Eleanor Pendleton | Unplugged & Present: How the Ocean Teaches Us to Slow Down with Loved Ones

Meet Eleanor Pendleton – Entrepreneur, mother of Banjo and Rumi, and the creative force behind Gritty Productions. Living on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Eleanor effortlessly blends the relaxed, coastal lifestyle with the challenges and joys of balancing business and motherhood.

We truly enjoyed reading this beautifully written piece and hope it inspires you to embrace unplugged, present moments with your little ones at the beach. We've had the pleasure of watching Eleanor and her family make the most of countless summer beach days, always bringing along our extra-large sand-free towel and bamboo kids’ ponchos to make their seaside adventures just a little easier.

1. How do you make a conscious effort to be "unplugged" during beach days with your loved ones, and what benefits have you noticed?

I make it a rule to leave my phone in my bag or at home when we head to the beach. If I do bring it, it’s strictly for capturing a few special moments, not for scrolling or checking emails. Being truly present means I can soak in the salty air and the laughter and giggles of my children. The biggest benefit? Deeper connection. Without distractions, I can fully engage with my little ones, listen to their stories, be present when we explore rock pools and be part of their world in the most meaningful way.

2. How does witnessing your children’s joy help you discover the beauty in the simple moments as a founder and mother of two?

There’s something so grounding about seeing the world through my children's eyes. My son Banjo [5] and daughter Rumi [2] will get so excited over a tiny seashell or a crashing wave splashing onto their toes—it reminds me that joy is found in the simplest things. As a business founder, it’s so easy to get caught up in responsibilities, but moments like these bring me back to what truly matters and it's one of the reasons why I was so happy to move out of Sydney and up the north coast. My kids teach me to slow down, to appreciate the little details, and to be present in a way that work never could.

3. How does the beach help you find balance and reset, especially after a busy or hectic day? The ocean has this incredible way of putting everything into perspective. We're so lucky that my family lives minutes from the beach. No matter how stressful the day has been, stepping onto the sand instantly shifts my energy. The sound of the waves, the vastness of the horizon—it all reminds me to breathe deeply and let go. Whether it’s a quiet sunrise walk or watching the sunset with my family, the beach is my reset button, helping me return to myself and find clarity.

4. What small rituals or activities at the beach encourage playful moments and create lasting memories with those you care about?

Our beach days are filled with simple but special rituals—building sandcastles, jumping over waves, collecting shells, and even impromptu beach picnics. My son has been learning to surf so I love watching him out on the waves with my husband. I love cheering loudly for him as he rides a wave all the way to the shore – it makes me feel so proud of him. I love how these little traditions, repeated over time, become cherished memories for my children. One of my favourite things is ending the day with a dip in the ocean, followed by wrapping up in a towel, eating fish and hot chips for an early dinner treat and watching the sky change colours together. It’s the kind of magic I hope my kids will always remember.

5. How do you set yourself up for a stress-free beach outing with your little ones, even if things don’t go perfectly?

I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and let go of perfection. Packing light but smart is key—I bring essentials like SPF 50+ sunscreen, fresh-cut fruit, hats, Sand Society hooded towels for the kids, a lightweight towel for me that I can wear like a sarong, and a change of clothes, but I don’t overcomplicate things. One of my best beach day investments has been an oversized mesh backpack from Sande Kids—it’s been a game changer for packing everything we need! I recommend it to everyone. And we never leave for the beach without our Sand Society sand-free extra-large towel. It’s big enough for all of us to relax on and helps us leave with as little sand as possible—especially with little ones in tow.& I also set realistic expectations. Getting my kids to leave the beach can sometimes feel like pulling hens' teeth. They absolutely love showering off afterwards, so I know that getting them out of the shower is going to be at least a 20-minute negotiation before we head home. But honestly, how can I complain when they’re having the time of their lives? It’s such a joy to watch. I truly feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful beach town.

Photography credit: Chris Flaxman / Flax Media House