New blog!

I've moved my blog. This one will no longer be updated sorry! 

If you want all the latest updates from me, head over to http://www.kelly-noble.tumblr.com

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There's An Elephant In The Room, No Wait, It's A Baby In The Office

When I look around at mothers who are on maternity leave and soaking up their special times with their little ones, I can't help but be a little bit jealous. There is nothing easy about being a stay-at-home mum, but I would LOVE the opportunity to change out of my tracksuit if and when I choose. Instead I face the juggle that an increasing number of mums are facing - going back to work with your baby.

What you say? Working with a baby? Doesn't that take away from your quality time? Doesn't that affect your work? Some people act like I've just said I leave my baby in the car while I get my hair done, but believe me, it's a win win situation.

Being a small business owner, maternity leave just wasn't on the cards. I had planned to work from home for a few months, but staffing issues meant that just wasn't an option, so after having my second daughter Scarlett in mid April, I was back working full time about a month later. Down time didn't happen at all, and as I recall, I was sending clients emails during my labour (which was a speedy 45 minute session in the hospital).

Luckily for me, my daughter has been a dream baby, and has adjusted to working full time quite well.

For the first few months of her life, she fed at 8am and then napped till around midday. Then after her lunch feed she'd sleep until 5pm, feed again and then we'd head home for the day. I actually managed to get quite a lot of work done which meant I saved my business from falling to pieces. As much as wanted maternity leave, I also didn't want to lose something I had been working so hard for over the last decade. While she was so young, she also didn't lose any of my attention as she was either with me or sleeping.

I've also always let my clients know about my situation too, so they have the choice of waiting until I have baby-free days, or allowing me to bring Scarlett along to meetings and training sessions. They always choose the baby. Brilliant. I did have one group comment that they've never had someone breastfeed through a training session before though. Thank goodness for my poncho. Perfect for a little discretion.

Now that Scarlett is nearly 5 months old, she's also able to sit in the Bumbo (see pic top right). It's amazing for popping on the board table during meetings, or just having her next to me while I work. As soon as she gets a little more active though, the game plan will have to change again as the last thing I want is her falling off a desk. Hmmm. The challenges of modern-day parenting.

To be balanced, it's not all roses. I've been in meetings where Scarlett has had explosive nappies, vomited all over me, needed multiple feeds and had screaming sessions. You can't have the good without the bad I guess. That's just part of life. At least most people I come across have had kids of their own and just give me sympathetic looks when things go wrong. It's just life.

I have to say though, even though I'd love to be at home enjoying the joys of maternity leave, I also love having my baby in the office with me so I can enjoy her awake time and experience her growth and changes, while still having the flexibility that owning your own business allows you. I've made my own rules up once before with Ivy, I'm doing it with Scarlett, and I'd be the first person to recommend it to anyone if their situation permits it.

Now where is my tracksuit?

Late Pregnancy Pilates & Callanetics. Am I crazy?

For anyone who knows me, you'll realise that exercise isn't really my 'thing'. I've had a gym membership for a few years now (which I've used on and off) and I've loved the stints I've done at Hypoxi, but as far as an ongoing fitness regime - I've never had one.

I blame my workload, and my toddler, and my relationship, and my attempt at having some down time when I get the chance. How on earth was there time to fit anything else in?

I guess being 7 months pregnant also added to the list of excuses, but when I was offered the opportunity to try out Rhythm Pilates and South African Callanetics at Club Rhythm in North Adelaide, it seemed like a good a time as any to start.

Especially when the team there told me that it would help with giving birth. Anything that helps is worth doing, right?

With the nod from my doctor, it was time to don the workout gear and hope that I didn't bump in to anyone I knew.

Well I've been going for a few weeks now and it's time to report back.

Rhythm Pilates

For both my Pilates and Callanetics classes, I've been lucky enough to nab two fantastic trainers who are giving me one-on-one sessions. This works really well because a regular group class wouldn't be able to focus on teaching me all the pregnancy-friendly moves, and ensuring that I'm doing everything safely for both the baby & I. I'm also quite a lot slower than the regular Joe these days, and appreciate that I can take things at my own pace.

The Rhythm Pilates classes are taken in the centre of the club, in a specialty room with STOTT PILATES® machines. It's surprisingly easy for me, as it seems that my body has retained some of it's physical memory of how it's meant to work. We're focusing on arm and leg exercises which are helping me with my flexibility and overall strength, and are helping to prepare me not only for the super physical challenge ahead of me, but for my post-baby recovery and bounce-back (do you like how optimistic I'm being here?).

