Family Living Magazine- May 2015 by Family Living Magazine

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MAY 2015

THE BABY ISSUE!

• Mums share their birth stories • Managing labour pain naturally • Introducing siblings

Speed clean your bathroom in 3 minutes a day Plant a winter veggie garden | Mother’s Day gift guide | What’s on in May

Announcing

our latest arrival

Come visit our brand new maternity unit Beautifully decorated private ensuite rooms and state-of-the-art facilities – all with breathtaking views. Stunning new facilities… the same San values and care we’ve provided for over 110 years. Visit our website for a virtual tour, or book a guided tour with our friendly midwives.

SYDNEY ADVENTIST H O S P I TA L

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Located in leafy Wahroonga, Sydney Adventist Hospital (fondly known as the San) has been delivering babies since 1903.

www.sah.org.au/maternity 185 Fox Valley Road Wahroonga 2076 Tel: 02 9487 9903

Full page ad to go here

familyliving magazine | 3

Editor’s letter Welcome to the May edition of Family Living Magazine! This month we have a special focus on pregnancy and birth. With two young boys of my own, pregnancy and birth are still close to my heart and I have to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for reading other mums labour stories. Check out the stories from page 12 of five local mums who’ve shared their experiences. With May bringing Mother’s Day, it’s time to spoil your mum! If you are after some gift ideas, we have some beautiful products lined up in our mother’s day gift guide.

This months sweet cover photo is thanks to to Bree from BREEHULMEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

BE SOCIAL

 familylivingmagazine.com.au  Familylivingmagazine  Familylivingmagazine

As always we have recipes, our what’s on calendar and lots more. Don’t forget to support our advertisers. Let them know you saw them in Family Living Magazine. Their support keeps the magazine free for you. Enjoy!

THE TEAM

Michelle

Emma Featherstone | Sales & Marketing

editor@familylivingmagazine.com.au Northern Beaches Family Living Magazine is produced in association with An Organised Life keepcalmgetorganised.com.au

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Michelle Thompson-Laing | Editor & Owner EDITOR@FAMILYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ADVERTISE@FAMILYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Content in Family Living Magazine is for general information only & is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing legal, financial or professional advice or services. Views expressed by the contributors are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Family Living Magazine. The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person or organisation on basis of anything in this or related publications or websites. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.

In this issue…

10 8 12

Five mums tell their labour & birth stories

22 Planting a winter

8 PRODUCTS WE LOVE

19 LABOUR

Stuff we LOVE!

A UIDE TO MANAGING LABOUR NATURALLY

9 SPEED CLEANING

26 RECIPES

FAMILY DINNERS & YUMMY TREATS

vegetable garden

25 Meal prep made easy 28 What’s on calendar 30 Handy numbers BE SOCIAL… CONNECT WITH US

 FAMILYLIVINGMAGAZINE  FAMILYLIVINGMAGAZINE

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Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

GIFT GUIDE

Ageing Fe

arlessly e

te rka

ery

ell

w Je

Arbo

nne G

ift Se

Ageing Fearlessly for Women. Karen Sander writes candidly about ageing, in this practical guide to living life to the full for mature women. ageingfearlessly.com Uberkate jewellery is the spirit of relationships. Connecting families, friends and loved ones through personalised handmade jewellery. uberkate.com.au Arbonne by Lisa Jane Lucas Formulated without animal products, by-products or harsh chemicals. A premium brand of Swiss heritage, botanically based and inspired by nature. lisajanelucas.arbonne.com

organicbedthreads.com

Chemical Free Cotton Dyes & Yarns Artisan Handmade Certified Organic Free from Child Labor Creative Designs for Young Minds

Hypo-allergenic bedding for the whole family Ethical | Handmade | Linen 6 | familyliving magazine

familyliving magazine | 7

Stuff we... Love! HOOTKID HOODIE

ALFI LOVES LULU How fun is this super-cool hootkid masked bandit hoodie. Great for the cooler weather and bound to please your little man! ALFIELOVESLULU.COM.AU

BREASTFEEDING TEA

HANDMADE HAIR ACCESSORIES

ANGELROCK BABY This Naturally Nursing breast-feeding tea contains a lovely blend of herbs traditionally used by breastfeeding mothers to increase milk supply and aid with nursing.

ALLURE DESIGNS Allure Handmade hair Accessories Inspired by the beauty in all things, escape into a world filled with beautiful flowers, vintage laces, sparkly jewels and all things glitter.

