Brisbane MamaMag Oct/Nov 2023

Oct/Nov 2023

WIN

1 OF 5 $15O INFAMOUS SWIM VOUCHERS

Beauty & Fashion

Becoming Infamous

Singapore sling

Beauty buys

Dressed for success

Support and fun for the Brisbane mum

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Spring has sprung, the sun is bright, I wonder where I'll take my next flight. This mama (and cute miss 13 over there) snuck off the Singapore at the start of the school holidays and let me tell you, Singapore is wonderful! My third overseas trip for the year, and the first with kids (albeit only one of them), Jetstar shouted us so who was I to say no?! This amazing place is simply stunning. It's the greenest city you'll find, both visually and probably environmentally too. The weather was incredible. Being right on the equator it's hot year-round, just make sure you wear shorts when walking around in the humidity if you get me!! Swimming, eating, shopping (well more window shopping as it is super ex'ey here) and catching up with friends. Loved every minute of it! Loved every cocktail too! Especially the Singapore Sling at our stunning hotel, Shangri-la Singapore.

This issue of MamaMag is a nod to fashion and beauty so of course I had to have a chat with Infamous Swim's Gemma Crowe who not only runs the best Aussie family swimwear brand but is giving you the opportunity to get involved and invest in her biz (find out more on page 6!). And investments are not your jam, why not enter our Infamous Swim giveaway for a chance to win a $150 voucher so you can just score yourself some free swimwear instead! Yes please! Summer is coming, and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need that Havana Day bikini off the cover of this mag! Bring on the sunshine...

Sarah Cavalier Editor - MamaMag - @thecavaliermama

MamaMag is designed and published free online every two months for Brisbane mums, families and carers.

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BECOMING INFAMOUS

Melbourne mother of three Gemma Crowe has always loved swimwear. What started as an expensive teenage addiction, fuelled by a job in the surfwear industry and a mother who loved to sew, grew to Gemma running her very own swimwear label. With 41.1 million revenue to date she's clearly onto a good thing, but Gemma is ready to grow Infamous even further and has just launched a Birchal Crowd Funding campaign...

Firstly, quickly tell us a bit about your family.

I have four kids so to say life is busy is an understatement, but we manage with hard work, organisation and the support of our amazing family. Weeks are spent juggling the business with kids’ school/care/activities, and weekends (whenever we can) we’re at the beach or the river wakeboarding.

How did the idea for a swimwear brand come from? What were you doing before this?

My passion for the Infamous came about through Instagram. I was obsessed with scrolling Instagram and Pinterest looking up cute matching photos while pregnant, and this was my inspiration to start the brand. I realised there was a gap in the market for an Australian brand to do matching swim... And I mean.. Aussies, we are the summer swim specialists aren’t we?

I’ve always been creative. When I was younger, I was a professional dancer, and while this was short lived the hard work and dedication has stayed with me and helped me get to where I am today. I have tried my hand at many other sectors including retail, marketing and buying, but my passion for boutique shopping led me to co-create a homewares brand. After a few tough years, I decided to close the doors and pursue Infamous Swim. I’ve never looked back.

In our first year of business, we were able to generate $480,000 in sales and our second year 1.81 million.

So where did it all begin?

We began our journey in my garage, designing and developing swimwear for mums to match their daughters. Funny that.. I have 4 boys… so naturally we evolved into a matching powerhouse for kids and partners too. A 10k investment into website, stock, photography and some help from family and friends saw us launch our website on the 2nd September 2018.

We started off with just four colour ways across a few styles, thinking I was only going to sell one bikini a week!

Shortly after that, I decided to do a big body positivity movement. I got a bunch of friends and influential women and their kids, into a freezing cold warehouse in Melbourne and shot a very fun “we are more than our bodies” swimwear campaign. This gained a lot of traction and shortly after we collaborated with some of the biggest mum celebrities around the world. Ciara, Eva Longoria, Marcia Leone, Courtney Lopez, Fifi Box, Jules Robinson, Mahalia Barnes, Bonnie Anderson and the list goes on.

Infamous is now a household name within Australia, with over 756,000 swimsuits sent to over 440,000 people, 30% of those being return customers.

We have an extensive range that not only offers swimwear; but accessories, active wear, loungewear, sleepwear and now the big reveal, we are launching resort wear for summer ’23. We have expanded globally, selling to over 70 countries worldwide.

You've grown so much. Not surprisingly you're seeking support to take Infamous to the next step with the launch of a Birchal crowd funding campaign. What are you raising funds for?

We want help expanding our warehousing and staff capabilities, as well as embark on an exciting journey to establish a strong presence in the UK and EU markets.

We are a brand on a mission to redefine swimwear. Our key difference is our commitment to creating swim that fits all shapes and sizes, promoting inclusivity and body confidence for generations to come so we're inviting you to join us as an Infamous investor. For as little as $250 you can invest in an amazing female-founded brand doing things differently!

Business aside, what’s your favourite thing about being a mum?

The cuddles and big squeezes, the laughs from the silly things they come out with, and hearing ‘mum, I love you’.

What is your favourite thing to do for yourself when you need some me-time and a break from parenting/business?

Prior to running my own business, I would typically say regular workouts, healthy eating and minimal alcohol intake to nourish the body and mind. However, I must confess that since the launch, my self-care has taken a bit of a backseat. To be honest, now I’m just enjoying being able to get out with friends and family for dinner!

Where can we learn more about the Birchal campaign?

You can register your interest and find out more at www.birchal.com/company/infamousswim Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing.

Finally, Summer is coming...

Where can we buy your gorgeous swimwear?

SLING INTO SINGAPORE

Editor Sarah Cavalier explores this dazzling destination

Girl’s trip! This mama was very lucky to have the opportunity to escape Melbourne's Winter and hit up Singapore for five nights with my newly teenage daughter in September. After her primary school best friend moved there earlier this year, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a catch up, to go discover a country we've never been to and of course road test it for family friendliness to share with you all!

So, welcome to the vibrant and culturally rich city-state of Singapore! Nestled at the crossroads of Asia, Singapore is a fabulous destination known for its blend of modernity and tradition and quite frankly we loved it!

We started our adventure in Melbourne with Jetstar who had kindly hosted us on our Singapore adventure. I flew Jetstar to Bali in April and despite some people's opinions, we couldn't fault them. We left on time; the seats were great, and a G&T was only $12! One of the best things about flying Jetstar, is that you only pay for the extras you want/need, and so you have more money to spend at your destination. We pre-ordered meals and paid an extra $10 each for the movie access. Perfect! The poor kids behind us didn't get the entertainment bundle, but for only $10 more, why wouldn't you? Sure Singapore is only eight hours from Melbourne, but that's a couple of good movies. It's also two hours behind us, so it makes an easy and jetlag-less flight.

On arrival in Singapore the first thing you notice is the humidity. She's hot and sticky! But this was glorious after the cold of Melbourne. Next you notice the beauty. Singapore is as clean as a whistle and full of fabulous gardens, right down to the luggage carousel. It was stunning! Changi airport is the best of the best and you can quickly see why. And we hadn't even been up to the

Jewel (you know that famous indoor waterfall) which we saved for our trip home.

On advice from our Oz friends who live here now, we downloaded the Grab app, Singapore’s answer to Uber. This was super easy to set up and made catching cabs (which are really cheap) an absolute breeze and super fast and was our chosen transport to our first destination, Sentosa Island. Whilst Singapore is known for its beautiful gardens and lush greenery, Sentosa takes it to another level. There is barely an inch that isn't covered in stunning plants and just driving through it is an absolute treat.

Sentosa Island is nestled just off the southern coast of Singapore and is the Southernmost tip of Continental Asia. We arrived about 7pm and checked into the stunning Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa, the only beach front hotel in all of Singapore.

Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa is situated on the gorgeous Siloso Beach, (complete with palm trees poking out of the sand to give of desert island vibes) with direct access to the beach where we loved all the free water activities like the SUPs and kayaks. It's quite a novelty swimming in a cute bay but looking out onto the South China Sea full of giant cargo ships, but Singapore is one of the world's busiest port cities and the water is surprisingly clear considering the traffic!

Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is renowned for being extremely familyfriendly and it didn't disappoint. There is a dedicated children's pool, splash pad, and water slides, providing endless hours of fun and the resort hosts a Kids Club, Cool Zone, complete with a treehouse, arts and crafts and plenty of fun. It's also home to a large family of peacocks who wander past you at breakfast or fly up onto your balcony. They were quite a sight! And make sure you check out their fabulous adventure playground on Siloso Beach, Nestopia. But with all this family friendliness, rest assured it's not overrun by kids and there is an adults only end to the main pool with its own banana lounges, right near the bar (naturally!)

As exciting as then rest of Singapore is, you could never even leave Sentosa and still have the best time. It's an absolute mecca for fun. Just down the beach is bungee jumping at Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett. We delighted in watching people bungee jump whilst we were out in our kayaks as well as the people ziplining 450m over the jungle down to the beach in front of us from Mega Adventure Park, home of the MegaZip.

Universal Studios Singapore is an obvious highlight, especially if you're into rollercoasters and live entertainment based on all your favourite movies and TV shows.

If water adventures are more to your liking, Adventure Cove Waterpark is a must-visit. Water slides, wave pools and stunning marine life, you can even swim with dolphins. The S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world's largest, also offers a fab underwater journey.

The girls enjoyed Wings of Time, a spellbinding laser light show with fireworks and water show set against the backdrop of the sea, although at 13 they were probably getting a bit old for this.

After three stunning nights on Sentosa we headed over to the mainland and checked into the Shangri-la Hotel Singapore. This is the place where the Shangri-La story began in 1971 with the opening of the Tower Wing followed by the iconic Garden Wing, home to the most brilliant family suites, the year after. The architecture of this hotel is simply beautiful with curving balconies overlooking the pool and gardens, cascading with pink bougainvillea. The ground floor family garden suites were beautifully appointed and opened onto the most delightful private patio and garden area.

This Shangril-La loses the holiday resort vibe we loved at Rasa Sentosa, where I would have happily waltzed through the lobby in my sarong, but what it lacks in that laid back feeling it makes up for in quality. Just pulling up out the front fills you with excitement before you walk in the stunning lobby with its gigantic columns and amazing vertical gardens. Inside it's bustling with busy visitors in suits either staying here on business or having drinks in the lounge. But the hotel still feels more like a hidden resort once inside and is equally brilliant for families and it is for the handsome businessmen! The large pool with dozens of sun lounges and exceptional bar service (albeit expensive, but hey, that's just Singapore all-over) takes centre stage and has a small splash area for kids, but the real hero is a fantastic pirate themed splash park neatly hidden on the other side of the hotel making kids super welcome here but leaving the main pool a more adult focussed oasis.

Of course, no trip to Singapore should be without a trip to the Marina Bay Area. SkyPark Observation Deck, 56 storeys up the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, will provide you the best view of Singapore’s world-class cityscape and offer a great vantage point to take in the magnitude of the amazing Gardens by the Bay below which you MUST leave a few hours to explore. The sculptural Artscience Museum is absolutely worth a visit too.

On our last day we spent the morning exploring Orchard Road, famous for the best shopping in town and every designer store you could ask for. It's an absolute mecca of underground shops too.

From awe-inspiring skyscrapers to lush gardens, incredible food (you've got to try the chicken and rice), bustling markets to tranquil beaches, Singapore offers something for everyone. I feel like we hardly scratched the surface and I can't wait for my next visit to explore even further. A big thank you to Jetstar and Shangri-la for their incredible hospitality. Jetstar’s low fares make it possible to travel to more places, more often for less and if you take the red-eye home from Singapore you get this amazing Melbourne sunrise to welcome you home!

Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

YOU BEAUTY

Click the dots to see the latest goodies Mama's been checking out...

ORGANISING TIPS FOR KIDS' BEDROOMS

Kids’ bedrooms can be a mess – between toys, clothes, shoes, homework, pens and pencils, they’re usually a dumping ground. Involving your children in the process and giving them responsibility for their space is a great way to keep this area under control. Gamifying bedroom cleaning is one of the best ways to get them excited about cleaning their space. Try setting a countdown timer and see who can clean the quickest, or play a fun song to bring some joy and excitement to the process.

TOYS

Decluttering toys can seem like a neverending process. Keeping them in tubs and organisers will make sure everything has a ‘home’. Tubs can be labelled with pictures so that even kids who aren’t able to read yet can see which tubs are for building blocks, cars, dolls or train sets.

TOY ROTATIONS

These are a great way to limit the amount of toys that kids have at any given time, reducing mess and clutter. Instead of having all the toys out at once, you can break them up into smaller groups and pull out new groups of toys every month in order to put the other ones in storage. This helps kids keep interest in their toys, avoids overstimulation and helps save money on buying excessive amounts of toys. A win-win!

Many soft toys can be washed in the washing machine to prevent dustmites and allergens forming on them. Check the care instructions on your children’s plush toys and wash them every few months to keep them fresh and clean.

Many plastic toys can be washed in a solution of mild soapy water. Legos are a great example of plastic toys that can harbour a lot of dirt, so soaking them every few months helps keep the play area clean and germ-free.

WARDROBES

Children’s wardrobes can be difficult to organise, especially if your kids like choosing their own outfits like mine do. Keeping items folded and in their proper spot can be a challenging task, but there are a few simple tips and tricks to make the job easier.

File folding

As with the tips for your own wardrobe, folding for vertical storage allows you to see all the clothes you have at a snapshot. This can allow kids to assert their independence –they can pick their own outfits without pulling everything out to make a decision.

Uniforms

I find it a lot easier to store them on hangers to cut down on ironing. Simply pull them straight from the washing machine or dryer, then hang them on a hanger and allow them to air-dry without wrinkles forming.

Outgrown clothes

If you love to hold on to your kids’ outgrown clothes, or perhaps you’re keeping them for a future child, vacuum seal bags can be a great solution to keep them dust-free, airtight and space-saved. Vacuum- seal the clothes, place them into a clear, slim-line roller tub, then slide them under beds until you need them again.

Clothes that are too big

On the flipside, many people (myself included) often have clothes that their kids don’t quite fit into yet. They may be gifts or purchases for the future. I also like to keep these items stored in vacuum seal bags, but instead of placing them under the bed where it’s difficult to see, place them above the cupboard in a clear container, so you’re aware of what you have.

Bonus tip: Take a photo of the clothes your kids have. You can refer to this on the go when you’re looking to buy the next item. This can save you from purchasing duplicates and help save you money as well.

PAPERWORK AND ARTS AND CRAFTS

Arts and craft supplies can quickly take over your kids’ bedrooms! To keep them organised, you can use a cart to store arts, crafts and supplies. Opt for a cart with around 3–4 shelves so there’s enough storage, and preferably one with wheels so you can move it around easily. Make sure to leave 1–2 shelves empty so there’s room if more supplies are purchased.

When it comes to labelling your cart, use chalkboard or washable labels. As the items frequently change, the labels can be updated quickly and easily.

To organise artwork once it’s been created, a file folio can be helpful to keep key pieces. You can add stickers and labels to the folio pages to keep track of children’s ages to look back on their masterpieces! You can also keep a separate folio for key pieces of kids' schoolwork. This is an

BABY BRAIN

Navigating baby brain: Unlocking the science behind “mumnesia”

Pregnancy and motherhood are beautiful journeys filled with joy and love. However, they also come with their unique set of challenges, one of which is the notorious "baby brain," often affectionately referred to as "mumnesia." So let me unravel the scientific basis of baby brain, explain the cognitive shifts that occur, and provide practical solutions to help new mothers regain their mental clarity.

The scientific basis of baby brain

Delving into the world of neuroscience can shed light on the neurological reasons behind baby brain.

Pregnancy triggers a surge in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which have far-reaching effects on the brain. These hormones play a crucial role in nurturing the developing fetus, but they can also influence cognitive functions.

The hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in memory, attention, and multitasking abilities during pregnancy and postpartum. As Dr. Sam aptly puts it, "Understanding the science behind baby brain is the first step in demystifying this phenomenon. It's not about forgetfulness; it's about the brain's adaptation to the incredible journey of motherhood.

The cognitive shifts explained

In an attempt to dispel common myths surrounding baby brain, I'd like to emphasis that the cognitive changes experienced by expectant and new mothers are not signs of cognitive decline but rather adaptive responses to the demands of pregnancy and childcare. Memory lapses, decreased focus, and challenges in multitasking are normal, temporary aspects of the pregnancy journey. Baby brain simply is a testament to the body's incredible ability to adapt. Essentially, the brain reallocates its resources to prioritise the well-being of both mother and child.

