PakMag Townsville - December 2012

pakmag DEC 2012

To w n s v i l l e

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 25

magazine of choice for local families

Christmas edition

• Homemade decorations • Winter Wonderland • Christmas Cupcakes

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Out &

Mummy

Bloggers

About

Townsville’s Event Guide for Dec

A fast growing trend

Cover photo courtesy of Insight Creative

What’s so funny?

school

holidays

Injecting humour into parenting

Holiday activities guide

win 2 night cabin stay at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday

50 42 12

welcome

Contents

note

DEC

Hi everyone and welcome to our 2012 Christmas edition.

Since ‘tis the season to be jolly we’re giving away a cubby house this month to one lucky family. All you have to do is go shopping at some of

parents

kids

our advertisers (eg. Howards Storage World, Calanna, QCCU) in order to go

02 What’s New

into the draw to win. See our website

05 Show & tell

for more details.

There will be lots of fun again at this month’s free PakClub event. Santa will be the guest of honour so come

08 Mummy Bloggers 11 Catholic Education 12 What’s so funny?

27

Kid’s MiniMag

babies 35 Baby News: Too much milk!

along and join in the fun – see inside

15 MacDonnells Law

for more details.

17 Women & Finance

Enjoy your families over the festive

19

season. Merry Christmas, Happy New

20 Nutrition

Year and Happy Holidays to you all.

23 PakFood

19 WIN a Good Guys mystery prize

25 What’s On

28 WIN tickets to ‘Wreck-It-Ralph’

27 Mini Mag

29 4 mystery prizes to WIN

35 PakBaby

42 WIN 2 nights in a luxury villa

39 Wardrobe Wake Up

54 WIN a mystery prize

Debbie pakmag

PakHealth

things to win

41 School Holiday Activity Guide Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication Manager: Debbie Stewart Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Sales Manager: Natalie Griffiths

42 We’ll be back 45 Little Chefs 46 Little Nippers Biz Directory

Design & Layout: Trina Jensen

47

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

49 Homemade Decorations

Phone: 4034 3331 Fax: 4034 3342 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

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.

50 Play Themes: Winter Wonderland

cover Model: Remi and mum Melissa Schiappadori Photography: Thanks to the team at Insight Creative

52 Out & About 54 Fav Pets / Competition Winners 56 5 Minutes with Santa

Find us exclusively in your local: www.pakmag.com.au

1

inBRIEF Christmas Events

PakClub

December what’s New

Cyclone Ready?

Budding Composers

15 December (5-7pm)

This year Tropscore is welcoming young people

Crazy Christmas Party

aged 15 and under to take part in the inaugural APRA Tropscore Jr Competition. This is a rare opportunity

Come along to our next PakClub at

for kids to get valuable first-hand experience writing

the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre

music for film. The winner will receive $5000 cash

on 15 December for lots of fun,

and the chance to have their score performed at

dancing and prizes. Santa will also be

Tropfest in Sydney. There are also no limits on music

making an appearance. Afterwards

genre; entrants can come from a variety of musical

you can settle in and watch Happy

backgrounds. For more information go to tropscore.

Feet 2 on the big outdoor screen so

apra.com.au. Entries close 5pm on 12 December.

bring a picnic rug.

Stable on the Strand

Toys for Tots

Christmas is upon us and everybody is getting into the spirit. Time to celebrate a year’s growth with family and friends, and what better way to do it than by taking part in some of the wonderful community events held in and around Townsville this month?

• Carols by Candlelight (2 Dec

independent post offices and is packed

6-9pm) at Reid Park featuring special

full of family fun for the year. For more

This year’s campaign to donate toys to under-

guest singer Katie Noonan, Santa Claus,

information go to www.tnqevents.com.au

privileged children starts on 1 December. Wellspring

free entertainment, amusement rides for

Chiropractic are a drop-off point for donations (43

the kids and food stalls. Take a gift for

Fulham Rd, Pimlico) and they are also donating a

Santa to donate towards the Mayor’s

portion of their profits to the cause this month.

Christmas Tree Appeal for less fortunate kids and families at Christmas.

Youth Theatre

• Stable on the Strand (18-22 Dec) • New Year’s Eve Party (31 Dec 7pm onwards) at Reid Park

The Full Throttle Theatre Company will be presenting a special adaptation of the broadway classic Annie at The Old Courthouse Theatre (81-99 Sturt St) on the following dates:

Thanks to the TNQ EVENTS Calendar.

For your chance to WIN a

WIN

2013 TNQ Events Calendar go to www.pakmag.com.au

If you haven’t already done so now is the time to spend a little time getting your home and family prepared for cyclones.

• Tidy your yard – trim trees and shrubs • Clear your gutters and downpipes • Prepare an emergency kit (go to the council’s website for more information about what this should include)

Advanced Screenings Event Cinemas Kids Club members will be treated to some special advanced screenings of the following new movies this month at Townsville City Cinemas: • 2 Dec - Rise of the Guardians (3D). Cost: $12

The new 2013 calendars are now available

• 16 DEC (11am) - Wreck it Ralph 3D. Cost: $12

for $22.99 in newsagents, IGAs and

For more information call 4771 4101.

• 19 Dec - 10.30am & 7pm • 20 Dec - 10.30am • 21 Dec - 10.30am & 7pm

One of the biggest family events of the

There will also be a great range of

year is expecting crowds of over 40,000 to

entertainment and activities including stilt

• 22 Dec - 10.30am & 5pm

come and experience this recreation of the

walkers, clowns, buskers, bubble blowers,

Cost: Adults $20, children $12. For more information

traditional Christmas story. Over five nights

rides and heaps of children’s activities.

call 4721 5433 or go to www.fullthrottletheatre.com

(every day 18-22 December, 5.30-9.30pm), Strand Park will once again be transformed into the bustling interactive town of Bethlehem with wise men, King Herod, Roman soldiers, shepherds, traditional tradespersons,camels and of course, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. A new addition this year will be a traditional Jewish wedding re-enactment.

2

www.pakmag.com.au

This year a special drawing competition is being held for children up to Year 7. Go to www.stableonthestrand.com to download

Arty Parties

an entry form. Draw a picture of what you think the children are looking at on the next

Those of you who come along to our PakClub events

page and bring it with you to Stable on the

will have met Melanie who does kids art and craft

Strand by 7pm on 22 December.

classes. She has recently begun offering kids craft

For more info visit: stableonthestrand.com

birthday parties starting from only $60. For more information call her on 0404 472 337. www.pakmag.com.au

3

Show &Tell

TOP 5 pakmag

christmas books for kids

The latest news, products and tips in the world of families and kids Get to know...

Young Children [1] Little Elephants (Grahame Base) [2] Christmas Wombat (Jackie French/Bruce Whatley) [3] The Man from the Land of Fandango

(Margret Mahy/Polly Dunbar)

[4] The House that Wonky Built (Craig Smith) [5] Kids Garden Adventure Kit (Don Burke)

Sandra Elton’s first love was art so after several years working in the corporate world all around Queensland she started Recre8tiv, a business that runs recycled art classes for kids. She is also mum to three boys, Brayden (7), Lien (6) & Callan (2).

[1] What do you love about what you

[5] Your favourite childhood memory?

do? I create and teach art that is based

Peeking under the tree on Christmas Eve

on combining everyday waste items with

and then waking up to a madhouse in

artistic techniques to create fun art. I love

the morning with five hyper-excited kids

helping people connect with their creative

tearing wrapping paper apart.

selves and being able to do my bit for the planet is an added bonus.

[2] What would most people not know about you? That I earned my honeymoon by raising $47,748 for war veterans in the RSL Girl in a Million Quest [3] What’s your favourite way to wind down? A glass of wine and a long walk out to the incoming tide at Bushland Beach [4] What do you love about Townsville?

I love the fact that it has the facilities of a city but with a big small town feel. There’s

4

www.pakmag.com.au

still a strong sense of community.

[6] What would you like from Santa this year? To be on the nice list?

[7] Where’s your favourite place for a

Older Kids

summer holiday? Camping with friends

[1] The Third Wheel - bk7 in the Wimpy Kids

at Reedybrook near the Valley of Lagoons.

Going far enough bush to see the stars at night.

