Menopause is wild. Some days I feel okayish while other days I want to scream, cry, or nap in the fridge. Hormones go rogue, sleep disappears, and my patience? Yeah, she left the group chat a while ago.

I stopped HRT this week, not because it wasn’t helping, but because the break from progesterone every month totally wrecked me. My body crashed, my mood tanked, and life just sort of unraveled during that gap. Add in the fact that I’ve just kicked off a new cluster headache cycle and, well… the chaos is real.

So right now, I’m leaning on essential oils. Nothing fancy. Just a few that help me feel a bit more human on the emotional rollercoaster that is hormone transition.

This isn’t a magic fix. It’s not a “do this and you’ll be zen forever” kind of thing. (I bloody well wish it was and welcome ANY tips or tricks you’ve got!) It’s just what’s working for me right now – small, doable steps that offer comfort when everything feels horribly chaotic instead of beautifully chaotic.

Morning: Hormone + Mood Support

Hormone & Mood Balancing Roll-On
– 3 drops Clary Sage
– 3 drops Geranium
– 2 drops Ylang Ylang
– 2 drops Frankincense
→ Top with carrier oil in 10ml roller. Apply to wrists, temples, over heart.

Uplifting Diffuser Blend
– 3 drops Bergamot
– 3 drops Sweet Orange
– 2 drops Frankincense
→ Diffuse 15–20 mins while starting your day.

EndoFlex Application
→ Apply EndoFlex (direct or diluted) to thyroid, lower back (adrenals), or feet.

Optional: Estrogen-Supportive Roll-On
– 3 drops Clary Sage
– 3 drops Geranium
– 2 drops Ylang Ylang
– 2 drops Fennel
→ Top with carrier oil in 10ml roller. Apply to wrists, inner ankles, or lower belly. Great if I’m emotionally all over the place. And hey — if you’re rolling oils, you can’t punch anyone. Win-win.

Afternoon: Re-Center + Reset

Adrenal Support Roll-On
– 2 drops Rosemary
– 2 drops Cedarwood
– 2 drops Frankincense
→ Top with carrier oil in 10ml roller. Apply to lower back + back of neck. It’s like pressing the reset button mid-chaos.

Evening: Calm, Restore, Sleep

Progessence Plus
→ 1–2 drops on wrists or lower belly before bed. Supports natural progesterone and helps me settle.

Nighttime Diffuser Blend
– 3 drops Lavender
– 2 drops Roman Chamomile
– 2 drops Sandalwood
→ Diffuse 30 minutes before sleep (or while pretending not to scroll TikTok).

Self-Care Bath Blend
– 4 drops Geranium
– 3 drops Frankincense
– 2 drops Bergamot
→ Mix into 1 tbsp Epsom salts and add to a warm bath. Soak for 15–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to use every oil every day. Some days I just go with EndoFlex and Progessence Plus. Other days, I go full potion master. There’s no “right” way — only what feels kind to your nervous system. Don’t turn self-care into another chore.

And if you’re going through this too then please know……

You’re not overreacting.
You’re not crazy.
You’re adjusting.
You’re doing your best — even if that just means brushing your hair (if you’ve got some) and making it to bedtime.

PSA: Avoid Pam this week. She’s off the HRT, on the oils, and one hormone away from telling everyone to fuck off.

No chit-chat, just ingredients and instructions

 • Paul’s Wild Garlic Roast Lamb Recipe
 • Paul’s Sourdough Yorkshire Puddings

BACK TO ME NOW

There’s something sacred about a Sunday roast and the memories it creates, and the ones it brings back too. Nothing beats a proper family Sunday, but it also brings a little sadness for the people missing around the table.

When Paul’s in the kitchen, it’s tunes on, apron tied, and he cooks like he’s on MasterChef, Family Edition with the mess, the muttering, and the occasional dance break.

He started prepping last night (because of course he did), and by late-afternoon today the house smelled like wild garlic, rosemary, and maybe just a tiny bit of stress.

And me? I was laid up most of the day, after getting back from the beach which, if I’m honest, didn’t go quite to plan. The idea was a walk and maybe a dip, but it turned into arriving, sitting down in one spot, and wrapping up in Paul’s dry robe while I watched him body board. It was still lovely to be outside though. Back home, I was in bed hearing the music and smelling the roast from the bedroom. Not a help-in-the-kitchen kind of day at all.

Truth is, I’ve been feeling like absolute shite lately, especially these last few days. Worn out, sore, emotional, and just done. The dogs stuck by me though. They don’t mind a duvet day at all.