While these changes may be frustrating at times, they are part of the beautiful tapestry of motherhood.

So, what are some of the solutions?

Specific vitamins and minerals can work synergistically to address the cognitive challenges faced by new mothers. He backs his recommendations with clinical evidence, reinforcing the efficacy of these supplements in promoting mental clarity, focus, and memory. Dr. Sam advocates, "Supplementation can be a game-changer for new mothers dealing with baby brain. Key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and antioxidants, such as those found in our Selancy supplement, can support brain health during this transformative period. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the right supplement regimen tailored to individual needs."

By understanding the science behind baby brain and incorporating the right supplements into their routines, new mothers can navigate this phase with confidence, knowing that clarity and focus will return as their journey continues.

By Dr Sam Megalli, CEO and Founder of Ultra Nature, has 25+ years of pharmaceutical experience.

Spring has sprung, revealing the rewards of slow change. Blossoms and green shoots, all jostle for space, reaching for the sun’s assurance. Like the outside world, we too need to reach for sunshine, fresh air, nourishment and rest. We seek connection with others, in a way that leads to understanding. While we try to arrange our lives in order with the status quo, it takes time and perspective to gather a semblance of balance and rebalance within ourselves.

For mother and 9 news reporter Justine Conway, a good day begins early, the morning holding two precious commodities: time and space. She loves to begin with a workout, getting her body moving, blowing away cobwebs in the mind, before her children wake for the day.

“It means getting up pretty early which can be hard, especially if I've had a rough night with the baby- but carving out that time where I can do something for myself in peace sets me up for a more positive day. It energises me and helps me be a better mum.”

During her journalistic career, Justine has covered a degree of hard news, reporting on many tough stories. Once in contact with that up close, Justine sees it as a privilege,

SPRING BLOSSOM -ING

for people to share their stories, dealing with health battles and tragedies. The humanity of it connects us.

“Their stories never leave me and I'm constantly reminded that nothing is a given. Every moment is a blessing and I'm grateful I'm here to enjoy it.”

It is these connections that bind us in complex and natural ways. The world over talks about a community village, helping to raise a child. This village too helps others to find a sense of belonging.

Mother Kate Greenwood was a town planner and is currently a stay-at-home mum with a young son and a new baby on the way. Kate finds comfort in that quality of her close connections. She seeks them out and since becoming a mother has grown more protective of who is part of her village.

Kate enjoys visiting her local playgroup in Glenroy, connecting families she wouldn’t otherwise have met.

“It’s a really good environment. It is local which is really important to us, having it close by. We meet new buddies, other mums, share our stories.”

Kate’s idea of the village has changed over the years as her life has evolved. Starting out at an all-girls school, there were many people in her village, but she didn’t feel a deep

"Simple pleasures are the last healthy refuge in a complex world.”

- Oscar Wilde

“I found I got lost in that environment and ended up feeling very lonely.”

There was a degree of peer pressure at the girls school to keep up with the fashion trends- hair straightening, nails, makeup.

“I felt like I had a disconnect from that.”

A profound change came when Kate went on a hike in year 9/10 to Tasmania. The Overland Track.

“For me, it was a huge turning point.”

“It was a turning point in my life. It was pivotal in working out who I was and where I sat in the world.”

“We could be at one with ourselves and the world and the environment we were in.”

Kate says she still thinks back to that hike. A friend who also went on the hike, Lauren, was someone that Kate really admired and looked up to. Lauren was not always a well person and Kate said that Lauren made her realise that we should enjoy who we are and this will pave the way for who you become, allowing the inner you to shine.

The exchange of kindness and acceptance was of great importance to Kate. The focus wasn’t on the aesthetic, it was on the inner substance.

Like Kate, Justine’s perception of life’s beauty has changed over time.

“My perception of beauty has changed so much since having children. I try to see the world through their eyes. I find beauty in nature and kindness. I don't take any of it for granted.”

When parenting, clothes and appearance can often take a back seat, yet fashion can be mood lifting and empowering- freshly washed hair rejuvenating and a touch of lipstick awakens a healthy glow. Colour plays a big role, and depending on the shade, can uplift, and positively change the way we feel.

“After having a baby you become a new person and with each child I've had to try and rediscover my style,” said Justine.

“I love a classic white t-shirt. I have many of them and finding a good fit isn't as easy as it seems! White always makes me feel fresh and alive. Keeping it clean is the challenge!”

While enjoying the comfort and practicality of activewear, Justine knows the power of fashion and feels this when she dresses-up for work:

“I feel like "me" again. Almost like I'm a different person. In that sense I find fashion transformative.”

“The older I get the more I lean towards timeless fashion. Some trends are best left to younger ones! I grew up at a time when being thin was the pinnacle of beauty. It's a hard mindset to shake but I try to look at myself through my children's eyes. I'm a bit kinder to myself these days.”

Kate too endeavours to be kinder to herself, tuning into who she really is, when everything else is put aside.

“For me, it is about peeling things right back to be comfortable.”

“Having a cup of tea- it is about the ritual of it and the simple pleasure.”

“I really cherish the things I do everyday and the comfort in that.”

Both Kate and Justine touch on finding time and space in their busy lives.

“It's a challenge,” said Justine. “I'm not going to sugar coat it! Finding time is probably my biggest struggle with 3 kids.”

“My favourite thing of all is having no plans. A weekend with nothing to do is the best kind of weekend. It gives us a chance to reconnect as a family.”

Reconnecting with each other and oneself. Being comfortable. Being who you are.

Something their children will reap the rewards of this Spring and beyond as they continue to grow and bloom, far into the future.

By Sinead Halliday, Playgroup. Connect with

your local village and find a playgroup in your area!

playgroupaustralia.org.au/find-a-playgroup/

While lab-grown diamonds might not sound as sexy, by definition they are chemically, aesthetically and physically identical to a natural diamond. The only difference? One is formed over millions of years and mined from the earth, while the other is created in a controlled environment under more sustainable conditions - and there is a new generation of jewellers who are offering a solution that is way better for the planet and your pocket.

Is a lab-grown diamond real?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are composed of crystallised carbon, just like natural diamonds, so the two have the same appearance and the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics. Lab-grown diamonds are created using extreme pressure and heat inside a machine rather than the bowels of the Earth and are identical to

earth-mined diamonds in every way, except that they are grown in a lab. They are also free from all forms of conflict and do not impose ecological harm and damage to our environment as they do not require any diamond mining.

For centuries we've been told one thing when it comes to jewellery; the diamond is it. However the world as we know it has evolved. We're driving cars that do not require petrol, we're carrying the internet in our pockets; so it's naive to think that a diamond made in a lab is any different. In years past, lab-grown diamonds may not have been your first choice when shopping for fine jewellery like an engagement ring, but the diamond industry has vastly been shaken up as consumers become increasingly aware of the controversial history of mined diamonds and their negative environmental and social impacts.

"For centuries we've been told one thing when it comes to jewellery; the diamond is it. However the world as we know it has evolved."

In addition to offering the same brilliance, sparkle and properties of a natural, mined diamond, a lab-grown diamond touches fewer hands, is conflict-free, less ecologically damaging and are 30-50% less expensive than their earth diamond equivalents. When it comes to the amount you save, to give you an idea, a three-carat mined diamond of excellent quality and clarity could set you back up to $150,000, well out of pretty much anyone's budget. For a lab-grown diamond with the exact same specs you'll pay about $30,000, and can save even more by opting for Moissanite, which would cost about $7,000 for excellent quality and clarity.

than diamonds do (more sparkle). In addition to this is the hardness of the Moissanite stone. On this scale diamonds are a 10 and a Moissanite is a 9.5-9.25. Followed by the Ruby (9), Sapphire (9), Emerald (7.5).

This ranking makes Moissanite the seconds hardest natural stone known to man.

Moissanite are incredibly strong and never change colour or lose their sparkle. They are also completely traceable, conflict-free and eco-friendly.

We are not a typical jewellery store where stock is ready and on hand, as a company we only use recycled precious metals. Recycled gold produces up to 99.8% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than mined gold, and recycling platinum produces only around .05 per cent emissions than mining for platinum. Furthermore, traditional gold mines use mercury and cyanide to extract the precious metal, contaminating the environment.

