November 2011
Welcome to the Christmas issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag ! November is here and it won’t be long before the ‘Man in Red’ is making his way around the world delivering presents to all the good boys and girls. (Yes I am a romantic at heart and love all the fantasy that follows this Christian event) This month we have put together a summary of all things that are available in Newcastle and surrounding areas this Christmas. For anything you can’t see, be sure to go to the website for more information in Carol Services, Christmas events and activities. As you know...it’s a mini mag and therefore can’t include everything we would like to include. I for one haven’t started too much Christmas shopping and if you are in the same position, be sure to check out our “All I want for Christmas” section giving you some ideas for the little ones. Thanks to all our contributors and Competition sponsors this month. This will be the last mini mag for 2011 and look forward to sharing future issues with you in 2012. Penny Price OWNER 3
“I am a modern lifestyle portrait photographer with a passion for people and photography which really is perfect for what I do! I love capturing the soul and spirit of you and your family and creating those memories that last a lifetime. I love capturing those candid moments you never knew were taken.”Newcastle Photographer Kylie Mitchell is owner of two fabulous photography Businesses; Heart in Motion Photography for kids and families and Spice Photography for women.
Mini Mag Sharnel is a mum to two residing in Brisbane. Combining her love for good design and entertaining, she is the creative director and owner of Sharnel Dollar Designs.
Editorial: Penny Price All editorial and advertising enquiries e:info@alphabetstreet.com.au ABN: 89826197104 Photography: Kylie Mitchell
Leighan Owen is the new owner and writer of Travel With Tots, a national website detailing everything about travelling with kids. www.travelwithtots.com.au
COVER: Our Models Elisabeth(left) wears Oobi June Tiered SkirtScarlett and Sweetheart Singlet Scarlett and Harriette (right) wears Rhubarb Fleur Print Dress from Rosie’s Closet The Junction Alphabet Street Privacy Statement: This issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag may contain offers or competitions that require you to provide information about yourself if you choose to take part in. If you provide information about yourself including email address, Alphabet Street will use this information to provide you will the products and services you have requested. We will not onsell you details to a third party and will used for our publication only. 4
Introducing...
Q & A with Ingrid Daniell
You have now been in production for 7 years...tell me what was the inspiration behind creating the Cocoon Couture Brand? INGRID: I started Cocoon couture when looking for a sweet ‘bean bag’ for the boys play room; there was nothing that caught my eye around so had some samples made with the Sleepy Owl embroidery using some vintage fabrics I had been collecting for some years. Cocoon Couture has around a dozen products now available in your range, how many did you launch with and what products evolved first? INGRID: I started Cocoon Couture with the Sleepy Owl bean bag, he was available in just two colour options Sand and Navy, soon after the Early Bird bean bag followed. So Sleepy Owl and Early Bird are the foundation of our Enchanted Forest range. What has been that moment in business that has put the biggest smile on your face? INGRID: I think our first trade fair was very exciting, I made the Enchanted Tree as a feature to showcase the bean bags and the response to both the bean bags and the Enchanted Tree was overwhelming. Cocoon Couture is designed and How do you juggle business and motherhood? brought to you by Ingrid Daniell INGRID: Right now I have a good balance as both my boys are at school. This makes it much and Melanie McLeod, two mums easier to fit work into my life. When the boys were young I was lucky enough to have with a passion to design and wonderful parents who would look after the create beautiful and inspiring boys when I had to work out of kinder kids spaces and quality product. hours...and then there is always night time when they are asleep! I also have my wonderful We speak to founder and mum business partner Melanie McLeod who looks after the general business; and several staff who of two, Ingrid Daniell. look after sales for us! What is one Christmas event or activity you attend that gets you in the Christmas spirit INGRID: Putting up our Christmas tree is without a doubt the best way to get me into the Christmas spirit!! I love the ritual of unwrapping my precious collection of ornaments and having the boys help me decorate the tree! Any hints on what we can expect from Cocoon Couture in 2012? INGRID: Mmmmm well we are constantly being asked for bed linen; and I am working towards a range that will enchant and delight! There are some other fun room accessories...I cant give too much away :)
Ingrid Daniell
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There’s nothing like receiving your first Christmas Card in the mail. We have found some gorgeous cards to send to your loved ones...
