Peekaboo Magazine September 2012 - Sydney Edition

peekaboo SYD // ISSUE 6 // SEPTEMBER 2012

™

magazine

free SWELL TIMES EXPECTING? LUCKY YOU FOUND US – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BUMP

DADDY-OH! WE’VE GOT SHANE CRAWFORD, JAY LAGA’AIA AND SHANNAN PONTON INSIDE

WIN

A HOLIDAY, TOYS, BABY GEAR AND BOOKS!

The NEW iCandy Peach Jogger.

For your family

!DVENTURES....

Step out in style with the iCandy Peach Jogger multi-mode

offers all the functionality you need from compact one-hand

system. Modern sleek curves combine with sporty, soft touch

folding to a quick release, lockable front wheel. Great

fabrics and simplistic styling. Available in three fabulous

manoeuvrability and all the original iCandy options of forward

colours; blackberry, cranberry and glacier. The Peach jogger

and rearward facing give you the ultimate versatile jogger.

Glacier

Cranberry

Blackberry

Carrycot

Car Capsule

(forward facing seat)

(rear facing seat)

(forward facing seat)

(available in 3 colours)

(adaptors required)

For Further inquiries please contact Tobil & Co Pty. Ltd.

T: 61 3 8555 2431

E: info@tobil.com.au

W: www.icandyworld.com

contents

CONTENTS FEATURES Home ground advantage AFL celeb and kids’ fashion entrepreneur Shane Crawford’s home life resembles a footy team Absolutely beautiful

18 34

Aussie Karen Gee is a mum of five, an international pageant queen and is inspiring women everywhere

Daddy-Oh! We talk secret Dads’ business with three well-known fathers

Bag savvy

46 48

Rosie Jansen makes designer bags for a living.

Jealous much?

COMPETITIONS

57

Win yourself something fabulous from Grand Mercure, Thomas & Friends or HiLo and MiniMonkey

FASHION Bohemian bump Camilla Franks’ kaftans are winners when it comes to dressing the bump for Spring

Right foot forward

45

Bobux and Skeanie talk foot health and check out cool new footwear brand Mooky

ON THE COVER Mum wears Camilla Endless Summer maxi dress www. camilla.com.au. All jewellery from The Robe www. facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks. Model’s own hat Son wears Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts www.eenimeeni.com.Tilly and Otto fedora www.tillyandotto.com.au. Necklace from The Robe www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks Styling by Vanessa Russell Photo by Naomi V Photography www.naomivphotography.com.au

REGULARS Calendar/markets Noteworthy Hot Neon Travel Off to sea Read Books, books and more books Gadgets Tech talk

PARTNERS

belle public relations

06 / SEPTEMBER 2012

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Custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies for all occasions

Sweetcheeks Cookies and Cakes offer specially designed custom cakes, cupcakes and cookie favours for all occasions from birthdays and weddings, to christenings and corporate events.

Sister cake designers/artists Danielle Emeny (Melbourne) and Renee Emeny (Sydney) take great pride and enjoyment in creating the cake of your dreams, that not only looks spectacular, but tastes fantastic too.

We are located in both Melbourne (Patterson Lakes) and Sydney (Ruse) and ship our cookies all over Australia - a perfect and unique gift for family and friends interstate.

www.sweetcheekscookiesandcakes.com.au

hello

HELLO A GENERAL IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS TROOPS AND WHEN IT COMES TO THIS, MY FIRST ISSUE AT THE HELM OF PEEKABOO, I HAVE BIANCA SHUGG TO THANK FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH AN AMAZING TEAM WHO AGREED TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH WITH A NEW OWNER. If it weren’t for the magnificent efforts of Vanessa, Belinda and Naomi this issue may still be sitting in Dropbox as a plan. With a full-time day job, two kids and a partner studying, I admit I may have underestimated (slightly) the effect adding Peekaboo to my life would have. But, here we are and it has been a great ride and I hope you enjoy the finished product as much as I have enjoyed working on it with the team.

When pregnant with my first child I spent hours searching for the latest and greatest in baby gear and pored over magazines that featured the ‘best ofs’ so I’m delighted to be able to provide such a resource with our BUMP feature.

It showcases some great finds including a very cool pony and denim baby carrier I wish was around a few years ago. Our fashion spread, photographed by Naomi and styled by Vanessa, is full of gorgeous Camilla kaftans, perfect for the warming weather and stylish throughout pregnancy.

I’ve promised the team I’ll be a lot more organised for the next issue and between now and then we’ll be publishing our first digital Christmas Gift Guide so if you’re not already on our mailing list make sure you register at our website so you receive a copy.

I encourage you to send us your feedback and comments as we always appreciate hearing from our readers.

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, Angela Young, Bianca Shugg & Damien Cooke

ADVERTISE WITH US NEXT ISSUE – DECEMBER 2012 – THE ‘CELEBRATE’ ISSUE For advertising enquiries and information please email sales@peekaboo magazine.com.au, visit our website or contact an Account Manager.

Account managers

Until next time.

Jo Braithwaite | jo@peekaboomagazine.com.au Krystie van Duikeren | krystie@peekaboomagazine.com.au

Publisher & Managing Editor

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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

08 / SEPTEMBER 2012

calendar BABYWEARING WEEK

SYDNEY CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM

WHERE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR YOUR LOCAL EVENT WHEN OCTOBER 8-14 WEBSITE WWW.BABYWEARINGWEEK.COM.AU

WHERE VARIOUS LOCATIONS WHEN SEPT 24-OCT 5 WEBSITE WWW.SYDNEYCHILDRENSFESTIVAL.COM

WHERE DARLING HARBOUR WHEN SEPT 24 FOR LAUNCH WEBSITE WWW.SYDNEYAQUARIUM.COM.AU

Each year, as part of an international celebration, babywearing parents across Australia and New Zealand invite their local communities to join babywearing events that they have initiated and organised. Each event is in the running to win up to $3000 worth of community grants and prizes to donate to the event’s own nominated local community project or not-for-profit organisation. The Australian and New Zealand weeks were founded in 2010 by Babes in Arms director and mother of four Anita Lincolne-Lomax as an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of babywearing and to demonstrate how modern parents can enjoy peaceful and active lifestyles by using baby slings and carriers. The theme this year is ‘Carrying on Traditions’.

The Sydney Children’s Festival is gearing up to be the biggest two-week celebration of all things kids. The festival offers a comprehensive schedule of events in two groups: theatre and workshops. Among the stand-out theatre events is The Gruffalo’s Child at the Sydney Opera House and Peter Combe and Circus Oz in separate shows at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres. Also, keep your eye out for dinosaurs, Ben 10 and The Wizard of Oz which are also part of the theatre schedule. As far as the workshops go, kids can learn about photography, animation, sketching, singing, acting, puppet making and even film making. There’s one thing for sure – the kids are not going to be bored! The event website is your best bet for exactly what’s on and where.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Sydney Aquarium, now is the time to make your return. After nine months of renovations, 14 new themed zones will launch on September 24, just in time for the school holidays. Face your fears on the new Shark Walk – a glass walkway partly submerged in water allowing you to walk among some of the world’s biggest sharks including lemon and grey nurse sharks – before journeying deep under the sea and exploring the depths of Shark Valley. The valley spans 100 metres of ocean tunnel and houses a giant whale skeleton.

If you want to be one of the first to see the renos, you can pre-book your ticket online now for a visit any time between September 24 and December 31, saving $10 on adult tickets and $5 on child tickets.

www.kiekaboo.com.au 10 / SEPTEMBER 2012

calendar

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

SEPTEMBER

15

Treat the family to a little outdoor cinema at the Australian Botanic Gardens, Mt Annan, as part of the Camden Festival. www. rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/annan

16

Little pirates of all shapes and sizes are invited to Pirates Ahoy! Family Fun Day at the Australian National Maritime Museum. www.anmm.gov.au

18 Delight in the rhythms and charm of well-known songs and nursery rhymes at Babies Proms at the Opera House. www.sydney operahouse.com

24

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We all love Beauty and the Beast and now’s your chance to sing along to the show at Sutherland Ent. Cent. www.sutherland shire.nsw.gov.au

Enjoy six days of fantastic live theatre and free indoor activities at Spot On Family Fun Days, RiversideTheatre Parramatta. www.riverside parramatta.com.au

Author and artist Nick Bland will read from two of his books and host art activities for kids today at the State Library of NSW. www.sl.nsw.gov.au

19

OCTOBER

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Spring Pizza nights at The Sydney Observatory feature 3D adventures, telescope fun, pizza, drinks and dessert. www.sydney observatory.com

Parliament House will open its doors to the public for a Family Day including children’s trail, craft, competitions and more. www. parliament.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Aquatic Park’s Splash Festival is the ultimate family fun day with water playground, animal farm, pony rides. www.syd neyolympicpark.com.au

Children’s Week launches with family friendly events hosted by playgroups, local governments, schools etc. www.nswchildrensweek. org.au

Calling all witches, wizards and ghost hunters! You are invited to a Halloween sleepover at the Australian Museum tonight! www. australianmuseum.net.au

Purina Bark in the Park is the social event of the year for families and their dogs, with fun activities, competitions and expert advice. www.purina.com.au

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09

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Sydney Symphony presents Pixar in Concert at the Opera House Concert Hall with clips and scores from Pixar movies. www. sydneyoperahouse.com

The Children’s Fair at Allan Border Oval Reserve will entertain kids with free face painting, jumping castles, animal farm, rides etc. www.mosman.nsw.gov.au

Tea Time, at Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, will have visitors touring the venue and enjoying storytime and games with staff. www.livingmuseum.com.au

The Art Gallery of NSW is always a great place to spend Sunday afternoons.

Today, catch a puppet show with lots of laughs. www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Get your dancing pants on and get ready to sing along to some of your Justine Clarke favourites at her Pop-UpTour 2012. www. justineclarke.com.au

Check out Martin Place Children’s Concert & Tree Lighting Celebration and the Christmas on the Green concert in Hyde Park. www. sydneychristmas.com.au

NOVEMBER

OFF TO MARKET WE GO...

