Out of the Nest in Hazelbrook, New South Wales | Personal blog

Out of the Nest

Locality: Hazelbrook, New South Wales

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25.01.2022 Challenge: what is the most random thing you’ve found in your handbag? (Whether now or a previous find) Come on...make me smile! A mums handbag can be like a Mary Poppins bag of ALL the things. ... Right? I did a handbag swap today as I ready myself to return to Nappy bag life. (I like a small satchel, then a bigger backpack that lives mostly in my car) In doing the clean out, as predicted many things will not be returning to my bag. The randomness of items when you have children is kinda funny. So thought I’d share. Small kinder surprise toys, A marble, Part of A transformer toy, Random sticks and stones, A peg, A battery (most likely flat), Tampons that do not look well wrapped anymore, So many pens, Lipglosses- one which was quite sticky, Pocket panadol- all the nurses know A stash of random receipts and old pads, Some oils, Staff I.D held together with a paper clip, Neuro pen, Face masks (not so random these days) 2 USBs, Mints and a muesli bar, I even have a tube of lube- don’t read into that too much My small handbag now has my minimal requirements and nappy bag will be packed this week!

25.01.2022 Child Friendly Bushwalks with Maps! Bushtrackers have created some amazing maps to help you explore some of the Best in the Mountains. Click this Link to have a look. Maybe fit in a bushwalking or 2 in this last week of school holidays!... Happy exploring! https://www.outofthenest.com.au//bushwalking-with-childre/ See more

24.01.2022 I have found myself in this situation more than once (When did I get so bad at checking my nappy bag was well stocked). But you know you are an experienced Mumma when you truely can clean up the Poonami with just one wipe. The art of knowing how much to wipe, when and where to fold... The capacity of one wipe can be more than you think.... But also..... Reminder to check your nappy bag in stocked mommas, because its a lot easier with more wipes!!!

24.01.2022 This time of year can be expensive. Some of us have more to spend than others. After the year that’s been, some of us have nothing to spend, yet some have lots to spend. This year has been a bit ruthless. If you are sitting on the side of having not much to spend then it can really sting when you hear about how much others are spending. ... The amount of gifts their kids are getting, while your kids are not getting half of that amount. The value of the gifts being purchased when you have had to bargain hunt. The banquets being planned when you are feeling completely uninspired to cook because you are dreading your grocery bill. The holidays being planned to beautiful destinations, when you fear even pool concession and hiring a movie will be pushing your budget. Watching photos of lovely Christmas parties but you are declining invitations because you cannot afford that coffee date. Looking at others beautiful Christmas photography sessions and disappointed that you havnt captured any family photos in years. Beyond Christmas, there might be birthday parties you feel you can’t afford, extra-curricula activities you don’t feel you can afford, clothes that need to be bought for children that just won’t stop growing, not to mention the new underwear you yourself desperately need. It’s hard to not be intimidated by others wealth. Especially when you are struggling. Sitting in that discomfort is just hard! You are not less! Your value isn’t attached to what is in your bank account, especially after the year that has been. Feel all you need to feel. Then maybe re-look at these wealthier friends. Be inspired by the work that they do, the savvy choices they have made. Be inspired by their generosity and the opportunities they have positioned themselves to have. Sometimes we can glean something! And know, that your children want your presence, your love, You. Don’t let lack of wealth rob your family of the Joy found in that! Be inspired not intimidated! Blessings!!! Xxx

23.01.2022 This is one of my favourites. So true!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXKMUsv_NM

22.01.2022 Still one of my favourites!

21.01.2022 Putting our children’s worries at ease!

21.01.2022 What a great idea this is!

19.01.2022 I love following local pages. I know there are so many I don't know about. Hit me up!

19.01.2022 This was fantastic last time! Worth the visit so keep your eye out!

18.01.2022 Buy lunchboxes, Support Local Mum in Business, Get discount.... WIN WIN WIN!!!... I was looking into purchasing some new Tupperware for my kids for school and in doing my research I thought why not pop it into a blog for you. Then because we all LOVE supporting local I have added a local consultant for you to support. Hope this helps someone. Jackey's Tupperware Blue Mountains

18.01.2022 Are you new to having a family in the Blue Mountains? Let me start by saying, I am so sorry that you have not been able to immerse yourself into this community properly. What a difficult time to be trying to navigate parenting in a new place OR having a baby and finding the support you need. I created this Pathway to try to help you navigate some of the resources available to you, to save you some googling. Playgrounds, bush walks, activities, sports, maternal health, Events,... etc etc etc... There are still restrictions around some things so not everything mentioned is going to be open right now, but I hope that this gives you a step up in knowing your community and how to navigate parenting in the Blue Mountains! Please do share with anyone you think this would help or tag below. Much Love, Rachel xx https://www.outofthenest.com.au//new-to-the-blue-mountains/

