Steph Pase is the powerhouse mum-of-two behind Just Another Mummy Blog and Steph Pase Planners, empowering households to reorganise and maximise the potential of their homes. With Australia in and out of lockdown, border closures and home schooling, Steph has reached out to lend a hand by sharing her top organisational tips and tricks to help families take control of their households and keep everyone mentally and physically healthy, during these challenging times.
Kids’ daily plans
Mamas, I feel you right now. We are all racking our brains to keep the kids entertained for longer than five minutes. What I find helps, is creating a small routine for them ahead of time. It can be as simple as craft time, watching a movie, outdoor play or reading books. Check out my Indoor + Outdoor Scavenger Hunt and 30 Home activities for Families printable charts, for some inspiration and ideas.
Plan your meals
Planning our meals each week not only makes our lives easier, eliminating the daily question of what am I going to cook tonight, but also allows us to save a lot of money and avoid food wastage. I meal plan for the week ahead every Sunday and try to cook one new recipe a week. You can find more recipes on my website.
Cleaning schedule
My cleaning schedule, which I have been using for years and is available to download for free, has allowed me to keep on top of my housework so I don’t have to spend all weekend cleaning. For example, I break up cleaning into sections each day which takes me 30 mins max, helping to reduce the feeling of chaos.
Schedule your movement
Being cooped up inside right now means most of us aren’t getting enough exercise or movement. I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to get out and go for a walk each day or do a home workout. Fresh air and endorphins will do you a world of good. Schedule this movement each day and tick it off!
Schedule self-care
I recommend writing out your favourite self-care practices and then allocating at least one to each day. It doesn’t have to be something that takes hours, it can be as simple as going to bed early, putting down your phone or doing a face mask. My free 30 Day Self-Care Challenge can provide you with easy ideas to fill your self-care cup back up.
Setting new budgets
Identify where you may be able to make some changes to minimise your cost of living. If you’re not sure where to start I recommend reading The Barefoot Investor. Look at your monthly fixed and variable expenses and compare these to your current income to see where you can save money.
Revisit goals
Now is a great time to reflect on the progress of your 2021 goals so far and list the little things you can still do to achieve these. Whether it’s starting a new business or hobby, now is the perfect time to research and get those plans in motion!
Refine your habits
Sticking to good habits is important right now as it’s so easy to fall into bad habits during times like these (I know I have). For me, habits like mediation, writing my to-do list, two litres water consumption and daily walks are keeping me sane! Small efforts equate to enormous results.
With the year something of a COVID-induced blur for most people, it’s hard to believe that the Christmas and New Year period is almost upon us. But as usual, we’ve…
2020 was a year full of twists and turns with the surge of COVID, mandatory lockdowns, and social distancing. But for some it also presented an exciting silver lining. The chance to be a part of the mini baby boom in 2021 – Generation C!
Whether you are first-time parents or veterans welcoming a new addition to the tribe, one of the top priorities is to set up the perfect nursery.
Henley design manager and mum of two, Vicki Gillingham, talks us through nursery trends and must-haves to ensure that the nursery is a tranquil oasis for the baby and calming workplace for mum and dad.
Colour me this
Vicki’s first rule is to colour in the nursery light and neutral tones.
“While there may be a temptation to go with the pinks for a girl and blues for a boy, selecting white, creams and very pale hues are also a great palette to keep the room feeling airy and light,” said Vicki.
Serenity and calmness are high on the list of objectives of a nursery, as you want it to be a tranquil oasis for the baby to call home. With the vibrant colours of the everyday world already visually stimulating the baby, a neutral foundation will ease them into a state of peace and help with the slumber.
“With a neutral foundation, you may like to add some gentle tones such as light greys or lattes, keeping that relaxed and softer feel to the room.”
Let there be (natural) light
“Natural light sifting through the room is such an inviting experience to the senses,” Vicki said. “Avoid bold colours and heavy fabrics in curtains and use soft ceiling lights which you can adjust their setting.”
To let as much natural light in without turning into a sunroom, consider dialing up the natural light by having sheer curtains or blinds. Blockouts are also ideal for daytime naps.
Vicki also recommends setting the cot or bassinet away from the window to avoid draughts and adding a soft light lamp for the nighttime nappy changes. After all, nobody likes harsh lights shone on them as if they were on an operation table!
Playing with texture
Soft, natural fibres should be at the forefront in a nursery so mum, dad, and baby feel cuddly and comfortable in this space.
Some examples Vicki provides include soft rugs on the floor, textured blankets, super soft cushions, and cuddly stuffed toys. Keeping in mind with the colour palette advice, these items should be in soft, neutral tones, and also made of natural fibres like organic cotton.
“Textured wallpaper might also be a lovely touch in neutral or earthy tones but might need to be updated as baby gets older!” Vicki added. “Consider instead adding some wall art that exudes a sense of calmness and composure.”
Fit it out with furniture
All efficient workspaces and cosy bedrooms need the utilities to amplify the experience and the nursery is no different. Parents always need to be prepared when it comes to taking care of their baby. So it is important to be well equipped on the frontlines of dealing with a fussy baby!
“Create a mum or dad corner, featuring a comfortable chair for feeding or cuddling,” Vicki said. “Consider adding a footstool so you can put up your feet as well as a jug of water, and even a snack.”
Essentials for the nursery also include a change table with ample storage and a comfy cot or bassinet away from the window and a comfortable chair for feeding or cuddling for mum and dad.
It is good to consider a book nook boasting picture storybooks and open baskets for toys, clothes, and nappies. But it’s also important to keep the nursery decluttered so it doesn’t overstimulate the baby and pose any dangers.
