port phillip
November 2015
WIN tickets to santa’s magical kingdom Fashion & beauty Nat is Chi Khi Justine Clarke Summer skin Create your style
free Local fun for the Port Phillip mum 1
Coco’s Early Learning Centre is a family operated state of the art kindergarten and long day care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. • A secure and nurturing environment for children • Highly qualified and caring staff • Fun filled programs enriching each child’s individual development • Nutritious and delicious meals prepared by inhouse chef • Complimentary Yoga, Music and Sport programs • Multicultural programming and events
Call us now on 9528 2812 or email caulfield@cocoselc.com.au 249 Glen Eira Road Caulfield North www.cocoselc.com.au
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vintage darling This may well be my favourite MamaMag edition to date. We had such fun putting this one together for you, unleashing our love for vintage shopping, horse racing and meeting some amazing local brands along the way. We got invited to TiniTrader’s Pop Up market, which was amazing. Fell in love with Cubby & Castle upcycled cubbies and a number of great brands. The inaugural One Fine Baby was like a mecca real life Instagram show, showcasing bespoke brands catering to all areas of the parenting journey. I had to hide my credit card from myself as I fell in love with virtually everything! I did allow one sneaky little purchase from local brand, Chi Khi which features on our front cover! It was on sale, so I practically saved money. Ow oh – may need to go to shoppers anonymous. Speaking of Chi Khi, we are so happy to feature the story of this gorg kids and babyware label created by Nat Bassingthwaighte. As November is all about fashion, we’ve also included the story of wonderful local label and online girls boutique Tinker and Boo. Be sure to check out their vintage and retro inspired designs at their Pop Up Store also in Elwood. Lotte wore a gorgeous piece from their collection to the races recently. Yes it’s Spring Carnival time, so we have included a little spread to best serve you over the racing season. We love the races at MamaMag HQ. I have a long history with horseracing, having grown up on the track with my auntie being the first female jockey in Victoria. We had a cracking day at Caulfield Cup (thanks boss lady for the borrowed Mister Zimi!). Last month also marked my darling Lotte turning 3! You may remember that I’m a closet party stylist. I tried my hardest to meet the “low key” brief that I’d been set, however my inner party girl could not be still! There was an explosion of colour, a colour pop for my Lotte Pop! Two parties in one weekend were almost too much for me, but we pulled it off for another year. It’s not how big the party is, or what the decorations look like, but it’s really about the love surrounding the event. I always get very emotional in those special family moments, at cutting of cake time, looking back at a room full of familiar faces. These are the moments. These are the memories. Make it all count.
@localmamamag
Cover image: Nikole Ramsay. Model wears Chi Khi Animal Print Pocket Dress $69.95 www.chikhi.co
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Contents #Iwokeuplikethis 6 Tips from She is Sarah Jane In our PJ’s with Justine Clarke Q&A with our Play School favourite Lovely locals Chapel Street Windsor/Prahran
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1 of 3 family passes to santa’s magical kingdom
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Parklife 12 Ron Barassi Snr. Park Docklands Summer skin Skin and beauty tips
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Nat’s getting Chi Khi 16 We chat with Natalie Bassingthwaighte
WORTH $14O EACH
On your horse Beyond Spring Carnival
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Create your own personal style Personal styling tips from an expert
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Visit our Facebook page to enter
Mama of the month Jasmine Lenders from Hello Willow
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Visit www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au to learn more about this amazing event.
I shop therefore I am The humble op shop
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Entries open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts November 1st 12.01am and closes November 3oth 2015 at 11.59pm. Visit mamamag.com.au for full terms and conditions.
Legal tips for parents Commonly asked questions
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Tinker and who? Behind local brand Tinker & Boo
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Mama can cook Some sweet treaties
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Colour pop, Lotte pop! 3rd birthday party fun
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Battery Safety Keeping kids safe
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Monochrome madness Timeless Summer fashion tips
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Separated? 40 Not sure what to do next? Kid’s colouring comp
MamaMag November 2015
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www.facebook.com/localmamamag
MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of the Port Phillip area by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au
5,000 copies are distributed monthly. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Port Phillip Editor: Kirsty Chick Sales and Marketing: Kate Thompson Design and Layout: Grizzle Design Like to contribute an article submission or products for Facebook giveaways? submissions@mamamag.com.au Like to advertise in our next month’s issue? info@mamamag.com.au or download our media kit from www.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.
#iwokeuplikethis I am sure many of the new mummy clichés resonate all too-well in the first few (or more!) months of our little people’s lives. From somewhere between maternity clothes to pre-baby clothes to stained tops and yoga pants, it’s easy to fall into a style rut. However, there are also no hard and fast rules that say we should actually conform to these either. Not showering before sundown or rocking day eight of your fave pair of trackies, does not make you any more ‘real’ as a mum. There are no medal (or rose!) ceremonies at the end of each day if you haven’t noticed, so I say whatever makes you happy is the right decision. Between explosive boobs, sleep deprivation, cleaning bottles and trying to remember what day/month it was, the first few months of my daughter’s life are a blur. Of course it’s also a blur of raspberries, edible baby rolls and a love like no other – but a blur nonetheless. As I felt my hours rolling into days and my days rolling into just another day, I had an epiphany that the key to this motherhood thing is balance. Nothing ground-breaking I know, but it was my lightbulb moment. From then my days became all about clever time management. Whatever the task at hand, I now work backwards from my goal. That goal is feeling and looking semi-back-to-normal. This method of working backwards always worked well for me B.C, so why should it be any different now? It was time to crack the mamma whip, on myself! As a lifestyle blogger who has recently entered the ‘mummy blogger’ space, I’ve already experienced my fair share of negative and hurtful commentary – mostly in response to my grooming routine. The online world hey, everyone is an expert behind their keyboards right? Wrong. Much like pregnancy, I believe motherhood is a unique experience and style that every mummy will naturally find for herself. I at times was criticised for not being a “true reflection of a mother”, because I chose to 6
style my hair (once a week!) and put on some face. Throughout my pregnancy I was also a big campaigner for using the English language in whatever capacity you are comfortable with. I often described myself as ‘huge’ or ‘massive’ and did so with love. My belly was huge compared to my pre-baby state, and I don’t believe we should ever fall into the trap alienating certain words – especially when we are describing our own bodies or feelings. This then evolved into a philosophy of each to their own and a happy mummy makes the best mummy. While there are absolutely days where I literally will stay in my PJs for 48 hours, there are also days where I put together a gorgeous outfit, style my hair and put on some make-up. I don’t know why anyone (online or in person) should be judged or shamed for doing so. Being at home with our children can leave us feeling very isolated at times, so whatever makes you feel better I say go for it – trackies or couture!
- not Beauty, Fashion and Time Saver Tips:
Between explosive boobs, sleep deprivation, and trying to remember what day it was, the first few months of my daughter’s life are a blur.
• Dry shampoo and a top knots are your besties • An illuminating primer is always a good idea and will ensure you look fresh as a daisy (even if you are falling apart on the inside!) • If you can be bothered, eyelash extensions are also a fab idea and can last up to three weeks (I recommend Miss Eyelash in Elwood). You would be amazed at how much time not applying mascara saves you! • Self-tanners are a great beauty pick-meup for the warmer months (I use Pure Tan which is safe for pregnancy and nursing). Apply this the night before to save time and dribble stains the next day! • For spring/summer when I find a great dress that flatters my new curves I buy a few in different colours (check out Revolve Clothing). This also makes outfit planning ahead simple as you know what to expect! • Don’t shy away from shapewear, nobody but you knows you are wearing it (Target have a great range and are very reasonably priced) • Spring clean your wardrobe into sensible sections – things you wear most, less and then maybe boot the rest! • Dress to your strengths I like to say – I personally prefer showing some leg and covering my arms, so a bell sleeved dress is a great option. Find what works for you and rock it! By Sarah Jane Young Lifestyle blogger and new mama www.sheissarahjane.com.au / @sheis_sarahjane Photos by kellyjordanphotography.com.au
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In our pj’s with justine clarke Australia’s favourite childrens entertainer, Justine Clarke, gets set to tour Melbourne this November. A regular on our Play School screen and familiar face on our favourite shows such as Love My Way and Offspring, Justine is one lady who has proven longevity and diversity in an industry that challenges many. A natural entertainer and Jazz vocalist, Justine took a moment to answer all our MamaMag crush questions! We are in awe of all this talented Mama’s achievements, but at the core Justine is just a happy mama who loves to hang out with her family.
