Busy Parents L i m e r i c k
issue 2 July-September 2015
• •
breastfeeding support the power of avocado
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the Hunt Museum activities raising a pre-teen survival kit
E FR
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Busy Parents L i m e r i c k
www.busyparents.ie 087 444 0414 info@busyparents.ie Facebook “Busy Parents Limerick” www.twitter.com/BusyParentsLK www.pinterest.com/busyparents
Editor’s Note I want to say a BIG thank you to all those who supported the first issue of Busy Parents magazine. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to get the first issue “off the ground”. Thanks to the readers, the many shops and venues who kindly displayed our FREE magazine for all the Busy Parents. In this issue (our second), you will find more tips, services, products, articles and personal experiences that we hope you enjoy. Our next issue is due out in early October, so please tell a friend about us. As always, we would like to hear from you – good or bad. Feedback is always welcome. Email us your stories, experiences, questions at info@busyparents.ie.
The Team Diana Daly Publisher and Editor Alina O’Shaughnessy Graphic Designer and Copywriter Miriam Garcia Mortell: Social Media Editor Cover image taken by Eva Birdthistle.
Advertise with Us Let Limerick’s parents know about you and your product/services by advertising in ‘Busy Parents’. Also if you have an interesting article you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Contact us on 087 444 0414 or info@busyparents.ie for details. 2
A Letter to Readers In March 2014, I became a mother. It was like a new world. To learn so many new things, between feeding and nappy changing, it’s very easy to get caught up and forget about the rest of the world. I was very lucky to meet a fantastic group of mummies in a baby room in a shopping centre. They directed me to breastfeeding groups as well as various other support groups for mothers.
The biggest thing I learned was how
close, supportive and powerful the motherhood network is. This opened a door and I found out there is so much for you and your new baby to do. You don’t have to be on your own. And the biggest thing I learned was how close, supportive and powerful the motherhood network is. Without even blinking parents stand by each other, will share their experiences, and advice if needed. I also discovered that social media is a powerful tool for connecting parents. However, there are some parents who choose to minimise their usage of social media, making it more difficult for them to access information about possible activities for babies, kids and the whole family. As a result, you find out about these activities way later and think “I wish I knew about that earlier...”. ‘Busy Parents’ magazine wants to connect parents with services, products, and events that they need, along with useful tips and helpful articles. We want to reach families who choose the paper option as well as families who use the Internet and social media. So, let everyone know about us, be supportive, ask a question, share your experiences... Diana Daly Editor, ‘Busy Parents’ Magazine
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Annie’s
Book Club
A reader myself I’ve been lucky to pass on the love of reading to my boys. I am also an an independent Usborne Organiser and I love what I do every day! I love providing parents with the perfect books for their kids. At AnniesBookClub we cater for babies to young adults with very competitive prices ranging from cloth books for babies to young adult fiction. If you are interested in having an Usborne party or event, you can enjoy additional benefits such as free delivery, exclusive special offers, discounts and even free books. Please browse through the online catalogue at on our Facebook page and let me know what I can order for you! Annette Gayson annette.gayson@gmail.com | 087-7757470 www.facebook.com/AnniesBookClubIreland 4
What Is
I
a Breastfeeding Group?