Sandra will be expanding her classes to the

(Jeff Kinney)

[2] Under Wildwood (Colin Moley) [3] Finale (Becca Fitzpatrick)

North Townsville Community Hub in 2013.

[4] The Third Door in The Three Doors #3

Email recre8tiv@bigpond.com for info.

(Emily Rodda)

[5] The Hunters Brotherband 3 (John Flanagan) www.pakmag.com.au

5

Show &Tell

my business

Got something to share or shout about?

Email us at elaine@pakmag.com.au

Let’s Pretend

1 2

Honey Atkinson is well known amongst Townsville families for her beautiful portrait photography and as the owner of Insight Creative.

[1] Tell us about your work. What I love

when I was about 14 years old. I did a few

about photography is the sense of creation.

short courses at a local community arts

You can come up with an idea, shoot it, do

centre and knew as soon as my first print

some computer work and then you have

came through in the developing tray that I

Thanks to Masterchef lots of children are becoming

this beautiful finished image. With the

wanted to be a photographer.

interested in food and cooking and the toy industry is

diversity of our studio I love that I get to

creating cute little toys to match:

challenge myself by one moment looking

3

[1] Kids Chef Set’s, Howards Storage World ($39.95).

[2] Le toy van wooden cake stand set ($39.95) Check

at the world through the eyes of a child, then capturing the look of love between a couple on their wedding day and the

[2] What gives you pleasure in your work? The best part of my job is always searching for what is beautiful about the world and working with a bunch of super cool people that make me laugh every day.

www.orangesandlemonsboutique.com.au for

next finding creative ways to capture

local stockists

commercial industries. I get to be a part of

[4] What have you learnt since starting

a journey and sharing in this journey is very

this business? That you can push yourself harder than you would have ever thought

[3] Le toy van wooden ice pops ($29.95) Check

www.orangesandlemonsboutique.com.au for

rewarding.

local stockists

[2] How did you become a photographer?

possible.

I first became interested in photography

6

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

7

M

ummy blogging in Australia is

But why are so many mums turning to the

booming. Following the lead of US

blogosphere to share their experiences?

mummy blogs which have become

a cultural and marketing phenomenon, more and more mummies are choosing to share their innermost thoughts and ideas about parenthood

Mummy

with several thousand of their closest friends.

Blogger

And, it’s becoming big business.

Mums blog about all kinds of issues from cooking, crafts, gardening, travel, fashion and creative pursuits, to politics, health, relationships, finance, sex, dieting, religion, parenting and matters of the heart. Mamamia.com.au, former Cosmo editor Mia Freedman’s blog, attracts over 300,000 hits every month, the vast majority of them women who engage in debates on everything from Madonna to tuna casserole.

Not surprisingly with the amount of hits many of these blogs receive, marketers have come knocking at the door pitching to them to get them to write about their products or services.

Knowing that word of mouth is far more effective than many other forms of marketing, they love mummy bloggers because women are the major decision makers in households and they’re really good at getting conversations about products started. Consequently, women with the knowhow and the ability to write in an informative and entertaining manner can find themselves turning

Blogging brings people together and has become especially popular with mothers because they are often the ones feeling isolated when a baby won’t sleep at 3am. Once we could call on our family or neighbours, whereas now women are finding their own sense of “community” online.

As the author of three blogs I can tell you that when you’re going through a crisis and post it on your blog, it’s amazing to watch the flood of other women going through the same thing, offering support and advice. To find out that you’re not the only one who lets your child watch a little too much TV (OK, a lot) and admit you’re often bored by the sight of your newborn baby, takes away some of the mother guilt.

This shift in ways of communicating in our digital world makes life easier in many ways. We can find out what books to read, restaurants to go to, what to cook for dinner, how to grow tomatoes or toddler taming techniques.

The expanding world of the mummy-blog proves that women are talented, funny, sensitive, supportive, creative and fantastic at both time management and time wasting.

a profit at something they love to do.

how to start your own blog

BLOG

by Shannon du Plessis

• You don’t have to be tech-savvy to start

• Take great pictures. Some of the best blogs

a blog, as there are free platforms such as

I have found come illustrated with wonderful

blogspot, wordpress or typepad which are

photographs. Start small with your little

easy to set up and navigate.

digital camera and experiment with light and

• Write honestly and passionately but don’t

BLOG

BLOG

It is now estimated that there are 300 mummies around Australia blogging, posting and tweeting

risk your safety. Also, don’t write too much

happy snaps where everyone says “cheese” are not very interesting.

(in other words, don’t write monologues

• Make your headlines snappy, then

about their experiences from behind the wheel

like me!).

proofread and edit your posts. And check

of a pram. In America it has become such big

• Over time, advertisements on your blog

business that some mummy bloggers can

can make a bit of money, but go in with a

command up to $US20,000 for

BLOG

reveal any personal information that might

colour to achieve something unique. Family

a sponsored post.

passion to share your thoughts, not dollar signs in your eyes.

• Try blogging about something different to the mainstream. Parenting is a classic example. There are thousands of parenting blogs, but if you’ve got 10 kids and live in a

your facts.

• Include lots of links to other sites.

• Write lists with bullet points – everyone loves lists as they’re easier to read.

• Be topical, be funny or be controversial... just be yourself and imagine you are talking to your reader.

shoe, then you’re more likely to stand out and get noticed.

8

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

9

Catholic Education Check out the latest with Catholic Education

More Facilities As the population of Townsville is expected to continue growing, Catholic

We’re Growing!

M

ore than 13,000 students currently

move of Year 7 to the secondary school system

attend Catholic schools in the

in 2015. The introduction of kindergarten and

Townsville Diocese and Catholic

the move of Year 7 to secondary are important

Education is planning for growth with three

developments in the education sector in

new kindergartens opening next year on

Queensland.

Catholic school sites and further developments anticipated in the coming years.

Once children begin their learning journey with Catholic education, whether it is at one of their

As of 2013, Catholic kindergarten programs

early learning centres, kindergartens or schools,

will be offered onsite at St Clare’s Catholic

parents can now stay in contact and keep up to

School (Burdell), St Anthony’s Catholic College

date with news and events on social media.

(Deeragun), Ryan Catholic College (Kirwan) and St Joseph’s School, The Strand (North Ward).

Kindergarten is also offered at the St Mary

Education is making plans

MacKillop Early Learning Centres, supported by

to provide more facilities

Townsville Catholic Education, in Mundingburra, Kirwan, Rasmussen, Ingham and Palm Island.

Townsville Catholic Education is currently

You can find out more about Catholic Education in our region and join their online community at: Web: www.tsv.catholic.edu.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/TownsvilleCEO Twitter: www.twitter.com/tceo Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tceo

working closely with schools toward the official

10

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

11

T

he joys of parenthood are often overshadowed by the everyday reality of nagging kids to get ready

Start doing the opposite of what your children

for school, racing around to different after-

expect. For example, if they are arguing over

school activities, preparing meals, ‘encouraging’

a toy put on a wacky headdress and tell them

homework and keeping a household semi-

they’re driving you crazy. The goofier you sound;

organised. Coupled with this, many parents are

the better. This will divert their attention and

turning to parenting ‘gurus’ and self-help books

hopefully turn a quarrel into a laugh.

to work out how to be the perfect parent and make it all work.

[2] Getting Jobs Done

Modern parents seem to take their role very

When a job is not getting done have the ‘job’ do

seriously, but studies have shown that humour

the talking. For example, instead of instructing

and good mental health go hand in hand.

them to go make their bed, let the bed do the

Laughter is not only an important life coping

talking, “I heard your bed whimpering this

skill, it also has many documented health

morning about being cold, it said “Please cover

benefits, yet somewhere between childhood

me, I’m cold.’”

and adulthood many of us lose our sense of humour as we take on the burden of being a ‘responsible adult’.

[3] Disarming resistance Children know from your face when you’re

Lucky for us, children are the experts in fun and

going to say no and they’re already mustering

playfulness. In fact, we couldn’t have better

up their resistance but you can break through

teachers when it comes to lightening up, and

this by putting on your best comic mask.

in this respect we have a lot to learn from them. If only we can find the time to stop, take a breather and get into the right headspace to reconnect with our own inner child.

What’s so funny?

