Westside MamaMag June/July 2018 by MamaMag

WESTSIDE

mamaMAG Jun/Jul 2018

WIN A money canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy dIsney on Ice VIP experIence Party People Surviving snow Can you hack it? The perfect party Ditch or donate?

free Local fun for the Westside mum 1

WERRIBEE PARK & MANSION CUP WEEKEND 3-4 NOV 2018

A FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

TIM FINN THE JUNGLE GIANTS YOU AM I KATE MILLER-HEIDKE BOO SEEKA CLARE BOWDITCH ALL OUR EXES LIVE IN TEXAS BAKER BOY DIDIRRI ALICE IVY AINSLIE WILLS dirtgirl JAZZ PARTY LANKS WOODES + ART, CIRCUS, COMEDY & MUCH MORE!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.thelostlands.com.au

THU 5, FRI 6 & SAT 7 JULY Melbourne Recital Centre Go to mistermakertour.com.au Mister Maker TM & ÂŠ 2018 ZKSUK. Licensed by Banijay Rights Limited trading as Zodiak Kids

more AT four And just like that my little magazine passed the terrible two’s, the terrific three’s and this month celebrates its 4th birthday! Of course they were all terrific years, some harder than others, but it is such a great time to sit back and really take in where I have taken this little publication and the opportunities it has brought me. What a perfect way to celebrate being a mother, by creating something that combines my passions of design, community and supporting mums and creating a living out of it. Publishing MamaMag has allowed me to support so many fabulous things and brings so much to both mine and my children’s lives. We’re excited about this year’s Little Rockers Red Nose Disco. This year Bayside mama Sarah Morrisey is hoping to raise $100k for Red Nose. So amazing. We’ve also been doing lots with St Kilda Mums lately and I organised our school mother’s day lunch around this cause raising much needed funds from our tickets sales for Jessie and the team. We had the ever-lovely Sam Wood come to speak to us about how ‘health starts at home’ and I spoke to the crowd of 150 mums about why I support St Kilda Mums and how others can get involved. You can check out my talk over on their Facebook page. There have been many other adventures lately in my life, a beach camping trip with my new little extended family (insert big smile and a love heart!!), the fabulous Disney On Ice media launch (make sure you enter our amazing giveaway to win tickets). We caught a preview of the upcoming Winter/Spring line-up at The Arts Centre. Keep and eye out for George’s Marvellous Medicine and the Very Hungry Caterpillar in coming months as well as the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ Tea Party in July! They look super fun. But right now it’s party time! We’ll be popping some bubbles and celebrating growing this little mag from 5,000 Bayside copies 4 years ago, to today being Melbourne’s leading free parenting print magazine with 40,000 copies for mums across our marvellous city! We hope you love this party edition as much as we love putting it together.

@localmamamag

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

WIN

Contents The perfect party

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic VIP tickets PLUS a ‘money can’t buy’ cart ride on the ice for two kids!

A mum’s advice on getting it right

Parklife 8 The Sticks, Highpoint

It’s my party

Local party venues and ideas

Get the party started

Creating successful kid’s parties

Winter wonders

Cosy spaces for fun this Winter

Turn the page

Party books from Story Mama

Mama can cook

Yumi Stynes - The Zero F*cks cookbook

Surviving snow

Check out the fun at www.DisneyOnIce.com.au

MamaMag® is published bi-monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s West by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd

ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au | www.grizzledesign.com.au

Amanda Parker Jones from Invite Me

Style by the stars

Mothering styles by Astro Tash

Ditch or donate

St Kilda Mums do’s and don’ts

Colour to WIN

Win Mister Maker tickets

Can you hack it? 8 time saving hacks

MamaMag June/July 2018

or www.facebook.com/localmamamag

Tips for holiday fun

We love a mother

Enter at https://woobox.com/xnfm7b

We chat with Mister Maker

School holiday success

One lucky winner will receive 4 VIP tickets and 2 children between 4-10 years get to ride in the cart during the show!

Tickets are valid to the Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic show on Tuesday 10th July 2018 - 11am performance at Hisense Arena, Melbourne only. Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts June 1st 12.01am and closes June 30th 2018 at 11.59pm. Entries and prizes are not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Visit www. mamamag.com.au for full terms and conditions. Tickets available through Ticketek.

You CAN do it with toddlers!

Shaping him up

10,000 copies per issue across Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas. 40,000 copies across all four areas/magazines: Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier sarah@mamamag.com.au Westside Editor: Rebecca Gelsi Local Westside Advertising: Kylie Banks: kylie@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.

The perfect party I think there’s a rite of passage that parents have to go through (endure, if you will) and that’s to host a kid’s birthday party. Be it small, or big… most parents will go through it, no doubt. Some will glide through with ease and finesse and others (ahem, me!) will have their moments of frazzledom (not a word, but it should be). I am going to put it out there, but Lacey’s 5th birthday party was my practice run… for all the parties to come. There won’t be one every year, but I have no doubt that I will probably host another before she moves out of home, and I will master that baby. It will be the party to beat all parties. Seriously though, I learned a lot from the party just hosted, and I am happy to be guinea pig and share my little lessons learned with you. You’re welcome.

The recipe for a perfect party I think they should hand this information out to all parents as they leave hospital. It should be in a book of practical things parents should know (with other such things like: Your kid is probably going to eat something pretty much non-edible (dirt, snails, poop) but they’ll be OK). Here’s a simple recipe for kids parties which I have sinced leart... When inviting kids, invite the number that the birthday girl/boy is turning, plus two. So Lacey should have had seven. Perfect. We had 15. Seven would have been much more manageable.

Always get balloons I’m always amazed at how entertaining helium balloons can be. The kids spent most of the party playing with the balloons. So GET THE BALLOONS! (We found our fab balloon lady through Gumtree).

Remember what’s important to your child I didn’t let Lacey make too many decisions with the party, because it would have led to disappointment. She’d want a REAL rainbow, and a REAL unicorn, and REAL magic. Instead I asked what she wanted to do at her party, and that was dance with her friends. I also asked what colour she wanted everything to be, and that was pink. So I made sure those two things happened, and then planned everything else to suit, keeping in mind things she loves as I did so.

Outsource when you can I know budgets vary, but you can outsource {with local business services, and/or help from family and friends} where possible to save stress, time and a mental breakdown. I was lucky enough to be given help with the budget, so while I knew I could make a cake, I knew once I’d bought ingredients and calculated the time it would take – it was better to outsource. At other parties I’ve asked my Aunt to make the cake and she thinks it’s such an honour. My priority was having someone entertain the kids for the whole party. I can be out there when I’m with people I know, but being new to the ‘hood I knew it would take away much of the stress if that part was outsourced too. You can find affordable services over on Gumtree. I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable they were (look under business services > party/ catering). I was also able to outsource the party food through a local caterer I found on Gumtree (I saved money by just having them drop off the food, so I didn’t have to pay for their time during the party etc). You can find great caterers that make platters, finger foods and lots more. Depending on what your budget is you could outsource everything and REALLY enjoy the party, or just choose important things to help you out a bit.

Don’t aim for perfection I had to remind myself of this a few times, that it didn’t need to be perfect. Lacey wouldn’t notice the details, and the most important thing was that she had fun. I have a theory with any event – that something will go wrong. It’s not a pessimistic view, but just a little bit realistic. So once that one thing breaks or goes awry I breathe a sigh of relief, work around it and move on. Preferably that thing is an easy fix, if not… drink wine.

Write lists. Lots of them Your brain is going to be filled with details, so give your brain a break and write lists of things you need to do. I printed out 5 printable daily planners and wrote down everything I needed to do, down to the most boring detail. It just meant it was all out of my head, onto paper… and then I could delegate too.

