Blending & Mending

Episode 27: “Parenting doesn’t end when your marriage does – with Michelle Dempsey”

This conversation hit all the divorce and co-parenting spots WE ALL NEED TO HEAR!
The lovely Michelle Dempsey joined us on the podcast, to share not only parts of her story as a divorced mother, but also what she sees in the coaching practice with her clients. This recording hit home from the moment we started chatting, and I’m so excited to share this episode with you.
Pour a glass of wine and join us as we talk about…
The narrative we set for ourselves as divorced, single parents, to “compete” with the other parent and lose sight of our personal and parenting boundaries with our children
How to co-parent with someone you just don’t get along with anymore!
Parents understanding that they are still parents 24/7, even if their children are not with them in the visitation schedule (here, I shared a very personal example of my stepmom experience and a cringe moment I needed to navigate)
A pro tip shared by Michelle on how shared values can keep your co-parenting relationship grounded whether you get along or not
Focusing on your child and their life across two homes versus the obsession of the parenting plan and projecting your needs and hurt onto the other co-parent
Friends…the convo flowed from one incredible piece of advice to the next. DON’T MISS THIS EPISODE!!!
Take a listen, share this episode with fellow friends and give Michelle a follow on 
@themichelledempsey.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, booking counselling or coaching sessions, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 26: “Food prep and meal ideas for single parents with Dietitian Gen Hesse”

Single parents…I’ve got your back! This episode is for all the single mom’s and dad’s trying to navigate full time work, juggle school routine, extra-curricular drop off’s and picks up’s and of course adding cooking to the to do list.
Chatting to single mom and Dietitian Gen Hesse from @the.noursishedmum was such a fun conversation about all thing's food, meal prep and LUNCH BOX ideas (I snuck this one in for all our parents…you are welcome!! 😊)
Join us as we deep dive into navigating single parenting after a divorce or separation and WHY food and nutrition is so important to manage stress, emotions and the wellbeing of our children. Gen, speaks so passionately about food, her love for food and why nutritional health plays such a big part in her home for her as a woman her as a mom and importantly for her little boy.
Gen also shares some great meal prep ideas, themed dinner night ideas and importantly why it is so important to keep cooking SIMPLE and for us NOT to hold ourselves to unrealistic standards and ideals of what parenting and cooking should be! It doesn’t have to be over complicated so be kind to yourself... Oh and did I mention she gave “breakfast for dinner” or “Nutella” a thumbs up as a food that is fun, fatty & contains fruit & fiber (the famous 4 F’s).
Take a listen, share this episode with fellow friends and give @the.nourishedmum a follow.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching, counselling & podcasts reach out on: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
 

Episode Episode 25: “Understanding SELF LOSS and reclaiming your IDENTITY after divorce with Dr. Sara Kuburic”

Sara and I spoke openly and vulnerably about self-loss, especially after divorce and what that phase of support and life could look like.
We leaned into our own narratives regarding OUR PERSONAL DIVORCE experiences and touched on the “real life” examples of how self-doubt creeps in when your marriage ends and you question who you are if you do not have a ring on your finger, when you are no longer a wife, a husband or a partner. This, being a harsh reality for so many of us navigating a separation or thoughts of divorce.
As difficult as this chapter of life can be, you can navigate through it. It is a process of self-reflection ad understanding of WHO YOU ARE outside of those roles and responsibilities. It’s a process of authenticity of what you are feeling, how you are feeling and how you can move through those emotions and belief systems without guilt and self-destruction. It’s one step at a time. It starts with you.
This episode was soul food, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the discussion.
Sara has also just published her book on “IT’S ON ME”, where she delves into some of these topics and so much more, so go grab a copy when you can. Pop over to @millennial.therapist for more information.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
 

Episode 24: “LIFE, LOVE & YOU!"...with book author Marishka Appalsamy

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE if you feel like STUCK in life and love.
Stuck in a space where you are living a life for others and not for yourself.
Stuck in a space where you prioritising other people's opinions and happiness over your own.
In need of a release. A release from the pressure of societal norms, religious norms and family norms.
In need of giving yourself permission to focus on your own happiness and turn the lens back onto loving yourself too! #selflove
Marishka Appalsamy, is the author of a book called “I am LOVE!” and shares how parts of her own story and stories of others inspired her to write this book about bravery, life, failed relationships, break ups and healing.
If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their own journey and needs support.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
Want a copy of the book, go take a look at Empore Publishers on https://emporepublishers.co.za/product/i-am-love/
You can also grab a copy at the Lonehill @indiehotyoga or reach out to Marishka directly on @appalz_
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, counselling, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 23: "KNOW your WORTH with Bianca Edwards"

