Summer 2018
Spiritual Healing
ZOË FOSTER BLAKE Dynamic & Drama Free
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contents
summer
6
EDITOR’S NOTE
8
EDITOR’S TOP PICKS Some favourite finds to add some luxury to your Summer...from homewares to an indulgent cup of tea!
10
10 BE BOLD. BE BEAUTIFUL Beauty is not just what you feel on the inside, but how you look on the outside. And with some help you will not just look but feel beautiful, and just in time for Summer! 12
GO-TO GIRL ZOË FOSTER BLAKE For an entrepreneurial roller- coaster ride of fun, frivolity, probably fairy floss and a fart joke or two.
18
12
18 MOTHER OF EARTH Climate change champion, mother of four and founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie Isaacs, is an inspiring woman proving that one person is capable of making a difference. 22
22
FUN IN THE SUN Get your family summer ready with the top products to make these holidays one to remember.
24 PATH OF LOVE A recount of a powerful, selfdiscovery course designed to break through limiting, personal barriers that block people from achieving what we really want out of life. 28
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL Why we are creating an endemic of narcissistic children, where they have a heightened sense of self importance and with a lack of empathy towards others.
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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28 melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
3
38
32 SPIRITUAL HEALING Skeptical but desperate clients with diverse conditions including addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression and eating disorders have come for and received “transformative” healing in the nurturing hands of these spiritual practices. 38 PREPARING FOR BABY SPECIAL FEATURE Our guide of must-haves to help you be prepared for your new little bundle. 50 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Our Christmas gift-buying selections for the family 51
32
BUILDING RESILIENT KIDS It’s important to teach children from an early age how to manage their emotions and bounce back from any positive or negative moments that they’re faced with.
60
50
60 VICTORIA GETAWAY GUIDE From its dramatic eye-catching coastlines, beautiful beaches, parks, and wineries, there is plenty on offer for the whole family to enjoy.
ISSUE 34 SUMMER 2018
Zoë Foster Blake Photo: Michelle Tran
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Managing Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Ann Marie Bradstreet, Brooke EvansButler, Lisa O’Rourke, Colleen Willis, Chris Pritchard, Wendy Muller, Hannah Whittaker, Priyanka Clark, Rebecca Waghorn, Jessica De Freitas Cardoso, Jessica Staheli, Chethana Tarun. Graphic Designers Steven Lillywhite, Emma Georgeson Printed by Offset Alpine Printing
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
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EDITOR’S NOTE summer 2018
While Offspring is a mainstream family lifestyle magazine, I love to include juicier topics around spirituality and personal development for mums, as well as more pervasive child-rearing issues.
I
think this is an interesting edition, with a change of tone, to incorporate what I feel are more “Real” issues we face as parents, and as women. In our last issue I shared details of my recent experience with depression, where I felt overwhelmed by pressures to combine both career and motherhood, which resulted in hospitalisation earlier this year (Editor’s Note, Winter 2017). Here, I mentioned how two energy healers, Yvette and Brenda, helped lift me from the darkness. After numerous inquiries from readers, it was fitting to include an article about these healers and their modalities, and how these alternative methods help people overcome emotional struggles (“Spiritual Healing,” p32). Stating the obvious, perhaps, but if we are happier and truer to ourselves, we are better mothers who have more to give – more patience, more insight, If we are happier more love, for our children - creating and truer to ourselves, happier families and hopefully we are better mothers a stronger, more insightful next who have more to give generation. My personal, introspective – more patience, more journey this year has involved various insight, more love, for spiritual and emotional experiences, our children.” including the Path of Love retreat in the Hunter Valley, NSW. This course is a powerful, transformational inquiry into helping people become more fulfilled, happier and ultimately having a more authentic life. You can read about this in “Path of Love,” p24. Inspiration can be found from One 6
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Million Women founder, Natalie Isaacs, a grandmother and mother of four, who has identified mothers as the Number One influence affecting household carbon blueprint. She has created a huge following online, where she offers advice on how mothers can make a quantifiable difference to pollution levels, as well as save money on our power bills. Her story: “Mother of Earth,” p18. Chris Pritchard’s article, “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” (p28) is confronting. Like many mothers, I have been focused on helping my children avoid self-esteem challenges, but, I didn’t really consider a back swing Narcissism. Have we swung the pendulum too far? This article is thought-provoking. This edition includes our annual “Having a Baby” special feature, to help Mums-tobe in welcoming their most precious gift – a newborn child. We also have a Christmas Gift Guide, which might inspire you to find some lovely finds for loved ones. Speaking of loved ones, I thank my very patient and special children, Helena and Jarvis, and my family; as well as the important people who work hard to continue to make Offspring a strong, free, magazine for us all to enjoy - Jess Loudoun, Steve Lilywhite, Elle Higham, Jess Watson, as well as the many other contributors. Happy Christmas and I hope 2018 is special for you and your families.
Kate Durack X
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
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go-to girl Zoë Foster Blake For an entrepreneurial roller-coaster ride of fun, frivolity, probably fairy floss and a fart joke or two.
BY ANN MARIE BRADSTREET
Zoë Foster Blake is a fast-paced modern take on the Renaissance Woman. The beauty aficionado and Go-To Skin Care founder also writes books, overlords a formidable online universe through Instagram and expels, at an overwhelming rate, a variety of products for our consumption pleasure. The wife of well-known comedian Hamish Blake, shares how living with the principles of fun, surprise and delight helps her get away with, and do, a lot of stuff.
Z
oë Foster Blake has her hand in a lot of pies; indeed, she is purported to be a champion of their consumption. Pie Eating
Champion is one of the more outlandish claims made on her profile at www.zotheysay.com. The former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan magazine and successful author of eight books with Penguin Random House, launched her GoTo Skincare line a month before the birth of her first child, Sonny, aged three. Since then she has been busy with motherhood and micro projects, managing a burgeoning Instagram page, producing lip balm, blog posts, apps, books, oh and a daughter, Rudy, just shy of four months. Reports that Foster Blake (37), was raised in rural NSW without a television could explain the enigma of this rampant productivity. Research, albeit dubious, indicates that while the rest of us were being brainwashed by Bert Newton through morning television that our lives would lose meaning without a steam cleaner, Foster Blake was busy ticking off life goals. Motherhood has not slowed Foster Blake, it may have redirected her creative energy somewhat but has not thwarted it. Becoming a parent for most usually means collapsing into a milk-stained heap in front of the television while it offers you soothing advice on how to get your life insurance in order.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Everything changes when you’re a mother doesn’t it? The identity crisis is real, and certainly the professional. For Foster Blake it has meant slightly adapting her trajectory of over achievement (she published her first novel at 27). If you know Foster Blake through her Instagram platform, Zoë Foster Blake (@zoyousay), you may be forgiven for falling under the illusion that she is mere mortal. You might think of her as an online friend. Someone who makes you snort when you laugh and lets you feel good about beauty products and sponge cake, and most pertinently that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be a gas (she has also just ripped out a kid’s book about farts?) You may wonder what’s so superhuman about farts, cheeky Instagram posts, cute kids and a husband with food in his teeth. A possible answer is that Foster Blake’s ability to create an accessible, humorous arena for her 619 000 followers is a superb and masterful marketing feat, and no accident. Foster Blake came to the phone after a sleepless night breastfeeding her daughter, Rudy, who at 16 weeks is teething already, getting things done, much like her mother. She apologised for being tired and explained how she procrastinates, when asked if she’d ever tried it. “Of course I have. Most things actually, like daily things. All the clothes are at the end of my bed on that nice ottoman thing you buy that just becomes a place for clothes. I left the house this morning and there was just mess everywhere. So the boring day to day tasks, they don’t get done but the big projects, they do tend to get done which is a strange habit, but of course I procrastinate….” Photo credit: Michelle Tran
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
13
Know your super powers. Do the things that you’re good at.
lit novels, her most recent, The Wrong Girl being adapted into a successful Network Ten series of the same name, starring Jessica Marais and Rob Collins. She has also published several non-fiction books including beauty manual Amazinger Face and Textbook Romance, a dating guide cowritten with then “friend” and “to be” husband, Hamish Blake, and is about to release her first children’s picture book called No-one Likes a Fart with illustrator Adam Nickel. She has released an app for broken-hearted singles called Break-Up Boss with plans to release it in book form next year and has collaborated on a clothing line currently flying hot off the racks with fashion brand Skin and Threads. As CEO of her rapidly expanding company GoTo Skincare she oversees its dayto-day operations whilst keeping us abreast of all this through funny posts on Instagram. Perhaps, more is at play here than a TV-free childhood, and that’s okay tired mums and dads because this just means ABC Kids can stay on while Zoë Foster Blake hoards all the super powers. But she needs them because she is one busy mother. She explains that once she has an idea she is driven to expel it,
Foster Blake appears to have escaped Bert Newton’s mind
“I think you throw everything at a project and then it’s done. It’s
control and, being untethered to notions of domestic aspiration
almost like I have to get it out of my head to feel like I can move
and invisible germs (housework be damned), is creating an empire
forward onto the next thing.”
instead. Describing the practice of positive procrastination,
These ideas which often bubble around in her mind for a while,
marinating ideas and pulling all-nighters she is clearly a person attune to doing the things she loves. When congratulated on avoiding the mundane she offers, “Know your super powers. Do the things that you’re good at.” Brace yourselves for the condensed summary of the things
some longer than others (Break-Up
I think you throw everything at a project and then it’s done. It’s almost like I have to get it out of my head to feel like I can move forward onto the next thing.
Foster Blake is good at. As a magazine journalist with over ten
14
Boss took six years to manifest), are usually born from a desire or need for something she can’t find. Cleaning her ottoman may have saved her some time and effort but perhaps the world can never have too many lobster jumpers and Foster Blake likes making things.
“Most of the time I make things that I wished I had. With the
years of experience, Foster Blake worked both as a beauty editor
skincare I thought, ‘Aw, I wish that existed, I’ll bloody make it
and relationship columnist for numerous publications, including
myself ’, and certainly with some of the non-fiction books that was
Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Baazar. She has published four chick-
the same and then with this children’s book it was not because
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
there weren’t stunning children’s books already out there but it was just an idea that I had, that I wanted to, that I had to ‘get out’ as it were, there are just so many bad fart jokes.” And so, Foster Blake’s latest offering No-one Likes a Fart, collaborated with illustrator Adam Nickel which she credits for his mid-century style (think Mr Men), was released by Penguin Random House Australia in November. It is a fart book with a message. She didn’t mean for it to have a moral tale but explained that, although not a fan of earnestness, she felt a certain responsibility writing a children’s book, recognising the perils of peer groups as a relevant subject for young
I have changed a lot how I do things and it probably seems a bit more scattered but I think it’s because my energy bursts are shorter and I can do different little shorter projects rather than one long book project.
readers. She explains, the message formed organically and felt it should be there. “I think it’s mostly a funny book but then there’s a nice message that even
“So, that’s probably why I’m working on smaller projects because I have a shorter attention span, I
if people are being mean to you or
can’t quite bang out the 100,000 words I used to ...
calling you names, there will always
So yeah, everything changes when you’re a mother
be someone who loves you and there
doesn’t it? The identity crisis is real, and certainly
will always be good people.”
the professional. I have changed a lot how I do
Foster Blake is a writer at heart and as she speaks of her craft her speech slows and her voice catches at times, with vulnerability creating some room in the
things and it probably seems a bit more scattered but I think it’s because my energy bursts are shorter and I can do different little shorter projects rather than one long book project.”
conversation. “Writing is inherently
And thus, Foster Blake reveals
selfish. You are by yourself. You
resilience in attitude and quotes
don’t have a boss. Now I
sensible advice from her mother
see it for the indulgence
that the chaos of life with small
that it is. If the kids
children will soon pass. “Look,
are out of the house,
I know it’s a moment in time
which is just never
and I don’t fret about it at all.
because I am tethered
It’ll come back and I’ll have
by breastfeeding at
plenty of years to write more
the moment, but if I
fiction and so, I sort of enjoy
do get the house to
the different projects and
myself I just want to write. I don’t want
I think it makes me more efficient in some ways
to go shopping or
because you’ve got such
get my hair done, for
a small window to do
me writing is a real
the work. You have to
joy and something
produce quality work in a
that I miss deeply.”
smaller amount of time.