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Heritage Craft Fair September 2: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Rd, St Ives www.heritagecraftfair.com.au

Mums and Bubs Market October 6: St Paul’s High School, Port Macquarie www.mumsandbubsmarket.com

The Olive Tree Market November 3: Junction Public School, Newcastle www.theolivetreemarket.com.au

Heritage Craft Fair October 7: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Rd, St Ives www.heritagecraftfair.com.au

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

Baby & Kids Market September 16: Five Dock Leisure Centre, Five Dock www.babykidsmarket.com.au Paddington Markets September 8: Yoga in the Church event September 29: Dogs’ Day event 395 Oxford St, Paddington www.paddingtonmarkets.com.a

Mathilda’s Markets October 13: Special Tween-to-Teen Market (7-14 years), Balmain Town Hall, 370 Darling St, Balmain October 14: Newcastle City Hall, 290 King St, Newcastle www.mathildasmarket.com.au Baby & Kids Market October 14: Avalon Recreation Centre, Avalon October 21: St Ignatius College, Lane Cove www.babykidsmarket.com.au

Handmade Craft Markets November 18: Bridgecoast Stadium,Terrigal www.handmadecraftmarket.blogspot.com.au Baby & Kids Market November 11: Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, Kellyville November 18: Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadow November 25: Five Dock Leisure Centre, Five Dock www.babykidsmarket.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 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

SAY CHEESE, BABY WWW.LARKMADE.COM.AU

Sentimentalist mums (like me!) take note. Here’s a super idea from Lark – Milestone Baby Cards. Illustrated by Aussie artist Beci Orpin, the set of 30 cards ($29.95, pictured above, centre) helps you capture and remember all of baby’s major milestones. Simply fill in the date and take a photo of bub with the card. I’ve already seen a few friends’ photos featuring these cards pop up on Facebook and I’m slightly jealous that I didn’t have them myself six years ago!

Priceless memories.

WALLPAPER WONDER WWW.THEWALLSTICKERCOMPANY.COM.AU

Hands up who likes to redecorate on a weekly basis? Me too! I blame it on all the reality reno shows on TV. It’s hard not to be sucked in by all the pretty things.

Here’s a noteworthy new product to make the redecorating task a whole lot easier – removable, movable, regret-proof wallpaper by The Wall Sticker Company.

Forget the tricky sticky ooey gooey glue and then trying to remove the wallpaper once you’ve had enough of the pattern.

You simply stick this stuff to the wall and smooth it into place. It has a fabric

subscribe

12 / SEPTEMBER 2012

appearance and is washable. When you decide to renovate, redecorate or relocate, you can peel it off in seconds without damaging the wall – and you can even re-use it! Genius. We love the kids’ range including large-scale maps (pictured above left), dainty hearts and spotty spots.

DO THE WHITE THING

whimsical photographic artwork (pictured above). Nicolle has previously worked in design, interior styling, photography and as a photo-retoucher and combines all those skills to take her subjects to another world, and also to a wall near you. We implore you check out her work on her website.

You won’t forget it.

WWW.THREECOLOURSWHITE.COM.AU

THE ULTIMATE BURP CLOTH

Once the big, white wedding has come and gone, the next check box on the to-do list of life is generally babies. One savvy Melbourne mumma is helping other women turn their big white wedding dress into a new designer cot, or car seats, or even part of a private school education via her online store, Three Colours White. For just $30 you can list your wedding dress for sale on the website, turning it into sweet cash at a time when you will probably need it.

WWW.MESSYLITTLEMONKEYS.COM

PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS WWW.NICOLLEKENNEDYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Imagine your little girl as a modern day Little Red Riding Hood. Or your son, sailing in a washing tub off the coast of a picturesque tropical island. Melbournite Nicolle Kennedy has taken child portraiture to a whole other amazing level with her awe-inspiring,

Did your baby suffer reflux? What was your technique for catching those icky baby burps? If it generally entailed a cloth nappy or washer (or anything in arm’s reach at that critical moment!) thrown over your shoulder, I bet you still had more misses than hits? Messy Little Monkeys has answered the call of frustrated reflux babies’ parents everywhere with the Burby. It’s one of those why-didn’t-I-thinkof-that products. Slip your arm through the hole and wear it on your shoulder. It will catch all spills (front and back), is soft on baby’s skin, absorbent yet soak-proof and won’t fall off. And the Burby doubles as a nursing cover for discreet breastfeeding.

At just $18.95 each with free shipping online, we’ll take three thanks!

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

eat

PHOTO: PAUL K ROBBINS

ARMORY WHARF CAFE

CENTENNIAL PARK DINING

PARRAMATTA PARK CAFE

BLAXLAND RIVERSIDE PARK, JAMIESON ST, NEWINGTON WWW.ARMORYWHARFCAFE.COM

GRAND DRIVE, CENTENNIAL PARK WWW.TRIPPASWHITEGROUP.COM.AU (CLICK ON ‘VENUES’)

CORNER OF PITT AND MACQUARIE STREETS, PARRAMATTA WWW.PPEVENTCENTRE.COM.AU

Located within the Sydney Olympic Park site, this cafe sits down along the Parramatta River where kids can watch the River Cats go by. The cafe has loads of childfriendly features including highchairs, plastic plates and cups, colouring-in sheets about The Armory and a change table in the disabled toilet. They even have a ‘cadets’ menu on offer for breakfast and lunch which includes mini milkshakes. Don’t come here in a rush because I can guarantee your kids will want to play in the amazing adventure playground set up on the hill above the cafe.

There are also cycle paths galore and some army-style rope structures just by the cafe. Parking can be hard on weekends due to how popular the playground is.

Sydney’s finest park is home to one of the city’s finest child-friendly dining experiences. Centennial Park Dining has an array of child-friendly features. Not just located next to a playground where you can watch your preschool children play while you sit and relax, the cafe also has outdoor seating where babies can play on a blanket or on the lush green grass next to you while toddlers can draw and colour-in with the activity pack that is on offer. And all that action has to be experienced in between enjoying some of the tasty morsels from the impressive little people’s menu. Excellent baby change facilities and super child-friendly staff make this an outstanding experience for the whole family.

Parramatta Park is an oasis and the cafe is well situated to either eat-in or get yourself a takeaway coffee before heading off to have a play or feed the ducks. Parramatta Park Cafe has highchairs and plenty of room for strollers.

If you need a change table you will find it just outside in the disabled toilet. A good selection of food and drinks is available for breakfast (served all day) and lunch and the kids’ menu offers things like kiddie milkshakes, babycinos, fish and chips and the like. This cafe is well worth the drive on a sunny day if you’re not a local.

Parramatta Park has a one-way loop road and the cafe is located 2km into the park on the left. There is also handy parking next to the cafe.

WORDS LINDA ANDERSON OF WWW.MUMSONTHEGO.COM.AU

WORDS LINDA ANDERSON OF WWW.MUMSONTHEGO.COM.AU

WORDS LINDA ANDERSON OF WWW.MUMSONTHEGO.COM.AU

14 / SEPTEMBER 2012

food

BUMP FOOD PREGNANT? CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT TO EAT AND WHAT NOT TO EAT? KATHLEEN GANDY’S GOT A BOOK FOR YOU – AND THE BUMP

RECIPE: KATHLEEN GANDY PHOTO: MARK O’MEARA

“There I was, in my mid-thirties and working as a food editor for a glossy food magazine, when I found myself overwhelmed by the barrage of often contradictory advice,” author Kathleen Gandy says. It was in that moment of despair that the concept for Kathleen’s popular book Eating for Two was born.

Compiled with Federal Government recommendations in mind, and approved by an accredited practising dietitian, Eating for Two shows expectant mums how to prepare and cook fabulous food for the whole family while ensuring those mums, and their unborn babies, have a healthy balanced diet. Eating for Two includes a shopping list of nutrient-rich superfoods for pregnant women – ingredients that are high in folate, iron, protein, calcium, vitamins and iodine. The book also features more than 100 recipes (often with additional serving options), Kathleen’s Top 10 quick tips for fixing morning sickness, breakfasts, lunches, light meals and fast feasts, as well as an amazing array of things to do with staple pantry items.

Kathleen grew up the daughter of a Cantonese mother and around an extended family who loved cooking and sitting around a shared table, so her delight for food and cooking started early. Kathleen began her career as a magazine food editor at Australian Gourmet Traveller and nowadays works in book publishing as a senior food editor.

Eating for Two is published by Viking and is available for purchase on the Penguin Books website, RRP $35. www.penguin.com.au

¼ teaspoon dashi granules 2 × 180g ocean trout fillets (skin removed and pin-boned) 2 teaspoons dried wakame 100g soba noodles sesame oil, for drizzling 1 small cucumber (halved lengthways, seeded and cut into thin strips) 50g mizuna 1 small avocado (pitted and cut into thin slices) black sesame seeds, to serve (optional) Ponzu dressing 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons shoyu ½ teaspoon rice vinegar

win

!

this book

OCEAN TROUT, SOBA, AVOCADO AND CUCUMBER SALAD

o

kabo www.peaezine mag .a .com u

As well as being delicious, this Japanese-inspired salad is an excellent pregnancy all-rounder. Ocean trout and wakame (dried seaweed) are both good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the development of a baby’s nervous system.

Wakame is also an excellent source of iodine, calcium, thiamine and niacin. Mizuna is a mildly peppery small leafy green member of the brassica

family and is often used in Japanese salads. If you can’t find it, use watercress instead.

Place the dashi and 2 cups of water in a deep frying pan, then add the ocean trout. Bring slowly to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 10 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through. Remove from the heat and leave to stand in the pan. Meanwhile, soak the wakame in warm water for 15 minutes. Drain and remove any tough central spine. Blanch in a small saucepan of boiling water, then drain and pat dry with paper towel. Coarsely chop the wakame. Following the packet instructions, cook the soba noodles for 4 minutes or until al dente. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with sesame oil. Set aside to cool.

For the ponzu dressing, mix together all the ingredients.

Carefully transfer the fish to a chopping board and flake into bite-sized pieces. Add the wakame, cucumber, mizuna and ponzu dressing to the soba noodles and toss gently to mix. Add the ocean trout and avocado and mix through gently, taking care not to break them up. Divide between two bowls, scatter with sesame seeds (if using) and serve immediately.

