With a name like Champagne Cartel, I just know I was going to love these two ladies even before I knew what they stand for! Carolyn Tate and Gillian Moody have created a positive online space for busy working mums where they focus on what matters. The ‘you’ that existed before the kids and the mortgage and your over scheduled life. They believe in daring to put yourself first and think mummy guilt is for suckers. Fabulous women? You betcha!
HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED FOR YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FORTY?
Carolyn: I’m not sure it really has. Forty has really just been a number for me, and it hasn’t really presented any mid-life crisis or anything. I know I’ve never been more confident or comfortable in my own skin than I am now, and I feel like I am more capable and powerful than ever. My thirties were pretty much spent having babies and looking after tiny children, so now that my kids are a bit more hands-off, I feel like I can focus more on things that matter to me: my business, my friends, my interests, my health.
Gillian: Forty was definitely a magical milestone for me. I had a cracking party with friends and family coming from far and wide and I really celebrated. Since turning forty I have become more self-assured and more confident, more clear in my intentions, more determined. I am highly motivated to be the best me I can be. And I am really proud of what I have achieved since I turned forty – I gave birth to my second boy in the most beautiful drug-free circumstances, it was something I had really wanted and was so happy about. Not only that but I’ve started regularly writing a blog, created a successful business with Carolyn, I’ve done my first ever 5 kilometre fun run and a bunch of other awesome stuff.
ON YOUR WEBSITE ‘CHAMPAGNE CARTEL’, YOU HAVE CREATED A LOVELY POSITIVE SPACE FOR BUSY WORKING MUMS TO TAKE SOME TIME OUT FOR THEMSELVES. CAN YOU TELL ME A BIT ABOUT HOW IT CAME ABOUT?
Carolyn: Well, thanks! I was home with my third baby, and Gillian was just about to have her second, and I just wanted to do something creative that would keep my hand in professionally (I was a freelance writer but now I run our business Champagne Cartel Media). I feel like we see so many articles online about how to be a better parent, a better wife, a better friend, a better lover…but not much about how to be good to ourselves. There is so much out there that is designed to make us feel ‘less than’. I wanted to celebrate us as women, and show others that the world won’t end if you prioritise yourself – quite the opposite, wonderful things can happen when we feel great about ourselves. The cascading effect of that is immense!
WHAT ARE YOUR GO TO STYLE TIPS FOR WOMEN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FORTY WHO DONT KNOW WHERE TO START?
Carolyn: Buy the best quality staple pieces you can afford and then add to that as you go. Find three or four colours that really suit you and build your wardrobe around them. Watch blogs or magazines and learn how to accessorise – it can lift an outfit, and your entire wardrobe, from average to fabulous.
Gillian: As a makeup artist, my top tip is to keep your skin hydrated, this means drinking plenty of water and moisturising! Great skin is always in fashion. The second thing is to not be afraid of bronzer. It gives a fabulous brightening effect if you apply sparingly. I also think that a bit of lippie never goes astray. As we get older we lose pigment in our skin and lips so a little bit of colour is great for a pep up!
WHAT ARE SOME SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU DO FOR SELF CARE?
Carolyn: I’m a big believer in the connection between healthy mind and healthy body. I run regularly and like setting goals. I’ll be running my first marathon in 2016 which terrifies and thrills me all at once! I also like to do small things like have a glass of champagne for no reason, sit under a tree and read a book, get my nails painted. Oh, and I love to spend time with girlfriends. There is nothing like some ladylove and belly laughs to restore your energy and make you feel fantastic.
Gillian: I couldn’t agree more about the importance of ladylove! I really try and make time for cocktails, dinner or brunch with my sister or girlfriends. A group of us have a regular 2 monthly catchup appointment in our diaries because if we don’t schedule it, it doesn’t happen. I also love to cook and prepare delicious healthy food. I am passionate about the power of fresh wholesome food and also the process of cooking. For me the ultimate in relaxation is stirring a pot, listening to my stock blipping away, cutting up some vegetables. Oh and I REALLY love my sleep. When I don’t sleep well, I find life a bit of a struggle. With small children, there are times when I can’t avoid having bad sleep, but making sure I don’t work late at night on a computer is a biggie for me.
I AM BIG BELIEVER IN FINDING THE FUN AND JOY IN EVERYDAY LIFE. WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Carolyn: My three gorgeous children, of course. But also my business, a nice glass of proper French Champagne,a night out on the town with my husband, laughs with my girlfriends, runners’ high, those moments when I remember to be fully present in whatever I’m doing, great ice cream, videos of cats knocking over babies, the beach first thing in the morning, a great novel (and time to read it), a brilliant op shop find, the scent of frangipanis, yoga, feeling healthy and well rested.
Gillian: My hilarious and awesome husband and two crazed boys aged 2 1/2 and 6. Eating my snack box of raw fruit and veg every day. My morning cup of tea. The phone conversation I have with either my mum or my sister every morning. Walking into my beautiful home after a day at work. The sound of a champagne cork popping. Getting ready for a night out, choosing an outfit, shoes and lippie. Christmas carols. Anything that is gold and sparkly. Fairy lights. Reading every night before bed. Writing a really great blog post. Walking to school pickup and dropoff. Coffee in my local neighbourhood cafe where I know am going to run into someone I can talk to. Having a bunch of wonderful neighbours. Working with Carolyn on Champagne Cartel. Running my makeup workshops and consults and helping women to feel great.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Carolyn: Back yourself, because you have unique and extraordinary gifts. Know you are enough and give the best version of yourself to the world. And don’t take any crap.
Gillian: You definitely will achieve those things you dream of. It’s all going to be ok, so just chill. Love yourself, be kind to yourself, slow down and make the most of those opportunities. Do the stuff YOU want to do.
Thank you so much ladies, I love your answers and I love what you are doing to help busy mum’s feel good about themselves. You can connect with Champagne Cartel via their Website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
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