A beautiful Mama with her blue eyed Babe. Image taken by Lion Fox & Co.

“When you find something that gives you meaning and purpose, you must continue to pursue it as it may just change your life. ” – Melanie Edge Babes + Picnics Mandurah Ambassador

Discovering Babes + Picnics

After the birth of my second child Flynn, the one thing I truly longed for was a community of Mothers. I have always felt a bit socially awkward and introverted. So when it came to taking the plunge and approaching other Mum’s, my heart would race and I would stumble over my words. The thing that didn’t really help my position was always being ‘sorry’ for the craziness of my eldest son (ADHD diagnosis in 2016). When instead it.. I should have been finding the right crowd who showed acceptance for children who were just that little bit more than average.

When Lion, Fox & Co first came to life twelve months ago, I threw myself into the world of Instagram. And all I can say is… THANK YOU INSTAGRAM. The huge difference that I find between Facebook and Instagram is one of positivity and acceptance. Now this is solely my own opinion, but I think people choose to be on Instagram because they feel safe to share their achievements without the fear of being judged. Also, people are generally kinder (there is still the occasional troll) in the way that they communicate with others.

So it wasn’t long after creating my account, and following a large number of Perth Insta Mums, that I discovered Babes + Picnics Australia. Founded by the beautiful soul Lucia De Mello, I approached her at the beginning of last year to become an Ambassador for Mandurah. I won’t deny that at the time I was shitting bricks, fully understanding the responsibility that followed such an integral role. But.. I threw on my big girl panties and not a day goes by that I regret that email.

“Love yourself and be proud of everything that you do, even your mistakes. Because even your mistakes mean you’re trying.”

Sassy: lively, bold, and full of Spirit. Cheeky too. Image taken by Lion Fox & Co

Sassy: lively, bold, and full of Spirit. Cheeky too. Image taken by Lion, Fox & Co

 Babes + Picnics Mandurah Today

It was decided that the WIRF (Women & Infants Research Foundation) Opportunity Shop at KEMH (King Edward Memorial Hospital) would be our chosen charity. Why? Well WIRF has conducted and supported research to help improve the health of women and infants in Western Australia. This is what makes their mission so important to our community. It provides them the ability to raise funds for equipment, initiatives and offer support to facilitate essential research studies.

After eight months of coordinating picnics, supporting charities and backing local businesses.. it is a first for me to be lost for words from our most recent event. With the help of my beautiful friend and co-ambassador Siobhan Barwick, I believe we have successfully formed a Mama Tribe. How? Firstly, that feeling of complete awe by the love and generosity from each and every member who donated precious items. And finally, smiles are contagious and there is plenty of them at these picnics.

Claire from Maggie Moo Music Mandurah tagged along to the event too. It was a great, fun and interactive music session for the babes (AND she caters to the bigger babes too). Music is an essential part of every child’s development and the songs used at the sessions are positive, uplifting, fun and educational. The interactive sessions will help your child gain confidence and develop memory, language and coordination skills in an exciting, enjoyable and multi-sensory.

“Be part of something bigger than yourself.”

Be Silly. Be Honest. Be Kind. Image take by Lion, Fox & Co

Be Silly. Be Honest. Be Kind. Image take by Lion, Fox & Co

Next Month

The Kmart Wishing Appeal is Australia’s largest and longest running Christmas gift Appeal. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Australian community, the Appeal has raised more than 8 million gifts which have been distributed to those in need over the Christmas period.

Not yet a Member, please come join our Facebook Group Babes + Picnics Mandurah for all future event details.