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15 ways to support small businesses

Now, more than ever, small businesses need OUR help and I’ve got 15 ways to support Melbourne small businesses during the COVID-19 lockdown and beyond. ❤️  ⁣⁣

Like many small business owners, I had great plans for my (digital marketing and social media management) business this year. Following on from the success of 2019, I thought this year was going to be a game-changer for me. (could. NOT. have. been. more. wrong.)

Enter COVID-19 and all my plans went out to window – along with the plans of hundreds of thousands of other small businesses owners in Melbourne.

Even in our wildest nightmares, I don’t think any of us would have envisioned, let alone prepared for what was to come.

While some businesses have been able to PIVOT!!! (Ross Geller would be so proud – ha!) and are thriving in this current situation, unfortunately, there are so many more that have closed temporarily or permanently.

Supporting small businesses does not have to be costly either, in fact, there are a few ways to show your support that won’t cost you a cent.

Here are 15 ways YOU can help local shops, restaurants, and others. If you’ve got any ways to support Melbourne small businesses, please share them in the comments below:

15 Ways to Show Your Support

1. Purchase Products Online

You can buy pretty much everything online these days – clothing, books, electronics, pet supplies, makeup, wine and more – so do a quick search for local stores online and save yourself a trip to the shops. Some small businesses are even offering FREE local delivery to those in surrounding suburbs.

2. Purchase Gift Vouchers⁣⁣

If you can afford to do so, purchase gift vouchers from your favorite local businesses. You’ll be supporting them financially when they need it most, and although some businesses may not be able to accept them right now, you can plan a future date night, shopping spree, lunch with friends or weekend getaway.

3. Order Takeaway or Delivery

Your favorite restaurants and cafes may have had to shut their doors, but many of them still offer takeaway or delivery. If possible, order directly from the business, so they don’t lose a large chunk of the bill to an external third party (from memory UberEats takes 30% of the total). If your favourite feed is within a 5km radius from your home, why not beat the queue and pickup.

⁣⁣4. Follow, Like, Comment and Share Your Favourites on Social Media⁣⁣

Spread the news of local businesses to all of your friends and followers. If you had a delicious dinner delivered or fantastic customer service from your local book store, give them a shoutout and let everyone know. When you interact with businesses on their social media accounts, it helps with engagement, which, in turn, leads to more visibility and sales for their business.

5. Leave Positive Reviews⁣⁣

Now is the perfect time to leave reviews for all the businesses you love, but have never actually gotten around to writing a review for. Not only will it help them gain some social proof but it will also help improve their online rankings.⁣⁣

6. Keep paying your memberships and subscriptions

Subscription or membership based businesses like gyms, zoos and museums rely on regular sources of income from members. Since many of these businesses have closed, customers most likely are asking for refunds or pausing their memberships. If your income isn’t affected by lockdown, consider keeping these memberships as-is.

7. Take Online Classes

Lots of businesses are finding ways to provide value through online classes. Even if you’ve never learnt a new skill or hobby online before, now is a great time to try something while also supporting a local business.

⁣8. Refer People Directly⁣⁣

If you know someone or see someone looking for a particular product or service that one of your favourite local businesses can offer or supply, let that person know about the business and provide a link or contact details, so they can get in touch.

⁣9. Buy Quarantine/Lockdown Gifts for Loved Ones⁣⁣

If someone in your life is having a hard time, why not send them a little something to let them know that you’re thinking of them. Purchase gifts from your favorite small businesses and have them posted or delivered directly to their door.

10. Stock Up on Items You’ll Need Later⁣⁣

If you’ve got birthdays coming up in the family or you need some new gear for Summer, why not start purchasing now. It’s always great to be organised.

11. Choose Local Stores Over Chain Stores When Possible

⁣⁣Many local businesses have online stores in addition to their brick and mortar locations. Whenever possible, consider giving them your business instead of large chain stores that have an Australian wide presence.

12. Start Your Christmas Shopping

Only 111 sleeps to go⁣ – yes! I did it – I said the “C” word 😳
By the time we get out of lockdown, the shops will be blasting Christmas carols and shelves will be stocked with Christmas goodies, but why not get an early start on your shopping list and grab some fabulous unique gifts and experiences from local businesses.