1.Blueberry Paper –Berries Gift Card RRP $2.95 2. Alma B Correspondance -made it RRP $25 for pack of 6 3. The Little Humbugs $15 for 8 cards 4. Present Tree Willgo RRP $4.95 5. Made By Self- Made it RRP $20 for 6 cards 6.Leaf Journals Christmas Cards (5 pack) RRP $12.50 7. Ellyoak Polka Dot Tree RRP $5.50 8. RSPCA Illustrated Blank Cards On sale $3.50 9. Totally Innocent Rudolph Be merry Christmas Card RRP $5.95 8
Each year, many of us will partake in a number of rituals and traditions leading up to this Christian celebration. From Christmas Trees to Christmas Lights, we have found some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Newcastle and surrounding areas!
It’s a very personal choice when it comes to selecting a Christmas tree. If you are a fan of REAL trees, we have found the places to order your Christmas Tree from. Hunter Valley PH: 02 49331627 Christmas Trees Direct services Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Nelson Bay regions and will begin deliveries from the 28th November. The Christmas Trees come in a number of different sizes. Each of these trees is cut specifically for the Christmas Sales. These sizes range from 1.5 metres in height through to the larger size of 3 metres Prices for the Christmas Trees vary depending on the size of the tree you are interested in purchasing. Average Tree Size (1.5m - 2m) - $55 2.5m Trees - $65 3m Trees - $100 - please note that trees this size are not suitable for use with tree stands www.christmastreesdirect.com.au Merewether Heights, Jesmond Park, Macquarie Hills Each year, hundreds of Newcastle families head out on a Saturday morning in December to pick up their fresh pine tree from the Newcastle Kiwanis Club. The trees will be on sale from at the usual venues: •Cnr City Rd & Fernleigh Loop Merewether Hgts. •161 Macquarie Road Macquarie Hills •Jesmond Park - Just prior to roundabout – Westbound This is a major fundraiser for Kiwanis Newcastle. Trees are purchased from a Christmas Tree Farm at Oberon (near Orange). 400 Trees are available - Sales until sold. Proceeds go to Charitable organisations with a preference for Children's Charities in Newcastle www.kiwanisnewcastle.org.au 10
Writing a letter to Santa with a ‘wish list’ of goodies each year is an annual tradition in most households. Make sure Santa knows what the littlies want for Christmas by posting your ‘Dear Santa’ letter with help from the following businesses. Its that time of year again when good little boys and girls get together their Christmas list to send to Santa. In between feeding the reindeer and packing his sleigh, Santa will be making time to respond to the letters he receives from children across Australia. It's always a good idea to write to him early as Santa is expecting more than 110,000 letters this year! To ensure that your little one receives his or her letter from Santa, it needs to be posted by Friday 16th December. Letters should be addressed to: North Pole 9999, affixed with a 60 cent stamp and remember to have a return address on the back of the envelope.
Letters From Santa There are many businesses who will send personalised letters to your child from Santa Claus. We have listed a few to assist in putting a smile on your children’s faces. www.stuckonyou.com.au www.santamail.com.au www.lovefromsanta.com.au www.lettersfromsanta.com.au www.lovesanta.com.au www.madeit.com.au/thewhitemango www.letterfromsanta.org/
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Treat the children to an evening of fabulous Christmas Light Displays in Newcastle and surrounding areas.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens is now in its fifth year of running and in 2010 attracted over 100,000 visitors. This is the best lights display in Southern Hemisphere and is an event all families should experience in their lifetime. This years Christmas Lights Spectacular has an amazing new music and light display plus over a million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. The event includes a special visit from Santa, Santa photos, a range of entertainment, food and beverage stalls. The Carols in the Gardens will take place on the 10th December! The Lights display covers 20 of the 60 acres here at Hunter Valley Gardens over 5 of the feature Gardens. www.hvg.com.au We make it an annual tradition to drive the streets with the kids in search for the best Christmas light displays in the residential areas. This year the annual Santa’s Warehouse Christmas lights competition is on again for 2011. Keep your eye on the addresses listed on the site and make your own decision on whose lights are the best lights around town. http://www.santaswarehouse.com.au/xmaslights-competition/2011/ EK Avenue in Charlestown always puts on an amazing display to raise money for the Hunter School for Children with Autism .
