PakMag Mackay - December 2013

pakmag DEC 2013

M a c k ay

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 14

magazine of choice for local families

Event

Guide

Guide to Christmas Events & Activities

Precious Gift

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Christmas

TIME Decorating, Craft &

Cooking Ideas

Family Harmony at Christmas

Parents

NOT Pals

Cover photo: Ta Da Photography

Setting boundaries

win a Sony Xperia Z1 Phone thanks to Telstra

Details page 12

32 08

welcome

Contents

note

DEC

Welcome to our December edition.

December is such a hectic month that it’s easy to forget that the most important thing for kids at Christmas is spending time having fun together with their family. Our feature story on pages 4-5 is a good reminder about what really matters.

Of course, we’ve still got lots of ideas for Christmas decorations and recipes to inspire you. By the way, the mini Christmas Pudding recipe is definitely worth trying!

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our first birthday in Mackay last month. We hope to see you at our Christmas PakClub on 15 December.

Have a wonderful December and we hope Santa brings you something nice. Until 2014, remember to tell everyone you read it in PakMag! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Ange pakmag Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication Manager: Angela Julian

parents 02 What’s New 04 The Most Precious Gift 07 Mackay Christian College 08 Be a Parent not a Pal 11

Performance Jitters

13

Driving Holidays

15

PakHealth

16

Nutrition

19

PakRecipes

kids 23 Kid’s MiniMag

babies 32 Baby News: Hidden Dangers

things to win

20 Top 5 Things To Do

24 WIN Movie Tickets

21 What’s On

25 Two mystery prizes to WIN

23 Mini Mag

32 WIN a $50 Voucher

29 Local Laughs with SeaFM

33 WIN a Pregnancy Book

31 PakBaby

40 WIN a mystery prize

35 Hiding a Stutter 36 Winter Wonderland 39 Make your own Christmas Stocking 40 Fav Pets/Prize Winners

NQ Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley

42 Out & About

Sales MANAGER : Sonia Crowley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen

44 HOME: Christmas

Articles: Elaine Seager, Jutta Dempsey, Amanda Cranston and submitted writers

47 HOME: Deja Vu

Mobile: 0427 725 624

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cover Models: Erin, Ella and Cooper Wall Photography: Thanks to Ta Da Photography

46 HOME: Quirky Christmas

Head office Phone: 4053 3331 Email: mackay@pakmag.com.au Postal: PO Box 1922, Mackay Qld 4740 Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Find PakMag exclusively in:

www.pakmag.com.au

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inBRIEF Be Cyclone Smart

Christmas PakClub

December what’s new

HOME Ideas

15 December (6pm-8pm) Kidz life Play Centre (75 Evans Avenue)

We are super excited about our next FREE family event on 15 December. Come along and see the Christmas Show, sing-a-long with the Carols (6-7pm) and meet Santa. There will be FREE glow sticks and sausage sizzle and free

Christmas Time

use of the KidzLife Play Centre (7-8pm). Come along dressed in your best Christmas gear

NEW Wallpaper

and you could win a prize!

• Carols in the City at MECC

Proudly brought to you by Queensland If you’re thinking of redecorating your daughter’s bedroom pop into Mackay Curtain Making (13 Lawson Street) for some great ideas including this new eye-catching wallpaper they are now stocking.

Country Credit Union, PakMag, Good Guys, KidzLife Play Centre and Sea FM.

Great Value Package

GIFT Ideas Why not think outside the box with your Christmas shopping this year and support local Mackay businesses. They often have unexpected and unique gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else. For example: • Deja Vue – cute ceramic money boxes and mugs and a breakfast set in an old style school tin box • Let the Children Play – unique and innovative toys, puzzles, games and books • Bella Rouge – beautiful gift packs for mum including Napoleon Make up gift boxes • Carroll’s News – homemade sauces and chutneys and lots of unique gift ideass

Date: 7 December • Carols by Candlelight

Pack, Prepare, Listen

Walkerston State Primary School Date: 14 December (7pm). There will be singing, fireworks, candles to buy, sausage sizzle and drinks.

• Habana Carols Under the Stars

If you haven’t already done so this is the time to make sure your

St. Peter & Pauls Church grounds

cyclone kit is ready before you get totally immersed in Christmas. Every

Date: 21 December (7pm)

household should have adequate supplies of food, water, medication, toiletries and other essential items to last a minimum of three days.

• Santa Photos This year Santa is located in his very own Santa

Battery World Mackay offer free battery testing and emergency preparation and advice.

Garden on the ground floor outside Myer at

Owner Gabe Giannangelo said “It is essential to have a working radio so you can keep

Caneland Central. He will be there every day until

updated if the power goes out and of course batteries for torches. We can also help with back

Christmas Eve. For hours and rates go to

up generators and additional batteries should you want to take extra precautions and have

www.canelandcentral.com.au

the ability to charge your phone or keep your fridge running. If you rely on rechargeable batteries it is vital to have some standard batteries to fall back on in case we are without power for several days. Our staff are trained to help families put together an emergency kit and would be happy to discuss your family’s needs.”

Call into Battery World Mackay for free advice at 149 Victoria St. Look for a purple building.

• Gift Wrapping RACQ CQ Rescue and SES will be wrapping gifts for a gold coin donation near Woolworths at Caneland Central. They will be there right up to Christmas Eve.

Ladies Cocktail Night Special OFFER

Heading to Townsville over the holidays? Holiday Inn Townsville is offering a Christmas school holidays package that includes up to 20% off the best flexible rate, complimentary breakfast, $25 hotel credit, plus Kids Stay and Eat for free with a full paying adult! See page 13 for more info. For bookings call 4729 2011 or visit www.holidayinn.com/townsville

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14 December (6.30pm) Marias Donkey Tapas Bar

Get your party frocks on and join in the fun at this Pink Ribbon Ladies Cocktail Night, which is raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Tickets cost $50 and include entry, tapas, a cocktail on arrival and a goody bag. There is a maximum of 120 tickets so get in early! To book tickets email Jodie Vella at contact@starlightscreeningsmackay.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

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By Jutta Dempsey

The Most Can you remember the presents that you received as a child for Christmas? What most of us remember are the traditions, the feasts eaten together and the games played with family and friends.

The greatest gift that we can give children is positive and loving relationships, writes psychologist Jutta Dempsey.

C

Tips for those co-parenting following a separation:

says, “I care” can be the starting point if you

• Try to be flexible about arrangements and

• Siblings can often become disconnected

keep your child’s happiness as the central

through judgemental communication. It is

consideration of any change. They will notice

important to remember that common history,

this and remember when they are older.

values and genetics form a bond that is unique.

conflict and poor communication cause stress in

• Your ex-partner’s parenting style may be

• Reach understandings rather than agree with

family relationships.

different to yours. Children can adapt to these

everything – people perceive events in different

differences, so if you can’t agree with, adapt to

ways and family can just support rather

the difference.

than judge.

we include de facto relationships), Christmas

• Be prepared for some negative feelings and

• Avoid gossip because it will always be

festivities and traditions often become strained.

put on a positive face for the children. You are

misconstrued and it puts a barrier up for

Sometimes Christmas is the only time the

teaching them good thought processes in a

meaningful communication.

family get together and being with people

difficult situation – a ‘glass half full rather than

you don't see often, especially when there are

half empty’ is a great attitude for resilience.

hildren are often the focus of Christmas festivities - we watch as their excitement builds in anticipation

of Santa arriving and we share their joy as they open new and special gifts. But just as they may be important in many get-togethers, they are usually hapless observers when underlying

With between 43% and 50% of all marriages ending in divorce in Australia (more when

undercurrents of disharmony, can be stressful.

Children want and need positive, loving relationships with parents and extended family.