As always, Paul’s newfound talent of homemade Yorkshire puddings made an appearance in our Sunday roast, and honestly, they were ridiculously fluffy yet again! He’s been perfecting these using our sourdough starter and they never let him down. Crispy edges, soft middles, and as tall as your hopes when the oven timer dings.

Homemade Yorkshires were always one of those “leave it to the pros” kind of things for me. But once Paul got stuck in, there was no turning back, the kids are definitely right when they tell him he’s in his chef’s era.

And just when I thought he was done, he pulled out a homemade pavlova too. It turned out super good. Definitely one he’ll make again although apparently not the sort of thing he likes to make, because once it went in the oven last night, he didn’t see it again until this morning. And oh the stress. What if it was shite? Or the mini meltdown when he forgot it was in the cooling oven and opened it to put away the oven tins. All’s well that ends well though, it was yummy.

It’s funny how food has this way of anchoring us, it brings everyone to the table. The noise, the laughter, the old stories that get told again and again and reconnecting after a busy week or weekend… a Sunday reset for family instead of a physical one for home kind of thing, which is always needed in my opinion. It’s the people, the history, the energy that creates a home and not the things.

Learning to slow down and appreciate that has been something I’ve had to work on and still do regularly. In fact just this morning I had to remind myself what was important as I nearly didn’t go to the beach over trying to do some things about the house. The dishes and pots always get washed in the end so enjoy the chat around the table, clear the plates to play a board game, and appreciate the little things, the things that matter most.

Sundays done as Sundays should be.

Good food, good company, and good times even if not quite as I had planned.

Let me know below if you give any of the recipes a go! And if your Yorkshires rise too, we’ll start a club for proud pudding parents. Or maybe a support group if they don’t.

• A small bunch of wild garlic (roughly 1–2 handfuls)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt + pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra zing

Instructions

1. Prep the garlic: Wash your wild garlic leaves and pat them dry. Roughly chop them up so they’re easier to blend.

2. Blend the rub: In a small food processor or pestle and mortar, mix the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, pepper, and mustard (if using) until you get a rough paste. It doesn’t need to be super smooth… rustic works!

3. Rub it in: Pat your leg of lamb dry with kitchen roll, then rub the mixture all over. Really get into all the nooks and crannies.

4. Marinate or cook: If you have time, cover and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If not, get it straight in the oven.

5. Roast as usual: Cook your lamb to your preferred level. Low and slow is our go-to and still a bit pink in the middle. The herby crust gets all golden and the house smells fab as it roasts.

Notes

• Wild garlic is usually in season March to May. Forage responsibly and never take the whole patch.

• •140g plain flour
• •4 eggs
• •200ml milk
• 1 tablespoon sourdough starter (fed or discard – both work!)
• Pinch of salt
• Oil or beef dripping (for the tray)

Instructions

1. Make the batter: In a jug or mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, sourdough starter, and salt until smooth. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave it overnight in the fridge if that’s easier.

2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Pop your muffin tray in to heat up with a splash of oil or beef dripping in each hole. This is key for a good rise!

3. Pour the batter: Once the tray is really hot (like lift-the-skin-off-you-it’s-so-hot!) carefully remove it and pour the batter into each hole, about halfway full.

4. Bake: Return the tray to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until they’ve puffed up beautifully and turned golden brown. No peeking!

5. Serve hot: Best eaten straight away. Serve with your roast, or sneak one early with a bit of butter while no one’s looking.

Notes

• Don’t open the oven door while they’re baking. Trust the process.

Some posts are harder to write than others, and this sure as hell was one of them.

Hugo wasn’t just our dog. He was our gentle giant , our squishy-faced shadow who went everywhere with us. As soon as you put on your shoes or lifted your car keys , he was beside you, ready to go.

Hugo had been surrendered when his previous family could no longer care for him and we knew straight away he would have a forever home with us. 

He came to us needing love, stability, and support. And he gave us more than we ever could have imagined in return.

He was goofy, soft, full of love, and always had a way of making us feel safe. He was also only 18 months old. So when we had to make the heartbreaking decision to help him over the rainbow bridge just last week, it was even harder.

When he was diagnosed with severe hip and elbow dysplasia, we went all in. Bone broth . Green-lipped mussels. Turmeric paste. Krill oil. Salmon oil. A million different joint supplements along with hard-core pain meds . We researched endlessly. Looked into hydrotherapy . Adjusted his diet and managed his pain as naturally and as best we could.

He wasn’t just on a care plan, he was the reason I built one. Every single thing I gave him was chosen with love and hope and occasionally we really thought it was helping.

