Peekaboo Magazine June 2013 by Minimedia Pty Ltd

peekaboo ISSUE 14 // JUNE 2013

™

magazine

free SOIREE WHETHER IT’S A BIRTHDAY BASH, CHRISTENING, OR WEDDING, NOTHING BEATS A GOOD PAR-TAY!

THE RIGHT IDEA UNITED STATES PARTY GURU KARA ALLEN TALKS TO US ON THE EVE OF HER FIRST VISIT DOWN UNDER

WIN ME

MAMBO KIDS’ FASHION, BOOKS, OR A FAB BAG!

RD G A AWNNIN ES I WI APP N

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contents

CONTENTS

FEATURES

The right idea 20 United States party queen Kara Allen has all the ideas when it comes to throwing a memorable party. She talks to Peekaboo from her Utah home

Dirty deeds

Cate McQuillen, aka dirtgirl, tells us how she went from being a wedding singer and doing the pub rounds, to international kids’ TV fave

Off to the fair

Claire Cassey is bringing the party to you via her

Confetti Fairs and new book

Soiree

Even as grown ups, many of us can still remember our childhood birthday bashes. They are special occasions. Find inspiration for your next soiree here

COMPETITIONS

Win Mambo fashion for your trendy kid, a copy of Kara’s Party Ideas: the book, or a fab bag

25??

FASHION Sweet dreams

Winter love is a pair of comfy PJs at the end of a cold day

REGULARS ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of ThinkStock

PARTNERS

06 / JUNE 2013

Calendar, events Noteworthy Place Local hangs in each state Hot Follow the yellow brick road Travel Fifty shades of grey Read Books, books and more books

10 12 14 19 48 51

La vie est

BELLE! ...with good

The French say La vie est Belle ('Life is beautiful’) and so do we – when you’ve got a strategic communications plan in place for your business. Do you? Belle PR’s ‘One-page Wonder’ media kit will get your good news business story into the media and get people talking about you in a simple, professional and affordable way (yes, the myth is busted: PR is affordable!). We also love larger-scale business campaigns, event PR and are experts in corporate publishing such as niche magazines, annuals and other publications. And follow us on Facebook to receive regular magazine call-outs that might just see your product in the press sometime soon.

www.bellepr.com www.facebook.com/we.are.bellepr

hello

HELLO WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF PEEKABOO WHERE WE’RE SHAKING OFF THE WINTER BLUES WITH EVERYTHING ‘PARTY’

These days, celebrations are so much more than party pies and ‘pass the parcel’. Theming is king and coming up with something that hasn’t been done before or putting your own twist on a classic is key. We’ve got a range of ideas in our Soiree feature plus a fabulous interview with Kara Allen of Kara’s Party Ideas.

PEEKABOO TEAM

Publisher & Managing Editor Sally Belinda Broad | sally@peekaboomagazine.com.au

We also talk with Dirt Girl World creator Cate McQuillen, chat with the founder of Australia’s first party expo and take a look at the snuggly winter PJs on offer from various labels.

Deputy Editor Belinda Glindemann | belinda@peekaboomagazine.com.au

I hope you enjoy this issue. Until next time.

Photographer Naomi Vasington | info@naomivphotography.com.au

Art Director Vanessa Russell | vanessa@peekaboomagazine.com.au

Special thanks to Helen and Neil Broad.

Publisher & Managing Editor

APOLOGY A big apology to Point Cook Homestead, the wonderful location of our fashion shoot in the March issue of Peekaboo, for omitting their credit from the fashion spread. We had a great time shooting on their fabulous grounds and thank them very much for their hospitality.

ADVERTISE WITH US NEXT ISSUE – SEPTEMBER 2013 – ‘BUMP’ ISSUE For advertising enquiries and information please email sales@peekaboomagazine.com.au, visit our website or contact an Account Manager. Account Managers Luke Newman | luke@minimedia.com.au Charmaine Rolls | charmaine@peekaboomagazine.com.au

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 owned by Minimedia Pty Ltd. 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

08 / JUNE 2013

Boutique Market showcasing gorgeous products and services that are not readily found in shops. FREE ENTRY Come along and enjoy gourmet food and great entertainment with plenty of parking.

AYNAT DESIGNS

TINY TREADZ

CONFETTI & CAKE

BUMP N BABY

www.facbook.com.au facebook.com/AynatDesigns

www.facbook.com.au www.tinytreadz.com.au

www.facbook.com.au www.confettiandcake.com.au

www.facbook.com.au www.bumpnbaby.com.au

STELLA VICTOIRE

MY MIDWIVES BRIS SOUTH

MADE WITH LOVE CARDS

CIRCLE OF LIFE CASTINGS

www.stellavictoire.com.au www.facbook.com.au

www.facbook.com.au mymidwives.com.au

www.facbook.com.au facebook.com /MadeWithLove.CardsAndCrafts

www.facbook.com.au facebook.com/circleoflifecastings

SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST 9AM- 1PM

[Daytime]

Everton Park {Petite Boutique Market} Everton Park Hotel, Flockton Street

SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 9AM- 1PM

[Daytime]

Morningside River Park Place, Col Gardner Drive near Colmslie Pool

www.themummytreemarkets.com.au

Please check our website for more Market Locations and Dates

Thank you for Supporting us:

facebook.com/themummytreemarkets

calendar

NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE COUNTRY, IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO IN THE COMING MONTHS, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN PEEKABOO’S EVENTS CALENDAR

SYDNEY

01-14

JULY Polyglot Theatre’s

Sound of Drawing, a drawing table wired for sound, will have kids amazed at the Opera House. Free, daily, 10am-4pm, ages 4-12 years

5, 12

JULY ‘Surfing Scientist’

JULY Dig it! Archaeologists

Sam Moran is set to capture preschoolers’ hearts with his new live show Play Along With Sam. Based on his Nick Jr.TV show, the former Wiggle will present an exciting array of music, song and dance as he takes toThe Concourse stage on July 28 with his band ,The Bam Bam Binos.Tickets $25. www.theconcourse.com.au

JUNE South Bank is host-

JULY The Abbey Museum

JULY Roma Street

GOODBYE POSS, THANKS FOR THE MAGIC

Parklands plays host to Qld’s largest outdoor picnic today featuring free wildlife shows. www.romastreet parklands. com.au

The final farewell tour of Possum Magic, the stage production, is stopping by at the Redlands Performing Arts Centre on August 24. www.rpac.com.au

BARBER OF SEVILLE

JULY The State Library is

AUGUST Calling all

AUGUST It’s Melbourne

18-25

JULY Introduce your child

JULY Hoo-roo and good-

AUGUST The Play School

04-07

JULY Jimmy Giggle, Hoot

the Owl and their best pal Hootabelle are coming to Sydney Opera House for their first ever live stage show. www. sydneyoperahouse.com

Ruben Meerman will blow your mind with his energetic and extraordinarily real science show at Bondi. $9 www.waverley.nsw.gov.au

inTraining workshops (for 6-10yos) will be held at The Rocks Sydney Observatory, Phone 9921 3485. $15. www. sydneyobservatory.com.au

BRISBANE

JUNE ‘Seussical’ is a family

friendly musical fusing at least 15 of Dr. Seuss’s famous books into song. It’s showing until July 20. www.artstheatre. com.au

ing a white winter holiday experience with real snow, until July 7. www.visitsouth bank.com.au

Kids Medieval fun day offers loads of different medieval activities for kids. www.abbeytournament. com

PLAY ALONG WITH SAM

MELBOURNE

JUNE Roll up, roll up, to a

WinterWonderland Circus Spectacular showcasing circus and sideshow stunts from Australia’s circus super stars www. wonderlandfunpark.com.au

celebrating the centenary of its iconic dome with a Carnival of Curiosity. Find magicians, stilt-walkers and old-time brass bands.

steam enthusiasts! Machines in Action Family Day returns with a fun-filled day-long program. www. museumvictoria.com.au

Day! Docklands offers loads of free entertainment plus a re-enactment of the first European settlement. www. melbourneday.com.au

Introduce the little ones to the world of opera with a child-friendly adaptation of ‘The Barber of Seville’ at the Melbourne Recital Centre on July 8 from 11am.Tickets are $18 each. www.melbournerecital. com.au/whatson

ADELAIDE

JUNE The distinctive roof

of the Adelaide Festival Centre is illuminated with colourful projections, nightly from 6pm, until June 30. www.adelaide festivalcentre.com.au

to the wonderful world of live theatre with shows today and every Sat at the Adelaide Festival Centre (ages 3-10). www.bass.net.au

bye to Possum Magic ,The Musical, as they celebrate 30 years of magic in their final farewell tour. www.possum magicmusical.com

live shows are coming to town to delight our local preschoolers. www.kids promotions.com.au

ROOM ON THE BROOM A magical musical adaptation based on the award-winning picture book of the same name, you can expect more songs, laughs, puppets and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, from July 16-20. www.bass.net.au

calendar

PERTH

01-31

JULY Learn Spanish, French and Italian through interactive play-based curriculum and improve memory and communication skills. www. childhoodaustralia.com.au

19-20

01-14

JULY Board the Dinosaur

JULY See everyone’s

AUGUST See Room on

19-23

JULY Hear stories of brave

JULY Humpty is putting

AUGUST Celebrate 25

Train for an amazing adventure with Buddy and his Pteranodon family as they head to the Big City. www. junior.hoyts.com.au

favourite Muppet plus his famous friends in Elmo’s World Tour; a live musical family extravaganza. www.lifeliketouring.com

HOCUS POCUS TENT

Perth’s own,The Amazing Mr Jim, entertains kids daily complete with disappearing and reappearing doves and fluffy rabbits, dazzling sound and lights, and lots of laughs. Make your way through shimmery tunnels on your way to visit the Magical Rabbit Petting Zoo. Get there early for this free show. www.showmeperth.com.au

the Broom, based on the award-winning children’s book, with songs, laughs and scary fun. www.cdp.com.au

