Busy Mums Magazine July Edition by MumsDelivery

Busy Mums Mag

Volume 6 July 2015

Understanding & Managing Food Allergies

Ellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bedroom Makeover

Fussy Eater or Foodie in the Making?

Family Pet Special

Editors Note

When MumsDelivery started back in 2009 I never thought it would grow to become such a comprehensive website and that I in turn would become an editor of a Magazine. While the journey of being a working mum and running my own business has not been easy I love what I do. I love what I have created and most of all I love the bonds and connections this website and magazine gives me to other mums in their journey through Motherhood. I am proud to enjoy the good and bad moments with you and THANK YOU deeply for your support in viewing and support MumsDelivery and the Busy Mums Magazine. Please continue along this journey with us and tell us on any topics you want us to cover. We aim to provide Solutions for Busy Mums, so please help provide solutions for other mums by joining the discussion or tell us what you need a solution to. Wishing you a happy and healthy month! Lorraine P.S. We would love you to let us know what you think of the magazine, what you would like to see in future editions and encourage you to contact us with your stories.

Would you like to become a contributor for Busy Mums Magazine? We are always on the look out for stories and mums wanting to share their experiences & tips Stay Connected

Get in touch: Editor: info@mumsdelivery.com.au Advertising Enquiries: lorraine@mumsdelivery.com.au Office: (02) 9940 3097 2

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Table of Contents Baby

Fussy Eater or Foodie in the Making? Tips for Fussy Eaters Fussy Eater Recipe Suggestions Cool Finds Reviewed

Parenting

Benefits of Pets Advice for choosing family friendly pets Best Pets for Kids Arts & Crafts: Helping your child developmentally and academically Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

Food Allergy vs. Intolerance Tips on managing Food Allergies & Intolerance Products/Services for people with Allergies/ Intolerance True Stories Is your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet affecting their behaviour? Simple Family Salads Reviewed Mums Cooking Challenge: Curries

Lifestyle

Ellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bedroom Makeover 6 Simple Bedroom Makeover Tips Reviewed

Other Latest Books Competitions New DVD Releases New and Noteworty

Baby

Fussy Eater or Foodie in

Keep Your Child On Track To Become A Lifetime Food Lover “I don’t want it!” “Eeerrrgggghhh!” “This is yukky, it has brown bits on.” “Muuum – I’m hungry...” If your dinnertime conversation is like mine, these exclamations might be all too familiar. I guess he’s a fussy eater, you sigh, dumping the healthy, balanced meal you lovingly prepared and serving yet another Spaghetti Bolognese. But are you interpreting their reaction correctly? Perhaps they just trying to express their thoughts on food the only way they can? Let’s think about how adults talk when they’re thinking about food. We might say, “I don’t really feel like steak tonight, I’d rather have something light.” “This looks weird; are we supposed to eat that garnish?” “That looks overcooked, maybe I’ll send it back.” Consider the fact that “Eeuurrggh!” and “I don’t like that brown bit” might be your child’s way of saying the same thing, only in words and concepts that they understand?

You may be surprised how often, after one try, they will voluntarily go back for more.

2. Never Assume “Yukky” means “Yukky.” Until children have the vocabulary and some If the problem food is new, or has only been experience of control over what they can offered a few times, they may simple be unsure. eat, they cannot be expected to clarify their Perhaps they don’t feel like it today, perhaps they thoughts or make good decisions about don’t like the colour today. Perhaps they have trying new things. We have to help them. forgotten what it tastes like. Apply rule one and Here are some tips to help you create move on. confident eaters and little experimental foodies: If the food has been offered many times and is continually rejected, try offering it in a new way 1. The “Always Try It” Rule. or with an accompanying dipping sauce (try to Whenever you introduce a new food or a avoid sugary tomato sauce but go for a vegetable familiar food cooked a different way, never dip or healthy mayo or soup). Apply rule one to make it the main part of the meal. Have an the rebranded food. ironclad rule that your child must at least try one bite, even if it’s a tiny bite, or simply a Nobody likes everything, and you may find that lick and a sniff. Then say no more about it, some particular foods are simply not to your but allow them to eat their meal and leave child’s taste. But most foods should be – one or the newcomer on the plate. two exceptions are acceptable but think about

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

the Making? your own tastes. Of the food you encounter regularly, how many do you really dislike? Personally I can think of only three: lemons, pineapple and eggplant. Everything else is fair game – if not a favourite, then certainly unobjectionable. Don’t allow their “Most Hated” list to grow any longer than yours. 3. Involve Your Children ...in every aspect of food preparation, from shopping and choosing from the fruit barrel to preparing and cooking. Allow your child to fill their own plate, or ask them how many peas they want and respect their answer. They will be more likely to eat if they have control over what they get. 4. Never Insist on Finishing You determine what’s on the menu and when it’s served. Let them determine how much they eat. If they eat nothing, don’t give in to the “I’m hungry” whining. They can eat again at the next mealtime. They made a choice to be hungry by not eating at the designated time – tell them so. Don’t engage beyond that. It will keep you from nagging and it will teach them about consequences. Rest assured: children really will eat when they’re hungry enough. You are not being a bad parent!

Baby milkshake when you go out, great! There’s nothing wrong with occasional treats. Talk about treats as if they are unexceptional, and that is exactly what they will become, rather than something to be craved. Written by Emily Morgan. Emily is a consultant to business, schools and parents. She helps parents understand the information that science and expert opinions throw out there on various parenting topics, to help them make the best decisions they can. She helps businesses understand the value of their parent workforce and parent customers and helps them to make their businesses more parent-friendly. She also works with schools to improve parent-school relationships. Her website is www.emilymmorgan.com

5. Watch Your Language Talk about “yummy green grapes” as you eat them; never say that a colour is yukky or loudly disparage a particular food. Talk about food being healthy for your mouth, your tummy, your head and so on, so that your kids feel they are doing a good thing when they eat. 6. Never Use Food As A Reward Talk about healthy versus unhealthy foods and how we can eat unhealthy foods sometimes if we’re usually healthy. If you have a tradition of ordering a chocolate

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Baby

Avoiding Fussy Eaters

I am a somewhat fussy eater. I was a very fussy eater and slowly as an adult I am coming around. My duties as a mum and the sheer determination of my husband not to have fussy children, has meant that I have started eating a greater variety of food. My children on the other hand are great eaters - there is very little they will not eat or try. Here are some of the practical philosophies we follow when it comes to getting our children to try new foods.

Lead by example. How can you expect your child to try/eat something if you don’t? Now this was interesting for me – so if it was something I didn’t eat, my husband was at the table to introduce the food to the children and eat it with them. As they get older they get smarter (hence the reason I am trying so many more foods) If you want to introduce a food to your child, it is easier to get them interested, involved in the food if you too are eating (and liking) the same meal. One family, one meal. In our house you either eat dinner or you go hungry – no matter the age. We all eat dinner together and there is only one meal option. Ultimately the children tend to eat something from the menu and we do not force them to eat everything. Having the same policy for everyone also reduced the likelihood that one child’s behaviour will impact the eating habits of your other children. If your children feel that the fussy child is getting special treatment – why would or should they keep trying new things when the fussy eater doesn’t need to or gets special meals?

Practical Tips from 2 Mums At least one try. They have to try it and a good try. 1-2 even 3 mouthfuls to see what they think of it. If they really don’t like it they can eat something else that is part of the meal and already on the table (plain rice, bread, salad, etc). Some of the tactics we use when we get complaints about trying the food: We remind them that they have tried and liked it before. We say that it is cooked differently so they might like it better this time. If they want to eat more meat or food they like they have to at least have some of the food they are avoiding.

Keep offering it to them. It is said that repeated exposure (up to 8 times) is required to get your taste buds used to the taste of the food in order to make a decision on it; so keep offering it to them – after 5-6 times they may decide they love it. It is also important to understand that children will refuse food for many reasons – they make not like the look or taste of it, the feel of it or even perhaps they simply don’t feel like it that day. Different cooking options. By repeatedly offering it to them in a range of formats you may find they like one variety (e.g. Roast mushrooms) and not another (raw mushrooms). This way you can get them to gain the health benefits from a certain vegetable without having to fight them to eat it. Growing your own veggies is another great tactic at getting your children to try to eat them. When we mention that it is the Snow Pea or Capsicum from the garden the kids are willing to try it as they grew it. Read the full article, written by Lorraine Salvi here

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Fussy eaters

Baby

You may have one, know one or maybe you were one.

I have (or had) a fussy eater. I used to feel like a failure but soon discovered that fussy eating is a normal part of childhood and can actually be seen as part of a child’s development.