[1] Surprises

[4] Second Chances If your child is being disobedient try using some humour and ‘rewind’ tactics to give them

It’s important for children to see their parents

a second chance to get it right. Just say, “stop,

being silly, especially with so much pressure

rewind, take a step back and let’s start over”

being put upon them these days. Having fun with

as you make a grand gesture towards them to

your children and teaching them how to see the

indicate their cue to change their words. This

funny side of life’s challenges is possibly one of

approach usually results in both laughter and

the most valuable lessons you can give them.

obedience.

Ways to inject humour into your parenting style:

great advice The ability to laugh will give you the ability to recognise and appreciate the humour of life’s idiosyncrasies as well as providing a cleansing of emotions

Modern day parenting has become so stressful that many of us forget to take the time to just be silly with our kids.

And yet, as Jutta Dempsey explains, a sense of humour is vital in the process of raising children.

12

www.pakmag.com.au

and a release of emotional tension. One good way to keep your family laughing is to keep a good book with humorous stories or jokes in handy in places like the car. This is a great way to break the boredom of long car journeys by sparking the recall of funny memories and is timely advice for all those families taking road trips over the holidays! www.pakmag.com.au

13

Christmas Time

Separated Parents

By Sharell O’Brien

C

hristmas should be a happy time -

[2] Make your plans together from the

spending time with family and friends,

perspective of the children. How will the

exchanging gifts, eating lots of yummy

day run for them?

food, having fun, but when you are separated with children it can be a stressful and even a sad time of year. Some parents may not get to see their children at all, or for only part of the day.

Children from separated families often find Christmas less than happy. Apart from feeling sad that their parents are no longer together, and that they don’t get to spend the whole day with ALL of their family together, they are also the

For children from separated families Christmas can be stressful but there are ways to minimise their anxiety to ensure a smooth Christmas for everyone

14

www.pakmag.com.au

[3] If you can’t agree about the day’s events,

seek help though mediation with a dispute

resolution provider.

[4] Start your own family Christmas traditions

that complement rather than clash with the

other parent. For example, rather than a

heavy sit-down meal, why not go for a picnic

on the beach with the children instead.

ones who are caught in the middle. Christmas

[5] Christmas is not just one day so why not

often means travelling between homes, leaving

make Christmas Eve or Boxing Day your

one parent behind, being fed double the amount

special time with the children? You

of yummy food and getting spoilt with toys by

could even make Christmas in July your main

parents trying to upstage the other. They may

celebration of the year and completely avoid

also feel anxious about the potential for conflict

any potential conflict.

at handover time.

Here are a few tips to help make Christmas go smoother: [1] Communicate with your ex-partner about

when you would each like to have the

children, what activities you are planning

with them, and what gifts you are planning.

Arrange to do this at a mutually convenient

time away from the children.

[6] If you are not fortunate enough to spend

time with your family at Christmas, surround

yourself with friends and make sure you have

alternate plans in place.

Merry Christmas from the team at MacDonnells Law

www.pakmag.com.au

15

$

aND

Women Finance

The latest news and tips in the world of women, families and finance

News QCCU

Next Year,

Do it Better

How many times have you promised yourself that next year will be different and you’ll put money aside to pay for Christmas? You’re not alone. Many of us start out good intentions but still end up

Money Smart

struggling to meet the costs of Christmas.

One way to avoid this is to get a Queensland Country Christmas Saver Account. Even if you only pay in $25 a week you’ll have a cash injection of $1300 when Christmas comes around next year. If you’ve already got Christmas covered, you could still use the money to treat yourself to a few nights away with your friends and family over the holiday period or spend up big in the Boxing Day Sales.

Disclaimer – Fees and charges apply, full product information is available in branch and should be considered before deciding whether this product is suitable to you.

Christmas Savings

by Fiona Thorogood

You may think that your money is nobody else’s business but the truth is, children and especially teenagers, form their own attitudes and habits towards money from their parents. So, if you want your children to be money smart, start learning about money and being a good role model.

Many financial institutions are now providing school and community-based programs aimed at helping kids develop key money skills. Research group Canstar recently named the Commonwealth Bank as the winner of its Youth Banking and Education Award for the second year running for its commitment to youth banking and education.

One of the best places to start teaching your children about money is to show them the value of regular saving. Opening a savings account for your child provides

16

practical experience in saving and shows www.pakmag.com.au

them how interest can work in their favour.

Secondary school children may need a transaction account, especially if they’ve got a part-time job, as well as a savings account. Primary school aged children will

h credit card debts Starting the New Year wit l for a lot of families to pay off can be stressfu ease the financial so here are some ways to you can start 2013 burden of Christmas so e: feeling happy and positiv for buying gifts and • Set yourself a budget at home so you’re not leave your credit card ing. You could also tempted into overspend ily members about only talk to your other fam n or buying gifts under buying for the childre a set figure. s early so there’s less • Start shopping for gift minute Christmas Eve pressure on those last what you want to shopping sprees. Decide you go. buy each person before

likely only need a savings account so look

• Shop online

for one that doesn’t charge fees and offers

tribute something • Ask your guests to con meals rather than towards the Christmas doing it all yourself. their own wrapping • Get your kids to make paper, cards and gifts.

a decent rate of interest. The key is to get children thinking about their money, and how they put it to work to their advantage.

For more information the government website www.moneysmart.gov.au has a ‘Teaching your kids about Money’ section

ancial Planner, from Fiona Thorogood is a Fin For more information TFS Financial Planning. et.au 5555 or visit www.tfs.n call 4046 www.pakmag.com.au 17

Health pak

Doctor pak

Recovering

Clean Hands

from a Hangover

The campaign to raise awareness of the growing resistance to antibiotics is heating up with regional experts saying greater awareness of basic hand hygiene amongst healthcare workers and the public could have a dramatic impact on preventable infections and reduce overuse of current antibiotics.

By Dr Julia Driscoll Sometimes despite our best efforts to avoid one, we wake up the next morning after a Christmas party with a hangover. Here are some ways to minimise the affects:

“Everyday we see more and more bugs

Overuse of antibiotics has led to a

• Drink water – dehydration is what causes

developing resistance to the antibiotics

worldwide escalation of drug-resistant

the headache.

we use. Our doctors are running out of

microorganisms. Reliance on “broad

drugs to treat patients. Yet something

spectrum antimicrobials” - more complex

• Have a light breakfast – this will lessen nausea

as simple as washing hands can stop us

antibiotics - is increasing, as the standard

and raise your blood glucose level to lessen fatigue.

getting infections in the first place, and

drugs that form the cornerstone of modern

help preserve the working drugs we

medicine become ineffective.

have. We need to get this message out to the public and make sure standards are being implemented in hospitals, clinics and homes across the country,” says Claire Boardman, Immediate Past President of ACIPC.

• Avoid caffeine – it causes irritation to the stomach and worsens dehydration. Tea is preferable to coffee

The World Health Organisation has warned that many infectious diseases risk

but green tea is best.

becoming uncontrollable. They have also

• Avoid taking paracetamol unless you have a

reiterated the importance of hand hygiene

headache that really warrants it because it has to

in reducing the transmission of infections.

be metabolised by your already over-worked liver.

Alternatively you can take two aspirin or some other

18

www.pakmag.com.au

Standing Time

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like Nurofen but

mulating up to eight Children and adolescents are accu rding to new hours of sitting on a daily basis, acco active 2012 conference research presented at the recent ia usage in the home was in Sydney. Limiting electronic med bat this trend since children suggested as a key strategy to com increases their elevated having a television in the bedroom times. three st cardiometabolic risk by almo

metabolism and the rate at which the toxins are

activity is well established and Family influence regarding physical importance of fathers as cular emerging evidence shows the parti ing healthy habits teach in role models. Schools also play a part be ren may too sedentary but concerns were raised that child indicated that teachers during school time. However, findings approaches including the and principals were willing to try new swiss balls in classrooms. incorporation of standing desks and

these must be taken with food.

• Try some light exercise to increase your excreted from your body Another remedy that hasn’t been formally researched but is anecdotally well reported includes taking a B complex vitamin and vitamin C. It is supposed to restore the balance of vitamins that tend to be needed for alcohol metabolism.

