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April 16, 2019

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oh, hey there!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I’m Leah, a 34 year old mama to two little babes.

This is where I share the things I love, adventures with my family and the wild ride that is motherhood.

I love music (my happy place), long walks on the beach (yes, but really!) chocolate and a good Netflix binge.

I’ll share with you my fave mum-hacks, the clothes I love, my journey with infertility and the ups and downs of motherhood.

xxx

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leahwwilliams_

Motherhood, fashion, neurodiversity, home & everything in between ✨
Marketing Mentor @theleahwilliams
Mgmt - nyah@daymgmt.com.au

Bringing a little bit of bright colour into the ro

Bringing a little bit of bright colour into the room (now that she’s actually sleeping in there 😂).

My faves @sageandclare are having a Frenzy 40 sale right now with 40% off select items… and it’s the last day to shop, so go take a peek now. ✨

When you have a stroke at 37, & the first thing yo

When you have a stroke at 37, & the first thing you feel is… nothing. Not at first. Because you don’t know it’s a stroke. You just think you’ve got the worst virus of your life. You’re exhausted. You feel weird. The room is spinning. So you go to bed and hope that by tomorrow, you’ll feel human again.

But I didn’t. I spent five days in bed unable to stand properly.
It wasn’t just tiredness… it was like my body had unplugged itself. Still, I didn’t go to hospital. Because obviously, I’m a mum and I’m busy and it just felt easier to convince myself it was a virus.

That was 15 months ago. And what I didn’t realise at the time was that I’d had a stroke. 
A “young stroke,” as they call it. And the symptoms that stuck around, the brain fog, the vision issues, the constant headaches… weren’t random. They were the result of the damage it left behind.

I kept pushing through, telling myself I was fine… until my body basically screamed at me to listen.
I started chasing answers. Tests, scans, non stop appointments.

At one point, I was told, that I likely had MS. I sat with that for weeks. Accepted it. Started mentally preparing myself to talk about treatment options. Only to sit in front of a neurologist who looked at my scans and said: “Actually… I don’t think this is MS. I think you’ve had a stroke.”

It was a moment I’ll never forget. Equal parts relief, shock, and pure what-the-actual f*ck.

And so the next part began… the why.
More specialists. More scans. 
Eventually, they found it: a hole in my heart. A rare congenital condition I’ve likely had since birth, one that can let a clot sneak through to the brain and cause a stroke.
Mine, of course, is in a slightly awkward spot (because why be straightforward?).

So now we work out what’s next… when to close it.

And just when I thought I was starting to make sense of it all… five weeks ago, a mini stroke hit. I suddenly I couldn’t speak, see or move my body.

Another reminder from my body to slow the hell down and listen… (continued in comments).

Just a tad obsessed with blue at the moment 💙.

Just a tad obsessed with blue at the moment 💙.
Rug from my faves at @double.online.au - we love that it’s pretty, but bonus points that it’s totally washable, cause… kids 🤪.

Bringing a bit more colour into this space, what do you think?

Took the kids to @bounceinc over the school holida

Took the kids to @bounceinc over the school holidays and they had the best time!

From the trampolines to the climbing walls, they didn’t stop moving (which, let’s be honest, is the dream during school holidays!) I even got in on the action!

It was the perfect way to burn energy, make memories, and tire them out. Safe to say we’ll be back before the holidays are over!

Spent the morning in full Peppa Pig mode with my y

Spent the morning in full Peppa Pig mode with my youngest...and she was living for it.
We made wands, played games, and finished it off with a touch of drawing (apparently I’m not great at colouring in-between the lines, ha!).

Such a fun morning together.

Head on down to Lake Haven Centre to visit Peppa Pig’s world these school holidays!
There’s arts and crafts, muddy puddle hopscotch, face masks, and even a special meet & greet with Peppa Pig herself on Saturday 19 April.

Free, fun, and perfect for your Peppa Pig obsessed little ones.

@lakehavencentre @officialpeppa #LakeHavenCentre #PeppaPig

School holidays just got way more fun! The Rocket

School holidays just got way more fun!
The Rocketeers Holiday Program is packed with adventures, creativity, and hands-on fun—aka the perfect way to keep the kids entertained while we juggle work and life.
My big girl had the best day making, playing, and exploring.
Spots are open now - check out @campaustralia to book.
#CampAustralia #Rocketeers

Cut out all the parts where I stumbled over my own

Cut out all the parts where I stumbled over my own feet and dropped my bag numerous times 🫠🤪.

10 days post stroke and feeling a lot more like myself again.

Still so darn tired. Super uncoordinated - dropping and running into things on the regular.

