This year I’ve stepped into a new high-energy challenge, our little Port Fairy boutique, Penny and Reiby. As a mum of boys this is a great opportunity for me to embrace some feminine flair. It’s a space where I get to be creative, have lots of fun, connect with our community and meet lovely people from all over Australia who call into the store whilst they are visiting beautiful Port Fairy.
I have always loved the family celebration that comes with Mother’s Day and the chance to be grateful for the special women in our lives. It’s why I was so keen to make our first Penny and Reiby campaign for 2023 all about mothers.
My mother, Mary is a huge inspiration to me and the life I lead today. She’s a mother of four, and grandmother to eleven. She raised we four children in north west NSW, and while at times I’m sure she felt isolated, we never knew it. Our childhood was full of laughter, fun and the outdoors. Home and family were everything.
Mum has so much energy and always has something on the go. She loves all things creative, interiors, gardening, fashion and she loves planning a party… we are a like in so many ways… I wish she lived around the corner.
This year, like so many before, will be low key with home-made cards and a cup of tea the things I’m looking most forward to, alongside lunch with my husband’s mum, Elaine, who is also such a special part of our life.
Wishing all our friends and supporters a beautiful day with your families as we say thanks for the love and guidance from our mums, aunties, grandmothers, God mothers, big sisters and other women mentors in our lives.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I would like to introduce you to my three sons, Freddie, Max and Campbell who I interviewed at our kitchen table.
WHAT DOES MUM ALWAYS SAY?
Freddie: You say don’t touch that (Laughing)
Max: Stop and listen (laughing)
Campbell: I love you
WHAT MAKES MUM HAPPY?
Freddie: Giving her hugs
Max: Giving her kisses
Campbell: Loving her
WHAT MAKES MUM SAD?
Freddie & Max: If we are naughty sometimes
Campbell: Not looking after you
WHAT DOES MUM DO THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Freddie: You tickle us
Max: You tell silly jokes
Campbell: You give me a hair kiss and shake your hair in my face.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MUM WAS LIKE AS A CHILD?
Freddie: Bouncy and up and about
Max: Beautiful
Campbell: I think you would have liked going in the pool
HOW TALL IS MUM?
Freddie: 1 metre and 70 cm
Max: 6ft 6
Campbell: I think your 1.2
WHAT DO YOU THINK MUM DOES WHEN YOU'RE AT SCHOOL?
Freddie: Work at Penny and Reiby and Patterson bradley and you go for walks
Max: You cook
Campbell: You go and buy us stuff
WHAT IS MUMS FAVOURITE THING TO DO?
Freddie: Hug us
Max Eat curry
Campbell: Give us kisses
WHEN ARE YOU PROUD OF MUM?
Freddie: Im proud of you for being Mum
Max: I love your cooking
Campbell: Im proud of you because you love us
IF MUM WAS A CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE?
Freddie: An octopus
Max: You would be superwoman
Campbell: Flash
WHAT DO YOU AND MUM HAVE IN COMMON?
Freddie: We both have blue eyes
Max: We both like cuddles and we both have a green jacket
Campbell: We live in the same house
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Freddie: You were born in NSW and I was born in Victoria
Max: We have different coloured eyes
Campbell: You got borned before me
HOW DO YOU KNOW MUM LOVES YOU?
Freddie: She gives us hugs
Max: She gives us Kisses
Campbell: You look after me if I get hurt and give me lots of kisses on my cheek
WHERE IS MUMS FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT?
They all say: Noosa
Freddie: Noosa
Max: Oak and Anchor
Campbell: Home
MY MUM IS AS PRETTY AS...?
