London Problem Solver

Sharing the philosophies of all the practical women we've met along the way to juggle homes, family, work and health. Most problems have solutions, but being practical, a bit of organisation and lots of humour help.

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If we are constantly celebrating, what makes the actual celebration special? • Christmas is approaching fast. Is there anything I should be doing (or not doing) to prepare myself and my family for the big celebration of Christmas? • P.S. Spot the gymnast. No TV inevitably means someone is jumping around the house all the time. • #problemsolving #parenthood #christmas #advent #preparing #reflection #life #christmastree #gymnastics #notv

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How do you wrap 250 small gifts in 1.5 hours? • An assembly line. If they work in business, they also work at home. • Cut long strips of paper (#ironwoman is doing that in the video) • Fold the 2 long edges inward and seal with tape to create one long “tube” • Cut these “tubes” into smaller pieces depending on the gifts you’re wrapping. Call these “envelopes” • Seal one end of the “envelope” with tape. Fill the “envelope” with the gift. Seal the other end with tape. • Voila! 250 gifts wrapped in 1.5 hours. • #problemsolving #efficiency #assemblyline #pta #wrappingpresents #wrappingpaper #savingtime #motherhood #christmasfair

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Spot the grandma in the picture • I’m always trying to work out what makes the #ironwoman look younger than she is. • I’ve decided it’s the regular exercise, a lot of laughter, and cleaning her face with olive oil every night. 😉 Not too complicated. • P.S. We took this picture yesterday at our Thanksgiving dinner. I’m on the right and #wiseoldersister is on the left. Only one missing is #funbabysister (who isn’t a baby anymore, of course) • #problemsolving #family #eternalyouth #fitness #stayingyoung #youngatheart #coolgrandma #laughter #coolmom #oliveoil

[londonproblemsolver]

Problem solving - gratitude • Growing up, the #ironwoman would ask us to say “thank you” some 50 times a day. For small things. For important things. For tiny things. For everything. • Today, I am the one constantly reminding our children to say “thank you.” It’s tiring, but it must be done. • The words “thank you” are the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg is a heart full of gratitude and appreciation for everything in our lives. • Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🍃🍂 • #problemsolving #gratitude #parenthood #thanksgiving #thankful #thankyou #heartfullofgratitude

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Problem solving - parenting • These are our three. They look beautiful and angelic frozen in the picture. But as all parents know, the reality of parenting is different. • One day, frustrated that one of my children was annoyingly exhibiting one of my less-desirable habits, a very wise person said, • “God has put these children in your life so that through them, you learn to understand and love yourself.” • It applies to my other relationships, as well. In this case, it’s not about them, it’s about me. • #problemsolving #wisewords #parenting #motivation #parenthood #lovingothers #lovingmyself #mentalfitness #godknowsbest #wordsofwisdom

[londonproblemsolver]

Problem solving family meals week-in, week-out • I’m not a natural cook and I rarely prepare meals without a recipe. However, I understand the importance of preparing healthy-ish, tasty-ish, semi-home-cooked meals for our 3 children. • Actions today will be habits tomorrow. • So as the end-of-year activity picks up, the need to plan our family meals in advance is greater. • Try it. Decide your meals (based on family palettes) for the next few weeks. Do the weekly shopping based on that. Every evening, you’ll be on autopilot feeding the family. • #problemsolving #familymeals #planningiseverything #healthylifestyle #eatinghealthy #goodhabits #planahead #deliciousmeals #lifetimefitness

[londonproblemsolver]

Problem solving - What should I pack? • “As little as possible.” Literally and metaphorically. • Literally: you rarely end up using everything you pack so why carry it. • Metaphorically: few physical items are really necessary in life. We think we need them, but we really don’t. As #antoinedesaintexupery wrote: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” • As I start the week, is there anything I should “unpack” from my life? • #problemsolving #packinglight #healthylifestyle #mentalfitness #motivation #strongmind #wordsofwisdom

[londonproblemsolver]

Problem solving our 5 a day - another “EE” salad • Green apples + beetroots + carrots. Dressed with lime or lemon juice and sprinkled with chopped coriander (if you have). • I’m not a nutritionist but It’s an easy way to add fruits and vegetables. It’s become a family favourite. • P.S. EE = easy and exquisite • P.S.S. Writing about the “lighter” problems in life rather than the “big and philosophical.” • #problemsolving #health #salads #5aday #fitness #lunchideas #mentalfitness

[londonproblemsolver]

Problem solving – finding an alternative • Growing up, our household was very “matter-of-fact.” The very practical #ironwoman didn’t allow us to dwell on what we didn’t have. She made us find alternatives among the things we did have. • So when the time came for me to walk down the aisle on the day of our wedding 11 years ago, the thinking went like this: “No Father? No problem. Thank God I have a Mother.” And down the aisle we went. • It sounds harsh, but you learn to be practical. • Fast forward to today. The world is changing rapidly. Am I encouraging our children to see beyond their limitations and find alternative solutions to - big and small - problems? • #problemsolving #practicaltips #motherhood #alternativesolutions #jugglinglife #coolmom #mentalfitness

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Problem solving – overcoming adversity • 4th pillar of support for the #Ironwoman after my father’s death was her faith in God. • Initially, she was angry with God and constantly asked, "Why me?!” • It took her a few good years to stop questioning and thus began her journey of trusting and accepting God’s plan for her. • In this acceptance, she finds serenity that life is how it should be. In this serenity, she finds joy. • To accept or to resist? That is the question today. • #jugglinglife #motivation #problemsolving #mentalfitness #godknowsbest #acceptance #faith