When noted she hadn’t
The old me before
written a novel since the
kids would just sit
birth of her son Sonny in
at my computer
2014 she laughed, “Shhh,
for eight hours
I’d hoped no-one noticed.
and I reckon
Thankfully the T.V show’s kept it
I’d spend six
going a bit longer.” She explains
of that just
this is more an adjustment
pissing about
of her creative process since becoming a mother.
and now I’m like, you’ve got two hours, you’d better write.”
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
15
With less time for the introspective task of novel writing she has utilised her well-honed skills as a commercial writer in an impressive turn at mumpreneurship and, dare it be said, capitalised on the shared humour and wit of her high profile relationship with Hamish Blake to catapult Zoë Foster Blake into an emerging brand. “As a beauty journalist for a long time, I was in the business of ‘recommending’ anyway and Instagram is just a natural progression of that. I can do captions because I’m a professional writer and I enjoy it, and it’s a way for me to have a mouth piece,” she explains. Her mouthpiece is funny and light, her wit sharp and when discussing how she gets away with swearing and risqué jokes she says, “The beauty of Instagram is you are who you are and everyone uses it for different purposes. Mine is to just have fun, be a bit cheeky and also, I guess to some extent have an advertisement for my writing.” Foster Blake appears to navigate the pitfalls of online backlash with a phrase she often coins in Instagram posts as a “special brand of arrogance” but perhaps this wily twist of humility can be attributed to a magic elixir of
in principles. Foster Blake explains her principles
understanding how
for Go-To Skincare, “You have to earn permission
to reach an audience
from people to sell them things and I don’t take that
and a personality
lightly, it’s just got to be perfect or we just won’t
essentially grounded
launch it. We always come up with the best possible product with the best possible ingredients and it’s a real team thing.” When pressed on broader principles she says,
The old me before kids would just sit at my computer for eight hours and I reckon I’d spend six of that just pissing about and now I’m like, you’ve got two hours, you’d better write.
“I’m actually reading a book called Principles at the moment and I’m sort of getting my head around it…Look, I think my family and my husband and I are pretty aligned in that we love fun and surprise and delight, and we love generosity and gratitude. So I think that it’s working in the realm of making people’s days a bit happier, maybe.” And so, perhaps this is why Zoë Foster Blake can suggest a night nurse in a blog as a solution for sleepless nights with a newborn without a cacophony of cruel online claws calling for her eyes to be scratched out. Principles go a long way, just be wary if she starts spruiking steam cleaners.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
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Mother of
Earth Climate change champion, mother of four and founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie Isaacs, is an inspiring woman proving that one person is capable of making a difference.
A
BY BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER
s mothers, we all want to make this
The cause continues to climb
world a better place for our children, but
towards their one million goal
understandably, good intentions can
(the 1 Million Women community,
often go unactioned in the busyness of
which includes women who have
work and family.
committed as members, as well as
Battling climate change wasn’t always on the
their followers across the 1 Million
forefront of Natalie’s mind. In fact, she was a cosmetics
Women social platforms, currently
manufacturer and a busy mum of four. But then, by
comprises more than 700,000).
making some simple changes, she reduced her electricity
Additionally, the cause has expanded to not
bill by 20 percent (with electricity prices the way they are,
only encourage women and give ideas on how to
what family wouldn’t be motivated by that!).
reduce their carbon footprint, but also take on larger
“I realised then that what I did was powerful, and if other people did what I just did that would be incredible,” she recalls. “I went on and changed my food waste habits
campaigns, such as fighting for the Great Barrier Reef and reducing food waste. “The heart and soul of 1 Million Women is about
and from that one action I profoundly changed the way I
empowering women and girls to live with
lived. So, I went on to think, ‘Oh my goodness, imagine if I
the least impact on the planet,”
could share my story with other women like me, who were
Natalie says. “We show you that
not engaged for whatever reason, and if I could tell my
everything we do in our daily
story, they might want to change too.’ That is what really
life shapes the world
led me to create 1 Million Women.”
we live in, and of
Natalie founded 1 Million Women in 2009, and the idea
course, this is
was simple - get 1 Million Women to sign up to the website and make a commitment to cut a tonne of pollution out of their lives within a year. The movement grew quickly (although Natalie admits, she thought they would reach one million women within six months), and the movement is now reaching people all over the world.
18
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
By making some simple changes she reduced her electricity bill by 20 percent.
The idea was simple get 1 Million Women to sign up to the website and make a commitment to cut a tonne of pollution out of their lives within a year.
about climate change.” She says women are responsible for 85 per cent of the consumer decisions that impact a household’s carbon footprint, and with 17 per cent of global emissions coming from households, the difference small changes can make collectively is huge. However, it is not about making women and their families feeling guilty to facilitate change. “One of the things we have learnt is the way that we do it from a view of optimism and empowerment, not from guilt and despair,” Natalie says. “We show you how to act and we show you the results. We bring you along the road of empowerment as opposed to making you feel guilty about what you’re not doing. It is showing this collective action – if one million of us did this, then this would be the result.” Natalie says women are amazing at networking, and the social media following of 1 Million Women is certainly impressive. Natalie says the small team behind 1 Million Women decided to work on building their social media following and to make their blog a priority a few years ago, and it was the right decision. “The blog went from 500 views a month to 10,000 views a day,” Natalie says. Their social media community, through Facebook, Instagram and
Natalie’s top tips to make a change Natalie’s not suggesting you make drastic changes that will make a difference, which your family can begin today (and she didn’t suggest taking cold showers or living by candle light!). l Take a breath when you go to buy something and ask: Do I really need it?
“Overconsumption is out of control”. l “Buy less – less is more. We can all stop consuming and we don’t need all the stuff that we have. Share, swap, buy second-hand, buy better quality – but buy less.”
Reduce food waste
“In Australia, we waste one in five shopping bags of food. Look at your portions. Don’t be tempted to buy two for one deals at the shops. Get yourself a worm farm or some chickens to reduce food waste.”
Reduce energy consumption
“We can reduce energy consumption just by being vigilant around the house.” “That was the first thing I did. I didn’t even really know what I was doing – just turning this off at the wall – but it really makes a difference.”
Twitter is also very active – with the 1 Million Women team posting several times a day. “They are such an engaged community,” she says. “Social media is such a big part of how we communicate.” melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
19
The idea was simple - get
1 Million Women to sign up to the website and make a commitment to cut a tonne of pollution out of their lives within a year.
They are also working on a (free to download) app, which is planned to be launched in February. The app will provide daily climate actions and track how much carbon pollution you save. It is clear the 1 Million Women message is making an impact and earning kudos. Natalie has recently been awarded The Australian Geographic Conservationist of the Year. “I am so
big difference and the benefits can be great. She believes her
honoured by it because it is real recognition of the work that
children (the youngest is now 16) really live with an appreciation
we do,” she says. “Behaviour changing is the elephant in the
of the Earth and she encourages women to get their children
room – it is the hardest thing to do. In an affluent community like
onboard as well.
Australia it is hard to change the way you live. “You might do something for a month or two but
“We have this commitment that we want 20 percent of our community to be under 18 years old, because it
then you forget. We are trying to get women to change their lives profoundly so you don’t even see it as behaviour change any more, it just becomes who you are and that is a hard thing to do.” Since Natalie is a mother and a grandmother, she gives a sense of comfort that she truly understands how making and sticking to changes can be difficult. But, she acknowledges little changes can make a 20
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
is the youth who are the influencers and the
“Behaviour changing is the elephant in the room – it is the hardest thing to do.”
leaders of tomorrow. It is their generation growing up in the most consumerist period of humanity. They are the ones who can make a difference and fight against consumerism.” To find out more about 1 Million Women or to sign up to fight the climate crisis, go to www.1millionwomen.com.au
Give this recipe a try!
Apricot & Almond muffins Ingredients:
How to make it:
• 2 1/2 cup self raising wholemeal flour
1. Preheat oven to 190°C.
• 1 tsp baking powder
2. Line two muffin pans with 16 paper liners.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until there are no lumps.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 1/2 tsp coarse salt • 1 3/4 cups + 2 tbsp Community Co Rolled Oats, divided • 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp flaked coconut • 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp Community Co Organic Almonds, chopped roughly • 6 tbsp canola oil • 2 large free range eggs • 1 tsp vanilla • 2/3 cup skim milk • 700g Community Co Dried Apricots, chopped • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
4. Stir in 1 3/4 cups oats, 1/2 cup coconut and 1/2 cup almonds. 5. In another bowl, mix together oil, eggs and milk. 6. Add wet mixture, apricots and banana to the flour mixture and stir until all incorporated, being careful to not over mix. 7. Fill each muffin liner 3/4 full with batter. 8. Make the topping with the remaining 2 tbsp each of oats, coconut and almonds. Sprinkle over muffins. 9. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre of muffin comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Let cool in the tray for 5 minutes before removing. 10. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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e v o L f o h t a P
The Mighty Gum . ... at first glance ecial, one of many rld. wo e th ut Not unique, not sp ho ug ro t, and common th si I e er wh om fr Omnipresent of the Mighty Gum. ll see the power wi u yo d depth an er os But look cl gradually growing d higher, its stem an gh hi . s me he ti ac re er a solid trunk, ov Erect and tall, it tamorphises into what the and bulk as it me to take in more of twards, expanding ou g in ad re sp es Its branch air has to offer. re, and dying and re and more and mo mo g, in ly ip of these, lt mu es ieving the losses Its delicate leav ee, never once gr tr e th g; me. in co ll ll fa wi , that more dropping off and its soul, its guts t, ar he ntinuous s co it , le in nt s as it know rground in ge h, spreading unde rt dy. ea bo e d th an d in oo ed bl ot s , to sustain it It is strongly ro re tu is mo re mo s, trient the breeze and search of more nu moves gently with it n, su g in ar se the its leaves. It doesn’t resist gently fall from allows the rain to eds to feed all energy, that it ne s it in g in ak so n, e trunk, Opening to the su ches, the bark, th e leaves, the bran its elements – th s… all of her. the guts, the root t, stay a that like to visi re e many creatu s s and bugs. rd bi Which then feed th e wrote this poem on the Path , the beetles, th ts an e th – er ng ements won’t while or stay lo el e th s nd ta rs of Love retreat recently, de es and un And then, as it ag as it looks or rr te no is e e, ther during a small assignment keep its body aliv stic little healthy, enthusia o tw s it es se where we reflected on Nature d down an pe and ll of optimism, ho fu – ng vi ri th gs saplin and its symbolism to us. e of continue the cycl energy, eager to It was about my journey as a Woman and as the Mighty Gum.
I
BY KATE DURACK
a Mother.
Surprising for an editor perhaps, I frequently agonise over writing, but I wrote this poem in 10 minutes. I wrote with freedom. Self-doubt didn’t suffocate me, instead a bolder, richer and more creative part of myself emerged; overpowering my usual insecurity and self-criticism. I credit this to the Path of Love. The Path of Love (PoL) is a powerful, seven-day course, set in natural bushland in the Hunter Valley, NSW, which is formulated to break through limiting, personal barriers that block people from achieving what we really want out of life. It is designed to help us develop more Love, and to live a more meaningful life.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
It enabled me to go within, to the core, beyond Ego and facades such as appearance, lifesituation and personality; which cleared the way for my natural drive and passion to return. I went to the Essence. I experienced an authentic me. People had different personal motivations for being there - relationship problems, a lack of career direction, a personal crisis of some kind, dealing with childhood and past traumas, or, simply, because they felt at Crossroads and wanted more passion and direction in their life. I didn’t have a clear reason for going on this retreat. I just noticed a few coincidences around PoL and was compelled to sign up, not knowing very much about it at all. I am glad I listened to that inner whisper, because of the University degrees, travel, relationships and other life-changing events, this course has affected me, and improved my life, like no other. PoL is a deep inquiry into the Self, involving meditation; music; dancing; writing; time in nature; sharing experiences, thoughts, and emotions; reflection; and silence. There were 30 participants and the same number of staff, our ‘Angels’, who supported us through the intense, exhilarating and, at times, confronting, journey within. They formed a nurturing womb which held us while we shed outmoded and decaying belief systems and habits, allowing for a truer self to emerge. We worked intimately in a group of eight where all exteriors washed away. I now consider these people another family. The bond we formed during this personal process was profound. And, under the skilful, compassionate and deeply insightful guidance of our facilitators, Samved and Mairead, we were safe to allow raw vulnerability, which encouraged trust, truth, unconditional love and deep, personal breakthroughs to happen. I faced the scary, dark fears, and also celebrated the light-filled,
Of the University degrees, travel, relationships deep-rooted Rage and Shame in and other life-c hanging being a woman. It was a lowevents, this cour se has level thing. On the outset, I was affected me, and improved reasonably accomplished and happy, my life, like but deep down, this self-subjugation no other. was killing the inner fire. In an effort to majestic parts of myself.
