7 Days of Creativity: Balancing Motherhood & Passion Projects

Sunday evening last week I challenged myself to create something each day for a week.
Seven days of creativity as a way to live out my dream life of creating beautiful things and spending time with my hobbies.
As a working mom, I don't always get the time to spend it doing creative activities such as painting and sewing and baking, but I wanted this week to be different.
I wanted to be able to incorporate creativity into my lifestyle regardless of how much or how little time I had.
Little did I know that this week was going to teach me so much about discipline, motivation, inspiration, joy, freedom and using my time wisely.
About me: I’m Alexandra and I live in Oxfordshire together with my husband and our adorable daughter. My hope is that you’ll find a lot of positivity on this channel.
About this channel: Sharing from the heart. Sharing how I see the world. On here, I will cover topics such as: creativity, cooking, hobbies, self-care, mental health, mom life, crafty life, fashion, womanhood and, travelling.

[@adricristina_]

Wow. I absolutely love this idea. Just found you today and I can't stop watching. Gives me a sense of peace and motivation to just work on my creative projects freely and forget about perfection. Thank you for sharing your story with us. So refreshing to see this type of content on the internet. ❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Ah I am so glad you found this channel and you’re loving it. Really pleased to hear! Yes, in the last few years I have discovered the beauty of a little bit at a time but this project was such a good reminder that it’s about enjoying yourself not about finishing something as quickly as possible.

[@shearfunsewing]

Alexandra, I really love what you are doing, here, in your channel. I've watched several videos (just subscribed) and I know you are pivoting the channel a little to be more about creativity and sending out positive messages, and not just about sewing. I really think this is fantastic and that you're doing a wonderful job. Watching your videos is inspiring to me. Please keep following your passion, because it really is coming through in your videos, and that is why they are so good. And well done on the new sewing pattern, too!

[@sueburton6920]

Wise words creativity is key

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you so much! X

[@jennifers5778]

Happy Easter beautiful creative! This video was watched on a rainy Holy Saturday and I realized I finally daily live creative life of wonder and play. Years I had to stow away that essence of me being a single mom raising a special needs son. Now, he has his adult life in his apartment with kife coaches and I have my creative disciplined adult life while I work a remote day job. Miracles happen! Bless you and your video.Off to give it a go sewing placemats for Easter!❤🎉

[@AlexandraBurnett]

WOW! Single parenting is up there with one of the jobs/callings/responsabilities I respect the most! Well done to you! It can't have been easy at times, I can imagine, but you did it! Happy Easter to you - Praise the Lord for resurrection life! And for miracles! X

[@tailorstacks9837]

Alexandra, this is such a beautiful video. When subscribed for the sewing videos I never realized how much I would take away in terms thoughtful reflection about life. I am so thrilled of the direction you’ve taken this channel. Thank you for these teachings.

[@AlexandraBurnett]

This is such a lovely comment to receive! Thank you so much! I'm so encouraged!!! Truly!!! I often think "what am I doing" but comments like this re-assure me I'm moving in the right direction.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Thank you for this! My New Year's resolution was that I would spend at least three hours per week doing a creative project. I have not done that and I need to get back to it because it makes it so much easier to do boring things when I have fed myself with creativity.

[@AlexandraBurnett]

You can do it! Even if you start with one hour each week and you build the time up as you go - it will get you to your goals. I find that making a list about what I'm going to do and then prepping (buying the materials, organising my space etc) helps me. Also the 10 minute rule, try it for 10 minutes and see if you're in the flow. Chances are that getting started is harder than those 10 min, and once you're doing the work you'll be enjoying it!X

[@AngelineDelMundo]

THANK YOU FOR THIS REMINDER. although I am not a mom yet. but the reminder to just do it.

[@karinalss]

Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your world with us! I’m loving the new content, it’s so inspiring ❤️ I'm often stressed about the routine and I just want to create/sew something, but I always thought I would have to have a whole afternoon for that. And that causes a lot of anxiety. Seeing your videos and the way you think, makes me review my concepts and now I can enjoy the little moments. Thank you!