I am mum to 2 gorgeous boys and both were brought up in completely the same way. The older one loves his food and eats everything (except cheese but that is another story) and the younger (now 8 y.o.) was so fussy. If possible, he would have eaten pasta for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So to avoid the inevitable tantrum Other tips I learnt along the way: • Continue to serve up vegies and foods that every meal when it wasn’t pasta, we dedicated one the kids apparently don’t like. Just don’t offer night a week to pasta. it every night. Mix it up and one day they will like them. My husband and I are lovers of food and it was • Praise when they try new food. I often used to initially really hard for me to comprehend his say to my fussy eater, “I’m so glad you’re not aversion to such delicious food. I had a number of missing out on this delicious food anymore.” tactics to bring him into the fold. • We have one major rule when it comes to food, you must try it. And we never describe • As he got older I taught him to be capable in the food as yuk! Now the kids are older, they have kitchen. I taught him how to use a knife safely. to say why they don’t like it. It makes them He feels so grown up and loves to help make seriously think about what it is that they don’t dinner and because he made the meal, he feels like and sometimes helps them to realise it is compelled to eat it. Through this process he has not a particular food but the combination of found a passion for food. that food with something else. • I also taught him how to make all the dressings for the salads and now that is his job. He does all • Just because they don’t like cheese in a sandwich, doesn’t mean that they don’t like the taste testing with really grown up suggestions melted cheese, or feta cheese instead of for flavour enhancement. cheddar. Don’t let one sweeping statement • No matter what my kids want to taste, I let them. dictate your meals. And if they do make the So if it’s a chilli he wants, that’s OK. I describe statement “I don’t like cheese” remind them the flavour but never say you won’t like that. If that it is just that one particular way they they insist on trying it, I let them with the result don’t like cheese, and remind them how they declared as ‘yum’, often purely out of pride with do like. watering eyes grabbing the nearest drink. • Cook meals to please the whole family. Tweak • Finally, I seek his advice on the flavours for it slightly to adjust to individual tastes (maybe our meals. I actually wrote a cookbook. I don’t add chopped chilli to your plate) but don’t suggest everyone do this, but I always seek make the mistake of ‘dumbing down’ your his advice on the flavours in the recipes. Again, delicious meals because of the kids. It widens feeling needed he tucks in straight away, and their variety and their palate to eat with you usually ends up loving it. He gives my meals and is also good for them to see you enjoy the a rating out of 10 and provides very helpful food and the flavours. recommendations as to what it may need. (I hope he doesn’t do this with his wife when he is older- she may not appreciate it like I do).

Read the full article here, written by Jodie Blight here

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Baby

Fussy Eater Recipe Suggestions

Falafel Preparation time: 10 minutes (excluding chickpea soaking time overnight) Cooking time: 5 minutes Ingredients 1 cup McKenzie’s chickpeas ½ cup (115g) burghul 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3 heaped tbs fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp McKenzie’s Baking Powder ¼ cup plain flour 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp chilli powder 4 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp McKenzies Sea Salt Grinder McKenzies Whole Black Peppercorn Grinder, to taste Oil, for deep frying Method 1. Soak chickpeas in 3 cups of water overnight. Drain. 2. Soak burghul in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and drain well. 3. Process chickpeas, burghul, garlic and parsley in a food processor to a coarse paste consistency. 4. Blend in baking powder, flour, coriander, cumin, chilli powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Moisten hands, shape mixture into walnut sized balls. 5. Place on a tray and leave aside for 30 minutes. 6. Deep fry 6-7 balls at a time in hot oil, cooking for approximately 5 minutes, until golden brown. Turn to brown evenly. 7. Drain on paper towel and serve. Makes: approximately 25 balls

Vegetable Quinoa Bites

Ingredients 2 cups McKenzie’s White Quinoa, cooked 1 cup mashed pumpkin 1 small zucchini, grated 1 small carrot, grated 2 tbs corn kernels ¼ cup wholemeal flour 150g feta, crumbled 1 large egg McKenzie’s Salt And Pepper Grinder, to taste Method 1. Mix all ingredients together. Shape into bite-size balls. 2. Bake at 180C for 30-45 minutes or until cooked through and starting to turn golden. Serves: 40. Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Baby

Energy Balls Ingredients ½ c McKenzies Chickpeas 3 tbs honey or maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 c raw mixed nuts (ie almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts) 1 c McKenzies Natural Whole Oats ½ c McKenzies shredded coconut 1 tsp McKenzies cinnamon powder 1/3 c dried cranberries 2 tbs raisins 2 tbs dried apple, diced finely

Hummus Ingredients 375g McKenzies Chick Peas 2 tbs garlic, crushed (approx 8 cloves) 1 tsp McKenzies paprika 2 tbs tahini ½ tsp ground cumin 4 tbs olive oil 4 tbs lemon juice McKenzies Whole Black Peppercorn Grinder, to taste Method 1. Prepare chick peas as per instructions on pack. Drain well. 2. Puree chick peas in a blender or food processor. Add remaining ingredients (except pepper) and blend together. Slowly add ¾ - 1 c water until a smooth creamy consistency is reached to your liking. 3. Season with pepper to taste. Makes: approximately 5 cups Preparation time: 45 minutes or overnight soaking + 30 minutes (depending on chosen preparation method for chick peas) Cooking time: 15 minutes Tips: Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. A great after school snack served with fresh carrot, celery and red capsicum sticks.

Method 1. Prepare chickpeas by cooking in 1 ½ c water until well cooked (approx 1 – 1½ hrs). 2. Meanwhile, put the nuts and oats into the food processor and blend until coarse. 3. Place nut mix into a large bowl and add coconut, cinnamon and dried fruits and mix thoroughly. 4. Place warm chickpeas into the food processor with 2 tbs water, honey and vanilla and puree to a smooth paste. 5. Spoon chickpea mix into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Mixture should combine to form balls easily. 6. Roll mixture into balls approximately the size of a walnut. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Makes: Approx 30-35 balls Preparation time: 1 hour 45 minutes Tips: These balls are a nutritious snack for kids and adults alike! So many flavour combinations could be used.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Cool finds Birds Eye 'Li'l Fishies' which are a fun, fish shaped food will help parents' disguise vegetables to ensure their fussy little eaters have a nutritious diet. They are coated in a delicious wholemeal crumb with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and are available in two delicious varieties: Hoki Fish & Potato and Hoki Fish & Hidden Veggies. Available now from your local supermarket

Fast and Fresh Baby Food 120 Ridiculously Simple and Naturally Wholesome Baby Food Recipes You can’t keep up with the laundry. You can’t fit into anything but yoga pants. You can’t make your baby sleep through the night.

But you can make easy, wholesome, and delicious food for your baby in minutes. Fortunately, the nutritional needs of babies are very simple. This accessible yet comprehensive book has new parents covered. Fast and Fresh Baby Food is available July 1 from www.exislepublishing.com.au and wherever good books are sold. RRP $24.99. Win a copy! GAIA Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion A multipurpose cream for newborns, babies and toddlers to calm, soothe and protect. It provides a barrier on little bottoms and other areas keeping them soft and smooth. Perfect for soothing dribble rash, little red cheeks exposed to windy conditions and little noses after excessive nose blowing/wiping it may be used on eczema, irritations such as mosquito bites and nappy rash. Keep in the fridge for a cooling after sun treat. 100ml RRP$9.99

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Reviewed What is better than a story with your own name and the names of your friends as characters?! When you are 5 not much apparently… That’s why my son loves his My Very Own Story: Too Many Monsters. See the complete review of this personalised book here

The Cocoon is a leak proof, spill proof drink bottle which is vacuum insulated, BPA free, easy to use and clean and looks amazing. ecococoon tells me that it will keep a drink cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. Read the review and see the tests in our video

Boon Bubbles Boon presents the never popping bubbles! Boon Bubbles are easy to use bath bubbles that never pop! With 10 fun bubbles in each package, the range of sizes and colours included make bath time a joy. Read the review

DISNEY INSIDE OUT TOYS TOMY has launched a range of Disney Inside Out toys. The Inside Out toys offer a great advantage for children and parents. With the movie unearthing and helping children better understand their emotions and inner thoughts; the Inside Out toys can be utilised by children and encouraged by parents as a tool to help express their feelings.

Pippin the Push Along Pup – Lamaze Toys I was on the hunt for some new toys for my 6 month old as she had suddenly grown out of all her baby toys and they just weren’t cutting it! When I saw the Lamaze Pippin the Push Along Pup’s happy face and colourful coat, I knew that this toy had potential. Read the full review

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Parenting

Benefits of pets for children and families.

It has long been recognised that children who are raised with pets as part of the family experience a wide range of benefits. With over 80% of children in Australia having a pet at some time in their childhood, children experience physical and mental health benefits, improved social skills and develop responsibilities. More than that pets provide a sense of enjoyment with the emotional centre developing with the establishment of the child-pet relationship. Pet relationships can be equally as important as human relationships for comfort, esteem, support and confidence

Children that have a relationship with a pet show increased:

• Caring attitudes towards others including establishing sharing behaviours. • Responsibility with the establishment of chores around caring for the pet, provides skills to be transferred into adulthood. (Although they may forget them for a while as teenagers). • More settled behaviour when distressed and subsequently comforted by the pet. All of us that have had dogs as children, have sat on the back step and told puppy how awful and unfair our parents are. • Improved communication and social skills • Higher Self-esteem • Empathy • Are more likely to be physically active, and less likely to be overweight or obese • Children with pets have fewer allergies, and overall improved general health with fewer visits to the doctors • Children with Behavioural, Developmental and Social difficulties have shown improved mental and emotional development when the family owns a pet. • Numerous therapies for children and adults with physical and mental health benefits have been well established, particularly Hospital Therapy pets. Research shows that families with a pet: • Have increased levels of interaction with both the pet and each other • Are generally more active and have decreased rates of family obesity While we recognise that there are benefits, there are also risks in owning pets for children. Pets should have a safe space to retreat to when they need a break from the children. Toddlers learn by watching and staring and are often at face height with a dog. Dogs find this terribly intimidating and may respond by snapping which unfortunately leads to facial injuries for the child. Never leave small children and dogs alone no matter how well behaved you think your dog or child is. Lastly there are a few illnesses that children and pets can share. Ringworm (a fungal skin infection), intestinal worms and fleas are the main problems we see families and pets sharing in common. Good parasite control programs in your pets will help avoid these problems. Written by Dr Karen Davies at Direct Vet Services directvetservices@bigpond.com

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Parenting

Advice on choosing family friendly pets

The first thing to consider when choosing a new pet is what type of animal is best suited to your family. Dogs generally will require a family that has time to exercise them, cats although more independent, will still require attention but less in the way of outings! Pocket pets such as Rabbits and guinea pigs are popular with small children and although reasonably affordable to purchase they too will need veterinary care, housing and daily cleaning and attention to keep them sociable and happy. It’s important to do your research to find out roughly what things cost. Some costs to consider include how much is a veterinary consult in your area, vaccination, desexing and good quality nutrition?

