Westside MamaMag Oct/Nov 2017 by MamaMag

WESTSIDE

mamaMAG Oct/Nov 2017

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free Local fun for the Westside mum 1

FiRewoRkS iN FootScRay paRk 6.30pm - 10.30pm SUN 31 DecemBeR 2017 liVe eNTerTAiNmeNT

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The event is for the whole family but please leave your Dog at home. No parking available in footscray park. All public transport is free from 6pm. plan your journey with the pTV Journey planner.

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spring has sprung You are now looking at the new and improved 40yo Sarah! Do I look different? Nah! I don’t really feel any different. I had an awesome party with all my nearest and dearest though and felt about twice that age the next day #toomanybubbles! It was a really special night having everyone I love in the same room. Mama even had the kids along for a few hours till cake time. Sent them home before speeches though, phew! And now it’s October. Um, really? How? It’s certainly been an exciting few months but boy have they flown. The big birthday party, a trip to the snow (complete with igloo building), my Yarra Trail feature launched (you can meet the other Trailblazers on page 12), my son took out the best and fairest for his U9 soccer team (proud mama) and the kids adopted a greyhound (thankfully at their Dad’s house so I’m off the hook on getting a dog for a while longer!). With only one more school term left and the weather warming more every week, Spring makes me so excited. The kids were only home with me for the first week of school holidays but there was much fun to be had. A trip to the show, movies, roller skating and play dates. This issue we are focusing on fashion and beauty and I’ve caught up with some fabulous ladies doing ace things in the fashion world. I met the delightful stylist to the stars Lana Wilkinson and her gorgeous kids, I spent a day with the fabulous Jenni from Styling Curvy. She is doing great stuff for women and their body confidence. Plus we also chatted to the fab mums behind fashion brand The Hood, a label dedicated to inspiring and encouraging women. We love that! So I’m forty and fabulous. Fabulously single, but I’m ok with that for now. I’ve got some amazing friends in my life, a business that brings me more passion and fun than I could ever have imagined and I’m really beginning to believe that love will find me when I least expect it. And until then, I’m going shopping. Mama needs a new summer wardrobe. Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.

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Local fun for everyone • Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside

Contents Permission to be yourself 6 Styling curvy confidence Are we there yet 8 Car travel tips for the whole family Dress remarkably 10 Dress how you want to feel Parklife 12 Point Gellibrand Williamstown Trailblazing 14 Meet two amazing women Nursery design tips 16 To inspire the imagination Turn the page 18 Book picks from Story Mama We love a mother 22 Natasha and Rachel Wells Mama can cook 24 Mr & Mrs Wilkinson’s new book Queen of style 26 Taking to Lana Wilkinson Mother’s guilt 28 Time to jump out of it Sleep tight 32 Don’t let the bed bugs bite Fitting the girls 34 How does your bra fit Four weeks for you 37 Give to yourself I felt invisible 38 Story of a plus sized model Mindful shopping 40 Slow your fashion down Lovely locals 42 Anderson Street Yarraville Colour to WIN 45 WIN Despicable Me DVD packs Summer skin saviours 46 All the essentials MamaMag Oct/Nov 2017

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17 Nov – 23 Dec - Caulfield Racecourse www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au Enter at www.woobox.com/gcq5qz or www.facebook.com/localmamamag Tickets are for Saturday 25th November, 6-9pm session. Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts October 1st 12.01am and closes October 31st 2017 at 11.59pm. Entries and prizes are not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Visit www.mamamag.com.au for full terms and conditions.

MamaMag® is published bi-monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s West by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au www.grizzledesign.com.au

10,000 copies per issue across Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas. 40,000 copies across all four areas/magazines: Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier sarah@mamamag.com.au Westside Editor: Rebecca Gelsi Advertising enquiries: download media kit from our website or email advertising@mamamag.com.au National Key Account Manager: Georgia Place georgia@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@mamamag.com.au The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers. Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

PermIssIon to be yourself This is your summer, you know the one where you actually enjoy yourself and get involved in ALL the water fun and give no shits about what others think of you. It’s time to play with your kids ‘in’ the pool, taste the salt water ‘on’ your lips and love that body of yours ‘more’. It’s time for body confidence. Body confidence is something I have in bucket loads, but trust me it wasn’t always that way. Oh, sure people would say I’ve always ‘been confident’ but being ‘body confident’, well that took time. These days I’m passionate about helping women get in touch with their inner goddess (we all have one) and achieving positive body confidence. Body confidence to me is partly about letting go. Letting go of all the negative internal dialogue and poor habits from the past. Let them go and replace them with a positive internal dialogue bringing you ‘achievable positive daily change’ to create a life you love from the inside out. 6

It doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen. Hey, isn’t that a shampoo ad? We are all on our own journey, some of us are winning at having fabulous body confidence, some of us are creating change and some are just plain stuck. We are all at different stages, and that’s ok. When I posted a pic of myself in a bikini all the ladies on the internet cheered. Kinda weird because I didn’t bring about world peace, but I get it. My photograph gave women everywhere of all ages, sizes and stages of life permission. Permission to just bloody be themselves, even on the beach. What is it with woman judging other women? If you’re the judgey type, STOP! If you are on the internet make the effort to encourage other women and while you are at it when you post a pic use the hashtags #yourbodyconfidence and #cossieconfidence so we can all cheer you too.

Meanwhile if you need more confidence on the beach this summer here’s a few tips…

By Jenni Eyles, Styling Curvy - Styling a vibrant life from the inside out

• Get a spray tan or try an ‘at home’ job

www.stylingcurvy.com

• Spoil yourself with a pedicure, shellac will last months

“Women, no matter their size, want on trend fashion that makes them feel special, included and that relates to their lifestyle. Yarra Trail Woman delivers on this which is why I was delighted to be a part of their Summer Trailblazer campaign” says Jenni. Woman summer 2017 is designed for everywoman across Australia, be inspired at www.yarratrail.com.au/woman

• If lippy makes you feel better then wear it, even on the beach • Invest in a quality cossie with power mesh panels and adjustable straps • Wear a rashie for sun protection and modesty • A sarong doubles as a skirt, dress or wrap • Buy yourself a special beach towel and bag • Try colour or print (or both) in your cossie • Give less fucks! People aren’t staring so live your life now! How’s your body confidence? Is it better than it was 6 months ago? How do you think you will be in 6 months time?

are we there yet? How to survive a long-distance car trip with your family “Summer holidays”. That sentence just fills you with excitement doesn’t it? But they are coming up fast. How about this one? “Four hour drive”. Not as cheerful is it? Add a two-year-old, four-year old and spouse to that long distance trip and that summer holiday joy of sandbeneath-the-toes seems very far away. But there are ways to reduce your stress and get your trip off to the best start.

Before you even hit the road Before you even start playing car tetris with your bags, make sure your car is ready to go the distance. Has it got enough petrol, water, oil? When was the car last serviced? It sounds pretty obvious – but calls to RACV for issues such as overheating engines double during the summer period. Calls for help from beach-side areas to retrieve locked in keys rise 25% around the same time. Some of these issues can be avoided with a little care. Double check your battery and that your engine coolant is topped up. Find a safe place for keys when you hit the beach so that they don’t fall out of someone’s board shorts pocket or get lost under towels in the sand.

Pack supplies Long car rides are hard work as it is, but they will be harder if you have hungry, thirsty or car sick little ones screaming in the back. Make sure you pack plenty of cold water bottles, healthy snacks to keep everyone’s mood stable (a sugar crash is a sure-fire way to a bad mood) and any medication or supplements for motion sickness if that’s an issue in your family. 8

Are you entertained? Bring favourite books (if motion sickness isn’t too much of an issue) and some paper and colouring in pencils. It’s a great idea to buy travel tables for your children so they have a flat surface to lean on. Playing some road trip games together such as I-Spy can be great fun, but be sure to have plenty of back up entertainment for when you or the kids get tired of it.

