By Nicky Arthur, Author of ‘How To be A Happier Mum’

Have you become caught up in the fast lane? Are you living your life on automatic pilot, like most human beings in today’s rapidly changing and busy world? As a mum you have one of the most important and challenging roles to play in our society, however it can be one of the most rewarding roles you have ever experienced prior motherhood. It is all about focusing on the present moment and allowing yourself to fully enjoy the moment with your children. Whether you are a full time working mum or a stay at home mum they both have their different challenges. Taking a moment out of your day to stop, sit quietly, focus on your breath and practice being still will do you the world of good. In my book ‘How To Be a Happier Mum’ is not just for mums who are not happy, it is for those who are happy but want to be even happier, for those who have a burning desire to become the best they can be. When we work on our own personal self -development this can unlock your inner strengths and increase happiness. Happy people are healthy and have strong immune systems and researchers find happy people are more successful and have better loving relationships.

Let’s have a look at how to recognise overwhelm, anxiety and stress.

There are many symptoms of stress, ranging from skin and scalp conditions to tightness in the body, shortening of the breath, high blood pressure, redness and frowning of the face, mood swings, busy frantic mind, and a constant need to be busy and these are just a few. Awareness to what is going on in your mind and body is a great start. In ‘How To Be a Happier Mum’ book will take you on a holistic journey to find your true authentic self. When you can look deeply within yourself and ask vital questions relating to your health and happiness you can discover self defeating habits that maybe holding you back from living a healthier, happier and fulfilled life. Nature intended us all to live a happy and blissful life. It is our minds that tell us other wise. It is that other voice that sometimes takes over and often affirming ‘I am not good enough’,  ‘I am ugly’ ‘ I am fat’ I am not successful’ ‘I am hopeless’ It is the old negative sentiments that hold you back from living each day with a deeper meaning and sense of gratitude. Awareness is the key and will help you on the road to finding solutions. If you know you are not coping, then you’re aware that something needs to change. Healing yourself from stress can be a positive, invigorating experience and can change your life for the better.

Remember stress can be toxic to your body. It is vital to become aware today of your thoughts, emotions and actions in which is all sculpting your destiny or outcomes in life. Becoming the best Mum you can be means fulfilling your own personal needs, becoming a great role model to your children, and to learn to love your children unconditionally along with a mix of firm discipline and boundaries in place so you can all enjoy life in peace, harmony and joy.

‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ is formatted in an easy to read digest and provides simple, practical tools and techniques to help you heal your path to a more enlightened life. The ‘How To Be A Happier Mum CD‘ is a perfect accompaniment to the book with positive affirmations designed to help eliminate sell defeating habits so that you live a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.

Becoming aware of your thoughts has great merit. Because no matter what your role in life is, you often have to work and live around others every day. Our actions and responses impact on those people, so it’s important to be aware of them.

Are you an energy sucker or a giver? What energy are you giving to your family, friends, or work colleagues? If you can say that it’s negative, full of complaint and excuses, then you might be sucking their energy reserves. Wouldn’t you rather be the opposite?

Reflect on your thoughts next time you are speaking to people, and try to make a habit of practising it as much as you can.

You may find that you lift their spirits, and in return, you get a boost as well. It’s an act of kindness that also pays off for you.

Practice these following affirmations to help you become an energy giver.

1. I appreciate my loving supportive friends, family and colleagues.
2. I stay conscious of the quality of people that I invite into my circle of influence.
3. I am open to the ideas and opinions of other people.
4. I offer my support and love at all times.
5. I make time for my friends, family and colleagues.

When you are with others your aim should be to feel uplifted and positive.

Be happy, healthy and loving x

Love and light, Nicky

Nicky Arthur is an author, yoga & meditation teacher and a motivational speaker. For more information on Nicky and her workshops please visit nickyarthur.com.

Her book ‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ is available from My Brood’s Stationery & Books Category.

Following her appearance on Channel Nine’s Today Show author of ‘How To Be a Happier Mum’, Nicky Arthur, joins us again to share some tips on looking after yourself.

‘How to Be a Happier Mum’ is available from our Stationery & Books category.

‘As a Mum you’ve got one of the world’s most demanding, rewarding and important roles to play in our society.

My new book ‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ provides you with all the tools and techniques you need to help you cope with everyday pressures and juggling motherhood.

Re-prioritisie and put yourself first. It may be one of the best things you do.

Ask yourself, how important is your well being to you? Learn to understand that your family want you to be the real happy and healthy you.