Freddie : You can’t explain it
Max: A rainbow
Campbell:Me
Photographs taken by Jo Okeefe
Amy wears:
Knit Vest: Francie
Pink Dress: Binny
White Dress: Joslin
Knit Jumper: Leuchtfeuer
Cords: Rollas
Boots: Merry People
Wrap Cardigan: Francie
Leather Leggings: Ralf
Mary wears:
Jumper: Francie
Shirt: Shirty
Tableware:
Tablecloth: Binny
Napkins: Binny
Teapot: Fazeek
Cups: Fazeek
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MH: Being Tired!
Needing to have the adaptability to respond to the ever-changing mood of children, especially during puberty where you have to deal with the multiple personalities and that’s in each child!
It’s the equivalent to being a general in an army.. ……you have to be ready to “encompass all strategic decision-making during wartime and peacetime”
Finally being extremely proud. I want them to be independent, have other peoples backs and to stand up for what’s right ……. and smile! These all cost nothing and I have observed this in my children.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR MUM?
SM: We are both big foodies so anything that involves catching up usually revolves around food!
Mum is also an amazing cook so we share plenty of meals at home and eating out when we can also. Over food are conversations and laughing so this would have to be our favourite catch up. We also enjoy a good shop together, often at Penny! Usually convincing each other on a purchase so the other can borrow!
WHAT DID YOUR MUM TEACH YOU ABOUT STYLE?
SM: I think mum having three daughters is always asking our opinion, however I don’t think she realises she has her own funky style. I think what she wears often shows her personality. Always fun and bright and alternative which sums up mum.
HOW IS YOUR STYLE SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT TO YOUR MUMS?
SM: I think we both like things a little bit different. Having a young mum and not too far apart in age has meant we have shared clothes for a number of years now. So even if we have different styles the sharing of wardrobes means we end up sharing each other’s style.
DO YOU LIVE BY ANY ADVICE YOUR MUM HAS GIVEN YOU?
MH: No real words of wisdom, Mum led by example and she would always make people laugh no matter how silly it made her look. People always left our house with a full belly and she didn’t care of your history/background everyone was treated with the same respect.
SM: Mum didn’t so much give specific advice – more so the way she is and they way she spoke about different things growing up and the actions she would do are engrained in myself and my siblings. Actions always spoke more volume with mum. Even as a young girl I would have been younger than 10, I still remember us driving along Bank Street and it was raining and mum pulling over to an older lady walking and offering them a ride and taking her home. Another time walking out of the supermarket and her helping and elderly man carry things he was struggling with. Mum would do these sorts of things daily and she still does. The way she is, I believe she learned from her mum. Grandma was a very important lady to both of us and mum is getting more and more like her every day. Her kindness to anyone and ability to make everyone around her smile and laugh is something you hope and think you try and do for others also. I certainly see this in my siblings as well - the thoughtful adults they have grown up to be and the fun and happy supportive people they are to their friends, I think they are this way because of mums’ advice and actions over the years.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL MOTHER'S DAY...
SM: Waking up to a spotless home with not a basket of washing in sight or bench to wipe! Essentially no housework required! 😉 All my kids running in jumping on me in bed giving me cuddles and going through their home-made cards. I love reading the cards and there is usually one from Dustin as well. I love he writes a card knowing I love it as he hates cards and thinks they are a waste! Ha ha. I love enjoying the 5 minutes of sweetness before the sibling morning fights begin! A family walk or bike ride to get coffee. Eating out somewhere for lunch then in and then ideally if the Port Fairy May weather provided a beach day with the family would be just perfect. Somewhere throughout would be an hour to myself whether it was a sneaking a drink with the girls or an hour for a walk or reading a book to just take a breath and enjoy some me time.
MH: I would start with breakfast out with all the family and grandchildren. It could be as simple as sitting on the green and grabbing takeaways. Just as long as we are all together. And then they can all give me the rest of the day in peace. haha
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED AFTER CHILDREN?