16.01.2022 I love to share resources with you that I love and feel serve me as a Mother. If you are into podcasts then this is one to subscribe to. Lots of inspiration and encouragement around Motherhood in these episodes. https://www.amytaylorkabbaz.com/podcastpage

14.01.2022 The school holidays are almost here! Just thought I would share my school holiday inspiration list for those who are looking at how they might spend their time these next few weeks! https://www.outofthenest.com.au//school-holiday-inspirati/

13.01.2022 If you are anything like me, you spend a lot more mental energy reflecting on what you feel like you failed at each day. So I am going to try something new here and reflect on something I did well. I invite you to do the same. My counsellor actually suggested this as a practice I should do every night, but that in itself was setting me up for a fail . So...thought I would try at the end of the Month!... MY WIN... I met with a friend this Month that I have been meaning to meet with for Months. This never used to be such a hard task, but these days it is. Making the time, not having to reschedule (again) felt SO good. It is nice to feel like you are being a good friend once and while hey! What is something you did well this Month? Come on, dig deep, find one no matter how small. We need to celebrate the small wins!

13.01.2022 We had a BIG fight! Resentment was the reason Swipe across to look at the project my husband took on over summer! My husband used to be a spray painter and wanted to get back into it as a hobby, so took on the transformation of a friends rally car. ... It looks Amazing right? But here’s how our fight went down. Every time I’d look at this car or watch my husband working on it, it would annoy me. To his credit he would work on it early in the morning or on weekends around our family plans, intentionally trying not to impede on our family time. Yet, it still annoyed me. He is a happier man when he has a project happening on the side. Yet, it still annoyed me. So I decided to discuss it with him as it was becoming harder to be ok with him working on this car. We don’t fight often, but this was a big one. After some temper and some tears, I concluded that what was grating on me was not that my husband had a project so much, but more that I didn’t have time for one. I am not in a season where I can get up early to do something for myself. I am up early but that is to care for young children. I too am a better person when I am lending my creativity to something bigger but it’s not the season to be doing that. I had just left a really great morning routine where I got up went for a walk before the kids were up, but it’s just not the season to make that happen just now. I was resentful! Resentful that he could! Truth is, it is intentional that I am not working and that I try to keep myself commitment free. This is my choice. This is what I want! But, I was still annoyed. My husbands response, well what do you need? What can I do. (Men love to fix don’t they) My response was that I didn’t know what I needed, apart from some breathing space to remind myself that this is what I want. More than that....I just needed validation that giving up these things is hard! If you feel resentment boil up, you are not alone. Resentment for your partner, Resentment for your friends, Resentment toward your colleagues. Mothering is full of opportunities and Joy, but also comes with some surrender to the season. And mummas...that can be hard. Wonderful, but also Hard! Xx Laura Coleman photography!

12.01.2022 Are you a ‘Good Enough Mother’ Have you heard of this term? Let me bring you some encouragement about being a Good Enough mother! Finish your week off with some hope ... Perfect parenting is actually detrimental to your child! Yep- I said it! Seeing us fail at perfection is actually a gift! Pediatrician Donald Winnicott’s research found that all our babies required of us is that we are attuned to them 30% of the time in order to become healthy resilient children. In fact...even if we are attentive more than that, it didn’t effect how well balanced they were! Does that comfort you? It comforts me that 30% is all that is required! It also comforts me knowing that letting go of perfection is a gift to them as I demonstrate to them how to live with imperfection. It comforts me that hard emotions like anger and grief are ok to have in front of my children as I demonstrate to them how to carry those feelings. It comforts me that I can set boundaries with my children... like demand some space to myself ... because it demonstrates to them how to do so also. We don’t need to be perfect, in fact our imperfections present the best life lessons for our children should we frame them that way! Then coming to them with an apology teaches them how to do so also. So mummas...30% is Good Enough! I hope you find the same comfort I have as you enter the weekend ahead! Xxx

11.01.2022 Are you doing the summer reading challenge? There are prizes...which is serving as a great motivator for my kids! I absolutely love seeing my kids lost in a book!

