Bayside Mamamag Dc/Jan 2018 by MamaMag

BAYSIDE

mamaMAG Dec/Jan 2017

WIN A ZOOS VICTORIA MEMBERSHIP AND PRIZE PACK Eating out with toddlers Summer essentials Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for wine Christmas crackers Waterpark wonders

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SUMMER LOVING So, this morning I sent my first born off to school camp. SCHOOL CAMP... He also collected his BYOD computer last week all ready for grade 4 next year. Umm, surely you are not big enough for either of these things yet... can you please stop growing up so fast. Lachie reaches double digits next year, and don’t get me started on miss 7 going on 17. How did this happen? They were 3 and 1 when I returned to Melbourne post-divorce almost 6 years ago. How I’ve managed them on my own for that long I’m still not sure! But they do make me smile every day. #blessed We’ve had a super fun couple of months lately. Ladies lunch for Oaks Day is always an annual highlight, albeit very child-free! Mama was lucky to be a part of the opening weekend of the new world record breaking waterslide at Funfields. Unfortunately, it was only about 11 degrees that day, but Lach love being one of the first to ride it! Make sure you enter this month’s colouring in competition to win one of three family passes. Summer truly is my favourite season of the year. Fish and chips at the bathing boxes until late in the evening with gorgeous friends, weekend swims at the local pool (we’re loving Carnegie Pool), frolicking at a water play park (we can’t go past Booran Reserve, but check out Jane from Playground Finders guide inside for some other great ideas near you). Mama’s planning an epic camping adventure with four other families at Seaspray in Gippsland after Christmas. We haven’t camped for a couple of years so if you’ve got any amazing must do’s or tips, I’d love to hear from you. So, as we wind up for the silly season, it’s always a nice time to reflect on the year that was. I want to thank you all for being a part of my MamaMag journey. This year has been amazing. The support from both our readers and our advertisers has been sensational and without you all I wouldn’t be doing what I do. And I love what I do, so let’s not stop!! Have a gorgeous Xmas with your families and I can’t wait to connect with you all again in 2018 xxxx

@localmamamag

Local fun for everyone • Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside

Contents Christmas crackers Bayside Christmas fun

Parklife Grange Reserve UFO Park, Clayton South

Summer essentials Mama’s summer must-haves

I think it’s wine time Helpful hints to pick your tipple

Turn the page 16 Christmas reads from Story Mama Water wonders Water play in Bayside

Toddler taming Eating out with toddlers

The juggle is real 24 Juggling work and school holidays Mama can cook From The Natural Nutritionist

Celebrating separately 34 Making Christmas and divorce work Make Christmas meaningful Shopping wisely and ethically

Holiday petfection 40 Making pets happy while your away Colour to WIN WIN Funfields family passes

Hydration station Keeping hydrated this summer

MamaMag Dec/Jan 2018

Win

a Zoo Membership and Prize Pack! WORTH

$202 Prize includes a 12 month Zoos Victoria Membership, Lion cub plush toy, Giraffe zootensils, Bubble maker and Giraffe backpack! Enter at woobox.com/u2pgcu or www.facebook.com/localmamamag Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts December 1st 12.01am and closes December 31st 2017 at 11.59pm. Entries and prizes are not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Visit www.mamamag.com.au for full terms and conditions.

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10,000 copies per issue across the Bayside area: Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston and Port Phillip. 40,000 copies across all four areas/magazines: Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier sarah@mamamag.com.au Local Bayside advertising: Daniela Simonetta: daniela@mamamag.com.au Cherise Berley: cherise@mamamag.com.au Melbourne-wide Key Account Manager: Clare Betts: clare@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@mamamag.com.au The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers. Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Mama’s picks for Christmas in the South! Glen Eira Carols in the Park Bayside Carols in the park Tues 12 Dec , 5pm-9.30pm, Dendy Park, Brighton East. Pre-show activities for children start at 5pm and the main concert kicks off at 7.30pm and is headlined by a variety of performers including the Southern Area Concert band, Vocally Wild and Mosaic Choirs.There is a variety of food stalls available to purchase from on the night. There will be a special appearance by Santa and Channel 10’s Mike Larkan will once again host the celebrations. This fantastic event will end with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9.30pm.

Carols by Kingston Sun 10 Dec, 6.30pm - 10pm. Sir William Fry Reserve, Nepean Hwy, Highett. The annual event, Carols by Kingston is a great chance to get together with friends and family before the holidays and relax in the park to the sounds of Christmas cheer. This FREE event is family friendly and showcases outstanding performers year after year, along with a visit from Santa, an artisan Christmas market for your last minute gift ideas and fireworks to finish off the night.

Sat 9th Dec, 5.30pm to 8pm. Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Bentleigh. Play, sing, dance and rejoice along with Sam Moran, when the former Yellow Wiggle brings his special Christmas show to Glen Eira. Leading Australian opera singer and Madama Butterfly star Antoinette Halloran will be another of this year’s highlight acts. Enjoy children’s craft activities including making reindeer antlers, pretty food parcels, and tree decorations — in addition to some festive face painting, a visit from Santa, food and drink vendors all night.

Santa’s Magical Kingdom On now – Dec 23rd, Caulfield Racecourse. The magic of Christmas will come alive at Santa’s Magical Kingdom with an interactive walk-through adventure land including everything that you love about Christmas, plus an International Spectacular Christmas Show that will amaze everyone. Fun rides for all ages including ferris wheel and giant slide. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is for every child and the ‘inner-child’ in all of us. www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

Myer Windows and Santaland

Rippon Lea Twilight Christmas Festival

Tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots of exciting activities including a ride on the Santaland Express train.

Dec 1st 5-9pm, Rippon Lea House and Gardens, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. Capture the spirit of the season with friends and family at the annual Twilight Christmas Festival! Enjoy the summers evening with craft workshops, market stalls, carols, food trucks, mansion tours and much more. www.ripponleaestate.com.au

Make a day of it, visiting Myer Melbourne. Start with the Christmas Windows and then on up to Santaland. The windows are located in the Bourke Street Mall, Santaland is on level six.