While this technology isn't exactly new, labgrown diamonds have made a slow march to commercial prevalence. In 2020 the share of lab-grown diamond engagement rings grew to 19% and then this rose to more than 24% in 2021. By December 2023 it's predicted that almost 40% of the rings sold for engagement will be lab-grown. If this business is truly built upon the concept of romance, then pre-empting a big fat cheque on your ring is something of a mood kill, particularly with the crippling cost of living crisis.

What about Moissanite??

To be clear, the Moissanite is not a diamond imposter, it is in fact a very rare gemstone that rivals the diamond due to its refractive and hardness qualities.

Moissanite share a lot of optical similarities to the diamond although they are chemically and compositionally different. In fact, Moissanite have a higher refractive index

In general, jewellery and diamonds do have incredibly high mark-ups but these mark-ups were due in part to jewellery being handmade. Traditionally, it was one in-house jeweller creating everything for a brand; cutting stones, setting pave, etc. Sadly, today we see companies outsource to places like China, or purchasing massproduced styles and using CAD's—all the while marking up the price multiple times without increasing or inputting any truly skilful craft to the pieces.

As far as the mined diamond themselves, even with the guarantee of a GIA certificate, 100% traceability of naturally occuring diamonds is seemingly impossible. Diamond mines claim thousands of lives each day and it is likely that each natural diamond on today's market has some of 'conflict' associated to it. At The Prestwick Place we use no moulds or computer-aided designs, everything is done by hand. From the stones to the actual setting, each piece we create is done in a completely human way. We make an effort never to post filtered or staged images to our social media and share our prices inclusive of everything, openly - there is no stone left unturned when it comes to transparency, and we see this as our social responsibility.

By Rebecca Klodinsky from The Prestwick Place. Founded by two lovers, The Prestwick Place is a fine jewellery brand, specialising in Lab-Grown Moissanite & Lab-Grown Diamond engagement rings designed to last a lifetime. Hand-crafted in Australia by a team of highly-trained jewellers, we provide transparent pricing and conflict-free stones.

"By December 2023 it's predicted that almost 40% of the rings sold for engagement will be lab-grown."

SAFE SUNNIES

76% of adults who own a pair of sunglasses, will wear them most of the time while driving or outside on sunny days (Sweeney Research, 2013). That makes sense, considering Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. Now, we’ve got ourselves covered. But what about our kids?

Children are especially sensitive to UV radiation and eye damage so it’s really important that they wear a sun protective hat combined with sun protective glasses to shield their eyes from the harsh sun. The consequence of children not wearing appropriate eyeware, or not wearing eyeware at all is a cause for concern. UV radiation can cause short-term eye problems, like excessive blinking, swelling, difficulty looking at strong light and even sunburn of the cornea. Prolonged exposure to UV can be much more serious, and cause permanent eye damage such as cataracts, and cancer.

How do you know your kid’s sunnies are doing a good job of protecting their eyes?

According to The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ 2018 study on UV Eye Protection: wraparound, close-fitting sunglasses with maximum coverage will provide the best protection. They reduce direct and reflected UV radiation and glare from reaching the eyes, whereas non-wraparound sunglasses aren’t effective in blocking peripheral UV. If your child’s sunglasses do not fit this bill, it’s time to move them on and find a pair that can do the job.

Are you on a fresh search for sunnies? What should you look for?

The Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067 applies to all sunglasses and spectacles available in Australia. The Standard defines five categories of lenses, according to the amount of UV radiation and visible light that is able to pass through the lens.

Firstly, fashion spectacles (lens categories 0 and 1) are not sunglasses and don’t provide adequate protection against UV radiation. Check the tag on the glasses and if they’re not categories 2, 3 or 4, continue shopping.

Check the label to determine the level of UV protection provided. Sunglasses may also be labelled UV 400 (which blocks 100% of UV) or state the amount of UV radiation blocked as a percentage. The Standard requires sunglasses claiming a level of UV protection must meet this claim. Remember, the style of the sunglasses should be wraparound and closefitting on your child’s face.

How can I stop my kids from losing their sunglasses, let alone get them to wear them regularly?

Millie, an Aussie mum of two, has recently created sunnies+, a patented and registered design solution specifically created to solve this problem. This simple genius product permanently attaches to sun hats, with patented mechanisms to allow kids to easily wear them every day. With UV400 sun protective lenses, sunnies+ is designed to be worn with, and stored with children’s school hats at all times, so they’ll be seeing the world through safe sunnies in no time!

Shop for your kids’ new sunnies+ here.

LET'S GET LOUD

Celebrate children and embrace diversity through Loud Shirt Day

As a parent, you don’t expect to find out your newborn child has severe hearing loss. But Alyssha had this exact experience with her firstborn, Addison.

Now Alyssha wants to share her family’s story about how they managed with the news their daughter had severe hearing loss.

The family is getting loud for Loud Shirt Day, wearing it loud for kids with hearing loss. Why? To celebrate and uplift children with hearing loss and their unique journey.

What’s Loud Shirt Day?

Loud Shirt Day is a day devoted to highlighting not only the challenges these incredible kids face, but also their boundless strength and resilience. It’s a fun day to come together as a community, don our brightest and most eye-catching shirts and raise awareness about children with hearing loss. It’s also about raising crucial funds for organisations across Australia supporting children with hearing loss, like NextSense.

NextSense is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision across Australia.

Addison’s hearing loss story, by mum Alyssha

Our daughter Addison was born with severe hearing loss. Today, my heart bursts with a mix of emotions. It has been quite a journey for my family, especially for my daughter Addison. As I sit here, I am filled with worry and immense gratitude. You see, when my precious Addison was diagnosed with hearing loss, my world was turned upside down. The words echoed in my ears, "Your daughter has severe hearing loss." I couldn't help but feel a wave of panic wash over me, and the worries began to consume my every thought.

As any mother would, I found myself filled with questions and concerns about Addison’s future. Would she be able to communicate effectively? Would she be able to fully experience the beauty of sound and music? Would she be able to connect with others in the same way her peers do? These worries weighed heavy on my heart, driving me to search for answers and support.

Soon after Addison’s diagnosis we were introduced to NextSense – an organisation dedicated to empowering children with hearing loss and their families. From the moment we walked through their doors, we were welcomed into a warm and nurturing community, where we never felt alone on this journey. The extraordinary team at NextSense provided us with not only the tools and resources, but also the emotional support we desperately needed.

Early intervention tailored to Addison’s needs.

Addison quickly found her place in the early intervention programs at NextSense, where she embarked on a remarkable journey of discovery and growth. With the guidance of her dedicated therapist, Lauren, Addison participates in engaging sessions where she hones her language skills through interactive activities and enjoys imaginative play. Conversations on pretend phones have become a favourite pastime for Addison, as she practices her communication skills in a creative and fun way. This vital therapy fosters connection and builds confidence.

Over time, we’ve witnessed the incredible progress Addison has made. It’s awe-inspiring to see her light up with joy as she learns to express herself and connect with others. Through her early intervention program, she developed a thirst for knowledge and a hunger to explore the world around her.

The adventures of Addison.

Addison’s adventures are filled with joyful moments that encompass her interests, passions, and explorations. From her affection for animals, with numerous furry and feathered friends at home and the excitement of assisting in feeding animals at her kinder, to her boundless energy and passion for dance, Addison radiates joy wherever she goes.

Her love for imaginative play and vibrant painting displays her creativity, and her determination and resilience shine through during her obstacle course challenges. It fills me with immense pride and relief to see her thrive.

As I reflect on this rollercoaster ride, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. NextSense not only helped us navigate the obstacles we faced, but they also gave us the tools and knowledge we needed to help Addi achieve her potential.

Addison continues to thrive, not in spite of her hearing loss but because of it. Addison’s experience has taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of community.

Each day, I am reminded of how far Addison has come, which fills me with hope for what the future holds. With organisations like NextSense by our side, our worries have transformed into relief and gratitude. My journey as a mother may have started with fear and uncertainty, but it has been transformed into a mission to support and advocate for all children like Addison.

To other parents who hear the words “your child has a hearing loss” I want you to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that with the right support, your child can thrive and conquer any obstacle that comes their way. We are not alone; we are part of a community that understands and supports us

The spirit of Loud Shirt Day

Addison's journey embodies the spirit of Loud Shirt Day, which champions children with hearing loss. The event celebrates individuality, encourages inclusivity, and raises essential funds for NextSense, so the expert staff at NextSense can continue their invaluable work, empowering children with hearing loss.

