Peekaboo Magazine December 2012 by Minimedia Pty Ltd

peekaboo issue 12 // december 2012

™

magazine

free daddo dude there’s way more to him than ‘round the twist’

santa talk

the peekaboo kids tell it like it is

WIN

hit the road, jack! (and don’t look back)

hello

HAPPY HOLIDAYS YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE IS GOING TO LEAD YOU AND IT HAS CERTAINLY LED ME DOWN ONE VERY MERRY PATH THIS YEAR. AFTER A MAJOR HEALTH ISSUE MID-YEAR THINGS ESCALATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS TIME TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND REGROUP. Which is why you are reading our December issue as a digital only version of the magazine. The original plan was to expand into Adelaide with this issue and it was full steam ahead however after extensive medical tests over the past several months and a couple of organisational hiccups it seemed the best thing to do for Peekaboo (and me) was take a break, take stock of the situation and start planning for a bigger and better 2013. So, I hope you enjoy our much condensed December issue. It’s just a taste of the Peekaboo you have come to love to keep us in your heart. Rest assured we will be back in print in March 2013 and Adelaide - here we come! The holiday season is a time for reflection and I will certainly be doing a lot of that over the coming weeks. I am lucky to be here this Christmas and to be able to see my kids squeal with excitement as they open their presents from Santa. I’m looking forward to spending time with my extended family in Adelaide; especially my gorgeous grandmother, Lylie, who is not only beautiful on the outside but possibly the nicest person I’ll ever know. When I was a kid she told me that ‘One should always go through one’s life with a smile on their face.’ It’s something I’ve always remembered and I am planning on doing a lot of smiling these holidays. On behalf of the greater Peekaboo team I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year and thank you for being part of the Peekaboo family.

peekaboo team

Publisher & Managing Editor Sally Belinda Broad | sally@peekaboomagazine.com.au Deputy Editor Belinda Glindemann | belinda@peekaboomagazine.com.au Art Director Vanessa Russell | vanessa@peekaboomagazine.com.au Photographer Naomi Vasington | info@naomivphotography.com.au

Special thanks to Luke, Cooper & Macgregor Newman, Helen & Neil Broad, and my advisory board Charmaine Rolls, Linda Oliveri & Laura McClure.

advertise with us next issue – march 2013 – ‘SPACE’ issue For advertising enquiries and information please email sales@peekaboo magazine.com.au, visit our website or contact an Account Manager. Account Managers Jo Braithwaite | jo@peekaboomagazine.com.au Krystie van Duikeren | krystie@peekaboomagazine.com.au

Publisher & Managing Editor

Peekaboomag

Peekaboo Magazine

DISTRIBUTION If you are interested in distributing our magazine, please suggest your business, childcare centre, cafe or boutique to sally@peekaboomagazine.com.au. Peekaboo magazine is printed in Brisbane, Australia, by PMP Print. Distribution via Fastways and Australia Post. Peekaboo magazine is owned by Minimedia Pty Ltd. Peekaboo magazine is now printed on Australian-made paper stock. www.peekaboomagazine.com.au

Privacy Notice This issue of Peekaboo Magazine may contain offers, competitions or surveys that require you to provide information about yourself, if you choose to enter or take part in any such activity. If you provide information about yourself to Minimedia Pty Ltd, the company will use this information to provide you with the products or services you have requested and may supply your information to to contractors that help Minimedia to do this. Minimedia will also use this information to inform you of other Minimedia publications, products, services and events. Minimedia may also give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers and that are clearly associated with the reader activity. Unless you tell us not to, we may give your information to other organisations that use it to inform you about other products, services or events or who may give it to other organisations that may use it for this purpose. If you would like to gain access to the information Minimedia holds about you please contact our Privacy Officer at PO Box 6105, Point Cook VIC 3030. Our complete Privacy Policy can be viewed on our website at www.peekaboomagazine.com.au

04 / december 2012

contents

contents features Bookworm TV personality and children’s book author Andrew Daddo Santa Chores Get cracking on some Christmas Craft

Santa’s Little Helpers

14 30

We talk secret Santa business with the Peekaboo kids

Competition

Win yourself something fabulous from Apollo Campers

Fashion

Summer Daze Our collection of gorgeous swimwear features something for every little one

regulars

on the cover

Calendar/markets Noteworthy Travel Very GC Read Books, books and more books

06 16 32 17

Indiana wears Aqua Ripples swimsuit from Kuteness www.facebook.com/KutenessBoutique Coast - Pink sunglasses by Frankie Ray www.eyetribe.com.au Stylist’s flower in hair. Georgina wears Petal Pink swimsuit from Kuteness www.facebook.com/KutenessBoutique Picnic - Pink Gingham sunglasses by Frankie Ray www.eyetribe.com.au Styling by Vanessa Russell and Sally Belinda Broad Photo by Naomi V Photography www.naomivphotography.com.au

PARTNERS

DECEMBER 2012 / 05

MELBOURNE

eat

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

FAIRY PARK 2388 BALLAN ROAD, ANAKIE WWW.FAIRYPARK.COM.AU

Discover the Magic - Fairy Park is a place dedicated to story telling of fairy tales and ancient myths and legends. A spectacular rocky hilltop has been crafted into a truly unique place where family and friends can go to relax and enjoy a day out together in a tranquil environment.

place

Most visitors spend the day but if you are in a hurry allow a couple of hours to get a feel for the place. For more practical information, see the website’s FAQs page. The three main areas that combine to form Fairy Park are the Fairytale Land, Camelot Playground and the Elephant Rock Picnic Grounds. Don’t miss the Camelot Playground

06 / december 2012

Fress Café

Café Republic

239 Bambra Rd, Caulfield South www.fresscafe.com.au

160 Toorak Rd, South Yarra www.republiccafe.com.au

Fress Cafe is a welcome breath of fresh air in this local area. It brings a great menu with delicious Israeli influences, yummy coffee and (of course) welcomes the little tackers too. This cafe is not huge so not great for prams but has a courtyard out the back, a row of tables on the footpath and one large table at the front of the café that can accommodate a larger party. There are some toys and drawing equipment and the kids menu is oh-so cute as it’s stuck to the inside cover of a Mister Men book. A short stroll down the road is the huge Princes Park so Fress Cafe makes for a nice day out with the kids.

Right in the heart of one of Melbourne’s best shopping areas is one of those rare finds that is perfect for a mothers’ group catch up. Café Republic is owned and run by parents and you can tell they pride themselves on being kid friendly. It has a function room set up for mothers’ groups three days a week which is a private space perfect for breastfeeding mums, crying babies and toddler antics. All the while, mums can still feel part of the cool Melbourne café scene. The function room would be great for kids’ parties too. A spectacular kids’ menu, a broad menu for the big eaters, friendly staff and high chairs mean the café is great for families too.

WORDS Monique Majman of www.littleeats.com.au

KRYAL CASTLE

ST KILDA FESTIVAL

121 FORBES ROAD, LEIGH CREEK WWW.KRYALCASTLE.COM.AU

A new and exciting Kryal Castle will be relaunched in early 2013. Arena shows and demonstrations, village markets, new interactive exhibits and displays, children’s programs and activities. Step into a world of myth, magic and adventure – a world of dragons, fair maidens, medieval battles and magic encounters. Where the unexpected happens, where the odd and bizarre becomes the everyday; where surprises and wonder accompany every step you take! As the final stages of redevelopment, are completed with lavish care and attention to detail, a range of entertaining fantasy based attractions and experiences are being created at Kryal Castle as it prepares for relaunch.

