Today I’m marking 1yr of sobriety. No fanfare, no medal, no trophy. The journey goes on. A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement; who nudged me in the right direction; who made me laugh and helped me shed the crippling shame. Thank you to my kids for their support; for having faith in me after I must have worried them so. For close friends for their patience and belief. My sobriety will continue to be my priority. Turns out it IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks. #sobriety #faith #odaat #freedom
Today I’m marking 1yr of sobriety. No fanfare, no medal, no trophy. The journey goes on. A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement; who nudged me in the right direction; who made me laugh and helped me shed the crippling shame. Thank you to my kids for their support; for having faith in me after I must have worried them so. For close friends for their patience and belief. My sobriety will continue to be my priority. Turns out it IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks. #sobriety #faith #odaat #freedom
Today I’m marking 1yr of sobriety. No fanfare, no medal, no trophy. The journey goes on. A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement; who nudged me in the right direction; who made me laugh and helped me shed the crippling shame. Thank you to my kids for their support; for having faith in me after I must have worried them so. For close friends for their patience and belief. My sobriety will continue to be my priority. Turns out it IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks. #sobriety #faith #odaat #freedom
Today I’m marking 1yr of sobriety. No fanfare, no medal, no trophy. The journey goes on. A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement; who nudged me in the right direction; who made me laugh and helped me shed the crippling shame. Thank you to my kids for their support; for having faith in me after I must have worried them so. For close friends for their patience and belief. My sobriety will continue to be my priority. Turns out it IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks. #sobriety #faith #odaat #freedom
Today I am 6 months sober. On the 5th June 2024, I had the gift of desperation and reached out for help. I no longer recognised myself and I surrendered. Many people have asked me how I’ve done it and all I can say is that no woman is an island – I have not done this alone. The willingness to give up alcohol came from me, yes, but without support of friends, family and my new tribe, I would not have made it this far. This is a journey and not a destination. It’s never over. It’s a process in progress. But once you resolve to make changes, beautiful things happen. It’s been hard and I’m sure it will continue to be but I am learning serenity and have gained an inner peace I’ve never, ever had. The turmoil inside me is dissipating and I’m learning to accept the things I cannot change and I’m finding the courage to change the things I can. Pic. 2: is of me in the midst of the madness. Another drunk moment. At first I couldn’t bear to look back at pictures of myself under the influence of alcohol. The cloak of shame was too heavy a burden. But now I look at those images and feel pity and sympathy for that girl – she desperately needed to be scooped up; held tightly and helped. Not shamed or judged. She was quite, quite broken and had no idea there was another way. There is so much more to say – and I will say it in time. I’m still very much at the beginning of my journey but my life has changed in a beautiful way. It’s a spiritual thing. One day at a time…. Thank you to all those who have supported me – my 4 Ungratefuls; my Bestie and close friends. And, of course, my new tribe of friends who are helping to keep me upright; showing me the way without judgment. #sobriety
Today I am 6 months sober. On the 5th June 2024, I had the gift of desperation and reached out for help. I no longer recognised myself and I surrendered. Many people have asked me how I’ve done it and all I can say is that no woman is an island – I have not done this alone. The willingness to give up alcohol came from me, yes, but without support of friends, family and my new tribe, I would not have made it this far. This is a journey and not a destination. It’s never over. It’s a process in progress. But once you resolve to make changes, beautiful things happen. It’s been hard and I’m sure it will continue to be but I am learning serenity and have gained an inner peace I’ve never, ever had. The turmoil inside me is dissipating and I’m learning to accept the things I cannot change and I’m finding the courage to change the things I can. Pic. 2: is of me in the midst of the madness. Another drunk moment. At first I couldn’t bear to look back at pictures of myself under the influence of alcohol. The cloak of shame was too heavy a burden. But now I look at those images and feel pity and sympathy for that girl – she desperately needed to be scooped up; held tightly and helped. Not shamed or judged. She was quite, quite broken and had no idea there was another way. There is so much more to say – and I will say it in time. I’m still very much at the beginning of my journey but my life has changed in a beautiful way. It’s a spiritual thing. One day at a time…. Thank you to all those who have supported me – my 4 Ungratefuls; my Bestie and close friends. And, of course, my new tribe of friends who are helping to keep me upright; showing me the way without judgment. #sobriety
Happy 17th Birthday to my bonus baby! The child I didn’t think I’d have because 3 seemed more than enough. But then 10lbs of you ‘popped’ out when I was 41 and now you tower above me at 6’2”. I love you so much and our relationship which has, at times, been like a walk through Jurassic Park. You’re becoming a fine young man. And a bit of a weirdo with your insistence on an ice cube in your tea in the mornings. Today is yours, Malcolm Charles Tripp. Love, mamma x
My beautiful Bo Eva Coeur. Today you’re 24 which is a miracle on so many levels. You’re a whirlwind; a gritty, determined, ambitious and crazy prawn. You rarely pause for breath. You’re not light on your feet; a powerhouse to be reckoned with. A bulldozer. Nothing stands in your way and you’re prone to the odd diva flourish and no one should be near you when you’re hangry. But you’re caring and consistent. I’m excited for your future. As long as you remember to stop and smell the roses from time to time. Love you, Bobilitis. Mamma xxx #chd #chdwarrior
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Easter dump. First time I had my many, many Ungratefuls (all four of them) together for maybe more than a couple of years. 1. Worthy of a pic of us pretending to be utterly functional and perfect. 2. That’s enough affection for one day. 3. Sister from a different mista and wife and daughter over from Oz. ❤️ 4. Obvs, the boiler broke Sunday morning 😜 Pressure switch needs replacing before anyone else tells me how my boiler works…🤬 5. Group pic. Thank you, Joe for 📸 6. Cool cousins and keen canine. 7. Rack of lamb cut into lollipops marinated in lemon, garlic, rosemary and EVOO. Daupinoise spuds, cauli cheese, flageolet, English asparagus, honeyed carrots, ratatouille and a rhubarb compote. 8. Went to see @abbavoyage 9. Seriously knackered cow.