Take time out to nurture yourself. It can be the start of a brand new productive and fulfilling year.

Read those books, get a massage, soak in a bath, take a yoga class, and look after your skin and hair. You deserve to nourish your mind and body.

How can you do this without feeling guilty and selfish? Balance is the key and understanding that your body actually needs to be restored and rejuvenated will help.

Too much emotional stress is not good for your body. In fact feelings of guilt can manifest in the body and cause the energy to block resulting in stagnant energy being held in the body. This stagnant energy can manifest into illness or fatigue.

Allow yourself personal time. Do it in between running around after everyone else.

In my book, ‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ I teach you how to look after your mind and body and clear away negative sentiments like ‘I am not good enough’. The book will teach you to become more positive and loving towards yourself so you can love yourself and others unconditionally’.

Love and light,

Nicky xx

Nicky Arthur is an author, yoga teacher, workshop presenter, motivational speaker and mum to two young children.

happiermums@nickyarthur.com

Happy 2011!

We are lucky enough to start the year with a guest blog from the author of ‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ – Nicky Arthur.

Happiness and inner beauty is something all mums deserve to feel.  As a mother you are always giving to everyone else. To your children twenty four hours, seven days a week, to your partner, your extended family and friends and your work.

There are many benefits of happiness and it makes sense to me to make sure you continually look after yourself inside and out.  Research shows us happiness can strengthen your immune system, increase your health, protect you against colds, flu’s and illness. You have better loving relationships with others and happier people are more successful.

Whether you are a stay at home mum, working mum, or even a mum who has already guided her children into adult life and now at home on your own, we all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled and you deserve to be. Nature intended us all to live a happy life, filled with unlimited love, abundance and good health. It is often the clutter in the mind and the unnecessary business we create that makes us lose sight of living a blissful enhanced life.

Instead of just getting through each day, and hoping the next one will be better, think about living with purpose and meaning.  Growing older does not mean we have to grow old and tired. You must embrace ageing rather than fight it. Age with beauty and allow your divine grace and inner strengths to shine through.

To be happy, you must put yourself first always. Attend to the things you need to do for yourself first and then others. If this means setting your alarm clock a little earlier to get up and shower, moisturize your skin, blow dry your hair, meditate, write in your journal, eat a healthy breakfast… simply do it.

Stop using “I don’t have enough time” as an excuse. There will always be something to do being a Mum. Try practising good time management and affirming to yourself ‘ I have more than enough time”.

Love your self and others unconditionally. I seriously mean this. You must love your self. Stop all negative self talk to yourself. Look for the positives within. Practice every morning ‘I love and accept myself.’ Now open your heart and love others unconditionally.

Remember to get your 5 belly laughs in each day. This is proven to release stress in the body and give you those happy feel good endorphins. When you feel happy it is your guarantee that you will be giving positive and loving energy and receive these feelings in return.

A happy mum a happy home.

Love and light Nicky xx

Nicky Arthur is an author, yoga & meditation teacher and a motivational speaker. For more information on Nicky and her workshops please visit nickyarthur.com

Her book ‘How To Be A Happier Mum’ is available now from My Brood’s Stationery & Books Category.

This will be our last post for 2010 so we wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for being such wonderful customers and friends. 2010 was My Brood’s first full year of business and it’s been a long and busy year! We have established a stylish collection of brands from around the world, we have grown a unique interior design business and have met some amazing and inspirational people along the way. So, thank you 2010 and we’re looking forward to spending 2011 with you all!

We’ll be helping Santa right up until the last minute so if you need any final gifts you’ve still got time! Please give us a call or send us an email if you want to check delivery times to your address.

Our SALE will start on Boxing Day with some amazing savings on all our exclusive and gorgeous brands including stylish maternity wear by Stephanie Schell, enticing maternity underwear from Cake Lingerie, beautiful little girls clothing from ilovegorgeous, nourishing skin care products for you and baby from Mini Organics and lots more!

Don’t forget we’re open through Christmas and the holidays.

Wishing you and your families a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Stay Stylish,

Monique & the My Brood team x

It’s time to help Santa out with filling up the stockings for the littlest members of the family. Putting together baby’s first stocking is so much fun and we have so many beautiful little items to share with you. Stay stress free this Christmas and buy on line – quick, simple and no crowds to battle through with a pram. We’ll gift wrap and send the item out to you in 24 hours and we’re here to help with advice, questions and ideas for all your Christmas shopping.

