28 Comments

I love this detailed audit of a month, taking stock. Absolutely aced it. I am terrible at the monthly updates, but I might draw some inspiration from your post. And I will be looking forward to your post ‘I’m not a writer’ block (no pressure). I hope you have a calm and tender May! <3

Expand full comment
author

Go for it Nadja! I find these types of posts so helpful for checking in with myself and making sure I avoid burnout.

Ah, that’s amazing! I’m looking forward to sharing it with you all 🥰.

Thank you, I hope your May is full of calm 🤍

Expand full comment
Apr 30, 2023Liked by Sophie Ingleby

I love the idea of only using Facebook and insta on a desktop and deleting them from your phone. I could see myself following suit. And thinking about your Etsy, have you got all your SEO sorted? I've found since I learnt how to write my titles and tags the way their algorithm works it brings customers to me without me doing any work. I like thinking of it as my second person who works in my business!! There's a Facebook group called Etsy Underachievers that has great Etsy advice in their Guides

Expand full comment
author

Only having them on desktop has made such a difference! I haven’t missed Facebook at all, but the marketplace function is so useful so I wonder if I’d miss that part eventually.

Ah, I haven’t looked at my SEO in a long time, I would say I’m due for a review if it. That’s super helpful though, thank you for sharing! 🤍

Expand full comment
May 1, 2023Liked by Sophie Ingleby

It's definitely worth taking the time to review your SEO then it can work for you, and you can work on other endeavours outside of that specific piece of promotion

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, I’ll definitely take a look! 😊

Expand full comment

We did the gusto boxes when my toddler was a baby and got 3 meals for 4 people a week so there was always lunch the next day. We bulked them out with veggies too - just like frozen broccoli or something and it massively helped the overwhelm. I have a code if you’d like it.

Thanks so much for the mention - I have such a nice time hearing from everyone in that way. ✨⭕️✨🔥

Expand full comment
author

That’s such a great tip, thank you! We are seriously considering them just to pressure off. Yes please, I’d be very grateful for a discount code, thank you! 🤍

Expand full comment
author

Thank you! 😊

Expand full comment

Good for you prioritising your wellbeing! I hope you are able to plan a lovely birthday. I would recommend Scotland, but of course I'm biased! :)

Expand full comment
author

I think it’s time for me to take care of myself more. You know what they say about putting your life jacket on before helping others!

Thank you, I’m really tempted to go up to Scotland. It looks like such a magical place to visit 🤍

Expand full comment

I LOVED reading this, Sophie. It felt like we were just sitting around chatting like friends. I've tried Hello Fresh but unfortunately have a very picky husband, so he wasn't a fan.. haha

And exciting you can get back into exercising soon. I just started exercising again (18 months pp) and am doing Beth Bartrum's Busy Mums Club workouts. They've been amazing and so easy to do. I finally feel like I'm being consistent at working out which is nice.

Sounds like you had a very full and beautifully celebrated April, I hope May brings some more rest for you all! Thank you for sharing!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for reading, Hunter!

That’s exactly what these posts are for, like a little life update with friends you haven’t seen all month 🥰

Haha! I do wonder if it would be worth it to try these subscription boxes, but I think just having all the ingredients delivered straight to me is what’s selling it. There’s not much thinking involved and that what I need right now 🤣

That’s wonderful! I really want to get back to being consistent, because as cliche as it sounds, exercise really does help!

Thank you, I’m hoping for a much more settled May 🤍

Expand full comment

Love the subscription boxes for the ease of them, that's for sure!

Expand full comment

It seems many people are choosing to lessen their social media presence and get back to real life. Totally understand. I am spending less time on the apps as well 🌿

Expand full comment
author

I’ve noticed this too! I think it’s such a positive movement to shift away from being all consumed by social media. If you try it, let me know how you get on! 😊

Expand full comment

That was a LOT to deal with in April! In the past when you’ve had so much going on and it’s felt overwhelming, what’s helped?

I’ve tried HelloFresh but prefer Gousto. They definitely save on thinking and time, and they’re a great way to find new dishes you like. I can dig out discount codes if you want to try them x

Expand full comment
author

Yep, it’s an intense month for me. What usually helps is just being alone. I need a few days to myself to decompress. After this week (I have a few appointments) I should be able to get that time alone, and I should start to feel better.