ANGELROCKBABY.COM.AU

ALLUREDESIGNS.CO

THERMO INSULATED PRAM ORGANISER LITTLE M DESIGNS

The perfect baby shower gift, this great pram organiser is fully insulated and even includes a detachable purse with wrist strap. Impressive! LITTLEMDESIGNS.COM.AU

BOON SNACK BOX

BUBS AND BEANS These great Bento inspired lunch boxes are great for fussy eaters who like to pick at different foods. Available in several styles, just $19.95. BUBSANDBEANS.COM.AU

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PERFECT PREP

CLOSER TO NATURE

We love this “perfect prep” machine. It makes preparing bottles incredibly easy by filtering the water and preparing formula ready to serve at body temperature in under 2 minutes. Genius! CLOSERTONATUREBABY.COM.AU

Speed clean your bathroom in 3-minutes a day! Who doesn’t want a sparkling bathroom everyday?! Never worry about checking the bathroom when unexpected guests arrive again. Just do this quick 3-minute speed clean each night. Keep the stuff you need in the vanity for easy access. WHAT YOU NEED: • Flushable bathroom wipes • Mirror/glass wipes • Toilet cleaner • Toilet brush

WHAT YOU DO: 1. Squirt toilet cleaner into and around toilet bowl. Leave while you do the rest of the bathroom. 2. Wipe over the mirror with a wipe. 3. Wipe over the vanity and taps with a . flushable wipe. 4. Use a toilet brush to give the toilet a quick scrub. 5. Wipe over seat/under seat and canister with a flushable wipe. 6. Flush wipes (bin non flushable ones). 7. Straighten towels/replace if needed.

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A guide to introducing siblings

One of the most enjoyable parts of bringing a second baby home is watching the gorgeous interactions between siblings. Seeing your first “baby” turn into the big brother or sister and watching those precious first bonds form is enough to bring tears to any parents eye. Helping to prepare your older child for the changes that come with a new baby is a critical first step in ensuring those first few days and weeks are as smooth as possible. Every child differs in how they respond to a new sibling depending on their age and temperament, but there are a few key steps that will help make the process easier. TALK, TALK, TALK

INVOLVE THEM

If your child is old enough to understand, spend time talking to them about what will happen and what to expect with the new baby.

Children respond well to being involved in “grown up” activities so make sure you involve your child in things with the new baby. Get them to help you change nappies, take photos or pack bags.

Read books, role-play, let them meet other babies. Preparing them ahead of time will make the experience as smooth as possible and help them know what to expect. 10 | familyliving magazine

Many children enjoy mimicking mummy with their own special doll. Perhaps the baby could give your child a special toy that they can feed, dress and change while mummy cares for the baby.

DON’T MAKE IT ALL ABOUT BABY It is easy for older siblings to feel left out and lost when all the attention switches to the baby. This can be especially true when visitors come. While the new baby is exciting, make sure your other child isn’t left out. Be sure to praise them in front of visitors for the way they are helping, how gentle they are being and generally what a fabulous big brother or sister they are. Make sure they get a chance to show off their own skills or news to visitors too. MAKE TIME JUST FOR THEM Don’t forget that your older child needs you too. Take time to spend special one on one time with them, away from the baby if possible. Even just a quick walk or a trip to the park can be enough to help them feel valued. EXPECT REGRESSIONS Even the most excited and accepting siblings are likely to have periods of regression after a new baby arrives. They may start having toileting accidents, revert to “baby talk” or refuse to feed themselves. Be patient and know that this time will pass.

At Roseville College, girls from Kindergarten to Year 12 engage in enriching learning experiences that challenge and embolden them to pursue and attain their personal best in all areas of life. Graduates from Roseville College are typically vibrant, confident, articulate, independent young women who embrace life’s array of opportunities with energy and enthusiasm. Ranked among NSW’s top schools, Roseville College has transformed the lives of girls for more than 105 years. 27 Bancroft Avenue, Roseville 9884 1100 enquiries@roseville.nsw.edu.au

www.rosevillecollege.com familyliving magazine | 11

A SPECIAL DAY YOUR CHILD WILL NEVER FORGET! Ponies for Parties has packages to suit any occasion or budget, with a full range of ponies and donkeys available. Check out the website for all the details and to learn more about the ponies and donkeys. Also available for fetes, nursing homes & hospitals. WWW.PONIESFORPARTIES.COM.AU

