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Welcome to Life of Gem: A Single Mother’s Journey

Real life, real mum, real moments

Welcome to Life of Gem, where the hustle and bustle of city life meets the tranquility of rural living. I’m thrilled to have you join me on this adventure as I navigate the winding roads of single motherhood in the serene backdrop of the countryside. Life has taken me on quite a new journey, from the city’s bustling streets to the quiet charm of rural living.

As a single mother to a beautiful daughter, every day brings new challenges and triumphs, each one a chapter in the story of my life. Moving from the fast-paced rhythm of urban life to the unhurried pace of the countryside was a decision filled with both excitement and fear. Yet, in the embrace of nature’s quietness, I’ve found a sense of peace and belonging that I never knew existed.

I invite you to join me as I navigate the joys and struggles of single motherhood against the backdrop of grassy meadows and whispering forests. From the trials of parenthood to the simple pleasures of country living, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and fashion with you, hoping to inspire you.

So, grab a cuppa, settle into your favourite Adirondack, and let’s embark on this adventure together.

Welcome to Life of Gem—I’m so glad you’re here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal

I’m originally from the UK and moved to Ontario, Canada, at age 8. I spent several years in the GTA and recently relocated to Brockville, Ontario.

I am 5’ – 5

I’m currently a part-time administrative assistant, and over the years, I’ve had a varied career that’s taken me through roles in retail, finance, and beyond.

I love collecting keychains—they’re fun, personal, and a great way to remember places or moments. I also enjoy the occasional shopping trip, especially when I stumble upon something unique. Music is a big part of my everyday life, and I often spend time listening to my favorite playlists. I’m also passionate about researching new ideas and inspiration to include on my blog, which keeps me creative and constantly learning.

I was born in the UK and actually traveled back there on my own when I was just 11 years old. One thing people often comment on is my accent—it’s been mistaken for South African, Australian, and even Welsh! My dad used to call it “mid-Atlantic,” which I think sums it up pretty well. I’m also a very visual thinker, which definitely influences how I approach both everyday life and creative projects.

Beauty & Fitness

I colour my hair with Loreal Feria colour #73 multi- faceted shimmering permanent hair dye, I love how the colour glistens in the sun and produces natural highlights. How do you keep your hair fresh and healthy when it’s always up? Even though I wear my hair up daily, I make sure it stays healthy and hydrated with a consistent care routine. I rotate between Pantene and L’Oréal hair masks to deeply nourish and repair my strands, and I love using L’Oréal’s 8-Second Wonder Water for an instant boost of shine and softness. I also avoid tight styles that cause breakage and make sure to switch up my part to reduce tension on the same areas. Keeping my hair fresh is all about giving it the love it needs—even when it’s out of sight.

My shower is my sanctuary—it’s where I reset, recharge, and take a moment just for myself. I absolutely love spending extra time in there, turning an everyday routine into a full-on self-care ritual. One of my absolute must-haves? Shower bombs. I was gifted a set from my mum (thank you, Amazon!) and now I’m completely hooked. They fizz away in the steam, filling the bathroom with the most calming, spa-like scents. It’s aromatherapy magic. I also love using rich, hydrating body washes, exfoliating scrubs, and finishing with a nourishing in-shower body conditioner that leaves my skin feeling silky. It’s not just about getting clean—it’s about creating a moment of peace at the beginning of the day.

I really enjoy getting out for a walk early in the day, especially before the sun gets too strong. It’s quieter, cooler, and a lot more enjoyable. I throw on something loose and comfortable—nothing too fussy—and pop in my headphones. Music makes a big difference; the right song can lift your mood and give your step a bit of a bounce. I don’t overthink it—just a walk, some fresh air, and a moment to reset. It’s a small thing, but it always helps me feel more grounded.

Even when I’m having a low-key day, I still like to feel refreshed and a bit recharged. Drinking plenty of water is key for me—whether it’s still or fizzy, I always have a glass nearby. I’m a big fan of my SodaStream and love having bubbly drinks throughout the day—they make hydration feel a bit more fun without needing to add anything extra. I also like to fit in a bit of self-care when I can, like a quick face mask, applying my favorite moisturizer, or just taking a bit more time with my skincare routine. It’s not about doing anything over-the-top—it’s those small, simple things that help me feel put together and refreshed, even on quieter days.

Blogging

Thank you! I actually keep things pretty simple but effective when it comes to editing. I use my Samsung Galaxy S20 for most of my photos—it has some great built-in filters and editing tools that I’ll often use for a quick touch-up. That said, Lightroom is my go-to for more detailed edits. I’ve created my own custom presets in Lightroom that really help enhance the clarity, colors, and overall mood of my photos without making them look overdone. I like my photos to feel clean and natural, just with a little extra polish. I’ve been thinking about upgrading to a newer phone soon too—mostly for the camera improvements—so I’m excited to see how that might elevate my shots even more.

I actually started blogging quite a while ago—back when life looked very different. It was more of a creative outlet at the time, but as things got busier, I let it naturally fall to the side. Life has a way of shifting priorities. Recently though, I felt the pull to start fresh and return to writing, but this time with a new perspective and purpose.

After becoming a single mum and making the big move from a busy city to a much quieter small town, I found myself navigating an entirely new chapter—one that’s been full of change, challenge, and unexpected growth. This blog is a space for me to share that journey honestly. From adjusting to slower-paced living, to rediscovering routines, building a new kind of stability, and finding small joys in everyday moments—it’s all part of the story I’m telling now. I hope it resonates with others who may be going through transitions of their own. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection, reflection, and sharing life as it unfolds.

I usually take my photos using my phone—it’s super convenient and honestly takes great shots. Sometimes I get a little help from family members if they’re around, but most of the time I use my adjustable tripod. It doubles as a selfie stick, so it’s easy to set up wherever I am and angle it how I need. It gives me a lot of flexibility, especially when I’m on my own or want to capture something more spontaneous.

A lot of my blog ideas come from everyday life—things I experience, observe, or talk about with friends and family. Sometimes it’s sparked by a casual conversation, something I see while I’m out and about, or even a passing moment on social media or a scene from a show I’m watching. Inspiration tends to show up when I’m not actively looking for it. I’ve also noticed that my most creative ideas usually hit me at night, when everything’s quiet and I’ve had a moment to process the day. I always make sure to jot them down—whether it’s in a notes app on my phone or a notebook by my bed—so I can come back to them later when I’m ready to write. It’s a bit of a mix between spontaneous sparks and just being open to the everyday.

My favourite post would have to be: Life with a Toddler. I love this post because it makes me laugh and brings back memories of all the fun times my daughter and I have shared. It perfectly captures the chaos and joy of toddlerhood, from her mischievous moments to the sweet, tender ones. The humor and authenticity in the writing remind me of how unpredictable yet incredibly rewarding this stage of life can be. It’s a beautiful reflection of the rollercoaster of emotions that come with raising a toddler.