Vicki Gillingham is design manager for Melbourne-based home builder, Henley.
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“The design brief for this room came from Scarlett who was two years old at the time and all she wanted was pink! That was the biggest and most important…
When Skye Donaldson, owner of the ethical brand The Young Folk Collective, was pregnant with her first child, she didn’t know searching for an elusive natural product would completely change the direction of her family’s lives. Her search for a natural newborn sleep space led her to Ghana in West Africa.
“I had stumbled upon weavers in Bolgatanga, home of the classic Bolga market baskets. Having used these baskets, I knew the material (elephant grass) was extremely high quality – ideal for a baby basket,” Skye explains. “When talking to family and friends, it became clear that this gap in the market was real and could transform into a business.”
The Moses Basket and Stand
Taking a leap of faith, she and husband James invested their modest savings of $5000, and The Young Folk Collective was born. This move proved a highly successful one, selling out of their first collection within days. “We were overwhelmed by the immediate response,” Skye says.
Fast forward four years, and the company is now a successful family run business, with a large selection of products, handmade by artisans around the globe and an annual turnover of well over a million dollars and growing.
The baby change basket
Their baby baskets are safe, ethical, and look gorgeous. With many of us looking to bring natural elements into our homes, their elephant grass items are a perfect choice. Plus, you don’t have to hide them away once your baby moves into a new bed. Their signature baby baskets grow with your child, functional as a sleep basket, a doll cot, or a unique storage space.
“Our pieces have become a huge hit for those who love aesthetics,” Skye says. “Our baskets are the storage solution that people don’t need to hide.”
Quality craftsmanship is another cornerstone of The Young Folk Collective. “As each piece is handmade, with unique characteristics, they really are a functional piece of art for your home,” Skye adds. “We feel there has been a major shift in people searching for authentic products, with a real story behind them.”
The play mat in Into The Ocean
Their offerings have expanded to include play mats. Skye found that many play mats on the market were too cartoonish to fit into a main living space, and that others sacrificed the bold and contrasting colours that promote childhood cognitive development. The Young Folk Collective’s mats are designed with both form and function in mind, so both you and your children can enjoy their play space.
“Our playmats fit harmoniously into your existing decor, complimenting your style, rather than clashing with it.”
Skye and her family, with one of their Moses baskets
Skye believes in providing a heartfelt customer experience. “To this day, I still hand write thank you notes for every order. This is usually late into the night after our children are in bed,” she says. “In recent times, the world has come to appreciate the important things in life more. Being able to work together alongside my husband while raising our children has been invaluable.”
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Time has flown since our minibreak to Orange, somewhere Damian and I had wanted to visit for years. Everyone we told either said they had been meaning to go too, or that they’d already been and loved it! We’d hyped it up in our heads so much, I was a little worried it wouldn’t live up to our preconceived ideas but oh my goodness it did, and more! We already can’t wait to go back!
Alfred on Keppel in Bathurst
It’s almost a four-hour drive from our side of Sydney, so we decided to stop en route and have a night in Bathurst, which was just under three hours. It was a good call because not only did we stay in the most gorgeous rental home, but it turns out Bathurst has loads to offer for young kids, and when your five-year-old is racing car obsessed, the chance to drive around Mount Panomara (in a decidedly underpowered family SUV) multiple times, is not one to pass up. He still talks about it now. Often!
Mount Panorama, Bathurst
One of the greatest days of Seb’s life so far!
Alfred on Keppel is a beautifully restored and stylishly furnished heritage terrace house in the heart of town. We had a really comfortable stay here with special mention to the balcony off one of the bedrooms and the gorgeous backyard (although it was a little too chilly to use it!).
Alfred on Keppel’s beautiful back yard
The next day we had great takeout coffee (definitely as good as any in Sydney!) at a cool shipping container conversion right over the road called Doppio Espresso which obviously has a loyal customer base of locals. The service was super friendly. It’s part of the Tremain’s Mill complex. We also took a stroll around the town which is really lovely and full of heritage buildings (did I mention how much I love old buildings?!).
Doppio Espresso
We had plenty to eat in Bathurst too, at the famous Annie’s ice cream parlour (I cannot tell you how inappropriately cold it was for ice cream!) and pizza at Church BarTremain’s Mill
We visited the new train museum with its excellent Kid’s Central space (one of the largest permanent Brio sets in the world no less), which is great for old (sorry Damian) and young train buffs alike. So while we were being stereotypically male, we had to add dinosaurs to our race cars and trains, and we paid a visit to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Mummy would have liked to have spent a bit more time in the gem section because oh my WORD, I have never seen such incredible and also HUGE gemstones and crystals. Again, we’re talking world class collections. In Bathurst. Who knew?!
We packed a lot in to our Bathurst 24 hours but it was time to finally visit Orange. And it snowed. The boys’ first snow. We couldn’t have organised it better!
First stop was the Byng Street Hotel, which I was really excited about. It has quite the reputation in design circles and there’s nothing I love more than a truly unique and design-led boutique hotel. And it was just as amazing as I hoped. What Kristen and Thomas Nock have done here is so impressive. It opened a year ago following an epic modern (yet very sympathetically and cleverly done in my option) extension behind it.
Byng Street is without doubt one of (if not the) premier streets in Orange and the houses will make you want to sell up and move there immediately. Gorgeous! We drove up and down a few times (it was freezing) before parking at the hotel.
