Meet local mum, Jessie Lee, teacher, writer, blogger and mamma to 10-month-old daughter Chloe.
Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire and what do you love about it?
I’ve been living in the Shire for 6 years and I wouldn’t move anywhere else! It is so great for families – safe, good coffee spots, lots to do and the friendliest people! We were in Cronulla for a few years then moved to Gymea about 3 years ago.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
I’m a teacher, writer and blogger (www.itsjessielee.com) and am married to Anthony. We had a little girl, Chloe, in September last year. We also have a fur baby who keeps us very busy!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Usually it takes me a good few hours to get myself and Chloe ready to leave the house! When we finally do, we usually go for a walk with the dog, grab a coffee with friends, or find some kind of baby-friendly activity to do. Chloe is loving Rhyme Time at the library lately!
Favourite park and why:
In Summer I loved hanging out at South Cronulla or Darook for picnics. It’s the perfect location because we can jump in the water for a swim and the kids can run/ crawl around and be wild.
Favourite thing to do with your bubs/kiddies and why:
Sounds weird but Chloe’s favourite thing is sitting in the shopping trolley while I’m doing the groceries. She likes to try and grab things off the shelves though, so gotta keep alert!
Favourite kid-friendly cafe and why:
Hazelhurst Cafe at Gymea is awesome for parents with their kids because you can grab take-away and sit on the grass. I find it can be tough to sit at an indoor cafe for too long at the moment as Chloe starts to get antsy after a while.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night-spot and why:
I am completely in love with the food and service at Jensen’s Restaurant at Kareela! The Jensen’s cocktail is a must try!
Favourite Mothers Group location:
Anywhere with delicious coffee, banana bread and space for the babies to crawl around and play!
Favourite wet weather location:
As boring as it is, at home on the couch watching Netflix or some really bad reality tv show!
What do you like to do when you have time to yourself:
Have a long, hot shower! I didn’t appreciate the value of a long relaxing shower without a baby staring at me before I became a mum!
Work or SAHM (Stay at Home Mum):
I’m technically on maternity leave but still working casually as a teacher and always writing for my blog at www.itsjessielee.com
Motherly advice on how to stay sane:
Talking to other mums! It’s been the best way of unwinding, feeling normal and getting out of the house!
Funny mum moment:
It’s never funny at the time but the number of occasions that I have been shat on by my daughter is insane! How are such tiny, cute babies capable of producing that much shit?! It always seems to happen when I’m out and wearing white too…
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. I’m currently San Churro’s best customer… how good are churros?
What makes you lose your shit?
When you let someone in traffic and they don’t give you a courtesy wave! It kills me!
What’s something not many people know about you?
I have a spider phobia. I have regular nightmares about spiders crawling on me. *shudder*
Favourite local shop/online store or Instagram business:
My current favourite pastime is buying baby clothes – they’re just so cute! I love Seed and Best & Less. I could honestly spend hours in there perusing the aisles!
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum?
Gyms that have a creche! That changed my life when I discovered that! Bodyfit at Miranda even has a hair salon so you can put the babies in the creche and get your hair done! Amazing!
What’s your “can’t live without” beauty product?
Rosehip oil! Also Mascara and eye cream!
How have you changed since becoming a mum?
I feel like it’s made a better person! I’ve learnt to always put the needs of someone else before me. I literally don’t do anything without thinking how it will affect her now.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
I struggled most during the newborn stage when I wasn’t getting much sleep. It is so difficult to function without a solid amount of rest!
Would you like to share your local #mumlife with us like Jessie Lee has?
If you would like to feature as our next ‘Local Mum’ we would love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself here.