I was surprised to learn I held
avoid being a “hard bitch,” I had suppressed my natural Womanhood.
perth | spring/summer 2018 | Offspring
25
fear locked by a I had been b good enough. of not being ALL jection. We A fear of re of isolation feel a sense over not and anxiety ed. being accept We NEED to belong.
over it, tired, mainly with my relationship in particular, and came away with the support and feeling that I was still ok, that I was not banished, cast out… I have always known that I’m not perfect, but I gave myself such a hard time, from quite early on. I feel I have made a quantum leap.”
Tanya, an independent woman, was overcoming childhood sexual abuse and trauma: “The loving kindness of PoL fast-forwarded the healing I had made myself ‘small,’ in what I thought femininity ‘should’ look like. I had believed I was an empowered woman! But, through the course’s penetrating process, I experienced a different, new and beautiful kind of power in the Feminine. The experience helped me take ownership of myself as a
of childhood wounds that I did not realise were holding me back in love and life.” Mark, a devoted husband and father, says, he was tired, stressed and depressed. “I had lost the passion and connection with my life purpose. Life post-PoL is completely transformed. I
woman and as a mother – opinions, self-support, sexuality,
am excited about the future and have a new perspective on what
sensuality, inner strength and a Voice to express what I want
contribution I can make.”
and need, as well as love and compassion. I found a Lioness.
Carol, a powerful, sophisticated, charming woman reveals:
Protective of her children, and herself. Protective of women.
“Path of Love helped me understand I had a longing for
I identified issues I’d been harbouring since childhood,
connection - with my Self and with others. Since, I have been able
adolescence and adult life, and was then encouraged to nurture
to meditate easily and to find the real “me” within. I’ve also been
these wounds, and to let them go.
more aware of patterns where I may self-sabotage and I am able to
I also found a need to Speak my Truth, overthrowing fears of reproach or judgement, and I’ve been amazed at how well this has worked since in my relationships, work and daily life. I was too afraid to do this previously for fear of rejection, conflict and
connect with friends and with life at a much deeper level, which is enriching my life. I feel an inner peace.” Troy, a devout Christian, father and husband, says: “I came to learn and grow, and discovered I really wanted to see the bits of me I always hid from. I was encouraged to share,
ridicule. I realised I have been quite a fearful person, which, despite appearing confident, manifests as shyness and me avoiding social
to cry, to listen, and to dance, and to realise that I was loved and divinely bespoke.” Wen, a charismatic woman coming to terms with the
situations. I felt awkward and nervous of
ending of her marriage, shares:
intimacy, and actually found it almost
“I was able to look at my self-doubts
impossible to look people in the eye. It was humorous and a great relief at the end of this course to be able to do this apparently basic exercise, that had seemed so terrifying seven days earlier. I had been blocked by a fear of not being good enough. A fear of rejection.
I was surprised to learn I held deep -rooted Rage and Shame in being a woman.
gentle, understanding surrounding, you can feel pure bliss.” Ant, a clever, eloquent and successful businessman and father of two, explains:
course, I was semi anxious most of the time with
condition. We ALL feel a sense of isolation and I learned that all have our insecurities, weaknesses, fears
to confront but when you are in a loving,
“Its formula is genius and gruelling. On the
This, I learnt, is inherently part of the human anxiety over not being accepted. We NEED to belong.
and love for myself. Old beliefs are hard
that simmering turning up of the requirement to keep going deeper. That constant inching forward of the intensity
and pains. Of particular interest, was an insight into the male
and that escalating demand to face yourself. I found real power
psyche and heart. I was ignorant to just how vulnerable men are
there. It was enough of a taste to show me that most fear can be
too, and they, like women, are just as in need of love and meaning
transcended.”
in their lives.
For me, of course, life pressures and challenges remain, and
Here is a snapshot of what my new friends experienced on PoL:
integrating my learnings is an ongoing process, but I now know
Gunter, a husband and father who travelled from New
what self-love feels like.
Zealand to attend the course, shares: “I felt pretty much done with life - I was depressed, fed up,
I recently read somewhere: “Once you wake up, you can’t come back.” The Path of Love enabled this to happen and it feels great to be alive, present and loving, and Real.
26
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
NEW
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Mirror, mirror
on the wall Recent research suggests, in an effort to make children feel special and valued, parents are creating an endemic of narcissistic children, where they have a heightened sense of self importance along with a lack of empathy and understanding towards others. BY CHRIS PRITCHARD
D
on’t like the person you see in the mirror? If you’re only mildly miffed as you stare in open-mouthed horror, you’re more or less normal. But if your own reflection sparks waves of revulsion and nausea or, worse, makes
you actually throw up, you may need psychiatric treatment for a very real medical condition called dysmorphic disorder.
“We don’t need to keep focusing on self-esteem classes but should instead concentrate on empathy building.”
Some unfortunate victims even feel sick when they glimpse their own reflections while walking past shop windows. And,
undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University’s
recent reports suggest, aggressive American cosmetic surgeons
Geelong Waterfront campus. The prestigious Psychology Board
target sufferers by promising dramatic “cures”: surgery making
of Australia has endorsed Dr King as a clinical psychologist. And,
women and men happier with the way they look. (Both sexes
on the question of narcissism and children, he concedes that the
suffer from dysmorphic disorder, with women a big majority.)
most detailed research was done outside Australia by Drs W. Keith
While, on reflection, changing one’s adult appearance may be a good thing, kids have an opposite problem: some are too pleased with themselves, particularly with the way they look. Let’s not mince words here: society is battling an epidemic of
the United States. These two authorities consider permissive parenting, without limit-setting and focusing instead on rewards for no achievement
childhood narcissism. Experts contend it’s getting worse. Self-
- for instance, all children winning prizes after birthday party
important and self-satisfied children are obsessed with how they
games - contributes to an alarming situation. Dr King says the two
look - and believe they look great. What’s more, many parents
researchers “place this in a broader socio-cultural perspective,
make the situation worse by failing to recognise these problems
linking it to the rise of social media and the Internet - and on
even exist.
media focused on celebrity.”
As Dr Ross King puts it: “Permissive and over-indulgent
28
Campbell and Jean M. Twenge who are based at universities in
“Parents want to raise children with good self-esteem,” he
parenting has certainly played a big part in an upward swing
continues. But, he adds, there’s a downside: “a rise in narcissism
in narcissism.” Dr King, 55, has studied the subject in detail.
in children - a belief that they’re special, talented, don’t have to
He’s Associate Professor of Psychology at Deakin University.
abide by rules and that their needs are more important than those
With experience honed over a quarter-century, he teaches both
of others.” Drs Twenge and Campbell report not only a rise in
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
Real Life
“If your daughter is a princess, it won’t mean you’re a queen.” Rather, “you become her subject, obeying her every wish.”
narcissism in recent years, but also a fall in empathy along with reduced capacity to understand others’ perspectives and feelings. Studies, he reveals, have looked at the role of parenting behaviour in the development of narcissism. One study concluded that children whose parents showed high degrees of positive reinforcement and parental involvement displayed exaggerated senses of self-worth and a sense of superiority - characteristics of what’s defined as grandiose narcissism. Another frightening study of seven-year-olds found parents over-using the my-child-is-special argument spark development of childhood grandiose narcissism. “Twenge and Campbell suggest that we don’t need to keep focusing on self-esteem classes but should instead concentrate on empathy building,” Dr King summarises. The two American researchers’ own studies confirm there are increases in quests for fame and celebrity status in storylines in books and on television. Also, their analyses indicate a much greater emphasis these days on individuals rather than the community. Pop songs use the words “I” and “me” far more
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melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
29
How to raise well-adjusted kids Make children aware of their abilities - tell them they’re great at this but not so good at that. • Build ability to accept criticism as well as praise. • Encourage self-esteem - but couple this with highlighting the importance of compassion and ensuring children understand they should balance their needs with the needs and rights of others. • While boosting compassion and empathy, foster a sense of community by getting children involved in doing charity work and chores at home. Make such activities seem a normal part of growing up. Source: Dr Ross King, psychology professor
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
commonly than they did when today’s young
Real Life
adults were children. Empathy and a sense of community are rarely featured. “How well you’re doing in life is now often based on social media likes and followers - and call-outs for positive affirmations,” Dr King maintains. “In this age of selfentitlement, parents struggle to find a balance between nurturing healthy self esteem and breeding puffed-up self-importance. “It’s not easy to find a line between keeping children happy and confident - and raising narcissists. Parents should avoid telling their children they’re the best at everything or that they’re the only ones who can do something. This leads to disappointment later on.” A common thread running through advice from child psychology experts is that we shouldn’t treat kids like royalty. Kids may bring joy to our lives - but that’s nothing special in itself. Other people’s children are simultaneously bringing similar joy to other people’s lives. Pithy advice from Dr Twenge: “Kiss the princess stuff goodbye.” Further, she adds: “Even though little girls are seemingly hardwired to fall in love with ‘things princess’, be cautious. Don’t buy rhinestone-embellished shirts that say “Little Princess” or “Diva,” she warns. “If your daughter is a princess, it won’t mean you’re a queen.” Rather, “you become her subject, obeying her every wish.” Softening her blow, she notes, however, that “dress-up” is fine because it encourages imagination - but try to avoid taking this a step further and treating your daughter or son as royalty.
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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ife
Real L
Spiritual healing practitioners, Yvette Clarke and Brenda Pitout, formed a unique alliance more than six years ago, successfully combining their individual abilities and together healing hundreds of clients who could not be helped by modern medicine - proving two heads and hearts are better than one and sometimes we’ve got to go deeper to achieve real change.
S
BY LISA O’ROURKE
ceptical but desperate clients with diverse conditions including addiction,
to reveal difficult but necessary information to
trauma, anxiety, depression and eating
her clients for healing to take place.
disorders have come for and received
Rather than “leave me to just sit in my
“transformative” healing in the nurturing hands of
heightened emotional state,” Kylie explains,
this remarkable pair.
“Yvette would always provide options for
As a Clairvoyant and Light Worker, Yvette
further support and assistance.”
Clarke, is able to clearly see, hear and feel her client’s subconscious emotional blockages. Before
felt powerless to help her clients heal the painful
finding Brenda, she felt powerless to help her
manifestations of their emotional blocks.
clients heal the painful manifestations of these emotional blocks that she was able to discern. With a, “nothing left to lose attitude”, Hayley, who was feeling depressed, anxious, suffering from insomnia and in deep despair,
In 2011 she found Brenda Pitout, “an astounding BodyTalk practitioner,” who was both capable and willing to use her clients’ notes to continue the healing process she had started. “Really, it took over a decade to find Brenda, who unlike all
attended her first session with Yvette following the death of her
others before her, was prepared to work with my findings and not
grandfather.
dismiss them due to the restrictions of her healing modality or
“The first few appointments blew me away, as Yvette has the ability to see into what is going on in your system emotionally and
ego,” Yvette reflects. Yvette sought Brenda’s help for excruciating endometriosis
what has or is causing it to happen. She is able to read into and settle
which was debilitating. After only a few sessions with Brenda, the
your system down with one of her amazing prayers,” explains Hayley.
symptoms dramatically improved. She also sought Brenda’s help
Kylie first attended a session with Yvette 14 years ago describing it
to release a lifetime of trauma and anxiety.
as, “the most unique and mind-blowing experience I have ever had.”
“It was after this astounding healing experience, I began
In this and subsequent sessions Kylie explains, “Yvette was spot
referring clients to Brenda to recalibrate, restructure and realise
on tuning into whatever was happening to me (emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically) and understanding all the micro emotions
their own healing,” Yvette explains. Yvette was now satisfied she could truly fulfil her manifesto of
that make up me, inspiring me with the confidence and skills to
providing people with an “emotional channel for the higher good
create the reality I truly desire.”
of humanity by shifting them out of their cycle of suffering and
Yvette, a self-proclaimed “blunt practitioner,” is often compelled 32
Before finding Brenda, however, Yvette often
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
abuse.” www.offspringmagazine.com.au
Yvette says clients often come to her when they
Brenda then uses these notes as a platform to optimise healing.
are at their lowest and feel “all else is lost.”