The Beech Tree Suite
Inside, the 4.5-star hotel is quirky and colourful, full of great art and beautiful, comfortable furniture. Our suite (The Beech Tree Suite) was heaven! And the lucky boys shared a comfy sofa bed in the lounge area which was a couple of steps down from the main bedroom.
Guest lounge
These pictures speak for themselves but what also stands out is the friendly and excellent service and the little touches, like coming back to your room to find there’s been a turn down service each afternoon, and there’s looseleaf tea and mini sweet treats waiting for you. And the breakfasts! There’s no buffet here, but a choice of lovely a la carte options cooked to order. And you’re welcome to start with their famous granola while you wait for it to be cooked. With my favourite stewed rhubarb!
On the subject of beautiful interiors and art, high on my hit list for visiting Orange were its homewares shops, not least Jumbled which is part of The Sonic (the old Masonic Hall building).
I’ve blogged about this wonderful space and know it by its reputation and Instagram feed, but in real life it was even better! Part homewares store, part cafe, part fashion store, part art gallery, Just wow! If this store was in Sydney you’d say it was one of the very best, so to find it in a regional town, it just feels a bit magical! Luckily us Sydneysiders can shop online from it whenever we like!
There are plenty of shopping gems in Orange. My other favourite was the gorgeous The White Place (yes, I’d like to move in please!) and Hawkes General Store is another cute little spot, with coffee!
The White Place
We had a couple of lovely, family-friendly early dinners while in Orange, at The Ophir Hotel and Avido Ristorante. Orange has many more ‘fancy’ restaurants but they’re not really suited to travelling with a two and five-year-old when you have to have a 5.30pm sitting!
Avido with its fire was great on a cold cold night!
When in Orange, another must is to try the local wine, and we headed to Heifer Station for this (via great coffee from Groundstone). It was cold and rainy but we cosied up inside the cellar door and tried amazing wine and cheese. Sadly it was too muddy to venture to the mini petting zoo on the grounds which the boys would have loved. Got to admire somewhere that caters to the wine-loving parents!
Sampling divine wine by an open fire at Heifer Station
We couldn’t go to Orange without visiting our friend Steve Cordony, the renowned Sydney interior stylist who has made the town his second home with partner Michael. They’ve been beautifully restoring Rosedale Farm (following their account on Instagram is such a lovely escape!) and it was so wonderful to see it in real life!
Image: Stevecordony.com
They have plans to open a luxury farm stay there soon. Yet another reason to return! This weekend, Steve’s opening the doors to lucky styling enthusiasts for the first time as he hosts two sold out one-day masterclasses.
Image: Stevecordony.com
There are a few gorgeous smaller country towns a stone’s throw from Orange and many venture to Millthorpe but we decided to explore the lesser known Carcoar, mainly because I wanted to visit the gorgeous Tomolly homewares store and meet its delightful owner, stylist Belinda Sattherthwaite. Neither disappointed! And Belinda’s opening a holiday rental soon so we may have to return to check that out!
Tomolly in Carcoar
The town itself is like a timewarp. In a really good way. We absolutely loved it and we left planning when we could come back and open a cafe or buy a holiday cottage too! Girl’s gotta dream…
All in all, our trip to Central NSW was refreshing, beautiful and full of things to do. It was wonderful to see snow although the cold did make it a little restrictive with the kids (one memorable time we rugged up and drove to Orange Botanic Gardens so the kids could check out the playground, parked, got out of the car then promptly got straight back in again when the icy wind hit our faces!). We will definitely go back again in warmer weather because we’d love to have been out of the car more. Would I recommend Orange? In a heartbeat. If you, like me, like wine, homewares shopping and beautiful countryside, why wouldn’t you?!
LINKS
Other places we didn’t get to but were highly recommended:
Mum of two and founder of Incy Interiors Kristy Withers, knows first-hand how quickly children can grow and their tastes can change. While growth spurts can result in overhauling children’s wardrobes year on year, the interiors enthusiast shares five considerations parents should make to ensure their child’s bedroom stands the test of time.
1. Splurge on a larger bed
“If there is one furniture item that you are going to invest in, make sure it’s the bed!” says Kristy. “Investing in a high quality bed straight up can save you money in the long run. Of course, with a good quality bed you can hand it down to other children but if you really want to avoid having to upgrade your bed every few years and both your space and budget permit, consider purchasing a bigger bed from the beginning.”
Double beds are a great size for kids, not just because they give off the grown up vibes that kids crave, but you are almost guaranteed an upgrade won’t be required until they hit their mid-teens.
2. Choose convertible pieces wherever possible
When you are creating a space for a newborn, it is difficult to consider the functionality beyond those first few years, but there are some items that you can purchase that will still serve a purpose for your child as they grow. Kristy recommends looking for a change table that also doubles as storage.
“All of our Incy change tables either convert to a dresser or a bookcase so you can continue to use the product for many years to come,” she explains.
3. Keep sheets and linen plain
“I always recommend that people keep their sheets simple and stick with plain linen. It is not only difficult to ‘outgrow’ plain linen but a neutral, unpatterned colourway means décor can be interchanged without needing to overhaul every part of the room. It is much easier and more cost effective to update a bedroom with throws and cushions,” Kristy says.
Be sure to invest in quality bedding too – it’s essential for both comfort and assurance you’ll get to enjoy it (and not update it) for a while!
4. Think about smart storage solutions
Regardless of age, you’ll always need somewhere to clear the clutter! A neutral storage ottoman or trunk is perfect for this and can store anything from stuffed toys to books. Kristy loves ottomans in particular, as they double as a place to sit and always look great at the end of the bed.
