Hug in a Bowl

Surprise everyone with the most creative gift ever — Hug in a Bowl, the perfect gift for busy families. www.huginabowl.ie

www.huginabowl.ie

With so many preparations to get done, a Hug in a Bowl voucher is the perfect way to surprise your loved ones 🥳. Find a special voucher at www.huginabowl.ie

❤️My last day of maternity leave. ❤️

I thought everything was ready…
The childminder, The baby meals,
A little bag of tiny clothes, A timetable
And my heart in pieces.

We went for a little walk along Bray seafront. I grabbed a coffee and suddenly felt emotional… tears just came. I prayed while looking at the Bray Head’s Cross. I wondered how many mums have cried staring at that same cross.

That evening I made a special dinner for us. My baby had just started solids, so I baked a few veggies. Then suddenly — an unexpected knock at the door. My boss. Standing there.
I grabbed my baby and rushed downstairs, completely confused.

“Hey… hi?” I said, not really understanding what was happening. Honestly, the last thing I wanted that day was to see my boss. Still, I invited him in and offered tea. We made small talk about the weather — because I genuinely had no idea why he was there.
After a few awkward minutes he asked about the baby.
“She’s fine. She’s the best company ever,” I said.
Then he started talking about the cost of childcare, how hard it is to find, the transport I’d need to take, the route I’d follow every morning… As if I didn’t already have all of these worries swirling in my head. It was already an emotional day — and this unexpected visit wasn’t helping.
The whole chat felt strange. Uncomfortable. I was in shock.
Before he left, all I remember saying was:

“I need the job. I have to provide for my baby. I won’t quit.” He left.

It was around 6pm. The rest of the evening I was glued to my daughter, feeling the horror of going back to work.
My brain — after 6 months alone with a baby — wasn’t working properly.
My body, my hair… oh my goodness. I wasn’t okay. But it was time to go back to the office.
I made my baby laugh just to borrow some strength from her joy.
We went to bed and slept together, knowing that the next morning we would begin a new phase — our first real time apart.

A new chapter, ready or not.

I am glad and thankful 🙏🏽.

🍲 Fun Fact About Our Chicken Curry with White Rice! 🥰

At first glance, many parents assume this dish might be too exotic for little ones — unusual spices, new aromas, unfamiliar flavours. But guess what? Kids absolutely love it! In fact, it’s one of the top sellers on our menu.

Is that a coincidence? Not at all!
There’s science behind it. Ingredients like cinnamon and bay leaf release warm, comforting aromas. Research shows that these scents can activate areas of the brain linked to calmness, safety, and positive associations — making children more open to trying new foods. So while parents expect hesitation, kids experience curiosity, comfort, and flavour… and ask for more! Some studies suggest aromas can influence appetite and mood, which may help children accept new flavours.