And now… the back story. Saying good bye to my London flat was very emotional, I’ve lived there for about 18 years. I rented it first and then bought it a few years later. It was the most secure I had ever felt… I moved around a lot as a child and for many reasons often felt very unsettled. This flat was my life raft through highs and lows of my career, through the madness of covid, it’s where my babies came home from the hospital, took their first steps.. all the magical mess of life… The good, the bad… the hilarious and then the heartbreak. I never thought I would want to leave but life had other plans. I had a very difficult second birth and postpartum period with my second and in the end my little fam went to Ireland for a circuit breaker last year as my body just wasn’t healing. Two weeks after being in Ireland my c-section finally closed up, I was about 7 months pp by then. My nervous system finally had the break it so desperately needed – I was certainly suffering a major burn out at that point and London life was just too much on top of everything else. When we came back to London there were more turbulent times to come and some tremendous losses that brought me to my knees. Too raw to go in to. Somehow I put one foot in front of the other for my husband and babies. The job of ‘performer and actor’ that I had done professionally since childhood has felt almost impossible to show up in, too vulnerable, too exposing… I never imagined the career that I have loved, the thing that was my escape from a challenging childhood would feel so difficult. That showing up publicly in my own skin could feel so out of reach. Performing – a survival strategy devised in childhood, no longer working. What to do? We needed to change something, my husband has been working every minute of the day trying to keep us going and to hold me and our girls through all this. A little seed of hope had been planted last summer and a daydream, that turned into nightly discussions… could we do it? Should we do it? Could we make it work? Slowly a plan was hatched and here we are now sitting in our little house, overlooking the ocean on the West Coast of Ireland… cont.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my girls @sarahjaynedunn @carleystenson1 @jodialbert (we missed you!! 💖) For my most AMAZING Birthday treat!!!! Spa treatments, bubbles and the most overdue catch-ups 💖💖💖🌈 Love you girls so much, thank you, thank you, thank you. Heart full 💖💖💖 NYX Hotel London Holborn
I. Want. More. Almost sounds like dirty words doesn’t it!? More support, more strength, more balance… more me. I woke up on the morning of my 40th birthday with the dawning realisation that I had slipped down to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list. I had been invited to go and see a fab women’s health physio… and I had put it off FOR TWO WHOLE YEARS!! I messaged @martadowner @letowoman that morning and asked if it was ‘too late for me.’.. As that’s where I was at with the whole thing. Turns out it’s not! Turns out for me, it was probably just the right time… to sit down with another women and share the history of my body and the story that it’s currently telling.. of hyper mobility and injuries, of pregnancy, GD, SPD, birth and c-section, of beginning my parenting journey one week before lockdown… of my current feelings of disconnect with my tummy and soaring stress levels with the hyper-vigilance involved in raising a toddler with multiple severe allergies. What also transpired in that meeting was that I really miss dancing! I miss connecting with the energy of group exercise and the positive feelings attached to it. I came out feeling lighter, feeling seen heard and understood. YES to loving our postpartum bodies, YES to body positivity AND also a big YES to seeking out the help and support we need and deserve because there are things we don’t have to live with, healing can happen at any time and particularly for us lock down mammas who may not have gotten the help that we needed to unpack what we’ve been through, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you Marta for being part of my journey back to me. I will forever be grateful. 🙏🏻💜⭐️ #collab women #womenshealth #womenshealthphysio #collaboration #gift #thankyou #postpartum #postpartumbody
It’s finally out!! Catch me on @alibichannel #wehunttogether series this Thursday at 9pm!! #❤️🎥 Starring the wonderful @teamevemyles #babouceesay @hermionecorfield directed by @bexrycroft ❤️ 📸:@darrenphotog
It’s finally out!! Catch me on @alibichannel #wehunttogether series this Thursday at 9pm!! #❤️🎥 Starring the wonderful @teamevemyles #babouceesay @hermionecorfield directed by @bexrycroft ❤️ 📸:@darrenphotog
That Friday Feeling! 💙(tbh not exactly how I’m feeling right now.. Isla and I not been on top form this week and I currently have a couple of hours child care – have thrown my to-do list out the window and am currently laying down flat!) Wanted to post a pic I felt pretty in! Bare foot in my living room, photo by my husband ❤️
📸: @bluepineapplepictures
👗: @lovebastianinsta #mybusiness
Trying to find one photo of the three of us where none of us are doing anything strange 😂 or blinking or looking in the opposite direction 😂 You’d think we’d have got the hang of this by now!? Navigating life and motherhood with the support of my besties @sarahjaynedunn @carleystenson1 and @jodialbert (we missed you so much 💜) I made a bit of an impromptu (French Martini induced) speech about it at lunch yesterday – but we really have shared so much and I feel so lucky to have a gang that I can literally say ANYTHING to! There is always a seat at the table for whatever is showing up for any of us and I’m so, so grateful for that. I truly believe when you put a group of women together, magic happens. Here’s to making many new memories. Happy Mother’s Day gang 💫💫💫 📸: By Stan!