Hunter Valley Gardens 10th November 2011-14th Jan 2012
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Friday 4th November 2011 to December Waratah Village CLICK HERE
For a wonderful display of Christmas lights you can’t go past Waratah Village. The official switch on was on the 4th November and will be lit up every night leading up to Christmas. Not only can the children be in awe of the wonderful lights but this year you can also be entertained on certain dates across December with choirs, magicians and brass bands. Tuesday 6 December • Joel Howlett – The Wonderful World of Magic Thursday 8 December • Multicultural Choir 6:00 to 7:00pm & Phantasia 5:30 to 7:30pm Friday 9 December-Waratah Brass 5:30 to 6:30 Saturday 10 December-Santa Claus visits Waratah Village 11:00 to 2:00pm & Waratah Girls Choir 6:00 to 7:00pm Monday 12 December- Joel Howlett – The Wonderful World of Magic 5:30 to 7:30pm & Waratah Girls’ Choir 6:00 to 7:00pm CLICK HERE to see the full December schedule
Each Year Frontline Hobbies unveils its Christmas Display across its shopfront in Hunter Street. The windows are usually filled with animated puppets moving along to a special Christmas theme each year. In the past we have seen Santa’s Elves busily working in Santa’s workshop preparing for Christmas Day. Today Frontline Hobbies once again revealed a Christmas scene the children (and their parents) will love! 19th November-25th December Frontline Hobbies 255 Hunter Street, Newcastle 15
A fabulous ritual when families and the community come together at a local Christmas Carol Service to sing the old favourites this special time of year! Bring the family to this year’s Newcastle Permanent Carols by Candlelight at Speers Point Park on Sunday 11 December 2011. It is a day of Christmas festivities as entertainment with Markets and amusement rides, Christmas Films, stage show with local entertainment and the Carols with Luke and Joel O’dea, Wes Carr, and Santa. The evening will finish with fireworks the whole family will love. : Sunday 11th December 10.00am9pm Speers Point Park. Carols will commence at 6.30pm : CLICK HERE for more information
Presented by the Combined Churches of Adamstown The evening will commence at 6pm with a barbecue, eats, and drinks. The main program begins at 7pm and features the Waratah Girls Choir and the Dungeon Jazz Band. There will also be performances by Circus Avalon and magician David Whitson. The MC for the night will be Rhema FM’s Aaron Brown. Stay until the conclusion at 8.30pm and enjoy a fantastic fireworks display. Food, drinks, glow sticks (candles) will be on sale, everything else is free of charge. Sunday 11th December 6pm BBQ, 7pm Main Program Finshed by 8.30pm Adamstown Park Cnr Glebe Rd and Bryant Streets Adamstown 17
You can’t go past one of the best Carol services in Newcastle. Carols By Candlelight will be returning to King Edward Park in December. Pack a picnic and bring your best singing voice. A fabulous event for young and old. Hosted by KOFM’s David and Tanya, share the spirit and goodwill of Christmas...in the very best of Novocastrian Traditions! Special guest....the one and only Santa! Early evening entertainment with The Little Scallywagz Free carnival rides for the kids Free parking in the Bolton Street car park : Friday 16th December 7pm King Edward Park Newcastle
Come along and get into the Christmas Spirit with Carols at the Gardens. This amazing event delivers a program of excellence and elegance designed to immerse visitors in a Christmas experience which will warm the heart and touch the soul. Staged in the breathtaking Hunter Valley Gardens Village picnic grounds, located outside the display garden overlooking the magnificent Mountain Ranges. The pre show will commence at 5pm, with the main show kicking off at 7.30pm. This special evening of entertainment and community carol singing always features outstanding performers, professional musicians, a visit from Santa and a spectacular fireworks display as the finale, with many special moments and outstanding quality in the musical arrangements, presentation and atmosphere. Saturday 10th December 5pm9.30pm Hunter Valley Gardens Village Broke Rd Pokolbin : CLICK HERE for more information
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Carols in the City will be returning in 2011 for its second year in the Maitland Heritage Mall. The features of this event include a Christmas concert with entertainment for the whole family. With carol singing, a Christmas message, festival food, great coffee, rides and entertainment for the kids, an appearance by Mayor Peter Blackmore and other local talent. This event will include schools and community groups along with a growing community choir. : Saturday 17th December 5pm9pm Maitland Heritage Mall The combined parishes of Lambton, Jesmond & New Lambton Anglican Churches are holding CAROLS BYCANDLELIGHT on Saturday 26th November 2011 Electronic flickercandles available $2.00, Drinks available$2.00 each. Plenty of Christmas entertainment including Signing Choir(Singing Hands), School Choirs, Solo Performers, Nativity play performed by adults, Plus St.Nicholas /Santa Claus. Bring a chair&/or blanket to sit on Sorry, but no glass or open flames please. : In the grounds of St.Johns Anglican Church 18 Morehead Street. Lambton (Regardless of weather. In Hall if inclement weather) Sat 26th November -Gates open 6:00 PM for BYO picnic tea, Carols begin at 7:00PM Closes 9:00PM
