Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.

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Category: Lifestyle

  1. 8 Valuable Lessons You Can Learn from the Inclusive Beauty Movement

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    The inclusive beauty movement advocates for a more expansive and accepting definition of what people consider to be beautiful. Gone are the days of narrow standards that exclude vast segments of the population. This movement champions diversity, challenges traditional norms, and encourages individuals to embrace their most unique qualities and with two daughters, this is a positive trend I can get on board with.

    LLP - Pin - 8 Valuable Lessons You Can Learn from the Inclusive Beauty Move

    Inclusive beauty goes beyond what’s skin deep and strives to uphold an environment that celebrates representation, body positivity, and self-expression. Below is a list of the valuable lessons this movement has brought to the forefront:

    1) Diversity Is Beautiful

    Diversity is a central concept in inclusive beauty. This lesson urges individuals to appreciate the richness found in differences, whether they be in skin tones, facial features, or cultural practices.

    As such, many people who ascribe to the idea of inclusivity are quite open to finding beauty and inspiration in a highly diverse environment. They can, for example, be inspired by individuals from various backgrounds.

    It’s also not out of the ordinary for them to support brands that prioritize inclusivity and cater to a wide range of people in terms of marketing and product offerings. Adopt an open mindset yourself to expand your own beauty standards and contribute to a more inclusive narrative for others.

    2) Representation Matters

    That said, the significance of representation within the inclusive beauty movement extends beyond mere visibility. There is power in seeing oneself reflected in media and beauty campaigns, and in knowing that there are beauty products like makeup or clothes like women’s tights that are made to complement your unique features.

    You can advance the value of representation by engaging with content creators and brands that prioritize human characteristics outside what traditionally counts as beautiful. Additionally, consider amplifying your own voice by sharing your unique beauty journey. This contributes to the narrative of inclusivity that empowers others to embrace their authentic selves. 

    3) Celebrate Your Own Body

    Inclusive beauty challenges the pervasive narrative that dictates a singular—and often unattainable— standard of beauty. This lesson, centered on body positivity, encourages individuals to redefine their relationships with their bodies.

    Take this lesson to heart and engage in positive self-talk, appreciating your body's uniqueness and surrounding yourself with body-positive influences. Doing so will cultivate a healthier self-image and contribute to a broader cultural shift towards accepting and celebrating diverse body types.

    4) Beauty Products Can Be Both Inclusive and Accessible

    Inclusive beauty doesn't stop at representation; it extends to the products available in the market. This highlights the importance of beauty products catering to diverse skin tones, hair types, and abilities.

    To integrate this lesson into your own beauty routine, seek out brands that prioritize inclusivity in their product lines. Advocate for accessibility in the beauty industry by supporting initiatives and brands that champion a wide range of needs and preferences. Your support helps ensure that everyone has access to products that enhance their unique beauty.

    5) Break Stereotypes

    The movement also challenges societal stereotypes related to age, gender, and conventional beauty standards. You can do this yourself by being courageous in expressing your authentic self, free from societal expectations.

    Challenge stereotypes by embracing styles and beauty practices that resonate with your identity rather than what is expected of you. Also support campaigns and initiatives that actively challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting definition of beauty for all.

    6) Vouch for Your Own Empowerment and Self-Expression

    An inclusive perspective views beauty as a form of self-expression, and it encourages individuals to experiment with different styles and looks. You can embody such a stance whenever you choose to explore and express your personal style without fear of judgment.

    Instead of a means to attain other people’s standards and expectations, use beauty as a tool for self-empowerment. Encourage others to do the same and start roots in a community that celebrates diverse forms of beauty and self-discovery.

    7) Appreciate Other Cultures

    Cultural appreciation, or the acknowledgment and celebration of the diverse beauty practices and traditions across the globe, is a fundamental aspect of the inclusive beauty movement. Take part in this by actively educating yourself about beauty practices from various cultures. You can also engage in respectful conversations and give people space to share how they cultivate the concept of beauty in public and personal spaces.

    When incorporating elements from different cultures into your beauty routine, do so with respect and understanding. This way, you can avoid appropriation and instead honor global beauty traditions the way they deserve to be honored.

    8) Champion Beauty Education and Awareness

    The inclusive beauty movement underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding the impact of beauty standards on mental health and well-being. You can bolster this lesson by thinking critically about media messages and beauty industry practices.

    Educate yourself on the psychological effects of unrealistic beauty standards and share this knowledge with others. Support organizations and campaigns that promote awareness as well, and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate beauty culture. Through education, individuals can become catalysts for positive change in the perception of beauty.