“BodyTalk uses the body’s own innate wisdom to heal
To conduct her session she must enter their sacred space (the room of their soul) and
itself. I merely facilitate this process by using neuro muscular
she will therefore only do this with
bio feedback and intuition to bring change to the governing blueprint through its healing priority,” explains Brenda.
permission.
She enters “The Zone (where she) interfaces
Upon invitation she enters
the left brain’s pragmatic and practical
this space by tapping
knowledge with the right side’s intuition
upon her song bowl that resonates with a strong and
unwavering
“The first few appointments blew me away, as Yvette has the ability to see into what is going on in your system emotionally and what is causing it to happen.”
pitch that carries with it the anticipation of what a client’s soul room may reveal. While immersed in the soul room, Yvette is able to pick out what she calls “the carrots from a stew” - the most relevant subconscious messages from which she scribes pages of notes that enlighten to the reason the client’s soul has presented to her on that day.
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
to bring about shifts of consciousness.” “Tapping on the brain enables us to focus on reprogramming of formula and tapping on the sternum enables access to the heart and storage of the information,” she continues. Brenda discovered the BodyTalk healing
modality in desperate pursuit to end her
own intermittent battle with depression and her daughter’s suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She believed this cured them both and was her impetus to train in the modality - “something anyone can learn”. She is now dedicated to the ‘ongoing study of humanity at the “University of Life.” The healing duo have given hope, health and happiness to hundreds of clients with a broad spectrum of ails, healing where modern medicine had failed.
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
33
Real Life
“The combination of a skilled and warm therapist delivering a “It’s ‘Out There’, but it works,” excites
kick-arse modality was a winning formula for me,” she says.
Doctor Matty Moore, MD FAAFP FACRRM EM Cert, who, once sceptical, last year sought
A major depressive disorder, severe anxiety and an eating disorder had “steadily consumed”, dubious but desperate scientist, Lauren, for
immediate resolution of issues that counselling and therapy could not provide. Unfamiliar to his Western Medical
many years who was “sold” after her first session with Brenda. “An expert practitioner, she navigates the blueprint of your
training, he tried to remain open and allowed Yvette to “identify”
body and mind with the precision of a skilled surgeon to find,
blockages and Brenda to “rewire” his subconscious.
and hand you, the key to self-love, acceptance and your full
“My repair was immediate, dynamic, and life-changing, for which I am enormously grateful,” says Dr Moore.
potential,” she says. “She achieved for me what an army of GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and medication were not able to. She
The practitioners describe distance and time as “mere concepts,”
saved my life. It’s as simple as that.”
so when Yvette referred Hong Kong residents, Sean
Seven years ago a desperate young female on the
and Evania, who had “tried everything and
residential rehabilitation wait-list for addiction
had nothing to lose”, their sessions, unlike any other therapies previously tried, provided “immediate and life changing results”. “Whilst cliché, Yvette and Brenda have made a huge improvement to both of our lives which we never thought possible and we would highly recommend both of them,” says Evania and Sean. A curious Perth Psychologist, recently
to crystal meth-amphetamine, conquered a lifetime of addiction and eating disorders
with Brenda, later herself qualifying as a “An expert practitioner, she ur BodyTalk Practitioner and Nutritionist. navigates the blueprint of yo ion cis While their clients present with pre body and mind with the varied physical conditions, Brenda of a skilled surgeon to find, identifies consistencies in their underlying and hand you, the key to emotional causes. self-love, acceptance Testament to the success of their and your full relationship, built on mutual admiration and potential.” skill collaboration, after six years, Yvette and Brenda
experiencing relationship issues, gushes about an “astonishing first session with Brenda resulting in profound shifts in thinking and feeling.”
HOW TO
continue to join their hearts and heads together to identify then rewire subconscious blockages and optimise healing outcomes for their clients.
Avoid travel nightmares with children…
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World first for child’s sunscreen Solar Buddies is the world’s first child friendly sunscreen applicator, designed by two mums Kelli Aspland and Laura Griffin, from South Wales in the UK.
K
elli, a mum of four and Laura, a mum of three came up with idea of the Solar Buddies due to their children struggling with conventional bottles of sunscreen when it came to applying at school. They wanted their children to be able to apply sunscreen easily, with less mess and in a controlled manner; with this in mind, the Solar Buddies was created. Both Kelli and Laura loved the design and how easy it is to now apply sunscreen themselves to their children and how easy it is for their children to use independently whilst in school. Kelli says, “It is such an easy and transportable product, we absolutely love it and it has made a huge difference in all our lives.”
“Knowing our children were protected while at school is a big concern for us … Solar Buddies is a great little tool to let them get into the habit of reapplying and making a really difficult task sometimes a little more fun.”
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Laura says, “Knowing our children were protected while at school is a big concern for us and we needed to make our children understand how important this task is and we don’t like to rely on oncea-day creams, so we find the Solar Buddies is a great little tool to let them get into the habit of reapplying and making a really difficult task sometimes a little more fun.”
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Bettina seeks child talent Bettina Management works with Australia’s BIGGEST FASHION AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS across all industries.
E
stablished in 1992, Bettina Management is an exclusive child talent agency and the industry leader in the placement of talent in TV commercials, TV shows, film and catalogues. Their talent also feature in fashion parades, musical theatre, miniseries, productions, promotions and events. The odds are, you have seen their talent shine on your TV screens or on billboards across the country! After 25 years in the industry, Bettina Management has developed long standing relationships and earned access to industry platforms that give the highest exposure for their talent. Representing talent from three months to 16 years, they hold complimentary personal interviews to ensure they handpick children of engaging temperament and with unique looks. The entertainment industry is one of the largest industries in Australia, and arguably the world. It is a busy, fast-paced and ever-changing industry which can be difficult to navigate for even the most seasoned professional. At Bettina Management, they aim to provide parents with as much information and guidance, as there are a few myths and misconceptions about children in the entertainment industry. Here are four common myths exposed!
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
1. Only blonde haired and blue eyed children get work: Most clients value confidence, diversity and an engaging personality above all else. Interaction with the camera and the client is key, after all, they want to see a child who shines on screen and in print! 2. Children must have acting or modelling experience to get work: Clients rarely expect children under 12 to have experience. Of course, it helps to have a brief introduction to modelling or acting if possible as this may set you apart in the casting or audition. For demanding acting roles, some clients approach acting schools to book talent. 3. Clients choose the same children repeatedly: This may be true for a handful of talent but this will only last for a few weeks or months if a child is doing a particularly great job! Remember, children change clothing size, grow or lose teeth so clients are constantly on the hunt for new talent to fill the varied and diverse roles they receive. 4. Children are expected to wear make-up: It’s a common misconception that all jobs will be very glamorous and require lots of hair and make-up. This is very far from the truth – clients want children to look like children, natural and fresh faced. It is all about having fun. If the child is having fun in the shoot, this will show in the final product. If you are interested in finding out more about the industry or would like to book in for a complimentary interview and information session, please contact Bettina Management on 1300 888 611 or info@bettina.com.au www.offspringmagazine.com.au
y b a b h O YOUR ULTIMATE BABY BUYING GUIDE
Welcoming a new bundle of joy is exciting, but with so many products on the market the prospect of preparing for life with a newborn can be completely overwhelming. Fear not, Offspring has created the ultimate guide to help you sort the essentials from the gimmicks.
TIPS FOR BUYING ON A BUDGET
1
2 3
Tip 38
Talk to other mums about what was useful and what was useless. They may be willing to loan you items, just check the safety standards and condition.
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
4
5
Question every purchase: is it really essential? Plan ahead to take advantage of sales Buy in bulk especially nappies and wipes Borrow items Decide on the brand/ modeland then check local Buy and Sell pages, eBay and baby markets.
BEFORE YOU HIT THE SHOPS, WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO BUY? HERE’S A LIST OF WHAT A NEWBORN NEEDS:
Out and about Heading out with a newborn is like packing for a small camping trip and involves the biggest ticket items, so do your research to get the right equipment: ESSENTIAL Car restraint: The car seat will be one of the most expensive items on your shopping list. It is best to buy new, as car seats have a life span, with most not made to last more than 10 years.
To trim costs, consider a travel system with a capsule that clips onto a pram frame. It might also mean easy transfers from the car to the pram. Baby capsules can be hired as they are quickly outgrown. Convertible models that change from rearfacing to forward-facing will last from birth to four years and will save you the expense of buying two seats. Pram/Stroller: The price tag on a pram can vary dramatically and there are many features and accessories on offer so set a budget and do lots of homework. When will the pram primarily be used - exercising or leisure? Check it is easy to fold and lift Check it will fit in your car boot
swimwear with built-in reusable swim nappies
safer materials, whole learning, and natural health
www.forbabyandup.com.au
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Are you planning another baby quickly or expecting twins and require a double pram or added accessories such as a skateboard or toddler seat? Is it important to have a reversible handle or interchangeable seat to grow and change with your baby? Do you need a rain cover, sunshade, cup holder or storage? Look for second hand alternatives as many mums change their minds or opt for different transport options as their baby grows. OPTIONAL
LUXURY
A nappy bag
Trolley cover
Pram liner
Breast feeding cover
Baby carrier
Portable cot
Window shades
Sleep needs Unfortunately, sleep isn’t for sale, but you can set up a safe and secure environment for your baby to encourage a bit of shut eye. ESSENTIAL Cot: A cot is often one of the most expensive and difficult decisions faced by parents-to-be. All new cots have to comply with Australian safety guidelines but if you’re on a budget, ensure a second-hand cot meets current standards.
DYNAMIC AND SYSTEMATIC HEALING THROUGH THE SUBCONSCIOUS SELF. HAVE YOU BEEN SUFFERING?
There is hope and help available! Either hands on or remotely! Experience dynamic healing and long term change in the areas of health and emotional wellbeing through two simple steps.
STEP 1
STEP 2
YVETTE CLARKE Emotional Channel / Lightworker
BRENDA PITOUT Certified BodyTalk Practitioner
Identifies subconscious emotional blockages through the skills of clairaudience and clairsentience.
Facilitates a dynamic healing process resulting in systematic long term healing.
To make an appointment call: Yvette Clarke
0416 167 307
yvetteleahclarke@gmail.com
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To make an appointment call: Brenda Pitout
0411 081 516
bodytalkwa@gmail.com www.bodytalkwa.com.au
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Fun & Educational Music Classes for Babies – 5 Years • • • •
Build Confidence Nurture Whole Brain Development Social Interaction for Parent and Child Age-Specific for Children’s Developmental Stages • Classroom Experience in Preparation for Kinder and School
ENROL FOR TERM 1, 2018 AND RECEIVE A BONUS AT HOME EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES PACK* (*Available from January 2018)
www.minimaestros.com.au
To save money consider a cot that converts into a toddler bed. But, sometimes spending money on quality will ensure it can be reused for future siblings. Mattress:
OPTIONAL A bassinet, Moses basket, cradle, cosy sleeper or hammock is smaller, more portable than a cot and great for those early days. A baby monitor - to save money consider a monitor that doubles as a nightlight for those late-night feeds.
There will be many (yes, many) spills and accidents and years of use so select a good quality mattress that snugly fits your cot and invest in a waterproof mattress protector.
LUXURY Light and music display White noise machine Room thermometer
Wraps
Quilts, fluffy blankets and cot bumpers
There is a huge market dedicated to wraps, swaddles and sleeping bags, but they may take some trial and error to see which suits your baby. A large muslin wrap and some practice swaddling will work just as well.