The quality of those relationships is ten times more powerful in explaining levels of wellbeing than the nature of the family structure. If the family is separated by distance or circumstance, children’s wellbeing is not affected. However, if the family is in conflict, it affects their social and emotional growth. In a survey in the UK,

straight”. Good communication comes from

• Make new traditions if your old ones have been

understanding where the other person is and

disrupted due to visitation arrangements.

how they can move forward. Insights need to

• If you had an aggressive relationship with your

be communicated well.

ex-partner, prepare well in advance and keep

• Develop the skills to make your family stronger

contact to a minimal. Now is the time to change

by reading or doing a course.

communication patterns and let the conflict go. You are connected through your child, so it is better to have a positive relationship for the next 20 or so years than to ‘win’.

Stepping back from the need to “be right”, “have the last word” and “winning“ is the greatest gift of all to give your children this Christmas.

A harmonious gathering of family around a

• There is some excellent help available for co

Christmas feast, with many old tales, games and

well together had a wellbeing score of 8 out of

parenting so if you’re not able to sit together

companionship will be remembered forever and

10 compared with 5 out of 10 for those who did

and discuss what is in the best interests of your

form part of who they are.

not agree.

child, it’s time to get some assistance.

Children are very sensitive to poor

Tips for those with family disharmony:

make a change and give the gift of positive communication and relationships. www.pakmag.com.au

• Listen rather than feeling the need to “tell it

children who agreed that their family got along

communication in the family so this Christmas

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have lost contact.

• Involve extended family as much as you can – a simple Christmas card or special little gift that

Jutta Dempsey has worked with families and children for over 30 years and is the principal psychologist at Directions Learning

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Bouncing Back

By Dr Craig Murison

Resilience is the capacity of an object to return to its original shape after it has been pushed out of shape. When we use this term in reference to people we are talking about their capacity to get back to normal after a negative experience - thus the expression to “bounce back.”

When someone’s resilience is strong they will

experiences can cause withdrawals it takes more

especially when you are tired, but they will not

recover more quickly from a negative experience

than just positive experiences to make a deposit.

learn much if you do this. Instead, ask them

than when it’s low. Some children have a natural resilience and are able to cope well with adversity but unfortunately this is not true for all children.

While some can bounce back easily when they take a knock from their peers, others just can’t.

in themselves and their children. One of the biggest impacts a parent can have is to model coping with difficulty to their children. How your

for themselves. The primary factor in developing resilience is caring, supportive, loving, and encouraging relationships. Children need to know they are safe. If school is not a safe place for them for a time, then home has to be ultra-safe.

children observe you respond to adversity will be

can talk about negative experiences causing

a big determinant in how they deal with it. If you

withdrawals from the resilience bank. When the

maintain a positive outlook during difficult times

Look for those “teachable” moments that can

account gets low it is harder to recover. What

they will learn that it is normal to do so.

help your children build resilience. Talk to

usually shake off, perhaps not even notice, or have a laugh at, become bigger and more negative. Deposits into the resilience bank are harder to make than withdrawals. While negative

www.pakmag.com.au

parents should seek to actively develop resilience

questions to facilitate them to finding a solution

If we think of resilience as a bank account we

can happen is that experiences that we would

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Resilience is something that can be developed so

Talk through your child’s problems with them.

Don’t try to give them a solution. It is really tempting just to tell them what they should have done and what they should do now -

them about the experiences of other children and ask how they might have responded differently. Whatever you do, remember that building resilience is a process.

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Family

Issues Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

Obviously we all want our kids to think we

Author of The NEW Six-Point Plan for Raising

are cool but as parents we play a much more

Happy, Healthy Children, John Rosemond,

important role in our kids lives than being their

says one of the other no-no’s in responsible

friends. Being a parent requires us to have a

parenting is giving kids free rein and letting

deeper, more mature relationship with our

them dictate the family dynamics rather than

children where we use our greater wisdom

having any real parental structure. “By putting

to enforce rules, discipline, boundaries and

your children first in your family, by putting

expectations for their safety and wellbeing,

your relationship with your kids in front of your

even when our kids disagree with our decisions.

relationship with your spouse, you guarantee

While this may sometimes cause us to be

your children will become manipulative,

unpopular with our kids, even causing them to

demanding and unappreciative of anything

rebel at times, in the longer term it’s in their best

and everything you do for them,” he says. Kids

interests and inwardly they know our rules and

need to know they are loved but they also

boundaries show we care.

need to know you are their parent and not their

There will always be some parents in your child’s friendship group who are less strict about rules

There will be times our kids find us cool but

and like to be seen as the ‘cool’ parent. They may

our ultimate goal is to protect, guide and teach

let their kids stay up late, watch movies that you

our kids to be the best they can be. We need to

wouldn’t allow, hang out with friends in public

be good role models, provide consistency and

places unsupervised til late or let their kids have

above all love them and listen to them when

Facebook accounts before the age of 13. They

they want to talk. It is our role to set boundaries,

may even go to the extent of trying to act and

teach them life skills and prepare them for real

dress like their kids in order to be cool. There are

life issues so they can make smart decisions

many possible reasons why these parents take

on their own. We can start by setting basic

this approach – they may want to avoid conflict,

boundaries like bedtime routines and curfews

they don’t want to disappoint or upset their

and we can encourage responsibility through

child, or they may think that being their child’s

such things as chores and homework.

‘friend’ means they will like and trust them more.

Whatever the reasons, there may be difficult longer term consequences when these children find it a struggle to deal with society’s rules and boundaries because they haven’t been taught how to deal with ‘no’.

Be A Parent Not A Pal

prefer to be seen When it comes to parenting, do you able with making as a cool parent or are you comfort ur kids? decisions that will be ‘uncool’ with yo

collaborator.

Nigel Latta, author of Politically Incorrect Parenting wholeheartedly believes in boundaries and feels they are essential in childhood development. “Kids need fences.

Make rules, set limits and stick to them as hard as you can. It is in the nature of children to move

While permissive parents may seem more fun

forward until they come up against a fence,”

for a while, especially to kids coming from

he says. And as parents our role is to be strong

stricter homes, all children ultimately crave

enough to follow through, be consistent and

limits and boundaries as this makes them feel

dish out consequences when rules are broken.

safe and secure. This has been proven time and

How else do children learn what is right and

again in surveys amongst teenagers.

wrong?

Key Points • Set clear boundaries but let your children know you love them and will always be there for them • Be open with your children and maintain good communication – this will enable you to stay close to your children as they grow up • There’s a fine balance between having boundaries and being controlling – when you’re too controlling it may feel like you don’t respect them and cause them to rebel

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By Robert Gronbeck

Performance Jitters As the end of the school year nears Robert Gronbeck looks at ways in which parents can help their children overcome anxiety over end of year performance situations It is perfectly normal for children to experience fearfulness and anxiety about performance situations such as sports games, dance performances or school tests. Whilst it can be uncomfortable watching our children deal with nerves, these are great opportunities for them to learn important coping skills that will help them in life. As a parent though you may feel unsure about the best way to support them.

In the early nineties a field experiment was conducted whereby two groups of baseball coaches attempted to reduce competition anxiety in their youth sports people. One group had been trained in Coaching Effectiveness Training, which uses the Mastery Approach to Coaching, while the other group used their own individual approaches. In the end both groups has the same win-loss record but the teams being coached by the MAC trained coaches showed much lower levels of anxiety and reported having more fun.

This research highlighted four ways in which parents and coaches can reduce the level of preperformance nerves in children:

[1] Be empathetic It has been proven that social support reduces anxiety. Being empathetic, willing to listen and

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prepared to give your children the time for some kind attention can really help allay their fears.

The key is to take their concerns seriously and to simply listen rather than trying to ‘fix’ it for them or give them advice.

[2] Encourage personal effort The human mind can only pay attention to so many things at once so it can really help if you can occupy or divert your child’s minds away from thoughts that make them feel anxious. One especially useful strategy is to get them to focus their attention on areas where they have some personal control, for example, on the personal effort they put in rather than on winning. The more you do this the less mental space there will be for fearful thoughts that cause them to feel anxious.

[3] Highlight personal progress When children give greater attention and effort to their own progress and skill development rather than on winning they will soon come to rival their competitors because hard work does always pay off. Being focused on selfimprovement rather than the ‘result’ also reduces their fear of failure and improves their confidence.

