Corporate discount scheme for local and national companies, and Child care vouchers accepted
School and Home pick up’s available!
‘Where your child is our main concern’ • Day Nursery, Pre-School & Holiday Club for 0-10 Years • CCTV & Second To None Security • Large Outdoor Play Area & Garden • Welsh Speaking Members of Staff • Home Cooked Healthy Meals • Holiday Club Ex Rates 5 - 10 years • Exceptional Standards and highly recommended • Full & Part Time Places - Very Flexible • Planned Activities All Day and Daily Activity Record • Collection Service From Home or School • All Staff Fully Vetted & CRB Checked
Open
7am - 8:30pm Monday to Saturday 52 weeks
Happy babies & children in a safe, stimulated environment, where they can develop & reach their full potential
www. lakesidedaynursery .co.uk 01792 781010 • Email : lakesidedaynursery@btconnect.com Coronet Way, Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8RH
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees
swansea-winter-wonderland.co.uk Walk through the magical world of snow, elves, and polar bears. See Santa for an early present and get covered in snow! Great fun for the entire family.
Pick Your Perfect Xmas Tree gower-fresh-christmas-trees.com Wander amongst the trees to find your perfect trees or select a pre-cut tree. 250,000 trees & 4 varieties to pick from! Trees are to the right of the car park.
Buy Online
Swansea’s Best Winter Wonderland
Book Online
Trees, Santa, Reindeer and Christmas Shop!
Opening 16th Nov Santa Arrives 22nd Nov
Visit Wales’ Only Reindeer Herd
welsh-reindeer.co.uk See them in the field for free or when you visit Santa in the Grotto.
Prices from: £7 Child | £2.50 Adult
Shop: 01792 872094
& £16 Family
Sitemap
Get Ready for Christmas! Here we are again...nearly! Where does the year ago? Since I have been working on Kidscene and constantly working 2 months ahead of time, my year now flies by almost twice as fast... Yikes! This is always one of my favourite school terms by far. With Halloween, Bonfire Night and then the lovely lead up to all the festivities. I love the school concerts and the carol concerts, street markets and local produce fairs and then deciding where to take the kids on a Christmas treat. Love it love it love it!! This edition of Kidscene is filled with some fantastic ideas on where to go during the coming months to make your Christmas magical.
270113_NCTSSW_KidsceneAd_NEW.
I am also excited to let you know about a brand new regular contributor to Kidscene - Family Days Tried & Tested. Check out their new pages in Kidscene, as well as their amazing Facebook page for inspirational days in and out!
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www.kidscenemagazine.co.ukM Y
Contents Page 7
| What’s on over Christmas
Page 9
| Book Reviews
CM
MY
Page 13 | Negotiation with your child Page 15 | Crafting with Ginty’s
CY
CMY
• Bumps & Babies NEXT NEARLY (12months and under) Mondays 9.30 – 11.30am NEW SALE AT Lifepoint Centre Ffynone Road, Uplands 16th Sunday November from10.30am-1.30pm • Tots and Toddlers (birth to pre-school) (NCT members in at 10.15am). Fridays 9.30allowed – 11.30am
Bethel UR Church Entrance fee £1 adults Sketty Park Road, Sketty children free.
• Nearly New Sale (March, June, Nov.) Refreshments available to purchase.
Page 21 | Family Days - Tried and Tested! Page 27 | Mumpreneur’s Page 31 | Dr. Louise... What is Flu? Page 33 | Sporting Parents
K
0844 243 6270
SwanseaDistrictNCT@gmail.com www.nct.org.uk/branches/swansea-and-district
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Local News
Mr. X Appeal in Swansea
Buttons of Mumbles!
How you can help!
The Greenest way to buy Children’s Clothes! Mumbles newest business is a really exciting idea. ‘Buttons of Mumbles’ is Swansea’s first Preloved Childrenswear Boutique. Owner Karen explains, “We buy in our customers gently worn children’s clothes from 0 – 12ish years, most mums taking store credit in return, and best of all we’re all doing our bit towards Greener Living. The shop has been an enormous success. Facebook meant the word spread like wildfire, and we’ve just had to pause the intake as we had so much new stock to process. But it’s selling just as fast, so check the website or Facebook page for the current intake status if you have any clothes for us. Or just give us a ring. We’re open 10 – 5pm Mon to Sat, 2A Queens Road, Mumbles. SA3 4AN Next Door to Ty’ Junction Café, across the road from Johnnys Chip shop.” www.ButtonsofMumbles.co.uk | 07977303132
Stuff4Kids Nearly New Sale
Stuff4kids Sale is on Saturday November 15th 2014 at Murton Church Hall, this year it is supporting Emily's fund and MSF (Doctors without borders).
new SwimKidz Swansea The new term will start the week commencing 24th Nov. Classes are in the Mercure Hotel and Pentrehafod Pool with more new venues tbc. Like our facebook page ‘Swimkidz Swansea and West Wales’ for information updates. Our swimming lessons are structured, progressive and lots of fun! We also offer underwater photography.
www.swimkidz.co.uk
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55 years since The Mr X Appeal started and it is still going strong with over 4,000 children receiving presents from the kind people in South Wales. The principle of the appeal has remained the same all these years, with no one person getting credit or money and giving only presents for the children. Every year thousands of generous people continue to give presents to the appeal which are given to children at Christmas time all over South Wales.
Donations
As for donations, we do not accept cash. We would be grateful for any gifts for new born babies and up to 1 year, boys and girls i.e. clothing, toys, blankets, (age appropriate). Also sensory toys for children with disabilities. These can be baby toys, anything with noise, colours, textures, sounds, music etc as sensory toys are expensive this is an affordable alternative. Boys aged 12 – 16 we really struggle, so things like hats, scarves, gloves, wallets, lynx sets, socks, footballs, films, board games, sports bags, ear phones, books, stationary, toiletries etc.
Volunteering
It is that time of year again, where ‘Involve’ calls on volunteers to help ensure that children across Swansea receive a gift for Christmas. Once again we at ‘Involve’ and SCVS are joining forces with the City and County of Swansea to facilitate this annual appeal. We are calling on all our volunteers who might spare some of their valuable time to help make Mr X 2014 as successful as previous years. This year the appeal will run over 2 weeks from 3rd December 2014 to 17th December 2014. If you feel that you can help this Christmas, please call us on 01792 457299 no later than Friday 21st November and we will contact you with more information.
