January Edition

Magazine

Let’s be Mamma Issue 1.0 | January 2020

MAMMA SPOTLIGHT We chat to Bronwyn the @everyday.fifo.wife on her mum life journey.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS A list of must-have products to keep your skin healthy throughout the daily grind

HONOURING YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL Chloe Stewart from honouring us shares the benefits on yoga for yourself and your babes.

.

.

Handcrafted Avarca sandals and Espadrilles which are not only versatile but extremely comfortable.

Find your perfect pair and look and feel lovely with Hey Lovely

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Bébé Impressions offers a beautiful personalised range of your child’s actual prints in your choice of text, font and beautiful foil colours. One of a kind, precious and unique. The framed prints are gorgeous keepsakes and are a lovely way to welcome a newborn into your family. They also make wonderful gifts for Mother’s

Day,

Father’s

Day,

Christmas,

christenings

and

for

your

little

one’s

Grandparents.

WWW.BEBEIMPRESSIONS.COM

27 05 Letter from the editor 07 Mamma Spotlight 11 Honoring your mind, body and soul 14 Love your skin 16 Pregnancy health

Hello

I S S U E

1 20 Dinner of the month 22 Supporting mums through stress and depletion 25 The Postpartum Shift 29 Real mum Diaries 33 Mum life Q+A 37 Rep Mamma Profile

70

FROM THE EDITOR

“ I love being a mum of three and connecting with people. I am passionate about sharing stories and showing that mum life isn't always the super easy, perfect thing we see on socials today, its bloody hard work and the reward is brilliant”

From the

EDITOR

Hi I'm Pauline, I'm a mother to three amazing babies Mason (4) Hudson (2) and Willow ( a fresh 7months).

The idea for the “Let’s be Mamma Magazine" has been brewing for a number of years, since becoming a mother myself. My story of becoming a mother for the fist time, was one of sheer terror and vulnerability.

My son was born via emergency C-Section due to fetal distress at 37 weeks, when he was born, they found that he only had a third of his blood in his body and to this day no one knows why. As soon as he was born, he was rushed to the NICU. My first glimpse of him was from afar before he was rushed to the children's hospital in Perth. My first Night as a mum was spent with no baby to hold and without knowledge that he had even survived. I got to hold him for the first time, 2 weeks later after countless nights sitting and crying

watching my baby fight. Fast forward 4 years and we have a bubbly and amazing 4 year old,

a cheeky (but I can get away with it if I smile) 2 year old and a breath of fresh air happy 7 month old.

Through my business Willow and the Boys, I began to share my stories of motherhood the good the bad and the ugly, and I was amazed at how many shared their story with me. I was also amazed at how social media had created this idea of the "perfect" mum which I too fell victim to . This mum, didn't have bad days , or stretchmarks, she never dealt with tantrums, her home was spotless. she was superwoman!

Then came the idea for this magazine,

a mag that shared real life stories, that make us laugh and cry,

pieces that inform us and teach us to look after ourselves, a place we can seek advice, get some retail therapy (because lets face it no one likes to shop with a toddler) a place we can just be mamma!

Hope you enjoy being on this journey with me

xx Pauline

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Mamma SPOTLIGHT THIS MONTHS MUMBASSIDOR, Bronwyn, or as she is known as @everyday.fifo.wife is a down to earth, tell it like it is kinda mamma of two amazing little guys and is on one hell of a journey, Shes not afraid to share her struggles as well as her triumphs and that's why we adore her. So we had to ask her some questions about all things mum life.

Q: What are you listening to right now?

The sound of my kids screaming if I’m to be honest (laughs)

Q: Sweet or savory?

Sweet all the way! It’s actually my biggest weakness.

Q: Beach or bush?

Beach for sure!!! As annoying as sand can be ESPECIALLY with kids, I honestly feel like a mermaid when I’m in the ocean.

Q: If you could bring back one toy from your childhood what would it be and why?

Polly pocket for sure!!!! (laughs) I loved mine so much and now actually wonder why I ever got rid of it. My why is why not it’s the best toy (laughs)

Q: If mum journey was a novel what would the title be?

Beauty and the Beast

Q: How do you find time for “you time”?

I make sure I do it everyday by going to the gym! That’s my time to switch off and move my body. It’s more than just a physical thing for me too but I get to socialise especially cause it’s only me and the kids most the time it’s so important to have time to hang around my friends without the kids.

Physical movement is my time.

Q: Can you share a bit about your story?

We have been a FIFO family for 8 years and in that time we have welcomed 2 sons, 1 dog, 1 cat and 3 chickens into our lives. We live on the Sunshine Coast QLD and have absolutely no plans of living anywhere else, it’s our home. Last year after ttc for 3 years with no success we decided to go down the IVF path and since then I have basically been a walking calendar with pathology appointments and nurses looking at my vagina more than my husband does (Laughs) . We have since had 1 failed transfer and 1 transfer end in a 6week miscarriage but we are pushing through because we know there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 2020 we have our fingers crossed firmly that it will be our year for our 3rd time lucky.

Q: Your a FIFO mum so most of the time your mum, dad and everything in between, tell us how you juggle so many hats.

I wish I had the perfect answer that would help people who are about to jump onto being a fifo family but to be honest you learn to juggle over time! Like anything you’re learning it’s all about practice makes perfect! Some days are great and some day a shit! But that’s basically parenthood for you hey haha. For me I like to be structured because when you’re on you own with kids you don’t have much of a choice! I like to be prepared and over the years have learnt like placing clothes out of a night for myself and the boys so when we wake up we have ourselves the stress and arguments of rushing around looking for clean clothes! Something that would be a lot easier with an extra set of hands. I never used to be a routine kinda gal but now we all thrive on it! It makes our day predictable and stress free.. but look that’s not to say everything goes to plan because you better believe that every doctor or even the odd emergency hospital visit Tony s been out at work. Patience is key.

Q :Have you had any mum fail moments? if so can you tell us one? (laughs) how long you got??? I remember my very first Mum fail was when our first was around 10 weeks old and we took him for a swim in our pool! We had no idea what the difference between “swim nappies” and normal nappies was and just put it down to a marketing ploy haha so we took Ray into the pool and over time we saw his nappy getting bigger and bigger to a point of exploding EVERYWHERE (laughs). Safe to say we now know why they have swim nappies and learnt our lesson.