Dr Julia Driscoll is a doctor and is also the author of “My Story”, an interactive children’s book to reduce sibling rivalry. For more information go to www.juliaschildrensbooks.com

www.pakmag.com.au

19

Nutrition pak

By Ally Crofton, APD

Product news

avoiding Allergies in Babies With the latest recommendations always

not suitable for children who have already

changing, the topic of what to feed infants

developed a cow’s milk allergy.

can be quite confusing and this is especially so when allergies are present. Some of the key points from the most recently published summary of evidence-based information from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (2010) were:

Vitarium

Drinking Chocolate

• Soy milk and other mammalian milks such as goat milk are not recommended for allergy prevention

Introduction of solids • Solids should be introduced from four

Breastfeeding

to six months

• Breastfeeding is encouraged for at least the

• There is little evidence that delaying the

first six months, and can continue for as

introduction of solids beyond six months

long as mother and infant wish to continue

reduces the risk of allergy

• Breastfeeding during the period that foods

• There is insufficient evidence to support

are first introduced may help prevent the

previous advice to delay the introduction

development of allergy to those foods

of or avoid allergenic foods (such as egg,

product

review

peanuts, nuts, wheat, cow’s milk and fish)

This new product is predominantly made up of

for the prevention of food allergy or

Natvia natural sweetener and cocoa, and as such is

eczema. This also applies to infants with

sugar free and contains considerably less kilojoules

siblings who already have allergies to

Before 4 months

than your usual Milo or Nesquik drinking chocolates.

these foods

It contains no artificial colours, flavours or artificial

• Low-risk infants (no history of allergic

From 4-6 months

sweetener and is free of gluten, wheat, nuts, and

• Introduce a new food every two to

after dinner treat. It’s also available in banana and

three days

strawberry flavours.

• Exclusion of allergenic foods from the mother’s diet whilst breastfeeding has not been shown to prevent allergies

disease in parents or siblings) may use a standard cow’s milk formula for complementary feeding before solids are started • High-risk infants (history of allergy in the

eggs. Kids will love the taste as an afternoon or

• Give one new food at a time so its easy to identify potential reactions

family) requiring infant formula prior to

• Breast milk or an appropriate infant formula

the introduction of solids may benefit from

should remain the main source of milk until

partially hydrolysed or hypoallergenic (HA)

12 months of age, although cow’s milk can

formulas in reducing their risk of allergic

be used in cooking or with other foods

If you have a nutrition related question, post it on the Nutrition Guru’s facebook wall and a dietitian will answer one of our reader’s questions to feature in PakMag each month.

disease. However these formulas are

advice

10 year I have two kids, a 6 year old and a be they ld shou r wate h old. How muc drinking each day? fluids The recommended daily amount of each day is: • 1 litre for 5-8 year olds • 1.5 litres for 9-12 year olds

20

www.pakmag.com.au

• 2 litres for 13+ years

rds this Other drinks like juice do count towa fluid best but water is and always will be the t forget, to quench a thirsty child. And, don’ when or days hot on they may need more

Q&A

nutrition

Reader’s question:

exercising. water Tips for helping your kids drink more e bottl r wate a include always packing of water whenever you go out, keep a bottle down in the fridge at all times and water ials. cord and s juices, sports drink

www.pakmag.com.au

21

pakclub

fun for parents & kids Free moNthly club

Christmas

cr azy

pakfood

with TROY WILLIAMS

kitchen kids Choc Crackle Puddings

THE GOOD GUYS

pantry parents Recipe thanks to: Ava Smart

Honey Glazed Ham

• 1 x 200g milk chocolate,

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

finely chopped

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 100g butter, chopped

• 1/3 cup honey

• 3 cups Coco Pops

• 1 tbs Dijon mustard

• 100g white chocolate melts

• 1 whole leg ham on the bone

• 10 red Smarties

• Whole cloves, to stud

Recipe thanks to: Robyn Maison

eNtertaINmeNt

• Christmas Carols • Christmas Themed Games & Activities • Happy Feet 2 on the Big screen at 6.30pm

• BBQ thanks to Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club

specIal Guests • Santa from 5.45pm • Skotty J Christmas Activities

Method Line a muffin pan with 10 paper cases. Place milk chocolate and butter in a

Method Stir sugar, maple syrup, honey and mustard in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.

heatproof bowl over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the

Preheat oven to 170oC. Line a large baking dish with baking paper. Place an oven

bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir until the chocolate melts and is smooth. Stir in

shelf in the lowest position. Use a sharp knife to cut around the shank of the ham,

coco pops. Spoon into paper cases and mould into a dome shape. Place in fridge

about 10cm from the end. Run a knife under the rind around edge of ham. Gently

for 2 hours. Place white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan half-filled

lift the rind off in 1 piece by running your fingers between the rind and the fat.

with simmering water. Stir until the chocolate melts and is smooth. Spoon a little

Score the fat in a diamond pattern, about 5mm deep. Stud the centres of the

white chocolate over each pudding and top with a Smartie. Set aside until set.

diamonds with cloves. Transfer to prepared dish. Brush one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, brushing with glaze every 25 mins, for 1 hour 30 mins.

• Launch Into Learning with Craft • Local business stalls

prIzes to WIN • Prize for the best dressed Christmas theme

WIN a Good Guys prize

Send in a recipe and photo to www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win! Entries close: 15/12/2012

• Lucky Door prize • One lucky person will spin the Good Guys Wheel of Fortune to WIN a prize worth up to $1000!

sat 15 december 5.30-8.30pm Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, Northshore

22

For more information visit our facebook page www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

23

December what’s on

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

Check out the latest family entertainment & events guide

yourGUIDE

December 2012 entertainment & events DATE

24

www.pakmag.com.au

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

1/12/12

Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Hotel Transylvania (2D)

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

1/12/12

Ignatius Park College School Hall

Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market

9:00 AM

www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com

$2

1/12/12

North Shore Town Square

NQ Farmers Market

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/nqfarmersmarket

Free

1/12/12

134 Denham Street

Fibres & Fabrics Christmas Craft Fair

9:00 AM

0413 127 217

2/12/12

Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Hotel Transylvania (2D)

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

2/12/12

Event Cinemas

Townsville City - "Rise of the Guardians" 3D advance screening

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

2/12/12

Event Cinemas

Advanced Screening "Pitch Perfect"

3:30 PM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

2/12/12

Woolcock Centre, Currajong

Family Yoga Class

3:00 PM

sundalah@me.com

Cost

2/12/12

Reid Park

Carols by Candlelight

7:00 PM

1300 878 001

Free

2/12/12

134 Denham Street

Fibres & Fabrics Christmas Craft Fair

9:00 AM

0413 127 217

3/12/12

The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

4/12/12

The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

5/12/12

IMPS Building Kirwan Health Campus Australian Breastfeeding Association - Mothering in the Tropics

9:30 AM

4775 6984

5/12/12

The Women's Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Free

6/12/12

The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

7/12/12

Allambie Ln, Rasmussen

PCYC Blue Light Disco

6:30 PM

4789 2145

$5

7/12/12

The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

8/12/12

Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

8/12/12

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Townsville Crocs Qld Country Fan Jam @ Townsville VS Melbourne

6:00 PM

www.qccu.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

25

pink = family

DATE

green = kids

VENUE

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

8/12/12

North Shore Town Square

NQ Farmers Market

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/nqfarmersmarket

Free

9/12/12

Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

9/12/12

The Old Courthouse Theatre

Kids' Classic Movie Screening - “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

11:30 AM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

$10

10/12/12 Magnetic Island

Volunteer opportunities for over 18yrs till 14th

8:00 AM

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

10/12/12 The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

11/12/12 Cleary Street, Kirwan

4TOFM XMAS street party

6:00 PM

www.4tofm.com.au

Free

11/12/12 The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

12/12/12 Aldon Tutoring Kirwan

Baby Massage Course

9:30 AM

0410 590 901

$65

12/12/12 The Women's Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Free

13/12/12 Shop 1/120 Fulham Road Gulliver

Information Session - Natural Disasters

9:30 AM

eyis@townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

13/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

6:30 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost

13/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

1:00 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost

13/12/12 Aldon Tutoring Kirwan

Baby Massage Course

9:30 AM

0410 590 901

$65

13/12/12 The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

14/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

6:30 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost

14/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

1:00 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost

14/12/12 Wellington St Aitkenvale

PCYC Christmas Melodies

10:30 AM

4781 9100

Cost

14/12/12 The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

15/12/12 Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Madagascar(2D)

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

15/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

6:30 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost

15/12/12 North Shore Town Square

NQ Farmers Market

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/nqfarmersmarket

Free

Kids

MINI MAG

WIN

prizes IN C IN E MAS 2

6 DEC

Dec 2012 fun activities

26

www.pakmag.com.au

Find the hidden words!