As a general rule – the larger the pet the more expensive it is As a general rule – the larger the pet the more expensive it is for feeding and veterinary care. Pets that have long fur may also incur regular grooming fees. With any pet, veterinary treatment for general wellbeing and health care is a must and for those unexpected emergencies pet insurance is also worth considering. If you are the holidaying type or go on business trips regularly – how much will it cost to board or have someone mind your pet?

There are so many choices when it comes to breed types of dogs and cats – read up on the breed that interests you, talk to breeders, vets, trainers and owners to see what is best suited to your family and lifestyle so you can make an informed choice.

history and parentage will be unknown. An older dog or cat is worth considering as the personality you see will be what you get. Ask staff lots of question about temperament and any behavioural concerns they have noted such If you are looking to own a cat or as barking, aggression, dog, consider where you purchase social skills and toileting your new pet from- either a breeder habits. You will never or a shelter. Do you want a mixed know the full medical or breed or pure breed? Purchasing behavioural history, but a pure breed allows you to have look for a personality that a reasonable expectation of the suits your family situation. size, physical characteristics and For instance, if you have temperament of the pet, particularly young children that are if you are able to meet the parents! very excited, an adult dog The temperament of the parents or very shy cat may not be and environment in which the puppy a great match. Purchasing or kitten has been kept in can also a puppy or kitten is a little give an idea of what to expect from like having a newborn, it’s the puppy or kitten’s personality. exciting and it will be up to Good breeders will also remain a you to show them the ropes point of contact should you have and guide them. questions as the pet grows. Written by Dr Liisa Mixed breeds are often considered Ahlstrom, Bayer Technical hardier with less predisposed Services Vet medical concerns. Purchasing from a shelter saves a life and gives that pet a second chance, however the

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Parenting

best pets for

While working with families during and after the Black Saturday Bushfires, I was blessed to see the true benefits pets can bring to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. So many people, mostly us grown-ups were telling the kids how they should be feeling, what they should be doing to cope and more. The truth was what they needed was someone to listen, not have an opinion, not offer advice, just plain old listen. That task fell to their pets, providing counsel, a cuddle and an ear, even if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand what was being said, at least their pets were listening. Those animals came in all shapes and sizes, feathered and furred. All kids need someone to talk to at some time and my best 5 pet recommendations are as follows. 1/ Guinea Pigs are just little bundles of cuteness and are great pets for those with limited space. They can be housed indoors or outdoors in a suitable cage and prefer to be housed in small groups as they are very social animals. They require a complete diet in the form of pellets and plenty of fresh fruit and veg. Children should be seated when handling Guinea Pigs to avoid dropping them, otherwise they are a fairly robust pet. 2/Rabbits are a great size, live for 10-12 years and are able to be toilet trained. They can be housed indoors and outside in a suitable cage, although will need to watch timber furniture and the electrical wiring if allowed access to the house. Bunnies should be housed inside in the warmer months as they are prone to heat stress and diseases spread by mosquitos. Rabbits should be vaccinated and desexed. Female bunnies can get especially territorial if not desexed. A balanced diet of rabbit pellets, fresh fruit and veg, and items for chewing, like pine cones and branches from fruit trees to help with dental health. You are not able to own pet rabbits if you live in Queensland. 3/ Chickens make great pets, coming in all sorts of fancy colours and breeds. From Silkys and Bantams in small yards up to larger Arcana hens with their cool blue eggs. If handled from a young age they can be very affectionate and the added benefit eggs for the kitchen and bug control in the garden you are on a winner all round. Chickens will live up to 10-12 years and really do make great pets, although you might want to stick to hens unless you have several acres and understanding neighbours. Most councils will allow 2 hens without a permit.

4/ Cats tend to own us I think, some love a cuddle however others can be very independent. Being a clean animal and able to be toilet trained makes them a great house pet. Cats need vaccinating as kittens and then annually and should be desexed. I prefer to keep my cats indoors, not only to protect local wildlife but also to prevent them from contracting diseases like Feline AIDs from stray and feral cats. Long hair breeds will need regular grooming, and dental care with a balanced diet for overall health are important. My favourite breeds are the Burmese - very dog like, and the Devon Rex - great personality and no hair shedding = BONUS

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

kids

Parenting 5/ “Dogs are Man’s best friend” and there is nothing like sitting in the backyard having a cuddle and telling your dog all you problems like I used to do with my Labrador Kim as a child. She suffered through many fancy dress outfits, nail painting sessions and swimming lessons in the pool. She went everywhere with us, even fishing in a little dingy out on the bay. Before buying a dog though consideration needs to be given to a breed that suits that age and activity level of the child and time availability of the family. Consider the size of the dog, the temperament of the breed, the exercise needed, grooming requirements, the space you have available and whether the dog is inside, outside or both. Vaccinations as a puppy, then annually, regular worming, flea control, heartworm prevention and a good diet are essential. Training from the puppy stage with a registered and accredited trainer is a must, after all if you put in the hard yards as a puppy you are going to have a great dog for life.

Article from: Dr Karen Davies is a Veterinarian in general practice at Direct Vet Services, in Point Cook, Melbourne. Along with her fiancé Brett and her children Daniel and Nathan, she lives with a tribe of Bulldogs, and her Devon Rex cat Piper. You can contact Dr Karen at DirectVetServices@bigpond.com or visit the web site www.directvetservices.com.au

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Parenting

Arts and crafts: How it helps children developmentally and academically’

As children are increasingly turning to technological devices for educational and entertainment purposes, arts and crafts are being constantly overlooked as valuable alternatives. New research shows that thinking creatively and engaging in arts and crafts can improve a child’s performance at school. These activities can also positively impact a child’s social, cognitive and emotional development. Yet arts and craft is not always a parent’s best friend, so to help us answer some of the more common art questions, we spoke to Ainslie Turner, CEO of CleverPatch: an online craft store with loads of craft supplies, ideas and easy DIY kits.

What would you suggest for managing craft when you are not crafty or creative?

Becoming crafty is all about being open to exploring new things and having fun with creative inputs. There is so much online help with techniques and ideas – it is easier than ever to be open to craft and not be scared about not feeling you are “creative”. All you need is a screen where to look up ideas and “how-tos” to get you started. The best place to start is to have a list of activities or projects you and your children might want to do together and then do your research, put your “wish list” together, gather your materials and start having fun!

How would you manage craft with different aged children?

One of the best things about craft is different ages can use the same resources and materials but it is what they do with them that makes the difference. Drawing and painting are perfect examples of this – younger children can explore colour and texture whilst older children may experiment with blending, shadowing and mixed media. Providing a variety of materials (papers, pencils, paints, brushes etc) will enable children of different ages to all share and enjoy their art and craft interests.

How would you organise craft for children with different interests?

Preparation is key. It is important to prepare the area for work so that children can sit together and enjoy each other’s company whilst undertaking different activities or projects. Quite often different interests can still mean shared materials but again it is what children do with the materials that makes the difference. Inclusion of mixed media resources (newspapers, magazines, photos, supplementary materials (cartons, fabric, felt, cardboard tubes, old x-rays, twine, clay, rope, reels, wheels etc) will enable children with different interest to paint, draw, sculpt, sew, construct and undertake projects according to their interest level – while ever the resources are available to express themselves and explore. Above all it is about allowing children to express themselves creatively and communicate about what they are doing. The best part is there is no right or wrong – it is more about the journey and the fun along the way.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Parenting

Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers • 65 per cent of Australian parents have voted a stroller or trike a better gift option than toys, game A new survey has revealed that trikes and sporting goods are consoles, and electronics at the top of the shopping list for Australian parents in 2015. • Over 30 per cent of children only According to the survey commissioned by smarTrike®, over play outdoors three times a week, 65 per cent of parents prefer products which encourage physical activity and outdoor play when compared to gaming and 10 per cent only once a week consoles and indoor toys. • Parents find that 1 in 5 children are unhappy in a pram/stroller The results indicate that Australia-wide, parents are getting as they would prefer to be active the message that excessive screen time and the associated whilst on-the-go. indoor confinement can have negative impacts on young Active play remains a top priority for Aussie parents.

children. However, the survey also unveiled that an alarming 30 per cent of Aussie kids under three years old are only heading outdoors to play three times a week, and 10 per cent only once a week. While the results reflect a positive trend in the attitudes of parents when it comes to the health of their children, the reality for many families with young children is that active play outdoors is still limited to only once or twice a week. Trikes and bikes are top products of interest for Australian parents this year, with 35 per cent stating they will be making a beeline for these products in the July toy sales. But it can be hard for parents to track down products which will facilitate physical activity for toddlers who are still developing their coordination and motor skills.