At school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It was a changing of the guard as these new emerging writers were able to speak of their generation in a raw, powerful and sometimes brutally honest way. The combination of young and talented directors like Garth Davies and Emma Freeman (to name a couple) working with this unique material and with very fine actors, plus cable TV was just taking off here, made it a defining moment in the history of TV and look at what it has bred since! Yes, ground breaking I’d say. Thank you Claudia Karvan and John Edwards!
I started acting when I was 7 so I never thought about it beyond that. I was already doing what I wanted to do.
What’s it like being on the set of House Husbands?
What have been your 5 favourite career moments to date?
Like being at a party! They all have wicked senses of humour and are louder than the kids when they’re on set!
In no particular order
How do your children respond to you being on TV?
- Being introduced to the toys on my first day on the Play School set - Becoming an Indigenous Literary Foundation Ambassador - Taking an Australian adaptation of the play Hedda Gabler to New York audiences
Thankfully they are mildly proud of me and my littlest one is fairly indifferent which I’m also grateful for.
- Look Both Ways
The best day on the Play School set was…
- Meeting Jack Finsterer at the Sydney Theatre Company 17 years ago
Meeting the toys on that first day. Nothing can top that.
As an actress and performer, your role is to… Connect 8
We are huge fans of Love My Way – how important was the series to Australian drama?
With such a busy schedule, how do you find balance? I try to stay healthy and I keep asking myself if I have balance.
If you had a day completely free, what would you do? I would finish reading my book in a comfy chair in a sunny spot with a cup of tea.
Favourite fashion piece in your wardrobe? New Ginger and Smart dress for summer, can’t wait to book the perfect night to wear it!
What is your parenting style/ philosophy? They need love, water, fresh food and they need to be physical in whatever way suits them! Lots of imaginative play and general play time together (that means me on the floor with the toys), lots of reading and dinner always together at the table. Screens are always an issue and always will be, we just try to balance it with real adventures.
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What are the most requested bedtime songs in the Clarke household? Bobby The Tractor (from Pyjama Jam) was originally a lullaby for Max but now it’s a pretty rockin’ little number so it’s not total wind down but it helps with the ritual of going to bed.
Do you get recognised by more adults or kids? Both! Usually it’s parents pointing me out to their kids but every now and again a child will catch my eye and their face will light up, it’s heart melting.
Favourite thing about Melbourne? It’s kind, it’s classy, it’s easy, it appreciates and respects the arts, it’s built for families and it values community. And it’s the home of the greatest game in the world.
If there were one lesson or gift to pass on to your children, what would it be? Be silly, be kind (and kick straight)!
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You feel happiest when… I’m with my family and it’s the weekend
Spring carnival dress up or girls night in pajamas? Girls night in pyjamas!! I’ve always enjoyed that way more than the party.
Justine’s Pyjama Jam tour hits Melbounre on November 15th for 4 action packed shows at the Arts Centre Playhouse. Children are encouraged to come in their pyjamas, or bring their favourite cuddly toy; or both! In this pared back live and intimate show Justine will bring her unique brand of engaging performance and live music to families; singing familiar favourites and new material from her much anticipated album, with titles like Pyjamas and Shufflin’ Off To Bed. Find out more at www.justineclarke.com.au
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lovely locals Chapel Street windsor/prahran 1. Astor Theatre – Who can resist the nostalgia, the nod to old world charm, art deco grace of the Astor? If you haven’t ever visited this iconic cinematic institution, you’re in luck that the Astor is back up and running! Catch a silent classic, a feature to match the Astor’s vibe of Hollywood’s Golden era, a contemporary movie or a kids classic.Sundays have been screening special kids films, so get your choc tops and popcorn and settle in for an arvo of real movie magic! There’s no cinematic experience quite like The Astor. Inhale the history and enjoy the grandeur of this classic cinema. Chapel St & Dandenong Rd, Windsor 9510 1414.
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2. Daydreamers Kids Indoor Play Centre – Recently taken over by new management, this Indoor Play Centre is one of the best. As well as clean and functional play space and equipment, the centre also offer wonderful kids party packages. Parties come with a party host and food, party hats, balloons, napkins and lolly bags, to really take the pressure off organising the next birthday party. 61-71 McIIwrick Street Windsor 9521 2170. 3. National Institute of Circus – It’s not too late to run away with the circus. NICA provides professional training through a three year Bachelor of Circus Arts Course. They also offer a wide range of fun and safe recreational courses for children, teenagers and adults. Circus at NICA classes can improve fitness, coordination, strength and flexibility while building confidence in a fun supportive environment. Classes designed for beginners through to advanced levels. Learn the basics or specialise in any number of aerial and ground-based skills including flying trapeze, tissue, hula hoops, juggling, trampolining, tumbling and acrobalance. Now that is too much fun! Term or school holiday programs available. Programs to suit 5+ years of age. 41 Green Street Prahan 9214 6975. 4. Decadent date night: Mr Miyagi – Patience Daniel son, some things are worth waiting for! Come early as there is often a wait and no bookings taken for this Japanese flavour bomb. A wait means one thing to us, good food! Be sure to sample the cocktails, it’s date night after all. We couldn’t resist the Astro Boy – childhood hero! With a menu designed to be shared, let the master feed your soul! 99 Chapel Street, Windsor 9529 5999. 5. Casual date night – Hanoi Hannah serves up some great Vietnamese street food including a soul-warming bowl of pho and fresh coconut drinks and cocktails! Look out for the masterminds behind this highly successful eats, moves into the Ormond Road neighbourhood, coming soon! Charlie Dumplings are mouth-wateringly good –the fried 5 spice chicken ribs are bang on! We love the pekking duck dumplings. Oh and save room for the dessert dumplings. Oh so good! Huxtaburger is directly across the road to these next door neighbor powerhouse eateries. Sometimes you just need a burger. And the Hux has you covered with their Wagyu patties, sweet brioche buns and crinkled chips. All 3 near the corner of Chapel Street and High Street Prahan.
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Parklife
MamaMag park of the month!
ron barassi snr park, docklands 509-529 Docklands Drive, Docklands This is a really great park - it’s just a bit different, with a creative use of space and the location makes it even more interesting. Built almost under the Bolte Bridge there is a water play area so a towel and even a change of clothes is recommended plus there is heaps of sand with accompanying ‘sand play’ equipment including chains and pulleys, spades, tubes and a digger. There are big slides, a little slide, a great tyre swing, rope bridges and all sorts of spots to clamber and climb including the large wooden structure in the middle! A few stand out features that Mamma’s crew enjoy most (other than the water play) is the sand bag wall, good
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for little people to run and jump on and comfy for big people to sit on and watch the kids plus we love the lovely expanse of squashy green grass complete with footy and soccer goals! Oh and the views of the city and the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel are pretty cool too. Mamma’s special mentions: you are not far from Habour Town’s Play Play Play a little indoor spot good for a bite and of course the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. The nitty gritty BBQ’s, lots of free parking, toilets with baby change table (pavilion), water fountain, picnic tables, shade from the bridge in the afternoon.
