Is it really 2026?
There is something motivating about the days leading up to a new year, when the past twelve months start to come into focus and the next chapter feels open enough to take seriously. As 2026 approaches, a lot of people feel the urge to set goals fast, commit to dramatic resolutions, and expect immediate results by the first week of January, but real progress usually comes from clear thinking and realistic planning rather than pressure or idealised versions of productivity.
Setting the right goals for 2026 starts with taking an honest look at what actually happened over the last year, not just what you hoped would happen or what looked good on paper, but what truly moved the needle and what consistently slowed you down. Think about where your time went, which habits supported your energy, and which ones quietly drained it, because understanding your patterns is far more useful than making promises you can’t maintain.
Goals are more effective than resolutions because they allow for strategy and adjustment rather than all or nothing thinking. Instead of trying to optimise every part of your life at once, strong goals focus on how you want to operate day to day, how you manage your time, how you make decisions under pressure, and how you show up when motivation is low. A practical goal might be improving consistency, reducing unnecessary commitments, or building systems that make progress easier to repeat.
When planning for 2026, it helps to narrow your focus to a few key areas rather than spreading your attention across too many priorities. Look at your work or business, your health, your finances, and your relationships, then identify where small changes would create the biggest difference. Growth rarely comes from doing more of everything and much more often comes from doing fewer things with better structure.
Another effective way to set goals is to think in terms of addition rather than restriction. Instead of focusing on what you need to cut out, consider what you need to add, such as better routines, clearer boundaries, or more intentional use of your time. Goals built around growth are easier to sustain because they are tied to improvement rather than constant self correction.
It is also important to treat goals as tools rather than rules. There will be weeks in 2026 when plans fall apart, priorities shift, or progress slows down, and none of that means you failed. What matters is the ability to reassess, adjust, and continue without turning temporary setbacks into reasons to quit altogether. Consistency over time will always outperform short bursts of effort followed by burnout.
Writing your goals down and reviewing them regularly keeps them practical and visible, whether that means using a planner, a notes app, or a simple document you revisit every few weeks. The point is not to track every detail but to stay aware of what you are working toward and why it matters in the context of your larger plans.
As 2026 begins, remember that a new year does not require a dramatic reinvention. It requires clearer priorities, better systems, and a willingness to execute even when things feel ordinary or inconvenient. With focus, flexibility, and consistent action, the year ahead can become less about setting goals and more about actually achieving them.
Happy New Year! We hope all your goals for 2026 are achieved and we wish you health and happiness.
Cozy Christmas
Christmas can feel stressful when it’s supposed to be a time for slowing down and enjoying the final moments of the year. It’s important to take some time and focus on what really matters, family and friends. Whether you love going all out or staying more lowkey, here’s some simple Christmas ideas to make things feel more festive.
Start with the classics; put on a Christmas movie or two and let it play in the background while you relax. Old favorites or cheesy holiday romances both count. Bonus points if you are wearing fuzzy socks and wrapped in a blanket. Decorate your space even if it is just a little. A small tree candles or string lights can completely change the mood of a room. Turn on Christmas music while you decorate and make it a moment instead of a task.
Have a baking day. It doesn’t need to be perfect or fancy, pick one or two recipes and enjoy the process. Flour on the counter and music playing makes it feel more like a memory than a chore.
Write Christmas cards or notes. They don’t have to be long, a few kind words can mean more than you think and it feels really nice to slow down and be thoughtful. Plus, who sends letters these days? Make your friends and family feel extra special with a handwritten note instead of a text.
Go for a winter walk. Bundle up and take a short walk to look at Christmas lights in your neighborhood. Hot chocolate waiting at home makes it even better.
Make some cute and cozy Christmas recipes to get your family into the festive spirit!
Heat some cream on the stove top and grate some dark chocolate into it. You can add some peppermint drops to make it extra Christmassy. Slowly heat everything together on the stovetop, it’ll thicken and be like a French hot chocolate! Serve with mini marshmallows and whipped cream in your most festive mug!