Minimise distractions As a driver, you want to be concentrating at all times. If there are two adults, divide up the driving so you can each have a rest. Make sure to have plenty of sleep the night before, as sleep deprivation can sometimes have the same effect on you as being drunk. Drink water along the way and eat healthy snacks, as being dehydrated and hungry will make your concentration levels drop. Children fighting can be a huge and stressful distraction so make a plan in advance in case things go sour in the backseat. This might include taking a break from driving for a few minutes so the children can get out of the car, stretch and have a snack, or involve an adult swapping into the backseat to break up the arguments. Especially on longer car trips, the possibility of children becoming grumpy is quite high, but if you have a plan it doesn’t have to mean disaster. Now that you’re prepared, get on the road and enjoy your holidays! YMCA Victoria offers early learning, before and after school care and school holiday programs for children across Melbourne. You can find out more at childrensprograms.ymca.org.au

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DRESS REMARKABLY There are times when I am at least 165 world’s away from feeling remarkable. Like after every baby I’ve ever had, or when I’m sad, or stressed. Or when I’m sleep deprived because my 4 year-old has Disney witch dreams, and my 10 year-old has growing pains, and my 12 year-old hears noises in the middle of the night because of those dang possums (repeatedly!) having allnight dinner parties in my roof.

Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia, sums this up to perfection in The Little Black Book of Style: ‘This instant language is much smarter than it gets credit for at times. They are just clothes, shoes, and bags, you could say. And people do say it, day after day. But I think they are more than clothes, shoes, and bags. They are a large part of a woman’s character and tell us a bit of her story without saying a word.’

Not feeling so remarkable then?

I used to play these little games back in fashion school, where I would challenge myself each morning to mix as many remarkable pieces together as possible (there is a LOT of pressure to look never-endingly fabulous in fashion school!). I remembered back to that time, and thought ‘I should start doing the same’. Well, sort of. Instead, I became very deliberate about choosing ONE remarkable piece to wear each morning (rather than my fashion school standard of 36 pieces all at once - I was a true fashionista back then - Aka: hot-mess - don’t recommend it!).

But we all know that such an enormous part of being an ambitious mum is about putting a spotlight on the remarkable. Right? Being unique. Being unforgettable. Being that one-ina-trillion. And so we try to create a remarkable brand, a remarkable product, remarkable content.

But, what about us? What makes us remarkable? Some time ago it hit me like a tonne-of-bricks that whenever I felt unremarkable on the inside, I became equally unremarkable on the outside. Do you know what I mean? It was as if the way I wore my clothes became a bright mirror with blazing lights focussed only on my very uninspired, rather downright depressing feelings. Like I was telling the whole-wide-world my secret story of exhaustion, uncreativity, and sadness (not a great look for a sparkly, go-getting, want-to-change-the-world style entrepreneur).

Feeling, blah! Dressing, blah! That’s just how it was for a bit. Until this one wonderful day (after too many terrible days) – I decided I wanted to tell a different story. I decided to stop dressing how I felt, and start dressing how I wanted to feel. And I decided to dress like the woman I was working hard to become, even though I hadn’t become her yet. I decided to dress remarkably again.

Just ONE remarkable piece, each time I walk out the door, is all it takes for me to feel beautiful, confident, and in control… as well as giving me a zillion compliments in the process (wink!). Because just ONE remarkable piece tricks people into thinking I am waaaaaaay more fabulous than I really am. Cheeky. Seriously. Try it. Each morning, when you are dressing your gorgeous-on-the-inside, soon-to-be-gorgeouson-the-outside self for the day, think of one specifically selected piece you could add to your outfit to transform it into something remarkable. And, when I say ‘remarkable’, what I mean is: worthy of remarking upon. Now, I don’t want you thinking to yourself that you need to be wearing some out-ofthis-world, outrageously gorgeous, completely WOW! outfit every time you scurry up to the corner store to grab yourself some Nutella.

No. Not so. What I am saying is – if you are popping out in a simple t-shirt and jeans, you can elevate your entire look to remarkable, by adding a little something with a pop of colour, a pattern, a touch of sparkle, a bit of leopardprint, or by simply draping yourself in a fulllength fur coat (kidding!). But go a little crazy. Be a touch dramatic. Stand-out. Have fun! And, THEN look for other women doing the same! I love this little tidbit in the book Amazinger Face where Zoe Foster Blake says: “And so I urge you: if you see a woman with a terrific smile, or great skin, or nice hair, or shoes or frock, say something! There is a very good chance that she put in some extra effort, which is precisely why you noticed whatever it was you noticed, so give her a verbal high-five, why don’t you? You’ll feel good, she’ll feel wonderful, and somewhere out there a pixie will finally be granted her golden wings.”

Throw compliments around like confetti! Celebrate beauty. Encourage creativity. “Because who doesn’t want a pixie to be granted her magical golden wings? By Clarissa Grace, online personal stylist, confidence coach and founder of www.WakingUpInParis.com. Clarissa helps ambitious mums embrace their bodies, believe in their beauty and transform themselves through the power of personal style. She is professionally trained in fashion design, costume design, and haute couture through The Paris American Academy, and created hundreds of couture wedding gowns for brides under her self named label.

ONE remarkable piece tricks people into thinking I am way more fabulous than I really am. Cheeky. Seriously. Try it.

Parklife

Brought to you by:

Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park As the weather warms up, it’s always nice to hang out in a seaside location and Williamstown hits the mark every time! Point Gellibrand has a rich history. It was the site of Victoria’s first permanent settlement and seaport and was crucial to the initial growth of the state.

Located at the southern end of Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, this playground hosts spectacular views of Point Gellibrand and the bay and creates a picture-perfect backdrop for your next family get together. Take in the salty air and the squeals of joy as your little (and big!) people explore this great space. The playground

equipment is excellent with swings, fort, bridges, climbing net, monkey bar, springer, fireman’s and spiral poles, 2 slides and a short tunnel. There is also a large grassy field which is perfect for ball games and kite-flying. The playground suits a wide age group with soft fall in case of a tumble or two. Your mission is to throw a couple of snags on the bbq and relax. A cycle or walk along the Bay trail is also an excellent way to view the park. The nitty gritty: bbq - park benches - lots of free parking - picnic tables - public toilets nearby -

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TraIlblazIng I was thrilled to be a part of the current Yarra Trail ‘trailblazers’ campaign where they featured myself and two other awesome woman, celebrating what we do best. Jenni and Georgia were both inspiring in their own rights and here I share with you part of their amazing business and life journeys. x Sarah

Meet Trailblazer Jenni Eyles of Styling Curvy. My job is to help women live a ridiculously awesome life, from the inside out. And I do this through personal styling and body image, and just talking about everyday life that women can relate to. I also run workshops and do public speaking. Almost five years ago, I received a cancer diagnosis that turned my world upside down. And I decided that I wanted to make my life and working life matter. I knew I couldn’t go back and do the regular work that I used to do in my old life. But I still had a need to connect with women and to tell my story and to be creative with personal styling, which is my history. So, I started talking online through my website. I love a chat, and women responded. I tried to be as relatable as I could be, as honest, authentic, and fill a need, which was talking about body confidence, body image and personal styling. Before cancer, I was like many other women. I was on the treadmill of work, children, schedules, all the rest of it. When I got cancer, I was 136 kilos and I couldn’t move. Literally every part of my body would seize up, I had loads of health issues. I went through cancer treatment and both my breasts were removed and eventually rebuilt. 14

It was very hard for my children, and it’s been hard for me as my mum. Because in a way, I brought that to their life and changed their outcome. I don’t know what their outcome would have been if cancer hadn’t invaded our lives. Who’s to say? I always cry when I talk about my kids because it messed one of my kids up. And I don’t often talk about that ... I never really write about it publicly. But I think it’s important for people to know that children, no matter what their age, especially in the teenage years, it’s really hard. They’re so much more aware and they’ve got so much angst and self-discovery that they’re trying to do anyway, and then all of a sudden, that’s thrown into the mix and it can really mess them up. I can see some upside in how they live their lives now. And I’m extremely proud. I see them resign from jobs that aren’t making them happy. And probably five years ago I would have had a heart attack about that because it’s like, no, you don’t resign from a job sort of thing. But I think, more power to you, because they understand that what the life they’re living right now matters, not the title that they hold or status in society. They’re making themselves happy. This journey is what helped me start Styling Curvy. It opened up this amazing community where I can connect with women and change lives. I love my Styling Curvy community, they are supportive and uplifting. I think innately

women want to support other women, and Styling Curvy is all about that. I’m an everyday mum from the burbs and there’s no BS. I’m just doing my thing, and they can totally relate. www.stylingcurvy.com

“I believe cancer was a gift for me, beca use it has completely changed how I thi nk about life. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.”

