Standing in the supermarket, I picked up a punnet of strawberries and looked at the price – £4! As the sole earner in my household and with four hungry mouths to feed, plus me and my partner, everything was getting so expensive. It was May 2022 and with bills escalating and the cost of living spiralling out of control, I couldn’t help but think there was a better way to live.
When my daughter Violet was born in November 2013, I felt like the luckiest mum in the world. My partner Davidson, then 46, and I had endured years of failed IVF and three devastating miscarriages. Eventually, after eight embryo transfers, Violet arrived safe and healthy. ‘Our miracle baby,’ I said, enamoured by her.
I loved being her mum, and I enjoyed a year of maternity leave, bonding with my daughter and watching her grow. But before long, it was time to go back to work. I had a good job as an estate agent and Davidson worked as a letting agent.
A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE
Between us, we had a good income, so in 2016, we decided to take a month off to go travelling around India. ‘The trip of a lifetime,’ I told friends and family.
Some people thought we were crazy travelling with a toddler, but Violet, then two, was so well behaved. She loved exploring with us in the jungle, seeing exotic animals and playing on beautiful sandy beaches.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?