The Blending & Mending’s Podcast

We might speak to our friends about what happens behind the bedroom door, but often it’s a difficult topic to share when we are hitting a “dry spell with our partner”. Heloise and I had so much fun, shared openly, and I shed a few tears during this recording regarding the SHAME and GUILT I personally feel as a woman when life ‘feels full’, and I know I need to create time for intimacy, but sometimes it drops down on the priority list. I’m sure something many women especially can relate to. We speak through this, the impacts this can have on you and your partner, and tips on how to navigate if your partner has a higher sex drive than you. AND...for our listeners who submitted questions to Heloise... we answered them in the podcast recoding just for YOU! The episode with Heloise felt like I was talking to a friend, a confidant and an expert all at the same time. This woman is gracious, knowledgeable and calls it like it is, whilst holding a space for absolute vulnerability. Thank you @heloise.haupt  If you want to reach out to Heloise directly pop her a DM on her instagram handle @heloise.haupt or reach out on her website at www.heloisehaupt.com It’s ALL here and ready for you to listen to during your morning run OR when you put the kids to bed tonight and pour the first glass of wine. Take a listen, and please share this episode with fellow friends and give Heloise a follow. If you want access to your Arousal Survey pop through a DM and we will send it through to you 😊 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

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

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, spoke 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, 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  

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  

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 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 “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

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

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

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 to prioritize 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_Laser_Light_Skin_body 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  

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  

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 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        

Dealing with the shock of accepting your marriage is over & healing through the pain with Natalie Where do you begin to put your life back together after realising your marriage is over? This episode tugged on heart strings and my sister Natalie, vulnerably shares her story of divorce and healing. We spoke about…. - Her shock - Her pain - Her coping mechanisms - Her post-divorce triggers - Trusting your gut as you navigate a space of unknown with your children - Living a blissful and CONTENT life with her two beautiful kids   AND... - Finding her REAL SELF through a journey of pain and disappointment and realising how capable she really is do this thing called LIFE and PARENTING! 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

It feels like divorce is hard enough and then this thing called co-parenting kicks in and it’s a new way of life that we need to plan for and figured out in the flow. Jay and I jumped straight into this topic and spoke about co-parenting dynamics and the ebbs and flows this part of a divorce journey entails. Jay, is a co-parenting coach in America and spoke so openly about HIS OWN STORY, HIS WORK and importantly on how to focus on the journey and process of co-parenting verse the destination…   Episode show notes: - Jay shared his story of HIS relationship, his kids and what co-parenting looks like      for him and his family today - He chatted through HIS co-parenting journey, challenges and triggers - We spoke about the importance of having the MIRROR moments to STOP and        REFLECT on the learnings and healing we had to embrace - We touched on triggers and what our triggers could be telling us about                    OURSELVES & our own healing - We spoke about co-parenting struggles and the challenge of holding a consistent    routine between two homes at the best of times a how not to sweat the small          stuff! - We leaned into the importance of focusing on YOUR home, YOUR family and the    relationship you have with YOUR kids when they are WITH YOU! - We couldn’t have a chat without touching on boundaries, communication and          managing our OUR expectations of our co-parent & lots more…. - Oh and boy oh boy did we laugh… :)   Do you want to connect with Jay? Reach out to Jay Skibbens on Instagram at @jayskibbens for all his contact details :) 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!” #coparenting #love #life #kids #expectations #itsnoteasy #relationshipstruggles #challenges #healing #mirrormoments #blendedlife #yourex #myex #familydynamics #coaching #communicaiton #expecations #itsok #laugh #reflect #co-parent #vulnerability #podcast #viralreel #podcastepisode #new #newepisode   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

