September 2011
Welcome to the September issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag ! Spring has sprung and as there are many children born in the Spring season we thought it would be a great idea to focus a Mini Mag issue around birthday parties. In our family alone there are six birthdays within a 6 week period plus additional kids birthday parties that are starting to pop up as party invites appear on the fridge! Thanks to our contributors this month who have written some wonderful articles for us including, Little Sooti, Little Big Company and Sweet Little Birdy as well as a fabulous interview with Sharnel Dollar from Sharnel Dollar Designs and a delicious cupcake recipe from Katrina Higham. With a new Mini Mag brings a new competition and what wonderful prizes we have this month thanks to Oobi Baby & Kids, Minifashionista, Rudy and The Dodo, My Munchkin Home and Love JK. We hope you enjoy the September issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag and we hope it assists with party planning in the future! 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.
Little Big Co is an Online Party, Homewares,Toys &Gift Store&Dessert/Candy Buffet Event Styling Co www.tlbc.com.au
Sweet Little Birdy is an online and local (Hunter Valley NSW) market based store, selling gorgeous things and was born out of a love of home decorating, party styling and event planning, along with all things sweet.
Mini Mag Editorial: Penny Price All editorial and advertising enquiries e:info@alphabetstreet.com.au ABN: 89826197104 Photography: Alexandrena Parker
Little Sooti is a boutique party ware store and event styling company that was created from my love of unique party products and events www.littlesooti.com.au
Katrina Higham is chef, co-owner of Windsor Deli and owner of food blog www.katrinahigham.com
COVER: Our Model Evie (left) wears Bowtique Pettiskirt and cupcake t-shirt from Lollipop Kids Hamilton
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... Sharnel Dollar
Owner and Creative Director of Sharnel Dollar Designs
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. Sharnel Dollar Designs design classic and sophisticated dessert tables and stock the most comprehensive ranges of glass candy jars and cake stands in Australia in their online shop.
Q & A with Sharnel Dollar What inspired you to start Sharnel Dollar Designs? SHARNEL: When I started blogging my children’s birthday parties a few years ago I had so many requests and questions about where I sourced by goodies from. So many other Mums out there found it hard to locate certain products (especially glass jars and pretty cake stands), so I decided to open my online shop and source unique and fun party goods. What gives you the greatest inspiration when creating? SHARNEL: COLOUR! I get so inspired by colour. Who or what has been the most influential in your career path so far? SHARNEL The encouragement and feedback from Amy Atlas certainly pushed me to start my business. What has been the best experience in your journey to date? SHARNEL: Definitely hands down meeting Oprah. I still pinch myself and wonder if it all really did happen. Most of us have various frustrations to deal with in our business. What is yours? SHARNEL: Learning the business side of things for me is the most painful aspect. I’m very creative, I’m not great at paperwork! What is one essential item at a child's party that is necessary to create a memorable event? SHARNEL: A happy child is essential. Make sure the theme of the party is suited to the child andthat he or she were included in the planning and theme selection. Also ensure the number of children at the party is in keeping with what your child can handle. What party theme that you have styled has been your favourite and why? SHARNEL: This would have to be Olivia’s 7th Birthday, her Mary Poppins style tea party. Everything came together perfectly on the day. (Stay tuned for the gorgeous images in the Little One Baby Kids Annual.) 5
We have found some of the best party products to accessorise your party
Polka Dot Lanten: Red Twiggi RRP- $2.35
Soft Green Stripe Party Straws– Sharnel Dollar Designs RRP- $9.95
Pink Daisy Grass Mat P is for Party RRP- $9.95