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 15

place THE MAMA CLUB

MASTER AND MISS

GOLDEN RIDGE ANIMAL FARM

LEVEL 1, 26-30 SPRING ST, BONDI JUNCTION WWW.THEMAMACLUB.COM.AU

WWW.MASTERANDMISS.COM.AU WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MASTERANDMISS

686 OLD NORTHERN RD, DURAL WWW.GOLDENRIDGEANIMALFARM.COM.AU

TheMamaClub is a luxury lounge for parents and carers of children aged 0-2 years at Bondi Junction. It’s a home away from home, providing mums and carers with support and linking them to a network of likeminded fellow travellers on the parenting journey. Founder Sara Ratner understands the joys and challenges of parenting. “Our mission is to support you to be the best parent you can be by offering you the luxury and pampering you deserve,” she says. And it’s all luxe. There’s the lounge area – climate controlled, decked out in trendy leather seating and even offering a Napoleon Perdis display with product available for purchase.

The baby and toddler play areas offer thick, lush carpet and beautiful toys specially selected by an early educator. If you’re hankering for a hot beverage or snack, the Terrace Cafe is just outside glass doors and has a neat little menu.

TheMamaClub also offers various professional services onsite, beauty treatment specials, classes and events.

Master and Miss is a 100 per cent Australian owned children’s fashion label, specialising in pure organic clothing for boys and girls, from size 0000 up to a size 5. Founded in May, 2011, by creative director Liane Shannon, Master and Miss was the result of Liane’s unsuccessful search for fashionable and vibrant organic baby clothing following the birth of her daughter, Emma. Liane says the vision for Master and Miss is to create fashionable, comfortable, high-quality clothing for babies and children using the purest of organic fabrics. Offering something for every occasion, the Master and Miss range is not only gentle on your child’s skin, but also gentle on our environment. All Master and Miss clothes are designed and manufactured in Australia using wholly certified organic fabrics. There’s even free delivery Australia-wide for Master and Miss orders over $50.

An escape from the rat race out into the country with the family is just what the doctor orders most weekends, right? Only 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle is Golden Ridge Animal Farm at Dural, in the Hills District.

It’s a fully family-owned business that has been operated by the Nye family for more than 26 years. There’s a large variety of friendly farm animals, most of which have been hand raised on the farm – everything from small pet mice and goats up to a big bull. Your children will never forget the animals and all of the hands-on activities that are both fun and educational at the same time. While it’s a great place for families, Golden Ridge loves a group booking.

School groups, birthday parties and play groups are all welcome. There are two picnic areas on the farm and gas barbeques available however there are no food outlets onsite so don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch. Please note, bookings are essential for all visits.

16 / SEPTEMBER 2012

hot

WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO JUDGING BY THIS PAGE OF NEON DELIGHTS, WE’VE DEFINITELY LEFT THE GREYS AND BLACKS OF WINTER BEHIND, YES? INJECT SOME COLOUR INTO YOUR WORLD AND SPRING INTO THE NEW SEASON

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STOCKISTS 1. ICE Watch - solid in orange www.ice-watch.com.au 2. b.box essential sippy cup www.bbox.com.au 3. Silikids Silibib www.babygrowsafe.com.au 4. Charli Bird citrus crush and berrylicious bracelets www.hardtofind.com.au 5. Flexifit Fluro Neon Flat Peak Trucker www.theiconic.com.au 6. Watermelon Satchel www.jplizzy.com 7. Cockatoo Lamp and Lampshade www.adaanddarcy.com.au 8. Fluro belt www.witchery.com.au 9. Filippo Raphael Technicolor sandal www.hermanns.com.au 10. Anything zip wallet with tassel www.jamsquaredstyle.com 11. Butter London nail varnish in London Underground www.butterlondon.com 12. Dropp bowl www.menu.as

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 17

feature 18 / SEPTEMBER 2012

feature

HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE FOOTY STAR AND TV PERSONALITY SHANE CRAWFORD LENDS A LITTLE BIT OF CRAZY AND ZANY TO THE CHILDREN’S FASHION LABEL KINIKI – AND WE LOVE HIM FOR IT STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN PHOTOGRAPHY NICK SCOTT, COURTESY OF THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY

What do you think about first when you hear the name Shane Crawford? Hawthorn FC legend? Player on an AFL premiership winning team? Brownlow medallist? Celebrity Apprentice favourite? The Footy Show funnyman? Father of four boys? Fashion entrepreneur?

Hold the front page. Fashion entrepreneur? Yes – you heard right.That blokey bloke footballer is partner in the seriously cool, and slightly unconventional, children’s fashion label Kiniki. In that true unconventional nature, the business name Kiniki was inspired by the character Kenickie in the cult movie Grease. Fans of the 1970s flick will remember Kenickie’s famous line to Rizzo: “A hickey from Kenickie is like a Hallmark card: When you care enough to send the very best”.

Shane’s partner Olivia Anderson and their business partner Suzanne Cleary are the other two major stakeholders in the business. Suzanne brings fashion design credentials and contacts in manufacturing and Olivia, who has past experience in advertising agencies and marketing with other popular adult fashion brands, adds the business nouse. The girls met through their partners (Suzanne’s husband is Channel Nine exec Tim Cleary) and quickly realised they had loads in common including, at the time,

two sons each. Olivia says Kiniki went to market with an inaugural Winter range back in March, 2010.

Originally, the label was pitched at boys and girls aged from 3-10 years.

“Suzanne has a real eye for denim treatment,” Olivia says. “We just saw a gap in the market for that kind of thing and fun, quirky, bright prints.

“Kiniki clothes effortlessly epitomise children’s lifestyle with timeless, durable and versatile pieces,” she says. “We steer clear of superficial trends to create a brand as uninhibited and unpredictable as the kids who wear it.”

Olivia describes the label as “cool, but not high fashion”.

“It’s definitely fashionable but we don’t buy into superficial trends,” she says. Being a mum herself, Olivia understands that parents seek out clothes that will last and that many kids’ clothes are passed down from child to child within a family. Longevity is the key and classic designs, combined with high quality fabrics, make that happen In 2011, the trio added a Mini Kiniki range for newborns to Size 3 and then, with loads of

customer requests for larger sizes, they expanded the sizing to account for a bigger slice of the fashion pie. The current Kiniki range covers newborns to 12 year olds and is probably double the size of the launch offering showing positive growth for the label.

“It’s still such early days though,” Olivia says. “We are impatient and want to grow even more but the retail industry on the whole is not flying right now. We are putting our efforts into establishing a cult following for the brand and getting retailers excited. It’s all about consolidation for us right now – not expanding just yet.”

With style names including their ‘Who peed in the pool’ boardies, the ‘Farting Freddie’ swap card tee, and other non-traditional prints such as skulls and crossbones on long johns for bubs and the Lady Guinea Pig with skeleton gingerbread friends on girls’ tees, Kiniki is definitely not like other kids’ brands.

While Kiniki is currently stocked by about 50-odd retailers here in Australia, in New Zealand and online, Olivia hopes to one day see the brand on racks throughout the world, taking their uniquely Australian

> Continued on page 20

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 19

feature

> Continued from page 19

designs to little people everywhere.

So, while Olivia and Suzanne are busy with the dayto-day fabulous-ness of Kiniki, we wondered what contribution Shane actually made? Coffee boy?

Photocopying? Providing office funnies maybe?

Olivia explains that he does play a significant role in concept development, right through to tweaking final designs. Take the Kiniki swimwear range.

Shane was insistent on adding sun-smart pieces with long sleeves that offered SPF50+ protection.

He was also the brains behind incorporating zips into the legs of their kids’ track pants to make it easier to remove them at nappy change time without first having to slip off shoes. Clever.

“You wouldn’t believe it but he really is interested in fashion and colour,” she says.

When the working day is through, Olivia and Shane put their ‘parent’ hats on again to face the onslaught of four boys through witching hour. Yes, four boys.

20 / SEPTEMBER 2012

With Charlie, aged 6, and Ben, almost 4 years, Olivia said she and Shane thought it would be nice to add just one more child to the mix. Maybe even a baby girl if they were lucky, just to help bring the testosterone level down a notch at home. But Mother Nature had other plans. Twins. And twin boys at that. Jack and Harry were born on December 30 last year.

“It’s really busy at home,” Olivia admits. “There are about three loads of washing a day and all those bottles to sterilise. Ten years ago I would have said I’d love to have four kids but I never expected it. It’s been a big surprise. And there will definitely be no more!”

Olivia says the additional two family members have seen her car resemble more of a mini bus lately, especially by the time they throw a double pram and the dog in the back.

Olivia says at eight months of age now, Jack is the bigger twin and is attempting to crawl while Harry is content to chill out and lie around. She says the bigger boys are very helpful with the babies but tend to love them so much it verges on smothering.

So, with four boys and an AFL-star husband, are we

going to see those four mini-Shanes on a football field one day?

“Charlie has absolutely no interest in football at the moment – Ben is more into it. I reckon we’ll have at least one out of four play.”

We can only wish Olivia good luck with her boyish brood. And thank her, Suzanne and Shane for bringing fun and quirkiness to kids everywhere. www.kinikikids.com

BEST ON (PLAY)GROUND “KINIKI CLOTHES EFFORTLESSLY EPITOMISE CHILDREN’S LIFESTYLE WITH TIMELESS, DURABLE AND VERSATILE PIECES. “WE STEER CLEAR OF SUPERFICIAL TRENDS TO CREATE A BRAND AS UNIHIBITED AND UNPREDICTABLE AS THE KIDS WHO WEAR IT.”

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GROWING TOGETHER THE NEW THREE-IN-ONE STOKKE BABY CARRIER GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD, WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON COMFORT AND ERGONOMICS FOR YOUR BABY OR YOU

Research shows that we are all born into this world already connected to those around us. Movements and rhythms felt from inside the womb are familiar and comforting to your baby; a mother’s heartbeat or a father’s voice all jumbled up with other familiar sounds from the outside world.