With 3 active children, here are the best outdoor toys for toddlers we have found. 1. Trikes & Balance Bikes. Trikes and Balance Bikes offer a great reason for your child to want to be outside and to get moving, active and enjoying the great outdoors. They can also be ideal for the parent looking to go on walks as a Trike is more exciting to be in than a pram. Balance Bikes have a range of benefits for young children and you can see these in our video: Why get a Balance Bike? 2. Balls. Kicking and/or throwing the ball is a great way to develop your toddler’s coordination and skills, while both of you can enjoy the game. 3. Chalk. No matter the age children LOVE chalk and drawing on the driveway or concreate is a great activity that will keep them entertained. 4. Cubby Houses are great for the budding café owner to create meals, drinks and more for her favourite customer (you!). They encourage interactive and imaginative play

and are great fun when friends come over as the play scenarios become more extreme and entertaining. 5. 5. Trampolines. This is a big ticket item; however it can lead to hours of fun with or without friends. While the younger toddlers simply get used to walking and little jumps on the trampolines, it doesn’t take long for them to start jumping and doing ‘tricks’ 6. 6. Sand pits can be a great option to keep children entertained outdoors. Most children love playing with the sand and building castles. Just ensure that you get a sand pit that can be closed at night to roaming wildlife. 7. 7. Gardening. Children love helping and simulating mum and dad. Involve the in the gardening activities by letting them water plants, rake leaves, collect branches and more. They can use your tools (where safe) or you can purchase kids gardening tools.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Allergy versus Intolerance Picture this, you’re at dinner, you take a bite of the salad and immediately realise it contains peanuts rather than cashews. You’re allergic to peanuts, your mouth begins to itch, throat starts to tickle, it’s hard to swallow, and you begin coughing and become distressed, if help doesn’t arrive immediately this situation could get very serious, very fast. In Australia1 in every 20 children and 2 in every 100 adults in are effected by allergies. (1) An allergic reaction is an abnormal response by your immune system to something which is usually harmless. Basically, the allergen (food) is recognised by immunoglobulin E, (IgE), the guard, who attaches to the allergen and also binds to a mast cell (the soldier). The Guard tells the soldier to mount a defence against the invading substance by releasing histamine and heparin, creating an inflammatory response. The reaction usually occurs immediately but may take several hours and can be unpredictable. Symptoms include; swelling of the face, lips and eyes, itching in the mouth and throat, hives, tummy pain, vomiting and other gastro intestinal upsets. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) induces breathing difficulties, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty talking, hoarse voice, wheezing or persistent coughing and dizziness. This is very serious, death can occur within minutes. Common food allergens are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, sesame seed and soy (3) Diagnosis involves careful case taking and diagnostic tests conducted by an immunologist, such as skin prick testing, serum-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing and, if indicated, oral food challenges. (3) Once the specific food is confirmed, strict elimination from the diet is necessary. Most people with serious allergies also carry an epinephrine injection for emergencies.

Although the words are often used interchangeable an Intolerance or sensitivity is a different kettle of fish all together. If you have ever had tummy pains or developed a mild rash after eating something you may have experienced an intolerance. When you experience an upset tummy after a milkshake, no immune system defence has been mounted, and immunoglobulin E is not present. Your body is having issues processing the milk. It’s likely that you are low in the enzyme which allows you to digest the sugars in the milk so they can be absorbed. This means the lactose just hangs out in your digestive tract where it causes spasms, bloating etc. So remember an intolerance is caused by your body being unable to properly digest the offending item not an allergic, immune system reaction. Dairy, chocolate, wheat, eggs, strawberries, citrus, tomatoes and red wine are commonly associated with intolerances. Natural chemicals like Salicylates, Amines and glutamates can cause issues along with preservatives, artificial colours and MSG. Symptoms of food intolerances are varied and vague. They include stomach and bowel upsets, bloating, headaches, migraines, wheezing, a runny nose, skin issues like eczema, acne, hives, generally feeling off, learning disorders, chronic fatigue, IBS, hyperactivity and mood disorders. None of

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food these sound fun, no wonder we avoid foods we suspect of causing these symptoms? Diagnosing a food intolerance relies on careful record keeping showing what was eaten and any issues that arose. There is little scientific evidence that any specific test will conclusively prove an intolerance. Intolerances do not show up in standard allergy testing which is looking for raised IgE levels. The popular IgG testing (note this is IgG not the IgE) may in fact simply show that you have recently eaten the food (3) The Australian society of clinical immunology actively dissuades people from going down this track. If you suspect you have an intolerance get it checked out. Speak with your GP or complementary practitioner, keep a food diary, pay attention and see how you react to certain foods, if you don’t feel better, seek a second opinion, it’s probably not all in your head. Removing offending foods for a short time may relieve symptoms and give you a chance to figure out exactly which foods you are reacting to. I advise seeing a nutritionist or dietician prior to doing this to ensure you are still getting all the vital nutrients your body needs and so you do it in a controlled way. Listen to your body; tired, bloated, spotty, and moody is not normal, it’s your right to feel healthy and well, if you don’t then do something about it.

content/184/6/666) 3. Waserman s & Watson, W, 2011, Food Allergy (review) Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2011, 7(Suppl 1):S7

Food Intolerances and Allergies Click here to find out more about Food Intolerances and Allergies

Virginnia is a clinical nutritionist in Neutral Bay and the owner of Nourishing Pantry. Her dietary mantra is definitely all about moderation. That includes kale, chia seeds, wine, cheese, coffee, and dare I say it, hot chips! To hear more from Virginnia and to learn about her online nutrition courses sign up for her blog at www. nourishingpantry.com.au References: 1. http://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_ PCC_Food_Allergy_2015.pdf accessed online 9/6/15 2. Lavine, E 2012, Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food, CMAJ, vol. 184 no 6, accessed online at (http://www.cmaj.ca/

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Tips on Understanding & Managing Food Allergies Tips on understanding and managing food allergies One in ten Australian babies will develop an allergy, with 60 per cent of allergies appearing within the first year of life1. Allergies can be hereditary; children with one family member with allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema have a 20-40 per cent higher risk of developing allergies2. Children with two or more members have a risk of 50-80 per cent3. With the high likelihood that multiple members of one family all suffer from an allergy, it is important to understand allergies and how to manage them together as a family. If ingested, a food that triggers an allergic reaction can seriously harm the body. Any food can cause an allergic reaction; however the top eight allergens which make up 90 per cent of all food allergies include: • • • • • • • •

Eggs Milk Peanuts Tree Nuts Soy Wheat Shellfish Fish

allergens and staying safe: 1. Read all food labels It may sound simple, but reading ALL food labels is the most important step in avoiding allergens. If a product says it has been made in a facility that contains the allergen, avoid the product. 2. Choose a specialised brand Look for specialised brands that manufacture in allergen free environments. Specialist manufacturers have stringent quality control measures to reduce the chance of cross contamination at all stages of the supply chain and manufacturing process. 3. Understand your allergy Understanding ingredients that contain your specific allergen or that commonly cause a reaction in people with similar allergies is essential. For example lupin is not a nut, but can cause anaphylactic reactions in some people with nut allergies while gluten is not just found in wheat, but also barley, rye, oats and is used as an additive in many products from condiments to lipstick.

4. Ask before you eat If a product isn’t packaged or you are eating at a restaurant, enquire as to whether the product “The only way to deal with food allergies is to contains the allergen you are looking to avoid. completely avoid the allergens,” explains Frank Most people are very understanding of the need Buontempo, Director, Orgran Health & Nutrition. to avoid allergens and will try to be as hospitable “Peanut, tree nut and seafood allergies, for many sufferers, are allergies for life. If an allergen comes and accommodating as possible. into contact with the skin or is ingested, sufferers This article provided by Orgran. Specialising in can show both physical and internal symptoms. natural, allergen free products for better health These include itching, burning, swelling, runny nose, skin rash, hives, diarrhoea, cramping, and wellbeing, Orgran Health & Nutrition is a breathing difficulties, vomiting and nausea. In pioneer and trusted brand for coeliacs and other the most severe cases, a food allergy can be life allergy sufferers. Over the past thirty years, the threatening if anaphylaxis occurs. As a leading Orgran range has grown to be the biggest in brand in allergen free products, Orgran focuses Australia. The range includes alternative grain on health and nutrition. Orgran develops food pasta, baking mixes, crispbreads, biscuits and products to assist people to improve their health breakfast cereals. The Orgran manufacturing and provide nutritional alternatives for those with facility is free from gluten, wheat, eggs, dairy, special dietary requirements.” nuts, tree nuts, soy, lupin and yeast. If you have a family member that suffers from a For more information on allergies, great recipes food allergy, Orgran offers these tips for avoiding and products available, visit www.orgran.com

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Products/Services for people with Allergies/ Intolerance

Roza’s' Vegan Mayonnaise is a delicious mix of complementary ingredients creating a taste that’s truly mayonnaise-like without the use eggs or dairy, which until now has been really hard to find. Not only perfect for a vegan diet, it’s also friendly to a wide range of food intolerances and dietary requirements since it’s soy free, dairy free, nut free and lowFODMAP. Bound to make mealtimes a lot saucier whether you're vegan or not! RRP: $9.90 Stockist info is: http://www.rozas.com.au/stockists or 1300 667 357.

