Kid Magazine Issue 32

december 2016 - issue thirty two

! o h o oh h

Christmas gift guide - teaching kids about gratitude - fun elf on the shelf ideas - perfect party inspiration

plus fun school holiday ideas, party tips & more!

shop where the cool kids shop

With the plethora of online businesses popping up all over the web, knowing where to shop can be the hardest decision you need to make. We’ve done the leg work for you and tracked down some of the hippest places to shop for you and the kids. Whether you are after funky party supplies, new maternity clothes, a fabulous photographer or toys for the kids, you will find it all plus more in the new Kid Magazine DIrectory.

Want to find out how you can join the directory? Email sara@kidmagazine.com.au for the details on our affordable packages.

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Editor’s letter

Image by D Images, dimages.com.au

Cover image: Photography by D Images, dimages.com.au

hi!

T

hat time of the year is upon us. And it can go one of two ways.

Crazy stressful with last minute shopping trips, overspending on budgets and family disputes. Or it can be a beautiful time. A time of family, of love and of celebration.

Packed inside the pages of this issue is everything to help you achieve the latter. A Christmas gift guide for choosing the perfect gift, tips on appreciation and thinking outside the square, the importance of traditions and 12 fabulous giveaways you don’t want to miss!

More than Christmas, it is also school holidays and party season and we’ve got some excellent expert advice to help you navigate both with the kids.

That’s my new baby girl on the cover!

Deanna from D Images has taken the newborn photos of both of my girls.

You can see a few more of the images on page 42

I want to thank you for your support and readership in 2016. It has been a big year of change for me in many ways and you being here to share the Kid Magazine journey with me means so much.

A reminder that Kid Magazine is now only accessible via a paid subscription (which makes a lovely and affordable Christmas gift for a mummy friend). You can purchase your subscription at kidmagazine. com.au/subscription Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy start to 2017.

Sara

Editor and Chief Kid sara@kidmagazine.com.au kidmagazine.com.au

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Copyright © Kid Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher, Kid Magazine. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions within. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. For all editorial and advertising enquiries please email sara@kidmagazine.com.au

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take a peek inside

66

09 50 Christmas gift guide

22

how to enjoy the summer school holidays

72

7 fun ideas for elf on the shelf

58 garden party

‘Tis the season

42

88

teaching kids about gratitude

60 Summer beauty essentials

the greatest gift of all

48 christmas treats

64 trusting in tradition 5 minutes with bella buttercup

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PLUS...

Editor’s Letter Giveaways Thinking differently about Christmas gifts New Kids on the Block How to cool down while getting arty this Summer Party food strategies for fussy eaters Drink up Kid Magazine Loves

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2016 Christmas Gift Guide 84 fabulous gift ideas for the whole family

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Baby critter beanie, $14.95 www.cottononkids.com.au

Baby’s first Christmas keepsake is in the bag with Sophie and Emily, the new Baby Rag Dolls from Tiger Tribe. With vintage styling and super soft and snuggly fabric, the girls are delivered in their own special gift cases ready for sharing a lifetime of afternoon naps and tea party adventures. The dolls are $40 each and suitable for babies 0+. www.tigertribe.com.au

Moss Weave cotton blanket, from $39.95 www.onkaparinga.com.au

Woodlands baby beanbag – blue seat, $99 www.chibebe.com.au

Baby Made Inkless print photo frame kit, $64.95 www.babymade.com.au

BRIO Shape sorter set, $22.95 www.childsmart.com.au Rockabye Baby Lullaby CDs, $29.95 www.alittlebitofcheek.com.au

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Moover Toys rocking horse, $229.95 www.danishbydesign.com.au

Organic Feathers 3 pack of bibs, $24.95 www.bubbablue.com.au

Enfant Girl Playsuit Overall, $54.95 www.eenimeeni.com

Daddy Dino. $40 nanahuchy.com.au

My Friend Alfie, $30 www.kmart.com.au

Hevea Natural Rubber Duck Mini, $29.95 www.biome.com.au

Make both mum and baby’s Christmas just that much more special by giving a gift pack that will nourish their skin and smell divine. Little Innoscents provides concerned parents with 100% natural, Australian made and grown baby and family skincare products, which are affordable AND have genuinely certified organic ingredients. www.littleinnoscents.com.au

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Frozen Elsa Light Up Shoe, $59.95 www.clarks.com.au Shopkins Guess Who, $40 www.winningmoves.com.au

Hot Wheels Ž Criss Cross Crash™, $49.99 Available from Kmart, Big W, Target, Toys R Us and independent retailers

When it comes to decorating your kids room, you cant go past Toucan and their huge range of on trend prints.

All prints are sold unframed so you can customize it with a frame that suits your style and taste. They will make a fun and stylish addition to any room! Available in A4, A3, A2 and A1. Prices start $15.00. www.toucanonline.com

eeni meeni miini moh Pyjama Set, $49.95 www.eenimeeni.com

Cut It Out! Design studio, $39.99 Available at Woolworths, Big W & all good toy stores

Batman To Superman Reversible Costume, $44.99 Toys R Us

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kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids LORUS RRX49EX-9 (pink) and RRX41EX-9 (black), $69 each www.lorus.com.au

Carry Me multi art pack, $34.95 www.smiggle.com

Wooden skittles – dinosaurs, $25 www.tigertribe.com.au

Fold up neon headphones, $36.95 www.smiggle.com

Angie lemon painted floral dress, $54.95 www.oobi.com.au

A gift to get your preschooler thinking this Christmas is the new Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar from Fisher Price.

Helping kids to develop skills like planning, sequencing and critical thinking, kids can have fun arranging and rearranging the segments, each programmed to make Code-A-Pillar do something such as turn right, go straight or play music. Priced at $99.99 with single segments and expansion packs also available.

Available at Big W, Target, TRU and Myer

tiny and i temporary tattoo earrings, $9.95 www.tinyandi.com.au

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tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens twe Russell Hobbs Waffle Bowl Maker, $59.95 www.russellhobbs.com.au

LEGO DC Comics Character Encyclopedia, $29.99 Available from all major retailers and book stores

Kids 4-9 Rebound High Shoe, $79.95 www.dcshoes.com.au

Kids got the travel bug? Make The Bag Tag Studio the first destination for a unique Christmas gift of a personalised bag or luggage tag. There are 100’s of designs to choose from, with a style to suit everyone in the family. Personalised bag tags start from $9.95 making them an ideal stocking filler for little world travellers. bagtagstudio.com.au

Historicool subscription, from $25 www.historicool.com.au

Racer Top - Deep Sea + Neon Red, $39.95 www.eenimeeni.com Skylanders Imaginators, from $99.95 www.skylanders.com/au/en/where-to-buy

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eens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens tweens Voted “Australia Favourite PJ Label for 2016*” Four in the Bed is the go to label for summer pj’s and nighties for Christmas this year. Prices start from $39.95 and available in sizes 2 -16 to take you from toddlers to teens and in between. Available at leading children’s boutiques nationally or direct from fourinthebed.com.au (* Kids Style File Readers Survey 2016.)