13. Pay in Advance

If you have money available, pay ahead for services or activities you use regularly, even if you’re not using them right now. Think cleaning services, swimming lessons or dance classes, even pet grooming and gardening. ⁣⁣

14. Send Them A Kind Message⁣⁣

If you can’t purchase now, perhaps send a personalised message to a business owner to let them know that you’re thinking about them. If someone is trying to decide whether or not they close up shop forever or make another go of it, this could really make the difference.

⁣And last but not least…..⁣⁣

⁣⁣15. Have Patience

ALL business owners are pretty stressed right now, so have patience and be supportive. Many businesses are working at a dramatically reduced capacity, so it may take them a little longer to respond to your query or concern – especially those who have children that are learning from home. Maybe they’ve just had a really shitty day/week/month and they’re not as “present” as they usually are.

Please share your favourite Melbourne business(es) in the comments below.

Take care everyone x

⁣

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10 books i want to read in 2020

I’ve got a pile of books next to my bed that never seems to get any smaller AND a list of books a mile long on Goodreads that I’ve been meaning to read for a long time. I figure that if I make a commitment here to read some of these books, then I will do it. So, here are 10 books I cannot wait to read in 2020.

I’m hoping some of these books will count towards my 2020 Reading Challenge that I published last month. PS. It’s not too late to join the challenge, so check it out.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

A young girl loses both her parents in a tragic event, and is taken to live with her grandmother on a flower farm. Growing up, Alice learns the language of Australian native flowers as a way to say the things that are too hard to speak. But she also learns that there are secrets within secrets about her past. An unexpected betrayal leaves her reeling, and she escapes to try to make her own – sometimes painful – way through the world, and to find her story.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a story about stories: those we inherit, those we select to define us, and those we decide to hide. It is a novel about the secrets we keep and how they haunt us, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.

Spanning twenty years, and set between sugar cane fields by the sea, a native Australian flower farm and a celestial crater in the central desert, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart follows the life of Alice as she discovers that the most powerful story she will ever possess is her own.

Available now from Amazon

The Light Between Oceans

the light between oceans book cover

A boat washes up on the shore of a remote lighthouse keeper’s island.
It holds a dead man – and a crying baby.
The only two islanders, Tom and his wife Izzy, are about to make a devastating decision.
They break the rules and follow their hearts.
What happens next will break yours.

Available now from Catch

I Am Pilgrim

i am pilgrim book cover

The astonishing story of one man’s breakneck race against time to save America from oblivion.

A YOUNG WOMAN MURDERED. All of her identifying characteristics dissolved by acid.

A FATHER PUBLICLY BEHEADED. Killed in the blistering heat of a Saudi Arabian public square.

A SYRIAN BIOTECH EXPERT FOUND EYELESS. Dumped in a Damascus junkyard.

SMOULDERING HUMAN REMAINS. Abandoned on a remote mountainside in Afghanistan.

PILGRIM. The codename for a man who doesn’t exist. A man who must return from obscurity. The only man who can uncover a flawless plot to commit an appalling crime against humanity.

Available now from Amazon

Burial Rites

burial rites book cover

In northern Iceland, 1829, Agnes Magnúsdóttir is condemned to death for her part in the brutal murder of two men. Agnes is sent to wait out the time leading to her execution on the farm of District Officer Jón Jónsson, his wife and their two daughters. Horrified to have a convicted murderess in their midst, the family avoids speaking with Agnes.

Only Tóti, the young assistant reverend appointed as Agnes’s spiritual guardian, is compelled to try to understand her, as he attempts to salvage her soul.

As the summer months fall away to winter and the hardships of rural life force the household to work side by side, Agnes’s ill-fated tale of longing and betrayal begins to emerge. And as the days to her execution draw closer, the question burns: did she or didn’t she?

Based on a true story, Burial Rites is a deeply moving novel about personal freedom: who we are seen to be versus who we believe ourselves to be, and the ways in which we will risk everything for love.

Available now from Amazon

The Kite Runner

the kite runner book cover

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change and destruction.

A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons–their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

Available now from Dymocks

Little Fires Everywhere

little fires everywhere book cover

Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: how Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down.

In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colours of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.

Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother- who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.

When old family friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town – and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at an unexpected and devastating cost…

Available now from Amazon.