Have a back-up plan Unfortunately on the day our entertainer was delayed, so it meant that we were left without someone to keep the kids happy. A minor freakout later, I enlisted my sister (who just happens to be a big event planner for people like Lady Gaga) and we were on track. I had a pin the horn on the unicorn game in the cupboard that we pulled out, we put on some music and played statues, and then spent some time opening the presents until the fairy arrived.

Have fun My advice for anyone getting married is to steal some time away from everyone, grab your new husband and have a moment. It’s the same with a party, take a little time to watch your little person and all the fun they’re having. Talk to the parents, enjoy some cake, and try to relax. By Dana Meyer, mama to 5-yo Lacey dudeanddanaparties.com.au

Parklife THE STICKS, HIGHPOINT The Sticks replaces the old playground just outside the Woolworths entrance. It’s an ideal playground for the Winter months with its close proximity to Rozzi’s (oh yes coffee), a parenting room, toilets, and of course everything else Highpoint has to offer. Daiso, Riot Art and Craft, and Sweet Box are nearby; all fun places for kids to choose a little something. The playground is now only partially fenced but the seating is on the unfenced side so you can easily keep an eye on the kids. Much of the equipment is large enough for adults to join in too. The whole playground is covered in soft fall and the higher portions are netted similarly to indoor playcentres.

There’s lots of climbing and agility opportunities with a huge cargo net, very low ropes course, climbing tunnel and wooden elements to balance on. For sensory play there’s banging pipes and rubber platforms that squeak at different pitches when jumped or landed on. These are amusing for young children and older kids will enjoy the challenge of jumping from one to another. Other more conventional elements include steering wheels, a part fireman’s pole part S shaped climbing frame, and binoculars. Facilities: Drinking tap | bike parking | toilets | free Wifi. Highpoint Shopping Centre, Level 2, Woolworths entrance.

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It's My Party!

Mama has got local birthday party fun covered!

Airodrome

Cnr. Grieve Pde & Doherty’s Rd, Altona North www.airodrome.com.au Have twice the fun with Melbourne’s only indoor inflatables and trampoline playground parties in the one place! With a huge foam pit, dedicated runway trampolines, junior trampoline area, as well as Melbourne’s largest indoor inflatable slide. Their 2hr party experience includes a dedicated host and a full 90 minutes of ‘air’ time. You can get them to cater or bring your own food too.

Clip n Climb Williamstown Warehouse 2, 134 Maddox Road, North Williamstown www.clipnclimbwilliamstown.com.au

Climbing parties feature a personal host who makes sure everyone has an awesome time. They run a safety briefing and harness fitting for all of your guests with 1 hour of climbing fun, full of excitement, challenge and laughter followed by 30 minutes in your exclusive private party room. The birthday person also receives a free jump from the Leap of Faith.

Rabbit Hole

Shop 13, 227 Ballarat Road, Braybrook rabbitholeplaycentre.com.au The brand new Rabbit Hole takes playcentres to a new level with their amazing interiors and adventure styled playgrounds. They believe in creating moments into memories and their party offering certainly supports this. Party options include simple play area parties to rock climbing, Bakehouse cooking school, disco party and you can even get a visit from the Rabbit Hole mascot!

Wild Action

Comes to you www.wildaction.com.au Another party that comes to you – and by that we mean snakes, a crocodile, gecko, lizard, frog, turtle, owl, kangaroo and a possum come to you. If you’re not keen on snakes just make sure you stay behind the camera! Zoologist Chris Humfrey runs a private zoo in the Macedon Ranges and really knows his stuff.

Flip Out

Units 1 & 2, 21 Elgar Road, Derrimut flipout.net.au Trampoline parties at Flip Out are a great way to entertain the kids, with 1 hour of jumping followed by 30 mins of fantastic party food including pizza, chips, cheezels and lollies with soft drink, cordial or water to wash it all down. Every guest gets a Flip Out fake tattoo and if you choose the insane option they will get silicon bands and even a Flip Out tshirt for the birthday child.

Lifestyle for Kids

193 Champion Rd, Williamstown North www.lifestyleforkids.com.au We featured Lifestyle for Kids last year and we’re back because it’s such a great all rounder. Kids will love their disco parties with disco lights, a bubble machine and of course high energy music. Or enjoy exclusive use of the gym where the kids can go wild on trampolines, rings, ball pits, bars, swings, beams and a jumping castle.

Sweet Dreams and Goodnight Comes to you or pick up sweetdreamsandgoodnight.com.au Teepee sleepovers are certainly all the rage now, but these guys offer not only the cute single teepees, but also a mega A-frame tent to fit 3-4 kids together or some sweet 2 person teepees. Choose a pamper theme, glow in the dark, or even an outdoor movie night. Plus they have some great add-ons like jewellery and dream catcher making or pillow case decorating.

Craftercise

52A Hawker Street, Airport West www.craftercise.com.au The creators of Craftercise, Aleisha and Amanda are both mums and qualified primary and secondary health and physical education teachers with a passion for all things art and craft. Their parties include 1 hour activity of art & craft and messy play time, 45 mins party room time and a take home art & craft piece. Mixed age groups within a party can be tailored for accordingly.

Team Adrenaline

88 Gordon St, Maribyrnong www.teamadrenalin.com Make Team Adrenalin yours with a fully supervised acrobatics party! Parties are 2 hours of non-stop fun and games as well as structured activities using their fantastic facilities including the trampolines, sprung floor and foam pit. Hosted by their coaches, your child and their guests will have the entire venue as theirs to enjoy! The retro style party room is yours to personalise to make your child’s day extra special. 11

Dizzy’s Playland & Café

1 Mephan Street, Footscray www.dizzysplayland.com.au Dizzy’s has had a huge makeover and is lighter, brighter, and more fun than ever. With 5 large party rooms (one is a disco with a stage) they have over 20 backdrops available to theme your party room including Disney Princesses, Frozen, Pokemon and Lego. Choose from a ‘build your own’ option chosing your own food from their menu, a ‘basic’ party with a set menu and the extra fun ‘laser tag’ party.

Footscray Gymnastics

10 Mitford Parade, West Footscray www.fcgc.com.au This is a fully fitted out professional gymnastics space and you get it all to yourselves! It’s perfect for active kids who don’t like a crowd. Kids spend an hour in the gym enjoying games and gymnastics fun with two coaches before heading upstairs for food and cake (BYO). Choose from a Gymnastics, Ninja or Tramp & Tumble party.

Borgs Cakes

Shop 20 Harrington Square, Altona borgscakes.com.au Borg’s Cakes have been around for almost longer than a lot of us can remember! Borg’s Cake’s provide an extensive range of special occasion cakes, decorated cakes, cake decorating supplies, party goods and helium balloons. A large range of special occasion bake ware is also available for hire or sale and Michelle is always ready to give that extra bit of special advice to help the ‘do it yourself’ to be as successful as they can be.

Heroes4hire

Altona but they come to you! www.heroes4hire.com.au Need a super-hero at your party? These super-hero possess extraordinary talents for entertaining at kids parties, superhuman powers when it comes to playing kids party games and they are dedicated to making sure that your birthday party is fun, memorable and all with a super-hero twist. Enjoy pass the parcel, super-hero statues, ‘ROAR’ like the Hulk, the Riddler’s Treasure Hunt and kid’s face painting as part of the action.

