At Sarah & Bendrix Kids we love creative people. Every time we see our products featured in your homes it brings us a lot of joy. In this new series we have selected some of our customers from around the world, who have impeccable taste and love our simply and traditionally styled toys & children’s products. 

This is Mel, a mother of three adorable children, who to our admiration takes the most beautiful photographs and has a carefully curated Instagram feed. She is confident in her styling and flawless with lighting. We wanted to know her secrets behind such talent, so here she is with a insight for us...

1. Where do you live? How old are your children?

We live in Victoria, Australia. My husband, myself, Ivie: 5, Hudson: 4, and Lulu: 5 months.

2. Do you work? (If not, what are your hobbies?)

I am a stay at home Mum at the moment, but I am just starting to head back to ‘work’ and building a new photography business in the area of product styling & photography of beautiful children’s brands of toys, décor and clothing.

3. How do you relax?

I try to spend some quiet time each day with a hot cup of coffee, and a magazine or a book. And try to ‘switch off’ from the busy and noisy world.

4. Do you have any tips on coping with being tired?

Lots of coffee! On a serious note, trying to eat as healthy as possible with lots of veggies & fruit, and also making the most of the quiet times with my children to just sit and watch them play. Sometimes taking the time to do that, rather than folding a basket of laundry helps to re-energise, but also allows me to just be ‘present’ with my children.

5. What is the last book/magazine you read?

Magazine: Wildling Magazine – Issue 4

Book: The longest ride – by Nicholas Sparks

6. Where do you shop clothes for you and your child?

For me: Country Road, Frankie & Co, Feather & Noise (online).

For my children: Country Road, Seed Heritage, Pure Baby, Milt & Joe (a local store in my town)

7. What is your secret to a good photo of your children?

Just letting them be who they are. If they want to enjoy a moment to jump on the bed, or mess up the sheets, I allow them to.  If they are playing or drawing, I allow them to be in that moment.  Nothing staged or set up.  Just taking the moment in, and capturing what comes from that.

8. Why do you like S&B KIDS?

I love the beautiful crisp clean look of S&B Kids, their original design but with that modern yet old fashioned feel. Toys that take me back to memories of my own childhood, there’s nothing more beautiful than those memories, and having toys that will then help create beautiful memories for my own children.

9. What is your favourite toy/item from our collection?

Oh gosh, do I really just have to pick one? If so, I think it would have to be the wooden pull along bunny.  It reminds me of my own childhood toys. 

For more beautiful images follow Mel on Instagram at @melplambeck

Items Features

1) Stacking Rabbit 

2) Pulling-along Bear In The Car

3) Stacking Cat

4) Pull-along Bunny

5) Woodland Animal Set