Hand tremors, intense brain fog, and a slight stutter as my brain tries to catch up to think of the right word every now and then.

Kind of like when you’ve had one too many glasses of wine, minus the happy tipsy feeling 🫠.

Stepped out to celebrate my beautiful friend @krumble for a @miniandme.co lunch. So proud of her and all that she creates.

Not only is she a clever, kick-ass boss lady, but also the most incredible friend & human.

Listens to my rambling snot crying voice memos, drives me to medical appointments, sends food and always checks in on me, even when it’s 2am.

So bloody lucky our paths crossed all those years ago 💛.

Wearing @bohemian.traders

Last week, I had a stroke. Words I never imagined

Last week, I had a stroke.

Words I never imagined I’d say at 38.
My second, suspected one. This time classified as just a “mini-stroke.”
But it didn’t feel small. It felt terrifying.
Because this time, I knew what was most likely happening.

The last few months have been heavy. Specialists, tests, scans. Possible surgeries.
Different diagnoses, tossed around…none of them quite landing.
Sleepless nights, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I’ll still be able to run barefoot down the beach with my kids in ten years. If I’ll still be me. If I’ll be here at all.

And the part that keeps looping in my mind…I had symptoms. For a whole year, I had symptoms. Strange ones. Persistent ones. The kind you tell yourself are probably nothing.
The kind you push aside because you’re busy, because you’re a mum,because it feels easier to keep going than to slow down and investigate.
Until they tell you your brain scan is abnormal.

And maybe, if I’d listened earlier… things would be different now. Maybe not. But I can’t help but wonder.

I’m not sharing this for shock or sympathy. I’m sharing it because we push through so much, we carry so much, and somewhere along the way, we stupidly start believing that looking after ourselves is a luxury instead of a necessity.

So I want to remind you that pouring into yourself isn’t selfish.
If you’re ignoring the signs - that ache, that fast heart, that strange dizziness…That thing you keep googling at 2am but never act on.
Stop, and just BOOK THE APPOINTMENT.

Ask the questions. Follow it up. Make the call you keep putting off.
Because your health matters too.
Not just for everyone else…but for you.
Don’t wait for a wake-up call. You don’t need to earn your rest.
You’re allowed to take up space in the waiting room.
You’re allowed to be the one who’s cared for, not just the one who holds it all together.

Some of our favourite moments together are made in

Some of our favourite moments together are made in the kitchen - the heart of our home.

Our family sure has grown over the years, so it was time for a little appliance update.

Enter the LG Matte White French Door Fridge & the LG
Matte White Dishwasher... and look how pretty they are
The warm white looks so good in our space, just blends in seamlessly.

The French Door Fridge is the perfect size for our family of five while the Dishwasher cleans everything to perfection.
@lgaustralia #Igmattewhite #ad

Any excuse to set a pretty table✨🐣. The IKEA

Any excuse to set a pretty table✨🐣.

The IKEA TJÄRLEK collection has all the Easter vibes— think fun tablecloths, pastel egg cups, hanging decorations, and the kind of pieces you’ll want to bring out year after year.

My favourite has got to be the wine glasses, those colours.

Whether it’s a big family dinner, or a casual brunch with friends, make staying in feel just as special as going out with IKEA.
@ikea_australia #AD

When your fridge of dreams arrives ✨. I’m obs

When your fridge of dreams arrives ✨.

I’m obsessed with just how seamlessly the LG Matte White appliances fit into our kitchen (that white 👌🏻).
I love how much food the Matte White French Door Fridge holds, while the kids are all about the Ice & Water Dispenser.
With QuadWash® & TrueSteam™ technology, the Dishwasher removes even the toughest food residue, for a sparkling clean every time.
The perfect kitchen additions for our not so little family.
@lgaustralia #lgmattewhite #ad

Time for a big girl bed for my littlest 🥹. Blu

Time for a big girl bed for my littlest 🥹.

Blue is having a moment right now, and my girl is obsessed with flowers - so the sweet floral print from @adairskids was the pick…. it’s cosy, it’s cute, and it’s only on sale until tomorrow!

Linen Lovers can grab 40% off full price and 20% off clearance right now until midnight tomorrow. #AdairsKids

There’s been a cot in our home for 9.5 years. A

There’s been a cot in our home for 9.5 years.

And now, for the first time, there isn’t one.

No one tells you how those lasts sneak up on you. One day, you’re rocking them to sleep, laying them down, zipping up their sleep suit… and then, without warning, it’s the last time.

You think you’ll notice. But you don’t.

And then suddenly you’re standing in the room of a toddler, and then a child, and then a big girl, all while wondering where on earth the time went.