Tumbles Playhouse

197 Champion Rd, Williamstown www.tumblesplayhouse.com.au Always a great place to celebrate your child’s special day in the inner west they now offer longer party times (a whole 2 hours!), more food options for the kids, jaw-dropping party themes, and awesome party bags, to make for an even better celebration. Their menus are a little bit naughty and a little bit nice, with a focus on fresh food, making parents AND kids happy! 12

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Funtopia Maribyrnong

98 Hampstead Rd, Maidstone funtopiaworld.com/maribyrnong What child doesn’t want to climb to the top of a giant bean stalk just like Jack? Opened in the last year, Funtopia will have the kids climbing, jumping, sliding, crawling and most importantly having fun. They offer two party options, a Playground Party or a Climbing World Party. Parents can put their feet up, relax and enjoy a specialty coffee from Mr Spriggins whilst the kids climb and play.

Little Art Big Art

20 Lobelia Drive, Altona North www.littleartbigart.com.au Got a child who loves craft? Rachael runs fabulous parties in her Awesome new light filled kid’s studio space where she’ll dream up the perfect activity to suit your child. Painting on canvas, sculpting, collage, and jewellery making are popular choices. Her mobile Artroom service can also come to your venue. Best part is she cleans up the art mess!

Kryal Castle

121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek, Ballarat kryalcastle.com.au Looking for somewhere a little different to have your child’s birthday party? Why not capture their imagination and book one of Kryal Castle’s adventure-packed, themed birthday parties? Upon arrival to the castle, cross the drawbridge and be greeted by your party host, who will then be your guide to medieval adventure for the next 2 hours. Choose from four different party hosts: the beautiful princess, the enchanted fairy, the dashing knight or the magnificent wizard.

Strike Bowling Highpoint Highpoint Shopping Centre www.strikebowling.com.au

Kids are picky. Sometimes they want 8 games of bowling, other times they just want to shoot their friends all day. Parties at Strike include bowling, laser tag or both and they’ve got packages to suit everyone – big or small, catered or not. There’s also escape rooms there which are suitable for teens in groups of 2-6.

Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Caroline Springs and Docklands www.chipmunks.com.au

Chipmunks is the perfect spot if your looking for something unique and private where your little ones can party in style. Chipmunks allow you to have full exclusive access to the Chipmunks indoor playground and facilities. Get the party started with your favourite chosen tunes and sit back, relax while they take care of the food with offering delicious meals for kids and platters for the adults. Insession paries are also available with a variety of packages. 14

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Get the party Whether it’s a baby shower or a fun five-year-old festivity, there are great ways to ensure your child’s party is a roaring success! To help get the party started, leading party suppliers and experts Lombard have a host of new ideas and tips that are top of the invite list.

Get decorating! Think about a theme and have some fun. Balloons are an easy way to add colour and excitement- from simple helium filled balloons on the back of each chair to a bigger grouping, balloons are a must have party accessory.

Here are some hot party theme ideas to consider: Zoo, Pirate, Hawaiian Tropical Beach Party, Space, Alice In Wonderland, Wild West, Rainbow Disco, Glamping or Craft Party It’s easy to go to town with decorations, but there’s no reason to spend a fortune. Even the simplest of ideas such as balloons and coloured theming will help to create party success. Think about other ideas that are really easy to put together. A cardboard city is easily created just from collecting cardboard boxes, for example, and the best part is knocking it all down at the end!

Without a doubt, one of the hottest trends around now are balloon garlands. You can choose from a rainbow effect to a giant multicoloured organically shaped garland. These are some of the hottest kid’s party accessories and really don’t have to cost a fortune. Foil balloons spelling out a child’s name also make an impact, alongside simple fun accessories like a piñata or flag bunting, fans and fabulous hanging garlands. Think about making a wall of coloured fans and tassels for example; it’s simple and can create an instant wow effect!

You’re invited Whatever the theme, makes sure you get the invite out early and follow a few tips as below: • Are young kids coming? Have your party take place either before 1 p.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid naptime conflict. • For the sake of your sanity, give the party a start and end time. It’s the first step in getting the “time to go!” hint across. • Personalise them by letting your child add their own touch, stickers or writing

started Home or away

Party bags

Having the party at your home is always less expensive, plus you can easily decide and set your own theme. As we’ve suggested, some simple decorations can transform even the simplest room into a fantasy filled party venue.

The smallest of gift bags can have the biggest effect- it’s a lucky last party accessory that finishes the day.

Hiring a venue can be fun and of course can make the organising easier. Think about a park or a local council run venue – they can be just as much fun, and you can create an easy theme or style at either.

Look for themed bags to fit with the party flavour, whether it’s a fun candy-striped bag, a princess, pirate or pink whale! It’s easy to link it all together from the invitation to the decorations and the goody bag. Party bags don’t need to be filled with sugar – think of some fun ideas like paper planes, party whistles or finger puppets, bags of sidewalk chalk or a bottle of bubbles for example. It’s easy to make the party a success without too much fuss. Just remember to have fun!

Let them eat cake! This is another area where it’s easy to create a sense of fun without blowing the budget.

If you’re looking for even more party inspiration, drop into your local Lombard store or go online to www.lombard.com.au for even more ideas and tips.

A Candy Buffet is always a great addition that every kid loves – it’s easy to add a range of coloured candy balls to a pretty coloured bowl and theme this around the table. Cupcakes are always a favourite and are easy to group together on a cake stand for super style, colour and fun. One of the latest trends in party food are ‘drip cakes’ where the icing and decorations literally drip over the side of a tiered cake. If you’re not a cake baker, don’t stress- there are plenty of great cake shops around that can help. 19

winter wonders Cosy spaces to spend winter days

1. Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo This space is so fun that sometimes it’s hard getting the kids out to see the animals! It really is an imaginative play lover’s dream. Kids can dress up as vets, keepers, researchers or a member of the works crew. There are fun props like soft animals, real x rays, bandages, and tools. Activities include sorting (fake) food into food types, planting plastic plants, bandaging soft toy animals and constructing plumbing. Keeper Kids is open daily 9am-4pm. 2. Ranger Kids Werribee Open Range Zoo Following on from the success of Keeper Kids Zoos Victoria opened a similar play area at Werribee. Dress ups are once again a feature and this time the play areas are themed as places: an African village, a field hospital, and the savannah. The wooden helicopter is a huge drawcard - load the animals on ready to transport. Young adventurers can also play at planting crops and preparing food for the animals. Ranger Kids is open 12:30-2:30pm weekdays and 10:30am-2:30pm weekends. 3. Swim centres Swimming might not be the first thing you think of as the weather turns colder but indoor pools are a great way to amuse the kids during winter and there’s plenty to choose from. Head to your closest pool or try one of our favourites. If you want something small and relatively quiet try Ascot Vale Leisure Centre with its water play area and lovely warm program pool. For more excitement head to AquaPulse Hoppers Crossing which boasts an aqua play park (suitable for a wide range of ages) and water slides (must be over 125cm). For the really adventurous there are wave pools at Melton Waves and over the bridge at MSAC.

