From frequent flyer to devoted mum, it's all in the art of balancing for our latest Aje Insider. With time in Germany, New York, Sydney and beyond, home has been found in the vibrant hills of the Ibizan countryside. Knowing it's the simplest things that matter the most, a slower pace and serene surrounds, cherished moments spent with family is what she holds most dear. Photographed at home by Ivana Martyn, meet the one and only model, mum, muse and Therapeutic Chef, Vanessa Breuer.
THE CARINE TOP AND THE DELLAL MIDI SKIRT
THE CARINE TOP
THE EVANGELINE MAXI DRESS
DESCRIBE your journey to where you are TODAY
I fell pregnant with Luca when I was living in America. I was modeling but also went to culinary school in Berkeley, California. Before it was 'too late' we flew to Sydney (my man is Australian) to have our daughter there but after five months we decided to pack up and leave again and travel around the world. I wasn't quite ready to settle down yet, I felt Australia was too far for me at that time. We spent some time in Germany, Morocco, Mexico and then ended up in Ibiza. At first we had one year planned and then a return to Australia, but its been over four years now and we are really attached to our house and the way of life. We are not sure how much longer we will stay, it starts to get a little hard with schools and work and we want to find the best solution for all of us. My husband stays at home with the children, while I travel around the world to work. It’s been a very busy year and I am really thankful for all the opportunities I have had but also very excited for a little break and some time with my family. 2019 will be all about finding the right balance between work and family life.
FAVOURITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN IBIZA
The view from our house...we live on top of a mountain so it is very peaceful. I love having so much space right outside my door, and love living surrounded by nature.
THE CAROLYN TROUSER
THE HUXLEY DRESS
BEST ADDRESSES IN IBIZA
We are working on an eBook about our favourite parts of the island...so stay tuned! But there are many many good spots, depending on what you are after. You can find beaches with no one there, amazing restaurants, good parties, amazing hikes...the island really has everything you need. I always love to go to 'El Chiringuito' a bit of a hotspot/fancy place but it never disappoints.
DESCRIBE WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU
If I am home...I get up with the kids and make breakfast, usually pancakes or eggs, then we get ready for kindergarten. Luca goes five times a week now and Evie twice. They go to different places so we have a fair bit of driving in the morning. Usually my husband does it and I clean the house. We do what we are good at! I try to go for a walk but have been pretty lazy lately. Definitely have to get back into that in the new year! Some days I spend all day at home until the kids come back and then we play and I cook some dinner for them. Other days we go to the beach until dinner time. We usually do everything together as a family in the afternoons, especially when I have been travelling a lot. I just want to spend as much time as possible with the kids and with Oddy.
WHAT YOU'VE LEARNT FROM STUDYING NUTRITION
I find it super interesting and important to know what our body needs and how to eat well. I haven't focused too much on it but I think it has just become natural to me over the last few years to make healthy food choices. Since I studied nutrition and went to culinary school I am definitely not shy with using fats and oils. It is important to use good quality ingredients when cooking and I always read the labels/ingredient list before I buy or eat anything packaged.
THE SYLVIE BLOUSE
THE HUXLEY DRESS
THE CARINE TOP
ADVICE FOR STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GO
I must admit it is really difficult. I have been taking a superfood/green supplement and I feel like that keeps me a bit more balanced/healthy as sometimes it is nearly impossible to have fresh vegetables during my travels.
YOUR SIGNATURE DISH
Lasagne...so simple but it was the first dish I learned to make when I was 14 and I still love making it. I also do a very yummy roasted cauliflower quinoa salad that my kids love.
WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN GROWING UP
First an artist...then a marine biologist.
THE EVANGELINE MAXI DRESS
BETWEEN WORK AND FAMILY, HOW DO YOU FIND A BALANCE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Honestly I haven't found it yet...I am working on it. Some weeks/months work is crazy and others more quiet. I try to be present when I am home and really 'be there'. I try to catch up on sleep as I sleep very badly when I travel and only next to my husband I find enough peace to be able to sleep for 8-10 hours (he gets up with the kids during the night). So yeah, there is no magic formula. You have to do whatever works for your family.
BEST THING YOUR DAUGHTERS HAVE TAUGHT YOU
Unconditional love and patience.
ONE THING YOU'VE LEANT SINCE BECOMING A PARENT
To say 'no' to work and to prioritise my family/private life.
THE CARINE TOP AND THE DELLAL MIDI SKIRT
FAVOURITE FAMILY PASTIME
Being on our local beach and finding 'treasures' (small little glass bits that we find on the pebbled beach), and just being in nature.
MOST PRECIOUS MEMORY
Giving birth to my second child at home in Ibiza.
YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU AS
Hard working, loyal and honest.
THE CARINE TOP AND THE DELLAL MIDI SKIRT
THE SYLVIE BLOUSE
HAPPINESS IS
Being home.
YOUR BEAUTY OBSESSIONS
Facial oils and sheet masks for the plane.
DESCRIBE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE
Comfortable, relaxed, easy (I don't own an iron!)
THE HUXLEY DRESS
BEST WAY TO RECHARGE
Getting a massage treatment from my amazing masseuse/osteopath in Ibiza, sitting in the garden under the olive tree reading a good book.
Word you live by
Patience.
What's coming next
We are working on a guide for Ibiza with children, thinking about starting our own label and wondering if we will stay on the island for a weeeeeee bit longer!
THE CARINE TOP AND THE DELLAL MAXI SKIRT
THE SYVLIE BLOUSE
THE CAROLYN TROUSER
THE CARINE TOP
THE CAROLYN TROUSER
Aje Insider : Vanessa Breuer @VanessaBreuer1
Photographer : Ivana Martyn @IvanaMartyn
Location : Ibiza, Spain
With special thanks to our official partner