Place a wheel of brie with some jam on top in a baking tray and gently bake until warm and melty. Serve with bread and your favourite crackers. A simple and fancy Christmas snack.
Add cinnamon and nutmeg to your morning pancake batter. A simple add in that will make your family feel warm and festive.
Little ways that can make Christmas feel special.
Light candles in the darker mornings and in the evenings.
Play Christmas music when you’re cooking and getting ready.
Make small gifts for coworkers, friends and family to open on the big day.
Christmas doesn’t have to be busy or perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments, a warm meal with loved ones while listening to quiet music or watching a cheesy Christmas film with some warm drinks.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Discipline beats motivation every time.
Motivation gets way too much credit. People talk about it like some magical ingredient to success; that one day you will wake up motivated and your whole life will fall into place. The problem with motivation is, it doesn’t last, it’s unreliable. It shows up when it wants and disappears just as quickly.
Discipline is actually what gets things done.
Motivation feels good. It pops up when you hear a good speech, talk to friends or family about what the future holds, get a good nights sleep or have a productive morning. You feel ready to change your entire life, and you do, for a few days. But then the feeling fades, the speech doesn’t resonate anymore and you give up. It’s not because you’re lazy, it’s because you were relying on a feeling, not a system.
Discipline is different. Discipline doesn’t care how you feel. It doesn’t need inspiration or ‘perfect timing’. Discipline is choosing to do something even when you would rather do something else. It is doing the work because you know it contributes to your larger goal. Like brushing your teeth even when you’re exhausted, because you know it’s important.
The truth is, most progress is boring. And slow. It’s repetitive and silent. Going to the gym when you’re tired, studying when everyone else is having fun. Motivation doesn’t carry you through that. Discipline does.
Most people wait until they’re ready. Ready to move cities, ready to start losing weight, ready to start a business, ready to meet someone, ready to start the gym. But ready is a moving target, there’s always a reason to wait. Discipline means deciding to do the thing even when you don’t feel ready.
Discipline builds confidence. Repeatedly showing to yourself that you will do the things you say you want to builds a quiet confidence. You will trust yourself, and stop relying on encouragement from others. I said I was going to do it, and I did it. You can trust yourself and rely on yourself.
Discipline doesn't have to be difficult. It’s not about working yourself to exhaustion. It’s not about living without joy. It’s about consistency, showing up consistently for yourself. Small actions done daily beat large actions done once in a while.
Motivation will still show up. Enjoy those days with the extra help. But don’t depend on them. Build habits that work even when the motivation is gone.
Nobody feels motivated every day. Even the people you admire struggle with a lack of motivation sometimes. The difference is they don’t wait for that feeling. They do the work and let the feelings catch up later. Action builds momentum. Momentum creates results. Results create motivation.
If you’re struggling with discipline, take it one day at a time. What’s a small disciplined task you can do today? Something simple like making your bed as soon as you wake up, folding that pile of laundry as soon as it’s done instead of putting it off. This is how discipline is built. One small task at a time.
Motivation is the spark, discipline is the fire that keeps it burning. You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be consistent.
Finding time in 2025
Time is one thing we all wish we had more of. More hours to do the chores, watch a movie, do things for ourselves, spend time with our kids; 24 hours never seems like enough. Especially if you want to get a good night of sleep as well! While we can’t get more time, we can use it better, which, in a way, is getting more time.
Time management doesn’t have to be stressful or boring, it can slot into your life just like any other simple habit.
Start with what matters most.
What do you need to get done everyday? What needs to get done every week? Every month? Start with the basics of what needs to be done around the house, and in your personal life. Having dedicated days makes it less overwhelming when the moment crops up. It suddenly doesn’t sneak up on you and you are prepared to have it finished.
Having dedicated days for self care can be the difference between drowning in your agenda and thriving.
Small steps beat big overhauls.
People often think that they need to completely overhaul their routine and start anew to get a handle on their time management problems. That is usually the recipe for failure. The biggest progress comes from small and consistent habits.
Make your bed every morning
Have a healthy breakfast
Complete one small ‘must do’ before work
Tiny steps create momentum. Momentum reduces stress.