Throughout your pregnancy you feel every flutter and movement that your growing baby makes. Just like you tune into them, your baby gets used to your rhythm – so why stop now?

Stokke MyCarrier is a new three-in-one baby carrier that allows you to keep your baby close, maintaining your symbiotic harmony as your child grows.

Adjustable and easy to use, Stokke MyCarrier grows with your child, adapting to their ever-changing needs as they develop.

For baby, the innovative adjustable seating position supports the bottom, thighs and pelvis using the natural ‘Happy Hips’ position. Unlike other carriers, this supported seating position can be adapted when your older baby wants to face the outside world. From 12 months, Stokke MyCarrier can be used on your back and the design allows you to position your baby in the carrier before attaching it to you – a safe and comfortable solution.

It is simple and user friendly and the fully adjustable parent harness makes it effortless for Mum and Dad to use the same carrier. www.stokke.com

FOR BUB • Suitable from birth (minimum 3.5kg and 53cm) to maximum 15kg • A djustable seating to ensure ‘Happy Hips’ position when facing parent and narrow leg position when facing outwards • Good support under bottom and thighs • Adjustable head support and back for proper posture • Made from certified organic cotton

FOR PARENT • Easy to adjust and easy to use • Ergonomically designed back and shoulder straps ensure your comfort • Waist belt for even weight distribution • Additional support can be added when used as a back carrier • Unique three-year warranty by registering online • Available in red, dark navy and brown SEPTEMBER 2012 / 23

Stylish, educational gifts and nursery interiors for babies and children

15% off using code ‘peekaboo’ (does not include sale items or Il tutto bags)

Shop online

www.sweetcreations.com.au info@sweetcreations.com.au

Celebrate your pregnancy in style!!

oh baby THERE’S SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT. WHILE YOU’RE WATCHING WHAT YOU EAT, READING ALL THE BOOKS AND THINKING UP BABY NAMES THERE ARE SO MANY ‘THINGS’ TO BUY (BUT THAT’S THE FUN PART!). PEEKABOO ’S BUMP FEATURE SHOULD HELP GUIDE YOU ON WHAT’S NEW AND COOL ON THE MARKET

Vanilla romper with Meredith Gaston illustration and floral fabric sleeves www.andthelittle doglaughed.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 25

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dress me

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BABY TALK 26 / SEPTEMBER 2012

1. Sapling Birds in Trees bodysuit www. notanotherbabyshop.com.au 2. Yellow/grey striped onesie www.amoramordesigns. com 3. Ray Ban romper www.sodaandpop. com.au 4. Balloonerina onesie www. myarkadia.com.au 5.Smafolk Owl onesie www.babygoesretro.com.au 6. Escargot milk cotton onesie www.escargot.co 7. Roll Sleeve Growsuit www.purebaby.com.au 8.

Grey/black onesie www.amoramordesigns. com 9. Nosh Organics giraffe onesie www. notanotherbabyshop.com.au 10. Navy/pink onesie www.amoramordesigns.com

6.

WWW.THEONLINENEST.COM.AU

WWW.BONDS.COM.AU

WWW.LITTLEBOSSYBOOTS.COM.AU

Check out the Dijjie rompers on this site – you

For all ‘round versatility, stock up on classic

Organic cotton? Tick. Traditional colours for

will die and go to cuteness heaven! We especially

Bonds singletsuits. Crotch clips stop the singlet

easy gift giving? Tick. Stand-out prints for little

love the Dandy Do and Nu Wave Pacer styles.

riding up bub’s back, keeping little bodies warm.

fashionistas? Tick. You simply must visit.

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BABY TALK

1. Mamas & Papas Urbo www. mamasandpapas.com 2. Mamas & Papas Mylo www.mamasandpapas.com 3. Baby Jogger City Versa www.babyjogger.com 4. Jané Rider www.brandstyle.com.au 5. Rozibaby 3 Wheeler www.rozibaby.com.au 6. iCandy Peach www.icandyworld.com 7. Bugaboo Cameleon3 www.bugaboo.com

WWW.BABYANDTODDLERSHOW.COM.AU

WWW.COOLMOMPICKS.COM

WWW.SPEARMINTBABY.COM

Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne, this

Sign up for daily or weekly emails highlighting

Blog featuring everything gorgeous for baby

show is a great opportunity for mums-to-be and

everything new and cool for mums. Sister site

including fabulous nursery and kids’ room

mums to check out the latest in baby gear.

Cool Mom Tech is also worth a look.

decorator ideas.

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 27

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1. mOmma non-spill drink cup www. mommatechnology.com 2. b.box essential baby bottle www.bbox.com.au 3. mOmma soft spoon www.mommatechnology.com 4. Din Din stainless steel plate www.coolkidz.net.au 5. Boon snack ball www.coolkidz.net.au 6. BrotherMax home and travel weaning bowl www.bornwithstyle.com.au 7. SkipHop zoo plates www.skiphop.com 8. Bloom Fresco chrome high chair www.rogerarmstrong.com.au

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BABY TALK 28 / SEPTEMBER 2012

feed me

WWW.KIDDIESFOODKUTTER.COM.AU

WWW.BELINDAJANES.COM

WWW.BOOBIEBIKKIES.COM.AU

A clever little contraption designed for young

Pick up some baby feeding essentials and

Pinky and Sarah McKay’s Boobie Bikkies are

kids to cut their food safely. While it looks like a

other collectible gifts here and make sure you

said to boost your energy and encourage a

sharp knife, rounded teeth make it super safe.

grab something pretty for your kitchen too.

healthy supply of mama milk. Great idea!

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carry me 1. Hug-A-Bub Wrap Carrier www.hugabub. com 2. Mamas & Papas Morph Baby Carrier in plum pudding www.mamasandpapas.com 3. Beco Butterfly II Baby Carrier in pony/denim www.greenkids.com.au 4. Combi Magical Compact 4-way Baby Carrier www.combi.com. au 5. Ergobaby Carrier in Aussie Khaki www. babesinarms.com.au 6. Minimonkey 4-in-1 Baby Sling www.kiekaboo.com.au 7. BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Miracle in organic cotton www.babybjörn. com.au

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BABY TALK

WWW.HEALTHYMUMMY.COM

WWW.BABYWEARINGWEEK.COM.AU

WWW.THEBABYWEARER.COM

While you’re busy prepping nutritious

October 8-14 is Australia and New Zealand

This is a comprehensive resource on everything

meals for the little ones, make sure you

Babywearing Week. Check the website for

babywearing from research articles to personal

are looking after their mother as well.

an event near to you.

stories and an interactive forum. All you need.

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 29

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BABY TALK 28 / SEPTEMBER 2012

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1. Carmelina Jezebel www.carmelinabags. com 2. Sugarjack limited edition Gabi www. sugarjack.com 3. Not Rational Kelly www. notrational.com 4. Claudine & Ash The Kalani www.claudineandash.com 5. Tribe Singapore Sling in raspberry www. tribebags.com 6. Isle of Charlie Emma www. isleofcharlie.com.au 7. Nest Collins in Pacific blue www.nestdiaperbags.com 8. il tutto Georgia Hobo www.iltutto.com.au 9. Storksak Sofia in tan www.storksak.com.au

WWW.GRAVYBAGS.COM

WWW.POPPYLOU.COM.AU

WWW.BIDDYBAGS.COM.AU

If Dad is required to carry around the nappy

Grab a slouchy designer canvas nappy bag for

Biddy Bags may not be high-end designer pieces

changing essentials, hook him up with the

you (Coco Lou is our pick) and something for

but we love the social enterprise and sense of

very manly ‘Fullmoon’. Neat idea.

baby’s big sister (Sleeping Lou Lou is devine!)

community behind the humble products.

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BABY TALK

1. Weegoamigo printed muslin wraps by Woodland & Paper Dolls www.thebabycloset. com.au 2. Grobag - Grobot & Tea Party www.rogerarmstrong.com.au 3. Dinosaur Dreaming baby sleeping bag www.lovemae. com.au 4. bloom Coco Go in sand www. rogerarmstrong.com.au 5. Magenta & Blossom sleeping sack www.eenimeeni.com 6. Martini Green moses basket and rocker combo www.sleepispaces.com.au

WWW.SIDSANDKIDS.ORG

WWW.SAVEOURSLEEP.COM.AU

WWW.SOUNDSLEEPING.COM

There are loads of hints from the experts on

If you’re expecting or you’re the frazzled mum of a

There are many similar sites about. Use them to

how to safely put baby to bed, or download

newborn, get yourself online and into Tizzie Hall’s

create/purchase/download some relaxing sounds

brochures on wrapping and tummy time.

world to save your sleep.

to help bub, and you, fall to sleep easier. Zzzzzzz...

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 29

explore our website bugaboo.com join us on facebook.com/bugaboo follow us on twitter.com/bugaboo

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Celebrating the finest Australian and international brands in children’s fashion and design; lifestyle, travel and shopping; interiors, toys and more. Over 30 categories adjudicated by a panel of industry experts plus consumer-voted categories.

Register your interest now to receive an information pack. www.peekaboomagazine.com.au

feature 34 / SEPTEMBER 2012

feature

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL DON’T DISMISS MRS AUSTRALIA GLOBE AS A BEAUTY QUEEN. KAREN GEE MAY BE STUNNING BUT LOOK PAST THE TIARA AND IT’S HER MESSAGES OF EMPOWERMENT THAT MAKE THIS MUM OF FIVE TRULY SHINE STORY VANESSA MANNIX COPPARD PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Karen Gee is busy. When Peekaboo sat down to chat with the Sydney-based mum, she had just gotten her five children off to school, was getting ready to move house and preparing to jet off to California to represent Australia in the Mrs Globe pageant, a competition organised by the Women in Need (WIN) Foundation. It’s clear though the 39-year-old thrives on the rush of it all and she’s beaming as she explains just why a modern mum would want to enter this kind of a contest.

“While I love dressing up and all of that, being in a beauty pageant was never the drawcard for me. It was the chance to give back. We all need to give back and the Foundation’s aims really struck a chord with me,” Karen says. The US-based foundation works to support victims of abuse and spread messages of empowerment to young women.