Meet Trailblazer Georgia Harding of Well Nourished. I’ve been a naturopath for 20 years now and for me it’s always been about giving. I love to give. But I wanted to reach more people than just those who came to see me in private practice. So, I started Well Nourished, a blog where I could share my passion for practical health advice, delicious recipes and try to help as many people as I could. I had been running my own private practise and caring for our two children, but it was a lot to juggle. I decided to become a full-time mum and found myself at a crossroad as to where I wanted to be professionally. I wanted something that I could enjoy and give back too. So developing Well Nourished seemed like the perfect place to do exactly that.

get families to eat well. Sure, I don’t make a living like I used to as a naturopath, but I have a lot more job satisfaction. Well Nourished has truly gone from strength to strength. I’ve written recipes for jamieoliver.com and was selected as one of the ten ambassadors worldwide for Jamie’s Food Revolution. He’s a hero of mine so it’s a dream come true for me. I’ve also created recipes for Wellbeing’s Eat Well Magazine, and now here I am as a Yarra Trail Trailblazer! It’s been such an amazing experience. I think the biggest barrier for most people, in making healthy choices, is just confusion. There’s so much information out there about what you should and shouldn’t eat. Being healthy is all about getting in the kitchen, cooking food, enjoying it, sharing it with friends and family. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Good food should be simple. I’m a huge fan of butter. I think it just adds so much flavour and diversity. I don’t advocate any particular style of eating. I’m very much about bio-individuality, which is eating to suit your own body and your own taste as well. For that reason, I try to make my recipes quite versatile. I cater for lots of food intolerances and I’ll always give options; dairy free, gluten free, egg free, nut free, etcetera. Well Nourished is quite a versatile place. It’s fad free, real food and most of all it’s delicious. wellnourished.com.au Check out the complete Yarra Trail Summer range at www.yarratrail.com.au g “Healthy eatin style, habits are a life g tin Ea . et di a not life.” well is a way of

Writing a blog was completely different to anything I had ever done. I’d never been on Facebook, never used Instagram, and here I was, totally out of my comfort zone, creating a website from scratch. I really threw myself in the deep end! For me, it’s never been about money. It’s always been about sharing my passion and trying to 15

NURSERY DESIGN TIPS THAT Add your magic touch to bub’s special place this spring. Here are five on-trend nursery design tips from Elka Voigt, co-founder of Elk & Bee that will inspire the young and the young at heart.

The adventure starts in the nursery Little ones are becoming the world’s most seasoned travelers without even leaving the nursery. Parents are looking to inspire their bub to take their own adventure with travel and adventure themed décor high on trend. Whether it is adventure in the mountains, by the sea or outer space, our impressionable young things can be encouraged to explore all the universe has to offer. Designing your babe’s oasis can be as easy as displaying souvenirs from your own travels, adding a teepee or how about a nautical map on the wall to inspire a wandering imagination?

Statement feature on a minimalist backdrop Clean lines, simple layouts and minimalistic features are key to the contemporary nursery. Perhaps this helps us bring order to an otherwise complex and fast paced modern world. But to add some playfulness to your little one’s room without the clutter, you can simply add single statement items that are both functional and an art piece. For example quirky storage baskets could become part of the room décor or an animal themed kids’ chair could be both a place for pondering and dreaming and a nursery highlight.

Mother nature knows best With more shoppers looking for sustainable and eco-friendly product options, it’s no wonder natural wood is showing up in many ways in the nursery. From wooden furniture to more subtle accent pieces such as shelving, picture frames, toys and décor, the natural tones of 16

wood creates warmth, texture and charm. With a nod to midcentury design, natural wood combines the rustic with the contemporary adding character to any space. Light wood such as beech, oak and pine have been popular, with reclaimed hardwood now on the rise. Add a stylish touch to your nursery this spring by borrowing from mother nature.

INSPIRE THE IMAGINATION Neutral colour tones with a vibrant pop The modern nursery is all too often characterised by neutral colour tones such as white, beige, pale grey and the occasional pastels. If you’re looking to create more energy and want to keep your nursery looking fresh, you can easily accessorize with colourful accent pieces through your décor, pillows, prints and rugs. Keep these accents minimal and the colour consistent. Try picking one or two colours to highlight; you will be amazed what a few small additions can do to create vibrancy.

Animal instincts There is something special about children’s love for animals and who can deny the warm fuzzy feeling you get from our innocent friends. Why not bring this into your little one’s space? If you had a favourite animal as a child, you can pick this as a focus and feature it across a couple of pieces. While adding animal themes to the nursery is nothing new, there are many modern options where you can stylishly add in the wild and wonderful. Whether it’s geometric animal patterns on your throw, a minimalist animal wall print or a rocking ‘horse’, it’s easy to add some animal flair.

Written by Elka Voigt, mama of 10 month old Owen and co-founder of Elk & Bee with her sister Bianka. Elk & Bee was created as a way to inspire the imagination through beautiful nursery and kids’ room décor. Elkandbee.com.au

turn the page Melbourne Word by Word Take a meander through Melbourne’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems and soak up the distinct Melbourne atmosphere, word by word. This book is just so Melbourne. With a single word to a page it is a celebration of trams and Brighton bathing boxes and includes landmarks like Puffing Billy, Flinders Street Station, the Skipping Vinegar Girl, the Shrine and even a couple of pages featuring the footy. It is a simple read - perfect for kids learning to read or for reading aloud to younger kids. We highly recommend it for ages 2-6. It will tug at the heart strings of those that call Melbourne home.

Fancy Nancy and the Butterfly Birthday Nancy thinks butterflies are simply exquisite. And that is why she can’t wait to go to her friend Bree’s Butterfly Birthday! It’s going to be the fanciest party ever! But when Nancy finds out she can’t go because her grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary party is the same day, she is furious! How will she overcome this disappointment? In a glorious twist everybody’s favourite fancy girl gets a sparkling lesson in fancy from her own grandparents. Maybe being fancy runs in the family after all! This is a cute story, full of Fancy Nancy fun and big fancy words. It suitably deals with a child missing out on a party for an important family occasion. If you have a child into glitter, butterflies, and sparkly things they will love Fancy Nancy. Recommended for ages 4-7.

Pig the Star Aaron Blabey Pig just LOVES attention. In fact, he’s a great big SHOW-OFF. But when another star appears at the photo shoot, Pig doesn’t like it. No Pig doesn’t like it at all. In this story Pig is off to the pet photographer. He and Trevor get to wear costumes and everything! Pig even does his own little rap tune. When he gets angry that Trevor seems to actually be the star of the shoot, he gets his usual comeuppance. Told in rollicking rhyme with a touch of slap stick humour (Pig always ends up in bandages!) This is a great fun read aloud and a good lesson in sharing the spotlight. We highly recommend for ages 3-8.

Home in the Rain by Bob Graham Francie’s going to have a new baby sister very soon. But what will her name be? Francie has so many ideas! On a long drive home from Grandma’s house with Mum, in the pouring rain, maybe they’ll find one that’s just right. This Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year is recommended for ages 3-8. The story explores how different animals and people experience the rain. Her dad is working far out to sea and has been gone for 3 weeks now. This is a gentle and heart-warming story about a journey, and deciding on a name for the soon to arrive baby sister.