SM: Definitely the “active wear trend” couldn’t have come at a better time. I think the running around after children, be it in and out of the car or house work – the lycra and runner trend has suited us mums well! Comfort is key. I enjoy being able to go to work and dress up in some local pieces usually from Penny! Or out for dinner with the girls - but the second I’m home its active wear or tackies and ugg boots – I think the preferred style for most mums!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
SM: Conversations. I honestly love it when we get time for the chats and usually its when putting them to bed, they will do anything to avoid going to sleep. I love hearing about their day or the funny little questions or things they are thinking when they are growing. The way their little minds are ticking and thinking, the innocence of their age is my favourite.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND MOTHERHOOD?
SM: It’s always a juggle and a daily job in itself – however organisation is key. Overall, I think I’m a pretty organised person with lists at work and home. Sometimes I find it hard to go to sleep so I usually email myself in bed all those thoughts and jobs to be done the next day be it work or family jobs and I think getting it out of the head onto a list that can be crossed off the next day helps. I also couldn’t have this career and a happy home life being a mum without supportive husband and colleagues. Dustin is and always been such a hands-on dad and definitely helps me with the juggle – even if he needs a list supplied! 😉
DO YOUR CHILDREN GIVE YOU STYLE ADVICE?
SM: Not so much style advice, but I must say I do love on the odd occasion I’m heading out for dinner with friends rushing around getting ready, when I walk out Billy will sometimes say, “You look beautiful mum” and the odd time he does that I melt and also think I must have got it right tonight. I think Billy could give his dad some advice 😉
MH: All the girls do and I love all their different styles.
WHAT IS ON YOUR PENNY & REIBY WISH LIST?
SM: Where do we start!! Its all beautiful!
I do love the Grampians rugs. Would be handy for footy season ahead.
And loving the newer label Roame that’s been stocked, some fun and different pieces that always catch your eye.
MH: What ever comes in on delivery day. Wink Wink
Sarah wears:
Shirt: Blanca
Jeans: Rollas
Green Dress: Roame
Yellow Dress: Roame
Shirt: Roame
Pants: Roame
Jumper: Clea
Marg Wears:
Wrap Cardigan: Francie Melbourne
Pants: Rollas
Dress: Roame
Jumper: World of Nomads
Pants: Marle
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My two gorgeous girls! And my own beautiful mum. The privilege it is to be a mother & the huge mix of emotions that goes with that!
Describe your ideal Mother’s Day …
Hanging out at home with my family. Sundays are my favourite day of the week anyway, no work & seldom any commitments! A very relaxed day, yummy food, a beach walk, an afternoon movie on the couch & not much else!
How has your style changed after children?
I’m not sure it has?! I think my style has always been like a smartish casual??!! I kept working whilst having my girls and always loved and looked forward to dressing for work…. It is nice when you are able to worry less about their food ending up on you though!!! I guess in the early days of babies comfort was a big factor… and I think that has probably stuck with me.
What do you enjoy doing with your girls?
I love just being with my girls. Annabelle is 12 and Polly is 10. I can see we are about to enter a new chapter so I am hanging on to any time with them I can! We love just pottering at home, eating out, shopping, anything really!
How do you balance work and motherhood?
Balance!!! What every working mother is chasing! I am fortunate to work for myself so am able to put the girls first. It is a total juggle and the house is often neglected! I have a fear of looking back in twenty years and wishing I had spent more time with my children so I’m very conscious of that. Watching their sport and any school activities/commitments is really important to me. Probably now more than ever, with both girls nearing the end of primary school, I am contemplating the whole work/life balance!
Do your Annabelle and Polly give you style advice?
Ha! Yes!!! But I don’t listen!!! :) Every now & then they will love my outfit - more often than not though they question it!
Has being a mum influenced your creative process?
No, I don’t think being a mum has influenced my creative process. I started making jewellery well before the idea of children so feel very lucky my business is creative and rarely feels like work.
Take us through a typical morning in the Newton household?