Q: We love you because you are real and raw and tell it like it is.. tell us what do you think about social media and the pressures on mums to be “perfection” I honestly think it’s cause people don’t want to be judged! If people make it look perfect then they can’t be judged! But who is their right mind is perfect?! (laughs)none of us! We all have our own faults and we all have good and shit days and sometimes people sharing the shit days makes us feel normal! This theory of being the perfect Mum is only in fairy-tales that their famous last words are “and they lived happily ever after” and yeah we all live happily ever after but not without a screaming toddler, a husband who wants your attention and a child who won’t put the bloody towel on the rack and not on the floor!!! Moral of the story. No ones perfect so stop pretending to be.

Q: what’s the best thing about being a mum?

You’re probably expecting something captivating but honestly my favourite part is the half asleep cuddles! It’s honestly the best feeling in the world.

Q: If you could tell your before mumhood self any piece of advice what would it be?

Not your typical “get some rest” (laughs) I hate when people say that! But what I would say IS! get yourself a security box that only you know the combination! Go to woolies and stock up on your favourite chocolates, put them in the box and hide it cause you better believe it will be the only thing that you can claim as your own ever again (laughs)

Q: What was the hardest thing about being pregnant for 9 months?

HG! hyperemesis gravidarum. Basically acute morning sickness and even then you can't compare it to morning sickness. I vomited 6-8 times a day, sometimes more and was regularly in my doctors office on a drip! It’s horrible but yet here I am again trying for another baby cause although they were shithouse pregnancies I would do it all over again to hold a baby in my arms.

Q: tell us a bit about your daily routine?

Now that Rays in school and Mack starts on 2020 my day will be up at 7am (cause we live right next to their school) breakfast and the run around before drop off, straight after I head straight to the gym! It’s my hour of the day that’s ONLY for me! I need it for not just my physical health but most importantly my mental health. After that I head home and start my online work! I’m always working on one or more projects at a time through social media or for the gym that I do background computer work for, food prep, take Leo for a walk or just my normal fertility apps I’m never not busy but also I love to be busy! So even if I have an off day with no appointments I’ll give myself things to do but like any parent as soon as school pick up it’s like Groundhog Day with the dinner, bath and bed routine (laughs).

Q: Did you have any weird cravings while you were pregnant?

Ray - green apples and salt and vinegar chips Mack - Olives!!! I’ve Hated olives my entire life.

Q: what is something that you mum journey has taught you?

To absolutely love unconditionally to a point I would risk my life for my children! There is no stronger love then the one for your child!! Some days I actually want to eat them they’re that perfect to me but also the biggest thing motherhood has taught me is that my children are the biggest teachers in life! They make me appreciate the smallest of things and for that I am forever grateful for becoming a Mother.

Our vision is to give women a much-needed break from the juggling act and reconnect with old friends whilst making new connections and unwinding in an engaging location.

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Honouring your

BODY, MIND & SOUL

BY CHLOE STEWART, HONOURING US Our twins were three months old, when I found myself spending every day in the darkness of our room, only leaving to make bottles before returning to bed.

The

twins

babies so

were

and

I

desperately

calm had

and

content

wanted

after

them

multiple

IVF

attempts. I loved them with a love deep to my core, so it came as quite a shock when I realised I was feeling so down.

Postnatal impacts

depression so

many

and

women

anxiety and

the

symptoms can range in severity. I was blessed to only have a mild depression so

was

able

to

use

mindfulness,

intention-setting and yoga to come out the other side of it. When I reintroduced myself to yoga

and felt the immediate

benefits for my depression and anxiety, I began researching resources available to help me to introduce it to the twins once they were old enough. If yoga

could have such a strong influence on my mindset

as

an

imagine

my

children

tool

belt

as

adult,

a

I

was

having way

of

excited

yoga

in

being;

to

their an

ingrained part of their life and routine to cope with the stress of everyday life. The benefits of yoga are the same for adults and children including (but not limited to):

Supports and strengthens the immune system 2. Improves balance, alignment and coordination 3. Helps to develop a positive image of your body and an awareness of how to look after it.

4. Helps balance energy levels and calms the nervous system 5. Develops sensory awareness to help you to notice what is going on in your mind and body.

1.

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”

The Bhagavad Gita

6. Yoga can accommodate all body shapes and sizes and is not competitive, so it’s a great form of exercise.

7. Keeps the heart and respiratory system fit and strong and encourages better circulation and the use of more space in the lungs with deeper breathing.

8. Improves the digestive system with yoga poses that get things moving in the gut 9. Increases attention span and improves concentration 10. More oxygen circulates around the body which improves memory retention and learning ability.

11. Incorporating relaxation and mindfulness breathing will assist in coping with stress.

12. Encourages healthy sleep patterns with the practice of relaxing the body and lengthening the breath.

your

breath,

stretching

your

muscles

and becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings is a healing practice in itself and does not take up much time.

As toddlers, your children can join in too;

replicating

your

poses

and

spending quality time with you. Once I came

out

the

depression, Collection

I

so

poses

and

side

designed

for

cards

other

that

a

children they

learn

may

about

of

my

Yoga

with

24

Flow pose

practice their

through poems and illustrations. They

when they are able to.

POEMS DESCRIBING THE BENEFITS OF THE POSE

may choose a pose they feel drawn to or

they

matching

may

group

coloured

cards

yoga

flow sequences.

yoga

together

cards child own.

and may

being

flow wish

Empower

together to

You

practice

your

little

create

could

guided

sequences

to

the

by or

do

ILLUSTRATIONS THAT CELEBRATE DIVERSITY

the your

on their ones

to

AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED, ILLUSTRATED AND MADE

centre themselves, honour their bodies and minds and love themselves enough to make time for this healing practice.

As you should too, Mumma.

their

ACCURATE SANSKRIT ASANA (POSE) NAMES & PRONUNCIATION

the

benefits

Yoga is a practice I believe all mums should incorporate into

What makes our Yoga Collection unique?

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2 - 12 BUT COULD BE USED BY ANYONE!

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Focusing on

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Love yourSKIN

WITH YASMIN FROM MIKASH SKINCARE

Hi beautiful mamma’s! My name is Yasemin and I run

So after making my own skincare for myself and my family

a

in

word soon got around and I had many friends and their

Melbourne, I’m a busy mum of 2 and love my job as a

friends requesting products this went on for 7 years and it

stay

got

small

at

business

home

Mikash

mum

living

skincare

her

right

dream

of

here

creating

to

a

point

where

I

had

international

customers

organic skincare.

wanting the good stuff, so just recently, I started selling

Many years ago I worked for a private label company

online

creating skincare for well known companies it was a

around Melbourne.

and

attending

expos

and

well

known

markets

great career but I needed to change, I couldn’t deal with

the

amount

of

chemicals

being

added

into

One question my followers ask me the most is ‘ What’s the

skincare, so I was on a mission to create my own.

best way to use skincare and what should I use to keep

When I was expecting my first child, it was hard to

my skin looking fresh and healthy?’I always answer with,

find skincare without nasties, even though it claimed

Keep it simple yet let the products be effective.

to be "natural" when it wasn’t.

