Welcome, I’m Kairen!

dreamer | artist | Mother

Hello, I’m Kairen—and once upon a time, this blog was born from the beautiful chaos of solo parenting. I started Confessions of a Single Mum over 16 years ago, back when my daughter and son were still kids, and my life was a daily juggle of work, childcare, school runs, online dating disasters, and wondering if I’d ever get to drink a full cup of tea while it was still hot.

I wrote honestly about all of it—because being a single mum can be exhausting, emotional, and also deeply empowering. And I wanted other single parents to know: it was okay. You weren’t failing, and you definitely weren’t alone.

But life has moved on—and so have I.

These days, I’m happily remarried (we tied the knot in 2021), both kids have flown the nest (they’re in their late 20s now and doing wonderfully), and in 2024 we bought our dream home—with a garden I proudly call my “outside office.” I live with M.E and IBS, which means my pace is slower, but honestly? It’s also more peaceful. I now run multiple Etsy shops and spend my days drawing, creating digital products, and working gently from home. In short: I’m living the dream, just with comfier trousers and a lot more peppermint tea.


Why I Still Blog

This site may have started as a space for single-parent survival stories, but it’s grown into something else—something softer, slower, and more creative.

Now, Confessions of a Former Single Mum is a home for:

  • Creative living and gentle productivity
  • Reflections on life after the kids move out
  • Living well with chronic illness
  • Running digital businesses from the garden
  • And rediscovering who you are when the “mum” part of your identity starts to shift

I believe it’s never too late to start over, reinvent yourself, or learn something new (including how to stop burning your sourdough starter or how to make a digital printable without screaming at Canva).


A Little History (Yes, There’s Poker Involved)

How did this all start? Well… with a game of poker.
I was once invited to a guy’s poker night (long story involving misplaced confidence in my lack of skills). Turns out, I was annoyingly good at it, and my winning streak didn’t go down too well. When I was unceremoniously uninvited, I channeled that irritation into something productive: I built a website to teach other women how to play. Pink Poker was born and did surprisingly well until I realised I liked building the website more than the game itself. And that’s how I ended up creating this blog—this time about something I truly cared about: life, motherhood, and eventually… me.


These Days

Now, I’m all about slow mornings, honest writing, creating beautiful things, and helping others find their own creative rhythm. Whether you’re a former single mum yourself, someone navigating midlife, or a curious visitor wondering what comes after the chaos—you’re very welcome here.

I hope you’ll find a little inspiration, a little comfort, and the occasional laugh.

– Kairen x