Protect your focus.
In a world built on stealing your attention, distractions can easily make hours slip away from us. Create blocks of time throughout your day where you commit to being 100% focussed on whatever task is at hand. These ‘focus blocks’ can be for anything that you deem the most important for that day. Workouts/self care, an overdue work assignment, that pile of laundry that has been ignored; whatever is clouding your brain needs to be cleared out. Focus blocks will help with that.
When we take control of our time, time gives back to us. It’s not hours you’re missing, it’s the way you use those hours.
The future of publishing.
For generations, publishing has been seen as a world of ink on paper, quiet bookstores, and the slow, deliberate rhythm of bringing stories to life. Reading was gate kept, and important books often missed the hands of the majority. But today, the industry is transforming faster than ever, in ways we never expected. If you love books, stories, or creativity of any kind, the future of publishing is something to feel genuinely excited about.
Stories are reaching more people than ever.
Technology and the internet has opened the doors wider than any other moment in history. Whether it’s eBooks you can download in seconds, audiobooks that turn commutes into adventures, or digital libraries open 24 hours a day, readers everywhere now have access to stories without the same limits we once had. What was once only for certain members of society, is now reaching all corners of the globe. New authors can become bestsellers overnight, with just one viral post. Accessibility isn’t just improving, it’s becoming a core part of how we read and discover books today.
Authors are empowered.
The traditional gatekeepers still exist and still play a vital role, but authors today have more paths than ever. Self publishing, hybrid publishing, digital platforms, serialisation, and community driven publishing models are giving writers unprecedented creative control. And readers benefit too: more voices, more diversity, more unique worlds to explore. With complete internet access, readers are free from censorship they faced in the past. Important stories, reach important hands.
Physical books aren’t going anywhere.
Despite all the innovation, the love for printed books is as strong as ever. And with the digitalisation of most things around us, independent bookstores are thriving in new ways. The love for printed media is gaining new momentum as people remember the value of having something physical they can cherish. Community reading events are growing, and beautifully crafted print editions are more loved than ever. While eBooks play a vital role in readers libraries, for portability, and accessibility, the future isn’t a choice between digital and print, it’s a celebration of both.
Storytelling is becoming more inclusive.
Readers want representation. They want stories that reflect real lives, experiences, and identities. Publishing is responding, slowly at times, but steadily. With the accessibility of social media and the internet, everyone is able to share their story. Publishing is no longer something for those in the right rooms, it’s available to anyone with an internet connection.
The future of publishing isn’t something to fear. It’s something to welcome.
It’s a future filled with more voices, more choices, and more opportunities to fall in love with stories all over again.
Toothbrush Time: How to Make Brushing Fun for Your Little Ones!
Make brushing FUN!
Let’s be honest: getting your little ones to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a battle. From the tantrums to the resistance, it’s no surprise that many parents dread this daily ritual. But did you know that brushing your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be a struggle? In fact, it can be a fun bonding experience that teaches them lifelong healthy habits. Let’s dive into some ways you can make brushing time enjoyable for both you and your little ones.
1. Make It a Game
The key to getting kids excited about brushing is to make it feel like an adventure. Use colourful toothbrushes and toothpaste, or even let them pick out their own! You can also turn brushing into a game — maybe they have to “fight off the sugar bugs” or “brush away the dinosaur germs.” Set a timer for 2 minutes and challenge them to brush to the beat of a fun song. Challenge them to stand on one leg while they brush.
It’s all about turning the mundane into something magical!
2. Storytime Magic
Another way to make brushing more fun is through storytelling. That’s why we made Tooth Town. Our favourite children’s stories about the importance of brushing your teeth, and what evil characters show up when you miss a brush or two!
Reading before or during brushing can capture your child’s attention and ease any anxiety about the process. It can also personify their teeth for them - they will care more about someone that seems like a real friend!
3. Create a Consistent Routine
Kids thrive on routine. Try to brush teeth at the same times each day — before breakfast and before bed. If you stick to this routine, it will become second nature for your child. Plus, consistency helps build good habits early, making it easier for them to understand the importance of brushing.