Join us. Celebrate Loud Shirt Day by registering and showing your support for children like Addison. By coming together, we can amplify the voices of children with hearing loss, fostering a world that embraces every individual's unique journey and abilities.

Your registration will make a real impact. Not only will you show your support to children like Addison, but you will be joining a community of supporters who want every child with hearing loss to access early intervention and ensure children thrive.

Loud Shirt Day is an annual event celebrated nationally on Friday 20 October 2023.

Register now at Loud Shirt Day with NextSense.

If you have a concern about your child’s hearing, please contact NextSense.

You can support children with hearing loss and celebrate their achievements by registering for Loud Shirt Day today!

TOP TIPS FOR READING TIME

Sharing stories, pondering aloud over pictures and pointing out words that feel familiar are super ways to nurture young children’s development. Reading aloud to children helps them recognise familiar sounds, language and words, talk about tricky feelings, and create curiosity in kids.

We also know from research that reading stories helps children learn about the world, build social skills and stimulate their imagination.

I have teenagers and young adults now and while this transition comes with much independence and freedom, I’d give anything to step back into bedtime story-land.

Sure, there were always dishes to be done, emails to catch up on, and tasks to finish, and it often felt easier to plonk a child on a beanbag with a book on their own. But I’m glad I held on tight to our story times, as it’s passed by so swiftly.

Sharing reading time with small children is special. You hold a world of wonder in your hands, just you and your small people, snuggled into a story together. Family reading time truly allows for treasured time bonding with your child.

And it also lays down the foundations to help your child feel books are worth turning to as they grow, and to give them the best start you can in early literacy skills.

I've visited countless schools, kindergartens and libraries as a children’s picture book author and watched the excitement of story exploration as small eyes follow words or fingers point to vivid images sparking imaginations. It’s certainly an essence of joy

that authors love to inhale, and parents of grown-up kids reach for nostalgically as well.

I know that sometimes family reading routines can become a little ho-hum, or get lost in a day’s to-do list. There are plenty of strategies to help families out though.

Try these 7 author tips to re-energise your own shared reading time:

1. Regular routines

There’s a saying, ‘If you build it, they will come’. Building a routine is a sure-fire way to establish a pattern of reading together. Sharing 15 - 20 minutes together a day with a book book can create a compass point for a family to find time together. Find a time that works for you, and do it regularly so it that it becomes less of a chore, and more of a way of life. Young readers can also turn to reading as re-set times after or before naps, baths and dinner times.

2. Turn off the distractions

Don’t make it hard for yourself. And do make it easy for your child to focus. Switch off the TV, digital screens, radio and put your phone on silent. This is your together time and a quiet, uninterrupted setting will help you both step further into a story.

3. Follow their lead

Let your child have some say in what you’ll read, even if it’s a book you read over and over again. The process of self-selection helps your child consider what books they like, or don’t like, and there’s pride in offering their grown-ups something they’ve chosen all by themselves.

4. Make a book nook

A special reading space makes it hard to refuse the lure of reading time! Make it comfy for the grown-ups with plenty of stretch and cuddling space, while for kids, cushions and blankets can make it welcoming, especially if you allow for sensory considerations. And keep books in easy reach too!

5. Point, play, pause and repeat

Children retain phrases and words that are repeated when you read a book together. Take the time to pause and point out words, or funny and interesting images in the story. And have some fun too. Try out silly voices, intriguing sounds, and help your child explore different ways to engage with a story. For toddlers you can ask them to name things in the story, or for primary schoolers, ask them to point to words they know, or even help you finish sentences.

6. It’s not what you read, it’s how you read

This is your chance to go full throttle and entertain your kids with all your voices, noises, and interpretation of text. Librarians and teachers do this every day and your children will become well accustomed to listening to a story with a delivery that dazzles them. Reading aloud to a child is fun, and invites you to interpret feelings and action as you explore the story as a narrator. Your young one really will hang off your every word if you put a little razzle dazzle into it. Singing sections of text is also a top way to explore a story. A quick Google of ‘books to sing with children’ will bring up titles you may fall in love with too.

7. Move your books into the outdoors

Reading in nature is a super stimulant for health, wellbeing, attention, focus, creativity and imagination. Drag a bag of books to the park, beach, campsite, hiking trail, or even the skate park! Making books accessible when you’re not in your usual reading space shows children that books can be a valued part of their world. Some kids need to step way from the action, to retreat from things that overwhelm, and books offer that. Other kids

love being inspired by what they’ve just read, and want to act it out or explore the outdoors with new story-eyes. This is less about you reading with your little people, and more an opportunity to put the tools of imagination and adventuring into their hands for them to explore their world. Books opens kids up to loads of new ways to play, socialise, get physical and explore big feelings too.

Look for the joy in your book time together. Reading aloud and ensuring reading is accessible in your little one’s life sets you up for cherished memories and moments. When they’re older, you can’t turn the pages back. Make the most this shared reading time together.

By Andrea Rowe,

best-selling, award-winning children’s author. Her picture book Jetty Jumping, (illustrated by Hannah Sommerville, published by Hardie Grant Publishing) won the 2022 Children’s Book Council of Australia, Picture Book of the Year for Early childhood and its much anticipated follow up Sunday Skating has recently been released. In the Rockpools is out this November (Hardie Grant /Hannah Sommerville) in December.

TIME TO BE KIND

In 2023, most beauty buffs are aware of our environmental footprint and the consequences that making unsustainable product choices can have on both us and the environment. We are seeing a global shift towards consumers making more conscious decisions in their daily lives, with the demand for vegan-based cosmetic products skyrocketing.

Lynda Chapman, founder of Australianowned, 100% vegan and consciously driven cosmetics brand The KIND Collective, outlines her top 5 reasons to go cruelty-free with your cosmetics:

1. Animal testing is unnecessary

It’s a complete myth that animal testing is essential to prove both the safety and effectiveness of beauty products. Not only are there alternate ways to test ingredients,

but there are also thousands of natural ingredients that have been deemed safe that cosmetics companies can choose to use when formulating their products.

We welcomed the 2020 legislation that was introduced in Australia banning cosmetic testing on animals! The much needed ban outlines that any new ingredients used exclusively by cosmetic brands that are either manufactured in or imported into Australia cannot use the information from animal testing to prove the safety of products for humans.

If you are a beauty lover, who is interested in being kind to your skin and to animals, making considered and more mindful purchases of cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics is the first step in doing your part to end unnecessary suffering for animals. At KIND, we care about animals as much as we care about pigments - and you should too!

2. Reduce your environmental footprint

Consumers are purchasing hundreds of beauty and cosmetics products every year, and by choosing to align with brands that produce ethical products, you can look to reduce your environmental footprint! Brands that choose to produce ethical products often make conscious choices such as using sustainable packaging, sourcing natural ingredients, reducing waste and incorporating a sustainable business structure.

For instance, alongside being PETA accredited vegan and cruelty-free, we are also proudly a B Corp certified business. This means we meet the highest global standard for environmental and social performance, accountability and transparency. By switching to brands who live these values you are joining a global movement to make positive change both as an individual and a collective.

3. Save your money

The good news is that switching your cosmetic products to cruelty-free options doesn’t have to break the bank! We often find that one of the main reasons that beauty lovers are reluctant to make the

Making the move to cruelty-free cosmetics can also help you to save money in the long run, as brands such as ours are continually advocating for the importance of embracing your natural beauty and incorporating multiuse products, which can help to reduce the total number of products purchased for your beauty routine.

4. Natural ingredients have endless benefits

The amazing thing about plant-based products is the endless opportunities to be kind to our skin. Instead of creating products with harsh chemicals, vegan and cruelty-free focused brands work hard to incorporate natural, efficacious and nourishing ingredients that aim to rejuvenate and refresh the skin.

Some of our favourite ingredients include Avocado Oil, Kakadu Plum, Kangaroo Paw and Shea Butter. Each carefully selected ingredient will have slightly distinct benefits, but all work together in our products to promote hydration, protection, minimisation of irritation, soothing and plumping the skin.

5. Do your bit to positively change the beauty industry

If you are ready to end animal suffering and give our earth some love, making the switch to cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics is the best way to start. Change isn’t something that we can expect overnight, but with each passing year, the beauty industry is seeing more and more companies offering cruelty-free products to consumers which we love to see!