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE if you feel like life is spinning out of control. If you feel like the people around you take you for granted. If you feel like the people around, you just don't meet your needs the way you EXPECT THEM TOO…
A POWER episode, shared from a space of utter vulnerability by Bianca Edwards from @the_modelmom as she shares her life journey of trauma, relationship challenges, the importance of boundaries and HOW SHE looked inward to LOVE HERSELF again.
Bianca openly talks about her past struggles and how she has moved through her own journey of healing to get to a space today of how she taught herself to fill her own cup. She speaks about the EXPECTATIONS she used to put on her partner and the people around her to FILL HER EMOTIONAL SUPPLY and how TODAY her lens on self-fulfillment and self-worth is wrapped up in her OWN accountability of how she wants to feel and show up for herself, her family and her business every day.
If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their journey and needs support.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 22: The LEGAL side of DIVORCE with LegallyNik

Where do even begin to start a legal process, when all you can think about is feeling angry, sad or overwhelmed?
This episode was important for me to share with you for so many reasons. The legal side of divorce is daunting, overwhelming and can often feel like a never-ending custody and co-parenting battle. I wanted to find a speaker on this topic who could dive into the deeper parts of this journey and REALLY SHARE the "ins and outs" of WHERE TO START and HOW TO PREPARE if yourself mentally and emotionally when you start a legal process.
@legallynik is a child protection solicitor based in the UK and has started her own legal social media platform to support people like ME & YOU navigate this side of the divorce journey. Friends if there is an account that puts the ebbs and flows of legal process into perspective it’s Nik 😊
Nik and I spoke about:
The emotional and practical elements of a divorce and court processes
The importance of understanding your own hurt, your own grief and your own anger before you immerse yourself in a legal process.
What she sees in her line of work as COMMON MISTAKES people make when starting a legal journey
Why parents lose focus of what the kids need and start the TIT FOR TAT games of manipulation
The importance of keeping yourself grounded as a parent and ensuring you are doing what is IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR CHIDLREN at all times
Tips on starting a legal process and finding a lawyer who you relate to and understanding that you might get advice you don’t like
Nik’s words of wisdom when it comes to court and legal battles…
And so much more
If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might be embarking on their journey and needs support.
I would be so grateful if you LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on these topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
 
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 21: “The importance of self-care, a positive mindset & having a morning meeting with YOURSELF!” with Lourette du Toit

Mommy & stepmoms this episode was recorded just for YOU!
A brand new podcast on SELF-CARE, MINDSET and having morning meetings with YOURSELF….Yip, you read that correctly! What a fun and fantastic recording with the beautiful Lourette du Toit, Dermology business owner, Safari wife & mother.
Lourette, spoke so passionately about the importance of:
- Self-care and what it means to her
- About the importance of prioritizing ourselves by finding a routine that WORKS for YOU as a woman, professional & mother…”less is more”
- Lourette, shared a snapshot of what her daily routine looks like and how she makes time for herself in between the hustle and bustle of the day and all the different ‘hats’ we wear as woman
- We spoke about the importance of having a morning meeting with yourself, (I don’t want to spill the beans on this one too much, so go take a listen and let me know what you think about this concept…I freaking LOVE IT!)
- How Lourette believes mindset is a power-tool to shift behaviour for herself as a woman and the teams of women she works with daily across South Africa
- …and of course I asked Lourette, as a skincare specialist and skin laser clinic owner, to share her top 3 skin care tips with us…(you’re welcome 😊)
- oh and…so much more!
I loved this recording. I loved the energy of this recording. Importantly, I loved the key take-aways of HOW we can incorporate self-care tactics into our daily routines without over complicating our lives.
Share this episode with a friend who might need to take a little time out and prioritize themselves too! Friend…we’ve got your back!
Reach out to lourette on @lourettelaserandskin and @safari_wife for more skin care tips and self-care tips or just to take a peak at the incredible work they do at Dermology. I personally go to Dermology for my skin laser treatments and I wish I started sooner…Thank you Nomsa for waving your magic BBL wand!!
It would help so much if you could LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to the Blending & Mending channels. This will create more awareness on this topics just like this for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below “I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching, masterclasses & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
 

