Category Archives: Mummies tales

Jul 05 2017
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Mummies tales

Don’t be the sour Sally 

I have to get something off my chest. We attend a lot of events for kids, mostly little kids. Little kids are loud, excited and often very messy. Recently, we saw Despicable Me 3, both of my children sat through the whole movie. At one point Hudson cheered and clapped, some sour Sally told him to be quiet??? They also decided to shhh a number of other excited children….. Really? It’s hardly the drama of the year and it was a 2pm session at the movies.  

Last night we attended Disney on Ice, it was magical and full of excited kids. I purchased two little light up wands that swirl fake snow in them. The audience was full of children singing and dancing with light up swords and wands. Yet, the older lady sitting in front of me advised that the noise of my excited children and their wands was annoying her.  She wanted them to stop? Again…..It’s an event for children not the matinee at André Rieu. 

I am the first to admit my kids aren’t always angels, but I’m not going to stop them having fun. If they were kicking seats, carrying on or having tantrums I would remove them.  If you don’t like the sound of happy children and can’t handle some light up wands flashing behind you, I’m guessing you’re at the wrong event. Don’t be the sour Sally people. Join in the fun, let kids be little and enjoy themselves ❤❤❤ 
Rachelle xx 


Jul 02 2017
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Mummies tales

C-section – what really happens

When I was pregnant with Hudson and found out I was having a c-section I heard all sorts of horror stories. I also Googled (don’t do it). There were tales of staples, huge scars, excutiating pain, infections and awful recoveries. It was very hard to find anything that sounded like a standard straight forward story. I have since had two c-section’s  (one emergency and one elective) and I wanted to share what happened to hopefully put some people’s mind at ease and share something positive to cut through all the negative horror stories.

Firstly, I want to say that I complely understand that everyone has different birth stories, this is my experience only. I am not speaking on behalf of anyone else.

The process of c-section for me was just fine. Here is my experience:

▫ As with any operation the nerves kick in just before you go in. I felt so much better once I saw my Ob/Gyn, the familiar face really helped calm my nerves.

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Waiting to go in for my c-section with Hudson 

▫The spinal block – this worried me. In reality this is over super quick and both of my anesthetists were great and talked me through the whole process.

▫ Catheter – I have never had an operation before and the thought of a catheter really worried me. I didn’t even notice it. It’s inserted after the spinal and they take it out the next day. You are so happy to have your baby you really pay no attention to the catheter.

▫It’s quick – from the spinal to meeting your little one is a really quick process (probably 15 minutes).  Before you know it you will be stitched up and in recovery. For me, the whole process took about 45 minutes both times.

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▫ Stitches and scar – Both times I had internal stitches and one large stitch closing the wound. No staples. I paid special attention to the wound care and now my scar is minimal. It’s very low (just above my pubic bone). I can still wear a bikini if I want to and it’s really no big deal. Contrary to some Google stories, my scar is horizontal, not vertical and is not across my whole stomach. My stitch was removed before I left the hospital.

▫Pain management – the hospital I was at were amazing with pain management. Pain meds were given before I felt pain and I left the hospital taking only Voltaren and Panadol. Ensure you ask for pain meds, there is no need to be a hero. Take them before you are in pain.  It makes recovery a lot easier.

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Me and Scarlett – one day old

▫ Bleeding – you bleed after any birth and c-sections are no different. From what I hear it’s not as heavy as after a vaginal birth but yes, you still require the surfboard maxi pads.

▫ Driving – with my doctors approval I was able to drive two weeks after both my c-sections. I read a lot of information about not driving for 6 weeks, this wasn’t the case for me.

▫ Breastfeeding – I had no trouble with milk supply or breastfeeding. The c-section didn’t affect this for me.

▫ Physical activity – I was up and walking the next day. I was restricted with certain activities for 6 weeks (vacuuming etc) but hey, who wants to vacuum anyway. I was able to go for walks as soon as I got home and could commence normal exercise after my 6 week check up.

Overall, I had two positive experiences. I’m not saying that this is the case for everyone. In a world of negative stories, it’s sometimes nice to hear everything is going to be ok. I now have two beautiful healthy babies and that’s what really counts.

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Rachelle xx 

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May 31 2017
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Mummies reviews, Mummies tales

Hypoxi does it work?  Let me tell you….

I have been going to Hypoxi 2-3 times each week for 3 months now. 

Before I share my final results I want to go back to my 1st Hypoxi session. I felt nervous and quite skeptical. How on earth is laying in a suit that feels like bubble wrap popping all over my body and cycling (not too fast) going to help change my body?  Was this a cult? Is this some sort of pyramid scheme? Are these ladies brainwashing me? I had been told my whole life you cannot spot reduce fat or lose weight in specific areas. 