But his body had other plans, we saw him getting stiffer, slower, and more uncomfortable. When his legs were routinely collapsing under him, we knew it was time.

People say “you’ll know when it’s time.”and tbh I used to hate that phrase think how stupid it was. But they’re right. You do know. You know when they’re tired, you know when their joy starts slipping away and you know when the kindest thing you can do is the last thing you ever want to.

We stayed with him until the very end told him how loved he was, kissed his big squishy face and then suddenly the cottage felt way too quiet, even with all the other animals around.

I’d give anything for him to be squashing me and taking up all the room in the bed again.

The truth is, pet loss rips you apart in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. They’re not just animals they’re  part of your family, your routine, your comfort, your whole world and when they go, a piece of you goes with them.

Hugo was only here for a short time but the impact he made on our lives was massive and he will never be forgotten.

So this one’s for Hugo….for every tail wag, every cuddle, every drooly grin and for the heartbreaking privilege of loving him, even if only for a short time.

These are a firm favourite in our house when we’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and just a bit extra. Paul whipped up a batch of these Northern Irish 15s recently, and honestly… there’s something about homemade that just hits differently.

If you’ve never had a 15 before, you’re in for a treat. They’re no-bake, super quick to make, and full of all the good stuff like marshmallows, crushed biscuits, glacé cherries, and coconut. No fancy tools, no oven, just a bowl, some mixing, and a bit of patience while they chill (or don’t, if you’re like us and eat them chilled.).

So, why are they called “15s”?

It’s as simple as this, the recipe has 15 of everything. 15 biscuits, 15 marshmallows, 15 glacé cherries. It’s a no-fuss, throw-it-together sweet that’s been loved in homes across Northern Ireland for generations. You’ll find them at bake sales, birthday parties, and tea tables all over the country.

The best bit is when you make them at home, you get to skip all the unnecessary additives and weird extras you sometimes find in shop-bought treats. It’s just simple ingredients and sweet nostalgia. The kind that sticks to your teeth a wee bit and reminds you of days out or granny’s house. (Tho in my family it was caramel squares….ohhhhhhh now there’s the next treat to be made and that one’s Seth’s speciality! )

Ingredients:
• 15 digestive biscuits, crushed
• 15 glacé cherries, halved
• 15 mini marshmallows (or more because let’s be real )
• 200ml condensed milk
• Desiccated coconut (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Crush the biscuits – You want them crumbly but not dust. A few chunks are totally fine.
2. Mix it up – In a big bowl, combine crushed biscuits, chopped cherries, and marshmallows.
3. Pour in the condensed milk – This is your sticky magic. Add it gradually and mix until everything sticks together.
4. Shape into a log – Plonk the mixture onto a sheet of cling film or greaseproof paper and shape into a thick log.
5. Roll in coconut – Sprinkle coconut on the paper and roll the log around in it until it’s fully coated.
6. Chill – Pop it in the fridge for a few hours (or not if you’re impatient like us ).
7. Slice and serve – Cut into little rounds, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy.

Note: If you want to take these to the ultimate homemade level… I’m currently experimenting with homemade marshmallows. Yep, we’re going full chaos in this kitchen. Watch this space.

And honestly? Homemade granola is so much better than shop-bought. It’s cheaper, has no weird additives or seed oils, and you can sweeten it your way or not at all!

How to Make Granola in the Ninja Air Fryer

Ingredients
• 400g rolled oats
• 90g honey or maple syrup
• 60g coconut oil

Instructions

1. Gently melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave and then stir in the honey or maple syrup.
2. In a large bowl, pour the melted mixture over the oats and stir well to coat evenly.
3. Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer in your air fryer basket (you might need to do it in batches so it doesn’t overcrowd).
4. Air fry at 150°C for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3–4 minutes for even toasting.
5. Let it cool completely before storing. It crisps up as it cools

Optional Add-ins (after it cools):
• Chopped nuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts
• Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries
• Desiccated coconut
• Chocolate chips for a little treat!

Store it in an airtight jar and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long). We love it on top of homemade Greek yogurt, with milk, or just eaten by the handful while hiding in the kitchen pretending you’re doing something important.

It’s crunchy, it’s totally customisable, and it creates a smug feeling of homemade with very little effort.

If you’ve followed me for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard me rave about Thieves Cleaner and for good reason.

It’s one of those products that completely changed how I clean, how I shop, and how I feel after the cottage has been cleaned from one end to other including animal enclosures.

So what is it?

