About me

Welcome to Olive Thistle and Rose, a UK family blog

Hello!

My name is Madeau and I am a Greek mum from Athens, Greece, living in Scotland.

My odd combo of academic backgrounds (engineering, visual arts, languages and literary translation) led me to the set of a zombie comedy in London. That’s where I met my husband, while pushing a big cart of body parts.

Learning and playing at home

A few years and 2 babies later, we’ve taken a step back from filmmaking. Drawing from my hands-on experience raising bilingual kids and my multidisciplinary background in STEM, languages, and arts and crafts, I have discovered the joy in creating engaging educational materials. These resources are designed to promote literacy and spark imagination, and I’m excited to share them with other families.

Celebrating our mixed family make-up

Join me on a multicultural journey as an expat mum, raising two bilingual girls with roots from Athens and Liverpool, by the coast of East Lothian, Scotland. My mission is to help families like ours dive into mixed-cultural adventures and celebrate the minority language. Get some multicultural inspiration with our favourite products, books and activities.

Two cultures, two homes

We’re living the double life between Scotland and Greece so if you’re planning a family trip I’ve got your back with some fantastic family-friendly spots. Perhaps you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, ancient ruins, or just some quality family time in the Mediterranean sun? (but not in direct sunlight 😂). I’m here to share our experiences and inspire your next family adventure. 🌍✈️🇬🇷

Join me for a mix of bilingual family tales, handy travel tips, and the occasional adorable chaos.