Life has been… interesting lately. Three and a half weeks of sick kids at home will do that to you. When you're a 42-year-old mum of two and you haven't left the house much (read: at all), you start to really appreciate the small things that make life just that little bit easier and more enjoyable.

So here are the things I've been absolutely loving this month – my little lifelines, if you will.

Mini & Me Hydramama

Can we talk about these for a second? I originally started drinking Hydramama when I had terrible morning sickness with Hazel, and honestly, they were a game-changer. Now I'm still breastfeeding and these have become part of my daily routine – I have one every single morning without fail.

They're packed with electrolytes, vitamins B6 and C, plus methylated folate, which is exactly what you need when you're nursing and running on minimal sleep. But here's the best part: they actually taste amazing. The peach iced tea flavour is genuinely delicious, not that fake-sweet taste you sometimes get with hydration products. It's like a little treat that's also doing good things for your body.

T2 Green Rose Tea

This is my absolute favourite tea, and I've made a decision: if I'm going to be stuck at home (which, let's face it, has been the reality lately), I'm going to always have it on hand to enjoy.

There's something so lovely about taking a moment to brew a proper cup of tea – the ritual of it, the aroma, the warmth. The T2 Green Rose is a beautifully flavoured green tea that feels special without being fussy. It's one of those small indulgences that makes being homebound feel a little less like cabin fever and a little more like self-care.

Bisous Makeup Remover Face Cloths

Okay, these have been a revelation. When you're exhausted and just want to fall into bed, the last thing

you want is a complicated skincare routine. These makeup remover cloths from Bisous clean off makeup and dirt from your face with just water if you need them to.

I use them with my cleanser for a really thorough clean, and they're fantastic. No tugging, no harsh rubbing, just a gentle, effective clean. They're reusable too, which makes them so much more sustainable than disposable wipes. It's such a simple thing, but when you're running on empty, these little conveniences really matter.

Mumma Milla - My Favourite Nursing Bras

Let's be real – when you're breastfeeding, comfort is everything. And when your little one has been sick and feeding even more for comfort, you need bras that can keep up.

I'm still breastfeeding Hazel, and since she's been unwell, even more so. These nursing bras have been absolute lifesavers. They're so comfortable, completely leakproof (crucial!), they look really nice on, and they're incredibly quick to manoeuvre. I have them in black, nude, and the night bra version.

When you're dealing with a clingy, sick baby who needs to feed frequently, you don't want to be fumbling with complicated clasps or dealing with uncomfortable underwires. These just work, and that's exactly what I need right now.

Neora Skincare

Four easy steps that do everything I need – this is my kind of skincare routine. Neora is proven skincare backed by science and formulated with clean ingredients, and I am genuinely loving how my skin looks and feels.

But beyond the product itself, I've found that having a routine has been so good for how I feel. When you're in survival mode with sick kids, it's easy to let self-care slip completely. But taking those few minutes morning and night to go through my skincare routine feels like I'm doing something just for me. It's a tiny act of self-preservation that makes a bigger difference than you might think.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

Anything that's easy to use and makes me feel a bit more put together is a winner in my book, and this CC cream ticks all the boxes. It's always been a favourite of mine.

The IT Cosmetics CC+ is a colour-correcting full coverage cream with SPF 50+ (crucial!), plus it's got hydrating and anti-aging benefits. It's like skincare and makeup in one, which means one less step in my routine. When you're operating on limited time and energy, products that multitask are absolute gold.

A quick application of this and I look like I've got my life together, even when I very much do not. Sometimes that's all you need.

Glamrdip System for Nails

I love having my nails done, but I genuinely do not have time to go to the salon right now. I also prefer options that don't require UV lights. Enter the Glamrdip System, which has been fantastic.

My nails last for at least two weeks, the system is easy to use at home, and there's such a great range of colours to choose from. It's one of those little things that makes me feel more like myself – like I'm not just "mum in crisis mode" but an actual person who takes care of herself.

Plus, when you catch a glimpse of your nice nails while you're wiping down surfaces for the millionth time or making yet another snack, it's a tiny reminder that you matter too.

Lash Cosmetics Vibely Mascara

One of my favourite things is good mascara, and this one really delivers. It has two sides – one for

slight curl and length, and the other for thick and full lashes.

It's such a clever design because you can customise your look depending on what you're going for (or how much energy you have that day). Most days lately, I'm just grateful to remember to put on mascara at all, but when I do, this one makes even tired eyes look more awake.

Grow With Jo Workouts

Moving my body most days is so important for feeling good in both mind and body, and Jo's home workouts have been absolutely perfect for this season of life.

The workouts are so good and varied – there's always something that fits what you need that day, whether it's high energy or something gentler. And Jo herself sets such a lovely atmosphere. It's encouraging without being overwhelming, fun without being cheesy, and accessible for whatever fitness level you're at.

When you can't leave the house because you've got sick kids, being able to get in a workout in your living room is invaluable. It's a way to move, to release some stress, and to do something positive for yourself even when everything else feels a bit chaotic.

For All Cleaning Product

I've done so much cleaning in the last month (sick kids = so much laundry and sanitising), and this has

become my go-to cleaning product. It's safe, has a low fragrance, and replaces so many different cleaning products all in one.

When you're constantly washing sheets, wiping down surfaces, and trying to contain the spread of germs, you need something effective that you're not worried about using around your kids. This ticks all those boxes. Plus, having just one product that handles everything means less clutter under the sink and less decision fatigue when you're in the middle of cleaning up yet another mess.

These are the things that have genuinely helped me navigate this challenging month. They're not life-changing on their own, but collectively, they've made the day-to-day just a little bit easier and a little bit more pleasant.

Because sometimes, when you're in the thick of motherhood – especially during those periods when it feels particularly intense – it's the small things that keep you afloat. A good cup of tea. Comfortable clothes that work with your body. A quick skincare routine that makes you feel human. Products that save time and hassle.

These aren't just products; they're my little toolkit for survival and self-care rolled into one. And when you're a mum who hasn't left the house in weeks, you'll take all the help you can get.

What are your current favourites? The things that are getting you through whatever season of life you're in? I'd love to hear about them.

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