I’ve been a little quiet on here as we have been right in the thick of a giant housemove. After a year of the most profound loss, we decided to change our lives completely and trade in city life for a whole new adventure… we cannot wait to share our new chapter with you 🌊❤️💫
Hand on heart, my stress levels have been through the roof lately and I honestly think that’s why I’ve been coming down with so many bugs. My nervous system is a bit frazzled getting back out onto the world – like I’ve just emerged from some kind of cacoon! And the family and professional life juggle is real! What I’ve noticed, through my own experience and through coaching others is that as soon as I’m in a state where I’m desperately trying to find a way to create the 36 hour day or the 8 day week – that is exactly the moment I actually need to take my foot of the gas. To rest and restore and to tend to my own needs.
During lockdown, I was so much better at getting out into nature and self soothing with long walks – quite frankly, apart from the domestic treadmill, there wasn’t much else to do to create routine – but now as the to-do list lengthens, I’m having to consciously decide to get out of the flat – or it just won’t happen!
I’m loving @Revolutionrace for their technical clothing that doesn’t put function entirely over form! As I’m sure you all know, I LOVE colour!!! Bright colours lift my mood and make me happy. I was drawn straight away to the waterproof, wind proof coral Cyclone Jacket, perfect for skiing and all year round mountain sports AND feels great on a dogwalk with my toddler! Revolution Race’s ‘Highwaisted Bouncer Jeans’ – shower proof, figure hugging, more flattering than your average hiking gear, warmer than a legging and SIX POCKETS… enjoy!! ❤️ Use my code: ALI15 Ps. I’ve hiked two mountains in my life, Snowden and Gaustatoppen in Norway and it wasn’t in gear that looked like this! I cannot wait to breath that mountain air again, clear my head and give this kit a run out!… one of these days… 🤔💭 Use:Ali15 for 15% off code valid from 5th-7th May, cannot be combined with other offers … Enjoy!! AD
Hand on heart, my stress levels have been through the roof lately and I honestly think that’s why I’ve been coming down with so many bugs. My nervous system is a bit frazzled getting back out onto the world – like I’ve just emerged from some kind of cacoon! And the family and professional life juggle is real! What I’ve noticed, through my own experience and through coaching others is that as soon as I’m in a state where I’m desperately trying to find a way to create the 36 hour day or the 8 day week – that is exactly the moment I actually need to take my foot of the gas. To rest and restore and to tend to my own needs.
During lockdown, I was so much better at getting out into nature and self soothing with long walks – quite frankly, apart from the domestic treadmill, there wasn’t much else to do to create routine – but now as the to-do list lengthens, I’m having to consciously decide to get out of the flat – or it just won’t happen!