Match the words and pictures!

Colour it in and you could WIN a prize!

www.pakmag.com.au

27

Page

colour IN & Win!

In Cinemas Boxing Day

Word Scramble

Dot to DOT

Unscramble these words and you could win!!!

Join the dots, name the item & win a great prize!

[1] yemrr

_ _ _ _ _

[2] stmhcsria

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[3] nsmwoan

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

[4] gddpnui

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

[5] oyj

_ _ _

[6] ylfiam

_ _ _ _ _ _

[7] gstkconi

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[8] slcroa

_ _ _ _ _ _

[9] eert

_ _ _ _

[10] eedirenr

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Zoo animalSearch word search Word

Zoo animalWords word search Match & Pictures

Find all of the words and when complete circle the remaining letters left to right, top to bottom to learn an interesting fact about Frosty the Snowman and you could win a prize!

Š Disney

28

To enter this great competition just colour-it-in and mail to:

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in December 2012

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 and

Address:

you could WIN a double pass to

Phone:

see Wreck-It Ralph. (Closing Date: 15/12/12)

Email:

www.pakmag.com.au

Age:

WORDS Broomstick Button Nose Came to Life Coal Eyes Corncob Pipe Dance Frosty Happy Jolly Laugh Magic Hat Magician Melting North Pole Play Santa Claus School Children Snowman Top Hat Train

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

All Competitions close: 15 Dec 2012

prize

Match the word with the right picture and win!!!

Tree Pudding Gingerbread Stocking Santa Snowman

Send in your entry and you could win a mystery prize!

Send to: Competitions, PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 Name:

Phone: www.pakmag.com.au

29

Activities Pak

Christmas Fun Can you spot the five differences between these two images?

Maze Mania

See how quickly you can solve the maze

December what’s on

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

yourGUIDE DATE

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

15/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

"Light up the Stage" end of year production by TAPA students

15/12/12 Northshore

Pakclub - "Crazy Christmas" Theme

16/12/12 Event Cinemas

Family Flicks - Madagascar(2D)

10:00 AM

eventcinemas.com.au

$6

16/12/12 Event Cinemas

Advanced Screening "Wreck it Ralph" 3D

11:00 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

16/12/12 Northern Beaches Leisure Centre

North Shore Swim School Family Fun Swim Carnival

9:00 AM

swim@nblc.net.au

Cost

16/12/12 Willows on Wheels

Family Fun Day

10:00 AM

17/12/12 The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

18/12/12 Strand Park

Stable on the Strand

5:30 PM

www.stableonthestrand.com.au

Free

18/12/12 Kingpin

Xmas Bowling & Skirmish Party

7:00 PM

0420 959 422

Cost

18/12/12 The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

18/12/12 Wellington St Aitkenvale

Water Slide Day

12:00 PM

4781 9100

Cost

18/12/12 Wellington St Aitkenvale

Bfitt

12:00 PM

4781 9100

Free

18/12/12 Wellington St Aitkenvale

Movie Night - The Adventures of Tin Tin

6:00 PM

4781 9100

Free

18/12/12 Nth Townsville Community Hub

Re-Cre8tiv Kids xmas workshop

9:00 AM

19/12/12 Event Cinemas

City Cinema - Chicks at the Flicks - "Life of Pi" 3D

6:00 PM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

19/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

10:30 AM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

19/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

7:00 PM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

19/12/12 Strand Park

Stable on the Strand

5:30 PM

www.stableonthestrand.com.au

Free

19/12/12 IMPS Building Kirwan Health Campus Australian Breastfeeding Association - Christmas Break up

9:30 AM

4775 6984

19/12/12 The Women's Centre

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Playgroup

1:00 PM

ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost Free

Free

Cost

Free

This is a free listing. Submit your event info to: admin@pakmag.com.au

art on show

litit tlttelse L artis artists

ter

Art by Joseph Les

Art by Sarah Jordan

would If you have a piece of artwork that you Little ent, segm like featured in PakMag’s new ce, Artists, email a photo of your masterpie

30

with your name, age and address to: line photos@pakmag.com.au. Photo dead on. editi 2013 ary www.pakmag.com.au December for the Janu is 15

Art by Layla Storm

Art by Jess Bosen

www.pakmag.com.au

31

December what’s on

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

yourGUIDE DATE

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

20/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

10:30 AM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

20/12/12 Launch into Learning, Kirwan

Children’s Creative Craft Christmas Party

3:00 PM

0404 472 337

20/12/12 Strand Park

Stable on the Strand

5:30 PM

www.stableonthestrand.com.au

Free

20/12/12 The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

21/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

10:30 AM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

21/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

7:00 PM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

21/12/12 Strand Park

Stable on the Strand

5:30 PM

www.stableonthestrand.com.au

Free

21/12/12 The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

22/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

10:30 AM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

22/12/12 The Old Courthouse Theatre

Props Youth Theatre presents “Annie Jr.”

5:00 PM

www.fullthrottletheatre.com

Cost

22/12/12 Strand Park

Stable on the Strand

5:30 PM

www.stableonthestrand.com.au

Free

22/12/12 North Shore Town Square

NQ Farmers Market

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/nqfarmersmarket

Free

25/12/12 NATIONAL

Christmas Day

26/12/12 NATIONAL

Boxing Day

31/12/12

Townsville Crocs Qld Country Fan Jam @ Townsville VS Adelaide

6:00 PM

www.qccu.com.au

31/12/12 Townsville Civic Theatre

New Years Eve at the Civic

8:00 PM

4727 9797

Cost

31/12/12 Reid Park

New Years Eve Celebrations

7:00 PM

1300 878 001

Free

31/12/12 Bowen Soundshell,

Bowen Family Fireworks & New Year's Celebrations 2013

6:30 PM

4786 4222

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Cost

This is a free listing. Submit your event info to: admin@pakmag.com.au

Regular Markets COTTERS MARKETS 8.30am-1pm every Sun at Flinders Mall STRAND NIGHT MARKETS 5-9pm 1st Fri of the month (May-Dec) at Strand Park WILLOWS MARKETS 7.30-11.30am every Sun at Willows Shopping Centre BALGAL BEACH MARKET 3.30pm-7pm 1st Sat of the month Fisherman’s Landing Café MOUNT VIEW PLAZA MARKETS 8am-2pm every Saturday

32

www.pakmag.com.au

SUNDAY MARKETS – CASTLE HILL PCYC THURINGOWA COMMUNITY MARKETS 8am-1pm 1st Sunday of each month HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS (MAGGIE ISLAND) 9.30am-1.30pm last Sun of every month at Horseshoe Bay Foreshore CHARTERS TOWERS SHOWGROUND MARKETS 7.30am-11.30am 2nd Sun every month CHARTERS TOWERS STOCK EXCHANGE MARKETS 8am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month on Mosman Street

INGHAM MARKETS 3rd Sun every month at Rotary Park AYR MARKETS 8.30am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month at Plantation Park FARMERS MARKET 6am-12.00 noon 2nd & 4th Sat of the month at North Shore Town Centre SATURDAY NIGHT MARKETS Every Saturday from 2-9pm at 87 Ingham Road, West End (opposite Showgrounds) 1st market kicks off on the 10th November

www.pakmag.com.au

33

Online bOOkinG nOw available RegiSteR On OuR webSite

baby

news Story thanks to Nicole Pierotti

Specialised care for pregnant Mums & newborns Gentle chiropractic care during pregnancy helps maintain balance, alignment and flexibility. When the growing baby is comfortable it can assume the optimal birthing position allowing a safer, easier birth.

Our chiropractors are trained in prenatal care and use gentle, safe and non-invasive techniques on specialised tables that accommodate for a pregnant woman’s body.

contact us a 43 fulham road, pimlico t 07 4779 1604

Baby Pak

consultation hours Monday to Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 9am-12pm

Dr Suzanne Jarschke Chiropractor DC (USA), NBCE

wellspringchiropractic.com.au

OFFicial DROP OFF lOcatiOn

Help children in need – make a toy donation this christmas

Too much

Milk!