was a hot mess heading out the door. Baby was crying, I was running late, my hair was scraped back into a ponytail to hide the dirt and I had milk on my top. Enter one stressed mama in the door of her local Cuidiú breastfeeding group. It was daunting heading out to a group where I knew no one – would they be a bunch of hippies sitting around with their boobs out? Would I feel pressured to breastfeed until my son went to school? Would they think I was foolish for coming along if I wasn’t necessarily having any problems? The truth is I hadn’t left the house in weeks and thought this would be a good place to start. So what did I find? A bunch of lovely girls having a chat, playing with their babies, some feeding newborns, some feeding older children and some with no babies but just there to check in with old friends. There was no ‘running late’ as people just dropped in and out depending on how their day was going. There was no sideways glances or tutting over stained clothes, everyone was relaxed, comfortable and came as they were. There are breastfeeding counsellors at each meeting – these are girls who have undertaken specific training in all aspects of breastfeeding and are there to help you reach your breastfeeding goals, whether that be 6 weeks, 6 months or longer. These are the people who can sort through the myths, such as ‘babies should be fed on schedule’/ ‘breastmilk is devoid of nutrition after one year’ / ‘pumping shows you how much milk you have’ and other such nonsense. Although I didn’t realise it at the time I can now see that the best thing about attending the group was how normal everything was. I gained a lot of confidence as a new mother by watching and chatting with other
breastfeeding mothers and this has been key to a successful breastfeeding relationship with my son. In a society where breastfeeding isn’t always the norm it can be so hard to recognise normal newborn behaviour like frequent feeding, frequent waking and wanting to be held all the time. As new mums we are tired, vulnerable and often doubt ourselves or our ability to feed our babies. Taking some time to sit down with fellow mums and have a cup of tea and a chat is incredibly therapeutic and uplifting. Attending the group was my first introduction to Cuidiú, a fantastic organisation, supporting all parents, regardless of feeding method and at different ages and stages. It aims to support parents in their role in order to help make parenthood the joy it should be. Fast forward 15 months and as I continue to feed my son I need that support more than ever. Despite the WHO and the HSE recommending feeding to 2 years and beyond, it is highly unusual in Ireland. Sometimes all you need is to be sitting in a room with a group of mums all going through the same thing you are. The tea and cake is just an added bonus. By Emily Leahy, Cuidiú Limerick
Cuidiú breastfeeding group is held on the first Friday of every month at the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick and at various locations around the county and East Clare during the month. For more information please find us on Facebook/CuidiuLimerick or call MaryAnne Daly 087 7749 223, Meabh de Cleir 085 7357 238 or Jackie Van Veen 087 1227 353 for more information and breastfeeding support. 5
From tiny babies to active pre-schoolers
The Parent & Baby Centre has something for you! Now based in Delta Sports Dome, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, Wendy Condell of The Parent & Baby Centre has been teaching both group classes and private 1-1’s to local families for over eight years. Running relaxed, fun and sociable classes 5 days a week including Saturdays, there is sure to be something to suit mums, dads and their little ones. Contact Wendy on 087 9206 760, limerickbabyclasses@gmail.com or Limerick Parent & Baby Centre on Facebook for further details or to book your place. Gift vouchers also available. Baby Massage is suitable for parents with babies aged between one month and pre-crawling stage. It runs once a week over five weeks and is a wonderful way to bond and have fun with your baby while learning lots of useful skills to help with any issues that may crop up, such as tummy troubles, nasal and chest congestion, relaxation and sleep issues, teething problems etc. The class setting is very relaxed and sociable, finishing with tea/coffee and chat amongst parents so you can give and receive support from those in similar circumstances to yourself. Wendy is registered with all of the major health insurers so many parents can claim back up to ₏100 of the cost of the course, which is a welcome bonus! Baby Yoga is a fun and interactive class for parents with babies from three months to active crawling stage. It provides movement and activity for both the parent and the baby and includes songs and rhymes to increase the fun element for you both. We challenge both of you further each week so that you can see and feel the progress and benefits as the weeks go by and we finish each class with relaxation by glitter-ball light before having tea/coffee and chat to finish up. The course runs once a week over six weeks throughout the year. Family Fun is a weekly play class for parents and children up to pre-school age and includes songs and rhymes, free play time with lots of soft play activities, age appropriate toys, etc., and refreshments for parents. It is a wonderful way to provide a safe, fun environment for your child to play and socialise with you and near you, while they learn new skills from their peers. This class is run on a drop-in basis with places confirmed by text that morning. Fun to Move is an hour long active play class for parents and children on the go, up to preschool age. It includes action songs, obstacle courses, parachute games, dancing and lots of fun and ends with a wind-down under the stars. A great way for you and your child to have fun and burn off some steam together! This class can be booked on a week-by-week basis or a discount is available when booking four classes and also for siblings coming together. For further information, please contact Wendy on 087 9206 760. Answer the following question and present this coupon at the Parent and Baby Centre to receive 10% off baby massage classes. Q: Who was the American woman who founded the International Association of Infant Massage? A:
SUMMERTIME AT THE HUNT MUSEUM The Hunt Museum is one of Limerick’s best family attractions providing many activities, and along with the Kids Arts and Crafts club, it’s an ideal way to spend time with the family. Why not learn something new through a guided tour and go check out the Dekadrachm of Syracuse, which is one of the so-called thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ? Now, that is something to see.
