Tell us a little about your family.
It’s me, my husband James and our three kids, Ollie (10), Boh (10) and Sammy (7).
What was your biggest adjustment when you became a mum?
There were a couple for me!
Firstly, I completely underestimated the amount of time and effort a baby would take up.
Then there was the shift in priorities. After years of being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted, suddenly my whole world revolved around someone else.
And sleep…I’m not sure you ever fully catch up on that!
How do you manage the everyday juggle of motherhood?
For me, it’s about being as organised as possible and getting much better at asking for and accepting help. I think there’s a lot of strength in recognising when you need support.
What’s the best thing about being a mum?
Watching your kids grow up and seeing their little personalities develop. I love being part of their experiences, celebrating their wins and watching them discover what they love. It’s not always easy, but it’s a pretty special privilege.
What’s been your biggest challenge throughout motherhood?
I’m a fairly organised person, but even the best-laid plans can go haywire.
Learning to be flexible and adjust accordingly has been a big lesson for me.
I’ve also learnt that it’s absolutely OK to miss out on things and say no.
What surprised you most about becoming a mum?
Two main standouts here:
How much you learn to trust your instincts! Over time, I’ve come to appreciate that you know your own children in a way nobody else does. That doesn’t mean you always get it right, but learning to trust yourself and recognise what feels right for your family is incredibly valuable.
A mum’s innate ability to keep ‘Mumming’.
In whatever state you may be in, whether it’s grief, exhaustion, you just have to get on with it and keep going. It really is a superpower.
What’s something you wish you’d known before becoming a mum?
Ha! I still think ignorance is bliss on this topic.
Everyone has their own personal journey, so there’s absolutely no reason to compare yourself or your children to others.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
Take it a day at a time. You can be having an absolute stinker one day, and then the next day it’s like it never happened.
And to stop worrying so much about what might happen! I have a habit of getting ahead of myself and worrying about things that often never eventuate….. it’s not the best use of my energy.
What’s your best tip for making the day-to-day juggle a little easier?
Communicate! Don’t assume people know what you need, because you’ll only end up frustrated when they don’t.
I also think it’s important to be realistic about what you can fit into a day.
Sometimes things can wait, dinner can be Weet-bix, and not everything needs to be done perfectly.
Between career, motherhood, relationships and time for yourself, how do you find balance?
I’m not sure balance is something I’ll ever quite master!
I’ve had to become better at working out who and what needs my attention now and what can wait, instead of trying to please everyone. My husband is a great support in this regard, he keeps me grounded and can help me work through what is genuinely important, rather than simply what feels urgent at the time.
Sometimes you just have to make a decision, accept that you can’t do it all and be okay with that.
Who’s in your village and who couldn’t you live without?
I wouldn’t have got this far without the support of my family. They’ve encouraged and supported me to be the best mum I can be, and they’ve also been my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my career.
I’m also incredibly lucky to have a wonderfully supportive and nurturing village of parents around me, from mothers’ group through to kinder and school.
These are the people who support our family and kids like their own. Everyone just pitches in without judgement, it really is invaluable.
What are the five things you never leave home without?
- My iPhone: I’d be lost without the family calendar!
- MECCA 50+ Brightening Sun Serum.
- My Frank Green / Oroton collab water bottle.
- A tape measure.
- A snack – I can get hangry fast!
Where’s your favourite holiday destination?
Before kids, it was Italy.
Since having kids, it’s a tough choice between the South Pacific and BIG4 caravan parks!
But if I had to choose one, it would be Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu.
What makes Espiritu Santo so special?
The people, first and foremost. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and we loved the mix of relaxation, culture and adventure.
Being off the beaten track is important to our family. You can spend your days exploring or swimming in some of the most beautiful blue water, but you can also just slow down and relax. It’s a pretty special place for a family holiday. And direct flights from Aus are always a bonus!
What’s next on your travel wish list?
We love to travel so the list is long!
I’d love to explore more of WA & NT. Travel through Southeast Asia and Japan are also high on our list. My bucket list is an African Safari – one day!
Which brands are you loving at the moment?
I like a mix of brands and price points, and I’m always happy to find something new.
Currently I’m loving Hilary Holmes makeup and Ceres Life. Interior-wise it would be Citta, I’m obsessed with their cushions.
What’s one fashion trend you’re loving right now?
I’ve been waiting about 20 years for trackpants and leggings to become socially acceptable outside the house, so I’m making the most of it. Comfort is definitely a priority these days, particularly when you’re running around after kids.
And one trend you just can’t get on board with?
From an interiors perspective, it’s anything that feels like it’s been done just because it’s trending.
I love seeing new ideas, but I think a home should feel like the people who live in it, not like a copy of every other house on Instagram. I’d much rather see a home with character that stands the test of time than something that looks dated in two years.
Have you discovered any new brands lately?
I tend to discover brands when I stumble across something I like rather than actively searching for them.
Adore anything by Whitney Spicer so I am loving the new Farmer by Whitney. And I was recently introduced to CRZ YOGA for the longer-legged activewear pants….. and confirm they are great!
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
Honestly, I find shopping for myself harder than shopping for anyone else! I’m definitely more function than fashion and tend to stick to what I know works for me.
I love a good basic that I can wear on repeat, but putting outfits together for myself doesn’t come as naturally as it does when I’m doing it for someone else.
What does living a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
This year, a healthy lifestyle has been less about the physical work
(although still very important) and more about doing the mental work on myself. It’s been a huge turning point for me, and I feel stronger than I ever have.
How do you like to keep your body moving?
I like variety, and I schedule it in. If it isn’t in the calendar, the day disappears. My week is a mix of Pilates, strength training, tennis and walks with friends, and this year I’ve taken up golf. Having different things to look forward to keeps it interesting, and it doesn’t always have to be intense.
And let’s be honest, with three kids and a business I am always moving!
What are your top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Schedule it. If it isn’t in the calendar, the day disappears. I book movement in like any other appointment.
- Make it social. Activities with friends are exercise and a catch-up in one, which is a win with a busy schedule.
- Have things to look forward to. Having goals on the horizon always helps me. A holiday, dinner with friends or even a weekend without too many plans!
- Listen to your body. Some days you need to push yourself, and other days you need to slow down. I’m getting better at listening to my body rather than just doing things for the sake of it.
- Keep challenging yourself. I think staying healthy is also about keeping your mind active, learning new things and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but I think it’s important to keep growing as a person, too.
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellbeing?
Making time to move my body, getting outside and having time to myself. I know I’m a better version of myself when I’m looking after those things, and I’m much better at managing everything else when I do. It’s not always easy with a busy family and work, but I’ve learnt that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Finally, what does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?
Ultimately, I think balance is about knowing what matters, being comfortable with the choices you make and making sure you’re not so busy trying to keep everything together that you forget to enjoy the life you have.