First on our list are gifts for baby boys.

Fill your baby boy’s stocking with some gorgeous little outfits to keep him cool and original this summer. Our favourites are:

Grey or White Shorts from Egg by Susan Lazar match with a beautiful little shirt in blue and white with bird detail.

Egg by Susan Lazar New York - Shorts & Shirts

Barn Organics Kimono Blue Onesie – this gorgeous kimono style onesie has little black skull and crossbones on it for super cool little boys.

Barn Organics Blue Kimono Onesie

And don’t forget something fun! There’s nothing better than traditional, beautifully made toys like this little mouse in a matchbox from Maileg.

Maileg Boy Mouse in a Matchbox

For the best little girls outfits on Christmas morning, fill their stockings with an ilovegorgeous dress (or two!). Choose from:

ilovegorgeous - Sweetpea, Popsicle and Calypso

Keep little girls cool and comfy and very summery in a Mad Sky outfit – all the way from LA!

Mad Sky - Baby Doll Singlet & Bloomers, Skirted Onesie and Tank & Ruffle Pants

Add a touch of girly fun with Lulu froufrou accessories and a Maileg Rattle:

LouLou froufrou & Maileg Tiger Rattle

Don’t forget we are here to help and would love to answer any questions, offer advice and wrap and send your items straight to your door! Order today and they will be with you tomorrow with our next day delivery service.

And….we’re open 24/7 with no waiting for a parking space!!

EnJOY your Christmas shopping with My Brood and Stay Stylish xx

My Brood is giving Santa a hand this year and we’ve put together a gift guide for mums, babies and toddlers. All you need to do is choose and click and we will do the rest. We can wrap, write gift tags and deliver your items to your door or straight to the recipient. Save yourself some time (and energy) and shop from home or the office. First and most importantly on our list are mums and mums to be….

(1) The Perfect Party Piece

Make sure you have the party season covered by browsing through Stephanie Schell’s Summer 10/11 Collection. Stylish, comfortable and versatile – all Stephanie Schell’s designs have breast feeding access so they’re perfect to wear right through pregnancy and beyond. Our best picks are:

Stephanie Schell Gathered Neck Dress

The Gathered Neck Dress converts from a maxi dress to a mini dress giving you two dresses in one.

The One Shoulder Floor Length Dress

The One Shoulder Floor Length Dress is ideal for that special occasion.

The Wide Leg Jumpsuit in Aqua

The Wide Leg Jumpsuit – be on trend this season and slip into this gorgeous jumpsuit.

The Multiway Wrap in Aqua and White

The Multiway Wrap is a truly versatile piece which can be worn up to ten different ways.

(2) Lingerie

There’s no need to have uncomfortable or ugly undies when you’re pregnant, spoil yourself or someone you love with Cake Lingerie. This gorgeous brand of maternity and nursing lingerie is so pretty, comfortable and luxurious, it makes the perfect gift. Our favourites are the  french knickers

Blueberry Maternity & Nursing Bra with matching briefs

Blueberry Maternity & Nursing Bra with matching briefs or French knickers

French Vanilla Maternity & Nursing Bra

French Vanilla Maternity & Nursing Bra with matching boyleg briefs.

(3) Skin Care

Mini Organics is a divine 100% organic skin care range will care for your skin throughout pregnancy and for your baby’s skin too. Fill stockings with

Mini Organics Nourishing Body Oil

Nourishing Body Oil which conditions and supports the skin during pregnancy or the

Mini Organics Enriched Moisturiser

Enriched Moisturiser to soothe and protect stretching skin.

If you are after a really unique gift idea, why not try our interior design service. Give the gift of a professional interior designer to someone! They can choose to have the nursery, a child’s room or a playroom designed. We’re offering 25% OFF for bookings made prior to 25th December.

Don’t forget My Brood offers a flat rate $8.50 next day delivery fee, we’re open 24/7 and we have an excellent return or refund policy so you can shop with peace of mind. Next post will be full of great ideas for babies and toddlers this Christmas.

Stay Stylish, My Brood x

Exciting news!

I’m writing to introduce myself as the new owner of My Brood. Lucy and I have been friends and neighbours for nearly 3 years and I knew all about My Brood from inception and loved what she created, so when Lucy mentioned to me that she was selling My Brood I just couldn’t pass up the fabulous opportunity of acquiring it and I will strive to maintain the stylish standard that My Brood represents.

I absolutely love the brands, I feel inspired by the products and I am looking forward to sharing my passion for all the gorgeous goodies that belong to the My Brood family with all you stylish mums.