    It is not difficult to make a change and to continue to learn lessons. As a mother, it is important for me to pass this on to my children and the friends and people around me. That way, we can all become agents of change and lead a world where authenticity is valued, stereotypes are shattered, and everyone is free to express their beauty in a way that resonates with their true selves. Become a champion of the inclusive beauty movement in your own way, and advocate for the world to become more accepting not only of you, but of the generations to come.

  2. The Art of Self-Care: Incorporating Wellness Routines into Your Fashion Lifestyle

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    Many women face unique challenges in balancing multiple responsibilities at work and at home. Even as they work on achieving their dream careers and making meaningful connections, they also want to maintain a cozy environment where they can find solace as they work. Given their busy schedules, taking care of their overall well-being becomes even more crucial. That’s why they need to find moments to practice self-care. This may involve incorporating wellness routines into different aspects of their daily lives, like their fashion choices.

    From mindful dressing to caring for your clothes, you can intertwine wellness routines with your everyday style to achieve the desired effect. Here are ways you can explore a holistic approach to self-care through fashion.

    Boost Your Confidence by Dressing Well

    When you feel good about what you wear, it positively influences your overall well-being. This can be a very powerful tool, especially when you need an extra boost of confidence. For example, when you’re preparing for an important client meeting or business presentation about web development, projecting a strong image through your fashion choices can influence others’ perception of you. In such scenarios, leverage your clothes to express yourself and improve your mood. 

    Wear clothes and accessories to express your best self and that suit the occasion. In a formal professional setting, this can include a smart dress suit, high-quality knee high hosiery, and elegant pearls. 

    Practice Mindful Dressing

    Mindful dressing is another form of self-care you can integrate into your daily schedule. It involves taking time to choose outfits with intention. Rather than viewing dressing as a mundane task, transform it into a meditative experience. Select clothing that resonates with your mood and your personal style. You can also enhance the experience by choosing your outfit the night before. This way, you won’t have to rush in the morning and will feel more relaxed getting ready.

    Build a Capsule Wardrobe 

    If you have a busy schedule, you need to be efficient, even when dressing up. Thankfully, creating a capsule wardrobe provides a practical solution and another form of self-care. With a curated collection of clothing, you can minimize the fatigue and stress associated with outfit choices. Just make sure to build a capsule wardrobe of versatile and timeless pieces. It’s also a good idea to invest in quality, multifunctional items that effortlessly blend style with practicality. This way, you won’t feel like you run out of stylish clothes to wear. 

    Organize Your Wardrobe

    Another alternative is to organize your current wardrobe. This is a good option if you feel a capsule wardrobe isn’t for you. Additionally, an organized wardrobe can enhance your overall well-being by creating a sense of order and calm in your daily life. 

    So, take the time to declutter and arrange your clothes thoughtfully. You can start by categorizing your wardrobe according to the type of clothing and occasion it's suited for. Then, take out any worn pieces or items you no longer use to declutter your wardrobe. Once you organize your closet, it will be easier to find what you need, fostering a positive and stress-free morning routine.

    Take Care of Your Clothes

    Many people often overlook that caring for their clothes can also be part of their wellness routine. When you have well-maintained clothes, they last longer. They also contribute to a positive self-image because you wear pieces that are clean and in good condition, allowing you to project a well-kept and confident look. So, take the time to properly clean, store, and maintain your clothes. Remove any stains you find on your clothes immediately and follow the care instructions for each clothing item. If a piece of clothing requires special care, take it to the professional cleaners. 

    Dress for Comfort and Confidence

    When it comes to comfortable clothing choices, you don’t need to sacrifice style. You just need to find fashion trends that prioritize both comfort and fashion. Some examples are oversized sweaters and athleisure pieces.

    Also, many fashion brands have answered the demand for comfortable and stylish outfits by designing trendy pieces made of comfortable materials. So, try to find pieces that align with your preferences and make you feel at ease. 

    Embrace Creativity through Upcycling

    Instead of discarding old clothes, consider transforming them into something new and trendy. You can turn jeans into shorts or repurpose shirts into stylish crop tops. You can also breathe new life into old clothes by customizing them. In this sense, upcycling contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle and allows you to express your creativity and individuality.