Anyway, I wanted to give it a go.  Everyone kept telling me ‘you’re not big, why would you go there’.  The truth is, I wanted to see if it works, I wanted to be able to give a true account and go by my own experience. Hypoxi approched me to try it out for 3 months, I was told I could be skeptical and share my true feelings. I now completely understand why I was never given any points to mention, they really let the results speak for themselves. 

I have been going to the Wantirna studio, it’s super busy there, but I was always in and out pretty quick. The girls at the studio made me feel very welcome and are really lovely. I’m actually going to miss seeing them and chatting each week (especially Bianca and Belinda, I saw them the most).  I think this is important as if you’re going to go somewhere a few times a week you want the staff to be welcoming and friendly. 

I am 165cm tall and normally weigh between 52 and 56kg (depending on the time of the month, if I am super hungry or bloaty). I had lost all of my pregnancy weight but still felt I could tone up a little and work on my skin elasticity. Hypoxi helped with this. I wasn’t expecting to see huge amounts of cm’s coming off as I’m not a big person. Even in my 1st session I was advised that I may not see huge losses.  I still was curious to see how it would affect my body. 

As I mentioned I went 2-3 times a week and immediately noticed my legs looking a little more toned, not bulky. Just toned.  I also noticed everything was less wiggly puffy and jiggly (#winning).  Most of all I enjoyed the time out. I could relax, watch trashy tv or do a spot of online shopping without distraction or any little people climbing on me. All while working out.

Fast forward 3 months and I have had my final measurements and lost 21.5 cms off my lower body……hooo rah.  My skin feels tighter,  everything is more toned and less, wobbly.  My clothes fit better and this is all without changing my diet. 

If you’re thinking of trying Hypoxi, have some excess baby weight to shift or would like to tone up. Do it, they offer a free no commitment trial so you can try before you sign up. I can definitely say it’s worth a shot.  I was skeptical too and now I think I want to sign up for some more sessions. 

Rachelle xx

Feeling trim and toned since Hypoxi

The studio

Workout while Keeping up with the Kardashians or catching up on emails. 

This is the suit that feels like bubble wrap. It’s actually relaxing and some women fall asleep. 

Lay down machine 

Stand up machine 

Stats 

Lay down machines and magazines to keep you occupied

May 19 2017
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Mummies reviews, Mummies tales

Looking for childcare?

When it came time for me to return to work, I toured a lot of childcare centres. To be honest I didn’t fall in love with any of them. Staff were always lovely but the centres were often quite old and run down.

Now there is a new wave of childcare centres on the scene and they are amazing. Hudson, Scarlett and I recently had a wonderful time checking out the Guardian Early Learning Group centre at 101 Collins Street Melbourne. There are 38 of these centres in Victoria and many more Australia wide, if you are considering childcare it’s definitely worth checking them out.

The centre we went to is located at 101 Collins Street, right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. perfect for working parents.  I was expecting a small centre with not a lot of light and no outdoor areas. However, the centre is huge (it spans over two levels), really bright and there are two large indoor/outdoor areas for the kids to play.

In addition to the indoor outdoor areas I learnt about the amazing ways they get the children out and about. There is a special 8 seater stroller that is used for trips to the park, art gallieries and walks around the CBD. They have super cute little rain suits so the kids can really enjoy their time out and not even Melbourne weather will stop them.

Scarlett’s highlight was meeting the pet fish and the kids even got to hold the pet bird that lives at the centre.

Hudson loved the indoor/outdoor area and even made a friend while he was playing outside.

I loved the open plan feel, light bright presentation of the centre. However, my absolute highlight was the open kitchen area. Children can sit and watch the chef prepare their nutritional meals and everyone is welcome at the centre for breakfast. This would definitely help with time management in the mornings as mum, dad and any siblings are welcome to eat with the little ones.  Parents only have to worry about getting dressed and hopping on the train or in the car. A nutritional breakfast is waiting at childcare (including coffee).  I often drop the kids off in a frenzy and end up eating something in the car or skipping breakfast all together.

There is an open door policy and parents are welcome to visit their children at anytime (perfect for breastfeeding mummas), the director told me some parents take their kids out to lunch. I would love to be able to have lunch dates with Hudson and Scarlett on work days. or simply pop in and say hello, I think they would love it and I would have way less mummy guilt about having to leave them while I work.