Pals pencil case series 2, $22.95 www.smiggle.com

Hot Wheels ® RC Sky Shock™, $79.99 Available from Kmart, Big W, Target, Toys R Us and independent retailers

Trivial Pursuit 2000s, $39.99 Available from major retailers

Everyday face moisturiser, $14.99 and Hair sparkle shine, $19.99 girllane.com.au

Large inflatable, $49.95 www.cottononkids.com.au

SelfieMic, $39.95 www.selfiemic.com

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Kate Spade New York Liquid Glitter Case, $69.95 Available from select JB Hi-Fi, Telstra, Optus, NewsLink and Vodafone stores

Typo Easy on the eye mask, $6.99 www.typo.com.au

Forest green canvas backpack, $139 bagybags.etsy.com

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Miss VS Total Curl, $42.95 www.vssassoon.com.au

Top Star Wars White/White, $34.95 www.havaianasaustralia.com.au

Typo 2017 A5 Daily Buffalo Diary, $19.99 www.typo.com.au

The Olympus PEN range are stylish cameras that pack a lot of punch! With fetaures such as selfie mode, Wi-Fi, Art Filter and more depending on the model, these are the perfect cameras for the photography enthusiast teen wanting to take their skills to the next level. Available in various modern colour ways, these cameras are not just cameras - they are accessories! www.olympus.com.au

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Just Dance 2017, $79.95 ebgames.com.au Wonder Woman molded Bluetooth speaker, $34.95 Available from all major retailers

Twister, $39.99 Available from major retailers

LadurĂŠe Gold Bag Charm, $85 www.jadeplusamber.com.au

Botanicals hand cream, $9.95 and body oil, $19.95 www.cottononbody.com.au

Sherrin Football bean bag, $79 www.lifeliveitup.com.au

With features such as personalisation, music control, voice activated Google, LED flashlight, Google maps enabled and the ability to interchange your watch band, the Fossil Q Wearable smartwatches are a step ahead.

Boasting a sleek style and various designs, this will be a top pressie this Christmas! www.fossil.com/au/en.html

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MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MU Philips MoistureProtect Dryer, $139 www.philips.com.au

Gemma Tee and Jersey Shortie, $24.95 each www.cottononbody.com.au

Using 100% organic plant oils, selected for their ability to help prevent stretch marks, the Be Effective Body Oil from Be genki ($38) is designed to keep your skin soft and smooth, enhance elasticity and prevent scarring and stretch marks. Paired with the Be Serene candle ($48) for soothing stress and nervous tension, and you have the perfect mama gift! www.begenki.com.au

Pewter pleated skirt, $79 www.next.com.au

The Tea Party Canvas Print, from $184.95 zanui.com.au

Garmin vivomove, from $249 www.garmin.com.au

LINA silicone and beech wood necklace, $19.95 www.naturebubz.com

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Combining chic styling with UV protection, SunSoaked is the swimwear label for the fashion loving woman who doesn’t want to compromise on sun protection. Whether it is the Clio beach pants ($199) for versatile beach to dinner chic, the Sofia maxi dress ($299) for dreamy summer style or making a statement with the Lucie panelled one-piece swimsuit ($239), SunSoaked literally has you covered this summer. www.sunsoaked.com.au

Lux Christmas gift box, $79.95 www.peppermintgroveaustralia.com

Pebble bangle, Fuchsia Bubblegum Marble, $14.95 jellystonedesigns.com.au

Sienna Byron Bay nail polishes, $25 each www.biome.com.au

Metal Dipped Wood Serving Board, Silver, $149.95 zanui.com.au

DC Womens Evan Smith Hi Shoe, $99.99 www.dcshoes.com.au

Hot pink Monaco hobo, $59.95 www.caramelandco.com.au

MS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS MUMS

RipSurf, $149.99 www.rebelsport.com.au

Men’s Briefs NYC Collection, $26.95 jockeyaustralia.com.au

Black Chicken Remedies – Beard Oil 30ml, $44.95 www.biome.com.au

Walking Dead Monopoly, $60 www.winningmoves.com.au

Quicksilver everyday poster backpack, $29.99 www.quiksilver.com.au

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Complete Beer Gift Box, $80 www.homegrowngifts.com.au

For coffee loving dads, the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® new ECLIPSE machine is the perfect gift this Christmas. The design is sleek and the performance outstanding, with over 30 different coffee flavours available these machines can prepare a coffee in less than half a minute! www.dolce-gusto.com.au

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Typo cape mug, $12.99 www.typo.com.au

BBQ Buddy smoker box, $18.95 www.bbqbuddy.com.au

Tech 2 Captain America Ballpoint Pen from Cross, $79.95 www.luxurypens.net.au

S’well Bottle – Blonde Wood, $59.95 www.biome.com.au

White Magic Ego Cloth Coffee Machine 2 pack, $15.95 www.whitemagic.biz

With every purchase made, TOMS gives back to a person in need. One-for-One. To date, TOMS has given over 60 million pairs of shoes and restored the sight of 400,000 people through sales of TOMS Eyewear. The footwear and eyewear ranges are super stylish and hard wearing for the busy dads in your life!

Available from Myer, The Iconic online, Hype DC, Imajine and selected independent retailers and www.toms.com

VS for Men The Beard Designer, $299.95 www.bearddesigner.com.au

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'Tis the season Images by Elise Garner, www.lecoco.com.au

Izzy – frilly floral PJs, $42.95, www.f ourinthebed.com.au; Soft grey linen pillowcase set, $79, kipandco.com.au; 2 pack white marble silk pillowcases, $139, www.shhhsilk.com.au; Santa Sack – Love You Deerly and Santa Sack – Reindeers, $16.95 each, www.annabeltrends.com

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Pretzel t-shirt and pants, $59, kipandco.com.au; Charlotte – rose stripe, $39.95, www.f ourinthebed.com.au; Mini glitter Santa hats (set of 6), $21.95, www.larkstore.com.au

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Izzy – frilly floral PJs, $42.95, www.f ourinthebed.com.au; Soft grey linen pillowcase set, $79, kipandco.com.au; 2 pack white marble silk pillowcases, $139, www.shhhsilk.com.au; NEUE BLVD Beauty & Beyond – Queen Duvet Cover, $205, www.neueblvd.com.au; Santa Sack – Love You Deerly and Santa Sack – Reindeers, $16.95 each, www.annabeltrends.com; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au

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Angus boy raglan PJ, $24.95, www.cottononkids.com.au; Pyjama (Grey Marle + Cactus + Pure White), $49.95, www.eenimeeni.com; Pretzel t-shirt and pants, $59, kipandco.com.au; Soft grey linen pillowcase set, $79, kipandco.com.au; 2 pack white marble silk pillowcases, $139, www.shhhsilk.com.au; NEUE BLVD Beauty & Beyond – Queen Duvet Cover, $205, www.neueblvd.com.au; Santa Sack – Love You Deerly and Santa Sack – Reindeers, $16.95 each, www.annabeltrends.com; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au

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Charlotte – rose stripe, $39.95, www.f ourinthebed.com.au; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au

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Geo shortjohn, $42.95, snugglebum.com.au; Care Bear Funshine Bear, $29.99, available from Big W and Myer; Teletubbies™ 8 inch Talking Plush, $32.99, Available from Big W, Myer, Target, Kmart, Kid Stuff, Toyworld and Mr Toys; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au; NEUE BLVD Beauty & Beyond – Queen Duvet Cover, $205, www.neueblvd.com.au; Desigual Bolimania Throw Blanket, $196, www.bambury.com.au

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Geo shortjohn, $42.95, snugglebum.com.au; Pretzel t-shirt and pants, $59, kipandco.com.au; Barbie Fashionista Doll, $18.99 each, available at leading toy retailers; Ballerina bunny plush, $36.95, www.annabeltrends.com; Rainbow stacker teether and toy, $19.95, jellystonedesigns.com.au; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au; Desigual Bolimania Throw Blanket, $196, www.bambury.com.au