Debbie Hatswell is the Founder and Director of Story Mama. Story Mama is an online children’s bookstore featuring a huge range of carefully curated, parent recommended, high quality books for children ages 0-9. You can shop online by age, by interest, by award winners or even by milestone. Buy these titles online or find out more at www.storymama.com.au 18 18

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• High quality learning environments that will strengthen your child’s thinking and learning to ensure an effective transition to school. • A unique family-only online platform to access photos and information about your child’s learning and experiences at the Centre.

Early Learners “Where Learning is Fun”

272 Millers Road, Altona North Ph: 9391 0101 W: earlylearners.vic.edu.au

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we love a mother Meet twin sisters Natasha and Rachel Wells, the clever mamas behind Melbourne fashion brand The Hood. Natasha is mum to Edie 7, Avie 5, and Bonnie 4, while Rachel is mum to 3-year-old Jack and baby Arlo. The Hood started in 2014 as the girl’s way of bringing honest and supportive conversations on to the streets and into the playgrounds via fashion, to help support and encourage women through the sometimes challenging journey of motherhood. To further this support for every garment sold, a gold coin is donated to COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence.

What did you do before you were a mum? Natasha: I worked in advertising predominantly in advertising agencies. It was great. However, it’s not conducive to mums who want to work part time. So I made a conscious decision a long time ago that I probably wouldn’t ever return to a traditional role within an advertising agency again. Rachel: Slept. Oh, and worked as a journalist at The Age and The Sunday Age. I now work as a freelance journalist, as well as running The Hood.

What would you say is the best thing about being a mum? Natasha: Everyone says it, but it really is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. It’s also the hardest but I know that everything I am putting in now, I will get back threefold in the years to come. Rachel: Falling in love. That’s the magical part. I often tell my boys ‘I couldn’t love them anymore if I tried.’ But each day I feel like I fall in love with then even more. Oh, and watching them learn and grow and hearing them laugh.

What do you find most challenging about being a mum? Natasha: I find being a mum all-consuming and have really struggled to let go and step away from the girls. It’s probably part of the reason I have been a stay at home mum for 5 and a half years. I don’t for one minute regret my decision to stay home with the girls but 22 22

with hindsight it probably hasn’t always been entirely healthy for me or my relationship with my partner. I have learnt to let go a bit more in the last couple of years and when I need a break I just go, even if the girls are screaming for me not to leave. Rachel: How relentless motherhood is. I think that’s one of the things I was least prepared for. I was used to working long hours with impossible deadlines but as a mum, you never really get to clock off.

How do you manage to juggle it all and find balance in your life? Natasha: I really struggle to find balance. I don’t feel like I have the space for any clear thinking a lot of the time and I often feel like I am just keeping my head above water. Trying to find the space for some me time and some thinking time is a constant challenge.

Why did you decide to launch The Hood? What was your greatest motivation? Natasha: I guess I have always been interested in running my own business, partly because it would mean being able to work more flexible hours and be around for the girls. I have also always been interested in entrepreneurs and of recent times have read a lot of stories about online brands and businesses who have had a lot of success. The landscape today makes it easy for people to start a business with minimal set up costs and given the power and low-cost of social media it was kind of a no-brainer.

Rachel: I guess for me one of the biggest driving forces was really wanting to not only support mothers but try and encourage more open and honest conversations about parenthood - the good bits and the hard bits. I am passionate about the fact that there is this overwhelming perception, particularly on social media, that motherhood is this shiny, stain-free, happy place. And, yes, a lot of the time it is, but not always, and we need to talk about that more.

How do you find time for The Hood on top of your work as a journalist? Rachel: The Hood is something I’m passionate about so a lot of the time it doesn’t feel like work. A lot of our hours are done in the evenings when the kids are in bed. And as they say, many hands make light work, or in our case, four hands make light work. It really does make a difference being able to divide and conquer and I think already we’ve just organically taken ownership of different parts of running the business without even thinking or talking about it too much. In saying that, it would always be nice to find more hours in the week to spend on the business given we have so many exciting plans for The Hood.

What’s your parenting game changer - ie. the best piece of advice you have received or can share with other parents? Rachel: I think the biggest game changer for me was being able to sit comfortably with the fact that as a mother, especially in those early months, there will be days where you get absolutely nothing done, besides feeding, walking, rocking and holding your baby. You can find The Hood at thehood.net.au 23 23

mama can Cook! Silverbeet & feta filo triangles

My Mum taught me how to cook spinach and feta pie as a teenager. Making the pie into triangles was a revelation as you can bake and freeze them in advance. Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: 18 Ingredients:

20ml extra-virgin olive oil 700g (1 large bunch) silverbeet, stalks removed and roughly chopped 1 leek thinly sliced, white and light green part good pinch of freshly grated nutmeg good pinch of salt flakes 200g feta, crumbled 50 g cream cheese 2 free-range eggs, beaten 12 filo pastry sheets 50g salted butter, melted

We make a white version and replace the silverbeet and leek with 1 cauliflower and 1 onion. Blitz them in a food processor and combine them (raw) with the remaining ingredients, then continue as per the method.

Method:

Heat oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the silverbeet, leek, nutmeg and salt and sautĂŠ for 3 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl with the feta, cream cheese and eggs, and mix well. On a floured work surface brush two sheets of filo with melted butter then lay one on the other. Cut the sheets with a sharp knife from top to bottom lengthways into three equal-sized strips. Move the strips slightly apart. Place a tablespoon of the filling bottom left of one strip, then fold on a diagonal to meet the right edge and make a triangle. Fold the triangle up and align with the right side. Continue to fold until you have reached the end of the pastry strip. Brush with the melted butter. Continue with the remaining pastry sheets and filling mixture until all the filling has been used and you are left with 18 filled triangles. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

I like to whip up this quick, simple lunch salad when I’m in a rush. The poached chicken can be made in advance and refrigerated until needed.

This is an edited extract from Mr & Mrs Wilkinson’s How It Is At Home by Matt Wilkinson and Sharlee Gibb published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $49.99. Available in stores nationally. Photography © by Patricia Niven

Chicken and miso noodle soup Total cooking time: 24 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients: 1 x 200g free-range boneless, skinless chicken breast 180g soba noodles 1 cucumber, diced 1 carrot, cut into thin strips or grated 3 spring onions, sliced salt flakes freshly ground black pepper chilli sauce, to serve (optional) Dressing 1 tablespoon togarashi* 1 ½ tablespoons red miso paste 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds 2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 75ml non-GMO vegetable oil

Method:

Bring 500 ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) water to the boil in a saucepan. Add the chicken breast, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 6 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and leave the chicken to poach for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is cool enough for you to remove the meat with your fingers. Dice the chicken breast and set aside. To make the dressing, mix together the togarashi, miso and sesame seeds in a small bowl until combined. Whisk in the mirin, soy sauce and rice vinegar then lightly whisk in the oil. Cook the soba noodles in a saucepan of boiling water as per the packet instructions, rinse under cold water and add to a large mixing bowl together with the poached chicken and all the other ingredients. Pour over the dressing and mix together thoroughly, then leave to sit for 3 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb all the flavours. Season to taste and serve with a little chilli sauce, if you like (I do). For extra flavour, try adding aromatics like herbs and spices or citrus rind to the poaching liquid (which can also be kept and used later as chicken stock). *Togarashi is a Japanese spice mixture available at good Asian supermarkets and specialty stores. 25

QUEEN of style Lana Wilkinson is best know as a celebrity stylist, fashion influencer and mum to two gorgeous girls. Lana has dressed some of the most well-known faces in our media landscape including Bec Judd, Megan Gale, Ashley Hart, Samantha Wills, DJ Havana Brown, Zoe FosterBlake, Elyse Knowles, Scherri Lee Biggs and Nadia Bartel. Normally preparing other women for the spotlight, Lana recently collaborated with online children’s boutique LM Bambini where she, and her daughters Ava (three) and Elle (one), featured in their latest campaign. LM Bambini’s collection features high end designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Stella McCartney and Hucklebones London, Diesel and Fendi.