My sessions go for around 45m - 1hr and I am definitely spent at the end of each one. As I mentioned though, they aren't too much for me, which I feel is extremely important, as I don't have too much energy to spare these days!

South African Callanetics

Just to be clear, we're not talking about Callisthenics here. There are no ribbons, children in make up or brightly coloured leotards allowed.

Callanetics was created in the 80s by a ballet dancer to help alleviate her back and knee pain. The pelvic floor exercises in the South African version of Callanetics lift and shape buttocks and provide core strength to reduce hip and lower back pain. I think overall, it's just another great form of exercise to help strengthen and tone your body.

Compared to the Pilates classes I'm taking, I find Callanetics to be much more challenging on my muscles. As this style of exercise uses your own body for resistance (think leg lifts etc) it's really up to you as to how hard you push yourself. My arms and legs ache after each class, but it's actually nice to think that I'm doing something positive during my pregnancy rather than just eating blocks of chocolate because 'the baby wants it'. The fact that I have a fabulous teacher (Marayka) also helps. In fact, the entire team at Club Rhythm are all wonderful so I've been lucky. 
Everyone is really supportive about my pregnancy and my slow return in to the world of exercise.

Overall, I think Rhythm Pilates and Callanetics are a good combo to do, as both are low/no impact, while each targets different muscles and exercises your body in different ways. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get nearly as much out of it (pregnant) if I didn't have the one-on-one classes though as my attention span is short at the moment, and I need to be guided along in order to keep me on track.

Do I think this will help me in childbirth? Who knows, but I've still got some time left before I need to find out, so I'll keep doing my pelvic floor exercises, going to my classes and hoping for the best.

At the very least, I'm helping my body to remember that it's still got muscles and that fact will certainly help me on the other side of this 9 month journey!

Fast Facts

Club Rhythm feels like a day spa, but operates a variety of fitness programs for those who like their self improvement to happen in style. It's located at 69-71 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.
Rhythm Pilates (group) classes happen several times a day from Monday - Friday.
South African Callanetics (group) classes happen Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 6:15pm and Saturday at 8:30am.
http://www.clubrhythm.com.au

I'm pregnant again, break out the Champagne.

After having one gorgeous daughter in May 2011, I'm back on the baby train. This time I'm due on May the 4th (insert Star Wars jokes here), which will place the kids about 2 years apart. I'd love to have a Champagne or 4 to celebrate but I'll have to leave that up to my supportive friends. Ahhh Champagne, I'm going to miss you old friend. See you on the flip side.

Behind The Scenes On The Myer Fashion Shoot In South Africa!

When the Myer Spring Summer 2012/2013 catalogue is revealed this week in Sydney and you're enjoying the beautiful images, the stunning designs and the flawless models, just keep in mind that dozens of people travelled halfway around the world to deliver this to you.

At the end of May this year, the Myer crew packed a ridiculous amount of luggage, camera crew and gluten free bread, and headed to Sun City in South Africa. This gorgeous resort and the surrounding National Park was the base for this year's Spring Summer fashion shoot, and the diversity of landscapes and locations meant that you will have visually spectacular backdrops accompanying some incredible clothing this season.

Check out my behind the scenes video below (apologies for the footage but the professional film crew was stuck back here in Adelaide) and some photos to get you in the mood.

The full reveal will be happening this Thursday in Sydney and I'll be there to bring you all the updates! Follow me on Twitter at @KellyNoble.



Related articles

• On Trend In South Africa This Season With Myer (glamadelaide.com.au)
• First Glimpse of Myer Spring Summer Campaign Shoot in South Africa With Jen Hawkins & Jess Hart! (kellynoble.blogspot.com)
• Off To South Africa! #SA2SA (kellynoble.blogspot.com)

First Glimpse of Myer Spring Summer Campaign Shoot in South Africa With Jen Hawkins & Jess Hart!

After weeks of patiently waiting, I'm excited to reveal some of the amazing photos taken by Alex Coppel on my visit to South Africa! The images were shot for the upcoming Myer Spring Summer catalogue and truly capture the beauty of the amazing landscape of the country, as well as the stunning designs we can look forward to wearing next season! The models and the crew enjoyed the trip as much as we did behind the scenes, and to show you what went on I'll be uploading some behind the scenes photos and video shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the photos that were taken at our hotel, The Palace of the Lost City (in Sun City) and at the national park that surrounds it... 

SA2SA: Discovering Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the world's largest urban forest, with over 10 million trees!

As a first time visitor to Johannesburg, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard mixed options about the city before my trip to South Africa (mainly from people who had never been there) and as a result, had decided not to make any judgement calls before experiencing it for myself.