[4] Emphasise fun When children are simply trying new things, discovering what their bodies can do, imagining new moves or plays and trying them out with friends, a sense of timelessness occurs. This is commonly referred to by sportspeople as being in the zone. When this happens, athletes report feeling the love of the game, being focused on the present moment only, having almost no thoughts, and being able to perform effortlessly.

When your child is focused on enjoying the moment, stress melts away.

Even children who are seemingly self-confident and enjoy the limelight can experience preperformance anxiety and jitters so for those who are more naturally timid in temperament it can cause nervous tears and stage fright. Ultimately the best thing you can do for your children is to redefine what it means to win – it’s not about who has the trophy at the end but how much individual effort was put in.

Robert Gronbeck is a Sports Psychology Consultant at Masterful Performances.

For information on the Mastery Approach to Coaching, individual peak performance psychology consultations, or workshops call him on 0405 245 608 or go to www. masterfulperformances.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

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By Elaine Seager

12 Deers

Of December

Get into the Christmas spirit & WIN!

Want to WIN a new Telstra Mobile Phone for Christmas?

It’s as easy as follow your nose!

DrivingHolidays

We have placed 12 Deers at various family locations around town.

Each Deer has a code word on it. All you need to do to enter the

Travelling to Townsville during the Christmas holidays?

Holiday Inn Townsville ticks all the boxes for families.

competition is to find the Deers by following our clues, make a note of the 12 code words and then submit the code words via our website at www.pakmag.com.au to go into the draw to win. It’s as easy as that!

Decipher these clues to guide your way to the 12 Deers: [1]

A great recreation place for the kids and the boys in blue will look after you.

[2]

Woof Woof, Meow! It’s a superstore!

[3]

You sing me at Christmas time and I can buy my newspaper from them each day.

[4]

It’s not the end of the world - this place has all the batteries you could need.

[5]

I feel like I’ve walked down Sydney Street before looking at gifts - or have I? Maybe I’m getting Déjà vu?

[6]

You “wood” see me if you were at the Coffee Club, you might pop in for a massage.

[7]

The next best thing to Santa’s workshop - let the children play in our toy shop.

[8]

The play centre where it really is a kidz life.

[9]

We make more than just curtains, find us on Lawson Street.

GreaT PrIZe

[10] The shoppers wonderland, central to the CBD - find the clue at Customer Service Desk.

[11] Ring Ring! Pick up the phone - it’s how we connect. Find us in Caneland Central.

[12] It’s always “pleasant” to bank when you’re in Queensland country.

ThE WInnER WILL WIN a SoNy XPerIa Z1 PhoNe ThAnkS To TELSTRA How to enter: [1] 12 different locations each with a deer. [2] Each deer has a code word. [3] Deers are not to be collected. [4] Code words need to be obtained. [5] Fill in the code words at www.pakmag.com.au [6] Entries need to be submitted to our website by 24 Dec at 3pm. [7] Winners will be drawn from correct entries by 5pm on 24 Dec and advised on 24 Dec. [8] Additional clues will be posted on facebook in the last week leading up to Christmas. [9] Check venues for opening times.

12 PRouDLY SPonSoRED BY: www.pakmag.com.au

More and more families are choosing the

breakfast is spectacular, offering an extensive

Holiday Inn Townsville are offering a Great Value

convenience of driving to a holiday destination

range of options, which is popular with guests.

Package at the moment for the school holidays,

rather than enduring the hassle and expense of flying. However, the increase in families wanting more local holidays can make it difficult finding family friendly, affordable accommodation during the Christmas period.

Holiday Inn Townsville is only a five-hour drive from Mackay, and conveniently located right in the heart of Townsville's vibrant CBD. Known as the "sugar shaker," this beautiful hotel is an iconic landmark and staff welcome families through its doors with open arms.

In the evening families can enjoy a meal, drink and a game of pool in the Brand New Sports Bar. There is even the Inn-2 Coffee café located onsite where guests can sample some of the best

which includes up to 20% off the best flexible rate, complimentary breakfast and a $25.00 hotel credit, plus Kids Stay and Eat for free when dining with a full paying adult!

coffee, tea and hot chocolate in town.

To Book a Great Value Package during the

If guests want to dine out further afield, the

Christmas & Summer Holidays call 4729 2011

hotel is within close walking distance to the

or visit www.holidayinn.com/townsville

Palmer Street dining precinct, with family friendly restaurants like Cactus Jacks, Outback Jacks, Ribs and Rumps and Benny's Hotwok.

With a 4.5 star rating, the 76 metre tower is an

The hotel is within walking distance to popular

iconic landmark, and rooms offer fantastic views

family hotspots, including the very popular

across Magnetic Island, Castle Hill and the greater

Strand Water Park, Reef HQ Aquarium and the

Townsville region. All the rooms are large and

Museum of Tropical Queensland. On Sunday

have recently undergone a renovation, with new,

mornings the colourful Sunday markets bustle

modern amenities, comfortable beds and trendy

on the hotel's doorstep, with a range of activities

interiors. For larger families adjoining rooms can

and rides for the kids.

be arranged for ease and convenience.

One of the best features about the Holiday Inn

A swim in the rooftop pool is also something not

is that kids stay and eat free when dining with

to be missed. It offers spectacular views over the

adults, and accommodation is very affordable

city, and it's a great opportunity to have a BBQ by

ranging from $120-$170 a night. The buffet

the pool (facilities provided at a nominal charge).

Things to DO while staying at Holiday Inn Townsville: • Take a swim in the rooftop pool at sunset followed by a BBQ • Go shopping on the doorstep in Flinders Street • Indulge in a buffet breakfast - be sure to try the yummy Pancakes and Eggs Benedict!

• Visit the Reef HQ Aquarium and Museum of Tropical Queensland • Splash about at the Strand Water Park www.pakmag.com.au

13

Health pak

Mozzie Repellents

news

Are You Ok this Christmas?

The hype of the silly season can put an additional strain on those struggling with mental illness so this is a good time to check in on those you know may be struggling.

It was recently announced that researchers believe they have discovered four natural mosquito repellents that could take over from DEET as the primary insect repellent.

Heightened loneliness, social isolation, financial stress, and other stressors associated with Christmas often result in a higher use of crisis and support services such as Lifeline. Support services report that suicide and self-harm rates are also typically high over the Christmas period.

Signs of mental illness to look out for include: • Complaints of continued poor sleep • Observations that a person is easily overwhelmed • Use of drugs or alcohol

DEET was first used in World War II but

brings back the virus to our resident

it has serious limitations – it needs to be

dengue mosquito population from

applied frequently to be effective, it’s

overseas. Dengue mozzies live around

expensive (and therefore of no use in third

homes/buildings and bite during the day.

• Startling easily and declining invitations for social engagements

The symptoms of mosquito-borne viruses

• Increased or unreasonable irritability

world malarial countries) and it is so toxic that it dissolves plastics, synthetic fabrics and painted surfaces. Mosquitoes are also starting to show some resistance to it.

There are several mosquito-borne viruses but most common in Australia and FNQ are: • Ross River Virus - spread by a variety of mosquito species throughout the year but mostly February-May. The recovery time can be prolonged in some people but those infected develop lifelong immunity.

• Barmah Forest Virus - similar to Ross River Virus but the illness is usually

www.pakmag.com.au

• Problems performing at work

and joints, headaches and fever or chilly sensations. The best way to avoid them is to avoid being bitten in the first place by:

HPV Update

• Covering up (especially in peak hours) • Using mozzie nets • Using insect repellent

Australia’s HPV vaccination programme is already causing the rates of genital warts to decrease according to new data and is expected

• Using deterrents such as coils

to also slash rates of cervical and other genital

• Emptying pools of water to remove

and throat cancers. It was recently expanded to

potential breeding sites

include school-age boys – the first and only country

If, in the event of a dengue outbreak, you

in the world to do so.

are unwell see your GP immediately. The

The ongoing programme offers free vaccination to

only way to confirm whether your illness is

girls aged 12-13 years in schools. The vaccine has

• Dengue - Most years there are localised

caused by a mosquito-borne virus is via a

now been offered to boys aged 12-13 years, with a

Dengue outbreaks in NQ when someone

blood test.

catch-up program that includes boys aged 14-15.

shorter lived.