Festive Projections Now – Sun 25 Dec, daily from 9pm 10.20, Federation Square and State Library. The City of Melbourne’s annual Projection Show will this year feature at both Fed Square, and the State Library. The projections will tell two stories, weaving together a narrative across the sites through a magical rendering of Santa’s workshop/ From a Lego factory to a sports gear superstore, see Santa’s elves busily creating your Christmas wishes in his industrious workshop. fedsquare.com/events

Luna Park’s Christmas Gala Lunch Sunday 10th Dec, 12-3pm. Luna Park, St Kilda. The kids will love all the Christmas cheer Luna Park has to offer! The Gala lunch has all the trimmings in a family-friendly setting, with carols, treats for the kids, and a special visit from Santa. Enjoy the delicious Christmas food and drinks on offer while the kids run free in the park with unlimited rides or join them on some of the most iconic rides and attractions in Melbourne. lunapark.com.au/event/christmasgala-lunch

Hello Music Carols by Daylight Sunday, 10th December 3pm – 4.15pm. Carols by Daylight is a sing-along Christmas variety concert event for the whole family, featuring jazz and classical artists, the Australian Children’s Orchestra and Santa! Plus it proudly supports the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Deakin Edge Theatre,Federation Square www.hellomusic.com.au.

Gingerbread Village by Epicure Fri 1 Dec – Sun 24 Dec, 9am-8.15pm daily. Melbourne Town Hall. Now in its sixth year, the Gingerbread Village by EPICURE returns to the Melbourne Town Hall. This year they will craft the F1 Grand Prix, to add to the village comprising 500 kilograms of gingerbread, 360 kilograms of royal icing, 150 kilograms of marzipan and around 800 miniature Christmas trees for the festive backdrop. www.epicure.com.au/about/ gingerbread-village-by-epicure.

Santa’s letter box and Spirit of Giving box On now – Fri 15 Dec. Australia Post is encouraging young Australians to write to Santa this Christmas. You’ll find the Santa’s letter box and the Spirit of Giving box just outside the Australia Post GPO, as well as a second letter box outside The District in Docklands. Send your letters, drawings and wish lists nice and early to Santa, North Pole, 9999. Letters received with a stamp on the envelope, and with names and return addresses clearly marked on the back, will receive a reply postcard from Santa.

Parklife The Grange reserve ufo park In 1966 students and teachers from the nearby Westall High School and Westall Primary School reported seeing hovering flying saucers in Grange Reserve and whilst this sighting has never been explained, in 2013 Kingston Council built a UFO playground to celebrate the occasion! Naturally the star of the show is the large metal flying saucer, accessed by a rope net. There is a control panel complete with steering wheels and a firemans pole for quick exits should see aliens invade, plus you can take the fun red slides down as well. The structure is also said to light up with coloured LEDs at night! There is a further assortment of older wooden and newer metal and rope climbing structures as

well as a large sandpit with inbuilt digger, blue people-spinner, flying fox and plenty of room for kicking a ball and running around. Visit the ajoining nature conservation area, accessed through a wire gate at the edge of the playground. There are a number of walking tracks to explore winding their way through the heathland, which is dense with vegetation. Picnic in the shaded BBQ areas or out on the lawn areas of this large park. There are onsite toilets and also some very interesting information boards about the original UFO sighting which are incredible to read.

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I THINK IT’S WINE TIME Wine. There are days when some mums need it by the bucket - and style, blend, and how much body a wine has is utterly irrelevant. But, if you’re trying to be more civilised and match your drink to your food (when you have time to eat some…), finding the perfect wine to accompany your meal is not always an easy task. If you’re anything like us, matching cheese and wine is probably the extent of your pairing abilities, and even then sometimes the match is questionable. Luckily we got some helpful hints from Red Norrie, founder of Winebubble, an online destination for interesting and affordable international wines. His sometimes unlikely, but always delicious food and wine matches promise to give your taste buds the flavour sensation they deserve, while you get the drink that you have absolutely earned.

Sparkling Nothing says ‘let’s celebrate’ more than the pop of a bottle of bubbles, so it’s no wonder that bubbly tends to be the most popular go-to drink for any celebratory occasion. Milla took her first steps? Bubbles! The kids are at Nan and Pop’s for the weekend? Bubbles! Mum and Dad made it through the night without a kid ending up in their bed? Bubbles! Even though sparkling wines like Champagne are perfect wines for getting you in the mood to celebrate, they are also (surprisingly) one of the most food friendly wines. The acidity found in a dry Australian or French sparkling wine is the perfect palette cleanser after a mouthful of creamy, rich or fatty food. Plus the bubbles add a layer of texture to a meal, making it the perfect match for crispy, fried and crunchy foods. Do you know what this means? Next time you’re sharing fried chicken with the kids, pop a bottle and make your own dinner just a little bit fancy.

Italian Italian cuisine tends to be a family favourite in households around Australia and with cheese, tomato and carbs as the three main ingredients, what’s not to love? From spaghetti to pizza, the Italians certainly know how to keep the kids happy. Spaghetti bolognese is always a crowd favourite, although some of our little ones are yet to master the skill of spaghetti twirling, which can result in an unexpected makeover of the dining room. To ensure that you’re only seeing one shade of red, (preferably the one splattered across the table), it may be time to have a Sangiovese…the grape you may have previously enjoyed in its guise of Chianti. Made from what is considered Italy’s most popular grape, this wine takes the ‘red with red’ rule very seriously. Pairing perfectly with red meat and dishes that have a tomato base such as pizza and the infamous spaghetti bolognese, this wine is sure to transport you from your spaghetti stained home to the rolling hills of Tuscany or streets of Florence.