Who doesn’t love the feeling of going to sleep with a clean mouth? Soon they won’t be able to sleep without brushing first!
4. Make It a Family Affair
Brushing doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Get the whole family involved! Brush your own teeth at the same time to show your child that everyone needs to take care of their teeth. If you have multiple children, let them “race” each other to see who can finish brushing the fastest (while still doing a thorough job, of course).
Kids imitate - whatever you do, they do! Encourage brushing simply by doing it yourself.
It’s normal to feel frustrated at times, but remember: brushing is an essential part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy. By making it fun, creating a consistent routine, and leading by example, you’ll be helping your little ones develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
Do you have any fun tips or tricks to make brushing teeth more enjoyable? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!
Monday Motivation: Start Your Week Right!
Don’t let Mondays get you down.
Mornings are tough, especially on Mondays! Between getting the kids ready for school, making breakfast, and juggling work, it’s easy to feel like the week is already off to a chaotic start. But what if Mondays could be your secret weapon for setting the tone for a positive and productive week? With a few simple shifts in your routine and mindset, you can start each week feeling refreshed, focused, and empowered.
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
It’s tempting to overwhelm yourself with a long to-do list at the start of the week, but the key to success is setting small, achievable goals. Whether it’s getting everyone dressed and out the door on time or tackling one work project, breaking your day into manageable tasks can help you stay focused. Don’t load yourself up with everything you need to do for the week on Monday, just a few small things.
Start your Monday with a sense of accomplishment — even if it’s just a tiny win.
2. Practice Gratitude
A quick gratitude practice in the morning can shift your mindset in powerful ways. Take a few minutes before the chaos of the day begins to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It might be as simple as your coffee, the warmth of your bed or the sound of your kids laughing. You don’t have to write them down or spend hours practicing gratitude, but try take a few moments when you brush your teeth or as you lie in bed for the last five minutes.This practice helps to ground you and start the day with positivity.
Studies show that gratitude can reduce stress, so why not incorporate it into your Monday routine?
3. Prioritise Self-Care
As a mum, you’re constantly giving to others, but don’t forget about yourself! Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Prioritise at least 10–15 minutes each morning for self-care. Whether it’s a quick workout, journaling, or even just sitting down with a cup of tea, these small acts of self-care can recharge your batteries and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
If you can muster it, try waking up a little bit earlier to squeeze in some me-time before the house gets up.
4. Embrace the Chaos
Let’s face it — some days will be messy. Your kids might spill their cereal, your work might pile up, and things may not go according to plan. But that’s okay! Embrace the chaos and remember that you’re doing your best. Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Celebrate the small wins (even if it’s just surviving the morning) and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.
As they say, the days are long but the years are short. It won’t last forever so enjoy it all!
Mondays don’t have to be overwhelming. By setting small goals, practicing gratitude, and prioritising your well-being, you can start your week feeling energised and in control. Remember, you’ve got this! Mondays are a fresh start, and they’re yours for the taking.
What’s your secret to starting the week strong? Share your Monday motivation tips with us in the comments below!
A Guide: Writing a Children’s Story
It all begins with an idea.
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the simplicity and joy of a children’s story? The way these books can spark imagination and teach valuable lessons with just a few pages of words and colourful illustrations is truly magical. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own children’s book but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place!
Writing a children’s story is a fun and rewarding challenge, but it does require creativity, structure, and an understanding of your young audience. In this post, we’ll break down the steps you can take to write a children’s book that both kids and parents will love.
1. Know Your Audience
The first step in writing any children’s book is understanding who you’re writing for. Children's books are often broken down into categories by age group, and the style and content vary depending on the age range:
Board Books (Ages 0–3): These are simple, often interactive books that engage infants and toddlers with minimal text and colorful illustrations.
Picture Books (Ages 3–7): A combination of short text and illustrations, these books tell stories that children can relate to while developing their vocabulary and reading skills.
Early Readers (Ages 5–7): These books are for kids who are beginning to read on their own. The stories are slightly longer, with simple words and sentences.
