Mama, we’ve got this

PARKLIFE

Windsor Siding

Moments from Windsor station, this urban park features a playground with accessible equipment, outdoor basketball full court, an awesome dirt BMX track, lawn area, BBQ and picnic seating. The playground covers many of the traditional functions including slides, bridges, climbing, swings, basket swing with rubber matting and rocker. A broad play offering for all ages, completed in a natural timber finish, which will weather and grey in time – in perfect sympathy to the established gums in the area. Musical instruments are also provided for junior and sensory engagement making this an awesome allrounder.

In a nutshell:

Accessible playspaces Basketball courts BBQ BMX Track Picnic Tables Playground Paved sports area

104 Union Street, Windsor

The way families find child care has changed

StartingBlocks.gov.au is your first step into early childhood education and care. Now families can find and compare services, fees, and what your family may pay.

At StartingBlocks.gov.au, families can: • find local services and view their vacancies, costs, quality ratings and inclusions • compare services side-by-side • estimate their out-of-pocket costs • get info and advice about education, children’s development, and parenting Having this information in one place helps parents choose the best early childhood education and care for their family. For more information, visit startingblocks.gov.au/find-child-care/

StartingBlocks.gov.au

Brought to you by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority

HOME SANCTUARY

Create your very own home sanctuary and use it!

Creating your own sanctuary at home may seem a little selfish (it isn’t btw) and completely unachievable especially with umpteen children running around! However, here we show you just a few tweaks that’ll help bring together a space in which to relax, meditate and feel good about your surroundings… Why? Because every Mama deserves a little space of their own!

Sort it

A cluttered home is a cluttered mind, and just as the wonderful Marie Kondo says, “if it doesn’t spark joy” get rid of it. Hashtag Best Feeling Ever!! Once you’ve de cluttered, it’s time to organise what’s left into some kind of order. These Rattan baskets from Target are a great natural storage system that will hold heaps and look super stylish in any home. (RRP $30.00)

Clean it

Once the clutter has gone, throw open your windows and take some time to clean from top to bottom, using natural, toxin-free cleaning products that won’t harm your health or the planet’s. This gives you the chance to start over with a healthy, chemicalfree, blank canvas minus the environmental guiltPhew! Zero Co Products are not only the coolest way to ditch single use plastic, (talk about cute #reusable packaging) they’re also toxin free, cruelty free and palm oil free so perfect for a truly ‘fresh’ start!

Colour it

When selecting colours for your sanctuary, opt for something that invites tranquility. Green represents healing, harmony, regeneration and love (#cute) so choosing a calming mint green or sage would be ideal. The Porters Paints French Green paint from Bunnings will create that relaxing, natural feel in an instant! (RRP $298.00 10L) Ever noticed how lights can determine the mood? With just one twist of a dimmer the whole feel of a space can change in an instant! You can create all the comforting feels with this gorgeous Shepa Floor lamp from Temple & Webster. This dimmable lamp gifts you the perfect glow for your mood and portrays a unique modern design allowing it to stand out in any room. (RRP $449)

Cushion it

Piles of cushions and blankets soften a room and make it feel a whole lot more inviting. Layering them up will instantly make your room feel more cozy and entice you to spend more time there. This huge floor cushion from Adairs (RRP $229) is everything!! The limited-edition Togetherness x Adairs collection is a joyful, floral explosion designed by Melbourne-based artist, Esther Sandler and is guaranteed to make everyone in the room feel relaxed, happy and carefree. Pair it with the Malmo Honey Throw (RRP $119.99) and embrace the cozy!

Plant it

It’s no surprise that plants breathe life into any space, big or small. However, did you know that plants such as the snake plant, spider plant and aloe vera naturally purify the air, boosting your mood and creating a truly healthy environment? And hey, you can never have too many plants right? Check out this beautiful selection from Wildspace | Home Ready Plants delivered Australia-wide

Burning scented candles fills a room with a gorgeous aroma and adds oodles of warmth. A naked flame is often used in meditation as a focal point as it’s so relaxing and at times hypnotic. This Palm Beach Collection Rosewood, Gardenia & Musk Candle will add the perfect touch to your space and will transport even the most stressed mama to a balmy summer evening. (RRP $32.95)

Feel it

There’s nothing better than a body treatment to get you into ‘Maxo Relaxo” mode! Top Stuff Ultra Hydrating Body Creme by Dr Roebucks is a replenishing and soothing body moisturizer formulated to hydrate, protect and nourish the skin. The addition of Lavender in amongst the other awesome ingredients makes this the perfect post shower, pre pj’s kinda luxury. (RRP $38)

Wear it

It’s time to ditch the saggy, stained trackies and treat yourself to something new! The Ainsley Knit Pant (RRP $120) and Long Sleeve Knit (RRP $100) from Assembly Label are THE luxurious option for comfort dressing in your sanctuary. This oversized style has a soft, wide waistband for ultimate comfort and is crafted from a cozy blend of natural cotton. Comfort is key when Mama wants to relax and with this set you can definitely do that in style!