The Secret Life of Bees

the secret life of bees book cover

Lily has grown up believing she accidentally killed her mother when she was four. She not only has her own memory of holding the gun, but her father’s account of the event. Now fourteen, she yearns for her mother, and for forgiveness. Living on a peach farm in South Carolina with her father, she has only one friend: Rosaleen, a black servant whose sharp exterior hides a tender heart. South Carolina in the sixties is a place where segregation is still considered a cause worth fighting for. When racial tension explodes one summer afternoon, and Rosaleen is arrested and beaten, Lily is compelled to act.

Fugitives from justice and from Lily’s harsh and unyielding father, they follow a trail left by the woman who died ten years before. Finding sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters, Lily starts a journey as much about her understanding of the world, as about the mystery surrounding her mother.

Available now from Dymocks.

Lenny’s Book of Everything

lennys book of everything book cover

Lenny, small and sharp, has a younger brother Davey who won’t stop growing – and at seven is as tall as a man. Raised by their mother, they have food and a roof over their heads, but not much else.

The bright spot every week is the arrival of the latest issue of the Burrell’s Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedia. Through the encyclopedia, Lenny and Davey experience the wonders of the world – beetles, birds, quasars, quartz – and dream about a life of freedom and adventure. But as Davey’s health deteriorates, Lenny realises that some wonders can’t be named.

A big-hearted novel about loving and letting go by an award-winning author.

Available now from Amazon

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

the travelling cat chronicles book cover

It’s not the journey that counts, but who’s at your side.

Nana is on a road trip, but he is not sure where he is going. All that matters is that he can sit beside his beloved owner Satoru in the front seat of his silver van. Satoru is keen to visit three old friends from his youth, though Nana doesn’t know why and Satoru won’t say.

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s changing seasons and narrated with a rare gentleness and humour, Nana’s story explores the wonder and thrill of life’s unexpected detours. It is about the value of friendship and solitude, and knowing when to give and when to take. TRAVELLING CAT has already demonstrated its power to move thousands of readers with a message of kindness and truth. It shows, above all, how acts of love, both great and small, can transform our lives.

Available now from Dymocks

You Are A Badass

you are a badass book cover

YOU ARE A BADASS IS THE self-help BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES BUT DON’T WANT TO GET BUSTED DOING IT.

In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviours that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.

By the end of You Are a Badass , you’ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.

Available now from Amazon.

Let me know if you’ve read any of these (*NO* spoilers please) or what’s on your 2020 #tbr pile/list.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that if you decide to buy that item, I will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.

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These Crossbody Bags Are Stylish, Affordable and Perfect For Everyday

If you’re looking for a new bag that you can wear everywhere this year, you can’t go wrong with a crossbody bag.

As someone who usually carries around a bag that is big enough to fit the kitchen sink (or so my husband thinks), I’ve fallen in love with the style and practicality of carrying a bag that ONLY fits the essentials (purse, phone, keys, lip gloss(es)) AND looks good.

I’ve scoured the internet and uncovered the my Top 10 crossbody bags for the year.

Good luck on choosing just one!

Stevie Boxy Cross Body Bag $19.99, Amara Pinch Lock Bag $99.95, Croc Front Slim Cross Body Bag $39.95, Accordion Mini Shoulder Bag $59.95, Mini Tassel Crossbody Bag $9, Eden Wide Strap Cross Body Bag $19.95 (on sale), Kylie Camera Bag $99.95, Marta Quilted Crossbody Bag $29.95, Blocked Chain Crossbody Bag $9, Mustard Cross Body Box $99

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that if you decide to buy that item, I will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.

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2020 Reading Challenge

Calling all book lovers! I’ve set myself a reading challenge for 2020 and I’d love for you to join me.

I know what it’s like to be a busy mum (ie not have much time for reading), so I’ll only include 12 books in the challenge. However, I’ll include an additional six books for those of you who will have no problem smashing through 12 books in one year.

As a chronic migraine sufferer, I don’t get to read as often as I’d like too but I’m pretty happy that I managed to read 17 books throughout 2019. For this year, I’m aiming to read 20 books.

See how I went in my 2019 reading challenge here.

…

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I’ve got 12 days of AMAZING GIVEAWAYS to celebrate the festive season and say THANK YOU to all of my fabulous followers.

There’s almost $2000 of prizes given away this year, with fabulous gifts and fun for the whole family.

