Wilde Hippi Journal: December Round-Up

December, for many mothers, can feel like a whirlwind. It's a time filled with busy schedules, expectations, and a relentless need to stay present for family and friends. For me, this December marked a significant change, as it was the first time I spent Christmas away from my children. Initially, I was worried about the emotional toll it might take on both the girls and me. However, surprisingly, it wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated.

One of the reasons I made this decision was after eight missed Christmases and a long 3 year pandemic spent separated from family and friends who can no longer afford to fly anywhere. I vowed not to miss another UK Christmas. To make this work, we decided the children would alternate between home countries, and this Christmas I spent time with my parents in the UK, while the girls flew to their fathers home country.

Achieving a Dream

This change happened in tandem with a major personal achievement: my husband and I bought our first house in the UK! It took a decade to save, three years of searching, and a whole year of hustling to secure a mortgage provider who would consider our unique circumstances. Now, we have a four-bedroom family home just a 15-minute walk from the girls' back up school in our back up home country. Despite the celebrations being cut short by the need to rent out the house immediately, this milestone made this Christmas extra special.

London Fun and Festivities

In the midst of it all, I made sure to carve out time for some fun. I ventured into London, where I saw a West End show with my brother and his girlfriend, spent the day at the V&A museum with my best friend, and explored the festive window displays on Regent Street and Bond Street. London’s visual allure never disappoints, offering ample inspiration for my creative soul.

A Christmas Present for Myself

One of my favourite moments was indulging at Harrods food court, picking up some exquisite dates to enjoy with my parents, and then heading over to Stella McCartney’s flagship store to treat myself to a Christmas present – the Falabella Tiny Tote Bag. The bag is a stunning piece, crafted from grained vegan Shaggy Deer fabric with a logo-patterned recycled lining, and a signature ruthenium recycled brass and aluminium diamond-cut chain. It's as sustainable as it is stylish, and perfectly suits my need for an everyday, eco-conscious luxury accessory.

Family Reunions and Dubai Adventures

As December drew to a close, I reunited with my immediate family in Dubai, where we spent quality time with our children. A highlight was our visit to the Museum of the Future, a place that ignited hope and offered a glimpse into the possibilities of a brighter tomorrow. We explored technology that could transform society, from climate change solutions to new ways of living. We also indulged in some traditional Dubai experiences like visiting the Burj Khalifa and sand boarding in the desert.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking forward to 2025, I’ve set several aspirations. I’ll be starting an online MA in Fashion Sustainability from the UK, hoping this time I will find my tribe. I also plan to transition back into employment, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the textiles industry. If that doesn't work out, I'll continue focusing on up-skilling, my passion projects – my website, book club, and educational resources.

On a more personal note, I’m determined to conquer some fears, namely driving. Despite having a license, I’ve never gotten behind the wheel, and this year, I want to practice so that I can explore the UK countryside with my girls freely. Lastly, I’m committed to connecting with like-minded individuals here in Singapore, hoping to find kindred spirits just around the corner.

As we close out this year, I’m filled with gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead. 2025, here we come.

With love, creativity, and purpose,
Tala 🌿✨ 
Founder, Wilde Hippi By Tala 

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