Rain or shine, The Hunt Museum Summer Camp is jam-packed full of fun for all ages! JULY/AUG | Monday – Friday Every summer, children between the ages of 5 and 12 come to our award winning camps to make new friends, learn new art techniques and explore their heritage in a fun and interactive way. There are six sessions this summer. Booking available online.
Get Hands On! JULY/AUG | Monday – Friday | 11am – 1pm and 2–4pm This summer the Hunt Museum will be opening up its cases for visitors to Get Hands On and encounter objects from the collection. These family friendly sessions will give you the opportunity to handle objects for yourself and discover more about wonderful and fascinating artefacts in the museum’s collection. Free with admission.
Heritage Week AUG 2nd – AUG 30th This Heritage week is the 20th anniversary of the event and we have an extra special line up of family friendly activities on offer: Saturday art workshop, a circus storytelling session and an Animal Hunt tour. For more information see the Heritage Week website. The Hunt Museum The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick | t. 061 312 833 | info@huntmuseum.com
Summer Swim Camp
For kids from 3 years up. Different levels available.
Each day of Camp (Mon to Fri) runs in 45 min classes. Cost is €50 per child for the week. Max of 5 children per class. For dates, times and details go to www.swimlessons.ie
September classes
Weekly Children Swim Classes will resume week beginning 31 Aug.
Applications now being taken. Readers of Busy Parents magazine can avail of 5% discount offer for these classes. Promo code SeptBPDSA. Offer expires 31 Aug. Contact us on 087 6254 303 or email info@swimlessons.ie. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DianasSwimAcademy
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r My 1st Yea as a Pare nt:
Mummies’ view
1. How did you imagine the 1st year as a Parent before your baby was born? Marzena Tarnowska (mam to 19 month old Susanna): I was thinking everything would be predictable – my baby would be sleeping and eating regularly, at set times. I was even thinking that my life wouldn’t change dramatically, that I would be doing the same things just with one addition – the company of my little baby ;-). Deirdre Devers (mam to 7 month old Donncha): Not being from Limerick I worried that I would be really lonely on maternity leave. My colleagues warned me that I wouldn’t have time to be lonely! Helen Basini (mam to 9 month old Dante): I thought I’d be a bit lonely and isolated as I live in the country in Co. Limerick…
2. How was it in reality?
Marzena & Susanna
Marzena: Completely different. In our first year nothing was predictable except for me spending hours/ days/weeks sitting on the sofa and feeding my baby. If someone told me before I got pregnant that this is how my life was going to look like, I wouldn’t be too delighted. But, it has been 19 months of my life! Deirdre: I threw myself into mother & baby groups when my baby was very small. I met a great bunch of mothers who really supported me. It helped that we had similar views on parenting. Then as my baby got older, and I got busier with him, I already had an established support network. Helen : It was hard at the start. Constant worry when breastfeeding whether the baby was getting enough. I went from very early on to the breastfeeding support group run by Cuidiú in the maternity hospital on the last Friday of each month and in Raheen church every Wed which were a lifeline in those early weeks… Once he got bigger I was really surprised how much fun he is. I could never understand before how to ‘play’ with a small baby and would have been bored in an instant. Now all I want to do is play with my son and that turnaround has really surprised me.