CANBERRA

08-12

JULY Chill out at Skate in the City; Canberra’s only outdoor ice rink, see the school holiday showWizard on Ice and hire a very cute learn to skate penguin, www.starsonice. com.au

animals, extraordinary people, and faraway places, brought to life through puppets, uniforms and educational toys. www.awm.gov.au/events

on a surprise show! Join him together with the Play SchoolToys to help with the big spectacular that will delight Play School fans. www. kidspromotions.com.au

EXPERIMENTATHON Don’t miss the National Science Week Experimentathon from 10th 11th August.There’s loads of fun for the whole family with things to hear, see and do. Get involved with hundreds of hands-on experiments. You can also enjoy a packed program including two days full of performances, lecture and science shows. www.csiro.com.au/discovery

years of Parliament House on their Open Day. Go behind the scenes to see areas of Parliament House not generally open to the public. www.25years.aph.gov.au

OFF TO MARKET WE GO... SYDNEY

HOBART

MELBOURNE Mathilda’s Markets July 27 : Geelong Performing Arts Centre,

JULY Just 10 mins from

JULY Festival of Voices’

JULY Justine Clarke

25-27

JULY Berry Springs Nature

JULY Celebrate at the Fam-

JULY The show celebrates

Mathilda’s Markets August 10: Hunters Hill Town Hall, Hunters Hill, 9am1pm. Baby and Kids Market August 25: St Ignatius College, Lane Cove. Poppyseed Markets July 13-July 21: Macarthur Square, 10am-5pm. Geelong, 9am-1pm, July 28: Malvern Town Hall, Malvern, 9am-1pm. Bumble Bee Baby & Children’s Market July 21: Berwick Fields Primary School, 9am-12pm. August 25: Masonic Hall, Moorabbin, 9am-12pm. Baby & Kids Market August 3: Malvern Town Hall, Malvern, 9am-1pm.

BRISBANE Mathilda’s Markets July 6: Brisbane Racing Club, Eagle Farm, 12pm3pm, showcase at bMag Teddy Bears Picnic, ticketed event run by BRC. August 31: Brisbane Racing Club, Ascot, 9am-1pm. Zero 2 Five Market July 14: Macgregor State High School, Macgregor, 9am-12pm. BrisStyle Indie Market July 13: City Hall, CBD, 9am-12pm. The Mummy Tree Markets June 15 & August 31: Everton Park Hotel, Everton Park, 9am-1pm.

ADELAIDE Mathilda’s Markets August 18: Adelaide Showgrounds, Stirling Angus Pavilion, 9am-1pm. Kooky Kidz Market July 14: Greenwith Community Centre, The Golden Way, 10am - 2pm. Lollipop Markets August 11: Morphetville Racecourse, 10am - 3pm.

Devonport, Chocolate Winterfest is Latrobe’s wickedly delicious festival celebrating all things chocolatey. www. chocolatewinterfest.com.au

Kringle transforms North Hobart into a wonderland of Christmas decorations and with a very special visitor. www.festivalofvoices.com

engages with the magic of storytelling through lively music and song in a musical odyssey of fun! www. justineclarke.com.au

DARWIN

Park is a popular swimming and picnic area with several pools and a small waterfall of crystal clear spring water. www.litchfield.nt.gov.au

ily Fun Day recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. www.offtheleash.net.au

its 62nd year with a swagger of events including live music at the bandstand and an array of rides for the kids. www.darwinshow.com.au

Thanks to our lovely contributors who are family fun experts in their states: MELBOURNE Penny of www.alphabetstreet.com.au BRISBANE Ngaire of www.brisbanekids.com.au ADELAIDE Vikki of www.playandgo.com.au PERTH Rachael of www.whatson4kids.com.au JUNE 2013 / 11

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 STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN

PEEK-A-BU! WWW.SCANDIBABY.COM.AU

There is no small child in the world who doesn’t love a solid game of Peekaboo, am I right? So we are loving the latest addition to ScandiBaby’s online store – Bu! the Blankie (pictured far right). As multipurpose as a multitasking mum, this little wonder will act as a blanket, security item and transportable game, all in one. It’s circular in shape with cut-outs for little human eyes and ScandiBaby stocks Bu! in four cute designs (bear, lion, Indian and pirate). The problem will be choosing which one! $44.95.

BAG ONE FOR DAD WWW.MINIHIPPOIMPORTS.COM.AU

If you’re in the market for a nappy bag, have you considered that bub’s Dad will need to wear/use it too? Does he really want to be seen out at the park with a patent red number swinging from his shoulder? New to Australia via Mini Hippo Imports, from the clever and stylish people at So Young, is the unisex Charlie

12 / JUNE 2013

bag. In blue/grey, khaki green (above) and black, this bag has so many features it’s hard to list them all. A light, bright, white interior makes finding things easy, there are so many truly functional pockets and a compact change mat is included. But the winning feature is the strap configuration. You can attach this workhorse to your stroller’s handle via short stroller straps, use it as a shoulder bag and even turn it into a back pack for hand-free transportation. $199.

DRIBBLING MADE COOL WWW.LIMABEAN.COM.AU

Is bub teething? Or do you just have a general dribbler? There’s nothing worse than dolling them up in the most beautiful clothing to find, in five minutes, those clothes soaked through around the neckline. Lima Bean has made dribbling look cool with their bandanna bib (above left) that doubles as a spit catcher and a trendy fashion accessory. They have an absorbent top layer and a layer of fleece underneath to draw moisture away from the skin. There are 13 designs to choose from. $13.95.

ALLERGY ALERT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OH2CREATE

If you have a child with an allergy, this will be the best $13 you’ve ever spent. Oh2Create produces allergy alert stickers, fully personalised with your child’s name and their allergies (above). They are perfect for lunchboxes, school bags etc. If needed, Oh2Create can also include short directions on the sticker for what needs to be done if the child is exposed to any of these allergens. The A4 sheet includes six large (50mm) and 16 small (40mm) stop-sign stickers as well as 11 smaller diamond-shaped stickers that customers have found useful on their child’s collar for parties or on school excursions, for example, to help make new people aware that the child has an allergy. They are printed on a high-tack, self adhesive vinyl that is dishwasher and microwave safe.

BOOSTER WINNER WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/LACEANDCABLE

Did you hear that Britax Safe-n-Sound was awarded an Australian International

WWW.PEEKABOOMAGAZINE.COM.AU/SUBSCRIBE Did you know you can get a subscription to Peekaboo Magazine 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 on all the stories, all the new products and all the events in your city.

noteworthy

Design Award in the Babies and Children category for the new Encore 10 Expandable Booster Seat – the first booster seat on the Aussie market for children up to 10 years of age?

KIDDIES, LET’S CREATE! WWW.KIDDIECREATE.COM.AU

With two little ‘Miss Makers’ of my own, who love nothing more than a daily dose of craft, I find it hard to keep our craft baskets stocked with glitter, coloured cardboard, embellishments and other treasures. And I know I’m not alone. Kiddie Create has come to the rescue with their clever subscription service that brings themed craft bundles direct to your mailbox every week. They even do one-off gift bundles and birthday party packs. So good is their idea, Gap Kids has also invited Kiddie Create along to their stores to hold POP UP Clubs. And if you wanted even more incentive to sign up, Kiddie Create has also partnered with The Phoebe Foundation to provide craft bundles, and donate a percentage

of proceeds, to sick children at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Craft really does make the world go around – and when it comes conveniently to your mailbox for the retrieval of excited little hands each week, there’s only one question: where do I sign?! Subscriptions cost $29/month for weekly deliveries.

CLUCKING GOOD IDEA WWW.CHALKCHOOK.COM.AU

While we’re on the subject of art and craft, make sure you stop by the Chalk Chook’s website for some of the cutest versions of that trusty driveway drawing essential you’ve ever seen. Simple ideas are some of the best ones and this one is gold.

BABY ED BY MUMMYOLOGY WWW.MUMMYOLOGY.COM.AU

Pregnant for the first time, the thought of bringing a child into the world can be all-consuming. But help is close at hand. Mummyology is a brand new online resource for pregnant women and new parents providing education as well as

quality baby products and exclusive maternity fashion. Mummyology’s host of BabyEd classes will give participants all the info they need on bub’s impending birth and the year ahead. Mummyology is actually one of only a handful of Aussie businesses certified to present the US’s popular ‘Happiest Baby’ course. Other BabyEd topics include feeding, CPR/first aid and ‘Keeping your mummy mojo’. And who doesn’t need a bit of extra mojo in their lives, right?! Melbournites, BabyEd will be in town on dates between July 21-Sept 7. For other states, contact Mummyology to find out when a BabyEd class is coming to your part of the world.

CROWNING GLORY WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/LACEANDCABLE

Check out this Etsy shop for the best ever accessory for your next round of royal dress ups (above left). Your little princes and princesses will surely love these soft and fun knitted crowns as much as the Peekaboo office does!

The Peekaboo Magazine website is filled to the brim with interesting reads, giveaways and more. We also support a large engaged community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/peekaboomag - like our page to join in the conversations), Pinterest (at ‘Peekaboo Magazine’) and Instagram (at ‘Peekaboomag’).

