Blue Frog Breakfast: Starting the Day on the Right Foot For Littlies

MEET KELLY GIBNEY

What is your food philosophy?
I’m all about wholesome real food. I make most things from scratch and love to focus on fresh produce and eating nutrient dense food. Ultimately though, it must be delicious and make me happy. I hate it when food is attached to guilt or too many rules. As mother, I think it’s my responsibility to lead by example, with a healthy attitude around food and cooking.

What appealed to you about working with Blue Frog Breakfast?
There are a couple of reasons. I always enjoy working with artisan brands because I have direct contact with the people who create the product. Scotty has an infectious enthusiasm and a commitment to beautiful ingredients that really appeals to me. Secondly, it all tastes freaking amazing. Our little family loves the cereals and they feature on our breakfast table (and at snack time) constantly.

We’ve noticed that your daughter Bonnie is quite taken with your food styling and prep and has even tried her hand at some styling of her own. What do you think has captured her imagination?
She really loves trying her hand at styling. She’ll step in while I’m working and try and throw some glitter, flowers or a crystal into the mix. The idea of creating little scenes seems to have really captured her imagination and I’ll often find her grouping together her treasures on one of my photography tiles. It’s gorgeous and such a sweet way for her to communicate an idea or represent herself. Like a little self-portrait.

How would you describe your parenting style?
I’m a bit of a mix I think. I’m quite strict about some things like manners. I do like a bit of routine and for Bonnie to take ownership of certain responsibilities but we also leave her lots of room to express herself and form her own opinions. She very independent and will rebel if not given space to make some decisions for herself. It’s important to me that she feel that her home is a safe, warm, adoring space. I’m totally besotted with my daughter and we’re a very demonstrative family. I shower her in cuddles and you’ll often hear ‘I love you’ being yelled across the house by any one of us to another.

What’s your best work-family-life balance advice?
In the past I’ve been pretty bad with work-life balance. This year though, we’ve really prioritised family. I turn down work if it will be too much on top of my current workload and turn me into a crazy-stressed-out gal. Thankfully, a lot of the businesses I deal with are run by parents and they understand that. I am ambitious but also want to lead a life where I’m truly happy every day. With Bonnie starting school soon I’ve very aware that time is precious.

Your first cookbook is due out later this month – tell us a bit about this?
I’m incredibly excited to be able to share my cookbook with everyone. The book is called ‘Wholehearted’ and it’s absolutely my heart on a page. It’s full of simple and delicious recipes. All good, wholesome, family-friendly stuff. Bonnie was around for all of the testing and lots of the photographing. She definitely considers this her book too!

Blue Frog’s new Banana Choc Crunch, Mixed Berry Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch cereals are available in most supermarkets, online and at Farro (RRP $9.95).  All are vegan and contain no dairy, refined sugar or sulphites. They certainly get the Natural Parenting tick of approval.

You can find out more about Blue Frog Breakfast at www.bluefrogbreakfast.co.nz and on Facebook and Instagram

WIN

Kelly Gibney‘s new cookbook “Wholehearted” launches in March and to celebrate both the launch of this and Blue Frog Breakfast‘s new range of children’s cereals, The Natural Parent Magazine is giving away a hamper which includes Kelly’s new book and the full range of Blue Frog children’s cereals. Valued at $80.

To enter into the draw, let us know in the comments below which cereal your kiddies would find the tastiest! Must have a NZ address. Winner drawn Friday 31 March!