Belle & Boo Ava’s Tea Party Invitations- P is for Party RRP- $14.50
Garden Party Mushroom Stool-Sharnel Dollar Designs RRP- $59.95
Butterfly Cupcake Wraps Sweet Little Birdy-RRP$6.95
Candy Stripe Cups The Party Studio- RRP- $6.95
Red & White Stripe Party Bags Le Petit Party- RRP $9.95
Vintage Butterfly Garland The Party Studio- RRP- $19.95 7
Red Clown Noses Available from I love parties RRP- $1.60 each
Watercolours Smart Garland Available from P is For Party RRP- $12.95
Paper Cone Red Dot inviteme.com.au RRP-$5.95 pack
Polka Dot Plates-Multicoloured Sharnel Dollar Designs RRP- $6.95 Circus Ice Cream Cups Twiggi RRP$6.95
Circus Tent Cup Available from P is for party. RRP- $5.00 each
Candy Cane Party Bags Pink Frosting RRP-$9.95
Ikea Circus Tent RRP- $29.99 each
Circus
Felt Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers Cupcake Wrappers Cupcake House RRP- $12.00 Red Circus: Cupcake Wrapper Company RRP- $10.00
Circus Invitations-Alannah Rose RRP- $24.95
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Howdy Partner Stickers—Invite me: RRP $3.50
Cowboys Kids TeepeeMiniStyle: RRP $229
Robert Gordon Baking Cups Twiggi RRP- $6.90
Drink Dispenser-39cm Sharnel Dollar Designs RRP- $65.95
Cowboy Hat Cookie Cutter-P is for Party RRP- $4.00
Wild West Gold Nugget Bubble Gum-P is for Party RRP- $2.50 each
Sheriiff Badges Twiggi-RRP $0.60
Pink Frosting 19.95 RRP- $24.95
Blue Bunting-Le Petit Party: RRP$9.95
Retro Paper Straws- P is for Party RRP- $9.95 pack 8
Sambellina Pink Spot Cups Little Sooti: RRP- $6.95
Tissue Pom Pom Candy PinkInvite Me: RRP- $7.95
Princess Coach Meal Boxes Speckled Freckle: RRP- $2.95 Pink n' Mix Party Handbags Larkmade: RRP- $9.95 Fairy Princess Cupcake Wrappers Candy Soirees: RRP- $5.50
Princess Bubbles P is for Party: RRP- $1.50
Sambellina Princess Invitations Details Details RRP- $18.50
Crown Cookie Cutter P is for Party: RRP- $4.00
Princess Party Plates Pink Frosting RRP- $7.95
Princess Lip gloss party favours The Party Parlour: RRP- $3.00 each
Retro Striped Straws-Pink Stripe P is for Party RRP- $9.95 10
Your Invited!
It all starts with the invitation and we have found some of the best invites around to get the party started!
Magical Carousel fill-in party invitation set RRP $24.95 www.katyjane.com.au
Magic Bunny Party Invitations www.larkmade.com.au RRP $14.95
10 Vintage Boys Invites RRP $22.00 www.redwagon.net.au
Paper Eskimo Popcorn Invitations RRP $14.95 www.twiggi.com.au
Follow Me Party Invitations RRP $12.00 madeit.com.au/TheLittleHumbugs
Roll Up Roll Up www.pisforparty.com.au RRP $18.50
Party Bot Double Sided Invites www.lovejk.com.au RRP $19.95
Dress Up Invitation Box Set RRP $19.95 www.wilgo.com.au
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Dress up Monkeys Personalised Party Invites From $24.00 for 16 invites www.mooo.com.au
Ahoy me Hearties From $37.50 for 10 invites www.inviteme.com.au
Fairy Garden Party Invitations From $42 for 12 invitations www.katyjane.com.au
Horse & Mousey Green From $2.20 each for 30 postcard invites www.paperdaisy.com.au
Boys Sleep Over From $1.30 each. Minimum 20 www.paperposy.com.au
Carnival Carousel Party Invitation From $2.75 for minimum of 15 invites www.littledanceinvitations.com.au
Fairy Princess Invitations From $2.95 each. Minimum 10 postcards www.invitinginvitations.com.au
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Enchanted Woodland RRP-$20 www.stylemegorgeous.com.au
Hot Air Balloon RRP $20 www.hamandpea.com
Archie Carnival Invitation RRP-$15 www.polkadotprints.com.au
Pizza Party Invitation RRP-$12 www.montresor.com.au
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Featured Venue If you don’t like the idea of having everyone at your house or you don’t have much space to accommodate active children, a park is definitely a great place for a party. Lake Macquarie Variety Playground will soon be completed after its final stage is constructed. In addition to the amazing pieces of play equipment including a climbing tower and slide, a flying fox, etc, there will also be a Kiosk and Cafe making refreshments easy to provide for your guests. We also can’t forget the fabulous bike circuit that keeps kids entertained for hours on end. To keep up with the progress of the final stages CLICK HERE for more info.