“It’s a truly fantastic organisation and it’s true to my own values around body image. WIN is not well known yet in Australia but I’m enjoying working to help build it from the ground up.”

Crowned Mrs Australia Globe last September, Karen’s attacked the role with relish, raising funds for WIN in Australia and, along the way, boosting her own confidence by stepping outside her comfort zone. Mum to Jake, 17, Oscar, 13, Sebastian, 10, Archibald, 6, and Zali, 5, Karen had – like many of us – found herself stuck in a comfortable rut. Sure, she was happy, organised and had her daily routine down pat – but she couldn’t stop wondering if she could do more.

“This competition has opened up my eyes – it’s made me realise I can do much more than I thought I could,” Karen explains. “We all get caught up in the daily grind, doing the school run and everything else. We need to take more risks in our lives. People see Mrs Australia Globe as a beauty pageant but it’s far more than that. It’s about women stepping out of their comfort zone.” It was Oscar who first suggested his mum enter the competition that, Karen says, has transformed her perception of herself.

“I used to go into a coffee shop and see friends but be hesitant to say hello, thinking people were judging me,” she says. “Now I have the confidence to walk into any room and speak to a crowd.”

In the last year, Karen has taken on various roles, including ambassador for Hilton Hotel’s Living Well clubs, face of the Golden Slipper Racing Carnival and, most recently, as ambassador for Good Work(s), an organisation committed to inspiring and empowering through fashion (the Kardashians are fans). Karen’s loved the opportunity to promote positive messages about body image – and change a few perceptions along the way.

“When I spoke at last year’s Golden Slipper, some people probably rolled their eyes and thought ‘Oh, here we go’ but I wanted them to see I wasn’t some perfect beauty queen. I told them I was just an ordinary woman – people want someone to relate to. And it’s OK to be normal and ordinary – we’re all the same.” So Karen’s not perfect but she does work hard. Up at 5.30am most days, Karen hits the gym while her tribe are still sleeping. After five babies, she says she’s in “the best shape” of her life.

“It’s a physical and a mental thing. I incorporate exercise into my daily life – it’s like brushing my teeth.

It gives me energy and I don’t feel great without it.

It’s not about being skinny or running a marathon, it’s about being healthy.”

A home routine where everyone plays a part is also key to making life work, says Karen.

“The biggest thing is routine. The kids know what they need to do. It takes time and practice but there’s an expectation that the children will pull their own weight – they make their beds, unpack the dishwasher, do the bins. It’s so important to praise what they do, it encourages them to do more. This is true not just at home but in life.

“Certainly there’s conflict but I don’t think that’s a bad thing either. We are totally imperfect and we never get the balance right. And I do get the guilts. I take on a lot. But it’s important for the kids to see I’m capable

of this. I want to be a positive role model for them. I want them to see that I choose to be myself and live my life positively and I’m generous to others. I’ve got this opportunity. I’ve got a job to do, to step out of my comfort zone and be a voice for others.”

Through it all, hubby Andrew, while preferring to stay in the background, is a great support and Karen admits she works hard on her marriage.

“Every couple of months, my husband and I allocate two or three nights to ourselves. Andrew travels a lot and has a high-pressure job so we sit down with the diaries and we schedule it in. We just go into the city for a break. People say communication is key to a good marriage but it’s not that straightforward.

Marriage is hard work. You need common goals – for us, our common goal is to grow old together.”

Despite her claims to be ‘just ordinary’, Karen’s enthusiasm to be her absolute best is inspiring and she hopes this is her message to other women.

“I’ve made a conscious decision not to change myself or try to be anyone else. I run my own race, I stay in my own lane, I do the best I can do without trying to be someone else – when you try to be someone else, it goes pear-shaped.

“Shine through with your own qualities. If you’ve got a focus or a vision, you’ll get there in the end.”

STOP THE PRESS KAREN WON THE COVETED INTERNATIONAL MEDIA AWARD AT THE MRS GLOBE COMPETITION IN CALIFORNIA IN AUGUST. IT’S A PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADE VOTED ON BY JOURNALISTS AROUND THE WORLD. FOLLOW KAREN ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/KARENGEEOFFICIAL

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 35

fashion

BOHEMIAN BUMP SPRING IS HERE AND THAT MEANS COLOUR. LOTS OF IT. IF YOU’RE EXPECTING, THE BEST WAY TO FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THE WARMER WEATHER AND LOOK GOOD AT THE SAME TIME IS IN A FLOATY KAFTAN BY CAMILLA FRANKS. SWOON. PHOTOS NAOMI V PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING VANESSA RUSSELL

Above left Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts in pure white www.eenimeeni.com. Tilly and Otto fedora www.tillyandotto.com.au. The Robe Spider and Lily necklace www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks Above right Camilla Talitha girls tie-front dress www.camilla.com.au. The Robe Georgia on my Mind necklace www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks

36 / SEPTEMBER 2012

fashion Endless Summer maxi dress www.camilla. com.au. Zoda earrings, Covet necklace, Zoda bracelet, Holiday bangle, all from The Robe www.facebook.com/ TheRobeBarracks Model’s own hat

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 37

fashion

BOHEMIAN BUMP

Above left Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts in pure white www.eenimeeni.com. Formentera boys button-up top www.camilla.com.au The Robe Spider and Lily necklace www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks Above right Camilla Talitha dress www.camilla.com.au. The Robe Georgia on My Mind necklace and Zoda beaded earrings www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks Model’s own hat

38 / SEPTEMBER 2012

fashion

From left, 1. Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts in pure white www.eenimeeni. com 2. Endless Summer maxi dress www.camilla.com.au. Zoda beaded earrings and Covet handmade necklace, both from The Robe www.facebook.com/ TheRobeBarracks 3. Endless Summer kaftan www.camilla.com.au. Georgia on my mind necklace, Holiday bangle and Zoda bracelet as anklet, all from The Robe www. facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks. Tilly and Otto fedora www.tillyandotto.com. au. 4. Talitha dress www.camilla.com.au. Spider and Lily handbag and Holiday tassle necklace from The Robe www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks 5. Formentera maxi dress www.camilla.com.au. Fabienne bracelet set, The Robe www.facebook. com/TheRobeBarracks 6. Formentera boys button-up top www.camilla.com.au.

Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts in pure white www.eenimeeni.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 39

fashion

Formentera maxi dress www.camilla.com.au.

The Robe Fabienne bangles www.facebook. com/TheRobeBarracks

40 / SEPTEMBER 2012

fashion

BOHEMIAN BUMP

Above left Formentera maxi dress www.camilla.com.au. Fabienne bangles and earrings both from The Robe www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks.

Formentera boys button-up top www.camilla.com.au. Eeni Meeni Miini Moh denim shorts in pure white www.eenimeeni.com Above right Camilla Talitha dress www.camilla.com.au The Robe Spider and Lily beaded necklace www.facebook.com/TheRobeBarracks

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 41

fashion Camilla Existing Eden jumpsuit www.camilla.com.au. The Robe’s Zoda beaded necklace, Holiday wood and silver bangle, Song hand carved bangle and holding Georgia on My Mind black wooden beads www.facebook.com/ TheRobeBarracks

42 / SEPTEMBER 2012

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From the safety and comfort of the Leander Cradle, your baby can move into the elegant Leander Cot, which converts into a modern junior bed as the child grows. The Leander Change Table complements the range perfectly and converts into a smart desk for your growing child. Add the Leander High Chair – a modern, unique timber high chair that grows with your child from baby to adult – and your home is filled with Scandinavian elegance, quality and longevity.

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RIGHT FOOT FORWARD IT’S HARD FINDING FOOTWEAR FOR LITTLIES. THERE ARE SO MANY STYLES AND PRICE POINTS. AND THAT’S ON TOP OF TRYING TO KID WRANGLE YOUR WIGGLY WORMS IN THE SHOE STORE TO MAKE THE RIGHT SIZE SELECTION

MOOKY COOL Amber Scales has shoes in her genes. Her aunt is Double Bay shoe designer Jane Blundell and her great-grandparents founded and ran Australian footwear company Abbey Shoes for 50 years. Mooky shoes is Amber’s contribution to the footwear industry – and it’s a stylish contribution at that.

“Mooky shoes are made out of quality leather so feet can breathe and feel happy,” she says.

“They are beautifully soft underfoot with padded arch and insole and provide good support.”

Amber started Mooky in 2010 with moccasins top of mind – her own favourite everyday shoe style that she says is a versatile style for children as well. Since then, she’s added trendy unisex suede Kickers, ballet flats with ankle straps and, most recently, a glittery girls’ flat. www.mooky.com.au

Children’s feet are very different to adult feet.

They’re wider across the toes, narrower at the heel and the inner arch is lined with fatty tissue.

There are also large gaps between the bones, which are soft like jelly. So, it’s not really surprising that little feet are quite vulnerable.

Bobux founder Chris Bennett says little feet go through a range of changes before a child turns four. The fatty tissue in the inner arch is exercised away with movement, little bones start to harden and form, and muscles learn how to grip the floor.

Incredibly though, all 26 bones and 36 joints are not fully formed until a child turns 13.

“All children should be allowed to develop healthy feet for life,” Chris says.

Through 20 years of experience running the family business, Chris says they’ve recognised that barefoot is best for natural foot development.

Tight fitting socks, rigid soles and materials that don’t move with wriggles and stretches can hamper healthy development.

Bobux draws on this philosophy to create footwear that mimics the freedom and healthy benefits of bare feet.

Natasha Barber owns fellow kids’ shoe brand Skeanie and is all for educating parents on the importance of selecting the right shoe for their children.

“Poorly shaped shoes are potentially harmful; restricting natural movement and development of the foot,” she says. “Wearing shoes of insufficient length during childhood can lead to deformities of the foot, particularly Hallux Valgus (bunion)related disorders.

“As children’s feet, on average, grow two to three sizes per year, shoes should be soft leather, with 12-17mm of room in front of the toes.”

Natasha says nearly all babies are born with what looks like flat feet, because the foot surface is covered by a thick pad of fat. It’s only from walking that the ligaments and muscles strengthen and pull upwards to form the arch. The arch is usually fully developed by the time the child is 6-8 years old.

