Growing

New year, same us - and honestly, we’re just happy to be here with the glimmer girls. We’re not launching into 2026 with bold resolutions or a long list of “ins and outs.” Instead, we’re letting this season be what it is: a gentle (at times chaotic) chapter of our families growing, slower mornings, and soaking up the good glimmers wherever we can find it.Beth is feeling the call to simplify and Lil hasn’t picked a word for the year (yet!) — but there’s still time and we know she doesn’t like being rushed and in her world there’s no such thing as being late… so whatever!Whether you’re riding the wave of school holidays or gently easing into your work year, this episode is here as a balm for wherever it finds you. Beth’s Recommendation:She’s officially joined the air fryer fandom (late but loving it). If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign.Beth’s Recipe Pick:Cypriot grain salad — hearty, fresh, and perfect for summer gatherings.Hellenic Republic’s Cypriot SaladLil’s Recommendation:The Housemaid — a gripping page-turner for your beach bag or bath soak. Bonus? It’s now a movie, so grab a friend, some popcorn and Maltesers, and make a date of it - we all know Lil will be, girl loves the flicks. Lil’s Recipe Pick:Her go-to take on the same dish (because what’s better than two versions of a fave).Recipearce Cypriot SaladIf you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you shared it with a fellow parent, left a review, or tagged us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast. Let’s walk gently into 2026 together.Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_This Week’s R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)

It’s our last episode of the year, and we’re wrapping it all up with a giggle, a bit of nostalgia, and some honest reflections.Join us as we revisit our ins and outs list for 2025 — the things we embraced, the habits we left behind, and a few goals that now feel more laughable than achievable (we’re looking at you, themed parties and a consistent exercise regime). There are plenty of light-hearted moments, but also some tender reminders of what truly anchored us this year. Whether you’ve been here since our first episode together or you’re tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this growing community. We’re so lucky to have you with us — and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026. 

It’s Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas! Our bodies are feeling a little cranky, a little sore, and carrying babies through this hot, hot summer is no small physical feat. If you’re feeling it too - you’re not alone.R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)Recommendation: Get into the water — the ocean, the pool, anywhere you can dunk your head under. A good pair of togs, a sarong, some funky jewellery and a great hat go a long way. Sink into the slowness, enjoy being by the water. You bloody deserve it doll. Recipe: A refreshing Mango Chia Seed Pudding — cool, nourishing and perfect for summer. Find the recipe hereRecommendation: The MCO Beauty Lip Mask — a summer staple for dry, tired lips. Shop it hereRecipe: A festive Christmas Quencher (non-alcoholic punch) — hydrating, celebratory and perfect for Christmas Eve sipping. Lil’s Mums text about the quencher reads: It starts with a lemon/sugar syrup -maybe 1 cup of sugar, juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup of water long strips of the lemon rind (use vegetable peeler) big sprigs of mint. Boil together till sugar dissolves. Cool leaving rind and mint in the syrup until you put the quencher together. Add the strained quencher base to a large tin of pineapple juice, ginger ale and soda water.Ps while we’re talking about Lil’s Mum the naked reference quote from this weeks chat is here A very Merry Christmas from us to you, we’re so grateful to be in all the seasons alongside you. Beth’s PicksLil’s Picks

This week on Growing, we’re donning our Mrs Claus hats and chatting all things Christmas giving. We dive into what’s going into the Santa sacks for our kids - with a focus on thoughtful, practical and joy-filled ideas. If you’re still searching for inspiration, there might be a few ideas here for you too.OUR SANTA SACK PICKS: TrampolineAir ToobzBackpack or lunch box for daycareA book refreshYoto cardsA potion kit made from bits and bobs sourced at the op shopNew CrocsA dress-up boxSchleich animal figurinesGrimms building blocksAlison Lester Books Togs for summer Share this episode with a friend who’s in the thick of festive planning - or someone who needs ideas that feel a little more intentional and a little less overwhelming.

This week Beth poses the important question: how many Airtaskers does it take to build an IKEA cupboard? As it turns out… quite a few. And it’s still not quite finished.The good news? Her twinny boys are growing beautifully (we’re talking almost off the charts x2), which feels like a reassuring little nudge that even under double load, her body knows exactly what it’s doing. Meanwhile, Lilly is knee-deep in silly-season chaos asking herself two things: Where the helly is that husband she married and where the helly is her iron? (Spoiler: she’s depleted on all fronts.)The girls also share a loving little reminder to compliment the mothers in your life. A small noticing can land like a hug — and we all need more of those.On R&R Beth’s Recommendation: A great summer read — The Paper Palace and a Recipe (sort of): Pods. Yes, the chocolate ones in a packet snickers or mars or whatever takes your fancy. A recipe at a stretch, but deeply delicious.Lilly’s Recipe: A slow-cooked shredded beef ragu from RecipeTin Eats — perfect for boosting those iron levels. Make it here and Recommendation wise she’s suggesting a gorgeous, wholesome follow from a UK mum — @lifeatbluebell_If you love the podcast, please recommend us to your mums group — and if you haven’t already, we’d so appreciate a rating and review. It helps more than you know.🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.