Seaside Singers in conjunction with Nelson Bay Business Chamber are providing entertainment and an evening of carol singing. Grab the family, a picnic hamper and come down to the foreshore. Or enjoy the treats from the local restaurants and cafes. What a great way to spend the evening. : Saturday 3rd December 5pm-7pm On the Foreshore of D'Albora Marina 19 Nelson Bay
Carols by the Lake has been running for over 30 years. This year we celebrate Christmas with songs and delicious fresh foods. Glow sticks will be available to purchase and there will be a special visit from Santa. A lucky boy and girl will have a chance to be on stage with Santa by entering our colouring in competition. Alcohol FREE Event. Pack a picnic and head down to the lake for this special family event. Friday, 9 December 2011 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM Toronto Foreshore 4a The Boulevarde Toronto : CLICK HERE for more information
Click on Angel for template
We love this time of year when all the Christmas films come to cinema screens across Australia. Make sure you schedule some time to take in a Christmas flick with the kids this holiday season! Santa's Apprentice is a heart-warming, animated adventure for the whole family. We follow Nicholas, a 7 year old Australian boy on his adventure as he struggles with the ups and downs of being the next Santa Claus. But Christmas has a way of making even the biggest mishaps alright and thanks to his loving mentors, Santa and Waldorf, Nicholas learns, as we all do, the true meaning of Christmas! Voices by Shane Jacobson, Magda Szubanski, Delta Goodrem, Georgie Parker, Max Cullen, Hugh Sheridan Participating national cinemas from the 10th November. If you are a Kids Movie Club Member at Event Cinemas (Greater Union Glendale), you will be able to see the Santa’s Apprentice on Sunday 27th November at 10.30am for $6. CLICK HERE for more info.
So how exactly does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? Well, with his ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole, of course! The latest feature from Aardman Animations (creators of Wallace and Gromit) has all the . ingredients of a Christmas classic - a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns. Voices by James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton and Ashley Jensen Participating national cinemas 23 from the 24th November in 3D and 2D
Recorded live in High Definition at Sydney’s magnificent State Theatre during The Fairies recent national tour and transformed into a one-hour family-friendly film, The Fairies Christmas Ballet features new songs, old fairy favourites (including ‘Jump Jump Star’ and ‘The Silly Song’) and gorgeous Christmas Carols; a lively script and beautifully choreographed dancing, set against a magical backdrop of thousands of fairy lights sparkling from a giant Christmas tree. Best fairy friends Harmony and Rhapsody, and Fairy Princess Minuet, will delight their fairy fans as they dance on their tippie toes ("en pointe"). Add some serious Christmas rocking by Barnaby, twisting by Elf, magic by Wizzy and an appearance by Santa and this film will have children singing, dancing and smiling in cinema locations all around Australia. : Exclusive to Event Cinemas from st December 1 . Tickets are $8 WEBSITE: CLICK HERE for more information
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Colourful Caterpillar Game Wooden Games to Go MollyDagMade RRP $20 BUY NOW
Baby Shoes BusterBooKids RRP $28 BUY NOW
little arthur .. bunny rabbit doll amigurumi crochet plushie boy Rosieok RRP $20 BUY NOW
Handmade Christmas
Handmade item are the perfect gifts when looking for something unique and special. We have found some gorgeous handmade items to add to your Christmas list!
Princess and the Pea Play Set MyDezigns RRP $50 BUY NOW
Vintage look Drawstring Bag Miss Lilly RRP $18 BUY NOW
Rainbow Elephant Baby Singlet L’il Bird RRP $14 Red & White Polka Dot Bloomers BUY NOW Wild Things if Noosa RRP $25 BUY NOW
Owl Hoot Hoot Headband Little Pipika RRP $8 BUY NOW
Felt Baby Book 'In the Garden' You Make Me...Me RRP $32 BUY NOW
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There are some beautiful Christmas Stories available to share with your littlies. Jackie from shares her Christmas books that should in every bookcase this Christmas!
Steve Light Candlewick Press (Walker Books) The Christmas Giant is a beauty, from its gorgeous embossed front cover to its heart-warming storyline. The pen and ink illustrations printed upon matte paper produce a subdued, vintage-like style. They vary from double page spreads to comictype sequences. The story is about a giant and an elf who, each year, lovingly create the wrapping paper for Santa’s gifts. This particular year they are asked to also grow the Christmas tree for the town. When it goes missing, they make good use of their wrapping paper and work together to create a beautiful, new tree. We love that The Christmas Giant instils that Christmas is more about community than the giving of material objects.