4. Libraries Great all weather spaces, libraries have lots to offer. You can head to a scheduled story time or just drop in and enjoy a read. Head into the city to Play Pod at State Library Victoria to enjoy themed activities for 0-8 year olds. In Docklands, Library at the Dock is fitted out with all kinds of interactive technology and you can head outside to the adjacent playground. Further West, Tarneit library and Sunshine Library have fantastic children’s areas. There’s many more libraries to explore but if you just can’t bear to leave home you can even access ebooks and audiobooks on your computer or device with your library membership. 5. FCGC Gymnastics The preschool open gym at not for profit FCGC Gymnastics offers free play in a fully equipped gym for 0 to 5 year olds. Sessions run for almost an hour and kids can enjoy jumping on a trampoline into the foam pit, balance beams at various heights, everyone’s favourite the swinging rings, and so much more. Times and bookings at fcgc.com.au 6. Craft and Caffeine

This little gem in Hoppers Crossing combines your child’s two loves of food and craft. The offerings are always changing and feature painting, cooking and even messy and sensory play. Isn’t that great? Someone else makes all the food AND cleans up all the mess. Preschoolers are well catered for during the day and there are also regular after school and school holiday sessions. 20

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turn the page Bring a Duck by Lesley Gibbes and Sue deGennaro Birthday party at my place! Bring your own duck. Bear has never been to a duck party before. Whatever happens it’s sure to be fantastic, fabulous, feather-tickling fun. This is a lovely read aloud about a birthday party with a difference. All the characters bring a different type of duck to Pig’s birthday party and the ducks antics are heaps of fun. They row, fly, dress up, play party games and even have a best duck parade. This book may inspire unusual birthday party requests. Guaranteed to make parents and children smile. Recommended for ages 4-7

Hattie Helps Out by Jane Godwin, Davina Bella & Freya Blackwood. It is a busy day at Hattie’s house. There’s a lot to do before Dad’s birthday party. Hattie is being very helpful, until it’s time for here afternoon nap. Hattie’s not even sleepy! But Mama looks tired…. When Hattie convinces Mama to lie down with her for a rest in the middle of party preparations, readers will smile. We love the way Mama falls asleep and Hattie has to get ready for the party on her own, sticking biscuits together, decorating the cake and looking after her baby sister. Parents are likely to be quite jealous of Mama’s lovely nap. This book may encourage helping…. We love it for ages 3-7. Freya Blackwood’s illustrations are beautiful and capture the chaos in a house with young children perfectly.

Fancy Nancy and the Butterfly Birthday by Jane O’connor & Robin Preiss Glasser Nancy thinks butterflies are simply exquisite. And that is why she can’t wait to go to her friend Bree’s Butterfly Birthday! But when Nancy finds out she can’t go because her grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary party is the same day, she is furious! In a glorious twist, everybody’s favourite fancy girl gets a sparkling lesson in fancy from her own grandparents. This cute story suitably deals with a child missing out on a party for an important family occasion. If you have a child into glitter, butterflies, sparkly things they will love Fancy Nancy. Great for ages 4-7

Wombat’s Birthday Surprise by Lachlan Creagh “Today is Wombat’s Birthday! Roo’s planning a treat: A surprise party full of games and lots of things to eat”. Who doesn’t love a party? But will his friends be able to wake up sleepy Wombat in time? Fairy Bread, party pies and Pavlova, this is a very Aussie party. Super cute birthday fun full of Australian animals. Perfect for any child having a birthday. Little kids will love calling out “Happy Birthday !” to wake the sleepy Wombat. This paperback even includes some cute birthday wrapping covered in balloons. We recommend for ages 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 22 22

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mama can Cook! Tiny cheese pies Makes: 24 Cooking time: 20 minutes Prep time: 5 minutes

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin lightly with olive oil spray. Place the ricotta, egg, herbs and parmesan in the food processor and process until smooth.

Ingredients:

Spoon 1½ tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into each muﬃn hole. Top each with a tomato quarter, a few herb leaves and a shake of salt and pepper. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until set and golden. (If the pies are still pale on top, switch the grill on and place the tin under it for 3–4 minutes until nicely coloured.) Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly in the tin before serving.

Olive oil spray for greasing 500g ricotta 1 egg 1 generous handful of soft herbs of your choice, plus extra to decorate 1 cup finely grated parmesan 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered Salt and pepper

24 24

TIP: If you want to make these for your friends, have the mixture ready to go in the mini muffin tin and keep it in the fridge until they come over, then pop them in the oven with a timer set so that everyone gets to enjoy them hot out of the oven.

Mum of Four Yumi Stynes loves food but says she has zero f*cks left to waste time with fancy cooking. So she’s written a fab cookbook with all her hassle free favourites.

Legit mug cake Makes: 6–8 mug cakes Cooking time: 1–2 minutes Prep time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 100g butter at room temperature 100g caster sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla paste 2 tablespoon sour cream 100g ground almonds 60ml milk 1/4 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 100g self-raising flower 150g blueberries Cream or vanilla ice cream to serve.

Chuck all the ingredients except the flour and berries into the food processor and whizz everything together to combine, then remove the blade, add the flour and mix through with a metal spoon to form a stiff batter. Spoon 100g of the batter mixture into a mug, then press 5 blueberries down into the batter. Repeat with as many mugs as you want to make, setting aside the leftover mixture for later use (see Tip). Transfer the mug cakes to the microwave and cook one at a time for 1½ minutes on high – you can tell when they’re cooked because they look firm on top and smell awesome. (If you overcook them, they go nasty and rock-like.) Serve hot with cream, vanilla ice cream or both. TIP: For the leftover mixture, spray a muffin tin with cooking oil. Spoon 100g of the batter into as many muffin holes as you have leftover mix and freeze until required. Once frozen, loosen and pop the batter discs out with a butter knife and store in a zip-lock bag in the freezer until required. Nuking the cakes from frozen works (it’s some sort of microwave magic) and does not require extra time. 25 25

This is an edited extract from The Zero F*cks Cookbook by Yumi Stynes published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $39.99 and is available in stores nationally.

It’s always handy to have a few trusted vegan recipes up your sleeve for friends.

3-holes vegan chocolate cake Serves: 8 Cooking time: 20 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Line a 22 cm round cake tin with baking paper. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together well to combine.

Ingredients:

Make 3 holes in the mixture: 1 large, 1 medium and 1 small hole. Into the large hole, add the melted margarine. Into the medium hole, add the vinegar. Into the small hole, add the vanilla. Pour the soy milk all over the top, then mix the whole lot together until there are no lumps.

200g self-raising flour 100g soft brown sugar 100g sugar 50g Dutch (unsweetened) cocoa powder, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 120g dairy-free margarine, melted 2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 150ml soy milk or other non-dairy milk Blueberries to serve (optional) Icing: 300g icing (confectioner’s) sugar 150g dairy-free margarine 2 tablespoons glucose syrup 1 teaspoon boiling water Photographer: © Chris Chen 26

Pour the batter out into the cake tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely in the tin. (Trying to take it out earlier will result in the cake breaking!) Make the icing by mixing everything together in an electric mixer until smooth. Spread over the top of the cooled cake and decorate with berries, if desired. TIPS: The brand of dairy-free margarine you use here will have a strong influence on the flavour of the icing. I use Nuttelex ‘Buttery’ and it is brilliant. Glucose syrup is not essential for the icing but it does really help give it a glossy finish that can sometimes prove elusive when using vegan margarines.

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Surviving snow You have winter wonderland fantasies about frolicking in fresh snow with your family, singing “Let it go’, sipping hot chocolates and building snowmen, but you’ve got a nagging worry it might be cold and miserable... Katie Clark spends much of the winter in the snow at Mt Buller and has a lively toddler and a new baby. So we asked her – how DO you stay sane with a toddler in the snow.

Less is more Aim for short stints outside and set up so you can duck in and out easily. It’s tempting to stay in the snow for longer – let’s face it you’ve spent 20 minutes wrangling them into that jacket and boots! – but short is sweet and 5 minute bursts of playing is sometimes the best, then back in to warm up.

A day visit is fun but can be a bit much for most little people. Stay for a least a night if you can so you can settle in and enjoy the experience. A ‘home base’ makes it easier and many accommodation places do “Kids Stay Free” deals. Lodges are family friendly options with kitchens so you can bring your own food, games rooms for the kids and cosy communal lounges where everyone gathers for wine and cheese at the end of the day. If you do visit for the day, my tip is to plan at least one of the drive legs to fit around sleep times.