Little munchkins day time The day time allergy free formulation come with all the nutritions a growing toddler needs, being 85% organic and completely soy, dairy and gluten free it perfect for any toddler aged 12 month to 6 years. RRP 100g $21.95 420g $45 Little munchkins night time The night time allergy free formulation provides nutritional needs as well as herbs to help support sleep and digestion. the product is completely dairy, gluten and soy free. perfect for any toddler aged 12 month to 6 years. RRP 100g $21.95 420g $45 Buy online or see our stockist at www.natureshappiness.com.au The Quiet Gut Cookbook Easy Low-FODMAP Recipes for Common Digestive Disorders: 135 Recipes to Heal and Soothe Symptoms of IBS, IBD, Celiac Disease, and GERD. The Quiet Gut Cookbook offers 135 easy, nutritious, low-FODMAP recipes for dishes that heal and soothe the guts of people suffering from major digestive disorders like IBS, IBD (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), Celiac disease and GERD. The Quiet Gut Cookbook is available July 1 from www.exislepublishing.com.au and wherever good books are sold. RRP $24.99

Having worked for 15 years in the food industry, and having dealt with managing his own food intolerance, Adam Rice combined his experience and knowledge and create AllerChef - workshops designed especially to assist people with their own food intolerances and allergies with a culinary edge. The AllerChef workshops are built from a professional’s perspective which encompass the essential food fundamentals needed to teach clients to think like a chef and progress to more advanced workshops where clients learn how to bring ‘wow’ factor to their dishes. This is all achieved whilst working within the parameters of their food intolerances. Find out more: www.allerchef.com.au

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

True Story: My Son's Allergic Reaction to Nuts

My now 8 year old son was last year diagnosed as anaphylaxis to nuts. We had had a few mild incidents of possible reactions to nuts. When he was about 2 years old, he had a peanut and we thought he was choking. We gave him water and dry bread and sat him down. He seemed fine. Then about two years ago, I made chocolate spiders (peanut butter, melted chocolate & dry noodles). He complained about his throat and I thought it was just the dry noodles scratching his throat. He was never a fan of peanut butter and would never want it if I asked. He would just say he didn't like it. Last year he went on a play date with his aunty at the local swimming pool. She gave him a peanut bar & the reaction was immediate. He vomited up the bar, his voice became hoarse and he was exhausted. They brought him home & I gave him some antihistamine and laid him on the couch. I just thought it was a reaction to the pool as he had had sinus symptoms before and had gotten out of the pool, saying he had a headache. I decided to follow it up with the doctor when my son said what he had eaten.

As a parent with a child of allergies, there needs to be more information & education for everyone. The doctor told me that children will not know that they are allergic. They will say they don't like something because it makes them sick but they don't understand that. She said to check everything when your child says they don't like something, it could be because it makes them sick. If you are lucky, like us, you will get gradual worsening of the allergy. If he is now exposed to nuts, will definitely The doctor sent us for an allergy test without need his EPIPEN. They say the more exposure to too much concern other than; probably the allegiant, the worse the reaction. stay away from nuts until you are sure. When we got into the allergy clinic, two Story provided by Kerry Patterson - a mother of two. weeks later, the doctor there would not let An 8 year old boy & 7 year old girl. She runs a small me leave without an EPIPEN. She said construction business with her husband in Brisbane that the last episode, we were lucky that and in her spare time she loves to read and sew. he didn't die. She said I should have called With an active family they love to spend their an ambulance. I feel there isn't enough weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bushwalking or exploring new locations. information or education for parents out there. I didn't understand what the signs were. He has since had blood testing and we have found out he is anaphylaxis to all tree nuts and peanuts. As he is also Coeliac, we were very glad to find out that he is not allergic to almonds but we do have to be careful for cross contamination of other nuts.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

True Story: Overcoming a Food Phobia Our son has been fussy with food since he was a baby. He was actually so fussy that a psychologist diagnosed him with a food phobia when he was about 5. The phobia was caused by undiagnosed food allergies that had not been detected when he was a baby because he would never eat the food he was allergic to. He also had eosinophilic oesophagitis or EoE. He was not diagnosed with food allergies until he was three and the EoE was even later at four and a half. EoE causes an abnormal collection of eosinophils (a type of white blood cells) in the oesophagus which causes unpleasant symptoms including difficulty swallowing, pain, choking, reflux and sleeplessness to name a few.

and once he had that many ticks he could have it. The toy sat on the bench in the kitchen so he could see it all the time and he was not allowed to touch it. We didn’t do this all the time because it was expensive! In an attempt to overcome our son’s food phobia • Food Chaining, which is a concept I read we’ve tried many things – for a kid like this growing about in a book, has really helped. This vegetables at home, taking him grocery shopping involves taking a food and then slightly and getting him to help with the cooking just aren’t changing it so you just slightly stretch the enough. These are the things we have done that child to expand what they’ll eat. have helped the most: • We’ve tried a few alternative treatments and we’ve had some improvement using • We found a great Occupational Therapist (OT) a psychologist who did hypnosis with who runs small groups for children with feeding him. Talking to the psychologist really issues. To start with my son was so severe that helped me understand what was going we needed private sessions. Then we were able on in his little mind. We’ve also more to move to small group sessions. This was really recently had some improvement using difficult for my son at first, but it worked. I took homeopathic remedies tailored to his along the food the OT asked me to and my son unique situation. had to eat it. He enjoyed the sessions once he got used to it. The OT had an amazing gym and My son is nearly 9 now and I’m thrilled to he got to ride the flying fox and play all of the report that he’s doing well. Despite still cool activities as a reward for trying new foods. having quite a restricted diet due to his food • We make slightly different variations of the same allergies and EoE he is thriving and happy. meal to keep mealtimes stress free for everyone. He doesn’t have a food phobia anymore, We do this less and less with time. he’s just fussy. • Distraction at mealtimes has worked very well for us. We used to play board games at the dinner By Lisa Munro. Owner and manager of table and one mouthful was equal to one turn of Happy Tummies, an online store making it the game. It was fun and easy! For young kids easy to find natural, organic and allergy free you can also read a book at the table and turn food. www.happytummies.com.au the page each time they take a mouthful. • Bribery was another way we got our son to eat. We used to take him to the toy shop and buy Click here for Lisa’s White something he really wanted, like a Lego set Soup for Fussy Kids Recipe and depending on the value decided how many nights of good eating it was worth. I kept a chart

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Is your child’s diet Dinner time or tantrum time? The most widely recognised connection between food and behaviour relates to both food intolerances or sensitivities and salicylates. Preservatives, artificial colours and other additives can at times be problematic as well. Food intolerances have been linked to behavioural and mood issues including tantrums, irritability, hyperactivity, defiant behaviour, aggression, depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty concentrating. Headaches, tiredness, burning Could changing your child’s diet help with urine, bed wetting, sleeping problems, managing behaviour? skin rashes, respiratory issues, diarrhoea, The connection between food intolerances constipation and complaints of a sore tummy and behaviour is an evolving area of research. are some physical issues that children with There is a growing body of evidence that dietary a food intolerance suffer from. It is estimated changes can have a significant impact for children that at least half, if not more, of children with who have ADHD, frequent tantrums and other ADHD have food sensitivities which impact behavioural problems. their behaviour. Food reactions can often be dose dependant, meaning that a small amount of the food may not cause a reaction. However if a trigger food is regularly consumed, the chemical build up can cause symptoms to develop after a few hours or days. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced practitioner as we can conduct appropriate tests to identify likely triggers and work with you to implement a suitable elimination diet. Changing what you eat can result in remarkable changes, and an improved quality of life for many families. It is common to see families address these problems once the school gets involved and complaints are made. A lovely and common comment from the mother of one of my child patients recently said “We are so glad that her teacher has no more complaints about her performance and attention in the classroom. Thanks again!” Another client commented on a Facebook post about food intolerances and behaviour that, “Well, we all know this was our child before you made him a nice little boy LOL.”

With the ever growing number of processed foods available in supermarkets across the country, and parents that are time poor and do not have the time to cook, it’s not surprising that many feel that behavioural problems are increasingly common. The most common offenders for negatively influencing a child’s behaviour when it comes to food intolerances are gluten, casein, eggs, and citrus fruits. If one of these foods are problematic it is essential that you are very strict with diet, and totally remove all of the foods, as even a teaspoon of an offending food will cause a reaction. With salicylates it is slightly different, most children can tolerate a certain amount of salicylates in their diet, but it is when too many salicylate foods are consumed that you will start to have problems. I describe it as being similar to a funnel: the funnel can cope with a certain amount of liquid, but if you pour in too much liquid, it cannot cope and it flows

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

affecting their behaviour? “at least half, if not more, of children with ADHD have food sensitivities which impact their behaviour.”

out all over the top. Children with salicylate problems have similar reactions to what we have discussed earlier with food intolerances. However, there are also a few key differences. Salicylate reactions can result in red ears and cheeks, skin rashes, night and day wetting. You will find that your child will really crave high salicylate foods such as strawberries, blueberries, grapes, watermelon, sultanas, and tomato sauce. If your child does really crave a particular food, and you do notice that they react after it, just check and see if it is a high salicylate food.