Do you know someone who would like a letter from Father Christmas?
visit www.bobathwales.org to order your letter today!
Registered Charity: 1010183
What’s On Over Christmas!
November
NOVEMBER
December
14th Nov - 4th Jan - Winter Wonderland, Museum Park, Swansea. 5.00PM +. Swansea’s biggest Christmas attraction opens 15th - Saturday Family Workshops, with artist Dan McCabe 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Glynn Vivian offsite at the YMCA 15th - Stuff4kids Nearly New Sale, Murton Church Hall. www.stuff-4kids.co.uk 16th - Christmas Parade and Lights Switch On5:00 pm Dylan Thomas Centre 16th - Winter Wonderland, Gower Fresh Christmas trees, Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses. Santa arrives on Nov 22nd. Swansea-winter-wonderland.co.uk 16th - NCT Sale, LC2. 10.30-1pm. 18th - 22nd - Hansel And Gretel (Arts Wing) Grand Theatre. 7.00PM. by The Brothers Grimm in a new version for the stage by Ray Williams, presented by Fluellen Theatre Company 21st - 30th - Cinderella, Princess Royal Theatre 22nd - Visit Santa & reindeers at Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses. £7 adult & £2.50 child. Family £16. Swansea-winter-wonderland.co.uk 24th Nov-24th Dec - Santa’s Toy Mine, Rhondda Heritage Park. A unique Magical Tour underground! www.rhonddaheritagepark.com 25th - The Nutcracker, Swansea Grand Theatre. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House present a family orientated production with a large live orchestra. 7.30pm. 29th - Saturday Family Workshops, with artist Dan McCabe 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Glynn Vivian offsite at the YMCA 29th-30th & 6–7, 13–14 & 20–22 Dec - Meet Father Christmas & Friends at St Fagans. £12 per child (ticket price include one adult and booking fee) Suitable for ages 4-12 Advance tickets only. Tickets not available on the door. Ticketline via TicketlineUK: 029 20230130
DECEMBER
1 Dec - Emily Brown and the Thing - Taliesin Arts Centre 4.30pm. Children’s Theatre Page 7
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3rd - Father Christmas Needs a Wee! at Swansea Grand Theatre. 11am. 4th Dec - Silent Night @ the Liberty - Christmas Carols @ The Stadium – A Spectacular Night celebrating Christmas and marking the Centenary of the 1914 Christmas Truce. 7pm. 5th - Afternoon Tea with Snow White at Pontardawe Arts Centre before Christmas light turn on.. 4.15pm. 6th - Christmas Panto Story Time at Neath Library.Join the cast of the Gwyn Hall Panto Aladdin. 11am. 7th- Santa’s Grotto & Christmas donkey’s. 11, 12, 2 & 3pm at Plantasia. Donkey rides - 11-4pm. 7th & 21st Dec - Santa Sunday Lunches at the Village Hotel. 3 course lunch, entertainment, visit from Santa & gift. £18 adults, £9 child. 11th-23rd - Aladin at Penyrheol Theatre. Jermin Productions. www.penyrheol.ticketsource.co.uk 12th Dec - 11th Jan - Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Grand Theatre Swansea. 13th & 14th - Christmas Craft Fair at Wales Botanical Garends – the best local crafts might just make the perfect gift PLUS the Garden’s very special Santa Show (call 01558 667149 to book) 14th - Jack & the Beanstalk Panto & Sunday Lunch Village Hotel. 3 course lunch, panto, visit from Santa & gift. £19.95 adult & £9 a child. 14th - Santa’s Grotto & Christmas donkey’s. 11, 12, 2 & 3pm at Plantasia. Donkey rides,11-4pm. 12th-21st Snow White Panto, Pontardawe Arts Centre. 12th - 4th Jan - Aladdin, Grand Pavilion Porthcawl www.grandpavilion.co.uk 13th - Santa feeds the deer ar Margam Country Park. 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd. 22nd - 23rd - Afternoon Tea with Santa at Village Hotel, singalong with Santa and gift. 3pm5pm. £11.95 Adult & £9.95 children. 24th - Brunch with Santa at the Village Hotel. Brunch, singalong with Santa, gift for each child. 11-1pm. Adult £13.95 & £11 children. 31st - New Years Eve Family Celebration at Village Hotel. 3 course dinner, bucks fizz on arrival, family quiz and disco. £57 adults & £29 child.
Pen Y Fro Writing Club interview with The Snow White Actors Kevin Johns and John Partridge
Kevin Johns
Have you ever played a male character and if so, in which panto have you been a male character? I have played a male character on many many occasions! In my first panto Aladdin I played Wishy Washy, I’ve played Buttons, Simple Simon, the good robber in Babes in the Wood, I’ve been a pirate in Peter Pan, I’ve been one of Robin Hoods Merry Men and I once played the Emperor of China in Aladdin aswell - but most of my roles have been as dame. What do you enjoy about being the dame? The costumes are funny. They’re not really women’s costumes, they are comedy costumes and the dame is a comic character. I love it! I felt I was probably a little too old to play Buttons and be falling in love when I was old enough to be her father! The Dame is funny and everyone has a laugh. I love playing a good Swansea Dame. Do you wish to play a Dame in future shows? To be honest, I don’t mind what part I play. I just enjoy being part of the panto. Dame is the role I like to play and long it may continue. I do plays throughout the year, so only play a women at Christmas. So I do play plenty of fellas too!
John Partridge
What was it like to play in Cats? It was magical! I played in Cats when I was 16 and it was my very first musical. I did a lot of growing up in that show and it was truly a fantastic experience. When I look back it amazes me that I was so brave at such a young age to go and take that role. I think very fondly of it. My father passed away when I was 17 and it was the only musical that he got to see me perform in, it holds very special memories for me. What made you get into acting and what do enjoy about acting? My Dad made me get into acting. When I was about 6 years old, we used to sit down on a Saturday afternoon and watch the old MGM musicals like Singing in the Rain and Hello Dolly. When I was a young boy I couldn’t tell you who was the captain of Manchester United or Arsenal but I could tell you who Gene Kelly was! It was my father who inspired me to dance because of his love for these old films. Acting is great because it’s pretend. You get to put on somebody elses coat for a while, step into somebody else’s shoes and get to be somebody else for the day. That’s what keeps me doing it, keeps me inspired and never gets boring because there is always someone new to play.