Ch-ch-changes Bring more changes of dry clothes than you think you’ll ever possibly need. Kids manage to get snow in places you never thought possible and a dry, warm toddler is a happy toddler! It’s tempting to think just an extra pair of trackie pants or some gumboots are going to cut it – but seriously, get proper ski gear. It’s worth every cent. There is a huge trade in hand-me-down winter gear if you go online. Those cute one-piece suits are brilliant! Look for waterproof outer layers, one-piece outfits where possible to keep snow out and then light underlayers in bamboo or merino for warmth and breathability. I remember as a kid having wet and cold feet in my old rubber boots and being miserable, so definitely get good boots – or rent in resort. I think my parents ended up feeding me hot chips in the car because my toes were so frozen I couldn’t play anymore.

No love with gloves If you’ve ever managed to get a small set of fingers into a pair of gloves, especially if those little fingers are wet… then you deserve a medal. Skip the screaming matches and get some velcro opening mittens. You can open the whole mitten and wrap up little hands easily. You are going to be taking them on a nd off, and on… and off… so simple is best. Trust me.

Check out the what’s on and event listings Ski resorts have lots of kid’s entertainment and it’s usually the simple things that your little one will love. Marshmallow toasting, free music shows and even riding the shuttle bus are a big hit with my little guy.

Woollen bonnets

I guess I’d say to any mum, just slow down and assume everything will take a little longer in the snow, but it’s all about taking time to appreciate and enjoy those moments.

Those cute little woollen bonnets with the ties that go under the chin. Get one of those, or a suit/top with a lined hood. Most little ones will pull a beanie off in seconds flat and drop it into a puddle.

My husband and I have shared so many special times in the snow before kids, and it’s a real treat to now see our boys experiencing it for the first time. I hope you and your kids love it as much as we do.

Backpack/stroller

Thinking of a winter snow holiday?

This should probably be up near the top of the list. A good stroller, or even better a baby sling or backpack is your friend in the snow. There are some great backpack set ups that protect your back and leave your hands free to balance and keep your little one warm and cosy and able to look around at your head height. A good buggy with the big tyres is also a great option for when there is fresh snow. Consider getting boot chains for when it’s icy. They slip easily over the soles of your boots and give you more grip which is really reassuring. I was nervous about slipping when I first had my baby in a carry pack and chains make you feel more stable.

www.mtbuller.com.au has all the latest information and you can book everything from accommodation, lift passes, rental gear and even resort entry and parking all online. By Katie Clark. Katie is a mum of two under twos from Melbourne and lives at Mt Buller during snow season. Pre-babies Katie hit the slopes most winter weekends with her husband David and is now embracing the experience of being a snow-mum and working on her snowman building skills. Photos Mt Buller | Andrew Railton.

Starting on skis At Mt Buller they will accept kids as young as 3 years old into ski school and it’s amazing how quickly some kids take to it. The Magic Forest is tucked away from the crowds and the instructors are specially trained in teaching young children at their own pace. The lessons are short and broken up with breaks, snacks and games. It gives you a chance to have a break or go for a ski yourself –because it’s your snow holiday too!

SHAPING HIM UP Lovable creative genius Mister Maker is heading to Melbourne this July in a brand new national show – Mister Maker Returns - which promises loads of crafts, fun and audience interaction. The national tour will visit numerous cities and towns around the country featuring all new makes, songs and adventures. Click on livenation.com.au for more details. In the meantime Mister Maker (Phil Gallagher) fills us in about the new show and tells us how he got the most fun job in TV. Mister Maker has taken you around the world, what has been your favourite country and experience? Well I’d have to say Australia! I’ve particularly enjoyed visiting Australia now five times. It’s just such a beautiful, friendly country and the audience reaction is so wonderful. The Aussie kids are so enthusiastic and always want to come up on stage. We’ve done huge UK tours, but sometimes the English kids aren’t as confident to come up on stage. In Australia we don’t have that problem! What can we expect of your Melbourne show in the July school holidays? I can’t give too much away about our new live show because it’s a surprise, but everything we do on stage – the crafts, music and songs has never been seen anywhere before in the world. It’s a really amazing and exciting show. I do tend to sing quite a bit in the live shows, which isn’t something I usually do on the TV shows. This tour we’re also going to get the audience even more involved in the show, including getting people up on stage to help do the crafts. I can also tell you that one lucky audience member will even be invited to become one of The Shapes! Other than that there is one new craft we’ll be making that might have you leaving the theatre feeling rather hungry … 30

Have you always been crafty and creative or has that developed with the spotty waistcoat? Yes I always loved being creative. One of my favourite TV shows was Art Attack – I was really inspired by the creations and I really looked up to the show’s presenter Neil Buchanan. I now work with some of the team from Art Attack on Mister Maker, so it’s a dream come true! How did you become Mister Maker? Were you up against lots of others? I’ve actually always wanted to be a TV presenter and loved putting on little shows when I was a boy for my family. I’d even make my own programs and tickets! That sparked my love of performing. After studying media at university I became a radio sports reporter and then worked in TV production. One day about 12 years ago I heard the BBC was looking for a presenter for a new arts and crafts show, so I auditioned. I had to do tests making all sorts of things under a time pressure. By the final audition it was me up against a few other guys. When they told me I had the job I was over the moon. If you weren’t Mister Maker, what would you be doing? I would probably still be working in TV production behind the scenes and involved in TV shows in some way. How much of your own personality is part of the Mister Maker character? I’d say quite a bit! Mister Maker is naturally enthusiastic and energetic like me. It is quite hard sometimes separating myself from Mister Maker because it’s been such a massive part of my life for so long. At home my place is covered with pens, papers, glue and material and my wardrobe is full of Mister Maker outfits, so it’s kind of all around me!

What’s your favourite part of the job? The hairstyle! Followed by the waistcoat. Also being able to travel to amazing places around the world and entertain so many kids. Do you get recognised on the street? It’s funny, unless I’ve spiked up my hair like Mister Maker, which I usually don’t, kids don’t really recognise me on the street. However a lot of adults do recognize me and come up. The thing they always say is, “Why on earth do you have so much glitter in the show? Now I’ve got glitter all over my house!” If it’s any consolation, my own house is covered in glitter too! After all that pressure in the Minute Make how do you like to relax and unwind? I love watching soccer. I like to watch my local team play with my dad and nephew. I also just really like spending time with my family doing simple things, like having a cup of tea with dad, or doing the food shopping mum. We have a real hoot, looking at things for ages. Dad always gets annoyed that we take so long!

together and we’re always coming up with great new ideas. Our team has now worked together on the series for over 10 years. It’s so great to tap into other people’s creativity and get inspired. What’s your biggest tip for the non-crafty mama? My tips for mums are the same tips I’d give to kids. Firstly, be really proud of whatever you create. There’s no right or wrong in creativity. Secondly, have the confidence to just give something a go. And lastly don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The best ideas often arise out of creative mistakes, so just go ahead and make something! And lastly, any ideas on what has been the alltime favourite Mister Maker make?

What goes on behind the scenes of the Mister Maker television show? Are you involved in the production aspect?

Given I’ve made up to 2,000 things on Mister Maker it’s tricky to name a favourite. However, the best thing I’ve ever made on the show is a pom pom bug. It was inspired by something I made with my granddad many years ago when I was a little boy. In fact, my most treasured creation is that original pom pom bug I made with him 35 years ago. I always think of my granddad being the original Mister Maker, he could make anything - he was incredible.

