On muses and writing - How my son reunited me with my creative self
Exciting news! A creative non-fiction piece I wrote has been published on Dear Damsels. Inspired by their muse theme, here is the story of how my firstborn reunited me with my creative self and brought me back to writing.
Why I started writing again + a gentle case for making your writing public
Here it is, all laid out: why I started writing again, why I started blogging, and a gentle case for why it’s a good idea to make your writing public.
Simple strategies to refresh yourself for spring
Today we’re going to discuss some strategies to refresh and reinvigorate ourselves for spring. This past year has been tough: it is more important than ever to reflect, and redirect ourselves so that we can get the most out of 2021.
Evergreen Bookclub 1: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
In this first instalment of the Evergreen Bookclub, we’re diving into Angela Duckworth’s book “Grit - the power of passion and perseverance”. Read on for my reflection questions and exercises so that you can start applying the book’s principles to your life.
The Evergreen Bookclub - connecting reading to life
Introducing the Evergreen Bookclub. A place where you can access my reflection questions and exercises concerning my favourite non-fiction books. The aim is to relate your reading to your life.
Ways to refresh your space for spring that are simple and nurturing
It’s been a tough year. This is why it’s even more important to refresh your space for spring in a simple and nurturing way. We’re going well-beyond spring cleaning here, to a complete reinvigoration.
A collection of writing resources - for novices and experts - some places to turn when you find yourself stuck or just need a little nudge of inspiration
Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned pro, there are times when you may feel stuck. Here I’ve gathered my favourite writing resources to date to help you start writing and keep writing.
On the power of habits and consistency, and small things leading to big things
Do you find it difficult to start a habit and stick to it? Here we dive into an example of how I developed a consistent mini writing habit, which is leading to some pretty big outcomes. Here’s how I do it and my advice to those wanting to start their own habit/s.
Why you should be wary of pregnancy message boards and my list of resources that might reduce your anxiety
If you’re pregnant then you’ve probably come across a pregnancy message board at some point. Here I take a look at the allure of these forums, as well as their dark side, and offer some resources that might be less anxiety-inducing.
Births that are sprints rather than marathons: My precipitous (rapid) labor experiences - preparation and recovery
Are you pregnant for the first time? Do you expect your labor to be long? I did too, until my first son arrived rapidly. Since then I’ve had another precipitous birth. Here we’ll discuss what they’re all about, how you can prepare for the prospect of one, and how you can recover.
Reflections on expat life: answering the question - “Should I stay or should I go?”
Katherine from Bad Days Abroad has interviewed me on expat life - specifically the question of whether I should stay (in Germany) or repatriate back in Australia. This interview forced me to reflect on my expat experiences and has uncovered a lot that has been simmering underneath the surface.
Career pivot in-progress: From lab bench to writer - my SciMom journey
My mother in science (SciMom) career pivot story has been featured on Mothers in Science. Head over there to read more about the challenges I’ve faced in my career in science since becoming a parent, and how I’m pivoting from lab bench to laptop.
Are FFP2 (N95) masks the best choice for reducing COVID-19 transmission - What does the science say?
Germany and Austria have recently made FFP2 (N95) masks compulsory in the community. But are FFP2 masks really better at reducing COVID-19 transmission? Let’s take a look at what the latest scientific research says.
Having a baby in Germany: the bureaucratic experience - checklist of all the things to do from pre-positive test to registering your new baby (let's try to simplify this!)
Do you find yourself pregnant in Germany? Here I have made a detailed checklist of all the bureaucratic tasks that need to be completed - from pre-positive test to registering your baby. Let’s simplify this process!
Challenges in navigating a career change: lessons learned and my advice (from a post-doc parent, during a pandemic)
Are you contemplating (or have been forced into) a career change? Here I tell my story of navigating a career pivot away from being a post-doctoral scientist (as a parent, during the pandemic) and offer some strategies that you can use to make your own career switch.
15 awesome, thoughtful gifts for the new mother (or father) that you may not have thought of
Do you know someone who’s just about to have a baby? Show how awesome you are by also remembering to get them (and not just their new baby) a thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas (catering to all budgets) that you may not have thought of.
How to exercise at home: a round-up of my favourite resources and equipment
Forced to exercise at home because of winter or lockdowns? Or, does working out at home just suit your current lifestyle better? Here is a round-up of my favourite exercise resources and equipment for working out at home.
A letter to my pandemic baby
Here is a personal letter to my baby, who was born two weeks before the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 pandemic and the world turned upside down.
What will the long-term psychological consequences of the pandemic be for babies and young children?
The 7 best places for online secondhand clothes shopping in Germany
Want to find out about the best places to shop for secondhand clothing in Germany from the comfort of your home? Keep reading! Find amazing clothes for a fraction of the new price online without having to spend time hunting through racks.
How I got my babies to sleep through the night - lessons learnt from two very different sleepers (what worked and what didn't)
Struggling to get your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep? Read this in-depth study of my two babies with two very different sleep personalities. Find out what techniques worked and what didn’t from a parent who’s been there.