Learn about st kilda Sea baths Swim School We have successfully been running Swim School for 10 years and offer the following: ✔ Classes are held Monday to Thursday AM & PM, plus all day on Saturday & Sunday. ✔ Our learn to swim program classes hold maximum of 4. ✔ 30 Min Aqua Babes classes for age groups: 6-12 months, 12-24 months & 24-36 months. ✔ A variety of Adult classes. ✔ Our water is pumped from the ocean with a small amount of chlorine added & heated to an optimum temperature. ✔ The benefits of swimming in sea water is amazing, children with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis notice a difference in their skin within a few weeks.
For more up-to-date information on classes and program dates, please like us on Facebook/ St Kilda Sea Baths Swim School St Kilda Sea Baths 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda 3182 ☎ 9525 4888 www.southpacifichc.com.au/swim-school Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!
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summer skin Skin & Beauty Tips for surviving the Summer heat Melbourne’s hotting up early this year and it’s given us a not so gentle reminder that we need to make an extra effort to protect our precious and largest organ of our bodies….our skin. Summer heat poses a few problems for us busy ladies. Not only do we want to keep our skin safe, silky and smooth, we also want our makeup to withstand the heat and last into the balmy summer nights. Here are my top tips and product recommendations to do just that.
Protect
Wear SPF every day. We should be doing this every day of the year but summer really is the time to make sure you are at the top of your game when it comes to skin protection. Choose a broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB and in my opinion go for the SPF 50+ the skin on our faces, neck and décolletage is so fragile we want to try our best to continue to protect it. As busy mums we often forget about our own sun protection but would never send out the kids without it. A good tip is to swap out your after shower body lotion for a high protection sunscreen, that way you know you are covered as soon as you leave the house. A chic wide brim hat and dark sunglasses will ramp up style and skin saving properties. With new skin care technologies it’s now much easier to find a facial sunscreen that sits well under makeup. My choice is MECCA Cosmetica’s “To Save Face Superscreen” SPF 50+
Mix it up
Summer means we can just generally lighten up when it comes to our make up. The heavy foundations of winter can be put to the back of the vanity and we can embrace the
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lightweight sheer bases that let our skin shine through! Choose lighter bases such as CC creams or tinted moisturisers. Add a sweep of light reflecting bronzer and fall in love with highlighter (my favourite places to wear it is tops of cheekbones, down the nose and cupids bow). A great DIY tip for a lightweight dewy look is to mix up a good quality concealer (try MAC Select Cover Up) with a brightening radiance boosting balm (such as Clarins Beauty Flash balm) or if you can’t face the beach with no coverage mix it in with your facial sunscreen and off you go.
Prime
Heading to the races or a summer wedding? Then you want your makeup to last so you must put in the ground work and for that reason invest in a hard working primer. Primers have been around for a while but you can be strategic with the primer you buy. If you have oily skin you might want to go for a mattifying formula such as Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 or if you are more on the dry side opt for a moisture boosting finish for under your makeup. MAC’s Lightful C Marine- Bright Formula Serum packs a punch of moisture. Or if you are a combination of both use a combination of different primers targeting different things on those particular areas on your face. Opt for a eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing even through the hottest temperatures. Urban Decay Primer Potion has a cult following for this reason and can be used lightly through eyebrows and under eye area to keep filled in eyebrows and under eye concealer in place. For long lasting lips it’s a good idea to keep lips exfoliated and moisturised. Nursing mothers may have experienced the skin saving benefits
of Lansinoh before and it’s the same magic formula I use to moisturise the lips of my clients when I start their make up. To exfoliate your lips you can use a towel/face cloth then pop on some of this when you hop out of the shower. By the time it comes to doing your lips they will be perfectly smooth. For a long lasting lip press a small amount of foundation all over your lips (you can use what’s left on your foundation brush), line and fill in the lips completely with a long lasting lip liner (try Rimmell 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner) and then apply your lipstick. As the lipstick wears off, your liner remains underneath.
Hydration
Last but not least keep hydrated. Drink water. There’s no way around it your skin and body will thank you for it. Amy Hughes is a professional makeup artist and beauty writer at www.madeoverandme.com where she blogs a mixture of beauty, real life and weddings. Amy is available for wedding makeup, special occasion makeovers and makeup lessons in the comfort of your own home or venue across Melbourne.
Set & Refresh
I personally don’t love a heavy powdery finish for summer makeup but I do like to set my makeup to ensure it’s longevity. I use a small brush or damp beauty blender to set with powder only in the areas I know get shiny (typically inner corner of nose, chin area, forehead). Alternatively if you want to set with powder all over the face opt for a fine light reflecting powder to set your make up and provide glow try HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Powder which boasts “photoluminescent technology that makes you appear as you have just stepped into your perfect light” well when you put it like that who wouldn’t want to use it!? As the night goes on and you feel you want to top up your make up I always advise my clients to buff their skin before adding more product. Using a buffing brush (such as Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush) to buff the areas of the face where you feel maybe the make up has moved out of place (eg, around the nose, chin and forehead). That may be all you need or if not go ahead and reapply. More often than not, when you are embracing a dewy summer skin look you can set your makeup with a beautiful refreshing make up spray. You can also use this later in the day to refresh your skin...I often take one on summer girls nights out and we all have a spritz! I personally love Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, although not necessarily a makeup setting spray it’s soothing and gentle for even the most sensitive of skins.
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nat’s gettIng chI khI Whilst most of us know Natalie Bassingthwaighte for her many public accolades, including her role on Neighbours 10 years ago, fronting iconic electro-pop band Rogue Traders and her own solo artist career, as well as many other TV appearances, it was her role of ‘Mother’ to two gorgeous kids that brought about her latest career direction, launching the stunning monochrome children’s brand ‘Chi Khi’ in 2014.
What I love about Nat is the fact that despite all the glitz and glamour we see on tv and in magazines, she is really just another local mum juggling kinder drop offs, toddler tantrums and finding time to manage work and play, just like the rest of us. So I was really looking forward to meeting her properly and finding out more about her and her gorgeous new kid’s clothing range and what life really is like for such an indemand personality. Her publicist arranges a coffee meeting for us to have a chat and we meet on a sunny Wednesday morning at The Pantry in Brighton, a local favourite of Nat’s. She greets me like and old friend then insists we order some scones to share, because Mama always deserves a little treat. And it truly was like chatting with an old friend. I think her familiarity makes me feel like I have known her for ages and the fact is we have a lot in common. We both have daughters in 4yo kinder, both live locally and both run businesses aimed at parents/children. We start with a bit of chit chat about the kids, how is kinder, what schools we have chosen next year, and then she starts asking me all about how MamaMag is going and if we have any new plans in the pipe-line. I’m thrilled to be able to bounce some ideas off her, but hang on a minute... I’m here to talk about your business not mine! But it’s lovely to know she is interested in my MamaMag journey, that she grabs the mag each month from her local kinder in Wilson Street and that she is truly interested about my success and plans for the mag.
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We finally get onto Chi Khi and I’m thrilled she has brought along some samples. The products are divine. The fabrics are so soft, I joke that I wished she made them in my size to which she confesses she had the new Slouch Summer Knit made as a one off in her size (check out the gorgeous pic bottom right!). Chi Khi is a unisex range of children’s clothes for ages 0-7. The brand is a creative outlet for Nat but is also part of a broader strategy for Nat and her husband (Rougue Traders band mate Cameron McGlinchey) to ensure long-term financial security for their family. They decided quite early on that in their industry you never know when you will no longer be the flavour of the month. So together they have created a portfolio of business ventures like Chi Khi, as well as investing in property and pubs (she is part owner of the Brighton Hotel, a MamaMag favourite). A self-confessed non-girly girl, Nat has created the Chi Khi brand true to her own style in a monochrome palette, which gives her products a point of difference in an overcrowded market. Most items in the range are made from gorgeously soft bamboo and are fabulous for kids with sensitive skin. And her style? Today she is sporting an cute black fluffy sweater, blue jeans and funky white sneakers, such a casual look, but naturally she still looks amazing. Editor-in-chief Sarah Cavalier get’s the low down all things Chi Khi in this little Q&A...