There is a fully funded kinder program and the fees are really reasonable. If you would like more information feel free to contact one of the Guardian centres or check out their website 

Rachelle xx

 

 

 

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Apr 07 2017
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Mummies tales

Hypoxi update 

I’m just over one month into my Hypoxi journey. A lot of people have been asking me about results and if it’s working. 

I am extremely happy to report that yes indeed it is working. I have noticed my skin elasticity has changed and I have lost a total of 15cm of my tummy, hips, thighs and knees (yep, who knew, even my knees were a little bit chubby). I haven’t really changed my diet and still enjoy a glass of wine. 

When I was approached by Hypoxi to try it I was quite skeptical and didn’t have high expectations. I recieved a lot of comments about how Hypoxi doesn’t work, can’t possibly work and is ridiculous. I have discovered that it actually does work.  I was really just looking to tone up and feel comfortable since having my kids. I went into this not expecting much of a loss. 15cm gone is a bonus and I’m very happy with it. My stomach feels much flatter and toned and so do my legs. 

Each week I have been 2 – 3 times and I’m in and out within an hour. Hypoxi is certainly not taking up much of my time and I find it quite relaxing.  Before I had kids I used to go to the gym 5 times a week. I just haven’t had the motivation to return and always made excuses. Since starting Hypoxi I realise I do have time.

I really wanted to make the most of this opportunity. So this week both my husband and I have started working out in the morning before work (hello 5am wake ups).  Once I’m out of bed and going I actually really enjoy it. It gives me energy and helps me make better food choices throughout the day. 

The one thing I have also noticed is that staff at Hypoxi are lovely. They really know their business make you feel comfortable and are happy to help with any questions.

If you’re thinking about it give the Hypoxi free trial a go or phone one of the studios and ask about it.  The studio I go to is super busy and I have seen men and women of all ages, fitness levels and sizes. It’s a very supportive environment and not threatening like some gyms can be.  I just wish I knew about it earlier. Hypoxi is perfect for shifting that post baby weight and wobble. 

I will post again with further results and photos. 

Rachelle xx 

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Mar 27 2017
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Mummies tales

School Holiday fun 

Looking for a little something to keep the kids occupied this school holidays? 

No one wants to be stuck in the house with cabin fever everyday so why no get out and check out what Melbourne has to offer. I have narrowed down some of my favourites below.  

Diamond Valley Minature trains 

This little gem is open every Sunday from 11am and Wednesday afternoons on school holidays. It’s a park with a minature train track that you can ride on with the kids. 

The track is complete with tunnels and bridges which makes for an exciting ride. At $3 per person per ride it’s not going to break the bank. You can take a picnic lunch here and relax in the shade or let the kids burn some energy in the playground.  I would recommend getting there early as there can be lines. 

Oakridge Wines kids cooking class 

Why not take the lovely drive out to the Yarra Valley and get the kids cooking. 

The cooking class at Oakridge Winery is so much fun. The kids go off and pick herbs, learn about making flour and make a delicious pizza. I watched and assisted as Hudson is younger, but if you have older children you can bring a friend and enjoy lunch in the beautiful restaurant while sampling some of the delightful wines. 

You can contact Oakridge Wines to book for the upcoming holidays. 

Lights by Dreamworks  

The lights by Dreamworks exhibition is at the Rosebud foreshore these Easter holidays. 

It’s a magical wonderland of beautiful lanterns from all the kids favourite Dreamworks movies. Kung fu panda, Madacascar, Puss in boots and How to train your dragon are just some of the amazing movies that are brought to life with huge lanterns. 

There is craft activities, rides, food stalls and your kids may even run into some of their favourites in real life. 

For further information and tickets head to the website.  

Smurfs high tea at the Langham 

This school holidays the Smurfs are taking over The Langham’s high tea. 

Join Papa Smurf and the gang for an afternoon of delicious Smurfy approved treats and school holiday fun. 

Contact The Langham for further information.

NGV 

The National Gallery is always a favourite of mine to take the kids. It’s a great day out that is 100% free. 

The kids area is wonderful and currently has Patrick Pound: The Great Exhibition on display.  It’s an interactive activity trail that takes children on an expedition. 

Holiday Inn – Staycation Melbourne 

Since Melbourne has so much to offer it could be worth staying a night (or two) in the heart of the city. 

At Holiday Inn on Flinders Lane kids stay and eat for free. They have just updated all of their family rooms and they are stunning. 

It’s conveniently located near the free city circle trams, Docklands, Crown Casino and Flinders Street station. Also, the bar has some really good cocktails for mum and dad. 

For further information check out their website. 

Have fun !!

Rachelle xx 

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Feb 24 2017
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Mummies tales

Quick tone up #mumbod

So this week something happened. A miracle? You could say that. This week I did something other than walk the dog, go food shopping and clean the house in my active wear.  I actually worked out.

Since having Scarlett over two years ago the most exercise I have done is run around at the park with the kids and walk the dog. While I walk a lot and have managed to get back to my post pregnancy weight I have been left with some bits that jiggle and wiggle a little more than I would like. Between working four days a week and two kids, there really wasn’t much time left for me to be going on huge runs or joining a gym and going there for hours on end. I tried the whole doing a quick workout while the kids sleep but I found it really hard to motivate myself to do it while I had so much housework to do.

Before I had children I did really enjoy exercise and went to the gym 4-5 times a week. It was never about losing weight for me it was more mental and I liked feeling toned. It gave me some time to clear my head.  These days, I seem to put the things I enjoy last and instead focus on what my family needs.

My body has changed since becoming a mum, I am thinner up top and tend to carry more wiggly bits around my stomach and thighs. I no longer feel toned and I miss that feeling. At no point do I want to be a gym junkie or health nut. I just don’t have the time and I enjoy food and wine waaaaay to much.  At the end of the day, I really just want to fee comfortable in my clothes and set a good example for my children.

Recently, I was approched to give Hypoxi a try through the #mumlifehack campaign. It’s gentle low impact exercise that can apparently help you achieve more results with less effort. Hypoxi is also meant to be more effective at targeted fat loss than other forms of exercise.  I’m no athlete and probably the most uncoordinated person I know so I figured that this sounds like it’s right up my alley.  I also liked the thought of targeted weight loss as I really don’t want to lose anymore weight around my chest. Am I skeptical? Well yes, of course. All my years at the gym taught me that targeted fat loss doesn’t happen.  I guess only time will tell and I will share my journey over the next couple of months to see my results. For now here is my first experience.

My first Hypoxi session started like any other gym session. Weigh in, measurements (ergghhh, I hate that part) and a chat about my expectations. The staff are really helpful, explain how everything works and answered my questions. My advice for the first session is not to just rock up in your ripped nanny knickers as all the measurements are done on skin so you end up with your pants around your ankles.  Thankfully, I had a tasteful pair of Bonds on, but I was worried what I was wearing for a few seconds when the lady told me to pull my pants down.  Anyway, I digress. I was then put into some sort of space suit that feels like bubble wrap is popping all over my tummy and legs. I am told to lay down and relax for 20 minutes (something I haven’t heard in years). Time flew by and before I knew it I was ushered to a sit down bicycle looking machine and I pop on what I can only describe as a skirt made of wet-suit material. This clips into the machine and I need to cycle for 30 minutes while vacuum pressure goes on and off around my lower body. I am instructed to keep my heart rate in the ‘fat burning zone’ (don’t worry, I had no idea what that  ‘zone’ was but the lovely lady explained it to me).  My 30 minutes was over fairly quickly and I can’t say I broke a sweat or was huffing and puffing. I enjoyed the time to myself and being able to watch Ellen in peace.  If this works, it definitely seems like a wonderful way to exercise. It’s low impact and you’re in and out before you know it.

I would say my first Hypoxi experience was a good one. I’m excited to see what results I get and will share my journey on the blog,  Facebook and Instagram along the way.

If you’re curious to try you can head to the Hypoxi website for a free trial.

Rachelle xx

 

 

 

 

 

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Feb 01 2017
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Mummies tales

How do you do it?

I’m a working mother, I work 4 days a week and have had my job for 6 years. After both of my children I returned to work relatively early (7 months). Working gives me balance and purpose. Plus, I like contributing to our household income and setting an example for Hudson and Scarlett. However, the older they get the more I am struggling. 

My work has a policy where I am meant to return to work full time when Scarlett is at school. This is still a few years away but it’s a concept that I struggle to get my head around. School isn’t like daycare. The hours are much shorter. I often lay awake worrying hiw this will work? How on earth is this managable? Can I be present for my children, get them to after school activities, help with homework and be the mum I want to be. All of this while working 40 hours a week (with a 2 hour commute each day)??? If anything this is a time where they really need me to be there for them. 

My husband runs his own business so his hours are long and ge can’t do drop offs or pick ups, he also doesn’t get paid annual leave. This means before and after school care with school holiday programs. I can get some help from family, but again I don’t want to be the mum that is never there. 

How on earth do parents manage? Working full time, children, homework, food shopping, cleaning, washing, cooking, activities, family time and friends. Is it even possible? Cost of living is expensive so its really just not as easy as throwing in the towel and saying ‘I quit.’ 