Party Inspiration Some of the best party stylists share some inspiration with you!
by Sharnel Dollar
Theme: Wild West Showdown Photography Leanne Stamatellos Photography Cookies and Whoopie Pies Bubble and Sweet Invitations, thank you tags, sweets table signage Invite with Style Party design and styling Sharnel Dollar Designs 19
By Sweet Little Birdy
Theme: pretty and pink Decorations: Tulle pom poms and tulle pom pom garland, balloons and streamers, pearls and ribbons, Style Me Gorgeous printables and fresh flowers Cake Stands, set up and food: Sweet Little Birdy
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Zoe’s Vintage Hot Air rd Balloon 3 Birthday By Little Sooti
Theme: Vintage Hot Air Balloon This sweet "Vintage Hot Air Balloon" Dessert Table was styled by Thetis from Little Sooti Events in Melbourne Australia. This dessert table was put together as an inspiration shoot for Zoe's 3rd Birthday coming up as there were a few themes Zoe couldn't decide on (yet) so having some fun along the way, and helping narrow down the themes in mind, a clean, simple yet very pretty Dessert Table was put together for Zoe to share with her cousins. What a lucky little girl she is! 21
The desserts were styled according to the illustrations and colours pink, light grey, purple and lemon colours in the printables by ham&pea and the sweet treats includes:
Vanilla Buttercream Cake Buttercream Cupcakes with Pink Frosting Cookies (butter cookies) Chocolate Truffle Cake Pops Strawberry Macarons Apple, Lemon and Strawberry Bon Bons Flying Saucers Mini Chocolate Bars Fairy Floss Strawberry Milk The backdrop was a large piece of plywood in which I painted a soft pale yellow and kept it very simple by putting up some fluffy felt clouds created by Jane of Sweet Tashie. This table is a perfect example of how simple you can keep your own dessert tables without cluttering and still get a soft elegant look. Credits: Styling: Thetis Sardo – Little Sooti Events (http://www.littlesooti.com.au) Photographer: Laura Cioccia - Laura Cioccia Photography (http://www.lauraciocciaphotography.com/) Invite and Printables Design: ham&pea (http://www.hamandpea.com/) Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies, Cake Pops: Anita Grimbos – Cake Envy (https://www.facebook.com/cakeenvy) Macarons: Helena – Sweet Tiers (http://www.sweettiers.com.au/) Felt Clouds: Jane Hiddle – Sweet Tashie (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetTashie) Party accessories - Little Sooti (http://www.littlesooti.com.au)
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th 6
Sebastian’s Jungle Party
Birthday By Little Big Company
Theme: Jungle Party Cake Decorator: 2 Sisters Cake Elephant Pops and Elephant Cookies: Just Call Me Martha
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Featured Entertainment
Get Dancing with Dancing Disco Diva!
If you have a location but not too sure about themes or entertainment, maybe consider a DJ and have a GLEE party which suits many children in the 8-12 year old group. Amanda from Dancing Disco Diva keeps the kids entertained not only with your music of choice but also with games keeping the party interesting. The Dancing Diva provides parents and teachers the opportunity to sit back and relax in the comfort of their own venue, while the kids enjoy themed parties, games and a range of interactive dance moves. Choose from a wide range of themes including; Disco, Rock Star, Fairy and many more. For more information go to 25 www.dancingdiscodiva.com.au
TIKE Balance Bike Live. Play. Create RRP-$220
Struggling with ideas for your little one’s next birthday? We have put together some great gift guide ideas to assist in the deliberation.
