At Parks, we’re passionate about helping you create peaceful and enjoyable home environments. We believe our range of candles and room diffusers perfectly complement a relaxing home life, helping you unwind and enjoy time with your family.

So, we’re delighted that Jacqui from Mummy’s Little Monkey has agreed to have a chat with us about how she maintains her energy levels and creates a positive home environment for her family. Jacqui is a journalist, blogger and mother of two young girls, but still manages to take time out of her hectic schedule to create an energising home environment.

Read on to discover how Jacqui maintains a positive and energised home in a busy and hectic world.

Hi Jacqui, thanks for chatting with us. As a mother of two girls under the age of 10, how do you keep your energy levels high?

I used to work until crazy o’clock to try and keep up with my workload, but have recently discovered that getting up earlier is MUCH more productive. Now I get up between 5-6am, which gives me a head start of an hour or two on the day before the girls wake up. It’s so quiet and calm at that time of day that I can power through a blog post or churn through my outstanding emails. If I’m REALLY organised I even try to work in 10 minutes of yoga, which helps to wake me up and clear my mind for the day ahead.  I also try to get to the gym at least three times a week, as it really helps me combat that mid-afternoon energy slump.

jacqui mummys little monster

Do you find that your energy levels and mood are affected by your home environment? And likewise, do your girls thrive in more positive environments?

Absolutely! I find a pleasant working environment has a huge impact on how inspired and productive I feel. A bunch of fresh flowers never fails to make me happy, and if I’m feeling stressed and unfocused I put on music, or light a scented candle. The other day I surprised the girls with a tea party; when they got home from school it was all set up with floral cups and little sandwiches. They were literally beaming for the rest of the day.

How do you create a positive and energising environment in the home?

I’m a really positive person anyway – the glass is ALWAYS half full – but I like to surround myself with homely touches. My youngest is always leaving me love notes, which never fail to make my day, while my eldest draws beautiful pictures for me. I’ve also discovered that fragrances really give me a lift.

After a long day, looking after the girls and seeing to all your other day-to-day tasks, how do you relax and recharge in an evening?

My guilty pleasure is reality telly, so give me a glass of wine, a snuggly blanket and a few episodes of The Real Housewives, and I’m in heaven.

And finally, do you have any advice for parents looking for an energy boost?

Stop trying to do it all, as you’ll only end up feeling overwhelmed. Delegate the work and household duties and take time for yourself, even if it’s 20 minutes to light a candle and read a magazine. If you’re feeling sluggish, get outside – go to the gym, or just get some fresh air and (if the weather is cooperating) some sunshine. Focus on all the good stuff going on around you, and give yourself some credit – you’re doing an amazing job.

Thanks again to Jacqui for taking time out of her busy schedule to have a chat with us.

If you’re looking to create a positive and energised home environment, and believe candles could help you achieve that, you’ve come to the right place. At Parks, we stock a huge selection of candles in a range of styles and scents. Take a look at our full range of candles today.