Photo credits: Summer collection: Nikole Ramsay, Behind-the-scenes: Nico Bernadi.
Most people only know the public/famous ‘Nat’, but in reality you are a local Bayside mum juggling kids, a career, trips to the supermarket and kinder drop offs just like the rest of us! Tell us a little bit about your two kids. Harper and Hendrix have changed my life. They are just so wonderful and yes at times a little crazy. Harper is a little chatterbox and loves structure and order and Hendrix is a typical little boy who loves diggers and dirt… oh yeah and the vacuum cleaner!!! What was your inspiration behind launching a fashion brand for kids? Obviously my kids… but I also wanted to see what I was capable of as a woman. In this industry you are always waiting for the phone to ring for the next job and I felt like taking matters into my own hands! For mamas yet to discover Chi Khi, what can they expect? A super cool unisex clothing range made primarily from bamboo. Perfect for, but not exclusive to, those with sensitive skin. Plus skincare that is unbelievable for those with eczema, dermatitis and dry red skin… us mums can use it too!! What was most important in your vision for Chi Khi? To create an uber cool brand that could go global. A brand that people love and cant wait to get their hands on. A brand that is considered in design and has a social awareness. Are there any lessons you’ve learnt on your business journey so far that could help other inspiring mamas? Never be afraid to take a chance. Anything you don’t know you can always find out. Ask as many questions as you can to as many people who know more than you. You obviously travel a lot between various commitments. How do you juggle all this around the kids? It is never easy but I have a great support network, my husband really is one of a kind. Our kids are the priority so we work around them. They are only little for such a short amount of time... a lot of work is done after hours when they are asleep.
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You’ve just added a kid’s skin care range to Chi Khi and launched your new collection just in time for Summer. What can we expect from Chi Khi next? This range has blown my mind it is so delicious. I want all the pieces for myself. Cool monochromatic, unisex designs that last! Edgy but playful, comfortable and kid friendly. Our skincare range is getting such amazing testimonials on our website... it is super exciting Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Ahhh on an extended holiday... hopefully not as busy... helping my kids through school. Watching Chi Khi take over the world and still acting and performing in one way or another... I think I will always be doing something! Any funny motherhood stories that you can share? Mmm most recently my son has mastered the technique of tantrums. So much so I was in the middle of a shopping centre the other day and my son spied a little electric bus that you pay two dollars to sit in whilst it moves around... he loved it… BUT as soon as it was done he would not get out. He wanted to go again… I said no buddy we have to go… he wouldn’t get out so I pretended to leave and said ‘bye mate’... he still didn’t budge. I had to pull him out kicking and screaming and I carried him out horizontally in one arm with the pram in the other just smiling through gritted teeth. Your dream travel destination would be... Right now the Maldives please! And finally, what’s your guilty pleasure? Red wine and chocolate Check out the gorgeous Chi Khi range at www.chikhi.co
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Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!
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On your horse Spring Carnival is in the air, but past the marquees, fancy champagnes and designer wares – is a calender of fun, long after the Flemington fillies have gone home. So here’s your hot guide of where to frolic this racing season! Raid your local Op Shop if you dare, grab your heels, fill the picnic basket and feel the grass between your toes.
Music Festivals Trackside
Clip Clop Club (CCC)
The Peninsula Picnic – Mornington Racecourse, 20th March 2016. Headlining Missy Higgins and Kim Churchill. Enjoy the best food, wine and produce from Peninsula favourites with a country harvest atmosphere.
Melbourne Racing Club has a special members club for kids 11 years and under. The yearly fee is $25 and includes racecourse entry for member and their parents (maximum of two) on designated Clip Clop Family Days. There are six annual Clip Clop Club family days. Each family day features a designated Clip Clop Club zone with free family entertainment. Joining the CCC, members will get a welcome pack with some fun things such as a plush horse, hat, stickers and lanyard. Members enjoy a priority line for pony rides and other rides. CCC 2015/2016 Family Days Stakes Day – Saturday 26th October 2015 (Caulfield). Sandown Spring Carnival Race Day – Saturday 14th November 2015 (William Hill Park). New Year’s Race Day – Friday 1st January 2016 - Adults $12, Kids U14 Free. (Mornington) Clip Clop Kids Day Out.
The Red Hot Summer Tour – Mornington Racecourse, 23rd January 2016. Jimmy Barnes, Noiseworks, The Angels, The Badloves. Tickets $98
Country and Picnic Races: While the glamour of Flemington and Spring Carnival is amazing, give us the country cups and picnic races any day! The country races are pretty chilled out and their cup days are their biggest meets for the year, so expect lots of fun and activity and an old fashioned country charm. We love Mornington races and the picnics at Hanging Rock. Perfect excuse to have a weekend getaway and explore the gorgeous regions of country Victoria. Significant country race dates: Ballarat Cup – 21st November – Early bird tickets that include free local bus travel available $25 online. www.ballaratturfclub.com.au
Queen’s Birthday Race Day – Monday 13th June 2016 (Mornington).
Hanging Rock – 1st January 2016 New Years Day. Tuesday 23rd January 2016 Australia Day Meet. Located in the beautiful Macedon Ranges and about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Mountains, wildlife, gardens, historic towns, antiques, cold climate wineries, crafts and mineral springs nearby. Early bird tickets $20.
The Clip Clop family days can include Kids Day Out Fashions on the Field, where everyone who enters receives a gift and there is usually a dance party afterwards!
Balnarring Cup – 26th January 2016 (six meets per year, Cup being the flagship picnic races).
Caulfield Family Day – Saturday 13th February 2016 (Caulfield). Easter Cup Day – Saturday 26th March 2016 (Caulfield).
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It’s not all racing. Morning Racecourse offers music festivals and markets!
Yarra Valley Kids Day Out – Tuesday 12th January 2016, Yarra Valley.
Mornington Cup Day – 2nd April 2016. Healesville Picnic Races - Healesville Cup 9th January 2016, Entry $15 kids U18 free. Free kids entertainment including animal farm, jumping castle, pony rides, running races. Canteen and bar on-course (bar sells CUB and wine). BYO food and drink permitted.
Giddyup Let the champagne flow, fill your picnic basket with nibbles and have a flutter on the ponies or just enjoy the excitement of the thundering hooves. Appreciate the majestic nature of horses, thoroughbreds are athletes and much goes on behind the scene (starting at 4am!) to get them race ready, most days of the year!
Fillies on the Field Let’s face it. It feels amazing to get dressed up once in a while. With a limited budget, we went to a local op shop (see our op shop guide on P.26) and got race ready for $45. You don’t have to spend the earth to look (and more importantly FEEL) good. You can also use your friend’s wardrobes.
Mini Fashions The races are fun for kids too. Pick one of the family friendly days and there will be a hive of activity and entertainment just for them. HOT TIP: Caulfield Family Day in February is a must do – pony rides, dodgem cars, animal farm, crafts, Ninja Turtles, Dirt Girl and Bananas in Pajamas performances this year! Have fun with the kid’s fashion – get out that special birthday dress/outfit and let them dress up. Be as eclectic or conservative as their personalities desire! Lotte wears: Tinker and Boo Bonita Smock Dress (locally designed and made). Pop Up Store Elwood. Bowler Hat & Sunnies: Lacey Lane.