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are flu-like and include pain in the muscles

• A pattern of withdrawing from family and friends

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15

Nutrition pak

Product news

Broccoli Feeding for Fertility

by Rebecca McKenna

Whatever age you are, if you’re planning to conceive nutrition is an important factor to consider. There is no magic pill, food or nutrient that will ensure conception, but ensuring your body is in good physical health is a vital factor.

Be a healthy weight If you are too thin or carrying a bit too much weight, your chances of falling pregnant and then carrying to full term may be reduced.

Ideally you should aim for your body fat percentage to be between 20% and 40% to maintain regular menstruation and an increased chance of conception. If you are carrying a little extra weight, even losing a small amount will improve your chances.

Start with 10% and work to maintain this while trying to fall pregnant.

Fertility Nutrients When it comes to fertility, each and every vitamin and mineral is as important as each other, for both women and men. Being deficient in any nutrient can decrease your

fertility but the following nutrients have specific roles: • Female fertility depends on having good quality eggs so women need a diet that is adequate in vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, arginine, chromium, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fats.

• For men, healthy sperm production, development and protection depends on a diet that is sufficient in protein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, CoQ10 and monounsaturated and omega 3 fats. And, did you know that men who regularly eat processed meat have a lower sperm count than men who eat fish regularly. So get off the bacon and into the salmon!

Poor old broccoli is a super healthy food, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a very glamorous image. There are lots of “hip” green vegies out there that we love to knock back by the bucket load in smoothies, but we often forget that some simple steamed broccoli can be just as good. Broccoli is chock-a-block full of vitamin C and other nutrients, which can help repair DNA in cells, and in some cases, reduce the risk of cancer. It is available all year round and is a great ingredient in stir-fries, soups, frittatas and of course simply steamed with a side of lean protein.

Rebecca McKenna is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health Management. You can connect with Health Management and ask Rebecca questions on Facebook.

e supplement, fall pregnant and am taking a folat READER QUESTION: I am trying to high in folate? but was wondering what foods are uate intake of stages of pregnancy as having an adeq Folate is very important in the early e can be consumed cts. On top of supplementation, folat folate can prevent neural tube defe coli, Brussels ‘organic’ bread), asparagus, bran, broc in the diet through bread (except for folate. There of ces These are all excellent food sour sprouts, legumes, lentils and spinach. cereals. ces such as fruit juices and breakfast are also many folate fortified food sour

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Q&A

nutritionadvice

Food

review

www.pakmag.com.au

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pakmag Team

Local Toy Specialists

pakmag TEAM Favourite Mini Christmas pUddings

• Imaginative Play • Wooden Toys • Educational Resources • Creative Toys • Children’s Books • Quality Stationery

By Angelina Mortley (Sales/Biz Development Manager)

• Australian and International products

Ingredients: • 100g Milk Chocolate 'Melts'

OPEN > Mon-Fri 9am-5Pm • Thu 9am-6Pm • SaT 9.30am-3Pm • SundayS in dec 9.30am-3Pm

• 50g White Chocolate 'Melts' • 350g Fruit Cake (crumbled)

Corner Victoria & Macalister Streets, Mackay • PHONE: 4944 0180

• 2 Tablespoons of Orange Juice

WEBSITE: www.playmackay.com.au • EMAIL: info@playmackay.com.au

• Petit Four Cases

pakmag

TEAM recipe

• Lollies to decorate (Spearmint Leaves and Jaffas)

[1] Mix crumbled fruit cake and the orange juice together.

Ange's Fave “We published this recipe from one of our readers several years ago and I've been making it ever since.

They're easy to make and delicious!”

[2] Melt milk chocolate ‘Melts’ as per pack instructions and then mix in with the cake and juice mixture.

[3] Place in the fridge until cool.

[4] Take a tablespoon of chilled mixture, roll into ball and place in petit four case. Repeat until all mixture is used.

[5] Melt white chocolate ‘Melts’ and spoon a little on top of each pudding to resemble brandy sauce.

[6] Chill for 30 minutes and decorate - you may need to chop the lollies into smaller pieces to fit on top of puddings.

[7] For extra decadence, melt extra milk chocolate ‘Melts’, dip balls into chocolate, chill to set and then decorate.

18

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

19

skating rink

26 December to 19 January MECC

2

Super Hero

NYE Party

DEC

blue = adults

Check out the latest family entertainment & events guide

yourGUIDE

31 December Earlybird Fireworks (9pm)

This fantastic indoor skating rink was a huge success in

Another amazing free Mackay Regional Council event for

2011/2012 and it’s back again! Keep cool this summer and test

families, thanks to John Donnelly the Good Guys. There will be

out your ice skating skills gliding in air-conditioned comfort to

a Superhero Cape and Mask Making Workshop, face painting,

great music. Enjoy the new and improved giant ice slide and

jumping castles, a Sensory Circus Workshop, Just Dance Wii

funky ice fun at Ice Disco Nights! For more information contact

Arena, live entertainment and lots more.

MECC Box Office (4961 9777).

Cost: Skating $14 - $20; Spectator $5 - $15; Ice Disco Nights $23

Things to do in DEC

5 5

artspace mky

christmas craft

3-22 December Artspace Mackay

3

Carols by

Candlelight

14 December (7pm) Walkerston State Primary School

DATE

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

1/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

1/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free

1/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

Free

1/12/13

Palm Ave, Seaforth

Seaforth Markets

8.30am

4959 0332

Free

2/12/13

Gordon White Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9300

Free

2/12/13

Mirani Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9231

Free

2/12/13

Mackay City Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

11.00am

4961 9387

Free

3/12/13

Mirani Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

9.30am

4961 9231

Free

3/12/13

Sarina Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9297

Free

3/12/13

Walkerston Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4959 2545

Free

3/12/13

Botanic Gardens

Falun Gong meditation and relaxation

9.00am

4942 9538

Free

3/12/13

Artspace Mackay

BMA Kidspace Christmas Special! 10am-2pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

3/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

4/12/13

Sarina Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.00am

4961 9297

Free

4/12/13

Gordon White Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4961 9300

Free $70

4/12/13

MECC

Belinda Carlisle

7.30pm

www.mackaytix.com.au

Get into the Christmas spirit with some

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

family carol singing. There will be candles

5/12/13

Mackay City Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4961 9387

available to buy, fireworks and a sausage sizzle and drinks from 6.30pm.

4

BUNNINGS

Free

5/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

6/12/13

Gordon White Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

9.30am

4961 9300

6/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

7/12/13

MECC

Take the Stage Leisa Payne school of Dance

2.00pm

www.mackaytix.com.au

Free $30

7/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

7/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free

7/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

Free

Festive Workshops

1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December Bunnings Warehouse mackay

Get the kids involved in the Christmas-themed Workshops at

December for free Christmas Craft activities for all ages. Make

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay in December with free Prepare

fun projects using the materials provided, and then take

for Christmas Workshops on Sunday 1, Saturday 7 and Sunday

them with you to display at home. Stay for three minutes or

8 December and free Christmas Gift Workshops on Saturday

three hours but parents must stay with children to supervise

14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December which

activities. Times: Tuesday to Friday (10am-5pm), Weekends

will provide inspiration on the best presents for loved ones. For

(10am-3pm). Call Artspace on 4961 9722 for more information.

more info contact Bunnings Warehouse Mackay on 4944 3400.

www.pakmag.com.au

DEcember 2013 entertainment & events

4/12/13

Families are encouraged to drop in to Artspace Mackay in

20

green = kids

guide

1

ICE City ii

pink = family

www.pakmag.com.au

21

pink = family

DATE

green = kids

VENUE

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

7/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

7/12/13

MECC

Carols in the City

6.00pm

4961 9700

Free

7/12/13

George St Neighbourhood Centre

Mackay Toy Library

9.30am

0427 489 382

Cost

7/12/13

Milton Street

Showground Markets

7.30am

4957 3916

Free

8/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Sunday Cinema - The Wrong Man