ST KILDA, MELBOURNE www.STKILDAFESTIVAL.COM.AU

First held in 1980, St Kilda Festival is one of Australia’s oldest and the Southern hemisphere’s largest free street festival. A Melbourne tradition, it is a celebration of summer, showcasing Australian artists and talents against the spectacular natural beauty of the St Kilda foreshore. At first just an epic one-day festival, the St Kilda Festival has evolved into a nine-day event spanning various venues and locations across the entire St Kilda precinct. The Festival routinely attracts between 200,000 and 400,000 attendees who enjoy a wide variety of Australian music and interactive activities, including family activities and fun workshops hosted by local community groups.

melbourne

LOCAL events calendar IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING interesting TO DO, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN this page or visit www.LITTLEMELBOURNE.COM.au for a comprehensive guide to what’s on

december

1st - 24th Gingerbread Village by Epicure www.littlemelbourne.com. au/seasonal/christmas/ gingerbread-village-byepicure.html

7th - 28thThe Langham Melbourne, A Christmas Light Show melbourne.langhamhotels. com.au/langham-lightshow.htm

24 UNTIL 24th DEC Santa’s Magical Kingdom santasmagicalkingdom. com.au/

UNTIL 6th JAN - Myer Melbourne Christmas Windows myer.com.au/home_christmas-windows.aspx

Events for Christmas littlemelbourne.com.au/ seasonal/christmas/ourguide-to-christmas-in-thecity-of-melbourne.html

JANUARY

Giggle and Hoot and Friends Live on stage littlemelbourne.com.au/todo/concerts-performances/ giggle-and-hoot-andfriends-live-on-stage.html

Carnival of Science museumvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/whatson/ upcoming-exhbitions/ carnival-of-science/

17th JAN - 24th MARCH OVO Cirque Du Soleil cirquedusoleil.com/en/ shows/ovo/tickets/melbourne.aspx

17th - 19th JAN Sleeping Beauty at the Victorian Opera

Brickvention - Australia’s premier LEGO convention brickventures.org.au

Melbourne ZooTwilight zoo.org.au/melbourne

Ice Derby; jump on the ice, race your mates, get slung across the ice as a human ten pin bowling ball and escape the heat. icehouse.com.au

Under 8s Ice Fun; Ice Ambassadors will assist and take the children through games using toys, music and snow play areas. icehouse.com.au

An interactive exhibition celebrating light in all its guises – who doesn’t love lasers? museumvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks

Keeper Kids at Melbourne Zoo; be a Zookeeper zoo.org.au/melbourne

View horse puppets from Arts Centre Melbourne’s upcoming War Horse and a five metre long Raptor dinosaur puppet! artscentremelbourne. com.au

Last Man Standing; expose your children to the beauty of a different culture at a contemporary art exhibition. museumvictoria.com.au

FEBRUARY

OFF to market we go... december

january

february

Baby & Kids Market No markets scheduled www.babykidsmarket.com.au

No markets listed! Time for a lemonade stand on your street!

Mathilda’s Markets November 17: Special Christmas Shopping Market, LeichhardtTown Hall, 107 Norton St, Leichhardt www.mathildasmarket.com.au

Kids Market Central VIC December 1st: Liborius Center, Panton St, Eaglehawk www.kidsmarketcv.com

Baby & Kids Market February 2: 184 Surrey Road, Blackburn February 16: 90 Bell Street, Coburg February 17: Manuka Road, Berwick February 23: MalvernTown Hall www.babykidsmarket.com.au

DECEMBER 2012 / 07

BRISBANE SPECIAL THANKS TO:

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

WE TRAVEL TO YOU, 9AM-8PM DAILY www.mEKE.COM.AU

USING POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY TO HELP FAMILIES www.POSITIVEOUTLOOK.NET.AU

Are you looking for a different, creative and fun activity for your little lady’s next birthday party? Meké jewellerymaking parties are just the thing. An engaging and fun host comes to you and supplies all the high quality beads, wire, tools and other bits and pieces required for your daughter and her guests to create their own wearable masterpieces. Just wait until you hear the excited “Oohs” and “Aahs” as the boxes of beads are opened. They will have a great time and will also love that they get to keep and wear everything they make. What a fantastic take-home memento of your daughter’s awesome birthday party! Meanwhile, you can relax and have a break, smiling to yourself when you hear all your daughter’s friends say “this is the best party ever!”. Various packages are available.

Ever wondered how to help your family be more positive? Have you struggled with how to get the kids to tell you more about their day? Celebrate Everyday is a game that helps you focus on the great things that happen each day. Fun for around the dinner table, in the car on the way home from school or just before bed, simply choose a card and share your answers to questions like “What made you laugh today?” or “What filled you with wonder today?” or even “What delighted you today?”. Designed by Brisbane mum Pierina Curties, Celebrate Everyday is available for $14.95 from www.positiveoutlook.net. au. And while you are on their website, check out the charming Lunchbox Love Notes too. Postage is free for orders to Australian addresses. A lovely gift for your friends at Christmas.

Shucked

Urban Grind

Outback Jacks Redcliffe

9 Creswell St, Newstead www.shucked.com.au

131 Latrobe Tce, Paddington www.urbangrind.com.au

Cnr Anzac Ave & Sutton St, Redcliffe www.facebook.com/objredcliffe

As you drive down Creswell St, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the wrong street. The car yards and industrial backdrop can put you off the scent of this charming cafe. But have no fear, you are indeed in the right place. Shucked lives in a converted warehouse and what a great conversion they’ve done – the wallpaper, the ’70s decor and the tall open space make it really appealing. The cafe is divided in two and the section away from the counter is where to head with the kids as there’s plenty of room for the pram, couches to relax on and a box of toys to keep the kids amused. Top it off with heavenly food and coffee and you’ll be glad you found Shucked.

Urban Grind is a great little cafe in Paddington that prides itself on good coffee and the way it brings people together. There are three places to sit: on the terrace at the front, just inside or out the back past the counter. There is plenty of room for the pram on the terrace, however we found a friendly space out the back with a great view over Paddington and comfy couches where the kids could play with the box of toys provided. There isn’t a kids’ menu as such but there are options that are child friendly and the staff are happy to whiz up a babycino. So if you’re looking for a welcome coffee break or breakfast in Paddington, you’ll find it at Urban Grind.

If you’re looking for a great steak north of the Hornibrook Bridge, Outback Jacks is your answer. But if steak isn’t what you’re after, you’ll be sure to find something else on the menu to suit. The big croc on the roof will have the kids talking as you walk in the door and the staff are on board with the kids, so families are more than welcome and made to feel at home. Each Outback Jacks has a kids’ room so they have their own space to be entertained in while you enjoy a conversation with your dinner guests until your meals arrive. During the school holidays, kids eat free every day giving you a welcomed break from cooking.

WORDS Jane Wardle of www.eatoutwithkids.com.au

eat

place

MEKE JEWELLERY-MAKING PARTIES

08 / december 2012

brisbane

LOCAL events calendar ‘A LITTLE BIRD’ TOLD US THERE’S an extensive list of family-friendly events and activities COVERING SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND ONLINE AT www.alittlebird.com.au or download the new A Little bird app for handy reference on your smartphone

december

The IGA Lord Mayor’s Carols in the City at the River Stage is guaranteed to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. www. carolsinthecity.com.au

Myer Christmas Parade leaves the Mall at 6.30pm for King George Square where a pantomime is staged nightly until Dec 23. www.bnecity.com.au

Mini chefs will love the culinary classes at the Hilton Brisbane today and Dec 22. Costs $49 includes a recipe book, hat, apron. www.brisbane.hilton.com

15 Wiggles fans will enjoy the special Celebration Tour shows today and tomorrow, to say farewell to Murray, Jeff and Greg. www.premier. ticketek.com.au

The man in the big red suit arrives today – but did we really need to remind you?! Merry Xmas to all from the team at Peekaboo!

27 The Woodford Folk Festival kids’ program encourages creativity while parents enjoy the great music and fun. www.woodfordfolk festival.com.au

january

New Year’s Day means new beginnings (and probably also a hangover!). What’s on your New Year’s resolution list? What are your goals for 2013?