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create your own personal style How many times have you felt that you had nothing to wear standing in front of your wardrobe full of clothes? How many times have you dressed in the morning just to have a glance in the mirror and not like what you see? How many times have you bought an item that looked fabulous in the store but it has been sitting at the back of your wardrobe ever since? The good news is, it doesn’t have to be like that. I am going to share with you the 5 key steps to create your own personal style that will allow you to feel confident and happy about your look. Your appearance – the way you look, the clothes you wear – determines how you feel about yourself and how others see you. The clothes that you own and the outfits you wear should represent who you are. Start now and make changes to feel confident and happy about the outfits you wear and the way you look! Here are the 5 key steps to find your very own personal style:
1. Know your figure To dress your body right, you should know your body shape. For some this can be quite tricky, as most of the styling books and sites suggest you should fit into one of the main 5, 7 or 12 body shapes. But as no two women are the same in any way, their bodies are also hard to categorise into a few certain types. A good exercise to start with could be to go through all your body parts (in front of a full length mirror) and write an honest list about which parts/aspects of your body you like and are happy about and which ones you are not that comfortable with. The most common body issues are narrow, broad or round shoulders, full or small bust, flabby upper arm, “mummy tummy”, flat or big bottom, big thighs and hips, no waist, short legs, and thick ankles and calves, just to name a few.
2. Dress your figure The secret of looking great is choosing clothes that flatter your figure and look like they were designed around your body. They should make you feel good in them. So after learning what your body shape and your main issues are, you have to learn how to dress them. To make you feel good looking in the mirror, you have to learn what cut, style, fabric, pattern, colours flatter your body the most, how you can hide the areas you are concerned about and how you can show off those features that make you feel confident. The rule is always the same: show off your best features and hide those that you are not happy with. It’s all about balance.
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3. Dress for your lifestyle Working from 9 to 5 in a corporate office? Have a creative job or your own business? Work from home? Having children? Expecting a baby? Working outdoors? Spending the weekends in nature? Travelling a lot? Living near the beach or the mountains? These are only a few aspects that affect (influence) the way you should dress. A lot of times my clients ask me to help them with their wardrobe and shopping because their lifestyle has changed: they had a baby and no longer work and spend most of their time in playgrounds and their previous corporate wardrobe no longer works for them. Or they are back to work after being on maternity leave, but their body has changed after having children and their previous workwear no longer fits them. Some have moved from a busy city to a relaxed beachside town or the opposite. No matter what your lifestyle is the clothes you buy and wear should be appropriate and you should feel comfortable and confident about them.
4. Express your personality And after learning what clothes flatter your body and suit your lifestyle here comes the fun part: determining your likes and dislikes. Don’t forget that dressing should be fun and developing your very own personal style is all about mixing and matching, wearing old with new, vintage with modern, designer with department store labels. Great places to look for inspiration are fashion magazines and blogs, pinterest, movies, celebrities, friends and the everyday people on the streets. Make notes, pin and learn what you really like. Don’t be a victim to fashion, instead make fashion your own by selecting only a few super-trendy pieces each season to up-date and compliment your existing wardrobe.
Find a signature look or a favorite, signature piece (a black leather jacket, a delicate designer silk scarf, a pair of suede boots) that you can wear with almost anything from time to time. When it feels right go ahead and break the rules and develop your own distinct brand of chic.
5. Build a wardrobe that works for you Now with all this knowledge it’s time to go through your wardrobe and take a look or try on each piece you have. Does it flatter my body? Is it the right size? The right colour? Does it suit my lifestyle? Do I have any occasion to wear it? Do I have anything to wear it with? Do I LOVE it? These are a few questions you should ask yourself. If the answer is NO, give it away. With some pieces alteration could be the answer. Take photos of new combinations to remember. Make a shopping list with items that are missing from your closet so next time you go shopping you can buy pieces that you will actually wear. Remember: your wardrobe should be filled with clothes that you love and feel good wearing, flatter your body, suit your lifestyle and reflect your personality. This way you will save time, money and energy. Dressing will be fun and you will have your morning coffee feeling fabulous and confident each day. By Agnes Villanyi - Paper Doll Personal Styling Agnes is a professionally qualified stylist and personal shopper based in Melbourne. Her passion for being well dressed is matched by a genuine commitment to help others feel good about themselves. www.paperdollstyling.com.au
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MAMA of the month In a previous life, Jasmine Lenders was commissioned to create and foster Community for Government. These days, under the guise of her gorgeous new kid’s store Hello Willow, community has grown organically. People seek out Jas and her stocklist of Australian & NZ brands because they want to feel connected. A lady even came in whilst in labour, such is the welcoming vibe of the store! Hello Willow is much more than the pretty things inside, although they are more than enough reason to visit!
What was the highlight of your first year of business? One of the biggest highlights and best parts about having the shop so far has been the overwhelming support from the local community. We have met so many amazing people that are just as passionate about supporting local products and brands as we are. We are also surprised when we chat to our customers and find out they have travelled from Ferntree Gully, Altona, Essendon, Narre Warren or Shepparton to visit our store. It’s so humbling and exciting that people would want to travel that far to visit the store and find out more about us!! Let’s go back to the beginning, what inspired you to open Hello Willow? Prior to opening Hello Willow, I worked in a senior management role for the State Government. My background is in disability studies and community development, and it is something I am still very passionate about.
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and decided that Hello Willow would be about community and people and not just fashion! So, at Hello Willow we only stock Australian and New Zealand designers/brands and like supporting local Melbourne brands. We love getting to know our customers and being part of the broader Elwood community. How long did it take from idea to opening? It probably took me approximately 18 months from initial discussions with my hubby to opening the store. I did a lot of research, spoke to heaps of locals and business owners, and made sure I had all the brands that I loved and hoped my customers would love too. What unexpected things happened along the way that other aspiring mums in business might benefit from knowing? I have learnt from this experience that people are genuinely willing to help.
In 2013 the most precious thing in my life, my daughter Willow, was born. Whilst on maternity leave, my priorities absolutely changed. Climbing the corporate ladder was no longer important to me. I realised that if I was going to spend time away from my daughter, I wanted it to be doing something I loved and that made me happy.
I had never worked in retail or started my own business, so I really needed some advice from others that had. I contacted some retailers across Melbourne and Victoria that I thought ran beautiful stores and asked them for some advice. All of the businesswomen I approached were more than willing to assist. Each provided me with invaluable advice and industry tips about opening my store. It was amazing that everyone was so open to sharing information and guidance.
I have always loved fashion, interior decorating and colour, and had dreamed of opening my own store. I have an extremely supportive husband who encouraged me to pursue my dream and just go for it! I wanted to ensure my values were also incorporated into my venture
Business mentoring was fundamental in writing my business plan and I am so so grateful to these businesses and lovely women in particular. My advice is don’t be afraid to reach out to people and seek advice. You’ll be amazed!
With a shop full of gorgeous kids clothes brands and accessories and a store namesake… Willow must have one pretty killer wardrobe? Yes Willow has a pretty awesome wardrobe (so much better than mine). Funnily enough I struggle to choose what clothes to take home for Willow as I like everything!! Willow also has a ‘free spirited’ little personality and her own sense of style, which I just love, so already she is pretty determined about what she will wear!! You will regularly find her wearing her favorite ladybug emu boots and a knitted beanie with any outfit, even if it’s her bathers to go the beach! She’s got her own style that’s for sure. I’ve got an obsession for cool children’s leggings, and Willow has an obsession for shoes!! I think that’s a good combination. Where do you mainly source the brands you stock from? How do you find them? Sourcing Australian and New Zealand designers/ brands has been a bit of a challenge and I’ve worked really hard to find unique, quality brands that I personally love. I use Instagram predominantly to find new labels that I think fit with Hello Willow’s philosophy. I also love to take suggestions from my staff and our customers about brands they love and think would fit with Hello Willow. What’s the best part of your job? Most of my customers will know I love to chat (haha). Living in Elwood and also working in Elwood doing something I love, talking to great people about fashion…. It is just the best. What is your future vision for Hello Willow? My vision is to continue to support local designers/brands, and provide a great shopping experience for my customers. Early next year, I’m hoping to take Hello Willow online which will be a great extension to the store. Longer term, I’m not too sure yet. We’ve had an absolutely fantastic 6 months and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds for Hello Willow. Visit Hello Willow at 143 Ormond Rd Elwood
I shop I am therefore
By Kel from Little. Different.