Book Reviews Books are great gifts to give, here is a selection that I have enjoyed this year. Picture Book (Preschool): Open Very Carefully – A book with bite. Author: Nick Bromley When an unruly crocodile falls into a story book about the Ugly Duckling he manages to cause havoc by eating some of the words. A great novelty book that will entertain young children and gives opportunity for interaction. It’s three dimensional quirky design including bites to the pages adds surprise appeal to younger children with lower attention spans. Poetry Anthology (6+): Poems to perform: A classic collection Chosen by: Julia Donaldson This is a lovely collection of beautifully illustrated poems chosen by the former children’s laureate Julia Donaldson including classics from Edward Lear and more contemporary voices such as Michael Rosen. As a performer herself, Julia has produced this book to give children the opportunity to read and share aloud the rhymes and rhythms that bring poetry alive to the senses. Also provides a great exploration of wordplay with the high interactive content including chants, tongue twisters and poetry conversations. A great addition to all family bookshelves as well as a resource with performance tips for teachers and groups Page 9
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Perfect Christmas gifts! Activity Book (Age 7 - 9): How to write a story. Author: Simon Cheshire Encourage the kids to get creative by inspiring them to write their own stories. “How to write a story” gives valuable tips in bite size chunks on developing and presenting their own creative writing projects. There are fun exercises to spark off their imaginations whilst helping to consolidate basic English conventions such as punctuation and grammar, as well as formatting characters and plots. It’s simply presented but effective and most suited as an introduction to children just starting to write their own stories as well as slower learners, and a fun way to consolidate classroom learning. Chapter Books for Girls (Age 7 – 10) : New Friends Old Friends Author: Julia Jarman New Friends Old Friends is Julia Jarman’s third book about girlfriends Daisy, Erika and Phoebe. This time the problem is over the arrival of a new friend Shazia from Pakistan. Fun but sensitive understanding of the dilemmas felt from girls and the impact their friends have on them. The story is divided up into easily digestible short chapters which are ideal for early readers. I enjoyed the diary style view point of each of the characters as they progressed though the situation. A great way to encourage children to think about their own impact on others too.
Book Reviews By Phillippa Rae
There’s a Shark in Bath
Written and Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre Age: 4 - 6 Publisher: Scholastic When Dulcie finds her dad’s cold bath water hasn’t been flushed away she’s in for a surprise. Suddenly out of the bath pops a shark family who can’t wait to get their teeth into her! Dulcie’s a smart little girl and distracts the sharks from eating her by playing a few bathroom games such as Brushety-Brush Game (cleaning your teeth) and the Wiggety-Wig Game (washing your hair). As they get hungrier for their breakfast, she manages to persuade the sharks to play another game, the Happy-Wrappy-Uppie Game in which she tangles them up in toilet paper. But there’s someone else fiercer on the warpath – Dad! And the sharks don’t want any trouble! Together Dulcie and the fishy family clean up the messy bathroom, before disappearing back to the sea.
Santa Sunday Lunches
An amusing and highly imaginative tale which is all good clean fun! The writing and the illustrations are both vibrant and lively paced. Kids will love the funny shark family with their big teeth, which brings home the fun side to bathtime. There’s also a comic twist in the tale.
Afternoon Tea with Santa
Charlie Merrick’s Misfits
Written and illustrated by Dave Cousins Age: 8+ Publisher: Oxford University Press A funny heartwarming story about one boy’s quest for football fame! Its Charlie Merrick’s first season as team captain of the North Star Galaxy under 12s. The only problem is the team is made up of subs that no one else wants and results of crushing defeats! His hero, Fabrice Roux is organizing a World Cup and special pre tournament match for the finals. This puts a strain on his friendship with his best pals Sam and Jasmine. Whilst Sam is dedicated to playing for North Star Galaxy, new boy Jack’s motivations are from bribes. Jack takes a shine to Charlie’s sister, Emily. Charlie tries to set up Jack with Emily. Jack’s outstanding talent as goal keeper is having a positive effect on the team as they begin to claw their way up the league table. But once Emily rebuffs Jack, he loses interest, and Charlie sees their chances for a place slipping away.
Jack & the Beanstalk
This story will be a sure fire winner with boys, scoring top points. Imaginative presentation as the tale partly unfolds through the use of game score cards charting the ups and downs of North Star Galaxy.
Brunch with Santa
Make
Marshmallow Sparklers! You Will Need: New year’s Eve Family Celebration 8 Marshmallows
Welcome in 2015 in our Verve restaurant family celebration with a glass bucks fizz on arrival. 10g Plainof chocolate 3 course dinner followed by family2quiz and disco. sugar sprinkles teaspoons
skewers Adults £57 pp Children £29Bamboo pp
j
These really need no explanation... Simply melt the chocolate. Pop the marshmallows onto bamboo skewers. Dunk the top of the marshmallows into the chocolate...straight into some sprinkles, then leave to set in glasses, a jug or a vase. LANGDON ROAD (OFF FABIAN WAY), SA1 WATERFRONT, SWANSEA, SA1 8QY Found on slice-of-slim.blogspot.co.uk
VillageUrbanResort
@VillageSwansea
www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk Calls to this number cost 10p per minute plus network extras
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The Benefits
of Yoga for Children Yoga teaches children to relax and can give them self-awareness, confidence and focus. It develops flexibility and balance, both physically and emotionally, helps them manage their emotions, increases concentration and coordination and can become a lifelong practice for developing inner peace and calm. By encouraging, stimulating and regulating breathing, yoga helps children to relax, balances the nervous system, and is inherently healing. As well as teaching group classes, Kathryn Chandler offers individual yoga therapy which is particularly suited to children with disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, other learning difficulties, and all physical and developmental challenges. Kathryn has been practicing yoga for 14 years, teaching yoga for four years and is fully qualified. She’s currently teaching pregnancy yoga, mum and child classes (suitable for all from 7 weeks old), children’s yoga classes for children aged 4+ and family yoga classes suitable for babies, toddlers, children and their carers. Kathryn works from The Natural Health Service in Swansea. Yoga can be brought into school through yoga taster days, regular classes or after school clubs. If you’d like to find out more call Kathryn on 07903802985, email childrensyoga@hotmail.co.uk, or find her on facebook.com/Yoga.with.Kathryn and twitter.com/yogakathryn
Treforys Tiny Tots Day Nursery Tel: 01792 796198 | www.treforys-tinytots.co.uk
NOW OPEN SATURDAYS AND LATE EVENINGS Holiday Playscheme up to Age 11 now available!
