Hi! I’m Mel. I live with my husband Dave (who works in sustainable transport) and our two small children (son, Levi and daughter, Ada) in beautiful, complicated Northern Ireland and feel lucky to do so. I've lived in Canada and England, travelled far and wide but love nothing more than coming home. 

I work part-time coordinating a local community project I co-founded in 2011 called 'Freedom Acts'. We are a small team that work to prevent people being exploited or trafficked here in Northern Ireland. This part of my life is challenging, rewarding and frames my worldview. I am passionate about ethical consumerism and living thoughtfully to protect people and the planet. You’ll read lots about that here.

I am also self-employed to write here on this blog and for other publications, to run online courses, speak at events and coordinate the Assembly Community (where we host beautiful gatherings, soulful sessions and a supportive members community for women in Ireland who want to be more courageous with their lives). I believe in the power of women and girls all over the world to shape the now and change the future. I'm all in when it comes to championing women and challenging the narratives and boundaries that hold us back - even when those things are ourselves.

I'm outspoken, soft-hearted, ambitious and am your very best source for picking your next box set. Just try me.

Some of my favourite things include proper coffee, heated discussions (in person, not on facebook), good photography, standing ovations, charity shopping, feeding people around my table, being outside with my family, crying in airports, open fires, clever typography, ethical fashion, people who don’t realise that they’re funny, pointless stationary, generosity and exploring new places.