I first met Kylie, whilst in hospital having my first child Ryan, which is now nearly 14 years ago!! We met up in the early years through Mother’s group and have known each other ever since. Kylie McIntosh is a successful celebrant in both The Whitsundays and Cairns. Let’s find out, how she balances, work, family and time out.
As a busy Mum, how do you stay on top of housework? Do you have a particular day that you dedicate or do you try and do some each day?
I do surface cleaning everyday. At least one afternoon or evening a week I do my cleaning with some wine, at least a couple of glasses. During this wine clean, I have head phones in, loud music, party vibe and I’m cleaning.
Only on one occasion I missed an entire room, due to too much wine.
How do you manage juggling being a Mum and working your own business?
Whatever I am doing at any given time I am 100% committed to that. If it is one of the kids sports carnivals I will be present. I am very organised. I manage my time with a concise schedule. Blocking out particular times for work, play and family. I have a very detailed calendar. I am strict with maintaining my schedule and very disciplined.
We all struggle with Mother’s guilt, what do you do to over come this?
I allow myself to feel it, as I think that It makes you a better parent. I feel if you don’t feel guilt, how can you better yourself? Some things cannot be avoided so if you can’t change it, accept it and move on. Don’t beat yourself up about it and once you have moved on, try not to relive the same guilt.
Your advice to new Mums expecting their first baby?
Because everyone has an opinion and how they do things is always the best way to them. Select 3 people that you trust, who you know have your best interest at heart – listen to them. You can listen to everyone else, but just take on what makes sense to you.
You also have twins. What would be your advice to a Mum expecting two babies?
If anyone asks you for help – take it, anyone offers – accept it, don’t be too proud. It is better for you and your babies health if you are in a good place.
I always made their schedule at the same time ie: eat, play sleep.
As they grow up don’t compare them. Like all children they are unique and individual.
What is your number one guilty pleasure or indulgence?
Wine
What is something that people don’t generally know about you?
I have my children’s names in their own handwriting in a tattoo on my body.
I know we all try and aim for the perfect work/life balance, how do you keep everything together most days?
Every day I re-prioritise with what we all need including family/loved ones, myself and my business.
Do you have any hobbies?
Swimming and Yoga
What is your favourite book?
I have 3!
The Five Love Languages
Recently “He’ll Be Ok” – Growing gorgeous boys into good men
“The Princess Bitch Face Syndrome” – this a great one for Mum’s with girls
What do you think is the key to a healthy relationship?
Knowing your partners love language.
What made you decide to become a celebrant?
To give you some background, I have a very “modern” family and my husband and I have children to past relationships. I have three children – 13yr old (boy), my girls are 8yrs old and Colin has a daughter and twin 12 yr old boys. Yes, two sets of identical twins! We had the most adorable Bridal Party at our Wedding!
Colin and his children live in Cairns, and we live in the Whitsundays.
Trying to keep this short, lol, I go back and forth to Cairns every other week (mostly). I have my darling children week on week off and this doesn’t change.
I have been heavily involved in the Weddings industry for 20 years and I wanted to do something wedding related as this is my passion.
I also needed a job that I could do in both Cairns and the Whitsundays.
To become a celebrant was very natural and fitting and perfect for our crazy (but wonderful) lifestyle.
What is the most favourite part of your job?
The best thing about being a celebrant is witnessing the beautiful raw emotion of your couples. You see the vulnerability in the strongest of characters.
You see the undeniable nerves followed by beaming euphoria, and I get a front row seat!
How do you not cry at every ceremony?
*laughs* I totally choke up sometimes. How could I not!
What would be your favourite quote?
Again, I have 3.
“If you think if you can, or you think you can’t, you are probably right”.
“Say what you mean, and mean what you say”
“Do and Hope” – Fac et spera (My Matheson clan family motto) My maiden name
Should you wish to learn more or plan your dream wedding with Kylie, head to her website Kylie McIntosh Celebrant.