I

am

a

mum

of

2

so

keeping

my

skincare

routine

as

minimal possible is a must for me especially with a busy lifestyle, I take pride in looking after myself.That’s why I created the ultimate skincare products that are versatile and results driven.The cleansing grains is a 3-1 skincare product that acts as a cleanser, exfoliant and also can be used as a face mask.After I cleanse my skin I apply the I am radiant face oil which is a base of organic jojoba oil and essential oils.Jojoba oil is fantastic for all skin types and it’s a non-comedogenic oil so it won’t block your pores. I then recommend a good clean sunscreen with at least a strong SPF of 30+ afterwards.

Keeping skincare minimal is always my theory to sticking to

your

AM-PM

routine.

These

days

there’s

so

many

unnecessary products out there that you most likely don’t need. And lastly, skincare should be fun yet effective, your skin deserves the TLC it needs.

The Modern Dilemma of Kids and Sugar- A book about how to get kids motivated to reduce sugar. Two kids, 365 days, one challenge- to bet their mother they could go sugar-free. And they did.

Print copy $20 including postage. E-copy $4.99.

www.moderndilemmakidsandsugar.com Contact Emma Wilson 0420314941 to stock the book or for more details.

Pregnancy HEALTH

WITH DR. ANDREA

PREGNANCY AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Meet Dr. Andrea Parisio-Ferraro – Chiropractor for over 10 years, a Mumma of 2, & Director/Head Chiropractor at Nurture You – Chiropractic in Essendon Fields.

Andrea is a fiercely passionate chiropractor with a warm bubbly personality. Her passion lies in wellness care from pre-conception through to pregnancy & babies & children.

Andrea loves working with couples preparing to enter an exciting time of their lives of starting a family. She has furthered her chiropractic skills to help women during pregnancy and often goes above & beyond during the journey to offer care and advice to help along the way. One of Andrea’s greatest joys, comes from working with babies and children.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY? During

pregnancy,

there

are

several

physiological,

endocrinological and neurological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joints:

Protruding abdomen and increased back curve • Pelvic changes • Postural adaptations •

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.

When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby.

This restriction is called intrauterine constraint.

A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural,

non-invasive

birth.

Breech

and

posterior

positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and lead to interventions such as c-sections.

The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY? Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide

benefits for women who are pregnant. Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

Maintaining a healthier pregnancy • Controlling symptoms of nausea • Reducing the time of labor and delivery • Relieving back, neck or joint pain • Prevent a potential cesarean delivery • Preventing pelvic instability • Helping with pelvic instability • Allowing optimal room in the pelvis for growing baby • Avoiding a breech baby • Feel great during pregnancy • Help with groin pain and sciatica • Optimal functioning nervous system • Help with the increased demands of the pregnancy • Help with a growing body and baby • Health and wellbeing care •

WHAT ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC CARE A ND BREECH DELIVERIES?

CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? IS

The late Larry Webster, D.C., Founder of the

There

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA),

developed

a

specific

chiropractic

known

care

contraindications

throughout

to

pregnancy.

All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the

adjustment which enables chiropractors to establish balance in the pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce undue stress to her uterus and supporting ligaments.

This balanced state in the pelvis has been clinically shown to allow for optimal fetal positioning. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.

It is considered normal by some for a baby to present breech until the third trimester. Most birth practitioners are not concerned with breech presentations until a patient is 37 weeks along.

Approximately 4% of all pregnancies result in a breech presentation.

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique.

Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.

Currently, the ICPA recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the and

worry

associated

with

breech

and

posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the

no

chiropractic

analysis

and

crisis

are

potential

for

dystocia

(difficult

labor)

therefore results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.

and

fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a routine care for most chiropractors.

LET'S BE MAMMA MAG @LETSBEMAMMAMAG

Dinner of the

MONTH ASIAN INSPIRED CHICKEN BUDDAH BOWL.

As a busy mum, I know how stressful dinner time can be and with two fussy eaters, one who hate flavor and the other who can't get enough I sometimes find myself cooking 3 different meals. But in an attempt to please the masses, I was onto a winner with this one. Quick, easy and fresh and siutable for even the fussiest eater.

Ingredients serves 4

1. 30 minutes before or even the night before, place the

500g Chicken thighs

chicken in a resealable bag. In a small bowl, whisk

1 avocado cut into strips

together the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, sweet chilli,

2 Carrots grated

garlic cloves and ginger. Pour it over the chicken. pop it in

4 spring onions chopped

the fridge

2 cups of cabbage

2. Add the coconut milk, coconut water and salt in a

chopped

saucepan and add your rice over a medium to high heat,

1/2 cups of jasmine rice

then stir and bring that to the boil, if you see that your rice

1 1/2 cups Coconut milk

is drying up add a little more coconut water.

2 cups of coconut water

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and let cook for about 30

2 Garlic cloves

minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, then stir

1 tsp Ginger minced

in coconut oil.

1/2 cup of coconut water

4. Cut up all of your veggies and have them ready to serve.

3 tbs sweet chilli sauce

5. When your chicken has marinated heat a fry pan with a

2 tbsp Brown sugar

little oil and cook the chicken and let it rest for a few

1/4 tsp Salt

minutes.

2 tbsp Sesame seeds

6. To assemble the bowls, add the coconut rice on the

1 1/2 tbsp Coconut oil

bottom. Top with the avocado, shredded cabbage and

2 tbsp Sesame oil

carrots, some spring onions and add the chicken on top along with a few avocado slices.

7. For my fussy eater I made him a special bowl with rice, chicken and avocado and you can remove or add ingredients to suit, moral of the story one dish to suit even the fussiest of eaters.

5 steps for recovery FOR DEPLETED MUMS

STACEY WOODCROFT N.D @staceythenaturopath

Anyone who is a mum, completely understands those endless nights that role over into days of breastfeeding, nappies and sleep deprivation.

Those first weeks are tough, but it’s backed by science, it’s the perfect recipe for a serious emotional roller-coaster more medically known as Post Natal Depression, but are we prepared or aware of what comes next?

