Motherhood has taught me a deeper feeling of love, protection and joy...
It’s really hard but having a baby not only teaches you about what you need to give up, it also shows you that there are limitations and you need to re-prioritise sometimes. Time for yourself comes when they are in bed and if you’re not so tired yourself maybe you get in a bath, a Good Wife episode and a glass of wine. Now that Jax is nearly 9 months I’ve gone back to freelance styling and writing so it’s different every week, but it allows me to still be with him as much as possible. The best part? Having this little person in my life – everyday!
Being a first time mum I craved information...
Learning how to place Jax in a routine of eating, playing and sleeping became really important to me. The minute he was in a routine he was happy (happy baby, happy mummy!). I did have a lot of advice from my partner and friends and family. I’m lucky to have a cousin who is a mothercraft nurse and she kindly made visits to help me stay on the right track. I think what I learnt most from her was finding my own confidence, being connected to Jax and his needs and learning how to relax and have fun. My close friend Jac (who Jax is named after) give me the Baby Love book and it is fantastic. But never stop asking questions and seeking information from everyone: friends with kids, your family, doctor, midwife, mothers groups. And as babies grow and change constantly, all the routines and information needs to adapt. The learning process never really ends.
I want to teach Jax to be compassionate and open minded...
I have amazing parents and feel blessed for everything they taught me. I hope I can pass some of that on. I love his cheeky (2 tooth) smile, inquisitive nature and determination.
I can't live without the baby Bjorn bouncer and harness...
We travelled overseas when Jax was six weeks old and rather that lugging his huge Pram (we have a Stokke) we took his bouncer so we could always put him down safely and the harness so he was close and easy to carry. I also found his bath seat (the Ok Baby Buddy seat from Baby Village) a great help, just pop him in it and he can splash around safely and I don’t break my back constantly bending over. For special occasions, we love Jacadi and for everyday romping around, a mix of Fox & Finch and Country Road. For bedtime Marquise and Purebaby jumpsuits.
I love a lot of different brands for different occasions...
I usually buy items not because of a brand but more because I love the shape/fabric and style. I do wear a lot of Zimmermann in summer, their effortless resort and swim collection is so perfect for hot days and I adore Willow for her sexy feminine silhouettes and there’s nothing like snuggling up in a Banjo & Matilda knit in winter. Just like most girls, I love a splurge especially on shoes and handbags and indulge in some luxury brands, a classic Chanel handbag, a mini cross body bag from Louis Vuitton, my Bally winter coat, Jimmy Choo gold sparkle pointy toe pumps. The list goes on, the only bad side of being a stylist is the constant reinvention (spending!).
I’m not a great sleeper in the day...
I have learnt that if I really didn’t get much sleep at night then to also have a sleep when he has his first of the day around 8:30am. It can give you enough energy to get through the day otherwise I have felt like a zombie.
Given she’s worked as a fashion stylist for over a decade, it’s no wonder fresh-faced Penny Hunt looks the way she does: perfectly put together. She’s the kind of woman who makes you want to go out and purchase a handful of Zimmermann maxi dresses, because she wears them so effortlessly. Hunt’s first job out of University was the beauty editor of Vogue Australia. She’s since moved into fashion writing and styling (her list of celebrity clients includes names such as Cate Blanchett, Mischa Barton and Teresa Palmer).
Even before becoming a mother, she’d perfected her look: I do wear a lot of Zimmermann in summer, their effortless resort and swim collection is so perfect for hot days and I adore Willow for sexy feminine silhouettes and there’s nothing like snuggling up in a Banjo & Matilda knit in winter … the list goes on, the only bad side of being a stylist is the constant reinvention (spending!).
Her son Jax is nine months old. Having a baby not only teaches you about what you need to give up it also shows you that there are limitations and you need to re-prioritise sometimes. Time for yourself comes when they are in bed and if you’re not so tired yourself maybe you get in a bath, a Good Wife episode and a glass of wine.
Penny’s little list of loves:
That first cup of tea in the morning with a biscuit.
When I get the chance I love to run, especially in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay and close to the water.
I love to cook and try new recipes while having a glass of yummy Pinot Noir.
Watching the Good Wife lying in bed after Jax is all tucked up for the night.
Dinners out with girlfriends.
Fresh flowers in the house and spring time, when all the Jasmine is blooming.
A long hot shower or bath to unwind – it’s almost the only alone time.
Waking up to a giggling, chatty baby and our dog Ava’s infectious excitement that a new day has begun. She loves wiggling and wagging her tail.
Mani/Pedi’s.
My family and friends.
October 2013
Photography: Julie Adams Hair: Nisha Van Berkel at Lizard Management Makeup: Sarina Zoe Words: Georgie Abay
Beautiful Penny – you’re a gorgeous Mama.