I do think it’s important to share this honest side, as people on the outside can sometimes think that living a simple life means that I’m always happy and relaxed. The opposite is true though, but I know what I need to get back to my happy self, and I do really savour those moments when I’m there.

That’s interesting! I hadn’t considered Gousto, but I’ll check them out, thank you. Yes please if you could share discount codes that would be fab! Thank you 🤍

Expand full comment

Great news that next week will give you the opportunity for being alone. How can you find pockets of quiet time in this week?

The HelloFresh discount code gives you a free box, I think https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/pages/resolution?c=HS-EDGFZ0HKT&utm_campaign=referralinvite&utm_medium=nativeshare&utm_source=freebies&utm_invitername=Gabrielle&utm_term=ios_app&discount_comm_id=e9e7b141-3752-4300-b6eb-edf6288714b4 and the Gousto code gives you 65% off your first box and then 25% off next two months www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=COLIN42963834 I think I get a benefit if you use the codes but not sure what!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for sharing those codes with me! 🥰

And to answer your question about finding quiet this week, I’ve ordered some books to read that I’ve had my eye on for a while. One arrived today and I can’t wait to get stuck in while baby naps over the next few days. I’m ignoring the housework, and finding quiet moments to enjoy 🤍

Expand full comment

You’re very welcome, hope the meals are tasty! Ah, the joy of a new book, sounds like an ideal way to get some quiet time.

Expand full comment

Just subscribed.

I love this idea for a post! 😊

I had a free Hello Fresh box a while back. It was really nice. The only thing I would say is that they hound you afterwards if you don't order another one. The food was lovely though and the cards were easy to follow.

How do you find The Body Coach app? I have a couple of his books and have done some of the workouts from YouTube but I'm curious to know what the app is like.

I love the finance part of your post too.

I'm looking forward to having a read through your other posts later or tomorrow. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for subscribing, Sarah! It’s lovely to have you here!

I do enjoy writing these posts each month, and I’d recommend writing your own as a way of checking in with yourself.

Ah the app is amazing! I’m into my second year of having the app and I’m so pleased that I bought it. The workouts themselves are incredible, but the food and recipes are great too. I’ve bought the ingredients and made some and they’ve been really delicious. I also like the different types of workouts on there, not just HIIT, so there’s something for everyone.

I’m pleased you enjoyed the finance section of this post. It’s quite vulnerable but I need the accountability to keep on track with paying off debt.

Thank you for being here, I hope you enjoy the rest of my posts too 🥰

Expand full comment

Thank you for the info about the app. I may have to download it and give it a try.

I used to do a regular monthly reflection/ review but somehow I've just stopped. It's definitely something I should start again. I like your categories too. It's a good way of splitting things up.

Just sitting down with a cuppa to do a bit of post reading. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

You’re welcome! Let me know how you get on 😊

Yeah, I like splitting my life up into different categories. It really helps me. Maybe try that in your next reflection post? You categories may be slightly different to mine, but that’s ok. As long as they cover your different aspects of your life, and they allow you to really check in with yourself 🤍

Ah, that’s so kind! I hope you enjoyed them 🥰

Expand full comment
deletedMay 1, 2023Liked by Sophie Ingleby
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

I do love writing these monthly posts, and I’d recommend writing them yourself. They’re a great way to check in with yourself, and they help me to avoid burnout too!

It sounds like you have found happiness in reading and writing, and I certainly have to since finding Substack! It’s been so good for me to switch over to reading wonderful posts by talented writers, rather than aimlessly scrolling and being hit with ads constantly.

You’re completely right about living an authentic life. It’s so important. I am using these monthly posts to be more open and vulnerable to show that I am human, I’m not perfect, I do have debt and I do have days where I feel so overwhelmed that I struggle to function. But, I hope that readers relate to this and are comforted in knowing that they aren’t alone.

I hope you have a wonderful May! 🤍

Expand full comment
deletedMay 1, 2023Liked by Sophie Ingleby
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

Amazing! Let me know how you get on 🥰

Expand full comment