While many ladies are busy frocking up for Flemington and trying to have a win this time of year, when it comes to affordable, interesting and eco friendly fashion, for me there is another clear winner - op shopping.
Top tips for op shopping for clothes:
My love affair with op shopping started as a cash-strapped teenager trying to make those meagre pay checks stretch further than rent and two minute noodles. But even now, on the other side of thirty and with the means to purchase noodles that take significantly longer to cook, the op shop is still my go to for clothes. It’s only gotten to be more fun since the arrival of my little ones who have enjoyed a rotating wardrobe of pre loved clothes of every style and shade imaginable.
Staff do a great job but have a lot to go through so double check before you buy.
Kids grow so fast and go hard on clothes so it makes sense to seek the most affordable option and it certainly gives them much more freedom to play if there is no one shouting out after them to take care of their new designer jeans. My daughter has been known to whip up a mean mud pie in what was likely to have been a flower girl’s dress, now that’s living the pre-school dream. Thankfully there is growing community awareness of over consumption and the great need to reduce, reuse and recycle and op shopping is a fantastic way to break to the consumer cycle. 26
1. Shop outside the season. People often do their clear outs at the end of the season so pop in and buy for next year. 2. Check clothes carefully for wear and stains.
3. Think ahead. You are not always going to find the perfect size but the little ones grow so buy some bigger sizes and put them away for later. 4. It’s not just clothes. You can also find great hats, sunglasses and accessories to complete their unique style. 5. Donate when you buy. Keep the system going by dropping off what you no longer need on your way in. Savers even reward you with a discount card for donating which is a win for everyone! Savers’ tag line is ‘Fight Boring!’ and I think that sums up the fun you can have. No one wants to be exactly like everyone else, so go find some awesome fashion treasures and feel good about saving a few bucks. Oh, and the planet.
MamaMag’s favourites in the Port Phillip area:
Vinnies, Port Melbourne
This store is a small boutique style store that offers high-end fashion and homewares, as well as some small furniture. 326 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
Mecwa Op Shop, Windsor
Still small enough to have that boutique feel but with gorgeous little merchandising touches. All funds raised go towards Mecwacare’s important work with the elderly and disabled. 52 Chapel Street, Windsor.
Sacred Heart Mission Sth Melb
One of our favourites to browse through on our distribution run! Fantastic range of designer clothes that fly out the door as quickly as they are unpacked! Recent scores have included a fabulous vintage birdcage, green boots and Country Road chunky knit. Great selection of books, art and furniture. 365 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne.
Sacred Heart Mission, Windsor
The largest of all of Sacred Hearts Shops – this outlet is bigger than big! Famed for the great selection of second hand furniture. The surrounding suburbs of Prahran, South Yarra and Toorak make for some great donations of pre-loved goods. 86/88 Chapel Street, Windsor.
Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda
Driving down Grey Street you’ll notice an alluring chair or piece of furniture to grab your attention and bring you back for a better look! The original, and still well-loved by op-shop die-hards, this Grey Street gem is housed in the grand 100-year-old Sacred Mission church hall. A store bursting with character, just like one would expect to find in this neighbourhood. Alternative and Retro clothing aplenty. Quintessential St Kilda shopping experience. 87a Grey Street, St Kilda.
Salvos, St Kilda
This store gets some of the best hats and facinators during spring racing season. It’s a massive store, so you can find almost anything that you need here. Including a number of random electric appliances that are hard to find at other op shops. 116 Carlisle Street, St Kilda.
Kel has a website and blog you’re going to love! Little. Different. is a parent and carer’s guide to arts, culture and quirk in Melbourne. We love all her gorgeous photos. Swing by and have a read www.littledifferentmelbourne.com and follow her on facebook at www.facebook. com/little.different.melbourne
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legal tips for parents Parenting: if only it came with a manual. Fortunately some things are relatively easy to understand and navigate, once you have the facts. Here are the most popular legal questions I am asked by parents: Can my underage child be sued? Yes. And you as their legal guardian would be responsible for organising their response to any lawsuit. Children can declare bankruptcy voluntarily, but can only be made bankrupt if there is an enforceable debt, which generally excludes most things beyond food, clothing and accommodation.
What should my child do if they are arrested? They must give their name and address to the police. It is an offence not to, and an offence to provide false information. They do not need to do or say anything beyond that, but contacting you is a good idea. If they are safe, your next call should be to a solicitor.
How do I protect my inventive/ creative child’s intellectual property? Protect their online assets: register their name URL, reserve their name on social media channels and you may even seek trade mark registration. Ensure their creative contributions are covered by legal agreements and protect their “moral rights” under copyright law, which include the right to attribution and the right not to be falsely attributed.
Can my child be photographed without my prior consent? Generally speaking: on private property, no. In a public place, yes (except for commercial or indecent purposes).
Can I sign legal documents on behalf of my grown up child? Yes, but they’ll need to give you a power of attorney first. This is a good idea to organise if they are buying a property and will be travelling overseas.
What should I do if my child makes offensive or defamatory comments on social media? Ensure they apologise and make amends as soon as possible, and delete the comments. Seeking legal advice or liaising with your school’s principal may be appropriate.
What advice do you have for my child who wants to buy their first car / TV / computer / mobile phone? Don’t sign anything unless you’ve had at least 24 hours to read everything and seek independent advice. Get it in writing or you can’t rely on it. Look into the seller and verify their bona fides. You will always have a twelve month warranty under consumer law: if it doesn’t work, they must fix it, give you a replacement or a refund.
Note: the above is general information and should not be considered as legal advice. Kate Ashmor runs her own law firm in Caulfield, Ashmor Legal, focusing on conveyancing, wills, powers of attorney, trade marks and website legals. She’s the immediate past president of Australian Women Lawyers and the mum of an active pre-schooler! www.ashmorlegal.com.au
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Educational kids toys & gifts for ages 0-5 Hair cuts for kids, men & women Color & cuts with 25yrs experience The Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen award winning hand made chocolates
91 Glenhuntly Rd Elwood Phone 9531 4886 Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!
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tinker and who? Kid’s fashion has become big business, with Instagram setting the style inspiration for little fashionistas who love to play dress up. With so many gorgeous and growing labels out there, it’s nice to discover a wonderful local label producing beautiful and high quality fashion for little ladies. We chat to, Danny Harmer, one half of the duo behind Tinker and Boo. What’s the story behind your label? We set up the business as two friends with very different career backgrounds – one in fashion and one in IT! “Tinker” has designed womenswear for many years and her interest turned to children’s clothing after friends started to have kids. With “Tinker’s” design background the label came to life and with “Boo’s” (that’s me!) IT background the online strategy for the business was developed.
Where does the name Tinker & Boo come from? We have both grown up with these nicknames given to us by our friends and when we were brainstorming the label’s name it just seemed perfect and very “us”.
Who are the faces behind the brand? You can meet me “Boo” otherwise known as Danny in our in shop …pop by and say hello next time you are passing!
What is the inspiration behind your designs? Our designs are inspired by our love of retro silhouettes of eras such as the 1950’s and 60’s. We apply these influences to our designs but use a clash of print, colour and texture to create a contemporary look perfect for the modern little lady.
How would you describe the style and aesthetic of your label? Our style is modern retro with our staple pieces inspired by 1950’s prom queens and ‘60s mod girls - think full twirly dresses and retro shifts in modern fabrications. We can be identified by 30
our use of eclectic colour combinations, playful prints and textures.