12 Days of Christmas giveaways kicks off on my Instagram page at 8.00 pm (Melbourne time) on Sunday, 1 December 2019.

One prize will be ups for grabs each day. Just follow the prompts and you could be one of my lucky winners.

Check out the amazing giveaway lineup below:

DAY 1 – Sunday 1 December – SMIGGLE Goodies

One lucky person will WIN a Smiggle prize pack containing 1 x Smiggle Star Wars Kylo Ren Hardtop Backpack, 1 x Smiggle Pen Mix (30 pack), 1 x Smiggle Twin Tip Markers (12 pack), 1 x Smiggle Scented Colouring Pencils (12 pack) and 1 x Smiggle Scented Pencils (4 pack). Total prize value: $147.45.

To view the complete Smiggle Star Wars range or shop all the awesome Smiggle goodies visit smiggle.com.au

DAY 2 – Monday 2 December – SANTA’S MAGICAL KINGDOM Family Pass

One lucky person will WIN a Family Pass to Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Caulfield Racecourse. Total prize value: $143.

The magic of Christmas will come alive at Santa’s Magical Kingdom with an interactive walk-through adventure land including everything that you love about Christmas, plus the Bertocchi International Spectacular Christmas Show that will amaze everyone.

For more information on Santa’s Magical Kingdom or to book tickets visit santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

Winner can choose the day and time they would like to attend, subject to availability. Tickets are not transferable and must be used for the December 2019 event. Family pass is four tickets – 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children.

DAY 3 – Tuesday 3 December – WAHU Summer Fun Goodies x 2

Two lucky people will each WIN a Wahu prize pack containing 1 x Wahu Memory Dive, 1 x Wahu U Sink ‘n’ Score, 1 x Wahu Skim ‘n’ Hoop and 1 x Wahu Surfer Dudes. Total prize value: $349.92.

Hit the pool, the beach or the park with Wahu’s brilliant inflatable toys and games for kids. For more information and to see the full Wahu range visit wahu.com.au

DAY 4 – Wednesday 4 December – SUGAR REPUBLIC Double Pass

One lucky person will WIN a double pass to Christmasland at Sugar Republic. Total prize value $76.60.

Rejoice, Christmas-lovers, for Melbourne’s jolliest pop-up is here to bring you all the seasonal cheer! Come and re-live your childhood in our immersive festive spaces. It’s jolly good fun for all the family.

For more information on Christmasland at Sugar Republic or to book tickets visit sugarrepublic.com.au

Winner can choose the day and time they would like to attend, subject to availability. Tickets are not transferable and must be used for the Christmasland 2019 event. Double pass is two tickets – 2 adults OR 1 adult + 1 child.

DAY 5 – Thursday 5 December – VTECH Goodies

One lucky person will WIN a VTECH prize pack containing 1 x Toot-Toot Drivers Train Set, 1 x Toot-Toot Drivers Track Set, 2 x Toot-Toot Drivers Vehicles, 1 x ZoomiZooz Alligator, 1 x ZoomiZooz Animal Train, 1 x ZoomiZooz Characters (3-pack). Total prize value: $177.65.

To view the complete VTech range of learning and educational toys visit vtech.com.au

DAY 6 – Friday 6 December – LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTRE Christmas Bricktacular Family Pass

One lucky person will WIN a Family Pass to Christmas Bricktacular at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Total prize value: $130.

Experience the magic of the festive season with a LEGO® twist at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre with Christmas Bricktacular running every day from 1-24 December. Kids can write a letter to Santa Claus and post it in the LEGO mailbox. One of Santa’s elves – also known as LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s Master Builder – will grant five guests’ LEGO-related Christmas wishes! Families can also take a photo with the 1.9m tall LEGO Christmas tree, build a LEGO penguin in the Creative Workshop, make their own Christmas tree badges (weekends only) and enjoy festive cookies and cupcakes from the café!

For more information on Christmas Bricktacular at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre or to book tickets visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre.com.au

Winner can choose the day and time they would like to attend, subject to availability. Tickets are not transferable and must be used for the December 2019 event. Family pass is four tickets – 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children.

DAY 7 – Saturday 7 December – SNUGGLEBUM Pjs

One lucky person will WIN three pairs of kids Snugglebum Christmas pjs. Choose from various designs in sizes newborn to 16 years! Total prize value: $158.65 (max.)