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you so much Karin - your words are so encouraging to me on this little journey! I know the way you feel because I've been there myself, but yes, this experiment serves as such a lightbulb moment to realise that I gotta use the 10 min here and there and stop wishing for the perfect time to arrive! Sending lots of love! X

[@sophielog1876]

I love your creativity and your personality, it really comes through in your recent videos! I’ve really been enjoying them.

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Ah I am so glad to hear it!!! Thank you for watching and thank you for being here! X

[@fernandacarvalh.o]

❤❤❤

[@julschristey3406]

You bring my heart peace in this world love your vlogs xxx

[@AlexandraBurnett]

I am so, so glad to hear! Truly!

[@camilaines7793]

How helpful your thoughts are! Thank you for sharing!!🧵🪡❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@anahrisca6165]

❤🎉

[@AlexandraBurnett]

xxx

[@lindalandgren4204]

Thank you, this is so inspiring!

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Yes, I think this one was a hug reminder for me too - just finished two rows of hand stitching this evening and it doesn't sound like much but it was 15 min of loveliness! Sending love X

[@Moniquenicole17]

Your videos are always so relaxing, a very welcoming feeling on a Monday! I love your message at the end. In the season of young children there isn’t always the “perfect” time to create, or enjoy a hobby. Sometimes 10 minutes here and there is what it is! This year I’m making monthly goals surrounding sewing and creating. currently I am trying to crochet my daughter a sweater, I find the time here and there to work on it in between the snuggles and play time ❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you for your kinds words! Really loving making these videos, so it means so much to hear you and others enjoy them! Oh that sounds like such a lovely little project, and your heart will explode when you see her wearing it!!! Enjoy the snuggles x

[@alisonbarrow5711]

Such an enjoyable and inspiring watch thank you Alexandra,I am a nana now and looking back being a mum was so very hard ,exhausting and lonely at times especially when chronically sleep deprived!Such wise words in reminding us all about comparison,which can become a stick to beat ourselves up with.

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Yes, the sleep deprivation was so hard! I often felt like I was the only one who had a baby who didn't sleep well at night, but that passed and I wished I didn't compare and just let myself be in my own journey! I'll know for next time! Thank you so much for watching! Nana's are A BLESSING to us moms! X

[@alisonbarrow5711]

@@AlexandraBurnett ❤️

[@hannahwatson3180]

I need to learn to discipline myself to start and see if I'm happy to continue with a project. Thank you xx

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Yes, it's so important as a way to just get on with things! Sending love! Thank you for watching! X

[@shalojaan1894]

I used to watch your videos for sewing inspiration and now I watch your videos for your delicious baking recipes. I grew up in Oxford and seeing your videos takes back to my childhood days. P.S would love for you share with us the recipe for the raspberry custard buns!

[@AlexandraBurnett]

This makes me so happy - a lot of people stopped watching the content since it's changed, which is normal, as it isn't sewing centric, but to hear you stayed and are still enjoying it, is giving me hope! :) Oxford is a lovely, lovely, place. We love it here! Here's the recipe that inspired my buns northwildkitchen.com/raspberry-custard-buns/ - I made some changes like adding raspberry jam instead of frozen raspberries. I will make the dough a little bit sweeter next time, so I recommend maybe increase the sugar if you like a sweet dough. And they are best consumed on the first day! when they are HOT! XXX

[@shalojaan1894]

You are so kind. Thank you so much. I love your personality and sense of humor. Wish you all the success and happiness. P.S please keep making these types of videos xxx

[@christinacole9302]

@@AlexandraBurnettwe have been transitioning to a new house and I haven’t had my sewing machine with me, which was what first drew me to your videos. But I just love your chats on motherhood and creativity! I saved the recipe to try this weekend! Thank you for your beautiful words the second half of the video!