Mexican For many busy mums, Taco Tuesdays are almost as predictable as Friday night’s movie choice of Frozen…and we can definitely tell you which one we prefer. Tacos are fast, easy, and for the most part healthy, but mums know that kids aren’t always the biggest fans of including the “healthy stuff”. We also know that after the third explanation that just putting mince and cheese in your taco shell is not a sufficient meal and no, you cannot eat just the wrap by itself, you’re probably ready for a wine. Even though many of us tend to go straight for a beer when having a Mexican fiesta, the right wine can make the food even better. Red explains that because Mexican dishes pack a lot of flavour, your wine has to stand up to the food. Medium body reds like a Barbera or Tempranillo are fabulous for lighter dishes like your tacos. However, if you’re mixing up your

Tuesday night feast by putting some pork on your fork, opt for a Rosé Cava from Spain for a delicious but unexpected match.

Chocolate There’s a long held notion that chocolate and wine should not be consumed together, but we think it would be a crime to separate two of life’s greatest pleasures. Red explains that the trick to pairing wine with chocolate is to make sure that your wine is sweeter than your chocolate – or whatever sweet treat you’ve been hiding from the kids to consume in secret. Wines that have a fruitier flavour such as Merlots and the lesser-known Zinfandel are always a great option, especially when you want to relax and enjoy a mum’s night off. But if you’re not a red wine drinker there’s no need to worry, as there’s a variety of white wines that are the perfect accompaniment for your chocolate cravings. A gorgeous off-dry Riesling or a Chenin Blanc have enough sweetness to complement your chocolate of choice, or opt for a classic sparkling Moscato. A good rule to remember is the darker the chocolate the darker the wine, so save white wines for your favourite milk or white chocolate. By Red Norrie, founder of Winebubble www.winebubble.com.au

turn the page Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey In this hilarious story, Pig has written to Santa and asked for lots of things. Like a drum kit, a rocket and a fairy floss maker. If you haven’t realised by now, Pig the Pug is a little bit greedy. He stays up late to see Santa and then bites him on the bum when he hasn’t delivered enough gifts! When Pig gets whisked off with Santa and then falls from a great height he is saved by a great big Christmas tree. Love this. Definitely one for the Christmas collection. Aaron Blabey makes such great books to read aloud to little kids. We particularly like the greed is not good message that comes through very important during the festive season! For ages 3-8

The Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maddie Powell-Tuck Mia misses her Daddy. Without him, Christmas has lost its magic. But when Mia discovers a world within a mysterious post box, she is whisked away on a truly wonderful adventure - one that she will never ever forget. This is a breathtaking, magical tale with peep-throughs and lift the flaps. This is a magical Christmas story and is particularly pertinent for kids who have parents who work away from home. When Mia makes a card for her Daddy, a little bit of Christmas magic lets her deliver it to him herself via the Reindeer Express. We love how Mia discovers that there are other families like hers who cannot be together for Christmas. The illustrations in this story are stunning and the peek-throughs and lift the flaps add lots of extra interaction. This is my go-to book for the Christmas stocking this year! Ages 4-7.

The Naughtiest Reindeer Goes South by Nicki Greenberg “I’m zippy! I’m snappy! I’m raring to go....” “You’re naughty,” said Rudolf. “The answer is NO.” If only Mrs Claus had listened! Letting Ruby lead the sleigh is a recipe for disaster. Ruby’s wild ride lands her in a world of trouble and very far from home. Poor Ruby is stranded, the presents are scattered.... and the local penguins are very, very grumpy. How can the naughtiest reindeer avert a Christmas disaster this time? It’s hard not to love Ruby, who is a very cheeky Reindeer who gets up to no end of mischief. We love this happy and heart-warming tale which has a slightly unusual end. Told in rhyme with an easy to read rhythm, this is bound to become a Christmas read-aloud favourite. We highly recommend for ages 3-8.

My Merry Christmas by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley Whether big or small, feathered for furry, everyone loves coming together at Christmas! When Christmas comes we hang stockings and sing carols.... what about you? Cute animals prepare for Christmas with decorations, cake making, and present wrapping. This is a cute Christmas story for the very young. The animals are internationally appealing - giraffes, reindeer, squirrels, butterflies and birdlife are all included. We recommend for ages 1-3.

Debbie Hatswell is the Founder and Director of Story Mama. Story Mama is an online children’s bookstore featuring a huge range of carefully curated, parent recommended, high quality books for children ages 0-9. You can shop online by age, by interest, by award winners or even by milestone. Buy these titles online or find out more at www.storymama.com.au 16 16

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water wonders As summer finally comes to Bayside, families can again gravitate towards the water - however the beach is no longer the only option on a hot summers day. The Bayside area has seen a rise in the number of water and splash play areas being included in new and renovated playgrounds. While some splash play will get the children really soaked, requiring towels and a full change of clothes, others can provide hours of entertainment and cool relief for little hands and feet with a small flow of moving water.

Booran Reserve, Glen Huntly

Plum Garland Reserve, Port Melb

You must have been living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Booran Reserve. Glen Eira council spent over $10million to build this huge play space and it paid off as this playground is now a must visit for children across the state. The playground has a huge range of elements, structures and play spaces, all dominated by a huge rope climb dome to the top of a giant slide. The splash play at Booran Reserve is a dedicated space full of jets and sprays of water that really dance around. Kids will find it almost impossible to have a play here without getting a full drenching.

Another beautiful seaside playground - though this one is aimed more at the younger family members as it is fully fenced and its elements are generally on a smaller scale. The water play at Plum Garland is simple but when combined with its sandy surrounds it’s certainly entertaining.

Maritime Cove Community Park, Perce White Reserve, Port Melb

This stunning park with its lake full of ducks has recently had an upgrade on the South side with a new double flying fox as well as a push operated tap that the children can toggle to flow water into troughs. It is simple and yet wonderfully entertaining for little ones and perfect on a hot day.