0-2 years Night Light-Toadstool www.rudyandtthedodo.com.au RRP-$19.95
French Bull Jungle Bowl Giraffe www.thehipinfant.com.au RRP-$9.95
Alimrose Toadstool Hand Rattle Pink www.tenlittleindians.com.au RRP-$14.95
Knitted Humpty Dumpty by Pebble www.babysgotstyle.com.au RRP-$52.95
Where is the Green Sheep gift set www.dymocks.com.au RRP-$29.95 Baby’s First Walker www.ecokids.com.au RRP-$120.00
Skip Hop Bee Zoo Melamine Tableware Set www.minifashionista.com.au RRP-$22.95
Push and Pull Along Djeco Cotcotte Pull Along Hen www.peanutgallery.com.au RRP-$47.95
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2-4 years TIKE Balance Bike www.liveplaycreate.com RRP-$220 Sevi Memory Game www.quirkykidsonline.com.au RRP-$84.95 Rocket Racer Tin Toy www.cradlerock.com.au RRP-$14.95
Wooden Count and Sort www.rudyandthedodo.com.au RRP-$39.95 Sparklet Breakfast Time Set www.littlestyles.com.au RRP-$38.95
Wooden BBQ Set www.cheekyjunior.com.au RRP-$44.99
Djeco Finger Painting Fun www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au RRP-$44.95
Push Along Fire Truck by Brio www.bebeonline.com.au RRP-$39.95
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5-7 years Djeco Silhouette Puzzles - House of Elves 54pc www.rowofducks.com.au RRP-$29.95 Geofform Box Set www.quirkykidsonline.com.au RRP-$66.90
Paperpod Aeroplane www.littleliving.com.au RRP-$49.95
Oobi Saskia Tulle Skirt - Cherry Blossom www.cradlerock.com.au RRP-$49.95
Dumpling Dynasty Baking Set www.littlestyles.com.au RRP-$66.90 Flat Stanley www.dymocks.com.au RRP-$9.95
Makedo Find and Make Flowers www.ecotoys.com.au RRP-$14.95
Wind Up Tin Racing Car www.peanutgallery.com.au RRP-$19.95
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8-10 years Make your own Pirate Ship www.ministyle.com.au RRP $24.95
Meccano Xtreme Dragster www.australiangeographic.com.au RRP $34.95 Polar Bear Labyritnh www.ecotoys.com.au RRP $44.95
Mini Digital Slap Watch www.smiggle.com.au RRP $29.95
Good Things For Girls-Seeding www.littleliving.com.au RRP $39.95 Friendship Bracelet Kit www.minifashionista.com.au RRP $19.94
Bamboo Mosaic Puzzle www.ecotoys.com.au RRP $54.95
Star Gazer Kit-Dumpling Dynasty www.larkmade.com.au RRP $32.00
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11-12 years 38 Channel Walkie Talkie Set www.australiangeographic.com.au RRP $59.95 Girl Talk Story Starters www.shop4toys.com.au RRP $19.95 Djeco Spacecraft Paper Toys www.rudyandthedodo.com.au RRP $12.95
Donut Headphones www.smiggle.com.au RRP $24.95
Spiral notebook/journal - speaking words of wisdom www.rudyandthedodo.com.au RRP $12.95 Pear Canvas in Multi Pink/Redby Urban Nest www.owlandapples.com RRP $39.00
Dangerous Book for Boys Science Tricks www.australiangeographic.com.au RRP $16.95
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Featured Event
Hunter Valley Gardens Birthday Celebrations On the last weekend of the school holidays (8th & 9th Oct) , you are invited to celebrate Hunter Valley Garden’s 8th Birthday. Have fun for free on the amusement rides, pony rides, face painting, and birthday cake. Each day will feature a wide variety of entertainment that is fun for all ages and the whole family! Activities & entertainment include circus skills workshop, roaming characters, pony rides, craft and games, amusement rides, face painting, treasure hunts and of course a birthday cake! Admission prices apply. Click HERE to see the full schedule for the weekend.
