Two minutes with … Jessica Le Brun, mama to Kaiper, aged 3 years and Alana, aged 1 year old

by | Aug 30, 2016 | Two minutes with interview series

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

I get up at 5am every morning and consider that “me time” because I try to get my workout in during that time, which is like my therapy.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

I definitely feel like exercise is my favorite way to practice self care. It releases stress, helps me feel good all around, and literally cares for my body. Another way for me is to get a pedicure and occasionally get my hair done at a nice salon, because it feels good to get pampered!


What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

The advice I would give to mamas struggling to create me-time would be to let go of the guilt. I focused too much on guilt for too long after becoming a mom. I had to realize that I am still a human being and if my tank is empty I can’t function as my best self for my family. Now that I make that time for myself, my entire family is happier. It’s so important. I make the time by getting up earlier than my family (I know, it sounds hard but once you do it - even 30 minutes earlier - you realize it is the best way to start your day). I also have my mom and mother-in-law babysit once in a while to go to something like a pedicure for an hour or two. I know not everyone has family who can babysit (been there before), but trust me it is worth finding a sitter you can trust even for 1 hour to refresh yourself.

Two minutes with … Karla Gilbert, mama to Ella, aged 8 years and Summer, aged 6 years

by | Aug 28, 2016 | Two minutes with interview series

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

I am fairly lucky these days now that my girls are both at school and I work from home. My preferred time is 5am while the family sleeps to duck out and squeeze in some training otherwise I do feel like I’m chasing it for the rest of the day. Me-time is mainly spent on fitness - it’s what keeps me sane and its something I have always prioritized even when the girls were young.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

Self care it a daily habit through the food choices we make, movement we choose to do and balance we create in our minds regarding how we deal with things such as stress, self-talk and mindfulness. So in a nutshell I practice self care as much as I can each day. Each small decision is ultimately taking us on certain path which is why self-care to me means mind-body-soul rather than a bi-yearly facial or massage.

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

Firstly I suggest to take this time while your children are young. Enjoy it and don’t wish the years away. Take each opportunity as it comes and be flexible to do what you can when you can. That may mean 20 min workout while the kids are sleeping during the day or walking up 30 mins earlier in the morning to fit it in. It is easy to be a martyr and complain you don’t have time but on the flipside you have to be proactive in making it happen. Ask help from family and friends or use creches at gyms. Use the buggy to go on walks/runs or put the kids on scooters and bikes. Where there is a will there is a way. It will take a little time for everyone to get used to the new routine but well worth it!

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For more from Karla check out her website : www.ironmumkarla.com.au

Two minutes with … Kristal Brown, mama to Tanna, aged 4 years and Florence, aged 20 months

by | Aug 25, 2016 | Two minutes with interview series

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

The last time was last night - yoga! I have only recently started back after sporadic intervals since I was a teenager. It was incredible, and is definitely a huge part of what keeps me connected to source.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

It’s in the little things, like affirmations, reading my cards, writing, taking that time for a quiet meditation, yoga. I also love working on my business and projects. I think I’d say they contribute to positive self-care because they are purposeful pursuits and when I’m creating and adding value to someone or some cause, that’s what makes me feel most alive. I also love all the girly things too, like going out with my girlfriends, dressing up and getting my hair done!

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

It’s taken a while to work to out, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say that I’ve mastered 100 per cent balance, but I feel it’s really about consciously creating time in your schedule while working around the kids as the priority. Time won’t magically appear, you really have to make it. Put the systems in place where you can benefit from the ease they create around your lifestyle.

My biz partner Helena and I both work when the kids are having their day sleeps. On these days we get in and get stuff done, so our work isn’t encroaching on the time we have with our kids. There is always going to be some overlap, but we mitigate it as best possible.

Putting the kids in day care two days a week has been amazing for both myself and them. These two days are full work days for me, and the kids just love their kindy time with their friends. This little separation is good for us, it makes you appreciate everything so much more.

I’ve also recently implemented a weekly activity and meal plan, so we can see down to hour increments what each day of our week holds. From here I can juggle things or see where there is free time that can be used for something either for myself or family related - although there’s never much of that!

The meal plan maps out 10 meal ideas for each of the seven days, and I’ll always ensure at the start of the week I’ve got enough to make at least a couple of those meals each day. It’s all family friendly and it varies from simple dinners, to slow cook dinners, to barbecue dinners that I can palm off to the husband!

The perfect date

by | Aug 25, 2016 | Me-time inspiration

What? Baby Friendly Movie Sessions

Where? Village Cinemas, Southland

Why? Cinemas are one of those places where making noise is often met with sideways glances and angry shushing. They are traditionally one of the last places new mamas feel comfortable, given we all know how unpredictable and loud babies can be. That is why baby friendly movie sessions are genius. They allow mamas to feel totally relaxed about seeing a grown up new release at the cinema. On the day I went, Bad Moms was screening - which was a movie I had been wanting to see. I was glad I did - hilarious! My date was my 7 month old son. The cinema was fairly busy but there was ample pram parking at the rear of the cinema. The cinema lights were kept a little brighter than normal throughout the session so there is no need to fumble around. Most mums fed their babies during the session and to be honest almost all the babies were perfectly quiet throughout. Maybe the fact mums were relaxed and enjoying themselves was a factor. Happy mama. Happy baby. For me it was a perfect date - I got to see a chick flick with no complaints and didn’t have to share my popcorn.

How much? $10.00 per adult (babies are free)

Two minutes with … Victoria Norton, step-mama to Maisie, aged 15 years and mama to Lee, aged 8 years

by | Aug 23, 2016 | Two minutes with interview series

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

I don’t get a lot of me-time, it’s so precious and rare when you’re a mum, isn’t it? But I am learning all the time how to be better at making the commitment to myself. The last me-time I had was actually yesterday! I went for a run around my local lake. I run solo, no music, just me, my thoughts, mumma nature… I find running outside a great escape from the day-to-day desk work and mum duties. I run for myself and although it might hurt, it sure feels great afterwards.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

Oh I wish I was better at this. I would like to say I take a long soak every day, have facials or pedicures, massages and retreats but no! None of the above haha. What I do commit to, which for me has an enormous impact on my wellbeing, is a weekly yoga class at Humming Puppy in Sydney. It’s more than just a yoga class. Yes, it stretches out my body (which seriously needs it) but it is also so grounding and relaxing. I feel totally calm and blissed out afterwards. I go on Friday lunchtime and it’s the perfect way to punctuate the end of the working week and head into the weekend rejuvenated. It’s like a yoga class, day spa and long deep sleep all rolled into one, I love it.

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

OK, I can probably give advice better than I can take it! But I do know that, looking back, if I could change anything about how I was when my son was little, it would be to ask for some help, take some time out, just breathe. Care less about the state of the house and care more about the state of your mind. Talk to your partner so he or she understands the emotional and mental impact of being a new mum. Make sure they help you. Get outside, get some sunshine, get some exercise and get some friends round. Laugh. Sleep. Remember to be just you and not always ‘mummy’ every now and then. Otherwise you might go a bit crazy. I never ‘slept when the baby slept’ but I’ll offer that advice anyway 😉 A really good practical thing would be schedule in some weekly non-negotiable time for your baby/kids to just hang with Dad to give you the space to go get a coffee, sit in the backyard, take a bath whatever, without being interrupted or needed by anyone. Maybe make their swimming lessons on a Saturday morning, and you get your partner to get in the water with them instead of you? Good bonding time for them too, everyone’s a winner.