If you were lucky enough to escape Post-natal depression, you may not be so lucky to escape Post Natal Depletion; a non-scientific description and modern term used for the mums who no longer are breastfeeding or recovering from the birthing process but a term used more broadly for the parents who are struggling with the physical and mental side effects, caused by the ongoing stressors and strains of modern day life, including parenting.

I see many women in clinic depleted by modern motherhood and it’s simply because as a society, we don’t stop; the expectations grow, the lists don’t end, the emails continue to flood your inbox, social media platforms become addictive as it’s a way to immerse ourselves into something other than that load of washing waiting to be hung out, yet the ongoing demands of parenting continue.

Most women never truly recover from pregnancy nutritionally, a time when our nutrient levels are drawn upon exponentially and quite often many women start pregnancy with nutrient and mineral deficiencies.

Mothering the mother is something we forget to do, as we are immersed in anything and everything to do with our children, the household and strict work deadlines.

Prevention is always better than cure and in a perfect world, pre conception care is vital for prevention. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 months or five years since you gave birth, if you can recognise the signs you are depleted, you can support, reverse and improve your current list of symptoms, it just takes time, the right support and kindness to yourself.

Symptoms of depletion often include: A feeling of overwhelm Not feeling like yourself Wired but Tired Poor memory (baby brain) Low libido Low energy Fatigue between 1 – 4pm Sugar cravings Anxiety Dizzy spells Feeling a need to find yourself again Tiredness even after sleeping 8 hours Short fused.

hat you can do to help yourself

W

Start firstly by downloading a guided meditation app such as headspace or join the rest of us and download The Calm app which was voted the most downloaded app globally for 2018.

More often than not, nutrients, minerals and herbs are required as many women are already deplete, so I’ve compiled a small list of what commonly I would use in clinic.

Here are my top 5 ways to support and reverse symptoms of depletion: Magnesium powder – I find a powder much more effective than a tablet and results are far greater with powders.

300 -600mg daily of elemental magnesium is perfect for fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and even PMS Vitamin C – great to support the nervous system, adrenal gland and a compromised immune system if you are a little run down and getting sick Essential Fatty Acids – an essential for healthy moods, depression and hormones.

Herbal Teas & Formulas –Withania, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Liquorice and Passionflower are all herb with properties to heal and reduce symptoms of adrenal depletion.

Activated B6 – also known as P-5-P supports healthy hormones and production of progesterone (our calming hormone). 20mg of activated B6 is a recommended daily dose.

Having some blood tests completed may be the best way to rule out other nutrient deficiencies and determine if you have other drivers behind your symptoms such as an underactive thyroid.

Interpretation of pathology is different depending on your practitioner. As a functional medicine practitioner, I often see silent drivers of disease hidden in pathology work, unnoticed until the disease is present in the person.

Next visit to your doctor, it might be worth asking for the following: Thyroid Studies Vitamin B12 Full Blood Count Vitamin D Iron Studies Cortisol (am) Serum Zinc The ongoing expectations of motherhood and the demands of a modern day lifestyle creates enormous pressure that is unsustainable for most, so I find a combination of supplements, meditation and support from a great network of family and friends to be invaluable for treatment of adrenal depletion.

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The Postpartum SHIFT

WITH JENNA TROY FROM CALM BIRTH GOULBURN In

our

Western

emphasis baby,

on

culture,

creating

following

the

we

the

place

perfect

food

safety

so

much

nursery

for

guidelines

in

pregnancy for optimal health, celebrating Mum and Dad with lavish baby-Q’s, baby showers and blessing

ways.

There

are

multiple

antenatal

appointments to support her journey and we tell her to start resting up now so her self-care cup is full before the next exciting chapter begins – where she enters the sacred Rite of Passage, becoming Mother. Those first 9-10 months are riddled

in

amazing

happy

little

womb-side and

and

person/s

to

feeling

real.

As

a

Mama

of

two

Then

has

earth-side.

suddenly

really

rituals.

are

wow,

Midwife, I

gone

You

like

suddenly from back

sh*t

Calmbirth

wonder,

did

you

this from

home

just

got

Educator make

a

postpartum plan in advance? What do you need to feel honoured and safe to enjoy a peaceful postpartum?

Your little newborn’s nursery is thoughtfully put together

but

the

reality

is

that

bub

may

not

spend much or perhaps any time in there for at least

the

space?

first

6

Where

months. you

So

will

how

rest

about

and

your

recover

especially for those sacred first forty days, where you will get to know the new rhythms of your daily

life

with

a

newborn,

learning

the

art

of

breastfeeding and understanding the meaning of their communicative cries.

Jenna is a Registered Nurse and Midwife who has enjoyed working in all areas and facets of Maternity.

Do

you

that’s fresh

have

a

safe,

comfortable? air

for

the

calm

and

Enough

day

and

private

warmth,

dim

light

space

After two weeks you will be tempted to re-join the

pillows,

outside world and show how capable you are. And

come

the

you

are!

However,

refrain

from

the

“doing

of

the

night? How about water and snacks? Are they

things”. We live in such a fast-paced, productive rich,

easily

your

hustle hard society but this does not serve us well in

home?

this season of our life. Don’t commit to coffee with

What about meals? Cooking will be the last thing

friends far from home or a shopping mall experience

on your radar but nutrition is just as important

too soon- you just might end up in tears because you

now as it was during pregnancy as your body is in

forgot where you parked the car and your crying babe

deep recovery following childbirth so this is the

is ready for another feed/nappy change again (I may

time to lean into your village. ACCEPT the help,

be talking from personal experience here- ha!). Fresh

as hard as that may be to do! Let one of your

air is good for the soul but short walks

wise women organise a meal train for you. Have

to

a recipe book in the kitchen with tabs marking

Vitamin D and feel the fresh green grass beneath your

recipes you love so someone with great initiative

feet.

accessible

favourite

will

feeding

fire

up

the

and

within

spots

pan,

reach

throughout

filling

your

of

the

home

touch

base

with

nature

is

plenty

so

get

some

with

beautiful aromas between bringing you cups of

Remember your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-

tea. Host a cooking party to fill your freezer with

pregnancy size, your blood loss is settling, stitches

delicious ready-made meals.

dissolving

Self care has now evolved into community care so make sure those first early visitors are ones you are most comfortable with. The ones you don’t care to see

you

around Those

without

in

a

who

a

scrap

maternity truly

of

bra

know

you

makeup,

and

lounging

unwashed

and

can

hair.

tell

the

difference between times when you need an adult conversation or a nap or know where the broom and laundry detergent lives. They’re your people in those first 40 days! Lean into them! Let them hold BOTH you and the baby (like literally give them the baby

carrier

something

so

for

herbal bath).

you

can

yourself

have

such

some

as

time

taking

a

to

do

or

wounds

gently

healing,

hormones

adjusting, breasts heavy with milk. You are still getting to know your baby as well as this new version of you.