5. Choose a plain, timeless colour for the walls
While it can be tempting to paint the walls in pastels for newborns, Kristy recommends keeping the walls in neutral tones that will stand the test of time. “Instead, add colour with removable wallpaper and decals,” she says. “There are so many great companies out there now that offer removable wallpaper and wall decals and they are a great way to set a theme or a room, but as they are removable, it’s only as permanent as you need it to be!”
A gender-neutral theme/colourway will ensure a bedroom’s longevity, but Kristy suggests complementing this with little personal touches, like artworks, drawings, mementos and precious keepsakes, turning your child’s bedroom their own personal haven. “Additionally,” she says, “updating the artwork allows personality to be injected, but it can be easily updated as your child grows and changes.”
Home school ideas: creating a great kids’ study space
Children’s spaces are fast becoming a creative extension to the family home and Nicole Rosenberg of Liberty Interiors is quite the expert at creating stylish and practical spaces for kids,…
As most of you know, we moved house a few months ago and shortly afterwards, headed to the UK for a month. So we decided it wasn’t worth reassembling Seb’s cot and that we would start his room from scratch as a “big boy room” with a single bed and try our luck.
Now, who better to collaborate with on this important room than my favourites, Pottery Barn Kids? When they asked if I’d like to work with them on Seb’s room, I couldn’t have said yes fast enough! Luckily, I was really clear what I wanted for him from the get-go: a timeless, classic, calm, comfortable space, loosely themed around his favourite things: anything transport! While I agree that kid’s rooms should be fun and about the kids, he is lucky enough to have his own playroom which is chock full of primary colours, toys, plastic and fun! So the idea for the bedroom was for it to be very calm and sleep-inducing (he has never excelled in the sleep department, much to our disappointment!). It was to be unashamedly low on toys and big on books! The other major factor was that this room could easily transition with him as he got older, with solid big ticket items which weren’t too babyish.
I am absolutely thrilled with what we created together and Seb transitioned to being in a bed amazingly well (okay, maybe because he was already jetlagged from our UK trip, but I’ll take it!). While he does all his playing in the playroom still, he loves choosing books for bedtime from his Madison Bookrack Tower. If you ask me, all kids should have one of this style of bookcase where the covers are facing out. It makes reading and choosing books so much more appealing, especially when they’re down at their level. Just make sure you anchor them, and any furniture for that matter, to the wall. Pottery Barn Kids furniture comes with anti-tip kits.
The starting point for the room was Haymes Greyology 4. I originally picked a green paint colour without first testing it on the walls (don’t do this, people!) and it turned out to be a “lime crime” so we swiftly changed that to this gorgeous grey, which we have in most of the rest of the house. We have also carpeted all our bedrooms in a nice mid grey and installed plantation shutters.
We went for grey for the main furniture items because it’s a bit different to white but still very timeless and the bedside, bed and dresser would look just as appropriate in a teenage boy’s room. They’re all from the Elliott range.
We picked the Elliott bed for many reasons. Firstly, it has two height settings, so while he’s little it can be lower and therefore easier for him to hop in and out on his own (which he does). Second, on the higher setting, you can put a trundle underneath (perfect for sleepovers when he is older). And third, it’s just a really lovely classic shape that will again look perfectly fine in an older kid’s bedroom. The quality of this furniture pretty much wowed me and it’s made of solid timber and MDF with traditional carpentry techniques. It’s better than what we have in our own bedroom, I think! The dresser and bedside come fully assembled and the bed is straightforward to put together (although you can pay extra for Pottery Barn Kids to do this for you when they deliver). I read up on mattresses and the importance of kids having something supportive while their little bodies are still growing. We chose the Sealy Posturepedic Dusk from Forty Winks in medium firmness.
We bought this Moomin print for our future child while on honeymoon in Tokyo before we were even pregnant or planning to be!
Onto the more fun stuff, the ride-on train went down a storm and is rarely in the bedroom but rather being tripped over elsewhere in the house! Damian is totally jealous and wishes he’d had one when he was a kid. Months later, Seb still comments on his “toot-toot sheets” (Organic Train Sheet Set) which we combined with more neutral linen like the gorgeous Vintage Yarn Dye Reversible Quilt (which I may yet steal for myself!).
Don’t expect toddlers to smile in photoshoots when it’s past their nap time…
You can never have too many Anywhere Chairs (out of shot) to sit on (this is his second). I recommend them to everyone with kids. the Collector’s Shelves are a great way to display favourite books and toys and add colour and interest. We now change them around regularly. And another favourite piece is the the Rowan Lamp (it comes in brass or nickel) which is a first of its kind in that it also has a nightlight in the base. We also put a super cool neon ‘Sebastian’ light on the wall from Neon Poodle which sadly arrived after the photoshoot. It’s a real wow piece.
The whole process of putting this room together was so fun. Pottery Barn Kids interior designer Ebony Quaid was an awesome help; so passionate about her job. From putting together a concept board based on my wants to providing advice and helping style the finished space, it was great working with her.
Jen with PBK’s Ebony Quaid
Since the shoot, we have unpacked properly and added a lot more art and accessories to this room but it is still a very calm and simple space. I’m thinking about doing one wall with wallpaper. What do you think?
Did you know Pottery Barn Kids offer free design services to all their customers (not just bloggers like me!)? Here’s a little video of Ebony and I discussing the room:
Do you have a little one (or one on the way) whose room needs a makeover? One lucky person will win a $1000 voucher to spend on whatever they like at Pottery Barn Kids!
Simply fill out the form below or pick one up in store. Entries close at 11.59pm AEST on 31 August 2017.
