VIP COLUMN – THE NEXT CHAPTER IN MODEL MUM ALISON’S VIP PARENTING DIARY
I can’t believe James is nearly two. I can’t remember what life was like before him. Most of all I often wonder what I did with all my time as I have vivid memories of being young and single and constantly saying “I have no time”. Time is a tricky one at the moment and I’m struggling to find a work/life balance. I feel guilty not being able to put James to bed every night. At work I have been very disappointed with people I thought I could trust and some days I just want to crawl into a safe place and stay there. I’ve been letting exercise and meditation slip and some days I feel I’m slipping backwards again. This sends me into a panic and I can feel my anxiety coming back and the whole thought of how difficult life can be at times exhausts me. Even writing this makes me tired. To be honest I’m blessed I have James as through him I get glimpses of happiness and contentment which has always pushed me to figure out how I can have that most of the time. When I’m with him I laugh and forget about the reality of things like bills piling up!
I’m writing this from the Glenview hotel where I stayed the night with James. It has been so special to spend a night away with him on my own. They have been fantastic from the minute we arrived and their staff just adore kids. We went swimming, James went to kids club and I had a treatment. I went to bed at the same time as him and we snuggled and cuddled and it has been great for the soul. The view here is breathtaking and from the woodlands restaurant you have a view of the whole valley. Last night there was the most beautiful rainbow and at breakfast it was obviously not there anymore. However for James this was verydifficult to understand and he kept telling everyone about the missing rainbow. I would love to be able to stay more than one night. It’s far more relaxing than Spain
and only 45minutes from my house. It caters for kids of all ages and there is an endless amount of activities whether you want to relax or get active. The walks are breathtaking and I am once again reminded of the beauty we have on our doorstep in Ireland. www.glenviewhotel.com
It’s a new week with new opportunities and I’m choosing to work very hard and get back on track. This means exercising, eating well, meditation, my omega 3’s and lots of kisses and cuddles from James… Wish me luck!
JAMES LOVES:
Kids Ear Defenders – great for concerts and other noisy environments! Weighing only 190 grams, these earmuffs are light but sturdy. They can be folded up to fit in the palm of your hand. €19.50
ALISON LOVES:
This Neostrata firming neck cream. It tightens, increases volume and addresses sagging skin in the neck area €39.95
ASK ALISON:
Hi Alison,
I’ve just started to wean my baby and I was wondering are there any good healthly products out there? I make most of her food myself but it would great to have something when I’m on the run.
Patricia, Wexford
Hi Patricia,
It’s very difficult to find good products and most brands are cooked twice removing most of the nutrients. Try to avoid salt and sugar for the first year too as this puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys, as they’re not fully developed yet. Start off with small amounts of pureed fruit or vegetables. A perfect product for
using when you are weaning your baby is Heavenly Tasty Organics frozen baby food. Their award winning baby food is 100% organic, and free from any dairy or gluten. The only preservative in their food is Mother Nature. All the products are single ingredient purees so are perfect for simple tastes or for mixing together to
create your own flavours. They come in a fabulous little tray with 4 funky heart- shaped portions per tray. Their products are currently available in the freezer section of SUPERVALU stores across the country.
MY LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
I’m delighted to be modeling in The Style of Dublin’ fashion show which is the final event of the Dublin Fashion Festival taking place on Sunday 9th September from 7pm at 37 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. This show is in aid of Acquired Brain Injury
Ireland who work to rebuild lives shattered by the sudden and unexpected trauma of an acquired brain injury. Brendan Courtney will be the host, Emma Waldron, the Dublin housewives, Brian Kennedy, Mickey Joe Harte and Paul Mc Grath are just a few of the names that will taking part on he night. Purchase tickets from: www.abiireland.ie or call 01 2804164 Ext 211 , you can also get your tickets from American Honey and Lara Boutique just off Grafton Street.
MOTHERS LITTLE HELPER:
How to deal with parental guilt? = Treat yourself like you would a friend- What advice would you offer? We’re harder on ourselves than our friends, which damages our self esteem, confidence and intuition. Being a content mother is the greatest gift you can give your child so go easy on yourself!!!