Snugglebum also have matching jammies for mums and dads so everyone can be twining on Christmas morning!

To view the complete Snugglebum range visit www.snugglebum.com.au.

Terms & Conditions: Winner can choose any three items from Snugglebum’s Christmas collection only. Not transferable.

DAY 8 – Sunday 8 December – ARTVO Family Pass x 2

Two lucky people will each WIN a Family Pass to ArtVo Melbourne. Total prize value: $156.

ArtVo is Australia’s first immersive, ‘trick-art’ gallery! Priceless photos. Unbelievable scenarios. Explore the interactive gallery over 11 themed zones, touch the art and have fun!

For more information on ArtVo Melbourne or to book tickets visit artvo.com.au

Terms & Conditions: Winner can choose the day and time they would like to attend, subject to availability. Tickets are not transferable. Family pass is four tickets – 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children.

DAY 9 – Monday 9 December – HOOPLA bag

One lucky person will WIN a mustard coloured Hoopla mini bag. Total prize value: $89

Add some colour to your wardrobe with a gorgeous leather handbag from Hoopla. Sleek, classic designs and fun colours to match your personality.

For more information or to shop the gorgeous Hoopla range visit hooplatotebags.com

DAY 10 – Tuesday 10 December – LEGENDS IN CONCERT Double Pass

One lucky person will WIN a double pass to Legends in Concert at The Palms at Crown Melbourne.

Legends in Concert is one of the longest running and most popular shows in Las Vegas, and this January, the show is returning to Melbourne by popular demand for a fourth season with tribute artists Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Johnny Cash, Village People, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross and Lady Gaga.

This high energy internationally acclaimed production takes audiences on an electrifying journey through the songbooks of these legendary singers accompanied by a live band and with talented singers, dancers, lavish multimedia theatrical sets and authentic costumes.

For more information on Legends in Concert or to book tickets visit crownmelbourne.com.au/entertainment/concerts

Terms & Conditions: Tickets are for 7.30pm performance on Thursday, 9 January 2020. Tickets are not transferable. Double pass is two tickets.

DAY 11 – Wednesday 11 December – THE CUPCAKE QUEENS $150 Voucher

One lucky person will WIN a $150 voucher from my favourite cake shop The Cupcake Queens. Total prize value: $150.

Use your voucher to purchase delicious treats from The Cupcake Queens Christmas range or order some cupcakes or a cake for your next special occasion.

The Cupcake Queens are a family owned and operated business, and since launching in 2005 in Williamstown, they have expanded to 10 locations across Melbourne. To find your nearest location or to view their range visit thecupcakequeens.com.au.

Terms & Conditions: Voucher is valid until 30 June 2020 and can be used at any The Cupcake Queens location. Check website for Christmas order cutoff dates.

DAY 12 – Thursday 12 December – LUNA PARK Family Pass

One lucky person will WIN entry and unlimited rides Family Pass to Luna Park Melbourne. Total prize value: $155.

Let the good times roll with new sights and heights this Summer at Luna Park. Gather the family and head to Luna Park for a trip up, up, up high into the sky that’ll have you screaming with delight all the way!
Check out the brand new SUPERNOVA – a giant swing tower that takes passengers for a super high and fast 360° spin 32 metres into the sky!

For more information on what’s happening this Summer at Luna Park or to book tickets visit lunapark.com.au

Terms & Conditions: Winner can choose the day and time they would like to attend, subject to availability (21 December 2019 – 2 February 2020). Tickets are not transferable. Family pass is four tickets – 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children.

Giveaway Terms & Conditions

  1. Enter via @melbournemamma Instagram page.
  2. The more times you enter, the more chances you have of winning.
  3. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner(s) of the Instagram pages and not to Instagram.
  4. Each giveaway will run for 24 hours from 8.00pm until 8.00 pm the following day (Melbourne time) from Sunday 1 December until Friday, 13 December 2019.
  5. Giveaway is open to Australian residents aged 18+ only. Void where prohibited by law.
  6. Winners will be chosen at random, and announced at the end of each day on Instagram.

Please note: I cannot guarantee delivery of product prizes by Christmas but we will do our best to get them to you in time.

GOOD LUCK!