From the process of separation, the learning curve of life after divorce and navigating all the unknown territories of co-parenting with your ex, Steyn spoke ABOUT IT ALL! He was brutally honest, straight forward and said it like it is. There was no room left for interpretation. This episode was a breath of fresh air and resonates on so many levels. Ladies pour the wine, grab your man and let them listen to this immersive journey and wise words of a father, divorcee and businessman STEYN VERMAAS. Episode chat: Marriage and divorce and why this is so hard… The process of divorce, belief systems and divorce guilt through a male's lens Divorce in a small town – the gossip, the rumors and the change of behaviour from people you used to consider friends Knowing your truth irrespective of small-town gossip The important of family and a support system during one of the hardest and loneliest phases of life Giving yourself permission to leave – “sometimes two people are just not meant to be together” Navigating divorce and figuring out what life after divorce looks like for you, your ex and your child Figuring it out for your children. It’s not a TUG OF WAR! How Steyn fathers his daughter across two homes, the challenges and struggles that comes with it Why boundaries with your EX are so important – “avoid the drama and conflict” Blended family life, the ups and downs and the joy of having an OURS BABY Why YOU deserve to be happy! A silver lining after divorce …Steyn shares his thoughts ON IF a silver lining exists?! Listened to this recording???? Ok… do yourself a favor, pour the SECOND glass of wine and listen to it ALL OVER AGAIN! THIS EPISODE WAS THE REAL DEAL FOR ME!!! 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 below 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 For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Music by: @freebeats.io   “I’ve got your back!”

Have you ever had to support your BESTIE through one of the hardest phases of life…DIVORCE? Jumping into an episode recording with Susan was soul food. Susan Abdul, is a human with the biggest heart, the kindest soul and the wisest words. This woman was my rock during my divorce. She was my family, my friend, my counsellor, my coach, my advisor and also my outfit approver... :)! In this recording we jump into MY STORY. MY DIVORCE. MY STRUGGLES and how Susan, MY BESTIE, walked every step of the journey with me. Episode chat: Two friends chatting and inviting you into their conversation about divorce and support Reflecting on my story and the challenges of divorce Susan’s perceptions of what life looked like for me during that time Susan’s reflections on support, family challenges and the impact of belief systems when it comes to divorce The impact of not having your family and friends to rely on - Tapping into my experience Owning your story and not having to explain your decision to leave to the people around you Owning the phases associated to pre and post-divorce...even the extra glass of wine! How to show up for your friend during a time of divorce Words of wisdom from Susan to you And somehow, we ended our session talking about Milas bangs, decor and skin care lol… 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 on my website and below. “I’ve got your back!”   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 For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Music by: @freebeats.io  

Yes, you read that episode title correctly! This episode is all about the truths & practical examples of what a stepmom, mother, wife, entrepreneur and woman navigate through in blended family life. The raw truths we don’t share enough and yet need to hear the MOST! Littish Swarts, female entrepreneur, mom of 5, happily married and one of the sweetest souls you will ever meet, shares her story. Her truth. Her vulnerabilities and her TIPS of how she navigates it all. Episode show notes: Littish shares her story and how she met her husband She unpacks how she juggles her life with 5 children, being a female entrepreneur and a doting wife. She vulnerably shares the struggles and challenges when it comes to her role as stepmom and her relationship with the bio mom How her and her husband focus on their children and & what is BEST for THEIR FAMILY Her mistakes as a stepmom and the power of hindsight Her tips and strategies on managing life, managing boundaries and what happiness looks like in her blended family home Oh…and did I mention a sneaky little promo that we share in the podcast where you can get 20% of something PRACTICAL, PRETTY & PURPOSEFUL! 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 below… “I’ve got your back”   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 For more information on support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Music by: @freebeats.io  

An episode that shares the realness around making the decision to leave your marriage. Hloni Tshabalala, joins us on the podcast sharing her journey of divorce, her healing and her current co-parenting struggles. DOWNLOAD this episode! SAVE this episode! It is one you WILL want to listen to a few times. What this episode is all about: Making the hard decision to leave your marriage Trying to find the balance between helping your children and family through the hurt without forgetting about 'WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!' The hard struggle of telling your family you are getting a divorce Social, religious and cultural guilt triggers Trying to figure out this thing called “co-parenting” Acknowledging how hard it is to co-parent with someone you “still haven’t forgiven” Being real and not competing with the other parent Showing up for your children and YOURSELF Advice and words of reflection from the beautiful Hloni And so much more… Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending social 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 below. For more information on divorce, blended family life support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com OR pop through an email on chantelle@blendingandmending.com and let's chat.   "I've got your back!"   Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending www.blendingandmending.com