Chapter Books (Ages 7–9): These books are for young readers who are ready for longer stories and more complex narratives, with fewer illustrations.
Identifying the target age group will guide your language, themes, and the complexity of your plot.
2. Start with a Simple Concept
Children’s stories often revolve around simple, relatable concepts that are easy for young minds to understand. Think about the themes you want to explore:
Everyday experiences (like going to school, making new friends, or learning new things)
Adventures or fantasies (like a magical world or animal heroes)
Problem-solving and lessons (like sharing, being kind, or overcoming fears)
A good children's story often addresses a central problem or conflict that the protagonist must resolve. Whether it’s a bear who’s afraid of the dark or a child learning to make new friends, the problem should be relatable and solvable in a way that children can understand.
3. Create Relatable Characters
One of the most important elements of a children’s story is the character. Children need a protagonist they can relate to — someone who is facing challenges they themselves may experience. Your main character doesn’t have to be human; it could be an animal, a toy, or even an inanimate object (like a brave pencil or a clever apple). But the key is that your character feels authentic and approachable.
Think about your character’s:
Personality: Is your character brave, kind, mischievous, or curious? The character’s traits will influence the way the story unfolds.
Motivation: What does the character want? What’s standing in their way?
Growth: Children’s stories often feature a character’s journey, both externally (through the plot) and internally (in terms of lessons learned or personal growth).
For example, if your story is about a shy animal who learns to speak up, the character’s internal growth will parallel the external action.
4. Focus on Simple but Engaging Language
Children's stories rely heavily on the power of language to convey emotions, actions, and themes. When writing for young readers, simplicity is key. Use age-appropriate language, short sentences, and repetition. These techniques help build confidence in young readers and make the story more accessible.
For picture books, keep the text minimal and use every word purposefully. A good rule of thumb is to let the illustrations tell part of the story. The text and images should work together to engage the child’s imagination.
For early readers and chapter books, you can begin to introduce more complex sentence structures, but always remember to keep the language clear and straightforward.
5. Build a Strong Beginning, Middle, and End
Even a short children’s story needs structure. The three-act structure — beginning, middle, and end — works well for children’s books, just like it does for longer novels. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Beginning: Introduce your main character and set the scene. What is the character’s world like, and what is the problem they’re facing? This is where you hook your young readers.
Middle: This is where the conflict or problem takes center stage. Your character tries to solve the issue but faces challenges. This part of the story should keep children engaged and curious about what will happen next.
End: The resolution. The main character solves the problem or learns the lesson. The ending should be satisfying and provide closure for both the character and the reader.
Keep in mind that children thrive on stories with happy endings, or at least hopeful resolutions. But don’t be afraid to explore deep emotions or real-life challenges — kids are more resilient and insightful than we often give them credit for!
6. Use Illustrations to Tell Part of the Story
If you're writing a picture book, the illustrations will play a huge role in bringing your story to life. You don’t have to be an artist, but it’s important to think about how the images can complement or expand on your text. For example, while your words may tell the reader that the character is sad, the illustrations can show their facial expression or body language, deepening the emotional connection.
Even in books for older kids, illustrations can be used sparingly to enhance the story. These visual cues will help reinforce the tone and themes of your narrative.
7. Edit, Edit, Edit
Once you’ve completed your first draft, it’s time to revise. Children’s stories need to be clear and concise, so review your manuscript multiple times to make sure every word serves a purpose. Consider the pacing — is the story moving at the right speed for the age group you’re writing for? Make sure you have a good balance between text and images, if applicable.
You may also want to read your story aloud to get a feel for the rhythm and flow. Kids love stories that have a natural cadence, especially those that rhyme or include a fun, repetitive structure.
Writing a children’s story is an incredibly rewarding creative endeavour. By understanding your audience, keeping the plot simple, developing relatable characters, and using engaging language and illustrations, you can create a book that resonates with children and adults alike.
Remember, the most important part of writing for children is to have fun and let your creativity shine! Kids have wild imaginations, and the more you embrace that freedom, the more your story will come to life.
Are you working on a children’s story? Share your ideas or send us a draft, we would love to publish your story!