1. Oobi Sabrina Dress:Petal-RRP $59.95,2. Rock your BabyHigh Society Dress : Paris -RRP $44, 3. LA Crafts Gnomeville Lucy Dress -RRP$ 30 4. Littlelki-Dress with Yoke and Sleeve RRP $79.95 5. Miss Haidee Summer Sunday Dress- RRP $60, 6. Naughts and Crosses Charlotte Dress: Magic MintRRP$69.95, 7. Coco & Ginger Alba Dress-Cradle Rock RRP $64.95, 8. Tutu Du Monde Alyna tutu vintage rose-RRP $149 33
Thomas the Tank Engine themed birthday parties are a perfect fit at Lake Macquarie Live Steam in Edgeworth. Children will love riding the miniature steam trains as they make their way through bushland and tunnels. Shaded picnic grounds, toilets and disabled toilets, Wood BBQ's and a Kiosk are available. The community days run on the last Sunday of the month from 1pm-4pm and are free to the public however a gold coin donation is requested to keep up the maintenance of the tracks. Fully enclosed footwear must be worn to ride the trains.
Lake Macquarie Live Steam Velinda St Edgeworth
www.lakemacquarielivesteam.org.au
TIKE Balance Bike Live. Play. Create RRP-$220
Printables: www.lovejk.com.au Photography: www.alexandrenaparker.com
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By Little Big Company Need some help organising a party for your little one? Louisa from Little Big Company shares her top tips to create the perfect party. Parties are a great way of creating beautiful memories and this month we share our party checklist to assist in creating the perfect party.
Always organise your personalized party printables, get cupcake toppers, bunting, labels for food on the table.
Checklist 6 weeks before party Create a Theme, make a moodboard, collect ideas in a notebook, paste magazine pictures or go on sites such as www.pinterest.com to create an online pinboard for your party.
4-6 weeks before party Organise invitations, confirm numbers, send out invitations- have a start and finish time on the invitations.
Organize the cake with cake maker or if you are doing it, plan what cake you are going to do in terms of design. 2-3 weeks before party Buy all the treats for your party favour bags or boxes, buy party decorations, have a large box or a big plastic $2 striped candy bag with handles and put everything in there ready for the party. Refer back to your budget. 36
1 week before party Confirm numbers, ring anyone that hasn’t responded, make sure you check if anyone has any allergies. A couple of days before the party go food shopping, include tea and coffee/ milk some food for adults too if they decide to stay if you are having a children’s party, refer to your budget and shopping list.
Check out your local paper for the weather report, alert your neighbours that you are having a party, checking parking is available, if at another venue - confirm venue, confirm insurance if you are having it at another venue, confirm with the cake maker that you are going to pick up the cake the day before, sometimes it’s great also having a party at a park..but always check the weather report the week prior.
Prepare all the party favour bags or boxes, make sure all the decorations are ready, make sure all the prizes for the party are ready and wrapped.
{ Top Tip} Places to go for great and reasonably priced party ware are the Reject Shop for jars, candy and ribbon, IKEA for party table buffet sign $1.99, IKEA for glass jars, and $2 Shops are great for ribbon and noodle boxes. Make sure you have planned all the party games and set out an allocated area for the party games Have a timeline/schedule on a piece of paper how the party is going to run (this doesn’t necessarily work on the day – but it’s a great piece of paper to refer back to, ie pass the parcel first, make a craft second, eat cake…etc)
Party Paper Bunting RRP $19.95 Available from Little Big Company
{ Top Tip} Involve your child with preparing all the decorations and let him/her know how the day is going to run. Make it fun preparing for the party. There are also some great tips for making decorations on the web and great party sites to refer too. 37
Check that your camera is charged and ready and put in a spot where you can find it easily Make sure all the music is prepared, The party room /space is free from hazards, all cleaning products are put up high and make sure the front door is closed when all the guests have arrived, you don’t want the door left open because of safety.
Make sure you have easy accessibility for prams etc. A baby change area – the toilet is stocked up with toilet paper – I know you may smile!!! But some people do forget!!! Put any pets away, make sure your party games are ready and set up.
Have a pencil and pad ready to note down all what presents were given so you can send out thank you notes.
On the day of the party Give yourself plenty of time for set up, we find it very useful to set up most of it the night before.