For the live shows I write and design everything myself. But in general, I work with a small team of amazing people who help me put everything

Catch Mister Maker at the Melbourne Recital Centre, July 5th, 6th & 7th 2018. For details visit mistermakertour.com.au

School holIday success Why we love school holidays. Stresses – need no more! As we approach another set of school holidays, Winter ones by the way, you can see parent’s anxiety levels start to rise. If you are not one of those lucky families whom form the mass exodus up North, you are going to need a few tips, hints and ideas for things to do. School holidays = 2 ½ months, 10 weeks, 70 days, 1680 minutes, 6.1 million seconds. It’s true, there is nothing more nourishing, joyous and satisfying than spending time with your kids and this time in their lives won’t last forever. Whilst the idea of a good dose of ‘quality’ time with your little people may make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, the reality of school holidays (uninterrupted ‘quality time’ that lasts at least a fortnight) can leave parents feeling a mild case of anxiety. Physically, mentally and financially; it can be a beautifully traumatic time. We would all like to think that these school holidays will be a great opportunity to snuggle in, slow down, jump in puddles and just embrace the colder months, but they do become long days with cries of boredom very quickly. Before you pull your hair out thinking of new things to do, we might have some ideas for you. As Bayside mums of twins, we love getting out and about and we love school holidays. Why? Because we get amongst it, get in it and simply have tons of fun. Exploring, wandering, creating, bouncing, jumping, riding, swinging, building, laughing, climbing, bowling, playing, feeding, flying, running, swimming, we’ve found the fun for kids of all ages.

So rather than following the cyclical school holiday ritual of begging Guru Google for the answers to the riddle “how to entertain and survive school holidays without taking out a second mortgage”, we have created a Little Finders membership to up the fun levels, lower the stress levels and to ensure you explore our fabulous city and beyond. Our top picks for these school holidays are: • Hit the cinemas. There’s some great flicks coming up including the long awaited The Incredibles 2 out June 14 and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom out June 21 • Head to Sea Life and visit the beautiful penguins, huge sharks, mysterious stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, thousands of tropical fish • Luna Park has ‘holly and jolly’ Christmas in July celebrations these holidays with magical snowfall every hour • Get the kids moving at Up Unlimited on their colourful climbing walls • Take in Melbourne’s sights from a different angle on a 30min flight with Melbourne Star A Little Finders membership puts all things fun in one place to make it easy, affordable and enjoyable for families to spend time together. It’s the go-to guide for ideas and fun things to do, finding hundreds and thousands of savings on tickets to the movies, theme parks, farms, museums, play centres, cafes and more. So let’s together make new memories and embrace these school holidays to the fullest. By Naomi Capomolla and Sally-Ann Matthews www.littlefinders.com.au

Talk to Noah's Ark about therapy and education for your child under the NDIS. Noah's Ark recognises the very important role that families play in their child's health and development. Our specialists with professional backgrounds in speech pathology, occupational therapy, education, physiotherapy, psychology and social work, are known as Key Workers and will come to you. For more information on our programs go to our website or call 1800 819 140

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THE ULTIMATE SLUMBER PARTY EXPERIENCE THAT WILL HAVE YOUR KID’S SAY “THIS IS THE BEST PARTY EVER”.

www.sweetdreamsandgoodnight.com.au Email: info@sweetdreamsandgoodnight.com.au

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we love a mother What happens when your favourite shop in Yarraville could potentially close down if it doesn’t find a new owner? You buy it of course! Well that’s what Yarraville mum Amanda Parker Jones did and that shop is everyone’s favourite party store, Invite Me! Leaving a corporate career in the hair and beauty industry behind, Amanda took over “the store that makes her happy” 2 years ago. First and foremost, besides running the coolest store around, you’re a mum. Tell us about your little family. Well, we are a little family of three. Our boy Hunter is 6 and is my world! My amazing husband is a successful food photographer and so collectively we are a creative bunch (and often butt heads!). His work schedule can be very hectic with long days so like many, we do the juggle on a daily basis. Your background is in the hair and beauty industry, including a freelance makeup artist and sales with the likes of L’Oreal. How did you end up buying a retail shop?? This is a very short story! Invite Me was always my go to for gifts and just walking into the shop (when I was a customer) gave me a sense of happiness but also calm. I was in the shop one Sunday morning doing the usual “rush to party and need a present” run and I got talking to the previous owner who was in the store at the time. During our chat she says to me “You should buy the shop”. Of course my response was a flat out “I don’t want a retail shop!”. Looking back that was a really quick and blunt reply! I thought about it and my head was going crazy and I thought to myself – how hard could it be? I also was very selfish in thinking that this cute little inner west institution could not close down.. after all where else would I go and get my gifts from! I have always had a creative flair (also being a freelance MUA for 15 years) and so visually I knew I could make this work. Anyhoo… 4 days later I bought the cutest shop ever! I have never doubted myself once that I made the wrong decision. As my husband would tell me, “if anyone can make this work, you can”.

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What sort of products can we find at Invite Me? What are your favourites? I like to refer to the Invite Me space is very fluid. We find collections that make us smile and I believe this is one of the reasons why our little space is so successful. Invite Me is all about party with premium ballooning and party ware. Invite Me is also where you can find pressies and fun things for both big and little kids. I spend a ton of time online sourcing new party ware, decorations and gifting. No tackiness and licensed product here! I am obsessed with our glitter confetti pouches and cosmetic bags. I am also obsessed with balloons in every shape and form. We are known for our larger than life ballooning, including our dressed jumbo confetti balloons. Lastly, greeting cards. I am mad for a good greeting card. You’ll understand what I mean when you see our range! What is your favourite part about running Invite Me? Hands down it’s our customers and our local community. Invite Me wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support of our beautiful customers. They are what make Invite Me and they keep me going. I must say I also love to source new things and get a kick out of being the first to introduce it to our market. I am also passionate about visual optimism, so I do get excited when I VM our windows or work on a custom project. If you could choose any party theme, boy or girl, what would be your favourite? That’s a tough one! There are so many great themed ranges but definitely a collaboration of the Meri Meri Into The Wild x Meri Meri Tropical Flamingos ranges. Who doesn’t love a flamingo or a toucan shaped napkin with a splash of metallic.

Does Hunter get to host the best parties now out of all the kids at school? Hunter is a New Year’s Day baby which makes it often awkward to have a party on his birth day. In his younger years it was great because he had no opinion of what theme he would like. Now it’s very different (last year was a Pokemon Disco Party). We are lucky we have the ability to throw Hunter the best party. It’s all about the party bag. How has the growing world of online shopping affected Invite Me? Not at all. We offer our customers a unique customer service experience when they step into our store. The inner west is a community who loves to support local business and so we are more than a transaction – which is what online shopping is. It’s human nature to be tactile; we want to use our senses in our purchasing behaviours. Our customers come from far and wide (including interstate) and the ability to physically see a product can make their decision making process clearer and having fun and enjoying the experience. Invite Me is a sensory experience. What has been some of the biggest challenges being a working parent? Like all working parents, it’s all about the juggle. Its also about finding the home/work balance and giving Hunter as much of my time that he needs. It’s also being everything to everyone and the fact that you just don’t stop. I do get mum guilt when I cannot make it to some of Hunters’ school functions or I pick him up late from after school care. Have you got any funny parenting stories (or fails) you’d like to share with us? Where do I start!! They are more fails really. Couldn’t tell you how many times I had forgotten to order Hunter’s lunch orders until he comes home and reminds me that I forgot to order for him. Apparently Uber Eats is not an option! And as for sports days, who says you can’t run in school shoes!! Motherhood has taught me… that I couldn’t possibly love anyone or anything more. It’s also taught me to pick my battles… Oh and patience. Lots of it. You can find Invite Me at 66 Anderson Street Yarraville or at www.inviteme.com.au 35 35

We provide psychology services for children, adolescents and their families Keilor East | Williamstown | Woodend | Geelong Also consulting at Complete Children’s Health Moonee Ponds and Keilor

We provide assessment and therapy options to address a range of issues, including; • Anxiety and fears • Mood problems • Behavioural and conduct problems • School or family difficulties • Resilience, self-esteem and confidence • Communication and assertiveness • Sleep or eating difficulties • Risk taking behaviours • Attention and learning , including cognitive and academic assessment. We specialise in comprehensive diagnostic assessments and therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders. • Individual therapy sessions • A range of group programs, including social skills, social thinking, and school readiness. We are a registered FaHCSIA provider. Medicare rebates available. We provide staff development and training, consultation and parent education sessions.