Deirdre & Donncha
3. The best advice you were given about as a parent? Orla Kennedy O’Brien (mam to 8.5 month old Danny): Take every day as it comes! This took the pressure off of trying to get other things done or trying stick to schedule. He found his own routine. Eventually! Ellen Tuffy (mam to 8 month old Annie): Buy a sling and wear your baby. Keep them close and comfort them. Pati Simring (mam to 14 month old Sophie): Potato flour for any skin rash, it works better than anything!
4. What is the worst advice you were given as a parent? Marzena: To let the baby cry out! Apparently it was supposed to “exercise their lungs”. I still cant believe some parents take this kind of advice seriously! Helen : Everything would get much easier after 6 weeks! There seems to be a magic 6 week turning point rolled out by baby experts. You certainly start getting more of a handle on things and the baby starts to be more responsive, but for me the shift in finding things starting to settle and become more manageable was about 3 months 8
Helen & Dante
or so. From this point on I really started to relax and enjoy my son. We began attending lots more activities, baby yoga, swimming, kinder gym...
5. What is the funniest thing you have done or happen to you as a parent, that you will publicly admit? Ellen: After breastfeeding I forgot to secure my boobs away. Walked around with them hanging out for a while. No one said it to me – maybe they didn’t notice! Pati: I let my baby walk without the nappy and she started dropping poo poos everywhere! Ha ha! Orla & Danny Miriam Garcia Mortell (mam to 9 month old Farah): I think the funniest thing was the night of my baby’s birth. Visitors had left the hospital and myself and my partner were alone with our new baby. He was holding her on his lap when she did the biggest poop! It came out so loud and fast we cold almost see her lifting up in the air. We giggled like school kids uncontrollably. Marzena: It didn’t happen to me, but to my husband – he used toothpaste instead of nappy cream while changing my little one! Thankfully it was a baby toothpaste, very gentle one and didn’t do any damage.
6. What is your biggest expense for your child so far (moneywise)? Orla: Childcare! Even though we have a live-in Au Pair there’s increased costs of electricity, heat, food, light – that is on top of her weekly wage. Ellen: Baby furniture/devices – high chairs, buggies, car seats, cots, etc! Miriam: I’ve developed a bit of a wrap habit – lets leave it at that!
Ellen & Annie
7. What is the one thing you couldn’t live without as a parent? Miriam: My boobs! Breastfeeding is about so much more than feeding. There isn’t much a boob can’t fix, be it hunger, tiredness or pain! Deirdre: Apart from the basics, car seat, buggy ,etc., I absolutely couldn’t live without my sling! We use it almost every day. I haven’t quite gotten rid of the buggy yet but I definitely reach for the sling more often. Ellen: My baby! Apart from that I think gro-bags for sleeping are a must have. Much safer and cosier than blankets.
Pati & Sophie
8. As you are now a parent, what is the best bit of advice you would give to future parents? Pati: Explore your own way of doing things. Deirdre: Trust your instincts! Even when your baby is first born and you feel like you don’t know anything. Listen to advice, consider it and then decide what works best for you and your family. It’s ok to do things differently from your mother, sister, friend, etc., as long as you are happy with your parenting decisions. Ellen: Throw away all the books and trust your instinct! Orla: Listen to your gut, as YOU know your baby best! Marzena: Enjoy every moment. Everything passes – even the difficult days. Helen : Find a witty retort for the questions you will be asked over and over again! Oh, and enjoy every precious moment.