So.much.going.on! And with the right tender loving care

this

transition

into

early

motherhood

can

be

incredibly positive, supportive and replenishing.

Remember

Mama,

you’re

a

queen

so

adjust

that

crown over your messy-bun and let your loved ones nurture you and your newbie during this sweet slow window of time because that’s all it is. Once it’s over you will wish you could rewind time and re-live those tender early moments again. Be present, go gently and enjoy!

warm Yours in health, Jenna x

self-care

TO DO LIST

TRY SOMETHING NEW

GO ON A NATURE WALK

MEDITATE

Being a mum can be full on, it's easy to forget or be too busy too look after ourselves, self love and self care are so important for our mental and physical well being. So we've complied a checklist of self care to do's to get you on your journey to doing you! Rembemer self love isn't about looking fabulous its about feeling fabulous.

MAKE A VISION BOARD

CONNECT WITH FRIENDS

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW

HAVE A LONG NAP

GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT

PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING

CUDDLE A PET OR HUMAN

TAKE YOUR MULTI VITAMINS

PLAN A FUN DAY OUT

CALL A FAMILY MEMBER

COOK YOUR FAVORITE FOOD

LIGHT A CANDLE

WRITE DOWN THIGNS YOUR GREATFUL FOR

COMPLIMENT A STRANGER

DANCE TO MUSIC

EAT NOURISHING FOOD

GO TO A WORKOUT CLASS

TELL YOURSELF "I LOVE YOU"

TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK

BUY SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE CLEAN THE HOUSE WRITE IN A JOURNAL READ A BOOK LISTEN TO A PODCAST DO SOMETHING FUN

DE CLUTTER YOUR LIVING SPACE

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WWW.THEMYLKSOCIETY.COM THEMYLKSOCIETY@GMAIL.COM

ORGANISE YOUR LEGO WITH EASE Our launch range of portable storage boxes lets you easily store, organise and sort Lego and small items. Sign up to our e-newsletter to get an exclusive discount code.

www.theneatfreak.co @theneatfreakco

Real Mum

DIARIES

In a word driven by social media, it's hard to keep sight of the fact that mum life is tough at times and not always picture perfect. We spoke with the fabulous Alida from @thesocialatlas, a new Mamma to the gorgeous India, she shares everything about her journey as a new mum.

Have you had any mum fail moments? if so can you tell us one?

Just this week actually, and it was horrible

I was trying to cut

India’s nails and went too far down on her thumb nail and caught her skin in the clippers. She screamed, I cried, I now have PTSD and will never cut her nails again!

What has been the hardest adjustment you made when India arrived?

Sleep and lack there of… My husband and I are big sleepers and would often sleep until 10am most weekends. I think up until now we have just been running off the adrenaline of having a newborn but now she has reached 3 months and her sleep has become a bit more routine she has allowed us to sleep through the night for the last few weeks. Although when you get a taste of something good you tend to want more, so the

joy

of

having

her

sleep

from

6:30pm-5:30am

was

shortlived as now I want to sleep until 8am haha. I should just be happy that she sleeps through the night as not all babies are such good sleepers at this stage!

What’s the best thing about being a mum?

Going into her bedroom in the morning and see her face light up when she sees me. I could live off that feeling forever, its just beautiful and brings tears to my eyes. I also love the idea of seeing every little milestone and watching her grow and change before my eyes. It really is very special.

If you could tell your before mumhood self any piece of advice what would it be?

That it's the hardest thing you’ll ever do but every second will be worth it because the amount of love you have immediately for this little person is so extreme you would die for them. I was never 100% sure if I wanted to have children and I wasn’t sure I would be a very good mum. I have definitely had my ups and downs and questioned my ability as a mother numerous times but I can now say that I’m

so

glad

I

had

India,

she

has

brought

an

immense

amount of happiness to myself and my family.

What is something that having a babe has taught you?

How little sleep I can live off and that love at first sight does exist.

Describe mum life in a word A “privilege”

Can you share a bit of your birth story? it was quite a traumatic ending, not what I had hoped, but the end result was 100% worth it. I was induced at 9 am on October 6 and had my waters broken at 2cm dilated and 3 hours later I was 9cm already!! My cervix still wasn’t completely thin though so I didn’t push until about 3pm.

Thank god I had the epidural around 10 as I was anxious about the pain so lucky I got that in time. After two hours of pushing she wasn’t getting anywhere so a doctor had to come and assess me and she had her shoulders stuck.

After

some

traumatic

pushing,

a

vacuum

delivery,

the

epidural wearing off, an episiotomy and then a tear on top of that she came out, stunned and not breathing properly with some help she started breathing and everything was ok. Meanwhile Brent was about to pass out from the chaos and I’m just lying there freaking out with my legs up in the air

flat

on

my

back

wondering

what

the

hell

just

happened. I even asked in my delirious state if she was actually a girl as I mistook the cut umbilical cord hanging loose for something else!

What was the hardest thing about being pregnant for 9 months?

How do you find time for “you time”?

My husband and my mum have been absolutely

I

had

gestational

diabetes

so

limiting

my

sugar

amazing at allowing me to have me time. A few

intake and being careful about the amount of carbs

days ago I had a massage and it was so relaxing.

I ate was very hard. Testing my blood sugars every

I

time I ate was a total pain in the butt, but I ended

girlfriends and my husband and I make sure we

up eating healthier than ever before and not putting

have time together as well and my mum kindly

on much weight. So overall, it was a blessing in

takes Indi for a few hours at night or during the

disguise. I also hated not being able to have a drink.

day.

My husband and I are very social and love trying new bars and restaurants so it was hard to stop doing that as my diet had to change quite a lot.

Did you have any weird cravings while you were pregnant?

have

had

a

few

dinners

and

drinks

out

with

Lots of mums put a lot of pressure getting their pre baby body back.. you embrace it what advice can you give new mums struggling with the post baby bod blues?