So If you’re still in it - if the cot still sits in the corner, if tiny pajamas still pile up in the wash, if their tiny hand still wraps around your finger, hold onto it.

Because one day, without even realising it, you’ll lay them down in that little cot… and it will be the last.

#motherhood #parenting #motheranddaughter #motherhoodmoments

It’s a whole other level of juggle. They don’

It’s a whole other level of juggle.

They don’t tell you how hard it is.

Or how much it asks of you.

But they also don’t tell you how much it will change you.

How strong you’ll become.

How proud you’ll be when you just keep going.

Amongst the chaos of it all - you’ve got this.

The reminder you might not have known you needed.

#femalebusiness #marketingstrategies #smallbusinessowners

Some choices are easy - like choosing a hand wash

Some choices are easy - like choosing a hand wash that looks good and does good too.

With @thankyouaus, even the smallest habits - washing hands, refilling a bottle - all help fight poverty, so far raising $18.55 million.

I love that the products aren’t just good for the world - they’re refillable, sustainable, & made with 95% natural ingredients, but smell good too. (Plus, aluminium bottles for the little hands that drop everything!)

A simple switch yet a big impact - grab yours today online or at your local supermarket.
@thankyouaus #ad

Okay, everyone needs this dress. The fit, the cut

Okay, everyone needs this dress.

The fit, the cut, the comfort 🤌🏻.

My search for a summer dress that doesn’t resemble an oversized sack has come to an end.

✨Comment DRESS and I’ll shoot you the link✨.

Hair up or down, what do we think??

Lipstick that doesn’t dry out your lips @lukbeautifood
Jewellery mostly @francescajewellery
Bag @status_anxiety

If only she knew what was coming 🥹✨. Just lo

If only she knew what was coming 🥹✨.

Just love this trend.

#imetmyyoungerselfforcoffee #motherhood #neurodivergent #raisingkids #infertility #ivf

That late ADHD diagnosis grief hits hard. It’s

That late ADHD diagnosis grief hits hard.

It’s all part of the process, it gets easier as you move through it.

If you’re in this now, just let yourself feel it.

#adhdwomen #adholatediagnosis #adhddiagnosis #adhdawareness #neurodivergent #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #adhdsupport

Overnight strawberry cheesecake for breakfast? Yes

Overnight strawberry cheesecake for breakfast? Yes, please! 🍓🍓

I’m all about quick, nourishing hacks to make mornings smoother and this is one of my favourites. Packed with 16 g of dairy protein thanks to @paulsplusprotein, it’s delicious but also keeps me full until lunchtime!

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients (serving suggestion)
• 2 Weetbix
• 125 ml almond milk
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 Pauls PLUS+ Protein Strawberry Yoghurt (160 g)
• 5 strawberries
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Steps:
1. Crumble weetbix into a small bowl.
2. Add almond milk & 2 tsp maple syrup - stir & pat it flat.
3. Mix lemon juice into the yoghurt and smooth over the weetbix layer.
4. Mash strawberries, chia seeds & 1 tsp maple syrup together for the final layer.
5. Pour strawberry mix over the yoghurt, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to the perfect breakfast!

And then go ahead and crown yourself the queen of organised mornings.
#PaulsPLUSProtein #ProteinMadeForLife #Ad #Sponsored

Tomorrow, my incredible autistic son walks into hi

Tomorrow, my incredible autistic son walks into his first day of kindergarten.

There was a time where I wasn’t sure if we’d make it to this moment.
If he’d be ready. If a world not built for him would ever make room.

He’s worked so hard for this.

I’ve watched him fight battles no one else understands.
I’ve seen the way anxiety wraps around his little body, the way he hesitates before stepping into the unknown.

And I’ve seen him, time and time again, step forward anyway.

And now, here we are.

But I’m stuck standing in his bedroom doorway, watching him sleep, wondering if tomorrow will be too much.

Hoping someone notices the way he twists his fingers when he’s nervous.
Hoping they see the way his face changes when he’s overwhelmed.
Hoping they show him patience & kindness.
Hoping they don’t try to change him.
Hoping they truly accept him for all that he is.

I’ve been his person for six whole years.
His voice, when the words didn’t come.
His calm, when the noise got too loud.

And tomorrow, I hand him over to a world that might not always get him.
A world that might mistake his quiet for rudeness, his overwhelm for defiance. A world that might not see the magic in the way he moves through it.

But he knows who he is. And I know what he’s capable of.

So I take a deep breath, let go…just a little, and trust that he’ll show them.

#autistickids #neurodivergent #autism #parenting

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