BEAUTIFUL GIFTS FOR BABY AND BEYOND www.twentyonemoore.com
GORGEOUS ANIMAL FACE BIBS BY MISTER FLY $16.95
A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE RATTLE BY ALIMROSE, PERFECT FOR LITTLE HANDS $15.95
THIS BABY BOOK BY RHICREATIVE IS THE PERFECT KEEPSAKE $29.95
Twenty One Moore stocks a range of home, gifts, baby and kids' products and is your online destination for the little things that make your house a home. A DREAMY LITTLE BEDSPREAD BY KIP & CO $99.00
www.t wentyonemoore.com
@twentyonemoore
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Feeding essentials Breast While breast milk is free there are some things you will need to make the experience easier: Breast pads Breast pump - consider hiring or buying a manual one Bottle Bottles and formula can cost a pretty penny and there are so many options. Ask for recommendations and trial a couple of brands. Even if you are certain you will breast feed, you may need bottles for expressing. Bottle brush Drying rack OPTIONAL
A high chair, food processor and plastic cutlery can all wait a few months. URY Bottle warmer Bottle steriliser
Change time ESSENTIAL Nappies and wipes: Cloth or disposable you will need to stock up and be prepared to use lots of them! Toiletries: Babies don’t need lots of products on their delicate skin. But having some baby shampoo, moisturiser and nappy rash cream ready to go, is a good idea. OPTIONAL Change table - a changing mat on top of a dresser might be a cheaper option. Nappy bucket or nappy disposal bin Baby bath - to save money use the sink or an adult bath with a bath support.
A feeding chair/glider Nursing pillow Burp cloths Formula dispenser
CONNECT WITH MORE MUMS WITH OFFSPRING MAGAZINE!
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READERS PER EDITION
WHY ADVERTISE IN OFFSPRING • Australia’s largest gloss A4 parenting magazine
• Options to advertise in any combination of Perth, Sydney and Melbourne
• 30,000 copies in Sydney
• 270,000 readers per edition
• 30,000 copies in Melbourne
• Emerging new digital parenting resource
• 20,000 copies in Perth
• Also published online at www.offspringmagazine.com.au
More than 85% of our clients are regular, repeat advertisers due to the great value, service and results they receive from Offspring Magazine.
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CONNECT WITH half page.indd 1
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Spaces are limited so call us now on 0415 267 414 or email advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
www.facebook.com/offspringmagazine
BOOK NOW FOR 2018!
Australia’s largest parenting media 26/11/2017 17:43
LUXURY Wipes warmer Nappy stacker
Clothes
Tip
If you’re having a baby shower, set up a baby registry. It isn’t offensive to ask for gifts that will be appreciated and well used.
One of the best parts of preparing for a new baby is buying gorgeous teeny tiny outfits! But it is easy to go overboard and people will often gift lots of outfits. ESSENTIAL
OPTIONAL
LUXURY
Scratch mittens Shoes super cute Going out outfits Nappy bucket or nappy but not necessary disposal bin Baby bath - to save money use the sink or an adult bath with a bath support
Sanity savers Baby thermometer
At least six onesies, get a mix of size 0000 and size 000 for an average-sized newborn (short-sleeved, long-sleeved, full length or a combination, depending on the season they’re due). These can double as day clothes and PJs. Singlets or singlet suits A jacket or cardigan A hat (a sun hat for summer and a beanie for winter) Socks (these can double as mittens) Bibs
AUSTRALIA’S ORIGINAL BUCKLE SLING CARRIER PERFECT FOR BREASTFEEDING.
Grooming kit Baby proofing kit A few rattles, teething toys and books A bouncer, swing or activity mat for play and tummy time YOUR NEWBORN WILL NOT KNOW IF YOU PURCHASED THE MOST EXPENSIVE NAPPY BAG OR PUT THEM IN DESIGNER CLOTHES. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOUR BABY WILL EVER NEED IS YOUR LOVE AND ATTENTION. FORTUNATELY, THAT’S FREE!
TWO-TONE BABA SLINGS $104.50
B
aba Slings double adjustment strapping system means you can wear your baby comfortably from birth up until 2 years + it also provides greater security. babaslings.com
STANDARD BABA SLINGS $99
BATIK BABA SLINGS $114.40
BOUTIQUE BABA SLINGS $114.40
EMBROIDERED BABA SLINGS $140
LIMITED EDITION SILVER/TIE-DYE BABA SLINGS $165
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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FOOD BABIES LOVE
CT DETAILS
Let them eat lumps! Why textured baby T. 0415 726 381 Hush a Bee food is important for babies E. hello@indeevisual.com.au Bianca Ritchiemily Dupuche, author of best-selling feeding guide, Food W. www.indeevisual.com.au
E
Babies Love, has created her own range of Fresh Pots to provide parents with fresh, convenient, healthy meals, just like home-made. She explains why texture was such an important Half Page part of developing the range.
Reduced to 50% Size
“While there are lots of conversations around when to start babies on solid food, there’s much less discussion about the texture of solids. Texture, introduced at the right time, is important for encouraging a life-long enjoyment of food as well as being vital for speech development.”
IT’S REAL, FRESH FOOD, WITH NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURS OR PRESERVATIVES. NOW AVAILABLE IN SELECTED WOOLWORTHS STORES AUSTRALIA-WIDE, OTHER INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AND ONLINE $5.75
Introducing lumpier food textures early (within a few weeks of introducing solids) is not only important for nutritional reasons but for speech development. When babies bite and chew they’re using the same muscles needed to TEXTURE IS form letters and words. IMPORTANT FOR Covering a variety of tastes, colours and textures to stimulate babies’ senses, Food Babies Love Fresh Pots are ideal for bubs 12 months+ and are made using only quality ingredients. You can mash them with a fork or blend for younger babies. For more information on introducing solids, visit www.foodbabieslove.com.au @foodbabieslove
foodbabieslove
Quarter Page Actual Size
A new approach to helping babies sleep through the night, bringing families an affordable service with a personal touch.
Join Now... Sleep More... Thank us later!
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
ENCOURAGING A LIFE-LONG ENJOYMENT OF FOOD AS WELL AS BEING VITAL FOR SPEECH DEVELOPMENT.
melbourne | spring/summer 2018 | Offspring
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WHAT IS MERINEO’S SLEEP SECRET? Merineo’s careful design and choice of fabric might well be the secret to your newborn having a peaceful sleep.
M
erineo’s sleep-swaddle-bag helps newborns settle better,’ parents participating in a hospital pilot program recently reported.
The swaddle design encapsulates midwives’ experience that babies settle better swaddled, whilst the sleeping bag feature has appeal to modern parents who love its safety and ease of use. Once swaddled and zipped up, baby sleeps on its back, consistent with safe sleep practices. In bringing to life its careful design, Merineo, searched the world for the best quality wool for newborns and its founder, Claire Hausler, who has a background in the production of quality superfine merino wool, very pleased with the result: “Parents love how soft and luxurious a Merineo feels!” she says. “It’s also machine washable which is so convenient for busy parents.” The health benefits of natural, superfine merino wool are many. From treating child eczema to helping newborns put on weight, it’s the perfect fabric to use on babies. With summer approaching, Merineo is launching a new product made using a soft, mesh-style superfine wool. “Parents who’ve tested our new summer range are really excited about the new fabric. It’s also super-stretchy, enabling a Merineo to be used longer on a fast-growing baby,” reports Claire. Merineo’s careful design and choice of fabric might well be the secret to your newborn having a peaceful sleep. Find out more at www.merineo.com
Settle your newborn safely. Soft and luxurious superfine merino wool fabric swaddle bag. Maternity Hospital preferred.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
merineo.com
START THE CONVERSATION – A LITTLE BIT OF AWKWARD FOR A LOT OF PEACE OF MIND
K
nox Private Hospital is dedicated to women’s health. Lauren Dowse, Physiotherapist at Knox Private Hospital, and her colleagues understand that women can feel awkward starting a conversation about ‘down there’ but are passionate about helping you. They can have a comfortable conversation giving you the support you need. Did you know 30 per cent of women experience pelvic floor dysfunction? This can have profound effects on a mother’s sense of self-worth, confidence and quality of life. Scary thought isn’t it? Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to pain, intimacy issues, pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. It’s not just a wee little problem. However one exercise can change all this.
Pelvic floor exercises! Relax your muscles as if you were to pass urine and wind then squeeze these muscles inside your pelvis while breathing comfortably, not using your tummy or buttock muscles then relax. You should feel a sense of lifting then lowering. Try eight quick lifts and relaxes then eight slow lifts and relaxes, three times daily. A great reference is the Continence Foundation of Australia www.continence.org.au More importantly, women’s health physiotherapists like those at Knox Private Hospital can provide a tailored program and are a great wealth of support and information. Enjoy your parenthood journey with peace of mind!
30 PER CENT OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION.
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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NATURAL GOODNESS WITH LITTLE BUTTON ESSENTIALS
L
ittle Button Essentials is a small company with big ambitions and a Big Love for Mums, Bubs and all that is natural.
THE PARENTING GARDEN
C
arefully selected baby and children’s products that make parenting easier. www.theparentinggarden.com.au
Madannah Cream, unique to Little Button Essentials has been developed specifically for infants and those who have highly sensitive skin.
TEETHING MITTENS
There are four creams in the Madannah Cream range. All are 100 per cent natural, 100 per cent handmade and produced in Australia. These products all contain no gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nuts, parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, petroleum or water.
FETAL HEARTBEAT DOPPLER & PREGNANCY BEDWETTING & DRY NIGHT TRAINING
More information on these products can be found at www.littlebuttonessentials.com.au
HEALTH & WELLNESS
100% Naturalﾫ
SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR INFANTS AND BABIES FOR SOFT, SMOOTH, MOISTURISED SKIN
CAR SAFETY
The Parenting Garden is where you’ll find innovative, practical and safe products for the whole family, all targeted to make parents lives easier! The no-fuss, quick-change solution to dry nights without stripping the bed! This unique three-product system works together to keep beds dry during toilet training and bedwetting. Made from natural sustainable products makes it anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and odour repelling and is luxuriously soft and gentle against the skin.
Madannah Cream,
unique to Little Button Essentials developed specifically for infants and those with highly sensitive skin.
‘Here’s to dry beds for our sleepy heads!’
100% NATURAL | 100% HANDMADE | PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA
www.littlebuttonessentials.com.au 48
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
www.theparentinggarden.com.au
STYLISH AND SAFE - FOR MUM AND BABY
G
orgeous range of designs and colours - fun and bright or scandi style neutral www.eiress.com.au
IDABEE TRIPLE T PERSONALISED $34.90
MATCHING SET FOR MUM AND BABY
EIRESS FAMKE $30.90
PERSONALISED TRIPLE T TEETHER $34.90 JUVEL SOOTHER HOLDER $37.90
EIRESS KOVE $27.90
IDABEE ELLIPSE STAS MARBLE $24.90 IDABEE HEKSAGON $17.90
EIRESS || IdaBee Stylish and safe for mum and baby Natural and fun teething relief When baby’s teeth start on their journey to emerge, you want the best and safest teething toy for her. Our teethers are certified safe - made with soft, squishy silicone for perfect pressure on their sore gums, while also being fun and stimulating to look at and great for sensory skills. It will quickly become a favourite - and a must-have wherever you go with the little one!
Shop our bestsellers
NATURAL RELIEF | NON TOXIC | BPA-FREE
PERSONALISE WITH BABY’S NAME!
Check out our full range of products,including certified safe wooden rattles and soother holders, as well as stylish baby friendly silicone jewellery for mamma.
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Take 10% off all personalised products with code OFFSPRING Use at check out to redeem. Not available with any other coupon code. Valid until May 2018.
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melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
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This year’s
Christmas is approaching fast! These crowd-pleasing gifts are sure to put a smile on the faces of your nearest and dearest. From your tiny tot to your partner, our Christmas Gift Guide has you covered this festive season.
Baby
made easy $14.9 9
Fisher-Price Beat Bo Junior - With bright lights, playful tunes and silly dance moves, this cute product is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. l Available at Target, Kmart, Big W, Myer, TRU and fisher-price.com
Buying for bub is lots of fun, but there are so many options out there. This year, get them something that will keep them entertained and stimulate their growing brains.
$10 Musical Clacker Keys. Every parent knows kids are memorised by jingly, jangly keys. One key is a teether; one is fun to clack and the third has a button for sounds and music. l Available at Target.