What makes Tinker and Boo unique? What attributes set you apart from your competition? We felt there was a niche for girls clothing that was a bit more dressed up than what most brands offer. There is a lot of great kids brands out in the marketplace – both established and new, but mostly offering casual every day pieces. We wanted to make girls clothing that you wouldn’t want your child to grow out of and that memories are made in. Or as we are realising now, offer clothing that you actually would want to wear yourself! Mums have often commented that they would love one of our dresses in their size!!
Tell us about the sourcing of materials process, and manufacturing... We design the product ourselves here in Melbourne and develop and source our own fabrics and prints. We produce the garments in our own boutique factory overseas so we can closely monitor the production process and ensure everything is made ethically and meets our quality standards.
Where can we find your clothes? We sell our range on our website www.tinkerandboo.com and up until the New Year we have our pop up boutique in Elwood. Next year we will be stocking in a few boutiques in London too so that’s exciting! We are currently looking for stockists in Australia to carry our brand so keep an eye out in your local boutiques. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all our latest news.
What has the response been from the market? Local community? We’ve have a really positive reaction from everyone who has seen the brand. Especially from those who have popped into the boutique, they all can’t believe the quality of the product for the retail price. That was really important to us when setting up – that we didn’t compromise on quality and equally didn’t charge a fortune for the clothing as kids clothing needs to be affordable. Also we have just won a prestigious award in the UK from Junior kidswear magazine for “Best Emerging Brand 2015” which is very exciting.
How do you feel seeing children wearing your designs? It is such a great feeling, seeing a child try something on and fall in love with it is a special thing. To see the look on the child’s face is why we love what we do.
What has been the biggest challenge in launching the brand to date? Creating brand awareness is a major challenge. You can have great product but if nobody knows you exist then you don’t survive! As we started as an online business it’s hard to get customers to know you exist. This is one of the reasons we decided to open the pop up shop – to create brand awareness and show customers the quality of our goods in both fabric and manufacture. Whilst selling online is great this is the one thing customers cannot get a feel of from a photograph.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Tinker and Boo? We like to dream big and would love for Tinker and Boo to become a brand that mums and kids alike want to shop with. We have dreams of expanding into “Baby Boo” for babywear and “Little Boy Boo” for boyswear and growing our homeware range for kids. Find Tinker & Boo: www.tinkerandboo.com Pop Up Boutique: Elwood 19a Ormond Road
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mama can Cook! Healthy Chocolate Crackle Slice Serves: 10 | Prep: 10 min | Cool: 2 hours
Method:
Ingredients:
Melt the Sweet William chocolate in a heatproof bowl over boiling water. Once melted, add the rice malt syrup and tahini, stirring to combine.
1 Sweet Willam I’m Sweet Enough No Added Sugar Dark Velvet 50g bar ¼ cup rice malt syrup ¼ hulled tahini 4 thick brown rice cakes ¾ cup desiccated coconut This Sweet William dark chocolate is a great, dairy-free alternative to traditional chocolate. It’s 70% cocoa and is sweetened slightly with stevia rather than the refined white sugar found in traditional bars. Pick it up in the health food aisle of your local Coles supermarket or a good food store.
A healthy alternative to a favourite party snack from Stacey Clare - A Healthy Mum www.staceyclare.com
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Meanwhile, crumble the rice cakes into small pieces with your hand. Stir the rice cakes and coconut through the melted chocolate mixture. Press the mixture into a lined container (mine is a pyrex that is 20cm x 12cm) ensuring it’s well compacted. Allow it to harden in the fridge for 2 hours before cutting. Serving Suggestion: This slice takes all the hard work out of making chocolate crackles. It’s a great slice to make in bulk and store in the freezer so you can easily add it to the kids’ lunchboxes.
This is an awesome treat to get the kids involved in making. It comes from the team at babybistro.com.au
Banana Choc Muffins Makes: 14 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 18 min Ingredients: 100g macadamia oil 2 eggs 120ml milk of your choice 3 bananas peeled 80g rapadura sugar 350g wholemeal spelt flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bi carb soda 1 tsp ground nutmeg 100g choc bits Method: Pre heat your conventional oven to 190 degrees. In a mixing bowl bring together the oil, eggs, milk and banana (the banana will self-mash as it is stirred in). 33
Hand over to small Sous Chef for customary sharing of the stirring. When the bowl is returned to you, actually blend the ingredients together whilst simultaneously complimenting Sous Chefs on the fantastic job they did. Add dry ingredients to the bowl - sugar, flour, baking powder, bi carb and nutmeg and blend until mixed well. Attempt half-heartedly to convince Sous Chefs that further stirring is not really needed, then hand over the bowl and allow all present Sous Chefs to stir. Allow little fingers to sprinkle choc bits to the bowl, then give it a good final stir. Spoon into muffin cups and bake for 18 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. (Avoid trying to convince yourself the skewer is clean when it isn’t because you want to eat them sooner. Cooked muffins are worth the wait – trust me). Allow to cool and enjoy. 33
Colour Pop Lotte Pop! When Port Phillip editor Kirsty has an excuse for a party, there is no holding her back. And what better excuse than her daughter Lotte’s 3rd birthday. “As a self-confessed wannabe-party-stylist, I tend to get a little over-excited leading into b’day season. I love taking inspiration from Instagram. I love sourcing local suppliers – all used were Melbourne based – and connecting with wonderful passionate vendors. Decorations: Poppies for Grace: Honeycomb Tissue Balls styled into chandelier, confetti & balloons, “3” and “LOTTE” foil balloons and “Yay” cake topper. Naughts & Crosses (Elwood): Unicorn wall hanging – Scandi Chic. Flowers: Mary Mary Studio: 2 X “Little jar of happiness” & baby breath flower crown for birthday girl. Store bought poppies, scattered throughout in small glass jars and cut for the girls to wear in their hair. Cake & Cupcakes: Sparkles & Frosting, Kellie Mullins (Brighton). “I knew Kellie could do amazing cakes, however my brief was simple, neutral and understated as I had so much other colour going on. She nailed it!”
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Party favour: Custom bamboo names used as table place setting from Arlo & Co. “I wanted an alternative to traditional lolly bags. I also put together a little jar of happiness for the kids – with some treasures like a gem ring, gold bead necklace and glitter!”
Mama’s hot tip: I hired someone to help keep the flow of the day. They handled food prep and cleaning up as the day progressed. For the first time I felt relaxed and little stress while hosting! Best decision ever. Thanks to the good folk of the Bayside Community Hub Facebook page who answered my call for help. The party had such good chilled vibes! I also set up lots for the kids to do, a few picnic areas with cushions and rugs, teepee, Lotte’s lemonade stand with a mini photo booth, cricket and bocce area and a craft corner which was a huge hit! Kids don’t need much, just something to stimulate their wonderful imaginations…icecream sticks and glitter stickers are gold! 35
battery safety It has been indicated that four children a week in Australian present with battery ingestions The adventure of becoming a parent can be daunting at times, and throughout this journey we learn many things along the way. One of the biggest issues we face is how do we keep our child safe. Although we can never completely eradicate all the dangers our child may face, we can certainly minimise the risk of harm and also be prepared to know what to do in an emergency. One of the issues I would like to raise in this particular article is the dangers around batteries. We live in a day and age where we are surrounded by technology and many of the items in our house require batteries. Some of the things just to name a few are - toys, greeting cards, garage remotes and television remotes. Alongside these items presenting as a choking risk one of the biggest concerns is the actual digestion of coin sized batteries! It has been indicated that four children a week in Australian present with battery ingestions and most commonly this is for children under the age of 5. The main concern with battery ingestion is that once it has become obstructed a chemical reaction between body fluids and the battery will occur, which results in burns in the soft tissues of the body. This reaction takes as little as 1-2 hours to occur. Another concerning factor and presenting danger is that batteries we consider to be “dead” can still have the same reaction and cause the same amount of harm. The worrying part of the ingestion of batteries is that after the ingestion of a battery this may not become known for a long period of time and the consequences of the chemical reaction are very rapid. The reason that this can go un-noticed is due to the scary fact that the signs and symptoms are often also related to the common cold. Some signs and symptoms are: drooling, coughing, discomfort and pain. 36
The result of ingesting a battery can be extremely severe and the after effects can be long term and chronic health implications that can arise even after removal. The chemical reaction can burn a hole right through the oesophagus right through to the trachea (windpipe), ultimately effecting your child’s ability to eat and drink for a period of time. Although nothing replaces the importance of attending a first aid class, if you are concerned that your child has ingested a battery please follow these first aid steps: • Seek urgent medical attention • Seek advice from the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 • Do not induce vomiting • Do not give drinks or food
In order to reduce the risk for a child to ingest a coin sized battery it is essential that we are aware of the dangers and put measures in place to reduce this risk. This includes ensuring that items that have batteries are out of reach and that we recognise that old batteries produce the same risk, and therefore should be disposed safely. Creating awareness about the presenting dangers in our household is essential to carers gaining the right knowledge and preventing these horrific encounters. A big thanks to ‘The Battery Controlled Campaign” produced by Energiser, Kidsafe and ACCC for your resources and knowledge! For more information please visit: www.thebatterycontrolled.com.au www.batteryrecycling.com.au www.kidsafe.com.au By Nataly Tormey - wonderwomanchildren.com 36
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monochrome madness Hi, I’m Ali the founder of the ladies online clothing boutique Feather & Noise, and a local Melbourne Mother of two girls. Join me for my top 5 ‘Monochrome madness’ looks for Summer. I love all things timeless, effortless, stylish & black + white!