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Barrel tree advent calendar, $39, www.target.com.au; Santa snow globe cruet set, $24.95, www.larkstore.com.au; Confetti bauble, $7.95 each, www.larkstore.com.au; Table top decoration, $20, www.target.com.au; Mini glitter Santa hats (set of 6), $21.95, www.larkstore.com.au

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Izzy – frilly floral PJs, $42.95, www.f ourinthebed.com.au; Pyjama (Grey Marle + Cactus + Pure White), $49.95, www.eenimeeni.com; Pretzel t-shirt and pants, $59, kipandco.com.au; Soft grey linen pillowcase set, $79, kipandco.com.au; 2 pack white marble silk pillowcases, $139, www.shhhsilk.com.au; NEUE BLVD Beauty & Beyond – Queen Duvet Cover, $205, www.neueblvd.com.au; Desigual Bolimania Throw Blanket, $196, www.bambury.com.au; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au; Care Bear Funshine Bear, $29.99, available from Big W and Myer; Fipazoo, $29.99, www.bigw.com.au; Ultimate Puppy Mobile, $58.99, available at leading toy retailers; Barbie Fashionista Doll, $18.99 each, available at leading toy retailers; Ballerina bunny plush, $36.95, www.annabeltrends.com kidmagazine.com.au 38

Ultimate Puppy Mobile, $58.99, available at leading toy retailers; Barbie Fashionista Doll, $18.99 each, available at leading toy retailers; Rainbow stacker teether and toy, $19.95, jellystonedesigns.com.au; PAW Patrol Treat Time Marshall, $49.95, available from all good retailers; Teletubbies™ 8 inch Talking Plush, $32.99, Available from Big W, Myer, Target, Kmart, Kid Stuff, Toyworld and Mr Toys; Care Bear Funshine Bear, $29.99, available from Big W and Myer; Cars, $16.99, www.aldi.com.au; Ballerina bunny plush, $36.95, www.annabeltrends.com; NEUE BLVD Beauty & Beyond – Queen Duvet Cover, $205, www.neueblvd. com.au; Desigual Bolimania Throw Blanket, $196, www.bambury. com.au; Christmas 3pk roll wrap, $10, www.typo.com.au kidmagazine.com.au 40

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The greatest gift of all Sara Keli, Kid Magazine Images by D Images, dimages.com.au

“It’s a girl, another girl,” I cried to my husband as I reached down to take my newly born baby and wrap her in my arms. It was just a few weeks ago that my family of three became and a family of four and often I am left wondering if there weren’t four of us all along? Our new baby girl has slotted into our lives so perfectly and I can’t imagine her ever not being here.

Is there any greater gift than the gift of new life? Of motherhood? That moment when you first hold your baby in your arms is incomparable to anything else in life.

As your arms wrap around your baby, you are instantly enriched with a love like no other and your life changed forever.

And welcoming a second baby into our family is filled with even more joy. Another tiny bundle gifted to me to love, protect and nurture. A gift of unconditional love. A little person who I am responsible for as she learns about our world and her place in it.

More than that is the gift of seeing a sibling relationship develop. “Where is my baby sister?” calls my toddler every time she walks into the house. I watch as her little hand reaches out to comfort her sister while she is crying and her enthusiasm at helping me with even the most mundane of tasks. Her maturity is a gift in itself.

In amongst the dirty nappies and sleepless nights, the tantrums and tears, there are so many joys and lessons to be found. Personal strengths that you never knew you had or the way in which kids demonstrate mindfulness and living in the moment in almost everything they do.

Gradually, as I became an adult and started traditions of my own with my husband, those family traditions became less and less. Family was still a big part of the joy, but there was no waking up to a tree surrounded by presents or driving around on Christmas Eve to look at the lights.

But now having kids of my own, particularly a threeyear-old who can fully understand the excitement of the season, the spark of Christmas is well and truly back.

The joy is on high and the anticipation of Christmas Day approaching is contagious.

I am in awe at how my toddler understands the concept of gift giving and helping those less fortunate than ourselves at this time of year. She has shown the kindness of heart that I have tried to instil in her. Watching her singing her Christmas concert songs and talking excitedly about what she has learnt at daycare. My heart bursts with pride at this person I can call my own.

As for my little one, my Tiny Miss, she is blissfully unaware of the goings on around her, only stirring occasionally at the squeals and singing of her sister. But she is a gift to me. A chance to slow down. To forget about the hustle and bustle that has become so much a part of our life and to enjoy every moment of her. Well, when the big one will let me.

On Christmas Day I’ll be spending the day with my family, wrapping my girls in big warm hugs and soaking in the joy on their faces at all the exhilaration the day brings.

After all, these moments are the greatest gifts of all.

With Christmas approaching, I think there is so much that kids can teach us. Somewhere along the way from being a kid, to having my own kids, Christmas lost some of its sparkle. It was still without a doubt my favourite time of year, family, friends, food and presents! But something was missing and I didn’t even realise until I was watching my two girls lying next to each other, my big girl reaching out to hold her little sisters hand.

As a kid I would love driving around to see the Christmas lights with my family. I would look forward to going into the city to see the window displays at David Jones. And the family tradition of a Santa photo, which my sister and I continued well into our 20s. Christmas Day itself was full of wonder. Opening presents in the morning with my sister and parents followed by driving from one side of Sydney to the other to spend the day with both sides of the family. Or the jackpot years when we could stay at home, not having to choose which precious presents to cart around in the car.

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Sara Keli is the Editor of Kid Magazine and mum to two girls. When she isn’t writing, creating, editing or designing she can be found in the backyard enjoying the sunshine with her family, in the kitchen cooking up a storm or trying to escape into a good book.

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Thinking differently about Christmas gifts Amanda Lecaude, Organising You Christmas continues to be one of my favourite times of the year despite the fact is seems to approach quicker with each passing year.

Since becoming an organising expert, over 5 years ago now, I continue to rethink the type of gifts I give at Christmas and throughout the year. Rather than give family and friends material items that add to the things they already have in their homes I try to come up with different ideas. I think most people would agree that we all tend to have enough items and who really needs to receive more?

In my role as an organiser I often find clients are holding onto items they were given just because they were gifts.

Often these gifts aren’t something that is needed, liked or will even be used, therefore taking up valuable space in their home. As part of the decluttering process I work with these clients in getting them to give themselves permission to let go of these unwanted gifts/items. I regularly use the phrase ‘Once a gift has been given to you it is then yours to do what you like with’. I understand we tend to have a sense of obligation and I too have felt like this at times and have displayed items that I don’t even like. However I can report that these items have made it out of my house and I now only have items that I really like, enjoy or use these days.

What about you? Think about it how often do you get gifts that you do not really like, would not wear, display in your home or use in your day-to-day lives?

So this year before buying Christmas gifts why not start with a bit of planning. Start with putting together a list of those people you will be giving gifts to and why not think about giving intangible gifts or experiences. No one seems to have enough time these days so why not

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give people permission to enjoy an activity. I am sure those of us who have been given experiences have fond memories of those gifts and the experiences and memories that can come with them.

Some ideas to consider as gifts could be: • a massage or beauty treatment voucher (how often do we actually buy one of these for ourselves?)

• a movie voucher (how about an outdoor cinema or gold class experience?)