Episode 20: “Coping with the impact of divorce over the FESTIVE SEASON when you don’t have your kids in the visitation schedule” with Naomi Holdt

All I can say is WOW! Naomi Holdt, is a psychologist, book author, speaker, mom…and over and above all of this, just a fantastic human being!
I reached out to Naomi and asked her to share her insights and guidance on how divorced parents get through a festive season when “it isn’t there year on in the visitation schedule”. Her immediate response was YES!!!
Friends, this is such a hard reality for divorced and separated parents who know they only see their children for these festive moments every second year (or as outlined in their visitation schedule or planned with the other parent). Can you even image spending a Christmas, Birthday or Easter without your kids? I didn’t have my daughter for Christmas last year (second year without her and it just doesn’t feel like it gets any easier so I get this feeling of sadness & grief all too well).
We got real, we got honest, and Naomi spoke so beautifully about allowing yourself as a divorced parent to GRIEVE these moments, and importantly allowing your children to grieve them too. It can be an emotional dynamic for everyone.
Naomi, shared insights from her practice, what she sees when working with divorced families and children and how her book 'BOUNCE' speaks through so many of these parenting triggers, the importance of inner healing and tips for parents who are divorced. I got my copy today!!
Friends it takes one step at a time…but you can work through these emotions and get through this Christmas...
Do you want to reach out Naomi – pop her a DM on @naomiholdtpsychologist
Please listen to this episode and PLEASE SHARE with other people who could relate, resonate and lean into her vulnerability. IF there is anything you take away from this it's that you CAN GET THROUGH this!
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available below.
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
 

Episode 19: Putting YOUR LIFE back together again after INFIDELITY with Caroline

If there is a podcast episode you need to listen to it’s this one. Friends, I got goosebumps recording this episode and got goosebumps editing this recording.
Caroline from @cutewithkids shares HER story about marriage, children, being cheated on and navigating the steps she needed to take to put her life back together again after her sudden divorce. Caroline spoke so honestly and vulnerably about the devastation of her family unit coming to an end… a story SO MANY people can relate to!
Pour the glass of wine...
Grab your notebook...
Listen to this episode & PLEASE SHARE her story with other people who could relate, resonate and lean into her vulnerability. IF there is anything you take away from this it's that you CAN GET THROUGH this!
We spoke about:
Taking a step back to identify the RED FLAGS of CHEATING in a relationship
How Caroline found out her marriage was over
Hearing the words “I don’t love you anymore” and having to realise the life you thought would be forever is over
Putting your life back together for your kids and yourself
Finding coping strategies that work for you to heal after divorce
How to navigate CO-PARENTING with someone you DON’T TRUST
The importance of boundaries and understanding what “IS GOOD AND NOT GOOD FOR YOU”…
Its ok to say NO
Living a life of joy and love for you and YOUR KIDS
“This too shall pass”
And lots more…
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below...
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io

Episode 18: Meeting a man with kids & creating YOUR OWN family blend with Sally & Martin

Episode 18: Meeting a partner with kids and creating YOUR OWN family BLEND with Sally & Martin
This is the FIRST couple recording on the Blending & Mending’s podcast and damn I had so much fun chatting to Sally & Martin about their blended family life adventure. If you haven't quite yet figured out what 'couple goals' looks like, then just watch these two humans chat, laugh and interact with each other and it all just makes sense #goals
Sally & Martin share their story with us on THEIR blended family life:
- how they met, and that they didn’t even like it each other at first (we had a good     giggle)
- how Sally felt meeting a man with two children in her 20's, starting a relationship     and becoming a stepmom
- how Martin had to juggle relationship dynamics between being a dad and being       a partner 
- figuring out how to find your role in your new family blend
- managing boundaries and expectations and understanding your family role
- having an "ours" baby
- blended family life challenges and importantly lessons learnt
- the joy of blended family life
- and so much more!
 
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below
“I’ve got your back!”
 
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
 
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
 
Music by: @freebeats.io