Toddler
$54.99 Fisher-Price Zebra Walker - The FisherPrice Learn with Me Zebra is a designed to encourage those exciting first steps. The zebra is also full of hands-on activities for sitting babies. It has everything from the alphabet to songs and phrases to help with language development. l Available at Kmart, Big W, Target, Myer, TRU and fisher-price.com
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Best Christmas Present $32.95 Ever 2017. A beautiful bub is the best gift of all, so deck your gorgeous new bundle in this cute-as-pie little number. l Available at uniquebabyboutique.com.au
$149.95
Little Belle night lights These beautiful night lights will provide a comforting glow for little ones at night – and will be a gorgeous feature in your child’s room. Made with hand-painted brush strokes, each of the night lights are inspired by the imagination of young children. l Available at little-belle.com
Toddler
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Servin’ Up Food Truck - Playing shop and restaurant is something kids have loved doing for generations. l Available at Target, Big W, Myer, TRU and fisher-price.com [6].
Beginner Jigsaw Puzzle - These cute and personalised 6-piece jigsaws are are made from quality material, high resolution colour, and have cleargloss coating so these puzzles will last. l Available at tinyme.com.au
9 $149.9
$23 Crocodile Creek Play Ball - Balls are a great way to have fun with your toddler and help them learn motor skills.
$14
9.9 5
5
2.9 $1
Fisher-Price Zoom ‘n Crawl Monster - This is a fun toy for sit-and-play. This toy also helps with language with 15 phrases and fun songs. l Available at Target, Big W, Myer, TRU and fisher-price.com
$49.99
BRIO – My First Take Along Set - This brightly coloured play bag is filled with the first tracks in an expandable magnetic train set. It’s perfect to take along when you’re travelling or visiting. l Both are available at Childsmart, childsmart.com.au
Young + Wild Soft sole pre-walker leather shoes and accessories
youngandwildkids www.youngandwildkids.com
Mabel Sandal - $17.95
Blair Bib - $19.95
Sadie Hair Clips - $8.95
Dusty Boot - $29.95
www.youngandwildkids.com
sydney | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Kids age 3-5
Cotton On Kids - There is always a good excuse to get dressed up during the festive season, and your kids are no exception! We love the sparkly Iris Tulle Dress ($39.95) matched with the Amalfi Jelly Sandal ($16.95). And imagine how dapper your little boy will look in the Kenny Polo ($16.95). l A range of adorable party wear is available from Cotton On Kids, cottonon. com/AU/cottononkids/
Perfect gifts for the fun, energetic 3-5-year-old that will come in handy during the Summer holidays.
$69
5
4.9 $2
Star of the Unicorn Bike A bike is a timeless gift your child can grow with. l Available at Kmart.
PURPOSIT IS THE MUST-HAVE APP FOR PARENTS THIS CHRISTMAS. AND IT’S FREE!
Designed by parents for parents, the app helps you manage events like Christmas, and share gift ideas for your kids, so friends and family can chip in.
C
reate an event, add gifts, send invitations and see who contributed. Send thank you cards and post photos for friends to comment on. A gift can be anything: bicycle, trampoline, swimming classes, movie tickets, camping trip, etc. You can also start raising funds for future gifts like travel or Uni. Help relatives and friends who are unsure what to get or live abroad. Purposit is here to make Christmas gifting simpler and more rewarding for everyone involved. Free to download, sign up and use. Available on App Store and Google Play www.purposit.com
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Crocodile Creek Bear and Friends Floor Puzzle All the Crocodile Creek floor puzzles have a slightly-recessed lid that makes the storage box easy for little fingers to open. l Available at childsmart.com.au
Mokuru - The latest wooden toy from Japan, designed to test your balance and concentration skills. It’s as simple as tipping the wooden piece over gently letting it flip and catching it between your fingers. l Available at Kmart
The Elf on the Shelf - The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a magical story, explains how Santa’s scout elves help him manage his naughty or nice list. Each beautifully-illustrated children’s hardback book comes as a part of a keepsake boxed set including one of Santa’s scout elves, whose job is to watch the kids during the day and report to Santa every night. l Available from booksellers including Myer, Dymocks and independent stores.
$14.95
Kids age 6-9+
Crocodile Creek Tritan Drink Bottle in Jungle Jamboree, Backyard Friends and HedgehogA fun gift and something that you can take into the new school year! These coordinate with other Crocodile Creek products such as the Crocodile Creek Backyard Friends Backpack - $29.95 (no store/website details)
Glimmies - Glimmies are collectable star fairies that magically light up in the dark. They make a cute little stocking gift for the little ones. l Available at shop.funtastic.com.au
Young kids can sometimes be difficult to buy for because their favourites can change so suddenly, but if you know something they love, finding necessities like clothes and school supplies that they will get excited about will be easy.
.99 $7
Kmart so slime DIY slime factory kit - Keep your child occupied for hours by helping them create their own toys.
$29
MAKE YOUR CHILD’S GIFT WISHES COME TRUE Purposit™ is an easy-to-use and secure app where parents invite friends to chip in for meaningful gifts for their kids on birthdays, Christmas etc.
Sign up for free on www.purposit.com
sydney | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Globber My TOO FIX UP- (Limited-edition Globber My TOO Fix Up Titanium neon blue and neon pink available for) A scooter is a fantastic gift choice to get the kids out into the fresh air and sunshine. The kids will love the choices of the cool colour $140 combos of this scooter and how comfortable it is to ride (featuring three adjustable height positions). Parents will love that this scooter has a reinforced fixed structure and can handle up to 100kg – finally, something that is built to be as tough as your kids! l Available at globber.com.au
$8
Super Brain Putty - The kids are going to love this putty! They can bounce it, stretch it and create with it (and the best part for parents is it doesn’t dry out). l Available at Kmart
Voucher Code :
OFFSPRING12
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
$120
$39.95
$49.95
JBL - JR300 Junior Headphones - JBL - JR300BT Bluetooth. Wireless Junior Headphones - RRP 69.95 JBL Junior Headphone - If you have a music enthusiast, they will love these wireless headphones, which can connection up to 15 metres away and have easy-to-operate controls.
Spin to Sing - If your child is a fan of The Voice or The X Factor, they will love this fun sing-along game. An app uses music from your smart phone, and there is a 5 star judging system and jeopardy cards to add a hilarious twist. l Available from childsmart.com.au
$39 .95
Kids age 6-9+
Simon & Schuster Dork Diaries Box Set, 10 books Encourage your child to develop their reading skills with this hilariously entertaining series. This is a popular book series that your child will devour. l Available at Kmart
$49
Smiggle products are great gifts because they are cute and customisable, and they might even get kids excited about school with their range of learning supplies. Some great picks this season are: DIY Hardtop Pencil Case - $22.95 Smiggle’s hardtop pencil case, Smiggle Studio Art - $34.95 and Smiggle Gift Pack - $16.95
Springfree Trampoline Designed with your child’s safety in mind, this trampoline will provide hours of bouncy outdoor fun. Boasting over 15 years of research and development, Springfree advances and exceeds safety standards, while also encouraging kids to get outside and get active. This is suitable for a range of ages and both girls and boys. It is a perfect gift if you have more than one child, or for your child and their friends, because the kids can all enjoy it together. l Available at springfreetrampoline.com.au
BOCKY AND MOO
A
country inspiration. www.bockyandmoo.com.au $27 $25
I’M TOY GEO SORTER
I’M TOY STACKING COW
INDIGO JAMM HEARTS TEA SET $40 I’M TOY GEO SORTER $27 The Geo Sorter is designed to teach children about colours, shapes and patterns.
The Hearts Tea Set is perfect for tea parties, encouraging imaginative play and hand-eye co-ordination.
$40 INDIGO JAMM HEARTS TEA SET
$22
$45 INDIGO JAMM TRACTOR TED
INDIGO JAMM TRACTOR TED $45 Tractor Ted and his animals promote hand-eye coordination, imaginative play and fine motor skills
APPLE PARK ORGANIC FARM BUDDIES $22 The Organic Farm Buddies are safe, soft and cuddly with a gentle rattle to enhance your child’s sensory development.
Bocky& Moo
APPLE PARK ORGANIC FARM BUDDIES
MEMORIES OF A FARMER’S DAUGHTER Bocky & Moo is a farm and country inspired online store, featuring wooden toys, puzzles, snuggly buddies, books, herbal teas and hot chocolates.
www.bockyandmoo.com.au sydney | summer 2018 | Offspring
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Mums & Dads “The focus of Christmas is often on the kids, but it’s a fun family holiday for mum and dad too. Here’s some thoughtful gift 6 .8 $175 ideas for the grown-ups!”
Duchess Necklace by Merci Maman The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted wearing the Merci Maman necklace. Since then, mothers all around the world are copying her look! This gorgeous necklace makes the perfect personalised gift for Mum this Christmas.
Personalised Ladies Watch and Ring Stand by MijMoj Design - This beautifully handcrafted solid oak ladies ring and watch stand, can be personalised with a special message to your Mum. This is a gift she is sure to adore this Christmas.
This stylish personalised phone holder, with an adjoining change dish or key bowl, is a lovely wooden gift for keeping everything together when Dad walks through the front door. l All available at giftslessordinary.com.au
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
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$84.44 Personalised Soft Leather Travel Gift Set by STOW - Stow’s bestselling jewellery case is combined with two charming trinket boxes. Make it even more special with beautiful monogramming; creating a beautiful bespoke gift. l All available at giftslessordinary.com.au
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It’s important to teach children from an early age how to manage their emotions and bounce back from any positive or negative moments that they’re faced with. While we may want our little ones to have a carefree upbringing, children at some point, do meet challenges and adversity. Being able to cope with those situations in a healthy way will benefit your children for a lifetime.
How to raise
resilient KIDS B
BY WENDY MULLER
emotions, use age-appropriate calming strategies, and
Good sleep, good nutrition and opportunities for lots of movement and play.
generally coping with whatever life throws at us, are
Young children in particular, copy what adults say and do.
all part of a jigsaw puzzle called ‘resilience’. Resilience
When parents and other significant adults handle stressful and
eing able to positive self-talk, openly express your
can change and depend on what is happening at a particular point in
challenging situations with resilience, this also teaches children
time - if you have multiple negative stressors at a vulnerable stage in
resilience. Being a positive role model also includes taking
your life, you can be less resilient.
care of your physical and mental health, reaching out to social
So why is resilience an important skill to develop? Well, it has been found that people who are resilient, or who have good coping
networks and community resources, and being mindful and present in the moment.
skills are healthier, live longer, have happier relationships, are more successful at school and work, and are less likely to feel depressed.
Labelling your own emotions as well as your child’s.
The good news is that our capacity to be resilient develops as we
Children thrive when they know what to expect so family
age and experience life’s ups and downs. Therefore, by preventing
rhythms around sleeping and eating can help. Not getting
children from experiencing any challenges and disappointments, we
enough sleep and poor nutrition negatively impact children’s
are actually preventing them from developing resilience.
ability to learn and regulate their emotions. Play and movement
Helping children develop resilience involves the following:
is how children learn about themselves and about how the world around them works. Outside, nature play in particular, is
Being a positive role model. Children do best when they feel loved, understood and are protected
highly beneficial for children. Labelling your own emotions as well as your child’s. This
from harm. Positive daily interactions with the important people in
helps children use words rather than their bodies when they are
their lives helps them have confidence to explore their environment,
feeling frustrated or challenged; and also helps them develop
form other caring relationships and ask for help when they need it.
empathy over time for other people’s feelings. melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
57
“Play and movement is how children learn about themselves and about how the world around them works.”
Developing a growth mindset. Children who are resilient believe that they, and not their
Providing opportunities for your child to practice waiting and restraint.
circumstances, affect their achievements. Adults can help develop
This can be done in an enjoyable and fun way - play games that
a growth mindset by commenting on the process, rather than the
require turn taking, or sing rhymes and counting songs about
end result, encouraging children to problem solve by asking “what
waiting, and put in place rituals that require them to wait, eg. only
if ” questions and conveying to children that mistakes (and failure)
giving them pocket money once a week, or make them wait until
are part and parcel of learning.
the holidays before visiting a fun park.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
“Building resilience starts in infancy and continues throughout our lives.� Opportunities for learning and practicing life skills.
Developing a positive outlook.
This involves providing opportunities for children to have
situation into a more manageable one. Help children develop a
responsibility for small tasks that allows them to contribute to
positive outlook by being a positive role model, encouraging the
family life; providing time and opportunity to practice self-care
use of humour to lighten a situation, thus teaching them that
(getting dressed, going to the toilet unaided, feeding themselves).
challenges are an opportunity to learn and grow. Spending time in
All learning takes time and requires a lot of patience and energy
nature and finding meaning in things that happen is a wonderful
from involved adults. Development of self-care skills increases
opportunity to help children develop.