I'm glad I waited.

It was a beautiful, vibrant city and we enjoyed a SAFE experience. We drove around with our car unlocked. Our driver did not carry a gun. We did not get car jacked. Or pick-pocketed. Or scammed. Since the World Cup was held there, safety in the city has vastly improved and additional security cameras, increased police presence, citizen patrols and military support has meant that crime has substantially decreased.

Like any big city, there are still areas to be more vigilant in, but overall, the public perception of Joburg being dangerous is incorrect, and I'm glad I was able to have a positive experience there to share with everyone else.

The drive from Sun City to Johannesburg took about 2 hours and allowed us to see a different side to life in South Africa. Plots of land farmed with unknown crops sprung up regularly among wilder, overgrown areas. Locals selling wire whisks, fresh fruit and beaded animals stood at traffic lights. Crowded, lively townships crammed with tiny houses lined sections of the road. People were walking everywhere, travelling to and from work, and sometimes their most direct route seemed to include strolling along the freeway. We certainly weren't short of sights to soak in!

We were lucky to have an incredible guide called Joe to drive us around during our time in the city. Joe had grown up in Soweto in Joburg and was a passionate advocate for the city and South Africa. His stories about the past and present in Johannesburg were amazing, and he had been an active participant in creating the way of life he is now proud to share with his children and grandchildren. Joe was part of the 1976 student protests in Soweto, which helped to shape the course of history for South Africa. If you don't know much about them, it's an important and turbulent part of history and worth spending some time researching.

As we headed further into Johannesburg, a more familiar cityscape greeted us, with busy streets, skyscrapers and traffic, and hidden gems like our first destination, 44 Stanley, Millpark. 44 (as it's known) is a small complex, hidden behind a double gate and high walls that opened into a beautiful little group of courtyards framed with trees. 44 has a mix of boutique shops and cafes, including a great little bakery/cafe called Vovo Telo where we had AMAZING gourmet pizzas. I'd definitely recommend it!

Inside 44

Our lunch destination, Vovo Telo

Inside Vovo Telo

Our itinerary was insane so I won't pack all my stories in to one post. Will post more shortly!

Follow my adventures on Twitter @KellyNoble or by searching #SA2SA
For South African Holiday deals, please visit www.southafricanholidays.com.au
For more information on South Africa , please visit www.southafrica.net
For more information on Sun City, please visit www.suninternational.com
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

SA2SA: My Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Safari

The guys getting the balloon prepared right before dawn.

You haven't lived until you've seen dawn breaking over the beautiful South African landscape from the peaceful basket of a hot air balloon.

With so much happening at the Palace of the Lost City, it was tempting to stay out the night before and live it up, but a 4:30am wake up call forced some common sense in to our group.

After being picked up in an open air Safari truck at 5am from the hotel, we were driven to the Pilannesburg National Park in the dark. Our guide kept his spotlight scanning both sides of the scrubby hills surrounding our truck, either to help us see animals or to protect us from them. Regardless of the intention, his trusty shotgun made us feel a little safer from roaming lions.

All rugged up with my Liza Emanuele cape on and a woolen blanket across my knees, I managed to spot a white rhino and its baby in the low light of pre-dawn!

Me standing in front of our group right before we jumped in.

The balloon itself was from Air Trak Adventures, and was being filled alongside a massive lake when we arrived. It has a whopping 250,000 cubic feet of volume and more than 47kms of stitching. What I'm saying is that it was huge. A comforting factor when you're about to sail up and over some of the most dangerous animals on earth.

This is the lake we took off over. So beautiful.

The serene peace of the morning was soul restoring, and teamed with the breaking dawn, there was a beautiful calm among those of us adventuring in to the sky.

The actual take off and journey in the balloon was wonderful. It was incredibly gentle and didn't actually feel like you were moving. We moved between 4.5 - 9kms/hr but because you are moving with the breeze, you don't actually feel the wind on your face. Those in the group with height fears had absolutely no trouble and loved it just as much as the rest of us.

South African sunsets are simply amazing.

From the sky we spotted more white rhinos, impalas, warthogs, antelopes, zebra, and wildebeest to name a few. We even heard a lion roar echo through the sky!

Our reflection in the lake we took off over.

Our balloon pilot was quite a character as well - Tony Corrie - an ex-ad man from the UK who moved over for a change of pace many years ago. Full of great stories and certainly a great person to make you feel like you're in safe hands.

Some of the beautiful landscape in the National Park.

It's quite cool seeing this shadow following you around.