If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend looking for third party accreditation from trusted organisations. Our experience at KIND to have PETA Cruelty Free and B Corp certification demonstrates to ourselves, to our customer, and to the industry that there is a better way forward.

By making the switch and going with crueltyfree alternatives you are sending a clear message that the needs of consumers are shifting and that this is the expected norm for brands to go by.

The KIND Collective is available online at thekindcollectiveaustralia.com.au, Priceline and Big W.

MAMA CAN COOK

Green egg spaghetti

Serves 4 | Preparation time 15 minutes | Cooking time 10 minutes

Ingredients:

120 g (41/2 oz) baby spinach leaves or other greens

½ cup each parsley and basil leaves

2 garlic cloves

½ cup (50 g/13/4 oz) grated parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

juice of ½ lemon

½ cup (125 ml/4 fl oz) olive oil

salt, to season

500 g (1 lb 2 oz) dried spaghetti

2 eggs

3 egg yolks

lemon wedges, to serve black pepper, to season

Combine the leaves and herbs in a food processor and add the garlic, parmesan and lemon juice. Pulse to a coarse paste, then add the olive oil and blend to a smooth paste. Add the eggs and egg yolks and process just until combined.

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet directions, but start checking it 2 minutes before the end of the

recommended cooking time (see page 106). When the pasta is al dente, drain, reserving about 1 cup (250 ml/81/2 fl oz) of the pasta water. Return the hot drained pasta to the pot and pour in the green egg mixture. Stir to coat and add as much of the pasta water as needed, starting with about ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz), to create a creamy sauce. Serve with extra parmesan, lemon wedges and a good grind of black pepper.

This easy blended sauce pasta recipe doesn’t require the sauce to be cooked beforehand. Like a carbonara, the sauce ‘cooks’ from the heat of the pasta, pasta water and pot as it’s stirred together.

Fish-finger taco Tuesday

Fish tacos have a long history in Mexico, but the popular modern fish taco of crisp fish, cabbage, a creamy dressing and lime rocketed out of Baja, California, in just the past 50 years or so. This version uses frozen fish fingers, but you could also use pieces of fish fried in a homemade beer batter if you feel more energetic. Serves

Ingredients:

12 frozen fish fingers

12 corn tortillas

lime wedges, to serve

Salsa roja:

3 roma tomatoes

1 garlic clove

2 bird’s eye chillies, or to taste

1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small brown onion, finely sliced

6 stalks coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped

Red cabbage slaw:

¼ red cabbage, very finely shredded

½ red onion, very finely sliced

3 stalks coriander

Juice of 1 lime

salt and black pepper, to season

Yoghurt mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise

½ cup thick yoghurt

Method:

To make the salsa roja, heat a grill pan over a high heat. Add the whole tomatoes and grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until blistered. Transfer to a blender with the garlic, chillies, chipotle, if using, and salt and blend to a smooth purée.

Heat a medium saucepan over a medium heat and add the oil. Fry the onion and

coriander for about 2 minutes until the onion softens, then add the tomato purée and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

To make the cabbage slaw, combine the ingredients in a bowl and toss.

To make the yoghurt mayonnaise, combine the mayonnaise and yoghurt in a small bowl.

Cook the fish fingers according to the packet directions and toast the tortillas on a grill pan until warmed. Top each tortilla with a bit of the slaw, a dollop of the salsa roja, a fish finger, a drizzle of yoghurt mayonnaise and serve.

This is an edited extract from 7 Days of Dinner by Adam Liaw (Hardie Grant Books, RRP $45), which is available in stores nationally.

Photography © Steve Brown

Butter-roaster salmon with Yorkshire puddings.

Serves

Ingredients:

75 g butter

6 x salmon fillets, approx.

160 g each

Salt and black pepper

2 tablespoons shredded dill

Lemon wedges, to serve

Yorkshire puddings:

150 g plain (all-purpose) flour

¼ teaspoon salt

4 eggs

200 ml milk

¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Horseradish cream

100 ml thickened cream

100 g sour cream

3 tablespoons jarred prepared

horseradish

2 tablespoons sliced chives

juice of ½ lemon

Method:

To make the horseradish cream, whisk all the ingredients together until they form a smooth sauce. Season well with salt and pepper.

To make the Yorkshire puddings, whisk the flour and salt together, then make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs and add the milk. Whisk together, slowly combining the flour with the liquids. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a large jug. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 220°C fan-forced. Divide the oil between the cups of a 12 hole muffin tin (about 1 teaspoon per hole) and place in the oven for 10 minutes or until very hot. Add a baking tray for the salmon to the oven to preheat, then carefully remove the

hot muffin tin from the oven. Fill the muffin holes threequarters full with batter. Place the tin back into the oven and cook for 15 minutes until the Yorkshire puddings are puffed, golden and cooked through. Remove both trays from the oven once the puddings are cooked and set the Yorkshirepudding tray aside.

9 WAYS TO GET RID OF DEBT

Debt is not inherently bad. However, we do need to make allowances for it in your spending plan and forecast. Building your debt management into your spending plan will enable you to feel more in control and have a plan as to when you will be able to pay it off. You will be amazed at what an impact having a plan to pay off debt will have on your mindset.

Most of us will have had experience with debt, whether it is a home loan, a car loan, a credit card or education debt. You need a clear plan for repayment and also a backup plan, in case of the unexpected. As a part of this plan, you also need to gauge what debt is tax-deductible (eg. investment lending) as opposed to non-deductible (eg. your own home).

Continually refinancing your credit cards to a new “interest-free” offer is not the solution to overall debt reduction. Here is my list of tips to reducing your debt:

1.Know your debts

Make a list of exactly how much you owe to each provider, what the repayment terms are (date due and minimum amount due) and (the yuck part) the interest cost to you. While this will often be an uncomfortable exercise, sometimes it is just the wakeup call you need to commit to repaying these as quickly as possible.

2.Prioritise

Work out which debts are high priority to pay off (bad debt and high interest rate first).

3.Budget

Compare what you earn to what you spend. We all know which way the surplus should fall!

4.Consolidate

Often, having one repayment is easier to control. Warning: too often, I see people buy cars with the equity in their home to enjoy the lower interest rate. Remember the life span of a car – it is definitely not 30 years. If you do this, commit to repaying the car in a maximum of five years. Otherwise, I guarantee you will essentially be continually increasing the loan (you just won’t see it in black and white).

5.Pay your debts on time – period!

You do not need to add late payment fees to your debt. Set up direct debits a few days before the due date where possible.

6.Repay the full amount

By paying off the entire debt, you are eliminating the need to pay interest. Over time this can add up to substantial savings, which in turn means more money in your hand.

7.Try to make extra repayments

Increase the amount you pay on a regular basis where possible. Another option is to direct bonus money (eg. Tax refunds) to repay a lump sum off the debt. Before making lump sum repayments, ensure that you are not penalised (that there is no fee) to do so.

8.Review

Shop around for a better outcome. Don’t just look at the interest rate when comparing options. Remember to look at the fees associated with either exiting the current option or the overall fees of (what looks like) the better option.

9.Don’t be fooled by ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’

It is still debt, so someone (not you) will always be making money. The consequences for defaulting can be extremely costly. Make sure you prioritise reducing nondeductible debt, with the highest interest rates at the top of the list – eg. credit cards.

This is an edited extract from Financially Fit Women by Amanda Thompson. Amanda is a sought-after speaker and qualified financial adviser. As the founder of Endurance Financial, Amanda is driven to support women to have a great relationship with money and own their own financial success. For more information visit www.endurancefinancial.com.au

GET DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

even though this was a land of opportunities, it posed to her a new set of challenges that she never knew existed. During that period, she became pregnant with her first son and soon realised the responsibilities of motherhood. To provide a better future for herself and her son, Naima decided to make a change, and started working as cleaner and worked her way up into Corporate Services with a financial company. Unfortunately, Naima had to quit her job as her son got sick. She persevered to continue to learn and managed to temporarily open a Family Day Care Business.

Naima is the embodiment of the term "Grace Under Fire”. She has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at her to become a strong single mom with a stable income and employment. However, it wasn't always so.

Naima fled war-torn Somalia to migrate to Kenya as a toddler. At 19, she migrated again, this time a refugee, to Australia.