Skeanie is a preferred provider of The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW). www.bobux.com.au www.skeanie.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 45

feature

SHANNAN PONTON

DADDY-OH!

THE BIGGEST LOSER TRAINER FATHER OF ONE

FATHER’S DAY GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON ALL THE THINGS THAT WISE MAN IN YOUR LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU. AND AT THE SAME TIME YOU CAN ALSO GRIMACE AS YOU RECALL ALL THE BAD DAD JOKES AND THE NEVER-ENDING EMBARRASSING THINGS THEY DO. PEEKABOO CAUGHT UP WITH THREE SPECIAL DADS – ONE NEWBIE, ONE MORE EXPERIENCED AND THE OTHER ONE JUST PLAIN CRAZY (WE’RE LOOKING AT YOU MR FATHER-OF- EIGHT !) AND ASKED THEM ALL ABOUT THAT MOST AMAZING ROLE THEY PLAY IN THEIR KIDS’ LIVES...

Name of your child and his age Maximus Colin, 9 weeks.

Where were you the moment you found out you were going to be a Dad? What was your initial reaction? We’d actually taken our time falling pregnant. After a year of halfhearted, hitand-miss attempts to fall pregnant and with the pressure mounting we booked in to IVF Australia for some testing. All the tests came back A-OK. We think we fell pregnant the next weekend!

Two weeks later I was presented with a number of (at least five) white sticks, each displaying a clear line and a very faint line which I dismissed as miss tests. The next day we went to the doctor together for a blood test and, well, the rest is history.

Describe the very first time you held your newborn child My wife had a caesarian so after 20 minutes of violent pulling, Max was born and the tears rolled – more so for me than my wife, which surprised me.

Describe your Dad in a few words Hard, but fair!

What lessons did he teach you? Respect is the most important rule or virtue to embrace in life.

Describe your own style of parenting/ fathering I’m a one-trick pony at the moment.

If the dummy and a Daddy cuddle doesn’t settle Max, well, it’s off to Mum. I appreciate my wife even more now!

What lessons do you want to teach your child? Children are wonderful imitators. I want to give him something wonderful to imitate.

What’s the one thing you love most about being a Dad? Everything!! I’m the quintessential, hands-on happy Dad. I’m incredibly proud of my growing brood.

46 / SEPTEMBER 2012

feature

JON FELTON

JAY LAGA’AIA

DIRECTOR OF STUCK ON YOU, PENNY SCALLAN AND GOLLY GOSH. FATHER OF THREE

ACTOR, SINGER FATHER OF EIGHT

Names of your children and their ages Dugald, 12, Harry, 14, Charlie, 17.

Names of your children and their ages Jeremy (boy, 28), Mataio (boy, 20), Iosefa (boy, 14), Jessica (girl,12), Tana (boy, 11), Georgia Rose (girl, 7), Katie Grace (girl, 5), Isabella (girl, 3).

Where were you the moment you found out you were going to be a Dad? What was your initial reaction? I remember this one clearly. We were living in Tamworth and I had just come home from a flight to Moree when Carrie told me. Even as I recall it now I can remember that feeling of happiness, excitement and nerves. It’s a special time.

Describe the very first time you held your first newborn child Holding your baby for the first time is a fairly nerve-wracking experience for most Dads.

You pick them up – they are so tiny and fragile – and then you hold them in your arms or on your chest and they relax into you. You feel an amazing bond.

Describe your Dad in a few words A true gentleman. Honesty, integrity and hard working are words that come to mind.

What lessons did he teach you? He taught me to work hard for what I believe in and encouraged me regardless of the outcome. He believed the best way to learn something was from doing it yourself.

Describe your own style of parenting/fathering I think I have a fairly relaxed parenting style. I encourage them to be the best they can be and to find their own path.

What lessons do you want to teach your children? I want them to trust their instincts and to understand it’s OK to make mistakes and learn from them. I want them to find things that make them happy and go for it.

What’s the one thing you love most about being a Dad? That’s a hard one to answer! I love being a Dad. I’m really proud of the boys so it’s the moments that take you by surprise I love the best like watching them all laugh and carry on, trying new things, playing sport or just goofing around.

Where were you the moment you found out you were going to be a Dad? What was your initial reaction? I had just gotten home from work and my wife took me to one side and told me – without telling me. Women tend to either blurt it out or leave clues and all we husbands can think of is either ‘I’m getting an amazing meal tonight’ or ‘I am going to get lucky tonight’! Ha! Then my wife finally got around to suggesting that there might be one more member in our family and, to be honest, I thought we were getting a dog. But then I realised that she had half a smile on her face. I suppose wives and partners don’t really know how their better halves are going to take the news. I was ecstatic and I wanted to tell everyone, but she told me to wait – that we must wait a certain time to be sure, but then it was on for young and old.

Describe the very first time you held your first newborn child It was surreal, because I knew who this person was but I didn’t know how I fitted into the equation. The first thing that struck me was that baby smell. It should be bottled. I remember cutting the cord and then just looking at and rocking my son. I sat for a long time just whispering things into his ear. Things that I am sure my father (who had passed the year before) was whispering to me.

Describe your Dad in a few words Serious, a church leader, disciplinarian, musician, beautiful singer and a great orator. I get my performance chops from him and I also get my work ethic from him.

What lessons did he teach you? He used to say to me, ‘Don’t tell me how good you are, let other people tell me how good you are’. He taught me the value of hard work and I suppose I always strive for excellence in order to please him and to also live by example for my children.

Describe your own style of parenting/fathering I use humour and unconventionality to aid my parenting. I don’t believe in sparing the rod. My wife and I play good cop/bad cop but unfortunately I can’t seem to remember which one I am playing and I end up caving in all the time. We use music and song and dance to help motivate and participate in our children’s lives and I use a lot of imaginative games to tell them stories at night or to create stories and game scenarios. There is never a dull moment in our household.

What lessons do you want to teach your children? “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission,” – Eleanor Roosevelt. It doesn’t take much to be nice to people and respect your elders. I think the biggest lesson I want to leave my children is simply that ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will always get you fed in my house.

What’s the one thing you love most about being a Dad? What I love most about being a Dad is that it forces me to make sure that the teachings and advice I give my children are 100 per cent quality and true. If we, as parents, try to give only good, truthful, quality advice to our kids, then when they grow while they may not remember everything we have told them or taught them, if they forget even 45 per cent of what was taught, they are still left with 55 per cent good, truthful, quality advice and no B.S. (Jay and Shannan appear courtesy of Mark Morrissey & Associates) SEPTEMBER 2012 / 47

feature

BAG SAVV Y FROM INTERNATIONAL BANKING LAWYER TO NAPPY BAG DESIGNER – IT’S BEEN AN INTERESTING AND REWARDING TRIP FOR ROSIE JANSEN WHOSE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS CAN BE SEEN ON THE SHOULDERS OF MANY HIGH-PROFILE U.S. CELEBRITIES. PEEKABOO SPOKE TO THE AUSSIE BAG LADY FROM HER HOME IN SINGAPORE. STORY BELINDA GLINDEMANN

While Tribe bags can be seen on the shoulders of celebs around the world, producing luxury nappy bags wasn’t always your forte was it?

I grew up in rural New South Wales in a farming community and spent my final few years of high school at boarding school in Sydney. Whilst I was always entrepreneurial growing up, I’d always wanted to be a lawyer so that’s the path I followed for 10 years. I studied a Bachelor of Laws at the Australian National University and then worked in Sydney for a few years before moving to Asia.

Why did you originally make the move from Australia to Singapore? I first moved from Sydney to Tokyo, where I lived for two years. My husband, Mark, had been offered a role in his firm’s Tokyo office so I moved across with him.

When I was in Sydney, my area of legal practice was litigation but because of language constraints and the different legal system in Japan, I couldn’t practice in that area when I moved to Tokyo, so I changed direction and became an international banking lawyer. After my husband’s assignment came to an end, we decided that we weren’t quite ready to go home. We chose to move to Singapore and have been here for eight years!

Can you take us back to the day you first thought about producing Tribe bags. When was that?

It was a gradual process rather than a clear decision that was made one day. I love designer handbags and noticed that a lot of my female banking and legal colleagues couldn’t find diapers bags which were high quality and stylish just like the handbags they were used to carrying. I familiarised myself with what was and wasn’t available in the market and then put a business plan together. I sat on that business plan for two years – it was scary to step away from a secure and well-established legal career but eventually I just decided to go for it.

48 / SEPTEMBER 2012

What were some of the first things you did to start Tribe? One of the first things I did was spend a lot of time thinking of an appropriate name and logo and from there I registered the trademark, business name and domain.

Which bag is your favourite? Which is the best selling bag? My favourite bag in the Tribe range is the Singapore Sling in Sea Blue and Midnight with silver hardware. The Singapore Sling in Cognac is our bestseller.

Where did the name Tribe come from and what does it mean to you? I wanted a name that had family connotations but that didn’t sound twee or babyish. It took me several months to come up with the name. I wasn’t going to settle for anything unless I really loved it.

Other than online, where else around the world are Tribe bags stocked? We’re now just opening the brand to retail stockists and Tribe is stocked in several high-end US boutiques. With our new collection coming out in 2013, Australian mums can expect to soon see our bags in Australia.

What bags/styles were in your launch range?

Which colours? Tribe’s inaugural range consisted of three different models, each in different colours. Our signature and best-selling bag is the ‘Singapore Sling’ which came in six different colours ranging from Raspberry and Sea Blue to Midnight and Cognac, although several colours have since sold out. The Cognac has been very popular, particularly after Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl has been photographed carrying hers on several different occasions.

Who was the first celebrity to be photographed wearing your bag? How did you feel when you saw that shot? The first celebrity to be photographed carrying our ‘Singapore Sling’ was Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay. We were very excited when we saw the shot – we love her as an actress and she appears to be a very handson mum which makes us love her even more.

How do you settle on your designs/styles and colours? I start with several designs and colours, and then present the various options to friends and focus groups for feedback. From there, I recalibrate until I’m happy with the final design. It can be a long process to get things right.

What makes a Tribe bag stand out from others?