I’m loving @Revolutionrace for their technical clothing that doesn’t put function entirely over form! As I’m sure you all know, I LOVE colour!!! Bright colours lift my mood and make me happy. I was drawn straight away to the waterproof, wind proof coral Cyclone Jacket, perfect for skiing and all year round mountain sports AND feels great on a dogwalk with my toddler! Revolution Race’s ‘Highwaisted Bouncer Jeans’ – shower proof, figure hugging, more flattering than your average hiking gear, warmer than a legging and SIX POCKETS… enjoy!! ❤️ Use my code: ALI15 Ps. I’ve hiked two mountains in my life, Snowden and Gaustatoppen in Norway and it wasn’t in gear that looked like this! I cannot wait to breath that mountain air again, clear my head and give this kit a run out!… one of these days… 🤔💭 Use:Ali15 for 15% off code valid from 5th-7th May, cannot be combined with other offers … Enjoy!! AD
Hand on heart, my stress levels have been through the roof lately and I honestly think that’s why I’ve been coming down with so many bugs. My nervous system is a bit frazzled getting back out onto the world – like I’ve just emerged from some kind of cacoon! And the family and professional life juggle is real! What I’ve noticed, through my own experience and through coaching others is that as soon as I’m in a state where I’m desperately trying to find a way to create the 36 hour day or the 8 day week – that is exactly the moment I actually need to take my foot of the gas. To rest and restore and to tend to my own needs.
During lockdown, I was so much better at getting out into nature and self soothing with long walks – quite frankly, apart from the domestic treadmill, there wasn’t much else to do to create routine – but now as the to-do list lengthens, I’m having to consciously decide to get out of the flat – or it just won’t happen!
I’m loving @Revolutionrace for their technical clothing that doesn’t put function entirely over form! As I’m sure you all know, I LOVE colour!!! Bright colours lift my mood and make me happy. I was drawn straight away to the waterproof, wind proof coral Cyclone Jacket, perfect for skiing and all year round mountain sports AND feels great on a dogwalk with my toddler! Revolution Race’s ‘Highwaisted Bouncer Jeans’ – shower proof, figure hugging, more flattering than your average hiking gear, warmer than a legging and SIX POCKETS… enjoy!! ❤️ Use my code: ALI15 Ps. I’ve hiked two mountains in my life, Snowden and Gaustatoppen in Norway and it wasn’t in gear that looked like this! I cannot wait to breath that mountain air again, clear my head and give this kit a run out!… one of these days… 🤔💭 Use:Ali15 for 15% off code valid from 5th-7th May, cannot be combined with other offers … Enjoy!! AD
Hand on heart, my stress levels have been through the roof lately and I honestly think that’s why I’ve been coming down with so many bugs. My nervous system is a bit frazzled getting back out onto the world – like I’ve just emerged from some kind of cacoon! And the family and professional life juggle is real! What I’ve noticed, through my own experience and through coaching others is that as soon as I’m in a state where I’m desperately trying to find a way to create the 36 hour day or the 8 day week – that is exactly the moment I actually need to take my foot of the gas. To rest and restore and to tend to my own needs.
During lockdown, I was so much better at getting out into nature and self soothing with long walks – quite frankly, apart from the domestic treadmill, there wasn’t much else to do to create routine – but now as the to-do list lengthens, I’m having to consciously decide to get out of the flat – or it just won’t happen!