A typical morning in the Newton household… my husband Tom is up at 5.10am, walks our labrador Rosie & then meets friends for a fitness session most mornings, when he returns I walk Rosie! (Not for long enough... one day I will go for longer & add in some pilates or an ocean swim!!! When that balance is found!) The usual breakfast routine, girls are getting ready for school, Tom & I for work. I drop the girls at school, head to Coffee Roasters for my coffee & in to my jewellery workroom which is in my store in Port Fairy. We are so spoilt in Port Fairy. Everything is close, a little village where the stores are gorgeous & coffee shops/restaurants are great, the people are lovely, it really is idyllic.
How would you like your children to describe you?
Gosh! Caring & kind ; thoughtful ; fun ; great company! ; gives the best cuddles (although they may be outgrowing this!) ; hardworking.
What is on your Penny & Reiby wish list?
So many things!!! To name a few : Grampians Goods blanket ; a few of the new season’s divine jumpers ; jeans & some Binny!
Photographs taken by Jo Okeefe
Lu wears:
Jumper: World of Nomads
Pants: Zulu & Zephyr
Dress: Binny Wear
Boots: Merry People
Annabelle wears:
Jumper: World of Nomads
Boots: Merry People
Polly wears:
Dress: Binny Wear
Jumper: Marle
Boots: Merry People
Blanket: Grampians
I have such fond memories of shopping for clothes with mum when I was a child. I still remember the day she bought a red leather jacket. She looked so cool and stylish and wore it for years. She still has it! Mum taught me that it’s ok to have a unique style, to embrace colour and always wear what feels good.
HOW IS YOUR STYLE SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT TO YOUR MUMS?
It must be similar because we have always shared clothes.
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF MOTHERHOOD?
Oh so much…. But the word WILD is the first thing that springs to mind. Unconditional love is the next and what a deep privilege it is to be a Mum.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL MOTHER'S DAY
To wake up with a stunning view of the sunrise with my children bringing me a delicious hot coffee and some cuddles. Then they leave me in peace for a while so I can just sit and reflect on how lucky I really am to be a mum of four magnificent kids. Then it will be time for a bit of chaos with more cuddles, pancakes and card giving all whilst still in bed. To top it off a clean kitchen when I get up! Simple pleasures are the best.
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED AFTER CHILDREN?
Oh my Lordy has it changed, particularly after having my twins Vera and Frank. I literally did not have the brain capacity or energy to even think about what to wear. Plus my body changed after having children. My Lululemon leggings became my best friend. Comfort and ease are still my top priority these days.
HAS BEING A MUM INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
Being a mum is really, really hard. I would not trade it for the world but you do kind of lose yourself there for a few years. I think I got to a point where I needed to get back that spark and feel alive again. Finding the old me and reinventing a new me was a creative process in itself. Exercising in nature, finding moments of Awe and exploring spirituality were all ways of expanding my creative life.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
Camping, hiking, beach time. I enjoy it when I can be completely present with them and watch their eyes light up when they experience something new and exciting. But I also love the magic in the mundane. The morning cuddles and tickles, being silly, the nighttime books and chats and scratching their back as they drift off to sleep.
WHAT HAVE YOUR CHILDREN TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have always said that my children have been my greatest teachers! They have taught me the art of surrender and letting go of perfectionism. They have taught me to be patient and just be in the moment. They have also taught me the importance of playfulness and how having fun is just as important for adults too. I now live with an even bigger heart and never shy away from telling someone I love them. Thanks Sylvie.
DO YOUR CHILDREN GIVE YOU STYLE ADVICE?
Oh YES! Especially from my 12 year old Lena! It seems i’m not as cool as I think I am haha!
WHAT IS ON YOUR PENNY & REIBY WISHLIST?
Oh my gosh, the whole shop! Everything is divine!
Photographs taken by Jo Okeefe
Emma wears:
Skirt: Binny Wear
Jumper: World of Nomads
Boots: Merry People
Lena wears:
Jeans: Rollas
Jumper: World of Nomads