Naima, who was raised by her grandmother as a child, found it challenging connecting with her mother so she left home. Life on the streets was tough, Naima soon learnt that

However, it was the last three years that would change the course of her life forever. Naima was pregnant with her second child and believed she had found love with her new partner. It was a different kind of relationship. The abuse Naima had suffered with this partner had been extreme, and with her new baby, she knew she had to leave. Fleeing a bad relationship, amidst juggling jobs, Naima would once again find herself on streets. but she never lost hope. It is then she found a job as Carer that would the start of new chapter in her life. Naima continued to work 2-3 jobs while still homeless and trying to find a home for her children.

Naima got the much-needed call for an interview with ASX-listed, Diversified Financial Services Company. Entering the corporate world again, Naima had nothing to wear and was concerned how she was going to present herself. She remembered Dress for Success from an event she attended seven years ago. She worked up the courage to attend a styling session – and on her birthday!

With a newfound confidence – and wardrobe – not only did Naima land a very respectable job, but she is well on her path to much needed stability and live life on her own terms.

Powered by volunteers, every year Dress for Success supports more than 5,000 women into employment across the country.

The signature Styling service and suite of Career Support offerings aim to help women overcome bias and discrimination when entering or re-entering the workforce - at no cost to the women needing the services. Transgender and nonbinary individuals, comfortable in women’s spaces, are warmly welcomed.

What would you wear to a job interview?

What would you wear to a job interview? That is exactly the type of clothing we are looking for to distribute to our clients. Your fabulous suits and other professional apparel could furnish another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression and land a job that could change her life.

Additionally, many of our clients go directly to an interview, so please ensure that all items donated are freshly dry-cleaned / laundered and ironed, not more than 5 years old, and suitable for wearing to job interviews. Thanks Your clothing donations will empower another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, help overcome bias and discrimination in the recruitment process, make a great first impression, and land a job that could change her life.

Click to find our more about Dressed to Success in Brisbane here

To donate clothing or accessories please drop off the items at 132 Marrickville Road, Marrickville Sydney. Mondays from 10am –2pm and Saturdays from 9am – 12pm

They are currently accepting clothing donations once a month. For the safety of the team, please donate only clean items, in closed / sealed bags or boxes. Please ensure each box / bag weighs under 7kgs.

Next date: Saturday 28th October: 10am - 2pm

2/47 Anderson St, Fortitude Valley QLD, 4006. You can also courier or post items here.

They need:

• Contemporary workplace clothing in very good or excellent condition for men and women, suitable for a variety of workplaces

• Clothing suitable for a trade workplace for men and women, including shoes/new socks

• Casual contemporary clothing in very good or excellent condition for men and women

• Shoes and accessories in very good or excellent condition

• Seasonal clothing for winter and summer

They can't accept:

• Any clothing that needs cleaning or repair

• Shoes or bags that are scuffed or marked

• Loungewear or sleepwear, unless in the original packaging with labels attached

• Underwear/hosiery/socks unless new and in the original packaging with labels attached

• Any items that have been stored in mothballs

SPRING CLEAN YOUR MIND

Spring cleaning for a clutter-free mind: Unleash the mental health benefits

Spring is that magical time of the year when nature awakens from its slumber, and we too feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose. As we bid farewell to the chilly months and welcome the warmth of the sun, there's an age-old tradition that has the power to transform our homes and, surprisingly, our minds as well – spring cleaning.

The idea of spring cleaning is not just about dusting off forgotten corners and decluttering shelves; it's about reinvigorating our living spaces and, in turn, our mental wellbeing. In this fast-paced world where time seems to be the most precious commodity, the mental health benefits of spring cleaning are often overlooked. Below, we explore how this annual ritual can offer mental freedom and more leisure time for those leading hectic lives.

Declutter for clarity of mind

One of the fundamental principles of spring cleaning is decluttering. We go through our possessions, sort out the essentials from the excess and make room for a fresh start. This process is a metaphorical reflection of what we can do with our minds. By clearing the physical clutter, we often find ourselves clearing mental clutter as well. The act of

letting go of unnecessary belongings can be incredibly therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and a clearer perspective on life's priorities.

Create a sanctuaryserene

A clean and organised home is more than just visually pleasing. It creates an environment that fosters and encourages mental peace. Walking into a clutter-free space after a long day's work can be a welcome respite for our minds. The absence of distractions and chaos allows us to relax, unwind and focus on the present moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress.

Time management and mental freedom

Spring cleaning also teaches us valuable lessons in time management. In our busy lives, finding time to tackle household chores can be a challenge. However, dedicating time to cleaning and organising our surroundings not only ensures a healthier living space but also offers a sense of control over our schedules. This newfound time management skill can alleviate the stress of juggling various responsibilities, leading to improved mental wellbeing.

For time individuals,poora spring cleaning partner is a joy

For those with packed schedules and limited time to spare, professional cleaning services like Jetlag Remedy can be a game-changer. They understand the importance of a clean home in maintaining mental balance and offer bespoke housekeeping and cleaning services, catered to your household’s unique needs. By outsourcing your cleaning needs, you not only reclaim your time but also invest in your mental health.

Spring cleaning is not just about making our homes sparkle; it's about decluttering our minds, creating a peaceful home and mastering time management. This tradition has the power to free us from the mental burdens of our fast-paced lives. Prepare to embrace the opportunity to transform your living space and in the process, liberate your mind from the chaos of daily life.

A clean home is more than just a ‘clean home’, it is a transformation of the home and mind.

By Simone Tsigolis from Jetlag Remedy www.jetlagremedy.com.au

Aussie mum Simone saw a gap in the market of caring, passionate cleaners who would walk in and get the job done (plus more). Jetlag Remedy creates more mental freedom for busy people, from high-wealth executives to busy families, providing highquality services across Australia’s East Coast, including Sydney, Canberra and expanding into Brisbane, the Gold Coast and more regions.

new on the shelf

My dad built me the best and wackiest cubby ever

by Dr Monika Schott

This timely and compassionate story is about a child and father setting out to build a cubbyhouse under streaming sunshine.

Until clouds snake in on a hazing horizon… skies swell, a clouding storm brews and finally breaks and swirls into pouring rains and eventually subsides. All the while, the cubby grows wackier, with the rustiest of riches that rattle and rule!

Published by Lightening Source Inc. RRP $25.00

The Book for Marvellous Minds by Maggie Hutchings

This charming, inspiring and thought-provoking hardback treasure is packed with stories, poems and activities to relish, treasure and share. Dip into this wonderful book at any time of day. Wake up to morning magic, spend the afternoon discovering new worlds and remembering old ones, and curl up at night with stories of the stars.

A feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul, this is a book of joy that will fill your mind with marvels.

Published by Affirm Kids. RRP $35.00.

Plume Christmas Elf by Tania McCartney

It’s Christmas in Antarctica and our favourite travelling penguin is popping with festive excitement. There are gifts to wrap, cards to write, fairy lights to untangle and gingerbread to bake. Ava of the Albatross Express is extra busy. The penguins are buying up big, decking their halls with the biggest and best gifts of all. But things go awry when Ava arrives with terrible news. Santa’s workshop is in trouble and toy production has stopped! With a little help from his penguin friends, Plume is off to the North Pole. Can he help Santa and make children's wishes come true?

Published by Hardie Grant Explore RRP $24.99.

Happy Millionth Birtyhday by R.W.R. McDonald

This is a picture book like no other! Rich with character, humour and cheekiness, this story brings to life what every child wants! More birthdays and even MORE presents! A brilliant birthday gift for young readers, and a story the whole family can enjoy together! This is not another cute birthday story! Find out what happens when Jack’s wish comes true, and he celebrates a birthday every single day! Will Jack Wolf learn his lesson, or will he think of a new way to have fun? The story will keep you guessing until the end.

Published by Larrikin House. RRP $24.99.

Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor

It is midwinter once again, and the hosts of a paranormal podcast have descended on Eerie-on-Sea eager for a sighting of the legendary malamander. Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, is feeling uneasy – and not just because of the visitors. He’s being plagued by unsettling dreams, and the head-splitting “Eerie Hum” that is reverberating through the town. Something is dreadfully wrong, and it seems to be coming from Eerie's very core. Published by Walker Books. Age 9+ RRP $17.99.