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Birth stories… MY HYPNOBIRTH INSPIRED ME TO START A NEW CAREER After birthing my first baby unexpectedly at 36 weeks I was overjoyed to reach the 40 week mark. At three days past my “due date”, I went to bed quite late listening to my Hypnobirthing music, to awake suddenly at around 4.30am to some tightenings. I tried to stay asleep but couldn’t, so I got up and enjoyed a surreal and powerful 30 mins with just me and my baby, knowing that this was going to be their birthing day! My surges were coming steadily and rhythmically so I woke my husband, arranged for my father in law to come and be with my toddler and prepared to drive to hospital. I was so calm and relaxed yet super excited to meet our little one. I started using the self-hypnosis skills and breathing techniques I had practiced in both pregnancies, the result was that after growling at my hubby for driving too fast over the speed bumps I walked into hospital at around 6am and was pleased to learn I was 10 cm dilated… the power of Hypnobirthing!

Katie After setting up, I enjoyed a trance-like state of bliss in the birthing pool. When the timing was right, I needed the assistance of gravity so I got out of the pool and birthed my second little boy in joy at 8.40am. We were wonderfully supported enjoyed an uninterrupted bonding period with our new bub that we will never forget. My birth experience was so satisfying and empowering, it prompted me to train as a childbirth educator and I now run a successful Hypnobirthing business, assisting other mums to enjoy their births as much as I did.

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My son was scheduled to be born via elective c-section so that his cord blood could be collected for my daughter, who was in remission for leukaemia, in case she relapsed and needed a further stem cell transplant. Our local hospital did not routinely collect cord blood or have the equipment required to carry out the procedure, but they did have a midwife experienced in the procedure. The Children's Hospital supplied all the equipment and the c-section was scheduled for a time that the midwife was available. The cord blood had to be transported as soon as possible in a chiller box straight to the Bone Marrow Transport Unit of the Kid's Hospital, so my Dad and brother had strict instructions of where to go and how to ensure the blood stayed at the ideal temperature. It is very lucky that they love me and my kids so much, as they had to sit through many meetings and many panicked phone calls from me! “OUR SON’S BIRTH COULD HELP SAVE OUR DAUGHTER.” On the day, my partner, daughter, Dad, brother, sister in law (my team!) and I arrived at hospital and I went through the usual preparation for a c-section, then was taken to theatre with my husband,

Danielle while my daughter Charlotte was entertained by family. After text book surgery, Dylan was born gorgeous and healthy at 1.11pm and put straight into my arms for cuddles and photos. It seemed like forever being stitched up until I could get back to my gorgeous boy, who had been taken back to the ward to meet his very proud big sister! An impressive amount of cord blood was collected then safely transported to the Kid's Hospital, and Charlotte had a wonderful time with her beautiful aunt and then got first cuddles with her new baby brother. If needed, our son’s birth could be the key to saving our daughters life in the future!

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I know you can’t really follow a “plan”, but I wanted to feel prepared, to feel ready. The things I’m indebted to were yoga, Calmbirth classes, swimming, a personal trainer and every night drifting off with the help of a meditation app in my ears. For me, the action all started 5am on a Sunday morning. I am not naturally a morning person, so I knew something was out of the ordinary, little did I know in 24 hours I’d be holding my son. “I KNEW I COULD DO IT!” After 12 hours of contractions, we scooted to the hospital. I got the turn around with that disappointing news that we all dread hearing, only being 1cm dilated. Later at home again, once my waters broke around 9pm that night, off we scooted for the second and hopefully final time.

and I tossed aside the TENS machine and hopped in. After the obstacles of the first stage, I had arrived! The second stage was productive, and I surprised to find, I enjoyed it. I was supported by my student midwife. She told me to “Work with it when there’s something there to work with, and to rest when there's nothing happening.” It was the simplest and most reassuring thing I could have been told. Listen to your body. It knows what to do. Trust the process. I was required to birth “on land” so hopped out of the bath and soon after our little one crowned. It was a straight forward process, after 45 minutes he was on the outside, in our arms and our lives were changed in that instant. We were parents… and amazed at our little boy. We DID it.