Open Mon - Fri 6.30am to 9.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 5.30pm
Tiny tots, toddlers and babies can enjoy a world of fun and excitement at one of Swansea’s best nurseries. Well established Treforys Tiny Tots day Nursery brings together children of all ages to teach them love care and respect. The large nursery based in Swansea Enterprise Park features separate baby and cot rooms, a spacious outside play area and dedicated areas for its holiday play-scheme. Parents can head off to work with peace of mind thanks to the nursery’s safe and secure premises and highly qualified staff.
15% discount for NHS Staff
Busy parents can also benefit from the nursery’s school pick-up service along side its flexible and convenient hours which is tailored to suit their working day. Discount is offered for NHS workers and also many corporate clients in and around Swansea area. The friendly and welcoming staff who are Welsh and English speaking are always on hand to help you with all your nursery needs and to provide your children with the best care possible six days a week. The nursery employs its own cook who ensures that healthy and nutritious meals are served daily.
Let’s make a deal! – Negotiation with a child So, - It’s good to set rules, right! And not deviate from our decisions and ‘give-in’ to our children’s demands and nagging? Or is there a learned benefit for your child from having a negotiated agreement that allows for their opinions to be heard, for them to feel listened to and valued? When a child feels like they have helped to come to an agreement, they are more likely to live up to such agreements, which in turn leads to better relationships between you - building on understanding each other better and having more respect. If you don’t negotiate, your children may not learn how to deal with conflicts constructively. If you don’t teach them how to work with you, they may never learn how to work with others. But negotiating with children is often a challenging process. As parents and adults, we need to learn how to manage our own emotions and frustrations as we know from observing others negotiating or being involved with negotiating ourselves with other adults, emotions can run high, and then negotiating skills, drop dramatically!
Top Tips for negotiating with your child
Keep in mind that negotiating is not about winning or losing. Know that negotiation doesn’t mean giving in. Start an agreement, not an argument. Enable your child to say ‘yes’. Your child will listen more readily if you phrase your idea in a way
that appeals to your child’s need for control and independence. If you say, ‘Would you like to set out the plates or the spoons?’ you are more likely to get cooperation than if you say, ‘Set the table NOW!’ Explain your point of view. You could say, ‘We have to leave the playground in 5 minutes because I have to make dinner’. Once you explain what’s on your mind, hopefully your child will understand better. Negotiate issues in age-appropriate ways. If your school-age child doesn’t like peas, you might ask, ‘What vegetable would you like instead?’ If your preschooler is not interested in eating at all, instead of arguing, you might consider playfully cutting a sandwich into interesting shapes to make it more appealing. Write down solutions. Get the family together and make a list of everyone’s ideas on a large piece of paper. Your child will see that you are taking them seriously. Discuss them openly but don’t allow criticism of anyone’s idea. Remember, you have the final say. You don’t have to reach consensus in any negotiation. Sometimes, somebody just has to make a decision. It’s perfectly ok for parents to make the final decision, as long as they have heard their children’s point of view and tried to be fair. Children will come to respect that; they may not like it, but they will come to realise that it is fair.
Written by
Amanda Bennett
Director, Schoolhouse Daycare Page 13
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How to make Christmas Baubles You will need
1. Punch out lots of paper flowers.
A polystyrene ball A pack of pearl headed pins A flower paper punch 2 sheets of white paper some ribbon.
2. Attach each flower to the ball with a pin.
3. Keep going until the ball is covered.
4. Add some ribbon to create a hanger.
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MILLEN
N I U M S TA D I U M
SANTA CLAUS The Tour INCLUDES Stadium Highlights Tour A visit to Santa’s Secret Grotto to meet Santa himself! Free Gift
COME & VISIT
SANTA CLAUS at
SANTA’S GROTTO DECEMBER 2014
Includes FREE GIFT
Tours start at the WRU Store Westgate Street For further details call: 029 2082 2228 or visit www.millenniumstadium.com/tours
TICKET PRICES Adults: £6.00 Children (up to 12yrs): £10.50 Babes in Arms: FREE Concessions: £5.50 Family Ticket (2 Adults / 2 Children): £30.00 (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) For Group bookings and all other enquiries please call 029 2082 2228
Christmas Best or Worst Time? Why best? It’s the time for cosy nights in, blankets, fires, closed curtains, scented candles, comfort food, long walks wrapped up, Bonfire Night, Halloween, parties, dressing up in your best sparkles, merriment, excessive alcohol consumption (allowed ish), catching up with friends returned home for the holidays, excitement, presents, SANTA!, Christmas Parades, Grottos, Winter Wonderland, multiple bank holidays, new hats, big jumpers, scarves, boots, Sunday Lunches, soups, the list and the opportunities are endless! Why worst? Rain, rain, rain, sleet, cold, snow, wet shoes, soggy children (to and from school), colds, flu, generic viruses flying about, dark nights and mornings (which make dressing precarious and a mission and a half to match black and blue) Christmas present shopping (Does the perfect gift exist?), Excessive money spending, family debates (full blown Armageddon potential fall outs) on the only day of the year you actually see each other, hangovers (Christmas parties), diet stress for that little black dress, searching for school nativity costumes (tea towels best invention ever), endless Christmas adverts, Christmas songs on repeat, SECRET SANTA (why is your present always worse than the one you thoughtfully gave), oh yes and more rain! This year I’m fighting back. This year it’s going to be different. I am going to take the rough with the smooth, smile through all the rain and cold. I am going to make the most of spending time indoors with my small boys, thank the fact that they are willing to go to bed easily and early, aided by the ‘dark’ nights. If it’s raining I’m going to wear wellies
and rock the fact I have not got wet feet, I’m going to invest in some great thermal wear so I won’t be cold. I am going to put ear defenders on the littlest to ensure he doesn’t get frightened of the fireworks and make the most of our fiver we paid to get in. I am going to organise nativity costumes weeks in advance and sit in the front row with my camera, ensuring I have turned off my mobile phone to all calls. I am not going to rush around the shops but relax in the haven I call home and do all my Christmas shopping online, and make the most of free delivery! I am going to religiously take Echinacea and learn to look after myself more, not fall prey to the vicious cold bugs! I am going to smile and sing along with the Christmas songs, because I am cool and know all the words. I am going to make the most of and love every bit of this Winter. Best laid plans I hear you say… Ah yes but I am safe in the knowledge that on Christmas Day I will be in the sun. This year we are making the most of our Christmas holidays and going away to actually spend some real quality time together away from the madness and Boxing Day sales. Father Christmas has been sent a Delayed Delivery Request Form (Received receipt has been sent) and subject to good behaviour presents will be delivered on New Year’s Eve when we get back. This year we are starting a new tradition and as long as we’re all together it will all work out. Better check those passport expiry dates!
Have a great Christmas, Ninja Parent
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. In Ya faith ©
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Enjoy Swansea
Waterfront Winterland 14 November – 4 January 01792 637300 www.swanseachristmas.com
Mwynhau Abertawe
Gwledd y Gaeaf ar y Glannau 14 Tachwedd – 4 Ionawr 01792 637300 www.nadoligabertawe.com
ICE SKATING TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TOCYNNAU SGLEFRIO IÂ AR WERTH NAWR! swanseachristmas nadoligabertawe @enjoyswansea @mwynhauabertawe
Enjoy Swansea
Fwynhau Abertawe’r
this Winter
gaeaf hwn!
Waterfront Winterland
Gwledd y Gaeaf ar y Glannau
Ice skate outdoors on two fantastic ice rinks – the Admiral Rink and a children’s rink, ride on the funfair. Meet Santa and his elves in the traditional Santa’s Grotto and warm up in the indoor cafe.
Gallwch sglefrio iâ yn yr awyr agored ar ddau lyn sglefrio gwych – llyn sglefrio Admiral a llyn sglefrio’r plant, mynd ar reidiau’r ffair. Cwrdd â Siôn Corn a’i goblynnod yn Groto traddodiadol Siôn Corn a chynhesu yn y caffi dan do.
Christmas Parade & Lights Switch On 16 November, 5pm. Watch as Santa magically switches on the Christmas Lights as he passes!
Christmas Market Oxford Street 28 November – 21 December.
Christmas Craft Workshops Swansea Museum (FREE) 6 & 13 December, 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm.
Santas Grotto & Donkey Rides Plantasia 7 & 14 December, 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm.
Aladdin Penyrheol Theatre 11 – 23 December.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Gorymdaith a Chynnau Goleuadau’r Nadolig 16 November, 5pm. Gwyliwch wrth I Siôn Corn gynnau goleuadau’r Nadolig wrth iddo fynd heibio!
Marchnad y Nadolig Stryd Rhydychen 28 Tachwedd – 21 Rhagfyr.
Gweithdai Crefftau’r Nadolig Amgueddfa Abertawe (AM DDIM) 6 a 13 Rhagfyr, 10am – 1pm a 2pm – 4pm.
Groto Siôn Corn a Reidiau ar Gefn Asyn Plantasia 7 ac 14 Rhagfyr, 11am, 12pm, 2pm a 3pm.
Aladdin Theatr Penyrheol 11 – 23 Rhagfyr.
Swansea Grand Theatre 12 December.
Eira Wen a’r Saith Corach
www.swanseachristmas.com
www.nadoligabertawe.com
Theatr y Grand Abertawe 12 Rhagfyr.
Family Days Tried and Tested There’s so much to do at Christmas and making it a magical time doesn’t have to cost, here are some ideas to keep your Christmas full of magic and free from expense… GO ON A NEIGHBOURHOOD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS HUNT…make a check list of things to spot- Christmas trees/angels/bells/snowmen/stars/ reindeer HAVE A FESTIVE OUTDOOR PICNIC- take some leftovers (ideal for new years day after a party!), some Christmas crackers and a present to the beach. DO SOME FESTIVE BEACH ART.. try your hand at building a sand snowman or take a rake to create your own giant Christmas designs in the sand before finding somewhere up high overlooking the beach to admire your work (Rhossili is ideal for this). HEAD TO THE FOREST/ WOODS to see if you can spot Christmas reindeers practicing for Christmas eve! MAKE AN UNDER TABLE CHRISTMAS GROTTO DEN with sheets/cushions/tinsel and battery operated fairy lights…crawl inside to read a festive story.
Visit ‘Family Days Tried & Tested’ on Facebook to check out the magical, frugal & fun activities that we’ll be getting up to!
MAKE SOME MAGICAL REINDEER FOOD to sprinkle on Christmas eve using porridge oats and glitter! MAKE SOME CHRISTMAS FAIRY DOORS using sticks and twine for the fairy elves to visit. Wrap up warm and head out with a flask of hot chocolate, chocolate coins and squirty cream for a festive hot chocolate session. TAKE SOME TREE DECORATIONS INTO THE WOODS and decorate an outdoor Christmas tree…don’t forget to take it down after Christmas. Amaze the kids by taking small pots of bubbles out and blow them on frosty mornings..watch them land on the frosty grass and freeze and shatter when you touch them.. GRASS SLEDGING…Everybody loves sledging but why wait for the snow!! Grab your sledges and head for a wet grassy bank and sledge away!! We used bin bags with holes cut into them to make it a little less muddy but mud and lots of laughter are to be expected. LEAF ART COLOUR WHEEL…Head out in search of some beautiful wintery colours and make a colour wheel.
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Grass Sledging AUTUMN/WINTER LEAF LANTERN…Don’t forget to bring some of your leaves home to make a lovely lantern for your winter dinner table! Use ova glue to stick your leaves to an empty jar and pop in a tea light. PERSONALISED NIGHT LAMP… we used a plastic lamp from Ikea that cost under £3 to decorate with permanent marker pens, try a Christmas design, cover with stars or just swirly pattern. ICE CREAM CONE CHRISTMAS TREES...The kids love making these yummy treats!! Mix a cup of icing sugar with 1/4 of a block of butter until its a nice creamy paste, add more butter or sugar if needed, add a few drops of food colouring and mix well…. use a spoon to cover your cone with the butter icing and then decorate with sprinkles….leave in the fridge to harden back up a little. SNOWFLAKE LANTERN…Cut snowflakes out of paper and use ova glue to stick to the outside of an empty jar, pop in a battery operated tea light….a lovely addition to the dinner table. MARSHMALLOW POP REINDEERS… melt some chocolate in a bowl placed over a pan of boiling water and then dip in your marshmallows to cover them in chocolate, try not to lick your fingers! Place your chocolate covered marshmallows onto two pretzels and then add a jelly bean nose and sprinkle/sweetie eyes…. leave to set in the fridge before placing on wooden skewers. GINGERBREAD REINDEER…This is so simple and no baking is needed. Buy some ready-made gingerbread men, turn them upside down and turn them into reindeer biscuits with some icing…add a jelly bean to make Rudolph biscuits.