It appears in our quest to have and do it all we have found ourselves in some sort of crazy situation where it is impossible.

I’m so thankful for my job and healthy children. In no way am I whinging. I’m simply asking the question. Is it even possible? Will I regret these choices later in life? Will my children resent their mother who was always rushing around and busy?  I want to be there for my babies while they still need me. 

Other working mums, how do you do it? 

Rachelle xx 

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Jan 17 2017
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Mummies tales

Give it time

When you are pregnant all the books, websites and other mums tell you about the overwhelming feelings of love you will have for your child from the second they are placed in your arms. Some women gush about how they love pregnancy and the feeling of growing a life inside of them.

It’s no secret.  I didn’t enjoy pregnancy, not for one second. All the sweating, nausea, hunger and stretching of everything (mainly my pants and bras) just didn’t appeal to me. Every now and then I enjoyed the little kicks but 90% of the time I felt like an alien had taken over my body.

My son Hudson was born six weeks early, saying this came as a surprise is an understatement. When I heard my baby boy cry for the first time I was so happy. I was overcome with emotion. Yet, I wouldn’t describe it as it says in all the books. Love wasn’t gushing out of me like an overflowing sink.  I had mixed emotions, he was taken to the special care nursery straight away. I was excited, upset, confused and 100% scared out of my mind. 

Then, it came time for Hudson to come home.  I was still so frighted,  he was tiny and had reflux so he cried A LOT. I was a new mum with no idea and when my husband returned to work I felt very alone. It was like being given a new toy with no instructions. I loved my baby but was waiting for this warm fuzzy, fluffy feeling that I had heard about? Why wasn’t I gushing love from my pores? Glowing? Declaring my love for my child like all these other women?  What was wrong with me?

Looking back on this time, I realise there was nothing wrong with me. I was adjusting to a massive change in my life. I had a rough start, difficult baby,  was incredibly sleep deprived and frankly it’s just not my personality.  I love both of my children more than anything in this world. I would walk accross hot coal to protect them,  jump to their defense and claw your eyes out if you hurt them. However,  this feeling has developed over time. I feel like I have got to know them and like any new experience it’s daunting at first.

I tell all my friends and any first time mothers not to expect these amazing, overwhelming warm feelings of love straight away as it’s not always the case. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother, it doesn’t mean you don’t love your children.  It just takes a little time to bond, confidence, some sleep and everything gets better. Everyone’s experience of motherhood is different, dont ever feel bad for being honest and admitting your true feelings just because they are different from others or from what books describe.  You are  a good mother!

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Rachelle xx

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Jan 05 2017
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Mummies tales

Words I never thought I would say…..

I don’t drink coffee. Yep! I have two children (Hudson 4 and Scarlett 2) and I think I have stopped drinking coffee. 

I say I think because in the words of Bieber ‘never say never’. However, it’s been almost two months and I can’t see and end in sight anytime soon. 

In two months I have gone from having up up to 4 cups of black espresso to having none. 

I was the ‘hook it in my veins, don’t speak to me before I have had a coffee’ person. I could not function without it and I didn’t want to know what would happen if I stopped. 

So, why did I stop? I was getting headaches and my husband also said he was thinking of seeing if he could quit caffine. I figured I’d give it a go. 

I’m not going to lie, the first 2 days were hard. The headaches were intense and all I could think about was having a cup of coffee to make them go away. I felt exhausted……like sitting at my desk almost falling asleep exhausted. I thought I would be more easily irritated, but the reality was I was too tired and had such a bad headache I couldn’t care. In hindsight, I probably should have cut down and not just stopped cold turkey. 

After a few days started to feel better. I was drinking more water, had more energy, was not experiencing the caffine crash and I was sleeping better. 

My husband and I have decided to keep going caffine free and haven’t looked back. My skin has improved (probably from all the extra water) and instead of having a rush of energy and then a crash, my energy levels feel more consistent all day. I also feel that I am less anxious/stressed about small things and I haven’t had any headaches.  

I realise I used coffee to procrastinate, often thinking to myself ‘I’ll just have a coffee and then I’ll …..’. Now I just getting things done,  my mind actually feels clearer and I’m more focused. 

Overall, it’s been a positive change. I still adore the smell of coffee and I’m sure I will have one again at some stage. I just want to avoid going back to being so reliant on that little black drink. For now I’m happy sipping on herbal tea and water. 

If you’re thinking of giving it a go, just try it. Set a small goal of a week or two and see how you feel. Once you get past the first couple of days it’s smooth sailing. 

Rachelle xx 

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