By Jackie French and Bruce Whatley HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Mothball the Wombat is back with her own Christmas book, and it’s a Christmas book that all family members are going to adore. Everybody loves Christmas time, but for Mothball it’s still all about scratching, sleeping and carrots. Only Mothball the Wombat could ignore all the Christmas festivities in favour of carrots. She finds a cosy place to nap aboard Santa’s sleigh and finds herself travelling the world on Christmas Eve. She battles reindeers, pigeons, toucans and polar bears for carrots but arrives home feeling completely satisfied and looking forward to the reindeer’s next visit. We love Jackie French’s dry sense of humour and Bruce Whatley’s equally comical illustrations.
By Clement C. Moore and Robert Ingpen Walker Books Australia First published in 1823, Clement C Moore’s The Night Before Christmas is an absolute classic, but we don’t think there’s anything else that quite captures the anticipation a child feels as they await a visit from St. Nicholas. There are many editions of this story and each of them is certainly beautiful, but Robert Ingpen brings splendour to the poem with his magical illustrations that fill the reader with both warmth and excitement. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.’ It is a lovely story to read to your children on Christmas Eve as they prepare for sleep.
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a Birdie Black and Rosalind Beardshaw Nosy Crow (Allen & Unwin) This is a brand new book, released for the first time this month, which we love for its underlying message that joy can be found in giving and that Christmas is a time to give to those less fortunate. A king buys a roll of red, soft, Christmassy fabric with which he plans to have a cloak made for his daughter. Instead of wasting the scraps, they are left on the back door step, where a maid finds them and makes a jacket for her mother. She too leaves her scraps at the back door step. This soft, red and Christmassy roll of fabric has a life that keeps giving. Each new character who stumbles across the fabric remnants creates a handmade gift for someone special until every last bit of the fabric has been used. From a royal cloak wrapped in golden paper and silver ribbon to a tiny pair of gloves wrapped in a leaf, these gifts make Christmas feel just right.
Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King ABC Books (HarperCollins) This is a beautiful Australian interpretation of the nativity story. Without a skerrick of Aussie slang to be read, it has been written with charm. The Shepherds are a neighbouring family; the three wise men are replaced by three elderly aunties who bring plum pudding, shortbread and a crate of fruit; and the heralding angels are exchanged for a flock of cockatoos. Applesauce, a pet pig, tries to find the true meaning of Christmas as he watches over the bushfireravaged land before him. As his owners welcome a new baby to their family he learns that new life, hope and joy can come at the saddest of times. We love this rare gem of an Australian book that accurately reflects Australia during the Christmas season. Both Glenda Millard’s superb choice of language and Stephen Michael King’s watercolour illustrations beautifully capture the sorrow of a blackened land, but also the joy and colour of Christmas and welcoming a new baby.
My Little Bookcase is an online resource where you can find a wealth of information to encourage a love of reading in your child; it is a community for parents and caregivers to share their own ideas and experiences; it is a case full of inspiring ideas for reading and sharing books with your child. www.mylittlebookcase.com.au
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Check out the Christmas themed storytimes coming up at the following locations. Celebrate the festive season with Wacky at the Wacky Wombat Christmas Parties scheduled in December. Join in for festive stories and games. Bookings essential. WHEN & WHERE: 13th December City Library 10.30am & 14th December Wallsend Library 10.30am WHEN & WHERE: Belmont Library Dec 6th 11am-11.45am Speers Point Library Dec 7th 10.30am-11.15am Toronto Library Dec 14th 10.30am-11.15am Swansea Library Dec 16th 9.30am-10.15am WHEN & WHERE: Cardiff Library Dec 1st 11am-11.30am Belmont Library Dec 6th 11am-11.30am Toronto Library Dec 15th 10.30am-11am Charlestown Library Dec 20th 10.30am-11am Morisset Library Dec 22nd 10am-10.30am
There are some wonderful Christmas themed events run by the community in Newcastle including some popular Christmas fundraisers. Hopscotch Sundays Market will showcase the region’s beautiful baby and kids clothing, accessories, shoes, jewellery for mum and bub and maternity products. Once you’ve finished your leisurely shop you can kickback and relax with a coffee, grab a bite to eat and let your kidlets enjoy the free face painting (10am-1pm, colouring in and of course some HOPSCOTCH!! The first 100 people through the door will receive a great showbag filled with samples and special voucher offers! There will also be over 20 lucky door prizes!! Sunday 27th November 9am-2pm PCYC Broadmedow
Be part of Newcastle's Santa Fun Run. Open to families, work teams, school teams & individual of any age. Walk, skip, hop or wheelchair the 3klm's along Newcastle foreshore from the Fishermasn's Co-op, Wickham to the Queen's Wharf Brewery, there will be a free sausage sandwich & soft drink at the finish. $25 per person or $50 per family, children under 5 free. Your entry includes a 5 piece Variety Santa Suit. The Variety Santa Fun Run is a family friendly fundraising event open to both young and young at heart. By joining us in the Santa Fun Run you will help brighten the lives of children in need. Get in the Christmas Spirit and register today. Sunday 27th November Check In 8.00am - 9.30am. Fun Run starts 10am SHARP From the Fisherman's Co-op, Wickham to Queen's Wharf Brewery
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Listen out for the hum of hundreds of motorcycles making their way from Stockton to Newcastle Foreshore to deliver much needed food and toys to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. The Annual Toy Run has been running since 1978 and is a very important part of the Christmas Appeal across Australia. Support this wonderful event. Sunday 4th December leaves Stockton at 10am where entourage will make its way to the Newcastle Foreshore Griffith Park Stockton to Newcastle Foreshore.