Easy wearing tees
Jeans that fit
We’d be lying as mothers if we didn’t wake up most days needing [the obvious caffeine hit] but more importantly a selection of great, basic, flattering, comfortable, easy wearing tees! Once you own one, you come back for another… and another! A great tee will take you from park hopping with the kids to your Yoga class. My hot tip is keep a black one [that you don’t wear everyday] aside for drinks with the girls or for date night to tuck into your high waisted jeans with heels for that effortless [but totally styled] urban chic sense of style.
Jeans with a great fit that flatter your body are a must have. High waisted jeans are so comfy and perfect for all the necessary bending with a new born or perfect for chasing busy toddlers.
Something spotty
IRIS SPOT SHIRT $49.00
Every wardrobe needs something spotty! This season we are completely spot-crazy! A great monochrome shirt is a timeless piece that you’ll forever receive complements on. And button up shirts are perfect for our breastfeeding mothers who are looking for both practicality without compromising on style.
Maxi skirts Elastic waist, maxi length, POCKETS! Need we say more! We all know how fabulous a maxi skirt can be for busy mamas. I mean I personally know that when I dive in the shower at the end of the day once the kids are in bed, toys are packed away & dishes are done, then if I have the choice between catching a few extra ZZZZ’s OR shaving my legs, well … er … it’s shower & sleep I choose every time! So YES trust me you need a maxi this summer. Think Christmas parties, your Mother’s group drinks, work parties, OR why not team back with a casual white tee tucked in for day-time coffee and baby chino dates with the kids! Nothing beats the breeziness of a free flowing maxi skirt!
Classic stripe tanks How could we not finish off our top 5 monochrome madness picks with out a classic stripe tank. A wide tank shape is exceptionally flattering to cover any style bra straps. A great tank really can take you from day to night, [or as Summer arrives beach to bar!] All these great clothes are available online at Feather and Noise who bring stylish and affordable trends with busy mums in mind. www.featherandnoise.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/featherandnoise Instagram: @featherandnoise
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MANHATTAN TEES $39.00
COCO JEAN $69.00
SIENNA SKIRT $69.00
LULU TANK $39.00
separated? not sure what to do next? The end of a marriage or de facto relationship is one of the most difficult periods in a person’s life. It is not unusual to feel anxious and overwhelmed. It is a time when you need support and guidance. Each relationship breakdown is different, and there are different factors to consider when separating. Here I have given you eleven tips to assist you when separating. There may also be other relevant factors to be addressed in your particular circumstances.
1. Consider the care arrangements for your children. Family dispute resolution can help if it is difficult for you to speak to your spouse/partner direct. Tips received from an experienced family lawyer with a conciliatory approach may be helpful. Remember that how parents handle a separation can impact children. Consider this when speaking to or about your spouse/partner in front of your children.
2. If there has been family violence (the definition of which is not limited to physical violence), seek an intervention order. 3. Look after yourself. Get the support that you need. People often engage the services of a psychologist or family therapist to help them get through this time. Friends are great, but sometimes it helps to speak to someone independent. Exercise – endorphins are a great thing! Rest and be kind to yourself.
4. Contact the Child Support Agency and/or view their website (http://www.humanservices. gov.au/customer/dhs/child-support) to find out about child support. Notify Centrelink about the change in your relationship status. This may determine whether you are entitled to any payments. 40
5. Change your passwords for all bank accounts and financial institutions, email addresses, and social media.
6. Review your Will and your Power of Attorney as well as checking your superannuation, insurance and other death benefit nominations.
7. Ensure that all of your financial documents and any other important documents have been put away for safe keeping.
8. Review your transactions for all joint accounts and loans you have with any financial or banking institutions to ensure that there have not been any large withdrawals of funds. Notify your bank or financial institution in writing that you and your spouse/partner have separated and that there are to be joint signatures for any withdrawal or redraws of funds. Alternatively, contact the bank/financial institution and notify them in writing that you do not agree to funds being withdrawn from any joint bank accounts and/or redrawn from any joint loans.
9. If you own property with your spouse/ partner and it is held in joint names as joint proprietors, consider whether you wish to sever the joint tenancy. Joint proprietors/joint tenants means that if one owner predeceases the other, the surviving owner will retain the whole of the property – it will not form part of their estate to be distributed in accordance with their Will.
10. Arrange title searches. If there are any properties held in your spouse/partner’s sole name, and you have concerns that he/she may dispose of the property, lodge a caveat.
11. Seek advice from an experienced family lawyer.
It is important to surround yourself with people who can support and guide you. Remember that every separation is different. What happened to your friend and/or neighbour, or the way they worked out issues, may not be relevant to your circumstances. Friends are an important source of support. However, it is also important that you receive assistance from suitably qualified professionals who can impartially assist you.
By Lucy Padula – LP Family Law www.lpfamilylaw.com.au This article is not an alternative to obtaining independent legal advice and does not constitute independent legal advice. Similarly attendance at information sessions does not constitute independent legal advice, nor does it constitute a solicitor-client relationship.
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ADVERTISE HERE MamaMag is a FREE monthly magazine for mums! Advertise your business, event or service in MamaMag and target up to 15,000 local mums and families every month! Port Phillip MamaMag is distributed in over 250 local locations including maternal health centres, kindergartens, childcare centres, play centres, libraries, toy libraries, popular cafes, health centres, gyms, supermarkets and many other local hot spots where you find mums. It’s an awesomely targeting local publication and perfect for gaining exposure locally. Plus we have excellent advertising rates too!
For advertising enquiries visit www.mamamag.com.au or call Kate Thompson: Phone 0423 317 449 Email: kate@mamamag.com.au 43Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!
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Spend a whole day with zoologist Chris Humfrey from ABC’s hit series “Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life!” Work as his very own private zoo, and learn from Chris himself! Get up close and personal with over 2000 animals! Discover what drives Chris to work with animals. Who knows your child could follow in his footsteps! This is an exceptional hands-on experience, which is offered nowhere else. Chris has personally designed this exclusive program. Stricly limited numbers of children will ensure that your child will get the WILD experience which they CRAVE! Chris’ zoo is nestled in the foothills of Mount Macedon. It’s an easy 50 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
GREAT GIFT IDEA!
Bookings and Enquiries www.wildaction.com.au Phone 0419 385 245