Kurnell-based Alana Bayley is a proud mum of two and the founder of Banabae, a unique and eye-catching brand that creates retro-inspired nursery wares, apparel and homewares filled with sunshine and soul. We spoke to Alana about all things motherhood!
Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire and what do you love about it?
Besides a 10 year hiatus where I rented closer to the city, I have lived in different areas of the Shire all of my life.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
I have two kids Billy Rocket (5) and Lola Beau (1.5) and a very creative and talented partner Nathan. We live in Kurnell. We moved here about three years ago now and absolutely love it. Both Nathan and I run our own businesses and work from home most of the time. We try to keep life pretty simple whilst we have little kids and just take everything day by day.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It’s musical beds in our house most nights but I usually wake up in bed with Lola whenever the sun appears. Nathan is usually already working, so I make the kids breakfast and lunches before we walk Billy to school and take Lola to daycare or a grandparents house. I work from home and do my best to fit as much as I can in before I hear the school bell ring (we live only a few doors down.) From there it’s a whirlwind of after school activities, pickups, dinner prep and a bedtime routine that takes way too long. Most nights I will go back out to the office and work again for a couple of hours before bed.
Favourite park and why:
Bonna point playground is our go-to. It’s better for slightly older kids but it’s a beautiful bike ride along the waterfront to get there….that’s almost as enjoyable as the park.
Favourite thing to do with your bubs/kiddies and why:
Jump on the trampoline (best investment we ever made by the way!) or go for a weekend bike ride in the national park. Any simple activity that makes them smile really.
Favourite kid-friendly cafe and why:
I love our local Milkhouse. BEST coffee, delicious food and the most lovely owners and staff. I can not fault it… and the kids love their smoothies and milkshakes.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night spot and why:
I don’t get out much these days… Ten years ago I would have had so many answers to this question! Hahaha. Maybe Alphabet Street – I’m never ever disappointed by their delicious food and cocktails.
Favourite Mothers Group location:
Wherever there is sunshine and coffee! It’s all about the company for me! Favourite wet weather location: Cronulla Golf Club. The indoor play centre is a lifesaver What do you like to do when you have time to yourself: It rarely happens but if it does I am usually sneaking out to the office to fit in more work! Hahaha… sometimes I make it out for a run.
Motherly advice on how to stay sane:
Go with the Flow and be flexible. Try and be organised…. but not so much that you stress out over it. The organising should be a stress-reliever, not a stress-inducer. Sometimes you just gotta walk out that front door and leave the house a mess.
Funny mum moment:
Oh so many…….most involve unwanted fluids! Projectile poos, or copping vomits into the face.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Red wine….not guilty! Haha.
What makes you lose your shit?
Two things People (and the supermarkets themselves) putting their fruit and veggies in those little plastic produce bags. Especially fruit and veg that have skins you peel or remove. Bananas in a bag? Really? Cmon people! That plastic is NEVER going away. Please think! When Nathan puts his dirty clothes right at the front door….or worse – next to the dirty laundry basket rather than in it! Why?!
Favourite local shop/online store or Instagram business:
Were Are Mindful, in Cronulla, has the most beautifully curated selection of products. I also love Naked foods for buying whole foods without packaging.
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum? (for baby/kids or you)
My cleaner Penny! She is a lifesaver and does a way better job than what we can haha. Both Nathan and I like cooking and lack in the cleaning department so having someone come in once a fortnight or so means an extra couple of hours with the kids or fitting in work on the weekends.
What’s your “can’t live without” beauty product?
Invisible zinc tinted moisturiser How have you changed since becoming a mum? YES! So much! Less of a dreamer more of a doer.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
I struggled a lot with anxiety in the newborn period with both my kids (who doesn’t!) but I can say to anyone out there feeling this that it does get better! Other than that – no major challenges which I am so so grateful for.
If you would like to feature as our next Local Mum please tell us about yourself here.