10.30am

49619722

Free

8/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

8/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free

8/12/13

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Prepare for Christmas Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

Free

8/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Sunday Cinema Hitchcock film program - ''Dial M For Murder"

10.30am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

8/12/13

Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

8/12/13

Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Troppo Treasure Market

7.30am

0447 876778

Free

8/12/13

Palm Ave, Seaforth

Seaforth Markets

8.30am

4959 0332

Free

9/12/13

Gordon White Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9300

Free

9/12/13

Mirani Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9231

Free

9/12/13

Mackay City Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

11.00am

4961 9387

Free

9/12/13

47 Gordon Street Daily Mercury

Mackay Regional Council Christmas Lights Bus Tours

6.45pm

4957 0444

$15

4961 9231

Free

10/12/13 Caneland Central

Mummy Central

9.00am

10/12/13 Mirani Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

9.30am

Kids

MINI MAG Dec2013

Free

10/12/13 Sarina Library

Baby Bounce - 0 to 18 months

9.30am

4961 9297

Free

10/12/13 Walkerston Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4959 2545

Free

10/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

10/12/13 47 Gordon Street Daily Mercury

Mackay Regional Council Christmas Lights Bus Tours

6.45pm

4957 0444

$15

11/12/13 Sarina Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.00am

4961 9297

Free Free

11/12/13 Gordon White Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4961 9300

11/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

11/12/13 George St Neighbourhood Centre

Mackay Toy Library

9.30am

0427 489 382

Cost

11/12/13 47 Gordon Street Daily Mercury

Mackay Regional Council Christmas Lights Bus Tours

6.45pm

4957 0444

$15

12/12/13 Mackay City Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

10.30am

4961 9387

Free

12/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

in cinemas Jan 1

November

FUN Activities Colour in and you could WIN movie Tickets

22

www.pakmag.com.au

WIN

Fun activities & prizes to win www.pakmag.com.au

23

colour IN & Win! Colour in and you could

Mini MAG FUN

WIN movie Tickets

Activities

SPOT THE Difference Spot the 5 differences and you could win a great prize!

Email your answers to: mkycompetitions@pakmag.com.au

maze

FUN

To enter colour-it-in & mail to:

Name: Age:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in December 2013

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 1922, Mackay QLD 4740 & you

could WIN tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs the Movie (Comp Closes: 15/12/13)

24

www.pakmag.com.au

Solve the maze to find out which animal character catches which item of food and you could win a prize!

Email your answer to: mkycompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Address: Phone: Email:

www.pakmag.com.au Competitions close 15 December 25 2013

If you would like to see Oli's tutorial on how to make a candy cane head to the PakMag Cairns youtube channel.

pink = family

DATE

n o i t a r o c e as D

Christm

Story Thanks to: Oliver Standen

• Plasticine or Modelling clay (You can get modelling clay from BigW for $2. Playdough is too heavy and squishy for this.)

• Christmas spirit and 4-5 minutes of your time

[1] You’ll need two strips of your clay or plasticine. Two different colours, any colours.

and wrap it around like a ribbon wrapping around a pole starting with a little at the top.

but not for too long, you still want it to be hard enough to bend and hold at the top.

[2] Pinch a small bit off one end on one colour to make it a bit smaller than the other one.

[7] Gently press it in as you go.

Once you’ve got the first bit wrapped around put it back down on a flat surface and roll it.

[10] Then once it has all come together, pick it up curve and bend over the top just like the top of a Candy cane and you have a candy cane to hang on your tree. If it is a bit soft from all the rolling – don’t worry it gets harder overnight so just lay it out somewhere for tomorrow.

[3] Roll your main colour out onto a flat surface to make it a bit softer.

[4] Now roll the other shorter colour in the same way.

[5] Hold the shorter one up against your main colour and if it is still a bit too long just pinch some more off and roll again.

[6] Bring the shorter colour together with the longer colour

26

www.pakmag.com.au

DEC

blue = adults

yourGUIDE

y d n a C e n A C

You Will Need:

green = kids

guide

makE & Do

See it on youtube

[8] Now bring it back up and keep taking the rest of the strip round and round.

[9] Just keep squishing when you go around. It doesn’t have to be perfect just try your best.

[9] Once you have it wrapped all to the bottom put it down and roll it out again. Pressing down and rolling to bring it together

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

12/12/13 47 Gordon Street Daily Mercury

Mackay Regional Council Christmas Lights Bus Tours

6.45pm

4957 0444

$15

13/12/13 Gordon White Library

Storytime - 2 to 5 years

9.30am

4961 9300

Free

13/12/13 Paxton's Building

Paxtons Night Markets

5.00pm

13/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Exhibition Opening: Blakely Lloyd: Never again, & Ah Xian: Metaphysica

6.00pm

4961 9722

13/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

14/12/13 Marias Donkey Tapas Bar

Pink Ribbon Ladies Cocktail Night

6.30pm

contact@starlightscreeningsmackay.com.au

Cost

14/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

Free Free

14/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free

14/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

Free

14/12/13 Walkerston State School

Walkerston Rotary Carols By Candlelight

7.00pm

14/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

Free www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

14/12/13 George St Neighbourhood Centre

Mackay Toy Library

9.30am

0427 489 382

Cost

14/12/13 Milton Street

Showground Markets

7.30am

4957 3916

Free

15/12/13 Kidz Life Play Centre

Christmas PakClub

6.00pm

4053 3331

Free

15/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

15/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free Free

15/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

15/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

15/12/13 Palm Ave, Seaforth

Seaforth Markets

8.30am

4959 0332

17/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

Free

18/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

19/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

20/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-5pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

21/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

21/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free Free

21/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

21/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free

21/12/13 1091 Mackay-Habana Rd

Habana Carols Under the Stars

7.00pm

21/12/13 George St Neighbourhood Centre

Mackay Toy Library

9.30am

Free 0427 489 382

Cost

Remember you can have a go at doing different ones too with dots or stripes as well just ask your parents for some help.

Have a Merry Christmas www.pakmag.com.au

27

DATE

green = kids

VENUE

DEC

guide

pink = family

Funny

yourGUIDE

Have a laugh with a local thanks to SeaFM

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

stories

COST

21/12/13 Milton Street

Showground Markets

7.30am

4957 3916

Free

22/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

11.00am

4944 3400

Free

22/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

12.30pm

4944 3400

Free

22/12/13 Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

Christmas Gift Workshops

2.00pm

4944 3400

Free

22/12/13 Artspace Mackay

Christmas Craft: Free Family Drop-in Activities 10am-3pm

10.00am

www.artspacemackay.com.au Free 4959 0332

Free

22/12/13 Palm Ave, Seaforth

Seaforth Markets

8.30am

25/12/13 Your Place

Christmas Day! Merry Christmas

5.00am

31/12/13 MECC North Foyer

New Years Eve Superhero Party

6.00pm

www.festivalmackay.org.au

Free

31/12/13 MECC North Foyer

New Years Eve concert Eurythmics and Fleetwood Mac Tributes

9.00pm

www.festivalmackay.org.au

Free

31/12/13 Riverside Bluewater Quay

New Years Eve Fireworks Display

12.00am

www.festivalmackay.org.au

Free

Laughs local

Free

Regular Markets

With Santa getting prepared for his annual trip around the world delivering presents on Christmas Eve, we wanted to hear what he would be packing for the kids around Mackay

River Street - City Centre For more information call 0401 834 829.

Marian Markets From 8am every month on the 3rd Sunday of the month, until further notice.

Finch Hatton Markets From 9am every month on the 1st Sunday of the month, until further notice.

Anzac Avenue - Holy Rosary Church For more info or bookings call 4954 3424.

Criterion Hotel Grounds - Finch Hatton For more information call 4958 3504.

Showground Markets 7.30am Saturday every week, until further notice.