Choose handmade this Christmas!!! The Olive Tree Market is Newcastle's Handmade Art & Design Market with over 100 high quality stalls full of vibrant and exciting work. Enjoy our popular Christmas Market with extended trading hours for you to enjoy wandering through unique stalls. Meet the maker and take home beautiful gifts for Christmas. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with family and friends, listen to talented local musicians and take in the atmosphere of one of Newcastle's most loved community events. Saturday 3rd and 17th December 9am-6pm The Junction Public School-Union St The Junction
Belmont Neighbourhood Centre is holding in a Community Christmas Disco. 10am - 12noon on 16th December. All children & parents are welcome. Cost $3.00. 16th December 10am-12pm Belmont Neighbourhood Centre- 359 Pacific Highway Belmont North 30
Community Children’s Xmas Party open to the public. Members Children $4, Non Members Children $8. Tickets on Sale Wednesday 2nd November and must be purchased by Thursday 1st December. Santa will be there will Lolly Bags plus fun and games. Sunday 4th December 2pm-5pn Club Macquarie Argenton
ALL PETS WELCOME Bring you pet to have their photo taken with Santa Prices start at $10 Sunday 27th November 9am-1pm Hillsborough Dog Showground Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough
Everyone needs some new Christmas threads for Christmas day or that special photo with Santa!
1. Heavenly Creatures Ben Red Stripe Henley Tee RRP $40.00 2. Oobi Peggy Dress - Scarlett RRP $49.95 3. Alex & Ant Angel Striped Jersey skirt RRP $39.95 4. Rock your Baby French Frill Polka Dot Dress RRP $20.00 5. Anna and Sally Red Spot Dress RRP $32 6. Tutu Du Monde Fairy Tutu Skirt Aqua RRP $85.00 7. Country Road Boys Bright Check Shirt RRP $44.95 8. OUCH-Striped Henley tee - green RRP $27.95 9. SEED Boys Paisley Boardshort RRP $59.95 10. Monstar Kids Flower Dress RRP $45.95 32
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi Located in the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village is now renowned as Santa’s official “North Pole” residence and is one of the top tourist destinations in Finland with thousands of tourists flocking to meet Santa each year. The Village is open year-round for visitors of all ages to see Santa and his elves, visit Rudolf and the other reindeer or help Mrs. Claus decorate ginger bread cookies. Visitors can also send postcards—with Santa’s special postmark—from the Santa Claus Post Office, shop for souvenirs at the various handcraft shops or learn about Finnish yuletide traditions at the Christmas exhibition. For more information go to http://www.santaclausvillage.info/
So many fabulous Christmas themed events and activities happening in Newcastle leading up to the special day...
Tue 20th December 2011 2:00 pm Civic Theatre Newcastle CLICK HERE
HO! HO! HO! Christmas is almost here and so is the world premier of Christmas In LazyTown! Join Sportacus, Stephanie and all the gang in this winter wonderland Christmas Spectacular – Live on Stage. CHEER the Hero … BOO the Villain and make this the best Christmas ever, full of singing , dancing, laughter and … Watch OUT for that ROBBIE ROTTEN!