CHRISTMAS DOILY BALLERINA/ANGELS… Pick up some paper doilies in Poundland to make this lovely mobile, cut out your figures and use sticky tape to attach your doily skirts, make a slit from the outside to the centre of the doily and make into a cone shape securing with tape, make a slot to slip your figure into and secure. Use a length of cotton to hang from the ceiling and watch them dancing and casting shadows on the wall. SEASHELL TOADSTOOLS…We picked up limpet shells from the beach and used blue tack to attach them to sticks to make toadstools, you could paint or decorate with glitter. SNOWMAN FRIDGE PLANNER… turn your fridge into a Snowman!! Replace all boring festive events calendars with your very own frosty guide. Use a roll of wall paper or wrapping paper to cut out a snowman and lots of snowballs, write on the snowballs important dates, nativities, carol services etc and use the free snowballs to plan family activities. RUSTIC STICK CHRISTMAS TREE…be sure to collect plenty of sticks on your walk to make a pretty natural Christmas tree, older children can use a hot glue gun to stick together layer of sticks to form a Christmas tree shape, alternatively you could use garden wire. Place on top of a pot or just on it’s own and add some battery operated fairy lights that can be bought from pound stores to finish off your festive beauty. CANDY CANE HUNT…Get outside!! Head to the woods to set up a festive candy cane hunt for the kids! It doesn’t have to be candy canes, you could use crackers, tree baubles or even sprouts! Hide them in the trees and let the kids search for them….chocolate coins are always a good prize. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
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GET INTO THE FESTIVE
SPIRIT FOR 2014 ROCK NIGHT
Saturday 29th November 2014
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS
Thurday 27th November 2014 Thursday 4th December 2014 Thursday 11th December 2014
AN EVENING WITH GARY BARLOW Friday 5th December 2014
CABARET EVENING WITH RACHAEL SUMMER Saturday 6th December 2014 Saturday 20th December 2014
A NIGHT IN WALES WITH TRIBUTE ACT TJ AS SIR TOM JONES Friday 12th December 2014
AN EVENING WITH TINA TURNER Saturday 13th December
MARRIOTT DOES MAMMA MIA Friday 19th December
PARTY LUNCHES AND DINNERS From ÂŁ25.00 per person
Call Claire Cole on 01792 634824 or email claire.cole@marriotthotels.com All packages are subject to availability. Please find full terms and conditions in Christmas Brochure.
Hope at Christmas
are trees that stay green all year round (the clue is in the name, I’m a simple soul and always need things explained). Christmas trees represent something that is everlasting, the hope of mankind which will never fade and that small baby brought that everlasting hope into the world that first Christmas.
I love Christmas. I love the songs – “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is my favourite, I love the films – “It’s a Wonderful Life” is hard to beat, I love the food – you’ll be able to tell that from my waistline, I love the decorations – going to buy our Christmas tree each year is always a highlight for me but most of all I love the hope and anticipation. I have to say that hope is one of my very favourite things – the dictionary defines hope as the happy anticipation of good things. I think that’s just lovely.
Maybe you put a star on the top of your tree – we always have a debate (that’s a polite way of saying an argument) about who gets to do that in our family. The star is one of my favourite parts of the tree and it played such an important part in the first Christmas story because it’s a sign of promise, thousands of years before it happened, God promised the world He would send His Son and the star is the sign that that promise was fulfilled. A star was also the guiding light that led the wise men to find the baby King, Jesus.
By Mandy Harvey
I have 3 daughters, all grown up now but when they were younger the hope and anticipation in our house was tangible before Christmas. You could almost feel it. I probably seemed very cruel to them as they never got to open their Christmas presents until after lunch. Oh my gosh, they were almost climbing the walls with the anticipation but they loved the wait and the excitement, and I think sometimes the anticipation was almost as good as the presents themselves, as a family we didn’t want it to all be over before breakfast we wanted the specialness to last. Christmas is a time for hope. On the first Christmas, 2,000 years ago, hope came into the world in the form of a little baby. A brand new life that had been anticipated as a good thing for centuries beforehand. For centuries prophets had prophesied that a King would come who would bring into the world love, peace, joy and hope and this King was greatly looked forward to. However this King arrived in a very unexpected way, there was no pomp, no ceremony, no grand palace, he was born into an average family, in very basic accommodation – a stable but He grew into a King that would change the world forever. A King called the Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Christmas most of us will spend time taking part in traditions perhaps we’ve done for years, maybe we’ll put up a Christmas tree, maybe we’ll decorate our halls with holly tra la la, we’ll almost definitely give and receive gifts but I wonder as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, will we understand what these traditions represent. In our house decorating our Christmas tree is an event. One year we decided not to have a tree, and Christmas felt a little less shiny without one. Christmas trees are usually evergreens, evergreens
Maybe in your house you put an angel on the top of the tree, the angels too are part of this first Christmas story as they sang to the Shepherds on the Hillside announcing that Jesus was going to be born. For many of us the most important part of Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. We give and receive gifts because that helps us remember and celebrate that God gave the world the most precious of gifts. God loved the world so much that He gave his Son, his one and only Son, so that no one need be destroyed but, by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t send his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help; to bring into the world love, joy, peace and hope and to put the world right again. All of us are probably hoping for something this Christmas. We may be hoping we’ll find that extra special gift for someone special, maybe we’re hoping to have a break and some time off, maybe we’re hoping for a relationship, maybe we’re hoping for a job. Hope came that first Christmas so that God could show us He is always there for us, ready to listen, ready to care, ready to help and ready to fill our lives with His hope and love. This Christmas as you decorate your tree, eat delicious food, open some lovely presents please take a moment to think about why you are doing what you do and look for the everlasting hope amongst the tinsel. I hope you have a very Happy Christmas full of the happy anticipation of good things. Mandy is part of the staff team at Parklands Church in Sketty and Coordinator of Swansea Hope which supports projects such as Swansea Night Shelter for rough sleepers, Food Bank and Street Pastors. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
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Mum’s to
Mumpreneur’s
Tell us about your business. We (Helen & Jane) started Poseidon Swim School back in September 1991 with just 200 pupils. Twenty four years later we now teach over 2000 pupils a week and have a part time staff of 30. Where did you begin and what motivated you to start your own business? Poseidon Swim School was born from an idea of being able to provide excellent quality swimming lessons within very small classes. Over the years we have trained all our own teachers and continue to give support and the opportunity to develop our own skills within the Swim School. How many children do you have and what do you do to relax? Jane: I have one child, Helen: I have four of my own, plus one grandchild. Both: Balancing home and work is sometimes impossible but we always try to sit down for family meals whenever possible. Time to relax , chat and play games around the table is so important. (Try 12 spot dominoes for older children it’s great fun). Our top tip for a well balanced home and work life is to
be sure to manage your time efficiently! What’s been the biggest challenge in business and how have you overcome it? The biggest challenge in business for both of us has been keeping up with legislation, staff training and everything that comes with running a business which customers do not see behind the scenes i.e. paper work, accounts, PAYE etc. We recommend having a good accountancy firm who can help and offer advice and support when needed. What’s the one piece of advice you would give to other mums wanting to start their own business? If your thinking of starting your own business, whilst there are huge benefits and for the both of us, the thrill of teaching so many children to swim has been immense, it does impact on your family and at times has to come before it! For us, down time is rare but when we do get time to ourselves, dog walking spending time with each of our families and plenty of Cava is a must. www.poseidonswimschool.com | 01792 281365
How was School today?