10.01.2022 Thought I’d share some of my domestic Shame with you... While I feel embarrassed to share, I also love making you feel better about yourself and normalizing that Motherhood is Messy (literally). This is the mess under one of my lounges. This lounge is heavy so doesn’t get moved as often as it should, and is in our play area so it is often swallowing up toys. It’s pretty bad!... Hopefully seeing some of my ‘real’ balances out the beautiful interiors you might be scrolling through! Xxx See more

09.01.2022 I love geeking out on breast milk facts... this is for others that do too! Amazing!

09.01.2022 55 Blue Mountains Playgrounds! Photos, maps and all the information I thought would interest you on every playground I could find. This link will help you navigate all the Playgrounds on offer and find one that best suits you and your family this school holidays./ Enjoy!!!... https://www.outofthenest.com.au//55-playgrounds-in-the-bl/

09.01.2022 Looking for activities for your Active Kids this year? Check out this list of activities that I have put together. From soccer to dance, from circus to martial arts, something for everyone. Let me know if I have missed anything.... https://www.outofthenest.com.au/2021/01/10/active-kids/

08.01.2022 I LOVE Christmas!!! I love thinking about ALL the possibilities of Christmas! I love creating traditions for our little family! But...we have just had a baby and I find myself also thinking ‘how to I make things a bit simpler for myself’ And then, what should I say NO to. ... I am not good at saying no, and am at risk of over committing. Not just to what people ask of me, but probably more so- what I ask of myself. So I am consciously taking a moment to take things off my list. I thought I’d encourage you with the same thought! Maybe this means saying no to -hosting an event this year, or even attending an event this year -bringing anything that requires more than minutes in the kitchen to prepare -construction of that gingerbread masterpiece -handmade cards... or doing cards at all -buying so many presents -making that homemade wreath -creating that advent calender -making custom made cards and calendars -researching to find the perfect gifts for people -fitting in every Christmas activity -getting to every family gathering -responding to every Christmas message What is it for you? What can you intentionally decide that you can say no to, before you get too caught up in Christmas to have time to think about it. Maybe give yourself permission now. Ask- does that serve me and family to enjoy Christmas to it’s full potential? If not...permission to say No! What are your values around Christmas? What helps you meet them? If anything sits outside that...give yourself permission to say No. We only have a few Christmas’ with our kids young. Let’s keep them Magical! What makes them magical? A mummy who is enjoying the season not burnt out by it!!! What can you say No to?

07.01.2022 I truely hope this is not you this Christmas. But it’s a good laugh! I’ll admit as a mum I do love a new Robe!

05.01.2022 Private Midwifery Care, what does it involve, how much does it cost, is it right for you? I asked one of our local private midwives all of these questions and more. There is much more to this service than you might think. Cara McDonald Midwifery is an Amazing Midwife, deeply passionate about supporting and advocating for women in our community. If you are having a baby and or considering maternal care options this is a great read to help you make informed choices.

04.01.2022 I see you Mumma... feeling broken by Motherhood! It is PANDA week. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia. So I’m taking a minute to think of all the mummas out there feeling miserable, feeling numb, feeling broken and lost in Motherhood. ... I see you Mumma, struggling through a difficult pregnancy- miserable, scared, depressed. I see you Mumma...pregnant and wishing you weren’t, I see you Mumma anxious and frightened that you’ll lose this pregnancy, I see you Mumma facing hard decisions about your body, your baby, your future, I see you Mumma anxious about giving birth, I see you Mumma anxious about the world you are bringing your baby into, I see you Mumma consumed by guilt that you aren’t happy, I see you Mumma, traumatized by birth, I see you Mumma, feeling like everyone only sees your baby not the broken women carrying it, I see you Mumma recovering from a difficult birth, I see you Mumma feeling like your body is broken/like it failed, I see you Mumma feeling like you missed out on the influx of Joy, I see you Mumma feeling disconnected from your baby...waiting for the magic that hasn’t come, I see you Mumma desperately trying to feed and produce milk, I see you Mumma in pain, bleeding, healing from wounds, I see you Mumma crying as your baby cries, helpless I see you Mumma feeling like a shell of a person, I see you Mumma wondering ‘is this it?’ I see you Mumma, resentful of your baby, I see you Mumma resentful of your partner, I see you Mumma wishing you loved being a Mother, I see you Mumma years into Motherhood and still waiting for the Joy, or at least some contentment, I see you Mumma feeling Numb, I see you Mumma feeling nothing! I see you Mumma and it makes me sad, It makes me want to hug you, hold you, cry with you. You matter! You deserve to be happy! It is too common, but not normal. Please don’t resign to ‘this is just Motherhood’ Support is available, and find it you must! @pandanational @gidgetfoundation @beyondblueofficial @cope.org.au And for everyone else, let’s walk in sensitivity and awareness. We can’t be there for everyone but let’s make sure we are there for someone! Xx

04.01.2022 This is my Top 10 best gifts! The best things that I have bought my kids over the years, chosen based on how much all of my children play with them. (newborn excluded). There are lot of things that I thought would be great gifts but weren't and some that have really surprised me. I thought Id share my Top 10 in the lead up to Christmas... Hope it might help Inspire!... Let us know of any awesome ideas you think we should know about!!! https://www.outofthenest.com.au//these-are-a-few-of-our-f/

04.01.2022 CAMPING! Are you a camping family, Or dream of being a camping family? I asked my dear friend Jess Sjo, who is an experienced camping Mum for all her advise. Including equipment, mum hacks and winning destinations. As this weather warms up, we are all considering ways of getting our families outdoors, so I thought this might be some timely inspirations before the school holidays. https://www.outofthenest.com.au//camping-tips-from-a-camp/

03.01.2022 Great resource! Especially for those new to blue Mountains living!

03.01.2022 My sweet boy posting his letter to Santa! Does your local post office have a Santa Mail box? This is in Hazelbrook! Check your local post office to see if they have one!