A positive outlook builds hope and can change a challenging
self-confidence and self-esteem. Time spent on supporting this
Building resilience starts in infancy and continues throughout
aspect of development impacts on their dispositions, attitudes
our lives. Parents have the biggest role to play in helping their
and motivation in many areas.
children develop resilience. However, parents are not alone, other
Playing an active role in supporting children during stressful times.
adults in their child’s life such
Adults do this by facilitating
systems and resources also
problem solving steps to work
play a significant role.
as teachers and other relatives, plus community support
through a situation positively, teaching strategies to calm down
For more information visit WiringKids on 0447 648 044 (Julie) or 0402 668 752 (Wendy) or visit www.wiringkids.com.au
and relax (relaxation breathing) and chatting about what happened afterwards - which helps to reinforce learning and remind children that things turned out alright in the end even though it was a stressful event;
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59
Welcome to Victoria! BY COLLEEN WILLIS
Fancy some time away from the routine of daily life? Dreaming of some sun or snow? Luckily Victoria has all of that, and more!
PUFFING BILLY STEAM TRAIN
F
treetops? Then this is for you! Anyone from the age of four and
For all the little (and big!) train lovers out there Puffing Billy is a must. This well-loved steam train is more than 100 years old and runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the beautiful forests and gullies of the Dandenongs. For more information visit www.puffingbilly.com.au
TREES ADVENTURE GLEN HARROW PARK Fancy an amazing adventure? Ever felt like walking through the
rom its dramatic eye-catching coastlines, beautiful beaches,
above can enjoy this. Bookings are essential.
parks, skiing, wineries and amazing food there is plenty on
For more information visit
offer for the whole family to enjoy.
www.treesadventure.com.au/glen-harrow-park
DANDENONG RANGES AND YARRA VALLEY
TOP TIP
What a wonderful place to visit. So much to do! The Dandenongs
great list of playgrounds and parks!
and Yarra Valley are home to a multitude of fun activities that the
www.visitdandenongranges.com.au/things-to-do/picnics-
whole family can enjoy.
playgrounds
We all love a good playground, so see the link below for a
Highlights include • Hedgend Maze Healesville • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery Yarra Glen
WINERIES
• Yarra Valley Dairy in Coldstream
Where to start?! You could spend months exploring them! Several
• William Ricketts Sanctuary Park
places are family friendly and offer playgrounds and other activities.
• Binjarra Cultural Centre
60
• Healesville Sanctuary
Accommodation
• SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Restaurant and Attractions
• Big4 Dandenong Tourist Park • Quest Dandenong
For more information visit www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au
For more information on wineries and accommodation visit
www.visitvictoria.com
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
SNOW FUN
If it’s the snow you’re after, you’re pretty spoilt for choice. From Melbourne, it’s easy enough to do a day trip or stay for a week.
MT HOTHAM • Kids Snow Zone Program.
Mighty Mites for 3-5 years and Kids Club for 6-14 years. • Harry the Snowdragon show.
Most suitable for 3-7 years. Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4pm. • Kids snowmobile rides. For more information visit
www.mthotham.com.au
FALLS CREEK • Riglet Park. Great for 3-5 years • Junior Workshop for 6-12 years • Teen Academy for 13-17 years • Pete the Snowdragon
Accommodation The Falls Creek Hotel prides itself on being family friendly. It has a ‘Kool 4 Kids Klub’ (3 – 9 years) with fun and games from 7-9pm. For more information visit
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SIGN UP FOR REGULAR UPDATES & PROMOS WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER! • Read our latest edition online. • Check out our online advertiser’s directory and connect with all of the amazing businesses featured in Offspring Magazine.
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61
MT BULLER • Bunyips Program for 3 - 6 years • Buller Kids for 7-14 years Ski and Snowboard • Buller Teens for 15-18 years Ski and Snowboard
Accommodation Arlberg Hotel – Has a kids stay free offer and a kids area with a pool table and x-box. For more information visit www.mtbuller.com.au
TOP TIP
MT BAW BAW If you’re a total beginner, Mt Baw Baw claims it is the best place to learn because of its smaller size and gentle slopes. • Kids lessons • Howling Husky Dog Sled Tours • Tobogganing
These spots are just as great in the summer months too!
Highlights include • Bells Beach • Apollo Bay • Kennett River Koala Walk • Cape Otway • Port Campbell National Park • The Twelve Apostles
• Tiger Moth World, Torquay (Lots of fun!)
Accommodation • Alpine Flashpackers – Budget
If you feel like a swim then head to the famous Bells Beach or
• Coora Valley Chalet – Mid range
take a stroll along the Surf Coast walk.
For more information visit www.mountbawbaw.com.au
For more information visit www.greatoceanrd.org.au |
www.travelvictoria.com.au/regions/greatoceanroad/
THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
This is one of the most stunning ocean drives I’ve ever been on.
Accommodation
Some of the amazing things on offer include:
There are plenty of choices on this route, from caravan/holiday parks, B&B’s, apartments and resorts.
In a world where you can expect the unexpected to happen it’s important to protect the people you love the most. Peace of mind is priceless, visit our website alinsurance.com.au to find out how we can help you. At Ann Little Insurance Brokers we believe in putting family first. We offer our clients and their families peace of mind through our unique approach of combining education and expertise with superior solutions topped off with unbeatable service.
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Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
youngandwildkids www.youngandwildkids.com www.offspringmagazine.com.au
For more information visit
For more information visit
www.big4.com.au
www.hallsgapzoo.com.au
www.topparks.com.au
www.hallsgaplakeside.com
www.greatoceanroadtrip.com
PHILLIP ISLAND
THE GRAMPIANS
What a gorgeous spot with lots of
The Grampians have much to
things to do. With everything close
offer families, from camping,
together you don’t have to spend ages
scenic walks, animals and more.
in the car going from place to place.
Highlights include
Highlights include
• Little Desert National Park.
• Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Yum
• Grampians National Park
yum!
• Mt Arapiles • McKenzie Falls. • The Stawell Gift at Easter For more information visit
www.grampianstourism.com.au
HALLS GAP ZOO Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria’s largest regional zoo. It has a, giraffe, water buffalo, meerkats, rainbow lorikeet and
• A Maze’n’Things
TOP TIP
• Antarctic Journey • Churchill Island Heritage Farm
During peak times, pre-book tickets to avoid missing out.
•
Caldermeade Farm and Café
PENGUIN PARADE. Who doesn’t love a cute penguin? Every day at sunset the penguins arrive and strut their stuff while waddling over to their burrows. Truly
more. Why not consider ‘adopting’ one of their beautiful animals? How awesome would that be!
• Wildlife Coast Cruises
awesome.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. Here you can camp, stay in a
• A Maze’n’Things Holiday Park • The Waves Apartments
cabin or rent a house!
For more information visit www.visitphillipisland.com
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
63
TOP TIP
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for being a popular holiday destination with lots to do. Highlights include • Diving, fishing • Swimming with dolphins • The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park • Wineries • Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
The Bellarine Railway is having a ‘Day Out With Thomas’ throughout January 2018!
• The Big Goose
VICTORIAN GOLDFIELDS
Gold was discovered over 160 years ago…will you be the one to make the next big find?? Highlights include • Ballarat - See the Lal Lal Falls • Bendigo – Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram Tours • Castlemaine – Old Castlemaine Gaol
• Heathcote – O’Keefe Rail Trail, • Maldon – The Maldon Lolly Shop. An old time shop
• Visit village markets
filled with sweet treats galore!
• The Enchanted Maze
For more information visit
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Museum
www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Goldfields
For more information visit www.thebellarinerailway.com.au
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
SOVEREIGN HILL Pan for gold at Sovereign Hill! Sovereign Hill is a living museum
TOP TIP
with working exhibits. It’s home to shops, schools, gold digging,
Follow the link below for a comprehensive list of food and wineries
underground mines and more. It’s been named Australia’s best
in the Mornington Peninsula.
‘Major Tourist Attraction’ three times.
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/foodandwine
For more information visit www.sovereignhill.com.au
Accommodation
Accommodation
• Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats (Some of these are even pet friendly)
A For something different why not stay at Kryal Castle? It’s located
• Trumans Cottages (Mostly pet friendly)
approximately 8km’s east of Ballarat. Kryal Castle is a replica
For more information visit www.familyfriendlyaccommodation.
medieval castle with plenty of shows and attractions.
com.au/mornington_peninsula
For more information visit www.kryalcastle.com.au
P ATRO H C A B E lus i v e t o B e t w e e n T he Fl a L Exc
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Shop Online at www.betweentheflags.com.au or Visit Our Store Shop 2 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 64
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
THE MURRAY REGION
The Murray River is Australia’s
HOUSE BOATING
longest river and a great place to visit. It’s home to wonderful
Hire a houseboat and be your own
wineries and gourmet food as
captain! Kids and captains alike
well as many other exciting
will love an adventure like this. You
things.
might just have to stop at one of the many wineries though!
Highlights include • Fishing • Watersports
Accommodation
• Paddle steamers
Lots of choice! Houseboats, tourist
• Houseboats
parks, resorts, camping and more.
• River Cruises
For more information visit
• Port of Echuca Discovery
www.murrayriverhouseboats.
Centre
com.au www.visitthemurray.com.au
SWAN HILL PIONEER SETTLEMENT
Getting there
Swan Hill is a town that carries a rich pioneer heritage. The Pioneer Settlement will really help you to embrace Australian history. You
Thanks to its size, Victoria is very accessible by road and public transport.
can chat to people from a bygone era while cruising the Murray on the PS Pyap. In the evening, enjoy a light and laser show.. For more information visit
For more information visit
www.visitvictoria.com/Things-to-do/Touring-routes
www.pioneersettlement.com.au
REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET WITH OFFSPRING MAGAZINE!
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• Options to advertise in any combination of Perth, Sydney and Melbourne
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65
Ideal family holidays to relax, enjoy and explore Holiday Haven Tourist Parks is your ideal family holiday destination offering superb beach, river and lakefront locations along the stunning Shoalhaven South Coast of NSW, just a convenient two to three-hour drive from Sydney or Canberra.
A
ll Holiday Haven Tourist Parks are in close proximity to waterways and
national parks, which means the whole
decks with water views.
family can explore a variety of bushwalking
All parks have a variety of on-site
trails, enjoy more than 100 unspoilt
recreational facilities to keep the
beaches, pristine coastline or splash out
family entertained with swimming
with many water adventures such as surfing,
pools, splash pads, jumping pillows,
fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding,
playgrounds, climbing spiders,
rock hopping, beach combing and canoeing.
outdoor chess sets, mini golf and school holiday activities
Holiday Haven offers a range of accommodation options to suit all families, including relaxing on powered camping sites, enjoy
including animal farmyards, face painting, movie nights, fishing competitions, pizza nights plus much more fun filled activities.
luxury camping with your own private ensuite facilities, glamping
There is something for the whole family to Relax. Enjoy.
in safari tents or fully self-contained 1, 2, 3 bedroom cabins with
Explore……….
ensuite bathrooms, kitchen facilities, TV/DVD, A/C, BBQ and
www.holidayhaven.com.au
holiday in our best locations … Holiday Haven Tourist Parks. South Coast NSW
Follow your dreams and discover the magic of our superb river, lake and beach locations on the South Coast of NSW, just 2–3 hours’ drive from Sydney or Canberra. Our Parks offer… • Fully self-contained cabins
• Kids’ playgrounds
• Holiday activities
• Powered sites
• Kids under 5 stay free
• Jumping pillows
• Powered ensuite sites
• Camp Kitchens
• Mini golf
• Large RV sites
• Swimming pools / splash pads
• Wifi access
Kangaroo Valley Shoalhaven Heads Culburra Beach Currarong Beachside Huskisson White Sands Huskisson Beach Swan Lake Bendalong Point Lake Conjola Entrance Ulladulla Headland Burrill Lake Lake Tabourie
1300 559 977 1300 782 222 1300 733 026 1300 555 515 1300 733 028 1300 733 027 1300 555 517 1300 733 025 1300 133 395 1300 733 021 1300 555 525 1300 559 966
(Note: not all facilities available at all parks. Please check with individual parks upon booking)
Relax. Enjoy. Explore. holidayhaven.com.au 66
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
Reflections Holiday Parks F
rom majestic stretches of unspoilt coastline on the south and north coasts, to the best kept inland
secrets, their parks offer pristine, natural environments located on
waterfront campsites with the luxury of amenities nearby. If you
Crown Land. Whether you’re wanting to simply relax, reboot and
want to go camping and don’t want to be sharing your tent with
take it all in, or get out and create your own adventures, Reflections
the wildlife or a deflated mattress, their Beach Tents offer that
Holiday Parks have the perfect places to fuel you and your family.