Happy 21st Birthday to my third born, Martha Sky Hope! Shot out the sunroof and caused havoc ever since. Bright, smart, stubborn as an ox; a committed feminist and great but messy cook. Keep chipping away at the patriarchy, my darling. Can’t wait to see you when you get home, Moo. We love you ❤️ Mamma & Hank
In this powerful extract from the Sober Awkward Podcast, Ulrika Jonsson opens up about her journey through motherhood, menopause, and the importance of self-care for women – especially for those living sober. She reflects on how, for years, she was so consumed by her role as a mother that she neglected herself. “I was never a priority,” she says, “I always put my children and work first.” Ulrika highlights the shift many women experience, especially as they move through the later stages of motherhood and into the changes of menopause. The key takeaway? You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not selfish for women to look after themselves – it’s essential for their well-being. Sober parenting and sober mum life, she emphasises, require balance and taking time to reconnect with yourself. As Ulrika puts it, “It’s not about escaping responsibilities, but recharging so you can show up better for those you love. @ulrikajonssonofficial @soberawkward #sober #soberparenting #sobriety #sobermum #sobermenopause #ulrikajonsson
This donut is fine. BUT yesterday when his mamma was – yet again – raking leaves in the front garden, this donut, who normally doesn’t leave his mamma’s side, found a hole in the supposedly dog-proof garden we’ve lived in for 9 yrs and decided to explore. I called his name but to no avail and so, not unreasonably, presumed he was – once again – enjoying the spoils of some accidentally dropped, red kite catch in the hedge. Then a few minutes later, a woman – a complete stranger – who we shall call “Tasha” cos I found out that was her actual name – called me from the other side of my garden gate saying she had my donut. He was, wandering about by the main road, Tasha said, and all the other cars just kept driving past. But she had the kindness and thoughtfulness to stop. For my donut. The donut, being the absolute mamma’s boy that he is, was shaking like a leaf on his return and was almost too traumatised to accept a treat but decided maybe he should. So, thank you SO bloody much, complete stranger, Tasha, for being kind enough to stop your car and help my donut. I cannot thank you enough. I may not have expressed it adequately at the time because my heart was busy falling out of my arse. Moral of the story: donuts are useless at helping in the garden. #donut #grateful #bemoretasha
Ageing can take its toll inside and out. I’ve been negotiating the menopause for just over a decade now and it’s had a significant effect on me physically. But all is not lost! For the past few weeks I’ve been using Elavate’s Multi Collagen and although it’s early days, I can already feel a marked difference in my hair volume and my skin feels softer, more supple and some of those fine lines are bidding me their final farewell. So, I’m going to keep going with the collagen and you can join me on my journey – especially as they’ve now got a 24hr flash sale with 20% off! Just click on the link in my bio or @elavatesuperfoods bio and we can Elavate together! #ad
Sober Awkward was lucky enough to pin down one of British TV’s most recognisable faces – the incredible Ulrika Jonsson – for an honest and heartfelt chat about her first seven months of sober life. In this inspiring episode, Ulrika spills the sober beans with Hamish, sharing everything from the pivotal day she decided to quit drinking to the profound changes she’s experienced since. She opens up about using alcohol to mask trauma, the surprising freedom she’s discovered in sobriety, and the awkward—but empowering—experience of dating sober at 57. In a particularly moving moment (especially for Vic when editing), Ulrika reflects on how a single Instagram post by Vic helped her release the shame tied to over-drinking and embrace a transformative new chapter of self-discovery. This is a must-listen episode for anyone seeking inspiration, courage, and proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Sobriety | sober parenting | sober dating @soberawkward @ulrikajonssonofficial @hamishadamscairns #sober #soberpodcast #ulrikajohnson #sobriety #podcast #soberawkward #soberparenting #soberdating
Happiest of happy 30th birthdays to my most beautiful daughter-in-law @lilyainger_ ! Beautiful inside and out and extremely nice boobaloobas. Love you, Lils ❤️
Guess this tells you all you need to know. Sweden in my soul. Bulldogs in my heart. Pans in my hands. All that’s missing is a garden of flowers and a body covered in ink. A year ago, it would have featured a giant bottle of rum attached to my lips or worse still as an IV drip. But no more. Out of the madness and into the light. Thank you @bo_jonsson for creating an AI of your mamma. ❤️