Miriam & Farah
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al v i v Sur Kit
for
raising a Pre-Teen: a Daddy’s POV
About two years ago, I woke up to find something odd had happened. My sweet, well behaved little girl had turned into a strange, tall, ten and a half year old mini-adult, who wanted to buy her own clothes, choose her own lunches, and who rolled her eyes at my terrible Dad Jokes. She wasn’t quite slamming doors or crying over boys yet, but she had definitely become the dreaded Pre-Teen. Here for you now, are my top tips for getting through life as the Dad of a tween. 1. Everything is New! You may think you’ve done it all in life; but, for your pre-teen, everything new is a revelation. And if don’t treat it like one too, there’ll be all manner of foot-stamping and grumpiness. Tweens are a little sensitive, and absolute worst thing for them is be made to feel like they’re silly. So, when they come home from school with some crazy fact about the Pyramids or the Great Wall of China, don’t go ‘Pah! Did you not know that?’. Go ‘That’s amazing! Tell me more!’ 2. Friends are My Life! Kids change friends as often as they change their underwear. Which isn’t really that often, but still. Pre-Teen friendships are a whole new ball game; every day is like a mini soap opera. Listen to their tales of who hates whom, who fancies whom, or who punched whom in the face, with all the rapt attention you usually save for an Ireland Grand Slam decider. Treat every new ‘Best Friend’ the same as the last one (a week ago), and be ready with a hug whenever they come out of school in tears. Just wait until none of their friends can see, or they’ll be mortified.
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3. I Have My Own Style! The days when you could go to Penney’s and pick up a sackful of pink or blue things are gone. Your pre-teen is literally the Donatella Versace of the playground now, and you’re welcome to escort her on shopping trips, as long as your role
involves ‘paying for stuff ’ and ‘being quiet’. You may think your 1996-style khaki cargo pants and Ralph Lauren Polo top make you the height of fashion, and you may think you’ve ‘still got it’. You’re wrong on both counts. Compliment her on her unique style, and try not to dry heave when the woman in New Look tells you the damage. You didn’t really want that season ticket anyway. Never mind. 4. Bodies are Natural and Normal! It’s probably still too early for The Talk, but it’s still a time of changes. Your pre-teen isn’t interested in the gory details; she’s too busy playing Minecraft or tangled up in loom bands. So, just be there to answer any questions they might have, make sure you don’t make them feel like there’s anything strange or weird or dirty about their own bodies, and have a taxi waiting to take you to the pub. You deserve a pint after all that. 5. Take an Interest! Lastly, just be there when you can, as much as you can. Whether your child is into sports, or drama, or music, or whatever it is, they will be into something, and that thing is The Most Important Thing in the World. So make sure you go to that game, that concert, or that play. Or just notice what it is they’re spending every minute of their spare time on, and make sure they know you think it’s cool. Even if they think you’re the uncoolest man on the planet, for still saying ‘Cool’. Barry is a freelance writer and novelist, who divides his time between Limerick and London. He is the proud father of a 12 year old girl who would also like to be a writer.
How to photograph your children this summer It is wonderful looking back on your summer holiday photos, remembering the wonderful time with your family. But how many of your pictures are out of focus, too dark or even too bright? Follow these simple steps for better quality images this summer: 1. Photograph in the shade, away from direct sunlight. As much as we love the sun it can create harsh high lights and shadows. 2. If there is no shade then place your subject with their back to the sun. 3. Photograph your children doing something they love, playing on a blanket, blowing bubbles or cycling their bike. That way they won’t get bored posing for the camera and your images will be natural. 4. Get down to their level, yes, that means lying on your tummy and don’t be afraid to get up close either. 5. Make sure there aren’t any distracting elements behind your child or try and find a neutral background. by Eva Birdthistle
Lifesaving skills for all ages Did you know that once an infant, child or adult stops breathing the brain will only survive for 3-5 minutes without oxygen hence brain damage occurs and after 7-10 minutes the brain cells are dead? Along with the arrival of a new baby comes all the new equipment like monitors, but these are useless to you if you don’t know what to do when a baby stops breathing. At Safe Aid Training our aim is to equip parents and caregivers with valuable techniques and information for dealing with a first aid situation that may arise when caring for children. The course is designed to take place at your home at a time that is convenient for you, whether it is weekends or evenings and we encourage all who may be responsible for your child on a regular basis to take part. Public courses also run regularly and babies are welcome. Marion is very qualified, professional and open and delivers the classes in a relaxed atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable. Marion recounted many practical examples of injury and accidents and whilst serious, she manages to communicate the critical points in a friendly style. The practical components help to get a feel for the CPR technique. Marion also gave lots of hints and tips on dealing with minor medical incidents, along with advice on support and facilities available in the local area. This course should be mandatory!!!!