I never thought I’d get excited about a stroller until I had a baby. And then I became aware of whole new world of good looking baby transporters which showcased great design in form as well as function. And you can’t go past market leader Bugaboo in both stakes.
We started our stroller journey with the Bugaboo Bee3 (with bassinet). We loved that neat little pram (and I loved the fact you could choose everything from frame colour to seat and hood colour, not to mention the bevy of accessories…). We went for a grey and blue combo, safe in the knowledge if we used it for a second (one day!) baby and fancied a change, we could simply buy a new hood. Its highlights for me are ease of putting up and down (I’m really lacking in hand-eye coordination!) and its compact size and light weight. Taking tight corners in shops is no problem, even one-handed! It doesn’t take up much boot space (we had a Golf when we first got it but have of course now upgraded to a soccer mum car) and it weighs very little. I carried the pram with Seb in it up and down stairs multiple times. This pram also came with us to the UK in a carry case).
Was he really ever this small?! Seb in his Bugaboo Bee3
When we moved to the ‘burbs of Wahroonga though, I found our little city pram struggled a bit with all the high kerbs so when given the opportunity to check out Bugaboo’s well known Chameleon3 with its bigger wheels, we were keen to give it a go! But little did we know how obsessed Sebastian would be with it! We certainly appreciate how much easier it is to get around with but he absolutely loves it too. Perhaps its because it is bigger, he is up higher and he loves holding onto the bar across the front. Or maybe he just loves the look of it! It certainly has style in spades!
Did I mention the useful compartments on the back for storing your keys and phone and the very roomy basket underneath? All very important. In fact I’m not sure what I’m going to do once Seb’s out of a pram and I can’t use it to lug my shopping around anymore?!
We have the Diesel collaboration Military version and it’s a very cool looking bit of kit! Seb even tries to climb into it when we’re not out and about and has been known to get back in of his own accord at the park. This never happened before! And he loves trying to push the big wheels along too. Who needs toys?!
Despite being a much bigger stroller, the Cameleon3 easily comes apart and folds flat, taking up way less space in your car than you’d imagine. Check out this video to see how that works:
It has plenty of other cool functions, like the ability to have your child forward or rear-facing at the click of a button (or two), fully adjustable suspension, wheels and handlebar height (I actually find this much more comfortable to push than the Bee3 and because it’s higher, I save my back by not having to bend down so much). A bassinet is also available separately. We loved our bassinet for the Bee3, and it was a great place for Seb to sleep when we stayed overnight somewhere too.
We have no issues getting up and down kerbs anymore (although negotiating the tight aisles of the post office isn’t as easy as with the Bee!) and on and off the train is also a breeze!
This video shows you all the different seat positions and how easy it is to change between them…
The military stroller was the first of three cool collaborations with lifestyle brand Diesel and there’s the denim and rock versions too.
Bugaboo introduced the first Cameleon stroller in 1999, with the idea to create the perfect all-in-one: a stroller that’s flexible enough to go anywhere and everywhere. This was the blueprint for today’s Bugaboo Cameleon³. The combination of high performance, long-lasting quality and innovative design, plus countless fashionable special editions, has made it a true design classic.
The Bugaboo Cameleon3 by Diesel retails at $1,699. Matching camouflage accessories are available and include a seat liner, parasol, mosquito net and foot muff.
Being a working mum is all kinds of things – a privilege, a challenge, a juggle – and with a baby about to turn one, I should know! What it isn’t is easy! In honour of Mother’s Day this weekend, I rounded up seven impressive women from the worlds of interiors, homewares and design to ask them how they manage to have – and do – it all!
From L to R: Chloe Brookman, Kristy Withers, Bel Kurtz, Andrea Rembeck Kate Pascoe Squires, Tina Clark and Alison Wyatt
KATE PASCOE SQUIRES is one half of homewares brand Kate & Kate, known for their beautiful blankets, throws and towels. She is also mum to Harry (6) and Helena (4). She started Kate & Kate with her sister in law Kate Pascoe when Helena was just six months old and Harry was two.
“It was actually the perfect time to start a business,” she says. “Although we both had our hands full, there was also lots of time spent feeding, walking etc – and a desperate need to take some time for ourselves and get out of that ‘baby’ headspace. Our business started organically, so there was no pressure in the early days. We didn’t know what shape Kate & Kate was going to take, and by the time we worked that out, the kids were a little bit older and we could dedicate more time to developing our strategy.”
These days, with Harry at school and Helena in pre-school three days a week, with the help of a nanny two days a week, Kate can get four solid days of work in. “I juggle through the other three days. I like to walk Harry to school in the mornings and spend time with both kids in the afternoons, which means there is a break in my working day – but for that freedom, I am happy to then jump back into it for a few hours at night.
“We don’t have any family in Sydney, so I came to terms pretty early on that paid help is my only option and I’m cool with that. Our nanny has been with us since Helena was born and she’s part of the family. At the minute, the strategy is working!”
While she did have the dreaded mum guilt, being proactive in making changes to allow her to spend more time with the kids has alleviated this. “It makes for very busy days, but I just felt as though I was missing out on too much and we were all suffering. My new mantra is, ‘I can only do what I can do!’ I am a very proud working mum. I want my kids to have privileges, but I need them to see that you have to work for them. There isn’t a money tree out the back of the terrace!
“I also think it’s good for kids to see that the world doesn’t always revolve around them – I can’t be there every minute of every day and you know what? That’s ok. They will be ok. It’s a good life lesson.”
