Author Archives: Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

About Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

Bouncing into middle age armed with courage, ambition and a pair of tweezers (chin hairs for anyone over the age of 45 reading this) I am a writer with a mission: to redefine this midway point in my life when the last thing I want to do is hang up my high heels and become invisible. This is the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end. A single mum to 3 fabulous girls, an author, and a fundraising consultant, both ends of my candle are on fire. As I enter this new stage of my life, I want to explore what it means for 'mid-aged' women today, who were promised they could have it all, ended up doing it all, and just do not identify with the traditional image of middle age.

Sandwich filling

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

This morning I sat at my mum’s house eating breakfast. This no longer is a solitary, selfless affair. I turned to my right and spooned a mouthful of porridge into my baby, turned to my left and spooned a mouthful … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

It’s the small things

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

Poppy was born tiny and drew gasps of gorgeousness with her small, compact, perfect form. She was snug, sweet, and sassy. Clothes draped her little figure with concern, always a year at least in size below her actual age…. as … Continue reading →

Posted in coeliac, gluten, small stature | 6 Comments

Scooter Girls

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

Growing up happens in stages. Little steps lead to giant discoveries, incremental instalments ignite monumental growth. Take the walk to school. Last year when Daisy started playschool, this involved two toddlers and one double buggy ride a mile and a … Continue reading →

Posted in growing up, scooters | 5 Comments

Pain and pleasure

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

We’ve just returned from our family week in Ballyvaughan in the Burren on the West Coast of Ireland. The family week we have every year with my mum and dad, my brother and his family, and me and mine. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballyvaughan, mum, stroke | 5 Comments

Opposites attract

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

I think as a parent we spend huge amounts of time trying to see other people in our children – ourselves, our partners, our mothers. It’s like we have to find recognition in the stranger, finding a connection with this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Child’s Play

Posted on April 9, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

I’ve talked about my inner child before – about the desperate diva throwing toddler-esque tantrums, spitting out my dummy when I’m faced with endless, thankless, relentless demands when all I want to do is hide under my duvet, quiet and … Continue reading →

Posted in inner child, mother | 5 Comments

Flower Power

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

I’ ve always believed in flower power. I’ve always seen the beauty of life in the colour purple, and pink, and yellow and blue. Flowers uplift me almost as much as chocolate (and are better for me!) Even when we … Continue reading →

Posted in flowers, interflora, rosie scribble | 2 Comments

No-one told the kids!

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

Holidays obviously mean different things to different people. To me, they mean a large glug of relaxation tinged with a little adventure, with a dollop of good food, great books and a sun glowing like a cherry on top. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

ungodly ways

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

It’s at times like these, I wished I believed in a god. Then I could shout and rant at him / her / it for the horribleness of my life right now. I do believe in the power of prayer … Continue reading →

Posted in god | 5 Comments

Dying to live

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Grin & Tonic by Alana Kirk

I’m going to die. I’ve only just really realised this. It never seemed like a real possibility before. But, I’m going to die and that knowledge has a massive impact on how I want to live. The suddeness of my … Continue reading →

Posted in dying, living | 5 Comments