Enjoy a day of tennis at the Brisbane International with hot oncourt action and plenty of kids’ activities. www.kidstennisday.bris baneinternational.com.au

Get up close to prehistoric creatures at the Dinosaur Petting Zoo and puppet show at the Melbourne St Green, QPAC, until Jan 20. www.qpac.com.au

Sing along with all the characters from your fave Hairy Maclary books live on stage at the Cremorne Theatre until Jan 23. www.qpac.com.au

Throw another snag on the barbie and celebrate what’s great about being Aussie. Join a family friendly Australia Day event near you. www.australiaday.org.au

Learn new folding techniques to help your paper plane soar high through the sky at Regent Park, Cannon Hill. Bookings required. www.bazilgrumble.com.au

Play a range of fun games and win some great prizes at Les Atkinson Park, Sunnybank. Bookings required. www.bazilgrumble.com.au

China Town Mall, Fortitude Valley is the best place to soak up the excitement of the Chinese New Year, heralding the year of the Snake

There’s nothing like a country festival for real fun! The Chinchilla Melon Festival is a classic for the whole family, until Feb 17. www.melonfest.com.au

Try a range of heritage trades and skills at the Cobb+Co Museum’s Have a Go Festival this weekend. www.cobbandco.qm.qld. gov.au

Take park in relays, sock wrestling, tug of war, egg and spoon races and more at Carindale Recreation Reserve’s Mini Olympics. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

february

Learn all about healthy bodies at C A O’Sullivan Park, Acacia Ridge with stories, food relay and races. Bookings required. www.bazilgrumble.com.au

OFF to market we go... DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Mummy Tree Markets December 1: Robina Community and Performing Arts Centre, 9am-1pm. December 8: St Joseph’s Nudgee Junior College, Indooroopilly, 3-7pm. December 9: Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, USQ, 9am-2pm

Young Designers Market January 6 and 26: Little Stanley St, South Bank, 10am-4pm. www.southbankmarket.com.au

Tamborine Mountain Country Markets February 10: Tamborine Mountain Showground, 8am-2pm. www.tamborinemtncc.org.au

www.themummytreemarkets.com.au

Tamborine Mountain Country Markets January 16: Tamborine Mountain Showground, 8am-2pm. www.tamborinemtncc.org.au

Mathilda’s Markets February 23: Riverway Complex, Townsville, 9am-1pm. www.mathildasmarket.com.au

BrisStyle Indie Markets December 8: St Augustine’s Church Hall, Hamilton, 9am-4pm. December 14: King George Square, 5-9pm www.brisstyle.com.au

Creative Markets January 23: Springwood Central State School Hall, End of Murrajong Road, Springwood, 10am-2pm www.creativemarkets.com.au

Creative Markets February 24: Springwood Central State School Hall, End of Murrajong Road, Springwood, 10am-2pm www.creativemarkets.com.au

Creative Markets December 16: Springwood Central State School Hall, End of Murrajong Road, Springwood, 10am-2pm www.creativemarkets.com.au

DECEMBER 2012 / 09

SYDNEY SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

1-25 Harbour St, Sydney www.darlingquarter.com/play

Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park www.aquaticcentre.com.au

The massive Darling Quarter Playground has everything you need for a great family day out. The climbing ropes, swings, slides and a flying fox will keep the kids entertained all day but the ‘piece de resistance’ is the massive waterplay area with shooting fountains, mechanical features and water pumps. There is no avoiding getting soaked through so make sure you pack towels. This scenic area boasts spectacular views, a peaceful community green and a great selection of family-friendly cafes and takeaway food outlets. We recommend a special sunset visit as the crowds thin and the playground is lit up like Christmas with magical light projections transforming the playground into a night time wonderland. We love it!

place eat

Darling Quarter Playground

WORDS Yvette DuBourdieu of www.ellaslist.com.au

Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is more than just a swimming pool, it really is a water playground. This wet wonderland includes five spas, sauna, steamroom, river rapid ride, spray jets, spurting volcanoes, water slide and bubble beach, surrounded by lush palm trees and colourful mosaics. Professional supervision and luxurious heated water means you can play all day without a care in the world. For the younger members of the family, there’s a gigantic bucket that fills with water and splashes into the pool below and Aqua Tune, a playful musical instrument that kids of all ages can interact with and play to create their own musical fun. Older kids will want to conquer the obstacle courses and the giant inflatable water slide. Bonus: it’s great fun for mum and dad, too. WORDS Yvette DuBourdieu of www.ellaslist.com.au

The Grounds of Alexandria

Hopscotch Cafe

East Coast Gourmet Coffee & Tea

7A/2 Huntley St, Alexandria www.groundsroasters.com

284 Great North Rd, Wareemba www.hopscotchcafe.com.au

10 Darley Rd, Manly 02 8966 9621

Located in an old pie factory from the early 1900s, The Grounds of Alexandria is a very popular cafe (note: there are queues to get in on weekends). Outside is spacious, filled with vegetable and herb gardens, a kids’ play area and chicken coop. There is no table service outside (takeaway food and coffee only) which was disappointing as the menu looked delicious. The play area is very popular with young families. It has soft-fall ground, chalk board and interesting things to climb on but no shade. While they provide highchairs, there are no baby change facilities and no room in the toilet cubicles for a pram. The major downside is the parking. Even at 10.30am on a weekday it was a nightmare.

The play area is the winner for kids at Hopscotch Cafe. It is not enclosed but is nestled in a corner. Kids will enjoy making you coffee in the toy kitchen, doing a puzzle or galloping on the plastic rockers. There are highchairs, a baby change table, breastfeeding is welcomed and there’s plenty of space for strollers. There’s also a very nice and reasonably priced kids’ menu. Try the double smoked ham and cheese sandwich on organic sourdough for just $6.95. Babycinos are only 70c. We waited a very long time for our breakfast to be delivered though which was tough with hungry little kids. Outdoor seating is nice on sunny days and there’s free WiFi for grownups. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.

Conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, East Coast is a popular café for local mums. There is a great play corner with a little table and chairs complete with a tea set, books, puzzles, drawing paper and pens. Babycinos are on offer for $1 but at the time of our visit, no other kiddie drinks were on the menu (new owners recently took over the place so this may change). Coffee for grown ups was good quality. There is not a lot of room for strollers and no highchairs but there is seating outside. The drawcard here for mums really is the play corner. Street parking is available but remember, this is Manly so on a sunny day, parking will be a little hard to find.

WORDS Linda Anderson of www.mumsonthego.com.au

10 / december 2012

sydney

LOCAL events calendar IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING interesting TO DO, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN this page or visit www.alphabetstreet.com.au for a comprehensive guide to what’s on

DECEMBER

Get into the Christmas Spirit at the Family Village concerts kicking off tonight at Rushcutters Bay. sydneychristmas.com.au/ whatson/village-concertsrushcutters-bay/

Join Charlie and Lola fans at the Sydney Opera House for Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play. sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/charlie_and_lola_2012. aspx

Tonight kicks off the Moonlight Cinema season featuring movies the whole family will love. moonlight.com.au/program.php?location=Sydney

The Powerhouse Museum brings Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention exhibition to Sydney until May 2013. powerhousemuseum.com/ wallace-and-gromit/

Sing in your loudest voice at this year’s Woolworths Carols in the Domain. A fabulous line up of performers will entertain the whole family. carolsinthedomain.com

Grab a spot on Sydney Harbour for the Harbour Lights Parade and the family fireworks at 9pm. sydneynewyearseve.com/ fireworks

JANUARY

Catch some of the best films free at Movies by the Boulevard. Tonight is the Amazing Spiderman. sydneyolympicpark.com. au/whats_on/movies_by_ the_boulevard_2013

Let the kids get in touch with their creative side at the Sydney Opera House FREE Creative Play Sessions. sydneyoperahouse.com/ kath2012/creative_play.aspx

The Sydney Festival kicks off for another year with a wonderful line-up of music, dance, theatre and family shows. sydneyfestival.org. au/2013/Family/

Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show! sets out on a zany road trip where audiences join in. sydentcent.com.au/ Events/Disney-Live!/

Imaginocean is a live, glow-in-the-dark puppet show jam-packed with toe-tapping original music. sydneyoperahouse.com/ whatson/imaginocean.aspx