I am delighted to continue showcasing the beautiful Stephanie Schell maternity range that Lucy introduced to My Brood. The new Summer 10 Collection arrived today and it is just stunning, I’m having a hard time deciding which one is my favourite. Even though I’m not pregnant I think I might just keep a few pieces for myself!

A new range of beautiful ilovegorgeous dresses that are on the way, your little girls will look adorable in them, and what a fantastic Christening or birthday gift idea.

To celebrate this exciting new phase of My Brood, I have a special offer of 10% off the entire range of My Brood clothing and accessories, including the already reduced items that are on Sale. Just insert the code NEWBROOD into the discount code box at checkout. This offer is valid until 30 November 2010.

I’m looking forward to enjoying a stylish summer with you all.

Monique x

Although I will be the first to say that My Brood stocks some super stylish brands for mums and babies and mums shouldn’t feel like they have to comprise their style and love of fashion just because they are a mum, I’m also a huge believer in mums feeling good about themselves, from the inside out.

I’ve spent a large part of my time as a mum working out of the home and having to dress appropriately for work everyday whether i was eight months pregnant or if i’d had to change six times that morning due to vomit/vegemite/banana or sometimes a combination of all three! It was a challenge but when i reached the office i felt good about myself because i was dressed as me.

Now i work from home and although i have days when we’re running late for school and all i have time to do is throw on my jeans and tshirt, most days i still try and dress for work because it makes me feel good. It’s a part of who i am as a person, not just as a mum, and it reminds me of life before being a mum. Essentially, it makes me feel happy and confident from the inside, out.

We all compromise parts of our life when we become mums (some parts we have to give up all together!) but we should each hold onto something which makes us feel good and reminds us of who we are.

Recently, I have been so fortunate to discover some truly inspiring women who have made it their mission to help other mums feel good about themselves. It’s so important to support each other as mums and try and spend some time on ourselves and our own happiness. All mums should take the time to have a look at Sunny Mummy and Live In Balance.

After all, what child wouldn’t want their mum to be happy?

What do you hold on to from your pre mummy days?

Stay Stylish x

Lucy at My Brood.

PS. Staying fit and healthy is a must for mums too, especially when you are pregnant. Have a look at PregFit for some super stylish and comfortable exercise gear, they’re running a great promo at the moment.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/PregFit/206270674061

It’s no secret that My Brood is the exclusive online retailer of Stephanie Schell and no secret that we simply love this designer and her genius with making women look and feel wonderful during one of the most significant times in their life.

Stephanie was good enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions.

How would you sum up your design philosophy?

Elegant, fresh, functional, versatile & classically edgy.

What is the inspiration behind Stephanie Schell?

The Stephanie Schell brand was born out of fashion necessity! We design boutique collections for Pregnancy and 4th Trimester, creating gorgeous multifunction fashion pieces that will actually want to be worn, rather than need to be worn, pregnant or otherwise. Our major point of difference is that 90% of every collection is breastfeeding friendly, as we incorporate cleverly placed zips, tuck, folds and stud mechanisms which often add to the design of each style, rather than impede it.

What’s your greatest challenge in running your own business?

Time management! Keeping on track with the fashion timeline as it is constantly evolving. I find I’m dealing with multiple collections each in various stages of development all at the same time. As we also sell internationally, I slightly tweak each collection to suit each region, so I can have up to five somewhat different collections all on the go.

What does the future hold for Stephanie Schell?

Maternity fashion domination! Divine maternity fashion needs to be readily available to women, worldwide. We are exploring many other international markets and with great success and have plans to branch out into accessories over the coming seasons.

Tell us about your Winter 2010 Collection.

Winter 2010 personifies classic elegance. We have designed gorgeous circle skirt dresses with relaxed fit tunics and cropped jackets. I love detail, especially back detail and have designed a number of dresses and tunics which show off the upper back. Being Winter, you can expect to see slightly heavier fabrications including stretch velvets, pontes and lace overlays in heavenly colours of French Navy, Olive, Aubergine, Winter white and the ever classic black. As with all our collections, many pieces can be worn casually or more formally simply by changing your accessories. Additionally, most styles are breastfeeding friendly. The divine Dannii Minogue is a huge fan and she’s been seen wearing numerous pieces including our Multiway Wrap in Black & White Knit and our Black Knit Studded Top.

Winter 2010 Collection is available this week at My Brood. Click here to view the collection.