While self-employment brings welcome flexibility, it also brings “giant” responsibility. “The buck stops with you. It can be terrifying and empowering. There are a lot of people to keep happy too – your employees, stockists, manufacturers, media etc. We run our own business, but that doesn’t mean we’re not accountable to a lot of other people. Running your own show isn’t all love hearts and sunshine (as it may seem on Instagram) — there are amazing benefits, but get ready for a huge slog, lots of spreadsheets and time away from your family.”
Kate’s top tips: Get help. Family is always best if that’s an option, but if not, get prepared to pay for it: nanny, daycare… don’t think you can do it all by yourself. If you can afford to, outsource the jobs you don’t like or don’t find rewarding. When you are juggling a family and a business, time is precious – don’t waste it!
ANDREA REMBECK runs kids luxury label Tutu du Monde and is mum to Alyna (11). Her daughter was actually the inspiration to start the business! “It has really grown with her, I started very small and nimble so I was able to juggle new motherhood with the challenges of a start-up and as she got older, it got easier for me to extend my work hours,” Andrea says.
Having an older child now, the juggle is a lot easier. Her husband works from home and does most of the school drop-offs and pick-ups which enables Andrea to have ‘proper’ work days. “I don’t have to pick up a lot of ‘undone’ work after-hours and on the weekend. When Alyna was younger, my husband was away overseas a lot on extended work commitments and with no relatives in Australia, I often had to juggle work, daycare, babysitters, etc. I used to work a lot at night. I had to fit it in where I could.”
There’s still the occasional bout of guilt though – mainly when she travels and can’t take Alyna with her. “However, I usually tell myself that a happy (and fulfilled) mother creates a nurturing and happy environment for her kids. I am a believer in old fashioned values and I think working sets a great example for your kids. They know it requires hard work and discipline to be a success and to fulfil one’s dreams. I don’t want my daughter to grow up and aspire to a Kardashian life.”
Andrea says it’s never too late to start your own business. “Maybe when you have young kids, it takes a little longer to get it off the ground and grow it, but with a good support network it’s possible, especially when the kids get a bit older. When Alyna was younger, I was running the business from home which helps, as you can work around nap times and you don’t have to commute. Obviously daycare and relatives can help a lot.”
Andrea’s top tips: Be organised and have a clear strategy. You don’t have endless amounts of time.
KRISTY WITHERS runs iconic kid’s furniture and décor brand, Incy Interiors and is mum to Oscar (7) and Polly (4). It was Oscar turning two and needing a ‘big boy bed’ which sparked the business idea and she found out she was pregnant with Polly about two weeks before launching Incy. It was a very welcome surprise after multiple miscarriages and starting IVF.
With both children now in school, Kristy admits life is much easier and she employs her sister as their nanny! “She picks the kids up from school and will take them home, do homework and have a bath. This is amazing as it means that when we get home we just hang out and have quality time together.”
When the kids were younger and Kristy was working night and day, she had more than her share of mum guilt. “It absolutely broke my heart that I missed Polly’s first day of pre-kinder because I was in the US at a tradeshow. Polly of course didn’t bat an eyelid but I am still not over it!
“I love that when Polly plays ‘pretend’ she is ‘working’. I want her to know that she too can be successful and doesn’t need to rely on anyone else. Both my husband and I have our own businesses and we work long hours. Our children understand that they have things other kids don’t because mum and dad work hard. Self employment is certainly a hard road as you need to be available to both your family and your business 24 hours a day and there is no one else to pick up the slack.” Being a mum should never put you off following your dream though: “Having children will only make you more organised and more ruthless with your time, which is a good thing.”
Kristy’s top tips: Divide your time. Whilst working from home I felt permanently guilty – if I was working I felt like I should be with the kids and if I was with the kids I felt bad for not working. I also just worked around the clock and felt like I didn’t get a break. The day that I got a separate office and started working specific office hours was the day I got my life back. Now I go to work from 9 to 5 and I try to limit any work that I take home so that when I am home I am present. If you are spending quality time with your children, the mum guilt definitely lessens!
ALISON WYATTruns Hepburn Hardware, an online store selling knobs and handles. She’s also mum to Zara (6) and Oliver (4). She started the business when she was on maternity leave with Oliver and Zara was 2. “I could see, in our situation, that working a normal 9 to 5 wasn’t going to work when our kids were at school. Zara was starting school in two years’ time so I had to make it happen within that timeframe. Fortunately it did.”
When the kids were small, Alison used childcare as she was still working her job in the city and running Hepburn Hardware by night. “Once Hepburn had enough traction, I left my city job, cut back their childcare hours and worked when they were asleep. It was busy at the time juggling two jobs and two small children, but it was a small price to pay for the balance we have now. These days I just work when they’re at school or kindy. My husband is also a shift worker and occasionally has days off during the week to do the school run etc. while I work.
“I wasn’t really into my city job and it made me feel guilty being away from my kids for something I wasn’t passionate about. Leaving your child in tears at daycare isn’t a great way for your family to start the day. Now I work when they’re at school/kindy or asleep. Separating work time from family time has been the lynchpin, because if I try to combine them, I end up doing both badly. I tick the business along in the school holidays, so I can spend as much time with them and then ramp it back up during term time. I’m also able to drop them off and pick them up from school every day, which has also been a guilt saver.”
Showing your kids you have drive, determination and commitment is a great lesson, according to Alison, who says her own parents set a really good example for her. “Allowing my kids to see you can have an enjoyable working life, in a less generic way, will hopefully open their minds to the possibilities out there. Your outlook on work can have a big effect on your outlook on life, so I’m keen to show my kids a positive one.”