• a restaurant voucher • a house cleaning voucher • a voucher for ten pin bowling, paintball, trampoline, swimming pool or something similar • a round of golf at their local course • coaching lessons in a sport they enjoy • book vouchers • sport store vouchers • a lesson in something else thy enjoy - cake decorating, chocolate making, woodwork - the list for this is endless • cooked meals for a week - there are many people out there providing such a service these days to busy and time poor people and families • a babysitting voucher to have a night out • tickets to the theatre or a sporting event ie Australian Open tennis • a handyman voucher to complete all those jobs around the home that haven’t quite been finished • putting together a photo book for a friend or family member - or giving a voucher for the recipient to do themselves • tickets to an upcoming exhibition or museum • an experience to do something different – drive a racing car, go up in a hot air balloon or even to jump out of a plane • I-Tunes voucher

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www.organisingyou.com.au

Amanda Lecaude is professional organiser who loves being able to help people – her clients – get organised. She see’s the difference it makes in their everyday lives, particularly families, just to have a way to create some TIME, SPACE and BALANCE! She also very passionate about equipping school students with organising skills for life to maximise greater results primarily in secondary school and limit the overwhelm and frustration for both them and their parents.

Get in touch 0409 967 166 amanda@organisingyou.com.au

• an offer to assist for a weekend around someone’s home • a membership to the zoo, gym or their favourite sporting club • or even make a donation to a favourite charity on their behalf.

Other items to consider as presents could include consumables like wine, baked or homemade goods, jams, a plant or what about a nice pot of mixed herbs. Over the past few years my family has received some lovely home made gifts including a homemade iced fruit cake, a jar with the ingredients and recipe to make chocolate chip cookies and a gingerbread tree.

Last year I gave my girlfriends home made salted caramel sauce, and useful items like a t-towel and a potatoe peeler that I’d found to be the best on the market. This year I have a similar idea around food and champagne (can’t tell you more in case they read this article and is spoils the surprise)!

If you put your mind to it the ideas really are endless! So this year why not think about giving experiences and creating memories rather than material things that can add to clutter.

What do you think you can come up with for your friends and family? Do you think you can think differently about Christmas Gifts this year?

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Trusting in Tradition: Using rituals to bring back the magic of the holiday season Renee Meier, Nee Say

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Although most of us are loathe to admit it, the holiday season isn’t always filled with the joy and happiness the greeting card companies like to sell us.

For many reasons it can be a difficult time, including financial stress, family conflict or emotional turmoil. This may have been a particularly tough year. You may have lost a loved one or endured some other hardship that takes the shine off of the festive season.

You may even just feel that the season has lost its meaning. A lot of people feel the holidays are becoming too commercialised or are just the same as the rest of the year.

Consequently, trying to navigate the holiday season in good spirits can be tricky, particularly if you have the added pressure of small children.

A great way to help overcome some of the negative feelings that may exist at this time of year is to hold on to, or establish, some rituals or traditions. This can help spark a sense of magic in the season as traditions are often anchor points for our memories. While making events or times feel more familiar, traditions also give occasions a certain gravity.

- Getting everyone involved in preparing a special meal.

This might not be a full blown Christmas dinner, it could be something as simple as a carpet picnic watching the carols on TV. Traditions can not only help restore the magic at this time of year, they can bring your family together and create a sense of unity.

Each year my extended family get together to make Christmas puddings. It is a traditional family recipe and we all have a turn at the ritual of stirring the mixture and making a wish. While every year there is usually some tension around the logistical issues of getting everyone together, the actual day is always enjoyable and signals the start of the festive season for our family.

It is something I always enjoyed doing in my childhood and I love that my children get to experience the same tradition.

After a year of great change and upheaval, this Christmas will feel a little different for me and my family. However, I’m confident that our traditions will help maintain the magic of the season and will make the kids in particular feel like it’s still a special time of year. And, you never know, we might just come up with some completely new traditions of our own.

Traditions don’t have to be age-old, passed down through the generations. They can be rituals you have established for your own family. You never know, you may start something that will be passed on through your family for years to come.

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Traditions can be as simple or as involved as you like and they don’t even have to be centred specifically around a particularly holiday theme – just something special you do at this time of year.

Some simple examples of holiday season traditions are: - A certain type of food or drink reserved only for special occasions. Perhaps grandma’s special trifle recipe or egg nog on Christmas Eve. - A special place you visit. This could be a park, a memorial or even seeing the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood.

- A song or saying recited at a particular time or event.

Think Christmas carols, a poem or even a funny skit your family enjoys acting out when they get together.

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Renée Meier is a freelance writer, aspiring novelist and mother to three rambunctious children. When she’s not being distracted by social media or drinking copious amounts of coffee, Renée can be found wandering along one of her beautiful local beaches with her two dogs. Her lifelong dream is to earn enough money to afford a housekeeper. Renée blogs about all these things at Née Say (neesayer.com).

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7 fun ideas for Elf on the Shelf If you have been thinking about taking the plunge and starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition with your kids, here are seven fun ideas to get you started. It doesn’t have to be elaborate setups that take hours - these are simple, fun and take no time at all!

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Get your elf involved in Christmas traditions like the opening of the advent calendar or decorating the Christmas tree. This is a ideal for 1st December or sit him atop the Christmas presents on Christmas Day.

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The kitchen is a great place to get creative with your elf. Dangling out of the cookie jar or sitting amongst the ingredients for a breakfast recipe are two easy-to-do setups.

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If your kids love craft, why not have your elf raid the craft cupboard? If you have time for a craft project during the day set your elf up amongst the tools with some instructions for the kids.

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Books are good for the soul and elves know that too. One day have your elf sitting atop, or even reading some books. They could be Christmas books, new books, old books, any books!

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Let’s face it, you can’t be on top of your game every day and will need a few easy setups to get you through your Elf on the Shelf journey.

Have you elf hanging off the blinds or window as he If he is just arriving back from visiting Santa. Easy done!

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Look around at your kids toys to see what you can make use of as props. Barbies and their vehicles seem the perfect size for Elf on the Shelf. You can really have some fun with this and could probably make a whole month out of Barbie’s adventures with your elf.

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Another toy that works really well is blocks. You can simply build a tower for your elf to climb or perhaps he could build a more elaborate building. Either way it’s a good excuse to play with blocks without the kids destroying your creations.

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Teaching Kids about Gratitude this Christmas Lauren Hunt, Teacher types Christmas is such a special time of year for many families around Australia. However, children are constantly bombarded with toys and sweets at every shop they enter, they are doing Christmasy activities at school, kindy or child care, TV commercials are telling them about a new toy… and on top of that we hadn’t even celebrated Halloween and the shops were already selling Christmas decorations! It just gets so overwhelming and it’s easy for our kids to get caught up in all of the hype.

At the very core of what Christmas is all about – is to be grateful for the things you have, and display kindness towards others as we give gifts and celebrate with those we love. So this post is to give you some ideas on how to go about it and maybe even how to avoid those shopping centre tantrums (when your three year old wants that toy that the shop has so cleverly got on display at eye height as you go through the check out!)

First up – sometime before Christmas comes, do a toy cull with your kids. Sort everything out and decide whether you want to keep it, swap it, donate it, or throw it out. This will kick start your child’s thought process to think about others at this time of year (while at the same time you are making room for new presents they may receive). Kids these days have soooooo many toys!

A lovely Christmas tradition that some families do, is purchase a gift to leave under the “Wishing Tree” which is an initiative many stores are embracing. Better yet if your child uses their own pocket money! The main aim here is that you don’t buy anything for your child on this particular shopping venture. Remind them that they are buying a gift to a child less fortunate.