Eungella Markets Eungella Memorial Hall, North Street, Eungella

From 7.30am every month on the 2nd Sunday of the month, until further notice. For more info call 0447 876 778.

Seaforth Markets 8.30am Sunday every week, until further notice.

Held on the first Sunday of every month from April to December from 9am-1pm. For info call 4958 4522.

Sarina Showground markets Bruce Highway - Sarina

Palm Avenue, Seaforth For more information call 4959 0332.

Paxton’s Night Markets Every 2 months on the 2nd Friday of the month, until further notice. For info visit our Facebook page.

From 8am every month on the last Sunday of the month, until further notice. For more info call 4956 1066.

Troppo Treasure Market Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Mount Pleasant

Go to pakmag.com.au for more events and market info

our favs Hannah Hanigan “My daughter asked Santa at

The Good Guys maCkay

supporting your local community OPEN monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm saturday 9am-4pm & sunday 9am-3pm 28

www.thegoodguys.com.au/mackay www.pakmag.com.au

PHONE 4963 1500 North PoiNt retail WiNdmill CrossiNg

Duncan Pierce

“My son wants Santa to buy his dad a new

“My daughter wants a hole punch. Yes, you

Harley LOL!”

read right, a hole punch!”

Jacqui Patterson

Sandra Kerr

“Our six year old neighbour would like a

“My son wants only one thing from Santa

Formula one car”

and that’s to become the Incredible Hulk…

Gail Granny Sharpe

Caneland Central to “please don’t

“My grand daughter wants to be able to fly”

forget the batteries for the toys this

Nikki Cane

year Santa.” Classic.”

I’d hate to be Santa this year”

Jeanne Heggie “When I asked my five year old what he was asking Santa for this year he replied,

“My oldest daughter wants Santa to give

“Hmmm, I think I’d like some really nice

her a pet crocodile for Christmas”

socks” Socks! What the? Lol”

Michael Brigman

Emma Neeves

David Cutchie

“My son has recently started going

“After being asked for the last 12 months

“My four year old daughter wants a box

to Sunday school so along with a

if he would like to, one day, have a baby

of chocolates for Christmas this year.

dirt bike and plenty of Lego, at the

brother or sister, my four year old now

“Anything else?” I asked. “Nope just the

end of his letter to Santa he’s also

wants Santa to PROMISE he won’t bring him

chocolates thank you”. Where do they come

asked for “Peas on earth”

either! LOL”

up with these things? Ha!” David Cutchie

JohN donnelly Pay less Pay cash

Anthony Welling

www.pakmag.com.au

29

By Shannon du Plessis

Want to sell your home for the highest price?

Outdoor movie screens & event hire

Make the right move.

Testimonial: “I would recommend Emma to anyone, because you could not meet a more hard working, honest, reliable, friendly person to assist you in achieving your goal of selling your home and

Book a Big screen

for your next event

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Emma Elliott 0413 925 122

HiddenDangers

experience watching movies under the stars Available for hire for fundraisers, sporting events, concerts, weddings, anniversaries, backyard parties and more. You provide the location, audience & power, we provide the rest.

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34 Alan St • Phone 0428 198 212 • Web www.starlightscreenings.com.au

Is your home safe for a mobile tot? Here are some tips on protecting your children from potential dangers in the home, reports Shannon du Plessis

W

alk into most homes with young children, and you’ll often see gates of various sizes, padded corners on coffee tables and kitchen cupboards that need a degree in engineering in order to open them.

This is a great sign of not only “child-proofing” your house, but also protecting your children from potential dangers.

Children are curious creatures and when they start becoming more mobile, they find more joy in pulling out Tupperware from your cupboards than many of the toys you have bought for them.

It’s a good idea to “get down on all fours” to search the house for potential hazards. You’ll be surprised at what you might find when seeing the world from your child’s perspective.

There are many risks associated with products in the home, particularly since children have a higher chance of having a reaction to a substance because they are still growing. Their bodies consume more air, food and liquids per kilo of body weight than adults, so their organs and developing immune systems are not as able to combat hazardous substances as adults.

Common household products such as bleach, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, bug spray,

30

www.pakmag.com.au

flea collars, garden/weed pesticides, cigarette smoke, oven, toilet and drain cleaners, and paint products can contain toxic chemicals. Air pollution, such as dust and tobacco smoke, is also harmful to children.

Tips for child-proofing your house: • Use covers on electrical outlets and hide electrical cords behind furniture.

• Use childproof latches on kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

• Set the temperature of your hot water system to 50oC. •

Prevent poisoning by keeping household cleaners, chemicals and medicines out of reach and always store them in their original container. Know the Poisons Hotline number – 131 126. Also, buy and use products with child-resistant caps.

•

Make sure that used or hand-me-down equipment, such as car seats, strollers, toys and cribs haven’t been recalled for safety reasons. Phone Product Recalls Australia on 1300 302 502 or visit www.recalls.gov.au

• Use stair gates.

• Make sure your child’s toys have no buttons, eyes, beads, ribbons, or other pieces your child could pull off and choke on.

• Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a fire blanket in the house and use flame retardant sleepware.

• Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up out of reach.

• Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, heaters or other hot appliances.

• Empty all water from bathtubs and nappy pails. Never leave a child unattended in the bath.

• Secure furniture that can topple (bookcases, chests of drawers and TV’s) to the walls.

•

Remove the hood and neck drawstrings from your child’s jackets and other clothing, as they can get caught in school bus doors, handrails and playground equipment.

• Consider enrolling in an first aid course.

www.pakmag.com.au

31

Baby

Car Seat Guidelines

December 2013

Baby books

review

Christmas Swimmers

Gift

idea NEW

book Our awareness of safe car travel for children has improved over the years so current laws state that children must travel in a child restraint until they are seven years old.

Exercising Brains

In Australia there is a widespread problem with women gaining too much weight during pregnancy. It is estimated that as much as 74 per cent of women gain more than the recommended guidelines. Obese mothers have double the chance of miscarriage and stillbirth, double the risk of their baby having a birth defect, triple the risk of

It seems as though exercise is not just good for mums during pregnancy since a new study recently found that mums who exercised regularly through their pregnancy had newborns who showed higher levels of brain activity that those who didn’t.

If you’re looking for some cute new swimmers for Christmas check out these from NQ business Angelfish Dragonfly.

There are some classic red and white spotty swim pants for baby girls ($36.99) and a selection of pretty red and white

While obstetricians used to tell mothers to avoid exerting themselves too much during

[4] Is the lap belt sitting low across the hips

Kidsafe and Neuroscience Research

touching the thighs?

Australia are recommending that children stay in booster seats until at least 8-10 years of age or even older unless they meet ALL requirements of this Five-Step Test:

one-piece swimmers for girls aged 2+. Perfect for Christmas

[1] Can your child sit with their back against

day. For more info go to www.angelfishdragonfly.com.au

the vehicle seat back?

pregnancy, experts now know that inactivity may be more detrimental to both the

[2] Do their knees bend in front of the edge

mother and the baby's health. A lack of exercise can lead to more complications during pregnancy, while staying active has been linked to a lower risk of obesity for the child

However new guidelines released by

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[5] Can your child stay seated like this for

gain to be as damaging as smoking and drinking.

the whole trip?

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They are urging parents to keep children in each category of child restraint for as long as they fit, rather than transition them as soon as they reach the age requirements by law.

McGrice has just published a new book called The Pregnancy Weight Plan which includes easy eating plans and recipes to help pregnancy women gain the right amount of weight safely. It is available in all good book stores for $29.99.

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[3] Does the sash (shoulder) belt sit across

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before starting an exercise program and focus on low impact activities such as walking

website (www.pakmag.com.au) and tell us two

the middle of the shoulder, not on the neck

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By Michelle Dryburgh

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a stutter. Michelle Dryburgh asks Professor Mark Onslow, a world-leading expert on stuttering, how teachers can identify and help children with this condition.