[@sharonbrinders1224]

Loving this new journey with you Alexandra!! So much wisdom and creative juices flowing from you. God is good all the time. Stay blessed. Your family is so lovely. ❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you so much Sharon! I feel encouraged by your words! God is so good! He's blessed me with a lovely family! God bless you too! And Happy Easter for next Sunday! X

[@angelicavis]

Lovely video! Your latest video have such a cinematic feel :) Those custard buns look amaaaazing! I would definitely buy them in your coffee shop ;)

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you Angelica! You'd be very welcome into my coffee shop and I'd give you a hot cuppa to go with your custard buns! XXX

[@fatine]

thanks for this video :) new mom here and learning to still balance creativity and me-time :)

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Of course! It was one of the biggest learning curves for me - learning how to balance my hobbies / creativities in different seasons. You've got this!

[@snackpack_sneakattack]

Another wonderful little moment with our friend, Alexandra 💙 thank you for documenting your kindness to your inner creative self, it really made me feel like I need to be extra kind to mine! 😊

[@AlexandraBurnett]

I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Yes, be kind to your creative self, and spoil yourself a little! X

[@vanessal1500]

Beautiful words, I love your vlogs 🌸

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you so much, so pleased to hear! X

[@StellaNutella]

"IT IS ABOUT THE PROCESS NOT THE GOAL" this one truly hits home! thank you for sharing this, you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free 😅 Also please do share the bun recipe, my stomach wants creativity 🤣 thank you

[@AlexandraBurnett]

You're so welcome! northwildkitchen.com/raspberry-custard-buns/ I made a few changes - added 2 eggs to the dough, and made raspberry jam instead of the frozen raspberries she adds, I also recommend adding a little more sugar to the dough! But it's a great starting point X

[@patricialynch6532]

Lovely vlog! Thank you. ❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank you for watching! X

[@JulieH1958]

Thankyou Alexandra. This video arrived like a gift to help lift me up, refocus and recommit to my intentions for this year and beyond. Go well and see you next vlog.

[@AlexandraBurnett]

So glad to hear! Yes, March is a perfect time for starting again, just like nature reminds us! Thank you for watching and see you in the next one XXX

[@Wannaloom]

“Just get on with it” ❤❤ Another great video!! Thanks for being a blessing. 😊

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Thank *YOU* for watching! XXX

[@FutureFendiFsnista]

We are on the same wavelength! I started making a painting on the weekend after 16 years of not doing it. The last time I painted something for joy was in high school! Everything you have said is true. Especially the part about discipline. I have ADHD and if I wait for when I feel like doing something, I will never get anything done! Sometimes, pushing through is the best, and you even end up enjoying what you are doing after it, too! Love this video so much! Thanks for sharing your journey! P.s. It's so nice to see you play the guitar! You are so good!!! Can't wait to see you sing too! 🩷

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Wow, I love to hear it! I bet it felt so lovely to be re-acquainted with your old hobby! I love painting, I wish I was better at it, but it's such a lovely hobby to have isn't it? Pushing through is defo that way to go!!! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying these videos! Thank you so much for watching and tuning in! Hope you keep painting!

[@Rebecca_Good]

thank you for a bit of hope and peaceful thought today

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Ah I am so glad to hear! Thank you for watching! X

[@d-cameliaR]

Ce mi place să te urmăresc! Sunt curioasă cum îți va ieși povestea? ❤ce canal bogat ai! Super❤

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Multumesc mult. Am decis ca povestile vor fi inspirate de copilaria mea, mers la colind, la furat de cireșe, etc! Sa o introduc pe fata mea la mai multe aspecte din Copilăria și din țară mea! Te pup! Canalul acesta e oportunitatea mea de a crea! Mă bucur ca iei place! X

[@tess.kinski]

please, could we have the bun’s recipe 😊? your videos are the best, thank u for sharing your world ! i made a quilt thank to u (it’s not finished yet but i enjoy so much the process that i don’t ever wanna finish it haha)

[@AlexandraBurnett]

Of course. Here it is! northwildkitchen.com/raspberry-custard-buns/ - This was the recipe that inspired the buns, but I made some changes like adding raspberry jam instead of frozen raspberries. I will make the dough a little bit sweeter next time, so I recommend maybe increase the sugar if you like a sweet dough. And they are best consumed on the first day! when they are HOT! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying the videos, and wow, a quilt! Well done - go you!!!

[@tess.kinski]

Thank you so much !!

[@anahrisca6165]

Esc

[@AlexandraBurnett]

xxx