When you’re browsing at the shops, be sure to talk to your child about gifts that other members of the family might like including grandparents, siblings, mum/dad, even the family pet. Do you do a family kringle? This can be exciting for kids as well as adults!

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A little trick that worked wonders for me last year (with Miss 2 who is now 3 and it still works) is snapping a quick photo of things she sees at the shops that she wants, and we add this item to her Christmas “wish list”. It’s important to explain that a “wish list” is just that – a list of things you would like, not a guarantee! (This also comes in really handy too as a reminder when you write your letter to Santa).

Speaking of the man in red, when you sit down to help your child write their letter to Santa, be sure to not just write a list consisting of “Dear Santa, I want I want I want.., Love from …”. Encourage your child to tell Santa about how good they have been this year, some kind things they have done for others, and some things they are grateful for. Remember that Santa loves to read letters with good manners!

Just one final thought – when it comes to Christmas Day and your children are giddy with excitement about all of their new toys, consider putting some away in a cupboard and rotating them every few months. It’ll make that Christmas excitement last a little bit longer.

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Lauren is an Early Childhood Teacher, currently on maternity leave whist juggling a new baby boy and an energetic three year old daughter. She is passionate about play-based learning and inspiring parents and educators of young children.

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Christmas treats Stacey Clare, A Healthy Mum Stacey has been busy in the kitchen preparing these healthy Christmas treats. Perfect for the kids to make as a festive afternoon treat or a foodie Christmas gift.

Healthy Christmas Pudding Bites Makes 16 Preparation time 2 mins Cooking time 10 mins Ingredients 1 cup sunflower seeds 3/4 cup raisins or sultanas 1/4 cup cranberries 1 teaspoon mixed all spices ó teaspoon orange zest 100g coconut yoghurt 1 small pomegranate, deseeded Method STEP 1 In a food processor, combine all the ingredients excluding the yoghurt and pomegranate. Pulse until it comes together into a chunky crumb.

STEP 2 Roll equal-sized balls of the mixture with wet hands and place in the fridge to harden (for 15 minutes).

STEP 3 To decorate the puddings, place a small spoonful of the coconut yoghurt on top and dress with pomegranate seeds

Stacey Clare is a healthy mum to two young boys and an accredited health and nutrition coach to the masses. She spends her days running after her busy babes who always seem to be getting in to something. Her nights are spent cooking for her website or helping other mummas on their own family’s health journey in her health coaching services. Her food philosophy is all about simple, easy-to-cook food the whole family wants to eat. Yep, same food for the 9 month old and 35 year old, because really who has time to cook multiple meals?

You can visit Stace’s website here to check out all her recipes, connect with her on Facebook and Instagram or grab a copy of her lunchbox eBook which is packed full of healthy recipes that can be stored in the freezer.

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No-Bake Gingerbread Men Makes 25 Preparation time 5 mins Cooking time 10 minutes

Method STEP 1 In a food processor, combine the dates and oats.

Process until a thick puree is formed.

Ingredients 1 cup Medjool dates 3/4 cup oats 3/4 cup macadamia nuts 1/4 cup desiccated coconut 1 tsp grated ginger 1/4 tsp cinnamon 20g dark chocolate

STEP 2 Add all remaining ingredients except the chocolate and pulse until a ball is formed. Flatten the mixture or roll it out until it is 1cm thick. Cut out the gingerbread shapes and place them on a tray lined with baking paper. Place in the fridge to harden for one hour, if you have time.

STEP 3 Melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water.

Leave to cool slightly and then add to a piping bag to pipe eyes and buttons onto the gingerbread men.

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Take your baking game to the next level with, MELT, the new online store from the founder of online gift store, Lark. With a curated selection of the very best tools and the coolest baking and decorating ingredients, MELT is the place to go for ontrend baking for novices and seasoned bakers alike. www.meltbakeshop.com.au

Online fashion retailer, boohoo.com has launched into maternity with and on trend and budget friendly range. From special occasion dresses to more casual pants, tees and dresses there are even a few festive themed pieces to style your bump for Christmas morning. www.boohoo.com

Weaning and feeding baby is a complex maze that leaves many parents feeling confused. You may have seen Organix and their “No junk promise” baby food and toddler snacks on the supermarket shelves but the good news is that the range is expanding. The latest addition is the 100% organic fruit pots – each containing one of your child’s “five a day”. www.organix.com

If you have ever thrown a muslin wrap over your baby or pram to protect them from the sun, you probably haven’t thought about the UPF rating of the fabric. A new 100% cotton muslin UPF 50+ rated wrap has hit the market. Musluv is available in two designs, a classic white and adorable Fly Away Birdy print. www.musluv.com

A new online program, Wondermums, has launched to offer accessible psychological support to help address common challenges faced in the postnatal period such as adjusting to the physical and emotional demands of motherhood, difficulty maintaining healthy lifestyle patterns that are conducive to good mental health, and navigating the relationship changes that occur with a growing family. www.wondermums.com

In response to feedback from parents of girls who can’t get enough of Thomas & Friends, Mattel has launched a range of girl’s clothing to add to the existing boy’s range. From gorgeous denim dresses with little red buttons to blue and red swimsuits, t-shirts and leggings, there are plenty of Thomas styles for little girls to choose from.

Available exclusively at Myer

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Ditch the chemicals in favour if a gentler solution with the new eco cleaning line from family skincare favourite, Little Innoscents. Boasting no nasty chemicals, the range is free from phosphate, ammonia, nitrate and chlorine with carefully selected ingredients with families as well as our planet in mind. littleinnoscents.com.au

Open the door to dream house of imagination and wonder with the Rose Petal Cottage by Worlds Apart. Packed with fun play features and delightful design details, Rose Petal Cottage is the perfect playhouse for your little one. Featuring an opening door with letter box, opening shutters, a working shelf and mirror as well as real photo frames, it is both fun and functional. childsmart.com.au

Have you seen your friends looking quite ridiculous on social media hanging out with mouthguards in their mouths? Chances are they are playing Mouthguard Challenge – a family and party game, where players wear mouthguard devices while trying to speak out the phrases. It’s entertainment on a shoestring budget at only $10 for the game!

Available from Kmart

Miss Monogram is a brand new online store specialising in bespoke individual monogrammed pieces for yourself and the ones you love. The range of handbags are all made from genuine saffiano leather and come in a range of styles and colours and can be monogrammed in three different colours and three fonts. Super luxe! www.missmonogram.com.au

Babies stay little for such a short time with each milestone passing by in the blink of an eye. Precious Little Moments is a new gender neutral baby record book to designed to help you capture and remember each of these special moments.

The tribal inspired design has plenty of room for your beautiful photos, stories and treasured keepsakes. www.aniky.com.au

Enter the Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit, which turns ordinary fruit into a drink dispenser. The simple-to-use shank and faucet combination is installed into a standard, hollowed-out watermelon or pumpkin to provide effortless serving of all types of beverage creations. Think how impressive the drinks table at your next party will be!

Available at leading kitchen and homeware retailers, wineries, liquor stores or online at www.kitchenwarehouse.

Bella Buttercup is the must have brand for parents with an eye for style. The brand features sophisticated design, modern styling and products that mums and babies alike will love. From nappy clutches to play gyms, pram liners and dolls beds, Bella Buttercup products will blend effortlessly into your home. We asked founders, Jamiee Masters and Chloe Blanchette a few questions about mum life, business and juggling it all.

happier within I’m all for it. Your husband and child will pick up on that and they will love it too.