Foods containing high levels of salicylates include: • Vegetables: tomato and tomato products, gherkins, radish, spinach, capsicum and cucumber. • Fruits: Dried fruits, most berries, oranges, apricot, rockmelon, red skinned apples, cherries, peaches, nectarines and plum. • Other foods: Honey, bacon, bone broths and fermented foods. Gut-brain connections Connections are now starting to be established between the gut and other behavioural issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD and even autism. As many food intolerances are a result of poor gut health, eliminating these foods and allowing the gut to heal is having a positive impact for many families. Written by Sharon Hespe. Sharon is a Food Intolerance Specialist. She has a clinic in Sydney where she sees private patients and as well conducts Skype and phone consultations, with children making up almost 30 % of her patients. All treatments that Sharon provides are tailor made to your needs and symptoms. With just a few small changes you can feel better and live a happier and healthier life. Contact details www.sharonhespe.com.au

PROTECT LIPS FROM WINTER’S GRIP We are now well and truly within winter’s icy grasp. One of the areas that suffers the most is our lips. They help us eat, speak, whistle and kiss but they are very sensitive and thin-skinned leaving them susceptible to chaffing, dryness and redness in the colder weather. “The protective skin on our lips is four to five times thinner compared than the skin on our face. And because there are no sweat glands or hair follicles on our lips, they don't get the same kind of natural protection that skin on other areas of our body does,” says Mr Michael Wu, general manager, Nature’s Care Australia.The best anti-dry lip arsenal is a natural lip balm. Choose the most emollient balm you can find - look for ingredients such as beeswax, Vitamins, or oils to help lock in moisture and soften and protect lips. Nature’s Care Paw Paw Balm (10g, price $3.99) is an allnatural base of beeswax, sunflower seed oil and Vitamin Click here to win one! E that delivers superb hydration and helps to protect skin from the drying effects of the elements.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Simple Family Salads Pear and Apple Salad This yummy pear and apple salad does not have a strong taste and the pear and apples make it appealing to young children. Ingredients 2 Pears sliced or julienned 3 Apples sliced or julienned 2 Handfuls of Baby Spinach 2Tbs Rozaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gourmet Blue Cheese Dressing

Carrot Salad

Method: 1. Slice the Apples and Pears and add to your salad bowl 2. Add the Baby Spinach 3. Dress with Rozaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gourmet Blue Cheese Dressing 4. Serve and Enjoy Option: To make this a more fulfilling meal add sliced chicken to the salad.

The Carrot salad is super simple to create and everything can be done in a food processor in under 5 minutes! Ingredients 6 carrots, peeled and shredded 2-3 apples, chopped 1 orange, peeled and chopped Apple/orange juice to dress the salad Method: 1. Peel carrots and remove skin from oranges. 2. Using your food processor shred the carrot pieces. 3. Change the attachment of your food processor to chop the apples and oranges into small pieces. 4. Put everything into your salad bowl and add the apple/orange dressing to suit your taste.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Potato Salad with Sour Cream and Dill

Looking for a Potato Salad with a bit of a difference. Here is one with great flavours that can be cooked in the microwave. PREP 20 minutes COOK 45 minutes

Vietnamese Cold Roll Salad A great summer salad idea this Vietnamese cold roll salad offers a load of taste and flavour while the noodles add a great fulfilling factor For the salad: combine all ingredients below into a large bowl: 150g vermicilli noodles (cooked to packet directions) 50g snow peas 50g bean sprouts 1 cucumber, chopped into matchsticks 2 carrots, chopped into matchsticks 150g cooked prawn or chicken meat 3 tbsp fried shallots 3 tbsp crushed peanuts 1 tbs toasted sesame seeds 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint The dressing: 1/4 cup fish sauce 1/4 cup rice vinegar 2 tbsp white sugar 1/2 cup water 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 small red chilli, finely chopped (optional) 2 tbsp lime juice Method Place fish sauce, vinegar, sugar and water in a pan over medium heat and stir to combine. Bring mixture to just below boiling point, the set aside to cool. Add garlic, chilli and lime juice. combine desired amount of dressing with salad. ENJOY!

Ingredients 2kg washed new potatoes, peeled and cut into 30g–40g sized chunks 1 red onion, finely sliced ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill ½ cup sour cream ½ cup whole egg mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Method Place half the potatoes into a large microwavesafe bowl and add ¼ cup water. Cover with a microwavesafe plastic lid or vented microwave-safe plastic wrap. Select SMART COOK POTATO setting and turn the AMOUNT dial to 1kg. Press START button. Pause cooking program to stir halfway through. Press START button to continue cooking program. When complete, remove and set aside in a large serving bowl and repeat with remaining potato. Toss through onion and vinegar; set aside to cool. Combine dill, sour cream and mayonnaise together and season with mustard, salt and pepper. Gently fold through cooled cooked potatoes. Serve either room temperature or cold.

View all of these recipes and more in our recipe section on MumsDelivery.com.au

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Reviewed ecococoon Strawspoons and Retro Cups I love anything vintage or retro. Absolutely anything with a retro or vintage flair or feel I love. When I saw the Retro Cups and the super cool Strawspoons from ecococoon I just knew I HAD to have a set! The Retro Cups are food grade stainless steel cups that can hold a fabulous 375ml and are dishwasher safe. Being stainless steel they are BPA free and a much more Eco-friendly alternative to the plastic cups that my cupboards are currently full of. Read the full review here

Pitango Soups Pitango offers readymade soups providing a fulfilling, healthy and delicious meal that is quick and easy for busy mums. Simply heat and serve. Pitango soups are ideal to provide a quick and easy meal when you’ve had a long or busy day. They offer the ability to have a warm, healthy, fulfilling meal ready in 5 minutes.

The EasiYo yogurt maker is definitely not one of these products! It is so easy to use and literally only takes as long as boiling a kettle. It’s true… I promise. All you have to do is put the kettle on, put some room temperature tap water in the container with the yogurt powder and shake well. Read more here

Book a review of your product

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Mums Cooking Challenge: Join us for our Mums Cooking Challenge where each month we challenge you to cook one dish per week from our monthly theme. Here are some of the great recipes from our Curry month

Lamp Rendang Made in the slow cooker, this lamb curry is easy to make in the morning, ready for when you get home. A quick, easy family dinner that will full the tummies of growing kids.

Goat Curry Kid Friendly

Ingredients: 1kg lamb or beef Rendang paste 1 can coconut cream Fresh coriander and Chili to serve Rice

1 Kg Goat pieces 3 cloves garlic 1 lrg onion 1 tbsp butter (or ghee) 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp salt 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground ginger Âź cup water

Method: I like to use the slow cooker for this one, just chop the meat into chunks, add the coconut cream and rendang paste, mix together, turn the slow cooker on and its ready when you get home. Make the rice and serve with fresh coriander and chili.

To add later: 1 can diced tomatos 1 tsp garam masala 1 cup water

This is a spicy curry :) Recipe from Jarree

Method: 1. Wash and clean goat pieces 2. Add goat, spices and Âź cup water to the slow cooker. 3. Mix around and put on slow cook. 4. 4 hours later add the remaining ingredients and continue cooking for another 3-4 hours until goat tender. Serve with Steamed Rice Would also be great with Beef

Click here to view Challenge Curry recipes submitted in our Curry Recipe section on MumsDelivery 30

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

CURRIES Burmese Beef Curry with Balachaung Ingredients 3 Tbsp. rice bran oil 3 small onions, sliced into 5mm rings Pinch of salt 6 cloves crushed garlic 1/4 cup grated ginger Mums Curried Pie 2 stalks of lemongrass, Ingredients bruised and finely chopped 1 tbsp Oil 1/4 cup sesame oil 500grams Beef mince 1 Tbsp. tumeric 1 onion, diced 1 tsp. ground white pepper 2 tbsp Tomato paste 1 tsp. ground corriander 1-2 tbsp Curry powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tbsp Gravy mix 1kg chuck beef, cut into large chunks 1 cup Frozen diced vegetables (pea and 2 Tbsp. fish sauce corn is good) 3 cups hot water 1 sheet Puff pastry To serve: Steamed white rice and balachaung. 3/4 cup Water Method: 1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees. 1. Heat oil in a large wok. Stir fry onion until it begins 2. Heat oil and fry off the onion until to brown then reduce heat, add salt and continue soft. Add the mince and cook until to cook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stirring frequently until the onion has browned. caramelised. 3. Add the tomato paste, curry powder, 2. add garlic, ginger and lemongrass and keep stiring gravy mix and water. Simmer for 5 through until fragrant. minutes or until thickened. Stir in the 3. Add sesame oil, tumeric, chilli, coriander and cumin frozen vegetables. and again keep stirring through until fragrant. 4. Spoon into a dish and lay the puff 4. Turn the heat up, add beef, stir fry until browned pastry on top, rolling or tucking the and then add fish sauce and water. edges of the pastry if required. 5. Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 4 hours, stirring 5. Cook for approximately 20-25 occasionally. The liquid should reduce to a very thick minutes until puffed and golden. consistency by the time it is done, but add more Serve with veggies. water if the beef begins to stick to the bottom of the wok at any stage. Recipe from Tracey R 6. Serve with steamed rice, topped with balachaung to desired taste/chilli tolerance. Recipe from Melinda S

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Puree Pear Cake Although my kids will eat pear, they will not eat pear in a cake if they see the pear pieces. So I decided to puree the pear into the cake mixture to provide the taste and nutrients of pear, without getting the complaints. Ingredients 125 butter softened 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1/2 cup caster sugar 2 eggs 1 ½ cups self-raising flour ½ 3-4cup ripemilk pears blended Method 1. Preheat oven at 180 degrees. 2. Beat butter, essence and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add eggs one at a time beating well in between. 4. Add flour and milk in batches a little of each at a time and mix together 5. Add blended pear. 6. Pour mixture into a greased pan and place in oven. 7. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the centre springs back. You can test with a skewer to determine if you cake it ready. Simple insert skewer into the middle and if the skewer comes back out clean, the cake it cooked. 8. Leave for 1-2 minutes and then remove from pan onto a cooking rack. Unfortunately there is no image of the cooked Pear Cake as the complete cake was gobbled up that afternoon by 6 hungry children…I wasn’t quick enough to get the image sorry :(