Head to the harbour and cheer on the ferries at the Australia Day Ferrython. sydneyfestival.org.au/2013/ Free/Ferrython/

Enjoy some free fun at the Art Gallery of NSW with Gallery Kids every Sunday. artgallery.nsw.gov.au/calendar/gallery-kids-sundayperformances-2012/

Head to Centennial Park with the little ones for a leisurely 10 minute hand-led pony ride Bookings essential. centennialparklands.com. au/activities/whats_on/ kids/pony_rides

Pack a picnic and soak up the atmosphere at this year’s Starlight Cinema in North Sydney. A perfect night out for the whole family. starlightcinema.com.au/

Illuminated floats, lanterns, dancers and dragons thrill in the Chinese New Year Twilight Parade. sydneychinesenewyear. com/event/chinese-newyear-twilight-parade/

Step back in time to good old fashioned fun at Rouse Hill House and Farm and play a game of quoits behind the stables. hht.net.au/whats_on/ event/no-presale/children_ and_family/rouseabout

FEBRUARY

Sleepover with Alexander the Great. Enjoy a pizza, make a sword and tour the museum by torchlight. australianmuseum.net.au/ event/Sleepover-HeroesHeroines-Ancient-World

OFF to market we go... DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Paddington Markets December 20: 395 Oxford St, Paddington www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au

Heritage Craft Fair January 6: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Rd, St Ives www.heritagecraftfair.com.au

The Olive Tree Market February 2: Junction Public School, Newcastle www.theolivetreemarket.com.au Baby & Kids Market February 3: Sutherland Basketball Stadium, Sutherland February 17: Marelia Ave, Kellyville February 24: St Ignatius College, Lane Cove February 24: Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadow www.babykidsmarket.com.au

DECEMBER 2012 / 11

ADELAIDE SPECIAL THANKS TO:

SPLASH ADELAIDE

City of Adelaide When: Nov to 31 Mar 2013 www.splashadelaide.com.au

BEERENBERG FARM Mt Barker Rd, Hahndorf When: October - May www.beerenberg.com.au/

Beerenberg Farm is located in the picturesque town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, just 30 minutes from the CBD. Along with the strawberry farm you’ll find a fully stocked farm shop offering a large range of Beerenberg’s famous produce.

Top picks for families include the Adelaide Aquatic Centre Dive In Movie Night on 15 February 2013, which will have a movie screen set up for families to watch either from in the pool or on the lawn. The whole family can skate through the streets of Adelaide at City Street Skate Day. Plus there are Kids Art Workshops, Adelaide Night Market and Imagination Playgrounds.

The strawberry season is usually open during the warmer months of October through to May. Entry is just $3 per person with children 13 years and under free. Once you walk down to the strawberry fields you can pick as many delicious berries as your heart desires...tasting along the way! The berries are weighed on returning to the farm shop, the price varying from season to season.

WORDS WWW.PLAYANDGO.COM.AU

SOUL FOOD ESPRESSO

THE ESPLANADE HOTEL

SOUTHERN HOTEL

414 MILNE ROAD, REDWOOD PARK

135 ESPLANADE (CNR JETTY ROAD), BRIGHTON www.ESPLANADEHOTEL.com.au

23 MURRAY STREET, GAWLER WWW.THESOUTHERNHOTEL.COM.AU

The wonderful Soul Food Espresso is very popular with mothers’ groups and families alike. It has a lovely atmosphere, very chilled out and comfortable. The main attraction is the fantastic children’s play area. It is a large area with lots and lots of toys, a dolls house, play kitchen, children’s tables and chairs, books, soft toys, and more. Your kids won’t know what to play with first!

The Esplanade Hotel at Brighton is a great place to go in Adelaide with kids of all ages. They have a play room for the younger kids with video games, toys and a table and chairs. For the older kids there are nintendo DS game consoles to hire for $3 per hour. But best of all they have fantastic entertainment for the kids every Friday and Saturday night. On Friday nights they have a free face painter and balloon artist and on Saturday nights they have a free balloon artist and magician.

The Southern Hotel is a fantastic place to eat out with the family at Gawler. They have a great play area, Junior G’s, with a playground that is sound proof! Parents do not have to worry about disturbing others without children. They can relax, knowing that the children can play happily without disturbing anyone!

place

2012/2013 is the second season of Splash Adelaide and this year is going to be bigger and better than ever. So far, there are over 60 activities and events planned including night time markets, relaxing urban retreats, live music and a cultural extravaganza throughout the City.

eat

Pop down for breakfast or lunch during the week and on the weekend they have a popular all you can eat buffet brekky. Yum!

WORDS www.littleLATTES.com.au 12 / december 2012

Kids eat free on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed and The Esplanade Hotel is very family friendly. WORDS www.littleLATTEs.com.au

The play area is indoors and fully enclosed, which makes it ideal for younger children. There are also some small toys available for toddlers. Children’s meals are reasonably priced at $5.50 for lunch and $8.50 for dinner and include the buffet salad and vegetable bar.

WORDS www.littleLATTEs.com.au

adealide

LOCAL events calendar IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING interesting TO DO, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN this page or visit www.PLAYANDGO.com.au for a comprehensive guide to what’s on

DECEMBER

Cirque du Soleil will wow Adelaide with the spectacular show OVO until 6 Jan. cirquedusoleil.com

The Lighting of the ChristmasTree in Victoria Sq will have lots of free family fun including Imagination Playground. cityofadelaide.com.au

The Lights of Lobethal Festival will be a spectacle of lights and Christmas festivities until 30 Dec. lightsoflobethal. com.au

Bonython Park Activity Hub Open Day will celebrate this great new play space on Port Rd. cityofadelaide.com.au

Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park will be a Christmas concert with Santa visiting and fireworks. cityofadelaide.com.au

Enjoy the Family Fun Day at the racecourse on Boxing Day with free kids rides and entertainment. sajc.com.au

JANUARY

Schutzenfest is the largest folk festival in the Southern Hemisphere with traditional German entertainment and fun for the whole family. schutzenfest.com.au

The Tour Down Under is a thrilling week-long professional cycling racing event and includes a Bupa MiniTour for Kids. 20-27 Jan tourdownunder.com.au

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favourite Disney friends in the allnew Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show! disney.com.au/disneylive

Join Jimmy Giggle, Hoot the Owl and Hootabelle in Giggle & Hoot’s first ever live stage show featuring favourite ABC characters. adelaidefestivalcentre. com.au

Brighton Jetty Classic is the largest ocean swimming event in SA with a community carnival vibe. brightonjettyclassic.com

Carnevale brings Italy to Adelaide! Enjoy Italian culture, food and entertainment on 9 & 10 Feb. carnevale-adelaide.com

Skate SA - City Street Skate is a fun event for families to skate through the streets of Adelaide. splashadelaide.com.au

Adelaide Fringe, our biggest annual arts festival, will take over Adelaide with 4 weeks of amazing acts. adelaidefringe.com.au

Tropfest Jr The largest short film festival in the world for kids by kids. www.tropfest.com/au

SA Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa is set for a weekend of fun both on water and land. woodenboatfestival. com.au

23 The Listies Do Coompooters are a totally awesome duo act with a mad take on the brave new world of cyberspace. adelaidefestivalcentre. com.au

26 Australia Day in the city starts with a parade and entertainment followed by a concert and fireworks in Elder Park. www.australiaday.org.au

FEBRUARY

OFF to market we go... DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Southern Markets December 9: Morphett Vale Recreation Centre States Road, Morphett Vale www.southernmarkets.com.au

Adelaide Night Market Sundays until 31 Mar: North Terrace, Adelaide www.splashadelaide.com.au/project/adelaide-nightmarket/

Lollipop Markets February 17: Morphettville Racecourse, Morphettville www.lollipopmarkets.com.au

Little Apple Christmas Twilight Market December 5: The Salvation Army 277 Pirie Street, Adelaide www.littleapplemarket.weebly.com

Adelaide Showground Farmers Market Sundays: Leader Street, Goodwood www.asfm.org.au

Southern Markets February 3: Morphett Vale Recreation Centre States Road, Morphett Vale www.southernmarkets.com.au

Designs & Delights Market December 8: Two Wells Community Centre Old Port Wakefield Rd, Two Wells www.designsanddelightsmarket.com

Kooky Kids Market Moonta January 5: Queen Square, George Street, Moonta www.kookykidzmarket.com.au

Kooky Kids Market Adelaide February 10: Greenwith Community Centre Cnr The Golden Way & Golden Grove Rd, Greenwith www.kookykidzmarket.com.au

DECEMBER 2012 / 13

DIY

Santa Chores JENNIFER HENDERSON OF LOVE JK & ALEX SHAW OF THE INSPIRED OCCASION HAVE CREATED A FEW FUN & EASY DIY CHRISTMAS FOOD & CRAFT TUTORIALS WHICH YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE HELPING YOU WITH OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON.