T 03 9448 8712 E info@bloomchildpsychology.com.au

Messy Play • Physical Activity Art & Craft • Sensory Play

• Program for 6 months – 5 years • School Holiday Program • Professional Learning • Primary School Program • Birthday Parties

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TreeHaus is an Allied Health Clinic providing specialised therapies to individuals, couples, children and families. • Paediatrician • Psychology • Psychoanalysis • Couples Counselling • Art Therapy • Speech pathology • Occupational Therapy • Dietetics and Nutrition • Child Assessments

Group therapy also available

Medicare rebate available

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2 Cox’s Garden Williamstown 3016 Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

Style by stars Let’s face it, taking on the role motherhood can be one of life’s most daunting yet rewarding tasks. Can astrology help you gain a glimpse into your strengths and challenges as a mum? Um yes, it sure can! Find out about your unique mothering style, according to your Zodiac sign below. ARIES You’re the super sporty mum. Whether it’s netball, football or swimming, you love to cheer on your child’s team, kick a ball at the park or walk the dog together. Your exuberant energy allows you to keep the pace and challenge your youngster to be the best they can be.

TAURUS Being an Earth sign, you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. Digging in the garden, building a sandcastle or picking flowers with your little one creates lasting bonds and beautiful memories. Your greatest wish is to provide a stable home-life with an abundance of emotional security.

GEMINI The ultimate communicator, you love to tell bedtime stories and encourage your child to verbally express their inner thoughts and feelings. You teach your child to be an endearing chatterbox! Friendly and popular, your little social butterfly gets invited to many birthday parties.

CANCER You are a natural mother and shine in life’s most important role. Nurturing, maternal and loving, you give the best cuddles and cook yummy dinners. Calm and soothing in a crisis, your child knows you have their back in the event of playground politics in the school yard.

LEO With an eternal childlike quality, you understand a child’s needs and provide plenty of fun activities, games and laughter. Your home is a play-date hub where all the neighbourhood children are welcome. Your child adopts their flair for drama from you and is often highly creative and comfortable on the stage.

VIRGO You are the envy of other mums as you juggle the challenges of motherhood bet-ter than most. A great role model, you are most likely to be voted President of the PTA. Your expectations are high and your child rises to the challenge, making you proud of their outstanding achievements.

LIBRA Creating a harmonious, peaceful home is paramount and your child grows up to appreciate the importance of fairness and equality. Good taste and the art of charm is inherited from you. Often called upon to sort out sibling squabbles, you are the perfect mediator.

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

You love your child with every fibre of your being and are extremely protective, stopping at nothing to make sure your family is well taken care of and safe. No means no and once you’ve made up your mind, no amount of clever negotiations or tantrums will persuade you to buy that extra lolly or toy.

“I Did It My Way” describes you as a mother because you aren’t afraid to do things in your own unique mothering style. Not caring what other mums think, you parent outside the box. You encourage kindness towards humanity and forge a true friendship with your child, once they reach adulthood.

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

An optimistic attitude teaches your child that life is a wonderland, where they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Your zest for life takes you on many ad-ventures and travelling to experience different cultures or an out-of town visit to grand-parents is met with enthusiasm. The importance of honesty is prized in your home.

Gentle, compassionate and sensitive, who wouldn’t want you as a mum? Your vivid imagination creates a magical childhood that is 100% supportive of your child’s wildest dreams. Your home is filled with pets and your little one knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved to the Moon and back.

CAPRICORN Committed to being the best mum you can be, yours is the sign most likely to suffer from mother’s guilt. You set clear rules and boundaries so your child is never unsure of what is expected of them. Efficient and dutiful, you strive to walk your talk in order to set a good example. And that, you do!

By Natasha Weber. Natasha, a Brighton mum of two, is accredited with the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul, Australia’s number 1 health and wellness site. www.astrotash.com @astrotash

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Borgs Cakes Tempting Altona’s taste buds for over 40 years

This is where the

FUN

happens!

Birthdays • Christenings • Weddings • Kid’s parties

Shop 20, 20 Harrington Square Altona West 9398 3783 www.borgscakes.com.au

Book a Climb or Party today Warehouse 2 / 134 Maddox Road Williamstown North Ph 9448 8642 www.clipnclimbwilliamstown.com.au

100 STORY HOLIDAYS Be an AUTHOR in the school holidays!

Go time-travelling, podcasting, comic-making and storytelling. Fun, creative workshops for readerly/writerly/ comically-minded children. For ages 7-11. Cost: $49/workshop Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm Where: 100 Story Building, 92 Nicholson St, Footscray Includes: All materials, takeaway stories, fruit for morning tea

DATES

July 2: Level 24 Perilous Quest July 3: Level 92 The Hero That Went That Way July 4: Level 57 Time Travelling Suitcase July 5: Level 88 Spacecraft July 6: Level 38 SIA July 9: Level 63 Podscapade July 10: Level 45 Comic Boom: Superheroes

BOOKINGS

info@100storybuilding.org.au, 9044 8215 More info on our website!

100STORYBUILDING.ORG.AU

These workshops support 100 Story Building’s programs for children and young people in Melbourne’s west. Get more from mama - www.mamamag.com.au | Get social with mama - @localmamamag

DItch or donate? Nine years ago I started collecting, cleaning and repairing, safety checking and distributing all manner of nursery goods. Naive yet earnest beginnings. On my front porch. Over the years I have learnt a thing or two about product safety and I would like to share this with you. You may be considering purchasing a secondhand pram on Ebay or Gumtree. A friend might have offered you their pre-loved cot. You may have seen a fantastic looking car seat in the hard rubbish and wondered if it is safe to pick up and donate to St Kilda Mums.

How do you know if it is safe? When items are sold new, they come with loads of information about their safe use. Product manuals, assembly instructions, quick start guides, and a heap of infographical information or photographs that easily explain visually how to use the product safely. But this packaging, and the instructions it came with, are often disposed of or lost, and without these the risk of improper use and child injury increases. Some products come with instructions for safe use on the product itself. A sticker on the frame of your pram may have 5 bullet points about how to use the pram safely. A cot has a stamp on the base that advises what size mattress to buy. But these can be peeled off or painted over. Cot bolts, for example, are often misplaced when converting to a toddler bed. People donating their cots will often suggest that we could simply buy the missing bolt from Bunnings. If only it were so simple. We have discovered over the years that many distributors and manufacturers of nursery products have ceased trading. It is therefore impossible to source replacement parts or a copy of the instructions for safe use for one of these items.

And what are the consequences of trying to put together a cot with Bunnings bolts? There is a maximum $28,000 fine for the supply of an unsafe cot under consumer law in Victoria. This is why there are so few op shops selling cots these days. The risk to your child or someone else’s is just too great. This is why at St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums, we only rehome cots from reputable distributors who offer after sales service and can supply replacement parts. We only rehome cots that are easy to assemble. The range of cots available for sale today is large. Our experience, has helped us to recognise that certain styles of cots are safe, practical and fit for rehoming. Everything we do is focused on the needs for the families we help and the social workers supporting them. That is why we recently updated our list of “what we can rehome” and removed wooden change tables, Moses baskets, cane baskets, rocking cradles and bassinets with lots of flounces.