Overlooking Sandridge Beach, so you can play and swim, this playground officially opened in February 2017 as part of the $1.6 billion redevelopment of neighbouring Webb Dock. The playground features a range of attractions that showcase the area’s maritime and waterside heritage. There are loads of challenging features for kids of all ages including hand pumps and troughs to indulge in some water play and a seesaw pump to make the sprinklers on the top of old pier poles spray the kids below.

Take a road trip

Harlston Park, Elsternwick

By Jane Murphy. Jane is a mother of two energetic young boys who has managed to tie her love for exploring amazing playgrounds into a career with www.playgroundfinder.com a national database of over 5000 playgrounds! low their faves and features on Facebook or Instagram @playgroundfinder

A gem in the leafy streets of Elsternwick, it is soon to see a pretty major upgrade to its facilities - but lovers of this little oasis can rest easy as the proposed redevelopment plans will see the fantastic rock river water feature retained for endless summer paddling. 18

Basterfield Park, Hampton East

If you are willing to travel why not check out Lilydale Lake Playground. Located right next to the Lilydale Lake is this huge, new playground with a liberty swing, double flying fox and some parkour elements. It has two water play areas the first is a huge splash pad with water spurts that alternate on timers. As a bonus it also has a simple rock bed river, shaded by lovely trees, where children can toggle the water and collect and release the flow with small dams.

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toddler taming Top tips for making dining out with a toddler easier… With Christmas shin-digs and balmy summer nights on the horizon, one of the great things about Summer in Australia is eating out with friends and family. Unless you have a toddler that is! There’s nothing that ruins a meal faster than a tired and whinging toddler, or worse, a complete toddler meltdown. Even the most placid toddler can have an almighty meltdown and with my daughter in preschool, a toddler son and baby on the way, I can vouch for that! We’ve certainly had our fair share of tantrums and while it can sometimes seem easier to turn down an invitation to dine out, it IS possible to eat out with your toddler. It just takes some preparation and planning: 1. Choose your venue wisely. When you have a toddler in tow, it’s not the best time to try that new fine dining establishment! Instead, think about finding a restaurant or café that understands kids – if they have highchairs and easy access or parking then that’s a great start. Extra points for having colouring sheets/pencils or puzzles and plastic cups. A venue that’s child-friendly makes everything easier right from the start. 2. Time your meal wisely and make sure you book for a time when your toddler is hungry but not tired. Consider the early slot when the restaurant is quieter and meals are delivered quickly. If there are two sittings then you definitely want to be firmly booked into the first session… and you’d better pack snacks! Try something fiddly but non-filling like rice crackers or chopped fruit to keep them occupied and happy until their meal arrives. 3. Study the menu ahead of time and order your toddler’s meal PRONTO! The combination of time of day, a change in routine and tiredness can send even the happiest toddler into a meltdown, and the only thing worse than having a screaming toddler at the next table is having one at yours! If you know 20

what you’re going to get and can place your order before the kitchen gets busy it will be easier to head off that ‘I’m hungry’ meltdown and you may even buy yourself some time for some adult conversations while they eat! 4. Never let them out of the highchair! You’ll never get them back in again and the fastest way to ruin your night is by having a toddler sitting on your lap for the entire evening, or worse still, trying to catch them again in a packed restaurant. It’s a sure fire way to trigger an early exit. Pack a selection of no-mess activities to keep them entertained. Board books, stickers and paint-with-water activity books are always a winner in my family. Consider toys that your child loves or considers a special treat 5. My final tip? Minimise the mess to make it easier. Don’t leave home without your full cover feeding smock to protect their little clothes and of course trusty baby wipes for faces and hands (yours and theirs). I designed the Little Chomps Messy Mealtime Smock for just these occasions. It’s extra-long to cover their entire outfit, it can go on over high chair or pram straps, it’s easily wiped clean on the spot so you can avoid outfit changes in the toilet, and it makes for a quick exit if things go pear shaped! The best way to manage a tantrum or meltdown (by your toddler or you!) is to avoid it in the first place, and a BIG part of that is knowing when to leave. When your toddler starts showing serious tired signs it’s time to hot foot it out of there! By being prepared, doing a little bit of research ahead of time into the venue and menu, and bringing goodies in the form of snacks, toys and activities, you’ll give yourself (and your toddler) the best chance of a great night out! By Bree Mackay - www.littechomps.com.au With a 5 year old daughter, a 3 year old son and a third bub on the way, Bree Mackay is well versed in the challenges of mealtimes with toddlers.

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The juggle is real How to work from home during school holidays The longest school holidays of the year are just around the corner. Before you know, your kids will be home every day for five or so weeks!

Instead of letting them play with their usual toys, set up activities that will keep their interest and attention for long periods of time.

If you run a small business like me, and are not planning on taking a month-long holiday trip, this period can be challenging to say the least, and you might be feeling a bit anxious about it.

Consider things like: board games, puzzles, Lego, craft and painting, puppet theatre etc.

As a mum to two kids and a small business owner, I understand the struggles of keeping up with the demands of a business while looking after children. I can’t say I have it all figured out, but somehow I manage and I’m sure you can too.

As a business owner, you can’t afford to disappear for over a month and expect your clients, followers and subscribers to be there waiting for you. As the popular saying goes… out of sight, out of mind.

Here are my top 5 tips to help you get through this period.

To keep your marketing healthy, and take some of the pressure of your shoulders, automate as much as possible.

1. Negotiate & manage your time. How are your negotiation skills? You will need them! Negotiate with your kids, and agree that you can do something fun with them for half day, as long as they let you work the other half. Decide which half of the day is best for you to work, or for your kids to play. I’m planning on taking my girls out in the morning to play at the beach, park or zoo, and working in the afternoons when I find too hot to be outside. Make sure you are truly present. No checking emails on your phone while you are at the park with your kids. Make sure you have a to-do list ready, and focus on getting things done. I like to prepare my to-do list the night before when everything is still fresh in my mind, rather than spending half an hour trying to remember what the priorities are.