LIVE. . LIFE . LOVE JUNE 2013 / 13

place

EXPLORE BRISBANE

YATALA 3 DRIVE-IN THEATRE 100 JACOBS WELL ROAD, STAPYLTON WWW.YATALADRIVEINTHEATRE.COM.AU // 07 3287 2930

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING TO DO IN YOUR BRISSY BACKYARD

It was with nostalgic pride that we were able to introduce our little tackers to the joy of the drive-in recently. You see, for hubby and I, the Yatala 3 Drive-In Theatre brings back memories of our teenage years and first dates. Now, some 18 years on (married, with two children, two mortgages, a Beagle and two guinea pigs) what we found was that the drive-in offered a refreshingly unique alternative to other forms of today’s commercialised entertainment and good value for the family entertainment dollar. We packed a picnic basket of snacks, folding chairs, blankets, the spare mattress and our sense of adventure and we were off. The Yatala 3 Drive-In Theatre website explains the experience best: “It’s a community event really. There’s something about the drivein that makes people extra-sociable. It’s kind of like camping out. With no dress code rules, attire varies from shorts and thongs to cocktail wear. And some have been known to arrive resplendent in one-piece pyjamas, finished off with fluffy dog-eared slippers.” While we left our fluffy slippers at home this time, we will be packing them for our next movie night adventure! The Yatala 3 Drive-In is open seven nights a week. WORDS BELINDA GLINDEMANN

DUE EAST

BARDON BOWLS CLUB

THE GAP TAVERN

277 TILLEY ROAD, GUMDALE // 07 3890 2277 WWW.DUEEAST.COM.AU

69 BOWMAN PARADE, BARDON // 07 3366 2981 WWW.BARDONBOWLS.COM

21 GLENQUARIE PL, THE GAP // 07 3366 6090 WWW.GAPTAVERN.COM.AU

Due East is a restaurant that has gone the extra mile to be child friendly. The first thing you’ll notice is the playground where the kids can happily climb and slide within eyesight of the dining room. Their online kids’ club also offers competitions, giveaways and updates on kids’ events. There are also plenty of menu options to keep the little diners happy including a kids’ breakfast menu, snack menu ($4.50 for a drink and snack) and dinner menu ($9.50 includes icecream and jelly worms). But don’t think Due East is all about kids. Stylish surrounds ensure grown ups enjoy the outing too.

Did you know eating out at a bowls club is surprisingly child friendly? One that’s been recommended is Bardon Bowls Club. There’s a children’s games room with video games and toys. There’s room for them to have a bit of a run around and plenty of room for the pram. Friday night is ‘family night’ and is quite popular so book to avoid disappointment. On these nights, the traditional meat raffle becomes a kid-friendly chocolate raffle. It’s the most popular night of the week, so you’ll find lots of other families there enjoying their night off cooking too.

The Gap Tavern is a popular spot for families for a few reasons: the view from the back deck over the hills and suburbs is great to take in while enjoying a family meal, the kids will be kept entertained by the PlayStations and the enclosed outdoor playground and on Friday and Saturday nights there’s the added bonus of face painting for the little diners. And if you’re looking for a venue for a celebration with a big group, The Gap Tavern is a good spot for it. The kids can play and there’s plenty of room for everyone. Oh, and no-one has to cook or clean up!

WORDS JANE WARDLE WWW.EATOUTWITHKIDS.COM.AU

14 / JUNE 2013

noteworthy place

EXPLORE SYDNEY SYDNEYSIDERS: HERE ARE SOME COOL IDEAS TO HELP WARM THE HEARTS OF YOUR KIDS THIS WINTER

PYRMONT POINT HOTEL 59 HARRIS ST, PYRMONT WWW.PYRMONTPOINT.COM.AU

We arrived at the Pyrmont Point Hotel on a Sunday with two kids and three adults and, incredibly, snagged a table right away. We were super impressed with the space and family-friendly vibe. The menu was extensive and tasty with ample servings, and was very reasonably priced. After ordering, the kids’ meals came out first which was an added bonus. Their meals are usually $10 with a drink and an icecream but if you order between 12-2pm on a Sunday, kids eat free. My two happily devoured pasta with neopolitana sauce and fish and chips. We chose salt and pepper calamari, the grilled seafood platter and a delicious pumpkin, bocconcini and chicken salad and we would definitely order them all again. If you need any more reasons to visit, they also have free face painting on Sundays (2-3pm), highchairs, space for large groups, friendly staff, a life-sized chess game and an open area for the kids (you’ll have to watch them, as it’s not fenced). They didn’t have a baby change table though. WORDS KATHRINE D’COSTA OF WWW.KIDSIZELIVING.COM.AU

ARTHUR’S CAFE

PIONEERS MEMORIAL PARK

SPRINGFREE EXPERIENCE CENTRE

26 ARTHUR ST, BAULKHAM HILLS // 02 9639 2255 FACEBOOK.COM/ARTHURS.CAFE.BAULKHAM.HILLS

CORNER OF NORTON AND WILLIAM STS, LEICHHARDT WWW.LEICHHARDT.NSW.GOV.AU

723 VICTORIA RD, RYDE WWW.SPRINGFREETRAMPOLINE.COM.AU

Tucked away in a suburban street in the Hills District, Arthur’s Café promises lovely coffee, great meals and a friendly haven where the kids are always welcomed. There is a play area for the little ones with a train table as well as books, colouring in and Lego. The kids’ menu has a good selection and is great value for money. To top it off there is also a larger play area downstairs that can be booked by parent groups which leads out to a courtyard with more cafe-style seating. Keep an eye out for the puppet shows and scheduled kids activities too.

If your littlies love to dig and build sandcastles, then pack the buckets and spades – this park is for you! Located at the quieter end of the Norton St strip and within walking distance of many kid-friendly cafes, Pioneers Memorial Park is a real favourite of ours. We love the kid-sized construction and digging equipment enclosed in the large sand play area as well as the modern, clean play equipment including a big tyre swing with safety netting, wide slippery dip and climbing ropes. Pathways allow for scootering and there are some lovely spots for a picnic lunch too.

WORDS EILEEN STAPLETON WWW.KIDSIZELIVING-GWS.COM.AU

WORDS KATHRINE D’COSTA WWW.KIDSIZELIVING.COM.AU

Will your kids be bouncing off the walls these school holidays? Get them bouncing on the world’s safest trampoline instead. Springfree Trampoline will hold free Kids Basic Trampoline Moves sessions at their Ryde Experience Centre on July 12, 13 and 14, with four sessions scheduled on each day. Led by a qualified trampoline instructor, sessions last 60 minutes and are open to kids aged 6-12 years. Goodie bags, snacks for the kids and families, and more, are all part of the bouncing good (and free!) fun. Bookings are essential on the Springfree website. First patented in 2003, Springfree Trampoline revolutionised the definition of a trampoline by becoming the only one designed to eliminate all impact areas that cause injury.

JUNE 2013 / 15

place

EXPLORE MELBOURNE

EPICUREAN 165 REDHILL-SHOREHAM RD, RED HILL WWW.REDHILLEPICUREAN.COM.AU // 03 5989 4000

MELBOURNE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS DINING CULTURE. HERE ARE SOME FOODIE FINDS FOR PARENTS

Epicurean is a modern culinary destination located in heritage-listed premises oozing warmth, localness and the gourmet traditions of Red Hill, just an hour from Melbourne. Choose between two eating options: the yummo bakery or the huge pram-friendly shed. The shed has three open fires, a wood-fired pizza oven, two function rooms to the side, a back area with some grass and a combination of seating. For the kids, there are a couple of buckets of toys, pencils, colouring-in books and a dedicated kids’ menu. They can also have a run around on the grassed area out the back which is visible from most of the restaurant. WORDS KATE NELSON WWW.MEETOO.COM.AU FOR LITTLE EATS

RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN

ST ALI NORTH

POINT COOK HOMESTEAD

499-501 LYGON ST, NORTH CARLTON // 03 9381 2388 WWW.RESIDENTIALKITCHEN.COM.AU

815 NICHOLSON ST, CARLTON NORTH // 03 9686 2990 WWW.STALI.COM.AU

1 POINT COOK HOMESTEAD RD, POINT COOK WWW.POINTCOOKHOMESTEAD.COM // 03 9395 1213

At any time of the day, local families can be found here enjoying breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch or even din-dins (you can’t beat a good pizza and vino accompanied by crayons and paper!). The owners understand the notion of family-friendly dining and by that we mean quality food, quality service and a quality location where little ones are welcomed, not just tolerated. It’s a spacious, light and airy venue with ample room for prams, so much so that local mother’s groups often congregate here for breakfast with toddlers, prams, strollers and scooters in tow.

While this fabulous cafe is great for cool young Carltonites and pushbike riders it is also one of the coolest cafes for parents. They have a ‘Little People’s Menu’ that doubles as a colouring page and the Little Golden Books that adorn this cafe immediately won my heart. But then there’s also ample room for prams and a public playground right next door. With plenty of parking space for your bikes and the novelty ‘ride-though’ coffees, why not ride on over? You will feel right at home at St Ali North. Their family friendly approach is a real winner.

Once a machinery shed, Scrumpy Brown’s at Point Cook Homestead was converted to a rustic cafe and restaurant in 2001. Offering light bites, hearty meals and scrumptious desserts, the weekend breakfasts are renowned locally and it’s a perfect spot for the kids to run wild in the large 25-acre grounds with old farm machinery, wagons to climb on and tin sheds to explore. Point Cook Homestead also provides a great setting for kids’ birthday parties with geese, chooks, sheep and alpacas to visit and there’s something for the grown-ups too with their Dinner & Ghost Tour package.