Celebrate the season with a family picnic at the Wetlands. Enjoy the activities on our sensory trail. Parents will love the ease of BBQ; kids will love the fun and games, face painting and of course a visit from Santa. The day will be packed with entertainment including; * Segway tours 10.30am and 1.30pm * Magpie Geese feeding 11am * Ship O Fools Willie Do Drop and Bubbles the Clown show 11.30am * Fun & Games 12.15pm * Interactive Reptile Encounters 1pm * Santa arrives 1.45pm * BBQ 11 - 2pm * Wonderful Wetlands Photo Exhibition - all day
Sunday 11th December 11am-2pm Hunter Wetlands Sandgate Rd Shortland. CLICK HERE
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Thursday December 6pm-8pm Bunnings Kotara 8th
Come on down to Bunnings Kotara for Our Kids Xmas Craft Night from 6pm – 8pm. Their will be an appearance by Santa. Their will be a light meal provided with refreshments. We also have a local magician David Whitson for everyone to enjoy a magical night. Bookings are essential & can be made by calling our service desk on 4941 0600.
Come and celebrate Christmas at Maitland Regional Art Gallery with some hands on art making! Get creative and make some fun and festive artworks to decorate your home. Print your own wrapping paper using fruit, discover your sculpting skills to make a cute reindeer table decoration….or sharpen your scissors to make an adorable miniature fairy village! Suitable for adults and children aged from 6 upwards…..there will be plenty of projects designed to cater for everyone. So bring your Mum, your cousin, your son or neighbour and celebrate Christmas at MRAG making stuff and having fun! Bookings Essential Sunday 11th December 10.30am-12.30pm MRAG 230 High St Maitland CLICK HERE 35
Stockland Jesmond will keep your kids entertained this Christmas time with a whole range of fantastic entertainment. When: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 December, 11am – 3pm Where: Near Big W 15 December 9am – 12pm 17 December 10am – 1pm 22 December 9am – 12pm 24 December 9am – 12pm 18 December 10am – 1pm 23 December 9am – 12pm When: 19 – 24 December 10am – 2pm Where: Near Big W
Do you get inspired with Christmas Craft this time of year? Sharnel from gives you three simple projects to complete this festive season!
Antique Bauble Wreath
Source ornaments-vintage ornaments can be purchased of EBAY 1. Secure all the metal caps to the baubles with hot glue gun 2. Arrange ornaments as to how you would like them placed on the wreath. 3. Carefully attach fine wire to ornaments and tie to back of wreath
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Candy canes – 20 candy canes for 10 hearts White chocolate Dark chocolate Sprinkles or non-pareils 1) Unwrap all your candy canes and place them in the shape of a heart on baking paper. 2) Heat chocolate and spoon into the centre of the hearts. Be sure to fill all the little nooks. For a double colour combination fill with a dark chocolate base and top some with white choc 3) Sprinkle with your choice of nonpareils and let set. Note that white chocolate takes a little longer to set than dark choc.
A perfect gift for the teacher 1/3 cup plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup cooking oats 3/4 cup m&ms 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup white sugar
Reindeer Cookie Mix
Find a large glass jar and layer the ingredients in like this: First: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt Second: oats Third: Christmas m&ms Fourth: chocolate chips Fifth: brown sugar Sixth: white sugar Instructions for tag: Add 1 slightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave), 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, roll the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and bake in moderate oven for 10 minutes or until brown.
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Looking for a little Christmas inspiration when choosing gifts for the little ones? Check our below...
Red Mushroom Hand Rattle www.ladedahkids.com.au RRP-$15.00
My Little Scoot Recycling Truck www.cradlerock.com.au RRP-$14.95
Wooden Toddler Swing www.dragonflytoys.com.au RRP-$85.50
Vulli “Sophie the Giraffe” teething toy www.ittybittygreenie.com.au RRP-$34.95
Wooden Tea Party Cake Stand www.rudyandthedodo.com.au RRP-$34.95
Wooden Abacus 1-5 www.stateofgreen.com.au RRP-$53.95 40
Seedling Alphabet Stamp Set www.minifashionista.com.au RRP-$33.50
The Lego Ideas Book www.booktopia.com.au RRP-$27.80
Ashiato Cat/Dog www.tulpkids.com RRP- $37.50
Friendship Bracelets www.larkmade.com.au RRP-$29.95
Santoys Wooden Sandwich Maker www.peanutgallery.com.au RRP-$39.95
Ava Dress www.fabrikstore.com RRP-$74.95
Astronomy CSIRO Kit Design your own Bird House 101 Things to Do Before you Grow www.brightbuttonstoys.com.au www.rudyandthedodo.com.au Up RRP-$28.95 RRP-$39.95 www.australiangeographic.com.au RRP-$24.95
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Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with family but also your friends and teachers at school! This cute 'School Theme' Printables collection is perfect for sending a Christmas Card, or finishing up a gift with a gift tag! Why not spend an afternoon with mum or some friends, and bake up a storm of your favourite treats and cookies to giveaway this Christmas and fancy it up with the bag toppers. Chocolates are also a hit and makes for a very sweet simple gift, and you can now have Christmas Crayons to hand out at school. A fun an inexpensive way to celebrate this Christmas with your teachers and friends. The printables are sold in individual designs or the complete set with prices starting from $10. This can be purchased over at www.etsy.com/hamandpea 43
