city that offers so many opportunities for families. Plus, by being a little creative and investing time in doing a little research, you can find things to do that won’t break the bank.
Here are some ideas you might like to try.
What are you doing on Christmas Day?
Hands up if you’re a fan of Christmas? I love it. I think I always have. It’s the magic of this time of year. The streams of fairy lights that dress the houses of our road. The smell of the Christmas tree in our lounge. And of course, the infectious excitement of our kiddies. As far as they’re concerned, the lead up to Christmas started months ago!
So, what will your day look like? Are you hosting Christmas or is someone else? Even better, are you going out?
What do you do on Christmas Eve?
I’ve definitely got that Christmas feeling. The tree is up and decorated. Our children are practicing for their Christmas performances. I’ve started to write Christmas cards and Christmas shopping has begun. Plus, one of my favourite things is planning what delicious feasts I will be cooking over Christmas.
I love this time of year. I mean, what’s not to love. And it’s even more special because of my children. They get so excited. I don’t know of a child that doesn’t get excited.
Do you have a side hustle?
Before going into business for myself I’d never heard the term side hustle. However, now I hear it regularly. It feels like it’s an overused term. But maybe that’s probably because there are so many people who have a ‘side hustle’. Or, maybe it’s because lots of people are looking to get a ‘side hustle’.
So, what is it? Well, it’s something you do in addition to your main job. I think, for most, it’s usually to bring in some extra cash. However, for others a side hustle can come from something that they are genuinely passionate about. Like photography, making homemade goods or fitness.
Would you become a Vegan, part 3?
My little journey into discovering what being vegan actually means has opened my eyes to vegan food and also the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, I am a mother so what’s really important to me are my children.
As you know, my children are my priority. I want them to have a good life. I want them to have good experiences. I want them to be the best they can be. For me, this is about them having the opportunity to gain knowledge so that they can make informed decisions. Be better equipped so that they have good judgment.
Would you become a Vegan, part 2?
So in part 1, I dipped my toe into the world of being a vegan. Mainly, the food. After all, I love food so this was the natural place to start. But it’s not just about the actual food we’re consuming. It’s about choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.
Now, from what I can tell, the definition of a healthy lifestyle is about reducing the risk of becoming ill through exercise, eating and managing mental wellbeing. Deciding to lead a vegan lifestyle obviously is just one way of living a healthier lifestyle and it appears to me that it’s mainly about diet.
Would you become a Vegan, part 1?
It appears that more and more people are becoming vegan or at least trying to reduce their meat intake. Being completely honest, I like my meat, especially a tasty Sunday roast. However, I have reduced the amount of meat that we eat in our house. Our meals for the week have a good mix of fish, vegetarian and even vegan dishes. And I’d say, on average we only have meat a couple of times a week.
Now you know I love cooking. So, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of cooking a wider variety of dishes. Plus, I’ve invested in a couple of fab cookbooks. I highly recommend The Green Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer.
I remember going away with the school to France, in my early teens. One of my friends was vegetarian and whilst we were enjoying some tasty French cuisine she was either served salad or omelette. This was about thirty years ago. Not exactly inspiring.
Which Advent Calendar would you buy?
So being completely honest, when it comes to buying Advent Calendars I just look at what is available in the supermarket and go for the cheapest chocolate one. This is because it’s the simplest solution to satisfying my children. As far as they’re concerned, they just want a chocolate one. They’re not fussy on what type of chocolate. Well, as long as it tastes good. So to be fair, it’s got to be from a decent producer, which is usually Cadburys.
Are you ready for Halloween?
Halloween is just around the corner and is something that both my kiddies look forward to. The problem is we’re not always at home to enjoy it, which means that I have to be creative. So, this year I thought I’d give myself a little more time to think about it rather than cobbling something together at the last minute.
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