What’s your point of difference? Tribe’s ‘The Ultimate Breed of Baby Bag’ because our bags are very high-quality, aesthetically appealing and functional. There’s simply nothing quite like Tribe in the market. The consistent feedback from our customers is that the bags look great in magazines and online, but that they’re ‘amazing’ in person.

You’ve notched up a few award wins already.

Which ones stand out for you? Winning the Junior Design Award 2012 for Best Changing Bag was a huge milestone for Tribe, and we were delighted that the judging panel chose us over many long-established diaper bag brands. Winning the award has really set the tone for our business.

Customers know that what they’re buying is a well-executed and distinctive combination of quality, style and functionality.

Tell us about an average working day for you?

No two days are the same as one day I might be focused on marketing and sales activity, whereas another day I may be looking at brand strategy. My working day typically starts after lunch as I try to spend the mornings with my son. Several times a week I try to be home in time to bath him and

read bedtime stories. On those days, I typically do an extra few hours of work after he has gone to bed. I have flexibility with my working hours which is great but the work still has to be done!

What is the most enjoyable part of the job?

What do you least like? I enjoy a lot of different aspects such as design, marketing and strategy.

I really dislike having to do anything that is accounting related.

Tell us about your child My son Toby is two – it’s such a great age.

What do you like to do on the weekends to unwind? Like most mums, I like to get some extra sleep whenever possible. I also enjoy going out to brunch with the family.

Do you get back to Australia much? Where do you like to holiday? I try to get back to Australia two to three times a year to see family. I have two nieces who completely adore Toby, so I try to get them together as often as possible. When I’m not visiting my immediate family in rural New South Wales, my holidays tend to be around Asia as the flight times are very short when travelling from Singapore.

BAG LADIES CELEB TRIBE BAG WEARERS INCLUDE KATHERINE HEIGL AND SARAH DREW (GREY’S ANATOMY), TIFFANI THIESSEN, CONSTANCE ZIMMER (ENTOURAGE), MARISKA HARGITAY (LAW & ORDER: SVU), LISA RINNA, DENISE RICHARDS

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 49

travel

OFF TO SEA IT ‘DAWNS’ ON OUR WRITER THAT A FAMILY CRUISE MIGHT BE ONE OF THE EASIEST AND MOST FUN FAMILY HOLIDAYS AROUND. LET’S ‘SEA’ IF SHE’S RIGHT… STORY CARLA ADAMS

“A sailor went to sea, sea, sea to see what he could see, see, see but all that he could see, see, see was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea!”

Something about being at sea puts you in the mood for such a jovial little ditty, which I recalled from the deep blue depths of my kindergarten memories and taught to Miss Three and Miss Five while on our ocean adventure. We were sailing on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn, a 245m beauty (that’s equivalent in length to three-and-a-half 747 jumbo jets lined up in a row). In other words, she’s big.

There were more than 2000 passengers on board and yet we never felt crowded.

Our little travelling party were avowed landlubbers before embarking – my husband and daughters never having been at sea for more than a night and in anything larger than a houseboat. This ship is

50 / SEPTEMBER 2012

bigger than any of the hotels we’ve ever stayed at and a whole lot more fun.

I have never been in a hotel which hand delivers every night, a program of some 70 different daily activities. Now admittedly, paper quilling or line dancing lessons are not for everyone, but the latest Hollywood movie screenings, a spectacular Cirque du Soleil-style performance featuring laser lights and extraordinary gymnastic talent, quiet time with a book in one of the bars and the occasional crew-led paper aeroplane challenge were right up our alley. We even got into the swing of things on Island Night, dancing with our girls (I stuck a flower in my hair and was by far the least in character on the entire pool deck).

For many years, the attraction of cruise food was simply that it was included in the price and there

was plenty of it. Luke Mangan has changed all that with his onboard Salt Grill dining experience now available on the Pacific Dawn. The restaurant is beautiful, the service five-stars, and the food worth every dollar of the additional surcharge. Juicy fresh Sydney rock oysters, 300-day grain fed wagyu beef and some sensational sides made for a great night out – enhanced by the kids’ club’s ‘open until 10.30pm’ policy.

In total, there are five different dining options aboard Pacific Dawn and we found them all delicious and full of variety. Two offer walk-in buffet or a la carte options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s an icecream bar serving the signature P&O Cruises’ Chocolate Hokey Pokey, a juice bar, and the elegant Asian-inspired dining experience at La Luna.

The staff’s love of children added another

travel

CRUISE NEWS Fares on Pacific Pearl’s 13-night White Cloud Wonders New Zealand roundtrip cruise from Sydney, departing November 23, 2012, start at $909 per person quad share (subject to availability, conditions apply). Scenic cruising through the stunning Fiordland National Park is followed by stops in Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

Fares include accommodation, main meals and onboard entertainment and activities. Pacific Pearl also offers interconnecting cabins for families. For more information and bookings, contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 94 or visit them online.

www.pocruises.com.au

dimension to our enjoyment. Our girls had brought with them an essential assortment of Barbies and small stuffed animals, so imagine their delight when we returned to our cabin – freshly made up daily – and found a bath towel had been twisted into a big cute rabbit, holding all the girls’ toys in its paws, perched on the windowsill of our cabin. Jonel, our steward, had even cut out eyes from stickers and popped them on. Awwww.

A word about seasickness: it didn’t happen. Having been aboard a P&O Cruise when I was nine years old, and with vivid memories of passengers strewn around staircases, vomiting into paper bags and my determined Jewish mother bearing suppositories, I was relieved that technology (and good weather) minimised the rocking to a soothing motion which actually enabled us to sleep deeply each night.

On day three of our week-long cruise, by which time we had swum in the pool, engaged in family exercise sessions on the top jogging deck, chilled out in a bar and made afternoon icecream cones a ritual, we arrived at Noumea. There was a true cruise-style welcome party as we sailed in on sapphire blue, super-calm seas. The band on the harbour played rollicking tunes and we left the ship

excited to discover this French provincial town.

Noumea’s a tiny spot in the Pacific, with less than 100,000 residents who speak mainly French and the indigenous Kanak dialects. We spent an easy afternoon cruising aboard a glass-bottom boat while discovering coral and feeding the fish. The next day’s grey skies threatened the untouched beauty of Lifau Island. The famed Cliffs of Jokkim did offer great views though, and the clouds parted in time for us to get a dip in the crystal blue waters by the shore before heading back to the big boat.

Our favourite destination was Vanuatu and, knowing Port Vila quite well, we decided to head to Hideaway Island during the day spent moored there. It only costs a few dollars and takes a few minutes to get the family on a local ferry over to the island where, for another small charge, you can laze around on the resort’s private beach, constructed entirely from small pieces of coral. For this reason, make sure you wear reef shoes or thongs, otherwise you’ll be stuck on a chair all afternoon – which would be a shame as the snorkeling right at the shore’s edge is delightful. The children can float around on giant foam bodyboards which even have plastic viewing tanks set into them. Back aboard our fair lady Pacific Dawn during at-sea days, the kids’

club was available to entertain our daughters from 9am until lunch each day, with a second session from 2-10.30pm, and later babysitting available on request. After all the craft, drawing and play time (the kids’ clubs are divided into Turtle Cove for 3-6 year olds, Shark Shack for 7-10 year olds and HQ for teenagers), a movie goes on at 8.30pm, little beds are made up for everyone, and they simply let the kids relax and watch the flick or fall asleep until you pick them up.

Of course, while hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed a few quiet evening dinners and even the occasional uninterrupted midday snooze, family time was the most fun time – most of it spent in the pools or spas. And so, three countries, seven days and a good few evening Scotches later, we disembarked tanned and relaxed to our home port. I asked Miss Five and Miss Three what their favourite moments had been. “It was when we saw the baby turtle in the ocean while we were looking over the deck,” they agreed. Just a few seconds, out of such an amazing holiday. Priceless.

Pictured far left, Lifau Island. Above, some of the delights of a holiday on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn.

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 51

travel APOLLO MOTORHOME HOLIDAYS

NOVOTEL FOREST RESORT CRESWICK

PALAZZO VERSACE

WWW.APOLLOCAMPER.COM/SPECIALS.ASPX WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/APOLLOCAMPER

1500 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, CRESWICK, VICTORIA WWW.NOVOTEL.FORESTRESORT.COM.AU

SEA WORLD DRIVE, MAIN BEACH, QUEENSLAND WWW.PALAZZOVERSACE.COM.AU

Forget childhood memories of motorhomes with musty odours and itchy fabric – check out Apollo Camper’s EuroSlider. It’s the most spacious four–berth motorhome for rent in Australia and features cruise control, iPod dock, private bedroom for parents, shower, toilet and – ta-dah – a TV/DVD player that works while you’re driving. The kids will think they’re in a cubbyhouse on wheels. Apollo Motorhome Holidays is offering Peekaboo readers a special on bookings made before Nov 30 for travel Nov 10–Dec 16, 2012. With four-berth motorhomes from $742 for a seven-day holiday (see conditions) why not start a new family tradition? You can also enter to win a $23,000 holiday on their Facebook page.

Nestled in Victoria’s historic goldfields and spa country, this property is a breath of fresh air for busy families. The kids will love their complimentary soft toy on arrival and the Family & Novotel activity rooms providing a variety of fun activities including movie screenings, Wii contests and board games. The beautiful and spacious rooms boast balconies with country views and kids under 16 can enjoy buffet breakfast for free when dining with a paying adult. Families can take a hike or enjoy a mountain bike ride through the Creswick State Forest. Otherwise there’s always a spot of golf, tennis or even some putt-putt back at the resort.

Mini fashionistas, aka ‘the kids’, are well catered for at the Gold Coast’s most famous hotel. First up, a treasure hunt takes children on an adventure around the hotel. All restaurants also offer child-friendly menu options and the signature high tea even comes with designer fairy bread for little ones, on request. Time for a swim? Elegant white blowup swans replace traditional tacky floatation devices and the 65m pool features plenty of shallow spots and a white sandy beach for kids to build Italian renaissance-inspired sandcastles. You can even take advantage of the hotel’s Audifor-hire package, complete with pre-programmed Gold Coast family hot spots on the GPS, picnic hamper and sunscreen.