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Monthly Competition
Inspired by the charms of childhood and fresh colour palettes, we offer a unique and imaginative collection of children’s linen and matching decor suitable for any age or stage. With Kate Lauren Designs you can create a cosy room for a newborn, discover a piece of wallart that will delight a toddler, or design a stylish retreat for a teenager. All of our products are fashioned from materials of the highest quality and are designed to make a room both luxurious and liveable. At Kate Lauren Designs we are committed to providing superior quality, design and service because we understand that if childhood is to be treasured it needs a space in which to be nurtured. This month one lucky subscriber will win a choice of either a cot comforter (valued at $220.00) or single bed duvet cover (valued at $250.00) from any of the Kate Lauren Designs collections. For more information go to www.katelauren.com.au
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Monthly Competition
If you are looking for gorgeous, fun and funky swimwear for your little girl, look no further than Bobbi Sunshine Swimwear! Based out of Bondi Beach and in their second season, Bobbi Sunshine is fast becoming known as the go-to-brand for top quality lycra swimwear. Offering four amazing new prints for this season – navy daisy, red polka dot, pink paisley and vintage floral. There is also a Limited Edition Crochet Monokini Range, showcasing some more amazing colours! You don’t want to miss out on your chance to snap up one of this seasons bikinis, full-pieces or rashies. Sizes ranging from 1-10years, and all swimwear is made from SPF50+ Chlorine Resistant Lycra. This month one lucky reader will have the opportunity to do exactly that, by taking home a $100 gift voucher from Bobbi Sunshine Swimwear! Head on over to www.bobbisunshine.com.au to check out the full range, and start deciding on your purchases today! 48
Monthly Competition
Australian owned and designed olli&pop’s gorgeous collection of clothing and nursery coordinates are functional, stylish and unique in design. Combining soft, beautiful fabrics with a fun and enticing colour palette, our co-ordinated range provides the perfect opportunity for parents and gift buyers to mix and match. This month olli&pop are offering a $100 gift voucher to purchase any items from our online store including our new organic Tshirt Range. Made from 100% organic cotton, olli&pop’s gorgeous new summer T-Shirt range is inspired by simple childhood pleasures. Understated and fun the range is available in both baby (Onesie design) and children sizes, from 0-3 months to 5. Our baby sizes have press studs at the neck and girls onesies and T's have a slight puffed sleeve. Each T-Shirt features our signature striped or polka-dot design. To see the full olli&pop range go to www.olliandpop.com.au 49
Monthly Competition
Frustrated by the lack of affordable, on-trend, quality kids toys and decor in Australia, We took matters in to our own hands and La De Dah Kids was born. La De Dah Kids is a business offering crotchet keepsakes . Our products are dedicated to both the children and the child at heart, lovers of the quirky and unusual, and anyone who reaches out to the amazing world with imagination, wonder and creativity. Our range includes handmade handrattles , Pram toys for the every day and our larger softies ( monkeys, dogs , dolls .) Don't miss out on having La de dah kids keepsake to have for many years to come. This month one lucky subscriber will have the chance of winning a beautiful and quirky handcrotchet stripe dog. A perfect toy to make a nursery or even the perfect gift for that special new born . This fabulous hand crotchet toys will provide baby/ toddler with hours of entertainment and a friend for bed time . Soft-to-hold but fun to cuddle . Stripe dog is free standing approx 36.5cm long and 19.5cm tall . A beautiful keepsake of the highest quality to have for many years to come . For more information go to www.ladedadahkids.com.au
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Monthly Competition
A mother of 2 boys living in Melbourne Australia, Heidi started Mini Envy as a creative outlet, and a way of dressing her boys EXACTLY the way she wanted. Her love for simple, stylish designs, quality clothing, and beautiful fabrics have come together to create these onesies and Tshirts that are all hand made, at home, during nap times. This month one lucky winner with have the opportunity of winning a large (58cm x 72cm aprox.) broad green stripe sack with red trim with a red personalized letter applique OR a reindeer head. Sacks are made from 100% cotton, they are a beautifully thick fabric ready for the rough tumble of Christmas morning! For more information go to www.minienvy.com.au
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