Continuing on with the “mildly controversial inspiration” theme, today’s feminine inspiration is The Darling Academy. She’s British and was in the news over there frequently a year or two ago, as she champions family values, traditional living, and generally speaking the stay-at-home mom/wife lifestyle.
Now, I personally don’t understand why Alena is controversial since she’s never said–to my knowledge–that everyone should live her lifestyle. Simply that those who choose to do so should be respected and are allowed to be happy living a simpler, more traditional life. I agree with that wholeheartedly!
A “traditional” marriage arrangement where the man makes the money and the woman stays at home with the child(ten) isn’t possible or wanted for many families these days. I recognize that I’m privileged in my ability to stay at home, which was always Eric and my ideal plan. It ended up making financial sense too, as we’d actually be losing money sending both kids to daycare with me having a nonprofit salary, but it was our ideal before sorting out any logistics.
And I definitely know women who wouldn’t enjoy staying at home, keeping house and caring for their kids 24/7. Who am I to tell them that what’s right for them?
Anyways–Alena’s thoughts and lifestyle tips are wonderfully helpful for the wannabe or presently traditional, feminine woman who feels guilty about wanting or choosing to stay at home.
In addition to a wonderful repertoire of old-fashioned recipes, her blog has articles on etiquette (she also wrote a book on the topic), advice on marriage and relationships, as well as on beauty/self-care. And not modern makeup tutorials, but more of a holistic approach on how to look and be put-together and classy.
She’s also written a few articles on tradwives and the philosophy behind traditional living, which I know is controversial but she approaches in a level-headed way.
I think Alena is great feminine inspiration because she’s careful not to prescribe her lifestyle to everyone, instead validating people who aspire to it and live it. In contrast to the majority of “tradwife” influencers, she stays in her own lane and sets a good example without proselytizing. I really don’t appreciate people who are smug or condescending about their lifestyle choices to others–I think it actually shows how insecure they are in their own choices, that they feel the need to put others down. And that’s the opposite of femininity.
Anyways, go check out Alena’s content if you’re looking for a cozy, old-fashioned bit of fun!
xx Claire