What were you doing prior to becoming a celebrity and fashion stylist? I worked in brand, PR and retail marketing for seven years and was a project marketing manager. It was co-workers and friends seeking style advice that got me into styling early on. In 2009, I started to do a lot of test shoots. I never assisted anyone as I’d previously managed the fashion campaigns for the companies I worked for. It was blood sweat and tears that got me to where I am today.

What are your mama style essentials for this Summer? A good blazer with a tee or shirt, a great pair of jeans and sneakers or loafers so that I look “DONE”

What are your favourite brands for kids at the moment? LM Bambini is my go to for all things fashion for my girls. They stock amazing brands like Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Hucklebones London and even the mini Sophia Webster shoes! They are my favs. 26

Are there any stand out women that you have loved dressing and working with? I love working with all women that want to feel good about themselves and choose fashion as a way to express themselves. Whether it’s a celebrity or a personal client or brand, my job is to bring a feeling or a vision to life. I believe when you achieve that, the work then speaks for itself.

What has been your biggest highlight in your career so far? I’ve been fortunate to have had so many exciting clients and brands to work with. But a huge pinch me moment was definitely working with Rachel Zoe, when she was in Australia for The Style Icons for Chadstone- The Fashion Capital. She is my hero and working with her and her team, styling her looks was truly an experience I’ll remember forever. I felt like, if I stopped styling today I would be okay because that experience was amazing.

How do you juggle work life with home life? The struggle is real as is the juggle; I think this is the case for any parent. Balance is something I find really hard to achieve and the one thing I beat myself up about. Ultimately in a perfect world you could be a gun in all areas of your life, but I’m trying to just control the controllable. I have an amazing support in my husband Liam whose constant encouragement means more than I could ever say. He is such a hands on dad to our daughters and my mum Annette is truly my best friend.

When you’re not working you are… Hanging out at the park with my two girls Ava and Elle and my husband Liam.

What was your most exciting achievement this year?

What’s your funniest or most embarrassing parenting story?

Being the face of the Spring/Summer children LM Bambini campaign with my daughters. The images will be photographs I will cherish forever and for my family, they were so excited. Often my work takes me away from my family, so to involve them in my work was so special. From a career point of view, it felt empowering that Natalia of LM Bambini entrusted myself and my girls to be a part of her company’s brand story. A privilege I don’t take lightly.

There are too many to recall. With two daughters there is a lot of emotion in our household. My kids bring me undone all the time. I think given the industry I work in, it also keeps me grounded. I love them to death and whether they are repeating things I say (which is often, and almost always inappropriate!) or screaming in public, all kids should be allowed to be kids. I’ll just remind myself of that the next time one of them throws a tantrum!

mother’s guilt One emotion that mothers often experience at some point, or for some quite regularly, is that of ‘mother’s guilt’. Mother’s guilt can feel like even when you are doing your best it’s still not good enough for you child or that there is more you could and should be doing for the betterment of your child.

Where Mother’s Guilt Comes From Becoming a parent makes you realise just how dependent children are on their caregivers. As a mother, you feel utterly responsible for not only their safety, but also their happiness and wellbeing. Your love for your child and desire to ensure they are content can lead to worry or fear that at times you are not good enough or doing enough for them. “Before I had children, I would feel guilty about something every once and a while, but since having children I haven’t stopped feeling guilty.” The expectations you place on yourself to put the needs of your child first and give them the perfect start to life can make it feel as though any decision that you make that is for yourself is coming at the expense of your child’s needs. “You feel guilty for everything…guilty that you left your child with someone, guilty because you should have breastfed for longer, guilty because you went back to work. These were all times that I struggled with feelings of guilt in the first year.” Other times, mother’s guilt rises from any situation where there is a sub-optimal outcome. In these instances, what often escapes us is the fact that when it comes to mothering there’s not many win/win scenarios. Often there is no “perfect” outcome or path forward. “I realised how crazy this all was when in the same day that I felt guilty for not cleaning the house whilst I spent time with my baby, I then felt guilty because I cleaned the house and did not spend time with my baby. I couldn’t win – the guilt was there either way.” 28

Whilst mother’s guilt is natural – as we are constantly wanting to do the best for our children – it is not so helpful when it leads you to feel inadequate or harshly judge yourself.

Getting Over the Guilt One of the keys to letting go of guilt is to keep things in perspective. It is important to understand what it is that you are feeling guilty about and why you feel this way, and then try and make sure you are keeping the expectations that you place on yourself in perspective and realistic. Too often mothers place too much emphasis on doing everything, doing it all the “right” way, and/or doing it all perfectly. In reality though, there is usually not one right way to do something and absolutely no one is perfect, so having perfection as your standard is setting yourself up to fail and then feel guilty. To take the pressure off, think hard about the standards you have for yourself, where they come from and if they are simply too high to be achievable. To be realistic, your standards should come from within you and be personalised to you. Think about your strengths and your weaknesses, the parameters of your life and the nature of your child and then set your expectations for yourself accordingly. One of the hardest things about being a mum today is that ‘points of comparison’ are everywhere, especially with the rise of social media. Try to avoid looking at and comparing yourself to what others are doing. People carefully curate what they want you to see and hear about their life – especially on social media and especially when it comes to motherhood. When you look at what some other mother says they are doing and compare it to what you are actually doing, you are literally comparing their fiction to your reality. It’s not an accurate comparison or how you should measure yourself as a mother or what is best for your child.

Just as it is important for you to accept that you are not perfect, it is important for your child to know and understand that their mother, and life more generally, is not perfect either. This will make it easier for them to realise and accept their own imperfections one day. Plus, the adjustments your child will have to make to adapt to your imperfections and our imperfect world can be important for their own physical and emotional development as well as their resilience. Finally, try to remember that the reason you feel guilty is because you care – which is the most important thing. Striking the balance of caring while also being realistic and keeping perspective is a fine art. It may take some time and discipline, but it is a key to managing mother’s guilt.

Help beat the Mother’s Guilt and join MotherJumpers MotherJumpers is an annual charity event where mums (and their friends and family) jump out of planes, in a tandem skydive, all over Australia (or do one of the world’s highest abseils in Tasmania) to raise funds for wonderful charities in Australia that support mums. This year, the MotherJumpers jump will take place on November 11 and 12, inline with the start of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week, and will be raising money for COPE – Centre for Perinatal Excellence. COPE is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of parents before and during pregnancy, and the year following the birth of a baby. Find out more at motherjumpers.com For high quality, practical information to help YOU work through all the emotional challenges of becoming and being a parent visit cope.org.au

We provide psychology services for children, adolescents and their families 2/139 Railway Place, Williamstown 3016 55c Dinah Parade, Keilor East 3033 Also consulting at Complete Children’s Health Moonee Ponds and Keilor

We provide assessment and therapy options to address a range of issues, including; • Anxiety and fears • Mood problems • Behavioural and conduct problems • School or family difficulties • Resilience, self-esteem and confidence • Communication and assertiveness • Sleep or eating difficulties • Risk taking behaviours • Attention and learning , including cognitive and academic assessment. We specialise in comprehensive diagnostic assessments and therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders. • Individual therapy sessions • A range of group programs, including social skills, social thinking, and school readiness. We are a registered FaHCSIA provider. Medicare rebates available. We provide staff development and training, consultation and parent education sessions.