2. Activities not toys If you find difficult to keep your kids entertained for a long period of time while you work, organise some engaging activities for them.

3. Automate your communications

Newsletters: If you send regular emails to your subscribers, write and schedule them in advance. You can also automate your initial email sequence to welcome and nurture new subscribers. Set it up once, and it’s done. Social Media: You can prepare your social media posts all at once and schedule them. There are several social media schedulers out there if you don’t yet use one. Some popular schedulers include Hootsuite, Buffer, Meet Edgar, and Smarter Queue. E-mail auto-responders: You can prepare standard replies that are triggered when people email you. For example, you can have a standard reply to everyone contacting you informing them how often you read and reply emails. This helps manage the other person’s expectations. You can also use Gmail canned responses (if you use Gmail), which are automated responses to common questions, especially if you send the same type of information over and over. For example, you can refer people to your policies and procedures, or to FAQs etc.

4. Processes and Templates If you have staff or a team working for you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential that you have processes in place. Your staff or virtual team needs to know exactly what to do, how and when. These can be things like answering inquiries, customer service, bookkeeping, website updates, and more. Effective processes will give you peace of mind that everything will run smoothly without you. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a team or staff, documented processes and templates will save you a lot of time on tasks that happen repeatedly.

5. Outsource It can be exhausting and counterproductive to run a business on your own. A great alternative to doing it all yourself is outsourcing. Make a list of all tasks you dislike, take up a lot of your time, and are not your area of expertise.

These may include admin tasks, marketing, copy writing, bookkeeping, photography, social media management etc. Perhaps consider outsourcing some of these tasks to a professional. Often it will be cheaper to outsource than doing it yourself. You will also find running your business becomes more enjoyable, less stressful and more profitable. I hope you find the tips above helpful, and find it easier to keep your business going while enjoying some well-deserved quality time with your kids.

Written by Fernanda Alberici, mum to two adorable girls, online marketing strategist, and founder of www.fabmarketing.com.au Fernanda helps creative and lifestyle brands stand out, and grow a profitable business without stress and overwhelm.

Summer safe Summer is here and we have happily waved goodbye to the winter chill. Our long and warm summer days are often filled with time spent outdoors, BBQ’s, holidays and of course… swimming. As an Olympic swimmer, I have a great love for the water and believe that pools and spas can be a great addition to any household – especially to help cool off on those hot summer days. However, I am also aware of the potential dangers that the water can pose – particularly to young children. Being a father of four, I am a strong advocate for safety in and around water for children of all ages. A crucial point to always remember is that active adult supervision is the key to keeping children safe around water. It is important to remain within arm’s reach of children at all times - 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under 5 in Australia, with the home being the most common location for drowning incidents to occur. So, as we roll into summer we need to ask ourselves - are our backyard pools and spas ready to be used safely? Simply having a barrier around your pool or spa does not make it a safe space. Like many things around the home such as your car and even your heater, a regular service is necessary to ensure everything is still in working order. Your pool or spa barrier is no different. In fact, a large number of swimming pool drownings incidents are a result of faulty or non-compliant pool fencing. To make sure your pool or spa barrier is still in good working condition – regular maintenance is necessary. Over time, the functionality of your barrier can be affected by the weather and general wear and tear. It only takes 15 minutes to check your barrier thoroughly using Royal Life Saving Society Australia pool fencing app. By Olympian, father of four and Kidsafe ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign ambassador, Matt Welsh. For more information visit www.kidsafevic.com.au 24

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GRIZZLE

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A BOYS-ONLY ZONE!

Hip Hop, Tap & Jazz with integrated strength and agility training. No experience necessary, for boys 6-18

Classes conveniently located at Brighton Grammar School Also available in Brunswick, Hawthorn & Ringwood

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Performing arts classes specially designed for 4-7 year olds. Singing, Dancing & Acting all in one weekly session, at one location. Great for busy parents & kids!

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“To say we were thrilled, delighted and convinced this was a great thing for our child to do would all be understatements!” Parent

Supercharge your pre-schooler’s sporting potential

We are Australia's largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for kids (aged 1.5-6 years) • Learn the basics of 10 great sports • Indoors, physio-designed, structured and FUN • Sign up now for a FREE trial! Your Local Class Days and Locations: Albert Park/MSAC Brighton Sandringham Springvale Beaumaris Carlton Bentleigh/GESAC Hawthorn

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Check out our January school holiday program online now!

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique and Party Venues

2018 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Timetable at Rokabye Exciting, interactive & fun! Magical, multi-sensory & musical classes for 0-5 year olds.

Inspire, encourage and empower through the magic of yoga and dance.

Happy House: (45 min) Fun-filled highly interactive class for busy toddlers and their siblings. Baby Beeps: (45 min) Bouncy, interactive baby development class that focuses on early language acquisition.

Petite Yoga: (30 min) Fun filled introduction to yoga with a focus on breathing, meditation and healthy movement. Dance Magic: (30 min) Develop body awareness and increase confidence and positive self-image.

Tuesday 10am Rokabye Brighton Happy House

Friday 10am Rokabye Highett Happy House

Tuesday 10am Rokabye Highett Dance Magic 2-3yo

Thursday 10am Rokabye Highett Petite Yoga 2-3yo

Tuesday 11:30am Rokabye Brighton Baby Beeps

Friday 11:30am Rokabye Highett Baby Beeps

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mama can Cook! Beetroot & Tahini Dip Serves: 4-6

Method:

Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 200Â°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

300g beetroot 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 tablespoons tahini 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 lemon, juiced 3 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds Sea salt & pepper, to taste Vegie sticks of choice, cut into matchsticks

Cut beetroots into half and place onto lined baking tray. Drizzle with the oil and season well. Bake beetroots for 30 minutes or until they have softened. Allow to cool. Once cooled, peel beetroots and place them into a food processor with garlic, tahini, cumin and the juice of the lemon. Season well and process until smooth, or your desired consistency. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve with your favourite vegie sticks. .