I feel like perhaps I wasn’t the stereotypical image

I wouldn’t say weird, but I could not get enough fruit.

of a pregnancy body with a lot of weight gain

I was eating punnets of strawberries and blueberries

due to my gestational diabetes keeping my diet

like they were quenching some weird thirst. As soon

limited to healthy foods. I didn’t get stretch marks

as I had India I didn’t feel like them at all.

and I went back to my post baby weight in 10 days. I fit into all my old clothes luckily but my skin

tell us a bit about your daily routine?

is

a

lot

looser

around

my

stomach

and

even

though my clothes fit, they fit differently and my We

usually

wake

breastfeeds

and

up has

about about

6/7am 100ml

and

of

she

formula

stomach

and

waist

have

a

different

shape

to

them. I think the main goal I have for my body is

with

just to move it again. I haven’t exercised properly

breastfeeding and from the beginning I just haven’t

in a year and I feel sluggish and flabby. I think

seemed

a

instead of concentrating on weight loss or toning

lactation consultant and she latches really well but

up loose skin new mothers should focus more on

the amount of milk is just not enough for her needs,

the mental health benefits of exercise. Being a

so we have mix fed since about 2 weeks. Then she

new

goes back to sleep until about 9. When she wakes

brings out ALL the emotions (I’m talking crying at

up we do a nappy change and usually sit her in the

every minutely sad ad on tv). I suffer from anxiety

swing in the living room so I can get some things

and being a new mum has definitely exacerbated

done around the house. After this we read some

my

books

your

afterwards.

or

to

I

have

produce

sing

some

had

a

enough

songs,

lot

of

milk.

then

problems

I

have

pop

her

seen

into

a

mum

anxious mind

is

mentally

thoughts. fresh

is

exhausting

Exercising

a

better

and

it

purely

priority

to

for

a

really

keep new

swaddle (love to dream have been lifesavers), feed

mother in my opinion than going hard at the gym,

her boob/bottle and then put her in bed. She is a

but that is just my thoughts and new mothers at

great sleeper so we are lucky that we pop her in her

the

cot and she whinges for a few minutes and then

them.

falls asleep. The routine continues like that every

thrown at us all day every day about how to be a

2/3 hours and she goes to bed at about 6/7pm.

mother!

end

of

God

the

day

knows

should

we

get

just one

do

what

million

helps

opinions

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MumQ+A life

by Chloe Menonca Photos by Wide Eyed Stella

Then,

the

very

just

next

how

time

hard

we’re it

is

out, to

I

Q. How do you manage going out with

realise

be

them on your own?

outnumbered, four to one, and I end the

How to transport all four kids when going

day with a large glass of wine, gently

places. How do you handle going places

rocking

by yourself with 4 kids?

myself that “tomorrow's a new day”.

back and forth, whispering to

No two experiences of taking my kids out

There are days when I am so exhausted,

are

just

the

same.

There

are

days

when

from

getting

my

kids

ready

and

outings are so easy and hassle free, that I

seated in the car, that I just stand at the

feel like a magical mummy unicorn that

door

has all her s#!t together.

strength, energy and courage to actually

of

my

house

leave the house.

trying

to

find

the

Chloe is a mum of 4 under 6 two of them twins. We asked her to shed some light on her experience to most common mum life moments.

"There are days when it’s all too much and that’s ok! All I can do is try to give my children the best of me, whether that’s at home or out and about, and that’s what I strive for more than anything."

I used to really fight this feeling. I used to feel guilty for not exposing

my

kids

to

more

experiences

and

I

really

forced

myself to just get on with it. However, I don’t fight the urge to stay home anymore. I have come to realise that my anxieties of being responsible for four active and confident kids, on my own, is not irrational and should be respected. My FOMO has substantially died down because I came to realise that the things

that

I

am

Missing

are

often

the

things

that

will

traumatise me from going out again next time.

Let me give you an example; when my twin boys were about a year old, I decided to take all four kids to a child friendly screening of Dumbo at the cinemas. My eldest was begging to go, and hit me with “but mum, everyone at school has seen it”, which really tugged at my heart strings and reaffirmed that

One thing I will say is that I am starting to see light at the end

little voice in my head that tells me I’m not enough. So after a

of the tunnel! My kids are more familiar with the routine of

rare good nights sleep, I decided to take them. In my mind, the

going out and my girls know the sort of behavior I expect from

twins would sleep right through the movie while the others

them. That doesn’t mean they always meet those expectations

were hypnotised by the big screen, and we would all sort of

but I have come to master my death stare and most of the

skip out of the cinema while my girls praise me as their Queen

time I can bring things back from the brink of disaster without

and

whipping out my mummy voice. I have learnt to be super

chanted

“We

are

not

worthy”…

In

reality,

the

whole

experience still gives me nightmares!

organised and to be ready for any situation. I give myself a lot of time to get ready and I have invested in a double

My oldest daughter was bored of the movie within 20 minutes,

pram/VeeBee EZ Rider Seat combo that is truly the Hummer

my other daughter was terrified of Dumbo and the twins not

of all kids transportation. As is my 2018 model Kia Carnival. Oh

only

how I love my car! I swear it was designed by mothers because

stayed

awake

the

whole

time,

but

chose

that

very

moment to practice their ear piercing squeals. In all fairness, it

it’s so user friendly, comfortable and (oddly) intuitive. It’s like

was pretty cute that my boys took turns at squealing while the

the car knows me and honestly, the front seat is my sanctuary-

other laughed and generally encouraged the bad behavior,

so much so that sometimes I look in my rear-view mirror and I’m

but I digress...

shocked at how many little faces are staring back at me.

To make matters worse, I picked up the wrong bag heading

All in all, I have come to terms with the fact that getting out

out the door, so when my little girl did a tidy, yet deadly

and about with four kids will never be easy… but I constantly

smelling

remind myself that it will not always be this hard. There will

poo,

I

had

no

choice

but

to

put

a

pad

on

her

stockings as I had no nappies (please note that at this point I

come a day that my children won’t want to hang out with me,

genuinely thought I was a genius). Of course, the only time my

and I will probably long for these days when they love hanging

kids actually wanted to be in the cinema was when it was time

out with me. But I try not to be too harsh on myself about

to leave, so I wasn’t very surprised when I heard people behind

‘making the most of now’. There are days when it’s all too

me laughing at the vision of me dragging them down the hall…

much and that’s ok! All I can do is try to give my children the

until

best of me, whether that’s at home or out and about, and

I

turned

around

and

saw

my

girl

proudly

waving

her

‘nappy’ in the air for all to see. Suffice it to say that I am still

that’s what I strive for more than anything. So if you are

recovering from that one!

struggling to get out and about, no matter how many kids you have, be kind to yourself! You are not alone and you are not inadequate. We are all more alike than we are different.