Wanting more flexibility was a big motivator for her to start the business in the first place. “It’s a lot more work involved when you’re out on your own, but you can do it around whatever your family is up to. I’ve never worked harder in my life but I’m spending the most time I’ve ever had with my kids.”
Alison’s not the first in her circle of friends to have started a business after becoming a mum. “We’re all doing very different things but use each other as sounding boards for ideas and problems. I found working on my own challenging, as I have always preferred to work with a team, so having a good network of women me has given me amazing support. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Alison’s top tips: Lists are my biggest saviour. I use an app called Evernote on my phone. It’s a great way to get whatever is in my head down onto an easily accessible platform. Then when I get a chance to do some work, I can do it fast and efficiently. At the end of each night, I add what I need to do the next day, so I don’t go to bed thinking about it.
CHLOE BROOKMAN is one half of children’s furniture and homewares business, Olli Ella and mum to Tennyson (6), Arlo (4) and baby Nell (pictured). “When I started Olli Ella I had just had my first child, who was 10 months. Olli Ella was absolutely inspired by motherhood, and to this day it affects the products that we design and produce.”
If you’d asked her how she balances motherhood and business before Nell came along, Chloe would have told you that she works during school hours, and tries to be as effective as she can in that time. “These days, though it’s done mainly through an iPhone, during feeds. “I haven’t quite figured out how to navigate the balance of work and family with three little ones but it’s early days still and I’m sure we will get there!”
She’s managing to put things in perspective when it comes to feeling guilty about being a working mum. “I had a real moment a couple of weeks ago when, after picking the boys up from school, I found myself shut in our room with an unsettled baby girl, I knew that my boys needed me, I had a mountain of emails to troll through (it wasn’t going to happen any time soon) and I hadn’t started on dinner. I felt like I was falling short, that my little boys were suffering because I had spread myself too thin. And then I had this thought; I thought to myself that when I look back on my own childhood it is more of a feeling, than remembering specific days. I thought that with my kids, sure there were going to be days when their mama was far less than perfect, days where I couldn’t play with them as much as I wanted to, or forgot to help with homework, or lost my temper quicker than the situation deserved. But it’s the foundation that counts, that their home is full of love, play and music. And that I am a great mother most of the time, and to forgive myself the moments when I do fall short. Because hey, we are human!”
More than setting the example of being successful, Chloe wants to show her kids that you can love what you do for work. And as for thinking you’ve left it too late to start your own thing after you’ve had kids, Chloe says it’s the best time to do! “Something happens after having a baby, it’s sort of a shift in perspective that makes you re-evaluate everything. Things that were important to you before, might not be so anymore, and things that you never imagined would be of interest or concern to you, suddenly are. There’s a joke in my family that after every baby I have made a major life decision. After my first baby I started Olli Ella, immediately after my second we moved from London to Sydney, and now with Nell we have just opened a third office in Los Angeles. It’s never too late to start a business and sometimes taking time away from your job, like for example, on maternity leave, is the perfect time to incubate and hatch a new venture.”
Chloe’s top tips:Have a sense of humour, wine, and embrace the chaos because it is crazy and awesome. These are undoubtedly the greatest of times.
TINA CLARK started luxury wardrobe storage brand Sagitine and is mum to Sabine (6) and Gisele (3), also known as Gigi. The business name is a combination of hers and her daughters’ names. Wanting to be at home with her girls more spurred former trader Tina on to start her business.
As a single mum, she has a full-time, live-in nanny. “I realised early on that I couldn’t manage on my own. Sabine is at school now and Gigi is at daycare three days a week. Working from home is a bit of a struggle on the two days when Gigi is at home.”
Of all the women we interviewed, she’s the only one who says she doesn’t suffer from mum guilt. “I always think I’m doing the best I can and that will be ok! I sometimes get the dad guilt and worry that my kids will get angry with me when they get older as both their dads are donors. But I think it’s very important for kids to see their mothers work as it creates ambition, drive and independence.”
When Tina worked as a trader she couldn’t even get time off to take Sabine to her first day of daycare. “It was just impossible! This gives me the flexibility to work at my own pace and be actively involved in dropping off and picking up my children when I need to.”
Perhaps feeling the pressure to provide more as a single parent, Tina warns to be careful about the finances and the time it will take to become profitable. “Let’s just say I was a little naive in hindsight about the realities of setting up a manufacturing business.”
Tina’s top tips: Keep smiling and don’t worry too much if the house is a mess! Try not to feel guilty about missing out on events at school as it’s impossible to do everything. Best to commit to a handful of things that you can 100% dedicate yourself to and do them well.
BEL KURTZ runs Petite Vintage Interiors and is mum to Holly (5) and Asher (3). She started the business when her second was just six months old. “After being on maternity leave for over two years, I definitely had a desire to focus my attention on something else in addition to my small people. At the start, I was able to easily fit the work hours required around the girls but as the business grew I went from working in nap times and evenings, which was quite manageable, to working through the day with them at home. This became more challenging as they grew older and gave up their naps! It was really hard to take client calls with two screaming kids in the background but I look back on that time and smile because I was able to indulge my passion for design while staying home with my daughters.”
Now Holly has started school and Asher is at kinder three days a week, she has more child-free hours. “But the time between school drop off and pick up would have to be the shortest hours in the day! My husband pitches in around the house in the afternoons between 4pm and 7pm for dinner and homework and then I’m back in the office most evenings after the girls have gone to bed. I always have my phone on me so if we have after school activities that leave me sitting in the car for extended periods, I can get onto emails.”