T 03 9318 7848 E info@bloomchildpsychology.com.au www.bloomchildpsychology.com.au

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INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS www.footscrayarts.com Phone 03 9362 8888 reception@footscrayarts.com Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street, Footscray VIC 3011

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DRAMA • CERAMICS VISUAL ARTS • STREET ART By enrolling in a workshop, masterclass or training program at FCAC, your fees go back to our work with communities in Melbourne’s west.

Sleep tight – don’t let the beg bugs bite Did you know that after 5 years, up to half the weight of an unprotected mattress is made up of your own bodily fluids, skin cells, bacteria and mould? Half… eewww! And let’s not get started on all those yellow stains. It’s not hard to believe really when at least a third of our day is spent on said mattress, and the average person loses up to 1L of fluid a day, through the skin, pores and mouth, as well as millions of skin flakes. Here are some more nasty bed facts:

SLEEP We spend one third of our life sleeping. New parents lose between 450-700 hours of sleep in the first year of their child’s life and not everyone is blessed with ‘good sleepers’. I certainly wasn’t. My daughter didn’t sleep through till she was almost 5! From restless sleepers, colds and illness, dummy losers to bedwetting, all parents understand the frustration and exhaustion loss of sleep can cause for both themselves and their child.

SWEAT Humans sweat up to 1L of body fluid per night and lose millions of skin flakes. After 5 years, half the weight of a mattress can be made up of our own body fluids, skin cells, mould and bacteria that seep into our bedding. Yuck! I like to think that I only lose sweat in my morning workouts, but it simply isn’t true. No wonder we have to change the sheets so often. Bring on Summer so I can actually hang them outside on the line.

BEDWETTING & INCONTINENCE If you’ve ever suffered from any form of incontinence, you’re not alone. Estimates are that 4.6 million Australians suffer from some form of urinary incontinence, so it is not an uncommon concern, especially after having children. Awkward sneeze anyone?!! Incontinence is not something that is under a person’s voluntary control, and it is not a condition that should cause shame, humiliation or embarrassment, but it’s often part of a mum’s life. Night time accidents in children are practically a given in raising children. Nappies and pullups can fail us at the best of times overnight and while many of us have waterproof protectors on our children’s beds, we neglect to protect our own. I’ve lost count how many times my daughter has crept in to my bed in the night only for both of us to wake up in her puddle.

BED BUGS If the thought of bed bugs roaming freely in your bed at night has you feeling a little less than comfortable, here’s some more facts guaranteed to make you squirm: Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans. Fortunately, their bite is painless however for many people, the bites can become itchy and swell into reddened welts. There has been an increase in the number of bed bug infestations of around 5,000% in Australia since the year 1999. Bed bug infestations often take a long time to detect, and are extremely expensive to eradicate. Bed bugs prefer to hide in bedding, and on mattresses, where they have ready access to a source of food, you!

Half the weight of an unprotected mattress is made up of your own bodily fluids, skin cells, bacteria and mould.

DUST MITES Dust mites can lurk in an unprotected mattress and are a major cause of asthma and allergies. Despite their tiny size, dust mites produce 1020 waste particles per day! Talk about being regular! Each of these contains a protein known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma. If that weren’t bad enough, these proteins are so light that they float when disturbed and disperse into the air, ready for us to inhale. Recent studies show that as much as 30% of the population are allergic to dust mite waste (the other 70% simply don’t like it!).

The average person loses up to 1L of fluid a day, through the skin, pores and mouth.

So how clean is your mattress? Mama’s tip: When you buy a new mattress, you need to protect the mattress from you (1L of body fluid, gross). But when you have an older mattress, you need to protect yourself from the mattress (and all my daughter’s wee stains!). While both my kids have had Protect-A-Bed® mattress protectors for years, after learning the above facts I recently got myself a top-notch mattress protector to protect myself from my bed!! Happy sleeping for me! A quality assured Protect-A-Bed® mattress protector is like an insurance policy for your mattress. Find out more at protectabed.com.au By Sarah Cavalier

FITTING THE GIRLS Does your bra ride up your back? Do you overflow your cup? When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Did you know that 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra? Not only can the right bra eliminate sagging, it can make you appear slimmer and makes your clothes fit & look better too. I recommend a bra fitting every 6-12 months. Think about how often our body changes over time: pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain & sickness. All these changes can all alter your bra size making it so important to be fitted regularly and ensure you’re getting the correct support. There’s nothing quite like wearing a bra that makes you feel confident no matter what your shape and size. Feel comfortable, beautiful and confident everyday. Having a trans-seasonal bra wardrobe is recommended so you have a bra for every occasion. I would recommend the following: • 3 everyday bras; one to wear, one in the wash and one in your drawer. • A strapless bra (our strapless is the best ever!) • An active bra, no matter what your level of active is, stop the bounce! • And 2 special sets; think beautiful soft lace, or a peek-a-boo statement. 34

Over time, wash and wear will cause the elasticity to break down, but if you are alternating through several bras, they’ll last much longer. And like anything, the better you take care of your bras, the longer they will last. Love your lingerie longer. Here are my top tips in caring for your bras: • Rotate your bras; they need to ‘breathe’ between wears. • Cool hand wash or wash them on the gentle cycle and pop them inside a garment bag. • Reshape your lace or contour bras when wet. • Lay flat on a drying rack or hang from the bridge and avoid direct sunlight. • Store bras within each other in your draw, do not fold, twist or scrunch. So ladies what does your bra wardrobe look like or what do you want it to look like? Are you needing a little wardrobe edit? Sara will work with you to build a functional lingerie wardrobe to suit your body, shape and lifestyle and find your perfect bra and fit! By Sara Luke, INTIMO fit specialist. Exclusive gift for all MamaMag readers: Share a fitting with your friends and receive a complimentary bra of choice and go into the draw to win a $150 INTIMO wardrobe. Join Sara’s Facebook Collective hub to book facebook.com/groups/The.Collective.Hub/

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FEELING GREAT ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK DOESN’T HAVE TO COST YOU A SMALL FORTUNE. FWFY is an online interactive four week program for style, beauty and fashion. Similar to an online fitness program, minus the sweat!

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The program looks at your skin tone, body shape, face shape and other core elements to create your own style and look. “I want someone to ‘help me’ and ‘hold my hand’ through the process of getting my groove back. I am too drained to do this myself but I do want it to happen.”

This one of a kind program is only $89, and will be available for the first time in November.

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Four weeks for you Women are great givers. Sometimes however we find it difficult to take time out for ourselves. This can get particularly challenging once children come along.

beauty and style professionals to make me over ‘Miss Congeniality’ style. So, I did a style advice package online, which was good but not overly engaging, and I just ended up with a pile of paper. I wanted to go to a proper stylist, but that felt too expensive, too self-indulgent.

Three years ago, after the birth of my second child, I decided to shift the focus from overhauling my body with vigorous exercise or diets, to accepting who I was now and making the best of that.

This led me to think why not merge the vibe of an online fitness program, with a program for style, hair, beauty and a bit of self-love and owning what you’ve got thrown in.