We believe that a woman's wardrobe is an expression of who she is and how she is feeling on that particular day.

@divasbydiana @dianasclosett

www.dianascloset.com.au

WILLOW AND THE BOYS MELBOURNE MADE KIDS TEES AND WRAPS

WWW.WILLOWANDTHEBOYS.COM

@willowandtheboys_

ten Tips to

A ZERO WASTE HOME FROM MY HOME AND CO TWO SISTERS WHO HAVE EMBARKED ON THIS JOURNEY OF TRYING TO LIVE A LOW WASTE AND SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE. THEY DECIDED TO START OUR OWN COMPANY TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES. "OUR AIM IN STARTING MY HOME & CO WAS TO PROVIDE OUR CONSUMERS WITH ALTERNATIVES TO SINGLE USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND HAVE THEM BE AS LOW WASTE AS WE COULD".

Have you been wanting to reduce your waste around your home, but don’t know where to start? Here are 10 Simple ways to start living a low waste life.

6. Swapping out single use items such as cling wrap

and

plastic

freezer

bags

for

reusable

silicone bags.

Check out our 3 pack silicone bags that are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe! Reusable Silicone Bags x3 pack: $39.99

1. Purchasing pantry items in bulk using produce bags and glass jars. This not only saves you the constant

trip

to

the

supermarket

but

it

also

allows you to purchase a majority of your pantry items without the excessive plastic.

Preserving Glass Jar 600 ml (set of 6): $12.99

7. Having a reusable keep cup and bottle with you

at

all

times

to

avoid

purchasing

plastic

water bottles and coffee cups.

We have a variety of reusable cups available to purchase on our website. Luxey Cup Reusable Glass Coffee Cup: $34.95

8. Saying no to plastic straws. Carrying your 2.

Eliminate

alternatives.

paper

You

can

products

for

repurpose

old

reusable towels

&

dishcloths.

own

metal/bamboo

straws

make

a

big

difference!

Ever Eco Stainless Steel Straw Kit with Pouch: $8:95

RETROKITCHEN 100% Biodegradable Dish Cloth: $6.95

9. Using reusable bags when shopping.

3.

Set

up

a

home

compost

for

all

your

food

Ever Eco Mixed Set Produce Bags 4 pack: $19.95

scraps.

10. Keeping a set of reusable cutleries in your 4. Swap out cleaning products for bulk sizes or

bag or lunch box to avoid single use plastic

make your own with natural ingredients!

cutlery while out and about.

We have Doterra oils and soap flakes available on our website, to get you started!

Ever Eco Bamboo Cutlery Set with Organic Cotton Pouch: $12.95

5. Switch from a plastic razor to a metal safety razor.

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WASTE FREE JOURNEY TODAY

Rep MammaPROFILE

STEPHANIE FROM @ANTANDAMELIA Meet Stephanie, mum of two of the sweetest little babes whom you might have come across as @antandamelia she began her journey repping for small handmade businesses and now does collaborations for some amazing brands such as culture kings and Shoes and sox. We get to know the fabulous mamma behind the camera.

What are you listening to right now?

Unfortunately I’ve got Baby Shark on Repeat, hahah no in all seriousness it’s Señorita by Shawn Menzies and Camilla

Can you share a bit about your story

Sweet or savoury?

so I’ve always been a lover of Fashion, When I had my son I

I’ve got a huge sweet tooth! So definitely Sweet

noticed a lack of variety in boys clothing, scrolling through

If you could bring back one toy from your childhood what would it be and why?

Well that’s a Little complicated but as a child I was completely obsessed with being a little mummy so I loved my dolls and prams but my parents actually kept them all these years, so I’m super thrilled to be

Instagram one late night breastfeeding I discovered these beautiful handmade/small stores - the clothes were nothing like I had seen in the mainstream shops i fell in love with the whole community so I ended up turning my personal account into a public rep account! Over the years as my photography skills got better we were so fortunate to work with so many amazing businesses Big and small,but that all came to a

able to give them to Amelia when she’s old enough

stand still when I got pregnant with Amelia I was so sick with

If mum journey was a novel what would the title be?

‘It’s complicated’

morning sickness that we stopped repping until towards the end of my pregnancy we got an email from Culture Kings I was excited and shocked that such a huge company had reached

out,

that’s

when

I

knew

I

could

turn

this

into

something more, after I had Amelia I decided to turn my account

into

a

more

lifestyle

account

so

that's

when

@antandamelia was born!! we stopped traditional repping and now just reply solely on collaborations which is much fun and definitely keeps us busy.

what’s the best thing about being a mum?

Oh there are so many of my favourite moments but I had to say, the feeling of true, unconditional love has to be my family part

Have you had any mum fail moments? if so can you tell us one?

Ohh my gosh I’ve had so many! The scariest one was when i found Amelia siting on top of our retaining wall! I almost died!! And to the this day i don’t know how she even got up there!

Product of the

MONTH Lego, we've stepped on them found them in all sorts of places including the toilet, keeping them orginised constantly seems impossible. Then we came across the folks at the Neat Freak Co who create clever storage solutions. Run by Mrs Neat Freak, a Sydney based mum who loves to live an organised life and see everything in its place. She started The Neat Freak Co after becoming frustrated with finding the best storage solution for all of Neat Freak Junior's Lego.

Their launch range of storage box solutions lets you contain, store and find Lego with ease. Portable and versatile, they don't have to be just for your Lego, they can be used for a multitude of other things around your house such as arts and crafts, jewellery, stationery etc. They've also brought to you a beautiful nappy caddy and change mat set with an exclusive waterproof lining designed to make nappy changing a breeze.

The Neat Freak Co aims to bring you useful home organising products designed to ‘keep the calm’ in the most convenient way possible. Their product range is- convenience, versatile, stylish, simple and cleverly designed.

Get your lego orginiser at www./theneatfreak.co Photo Credit: Stephanie Varacalli @antandamelia

The begining of a beautifulADVENTURE When TravelManagers’ Emma Ross and Adela

We know that motherhood can be an isolating experience

Backhouse

at times,” says Backhouse, who has three children of her

spent

time

together

in

the

Philippines last year, the chance for these two

own.

busy working mums to enjoy a little time away

reconnect with themselves, and if they can enjoy a cheeky

from

like-minded

cocktail or two with other mums at the same time, all the

people planted the seed for an idea that has

better!”“Life today is about juggling - be it work, family,

since

kids

their

everyday

bloomed

into

lives

a

with

collection

of

bespoke

tours.