Bel accepts the mum guilt as being quite normal, particularly if you feel like your business is pulling you away from your family. “It helps to have a supportive partner with a flexible job who can be there if you can’t, or even grandparents who might be able to attend events that you’re unable to get to due to work commitments. The best thing I can do is admit to myself that I’m doing my best to juggle everything and I just can’t do it all. When things are a little quieter on the work front I try to attend as many events as possible so I don’t feel like we’re missing out so much.”
Bel watched her mum work hard in her own business and says it taught her she could chase any dream she had. “Hard work and determination do pay off and I think that’s a great example for our daughters.” When it comes to starting your own business, she says you just have to start! “Set a small goal and just squeeze in every spare minute that you have to try to reach it. It might be something as small as selling 10 products or getting 500 followers on Instagram! Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t measure your success on the success of others. Small wins lead to bigger things!”
Bel’s top tips:Prioritise your own health first. Have a family planner that includes your intended work hours for the week with dedicated family time. I always make sure I have 45 minutes with the girls before bed for stories and cuddles. Build a great support network of trusted babysitters, you never know when you might need them. You don’t have to say yes to everything, on the work front and the family front. If you can, outsource.
Writing about interiors for the last 18 years, it had always been Georgia Madden’s dream to try her hand at fiction. So, a couple of years ago with her 40th birthday approaching, it felt like a now or never moment, and with a wine glass in hand(!) she started writing.
Georgia
“I write decorating features everyday so I thought writing fiction would be a doddle,” explains Georgia. “It wasn’t! But it was certainly a lot of fun. I was shocked and delighted when Nero picked the book up.”
Seeing it as a chance to make peace with some of the more difficult times she went through as a new mother, Georgia’s debut novel, Confessions of A Once Fashionable Mum, is a tongue-in-cheek look at the joys and horrors of the first year of motherhood. With so many books out there about how wonderful and fulfilling motherhood can be – instant bonding, overwhelming love and the perfect family — Georgia wanted to write about the flip side — the mess, the exhaustion and the whole not remembering your own name thing! “While motherhood is certainly an amazing time I’ve never been great with change and adapting to life at home with a baby took me a while,” says Georgia. “It’s a crazy, heartbreaking, heartwarming time, but a lot of it is also pretty funny. That’s really what I was hoping to capture in Confessions.”
Still reporting on interiors by day — Georgia writes for the likes of House & Garden, Inside Out and Home Beautiful — she found her knowledge of interiors to be imperative when writing her novel. “One of the best parts of my job is writing about people’s homes and I’ve been lucky enough to meet some fascinating people and seen some gorgeous homes along the way. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that at least a couple of the scenarios I encountered have found their way into Confessions.”
Now working on her next novel, which is again focused on women, friendship and family, Georgia is currently trying to find that sweet spot between balancing feature writing and fiction… oh, and looking after the kids, of course!
Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum (Nero Books) is out now. Buy it online.
Gee, this seat is comfy! Think I'll have a nap (again!)
Sebastian was fast outgrowing his capsule, so when we got the opportunity to road test (indulge the pun!) a car seat I jumped at the chance, especially when I heard about the Maxi-Cosi Euro NXT’s super safe credentials.
Sebastian happy in his comfy new car seat
As a first-time mum, lots of people will tell you that a lot of baby stuff is a waste of money or something you’ll never use and it’s very true! That said, if there’s one thing you’re not going to take any chances on, it’s a car seat. Traveling by car suddenly makes you feel a whole lot more vulnerable when you have your precious firstborn cargo on board. Oh, does it ever!
Maxi-Cosi is definitely a brand I associate with quality child seats and Sebastian’s capsule happened to be the Maxi-Cosi Mico, which was compatible with our Bugaboo Bee3 pram. Seb was definitely looking a little too snug in his and with the weather getting hotter, he wasn’t enjoying car trips as much as he had been. We knew it had a limited lifespan as our little man got bigger by the week! In the much more spacious Euro NXT he is a happy little passenger once again!
Gee, this seat is comfy! Think I’ll have a nap (again!)
My absolute favourite feature about this seat, which is easy to install (although I definitely recommend having it done professionally) thanks to the Isofix latch system, is that it can stay rear-facing (the safest way to travel) until your little one is up to 30 months old. You then change it to forward-facing and will fit your child until they’re up to four years old (or until their shoulders reach a certain height). So the investment is a longterm one.
When it comes to safety, which let’s face it, is about the only thing you consider when buying a baby car seat, the GCELL™ patented next generation, crash absorbing technology provides a crumple zone for enhanced side full body protection. Air Protect™ Superior Side Impact Protection is specifically designed to shield your child’s head from side impact forces through the precise release of air. GCELL™ and Air Protect provide the ultimate in side impact protection.
Ease of use is also key and this ticks those boxes too. The harness is easy to adjust in one step without having to remove the seat from the car, and adjusting the seat base and head rest as your child grows is also simple.
When it comes to comfort, Seb has given it the thumbs up (or I’m sure he would if he knew how to). He certainly doesn’t wriggle around looking annoyed anymore! And now that it’s getting warm, the ‘cool baby’ wicking fabric might have something to do with that too.
And then there’s practicality. Hello machine washable covers! Say no more…
It also comes with a mat which goes underneath it to protect your car seat. Being that our “soccer mum car” is brand new and we are still under some vague illusion we can keep it clean with a child, this was very welcome!
To top it all off, this car seat is made right here in Australia, which is always a pleasant surprise in this day and age.
The Maxi-Cosi Euro NXT is available from leading baby stores for $649 RRP.
