With an intuitive sense for mindful parenting and a passion for sharing it all with her community, Courtney is known to her 270k followers as an all-round wondermum. Mama of five, co-founder of Babyccino and author of e-courses and eBooks for parents, Courtney Adamo embarked on an around-the-world trip with husband and all five kids in tow before settling into Australia's Byron hinterland. Read on to learn about her favourite moment of motherhood, what's always in her fridge, how she finds balance in a busy life and which Ora product she cannot live without.

How do you start the day?

I love mornings. I usually wake first in our house and I love the quiet of the house before everyone wakes and the chaos begins. I like to head straight into the kitchen to empty the dishwasher, grind the coffee beans, and start making breakfast.

Tell us about your parenting e-courses and how they came to be.

I’ve been blogging and writing in the parenting lifestyle sector for 15 years now. A few years ago, I decided to create my first online course for parents as a way to share information and inspiration, but also to create an intimate and safe space to share and learn as a community. I found that the blogging world was becoming less interactive with fewer people engaging and leaving comments, so I created the e-courses as a way to bring together a community of parents from around the world to share and learn from each other.

You have 5 kids and you seem so put together. What’s your top tip for mums (or dads) who don’t feel like they have the balance to look after themselves?

First, I can assure you I don’t always feel put-together. Seeking balance is something I continually think about and work on. Saying this, I’m a huge believer in looking after yourself and prioritising self care in order to be a better mother, and I really urge parents to take the time for themselves. It doesn’t have to be huge actions of self-care. In fact, in motherhood, it’s often the smaller moments. I suppose my top tip would be to take advantage of regular moments throughout the day and to be more mindful while doing it. Whether it’s the 5 minutes it takes to grind the coffee beans, or the 10 minutes of hanging laundry on the line, or the walk to the bus stop, or the 10 minutes in the car in the school car park. Try to be present in that moment and have awareness of your body and breath and thoughts. Put your phone and other distractions down. Just give yourself that time to be.

What is your most memorable moment of motherhood?

Definitely the year we spent traveling around the world with our children. That entire year is so filled with vivid memories because we were in new places, meeting new people, eating new foods and those experiences stand out so much and really shape  my memories of that year. It was also such a special time as a family, spending every single day together like that. It will forever be the best year of my life.

What in the realm of health do you feel most drawn to these days?

I’m not a huge fitness buff, but I do really try to move my body every day somehow or other. Whether it’s walking my youngest to school, going for a quick run up the street, doing 20 minutes of yoga, or (my favourite) going for a surf. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching before bed, I really just try to move my body each day.

What centres you and brings you back to balance when life becomes a bit much?

Being with my family, preferably in nature. Also, switching off my phone! Sometimes the world can feel heavy with all that is going on, and we are often inundated with bad news that makes us anxious. I try to recenter myself by just focusing on what is the most important, and of course that’s my family.

What’s always in your fridge?

Sourdough starter! I’m a big bread baker, so I’ve always got starter in a jar at the back of my fridge.

What’s your favourite thing to cook? Or what’s your go-to meal?

My husband, Michael, does most of the cooking in our house. We are all super lucky because he’s really good at it! I do the baking though, and my favourite go-to is chocolate brownies. I also make a really yummy sourdough focaccia.

Is routine important to you or do you like to go with the flow?

This is a tricky question because I like both! Haha. When my kids were younger, I think we prioritised routine because we knew it was good for the kids, but as they’ve gotten older, we are more of a go-with-the-flow kind of family.

What is your favourite ritual, if any?

We have lots of family rituals, which I really love: Saturday pancakes, Friday evening movies, pizza nights with friends, etc.

What are your favourite Ora products and why?

I am hooked on Profound Sleep! I swear it really does help me to have a more restful night of sleep. I also love the Organic Greens Superpowder+ — it’s the tastiest of any green drink we’ve ever had. Lately I’ve also been loving the Bright Mind Complex for more clarity when I need to focus or have a day of writing.

What are some of your favourite books?

Oh it’s hard to pick favourite books — I often share genuine reviews of books I read on my Instagram feed. If I had to pick a favourite this year I’d say Betty by Tiffany McDaniel has really stuck with me. I’m excited to see the new film ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ as that was a favourite book I’ve read in the last few years.

What’s growing in your veggie garden right now?

I can’t take any credit for our veggie garden — that is all Michael’s hard work and attention. But we’ve got lettuces, kale and all the herbs. We have heaps of chillies, celery, and loads of pumpkins. We also have bananas growing on three of our trees, and papayas too.

How do you end your day?

I usually hop into bed around 9:30/10ish and read a chapter or two of my book before falling asleep. Often I go to bed before the teenagers, but I love climbing into bed, especially this time of year when it’s so cold and the duvet is so appealing!

What does wellness mean to you?

I suppose there are lots of ways to describe it, but definitely being happy and healthy, being mindful of your needs and the needs of the people and community around you, and being grateful for all you have.