W

e all know breastfeeding is best

by feeding them again. In this way it becomes a

for your baby. However what

vicious cycle.

most mums and dads don’t

know is that sometimes too much breast milk isn’t so good for your baby. If you have a good milk supply and feed too frequently then it’s possible that your baby can become overloaded with lactose and this can play havoc with their digestive system. The signs to watch for are: green frothy poo’s, lots of crying, diarrhoea and nappy rash with good weight gain. Unfortunately these are also the signs

While we all know the benefits of breastfeeding, parents also need to be aware of the signs of overfeeding and lactose overload in their babies

of lactose intolerance so it can lead to some confusion as to what is causing problems for your baby.

wakes frequently, has explosive poo’s and then as a result of the poo, inevitably ends up with nappy rash. Eventually you make an appointment to see your GP or child health nurse but since they are unaware of whats been happening at home with the cycle of crying and feeding, when they undress your baby and see the signs of lactose intolerance this is likely to be their diagnosis. The solutions for lactose intolerance include cutting out a range of foods from mums diet and if the signs still persist, your baby is moved onto a soy type formula.

starts with a crying baby and mum wanting to

Your baby then misses out on the benefits of

stop the crying. Either, you are anxious about

breast milk.

your baby crying, your baby hasn’t slept well so you try topping up or others have given hungry’ so naturally you feed your baby. Before too long, your baby is crying again and mum feeds again. If mum has a good milk supply this will result in her baby feeding quite large volumes of low fat milk that can overload their digestive system and cause too much gas. This creates discomfort in your baby leading to inconsolable crying which you try to alleviate

www.pakmag.com.au

baby becomes more distressed, sleeps little,

The process of having too much milk simply

you wise words of wisdom that ‘the baby is

34

Unfortunately as this process continues, your

If this sounds like you and your baby then be aware that overfeeding is quite likely the main problem. To break the cycle, stick to a feed routine rather than feeding on demand. A four hourly feeding routine is recommended. Let your baby’s digestive system calm and repair and make sure you have other strategies handy to deal with a crying baby instead of feeding.

Parenting expert Nicole Pierotti is a psychologist and founder of www.babysmiles.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

35

Baby Pak

Stylish

European Style

Pastels

Piece Polo Vest and Short Set $30.00 (Sizes: 3-24 Months)

Trend

Pumpkin Patch Girls Spot

Kids on Cove

Dress Set $39.99 (Sizes:

Girls MONSTAR

Newborn-18 Months)

KIDS: Coral Stripe

Funky Styling

Tee with flower appliqué $34.95 Skirt $42 (Sizes:

Louise Costanzo takes a look at what’s hot in baby fashion this summer

Target Boys Three

Stripe

cool dude + Love Pom Pom

bubs

Stripes

Shades of Red

2-6 years)

Red Myer Boys Sprout Graphic Flower

Hot

Short $13.46 (Sizes: 6-24 Months)

Neutrals Target Girls Little

Witchery Girls

Tea Party Two

Corsage Shoulder

Piece Playsuit and

Dress $49.95

Slippers Set $23.00

(Sizes: 2-7 Years)

(Sizes: 0-24 Months)

Neutral

Colours

Cotton On Boys Alexander Hooded

Pumpkin Patch Boys Vintage

Romper $19.95

Printed Canvas Shorts $32.99

(Sizes: 0-12 Months)

(Sizes: 6 months to 5 years)

europe

Style

Seed Heritage Boys Pull-On Shorts $34.95

Retro Inspired

If you’re looking for some funky accessories for the little men in your life, then check out

(Sizes: 1-10 years)

Pumpkin Patch Girls

www.urbanpoppets.com.au. Owned by Mackay

cool

Stripped Ruffle Flower

Retro

Bodysuit $24.99 (Sizes:

mum Christine Wilson, it includes a range of fedora hats, caps, ties and braces including products from

Newborn-18 Months) Target Girls Two Piece Top and Leggings Set $20.00 (Sizes: 0-18 Months)

FORE! Axel & Hudson, a US designer brand loved

Pumpkin Patch

Butterfly Bow

Pastel

Colours

Witchery Girls

Boys Grandpa Mock

by the Kardashians and other Hollywood celebs.

Retro Sunglasses

Short Sleeve Tee

Sizes fit from babies to 12. They are also available

Tee $29.95

$22.99 (Sizes: 6

through Facebook or at the NQ Babies & Kids

(Sizes: 1-7years)

months – 5 years)

Market in the new year.

E

VEday SAver y

townsville’s family maGazine for parents of “beans to teens” 3 reasons to use pakmag: [1] pakmag prints 10,000 copies every month [2] pakmag is the only family mag in Townsville that can distribute to every McDonalds & Coles from Ayr to Ingham [3] pakmag targets parents of ‘beans to teens’ 39,989 families consisting of: 3382 babies, 16347 one-five yr olds & 18176 five-fourteen yr olds

check out what we can do for your business Call Natalie on 0427 725 624 or email tsvsales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

36

www.pakmag.com.au

There’s a store near you Aitkenvale - 290 Ross River Road PHONE: 4725 5244 Kirwan - 36 Thuringowa Drive PHONE: 4773 4224 Woodlands - Woodlands Shopping Centre PHONE: 4751 6286

OPEN 7 DAYS • www.calannapharmacy.com.au FEEL ALIVE

FEEL HEALTHY

FEEL GOOD

www.pakmag.com.au

37

Wardrobe wake up

Since having her first child 18 months ago Candice has been living in gym

Petite Figures

gear and feeling like a 50 year old woman stuck in a 20 year olds body.

Candice’s Makeover Wardrobe Gerlinda: “Candice has struggled to find the time and motivation to buy new clothes since having her baby. She arrived for her makeover wearing a daggy t-shirt and shorts which do little to flatter her petite figure so we ditched her

before

Red or dead blues frames $249 Specsavers Statement joined jewel necklace $29.99 Diva Statement pretty keyline bangles $19.99 Diva

Illy blue heels $69.95 Novo

after

Making the most of a petite frame

Tokito striped dress $69.95 Myer

Two tone suede clutch $49.95 Novo

old clothes and opted for a stunning new dress that hugged her waist. Horizontal lines are a good style tip for petite figures – Candice looks super feminine rather than boyish. The look was finished off with some matching accessories and a stylish pair of new blue frames to lift her eyes.”

Hair Emma & Mikayla: “Candice’s hair has a good natural colour and wave to it so we didn’t need to make a dramatic change to her style. We simply added a warm tone to the colour and cut her hair to enhance its natural movement whilst keeping the length.”

Gerlinda Aras is a stylist and image consultant for Mirror Image Consultations www.mirrorimageconsultations.com Want a makeover? Send in a photo and a few words as to why you would like one to competitions@pakmag.com.au

38

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

39

School’s Out activities for the School Holidays

SPRING into the holidays with these fun school holiday activities [1] Townsville Libraries Get the kids involved in making Christmas Creations at one of the Libraries free workshops for 5-12 yr olds.

• City Libraries - 18 Dec (10am-11.30am) • Thuringowa – 20 Dec (10am-11.30am)

• Art Escape Workshops - 17-20 Dec (10.30am-1pm). School holiday workshops facilitated by local artists catering for three age ranges: 5-7 years, 8-12 years and 12-18 years. Cost: $15. Call Nicholas on 4727 9647 for more information.

• Aitkenvale – 21 Dec (10am-11.30am)

[5] Townsville PCYC (Aitkenvale)

Bookings are essential. Book online at

• Playstation Games Day – 13 Dec (12-3pm).

www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities/libraries

Age: 10-17 years. Cost: $3.

or contact your local library.

[2] The Cultural Centre • Palm Frond Weaving (18 Dec, 10am-12.30pm) Suitable for 7-12 year olds. Cost: $14. Bookings are essential.

[8] CSIRO • Santa Science workshops – 18 & 21 Dec (10-11.30am & 12.30pm-2pm). Make Christmas creations and gifts as you learn about science.

Suitable for all school aged children. Cost: $15.

Call 4753 8632 for more info.