We landed so gently we weren't sure we were on the ground!

Our guide protecting us as we landed.

Some of the white rhinos we spotted!

Our post-ballooning champagne breakfast at the lodge!

After we had landed and were safely escorted back to our Safari truck (which had driven around to where we set down), we were taken back through the national park in daylight so we were able to spot many more animals who were all up & about in the sunshine!

The final hurrah was a champagne breakfast to celebrate at a lodge on the other side of the big security fences that surround the national park. Nothing like some bubbles to help ease you in to a day you started at 4:30am!

I can't recommend this experience enough. It's a little pricier than other activities on offer, but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you'll never forget it. They even give you a little certificate as proof at the end of the breakfast!


Follow my adventures on Twitter @KellyNoble or by searching #SA2SA
For South African Holiday deals, please visit www.southafricanholidays.com.au
For more information on South Africa , please visit www.southafrica.net
For more information on Sun City, please visit www.suninternational.com
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

SA2SA: Day Spas & Quad Biking. The Perfect First Day.

I've been in South Africa since Wednesday night and I am absolutely loving it.

The fact that I'm staying in The Palace Of The Lost City certainly helps, as it's SUCH a magnificent location, but we've seen and done so much already that it's really giving me a wonderful sense of this great country.

In the foyer of the Palace of the Lost City

On Monday we're back on the road to explore more places around SA, but for now I'm happy soaking up the amazing adventures on offer here at Sun City.

The tag line for the resort is 'A Million Thrills, One Destination' and they're not wrong.

On Thursday morning, after waking up with some horrendous jet lag, we decided that checking out the Gatsby International Health and Beauty Care Day Spa was definitely something we could handle.

The girls and I pre-massage!

A hot stone massage later, and we were all feeling on top of the world. I highly recommend it. The day spa was a beautiful experience and the facilities there were fantastic. Certainly felt like a celebrity with all the pampering. It cost around $100 for an hour and then add 10% tipping on top.

Feeling all relaxed we decided there was nothing more appropriate to do than heading out to a game park for some quad biking... (I'm not sure why we thought that was good timing but anyway...!)

The sign outside of the quad biking hut

It was a great way to see some of the landscape near the hotel and gave us our first glimpse at the wildlife - a Warthog and an Impala.

About to go quad biking

There was even a guy on his own quad bike that kept popping up & taking photos of our group - which we were then able to purchase for about $30 afterwards. Considering our hands were full trying to stay upright on the rutted roads, taking photos wasn't really an option - so this worked out perfectly.

There was a clay pigeon shooting range right next to the quad bike trail, so if you're keen to do both, schedule them back to back to save yourself the extra travel time. It's all so close to the hotel though, it's not that much of a drive.

I'd love to stay and tell you more about the trip but my 4:30am alarm is going off - we're about to head out on a hot air balloon safari! I'll pop on later and write about some more amazing things that I've done so far.

Follow my adventures on Twitter @KellyNoble or by searching #SA2SA
For South African Holiday deals, please visit www.southafricanholidays.com.au
For more information on South Africa , please visit www.southafrica.net
For more information on Sun City, please visit www.suninternational.com
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

Off To South Africa! #SA2SA

The last week has been an absolute whirlwind, and this has been the first chance I’ve had to sit down and write something. Namely, because I’m on a 14-hour flight to South Africa and time is something I’ve now got.

I left Sydney about 12 hours ago, and am only a couple of hours away from Johannesburg – my first South African destination.

I’m loving that it’s a direct flight (thanks South African Airways & Qantas!).

To get to Sydney on time though, I had to fly in from Adelaide the night before (ie yesterday afternoon) and encountered a domestic vs international luggage issue.

I had packed my suitcases according to international baggage limits, and was caught out when checking in my baggage for the Adelaide-Sydney leg. Beware! Despite my trip being booked at the same time, I had to comply with domestic limits as I was travelling on separate days (so not technically a connecting flight). I managed to move some weight around and avoided excess baggage but it’s certainly something I’ll keep in mind going forward!

After arriving in Sydney I stayed at the Stamford Airport Hotel. Not bad. Not bad at all. The hotel was actually really nice (and only 5 minutes away from the airport), and although the prices for the room service were quite steep, their Asian-inspired menu was reasonable and yummy. I managed to use the airport shuttle to and from the hotel, which only set me back $6 each way.

Fast forward to Duty Free. I think I should win some sort of award for not shopping. It took all of my willpower but I managed to board the flight with only a MAC lip gloss to show for my 3 hours of window shopping. That’s got to be a new record for me.