Coconutty Banana, Hazelnut & Caco Muffins These Vegan, Refined sugar-free and glutenfree muffins and yum and healthy. A great option for children with food intolerance. Ingredients: 1 cup buckwheat flour 1/2 cup coconut flour 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 2 tbsp raw cacao 1 tsp cinnamon Pinch of celtic sea salt 4 tbsp dark agave syrup 1/2 cup Natural Raw C 1/4 cup organic coconut oil, melted 4 ripe bananas, mashed 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs *Extra cacao nibs and hazelnuts for decoration

Directions: 1. Add all dry ingredients to a bowl and mix well 2. Add syrup, coconut oil, Natural Raw C, bananas, hazelnuts and cacao nibs and mix well 3. Add to a muffin form and fill up with batter to the edge. Decorate tops with extra cacao nibs and chopped hazelnuts 4. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degrees for about 30 mins Credit: Food and health blogger http://instagram.com/ carolinehgroth

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Food

Apple and Strawberry Shake This yummy Apple and Strawberry shake offers a great way to get a delicious drink with healthy benefits. A great afternoon snack idea for hungry children. Ingredients: 4 red apples, peeled, cored and chopped 12 strawberries, chopped Method: Cover the apples and strawberries slightly in water in a sauce pan over medium-heat Boil/simmer until soft. Puree until smooth, serve in a tall glass, garnish with a bit of mint.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Lifestyle

Ella’s Bedroom Makeover My daughter has now hit a point where she no longer is a little girl, not quite a tween; but as we are moving her to her own bedroom we want to do a bedroom makeover that will keep the sweetness of the girl she is, whilst being adaptable to grow with her as she develops into a tween. To do this I have been researching kid’s bedroom makeovers and dreaming of what we can offer her to make her room a special, magical place without spending a fortune.

We set a realistic budget of $1500 to make improvements to the room. The budget is higher than we would’ve liked, however we have chosen to change the built-in wardrobe to improve the overall use and long term return of the room. This alone is taking $1,100 from the budget, leaving us only $400 for new furniture and accessories. We will be utilising the existing bed, desk and bookshelf as they are in great condition.

The Old Room

shelf and a hanging rack, making it impractical for a little girl. Although most of our budget ($1,100) will be spent on this one feature; by improving the built in wardrobe we will gain space and avoid spending money on other furniture such as a new tallboy. 2. Simple to change. As Ella grows, her interests will The key aspects guiding our bedroom change and I have no desire to redo her bedroom makeover budget are dedicated to the every few years, so I decided we would paint following: the room 1 colour and use accessories to create 1. Maximising the space. With a the look and feel of the room which can then be small house and a big family we are changed easily and with minimal further expense. continually looking for ways to maximise 3. Good Furnishings that cater to her interests. Ella our space; to take better advantage of loves to read, so I wanted to create a space that what you’ve got. We decided to redo allowed her to read during the day and then also at the built in wardrobe to modernise it and bedtime. After some online therapy, I feel in love to make it more functional. The current with the idea of creating a reading corner where she wardrobe has doors that open out and can sit in her own special reading chair and read take up most of the space, limiting the during the day. In addition to this I wanted to enable amount of furniture, things you can do her to read for a little bit at bedtime and wanted to with the room. There is also only one top create a solution for this.

Without the Built-In

the budget is $400

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Lifestyle

The Changes

Painting:

To get Ella involved in the process and to love her new room, I gave her the ability to choose the paint colour as well as the final accessories (from predetermined options) Ella chose Magnetic Magic (Dulux) as the paint colour which from the swatch appeared a good colour that can grow with her. It took the best part of a day for Hubby and I to prep and paint the room. After painting the room I have to say it is Bright, Bright, Bright! In hindsight I should’ve asked for a lightened version, however the swatch didn’t look too bright. Ella loves the colour and that is the main thing.

The Wardrobe

I LOVE the new wardrobe and think that it was totally worth the budget we spent on it! For years Ella has tried to fit all of her clothes into a tallboy which couldn’t hold everything, had broken drawers and drawers that were not working well. The new built in gives us more space than a tallboy, looks better and the sliding doors offer two functions – a mirror and another door to put notes, photos, calendars and more on. So if you are tossing up between a tallboy and a built in wardrobe, it is worth calculating the costs of both and your overall requirements. For us, spending the money on the built in has increased the space we gave Ella, the space of the room, the overall look of the room and it is much more functional than a tallboy – I just love it!

Win a Quilt Cover Set for your child’s room! 35

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Lifestyle

The Accessories With the painting and built in wardrobe complete Ella’s bedroom was looking very different to its former self. Yet it was missing the soft touches, the decorations that take a room and make it into a bedroom.

Quilt Cover Set The quickest and most cost economical way to change the look of a bedroom can be made through your quilt cover set. We choose to go with a young and playful quilt cover as I do not want her growing up too quickly. Ella chose the cute butterfly quilt cover set from Fantastic Furniture and she adores the butterfly pillow that came with the set, often moving it around the room to suit the game she is playing. The double sided quilt cover offers the option to have a lighter or brighter quilt which is great when you want to change up the look and feel of a room from week to week.

The Reading Room

To transform the bedroom into an area that encouraged and stimulated Ella’s passion for reading, we got a sweet beanbag lounge chair for reading during the day and a bedside table with lamp for reading at night. Knowing we were redecorating a child’s bedroom, we wanted to ensure we bought good, sturdy furniture that would withstand children, yet didn’t to cost a fortune. We chose the Fantastic Furniture Hayman Bedside Table and a mix and match lamp option. The lamp has a sturdy base, making it less likely to break while the white and neutral colour will help soften the overall feel of the bright room. The Hayman Bedside Table offers a strong, scratch resistant bedside table with two draws to keep her books and treasured bits and bobs in. Find out more about what we thought of the quality of Fantastic Furniture here

I liked the Minibeanz Toddler Lounge (read review here) to offer a comfortable, enjoyable spot for Ella to sit and read in the afternoons. The Toddler Lounge is shaped as a lounge chair which is ideal for toddlers and unfortunately a little too small for Ella (7.5yrs). We will be upgrading this to one of their bigger beanbags to better suit Ella and will change the cover of the lounge to make it suitable for her younger brother who fits in it perfectly at 2.5yrs.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

The New Room

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Lifestyle

6 simple kids bedroom makeover tips As your children grow their interests and needs from a bedroom will change. Slowly the decorations no longer interest your child and the furniture may no longer be practical. Here are some quick and easy kids bedroom makeovers you can do, that won’t cost a fortune.

with your child. If it is a colour that you do not wish to paint the room, think of how you can incorporate your child’s colour preference through a feature wall or accessories.

Accessorise and Coordinate in style. Your child has their own style and preferences, so Paint. One of the easiest and when it comes to their bedroom, cheapest ways to update a room give them the ability to have is with a new coat of paint. an opinion that counts. This Painting offers the ability to will help them to feel involved update the room to your child’s and can also inspire them to growing age; to make it look keep it looking good. A new fresh and fun and to offer your quilt cover is a quick and easy child the opportunity to change way to add colour and style. the mood of the room. Offer Cushions, storage ideas and your child the option to choose suitable furniture is another way a colour they like and think of to update the room. If your child how this new colour will age is getting older and starting to

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

move away from ‘babyish’ ideas, yet still wants them for now; ensure that you add these as accessories that can easily be removed. Update the furniture. Consider the changing needs of your child. By updating the furniture you can make the room more practical and reduce mess. Instead of a tallboy and a standing wardrobe consider getting a built in wardrobe which will give you more space and can open up the room visually.

Lifestyle

Reviewed Arbonne RE9 Advanced Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been applying Arbonne RE9 Advanced Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream under my eyes daily and although I may not feel less tired, I at least look less tired. Read the review to find out more

W7 BB Cream Magic The W7 BB Cream offers a thick, creamy BB Cream that helps to simplify the everyday skincare routine of busy mums. I like the fact that it is quick, simple and provides a lighter coverage than foundation. Read more

Holden Commodore SSV Redline VF Sportswagon The Holden Commodore SSV Redline VF Sportswagon is the top Commodore Sportswagon. Offering a stylish, comfortable, practical and enjoyable ride, the SSV Redline Sportswagon is a family car for those who want to enjoy driving without compromising the everyday needs of a family. Read the review and see the video here

Holden Captiva 7 LS The Holden Captiva 7 LS offers families looking for an SUV or 7 seater car an affordable option with versatile seating. Not only does the car offer a low purchase price, it also provides a car with low maintenance costs. Read the full review and see the video here

A couple of years ago my body started to rebel against me. The eczema I had as a child started to return and I started to pay more attention to what I not only put into my body but what I put on it as well. See how it reacted when trying the Wotnot Facial Wipes and how they performed in my review

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

A STORY OF RESILIENCE and IMAGINATION When Edith’s baby brother arrives, Edith feels like she doesn’t matter anymore and when she IS noticed she can’t do anything right. Then Shadowcat arrives and teaches her how to find strength in her imagination to cope with lonliness and grief. Julia Louise is a Melbourne-based teacher Librarian and Shadowcat is her first book. Anne Ryan is a Melbourne-based art teacher and fine arts practitioner who has been published by Oxfam, Amnesty International and trade and educational publishers. Ryan used acrylic paints to create the whimsical paintings in Shadowcat. RRP $19.95, For 3+ FLY-IN, FLY-OUT DAD A timely and relevant book for the increasing number of families dealing with the unusual dynamic of having one parent absent for weeks at a time. Written by award-winning Author Sally Murphy, this book gives us insight into one family with a Fly-In, Fly-Out Dad and shows how one boy uses his imagination to cope with the long absences of his father. Delightful illustrations by the talented Janine Dawson bring the boy’s fictional world to life. RRP $19.95, For 3+