CLICK

HERE DOWNLOADTO SANTA ’S LETTER

14 / September 2012

DIY

DIY CHRISTMAS TREATS SOMETIMES THE BEST GIFTS ARE THOSE MADE BY LITTLE HANDS WITH A BIG SPRINKLING OF LOVE THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE Making gifts at home with the kids is a brilliant way get them in the festive mood, and it saves you braving the shops with little kiddos in tow! One of our favourite ideas is to make biscuits, wrap them as little gifts or turn them into edible Christmas Decorations.

SUGAR BISCUITS What you’ll need 114 grams unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2/3 cup caster sugar 1 extra large egg 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups plain flour sifted 1/2 tsp salt How to Preheat oven to 180 C. Line oven trays with grease-proof paper. Using an electric mixer cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and mix well until smooth. Add flour to mixture and mix until dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap, flatten and chill in fridge for 1 hour. Remove from fridge and roll dough to desired thickness. Cut out shapes (cut out hole if cookie is for hanging) Chill for 30 mins on trays. Bake for 12 to 15 mins depending on cookie size. Once cooled, decorate with fondant or royal icing.

EDIBLE CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS These are super easy, yummy and make for nifty little token gifts. You could always bag them up as per the instructions below to give them away. Once you have made your Christmas Sugar Biscuits, making sure that you make a hole in the top, and they have cooled, thread through some ribbon and attach a gift tag to them.

BISCUITS IN A BAG

CLICK

HERE

DOWNLOADTO What you’ll need BISCUIT Cello bags TOPPERS Heavyweight Paper Craft knife & metal ruler, or scissors Double sided sticky tape How to Download the Printable Biscuit Toppers here. Print onto heavyweight paper and feel free to print as you like! Next, Cut along the dotted line of each Buscuit Topper. Fold in half, using the solid line in the as your guide. Pop your biscuits into your cello bag and seal (if using peel and seal bags). Then affix the biscuit topper to the cello bag using double sided tape. And voila! Your gorgeous biscuit gift bag is now complete.

PRINTABLES Santa Letter: https://lovejk.com.au/freebies/LoveJKSantaLetter.pdf Biscuit Bag Toppers: https://lovejk.com.au/freebies/LoveJK_ChristmasBiscuitToppers.pdf Party Circles: https://lovejk.com.au/freebies/LoveJKChristmasPartyCircles.pdf

September 2012 / 15

noteworthy

take note When something makes you sit up and say ‘Wow, cool!’, you just can’t keep it to yourself. Sharing is caring, right? make sure you Share these noteworthy things with your friends WORDS BELINDA GLINDEMANN AND SALLY BELINDA BROAD

sOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

mermaid taLE

POLLI PERFECTION

www.missmay.com.au

www.oceanikamerfins.com

www.polli.com.au

When you’ve got a pile of kids and a busy partner, it’s hard to keep a track of everyone’s social calendars. But that’s where Miss May Stationery & Gifts comes to the party. Check out their beautiful new 2013 Family Planner. In pink floral or yellow birdie designs (pictured above), A3 in size, spiral bound, one month to a page and just $25, they’re a sanity saving no-brainer and perfect as a Christmas pressie.

Ever wished you were a mermaid? Hundreds of little girls (and boys) will have their dream come true this Christmas with the awesome MerFin from Oceanika Merfins. Made from eco-friendly recycled rubber the MerFins are available on their own or as part of a set with the gorgeous mermaid swim tights and bikini combo. Designer, Mahina, hopes the MerFins inspire children to make beautiful waves in our world with their hands, hearts and MerFins.

For the big-kid lovers of the work of the Polli studio in Sydney’s inner west (and, seriously, who isn’t?!) you will delight in their latest offering – Sweet Polli pendants for little kids, pictured above. Completely charming, just like the rest of the Polli range, your mini fashionista can choose from one of the almost 20 designs. We especially heart the owls.

DINNER IS SERVED

sIMPLY CLEVER

www.lovemae.com.au

www.simplyclean.co.nz

I have a new crush. And it’s with dinnerware. Odd, hey? Dinnertime usually brings tears and despair in my household (and that’s usually just me at 4.30pm trying to find some inspiration at the fridge door before witching hour), but Love Mae’s new range of bamboo dinnerware will have you delighting in the opportunity to serve food to fussy eaters. The Woodland Critters dinner set, including plate, tumbler (pictured above) and bowl for $29.95, are seriously too cute for words.

Have you ever witnessed your hubby use a sponge to wipe something up off the toilet floor, only to proceed to then use the same cloth to wipe the kitchen bench? Ewww. We know what sponges are for what job – but does the rest of the family? Simply Clean has come up with a range of products that will take the ewww out of this situation forever. It took a mum of three to come up with the idea to label and colour-code a variety of sponges for the kitchen and bathroom. Genius. The sets are available at Woolies nationally for $6.95.

CLIMBING THE WALLS www.JUSTKIDSWALLPAPER.COM

16 / December 2012

Exclusive to Just Kids Wallpaper in Australia comes the beautiful range of wallpapers by the French design studio, Bartsch. Bartsch brings back in to fashion the excellence of traditional crafts by designing chic and dreamy collections for children with modern patterns and colours. Designs include Cotton Clouds; a delicate decor with a pastel sky, soft white clouds and golden raindrops for kids who have their head in the clouds and Parisian Dandelions available with blue, pink or yellow dandelions.

www.peekaboomagazine.com.au/SUBSCRIBE Did you know you can get a subscription to Peekaboo ensuring your copy lands on your doorstep every quarter? For just $25+GST for four issues, a subscription is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out.

live. . life . love

read

Something to crow about Whether it’s Christmas or a birthday or just because, books make perfect presents for children. Here’s your guide to giving an award-winning title The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s list of award winners, announced in conjunction with Book Week this year, is a great place to start when researching brilliant reads for your little bookworms this Summer. Kate Constable’s Crow Country took out Younger Readers Book of the Year 2012 ahead of Nanberry:Black Brother White by Jackie French and The Truth about Verity Sparks by Susan Green. Kate, pictured left, was born in Victoria but spent much of her childhood in Papua New Guinea, without television but within reach of a library where she devoured stories. She studied Arts/Law at Melbourne University before working part-time for a record company while she began her life as a writer. Kate says her favourite book as a child, like many of us, was Anne of Green Gables. “I read it so many times, the corners of all the pages were nibbled off,” she laughs. Crow Country is one of 10 titles by this award-winning writer. She encouraged young wordsmiths to follow their passion and practice, practice, practice. “Whatever you do, write something every day. Every single day without fail,” she says. “Don’t wait for inspiration.” Other CBCA winners were The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland (Early Childhood Book of the Year) and A Bus called Heaven by Bob Graham (Picture Book of the Year). www.cbca.org.au

Playbook Farm

Ruby learns to swim

LOLs: best Jokes for Kids

Icky Sticky Monster

Corina Fletcher, Britta Teckentrup

Phillip Gwynne, Tamsin Ainslie

June Factor, Mic Looby

Jo Lodge

This brilliant and ingenious novelty package comprises a pop-up storybook that unfolds and transforms into a 3D farmyard landscape playmat with cut-out cardboard animals and a tractor for total fun on the farm. Then fold it away and store it in its own boxstyle slipcase – perfect portable fun for journeys, playdates and bedtime too. RRP $24.99