‘glamping’ experience.
Formerly operating as North Coast Holiday Parks, South Coast
Care for their parks and visitors is what makes all the
Holiday Parks and Inland Waters Holiday Parks, Reflections
difference. Reflections Holiday Parks reinvest back into their
Holiday Parks are uniquely located on some of the most iconic
parks, public reserves, recreational areas and local communities
sites in Australia.
ensuring their well-being is maintained and sites are preserved.
Reflections Holiday Parks have a range of cabins with varying layouts, occupancy sizes and creature comforts, as well as For the campers, there are powered and unpowered
1: Unforgettable experiences When you reflect on your past, it’s not just the moment you remember, but the emotion: the joy, fun and excitement or the calm and serene. A perfect destination is one that lets you experience all this and more. Imagine relaxing ocean side, exploring stunning bushland, or kayaking across pristine waterways. Just thinking about it lets the stress drift away. There’s something to be said for the feeling of sand between your toes or cool grass under your feet. The quiet moments of a sunset and the mesmerising trance of a camp fire. You deserve to treat yourself and the family to an experience they’ll cherish for life.
but also ensure they are kept pristine for other travellers to come. To learn more or to plan your next getaway visit www.
powered caravan and RV sites.
As children, we’d play among nature everyday. But it’s not until we’re older that we truly understand how beautiful, calming and invigorating it can be.
By doing this, they not only make their locations better to live in
reflectionsholidayparks.com.au
best kept inland secrets. This lavish, natural beauty is only possible on Holiday Parks located on Crown land. You’ll discover pristine landscapes as individual as you. The perfect place to fuel your wanderlust!
a holiday should always be a holiday. Choose from luxury or basic cabins, or caravan and camping grounds with powered or unpowered sites.
3: For family, friends & the furry ones
What goes around comes around, and unlike other holiday destinations we actively invest back into our parks and the surrounding reserves.
You may like travelling solo or holidaying with family and friends. Our parks are the perfect place to share memories and reconnect with your tribe. From friends who love extremeadventuring or simply letting small feet explore the beauty of nature. Reflections Holiday Parks are for everybody, including the four-legged members of the family. Twenty-four of our parks welcome pets, making it easy for the whole family to share the experience.
4: Accommodation options
2: Locations as magic as the experience
Campers come in all shapes, sizes and levels of enthusiasm. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or highly experienced, we have accommodation that suits.
Reflections Holiday Parks are uniquely located on some of the most iconic sites in Australia. From magic stretches of unspoilt coast, to the
Maybe you like the idea of being close to nature but still desire the creature comforts of air conditioning or a bit of glamping! That’s fine,
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
5: We give back to communities
This helps to ensure that our natural and community spaces are preserved and maintained for generations to come and wonderful for visitors now. As you unwind, remember that funds raised from your stay go back into caring for and re-developing local parks and surrounds. Your break reinvigorates both you and the environment.
reflectionsholidayparks.com.au
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
67
Myanmar Crisis Appeal
The fastest growing refugee crisis in the world is happening right now. Over 600,000 people have fled violence in Myanmar and need the basics to survive. Please DONATE to Australian Red Cross now – together we can help.
redcross.org.au/myanmar
Malolo Magic BY KATE DURACK
Stepping off a boat onto Malolo Island, greeted by local staff adorning us with shell necklaces and a Welcome acoustic harmony, set the tone for a fulfilling, relaxing and authentically Fijian island holiday.
M
hands-on. It wasn’t just a babysitting club. Children’s activities included an excursion in a glass-bottom boat to identify fish and coral; fossicking for shells to make bracelets; and finding flowers in the native bush to make a lei. The accommodation was exceptional – deluxe beach cottages, each with ocean views, hammocks, comfortable beds and furnishings,
alolo Island is a dream.
and all the trimming of a Five Star hotel –
It is isolated from the hubbub, noise
meticulous - without the crowds or frenzy.
and energy of daily living, and is an
There is no WiFi, TV or any electrical devices
ideal destination for families wanting to
spend time together, relax and enjoy a little indulgence. I visited Malolo recently with my nine-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. While many single parents feel daunted by a trip overseas with young children, we experienced peace, tranquillity and an opening of our senses.
in the chalets, but it is available in the communal areas. After an initial “horror” moment, we quickly melded into this way of life. We really had space and time to just Be, Together. There is also an adults-only area, which offers movies, books and a quiet comfort area, as well as a child-free pool. I also enjoyed a wonderful massage at Leilani’s Spa.
Malolo is tropical paradise. Unspoilt and sublime - native rainforest and sapphire, pristine waters.
We feasted on fresh local fruit and seafood, as well as the usual western fare, but in gourmet style – even the burgers and chips were
The resort offered many activities to keep the kids entertained; their Kids Club was unlike others; Daily
- healthy buffet for the children
educational programs were run by a highly trained
or al a carte, and romantic dining
and experienced educator. We could opt for morning,
options for the adults.
afternoon and/or evening sets that were engaging and
70
delicious! The menu was spot-on
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Children’s included an es iti tiv ac assexcursion in a gl entify id to at bo bottom ssicking for fish and coral; fo bracelets; shells to make wers in flo and finding sh to bu e tiv the na make a lei.
We snorkelled off the boat into pristine, sapphire waters, admiring the vibrant colours of the tropical fish and intricate, vivid coral, and washed up onto the shores of Castaway Island.
A highlight of our stay was a personal boat trip to the infamous island which was the setting for Tom Hanks’ blockbuster movie, Castaway.
We snorkelled off the boat into the warm, clear waters - no need for wetsuits or towels - admiring the vibrant colours of the colourful fish and intricate, vivid coral, and crawled onto the shores of this unspoilt island. It was a unique experience. Our guide took us on a tour, climbing a coconut palm and shared the flavours of the different coconut types. When we’d finished frolicking about on the powder white sand, we donned our fins and and swam back to the boat to enjoy a tasty breakfast made just for us – juicy, local fruits, Danish pastries, fresh juice and coffee. Another highpoint was an island tour with a local Fijian man who explained the healing properties of the native plants: and learnt how the Noni can help cure mouth and gum infections, TB, sprain, rheumatism and stomach ulcers and hypertension, headaches, fever and malaria; the Beach Mahogany can treat cuts, burns, sunburn, insect bites, scabies, and eye problems. Malolo Island was really a very special place to stay as
Getting there: South Sea Cruises, the most popular and affordable mode of transport to the island, travels there three times a day.
a family and somewhere I’d like to revisit soon.
A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MONEY AND CONTRIBUTE TO OFFSPRING MAGAZINE! WE’RE LOOKING FOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES TO JOIN THE OFFSPRING TEAM. • We have three separate hard copy editions – Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – which are all published as digital publications.
• This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to earn their own uncapped income, from home in their own hours as an advertising sales consult. • Please apply now for a New Year start!
Please send all expressions of interest to the Publisher, Kate Durack. kate@offspringmagazine.com.au Or for further enquires please contact Kate on 0415 267 414.
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WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
The opportunity to run your own business, working from home. There are very generous returns for the right person.
THE ROLE
To manage advertising accounts. You will have the opportunity to sell advertising space into Offspring Magazine hard copies and online, managing and ‘owning’ a specific territory, with the potential for fantastic monetary returns.
Australia’s largest parenting media 27/11/2017 01:09
melbourne | summer 2018 | Offspring
71
Glamping in style on
Cockatoo Island Cockatoo Island was a wonderful find – a local adventure for my family.
BY KATE DURACK
S
Credit - Geoff Magee
Credit - Zakarij Kacmarek
et in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is easy to visit with frequent ferries, yet
feels removed from a city environment. Surprisingly, it was a relaxing
family room and and a small outdoor deck. Waterfront. The beds were comfortable and everything had been
and tranquil environment, as well
thought of including an esky, lamp, snug, holiday chairs
as a unique experience in which we
and tables.
learnt about the Island’s rich heritage,
There is also a cinema experience and opportunity to
having been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for
toast marshmallows by a campfire in traditional camping style.
its important place in Australia’s colonial development involving
While this was all great fun, I really relished the stay in their
aboriginal, convicts and World War II history. There were fun things to do as a family, including tennis, giant chess and a fascinating audio tour of the Island’s heritage. But, probably the best part for us was glamping! We hadn’t been camping before (mainly due to my lack of practical resources to make it happen!), so this option was so convenient and enjoyable. We got cosy in a spacious and kit-out tent, which comprised two
72
separate bedrooms, a
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
1916-colonial style apartments. These were so romantic, maintained in sync with the colonial style, yet offered all the conveniences I have become used to – heating and fans, a modern kitchen, TV, lovely BBQ, deck and patio area and loads of space! Cockatoo Island frequently offers events and exhibitions. For more information visit www.cockatooisland.gov.au/events
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Radisson Blu Resort Fiji was voted 2017 Numbe r1 Fiji Resort for families on Trip Advisor.
Fiji paradise at
Radisson Blu STAYING AT RADISSON BLU RESORT FIJI DENARAU ISLAND IS AN IDEAL PLACE TO HOLIDAY FOR FAMILIES.
O
BY KATE DURACK
n occasion, I’ve taken my kids on a holiday, with Instagram ideals in mind - tropical sunsets, cocktails, reading a magazine by a sparking pool, and feasting on delicious food I haven’t had to cook – but the reality has
been far different - think stress and hassle. Holidays with kids can sometimes be tiresome, especially when traveling with them alone, as I do. A five and a nine-year-old have lots of energy! However, this is why I loved staying at Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island. I had a holiday
children. The kids went rock climbing, built and raced boats and had sandcastle competitions. The hotel has six restaurants and the food was
too – it was self contained and
delicious. The buffet breakfasts and dinners were
very relaxing. And, being English
very good value and the kids didn’t want to leave
speaking and less than a four-hour
the hotel to eat.
flight from Sydney made it easy to visit with children. The resort was beachfront and superb. It was voted 2017 Number 1 Fiji Resort for families on Trip Advisor. Many water activities were offered at the beach and the pool. The kids and I really enjoyed the water aerobics and water volleyball sessions, as well as our own fitness session whereby we challenged
I was impressed by the Radisson Blu’s sponsorship program, where they support 14 schools with educational tools such as technology, books, stationary and sporting equipment. The hotel offers weekly tours of the schools, which was a highlight of our trip – a great educational experience and exercise in an Appreciation. We gave a full suitcase of new books to the school we visited
the five-year-old to swim unassisted to the Swim Up Bar, where they
which seemed to be valued. Their reading resources are minimal
indulged in a slushie, and me, a Pina Colada.
compared to what our schools and homes offer.
The pool was excellent – sandy and lots of variety, including interesting little streams, waterfalls and a water slide. We stayed in a One-Bedroom
On the way back to the hotel, we alighted the bus in the district’s main area, Nadi, where we roamed around the markets, before catching a public bus back to the resort.
Suite close to the beach, which was
This offered a great insight into perhaps a
supremely comfortable, spacious and
more authentic Fiji, which further enriched
fully self-contained (handy as Fiji can be
our holiday experience.
expensive). The Blue Banana Kids Club was 74
fantastic - the Fijian people are wonderful with
Offspring | summer 2018 | melbourne
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji is a wonderful place to take young families.
Fiji's No.1 Family Resort
TREAT YOUR FAMILY TO A HOLIDAY IN PARADISE. SPLASH AWAY IN ONE OF FOUR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED POOLS, INCLUDING A WHITEWATER TUNNEL SLIDE. RELAX AND ENJOY 'FIJI TIME' WHILE YOUR CHILDREN ARE SAFELY ENTERTAINED BY THE BLU BANANA KIDS CLUB.
Create family memories stay. play. relax.
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