We discovered I was dehydrated so I was put on IV fluids, and to allow for some rest and rehydration I tried the morphine. This, honestly, was the most uncomfortable part, as it didn’t touch the sides. My plan had been to see how far I could get on my own, with my Calmbirthing skills under my belt. To our delight at the next check I was 7cm dilated. Relief & excitement overcame us. It had seemed like forever between 1cm and 7cm but I realized we’d actually made ground! Everything sped up, I was welcomed into the birthing suite, a bath was run for me, my midwife arrived, the lights were dimmed, my relaxation music was on

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;DELIVERING BABIES IS NOT THE SAME AS HAVING THEM!â&#x20AC;? As a midwife of 2 years, I had delivered 100+ babies. I had talked to hundreds of women about labour and birth and what to expect. It wasn't until June 15th 2015 that I realised I had no idea what to expect! I had a birth plan. Stay at home as long as possible, no drugs, water birth, physiological 3rd stage, delayed cord clamping and immediate skin. On June 15th, I was 38 weeks and 2 days, I was waddling around Coles, feeling unwell, with spots in my vision, I went into Priceline to ask them to check my blood pressure. 200/100. I knew immediately that I was unwell and I should get to the hospital, so of course, I drove home, unpacked the shopping and drove myself there. Once there, I was looked after by my beautiful colleagues who ran tests, scans and commenced treatment for my preeclampsia. On the 16th, the induction started, but it wasn't until 7 am on the 17th that my waters were able to be broken. I began getting tightening from 8.30am. I jumped straight in the shower, I had my essence going, the hypnobirthing music, tried the tens machine, gas, bath etc. but by 2.30pm I was crying for the morphine, I could not believe the pain I was in! I had walked out of many birth rooms scoffing

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Bel at the way my ladies were "carrying on". Wow! Didn't I feel silly!! Nothing could have prepared me for the feeling of a contraction. By 6pm, I was waiting for the anaesthetist for the epidural. He was going to be 10 minutes, I had also told women this, knowing full well ten minutes in anaesthetist time really meant 30 minutes! I think I owed him an apology the next day for what I said once he finally arrived! Once that was in, of course, I was fully dilated! Pushing for one hour and 45 mins, we could all see the hair but he just wasn't coming out as he wasn't it a good position. The doctor came in and rotated him with the forceps, as per my instructions he took them off and let me push him out once rotated. And there was my beautiful boy! Put up on my chest. And suddenly, I couldn't remember a thing about labour or birth! I have had a midwife learning experience like no other. Better than any in-service or course they have running.

The 8 weeks leading up to my birth had been really stressful. A car accident, work complications and to top it off I’d fallen and had nasty sprains to both ankles. As a result I was really anxious about the birth ahead. Even though I listened diligently to my Calmbirth CD’s every day, I wasn’t entirely convinced I could cope through it. I made a list of birth preferences (including a water birth) with our doula and my midwife and I was determined after two previous very traumatic births to avoid an epidural and an induction unless it was medically necessary. The morning before my due date my midwife gave me a sweep, after which I had a foot reflexology massage and went home to rub Clary Sage oil on my belly. By 2pm that day I was in established, but very manageable labour, and continued with the rest of my usual daily routine. Just before 11pm I thought I should finish packing my hospital bag but at 11.15pm my waters broke so my husband

headed to bed in case we were in for a long night...this was not going to be so! At 11.30pm it felt as if my belly had exploded, my waters gushed and incredibly intense contractions started immediately. I was on the phone to the delivery suite and they convinced me to come in as soon as possible. The intensity of the contractions was almost unbearable and sitting in the car was impossible. Much to my husband’s dismay, I tried to stand for the journey! I was desperately trying to focus on my breathing but it was so painfully uncomfortable this was really hard. “MY BIRTH WAS A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE” At 12.30am we arrived at the hospital and were let in by a security guard who looked very worried he would be helping deliver our baby right there in the lift! Soon afterwards our doula arrived, and I was helped into the bath. Thankfully I managed to call on all my Calmbirth practice and was able to focus purely on the contractions/surges while my husband gently talked me through my visualisations. I reached transition and I couldn’t go on any longer, that was until I reached down and felt our baby’s head. This gave me the determination and focus I needed to get this baby out, and with a few almighty pushes, at 1.29am, right on the day he was due, I delivered our little boy.