WORDS MONIQUE MAJMAN WWW.LITTLEEATS.COM.AU

WORDS SALLY BELINDA BROAD WWW.PEEKABOOMAGAZINE.COM.AU

16 / JUNE 2013

noteworthy place

EXPLORE ADELAIDE

THE BUFFALO RESTAURANT

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT IN ADELAIDE IS EASY, WITH OUR FAMILY GUIDE

CORNER OF ADELPHI TCE AND ANZAC HIGHWAY, GLENELG WWW.THEBUFFALO.COM.AU // 08 8294 7000

The HMS Buffalo is moored in the Patawolonga in Glenelg. It is an exact replica of the vessel that bought free settlers to South Australia in 1836. Your kids will love the thought of playing on a ‘real pirate ship’. There are cannons on deck which will keep them amused for ages and the museum on the upper deck is the perfect way to learn some local history. The menu includes an array of seafood plus other choices such as steak and pasta. There is a dedicated kids’ menu with all their favourites and you can opt to get a kids’ meal deal which includes a drink and an icecream for $13.50. The Buffalo Restaurant provides a great venue for family and welcomes little ones with open arms. There is so much to keep the kids amused and there is also a huge park right next to the boat with a playground and plenty of space to run around. WORDS JANE TIGGEMAN OF WWW.LITTLELATTES.COM.AU

THE OLIVE BRANCH CAFE

CAFFE PRIMO

UTOPIA

84 MAIN ST, BALHANNAH // 08 8398 0009 WWW.OLIVEBRANCHCAFE.COM.AU

MARION SHOPPING CENTRE, MARION // 08 8298 7818 WWW.NYBG.COM.AU

170 WATERFALL GULLY RD, WATERFALL GULLY WWW.WATERFALLGULLY.COM.AU // 08 8379 2488

The wonderful Olive Branch Cafe in Balhannah has a fantastic play area for kids with tables and chairs, colouring-in pencils and paper, lots of toys, books and a slide. There is also a great kids’ menu with lots of fun and healthy options. You could even make a day of it and include a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park on the way or spend some time enjoying the wonderful shops in Hahndorf (only 10 mins away) or some of the nearby Hills wineries. During school term, every Tuesday morning is ‘Crafty Kids Morning’ for preschoolers and in the school holidays they run fun cooking classes for kids aged 4 to 12.

Caffe Primo at New York Bar and Grill has everything you could want when dining with children. Kids have their own menu and eat free with a paying adult all day Mondays. There is a range of icecream available for dessert if they are still hungry. There is also a fantastic fully enclosed indoor playground for the kids, which also includes a box of toys and books suitable for younger children. The play area is fully visible from a number of tables allowing you to sit and enjoy your meal while the kids play. Caffe Primo really caters well to the young members of the family. This, teamed with the lovely ambience and great food, makes it an ideal place for families.

Utopia is situated in a national park, just 10 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. It is the only restaurant in Australia located at the base of a natural waterfall, which flows all year round. The restaurant serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, coffee and cake and has special options for children. A basket of toys suitable for kids of all ages is provided, including books, building blocks, puzzles and more. If the weather is nice, a walk to explore the waterfall is lots of fun. If it’s cold and wet outside you can’t beat the cosy fireplace indoors. Utopia is an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon with delicious food in a beautiful setting.

WORDS JANE TIGGEMAN WWW.LITTLELATTES.COM.AU

JUNE 2013 / 17

Providing an educational pathway for disadvantaged Balinese children. To donate or sponsor a child visit our website at www.balichildren.com www.facebook.com/balichildrenfoundation

hot

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD WINTER HAS ARRIVED ON DOORSTEPS AROUND THE COUNTRY THIS MONTH. IF THE COLD WEATHER HAS YOU FEELING BLUE, ADD A LITTLE SUNSHINE TO YOUR LIFE WITH THESE HAPPY YELLOW PRETTIES

11.

10.

STOCKISTS 1. Paper straws, 25 for $4 www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBillieBluebird 2. Ruby Olive Maasi elastic beaded bangle in Buttercup, $28 www.rubyolive.com.au 3. Rose stud earrings, $2.11 www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyLinLin 4. Blunt umbrella, $69-$149 www.bluntumbrellas.com.au 5. Soho gold/yellow clutch, $79.95 www.elmsandking.com 6. Void V03B Basic watch, $186 www.hardtofind.com.au 7. Olive & Joy ‘Hello Sunshine’ print, $29 www.oliveandjoy.com 8. Porcelain dip bowls, from $5.95 www.countryroad. com.au 9. X cushion cover, $74 www.ponyrider.com.au 10. Kenwood kMix toaster, $101.15 www.target.com.au 11. James Alexander Siena thong, $64.95 www.hardtofind.com.au

JUNE 2013 / 19

feature

THAT’S THE IDEA KARA ALLEN TURNED HER LOVE OF HOSTING AND ENJOYING A GOOD PARTY INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS. NOW, FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, SHE’S BRINGING KARA’S PARTY IDEAS DOWN UNDER STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN

United States-based Kara Allen knows a thing or two about parties. With vivid, happy memories of being a school girl and hand drawing her own birthday party invitations for all of her schoolyard friends, this now 31-year-old party guru has turned celebrations into serious business. In this, our annual Party edition, Peekaboo was lucky enough to chat with Kara from her Utah home about all things parties as well as her book and her upcoming Australian tour.

that theme? Marshmallow circus peanuts are a must! I would also include animal crackers since they completely relate to the theme and are a little healthier but still appealing to kids. Finally, a cake in the shape of a circus tent or one that has an elephant balancing on a ball would be perfect. Essentially, I’d use any dessert that ties in with the theme and can be displayed in a way that’s unique and fun. What’s hot in party themes right now? I rarely see a party lately that doesn’t include patterned paper straws, wooden utensils with painted or stamped designs on the handles, and small glass jars in various sizes and shapes.

What career path were you on before Kara’s Party Ideas was born in January 2009? I was a stay-athome mum with a new little family. How did KPI actually come about? I started a blog to post the many parties I planned. I wanted a place to upload them all online without bogging down my personal family blog. Your Facebook page has some 154,000 followers and your website also has a huge international following – can you share some traffic stats with us? KPI is visited by nearly 20,000 individual people each day from all across the globe. Tell us about your family Ben is my husband. My boys are Kaden, 7, Gavin, 6, and Easton, 2 Nowadays, do you throw your own birthday parties or do you make hubby and the boys take you out instead? My husband knows how to show someone how special they are on their birthday. He always spoils me rotten!

20 / JUNE 2013

Other than your family and friends, what’s the one thing you can’t live without? My faith. Without the man upstairs I would be nothing. What’s the one food you can’t live without? Salad. Tell us something people don’t know about you? I’m obsessed with summer crowds. I love parades, firework shows and concerts. I also love to sing. I used to play the guitar and sing for different events. In relation to kids’ birthday parties, what’s your favourite theme for boys? And for girls? My alltime favourite theme that works for both boys and girls is circus/carnival. Name three things you would include on a dessert table when styling a party around

What are some simple, but effective, ideas to ensure your party is memorable? It’s all in the little details. Adding simple touches like ribbon to your dessert table/decor goes a long way. Assuring that your party is set up in a well-lit area will also make it more memorable. People associate light/darkness with how they feel. If the party is light and warm feeling they will remember that. Party favours also go a long way. Make sure you thank your guests with a small token of appreciation. What’s been the most memorable party/dessert table you’ve ever styled and why? I styled a fun icecream party for my children and their friends. It was most memorable because I found and actually bought an old run-down ice cream truck for the party!

> Continued on page 22

feature JUNE 2013 / 21

feature

DID YOU KNOW?

> Continued from page 21

Which US celebrity/public figure would you most like to cater/style a party for? I would love to style a party for Tori Spelling because of her love for parties. She appreciates dessert tables and extravagant birthday parties so I think it would be really awesome to style a party for one of her kids.

THE BOOK Tell us about the process involved in compiling your book, Kara’s Party Ideas. Compiling the book was crazy, yet so fun. I had to style and put together eight parties in two months. It was insane, but oh so worth it! What’s your favourite dessert table/party theme from the book and why? The Hot Air Balloon party/ dessert table. It also holds a special place in my heart because it was my son’s first birthday. Where is the best place for Aussies to get their hands on a copy? The book can be bought in the Kara’s Party Ideas online shop www. KarasPartyIdeas.com/shop or at www.Amazon.com

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THE VISIT DOWN UNDER Have you been to Australia ever before? I haven’t ever been. It’s been on my bucket list for so long! Can you give us some details of your upcoming trip out here? I have a whirlwind five-week trip to Australia in 2014. I’ll be holding one-day intensive party planning workshops in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, followed the next day with appearances and mini workshops at the Confetti Fairs in each of those metro centres. I will also be holding half-day workshops in Newcastle and Adelaide with the other half comprising Confetti Fair visits. At these workshops I hope to impart my party planning knowledge to inspire Aussie party goers and party planners and give them the tools to throw fantastic soirees. Which Aussie celeb would you like to style a party for and why? I would love to style a party for Baz Luhrmann. He has such an incredibly wild imagination and amazing ideas and probably would have an incredible budget to match as well! I would like to do a Baz spin on the Carnival theme – wow!

As well as her guest appearances to Confetti Fairs around the country, the other highlight of Kara Allen’s 2014 tour of Australia (arranged in partnership between Confetti Fair and Sugar Coated Mama) will no doubt be her workshops. Sydneysiders can attend a workshop on Feb 21, 9am-5pm, and for Melbournites, a workshop will be held on Feb 28, 9am-5pm. (Ed’s note: Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle and Perth dates were yet to be confirmed at the time of print). Here’s what workshop participants can expect: > Party set-up tips > Hot new dessert styling ideas from around the world > Baking tips and ideas, including special guest appearances by some famous Aussie bakers > DIY party ideas > Social media and blogging tips > ‘Growing a small business’ advice (an additional one-hour element to the workshop for those interested) For all the tour gossip, follow Sugar Coated Mama or Kara’s Party Ideas on Facebook, or visit www. SugarCoatedMama.com (tickets go on sale mid-July). For tickets to Confetti Fair, visit www.confettifair.com.au

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KIDS’ SPACE THE VOYEUR IN US ALL LOVES TO HAVE A STICKYBEAK AT WHAT OTHERS ARE UP TO. HERE, WE TAKE YOU INTO THE ROOMS OF OUR READERS.

was pregnant. “We struggled to fall pregnant with Polly and after suffering two miscarriages and wondering if we would ever get our second child, for Polly to arrive was such a miracle that I wanted to create the most beautiful space for her possible.”