Book Author of ‘Moms Moving On’ and Divorce Coach, Michelle Dempsey-Multack was on the Blending & Mending podcast. She is KIND. She is WISE and she CALLS IS LIKE IT IS! My favourite piece of advice from Michelle, in this episode was “KNOW YOU'RE ROLE”...Just power! She shares her journey of blended family life, her learnings, memories and mistakes to avoid. Episode show notes: Her deep appreciation for HER family, HER daughter, HER husband & HER step-daughter How her and her husband navigated the early days of dating, meeting the kids and integrating as a family unit Why “timing is everything”? Critical mistakes step-parents can avoid Why it's important to “know your role” as a step-parent The highs & lows of blended family life Navigating parenting and discipline styles in her new blended home The importance of “sticking through the hard stuff” Accepting you cannot be first place in your blended family dynamic Her book: Moms Moving On… & where you can get it WHY she wrote her book and WHO her greatest cheer leader was 😊 and so much more…! Did you like this episode? Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below 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 :)   Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3M99vMe YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending For more information on divorce, blended family life support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com OR pop through an email to chantelle@blendingandmending.com and let's chat.   "I've got your back!"

A topic that so many of us can relate to…breaks-ups and the process of healing! Joash Narainsamy, a global wellness leader and a dear friend of mine, shares with us his breakup from a 13-year relationship. He openly discusses his relationship dynamic with his ex, their joys, their struggles, and his breaking point to leave a life that he KNEW and LOVED…to find a life that would BETTER SERVE HIM. This episode is as real as it gets!!  We laughed, we shared and spoke vulnerably about not only matters of the heart, but the physical elements of a relationships too. You don’t want to miss this! Episode show notes: Sharing his story - A 13-year relationship where he “thought they would grow old together”. Sharing the impact of compromise in a relationship – “Do we really know what we are putting aside in ourselves for our partner and the sake of the relationship?” “You don’t know what you don’t know” – The influence of belief systems and self-belief A deep dive into the gay community – Information session 101! The importance of physical AND emotional connection in a relationship Why taking the time to heal after a break-up is so important The value of Therapy & Coaching - Finding healing outside of your community to lift your blind spots and help you navigate the dark cloud of relationship hurt The importance of staying true to yourself & your worth…” we are never too OLD TO BE HAPPY!” And so much more! Did you like this episode? Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below 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 :) Disclaimer: This episode contains some adult humour and playful banter that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. This content is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. By continuing to listen to this episode, you acknowledge that you are of legal age to consume such content and take full responsibility for your decision to do so. Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending   For more information on support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending   Music by: @freebeats.io

Dating after divorce can be a tricky! Where do you even start to cast your ‘dating net’ to find the person you are looking for? Marlyn Jose, who I’m dubbing our ‘Blending & Mending Dating Expert’ is here to share her experience, advise and dating tips with YOU! This episode is loaded with self-reflection, tips on how to navigate dating, dating apps and what YOU NEED TO START GETTING SPECIFIC ABOUT in terms of what you are looking for in a future partner. Episode show notes: Why healing your OWN trauma is so important before you even start to consider the dating scene again The importance of embracing being single and ‘CLAIMING YOURSELF BACK’! Becoming SPECIFIC with what you are looking for and what your ‘DEAL BREAKERS’ are in your next life chapter Removing the misconception that dating apps are ‘bad’ Tips on dating and using dating apps Marlyns ‘90-day dating rule’ When to introduce your child(ren) to your new partner When is the right time to tap into that awkward conversation of telling your spouse you are dating someone new And so much more! Did you enjoy this episode? Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below 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 :) Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending   For more information on support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending   Music by: @freebeats.io