Splash the water. Floaties on. Eyes wide open. Blow big bubbles. Legs straight out. Kicking hard. Ruby’s swimming now! Ruby’s swimming fast! A delight for parents to read aloud and for children to chant along, this gorgeously illustrated picture book will encourage young children to have fun and feel safe in the water. Perfect timing for Summer. RRP $24.99

What is a twip? A twip is what a wabbit takes when it wides on twains. What must you be careful not to do when it’s raining cats and dogs? Step in a poodle. A laugh-out-loud collection of jokes, riddles, rhymes and sayings from kids around Australia. Perfect fun for around the Christmas table while sharing bon bon jokes! RRP $9.99

Icky Sticky Monster is just the most disgusting monster imaginable. He picks his nose, eats rubbish from the bin, plays peekaboo in the loo and now he’s coming to give you a lovely kiss – yuck! Your granny might find it shocking, but every child will adore this bright, hilarious and disgusting pop-up book from Jo Lodge, the creator of the hugely successful Mr Croc character. RRP $19.99

www.allenandunwin.com

december 2012 / 17

feature 18 / september 2012

feature

BOOKWORM If you’ve got a small child, chances are there’s an Andrew Daddo book on their shelf. The Aussie author, TV personality, father of three and all-round nice guy spoke to Peekaboo story carla adams

The last time I saw Andrew Daddo, he was on the couch in a questionable leopard skin ‘blanky’, doing growling voice-overs for a Telstra T-Box commercial (he can still be seen there on YouTube - it’s pretty funny). Before that, he actually scared me a tiny bit when he was the ghost in the 1990’s ABC children’s television program ‘Round the Twist!’. Now, I resist the desire to ask him if the blanky is around as we chat via phone about his place in Australia’s entertainment and children’s book publishing history. This dad of three has numerous TV, radio and film roles to his credit, but he claims he would prefer some of them to be forgotten. Where his books are concerned however, he couldn’t feel more differently. “That’s where it all started, my first book was published when my son Felix (now 13) was about to be born, and I remember thinking this was a good thing to be creating, something tangible to leave behind,” he says. Ironically, Daddo says it’s common for his own friends to enjoy reading his books to their children, without even realising he is the author. “And then at other times I’ll be in a supermarket and

some heavily muscled, tattooed bloke will stare me down before blurting out that he reads my books to his kids every night and they’re the family favourite,” he laughs.

“Mick and I were great mates. He gave me a book called That was then, this is now, by S.E. Hinton, a coming of age book, pretty sad in some parts, and it just turned me on to reading,” he says.

Andrew’s 24 published books range from I do it!, echoing the cry of two-year olds around the globe, and Cheeky Monkey, a collection of the loving nicknames given to children, to the wild adventures of Skoz the dog and to the hilarious exploits of Angus Kipper and his family in the five Sprung! books.

“Before that, my memories of reading with my mum and in the classroom are pretty tortured, it seemed like too much hard work. After That was then, this is now I started to love reading, and I still do.”

“I got a fair bit of inspiration for Angus from my own childhood, though I rarely admit it,” says Andrew. “It was a bit mixed up geographically – we spent time in Mount Eliza, over in New Jersey in the United States, and back in Melbourne – but it was full of adventures, spills and scrapes and generally pretty fun. “My brothers and I loved anything that burned – we were obsessed by water and fire, along with the Australian childhood staples of cricket, footy, surfing and fishing.” Books didn’t really enter Andrew’s life until his early teen years when at school with a young Mick Molloy.

Even without his career as a children’s author factoring into the mix, Andrew and his wife Jacqui have managed to instil a love of books in their own three children, Felix, 13, Bibi, 11, and Jasper, 9, from a very young age. “You have to work at it,” he says. “When they were little we fought the urge to plonk them in front of the television as a default for something to do. We bought them books or borrowed them from the library, and made sure they had lots of crafty activities they could do. We’re still pretty strict – there’s no TV on during the week, ever, and we don’t have an X-box, a Wii or a Playstation.”

> Continued on page 18

DECEMBER 2012 / 19

feature

> Continued from page 17

One electrical device he has invested in is a kindle, and Andrew says he regularly gets receipts for 11year old daughter Bibi’s (approved) book purchases. “She’s unstoppable, but I’m glad they all have become ferocious readers – if there’s nothing to do, they will go and read books, and we are happy about that,” he says. As to whether his kids love his own books, Andrew says they have a few obvious favourites, which were mainly written for younger children. “I do it is about Jasper. I wrote it when she was three and was determined to do everything herself,” he says. “Bibi used to say ‘Check on me’ each night as I put her to bed, and it took me about a year to realise there was a book in that: Check on me became the title. And I can recall a night when Felix couldn’t sleep and wanted a story, but I couldn’t think of anything so I had him say ‘Goodnight’ to his feet, then his legs, and to his whole body, to try and wind him down. That became Goodnight, me, although it took me almost five years to finish.” “If there’s one lesson I’ve learned it’s that if you’re writing books for kids, just write about simple things they enjoy, what they talk about and the games they play – that’s what they’ll love.”

20 / september 2012

Despite his very own focus group living in his own house, Andrew says he usually doesn’t involve his children in the writing process before sending new books off to his publisher.

explore,” he says. “It’s about kids and families who enjoy the stories, maybe even swapping their own. And, to be honest, it feels good to be part of that relationship in a weird, wordy kind of way.

“The kids often don’t say much about the books, they’ll read them and sort of say ‘Oh yep’ or something. But then weeks later they’ll bring up an event out of one of the books and I’ll think ‘They did read it!’,” he laughs.

“The digital age is here, we can’t ignore it, but I think children should always have access to printed books,” he says.

Andrew’s collection includes six picture books, nine chapter books, six short story collections, two young adult novels and one adult book. The children’s books in particular are beautifully illustrated, and Andrew says the process of working with illustrators is one of the most interesting parts of being an author. “Sometimes the illustration process completely changes the story,” he says. “Monster, was originally about a boy and his dog, called Monster, who cast scary shadows on the bedroom wall, but illustrator Bruce Whatley imagined a completely different scenario – a family of monsters who were scared of the little boy – and the book became so much better with his illustrations.” Writing for children, says Andrew, has been the highlight of his career. “It’s genuinely good for the world, to create stories for children to read and imaginary worlds for them to

On the off chance that your own children haven’t yet discovered Andrew’s books, they are available from good bookshops, and many of them are available digitally for iPad. And according to Daddo, there are more books where these came from. “I love the thought of kids getting to snuggle up with their parents in bed to read these books,” he says. “I couldn’t stop writing now, it’s far too much fun.” www.andrewdaddo.com

FAMILY FAVOURITES “The digital age is here, we can’t ignore it, but I think children should always have access to printed books”

15% off Schleich Range

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IVI PlayRug was $169 Now$143.50 (Medium Size)

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EuroTrike Scooter was$69.95 Now$58 Available in Blue or Pink

Rose Cottage was$199 Now$169 (Furniture & Dolls Included)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 3 Piece Dinner Set was $24.95 Now$19.95

Visit us online or in store at Shop 99, Level 1, Warringah Mall, Pittwater Rd, Brookvale, Sydney NSW 2100 (above Target) ph:(02) 9939 3955

fashion

L to R: Indi wears Todd Girl Daisy Swimsuit www.ouchclothing. com.au and stylist’s hairpiece.Imogen wears Todd Girl Daisy Rashie and Frill bikini pant www.ouchclothing.com.au Taj wears Stripe boardshort in green www.ouchclothing.com.au Ke’ala wears Todd Girl check frill bikini and Flower necklace www. ouchclothing.com.au Georgina wears Todd Girl check rshie and frill bikini bottom and Flower necklace www.ouchclothing.com. au. Stylist’s hairpiece.