The

“It’s

or

so

important

whatever,

we

for

all

mums

pack

as

to

take

much

in

the

our

time

lives

to

as

possible,” adds Ross. “For that reason, it is more important two

travel

than ever to take time out for yourself with a getaway –

successful

either with your girlfriends or on your own – and meet

home-based travel businesses, cemented both

other, like-minded women.”To date, in the year since the

their friendship and their idea over beachside

Belle Adventures concept was born, they’ve sent more than

cocktails

50 women away on breaks – either on group getaways that

managers

Brisbane-based (PTMs),

as

women

would

unwind

while

they

who

personal

both

realised

appreciate connecting

run

that

the with

other

busy

opportunity old

friends

making new ones) in an exotic locale.

And so, Belle Adventures was born.

to (or

have been organised and escorted by the pair, or bespoke, independent trips which they’ve put together for clients.

They already have further trips arranged for 2020,

“Studies have shown that taking time out, and making

including a two-night break in Byron Bay in May, and

social connections not only gives us pleasure but is vital

again in August and a three-night spring escape to

to our health” Ross details. The pair enjoy the diversity

the Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. The May break

of their home-based travel advising businesses which

in Byron Bay has already sold out, showing how much

has enabled them to follow their passions and create

these bespoke trips are in demand“We like to have a

Belle

balance

which the TravelManagers model offers. “Between us,

which

between

are

organised

designed

clients

a

activities

testament

to

the

freedom

planning and decision-making, and time to relax and

industry. Emma has four children and I have three, so

do

we feel very lucky that Travel Managers gives us the

Belle trend

Adventures which

women

has

looking

want,” concept seen

to

Backhouse capitalises

an

holiday

break

is

Emma & I have about 35 years’ experience in the travel

they

give

and

This

from

whatever

to

meals

Adventures.

explains. on

increasingly together

a

global

number

with

friends, leaving partners and children at home.

The

of

female

freedom

and

professional incorporate

flexibility

lives. our

It’s

to

balance

been

combined

easy

our

to

passion

personal

and

collaborate

and

into

our

separate

businesses.”With their May 2020 Byron Bay tour already sold out and interest in the services they offer growing steadily, it seems likely that many more mums will be taking advantage of their skills and expertise to embark on their own belle adventures.

BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE TODAY https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/belleadventures/

PlanSTAYCATION a Christmas has been and gone, and the bank balance is looking low. Holiday plans are put on hold until next holidays. We have a great way to ensure you get that well desearved holiday break, keep the kids happy and ease that bank balance. A staycation in three easy steps.

Holidays… We all love them and if we could, we would be on a permanent one, am I right? . But its not always possible, with work, school, life planning a holiday when you really truly need it can seem so impossible, and with Christmas draining the bank balance it's the first thing we put on the back burner.

2. Change your mindset Your on holiday, do you do your laundry on holiday?

The kids want to stay up late and eat chocolate for dinner.. SURE!!! were on staycation. So do everything you do on a holiday, that means bye housework.

So this holidays we are planning a STAYCATION. Home is actually my favorite place to be so the concept of a stay cation is our love- language. So why not holiday at home? Here are some tips to get you ready for your staycation.

1. House prep

Get the house ready clean it prep it just as you would if

3. Plan your activities Plan some day trips to the beach, the country, camp outside and star gaze, websites like scoupon have great discounts on activities to do with the family. remember your on HOLIDAY!

you were going on a holiday I don’t know about you, but when I leave for vacation, I like to leave my house pretty spotless. You know in case something happens and mum has to come into the house, I get my clean freakiness from her so imagine if she comes into a disaster zone! I rally the troops and we clean like there’s no tomorrow so that it has that welcoming vibe and smell! Then, next week when it all looks like chaos? Who cares? We’re on staycation, remember? And while were in ready mode don’t forget about yourself…you have to have a mani pedi before your big trip, grab that card and off you go mama!

4. Plan your food Don’t feel like cooking, there are so many ways to eat like your on holiday these days. Uber eats during your stay cation or head down to the beach for fish and chips. visit that restaurant youve been driving past all year. remember YOUR ON HOLIDAY!!

Keep the kids

BUSY

HOPSCOTCH PLAY CAFE, NARREE WARREN VICTORIA Meet mum of two under three Sarah, who has created the ultimate play

THE DEETS

space, Hopscotch play cafe in Naree Warren, Victoria.

"Being a mum to 2 small children & working is a juggling act, & at times life is chaotic. When I finally get a chance to meet up with some girlfriends for a coffee, we have struggled to find a decent café that is

Tel. 03 9705 6532 Address: Shop 14, 101 Seebeck Drive Narre Warren South. 3805 Victoria

child friendly.

I am not a fan of play centers for young children as the play equipment is often designed for older kids. And given the option, my little ones will choose imagination play over ball pits & slides – any day! So, what started

as

a

scrapbook

of

ideas

over

18

months

ago,

my

ideas

&

concepts are coming to life & Hopscotch is being born!"

Hopscotch is a fun play space where fond childhood memories are made. They offer a unique & safe play environment with 7 themed play spaces, including a construction zone, supermarket, reading nook and Laundry.

The

café

is

open

Mondays

to

Fridays

for

play

sessions.

Saturday and Sunday the cafe is available for your coffee fix and offer exclusive private venue hire for birthday parties or functions in the play area.

OPENING HOURS

Make sure you check it out next time your planning a day out with your mamma friends. Be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment

Play Sessions Monday to Friday Morning session: 9:00am to 11:30pm

Afternoon session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Private Function Hire Saturday and Sunday 9am to 11am 12pm to 2pm 3pm to 5pm

Beachbag ESSENTIALS It's summer, for some like me its the best time ever! for others it's stressful and chaotic and the thought of taking the kids out for day at the beach and packing their sandy behinds up again scares the daylights out pf you. So we've put together the ultimate beach

Sunscreen

bag packing list to help take some of the stress out of a trip to the beach.

Towels

Sand toys

Change of Clothes

Beach blanket

Nappies Wipes Water Nappies Hand sanitiser Deodorant SPF lip Balm Wet/ Dy bag Plastic bag for rubbish x2 zip lock bags

Umbrella or tent Beach chairs After sun lotion Hats Hair elastics Band-aids bug spray water bottles snacks

LET'S BE MAMMA MAG @LETSBEMAMMAMAG