Parents and teachers alike will know that it’s

prefer to address the issue in the classroom. “A

and often won’t reach the occupation they want

not uncommon for some young children to be

common approach is to organise how to call

either,” he says. “The seeds of anxiety are sown at

quiet or reserved in a busy classroom setting. But

upon the child to speak in the classroom,” he

primary school, but if kids get the right treatment

occasionally there can be more to that silence

says. “Some children prefer to complete speaking

they can avoid that anxiety and the outcomes

than meets the eye. Professor Mark Onslow,

tasks in private, others prefer warning of when it

are really fantastic. The early primary school

Foundation Director of the Australian Stuttering

will be happening so it isn’t unexpected. Some

years are the perfect time to prevent a lifetime of

Research Centre at the University of Sydney,

children like to speak first; others go last. And

struggling with stuttering and social anxiety.”

warns that children who avoid speaking in class

some children like their teacher to explain to the

could be hiding a stutter. “There are a lot of

class about stuttering, whereas others prefer it’s

Call Anthony 0429 269 549

young children out there in this very situation,”

not mentioned at all.”

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it is not immediately apparent. Children who stutter become experts at hiding it. It’s as simple as not talking.”

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speaking privately with the child, listening

The cause of stuttering remains unknown but

patiently, not interrupting or finishing sentences,

it affects up to one in nine children and usually

regularly consulting with parents and actively

presents in children before school age. Left

monitoring for any signs of bullying. He also

untreated, stuttering can cause debilitating

recommends parents of children who stutter

anxiety and impact a child’s learning outcomes

seek help from a local speech pathologist.

not aware of the problem?

and employment opportunities. But Professor

for every child – but it should always start

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for teachers to help manage stuttering include

So how can teachers help a student if they’re

Professor Onslow says the solution is different

Call 4053 3331 for more information

Professor Onslow says other effective methods

with a conversation between the teacher and

Onslow says the story can be very different for children who receive appropriate and timely intervention.

the student’s parent or guardian. He says it

“Children who go on to stutter as adults didn’t

is also important to include the child in the

have the problem dealt with properly and as a

conversation to determine how they would

result, didn’t receive the education they needed

For more information on stuttering and how to treat the condition visit: www.sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/asrc/

www.pakmag.com.au

35

Play

themes Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

Winter

W on d erl a n d Rather than go for a traditional red and green theme, why not get into the Christmas spirit this year with a icy white and silver themed Christmas party. With lots of games and activity ideas, this is sure to put a smile on your kid’s faces during the Christmas holidays.

Play Time

Traditional party games with a wintry twist: • Musical Snowflakes – same as the

• Snowman Pinata – Make your own

traditional musical chairs game using

snowman piñata and fill with lollies

large white and silver snowflakes

and prizes.

made out of cardboard.

sacks (to keep with the theme) for

same as Egyptian Mummy but give

little ones and use hessian bags for

each pair of players a roll of toilet

older players.

paper, three big large spots for buttons and a hat and scarf. The best snowman wins.

• White and silver (helium filled) balloons

• Snowballs on Strings – Hang snowballs at the end of a long piece of string and tie these to the clothesline or the edge of a marquee.

Paint a large snowman and laminate

Players must stand with their hands

it with clear contact, then make little

behind their back and all try to eat

orange carrot noses with each player’s

their snowballs at the same time while

name on them. Blindfold each player

they are bobbing around.

• White suit, white linen clothing

• What’s the Time Santa – play this

• Long sheer white or silver angel costumes

the snowman.

game the same as ‘What’s the Time towards Santa to match with the time

• Silver sequin dresses, skirts or tops

hide them around the garden for party

but when he yells “Christmas Time”

• Silver glitter

guests to find. The stars found can be

they all run away.

• White Christmas tree with silver decorations

• Bubble Blowing – who doesn’t love bubbles?

the-parcel but whoever is left holding

Yummy Stuff

the star when the music stops is out.

• Make a huge cardboard arch and paint it white and decorate with large cardboard snowflakes then hang a mistletoe

Christmas trees • Create a Hot Chocolate stand with little mugs, jars of marshmallows and an adult pouring hot chocolate • White tablecloth with silver stars and glitter on table

• Chocolate truffles / rumballs

Get Creative

Get the kids creating with these crafty ideas: • Decorate plain photo frames with

• Decorate Christmas-themed biscuits

white wooden snowflakes

(snowmen, Christmas tree, stars, etc)

• Make snow globes

• Paint a handprint angel using an

• Papier mache a large white snowman piñata wearing a scarf and have hanging ready to play

• White feather boas and snowflake tiaras

out of cardboard before the party then

• Pass the Silver Star – Similar to pass

• Make large cardboard snowmen and large white cardboard

• White fairy dresses with white wings

Mr Wolf’’ whereby players take steps

traded for prizes.

under the arch

• White hooded Santa gown with fur trim

• Treasure Hunt – Make silver stars

• White paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling

• Spray paint tree branches white and entwine with fairy lights

Dress Ups

• Pin the Nose on the Snowman –

and take turns to pin the nose on

Decorations

• Sack Races – Use white pillowcases as

• Snowman Wrap – play this game the

• Decorate Christmas baubles with coloured sequins

upright handprint for the body and two downward handprints in a different colour for the angel wings

• Christmas-themed biscuits and cupcakes • Mini apple pies and mince tarts • Marshmallow snowmen • Fortune cookies dipped in chocolate • Spanish donuts dipped in chocolate • Platter of mini cakes and sweet slices (rocky road, brownies, vanilla slice) • Striped candy canes • Toffee apples

• Make star wands out of foam,

• Hot chocolate with

cardboard or wood and decorate with

marshmallows and

paint and glitter

whipped cream

• Make Christmas bon-bons with crepe paper and Christmas stickers

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37

Make your own

Christmas Stocking The Christmas stocking is a wonderful tradition for those small gifts from Santa.

So why not make one yourself? Designed and constructed by Sofie of Tinker and Tailor Sewing School and Design, this stocking is fun and simple to make.

What you need

[1] Begin by drawing your stocking shape on

[7] Clip around the curve of your Christmas

some paper or use a pattern from the Internet

stocking and lining pieces. This will help the

as a template. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance

shape to turn through and sit better.

to your template and cut out to create your pattern.

• Stocking template (many websites have free PDF patterns)

[2] Pin your pattern down on your chosen

• 40-50 cm of Christmas fabric for stocking (depending on stocking size)

(making sure they are opposite to each other).

• 40-50 cm of coordinating fabric for stocking lining • Ribbon • Thread • Pins

[9] To finish your stocking, place it right side facing out, inside your wrong side facing out lining piece. Match the top edge together

[3] Repeat this cutting out process for your

and pin along the top edge. Sew around the

lining fabric and interfacing (optional).

top edge, joining your lining to the stocking

[4] If using interfacing, iron it onto the reverse side of your Christmas fabric.

[5] With right sides together, pin together the two fabric stocking pieces. In between the

using a 1.5cm seam allowance leaving a 5cm opening.

[10] Pull your Christmas stocking and lining through the opening.

side seam at the back of your stocking place

[11] Top stitch along the top of your stocking,

• Sewing machine

a looped ribbon 2-2.5 cm down from the top

ensuring that the raw edge left from the 5cm

raw edge. This will provide a loop so you can

opening is folded inwards.

• Beads, lace or buttons for decoration • 50cm of medium weigh iron-on interfacing (optional)

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add any decorative trims or fabric cuff.

• Scissors

• Iron and ironing board

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fabric and cut out two stocking shapes

[8] To the right side of your Christmas stocking

hang it up.

[6] Stitch around all sides of the stocking, leaving the short top side open. Repeat with lining.

Your Christmas stocking is ready for Santa!

HINT: If adding a fabric cuff to your stocking, insert the handing ribbon into the seam of the cuff rather than the main part of the stocking. www.pakmag.com.au

39

Pets fav

Fav pet shot of the month wins a mystery prize to the value of $30!

Prize winner

DEcember entries

Ambo loved by Matthew

Moe loved by Dylan & Beau

Basil loved by Kasey

Oscar loved by Jake

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 15 December for the January 2014 edition of Pakmag.

