~ Can you please introduce yourself and your growing family.

Hi! After a decade living by the seaside in Sydney, we (Gigi, my partner Sam and I) have just moved back to Melbourne to be closer to family (you can blame that Greek guilt). Before Gigi, I worked as a Senior Copywriter at luxury skincare brand, RATIONALE, was a Contributing Travel Writer at delicious. Magazine and indulged the odd copy and content job along the way.

~ How old is Gigi and how has she changed your life so far?

Gigi has just turned seven months and is pure sunshine. She’s an incredibly happy little thing, forever smiling, laughing, and babbling. She’s strong-willed and cheeky, curious, and clever, and a social butterfly (no idea where she gets that from!). She has, of course, changed our lives for the better — and made us laugh more than we ever imagined!

~ How would you sum up your parenting style?

She’s still so young, so at the moment, a little overbearing, a little anxious and a little ad hoc! I’m a very go-with-the-flow, last-minute kind of person and structure doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve definitely tried to implement some with her. For us, though, it’s important not to be governed by rules and routine and just enjoy her.

~ Have you completely stepped away from work or are you juggling?

I only took a couple of months off and went back part-time, working from home (I also worked up until the week I had her!). As I’ve only ever breastfed Gigi, working remotely allowed me to go back to work so early after having her. Plus, RATIONALE have been so kind and accommodating, it made the quick transition back into work life relatively easy. And as I’m working from home, I still get to see her smiling face all day! I’m definitely not ready to be away from her… Of course, the juggle can be challenging, particularly because I still feed through the night. I think it all comes down to having a supportive partner and a supportive workplace to master the juggle of motherhood and career — and even then, it’s still hard.

~ How do you take time out for yourself?

My favourite place is the water — whether it’s swimming at Camp Cove or Bundeena, it’s where I’ve always felt most calm and content. Before we moved, we were lucky enough to have a little harbour beach around the corner and even half an hour there worked wonders for my wellbeing in the early days. Now, with no glimmering harbour in sight, I’ve replaced the water with the trees, walking to the Collingwood Children’s Farm and Abbotsford Convent on most days. I also try and do Pilates a few times a week, a massage or Infrared sauna here and there, and lots of dining out with friends.

~ You are known for your bold, colourful style. Does this extend to Gigi's nursery?

Interestingly enough, no! With her toy room and decor, I’ve funnily enough taken a more subdued path, opting for muted tones like sage greens, soft pinks, and neutrals. I still love colour but have dialled it down a bit.

 With her wardrobe, my mum got a little carried away with the excitement of a first grandchild and basically bought everything — so she has a fully stacked wardrobe until she’s 18 (haha, or a toddler, at least). When it comes to her style, I flit between a little femme, a little preppy and a little French — and am currently loving bold reds and pinks paired back with navy and white.

~ How did you decorate her nursery and what are some of your favourite places for kid's decor?

By starting with key pieces I loved and working back colours and styles accordingly. This is where Philé comes in! I absolutely adored the pieces long before I was even pregnant and almost bought the Toy Baskets just to have in my room! I have a long-standing love affair with stripes, so the Playmat and Baskets were non-negotiables. My baby shower registry was basically a lover letter to Philé; Gigi now has a personalised Cashmere Blanket, Dinosaur Mobile and Toy Peas — she’s a Philé-girl through and through. I can’t wait for her to hit the toddler years so I can get the Lounger, too! But it’s all these key pieces that informed the rest of her toy room.

I haven’t bought from them yet, but I love Sacred Bundle and Nuage Interiors for their wooden pieces, Done by Deer, Mamas and Papas and Jellycat for their plush toys. In terms of stores, House of Bimbi has a great edit and, of course, The Memo.