These festive Xmas snacks are from The Natural Nutritionist thenaturalnutritionist.com.au

These make great take home table decorations; simply buy small clip-lock jars and fill with a serve of the nuts; tie a Christmas ribbon on each one.

Spiced Nuts Serves: 10

Method:

Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

1 cup almonds 1 cup cashews ½ cup pecans ½ cup pistachios ½ cup pumpkin seeds ½ cup chia seeds Spice mix: 50g grass-fed unsalted butter 4 tablespoons organic rice malt syrup 1 tablespoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon sea salt

In a large bowl, mix together the almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin and chia seeds. Heat a saucepan over a low heat and add the ingredients for the spice mix. Cook, stirring regularly, for 2-3 minutes or until the butter has melted and all ingredients have combined. Pour the spice mixture over the nuts and seeds and stir together, ensure the nuts, seeds and spice mix are well combined and coated. Spread the spiced nuts evenly onto the lined baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Ensure you keep a close eye on the mixture as it can quickly go from golden to burned! Allow the mixture to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. 31

Hello Ladies Do you want to learn to play golf on course? No one to play with? Not sure where to start? Get On Course is the ideal program for beginners or women returning to golf, designed to guide you from introductory golf lessons to playing on a golf course. During each session a mentor will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to play on course. You’ll also learn the basic rules and etiquette of golf along the way. Group sessions run for two hours no matter how many holes we play.

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SING - DANCE - PLAY - CONNECT Award winning, pressure free, joyful FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES for 0-5 year olds and the grownups who love them

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Would they be happier if your co-parenting were better? To find out more about Heartlinks parenting workshops and relationship support, please call Heartlinks on (03) 8599 5488 or visit heartlinks.com.au Get more from mama - www.mamamag.com.au | Get social with mama - @localmamamag

CELEBRATING Separately

The Christmas and holiday period should be one of fun and joy, but for many families who are separated or divorced, this period can be a time of sadness, disappointment and disagreement and often caught in the middle of it all is the children. Here are 10 top tips to help families get through the festive season.

1 Set plans in place and stick to them Consistency for kids is important so set arrangements early and stick to them. This way there is less chance for anger and manipulation and the children know what to expect without any unpleasant surprises.

2. Don’t look back Try not to compare this holiday period with the ones before your separation. Change can be a positive thing and there is no point dwelling on the past. This is your new life, it might be different, but there is no reason not to embrace it.

3 Start new traditions If this is your first Christmas as a different family unit, now is a great time to introduce some new traditions that are unique for you and the kids. Handmaking Xmas tree decorations, giving a gift Xmas eve. Positive traditions are healthy for children and will help reset festive traditions in a positive way for everyone.

4. Set financial guidelines for gifts Remember money can’t buy love. So don’t feel pressured into buying presents you can’t afford. Set a budget and don’t try to compete with the other parent. Keep communication open with your ex about gift ideas, how much each is spending and if they are from the parent or the man from the North Pole. This will prevent cross over and avoid one upmanship.

5. Don’t forget the family Don’t forget that a lot of people love your children and are important to them. Unless it upsets the children, try to keep grandparents and extended family included in the holidays.

But make it clear to your family that things might be done differently this year and that they are to be positive about the new arrangements in front of both you and the children.

6. If you are alone, don’t be alone Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure you have plans so you don’t spiral into depression as this can impact children when they pick up on your emotions. If you are not with your children, reach out to friends who may be only too happy to include you in their festive plans.

7. Don’t cancel counselling If you are undergoing counselling sessions it is especially important during these stressful times to keep these going for both yourself and the children.

8. Look after yourself Eat well and keep active. Health and fitness is great for mental health Enjoy walks, take a yoga or pilates class, find a new hobby to keep yourself focused on your own wellbeing.

9. Don’t sweat the small stuff and have fun! If you are the primary parent it can be hard to be anything but the bad cop. Take the time to have fun and not sweat the small stuff. Leave the glitter on the floor, forget the dishes and do arts & crafts, let them stay up late to watch family movies together.

10. Share in the joy It is important to let your kids know it’s not their fault you are separated. Try to maintain that during the holidays and share the joy they have experienced with your partner even though you may feel hurt and left out. Try and make your kids feel secure and happy in the plans, even if you feel your ex is being unreasonable. If in doubt, be the bigger person. It will make your kids feel great. Heartlinks offers workshops and individual or family focused counselling to support you through challenging times in your relationships and personal life. Visit heartlinks.com.au for more info and workshop dates. 35

Making Christmas Christmas is awesome! Our kids love it and are happy, we socialise more, we get time off work…it’s such a fun time of year!! On the other hand, there’s over-eating, too much drinking and oh dear… ‘did I really spend that much’? For a lot of us guilt is part of Christmas too. But it can be super easy to make your Christmas meaningful and feel really good without making massive changes or taking out a second mortgage. Shopping wisely and ethically is one of the easiest ways to do this.

Know what you buy Nothing makes you rethink the world around you like having children - little people watching and learning from you every day. So it’s no wonder that a lot of us are becoming increasingly interested in not just what we buy, but in how it was produced and the impact this has on our planet and the people in it. No one intentionally buys products made with slave labour or from things that cause grief to nature, however because supply chains are notoriously difficult to understand and track, this happens all the time. How else would slavery be flourishing today? There are more slaves in the world now than any other time in history. How we choose to spend our money makes a big difference.