Winners prize

Congratulations to our November prize winners!

Colour in & win:

Match Word & Pic

• Marko Stanic

• Stella Soule

Word search:

Tuition Package:

• Samara Sneyd

• Colette Shields

pakclub fun for parents & kids

Christmas paRty

FREE Monthly Club

• Prizes for best dressed for best Christmas theme • free play centre from 7pm-8pm • free sausage sizzle & $1 softdrinks • free glow sticks for all kids • santa appearance at 7pm • See the Christmas Show & sing along to the Christmas Carols

Sunday 15 dECEMbER 6pM-8pM Kidz life play centre (75 evans ave) For more info visit: www.facebook.com/PakMagMackay

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out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

y Dancing fun at PakMag 1st Birthda

Sinead, William, Cathy & Declan

Emily & Lachlan

y Dancing fun at PakMag 1st Birthda Fran with Oliver & Zane at PakMag

Steven & James

Emily & Hugh at PakMag 1st Birthda y

1st Birthday

Marjory & Chloe

Out & About photos thanks to Tahnee at ta da photography > Call 0434 908 362

Claire with Eimear & Caoilinn

Doireann at PakMag 1st Birthday

Dancing fun at PakMag 1st Birthday

Out & About photos thanks to Tahnee at ta da photography > Call 0434 908 362

Bree & Emma

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Sienna & Kaylah

Mac at PakMag 1st Birthday

Kobi & Blayde www.pakmag.com.au

43

Home edition

Christmas

DEC 2013

TIPS Choose your colour scheme and stick to it

Design Tips

Traditional

Lighting Tips Pretty lighting defines Christmas. These LED Cherry Trees come in an assortment of colours at the Lighting Network. RRP $199.00.

Colourful Rustic Colours of

Christmas

Story thanks to the team at BOLD Interiors It’s time to dust off the Christmas tree and start decorating! Every year, the new collections of Christmas ornaments reflect the latest trends in styles, colours and materials, so if you’re thinking of updating your Christmas scheme here are a few tips:

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Colour schemes: • Whether you go for a traditional colour scheme or cool summer pastels, pick one scheme and stick to it. Successful Christmas decorating is dependent on

• The classic Nordic combination of red and white with natural fibres creates a warm and cosy Christmas living room.

There are always plenty of decorations available to suit this scheme

Table Tips

consistency

Motifs:

• Bright, vibrant colours are on trend

Woodland characters and forest animal

this year from cool aqua pastels to

motifs are on trend again and they make

Deja Vu are a treasure trove of decoration ideas and

muted pinks.

for an enchanted and whimsical themed

say their best-selling C’est Noel range of Christmas

Christmas. Colourful butterflies and

decorations is all about ‘naturals with elegance’. They

peacocks are a good tropical alternative.

recommend using a good quality pine garland for a

Textures:

table centrepiece and mixing through aged paper

touch of luxury and elegance. Paired

Natural and rustic textures are a big trend

with black or white and plenty

this year with soft linens, raw timbers and

berry sprays. This theme can be built up with a few

of candles, this scheme creates a

chunky wools.

• Try not to use more than four colours.

Mix it up with varying hues and tints.

• Bronze, silver and gold schemes add a

sophisticated look for dining.

poinsettias, mercury glass, tea light holders and red coordinated decorations including burlap birds.

• Poinsettias $9.95 • Tea light Holders $17.50 • Berry sprays $10.50 • Burlap birds $11.50 www.pakmag.com.au

45

We all need an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life and one Mackay furniture and homewares store is offering exactly that, taking customers on a journey back in time to a world of elegance and opulent luxury.

Behind the doors of a historic 1890’s building on

In April 2007 Kerri and husband Adrian purchased

Australian market. “It means I have an idea of

Mackay’s busy Sydney Street is a furniture and

the historic building the store is housed in today,

where styles and colours are going and I can take

homewares store like no other. High ceilings,

providing more space for furniture and adding the

that into account in my purchasing,” she says. “I am

exposed beams and sparking chandeliers set the

tearoom. Today the business is thriving, with new

very selective about what I bring in.”

scene for a treasure trove of lavish gifts, European

and unique stock arriving regularly from overseas

homewares and French provincial furniture.

suppliers as far as Denmark, France and the USA,

At the heart of the store lies the crowning glory – an elaborate tearoom reminiscent of Old England,

Australia.

a highly sought-after destination for special occasion gifts, including Mother’s Day and Christmas. The store is also renowned for its

serving high tea and light lunches. It comes as no

Kerri says it’s a dream come true. “I had a

Bastille Day celebrations and annual Christmas VIP

surprise to learn busy office workers often while

secretarial background so I had never worked in

Night, which has grown so popular the event is

away their lunch breaks in this secluded retreat,

retail, I’d never even touched a till,” she laughs. “But

now held over two nights.

hidden from the worries of the outside world. It is

I’d always enjoyed restoring vintage furniture and

exactly the vision Kerri Ross had for her business

that French provincial style and it’s something I

when she and her late sister Sharen first opened

wanted to get into.

the doors to A Déjà vu Experience in 2003, at its

Kerri says the business’ success was only possible with the support of a few very special people, including her husband Adrian and her parents

“It’s a concept that’s been embraced by customers

Alys and John. “Dad is a retired carpenter and

and it’s so inspiring to be told by a customer it’s

has been invaluable as Mr Fix-It,” she says. “With

“We wanted it to evoke that feeling of déjà

their favourite store, or when they comment on

their help I have stayed as passionate about the

vu,” Kerri says. “So many people comment on

how gorgeous it is.”

business as when I first started.

The products in store are personally selected by

“Now I simply hope I can continue treating my

Kerri who researches overseas trends, traditionally

customers to a special experience, that’s what

unveiled a season ahead of their arrival onto the

it’s all about.”

original site four doors down.

if it needs painting, we have the paint.

and an online store reaching customers across

That exclusivity has made A Déjà vu Experience

our vintage collection saying they have seen something like it in their grandma’s house or that their mum had one like it.”

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T h aT w o r k s f o r m e

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47

Home edition

DEC 2013

Design Tips

Quirky Christmas diyhome

By Sofie Buchholz

Whether you’re a fan of tinsel or singing Santa’s, why not

Recycled Materials

think ‘out of the box’ this year and make your own Christmas tree with recycled decorations.

By thinking beyond the traditional green tree and the red and green colours of Christmas, your decorated Christmas tree can become an artistic talking piece for your home during the festive season – a tree which could be themed to complement your existing décor.

Recyclable materials such as timber offcuts, tree branches and newspaper will add a rustic feel to your tree as well as being very cost effective. Timber offcuts and other quirky tree building supplies can be sourced at the salvage yards or local tip shop. A ladder shelved with timber off cuts of increasing lengths abstractly resembles the triangular shape of a tree. Alternatively, if you don’t have an old ladder, timber offcuts could be attached to a central timber piece, like a tree trunk.

Numerous examples of paper decorations can be found on the internet and many are easy enough for the kids to make too so the whole family can get involved. To add a splash of colour, you could also use old shopping catalogues or coloured paper instead of newspapers.

You can also add more traditional decorations and lights to the tree. We chose silver and gold to complement the look of recycled timber and the grey of the newspaper decorations.

featured products: Locally owed, Urban Poppets www.urbanpoppets.com.au: • Lily-designs from the Heart Christmas singlet, $13 (Handmade) • Nanny Squirrel bag, $22 (Handmade) Locally owed, Momi, Mt. Pleasant: • Janord stacking tower, $34.95 • Janord DIY fire truck, $54.95 • Janord habitat eco jigsaw, $34.95 • Flatout flatout bear, $45 - $59.95 • Penny Scallen drawing set, $39.95 • Elk tan bag, $185 • Koki Designs beads, $29.95 (locally handmade) • Heaven on Earth stationery, $17.50 - $19.95 • A-Z bookends, $49.95 • Nero watch, $99.95 Christmas decorations: • Papaya, $8.50 - $22.50

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