Three words to describe your style Scandinavian, Delicate, Luxury

Shopping - online or bricks and mortar Jaimee: I prefer to shop in a store itself, I like to touch, see, and feel a product before buying it, clothing in particular.

Chloe: Being time-poor these days I find I am doing a lot more shopping online and prefer this way to shop.

Top fashion brands for you and the kids We absolutely love Alice McCall (our go to for special events), Zimmermann, Kookai, Cameo and Finders Keepers. For casual-wear we frequent both Seed and Country Road. For kids clothes Chloe shops for her daughter from Bella and Lace and can’t go past Country Road Kids for basics.

Beauty product you swear by Chloe – MAC highlighter in gold deposit and their Prep + Prime Face Protect Jaimee – I am addicted to Benefit cosmetics particularly the amazing Triple Performing Face Moisturizer and the They’re Real Lengthening Mascara which makes lashes appear really long.

Advice for juggling motherhood and work Chloe – Ahhhh I struggle with this answer because I’m still figuring it out (after 3 years I must add) Our days never go to plan so I suggest a more casual plan and be happy with what you do get done. I do try and manage work and motherhood by keeping my days that are being a mum as just that and work is work. There are some crossovers but I’ve learnt that I’d rather Eva see me working hard at what I love and hope in the future she does understand.

Favourite room in your home Chloe – Our Kitchen and Living room for sure, it’s an open space and integral part of the home. I get to be in the Kitchen which I love and still be in the action.

Words of wisdom to new mums Chloe – Mum guilt does exist but don’t be unkind to yourself. We all want the best for our children but sometimes we need a date night, girl’s night, a short break or to do something for ourselves. If it means you will be

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Quote/mantra you live by Jaimee: Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! This is a favourite Bella Buttercup mantra, we often get busy and can sometimes forget to stop and enjoy what we have achieved, we sometimes like to remind each other of this and pause to enjoy, even just for a moment.

Technology you can’t live without Both: We each have a Microsoft Surface Pro which we love and find it is great for travel and working on the go. It is perfect for doubling as a laptop for working on or a tablet for watching movies when on the plane travelling.

Ultimate holiday destination Both: We just discussed this the other day and decided that we would both love to take our husbands and children to the Maldives for our 10 year Bella Buttercup anniversary. We are almost halfway there so will keep this goal in our sight! The beautiful crystal-clear blue waters and beach huts are calling our names.

Best toy you ever bought your kids Chloe – Not exactly a toy, but puzzles are great! It increases their visual awareness, problem solving and is wonderful to refine their motor skills.

What is next for Bella Buttercup We are always busy working on new products and have some new colours launching in the new year in our soft goods range. We are also looking to expand the range of toys available to add on the Play Bar. We are also developing some other exciting new products to add to our range which we hope to launch to market soon. claiming to be gentle, natural and organic. Our Pure, Natural, Organic by Nature Aloe Vera base ranges are soothing & nourishing and full of ingredients that are beneficial not superficial making them the perfect choice from day one and everyday thereafter for all the family.

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5 minutes with.. .

Jamiee and Chloe from Bella Buttercup

How To Survive Enjoy The Summer School Holidays!

Jenna van Bentum, The World And Kids Summer Holidays, there is nothing like it here in Australia! The memories I have as a child of the sun, beach, adventures, family, ice creams and no school are etched into my memory as the best parts of my childhood. Now we are the parents and I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to try and make sure our kids feel the same way. The reality is that they will enjoy the summer holidays as much as we did as long as we parents don’t freak out about it!

So how do we get through and enjoy the 6-7 weeks of having our little people home?

Being practical is how I work and how I get through my day to day. When it comes to school holidays, it’s the same. I like to plan it out so that I know what days we have free and what days we have commitments on already. The lead up to Christmas is usually pretty busy and those weeks seem to fly by. I find mid January the hardest time as the novelty of the new toys is starting to wear off and the kids are getting ‘bored’.

So this is my School Holiday Method that I use to fill the time, enjoy the time and make memories to last a lifetime!

First of all, print yourself a December and January calendar to put on the fridge. Mark the days that the kids are at school still and the day they return to school. Fill in all the commitments, parties and holidays that you already have planned. Now count how many days are free. Not as many right? See, we’ve got this!

Here are some ideas to fill those free days but don’t forget that days at home are perfectly fine too. Kids are used to being at school and sitting behind a desk for many hours during the week which makes them more than capable of playing quietly with their new presents or get creative and use their imagination when at home. So don’t book out every day, be kind to yourself and your budget by having days at home too.

TRADITIONS It’s the Christmas holidays and with that come many family traditions that fill your days. This may include

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things like Christmas parties, Santa’s arrival or photo day, Christmas lights and carols, festivals and family catch ups.

Other traditions that we have during the holidays are ‘Back to School’ shopping day including the buying of new school shoes, pencil case and uniform. This day can be rather boring for most kids so I make it special by adding a nice lunch or coffee date to it. Sometimes we even go a little crazy and head to city to do our shopping!

Always a highlight for my kids.

TRIP Book a family holiday if you can, even if it is last minute.

Find a last minute deal, go camping or even go inland if you can’t find something on the coast. Farm stays are loads of fun and often have availability during the summer months when everyone heads to the beach.

EVENTS Book an event and make it something that the kids will look forward too. This could be seeing the latest movie, watching a stage show or going ice-skating. Whatever you choose, plan it for a quiet week and give them something to count down the days for.

ADVENTURES Discover somewhere new these holidays. There are so many amazing places just waiting to be discovered by your adventurous kids! Find a new bush walk track, discover a new swimming spot or maybe even find a waterfall. Get your Google on and search for those hidden treasures in your city.

ACTIVITIES There are so many holiday activities hosted by different shopping centres, churches and libraries during the school holidays. Make sure you get all the info from your local news outlet and plan a visit. You may even bump into some school friends while you’re there.

DRIVE Have you ever played the game ‘flip a coin’ in the car?

Heads equals left and Tails equals right. Get the kids in the car, pack a picnic and go for a drive. Why not have a

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go playing the game, it sure does make the kids laugh and you might just find somewhere new to have your picnic. *Tip: Put the coin in a jar to flip, save you loosing it between the seats!

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Make sure you plan a few days where you go out as a whole family. Often there is one parent still working during the holidays and they miss out on all of the crazy adventures. Why not make one of your days out and about on a Saturday or Sunday and make a weekday one of your quite days instead.

PLAY DATES By the time you get to January the kids are starting to miss their friends, so make sure you book in play dates with school friends to fill in the time. If you don’t feel comfortable dropping your kids to their friends house or even having a bunch of kids running around yours, make a time to have a picnic and play at a local park with the other parents joining you too. It’s a great way to get to know the other families and friends your kids see every day at school.

KIDS CLUB There are days that we have to work during the holidays, so be sure to check out the local kids clubs, vacation care and get them booked in ASAP. They fill up fast and you don’t want to miss out on a spot. Even if you don’t have to work during the holidays, it might be nice to give yourself a breather by popping the kids in for one day. They will have so much fun and you can rest and re-fuel ready for the rest of the holiday break.

So that is my School Holiday Method. I hope it gives you some ideas and helps you plan the summer break.

Enjoy your kids and have fun with them. This time will be over so fast and you’ll find yourself wishing the holidays back a few weeks into term I’m sure!

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Jenna van Bentum is a lover of all things travel and taking her family on the journey is her biggest delight. She is a mum of two and shares her hints and tips when traveling with kids as well as product and destination reviews n her blog The World And Kids. Jenna started the Teach Them The World challenge to help parents teach their kids five things about one place in the world each week. She also hosts the popular The World And Kids - Families That Travel group on Facebook.