[9] Recre8tiv • Recycled Christmas art workshops – 18 & 19 Dec (9am-3pm). Venue: North Townsville

• Waterslide Day - 18 Dec (12-3pm). Cost: $15

Community Hub. Cost: $10. Suitable for kids

• Movie Night (Adventures of Tin Tin) – 18 Dec

aged 5-12 years. For more information email

(6-10pm). To make bookings call 4781 9100.

recre8tiv@bigpond.com

[6] Museum of Tropical Qld

[10] Paul Sadler Swimland

The Dino Discoveries school holiday program at

The Holiday Program will be running 17-21 Dec

• Create Indigenous Christmas Table Runners

MTQ runs from 19 Dec-6 Jan. There are different

to provide intensive swimming instruction to

(20 Dec, 10am-12.30pm). Suitable for 7-12 year

events scheduled for 10.30am, 11am, 1pm &

accelerate your child’s skills. Cost: $65 for five days

olds. Cost: $14.

2.30pm each day plus all day craft activities and

tuition (5 x half hour lessons per day). Classes run

Call 4772 7679 for more information or to book.

the Dino time traveller trail. Check the website for

in the mornings. Call 4779 4647 to book.

more details or call 4726 0600.

[3] Conservation Volunteers Creekwatch encourages the community to learn

School Holiday program includes fully supervised

more about water quality and will be running

learn to swim activities as well as water slides

on 4, 5, 12, 13, 17 & 18 December. Call Wendy or

crafts, music and circus entertainment

and water park fun, snorkelling, kayaking, arts &

Micky on 4721 4077 for more information.

• Make Crazy Christmas Hats - 18 Dec

• Free Family Fun Day - 16 Dec (10.30am -12.30pm). Families can drop in anytime and join in with art workshops associated with www.pakmag.com.au

[11] Kirwan Aquatic Centre

• Artist Market -15 Dec (1-5pm) Free arts,

[4] Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

40

[7] Pinnacles Gallery

current exhibitions

(11am-1pm). For kids aged 5-8 years. Cost: $15

crafts, cooking, jumping castles and more. Cost $35 per day inc. lunch. Dates: 17-21 Dec. A 5-day swimming intensive programme is also available.

• Make Your Own Tie Dye T-Shirts – 21 Dec

For more information call 4723 3447 or go to

(11am-1pm). For kids 9-13 years. Cost: $15

www.love2swimschool.com.au

Call 4773 8871 for more info or to book. www.pakmag.com.au

41

V

Family

holiday Story thanks to Corrie Gardner

oted in the top 3 best family holiday

times. These classes will be fun and interactive

parks in Queensland and winner

with a different dance style being covered each

of several tourism awards, BIG4

day. The kids will have a blast as they learn some

Adventure Whitsunday has everything you

groovy new dance moves with the help of dance

could possibly need for a successful family

teachers and a DJ. The workshops are free of

holiday. The kids are kept so busy with games

charge but numbers are limited so bookings are

and activities and making new friends that

essentials.

parents actually get to relax as well.

To find out more and make your holiday booking

Set in 10 beautiful hectares of tropical gardens,

go to www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au or

the resort includes Airlie Beach’s largest heated

call 1300 640 587 for more information.

lagoon-style swimming pool, water slides, a full-size tennis court, an impressive 18-hole mini-golf course, outdoor movies, organized social events, modern amenities, free BBQs, camp kitchen, games and recreation room and wireless internet. Offering the only mainland resort Kid’s Club and full-time Activities Coordinator, there’s a year-round Activity Schedule and special holiday workshops to ensure there is plenty to do for every age and visitor.

With the summer holiday period coming up, the resort has lots of extra special activities planned. Starting pre-Christmas, the popular Santa Workshops from 17-21 December provide

Kids following the Fr og Buggy

a chance for the kids to make traditional home made Christmas presents with Mrs Claus and her helpers. If you stay over the Christmas period

Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland

” k c a b e b l l ’ e “W

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort 25-29 Shute Harbour Road Air lie Beach, QLD Australia 4802

Already a favourite with Townsville locals the award winning BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is heaven for children, writes Corrie Gardner 42

V iew over looking W hitehaven Beach

you’ll also be able to enjoy Christmas Eve carols by the pool, an outdoor NYE family disco and the famous pancake recovery breakfast on New Year’s Day. From 7-11 January the ‘Let’s Dance’ workshops kick off for children aged four to 12 years.

Morning and afternoon sessions will be held with two age groups running at consecutive

Kids having a blast in the pool

WIN Big!

WI N 2 Nights in a luxu ry vi lla* Luxury Villa For your chance to WIN two nights in a BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday tell us the names of the (for two adults and up to four children) go to www.pakmag.com.au and e Whitsunday Resort. two kids workshops during the Christmas School Holidays at BIG4 Adventur spa, LCD flatscreen tvs, Finished with designer fittings and furnishings throughout, dishwasher, Adventure Whitsunday sound system, Movielink and a host of other luxury touches, the BIG4 Luxury Villa is sure to surprise and delight!

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

43

80

Fl Yum av m ou y rs !

Thanks to Maree at Sweeter than Sugar

Get the kids involved in cooking these delicious but simple Christmas Cupcakes.

For sweet treats that taste as good as they look

Christmas

Little Chefs

p u d d i ng cu p ca k es

Every morning the premises at Sweeter than Sugar are filled with the yummy smell of freshly baked cupcakes and brewed coffee. Their shelves are filled with eight to ten different flavoured cupcakes from their huge list of 80 scrumptious recipes, each one topped with swirls of buttercream.

169 Charters towers road (opposite Mitre 10) • Phone 4740 4551 • VIsIt www.sweeterthansugar.com.au Follow us on Facebook for more info: www.facebook.com/sweeterthansugar

Method

ingredients Choc Mud Cupcakes:

[1] Using a non-serrated butter knife, place

a large blob of buttercream on top of

each cupcake. Use the knife to smooth

the cream up and around the cupcake,

until it forms a dome. Set cupcakes in

fridge if the cream appears too soft.

muffin tray with paper cases.

[2] Combine the butter, chocolate, hot

water, and coffee in a medium saucepan

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped

over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 mins

• 125ml hot water

or until chocolate and butter melt, and

• 2 tsp instant coffee

the mixture is smooth. Remove from

[2] Roll out brown fondant and cut out a

• 200g brown sugar

heat. Add the sugar and stir to combine.

circle slightly larger than the cupcake

• 100g plain flour

Set aside to cool.

top. Place onto the creamed surface,

and smooth out to the edges of the

cupcake paper.

• 2 tbs cocoa powder • 1 egg

www.pakmag.com.au

[1] Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a twelve cup

• 125g butter, chopped

• 40g self-raising flour

44

to decorate

[3] Sift the flours and cocoa over the

chocolate mixture and stir until

combined. Add the egg and combine.

[3] Use a flower shaped cutter to cut out

white fondant, and attach in centre of

cupcake with hot water. Use a holly leaf

cutter to cut out green fondant, and

attach with a dab of water. Add 3 red

[5] While cupcakes cool, prepare the

cachous using a tiny amount of water

buttercream. Using an electric mixer,

(too much water will cause colours

beat butter in a bowl until pale. Gradually

to run).

add icing sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating

constantly until combined.

Buttercream:

[4] Pour the mixture into the tray, and bake

• 125g butter, softened

for 15-20 mins or until cooked through.

• 1 1/2 cups pure icing sugar

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• 1 tbs milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract

www.pakmag.com.au

45

BIZDirectory ads from ONLY $70/month For more info email Natalie at tsvsales@pakmag.com.au

BIZDirectory Laser Tag renTaLs

“Funify your Party”

rides & eNTERTAINMENT for all occasions Confident

Children Story thanks to Louise Costanzo

Junior

lifesavers

Introducing your child to lifesaving provides them with confidence, knowledge and skills in water and beach environments. It’s also an activity that can involve the whole family

little Nippers

J

unior Activities (Nippers) within the

There’s no doubt that children are learning

Queensland Surf Lifesaving organisation

lifelong skills by participating in the Nippers

are open to children from five to fourteen

program. Strong traditional values are also

years of age. This program starts the process

one of the key success factors for the club; in

towards becoming a Lifesaver with the focus

addition to providing life saving skills and youth

being on play, participation and fun so that

development, camaraderie and friendship is

children have fun at the beach while learning

established within this club and with other clubs

about important life saving skills.

around the region.