R’

POLLY’S ROOM Polly’s mum started designing this room “the second” she found out she

Jemima cot, Rocking egg chair, Keiley bookcase, Marshmallow rug and Lollipop prints from Incy Interiors www.incyinteriors.com.au Dolls’ house from Seed Heritage www.seedheritage.com, Linen from Lullaby Linen www.lullabylinen.com.au Giraffe from Habitat Baby www.habitatbaby.com.au

OSCAR’S ROOM Oscar’s mum says his room was an evolution over the last two years after he moved into his first ‘big boy bed’. “A wooden London bus that I bought for Oscar on my first work trip to London after returning from maternity leave was the inspiration for Oscar’s room,” she says. “I combined the ‘English’ feel with sentimental retro pieces including his grandfather’s train set, my Sesame Street encyclopedias and his father’s toy digger.” Oscar bed, Jake bookcase, Leo change table, play table and chairs, Union Jack rug from Incy Interiors www.incyinteriors.com.au Art set and vintage placemat from Kids Interior Designs www.kidsinteriordesigns.com.au Wooden toys from Seed Heritage www.seedheritage.com

We want your nursery in Peekaboo! If you think you have a kid’s room worthy of publication, we’d love to see it. Email a selection of high-res images to interiors@peekaboomagazine.com.au and keep your eyes peeled for future editions. You never know, Junior’s room just might pop up!

24 / JUNE 2013

party

soiree EVEN AS GROWN UPS, MANY OF US CAN STILL RECALL THE DETAILS OF OUR OWN CHILDHOOD BIRTHDAY BASHES. PARTIES ARE SUPER SPECIAL OCCASIONS, RIGHT? FIND SOME INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT SOIREE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES...

WITH A SPRINKLE ON TOP www.facebook.com/redwagonevents

party 26 / JUNE 2013

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hawaiian luau Leo & Bella is a Melbourne-based boutique online store and event styling company owned by Daisy Kelvin. As an event stylist, Daisy says she is lucky enough to work daily with all the beautiful things that she loves. “It has always been a dream of mine to open an online store filled with hand picked items focusing on stylish entertaining. In 2011 after the birth of my daughter, I decided to start up Leo & Bella named after my two beautiful children Leonardo and Isabella. “This table was created for Arielle who was turning one. Arielle and her parents had just returned from a wonderful holiday in Hawaii and wanted to recreate the Hawaiian theme for her birthday. I worked very closely with Arielle’s mum and Li-Ann from Ham & Pea who designed the stationery and came up with the concept and design. Our inspirations were vibrant colours, pineapples, coconuts, frangipanis and palm leaves. “On the dessert table we had pink coconut ice, lemon curd tarts, coconut pudding, layered jelly, macarons, cupcakes and some lovely Hawaiian-themed cookies. Nic from Let Them Eat Cupcake made a beautiful cake inspired by the stationery. Arielle’s very talented mum made awesome pina colada cake pops - a very special touch. “And every Hawaiian party needs a Tiki Bar. We had Pineapple Sunrise, Guava Punch and Hawaiian Lemonade served in coconut cups for the guests.” www.leoandbella.com.au

PARTY HELPERS Styling/concept by Leo & Bella www.leoandbella.com.au Photography by White Spark Photography www.whitesparkphotography.com Paperie by Ham & Pea www.hamandpea.com Cake, cupcakes and sweets by Let Them Eat Cupcakes www.facebook.com/LetThemEatCupcakes.Melbourne Cookies by Dessert Menu Please www.facebook.com/DessertMenuPlease Drink dispenser, candy jars, glass bottles and cake stand by Leo & Bella www. leoandbella.com.au

PARTY FAVOURS

WWW.TLBC.COM.AU

WWW.POPPIESFORGRACE.COM.AU

WWW.LARKSTORE.COM.AU

The Little Big Company website should come

A “parade of colour” and “the makers of

If you died and went to party-planning

with a warning: the beautiful and inspiring

daydreams” are how these guys describe

heaven, the sign on the Pearly Gates would

products will have you stuck here for ages!

themselves and they are bang on. Delightful.

read: Lark. This site has everything. A must.

JUNE 2013 / 27

party

retro 1950s diner STYLIST Belinda Ramanauskas of Styled By Belle PHOTOGRAPHER Jess Parker from White Spark Photography Belinda Ramanauskas (‘Belle’) is the creative force behind Styled By Belle. With a background in strategic marketing, incentive travel and events, Belinda has a special talent for going the extra mile and adding those all-important little touches. “I recently styled a ‘Retro 1950s Diner’ themed party for my son Lucas’ 2nd birthday,” Belinda says. “We converted our loungeroom into a little rock’n’roll diner. It had cafe-style seating for the kids, a delicious sweets table, a “Milkshakes & Soda” station where guests could make their own milkshakes, and a “Take Away” station where lunch was served. “One of biggest talking points of the party were the macarons, made by Macarahrah, which looked like little hamburgers. There were two macaron shells sprinkled with sesame seeds (representing the hamburger bun), a slice of white chocolate (cheese slice), chocolate filling (meat patty), raspberry sauce (tomato sauce) and mint leaves (lettuce). They were absolutely adorable and tasted yum! www.styledbybelle.com.au

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PARTY HELPERS Jess Parker from White Spark Photography www. whitesparkphotography.com Cake, cookies and cupcakes by Kiss My Cakes www.kissmycakes.com.au Hamburger macarons by Macarahrah www. macarahrah.com.au Invitations and party printable stationery by Sweet Scarlet Designs www.etsy.com/shop/sweetscarletdesigns

party

pantone pinks STYLIST Leanne Ambrogio of Sweet Style PHOTOGRAPHER Leanne Ambrogio of Sweet Style Leanne Ambrogio is a stylist, photographer and owner of online store Sweet Style. Leanne’s love of imaginative parties as well as simple and beautiful products helps to create gorgeous events for her family and her clients. All this, coupled with Leanne’s love of natural light photography, help capture those special moments.

PARTY HELPERS Styling, photography, cake stands, drinks dispensers and props by Sweet Style www.sweetstyle.com.au Paperie and printables by Ham & Pea www.hamandpea.com Cakes and cupcakes by Blissfully Sweet www.blissfullysweetcakes.blogspot.com.au Cake pops by M’s Cake Pop Shop www.facebook.com/Ms-Cake-Pop-Shop

“The idea for Sofia’s party first came about because of her love for arts and crafts. I spoke to Li-Ann from Ham & Pea about some custom invitations giving her the ideas that it had to revolve around art, painting and the colours pink and green. “From there the party came to life the minute the Pantone theme invitation was created. I love clean and simple party styling so being able to tie the Pantone theme and two colours into all elements of this party made it all tie together perfectly. “I used a collection of my own milk glass cake stands from the Sweet Style store together with some inexpensive canvases from my local variety store to display the food. The matching cookies were made by Noo from Dessert Menu Please, the cake, cupcakes and marshmallows were made by Jacki from Blissfully Sweet, the cake pops by Marina at M’s Cake Pop Shop.” www.sweetstyle.com.au

JUNE 2013 / 29

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willy wonka STYLIST Sarah Epstein of Crackers Art & Design PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Epstein of Crackers Art & Design After working in the graphic design industry for almost 20 years, Sarah Epstein recently shifted the focus of her online business, Crackers Art & Design, into the area she is most passionate about – designing for children. With two young boys to plan birthday parties for, creating her own range of party printables was a natural progression for this lover of energetic and colourful artwork. For her son Hugo’s 7th birthday, the Willy Wonka theme was a unanimous vote from the whole family. They had recently finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together and, when Sarah shared the original 1971 movie with her kids, she saw the same awestruck look on their faces that she’d had herself as a child when Mr Wonka’s guests are invited into the huge edible garden at the heart of the factory. This was the magical moment Sarah wanted to recreate for Hugo. “Guests enjoyed marshmallow toadstools, golden eggs, Wonka bars and fizzy drinks. The Good/Bad Eggdicator, chocolate waterfall and Oompa Loompas made an appearance, along with a large framed portrait of the man himself, Willy Wonka,” Sarah says. She designed all the artwork herself and offers it as a printable range. www.crackersart.com.au

30 / JUNE 2013

PARTY HELPERS Styling, props, backdrop, party printables and photography by Crackers Art & Design www.crackersart.com.au Large format printing by Purplex Design & Print www.purplex.net.au Wonka birthday cake by Cakes & Biscuits by Lisa www.facebook.com/pages/Cakes-Biscuits-by-Lisa

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a vintage affair STYLIST Renee Lancaster of Lola & Co Party Styling PHOTOGRAPHER Paper & Style Co Renee Lancaster started her business, Lola & Co Party Styling, shortly after the birth of her second child Lola and wanted to incorporate both her kids’ names (Cohen and Lola) in the business name as they both inspired Renee. “I found my passion for styling doing my son’s christening and 1st birthday,” she admits. Renee recently had her third child Evie so not only will there be a name change for Lola & Co in the future, but loads more gorgeous parties to come.