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How to Cool Down wh getting Arty this Su Kirstee Raki, This Whole Home Summer is back and the sun is packing a punch this year. That killer UV has already got me and the kids hiding inside some days, hunting for fun without the scorch factor.

outside. Pop your ice cubes into a bowl and then let your kids have fun painting with the melting ice.

Here’s how we do it in our house.

Salt and Sunshine That’s not the only way to get arty with ice. Fill an old ice-cream container with water and freeze overnight. The next day take your lump of ice outside and place it on a large piece of watercolour paper. Hand your little people a small bowl of salt and show them how to sprinkle it over the ice. The salt will cause the ice to melt and form tunnels. Try using a dropper or small paintbrush to paint the tunnels with liquid watercolour paint (use food dye if you don’t have liquid watercolours). The colour will magically run through the tunnels. If you’ve put paper under your ice, you will be left with an abstract watercolour painting once all the ice has melted. What a pretty way to cool off!

Window Stars On days that are just too hot to go outside we turn to papercrafts, specifically Waldorf window stars. All you need is a packet of kite paper and a glue stick. Tissue paper is ok too if that’s all you have on hand. Fold 8 squares of paper into diamonds and arrange around a central point, each diamond overlapping the next, to form a star. Glue the overlapping segments together and then tape to your window. The summer sun will stream through the paper, brightening your home and your day.

Watergun Works of Art This next one is my son’s favourite. Run out a roll of butcher’s paper across your lawn. Sprinkle powder paint along the length of paper and then hand your kids a full water gun. Shoot the powder paint with the water gun. When the water hits the powder, it will turn to watercolour paint and spread across the paper. Inevitably this will devolve into a water fight so make sure you’ve hidden the biggest water gun for yourself before you start.

Cheerful Chalk Another favourite for days we are hiding inside is chalk and water painting. Even toddlers can get in on this one.

Paint a piece of watercolour paper, or white cardstock, using only water. Draw across the paper with brightly coloured chalk and watch to see how the colours run.

Anything using water is fun on a hot day.

Beautiful Beaches Of course, a summer isn’t complete without a trip to the beach. If your kids are anything like mine, beach trips come with a mandatory shell collecting walk. Once you’ve collected your gems try making a mandala for the next family to find. Not feeling quite so Zen? Try creating portraits with seaweed, driftwood and your shell collection.

Enter summertime arts and crafts.

Yes, it is possible to cool down while getting creative!

Now I don’t know about you, but when I want to get crafty with the kids, I’m after something that’s quick and easy to set up. Better yet, something that isn’t going to make a giant mess for me to clean up when they’re done. I want to get busy making memories, not more housework. So I keep that, and my budget, in mind when I plan art activities for my kids.

Frozen Fingers If water is fun, ice is even better! This one takes a little preplanning but is well worth it. Fill an ice tray with water and add a drop of food dye or liquid watercolour to each cube before freezing. Make sure to use a variety of colours.

Once the coloured ice is frozen lay paper on a tray if you’re inside, or put the paper on the grass if you are working facebook.com/thiswholehome

These are a few of our favourite ways to get creative while cooling down. Have fun making art and memories this summer.

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Kirstee Raki is a freelance writer and a homeschooling mama to two little people. She spends her days reading books with her seven-year-old son, chasing her free-spirited toddler, and working in the family kitchen garden. Kirstee is passionate about voluntary simplicity and helping other parents find joy in the small moments. You can find her blogging about ecoconscious homemaking and homeschooling at www. thiswholehome.com

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We all know how crazy the party season gets! These tips are designed to help you feel at ease with what your kids are eating over the holiday season.

Learning to negotiate these situations confidently for kids (let alone working out what to eat) means that they need to get practice at them. Nutritious food choices is a long term game and is not ruined by attending a party or two at Christmas.

Nutritious party starters If you are concerned about excessive lolly and chip intake at the beginning of the party, provide nutritious alternatives instead. So, if they fill up on the fruit platter, cheese, crackers, meatballs, homemade sausage rolls, vegie sticks or dip, you aren’t concerned if they aren’t interested in the main meal. Plus, you will know those foods give them the sustenance to make it through to the next meal.

Plan for the prior meal occasion If you know there’s a high likelihood of junk foods at the party you are about to attend, don’t forbid that food as this will only make it more desirable to your child AND stress you out. Instead, cover your bases by offering a range of nutritious options at the meal you have before the party. So, for breakfast serve some eggs for protein with fruit, dairy, vegetables and wholegrains. Or for example, at lunch, give an extra side of vegetable sticks with hummus for that vegetable and protein kick. Also, have something nutritious on hand at home like some frozen zucchini slice, banana muffins or a simple bowl of frozen peas. Sometimes kids get home from a party and they didn’t eat enough (due to how busy they were) and you can have this go-to nutritious snack ready for them to enjoy.

Let go of “how much” and “whether” they are eating As parents, it is our job to offer the what, when and where of food. At a party that role does get taken off us by the party host to an extent. Don’t fret, as this loss of responsibility doesn’t happen all the time. Yet, it is still important to remember that the child’s mealtime responsibility does not change. They are still in charge of how much and whether they are going to eat what is on offer. If this is a bug-bear for you, you can still discretely help plan what is on offer to your child. However, restricting what is on offer during the event (especially when they can see what others are eating) should only be done with good reason (eg. choking hazards, allergies or other medical reasons). If you cross over into the child’s area of responsibility and start telling them “whether” they are going to eat a given food, this is when stress and battles occur.

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Let them serve their own meals Give children the autonomy to serve how much they would like from the meals on offer. Remembering that at a party, their sensory system is heightened by lots of inputs and they will be more likely to want to continue playing (rather than eating). Bombarding the child with a loaded plate of food (even though they eat that much at home) may backfire for you. Let them choose the amounts of foods they want on their plate starting with an empty plate.

Provide safe opt-out strategies If your child is a cautious eater, they may need a clear strategy to engage with unfamiliar foods in the party environment. And they will also need to know that it is ok to opt-out of eating them if it gets too hard. Remember not all new foods taste like what you expect they will. Like Aunty Faye’s marzipan fruits that you thought were actual fruit!

Safe-opt outs include things like: • Providing a serviette to spit into discretely (this can be practiced at home in advance).

• Letting them know that they can leave food on the top corner of their plate or on a side plate.

• Giving them a wipe so that they can clean their hands when they need to.

• Bringing their cutlery from home that they know how to use.

• Making sure they have a familiar water bottle alongside so they can take a sip after they taste, lick or eat a new food.

• Make sure they don’t feel pressured from other people to try things that they don’t feel comfortable with.

Most of all, I hope you have a very fun, safe and merry holiday season.

END

Simone Emery is a Sydney mum to 2 girls and children’s feeding specialist. She helps parents of fussy eaters through her in person and Skype classes as well as guest speaking at various events.

She co-wrote the Happy Mealtimes eCourse and has authored 2 eBooks for busy parents wanting happy eating experiences with their kids.