02.01.2022 Clocking off for little bit while we prepare for and enjoy the arrival of this little one! I truely believe that this is a sacred time and want to give myself all the space I need. Without the need to devote time or headspace to much else. I may feel great and inspired to say lots, I may feel low and uninspired to say anything. Both are ok! ... I do have some pre-scheduled content that Iv created so i will still pop up, but with less engagement than normal. I don’t want anyone to think I’m doing anything more than being immersed in my 4th trimester, so wanted that disclaimer over future content! I look forward to sharing with you our news soon. Xxx

02.01.2022 I see you Mama... Sad this Christmas! I know several people that were truely dreading Christmas this year. And I know today they are trying to find the energy they need to survive it. Maybe that’s You! Trying to channel the Joy of Christmas for the sake of your children, but really you’d just like to speed past it. ... Maybe you lost someone dear and Christmas serves as a reminder of their absence. Maybe this is the first Christmas without someone and it’s just not the same. Maybe the plans that were excited about have been canceled (Thankyou Covid) Maybe Christmas serves as a painful trigger for you. Maybe the people you are spending Christmas with are not people you want to see at all. Maybe you have been too hurt, bruised, disappointed this year and there is not enough energy left for Christmas. But... when you have children, and they are living for Christmas you feel guilty for not bringing the magic and exhausted every time you try! I’m so sorry if that’s your reality! I really am! So on this Christmas Eve, in the midst of many posts about Christmas Fun. I just wanted to say I see you. And it’s ok if you are sad this Christmas. It’s ok if you are mad this Christmas. May you find space to feel validated in those feelings today! May you survive tomorro! And may the rest of us take a moment to think about those that might be struggling today and send them some Love! Xx

01.01.2022 ‘Success in Motherhood is not represented in how Unchanged we become by it!’ -dear mumma project- The first photo is me pre-children. The second is me pregnant with my 4th and surrounded by my other 3..... A Mum!!! Same girl, but also completely different! ... Our culture is not so good at celebrating how we evolve when we become Mothers. Rather, it seems to applaud those that don’t. The more unchanged we are the more successful at Motherhood we must be? Those that can go back to work, Fit into those jeans, Get straight back to their social life, Keep up with all previous interests- they are acing Motherhood right? This might be good for some, but I dare say not the majority of us. It probably wasn’t until my 3rd child that I really realized how much I’d changed. Trying to fit back into the template life of who I was and what I used to want just frustrated me. Who was I now? Matrescence- the developmental transition a woman goes through when she becomes a Mother is powerful. We change, we grow, we evolve. It is physical, emotional, spiritual. How can we expect to be the same? To want the same things? I have changed! My body has changed My goals have changed My values have changed My interests have changed My job has changed My career ambitions have changed My finances have changed What I eat has changed How I shop has changed How I see the world has changed My relationship with my husband has changed My relationship with my parents have changed My relationship with friends have changed The things I’m most frightened about have changed The things I’m most fulfilled by have changed My jeans size has definately changed!!! It’s uncomfortable feeling like we lost who we were. Being surrounded by a culture that suggests we are most successful as Mothers if we remain as unchanged as possible does not help! So mumma...can I encourage you- it is ok if you have changed. I believe I’m a better mum/person for having done so. Not easy to embrace it, not easy to feel like you have lost yourself. But we will never find ourselves if we are looking back instead of forward! I just want you to know it’s normal! And...quite possibly the door to beautiful self alignment Xxx

01.01.2022 Got out to Golden Horizons park today for MOCS playgroup! We LOVE MOCS services!!! Toys, paint, play dough and beautiful helpers to help me manage all the crazy that my kids bring! A great place to make new friends and hold space for our kids to do so too. ... Plus....I don’t have to clean up the paint....Winning. The play van is at Golden Horizons Monday’s and Tuesday’s in Hazelbrook then at the scout hall on Wednesday’s and Thursdays also in Hazelbrook. 10-11.30 (weather permitting). During Covid restrictions bookings are required to make sure numbers meet required limitations so head over and join the ‘MOCS Playgroups’ Facebook group for booking details. Might see you there!!!