There are currently over 12,000 junior surf

Every Surf Life Saving Club in Queensland offers

lifesavers in Queensland, with the majority of clubs

a Junior Activities program and with the summer

holding Junior Activities on Sunday mornings.

school holidays approaching, now is a good

These include a series of activities such as flags

time to consider enrolling. For more information

and sprints, water events – board, swimming and

about becoming a member of the Picnic Bay Surf

wading, as well as lessons on basic first aid and

Lifesaving Club go to www.pbslsc.com.au

resuscitation and sun, water and stinger safety.

Eventually, after being actively involved in these junior activities, participants will become eligible to complete their Surf Safety Certificate so they can start patrolling beaches with the senior members of the club.

46

www.pakmag.com.au

1800 266 587 LaserTag.com.au

for more info call 0488 676 701 or visit www.amusementsplus.com.au

Camper Trailer

HIRE & SALES ExPERiEncE a home away from home camPing advEntuRE

• Easy to tow, simple to erect • incredibly robust • Spacious and cool • maximum storage space • Easily sleeps entire average family

Call Penny & Russ on 0449 769 916 www.campertrailer.com.au

local businesses). As Jason Wells, the Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club Youth and Development

club as Nippers, have discovered many benefits

sponsorship to purchase equipment and to help

from their participation in the club. Not only has it

towards the costs of sending members to state

allowed them to become involved in a community

and national titles.”

progressed onto more senior roles within the club.

Quality entertainment & amusements for the whole family. we will travel anywhere!

also sponsorship opportunities available for

organisation and survive on fundraising and

her skills in training and coaching as she has

When booking quote: “PKMGtV12” & get a FRee camo net hire!

member or by donating to the clubs (there are

Surf Lifesaving Club who originally joined the

For Mary it has also enabled her to enhance

free

become involved by becoming a support

Coordinator, explains “we are a volunteer

with a “stepping stone to learning other life skills”.

fetes, festivals, special events, xmas parties & birthdays

The local community is also encouraged to

Liz and Mary Parker, members of the Picnic Bay

service, they believe it has also provided them

• Hire for Saturday & get Sunday FRee • 10 play at once • the fun is delivered to you • Long lasting batteries • fun for all ages

Peace of mind with Certificate III qualified staff consistently providing the highest quality pathology service available Collectors with Advanced Skills Training in: • Paediatric 0 – 5 yrs • Children 5 – 12 yrs SNP will accept all pathology referral forms

Carnivals are held throughout the season (September-March) with the competition heating

Over 20 cOnveniently lOcated centres

up between other clubs in the region and

Call 4779 3277 to find the best centre for you

throughout the state. www.pakmag.com.au

47

homemade Decorations

BIZDirectory All systems go with

kinesiology Does this sound like your child?

Need something to keep the kids entertained

Separation anxiety, overly sensitive, slow learning, poor speech or coordination, problems sitting still...Kinesiology can help your child overcome these difficulties

during the holidays? Why not give these Christmas decorations a go.

0419 790 534

EMAIL: info@bodybrainbalance.com.au

www.bodybrainbalance.com.au

You can advertise here for as little as $70/month

Stuffed Felt

Dec o ra t i o n s

Contact Natalie on 0427 725 624 or email tsvsales@pakmag.com.au for more information

Shop local this Christmas & WIN! Simply shop at our list of local retailers and you will get an entry form to win a Grand Jedda Cubby worth over $2,000!

Your stuffed felt decoration could be a simple

create a loop for hanging. Sew the felt

tree or star, or an animal shape like an Owl,

shapes together close to the edge. Leave

which is a Christmas decoration trend for 2012.

open a gap of about 2cm for stuffing.

[1] Begin by cutting out two identical

[4] Stuff your shape with toy fill. Use a

• Felt

chopstick or blunt pencil to help get

• Toy fill (or stuffing from an old pillow)

[2] On one of the felt shapes, which will

the toy fill into the corners and edges of

the shape.

What you need

• Ribbon

local retail outlets

• Craft items for decorating such as,

• Howards Storage World • UpTown Kids • Sweeter Than Sugar • Queensland Country Credit Union - Aitkenvale & Willows SC • Calanna - Kirwin & Aitkenvale

buttons and beads • Hand sewing needle

*Conditions apply. See instore for details.

• Sewing thread • Scissors

For your chance to win go to pakmag.com.au For full terms & conditions and a list of retailers, head to our website www.pakmag.com.au

48

Competition closes: 23 December • Competition Drawn: 24 December

To view Grand Gazebos full product

*Picture used is an example only, basic Grand Jedda Cubby model supplied. Some items are not included like installation, slide, veranda, etc.

range go to: www.grandgazebos.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

Christmas themed shapes from your felt.

become the front of your decoration,

glue or sew your chosen craft items. If

using larger craft items such as buttons

with a 2cm or more diameter it may be

easier to attach them to your decoration

once you have stuffed it with toy fill.

[3] Once you have finished decorating your

[5] Sew the gap closed.

Hints [1] Use free clip art websites to help find a

suitable Christmas themed shape. Print

out an appropriate size and use as a

template to trace around.

felt shape, place the identical felt shapes

together with the decorated side facing

outwards. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in

[2] For non-sewers, you could choose not to

half and place it in between the felt

stuff the felt Christmas shape and just

shapes at the top of your decoration to

hang on the tree one sided.

www.pakmag.com.au

49

Play

themes Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

Winter

W o n d er l 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

50

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

51

out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

Charlotte at Halloween PakClub

Sophie having fun at Baby’s Day Out

Celina at Halloween PakClub

Charlotte at Baby’s Day Out

Charlotte at Baby’s Day Out

James at Baby’s Day Out

Mia at Baby’s Day Out

Lacey at Baby’s Day Out

Out & About photos thanks to Cheeky Monkey photography > www.cheekymonkeyphotos.com.au

52

www.pakmag.com.au

Brady at Halloween PakClub

Josh at Halloween PakClub

Tiarne at Halloween PakClub

Zoey at Halloween PakClub

Out & About photos thanks to Cheeky Monkey photography > www.cheekymonkeyphotos.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

53

Pets fav

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

November winner

December entries

Cuddle time

Sole into mischief

Sonny in party mode

Jett loved by Melanie

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 15 December for the January 2013 edition of Pakmag.

Winners prize

Congratulations to our Nov prize winners!

To claim your prize drop into the 4TO/HOTFM office, 9 Martinez Ave The Lakes, Hyde Park, between 9-5pm Mon to Fri & collect your prize from reception.

Colour In & Win:

Word Scramble:

Word Search:

• Madelaine Burgess

• Maya Hinspeters

• Melissa Barnes

• Troy Potts

Dot to Dot:

Match Words & Pics

• Rebecca Kirkham

• Bailey Winters

• Lola Jade Anders • Jeremy Randall • Sophia Stanley

54

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

55

5

Minutes with Santa Santa says he gets really excited as December

3 Any particularly memorable moments?

draws near as he loves meeting all the kids in

I love the innocence and delight children show

the shopping centres and finding out what

when they see me and know Santa is real. I still

they want for Christmas. He explains that every

remember one three year old girl who looked

year he spends time familiarising himself with

up at me very seriously and said “I love you

all the latest toys so he can remember who

Santa” and those are the special moments I

wants which toy.

treasure.

1 Which toys are the most popular? It varies year-to-year but Barbie and Dora tend to be the most requested girl’s toys and Thomas

As Santa gears up for his busiest time of the year, he took time out to chat with 4TO to tell us why he loves being Santa and how he prepares for Christmas Eve.

56

www.pakmag.com.au

the Tank Engine, Ben 10 and Lego are the most popular boy’s toys.

2 Have you ever had any unusual requests? Many parents ask me to remind their children to behave otherwise they will end up on the naughty list and some children hand over their dummies to me on their mum and dad’s request.

4 What snack do you like kids to leave out for you and your reindeers on Christmas Eve? I love milk and cookies and the reindeers love carrots and water 5 How do you prepare for a busy night of delivering presents on Christmas Eve? I make sure the sleigh has been serviced and is in top working condition, that my reindeers have had plenty of sleep and that Rudolf’s nose is glowing bright and strong for the trip.