“
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Sinéad (mother of 15 month old girl)
Get €5 discount with this coupon.
For information or to book contact Marion on 087 6735 565 on email info@safeaid.ie
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It’s
all
about
the
Avocado!
There are so many exotic fruits in the markets and shopping centres now, I don’t even know what some of them are, not to mind cooking or eating them! These days though, the avocado is becoming a more popular fruit (they’re the ones that look like a large pearshape, having green to blackish skin, and they have a single large seed in the middle with a soft, light-green pulp surrounding the seed). The first time I tried avocado a year ago, I thought it was unusual and had a horrible taste. (Note to self: won’t be eating these again!) But everybody around me was telling me, especially my Mammy friends, how good these avocados are. With my son turning the big 6 months and starting his solid food, I went and did some research on this “awesome” fruit, as us parents always want the best for our little ones. So, I started to give him these avocados and during the feeding times I started to taste it more – as you do – and started to like them. I even surprised myself! Apparently, to get used to the new taste it can take up to 15-22 tries of a particular food. (It only took me one try with chocolate though!) Where did these avocados come from? Well, they came to Europe when the Spanish found them in America at the beginning of the 16th century! Gracias, amigos! But they have only become popular in the last few decades with rest of us. The Spanish have been hiding them!! Enough about them Spaniards, lets talk about the Avocado.
So, what is avocado good for? • It is incredibly nutritious and loaded with fibre • Their fat can help absorb nutrients from plant foods (including vitamins A, D, E and K) • Boosts heart health and promotes weight loss • Avocados are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyesight • Avocado extract may help relieve symptoms of arthritis • Reduces risk of certain cancers and lowers cholesterol • Good for skin • They’re baby friendly
How to know when they’re ready ...and how to prepare it for eating?
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How to cook and eat?
• Spread avocado on toast in the morning instead of butter • Use avocado instead of mayonnaise in chicken or egg salad, or as a spread on a sandwich • The soft, creamy texture of an avocado and its mild taste make it a perfect first food for babies. A Little Tip: Avocados can be ripened in a brown paper bag.
Baked Avocado and Egg Island Ingredients (serves 2) • 1 avocado • 2 eggs • Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Preheat oven. 2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. 3. Scrape out the some of the flesh of each half so that you have room for an egg. 4. Place on a baking sheet or muffin tin. 5. Crack an egg into the centre of each avocado, season with salt and pepper. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until eggs are set.
Easy Guacamole Ingredients (makes about 2 cups) • 3 ripe avocados • 1 lime • 1-2 cloves of garlic, finely grated or minced • A large pinch of salt Optional: • Chopped tomatoes • Cilantro • Finely crumbed cooked bacon • Finely minced chillies • Finely minced chipotle peppers • Chopped onion • A few drops of liquid smoke Instructions 1. To cut avocados: run the knife around the avocado (from top to bottom) and twist in half. Pull out and discard the pit. Using a spoon or your thumb, remove the flesh and place into a medium sized bowl. 2. Cut the lime in half and squeeze both halves into the bowl with the avocado, being careful not to get any seeds. Add the garlic, salt and any/all or none of the optional ingredients. Using a fork, gently mash each avocado half a few times then stir all ingredients together. Notes: Guacamole is best made and eaten right away. If you must store it, make sure that you cover it with plastic wrap directly against the guacamole. Press the plastic wrap into it with your fingers to prevent and air getting to it and causing it to go brown.