WORDS CARLA ADAMS

WORDS CARLA ADAMS

WORDS CARLA ADAMS

52 / SEPTEMBER 2012

It’s a family meal time revolution!

NEW Toosh Coosh Kids’ Support Seat is more than a booster; it gives juuust the right amount of height and comfort (it’s very soft) for children 3 years+, so everyone can enjoy family meal times.

Relieve the mess and stress with Toosh Coosh: • Small, lightweight and easy to clean • Ergonomic design improves seated posture • Safe and secure – no need for straps • Portable with cute carry bag provided • More comfortable than an ordinary cushion • More attractive than a phone book!

Special Offers available online!

www.tooshcoosh.com.au

read

GEM OF A BOOK EVERY SO OFTEN YOU HEAR ABOUT A SPECIAL PRODUCT THAT MAKES YOU THINK ‘WOW, THAT’S AWESOME’. RUBY WHO? IS ONE OF THEM

win

In a world where it’s easy for kids (and adults alike) to slip into ! this book the mentality of ‘I want, I want, I want’, there’s one children’s oo b ka ee filmmaker and author whose mission is to teach children that www.p azine mag they don’t need all that extra ‘stuff’ to make life better, that u .com.a looking like the other kids won’t make them happy – it’s who they are when they’re being themselves that counts. Ruby Who? began as an award-winning short film for filmmakers Hailey Bartholomew, her art director husband Andrew and Natala Stuetz. It has won awards around the world and has been part of some 50 international film festivals. The book version soon followed with the help of illustrator Alarna Zinn, and has been picked up by teachers, psychologists, schools and counsellors as well as the general public.

“I was really aware of how easy it was for my two girls to wish they could be like others or to be overwhelmed by our materialistic culture,” Hailey says.

“They’d think ‘I would be sooo happy if I got that new dress or spandangled new toy! This cycle of thinking – constantly wishing for something else to make you happy – is such a trap. I kept trying to explain to my girls that if we could just enjoy who we are, being fully ourselves and delighting in what we do have, we will be lighter and happier people.

“I feel that Ruby Who? the book, and also the film, are a little antidote to the constant media push to make us want more and to look better. We are hoping that parents and teachers can use this resource to encourage and discuss with their primary-aged kids the importance of being yourself – enjoying being who you are and what you already have.” RRP $19.50.

GUINEA PIG PARTY

HEATHER FELL IN THE WATER

HELP! MY CHILD’S IN HOSPITAL

IT’S A ZOO THING

Holly Surplice

Doug MacLeod

Becky Wauchope

Katie Mackenzie

The guinea pigs are having a party and – like many toddler parties – it’s all going a bit wrong. But, not to worry, it all ends happily with party bags galore. Based on a familiar childhood counting rhyme and combining birthday fun, counting and cute fluffy animals in a beautiful package, this is the perfect birthday gift for preschool children everywhere. RRP $19.99.

Heather was a little girl who always fell in the water. She didn’t mean to do it. But she fell in the water nearly every day and so her parents made her wear water wings all the time.

Find out how Heather overcomes her fear in this warm and funny story.

Author Doug MacLeod is one of Australia’s leading writers of comedy and has been part of the teams that have produced TV shows like Kath and Kim, The Comedy Company and Fast Forward. RRP $24.99.

Having a child hospitalised can be traumatic for both the child and the parents. Mother of four, Becky Wauchope, drew on her experience with youngest son Gus and how she coped with his endless hospital stints to write this insightful book. Gus, now healthy and 12, was two when diagnosed with atypical mycobacterium – a form of tuberculosis very rare in children.

RRP $14.99.

Ted, the storyteller, takes his friend Alice and the mischievous Joe on an adventure to the zoo. There are fun characters to meet along the way including garage owner McJeeper and the tall zoo keeper, but the real story begins behind the bright yellow door. Vintage-style illustrations combine with Katie’s delightful Dr Seuss rhyming style to produce a title that’s fun for kids and a learning tool as well. RRP $17.99.

www.helpmychildsinhospital.com

www.berminghambooks.com

www.allenandunwin.com

www.rubywho.com

www.allenandunwin.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 55

Our magnetic activity charts help children & parents move through their busy days

A AVA LSO MY TILABLE O CHA ILET RT

peekaboo

magazine

My Busy Day

My Busy School Week

My Busy Day is a colourful and fun activity chart designed to help your pre-school age child have input into their day.

The ideal activity and routine chart for school children designed to give them a pictorial view of what is happening in their school week.

NEKW SHOP

WOR R IES SE

Our workshops on Sensory Processing and Children’s Behaviour are aimed at helping parents or teachers understand how sensory needs can be reflected in children’s behaviour.

See our website for details of our next workshop.

For more information visit us online at:

magneticmoves.com.au

admin@magneticmoves.com.au

win

PEEKABOO COMPETITIONS

win

GRAND MERCURE APARTMENTS TWIN WATERS RESORT

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ay!

holid

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FORGET ABOUT LAUNDROMATS, ENDLESS TAKEAWAY AND JUGGLING HEAVY SUITCASES WHILE JUGGLING THE KIDS. FAMILY HOLIDAYS JUST GOT EASY

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$15 d at

Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters can resolve these issues with their unique ‘home away from home’ accommodation options that cater to all lifestyle needs including diverse modern families. Featuring spacious two- and three-bedroom, fully self-contained apartments and stunning three- and four-bedroom beach houses (some with private plunge pools), the resort helps maintain a smooth holiday with loads of room to move. Combine this with the modern convenience of online supermarkets that deliver all your holiday essentials right to your front door and this resort offers all you could wish for. Facilities for the whole family include swimming pools, bike and walking tracks, day spa and access to a raft of watersports including sailing, kayaking and water trampoline available at the adjacent Novotel resort. Golf and tennis are also nearby. Rates start at $180 per night for a two-bedroom apartment or from $449 per night (for a minimum five-night stay) in an executive Beach House which sleeps eight guests. Grand Mercure Twin Waters is offering one lucky Peekaboo reader three nights in a four-bedroom Beach House (sleeps up to eight guests) valued at $1560. www.grandmercuretwinwaters.com.au

THOMAS & FRIENDS

HILO + MINIMONKEY

Thomas & Friends take on a whole new adventure, meeting new engines and challenges along the way, in Blue Mountain Mystery – the latest DVD release.

In Blue Mountain Mystery, Sir Topham Hatt sends Thomas to work at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Whilst working, Thomas spots an engine that he’s never seen before, trying to hide. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Thomas tracks down and befriends the new engine, who tells Thomas he’s hiding because he did something so bad he could be sent away from the Island of Sodor forever!

Fans of Thomas can recreate all the action at home with the new Thomas & Friends Blue Mountain Mystery products. We have two packs of assorted Thomas goodies to giveaway, including the Great Quarry Climb set (right), valued at $250 per pack.

Here’s a Peekaboo prize pack bound to keep bub in the right position (literally!).

One lucky reader will win a Minimonkey baby sling valued $79.95 and a HiLo chair (in asparagus colour) valued at $399. The HiLo two-in-one highchair is a dual-height, evolutionary chair that provides secure seating for kids aged six months to six years.

With a simple swivel, HiLo turns from highchair to under-table toddler chair. In its high position, the HiLo fits under the kitchen bar counter. In its low position, it allows toddlers to sit safely and securely at any standard-height table without a booster seat. And the 100 per cent cotton, machine washable Minimonkey sling can be used for newborns right up to 15kg – you simply adjust the sling to suit. Check out the Minimonkey website for video demonstrations. This $479 prize package is with thanks to Kiekaboo.

www.thomasandfriends. com.au

www.minimonkey.net.au www.hilochairs.com.au

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. This issue’s competitions close October 31, 2012.

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 57

gadgets

TECH TALK WHERE WOULD SOCIETY BE THESE DAYS WITHOUT FABULOUS GADGETS TO HELP MAKE LIFE EASIER (AND MORE COMPLEX!) AT THE SAME TIME? HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVE FINDS STORY SALLY BELINDA BROAD

LOGITECH IPAD SPEAKER STAND If you love your iPad and use it for everything then you will also love the Logitech Speaker Stand for iPad. This versatile stand holds your iPad and charges it at the same time. You can turn the screen to either a horizontal or vertical position when required and it has speakers that provide much better sound quality than the iPad’s built-in version.

My favourite place for the stand is in the kitchen when I’m following a recipe I’ve found online and I can listen to my iTunes library play in the background. The kids love it too and often run their own mobile disco from it in the playroom. You can even use it to run a slideshow of images rather than using a separate digital photo frame.

It also makes a great gift. I gave one to my Dad for Christmas last year, as he is always watching ABC iView, and he loves it. It’s perfect for him because he and Mum spend half the year travelling around Australia in a caravan. www.logitech.com

KIDS SONG MACHINE Kids Song Machine is one of those apps for kids you love to hate – you love it because it keeps them entertained but you hate it because the songs go on and on and on!

This app features a variety of 10 kids’ songs complemented by gorgeous, bright, animated imagery you can manipulate with finger strokes. My favourite is ‘The Farmer in the Dell’ where you can touch a stork flying across the screen and make him drop the baby and then go catch it – complete with cute sound effects. Kids Sound Machine 2 has recently been released.

MOTOROLA MBP36 WIRELESS BABY MONITOR

This app is available for iPhone and Android and is alsogreat for tablets. You can download it from the App Store for $1.99.

Motorola’s new collection of baby monitors includes the MBP36, which definitely falls into the ‘bees’ knees of baby monitors’ category. Although it’s on the far right of the scale when it comes to price, it seems worth it, if its range of features is anything to go by. In addition to two-way communication, automatic channel selection and pre-recorded lullabies, it has an audio range of up to 590 metres plus you can add up to two additional baby units if required. The crystal clear video monitor is 3.5 inches on the diagonal and the video function can be turned off when necessary. The MBP36 has infrared night vision and its functionality includes the ability to pan the camera remotely. The temperature in the baby’s room is displayed on the parent unit via a sensor on the back of the baby unit.

www.generainteractive.com

www.motorola.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 / 45

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