Naomi

I had the most amazing, deeply special and very positive birth experience. After suffering terrible post natal depression with my first two boys I truly feel I won’t be led to that dark place again. familyliving magazine | 17

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Managing labour pain naturally As an experienced Hypnobirthing practitioner and mother who enjoyed two painfree empowering births, I am often asked how women can manage pain during labour naturally. It is my dream that all women can birth in comfort and joy and without fear so here are my top 5 tips! CREATE AN OPTIMAL BIRTHING ENVIRONMENT

PRACTICE BREATHING AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Your birth environment should allow you to feel safe, comfortable and relaxed so that you can labour uninhibited.

Relaxation and breathing techniques can help centre birthing women and focus their mental state during labour. Tension increases pain; relaxation reduces it.

• Dim the lights, use candles (or LED candles) so that you are not startled by the hospital lights and taken out of your “ zone”. • Speak in low tones; play calming relaxation or meditation style music. • Use high quality, 100% aromatherapy essential oils, diffuse them, put them on your body and place them in your bath water. • Surround yourself with familiar comforting and relaxing items, it could be birth affirmations, visualisations or family pictures.

Listen to relaxation CD’s specific to childbirth e.g. Hypnobirthing or Gentlebirth, throughout your pregnancy and at the time of your labour. They will condition you to be able to “ let go”. Nasal breathing is particularly important as it accesses and facilitates the connection to the parasympathetic nervous system, this is the happy/ calm part of our autonomic nervous system. It encourages the release and maintenance of our beta-endorphins. familyliving magazine | 19

These have been proven to be up to 40 times more powerful than morphine! USE VISUALISATION TECHNIQUES Mental imagery is a highly effective labour pain management technique; professional athletes even use it to naturally enhance their performance. Labouring women may visualize their cervix opening or their baby descending the birth path with ease. USE WATER AND MOVE FREELY The use of water is well documented as a labour pain management technique. Water provides support and buoyancy that enables labouring women to relax and take advantage of the weightless feeling it provides. When you are upright in labour, gravity assists to move the baby down and out. Being on your back slows labour, increases the likelihood of tearing, and reduces oxygen flow to the baby. Changing and moving into positions that your body wants to during labour whether you are in or out of the water is key to working with your birthing body and eliminating discomfort.

POSITIVE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT Fear is the biggest enemy to the birth room. Fear creates tension and tension creates pain. Eliminating these fears and replacing them with a positive expectation for birth is greatly supported by taking childbirth education course such as Hypnobirthing Australia, Active birth or Gentle birth. Alongside relaxation, emotional support may be the most imperative, and most overlooked, natural labour pain management technique. Studies have shown that women supported by knowledgeable birthing companions, other women and especially doulas, experience more positive, less complicated births and report more satisfaction with their birth experiences. katie kempster is a local hypnobirthing practitioner and childbirth educator from harmonic hypnobirthing. www.harmonichypnobirthing.com.au

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Planting a garden for winter

vegetable

Growing vegetables at home is rewarding and easy. Now is a great time to get your winter veggie garden planted. Here weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a list of the best vegetables to plant at this time of year.

BROCCOLI

BEETROOT

Perfect in salads and great roasted. Beetroot takes around ten weeks to grow and will last throughout winter.

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These are best started as seeds in seed trays and then moved to the garden or a bigger pot. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve cut off the first head, you can get further heads sprouting from the side. They do take 16-18 weeks to grow but once they are established you get a pretty good crop in a small area. They are good for tubs and pots too.

CABBAGE Not the most exciting of vegetables but really easy to grow. If you want a quick crop, go for Chinese cabbage that will be ready in as little as eight weeks.

LETTUCE

CARROTS

Recommend year round in pots. Buy the continual picking ones and you’ll have salad greens in no time plus they last for months if you keep them watered. Easy to grow and fun for kids. Don’t pull them up until they are forcing their way out of the ground, usually around 16 weeks after planting. CAULIFLOWER Similar to broccoli in care and planting cauliflower is a great winter vegetable. LEEKS Great in pots and super easy to grow. They are a bit slower to mature, taking around 13 weeks.

Our Gift to you

PEAS AND SNOW PEAS These are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow, as you get such a huge crop in a small area. You can sow them straight into a garden bed or barrel and they start sprouting in under a week, making them great fun for kids. TURNIPS These are great in dips and salads and really quick to grow, ready in just 4-6 weeks!

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Meal preparation made easy!

Planning is half the battle. Here are six tips from ‘An Organised Life’ to make meal preparation easier. Get organised, save time and reduce stress. check out more ideas at www.keepcalmgetorganised.com.au DIVIDE MEATS BEFORE FREEZING It is much easier to manage defrosting later if you’ve packaged all your meats into meal size portions. Divide up chicken breasts, steaks, etc. so that all you need to do is defrost and cook. This also reduces waste. ADD SEASONING AND VEGETABLES FOR A MEAL IN A BAG When you divide up your meats, you can also add seasonings and vegetables to freeze at the same time. This works especially well for casseroles, roasts and soups. Just pull from the freezer, defrost and stick in the oven. Instant meal! PREPARE IN BULK If you are going to cut up vegetables, do several days worth. You can top and tail beans, chop carrots/potatoes/corn etc. and then place in zip lock bags in the fridge. They will keep fine for up to a week and make life much easier on those rushed nights.

PLAN AHEAD It is so much easier to prepare meals that you’ve already planned. Trying to come up with dinner ideas at 5.30pm, and then get it on the table, is destined to end in disaster. PRECOOK AND FREEZE Every family has at least one afternoon or evening a week that is a total circus. No matter how well prepared you are, it is sometimes just too hard to get anything cooked on those days. Precook and freeze meals to pull out and microwave for days that you just can’t get it together. Things like roasts (with veggies), pies, casseroles etc. all freeze really well. LOVE YOUR SLOW COOKER Slow cookers are life savers and you can do much more in them than just stews! You can even do a roast chicken, make desserts and create rice dishes. If you don’t own a slow cooker, buy one! familyliving magazine | 25

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked overnight • Pinch of sea salt • 1/4 cup cacao powder • 1/4 cup carob powder

• 50 grams cacao butter • 50 grams coconut oil • 1/2 cup raw honey or maple syrup • 1 tsp vanilla powder

METHOD 1. Chop cacao butter into chunks; place it into the food processor and mill until fine. 2. Add all other dry ingredients and process until chopped very finely. 3. While food processor is still running, slowly pour coconut oil into mixture and whiz until all combined and super smooth. 4. Place mixture into the freezer to firm up. 5. Once truffle mixture is firm, use a teaspoon to scoop out portions to roll into balls. 6. Roll balls in cacao powder, chopped nuts or coconut.

INGREDIENTS

OSSO BUCCO

• 2 brown onions, diced • 3-4 cloves garlic, diced finely • 4 carrots, diced • 2 stalks celery, chopped • 1/3 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped • 1 sprig of oregano • 1 sprig thyme

• • • • •

1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon Natvia 1 cup bone broth 1.5kg Osso Bucco beef 2 cups of pureed tomatoes • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • Salt and pepper

METHOD

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1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees and in a large baking dish place coconut oil, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and herbs. Lay the beef over the top and pour in remaining ingredients. 2. Cover and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Push the bone marrow from the bones into the dish and remove the bones and discard. Give everything a big stir to combine all flavours. 3. Serve with sweet potato mash, rice/quinoa or simple mixed veggies.

CARAMEL SLICE INGREDIENTS - BASE • 7 medjool dates • 200 grams activated (or raw) almonds • 100 grams coconut flakes

• 2 tbsp coconut oil • Pinch of sea salt

INGREDIENTS - MIDDDLE • 200 grams raw macadamia nuts • 400 grams soft medjool dates

• 2 tsp vanilla bean powder • Pinch of sea salt

INGREDIENTS - TOP • 7 medjool dates • 200 grams activated (or raw) almonds • 100 grams coconut flakes

• 2 tbsp coconut oil • Pinch of sea salt

METHOD • Line a 25cm x 25cm baking tray with baking paper. • Place all ‘base’ ingredients into a food processor and whizz for 30 seconds or until mixture has started sticking. • Push mixture into tray so it’s firm and flat. • Place all ‘middle’ ingredients into a food processor and whizz until very smooth. • Lay ‘caramel’ on top of the base. It is quite sticky so you may need a cup of warm water to dip the spatula in to smooth it over and place into freezer. • Place ‘top’ ingredients into food processor and whizz until just combined and smooth. • Pour chocolate mixture on the top of the ‘caramel’ and smooth it over if needed. • Place in freezer to set for at least 4 hours.