PARTY HELPERS Styling by Lola & Co Party Styling www.lolaandco.com.au Sweets by Sweet Dream Cakes www.sweetdreamcakes.com.au Matching stationery by Loralee Lewis www.loraleelewis.com Paper fans, bunting and photography by Paper & Style Co www.paperandstyleco.com Photo editing by Lee Bird Photograph www.leebirdphotography.com.au

“This party was for a client’s little girl, Laci’s first birthday,” Renee explains. “We began the vintage theme by picking stationery by Loralee Lewis. From there, I decided to use a vintage doll’s house to help display sweets and a vintage rocking horse. We had yummy sweets such as aqua and pink white chocolate macarons, creaming soda jelly, Oreo cake pops, personalised chocolate bars, marshmallow mousse in jars, assorted lolly pops and vanilla cupcakes. “I put together vintage personalised birthday colouring books as the party favours for each little guest to take home.” www.lolaandco.com.au

JUNE 2013 / 31

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woodland picnic STYLIST Leisa Potter PHOTOGRAPHER Nadja Farghaly of Farghaly Design Australia Sunshine Coast-based Leisa Potter’s background prior to children was in hospitality as a functions manager but currently she’s a full time stay-at-home mother of three children Madeline, 4, Amelie, 3, and Jake, 1. “I am inspired by my children and found that organising themed parties for them gave me a much needed creative outlet as well as the opportunity to use my management and organisational skills that I so missed since leaving work and having children,” Leisa says. “Their parties soon became little ‘work projects’ and I have since become addicted to all things party! Once the kids are in bed you will find me on my computer sourcing products on international sites, researching themes and decorating ideas on sites such as Pinterest, and reading party blogs. “I walk around in my everyday life with my eyes and mind open to any props, products, colours and themes which may be used in any future celebrations. “My greatest joy comes from seeing guests’ faces as they arrive at the party and then the smiles, laughter and good times had by the kids who become part of the theme and caught up in the world that I have created for them,” she admits. “These moments are so precious. I am helping create memories with what I do.” www.facebook.com/pages/Farghaly-Design-Australia

32 / JUNE 2013

PARTY HELPERS Repurposed red hutch, stands, birthday cake and cupcakes by Leisa Potter, Bazoongi play tents by Brands Exclusive www.brandsexclusive. com.au Small glass bottles by Canteen Cafe Noosa Heads www.facebook. com/pages/Canteen-Cafe-Noosa-Heads Paper straws and cupcake papers by Peters of Kensington www.petersofkensington.com.au Picnic baskets for lunches by The Reject Shop with gingham material from Spotlight www. spotlight.com.au Red gumboots by Skeanie www.skeanie.com.au Squirrel from Etsy www.etsy.com

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lego wonderland STYLIST Amanda De Santis of Red Wagon Events PHOTOGRAPHER Cassie Stubbs of Cassandra Anne Photography Melbourne based, Amanda De Santis, is mum to two growing boys (Lucca, 5, and Xavier, 2.5), wife to an ever-supportive husband Enzo and owner/stylist of events company Red Wagon Events. “As my son’s fifth birthday approached there was an outstanding obvious choice for his birthday party theme - completely Lego mad, a grand Lego building party was the only choice,” Amanda says. “I wanted a fresh, different take on the Lego party so after consulting Sarah of Style Me Gorgeous, we decided on a bold building blocks design which tied in perfectly with the Lego-themed cake, cupcakes, cookies. PARTY HELPERS Lego printables, paperie, backdrop and chocolate wrappers by Style Me Gorgeous www.stylemegorgeous.com.au Cake and cupcakes by Cake-a-lishious www.cake-a-lishious.com Lego cookie heads and pieces by Dessert Menu Please www.facebook.com/DessertMenuPlease Macarons and Lego cake pops by Cakes & Biscuits by Lisa www.facebook.com (search Cakes-Biscuits-by-Lisa) Favors in boxes by Favor Lane www.favorlane.com. au Lollies from The Professors www.theprofessors.com.au Cake stands from Sweet Style, and Leo & Bella www.sweetstyle.com.au and www.leoandbella. com.au Jars from Home Provincial Living www.provincialhomeliving. com.au Photography by Cassie Stubbs www.facebook.com (search CassandraAnnePhotography)

“The backdrop to the dessert table was a showstopper with hundreds of Lego blocks giving it a 3D abstract appeal. The desserts were carefully chosen to pay homage to the birthday boy’s favourite past time. The edible 3D Lego head cookies were filled with many mini cookies and proved very popular with the guests, as was the Lego man cake. “Party goers were treated to a Lego feista with thousands of Lego pieces available to play with. And on leaving, guests were treated to favour boxes filled to the brim with Lego accessories and stationery from Favour Lane. The day’s excitement definitely made for one happy five-year-old boy!” www.facebook.com/redwagonevents

JUNE 2013 / 33

peekaboo magazine

DESIGN AWARDS

2013

congratulations to the finalists in the inaugural peekaboo design awards 2013 Little Chillies Plum Little Name Attipas Babes in the Shade bugaboo Mini Sandcrabs Rashoodz Hasaknapp Penny Scallan Snug-a-licious Soon Maternity il Tutto Lassig Total Bag Envy Fertile Mind b.box

Nuby Ellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen Only Organic Qubies Yonanas Snugglebum Food Babies Love Brica Manduca Fridge to Go Lotta Magazine Ecococoon Britax Baby Jogger BebeCare Baby Bites Eternal Creation

Maclaren Sleepy Wings Stokke Valco Childcare Suteki Playgro Love to Dream Groove Child Bopalong Buddies Jujo Baby Woombie Minimonkey Bambini Mio Moltex Imaginabox Pattern My Walls

Chibebe Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purest Tiny Love Mor-stor Fair Go Game Pure Poppet Bamboo Bubby Chiron Queen Bee Angelcare Motorola Bobles Nanny Pickle Roomies The Quarkels Flexapots Story Box Magazine

feature

MINI IDEA, MIGHTY IMPACT STACEY MORAN’S CAREER IN HOMEWARES HAS COME FULL CIRCLE – AND WHAT AN EXCITING CIRCLE IT HAS BEEN

Stacey Moran, a self professed ‘country girl’, moved to Melbourne to secure her first job for a homewares retailer many moons ago. Now, after years in the industry for the benefit of her employers, Stacey is finally putting the knowledge she learned and that flair she has honed into use for her very own business, Mini Party People. While working in the homewares industry as a product manager/developer for Playcorp working on some of Australia’s leading homeware brands including Marie Claire, Living with Deborah Hutton and Alex Liddy, mutual friends introduced her to James Moran, son of furniture maker John Moran, and love was in the air. They were two people, both committed to iconic Australian brands and soon committed to creating a beautifully renovated and decorated home and later, two delightful and mischievous baby boys, Boston and Orlando. Stacey’s love of entertaining and bringing family and

friends together to enjoy good food and conversation took a different path when Boston (now 4 years old) and Orlando (12 months) came along. Birthday parties and other celebrations for children became part of Stacey’s entertainment repertoire but she soon discovered she couldn’t buy or hire the things she needed to create a truly successful and stylish party for the children. Soon the Mini Party People idea was born and a few months later, with the help of husband James, this enterprising couple are now able to provide for hire anywhere in Melbourne the most charming selection of children’s furniture for stylish and fun birthday parties, weddings - in fact any celebration. With children’s birthday parties, the imagination runs wild. Stacey has themes for pirates, cowboys, fairies and butterflies, princesses, racing cars and super heroes. Her lightweight but solid trestle tables come in a bright range of colours, classic maple or white,

and all tables offer laminated tops. The tablecloths and table runners build the theme and her chairs are colour coordinated mini replica Louis ghost chairs and classic replica Panton chairs. Cake stands, lolly jars and buckets are other extremely popular hire items. As well as the high quality rental gear, Stacey also offers an extensive and colourful range of table napkins, cups, plates, and fun table decorations for sale. Due to Stacey’s sourcing/homewares background, she keeps adding fun new paper products to help make any party perfect. For busy and stylish mums, Stacey has created a one-stop online shop; one click and your party planning woes are solved. With delivery to your door and pick-up the next day, it couldn’t be easier to organise a child’s party in Melbourne. www.minipartypeople.com.au

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DIRT Y DEEDS TAKE TWO MELBOURNE ENTERTAINERS AT THE PEAK OF THEIR GAME BUT LONGING FOR THE SIMPLER LIFE. NOW ADD AN 80-ACRE BLOCK OF WILDERNESS IN NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES COMPLETE WITH A CONVERTED CHURCH FOR A HOUSE, AND WHAT DO YOU GET? CHILDREN’S TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT GOLD, THAT’S WHAT. STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN

“In dirtgirlworld – a new adventure’s waiting just for you. In dirtgirlworld – go get grubby!” If your household is anything like mine, you’ll both equally love and loathe the lyrics to that famous ABC Kids children’s television show, dirtgirlworld. You’ll love them because the concept of the show is so wholesome and feel good and quite simply ‘right’ for young minds. But you’ll also loathe them because you only need one small dose at breakfast time and they’ll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. So, with celebrations for World Environment Day this month, Peekaboo thought it was about time we met the people behind the ‘memorable’ Emmy-award winning TV show. Enter Cate McQuillen (pictured right) and her business/life partner Hewey Eustace who, together, form Mememe Productions. Performer Cate was in her 20s, in Melbourne, at the peak of her career performing the lead role in hit stage show ‘Hair’ when the Gulf War broke out in the early 90s. “For some reason, I felt as though I needed to be treading more gently on the Earth,” Cate recalls. “I had a hankering for something – for a simpler lifestyle.” So they packed up their belongings and ended up on an 80-acre patch of land in the picturesque Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. There on the block stood an old church, converted into a home. Perfect. And here it was that the pair would begin living healthy, green, responsible lives, doing things

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like building a mud-brick shed, planting and growing their own food, recycling, composting, making jam and trying as best they could to stay connected to the outside world via the Internet on their sluggish 6KBps data transfer rate. Blissful? Yes. But all the while, the music beckoned singer Cate and her writer/musician offsider. The pair formed a duo and for 17 years performed at pubs, weddings and parties as a cover band called the ‘Two-pot screamers’. While the pub circuit was fun, the pair would return post-gig to their amazing and inspiring home and write songs relevant to their green existence. Before they knew it, in 2002, they had completed an album pitched at kids. “We had concerns about the choices we were making as a world. We felt as though the outside world had lost its place in kids’ lives,” Cate says. “We wanted to share with them our lifestyle but in a noncondescending way. We don’t have kids of our own so this was our way of inspiring another generation.” While they thought it would be easy to pitch their album and idea for a kids’ television show, Cate says they quickly realised it wouldn’t be and so started an adventure that, after many years’ of knock-backs, would eventually see them given three minutes in front of the BBC’s decision makers. It was in those three minutes that their lives would change forever. Fifty-two eleven-minute episodes of dirtgirlworld were commissioned by CBeebies, followed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The show first aired on CBC in October, 2009, then on