    LLP - Pin - The Art of Self-Care Incorporating Wellness Routines into Your

    Wear Comfy Sleepwear for Restful Nights

    Having quality sleep is a cornerstone of overall well-being. It ensures you have energy for the next day and contributes to your focus. One way you can extend your wellness routine to bedtime is by investing in comfortable and breathable sleepwear. Opt for fabrics that feel soft against your skin. Also, choose sleepwear that won’t restrict your movements while in bed. This allows you to relax and get a restful night's sleep. 

    In the journey of incorporating wellness routines into your fashion lifestyle, remember that self-care is a personal and evolving experience. Find joy in the process, celebrate your uniqueness, and prioritize your well-being. By blending fashion with mindfulness and self-expression, you're not just creating a stylish look, but you're also doing yourself a favor by cultivating a balanced and fulfilling life.

  3. Family Friendly Working From Home Ideas

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    LLP - Pin - Work from home

    Working from home can be a great solution for mums who want to balance their career with their family life. However, it can be challenging to find flexible work opportunities that fit around school runs and baby nap times. Here are five top tips to help you find family-friendly work from home opportunities.

    1. Freelance Writing and Blogging

    Freelance writing and blogging are great options for mums who want to work from home. Many companies and individuals hire freelance writers to create content for their websites or blogs. You can work on your own schedule and choose the projects that interest you. Blogging is another option that offers flexibility, as you can write and publish posts whenever you have time. Plus, it can be a great way to share your own experiences and connect with other mums.

    2. Virtual Assistant

    Many businesses and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks, such as email management, scheduling appointments, and social media management. As a virtual assistant, you can work from home and provide these services remotely. This is a great option if you have good organizational skills and are comfortable working with technology.

    3. Online Tutoring

    Online tutoring is a great option for mums who have a teaching background or expertise in a particular subject area. Many companies hire online tutors to provide one-on-one instruction to students. You can work from home and choose the hours that work best for you. Plus, it can be a rewarding way to help others learn and grow.

    4. Direct Sales

    Direct sales is another option that offers flexibility and the potential for a good income. Many companies offer opportunities to sell their products directly to customers, either through parties or online. You can work on your own schedule and choose the products that you want to sell. Plus, it can be a great way to connect with other mums and build a community.

    5. Remote Customer Service

    Many companies are now offering remote customer service positions, which can be a great option for mums who want to work from home. As a remote customer service representative, you would handle customer inquiries and provide support via phone, email, or chat. This is a great option if you have good communication skills and enjoy helping others.

    When looking for family-friendly work from home opportunities, it’s important to keep your priorities in mind. Consider your schedule, your family’s needs, and your own interests and skills. With a little research and some creativity, you can find flexible work that allows you to balance your career and your family life.

     

  4. 5 Reasons to Enter Business Awards

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    After managing and supporting small businesses for over 10 years, I have seen a lot of change in what can help and market your SME. As a social media consultant, I would always say to start with social media but after that, it has to be business awards.

    LLP - PIN - Business Awards

    But which one? How do you decide which awards to enter? There are usually two types of awards, one is voting and the other is a panel. If you have a good social following and extensive network, a voting could be beneficial however ultimately a panel awards system is completely impartial and independent (and my personal preference).

    If you have a great product, amazing vision or simply a story to tell then an award can be a new platform to a wider audience (not to mention the kudos). However, if you need any more convincing, here are our top 5 reasons to enter business awards.

    1. Free marketing - if you are nominated or a finalist, you will undoubtedly get additional exposure and social mentions.
    2. Increases credibility and customer retention. An award win can give a business more credibility and is a sign of quality for potential customers.
    3. Exposure - we know that exposure doesn't pay the bills but CAN put your business in front of influencers and key people within your industry.
    4. Recognition - public acknowledgement of your achievements is not only a great feeling but by pitching yourself as the best you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward.
    5. Who are your audience more likely to use if you’re THE award-winning business in your sector?

    LLP - PIN - Business Awards (1)

    It is not a secret that we are an award sponsor this year but again for us, working with the very best is important for our own brand. The Business Success Network Business Recognition Awards are designed and developed to celebrate SME’s business success throughout the UK and have a range of catergories, suitable for all businesses at any stage of their journey. 

    The BSN Awards celebrate the fantastic work being done by businesses and individuals within the UK business community and we will be sharing more details on our socials of the 2022 event at the awards next weekend. I shall also be spending the next week debating over my awards outfit but in the meantime, if you can't wait for the BSN Awards 2023 and you are considering entering your business for an award, make sure you carefully choose your awards process and category to best suit your business and its achievements!

    Good luck!