Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east:
4.5 years and counting! Like most Brits in Sydney, we came for year and now can’t imagine ever leaving.
How many children:
One three month old baby boy called Rafferty
Favourite Park:
Rushcutters Bay
Favourite Beach:
Kutti Beach, near Watsons Bay. It’s a small dog beach and usually pretty quiet.
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
When you’ve only got a baby, they’re all pretty friendly! Pacific Club in Bondi is great though as there’s loads of room for prams and comfy chairs for feeding.
Favourite Coffee Spot:
Good One, Bondi Beach. The toast menu is also incredible.
Favourite date night place:
The Paddington. Great rotisserie chicken and good lighting – which is important on date night!
Favourite Local Day Out Activity:
At the moment as it’s winter, going out for a long lunch with friends is up there. In the warmer months, the beach always wins.
Favourite Local Shop:
Whole Harvest Market in Paddington. They always have great discounts.
Favourite wet weather location:
One of the Paddington pubs such as The London. The library is also great during the week.
Describe an ideal day in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for you?
Early walk with the dog, a Baby Mumma class at Lean Bean Fitness in Bondi, lunch with friends in the sun and then back home, pass the baby to my partner and go for a massage…(that last bit doesn’t happen as often as I’d like!).
What area of the east have you yet to explore much but would like to?
All the little beaches like Little Bay near Maroubra.
Work or SAHM:
Work (I had to google the Stay At Home Mum acronym :).
I’m the founder of Lean Bean Fitness & Lean Bean Retreats. I moved to Sydney after graduating from the prestigious dance school, Urdang Dance Academy in London then started Lean Bean Fitness.
Motherly advice:
Prioritize your health and happiness as having a new-born can soak up all your time and energy. Self-care may seem like an un-achievable luxury when you’re a new mum but it’s something you need to do so you can give 100% to your baby. During these early months, you may not get loads of alone time so here’s a few small things that feel like a massive treat and won’t cost a fortune.
1. Bring the Bath to You
If you don’t have a bath or the time to soak in one, DIY bath with a bucket and Epsom salts. Simply run hot water and pour in Epsom salts which promote muscle relaxation and sit on the couch, with your home-cooked meal and indulge in your favorite TV show while your feet receive some much needed loving. I did this throughout pregnancy when my ankles were swollen and I wanted to watch hours of Netflix.
2. Mini Facial
Your skincare regime must be simple as you won’t have the luxury of time, but I’ve learnt to improvise by massaging a nourishing natural oil like RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil into my face before I breastfeed and just after the feed. It helps to retain the elasticity in your skin as lack of sleep and changes in weather can leave your skin dull and dry.
3. Legs up the Wall
You can do this if you’re doing your last Instagram scroll for the evening or reading a book. Simply lie on your bed, rest your legs up against the wall and tuck your bum in so it is close to the wall. This helps drain the circulation from your legs which is beneficial if the day is mostly sedentary. This also helps calm the nervous system and may even ease you into sleep a little quicker. Need of an endorphin hit? Lean Bean Fitness in Bondi holds Baby Mumma classes daily, so new Mamma’s always get a chance to workout without having to think about childcare. Win! Book a class
here. All welcome after 6-week postpartum check.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR EASTERN SUBURBS MUMS
FREE trial class for all new Beans. Just email lizzie@leanbeanfitness.com and quote ‘EASTERNSUBURBSMUMS’ to book.