Understanding Autism is a tool to help parents navigate the web of confusion and misinformation around autism to regain control over choosing what is best for them and their child. Written by two leading Australian experts, Understanding Autism is the essential reference for parents and carers of children with autism, and explores everything from the causes of autism to how it manifests at the various ages and stages of a child’s life. Katrina and Jacqueline use practical examples to empower families to deal with professionals, cope with the stresses they face, and better understand their young person’s autism. Warm and supportive, the information they provide helps families to sort fact from myth, allowing parents to better assess the relevance and credibility of new information so they can focus on strategies that are most likely to offer the best outcomes for their children. Understanding Autism is available from www.exislepublishing.com.au and wherever good books are sold. RRP$34.99

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

For Teens A FUNNY, GRUESOME ADVENTURE PERFECT FOR TEEN READERS AND FANS OF PAN’S LABYRINTH In San Bernardino, California, children are going missing. The townspeople don’t believe the rumour of trolls, but 15 year-old Jim KNOWS they are a very real threat. Is anyone safe at night? Written by GUILLERMO DEL TORO AND DANIEL KRAUS, Illustrated by SEAN MURRAY, Recommended for Ages 12+. RRP $19.95 COLOURFUL, RAW, BRAVE, RICH AND FANTASTICAL This little mermaid is not for the faint-hearted. Lorali’s appearance in the Sussex town heralds the arrival of freak weather and even more strange visitors in a massive Tudor-house shaped ship. Sixteen year-old Rory has to try and work out how to protect Lorali even if he doesn’t know exactly who the enemy is. Written b LAURA DOCKRILL,Recommended for Ages 12+. RRP $16.95 How to Hug a Hedgehog A teen’s job is to be difficult and most do it really, really well. What about parents though? You want to hug that hedgehog, right? But you don’t want to get hurt. No problem. With entertaining stories and 12 principles that open the cages, unlock the doors, gently tear down those walls, and get you talking, How to Hug a Hedgehog explores everything from communication to what you might have missed on the teen “warning label”. A relevant, timely and essential book for anyone wanting to build positive relationships with teenagers, How to Hug a Hedgehog provides 12 key principles on establishing and maintaining communication, overcoming adversity and building self-esteem. How to Hug a Hedgehog is available at www.exislepublishing.com.au and wherever good books are sold. $24.99. Harriet Clare Series In this exciting new interactive children’s fiction series, best-selling author Louise Park invites readers to join the crazy, fun-filled world of Harriet Clare’s Secret Notebooks. Harriet is a normal everyday girl (just like her readers) who really cares for her friends, sometimes gets into trouble, worries a lot, but always tries to do the right thing. She loves skateboarding and writing in her notebooks, and needs a new BFF to solve her mega-huge and awesomely nutty problems - and help complete her notebooks along the way. As Harriet’s new bestie, she’ll ask readers for advice, to draw a picture of their own BFF, or even decorate a cool skateboard. It’s a visual feast of fun, enticing even the most reluctant readers with charming illustrations, illustrated text and sketching activities. Harriet also encourages problem-solving, self-understanding and empathy, making sure that her new friends learn as much from her as she does them! The first two books in the series, Boys Beware and Pinkie Swear (Hinkler Books, $14.99), are laugh-out-loud funny and relatable adventures for readers looking for a good friend like Harriet.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Win, Win, Win! Styling children’s bedrooms has never been easier or more affordable than with Fantastic Furniture’s new range of gorgeous bedding and co-ordinated accessories. Featuring delightful prints designed to appeal to boys and girls, in an easy wash polyester/cotton blend, choose from matching accessories including wall art and cushions to make it easy to coordinate a stylish bedroom theme – all for a fantastic price. We have one boys and one girls bedding set up for grabs. Includes single quilt cover, matching pillow case plus scatter cushion. Win a quilt cover set for your child! closer to nature® introduces their best cup collection yet. Specifically designed to keep little ones happy and hydrated, from their very first sip to going on their first big adventures! The new non-spill, mix n match range includes cups carefully designed for each developmental stage, for ages 4 months to 3 years. All closer to nature® cups are BPA free.

The Nude Food Movers range by Smash consists of a range of reusable plasticware: lunchboxes, sandwich and snack boxes, and stackable snack tubes to name a few. It’s Nude Food Movers 6th year running the annual event ‘Nude Food Day’ held in October. To celebrate, we’re giving away a $50 pack so you can make every day a Nude Food Day! 1 x reader will receive 1 prize packs and you can even choose the colour!

Click here for more competitions

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Click here to win DVDs

Peter Rabit: Rabit and Squirrel Great Adventure Peter tells a curious Cotton-tail how he and Squirrel Nutkin became friends and how the squirrel lost his tail. Soon Peter is on an adventure to retrieve Nutkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tail, even though it means going to Owl Island! Available on DVD from 5 August

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation so heads to Las Vegas with his teenage daughter Maya (Rodriguez) for a security guard expo. But safety never takes a holiday and when Blart stumbles upon a heist he must answer the call and once again, save the day. Available on DVD from 20th August

Game of Thrones: Season 1-4 Box Set Set in a world where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime. From the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and ancient Wall that protects the realm from the mysterious darkness beyond, the powerful families of the Seven Kingdoms are locked in a battle for the Iron Throne. This is a story of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor, conquest and triumph. In the Game of Thrones, you either win or you die. Available on DVD from 8 August

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

Calypso Maternity Swimsuit Featuring multipositional straps that can be hooked up in 3 different ways: halter neck, crossed and standard, the Calypso swimsuit by Cache Coeur is a glamorous choice for mums-to-be. Perfectly suited for maternity with adjustable gathers on both sides to perfectly hug your changing curves, the plunging neckline and cut out back add elegance to an already trendy swimsuit. Available in black and lilac. Available from: Cache Coeur $89.95 with free shipping in Australia.

The new Dreambaby® Ladybug Night Light is a fun, safe way to add a sense of comfort and security to bedtime. Brimming with features, the ‘One Touch’ on/off operation is really easy for parents or children to use at bedtime and throughout the night if or when needed. RRP $32.95. Visit the Dreambaby® web site at www.dreambaby.com.au

Skechers Game Kick, It’s the perfect way for kids to pass the time during long car rides, boring waits at the doctor’s office, or hanging out with friends. Game Kicks gives boys and girls a fun game to play everywhere they go. As long as you’re wearing Game Kicks, the game is always with you. Skechers Game Kick, RRP: $69.95 Stockist: 1800 655 154 Bosch Athlet Zoo’o ProAnimal Cordless Vacuum cleaner The new Bosch Athlet Zoo’o ProAnimal vacuum cleaner, 30% faster cleaning and cordless! This vacuum is the perfect machine for consumers who are looking for an answer to remove unwanted pet hair from around their home. RRP: $599

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

FANTASTIC FURNITURE LAUNCHES NEW CHILDREN’S RANGE Styling kids rooms is easy with Fantastic Furniture’s new range of gorgeous bedding and accessories for boys and girls. Sneaker Bedding Set: Kids will love to hop, skip and jump off to bed with this colourful bedding set. Includes reversible quilt cover, pillowcase and scatter cushion. Scarlett Bedding Set,: Little girls will love to flutter and float off to bed with this Scarlett bedding set. Includes reversible quilt cover, pillowcase and scatter cushion. RRP: Single $49, double, $59 Visit: www.fantasticfurniture.com.au

The Dreambaby® Step Stool range includes the Dreambaby® Multi-Purpose Step Stool and the Dreambaby® 2 Up Step Stool. They are just the solution parents are looking for to help young ones to reach up with confidence, be it at the bathroom sink at teeth brushing time or at the kitchen bench as “Assistant Chef”. RRP$13.95

Ladies get to Officeworks for Lunch! Lunch Gear that is.. Smash has created a stylish range of Ladies Lunchware that fuses fashion and function into a range that modern ladies will love. Available while stocks last from 1st September 2015. All ladies lunch bags are $15 RRP each All workplace dining plastics are $10 RRP each.

www.mumsdelivery.com.au

CleanEars is a natural, clinically proven ear wax removal spray that is suitable for babies, children and adults as a medical treatment for wax build up in the ears. It can also be used daily as a preventative treatment to reduce significant wax. The natural blend of Squalene (a similar composition to ear wax but in liquid form), Mineral Oil and Spearmint Oil works to effectively liquefy ear wax and irrigate the ear canal.

Australia’s most popular table top game for over 30 years, Test Match is the ultimate cricket experience where you can play test match, one day, and 20/20. Suitable for ages 6. RRP $59.95 Available from September at all leading toy and department stores.

Each Wonderful Me story book is 100% tailor made, written from start to finish just for your child and filled with the people and things that they know and love. Available from www.wonderfulme.com.au RRP as of this coming Monday will be $50 per book, discounts apply for multiple books, $95 for two and $135 for three.

Suitable for children 10-36 months, the new smarTrike® Explorer 5 trikes in 1 is much more fun than a stroller, featuring a revolutionary 360° full swivel front wheel and an advanced 110° reclining seat. RRP: $219.99 Available from: Target and Toys R Us