Unholy Terrors by Lyndall Clipstone

A bloodstained tale of a girl torn between her vows and her heart, where falling in love may be the deepest sin of all. Everline Blackthorn has devoted her life to the wardens - warriors who guard against monsters known as the vespertine. When a series of strange omens occur, Everline disobeys orders to investigate and uncovers a startling truth in the form of Ravel Severin: a rogue vespertine who reveals the monsters have secrets of their own.

Published by Penguin. Age YA. RRP $19.99.

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Soon to be a major movie, a cinematic enemies-to-lovers heist, for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Suzanne Collins. Seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Quest was raised by a legendary family of thieves with one rule: trust no one. When her mother is kidnapped, her only chance to save her is to win the Thieves’ Gambit – a deadly competition for the world’s best thieves, where the victor is granted one wish. To win, she must outwit all of her backstabbing competitors, including her childhood archnemesis. But can she take victory from the handsome, charming boy who makes a play for her heart and might be hiding the most dangerous secret of all?

Published by Simon & Schuster UK. 14+ RRP $22.99.

Portraits of Celina by Sue Whiting

A haunting and page-turning classic from an award-winning author.

Celina O’Malley was sixteen years old when she disappeared. Now, almost forty years later, Bayley is living in Celina’s old house, sleeping in the same room, wearing her clothes and, most strangely, hearing her voice. What does Celina want with Bayley? But Bailey has her own problems, she’s dealing with her father’s death, the move to a new town and her family falling to pieces around her. Bayley needs to solve the mystery of Celina before it’s all too late.

A ghost story. A love story. A story of revenge.

Published by Walker Books. Age 13+ RRP $19.99

The Naturalist of Amsterdam by Melissa Ashley

From the author of The Birdman’s Wife and The Bee and the Orange Tree comes The Naturalist of Amsterdam, a deeply absorbing tale based onthe life of Maria Sibylla Merian, a groundbreaking naturalist and illustrator who has been called the first ecologist. Set in the artist studios of Amsterdam and the wilds of South America, Melissa Ashley’s highly anticipated new novel charts Merian’s creation of the one of the most famous works by a female artist of all time, The Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname, through the eyes of her little-known artist daughter Dorothea Graff.

Published by Affirm Press RRP $39.99

The Motherhood Space by Gabrielle Nancarrow

The Motherhood Space will carry you through the beautiful chaos of modern motherhood, offering advice, imparting wisdom, and sharing intimate stories to help you feel seen during the intense highs and lows in this season of your life. In this beautiful book, doula and mother of three Gabrielle Nancarrow shares her own motherhood journey alongside interviews and personal reflections from mothers around the world, who graciously share deeply honest and tender stories about the times that made them laugh, cry and fall to their knees.

Published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $34.99.

Fearless by Jelena Dokic

How do you find hope when all is lost? How do you find strength when you feel broken? How do you find your voice when you feel worthless and scared?

Fearless is about how you reclaim life when all feels lost. It's about learning to reach out for help and healing. It's about speaking up and the power of sharing our stories. In past years Jelena has dealt with disordered eating and reclaimed her body; she has stood up to body shaming and online abuse. She has faced her mental health demons head-on to find stability in the chaos of life. She has endured a devastating relationship breakdown.

Published by Penguin Australia RRP $34.99.

The plain cake appreciation society by Tilly Pammet

A recipe a week for a year of delicious, uncomplicated cakes - the perfect reason to sit down and connect with your community.

Welcome to The Plain Cake Appreciation Society. Where 52 simple, seasonal cake recipes inspire you to pause throughout the year, bake something delicious, and reflect on all that's good in your world. The conversations and comfort that come from what home baker and photographer Tilly Pamment calls 'little pockets of cake calm' become nourishment for your soul to carry you through into the next week.

Published by Murdoch Books. RRP $39.99.

1 of 5 cute plush 35cm Care Bears

Care Bears embody love, kindness, and positivity. Each bear represents a unique virtue, encouraging empathy and fostering emotional connections with children. Enter online at mamamag.com.au/carebears and send us in your best colouring in for 5 bonus entries!

FRIENDSHIPS AND COMMUNITY

You know when you see another mother in the street and she’s rocking her baby in the stroller or the carrier just the way you do, trying to get them to sleep, and for a moment you see yourself in her and smile because it brings you comfort? Motherhood is full of moments like that.

Each season – newborn, baby, toddler, school children, teenagers – brings with it a million unique challenges and relatable moments and finding a tribe to ride those waves alongside you is everything. There is solidarity and honesty in the friendships you make with other mothers in this season of your life. These relationships are life-saving and important, but not always that easy to come by. It’s actually one of the most common questions the women I support in my doula work ask of me: where can I connect with other mothers?

Building your community takes time and will look different for everyone. You may be lucky enough to go through pregnancy with your best friend or sister, or you could be the first in your friendship group to have a baby and in that case there’s often a period of postpartum mourning as you watch some of those friendships drop away for a while, sometimes forever. You might meet lifelong friends in your mothers’ group or the library or in line for your morning coffee. I have met some of my best mum friends at the park because it always feels so natural to start a conversation there while our children play underfoot and we have time to talk and connect with coffee and fresh air.

I encourage you to be open and vulnerable as you gather your village. Community is

all around us, but sometimes you have to be brave to uncover it. After my daughters’ swimming lessons recently a mother asked if she could borrow our shampoo, apologising for not being more organised.

I have been that mother before – we have all been that mother before – and I thanked her for asking me for help. No matter how big or small the favour, it’s not easy to reach out. But your community of mothers is around you

and there for you. Never apologise for asking for help or support or shampoo or wipes at the park. Be patient and put yourself out there and your tribe will find you, and when it does it is the most spectacular thing – to have found women who will be there for you in good times and bad. Friends

who understand, who you don’t have to explain yourself to, who you can sit comfortably in silence with and who with just one look know instantly how your day is going and how much sleep you got last night. That is one of the best things about motherhood: finding your people and knowing it will all be okay with them by your side.

One of the most significant lessons I learnt in the research and writing of this book came through conversations with Patty Wipfler, who is the founder of Hand in Hand Parenting, a nonprofit organisation that supports parents and families by nurturing the parent–child connection, and Lael Stone, who is a speaker, author and educator in the trauma and emotional awareness space. Both women spoke passionately about the need for all mothers to have a listening partner. A listening partner is your safe place, they are the person you call or text when you need to yell or scream or cry or rage. The listening

partner is not there to offer solutions to your problems. They are simply there to listen. And you, in return, listen to them. They don’t need special training and they don’t need to be in the same season of life that you are. They could be your sister or a friend or a colleague or an elder. Someone you feel safe with and who you know will not bring judgement or their own stories to your narrative. When I heard Patty and Lael speak about this, it made so much sense: we cannot ignore our anger and hope it goes away.

We need our emotions to be received, held and acknowledged, not judged or twisted. Find a listening partner and be a good listener yourself and your motherhood journey will be lighter for it.

One more thing, before I close out this chapter. Every mother is walking her own journey and if I had one wish, it would be for us all to be at peace with our choices – to not feel the need to defend them and to celebrate and support the choices of others even if they are very different from our own.

We are judged as mothers by society every day for the things we do and the things we don’t do. We are judged for how we birth our babies, for how little or how long and even where we breastfeed our babies, for choosing to work outside the home or not work outside the home, for sleep training, for co-sleeping, for looking at our phone while at the park, for not loving

mothering enough or for loving it too much. There’s shame and judgement everywhere we go, so let’s support each other. Remember that her choices and experiences are not an attack on yours. It’s not a competition, this motherhood game.

I knew friendships were likely to shift butI don’t think I anticipated how much or how sad it would make me.

I am the first of my close friends to have a baby and this has been challenging. So much of motherhood can’t be explained, even to the kindest, most supportive people in your life. Sometimes when spending time with friends, I feel like I am on the outside looking in at my old self and this can feel hard and strange. Perhaps most crushing is the lack of support from people you thought you could lean on. But just as motherhood has caused some friendships to drift, it has also gifted me incredible new connections. The shared experiences of parenting, in my experience, make it easy to open up conversation and pursue friendships with other women and this is something I love and embrace about motherhood.

Beth Ryan

- Midwife and mother of Poppy

This is an edited extract from The Motherhood Space, by Gabrielle Nancarrow. Published by Hardie Grant. RRP $34.99. In this beautiful book Gabrielle, a doula, mother and the founder of Gather, a space and community for women in Melbourne, shares her own motherhood journey alongside interviews and personal reflections from mothers around the world. Available in stores nationally.

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