Don’t get me wrong I am all for a new diet/ fitness program (I have tried many), but I was tired, busy and sick of thinking I will just buy new clothes when I lose the baby weight. I wanted to feel ok in the moment. There was enough other stuff to think and worry about! At the time I also suffered post-natal depression which made the pressure to keep the façade of coping and having it all together overwhelming. Mix in multiple rounds of mastitis and the cracks were becoming evident. To get back on track I realised that if you feel good you look better and vice versa. I chatted to other mums and realised that most of us feel the same way and go through a tough time in how we look and feel after children. I had never fully appreciated the link between looking and feeling good. Clothes, makeup, hair (having a shower) had become a chore, not something enjoyable. I thought about how to achieve ease with my style and realised that I would need some help! A crack team of

Four Weeks For You was born out of this experience and is great for any women who wants to give back to herself and explore how she wants to look and present her best self to the world. The program is not just for women with kids, but for any woman who feels a little bit overwhelmed with all the blogs, street style, Insta updates and keeping up with the Kardashians. My background is not style or fashion (however I have always enjoyed it) but I have found this journey of discovery, and meeting people in this space, very fun and exciting. I have put together a team of experts in their field who, are warm and lovely, to not only help you look your best but to make you feel comfortable and supported. We all deserve that, whatever stage of life we are at. By Catherine Williams, Four Weeks For You. This one of a kind program will be available for the first time in November of this year, visit the website www.fwfy.com.au to register your interest. 37

I felt invisible as a plus size model I was only 17 when a friend told me she had put my name forward to a high-profile modelling agency. I could have killed her. I was size 16, awkward and had no modelling ambition whatsoever. But, as she was a makeup artist and was putting her reputation and industry connections on the line, I reluctantly agreed to attend the casting call. I was shocked when they signed me on the spot. It was the start of an incredibly successful career as a ‘classic’ model. I was ‘ahead of the curve’, so to speak because curve modelling (size 12+) hadn’t really taken off yet. I was kept busy with regular catalogue work. I travelled and modelled in the United States and the money I earned during those years was enough to put me through university. However, despite my success in the modelling industry, my own dress sense was terrible and I personally lacked a lot of confidence. Exacerbating my low self-esteem was lack of access to quality plus size fashion options. There was a noticeable shortage of on-trend clothing for everyday people who were my size, which meant I generally got around in oversized jumpers and elasticated pants – not always a good look! Years later as a happy, more body confident mother of three, I was encouraged by the emergence and celebration of more positive

role models. Larger women were in the spotlight and making waves (think global cover girls Ashley Graham and Robyn Lawley plus Melbourne Fashion Week ambassador and “Drop the Plus” campaigner Stefania Ferrario), yet I still felt frustrated by the lack of quality, independent fashion options available. Then when a well-meaning shop assistant sent me to a nearby “My Size” store when I enquired about a size 16 jacket, it was the last straw. I felt something had to change and I was going to do something about it! So with my young daughter at the forefront of my mind, I was inspired to create a platform for the next generation of women who embrace their curves and insist on living a body confident and stylish lifestyle. Adevee Fashion was born. It is an e-commerce store designed specifically for ‘in-betweenie’ (size 10ish) and ‘curve’ women that need good quality garments, larger pattern sizing and on-trend fashion that has been well curated from a range of emerging Australian designers. Judging from the popularity of the site 8 months in, it seems there are many like-minded women out there who share my needs! As a note to my younger self I would say “celebrate your curves and challenge perceptions. All women are beautiful in their own skin and shouldn’t accept anything less than being the best version of themselves”. By Karina Bruce, Founder of Adevee Fashion www.adeveefashionfestival.com.au www.adeveefashion.com

1.00 - 6.00PM The Substation 1 Market Street Newport

MINDFUL SHOPPING Fast fashion? let’s slow it down... Mindful shopping… finding calmness amongst the chaos How to be a mindful shopper Do you feel overwhelmed when you look in your wardrobe? Or even underwhelmed? Does your wardrobe inspire you to take on the day in style or does it leave you grabbing the first two pieces that you see in the hope that they will resemble some kind of an outfit? With the rise of fast fashion, our purchases are more impulsive than ever before. Seduced by the shiny and new, and constantly chasing trends, we continue to purchase items in the hope of creating the perfect wardrobe, but instead find ourselves agonising over a wardrobe full of clothes saying “I have nothing to wear”. By slowing down your shopping habits and learning to shop mindfully you can make smarter purchases that will not only save you time and money, but also help to reduce the impact fast fashion is having on the environment. This will lead you to create a cohesive wardrobe, of pieces that you love, that will always give you something to wear. Here are my top tips for shopping mindfully and turning a wardrobe of chaos into calmness and creativity…

Be inspired, but not overwhelmed Social media has revolutionised the way we see fashion and buy fashion. It can be a great platform to find inspiration, but don’t overdo it, too much can clutter the mind and have you chasing trends rather than developing your own unique style.

Shop your wardrobe first Take some time to appreciate what you already have and shop your own wardrobe. The opportunity to bring new life to the pieces

you already own will inspire you to be more creative and help you to realise how much you do actually have. It is also an ideal opportunity to rearrange your wardrobe and even say good bye to those pieces that are no longer working for you. Clear out the clutter and send them to a new home to be appreciated.

Identify the gaps Once you have a clear idea of what is in your wardrobe identify the gaps which need to be filled to make the current pieces’ work. It is highly likely that you will need to purchase the key essentials, neutral pieces that gel everything together; basic tee’s, jeans, black pants, a blazer or belt. Have a goal to buy these pieces first before you buy anything else. Bring it back to basics.

Set a shopping list and budget Always set a list and budget before you hit the shops. This will help you to stay focused and ensure you come home with what you need. Consider setting a budget for a season rather than an item as this will feel less restrictive and assist you to plan out the entire season’s wardrobe giving you the ability to prioritise what pieces to spend your money on. Think cost per wear when purchasing timeless pieces as it’s ok to spend that little bit extra when you know you’ll wear them time and time again!

Shop like a stylist When I’m working with clients I’ll always look for timeless pieces that have longevity. These are the pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe and continue to look amazing after multiple wears. Look for great craftmanship, quality fabric and fit. Sizes, shapes and cuts differ from store to store and even with pieces within the same store so always try things on and make sure you’re choosing the right piece for your shape and style. Don’t compromise on fit and style just for the price.

Get to know your brands Improve your environmental and ethical footprint by getting to know more about the brands you buy from and where and how your clothes are made and sourced. After all, feeling good in what you wear is more than just about looking good. Knowing you’re doing your bit to help the environment and ensure ethical work practices is sure to make you feel more special about the pieces you are wearing.

Someone else’s trash is your treasure Sometimes the best gems are often found at the op shops or vintage stores, where you can pick up a bargain or find something truly unique to add to your style. Increase your chances of scoring the best pieces by getting to know your local op shops and the days they receive new donations.

Shop with a friend Shopping with a friend you trust is a great idea. It’s not only helpful to have that second opinion but it also means someone else will be accountable for your spending.

Not on your shopping list?

Don’t be seduced by the red SALE sign Do you feel like it’s a little win when you buy something at a cheaper price? I’ll admit I have done a happy dance over many bargains in my lifetime. However, it’s important to consider if you would have purchased the item had it have been at full price? If the answer is no, maybe it’s not a win after all. Stick to the classics at sales time and steer clear of trends that may not make it to the next season. So, the next time you hit the shops treat yourself to a ‘mindful moment’ in the fitting room. Remember your style should be unique to you and help present the best version of you. If a piece doesn’t make you feel amazing, it’s not worth the investment. By Simone Thorpe - fashion lover and personal stylist, who believes style shouldn’t cost the earth – both figuratively and literally speaking. Simone is passionate about empowering women to feel amazing from the inside out through group style workshops, shopping tours and one on one personal styling services. stylewithsoul.com.au

Found something you love but it’s not on the shopping list? Put it on hold and think about it for 24-48 hours. In many cases, you’ll walk away and forget about it, however if you can’t stop thinking about it ask yourself the following six questions. • What value is it adding to my existing wardrobe? • Will it still bring me joy long after today? • How will it work back with my lifestyle? • Is it a need or a want? • Does it truly represent my style? • Would I be happy to remove an item from my wardrobe to include this purchase? If you can provide a valid answer to all of these questions maybe it’s worthy of that valuable space in your wardrobe.

lovely locals 1.

ANDERSON STREET YARRAVILLE 1. Angelica Angelica has been in the village for over 10 years and it’s no wonder really. A lovely lovely clothes shop where you’ll find clothes, shoes and accessories including jewelry and bags. They stock a lot of really classic great quality clothes. 30 Anderson Street @ShopAtAngelica 2. Cobb Lane The doughnuts here are so good that Mama’s never tried anything else! Grab a sweet treat and a coffee (also amazing) and head to the playground at Fels Park, a block away on Simpson Street. If the kids want a less fancy treat swing by Heather Dell bakery a few doors down on your way to the playground!