Now it’s just a matter of refraining from buying too many things while overseas so I can fit some presents in my bags for my gorgeous little baby girl. She celebrated her first birthday on Sunday so she’s certainly due some special presents upon my return.

Not long till we land now… exciting times!

Follow my adventures on Twitter @KellyNoble or by searching #SA2SA

For South African Holiday deals, please visit www.southafricanholidays.com.au
For more information on South Africa , please visit www.southafrica.net
For more information on Sun City, please visit www.suninternational.com
For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

Black Caviar - Being a part of history!

Black Caviar is the greatest race horse in history. With 20 straight wins under her belt, the opportunity to witness her 21st win wasn't to be missed. Especially when it was going to happen right here in Adelaide before she leaves Australia to race at Royal Ascot.

So, like any good race-goer, we bundled our baby daughter up and headed to Morphetville on May 12th 2012 along with 30,000 other punters.

To their credit, the SAJC handled the sell out crowd as easily as they did any other smaller race day, and everyone we saw there seemed to be having a fantastic day out.

It was an odd mix of people, with the hardcore racing crowd mixed with families, fashionistas, business men, young party goers - plus many people who you'd never usually see at the track. And everyone fit in just fine. 

Our first glimpse at Black Caviar before she was led to the track for the race!

Ivy adored the crowds and I enjoyed a champagne while Steve patiently humoured me and my $2 bet on Black Caviar to win.

Ivy flying the flag for Black Caviar

And win she did. Without a whip being cracked or the jockey having to try. It was truly amazing.

I can't pretend I know the first thing about the techniques using in horse racing, but you could see the ease with which she won the race. Everyone soaked it up along with the incredible atmosphere on the day.

I love that we were able to be a part of it, and even Ivy can say she was there when...

Good luck to Black Caviar overseas!

Singer Cat Southern & I in our Autumn colours

So this is what it feels like to win the lottery!

Last week I received the call of a lifetime.

No, I didn't win the lottery, but this has got to come close.

I've been invited to go on an overseas adventure. To explore a country I've always wanted to visit. Ten days in an amazing foreign land, and it's all part of my job!

I love Glam Adelaide.

To give you a hint, here is the spiel from the country's tourism site:

You will be enchanted by giant, orange full moons; crystal-clear mountain streams; smiling hosts for whom nothing is ever too much trouble; the roar of a lion at midnight outside your safari camp; entertaining evenings out at the theatre, cinema or nightclub; learning to say ‘hello’ in 11 different languages; walking barefoot on endless stretches of pristine beach sand and finding yourself in the midst of an expanse that stretches as far as your binoculars can see.

Intrigued? Interested? I certainly am! I'm off to South Africa (thanks to South African Tourism) in 17 sleeps. 


Here's a sneak peak at where I'll be staying for the first leg of the trip...

Seems perfect doesn't it? I'll be going from SA to SA. That place that pops up every time I try and register a twitter hashtag! Haha. I love it.


I'll post more details on here as soon as I can, plus I'll obviously be covering the whole exciting adventure via www.glamadelaide.com.au.

(Good thing I've started Hypoxi & the 28 Day Baby Weight Loss Diet! Seems I now have a reason to stick to it!)

A Jaunt To The Riverland

Beautiful Autumn colours

April seems to have been a month of wine regions for me! It started with Easter in Clare, then I travelled to the Riverland for two days last week.

It was a quick work trip to train some winemakers and growers in social media, which of course ended up with me sampling some fantastic alternative Riverland wine varieties.

If you haven't delved in to Vermentinos, Montepuliciano, Grillo and other lesser known varieties, check out the Riverland Alternative Wine Group Facebook page for more info.

There are some amazing wines being produced which aren't widely distributed yet which will make you the talk of your next dinner party!

My lunch with a view

Although the weather was less than perfect, the river still looked beautiful and all the vineyards with their Autumn colours set the scene.

I stayed at the golf club in Berri, which allowed me to wake up to a beautiful view of the golf course, but as I wasn't there on a weekend, we were somewhat limited in places to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner at.

If you're thinking of heading to the Riverland, I'd suggest finding a cosy B&B and taking your food with you. You can pick up wine from the the various wineries in the area, but it's best to be prepared with your own stash if you're not familiar with the area.

A cafe on the river

As there are plenty of primary producers in that area, you can easily pick up bags of butternut pumpkins and oranges for about $5 along the roadside so carry some cash on you if you're feeling like picking up some fresh produce! 

I didn't have enough time to really explore, but I certainly saw enough to go back again. Another beautiful South Australian region.

The view from the Berri Golf Club hotel room