22 / december 2012

summer daze squeals of delight as little ones run under the backyard sprinkler is the quintessential sound of summer. let them get soaked in these super stylish swimuits - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the sunscreen! Photos NAOMI V PHOTOGRAPHY styling vanessa russell and Sally belinda broad

december 2012 / 37

fashion 24 / december 2012

Facing page Taj wears Waves boardshorts www.babesintheshade.com.au and Dog-Tag rashie www.bobbisunshine.com.au; Nathalia wears Poppy Red swimsuit plus hat www.babesintheshade.com.au; Finn wears Fish boardshorts www.babesintheshade.com.au Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own hat. Above left Nathalia wears Todd Girl Ditzy Ruffle swimsuit www.ouchclothing.com.au Above right Imogen wears Pink Peony swing bikini www.bobbisunshine.com.au and Coast - Pink sunglasses by Frankie Ray www.eyetribe.com.au

december 2012 / 25

fashion

Above left Keâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ala wears Todd Girl check bikini www.ouchclothing.com.au Above right Indi wears Toucan Love crossback www.escargotkids.com.au and Picnic - Pink Gingham sunglasses by Frankie Ray www.eyetribe.com.au Facing page Georgina wears Pink Petals swimsuit www.facebook.com/ KuteNessBoutique and Coast - Pink sunglasses by Frankie Ray www.eyetribe.com.au

26 / december 2012

december 2012 / 27

fashion

This page: Finn wears Todd Boy stripe rashie and bather in red www. ouchclothing.com.au. Indi wears Navy Floral Print Frill Rashie and Frill Bikini pant www.bobbisunshine.com.au Taj wears Todd Boy rashie and boy leg pant in blue www.ouchclothing.com.au

28 / december 2012

win

peekaboo competitioN

win

APOLLO MOTORHOME HOLIDAYS Forget about laundromats, endless takeaway and juggling heavy suitcases while juggling the kids. Family holidays just got easy

this

ay!

holid d

e valu

560 at $1

There are so many reasons why motorhome and campervan holidays become favourite family memories. Dad loves the fact that he doesn’t have to struggle with tents for the family to get into the ‘Great Outdoors’. Mum enjoys the convenience of unpacking just once, rather than moving from hotel to hotel. And the kids think they’re in a giant cubbyhouse on wheels. Apollo Motorhome Holidays have been creating great family holiday memories since 1985. Their custom-built range of four- and six-berth campervans and motorhomes are an ideal way to travel through Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. Featuring modern interiors, comfortable sleeping areas, onboard kitchens and bathrooms, air conditioning, flat screen TV/DVD players and plenty of storage, nothing has been left out. And with one cost taking care of your accommodation, transport and entertainment (well some of it, trust us, the kids will never get tired of the ‘top bunk’), your holiday budget goes a lot further. Apollo Motorhome Holidays are offering one lucky Peekaboo reader and their family seven days in a six-berth Euro Deluxe taken from any Apollo depot in Australia, including camp chairs, table, baby/ booster seats, gas bottle and GPS, valued at $2500. Terms and conditions apply. Meanwhile, like them at www.facebook.com/apollocamper to find out about the

How to win Simply visit the Peekaboo website at www.peekaboomagazine.com.au and click on the Competitions tab in the navigation bar. You’ll find all our current competitions there along with their terms and conditions. Competition closes January 31st, 2013.

TRAVEL BITE: BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park Swimming Creek Rd, Nambucca Heads, NSW www.BIG4.com.au

BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park is the only park right on the beachfront on the NSW mid-coast. This unique spot allows guests to spend every day by the beach, swimming and building sandcastles with the kids. Why not throw in a line and devour the freshest seafood caught that day or try the local restaurants located just two kilometres from the park? After a full day of sightseeing, guests can choose from a range of quality accommodation that includes quaint Bathing Boxes to luxury Surf Shacks. Keeping everyone entertained is easy with the park’s first-class facilities including a giant jumping pillow, saltwater pool and playground. You can even bring the family dog! words CARLA ADAMS

DECEMBER 2012 / 29

ROCHELLE REHMET PHOTOGRAPHY

feature

COOPER, 5, & MACGREGOR, 2

santa’s little helpers CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS A FABULOUS TIME OF THE YEAR BUT WHEN YOU BECOME A PARENT, THE FOCUS OF THE EVENT QUICKLY BECOMES LESS ABOUT YOU AND ALL ABOUT THE KIDS. AND RIGHTLY SO. THEIR GENUINE EXCITEMENT IS INFECTIOUS. WE ASKED A GROUP OF OUR FAVOURITE MINI-READERS FOR THEIR THOUGHTS ON ALL THAT IS DECEMBER 25 AND GOT A FEW GIGGLES out of THEIR RESPONSES...

30 / december 2012

THE CHILDREN OF PEEKABOO MAGAZINE OWNER SALLY BELINDA BROAD

How old do you think Santa is? C: He’s 100 – we don’t know how many he is but he’s about 100. M: 2. What do you think is his favourite food? C: Hot chocolate. M: Donalds (translation “McDonalds”) What do you think is his favourite TV show? C: Highway Patrol. M: Wiggles What does he do for the rest of the year after Christmas is over? C: He just sits down and makes presents for everyone that’s been good for next Christmas. Where does he and Mrs Claus go for holidays? C: Tasmania. M: A’laide (translation “Adelaide”) You know Santa lives at the North Pole. How do you get there? C: You need to fly. What do his elves look like? C: They’re big and they’re small, they have a beard and big shoes. What jobs do the elves do for Santa? C: They make the presents in the workshop. How does Santa get your presents into the house? C: He can go through the chimney or he has a special key to open the back door. M: Door What snacks or drinks do you leave out for Santa and his reindeer? C: Carrot for the reindeer and cookies for Santa; water for the reindeer to drink and milk for Santa to drink. M: Cordial What gifts do you want this year? C: Trash Pack Street Sweeper and I want batteries for mummy. I even want Trash Pack Garbage Truck. M: Thomas Have you been mainly naughty or nice this year? Give us one example of how you were especially naughty/ nice. C: I’ve been nice. By following the rules and looking after my brother. M: Naughty What present would Mummy like? C: Massage cream. And what would Daddy like? C: Massage cream and a new car; a real one. Other than the presents, what’s the best thing about Christmas day? C: Only presents. In the morning we wake up and there’s lots of presents all around the house.

feature

HANNAH, 7

KYE, 5

ava, 6, & gracie, 4

daughter OF PEEKABOO MAGAZINE designer vanessa russell

son OF PEEKABOO MAGAZINE photographer naomi vasington

daughters OF PEEKABOO MAGAZINE deputy editor belinda glindemann

How old do you think Santa is? Santa is 72. He has his own elves and he has a magical globe and it shows videos of people being naughty and he takes something away from their list What do you think is his fave food? Cookies What do you think is his favourite TV show? Santa buddies What does he do for the rest of the year after Christmas is over? He tells the elves Christmas is over and they can do all their tricks and their dances Where does he and Mrs Claus go for holidays? Surfing in South America You know Santa lives at the North Pole. How do you get there? Travel by plane What do his elves look like? They have a hat and clothes like Santa but green and red What jobs do the elves do for Santa? Make all the presents for the kids in the world How does Santa get your presents into the house? He shrinks and turns invisible What snacks or drinks do you leave out for Santa and his reindeer? Red Bull and some cookies What presents do you want for Christmas this year? A rubber mermaid tail and a One Direction DVD Have you been mainly naughty or nice this year? Give us one example of how you were especially naughty/nice. Nice. Sharing with my brother (sometimes naughty too - I hit my brother) What present would Mummy like? Some hand cream. And what would Daddy like? Undies and socks Other than the presents, what’s the best thing about Christmas day? It’s Jesus’s birthday and to celebrate joy and giving