I’m loving @Revolutionrace for their technical clothing that doesn’t put function entirely over form! As I’m sure you all know, I LOVE colour!!! Bright colours lift my mood and make me happy. I was drawn straight away to the waterproof, wind proof coral Cyclone Jacket, perfect for skiing and all year round mountain sports AND feels great on a dogwalk with my toddler! Revolution Race’s ‘Highwaisted Bouncer Jeans’ – shower proof, figure hugging, more flattering than your average hiking gear, warmer than a legging and SIX POCKETS… enjoy!! ❤️ Use my code: ALI15 Ps. I’ve hiked two mountains in my life, Snowden and Gaustatoppen in Norway and it wasn’t in gear that looked like this! I cannot wait to breath that mountain air again, clear my head and give this kit a run out!… one of these days… 🤔💭 Use:Ali15 for 15% off code valid from 5th-7th May, cannot be combined with other offers … Enjoy!! AD
Naked of the face and filter free. How liberating. Happy Bank Holl Weekend gang ❤️. I went to an event last night for a screening of a film I shot last year and not gonna lie, I had some hefty social anxiety before hand and it certainly took me a little while to settle once I arrived – but then it felt AMAZING to be around so many young creatives and film makers that are making SHIT HAPPEN!! So exciting! I am an extrovert at heart and I think that’s another reason lockdown was so challenging… Being around other humans recharges me!! I just feel like I’ve forgotten how to do it!? Any one else feel like that?? It feels like such an internal collision of loving connection and needing it AND learning how to feel comfortable and safe in that environment again. I got some amazing hugs from some beautiful souls at the end. Wow. The power of open hearts and big hugs @danielqannoh @lilomenbaby ❤️🎥
It’s #csectionawarenessmonth I thought I would share my story again. The moment that changed my life forever ❤️
*We managed to get some incredible photos of Isla’s birth, courtesy of the operating theatre staff but this is one of my absolute favourites. This was moments before she was born. David is right by my side supporting me as always, but what I didn’t anticipate was that I would also have a right hand woman. Those blue gloved hands that are holding mine belong to her. Georgie, my anaesthetist. I was blown away by the kindness I experienced from all of the doctors, nurses and consultants… but this beautiful soul sticks firmly in my mind. As well as monitoring every aspect of my physical health and wellbeing, she somehow had the capacity to support me emotionally and mentally, talking me through every aspect of what was happening… Excitedly letting me know when it was nearly time to meet my baby and most memorably… holding my hand when I was scared. I was such a heady mix of excitement and anticipation… but also more nervous than I think I had ever been about anything. I had never experienced such a large medical procedure and when I arrived in the theatre, my teeth were chattering with adrenaline! My blood pressure dropped a couple of time during the op and she calmly and proficiently adjusted my sails and then held my hand to steady me. She made me laugh with her dry, razor sharp wit and showed me kindness and compassion when I cried and was overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you Georgie, I will never forget you. I’m so grateful to you and everyone at @chelwestft … there are so many people that left such a lasting impression on me, I will definitely tell you about some of the others. I think about them all the time and pray they are keeping safe and well Xxxxx *
It’s on tonight apparently! Not one to be missed if you want to see two throroughly sleep deprived parents in action! Enjoy!! 😂😂💙 @davidcomahony *edit – Just a couple of sleep deprived morons trying to make it through the day 😂 … not our finest hour, but if you want some people to bring comedy to your game show, you know who to call! 💃🕺🏻😂 🎬*
… and breath.
#internationaldanceday today apparently! I dedicate it it you @davidcomahony, the man I’ve seen more sunrises with than I ever imagined possible! ❤️👶🏼😂May there be more high kicks on beaches and even more silly kitchen salsa. I love you my partner in crime and dancing ❤️ 📸: @eliyz_gallery Location: Our honeymoon. The Maldives 💫
We said goodbye to our little rescue pup Mable today. After a long battle with dementia and all the problems that came with that it got to a terrible point where we had no option left. Ali and I are heartbroken which is compounded by the fact that Izzy is very proud that she has learnt the word ‘Mable’! Mable (yes, we know that’s not the traditional spelling) was fiercely loyal; fiercely protective; and fiercely hungry. That dog was like a hoover crossed with a sniffer dog. She hated travelling and just wanted to be curled up next to us….we’ll remember dancing round the kitchen to #CubanPete when we found out she was a #HavaneseTerrier; remember her sat on the back of the sofa barking at everyone that walked past; and we’ll remember all the strokes, licks and belly rubs… so many belly rubs. She loved her little family, she loved our kids and we loved her right back. Thank you Mable, We love you. Rest easy now buddy, your watch is over. Run free xxx
I turned 40 last month and even though I try not to put too much pressure on myself in terms of ‘new year, new me!?’ It has felt like a bit of a watershed moment and a time to take a ‘life inventory’, feeling into where I am now and where I am heading. I woke up on the morning of my birthday with a realisation that I had not really been prioritising myself, my health or well-being – becoming a new mum, I do wonder how possible that actually ever really is!?