Thanks to Cass from Live it. Do it! for these fab recipes. Cass is a healthy-life-styler, real foodist, wannabe gardener and a mum on the quest to raise super natural kids on her urban farm yard on the Northern Beaches. Find more of her tasty recipes in her E-books available at www.liveitdoit.com.au

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What’s on 2

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GELN STREET THEATRE

UNDER 5 WINE APPRECIATION ‘ECO-TOTS’ $15.00 PER CHILD ENVIRONMENT CENTRE SESSION 4PM $10.00 BOOKINGS: 9975 1455.

NORTH NARRABEEN BOOKINGS ESSENTAL 1300 000 232 10AM-3PM

1- 31 MANLY AQUARIUM SHIPWRECK SHORES PLAY AREA OPEN 7 DAYS INCLUDED IN ENTRY

Introducing our new casual drop in kids music class. Tuesday’s through term at 9:45. Just turn up! www.musicplayhabitat.com.au

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Handy Phone Numbers & Websites Keep this page handy for future reference. EMERGENCY, FIRE, POLICE OR AMBULANCE CALL 000! HEALTH Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 Home Doctors Service (after hours, bulk billed) 13 74 25 www.homedoctor.com.au Health Direct Australia (free service staffed by nurses & doctors) 1800 022 222 Mothersafe (medications in pregnancy) 9382 6539 www.mothersafe.org.au Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Salvo Care Line 1300 363 622 Beyond Blue (mental health) 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au Black Dog Institute (mental health) www.blackdoginstitute.org.au PARENTING Parent Line (parenting advice and support) 1300 130 052 www.parentline.org.au Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 626 268 www.breastfeeding.asn.au Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline 1800 822 436 www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au Karatane Careline (24 hour parenting support) 1300 227 464 www.karitane.com.au Tresillian Parent Helpline 1800 637 357 www.tresillian.net Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 www.kidshelp.com.au PANDA (Postnatal Depression Support) 1300 726 306 www.panda.org.au CRISIS SERVICES Suicide Helpline 1300 363 622 Child Protection Helpline (24 hours) 13 21 11 Domestic Violence Line (24 hours) 1800 656 463 Salvation Army Welfare Centre 9977 1304

â&#x20AC;˘ Has your relationship lost its spark? â&#x20AC;˘ Do you need support managing anxiety or low mood? Individual Psychotherapy & Couples Counselling. Fully registered and years of experience. www.anniegurton.com 0423 632 657

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A confidential consultation with a professional counsellor may be just what you need.

1299 kitchen package

Oven | Inalto IO65 60cm Stainless Steel Multifunction

Range Hood | Inalto CH60 Stainless Steel 60cm Canopy

by Residentia

Add the Inalto Stainless Steel Dishwasher for only $559!

Cooktop (Induction) | Inalto II64T 60cm

STREAMASTER AUSTRALIA Shop 5, 42-46 Wattle Road Brookvale 2100 | Ph 9999 5431 Streamaster Shop front is on Mitchel Road next to Eastpoint café. Come and visit us or shop online at streamaster.com.au

Family living readers will also receive free delivery when they mention Family Living magazine in the comments area at check out*. All Inalto products come with full 2 year Manufacturer warranty. *Available only within the Northern Beaches Family Living distribution area.

Popcorn Hour VTEN Ultra HD Media player | The VTEN organises all of your movies and music into a convenient “jukebox” that runs on your Android tablet or IPAD. Super charge your media collection with a VTEN media player and play Ultra HD content on your TV. $239 Accent Digital Muse Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speaker Boom | This Blue tooth speaker is the Bluetooth speaker that blows all other Bluetooth speakers into the woods. Packing more than 150 watts of pure sound we are offering a money back satisfaction guarantee on this little beast. $199 Wharfedale Obsidian 600 HCP Home Theatre Package: $1390 | Streamaster Australia Stocks a range of Home theatre and receiver packages and offers expert advice on all of your home theatre requirements. Match these beautiful speakers up with Yamaha or Onkyo high quality receivers. Streamaster also offer very low profile speaker systems such as the Hide and Seek Home theatre systems (pictured) from Accent Acoustic. | Hide and Seek Speaker system: $899 SPECIAL OFFER to Family Living Magazine customers: purchase ANY product we offer online and receive free Delivery. Simply Mention Family living FREE Delivery in your comments during check out, Choose “Pick up in Store” for your freight option and we will deliver ANY order free to your home **** Must reside within the Family Living familyliving distribution area to qualify—call us to check!

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(02) 9938 1444 80 Evans Street Freshwater www.harborddiggers.com.au

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A NEW DAWN FOR THE DIGGERS