How old do you think Santa is? I think he’s about 20 What do you think is his favourite food? Cookies and milk What do you think is his favourite TV show? Pokemon What does he do for the rest of the year after Christmas is over? Just goes somewhere and has dinner Where does he and Mrs Claus go for holidays? Santa’s world You know Santa lives at the North Pole. How do you get there? By a plane What do his elves look like? They have big funny ears What jobs do the elves do for Santa? They cook his food How does Santa get your presents into the house? Knocks on the door then Mum answers the door What snacks or drinks do you leave out for Santa and his reindeer? Carrots, cookies What presents do you want for Christmas this year? Spiderman Have you been mainly naughty or nice this year? Give us one example of how you were especially naughty/nice. Nice. I helped my teacher with jobs If you could buy any present for your Mummy for Xmas what would it be? Guitar And what would you buy for your Daddy? He’d like a piano Other than the presents, what’s the best thing about Christmas day? Swimming in the pool

How old do you think Santa is? A: Definitely not 20-something. I think 89 G: Very old. I think 6 What do you think is his favourite food? A: Roast beef and chicken drumsticks for dinner G: Pizza What do you think is his favourite TV show? A: The news, ‘cause he’s an adult G: Soccer What does he do for the rest of the year after Christmas is over? A: Gets the toys ready for next Christmas G: Gets presents ready Where does he and Mrs Claus go for holidays? A: Ice skating at the North Pole, or a hotel at Queenstown for skiing G: Central Park New York to feed those little cute squirrels You know Santa lives at the North Pole. How do you get there? A: We have to ask Santa to take us in his sleigh cause our car can’t go over the rivers and streams G: Drive a long way, then go on a boat What do his elves look like? A: They have pointy ears G: They wear green hats What jobs do the elves do for Santa? A: Make lots and lots of presents G: They clean up messes How does Santa get your presents into the house? A: In the front door G: Parks his sleigh slidy thingy near the chicken coop and comes in the door What snacks or drinks do you leave out for Santa and his reindeer? A: Cookies G: Cup of tea What gifts do you want this year? A: A pony but I’m still too young. Maybe art and craft supplies, like glue G: A white teddy bear and a new book Have you been mainly naughty or nice this year? A: Nice, sort of G: Nice - I always say ‘please’ What present would Mummy like? A: Some more Tiffany keys for her necklace G: A Tiffany diamond, a big orange one And what would Daddy like? A: Chocolates and a car magazine G: A new blue truck to drive to work in Other than the presents, what’s the best thing about Christmas day? A: The really big lunch at Nanny’s house with her special plates G: The ‘bomb-bombs’ and wearing the funny crown hat december 2012 / 31

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My how you’ve grown Back in her old stomping ground, Carla Adams finds the Gold Coast has grown up, but still offers plenty of fun for young families story Carla Adams

The beast towered above us, eyes gleaming, and uttered a dreadful shrieking roar. His claws threatened. Blood dripped from his jaws. Miss Four squealed and hid behind me. Miss Six stood transfixed. Beyond, we could hear blood curdling screams. No surprises there. We were, after all, spending the day at Sea World and getting up close and personal with the latest attraction – Dinosaur Island. The screams were not of terror but of the kind of haphazard joy you only experience when strapped into the seat of a giant machine that will hurtle you through the air at ridiculous speeds. It had been a long time between visits – old family photos show me as a frizzy-haired eight year old with parents and grandparents enjoying Sea World’s Pirate Ship and the waterski stunt show. Times have changed. The Pirate Ship still rocks on, but the waterski show has been replaced by

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a testosterone-fuelled jet ski extravaganza. It was cool, but somehow I think a retro-show of bighaired waterskiers in ’80s-style leotards forming a pyramid would be even cooler. And the park is so much bigger than I remember. Regardless, it’s still my favourite theme park of them all and Miss Four and Miss Six are also now confirmed fans. After a short trip down dinosaur lane, we spent most of our time laughing at the crazy penguins, being absolutely awestruck by the underwater viewing area of the main aquarium (Miss Six took about 399 blurry photos of indistinct fish), and trying to sneak pats of the friendly stingrays. Sea World was the original theme park on the Gold Coast, leading the development of the rest of this region as a place for families to holiday, have fun and generally hang out. That’s what we did over an almost-week, discovering with delight how much

the Gold Coast has grown up – but relieved that there’s still plenty of “fun-ness” to be had (according to Miss Four). There were morning beach walks and night market browsing in Surfers Paradise, a crazy lunch at the new JungleCats restaurant where lifesized mechanical animals can be ridden, and plenty of relaxing afternoon snoozes. Our first stop was Palazzo Versace. Achieving levels of luxury unseen on the Gold Coast when it opened in 2000, this hotel has retained its glamorous reputation. While it is no longer the newest place to stay, it still packs a punch on arrival with its enormous foyer chandelier, once at home in the National Library of Milan. The little Misses pirouetted under its glamorous sparkle and believed me when I told them we were staying in a castle. “I feel like a princess,” announced Miss Four, a

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Top 10 things to do with kids on the Gold Coast 1. Theme parks – surrender to the fun 2. Beach – despite urban development, it stills offers a classic family holiday 3. Forest – Springbrook, Tamborine and Lamington National Parks help you reconnect with nature 4. Go wild – there are a number of animal reserves and sanctuaries around, as well as plenty of animals to be spotted in their natural habitat (whales, dolphins) 5. Walk – there’s nothing like a barefoot stroll on the beach but hinterland walking circuits will take you to waterfalls, scenic lookouts and through forests

feeling further emphasised by our afternoon high tea. It was complete with ‘designer’ fairy bread, gourmet mini burgers and a glittering assortment of sweet petit fours atop the tower. We were particularly looking forward to one of the hotel’s signature activities – a day of whale watching, which can be organised by the concierge – but wind and rain forced us indoors. The luxury of reclining in gazillion-thread-count cotton bed linen while snuggled up watching a movie more than compensated. And the pool is simply beautiful, even viewed through sheets of rain. For the last few days on the Gold Coast we went slightly less-star at Paradise Resort, and found ourselves pleasantly surprised. There aren’t any chandeliers in the lobby but the service is friendly and efficient. Our king bunkhouse was minus the fine bed linen but the custom-built bunk area complete with soft toys, spacious floor plan and view of the kids’ water playground had no complaints from us. Paradise Resort is billed as ‘heaven for kids and paradise for parents’. My utopia doesn’t include the sound of a 1000-litre plastic bucket of water crashing into a swimming pool

outside my bedroom window every two minutes (for six hours straight every day!) but it does include the ridiculous grins on my daughters’ faces as they sped from warm spa to crashing water playground and back again. “This is so AMAZING,” cried Miss Six. Warning: during the day this place is noisy – in an ‘everyone’s having the time of their lives’ sort of way. It’s a little like staying at a theme park. There are lifesavers on duty, a café overlooking the water playground which makes decent iced coffee, and a kids’ club downstairs catering for 2-12 year olds. And I enjoyed the best massage I have ever had anywhere in Australia in the caring hands of Li at the tiny little in-resort retreat. Utopia found. Having lived on the Gold Coast for a decade in my teens and early twenties, I have fond memories of late night pizza on Cavill Avenue, (slightly illegal) beach bonfires and the first little cottage we lived in as newlyweds just one block from the water. Back then we didn’t call Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Main beach ‘precincts’ as they do now, but their expansion has stayed true to their unique styles. The Gold Coast will always be a family-friendly destination, no matter how big it gets.

6. Play – from mini golf to zorb balls, a wax museum and the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium, you’ll never be bored 7. Shop – there are three major shopping centres, outlet shopping, markets and plenty of boutiques along the coast 8. Eat – family-friendly restaurants are in abundance here 9. Cheer – chances are you’ll find a sporting match or event to join in or cheer along eg. beach triathlons, the annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon and AFL matches 10. Relax – the Gold Coast may be famous for fun, but there’s nothing like doing nothing – and nowhere better to do it.

www.palazzoversace.com.au www.paradiseresort.com.au www.myfun.com.au www.junglecats.com.au www.visitgoldcoast.com www.queenslandholidays.com

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team at

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