The labels and the language If you want to do the right thing, but you find it confusing and wonder if you can trust an organisation’s claims, you’re not alone. For example, there’s no legal definition of ‘fair trade’ or ‘ethically made’. And newer terms like ‘social enterprise’ are equally nebulous. So how do you cut through and make sure your intentions are achieving the outcomes you seek? Looking for accredited providers is one way and the World Fair Trade Organisation is a reputable brand to watch out for. There are stringent requirements that must be met for an organisation to achieve this membership. But it’s not for all providers – the time and cost of obtaining certification can render it impossible for some groups. Alternately, there are organisations that do the research for you and some curate products from a number of sources. Find a vendor that knows their business well. Some are notfor-profits, where donations and grants are part of their make-up. Others might be social enterprises, which are organisations that tackle social problems, improve communities or help the environment. Social enterprises give at least 50% of profits to their cause. And because social enterprises don’t rely on donations or grants, they’re set up for financial stability to create lasting impact.

meaningful Find new ways to do a little good You might already buy ethical products – recycled paper, organic baby food and fair trade coffee are just some examples. Some products combine a number of benefits too. Take for example the work of Ocean Sole. This Kenyan organisation makes animal sculptures from recycled thongs. They pay locals to collect the thongs from the beaches, reducing dangerous and unsightly pollution, then they employ people under fair trade conditions (we’ll explain that in a minute) to recycle them into amazing sculptures. And they also give back 10% of profits to ocean conservation.

Little by Little, a little becomes a lot You really don’t need to change your lifestyle to make a difference. All it takes is a willingness to make a few small changes and believe that the choices you make are important. This Christmas don’t forego the fun or the festivities, just include a few small changes and feel great about doing a little good. By Penny Stephens, Founder, A Little Good. Fair trade and ethically made toys and gifts for babies and small children. www.alittlegood.com.au

Fair trade is a term often associated with coffee or chocolate, but it can equally apply to other products such as toys and teddies. There are 10 key principles of fair trade and they include upholding people’s human rights and respect for the environment. You can read more here: www.alittlegood.com.au/pages/whatisfairtrade

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Short Hours Child Care at Castlefield Community Centre A safe, warm and welcoming community based centre to help your child grow and develop. Our staff have been offering a quality service for many years. We know this because our parents tell us. “This program has enhanced my daughter’s confidence and has helped improve her speech in a loving environment - with having small groups, staff are able to accommodate the needs of all children and support families”. Hailey G

New and longer sessions in 2018. We have sessions for 2 and 3 year olds and 3 and 4 year olds of three, three and a half and four hours duration. Castlefield is funded by DHHS and Bayside City Council.

505 Bluff Road, Hampton 3188 Tel: 9598 0662 E: castlefield@bayciss.org.au W: castlefield.org.au

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Kids Promotions and The Australian Broadcasting Corporation present:

Concerts

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Touring Melbourne March/April 2018 For dates, venues & bookings visit us at

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Phone Enquiries & Bookings: 9739 6300 Tel: 03 9739 6300 • www.kidspromotions.com.au • www.abc.net.au/playschool © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2018

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NEW to Elite All-Stars Cheer and Dance in 2018. Ever wanted to be a cheerleader?

Renowned Once Upon a Balletâ&#x201E;˘ for your pre-primary ballerinas.

Competition and Recreational Classes for all ages and skills

PLUS for our older kids we have Hip Hop, Jazz and Lyrical dance for ages 5+.

Come along and try Cheer or Dance out for $59* *New students only. Includes club t-shirt or tutu for Once Upon a Balletâ&#x201E;˘ program, 3 lessons and insurance. Total value $90.

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HOLIDAY petfection How to make sure your pet is happy and cared for when you and the family are away! It’s holiday season! But you’re a pet owner... Even though you love seeing new places and revisiting old favourites, the one thing that is always difficult is leaving your pets behind. Here are some of my favourite tips on how to make sure your furry family members are happy and healthy while you’re gone!! Plan ahead. Before taking off, give yourself time to find the right person or service to care of them. Consider the dates your leaving, if it’s at peak holiday times get organised early to book your pet care. Leave your pets at home. We understand some pets are happier at home in their own environment with their usual smells, and surroundings. A lot of pet owners also have more than one pet and possibly fish, rabbits, birds the list can go on and on. See if you can have a friend house/pet sit or engage a professional service like My Pet Watch to come to visit them each day, walk them, play with them, clean the yard and feed them. This means your pet(s) get to enjoy the comforts of being in their own home. Insurance. A lot of pet owners these days have pet insurance, but what about the people who care for your pets? Using a professional service can alleviate this concern. Leave prepared. Leave your pet’s minder with detailed instructions about how to reach you if there’s a problem and what to do in case you are 80 feet underwater diving or staying in a safari camp and she or he can’t contact you. Your vet’s details, microchip numbers, your pet’s like and dislikes, food intake and meal requirements, favourite toys, beds, blanket and an emergency contact if you’re unreachable. The more information the better. That way you

can be assured that they can proceed until you can be reached. It also makes it a lot easier for you to relax when you’re gone. Collars and name tags. Even at home, have your dog or cat wear a collar that has your phone number on it. You’ll be happy you did this, in case they ever try to run away. Communicate. Take a tip from ET: Phone home. Your pets love to hear your voice! Thanks to technology nowadays, we can also visit “in person,” thanks to Skype and FaceTime. There is now even a PetCam device that you can hire through My Pet Watch and selfmonitor your pets through an app on your smart device. Take your pet with you — in photo form. Kids often miss their pets when away. Slip photos of them in your purse or wallet to pull out when they are needed most. Alternately you may have hundreds of photos of them on your smartphone. Sharing your photos with other animal lovers while you’re on holidays is always a great conversation maker! Don’t make a big deal when you leave and return. Long goodbyes and hellos can make your pets feel nervous and can lead to separation anxiety. To help keep your pet calm, walk out like you’ll be back in a minute, and when you return, greet them like it hasn’t been that long. Pretending like it’s not a big deal will help them think so too. By Natasha Morgan, security and pet care expert and founder of My Home Watch. myhomewatch.com.au

Hands up if you need 3 or 4-year old kinder in 2018?

ECMS operates 70 high-quality three and four-year-old kindergarten programs all over Melbourne. Your child will benefit from: •

Quality three and four-year-old kindergarten programs that reflect the Government’s National Early Years Learning Framework.