Breathe it

Virtual Breathwork classes are a wonderful way to heal yourself through the power of your own breath. Once you have your space set up, loungewear on, candles burning and a warm blanket wrapped around you, Virtual Breathwork Meditation Healing with Siobhan Lou can be done via the Zoom app on a laptop or phone. Taking a breathwork class online in the comfort of your own home, just you, Siobhan and the sound of your breath is immeasurably healing and has the capability to change your life. It’s time to make the most of your own private Sanctuary!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GRABBING A FUN BUN 6-PACK FROM YOUR LOCAL BAKERS DELIGHT BETWEEN 28 APRIL – 18 MAY! WWW.BAKERSDELIGHT.COM.AU/BCNA

FIND YOURSELF OUTSIDE

For those still not comfortable with international travel, there’s heaps of us taking to the road and exploring what Australia has to offer. With domestic travel well and truly back in action, finding accommodation can be tricky. Camping is a great alternative to avoid the crowds and experience Australia in all its beauty.

Below are my top tips for a smooth camping trip. BUT, before you get to any of these tips, my first, and most important tip is to have the right attitude. “Adventure is what you make it”, is something I tell my kids over and over again. No two campsites are created equal and a holiday is what you make of it. Go with the right attitude and you’ll be guaranteed of a great time.

Don’t forget the shovel!

If accessing a 4WD only property, don’t forget to take recovery tracks and a shovel. If you’re a beginner, park your vehicle in a safe spot and have a reccie on foot to check whether it’s in your capability to tackle it. I’ve done this many times (and proceeded on down!). Slow and steady wins the race. Keep things cool

Invest in a good quality esky to keep the valuables cold. Beginners start with a good quality ice esky. Those who have been bitten by the camping bug should invest in a cooler that’s plugged into your dual-battery in your 4WD. That’s when you know you’ve reached the camping elite!

Stay extra-hydrated!

Know the situation with drinking water, is there plenty of potable water at the campsite? I always take my own extra 40 litres of water from home. Can never have too much water.

Fire ‘er up! (Responsibly)

Brush up on your campfire skills and know local fire regulations. Most Hipcamps permit fires all year round (excluding fire ban periods) which is great, but it’s everyone’s responsibility to be fire safe and thoroughly extinguish campfires before you go to sleep at night and before you leave.

Food glorious food!

It’s such a special time to share meals with the ones you love - this is where the memories are made. It’s ok to pack those items that aren’t ‘everyday’ foods at home. My kids associate Milo cereal with camping because that’s the only time they get it. Create special memories around food. We also love ‘special drinks’ when camping, quite often the fizzy comes out for a bit of fun.

TOP 4 CAMPING DESTINATIONS

For those that are new to camping, camping expert, Brooke Wood, Hipcamp’s operations manager has teamed up with Toyota to put together five camping locations for those looking to explore the Victorian bush this year.

Historic Auldstone Farm

Here you will find cool shady park sites in the heart of Glenrowan wine country and you’ll be just walking distance to local winery/brewery! The sites are quiet and private, with an abundance of birds and wildlife surrounded by beautiful cottage gardens and a 130 year old wine cellar.

Kielock Homestead

Kielock Homestead is a unique farm stay experience located centrally in the beautiful Kiewa Valley where you can camp right on the bank of the Kiewa River. While you stay here there is plenty to do if you choose or you can relax and soak in the beauty of the river and surrounding mountains.

Grampians Old Man Emu Stay

Here you’ll find a quiet and peaceful 100 acres for fully self-sufficient campers (who have a chemical toilet) to relax and enjoy the beautiful bushland and views of the Grampians. You can wander around and watch the animals, such as kangaroos and emus that are on the property. You’ll really enjoy the sites near the dam with campfire use in season and shade trees.

Grand Mountain and River Views

Grandview is located on 8 acres in the township of Buchan. The campsites have beautiful mountain views and the property is close to the Buchan River. The property is a great place to base yourself, within walking distance to the Buchan Caves Hotel, Roadhouse, General Store and the world acclaimed Buchan Caves.