Everyday the response is “fine” or “good,” which doesn’t tell us a whole lot. Here are some more engaging questions to ask. Hopefully you will get a whole sentence reply! 1. What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?) 2. Tell me something that made you laugh today. 3. If you could choose, who would you like to sit by in class? (Who would you NOT want to sit by in class? Why?) 4. Where is the coolest place at the school? 5. Tell me a weird word that you heard today. 6. If I called your teacher tonight, what would she tell me about you? If you are concerned 7. How did you help somebody today? about any of your child’s 8. How did somebody help you today? answers, Kip McGrath 9. Tell me one thing that you learned today. offer free Maths and 10. When were you the happiest today? English assessments for 11. When were you bored today? children age 5-16. Call 12. Is there anyone in your class who needs a time-out? Claire on 891144 / 299996 13. What word did your teacher say most today? if you wish to book an 14. What do you think you should do/learn more of at school? appointment. 15. What do you think you should do/learn less of at school? 16. Where do you play the most at playtime? 17. Who is the funniest person in your class? Why is he/she so funny? 18. If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do? 19. Who would you like to play with at recess that you’ve never played with before? 20. Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.
Dr. Louise... What is Flu? It’s that time of year again when seasonal flu hits. Here is some information about flu, the symptoms associated with it & how to look after yourselves when it affects your family. Winter Influenza (Flu) is caused by one of the various strains of influenza virus & the prevailing type varies each year. In most people it is a selflimiting illness, which usually last 5-7 days. Most cases can be managed by resting at home & following simple advice, but in some cases it can be more serious. Flu is passed from person to person by droplets released when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs. You can also catch it by touching a surface where the virus has been deposited. Common symptoms are high temperature, aches & and pains in muscles & joints, sweating, nausea, a cough, headache, sore throat/sneezing. It can also cause lack of energy, loss of appetite & poor feeding. Sometimes a high temperature (fever) can result in a febrile convulsion (a seizure caused by the high temperature) which can be frightening for parents. When to seek medical help? The general advice is to seek medical advice at any time that you’re worried about yourself/child. However, certain warning signs should prompt you to seek help immediately as it may mean you have another illness or complications of Flu. The following symptoms are ‘red (serious) flags’: ●Stiff neck, headache, dislike of bright lights. ●Drowsiness and/or confusion. ●Repeatedly vomiting.
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●Chest pains, coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm, shortness of breath. ● A rash particular if dark red spots develop that do not fade when pressed (a non-blanching rash). How to manage symptoms at home. Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can lower your temperature, and also ease aches and pains. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Throat lozenges and saline nasal drops may be helpful to ease nose and throat symptoms. Carefully dispose of used tissues to prevent spread of infection. Wash hands regularly.
“Antibiotics are not effective against Flu. They kill bacteria not viruses. However, they may be necessary if you develop a bacterial complication (a secondary infection) from the Flu” If you are normally well then you are unlikely to develop complications. However, certain groups of people are more at risk of complications, i.e the elderly, those with chronic lung conditions such as asthma/cystic fibrosis, those with chronic medical conditions like heart/liver/ kidney problems/ diabetes, those with poor immune systems & pregnant women regardless of how healthy they are. These groups of people are usually offered the annual flu vaccine. This article is not a substitute for advice from your own GP. Here’s wishing you all a happy, healthy winter.
Swimming classes for bumps, babies and beyond across South West Wales
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£7.95 Child Plentyn • £4.95 Adult Oedolyn • £6.95 Under 3 yrs Dan 3 oed Christmas Eve / Noswyl y Nadolig £8.95 Child Plentyn • £5.95 Adult Oedolyn • £7.95 Under 3 yrs Dan 3 oed Each child will receive a gift from Santa. Adults will receive a hot drink & mince pie. Bydd pob plentyn yn derbyn anrheg oddi wrth Siôn Corn. Bydd oedolion yn cael diod boeth a mins pei.
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Sporting Parents Food for Thought Sport is a potentially important part of your child’s life; do what you can to ensure that their sporting experience is enjoyable and you will promote a healthy lifestyle that will benefit them into adulthood! Our concept of sport is not the same as theirs, especially if we had a bad experience of sport as a child and still have a lingering negative bias, or we are hyper-competitive and can’t help but urge our child to develop that trait too. Therefore, it’s essential to take their perspective and help them achieve their goals for sport, not yours. Learning new skills, using their growing bodies to “do things,” and having fun with their mates – that’s what is important to children, and the competitive element should be de-emphasised until they are mature enough to harness competition for good. Hence, if they enjoy sport now they are more likely to make active decisions in the future when faced with unhealthy alternatives. Most sports have adapted their structure to reflect new knowledge in youth sport, but we as parents must reinforce a positive philosophy (above) or our children will receive conflicting messages about
Endless Summer....