Why we don’t take change tables: One main reason for not accepting these was that so few wooden change table actually meet the safety standard. They should have 3 sides at least 10 cm higher than the mat to prevent rolling over or wiggling upwards and falling from the top end. They should have a safety harness that secures over the child’s tummy. Regrettably this standard is Voluntary not Mandatory - so many change tables don’t meet this standard. People still donate them, and all we can do is dispose of them.

People donating their cots will often suggest that we could simply buy the missing bolt from Bunnings. If only it were so simple.

The second reason for not being able to rehome these change tables is that the families we help are sometimes living in refuges or transitional housing. In such accommodation a portable folding change table or a change mat that can be stored under the couch or bed is a more universal solution - and safer.

According to Red Nose, Moses baskets can lose shape and become splayed with use and age, creating a gap between the mattress and the sides. This presents a suffocation hazard. Cane or wicker becomes brittle with age, breaks and poses a laceration hazard. Rocking cradles can tip, and bassinets with flounces lack breathability.

We do however happily rehome all change mats and their covers.

The best bassinets - the ones favoured by the experts - are the square wooden ones ones that have breathable sides. We love this particular model as it is so easy to remove the fabric and wash it - something we like to do with every donated bassinet.

Why we don’t take bassinets You might find this very difficult to believe but there is actually NO SAFETY STANDARD for bassinets at all. Neither mandatory nor voluntary. What this means is that there is a large variety of products for sale and in use today, and we see them all - sometimes 30, 40 and 50 years old. We updated our list of “what we can rehome” and we do not rehome any of these following second hand items; Moses baskets, cane baskets, rocking cradles and bassinets with lots of flounces, based on the recommendations of our Every Baby Advisory Group. This advisory group is made up of experts - maternal and child health nurses, social workers, midwives, homelessness specialists, product safety experts from Red Nose and Kidsafe, representatives from PANDA and Headspace.

If you have any questions about product safety please email us donate@stkildamums.org and we will try and help you.

For more information Product Safety Australia (a division of the ACCC) - 1300 302 502 Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Toy & Nursery Safety Line - 1300 364 894 Red Nose (formerly SIDS and Kids) in your state or territory - 1300 998 698 Check for product recalls at www.recalls.gov.au By Jessie Macpherson, CEO, St Kilda Mums www.stkildamums.org

The Swordy Tots program provides children aged 4 months to 3 years and their parents with an introduction to the aquatic environment through fun activities that focus on water awareness, mobility and safety.

Learn the artistry of ballet in our wholesome, nurturing and creative environment • Classical Ballet Training • Group classes - pre-school age to pre-professional • Private tuition available • RAD syllabus and Russian Vaganova method taught Call 0424 326 737 or 0488 949 992 Email westpointedance@gmail.com

9449 9004 | 190 Community Hub, Hillside | Parkwood Green

BRAND NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CLINIC ANIMATED TREATMENT ROOM FOR CHILDREN • Braces for children • Cosmetic braces for adults • Teeth whitening • Check up and clean • Crowns, bridges and veneers • Dentures • Root Canal therapy • Extraction and implants

BUSINESS HOURS Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm Saturday 9am - 3pm BOOK ONLINE 24/7

FREE

Trial classes

www.westpointeballet.com.au 65 Ferguson Street, Williamstown

Winter School Holiday Workshops at the Incinerator Gallery Tuesday, 3 July – Friday, 6 July $17.50 per ticket Ages 4–7 years and 7–14 years Book: incineratorgallery.com More information: 8325 1750

189 BALLARAT RD, MAIDSTONE Ph 9317 5636 www.maidstonedental.com.au 44

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WIN

A Family Pass to see Mister Maker LIVE

Get ready mini-makers, your favourite arty party man is coming back to Australia in July in what promises to be the family show of the year thanks to Live Nation, NAB and Zodiak. He will be performing at Melbourne Recital Centre July 5-7. www.mistermakertour.com.au

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.

Colour to WIN a Family Pass for the July 7th 1.30pm show!

Post your entry by June 30 to: MamaMag, PO Box 8018, North Road LPO, Brighton East 3187.

Child’s name:

Age:

Parent’s name:

Mobile No:

Suburb:

Postcode:

Email: 45 45

Can you hack it? 8 time saving hacks for busy parents It’s no secret that parents are always busy, however the school-run scramble can make everyday life look like a walk in the park. There’s making lunches, checking homework, washing uniforms, packing library books, getting haircuts and that’s all before doing sports training, swimming lessons, cooking, cleaning... the list can go on. We are always looking for a little extra time to get everything ticked off the list! Luckily, there are a few time saving hacks to help you keep your cool during the school run.

Meal plan The scenario is always the same. Parents get busy and we can find ourselves either running to the shop 10 times a week or venturing into the dark corners of our cupboards to try and make dinner with canned peas and miscellaneous pasta packets. To avoid this, write a weekly meal plan, doubling up on meals where you can and do your grocery shopping once a week. This reduces cooking and shopping time, because let’s be honest, NO ONE likes grocery shopping.

Take advantage of online Nowadays almost everything can be done online which helps to free up your time for other, more important things. You probably already pay bills online, so why not order stationery, textbooks, clothes and groceries online as well? Stationery suppliers such as Officeworks now deliver straight to your door and groceries and household goods can be delivered from online retailers such as catch. com.au or Hello Fresh for pre-measured recipes.

Prepare the night before Although it’s the last thing you want to do after a long day, a little bit of night time preparation can make the morning school run more like a stroll. Lay out your clothes the night before (including your own) and make sure all readers and bags are at the door, so you can grab them and go! Removable hooks at kid height can be a great way to teach kids to hang bags/jackets/ hats and scarves.

Keep track of the important items

Keep on top of school updates

We’ve all been there. You’re halfway out the door with the kids finally dressed and fed, only to find one of them is missing a bag, a reader, or you (God forbid) can’t find your keys! Luckily, there’s a range of Bluetooth trackers out there, such as Tile, to help you avoid wasting time looking for important belongings. Just attach the device, track with your smartphone and never waste precious time searching again!

Whether your kids are at kinder, primary or high school, it’s always difficult to keep on top of permission slips, activities and relevant information. Squashed notes at the bottom of the backpack sound familiar? Make sure you’re aware of your school’s communication tools, such as The Skool Loop App and Kinderloop, to stay updated on the fly.

Clean out your keys We all have an ever-expanding keyring that makes trying to get in the door a hassle. Now’s the time for a refresh! Start by removing keys that no longer have a use. Next, colour code your keys i.e. one for work, home and the back door, to avoid fumbling around and help you stay organised.

Accept imperfection Saving time is not just about trying to be a little more organised, it’s also about accepting that as parents, we can’t do everything! It’s important to decide what you can live with and what you can’t. Perhaps you need the bed made to start the day right, but you can live without doing the ironing. Prioritise the ‘must do’s’ and leave the rest!

Organise your laundry There’s nothing worse than trying to get the sheets changed quickly, only to find your linen closet looks like the Sheridan store after a sale. Try folding your sheets and putting them in the matching pillow case for a neat and tidy shelf.

Live Nation

and

MEI

present

FIRST TIME EVER IN AUSTRALIA

A 90 minute theatrical and musical adventure with spectacular multi-media projections and stunning 3D effects

JuNE 27 to JULY 7 Arts Centre Melbourne Go to livenation.com.au