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Party food strategies for fussy eaters Simone Emery, Play With Food

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Image: Elise Garner, www.lecoco.com.au

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Garden party Images by Elise Garner, www.lecoco.com.au

Tee, $29.95, www.seedheritage.com; Adele skirt in blue and white, $54, minouche.myshopify.com; Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au

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Split Sleever Romper - Horse Garland, $59.95, www.paperwings.com.au; Flower T-Bar pumps, from $27, next.com.au; Ice pink flower clip, $12.95, www.seedheritage.com; Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Bayside table, $139, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Cam bowls (set of 5), from $30, www.mojitohomewares.com

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Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Bayside table, $139, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Cam bowls (set of 5), from $30, www.mojitohomewares.com; Hien tray, from $35, www.mojitohomewares.com

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Tee, $29.95, www.seedheritage.com; Adele skirt in blue and white, $54, minouche.myshopify.com; Blue tulle pom pom clip, $7.95, www.seedheritage.com; Leather jacket, $389, www.nununuworld.com; Denim shorts, $10, www.target.com.au Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Bayside table, $139, www.zeeandfriends.com.au Grey printed scene prom dress, from $45, next.com.au; Pink faux fur cloud bag, $21, next.com.au; Jewelled bow clip, $9.95, www.seedheritage.com

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Blue spot grandad shirt, from $23, next.com.au; Jeans, $10, www.target.com.au; Tee, $29.95, www.seedheritage.com; Adele skirt in blue and white, $54, minouche.myshopify.com; Blue tulle pom pom clip, $7.95, www.seedheritage.com; Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Bayside table, $139, www.zeeandfriends.com.au Cam bowls (set of 5), from $30, www.mojitohomewares.com; Hien tray, from $35, www.mojitohomewares.com

Grey printed scene prom dress, from $45, next.com.au; Flower glitter pumps, from $21, next.com.au; Pink faux fur cloud bag, $21, next.com.au; Jewelled bow clip, $9.95, www.seedheritage.com

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Blue spot grandad shirt, from $23, next.com.au; Jeans, $10, www.target.com.au; Breeze chair, $229, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Bayside table, $139, www.zeeandfriends.com.au; Cam bowls (set of 5), from $30, www.mojitohomewares.com; Hien tray, from $35, www.mojitohomewares.com

drink up!

Add the finishing touches to the spread at your next celebration with these easy drink recipes. But be careful – some are adults only!

REcipes from 4 Ingredients

Festive Fruit Fizz Serves 8 Ingredients

Method

1 cup watermelon, cut into cubes

Put cubes of watermelon, strawberries and a pineapple pieces on a baking tray and freeze for several hours or until frozen.

10 strawberries, hulled and halved 1 cup fresh, sweet pineapple cubes 1 litre Lemonade (or sodawater)

Process the frozen fruit in a blender until smooth.

Spoon blended fruit mixture into a pitcher, add icy cold lemonade or sparkling mineral water and serve.

Tipsy Tip: Add a little vodka for the adults.

White Wine Sangria Serves 2 Ingredients

Method

1 cup (250ml) lemonade

Mix the lemonade and white wine in a jug.

Toss in the berries and basil.

1 cup (250ml) dry white wine

Store and serve over ice.

6 berries, chopped 4 fresh basil leaves

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Mint Tea Serves 4 Ingredients

Method

20 fresh mint leaves

Place the leaves into a tea pot.

1 litre boiling water

Pour in the water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes.

Pour into individual cups garnished with 1 or 2 fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy!

Mango Madness Serves 1 Ingredients

Method

1 cup (200g) frozen diced mango

Place all the ingredients along with 1/4 cup (60ml) water and 6 ice cubes in a blender.

2 tablespoons (40ml) coconut cream

Mix until smooth.

Serve immediately.

4 fresh mint leaves

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hydraluron™ Moisture Jelly, $39.99 Available from www.beautyhq.com.au, Priceline, Discount Drug Store, Terry White Chemists and other independent Pharmacies

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Pure Hair Food Tone Your Hair Blonde Shampoo, $28.90 www.purehairfood.com.au

halgo BB Cream, $48.00 eading salons and spas nationwide

Jojoba Bead Facial Cleanser, $34.95 www.thejojobacompany.com.au

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Essential Treatments Equilibrium hair masque, $31.50 www.delorenzo.com.au

Kid Magazine Loves

With everything from televisions and toys, to kitchen utensils and clothing, ALDI Special Buys are on trend and super value for money. ALDI Australia recently filled an entire house using Special Buys products including a sneak peek at 2017. Stay tuned for more amazing buys! www.aldi.com.au

Genies divine! The second season of Shimmer & Shine, the adorable genie twins has premiered on Nick Jr and it is full of colour, magic and adventure! Tune into Nick Jr or take the fun off screen with a toy from the Shimmer & Shine range, available from Toys”R”Us and other leading retailers. www.nickjr.com.au

For children suffering from anxiety or worry, little wuppy® may be the answer. Designed by a former primary school teacher who has had personal challenges with anxiety, the little wuppy features an embroidered red heart which children are encouraged to place against their heart to send their worries to.

Ideal for times of change, uncertainty or fear and small enough to keep in their pocket! www.littlewuppy.com.au

If you are breastfeeding then concerns about your supply have likely crossed your mind at least once or twice. If this is you then check out Franjo’s Kitchen. Formulated by a Naturopath, the Tanker Topper cookies and crackers use oats, brewers yeast, almonds and flaxseeds to give your milk a boost. And they are super yummy to boot! shop.franjoskitchen.com

MeBe Kids is a set of resources designed to help kids reach their potential. From cards that introduce kids to personal values to ‘Be My Best’ vouchers that reward kids for their efforts, MeBe Kids are a fun way to assist kids in building on their strengths and develop new skills to be their best. www.mebekids.com.au

Pancakes are an easy introduction to cooking for kids. But if you aren’t yet ready for the mess or just want to have a little fun, Cook in a Book: Pancakes! An Interactive Recipe Book is a winner. Using paper-engineered novelty features the kids can scoop, pour, mix, ladle and flip the pancakes -- mess-free and completely independently. So fun! www.lottanieminen.com

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Striking the perfect balance between gorgeous design and entertainment for baby is the Play Bar by Bella Buttercup. The Scandinavian-inspired play gym for newborns and up will blend into your home with it’s sophisticated design while the playful toy additions focus on textural elements to spark the senses and delight! www.bellabuttercup.com.au

Now in it’s 29th year, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is this year aiming to help over 300,000 families. You can get involved in many ways. By placing a gift under a Kmart Wishing Tree in any store nationally; making a monetary contribution at any Kmart register or by donating online. www.kmart.com.au/wishingtree

The Australian Ballet has collaborated with Disney to launch a beautiful new collection of Frozen inspired ballet clothing for children. The range is soft and playful and will delight any Elsaloving ballerina. With tulled tutus, embellished dresses, glittered T-shirts and colourful wraps and leggings the prices range from $30-$60. australianballet.com.au/shop

Function combines with style with the Paloma nursery range from Redsbaby. From the neutral colour palette to the smooth silhouettes, the Paloma cot and coordinating dresser are the perfect addition to a modern nursery. Complete with toddler rail guard for the cot and change table topper for the dresser, Paloma is as practical as it is easy on the eye. www.redsbaby.com.au

Tutu Du Monde, known for their divine dresses for girls also gave your little ones accessories covered for the summer.

The whimsical, delicate and feminine pieces of headwear are perfect for weddings, birthday parties, family gatherings and fun occasions with bright colours, sparkling sequins and of course, Tutu tulle! tutudumonde.com

If you are looking to carve out some moments of self care in your mum life, Australian-based sheet mask brand, Trefiel is your girl!

The luxe lace hydrogel sheet masks are available in four formulas to target different skin concerns – brightening, repairing, firming and moisturising. The masks are plant-based, non-GMO and cruelty free. www.trefiel.com

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december 2016 - issue thirty two