CBeebies in the November and finally hit Aussie screens that December. Would you believe it’s now shown in 128 countries and seven languages, involving 171 people around the world during peak production time? Pretty good going for that cover band on the pub circuit, suffering snail’s pace Internet access from their church house, right? Among the host of accolades dirtgirlworld has bought the pair, there proudly stands an Australian Directors Guild Award, an AFI for Best Animation, a BAFTA nomination (which had dirtgirl alongside children’s entertainment “giants” such as Madagascar, Phineas and Ferb, and SpongeBob SquarePants), as well as the coveted International Digital Emmy for Children and Young People. “It was so surreal. I received the Emmy from Gene Simmons in Cannes, France – Gene Simmons!” Cate laughs. “The funny thing was that the very first ever rock concert I went to as a 14 year old was a Gene Simmons’ Kiss concert!” And if you’re wondering who owns those large and intriguing eyes on dirtgirl’s face, no, it’s not Cate. Cate does lend dirtgirl her singing voice in the show, but the character is actually a past theatre student taught by Cate (Maree Lowes) as is fellow lead character Scrap Boy (Michael Balk). “It’s a funny story actually. They went to the same childcare centre as kids, both grew up in regional Australia and I taught both of them as teenagers in musical theatre.”

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In fact, dirtgirlworld Facebook followers will be chuffed to know that it is actually dirtgirl Maree who manages the social media site and posts comments. So when you are talking to dirtgirlworld on Facebook you are actually talking to the real dirtgirl herself. When Cate is not making children’s television gold with her Mememe partner Huey, what is she getting up to these days? Well, true to her beliefs, she is “spending time in nature” and talking to people to educate them on a greener, more sustainable existence. She is also managing a whole pile of spin-off dirtgirlworld merchandise and other digital educational programs and related opportunities. But she is truly content to spend her downtime in

the vegie patch growing food, making chutney and strawberry jam, recycling, composting and tending to her menagerie of animals including geese, ducks, Roger the Rooster and a host of chickens who are also the feathery stars of the show. What’s exciting though, is that Cate says Mememe is currently developing a second animated show with the ABC “about the forest”. We can’t wait for that one Cate – just give us a theme song minus the earworms! “I’m going outside and I’m gunna get grubby. I’m going outside and I’m gunna get grubby.” www.dirtgirlworld.com www.facebook.com/dirtgirlworldtv

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fashion

AT THE END OF A COLD WINTER’S DAY, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A WARM BATH AND JUMPING INTO SOME COMFY PJS. HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE YUMMIEST LABELS AROUND

1. Hanna Andersson Long Johns - Pony 46USD www.serenaandlily.com 2. Hanna Andersson Long Johns - Fish and Star 46USD www.serenaandlily.com

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3. Bunnies pyjama set 44.95AUD Bunnies romper 39.95AUD www.cocoomeorganicsleepwear.com.au 4. Dandelion PJ set 44.95AUD www.cocoomeorganicsleepwear.com.au

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5. Blue/Grey Long Sleeve Pyjamas, Robot Long Sleeve Pyjamas, Dark Pink/Taupe Long Sleeve Pyjamas 39USD www.skylarluna.com 6. Pink/Grey Long Sleeve Pyjamas 39USD www.skylarluna.com 5.

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fashion 7. Georgia Gelato Check Pyjamas 49.95AUD www.fourinthebed.com.au 8. Tom Big Check Pull-ons in Black and Navy 20.95AUD Max Grey Check Pyjamas 49.95AUD www.fourinthebed.com.au 8.

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fashion 9. Noughts and Crosses Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Pants 30AUD; Star Butt Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Cutie Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD www.mad-cs.com.au 10. Noughts and Crosses Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Star Butt Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Flower Power Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Full Moon Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Jailbird Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Love Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD; Nightingale Pyjama Pants 45AUD & Long Sleeve Pyjama Top 30AUD and Cutie Pyjama Pant 45AUD & Long Sleeved Pyjama Top 30AUD www.mad-cs.com.au 9.

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feature

OFF TO THE FAIR CLAIRE CASSEY LOVES A PARTY. AND NOW SHE’S BRINGING HER PARTY FAVOURITES TO A CITY, AND A BOOKSHELF, NEAR YOU STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN

A graphic designer by trade, Claire Cassey knows a thing or two about creativity and style. She spent some 22 years in the publishing industry utilising her skill, but has also dabbled in event organisation including fashion festivals and expos. So when it came time to put together her son’s first birthday late last year, she was the right person for the job. Claire says it was an extra special time for her family as she was told she wouldn’t have children before her son, Maxon, came along. She wanted his first birthday to be an exciting and memorable occasion and a celebration of his existence. “I spent hours and hours trawling the Internet looking at party blogs, reading online magazines and scouring through pages on Facebook (usually in the late hours at night after working all day and looking after bub), which I loved doing but found very time consuming,” she recalls. “Then it was a matter of putting all of the images I had seen into a ‘bigger picture’ so I could envision the end result.” And through Claire’s hard work, the result was definitely a hit. “At the party, I had loads of really positive comments from guests and ended up helping other people with their parties,” she says. In all her research, Claire says she found it hard to source just the right products in the one place. And then, there, she had her lightbulb moment: To bring together the best of party suppliers from all areas, under the one roof, for the ease of party planners. Confetti Fair was born. She decided on nine categories for stallholders including sweets, flowers, décor, stationery, dessert tables, planning, styling, products and cake, and to make it fair on the businesses involved, she chose just

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five of the best providers in each category. The result was her first Confetti Fair in her home city, Sydney, earlier this year. “Confetti Fair is a place where you can come to find creative party ideas and inspiration, receive amazing styling tips, taste delicious sweets, choose themes, pick stationery, find that perfect floral arrangement and get involved in mini workshops to see how to put together those printables and other DIY projects,” she says. “The Sydney fair was excellent. Vendor space sold out in two weeks and the feedback from the day was amazing. We had 600 people through the doors and I heard reports of people travelling from quite far to get there.” Claire says that while Confetti Fair came about on the back of her son’s birthday bash, it’s not a fair strictly about kids’ birthday parties. “Confetti Fair covers every little detail to give you the confidence to put together a fabulous party of your own; a wedding reception, engagement party, birthday, 50th wedding anniversary – it could be any type of celebration that deserves a party!” She says there’s definitely been a shift towards people wanting to entertain at home. It comes on the back of a resurgence of home cooks and home bakers. “People are bringing back that 1950’s feel of hosting and wanting guests to enjoy themselves.” Claire knows how special a memorable party can be to a child – she has strong memories of her own childhood parties in Western Australia. “My most memorable party was my fifth birthday party. It was at my grandma’s house, in her garden

under the fruit trees. We had potato sack races, egg and spoon races and I remember the pretty yellow dress I wore. Grandma made it so magical. I really remember the fun I had on the day.” And with her own 40th birthday on the horizon, there’s no doubt this party guru will have it nailed. “Yes, it’ll be exciting but the details are a surprise for my guests. What I can say is that it’ll be held in my backyard in an old shed.” Peekaboo wishes you a very happy birthday Claire! www.confettifair.com.au

CELEBRATE If you can’t make it along to an upcoming Confetti Fair, Claire Cassey has just the thing for you: Celebrate, the book. Celebrate is Claire’s first book, and the first in a planned series, each celebrating 15 of Australia’s best party stylists. Each stylist was asked to come up with a party theme for the book. They styled a party around that theme and the result is pages and pages of stunning imagery, hints, tips and product ideas. Better yet, Claire has released three versions of the book for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne readers, each with a directory of suppliers specific to that state. The 176-page book is $24.95 and available on the Confetti Fair website.

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travel

50 SHADES OF GREY DID YOU KNOW LONDON IS ‘JUST RIGHT’ FOR FAMILIES…EVEN AMIDST THE MID-WINTER GREYS STORY CARLA ADAMS

I’ve just two words for Goldilocks: I understand. There is nothing quite so comforting as finding a place that is ‘just right’. So the girl had to break into a complete stranger’s house, sit on all their chairs, raid their fridge and mess up their neatly made beds? I UNDERSTAND. During a recent family trip to London, we made ourselves quite at home at not one but two of the best family hotel offerings in the city. Now admittedly we were invited, and we didn’t break anything that I’m aware of, but we did try all their food and slept in their big, comfy, snugly beds... and they were all just right. Picture London mid-winter. The only people out and about on the cold, grey streets for prolonged periods of time are the tourists and we are a sorry bunch indeed – underdressed and ill prepared for the wind that threatens to snap freeze our hands. We stumbled up the discreet steps into One Aldwych, located in the West End theatre district

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at Covent Garden, all mismatched coats and beanies, soggy boots and chilblained cheeks. The immaculate and friendly staff directed us to a magnificent two-bedroom suite on the first floor with two bathtubs simply begging to be filled with warm fragrant bubbly water, as we awaited deliveries of wine for the grownups and vanilla milkshakes and cookies for the kids. A big hi-five to the staff at One Aldwych’s Indigo Restaurant who were on the front foot with crayons and colouring pages, showed effort to find out our daughters’ names and preferences, and were just generally pleasant. Hubby and I always order steak and their delicious 28-day dry aged ribeye came precisely medium rare with slow roasted tomatoes, French fries and béarnaise sauce. Miss Seven and Miss Five are adventurous eaters, and happily polished off a fillet of Pollock with herb gnocchi and a seared salmon salad alongside good fries (a staple even at ‘awfully nice’ places such as

this). Fed, wined, watered and warmed, we were ready to brave the big grey as tourists again the next day. Fact: A London bus just isn’t a bus unless it’s a Big Red Double Decker Bus. The Original Tour’s Red City Line takes in the capital’s most famous sites including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Parliament. Big smiles spread over the faces of Miss Seven and Miss Five as they plugged themselves in to the kid’s audio channel, enjoying the youthful and enthusiastic commentary describing the action which used to go on at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Dungeon and Tower Bridge. I listened too. (Did you know, an eccentric parrot named Polly was once a much admired inhabitant of the Cheshire Cheese pub on Fleet Street? On Armistice Night in 1918, Polly imitated the sound of a popping champagne cork 400 times and fainted. Polly died in 1926 aged 40, and her obituary appeared in 200 newspapers.)