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yummy recipes * Bolo de Cenoura (Carrot cake) from Brazil
Ingredients FOR THE CAKE • 120ml of vegetable oil • 3 medium carrots, grated • 4 eggs • 400g sugar • 500g plain flour • 1 tbsp baking powder Ingredients FOR THE ICING • 1 tbsp butter • 3 tbsp chocolate powder • 1 tin condensed milk
Method 1. Blend the carrots, oil and eggs then put in the sugar and blend again. 2. Place the mixture in a separate bowl and mix in the flour with a wooden spoon. Add baking powder and mix. 3. Place mixture in an oiled bread/ cake tin in a pre-heated oven (180 degrees) for 40 minutes. 4. When the cake is ready, let it cool down before taking it out of the tin. Icing Combine all icing ingredients in a saucepan, and mix over medium to low heat with a wooden spoon. Keep mixing it on a medium to low heat until it boils. Take off the heat and cover the entire cake with it. If you have chocolate sprinkles, you may sprinkle them over the icing.
Mutabbal (Aubergine Dip) from Egypt
Ingredients • 2 globe aubergines • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp tahini • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tsp ground cumin • Juice of one lemon • Salt and cayenne pepper to taste • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Method 1. Preheat grill. Poke the aubergines in a few places with a fork, then rub the aubergines with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Grill over high heat, turning as each side blackens. Put the charred aubergines in a paper bag, close the bag and let the aubergines steam in their skins for 15-20 minutes. 2. Scoop the aubergine flesh into a large bowl and mash well with a fork. Combine the aubergine, minced garlic, remaining olive oil (about 2 tbsp), tahini, cumin, 2 tbsp of the lemon juice, the salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Mash well. You want the mixture to be somewhat smooth but still retaining some of the aubergine’s texture. 3. Allow the mutabbal to cool to room temperature, then season to taste with additional lemon juice, salt, and cayenne. Swirl a little olive oil on the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. 4. Serve with pita bread, crackers, toast, sliced baguette, celery, or cucumber slices.
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* Recipes courtesy of Doras Luimí from their recipe book ‘Around the World in Limerick’ featuring recipes contributed by asylum seekers, refugees and migrants living in Limerick. Doras Luimní is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation working to support and promote the rights of all migrants living in Limerick and the wider Mid-West region. See http://dorasluimni.org/ for more info.
Events in and around Limerick Family Fun Day in Support of the Deaf Community Centre Saturday 18 July, 11am - 4pm Cappamore Agricultural Show Saturday 15 August, 10am - 6pm | Portnard, Cappamore, Co. Limerick Sarsfields Day Festival Friday 21 - Sunday 23 August | Limerick City Riverfront Sarsfields Day Festival Weekend honours Patrick Sarsfield and the heroic defenders of the walled city of Limerick in 1690. Limerick Show Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 August | Limerick Racecourse, Greenmount Park, Patrickswell Elemental Arts and Culture Festival Friday 11 - Sunday 13 September | Various locations
Useful numbers • Aware (depression support) – Lo Call 1890 303 302 • Adapt (24 hour refuge and support services for women survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Services include 24 hour helpline and one-to-one and group support) – 061 412 354 • Attention Deficit Disorder Mid West Support Group, Limerick – 061 312 621 • Barnardos Limerick (helping families with bereavement, separation and more) – 061 493 588 / 061 328 420 / 061 319 290 • Dochas (provides support to parents and children with autism) – 061 405 923 • Enable Ireland Children’s Services (provides early intervention services to children aged 0 to 6 years through a transdisciplinary play-based model of intervention) – 061 498 161 • Gingerbread (National Association of One Parent Families) – 01 8146 618 • Limerick Parent Support Programme – 061 411 643 • Limerick City Childcare Committee – 061 407 526 • Parentline (confidential helpline for parents) – Lo Call 1890 927 277 • Samaritans, Limerick (provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide) – 061 412 111
Facebook Groups • • • • • •
Support for Parents in & around Limerick Limerick Mammy & Baby Meetups Breastfeeding Mammies in & near Limerick Baby Led Weaning (Starting Solids) in Ireland Babywearing Ireland. Sling addicts – support and advice. Mid-West Miscarriage Support Group
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