Thieves Household Cleaner is a plant-based concentrated cleaner made with essential oils and no harsh chemicals. You mix just one capful with water in a spray bottle and boom you’ve got a safe, non-toxic, good-smelling cleaner that lasts forever. Seriously, one bottle of concentrate goes a loooong way. The 1.8 litre lasts us nearly a full year!!!!

What I Use It For

What don’t I use it for would be an easier question.

I use it on:

• Kitchen counters
• Bathroom surfaces
• Floors
• Windows and mirrors
• Pet messes
• Even in the car!

It’s my go-to for basically everything. And it smells like cozy cinnamon and cloves, not fake lemons or choking bleach.

But Why’s It Called Thieves?

Here’s the fun part, well I like this anyway. The name Thieves actually comes from a blend of essential oils inspired by a story from the 15th century. During the plague, a group of thieves (yep, literal thieves) were caught robbing the homes of the sick. But they never got ill themselves, when questioned, they admitted to using a mix of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils to protect themselves. (Oils for the win yet again!)

Young Living founder Gary Young learned about this story and created the Thieves blend based on those same oils. That blend became the foundation for a whole line of cleaning, wellness, and self-care products that are now staples in my home.

Why I Recommend It

I’ve used Thieves for over 6 years and I’ll never go back to conventional cleaners. It’s saved me money, reduced our exposure to toxins, and made cleaning so much easier. I don’t have to worry about what the dogs are walking on, what my kids hands touch, or how I’ll feel after wiping down the kitchen for the tenth time that day.

If you’re curious or want to try it out, you can order directly through my Young Living link here:
http://bit.ly/3G0o4R3 or ask me for a sample.

Whether you’re starting your low-toxin journey or just want a cleaner that actually smells good and works, I can’t recommend it enough.

Living with multiple chronic conditions

Chiari, EDS, adrenal insufficiency, endometriosis, cluster headaches, and peri menopause to name a few can often feel like navigating an unpredictable maze .

The unpredictability of symptoms, the mental and emotional weight of managing them, and the constant need to be aware of what’s happening in my body is exhausting .

I don’t always talk about the hard days, the days when I feel like I’m fighting against my own body , but they exist, much more than I care to admit at the moment, if I’m honest . Im entering a new cluster cycle.

The chaos in my body doesn’t always look the same from day to day, and there are times when it feels like I’m doing everything right and still being knocked down .

I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, to rest , and to ask for help . Strength doesn’t always look like powering through ; sometimes it’s about accepting what’s happening, allowing yourself space to breathe, and taking care of your mind and body in whatever way you can.

Living with these conditions doesn’t define me, but it does shape how I navigate the world .

I’m still learning to live with the chaos and the unpredictability a decade on, finding my new normal as things change , and finding peace in the moments of stillness .

Right now, I’m also coming into a cluster headache cycle, which brings a lot of fear . The pain itself is intense, yes… but it’s the fear of the unknown that makes it worse . The fear of when the pain will peak, how long it will last , and how much more I can endure. It’s mentally draining in a way that’s hard to explain. Every time it begins, I have to remind myself to breathe and take it moment by moment. That’s all I can do in any moment.

But that’s the reality of chronic illness – it’s unpredictable, it’s messy, and it’s hard. And yet, we keep going.

I’ll post about cluster headaches (aka suicide headaches) soon.

Most supermarket powders are packed with synthetic fragrance, and even though they smell “clean,” they’re actually full of ingredients that can mess with your hormones, trigger allergies, and cling to your skin (and your kids’ and animals’ skin too). Not ideal, especially since our skin is the biggest organ and absorbs EVERYTHING we put on it.

This version is simple, budget-friendly, smells fresh (without that fake smell), and is kind to your body and the planet. Plus, it doesn’t come in a plastic tub the size of your head that you then just dump.

Got a stinky sports kit, muddy dog towel, or just an extra stinky family in general? 
You can throw in a scoop of Borax for a bit more oomph. It really helps lift out stubborn smells and stains. I keep some in the cupboard just for those days.

↓ RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soda ash (washing soda)
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1/4 cup fine sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup Borax for stain-busting
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (I like Thieves, Melrose or Lemon )

Instructions:

1. Dump everything into a jar or container with a lid. (Extra points if you reuse something you already have. You really don’t need a fancy “laundry tub.”)
2. Give it a good stir or a gentle shake.
3. Add your essential oils if you’re using them, then stir again.
4. Use about 1/2 cup per wash, straight into the drum. That’s it. DONE.

Works great in both hot and cold washes.
Add Borax when you need the extra cleaning power.
Safe for sensitive skin, kids, and the four-legged stinkers too.