•

Programs that feature fun play-based activities designed to develop your child’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional skills.

•

Regular incursions, and excursions in the local community, to expose your child to diverse experiences and environments.

•

Talented and qualified educators who love what they do, and who continue to build their knowledge and skills.

•

Educators who can connect your family with specialist support if your child has additional needs.

•

Engaging outdoor learning environments for your child to explore.

ENROL NOW! Visit www.ecms.org.au or call 8481 1117 to learn more about quality early learning at ECMS. ECMS is a leading community not-for-profit provider of early learning and care services across Melbourne. 41

Looking for a dentist for your child?

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We provide specialist dental care for children in a caring environment

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Thurs 9:15-10:00 'Tinies' 18mths-3yrs Fri 9:15-10:00 'Movers' 3-4yrs Sat 9:15-10:00 'Groovers' 4-6yrs

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New patients welcome!

Finding Unicorns

Quality Unicorn Gifts for Children Building better futures

for children with disabilities

Do you want to talk to a professional about your child’s development or behaviour? Noah’s Ark offers the following services for children with a disability or additional needs: ✓ Playing Together. ✓ Getting ready for Child Care, ✓ Supporting Positive Preschool or School. Behaviour. ✓ Supporting ✓ Coordination of Inclusion. Supports.

✓ Parent Connection and Support. ✓ Parent Education. ✓ Speaking and Listening.

We’re here to help Call 1800 819 140 www.noahsarkinc.org.au

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Supervised visitation offered over the Christmas school holiday period

Bayside Children’s Contact Service provides a safe, neutral and child-friendly environment for children to spend supervised time with their other parent, extended family or significant other. The Bayside CCS is a social enterprise operated by Family Life. To find out more please call (03) 8599 5433 or visit familylife.com.au 43

*except Christmas, Boxing or New Live Year’sLocal Day. - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

Let us help turn your family house into a home We specialise in small and large scale projects, new home builds, renovations and extensions, all the way through to decking and pergolas.

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BAYSIDE BUILDING AND EXTENSIONS Phone: 0438 531 425 www.baysidebuildingandextensions.com

WIN

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Have a great day out at Funfields with 24 awesome rides and attractions, including 3 ProSlide World Record Holders; Kraken Racer, Typhoon and the new Gravity Wave, plus many other wet and dry rides including Aqua Shak, Pirate Ship, Go Karts, Alpine Toboggan Slide, Mini Golf and

See www.mamamag.com.au for terms and conditions. Parent’s email will be added to our monthly MamaMail. You can opt out at any time.

our Kids Zone. Simply colour in for your chance to WIN!

Post your entry by December 31 to: MamaMag, PO Box 8018, North Road LPO, Brighton East 3187.

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HYDRATION STATION Keeping the family hydrated this Summer In Australia, it gets so hot in Summer and we are constantly reminded that we need to drink fluids to keep our hydration levels up. But what are some great ways to do this and, how can we do it safely?

Can I over hydrate? What many people don’t realise is that over drinking can be just as dangerous as under drinking, so it’s important to get your fluids levels correct and not ‘overhydrate’. Often we hear of celebrities that drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day and then people go off attempting to do the same thing, which unless you are undertaking a lot of sport or are working out in the heat of Summer, isn’t such a great idea.

How much do I need? How much fluid/water do we need per day is a bit of a tricky question as it depends on the season, your body size, sex and activity level. In general, men sweat more than women as they have more sweat glands. Also keep in mind that the more sport you do, the more fluids you will lose and need to replace. We are often told to have 6-8 glasses of fluid per day, which is a good general guideline, though these glasses are not meant to be large or 500ml water bottles, they are the smaller glasses that most people have in their kitchen. To express it differently, for the average adult the 1-1.5 litre range is a good guideline but not a ‘rule’. Intake needs will also depend on diet; the more fresh fruits, vegetables and soups you consume, the more fluid you are already taking in. Whereas 46

those who are eating more packaged and processed foods are likely not getting as much fluid via their food consumption. One of the best ways to get a handle on fluid intake if you do sports is to know your fluid losses per hour during sport. An easy way to calculate an approximate fluid loss is to weigh yourself before and after a one hour workout or sports session and see how much weight you have lost. If you have lost 500 grams in that one hour, then you on average lose 500ml of fluid per hour during that sport. It is best to weigh yourself on a digital scale for accuracy and without clothes, as they can hold a lot of water weight after you have been sweating in them for an hour. Obviously if you have been drinking fluid during the hour you need to subtract that amount from your end weight as well. Its best to do this calculation both in summer and winter, as we can experience extremes of temperature in Australia.

What should I have? So once you have your head around how much fluid to drink per day, the next question is, ‘what should you be drinking?’ Water is the obvious first choice and soda or cola are poor choices, but what other drinks can you consume to help encourage hydration, particularly for children who crave a more flavoursome way to get their fluids? By Kira Sutherland, Naturopath, Sports Nutritionist, mum to a 10yo girl and H2melon ambassador. h2melon.com

5 Tips to help you stay hydrated this summer: • Miso soup or bone broth are not only great snacks, but also increase your fluid intake. There is a theory that if you drink hot drinks in warm weather it will actually cool you down! • Hot water with lemon slices is a fabulous way to start your day no matter the season. • Plain sparkling water or soda water with lemon or lime slices can be very refreshing in the hea.t • Another favourite is mint leaves in water with ice. Mint is a herb that is cooling in itself and, when combined with cold water, can provide a much-needed reprieve from hot weather.

• Watermelon waters such as H2Melon can be a fantastic way to rehydrate. With far less sugar than your average fruit juice, they also contains many health benefits and antioxidants that are great for strengthening the immune system whilst keeping your fluids up. They also taste great with a few splashes of sparkling water. • Iceblocks or popsicles are also a great way to cool down and hydrate at the same time. It’s easy to make your own by blending watermelon water, coconut milk and yoghurt.

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