I have decided to take some steps to change that! Starting with my hormonal health as I’m starting to realise that is the basis for EVERYTHING! I’ve been looking at @naturalcycles for a while and was delighted that they were happy to work with me. I really like using this product. It’s very easy. You take your temperature (orally) every morning with their thermometer and input the data into the app – which tracks your cycle and calculates whether you’re on a red day, requiring extra contraception – or a green day – time to get your rocks off (if you have the energy after running around after a toddler all day 😂)
The app tracks your cycle and you choose whether you are using it to try to conceive or as your contraception.
I’ve gone through such periods of feeling detached from the natural rhythms of my body, but now I’m getting curious about my creativity, productivity and times that I really need to tune into my body and rest and restore – not possible much at the moment with juggling my energetic little one, work and domestic life – but still, something worth noticing. We live in such a fast paced world and are flooded with so much external information and feedback, that I do start to feel that looking inwards, connecting with our bodies and understanding the cyclical nature of our needs and wants can almost feel like an act of defiance!
I knew I would love this product and it really hasn’t disappointed. Natural Cycles works in harmony with your body and I truly believe it can help me on the journey to reconnect with my body.
Use my code: Ali at Naturalcycles.com to get 20% off your annual subscription and your free thermometer.
NC is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs *AD #naturalcycles
When you have 20 minutes to do a self-tape whilst your toddler naps and you and your husband cannot stop d**king around 😂🎬 @davidcomahony
If the last couple of years have given us anything, it’s a much stronger sense of home. Before Isla and the pandemic, D and I led such gypsy lives as actors, dropping everything at a moments notice to travel and chase the dream. We still love our craft but every decision goes through a different filter now. We see home in a new precious light. We have had to find new ways to live and work creatively from home 💫
I think as actors, D and I have never lost our sense of play and wish to nurture that in Isla too. To play, to explore, to create..
Dreaming of sunny summer days in our little garden. We love the @plumplayuk Discovery Woodland Treehouse with built-in potted garden, easy clean painting screen, hanging bucket and wind chimes! Just one of the many beautiful products they make that invites expression, play and curiosity…. do check them out PlumPlay.co.uk
Use: Alb10 for 10% off! #collab
Went to @disneyonice with my little fam and godson yesterday. What a show!! Just what we all needed. Came out smiling from ear to ear. Thanks so much for having us @jakkidoodles ♥️. #iceskating #disney #dance #magic #presstrip ♥️
Happy 25th Anniversary @teletubbieshq 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you so much for including us in your celebrations!!! #TT25 #TTVIP #prgift
Weaning journey!! We are so grateful to @vandme_uk for their support during Izzy’s weaning journey. I really struggled as we had so much going on personally during this period and my elder daughter suffered a severe allergic reaction (that’s a story for another day) just as we were beginning our journey with Izzy. Left to my own devices, she would still be on apple purée! But she LOVES food and is a confident eater, which is 9/10 of the battle when you are already an allergy Mumma! I honestly don’t think we would be there if it wasn’t my for @vandme_uk. This really is guilt free baby food at it’s best, cooked fresh daily and balanced by nutritionists… no nasties at all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you V & Me and the team. You really saved the day, restored my confidence and build the confidence of a brand new little foodie ♥️ #weaning #baby #toddler #prgift #thankyou ps. How about eating with her feet as well 😂