Surfability was started in September 2013, so this was our first full summer season and I am happy to say it was great! We had warm water and gentle waves all summer long at Caswell Bay so the conditions were great for learning and we ran a session almost every day. We had a few wheelchair users come for lessons so it was great to use our beach access chair and see how with the right equipment and training we could include people in surfing that had never tried anything like it before. One very memorable moment was a session with a boy who had never been in a swimming pool before and whose only experience of the water was in the bath. We introduced him slowly to Page 33
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sport participation and this will have negative consequences. Of course, children learn best when instructions are concise, and the picture of sport that we portray must have clarity too. Taxiing them to and from a session is not enough – they need to know that you are interested in their experiences; that you are hearing what they are saying and not just listening. Establish that bond and they are more likely to come to you with sport-related problems rather than going elsewhere or “keeping it bottled up.” Concentrate when they talk to you, pick up on cues, this will give you good information if you act as their advocate when an issue needs to be raised with their coach or other parents. In this way sport can be useful as you try to adapt to their changing personalities and idiosyncrasies: sport can be a reliable and satisfying constant in your relationship. Finally, please remember that although they may not share the same activity interests as you, this is often a good thing as you will have two (or more) topics to discuss and you can do so free of preconceptions that come with being a participant yourself. Written by Dr. Simon Payne, Performance Psychologist from Mumbles. the sand and water and he couldn’t stop smiling. By the end of the session we were catching waves on a tandem surfboard and he was running his fingers through the water shouting “More, more!” Myself and Coach Toby ran the Swansea Bay 10k pushing each other in our beach access chair to raise funds for building a changing facility at Caswell that we hope to have completed for next season. It was a hot day and very hard but we finished in 56minutes thanks to the support of the crowd and other runners. Overall we couldn’t have hoped for a better first Summer and are now looking forward to some big winter waves and indoor surfing sessions. Our regular participants continue to improve with every session and amaze me with their skills and commitment. We also want to say a massive thank you to all of our volunteers for supporting people in the water and making the sessions so good. Benjamin Clifford, Director, Surfability UK CIC www.surfabilityukcic.org
Pool Games for Families Childhood obesity and children’s activity levels are a very topical subject right now. Latest statistics suggest that levels of childhood obesity in Wales are the highest in the UK and one of the worst in Europe. As parents we need to ensure that our kids are not just having fun but are active too. Most kids love nothing more than messing around in water and they often forget that they are getting active at the same time. Can you remember being a 10yr old messing around in the pool? What games did you play? Difficult to think back isn’t it! So the ASA and Change4Life have made it easy for us parents to play games with our kids that will develop their water skills in a way they see as fun. In fact most of our favourite school yard games translate really easily into a swimming pool with an appropriate depth…such as What’s the time Mr Wolf, Sharkie Sharkie, Simon Says, all of which can be done without any extra pool toys or aids in a pool recreation session. If there is a session
with toys and games such as the National Pool’s Splash & Play sessions, you can extend the range of activity with games such as Up and Over, the Kicking Duel and the Balancing Game. As always safety should also be considered, so remember to follow the pool rules and that other people will be using the pool too – who knows if they see how much fun you are having they may ask to join in! For the best times to have fun on the pool as a family try the National Pool’s Recreation or Splash & Play sessions www. walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk/publicswimming/timetable For more detail about the games above visit www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/supporter-resources/ downloads/swim4lifegamesheets.pdf
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How to Enter: Like and comment on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/Tenpin. Swansea using ‘#Kidscene’ in the post. Example Comment: ‘Hi I have liked & commented, hope I win the comp #kidscene’ Rules: You can enter as many times as you like, winner will be chosen at random Closing entry Friday 19th December 2015 Midnight. Page 35
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Enjoy Christmas... Minus All The Weight Gain
Are you going to be the person everyone does a double take at, at the works Christmas party this year? Are you going to look and feel absolutely fabulous in your LBD? “Christmas comes but once a year...and when it does it brings good cheer” It certainly does but it also brings an inch or two to your waistline. For most of us Christmas is the season we lose a few lbs in preparation just to pile it all back on again. Does this sound familiar to you? Well let’s make this year different, after all Christmas is the season to be jolly, not leaving you glum because you pigged out, gained 10lbs and your clothes have shrunk a size or two. I’m sad to say this includes me; I have been guilty of this cycle in the past, but not this year. Give yourself a personal gift of health this by making a promise that you won’t gain the 10lbs, you will still enjoy Christmas honestly it is possible!
Follow these few simple steps: Firstly map out your social events, where you’re entertaining friends and family, write down exactly what you are going to be cooking/serving for each event, also write down a meal plan for the other days, only then do a shopping list. I’m a huge believer of this method; I use it every time we need to go shopping. Why you ask? Because it saves time and money, it gives you and your family routine and a huge plus, there is no food waste. Brits are great at over eating as we don’t like throwing anything away. Lastly I’m less stressed if I know the week ahead’s meal plan, being prepared is a must! Stay Active it is inevitable that you will be consuming more calories, so make every effort to do 30 minutes of activity a day, it is really important for your children to also get lots of fresh air, hit the beach it free. Dust those cob webs off and get those bikes out, get that metabolism burning and endorphins flowing. Don’t Skip Breakfast however much you ate or drank the night before make sure you get up and have a nutritionally balanced breakfast to avoid your sugar levels spiking. Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs – go on its Christmas! A great alternative is a Herbalife Formula 1 meal replacement drink, there are lots of delicious recipes available to spice it up and of course avoid white carbohydrates at all costs. Go Easy On The Alcohol how many dates do you already have in your diary for Christmas party’s? Time to maybe switch your drink to lower calorie option or chose to drive on the night of some of those party’s. Alcohol can very quickly add hundreds of calories to your daily allowance. A standard glass of wine (175ml) with 13% ABV could contain up to 160 calories a healthier swap would be 175lm glass of wine and soda so you are still getting the same amount of drink but it carries far less calories. Be aware that alcohol does not count towards your daily intake of fluids it actually has the reverse affect and can make you dehydrated! Believe You Can Do This convincing yourself is half the battle, it really is possible to enjoy the festive season and not gain the lbs. The older we get the harder it is to shift those fluffy feathers. The only person stopping you from achieving this is yourself. Believe you can do it and you will. I wish you all a very happy Christmas & a Happy New Year. With love Helen Mckavett
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