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TOP FIVE FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN LONDON (EVEN IN MID-WINTER) 1. Hamleys - The world’s BIGGEST toy store. ‘Spensive but magical. www.hamleys.com 2. The Museum of Natural History - Worth a full day, with free general entry. This beautiful old building is jam packed full of discovery and wonder at the natural world. www.nhm.ac.uk 3. The Original Hop on Hop Off Tour - A very fun way to discover and travel between London’s major landmarks. www.theoriginaltour.com 4. The National Gallery - Visit on a Sunday when free activities are run including Magic Carpet Storytelling, art classes and workshops for parents and children aged 5-11 years. www.nationalgallery.org.uk 5. West End - Your little ones will never forget a live West End performance. Matilda the Musical, The Lion King and Billy Elliot are just some of the child-friendly shows currently playing. www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Unfortunately, the weather was against us, and the crowds were ahead of us. The only seats left were in the open air section of the ‘Big Red Bus’, and despite our raincoats, the wind, drizzle and freezing temperatures found us seeking refuge in a ‘Pret A Manger’ – these franchises offer fantastic food for families on the go in London. Waking on day three in our sumptuous suite, bare branches dancing outside the shaded windows and sleet flying through the air, I had almost decided to stay in bed when Miss Five and Miss Seven raced in. They were wearing four pairs of leggings, two pairs of jeans, five t-shirts, five long-sleeved tops, two jackets, four pairs of socks, (fake) fur lined boots and a smattering of scarves, beanies and mittens between them. Suffice to say they had conquered the ‘layered’ look (for warmth if not for style). So off we went to visit a London icon: Fortnum & Mason at 181 Piccadilly Road, with Nana and Aunty in tow. A delightful afternoon awaited in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened in 2012 by Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge. I can’t be sure which tea varieties their Majesties’ chose, but from the selection of some 200 varieties available,

it was Orange Pekoe for myself and the afternoon blend for the little Misses. Nana had Organic Green Jasmine and Aunty chose a delicate Chamomile. The occasion was designed to allow the little Misses to sample the Children’s Afternoon Tea menu. Corn-fed chicken, honey roast ham, cheese straws, Marmite biscuits and vegetable skewers were topped off by adorable tea cakes and biscuits (pink themed for the girls, naturally). For the grown-ups: scones, clotted cream and gold-leaf edged petit fours. It was too divine, wallowing in the refined Fortnum and Mason green-tinted interior, sipping from gilt-edged cups and making polite conversation (while Facebooking and Instagramming each delicacy). With kids in tow, hubby and I missed out on some of the ‘grown up’ activities we wanted to do, such as visit the Tate Modern museum, Victoria and Albert art gallery and the London nightlife. As a family though, we were absolutely blown away by the Museum of Natural History, had a blast at the ‘World’s Biggest Toy Store’ and spent many happy afternoons in friendly local establishments with warm ciders and hot chocolates in hand. We finished off our stay at Wyndham Grand, London’s only five-star hotel. Here, top-hatted and

cloaked ‘footmen’ (aka bellhops) met our ‘carriage’ (aka taxi cab) and whisked us into a world of glittery chandeliers, softly accented staff and also, the most amazing fruit and vegetable-infused iced water EVER, complimentary at the concierge desk. Each two-room suite can cater for up to two kids if they use the fold-out bed in the couch, and London’s largest indoor play centre, Gambado, is just down the road. I don’t mean to in any way downgrade the rest of our very pleasant stay at the Wyndham Grand when I tell you that for me, the highlight was unlimited (on request) Zenology Vitalising Sycamore Fig hair conditioner which soothed my chill-stressed tresses no end. Meanwhile, the girls thought the glass-enclosed indoor pool was the bomb, and spent a happy afternoon being dolphins. I soaked up the greenhouse effect on a sunlounger, and hubby enjoyed the use of the concierge to track down a bottle of rare (or so he likes to think) scotch. Goldilocks should have been so lucky. www.onealdwych.com www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk www.fortnumandmason.com www.visitlondon.com

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travel GAGUDJU CROCODILE HOLIDAY INN

STEWARTS BAY LODGE

GYPSY RIVER CAMPING

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, 1 FLINDERS ST, JABIRU, NT WWW.GAGUDJU-DREAMING.COM

6955 ARTHUR HIGHWAY, PORT ARTHUR, TASMANIA WWW.STEWARTSBAYLODGE.COM.AU

POKOHIWI ROAD, MASTERTON, NEW ZEALAND WWW.MAS-DES-SAULES.CO.NZ

You can’t help but smile at this crocodile! This Indigenous owned hotel is situated in the heart of the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, just a 2½ hour drive from Darwin. The Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is the only fully serviced hotel in Kakadu and is uniquely shaped like a saltwater crocodile. Busy families in need of a relaxing getaway to reconnect and have fun will appreciate the Kids Stay and Eat Free package which allows up to four kids, ages 12 and under, to eat for free in the onsite restaurants. Even better, kids age 19 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Interconnecting rooms, rollaway beds and cots are available on site.

Families who love nature will be right at home at Stewarts Bay Lodge in Tasmania. Nestled between a beach, a forest, the ocean, a national park and the Port Arthur Historic Site, this family-friendly lodge is situated close to Stewarts Bay Beach. It’s a beautiful sheltered area perfect for snorkeling and is 15 minutes away from the convict site via a waterfront walking track. All of the cabins are fully self-contained with a modern kitchen and laundry facilities. Taylor’s Restaurant is onsite for the nights when you don’t want to cook and there are plenty of opportunities to see interesting native wildlife and birds.

Gypsy River Camping is a unique and sophisticated camping package on the outskirts of Masterton in New Zealand’s North Island, about 1½ hours from Wellington. Three purpose-built gypsy caravans, each brightly painted and swathed in colourful bunting, nestle together to form their own charming camping area. It features a cookhouse, shower, barbecue, an outdoor ‘Bush Bath’, children’s play area, large tree swing and flying fox. Guests are able to use kayaks and life jackets and access a private part of the beautiful Ruamahanga River for kayaking or fishing. All bedding, towels, camping needs, food for the first night’s supper and cooked breakfast is supplied.

WORDS CARLA ADAMS

NEXT ISSUE - SEPTEMBER 2013 www.peekaboomagazine.com.au

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KITCHEN MASTER KUMAR PEREIRA WON THE HEARTS OF AUSTRALIANS DURING HIS TIME ON NETWORK 10’S MASTERCHEF. NOW YOU CAN HAVE A PIECE OF HIM IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN

KUMAR’S FAMILY COOKBOOK

Kumar Pereira

At the request of his sons, Kumar Pereira created beautiful handwritten and illustrated recipes for them to cook from while he and his wife were away from home. When friends saw these lovely handcrafted designs they wanted copies too, of course, and Kumar would recreate them as gifts. Soon there were numbers of delicious recipes for everything from Crab Salad with Tomato and Green Tea Jelly to Gamma’s Mango Curry to Grilled Peaches with Crushed Amaretti. Kumar’s Family Cookbook collects these recipes for family meals, together with their delicate illustrations. Kumar has added dishes that he enjoyed as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, plus a smattering of dishes from countries he has visited and lived in. “Food is to be shared - shared with family and friends - and nothing gives me greater pleasure than cooking for those who I love and know,” Kumar says. “This is a sharing of memories, tastes and food and it combines all that I love to do: cooking, growing produce and using what is seasonal, drawing and illustrating. “I hope it gives readers as much pleasure as it has given me.” Allen & Unwin, paperback, $29.99 www.allenandunwin.com

DINOSAUR ZOOM

FLORENTINE AND PIG AND THE LOST PIRATE TREASURE

THE MIRACLE OF LOVE

SCARLETT AND THE SCRATCHY MOON

Penny Dale

Eva Katzler

Ondine Sherman

Chris McKimmie

Bursting with dinosaurs and vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and with a delicious surprise ending, this book is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of small boys everywhere.

Florentine and Pig are stuck in the house on a terribly gloomy day, but they’re not gloomy - they’re brimming with inspiration for entertaining things to do. Soon they’re sailing the high seas of their imaginations in a pirate ship.

When her daughter was a toddler, Ondine Sherman felt like her life was complete. Delighted to find she was pregnant again, never in her wildest dreams could she have envisaged the heartache to come when her twin sons were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that meant they might never walk or talk.

“I can’t sleep. The moon is moving again. It’s so quiet outside ever since Holly and Sparky died.” A unique and beautiful picture book about a child’s love for her pet dogs. Chris McKimmie’s words and pictures gently and honestly evoke the experience of loss and new life.

Murdoch Books, paperback, $29.99

Allen & Unwin, hard cover, $29.99

www.allenandunwin.com

Nosy Crow, paperback, $14.99 www.allenandunwin.com

Bloomsbury, paperback, $15.99 www.allenandunwin.com

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