3. Friend or Pho This is Mama’s go-to on Uber Eats when cooking just isn’t happening! Eating in is also a joy with friendly and fast service. Some of our favourites are the crispy chicken ribs, spring rolls, and of course the pho.

3 Ballarat Street @friendorphoeatery 4. Green Collect We’re really so lucky to have this social enterprise locally. Sally and Darren have created a sustainable heart-filled business with huge impact. Visit one of their two retail stores (the other is in Ashley Street Braybrook) to fossick through racks of quality second hand adults and kids clothing and more. They also accept donations. 71 Anderson Street @greencollectorg 5. The Village Store

One for the gourmand; a small supermarket meets a large grocer. The range of carefully chosen products here is great for a special meal, gift, pick me up or even a hamper. There are plenty of vegan and gluten free products as well as upmarket versions of many staples including Elwood Sourdough and Gippsland Jersey milk. You’ll also find local brands like Franjos Kitchen. 6 Anderson Street @theVillageStoreYarraville 6. Invite me Party, play, decorate... Packed full of everything you would need to put on the perfect kid’s party celebration from the invitations, helium balloons, paper plates, to cutlery and bunting. They also have a collection of quirky and fun gifts and decor items for every occasion. Always on the look out for new and innovative products, owner Amanda has just returned from Japan after finding some fabulous treasures there! Keep an eye out! 66 Anderson Street inviteme.com.au 42

5. 4.

TreeHaus is an Allied Health Clinic providing specialised therapies to individuals, couples, children and families.

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Group therapy also available

We’re moving location in November, with new services and rooms oﬀered including a paediatrician and couples counsellor.

www.treehauswilliamstown.com.au

9397 4499

Medicare rebate available

October - 2 Cox’s Garden, Williamstown Early NOV - 93a Stevedore Street, Williamstown

Get more from mama - www.mamamag.com.au | Get social with mama - @localmamamag

Building better futures

for children with disabilities

Do you want to talk to a professional about your child’s development or behaviour? Noah’s Ark offers the following services for children with a disability or additional needs: ✓ Playing Together. ✓ Getting ready for Child Care, ✓ Supporting Positive Preschool or School. Behaviour. ✓ Supporting ✓ Coordination of Inclusion. Supports.

✓ Parent Connection and Support. ✓ Parent Education. ✓ Speaking and Listening.

We’re here to help Call 1800 819 140 www.noahsarkinc.org.au

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Join Gru as he teams up with his long lost twin brother Dru to defeat a new enemy named Balthazar Bratt, a 1980s child actor who grows up to become a villain! WIN the Despicable Me 3 DVD (available October from major retailers, RRP $39.95) and add to the summer fun with 3 packs of Minion themed

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summer skin saviours Tips for Stunning Spring & Summer Skin As the first blooms begin to blossom in parks and gardens all over Australia, the next sign that spring is here - and that a long hot summer is not far away either - is the sight of sun-loving Australians shedding their wintry clothes and showing some skin.

But if your skin doesn’t look its best? It’s a perfect time to invest in rejuvenating treatments that will improve the appearance - and the good health - of your skin to ensure you’re showing the very best version of yourself to the world as the weather warms up.

Skin Protection - For Life Your skin is your body’s largest and fastest growing organ and, despite the important job it does in protecting us against the elements, you probably don’t invest enough time and effort into looking after it the way it deserves to be treated. Looking after your skin now is an investment in time and money that will deliver huge rewards for years to come - with skin that keeps you looking fresh and vibrant, even as you age.

Great Skin Starts From Inside Out Helping your skin have a beautifully healthy glow begins with a good diet. That means avoiding sugary soft drinks and too many other sweet treats and focusing on filling your body with clean, simple nutrition. It’s not hard. Simply by avoiding packaged foods, you’re off to a positive start. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables - choose organic, if your budget allows - and when it comes to fluids, minimise your alcohol intake and choose cool, clear water.

Skin Deep Beauty Yes, true beauty is more than merely skin deep but there are active steps you can take to keep your skin looking its best as you grow older. At The Skin Boutique sstaff are already reporting a boost in people preparing their skin for the revealing summer season ahead. The clinic offers various options for smoother skin, including Laser Genesis treatment - a safe and effective rejuvenation treatment that offers a gentle way to treat a variety of skin conditions. It works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin re-growth. How? Micro-pulses of light safely heat the upper dermis just below your skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of fine lines, visible pores and scarring. The result is skin that feels and looks firmer, with a more even skin tone and a look you’ll love.

What skin conditions does the Laser Genesis treat? • reduces redness • evens skin tone • softens fine lines and wrinkles • smoothens scars • reduces pore size • promotes collagen and elastin production

Fruity Wonders Fresh summer fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries and melons are all fantastic natural ingredients to put in your body for a healthy, clear complexion. But did you know that fruit also works wonders on the outside of your body?

Try an Aspect Fruit Enzyme Peel for gentle exfoliation that dissolves dead skin build-up to allow the laser treatment, and any other subsequent skin treatments - such as your basic at-home cleanse, tone and moisturise routine work even more effectively. Post-treatment, a Société Gel Peptide Mask can be applied to your skin to add an extra level of soothing hydration.

Your Skin Is Unique It’s important to remember that your skin is unique. For fantastic skin results in spring and summer, it’s important to talk to a skin treatment specialist, rather than blindly select treatments that may not be right for your skin type and skin issues. Different peels suit different skins, with some being more suitable for very sensitive skin and others offering great solutions to skin of all colours and textures.

Patience is a Virtue Of course, getting great skin for spring and summer doesn’t happen overnight. With the change of season just underway, it’s the ideal time to plan your perfect summer skin now, and start changing those old habits that will help your skin face the world with confidence. It’s rare to find any skin treatment that promises amazing results in a one-off treatment, so be realistic and plan your summer skin now, by exploring a multiple-treatment regime that will get your skin’s fresh new look off to a brilliant start for those sunny days ahead.

UV rays. These days, with so many brands on the market, you can shop around to find sun protections solutions without the chemical nasties - but do check their SPF rating to make sure you are properly protected.

Lunchtime Loveliness While the ongoing duty of looking after your skin is a commitment for life, the great news about some rejuvenation treatments is that they can offer a quick fix pick-me-up to give you that extra sparkle for an important event such as the busy spring racing carnival season and Christmas function season, when all that rushing around from parties to work event can leave your skin looking and feeling tired. The Laser Genesis treatment, for example, is popularly known as a ‘lunch-time’ facial, because it’s considered a minimally-invasive treatment. You can book it in during your lunch-break and be back to face the day and resume most normal activities immediately after your treatment. Of course, everyone’s skin is different and there may be a slight redness - but that should disappear within a few hours of treatment. Your skin deserves to be pampered and with so many treatments offering truly effective results, you can help your skin look its best with just a little planning and sensible care. So look after it - for life! By The Skin Boutique - Melbourne CBD www. theskinboutique.com.au

Fresh air and sunshine is a wonderful thing for a vitamin D boost after those months of being rugged up indoors but remember to apply a sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful

Niño ELA Point Cook 60-62 Florey Avenue www.ninoELA.com.au

A place where your child’s early learning years become an adventure! Architect-designed and built to purpose, Niño offers your child a true extension of the home environment enhanced by highly qualified educators delivering an array of holistic learning and care programs. Niño Early Learning Adventures ‘3 and 4 year old kindergarten programs are led by our Bachelor qualified teachers daily. Niño ELA’s teachers and educators are focused, engaged and involved in each child’s unique adventure. Our emergent curriculum provides opportunities that each child is naturally drawn to balancing with interests and a wealth of educational variety. Our kinder environments are aesthetically pleasing, exciting and rich with key learning environments to assist children’s focus and expand on their interests.

Enrol now for 2018 Enquire today at ninoELA.com.au or 8878 2800