Set up a main pretty cake table or dessert/candy buffet and have a separate table set up with paper plates, paper cups and napkins for the children to sit down at.
Make sure you have matches, lighter ready for the cake - put somewhere safe
Have all the prizes ready near where you are going to have the games.
Set out your party table with tablecloth, jars with ribbon, printable labels for the party buffet, decorate your party space, remove any potential hazards from the party space. I.E electrical cords, TVs on cabinets - that little children can pull down, breakable house decorations, cleaning products are put up high etc
Place your sign out for the party with balloons or just balloons.
{Top Tip} Make sure you and your kids get dressed for the party ASAP, because you are going to be so busy setting up, time will pass away. Sounds silly I know but it’s a good tip!
Make sure a table or chairs is set up if any parents are going to stay at the event. Ask for help from a friend to help you out on the day it’s always helpful to have another set of hands. Also if you have younger children, I.E toddler or baby make sure you allocate someone to look after their safety on the day, because you are going to be busy with running the party. Write 'thank yous' after the event. (thank you for coming and thanks for the lovely present). Most of all have fun, enjoy and create a lovely day…Love Louisa at The Little Big Company http://www.tlbc.com.au
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Featured Business
Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Parties A cooking party can be held at a few different locations depending on the number of children. It can be either your house or located at a community hall of your choice or at Kids In The Kitchen Cooking – kitchens at Adamstown Uniting church, corner of Glebe and Brunker Rd Adamstown. The cooking party involves the kids making their own food, snacks and a treat for their take home lolly bag. While learning new recipes and techniques they have fun creating the party food and enjoy their masterpieces. It’s a lot of hands on fun and very different to any other themed party. www.kidsinthekitchencooking.com.au
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“When you look at a cupcake, you've got to smile.” ~ Anne Byrn
We are loving
Ingredients 125g butter 2 cups SR flour 1 cup sugar 150mls milk 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 eggs
Method 1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 2. Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla essence. 3. Add half the flour and then half the milk and mix until combined and then repeat. 4. Fill the patty pans to two thirds full and place in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 180 degrees celcius or until golden brown.
Butter Icing 250g butter 400g icing sugar 80g cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla icing
Method Beat the butter, icing sugar and cocoa powder together until light and fluffy. Pipe in a circular motion over the top of the cooled cupcake and decorate as desired. Alternatives Cinnamon and Sugar: Melt 2tbs butter and baste over the top of your cupcakes as soon as they are out of the oven and then sprinkle with 3tbs sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon. Lemon: Add 2 tsp zested lemon to the icing butter mixture and take out the cocoa powder. Add 80g icing sugar to the mixture.
Makes approximately 12 cupcakes Recipe supplied by Katrina Higham of www.katrinahigham.com
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Play not Push! Little Kickers Newcastle uses soccer as a fun forum to instil confidence, co-ordination and control in small, age appropriate groups. Parents get to relax while the boys and girls learn skills such as colours, numbers, sharing and teamwork. Come and have a ball!
Contact 02 40091545 or 0402533651 nboots@littlekickers.com.au www.littlekickers.com.au
Featured Entertainment
Medieval Parties with Nova Hollandia- 9 Paterson Rd, Bolwarra Step back in time to the world of knights and learn the art of medieval warfare and life, in a safe and supervised environment. The basic birthday package is $250 for 2 hours of activities, swordfighting (with child safe foam and latex equipment) and archery ( with blunt arrows and knock down targets). Along with a supervisor in medieval costume, you will also get 10 sets of swords and shields, and 10 sets of bows and arrows to use for the 2 hours. Both activities can be done either inside or out and are suitable for children 5 years and over. www.novahollandiaentertainment.com
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Party ideas There are so many fabulous options for kids parties in Newcastle and we have found a few suggestions the kids will love!
Get Active!
Hunter Sports Centre Stockland Drive Glendale PH: (02) 4953 6366 The fun starts at the gym! The Hunter Sports Centre provides a unique birthday party experience in a top class gymnasium. A qualified instructor will guide the children through various equipment including: Trampolines, Foam Pit, Ropes, Games, Bars, Beams, