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Hot Like A Mother : Aberdeen Mum & Dog Grooming Entrepreneur Jacqueline Allen

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#HotLikeAMother is my blog series that looks to break the barriers and expectations of Motherhood. In this series I interview and get to know some of Aberdeen’s most kick ass mums. From inspiring boss babes, to stylish fashionistas, to just damn right inspirational mothers. All in the quest to encourage mums to go for their passions and be Hot Like A Mother…….

If you would like to be featured or know someone who should then please contact me at Kylie@ConfidentlyKylie.com

 

 

Hot like a mother
Jacqueline rocking the grey Hot Like A Mother sweatshirt from my line – Click the image and get yours now at Hotlikeamother.com


MEET MARCH’S HOT MAMA




Jacqueline to me is the definition of a real life supermum. If she is not busting her ass setting up her business. She is taking her two boys to their classes, or playing with them outside in her yard. Or walking the dog. When I first became a mum I would see her interacting and being the type of mum I wanted to be from my front window. (We are neighbours). So when she agreed to feature on my blog I was more than thrilled to sit down and have a natter with such a hard working woman.


You recently started your own Dog Grooming business from Home, How do you juggle the demands of motherhood while running a business?


I don’t know that I do, to be honest. It’s still early days, and I’m trying to find a routine. Trying to manage the hours so that I’m available for when the boys come home from school. However so far it’s been so busy and I’m finding it hard to turn down new clients. Luckily I have a supportive husband who is flexible at his own work, and two very independent kids.


What tips would you give to mums who may be struggling to find the right balance in their lives?


I’m in no position to be giving advice at the moment! There is no right and wrong really – the way life is just now, both parents have to work, and so we try and take each day at a time.


 




What made you start Soapy Tails?


Well I took some time off for the birth of the children, and then when the youngest was starting P1 I had it in my head that I would go back to work somehow. I have had dogs for a long time and knew about groomers. I was ultimately looking for something I could do on my own terms. So that I would be free to do school drop offs and pick ups and take time off for holidays without pressure. So I always thought of something I could do myself from home.


Initially I went on some external training courses, then through a series of random meetings and friends of friends, found out about an existing dog grooming business that were looking for a trainee. So I joined there and worked with them as a self employed groomer for several years, gaining valuable experience. However, it became more and more apparent that their goals and mine were not the same, and things came to a head in October 2018. 


During the school holidays I realised that the poor treatment I was receiving and the perception that I was always going to be the ‘junior’ of that business meant that if I wanted the control that I wanted. I would have to push on and do things myself! I had to get out of the nice comfortable rut I was in and take a risk!


So we started looking for all the equipment we would need. Luck was on our side! I saw someone selling a complete setup on Facebook. They had only posted 20 minutes before when I noted their advert, phoned them up and started driving down to collect it!


The equipment was immaculate and within a week of deciding we should do it we were up and running!




Confidently Kylie is all about confidence and self care, what is important for you to stay grounded and true to yourself?


Its easy to stay grounded when you are covered in dog hair! As a mother of two, I think no matter how smart or confident you think you are, your kids can snap you out of airs and graces with a simple joke or sentence. As they know all about you!


What is your go to easy mum outfit and why?


I’ve never been a girly girl, so trainers and a hood on my jacket are all I need.


What tips would you give to mums who may be struggling to find the right balance in their lives?


Never be too hard on yourself, truth be known most house holds are probably struggling with something or other. Speak to your friends and you soon find out that everyone is fighting with their kids about picking dirty clothes off the floor or forgetting to go to the shops for the kids tea. Every working mother has still got to clean the house, do never ending laundry, walk the dog and the other 100 other little stuff daily. Remember you are not the only one doing what you do.


You can check out Soapy Tails facebook page here if you are in need of a trusted dog groomer!






If you would like to feature  or you know someone who would be perfect for it. Then contact me at Kylie@confidentkylie.com




Follow Confidently Kylie On Instagram and Facebook!


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Why It Is Ok To Have A Bad Day

				
      	
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                4        m read      
    


				
	
	

					

						
				
																												Why It Is Ok To Have A Bad Day 
				
				
		

		


			
	
				

		
I am an avid believer that we, if we believe it, can achieve anything we put our minds too. I believe that through hard work and organisation we can achieve the work life balance we all crave. That we can achieve our goals all while being a good role model and parent to our children. However with that being said, I have never pretended it would be easy. There are days when I think that I have everything down pat. That I am doing pretty darn well at this parenting game. But then there are days like today where I just want to smash my head against a wall and hide under a rock. Hoping that the never ending ‘to do’ list will miraculously disappear and I will no longer have this pit in my stomach. Feeling guilty that my mind is not 100% focussed on my son. But while it sucks to have those days of self doubt and anxiety. It can sometimes be a blessing in disguise…a very good disguise. Here is why it is ok to have a bad day.


 


Why it is ok to have a bad day


 


Self Doubt is Only One Step Away From Self Improvement


 


A healthy amount of self doubt and criticism is not always a bad thing. Even though at the time it may feel like your life is falling apart and you cannot seem to do anything right. It can actually be a catalyst for some real personal growth and change. More often that not people who are able to question themselves and their abilities are more likely to succeed in life than those who believe they are always right. It shows a willingness to learn which can also turn into increased motivation to become the person you want to be. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day


Before I started studying for my Marketing Qualification. The idea of having to study every day plus run my blog and look after my 2 year old seemed impossible. I seriously doubted my abilities. But I said to myself if other people can do it why can’t I? I used my self doubt as motivation to improve. So I sat down and wrote out a weekly schedule and then signed up for my course. A year later and I managed to get a distinction on my exam despite my previous worries.


Just remember that you and your journey is unique. Comparing your chapter one to someones else’s chapter 20 is a sure fire way to lose all self confidence. Use your self doubt as motivation to succeed and don’t let it get the better of you.




There is a lesson in every struggle


 


For every really bad day I have had. I can be sure that I have learnt something from it. Either about myself or about situations around me. I have learnt for example that if I don’t keep on top of the laundry everyday then at the end of the week it will be too much and I will blow a casket trying to get everything done at once. Or that my time and energy is better focussed around people who support and want the best for me. Than it is to be around toxic people.


When you feel like you are about to explode from sheer stress try and see the lesson in it. Why are you stressed? Is it your own doing? If yes what can you do to avoid a similar situation in the future. If not, then is it something you can control? Is it really worth the metal energy. I am a real worrier. Sometimes I worry and panic about the most mundane stupidest things ever. I am aware of this and when it happens I try to address it and find ways to let go of the anguish.




It’s A Sign You Need A Breather


There are times when just about anything will annoy me. Something that wouldn’t have phased me yesterday is really grinding my gears today. Yes it could be I am hormonal (damn you PMS). But it is usually my body’s way of telling me that I need a breather. So instead of charging through the day totally pissed off and risk being pissed off again tomorrow. Take a moment. Use it as a friendly reminder that you need a little me time. Even if it is just a hot cup of tea while sitting on the sofa for 5 minutes. Or lighting a candle and taking a nice bath. Take that moment for yourself to reflect and gather your thoughts.


Don’t forget to ask for help. If the kids are clinging to your leg and you are about to say something you regret. Its time for hubby to step in so you can take that breather in peace.


 


Life throws us so many curve balls that it is normal to sometimes feel like it is getting the better of you. But learning to channel the negative emotions in to positive outcomes can really help improve your everyday life as well as your mental well being. So give your self some slack and know that no one is perfect. Even if they pretend to be. Embrace that bad day and it might just turn in to a good one!


Check out my post on Morning habits for a productive day for more inspiration!


Would you like to join the Hot Like A Mother Community? Then sign up to my newsletter for exclusive content and download my FREE Modern Mums Capsule Wardrobe Checklist.


What it is ok to have a bad day


 


 


 




 


 

				

															 
																	
										

	

		

	


	
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Keep Calm I’m Turning 30 and I am Embracing My Age

				
      	
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    Posted on       
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.Thats it, it has finally happened. I am 30! The big 3 0. I am no longer a part of the desirable 20’s club. The club of beautiful skinny people that everybody wants to be a member of. When you are in your 20’s you are technically an adult but you are still classed as being young. You are excused of poor judgement calls, staying out all night drinking is almost expected of you and splashing your cash on clothes and cocktails is just a part of being 20.


But once you hit your 30’s, thats it, responsibility is laid  down on your shoulders. You are expected to make sensible choices, to have your white picket fence and a collection of Mary Berry’s Homebake Recipes.


“Hitting your 30’s means that fun has been sucked out of your life”


You are, in the eyes of the world, old enough to know better. So goodbye bodycon short dresses and sexy heels, and hello baggy yoga pants and nipple high knickers because apparently hitting your 30’s means that fun has been sucked out of your life and it is all downhill from here!


embracing my age


I personally didn’t have an issue with turning 30. Frankly I was just thrilled to have an excuse to buy a pretty pink cake and not feel guilty for shovelling it down my throat. But I could definitely see that turning 30 was a turning point for most people, especially for women.


When I was wished happy birthday, I noticed the tone was almost apologetic, and even though I know it was all in good humour it got me thinking. Why is ageing viewed as a negative? Why is there a social pressure on us to stay young?


Don’t get me wrong, I definitely have my “OH MY GOD I’m old” moments where I inspect my face for any lines that may or may not have appeared. But I feel that the pressure has become overwhelming for todays women. More and more we are led to believe that younger is better. That once you turn a certain age your sexuality and beauty is out the window. That you are now too old to go after your dreams.


“More and more we are led to believe that younger is better”


I have seen a few of my friends fret and panic as they approached their 30’s and all I have wanted to do was to reassure them that they are still fabulous! We may not be those giggly little airheads we were 10 years old but we are not old invalids either! As Fashion Photographer Peter Lindbergh has recently said to the fashion world ‘It is ridiculous to pretend there are no beautiful older women’ and he is absolutely right!


Check out his ‘Reunion’ photoshoot he did with Italian Vogue were he shot supermodels from the 90’s who are now in the 40’s and 50’s 


embracing my age(Cindy 50, Claudia 46 & Naomi 46, looking just as good as they did 20 years ago in this years Balmain Spring/Summer Collection campaign)


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“The n°1 reason most are scared of ageing is the misconception that beauty and all things good in life die as you get older”


The n°1 reason most are scared of ageing is the misconception that beauty and all things good in life die as you get older. If you believe that then maybe it will come true, but as in most aspects in life, I believe that it is a choice. More and more researchers are discovering that premature ageing and disease can be prevented and even reversed with food, and I am a firm believer! If your body is depleted of vitamins and nutrients then how can you expect it to look and feel its best? Just because the Poppin Fresh Doughboy had clear smooth skin, doesn’t mean you will!


“More and more researchers are discovering that premature ageing and disease can be prevented and even reversed with food”


If you have shovelled huge amounts of chemical laden junk food into your body over the last decade then you cannot expect your skin to keep its youthful glow. Your body would be full of toxic waste and would spend all of its time and energy trying to expel it. Energy that could have been used to repair and regenerate other parts of your body. That is why I advocate detoxing your body at least every year. Cleaning out the waste = A healthy glowing you.


All you have to do is look at the women out there who take the time to nourish their bodies. You can see the effects it has on their appearance and life. Look at Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba. Both women are owners of successful organic skincare companies, have successful careers and are raising children. Yet they have succeeded at looking fabulous in their mid 30’s! Their secret? Organic healthy eating and de-stressing with meditation and Yoga.


embracing my age


If you look after your body then it will look out for you. So instead of fearing your numbers, embrace them! You decide what life you are going to lead, not a ticking clock!


Logo


xxx


 


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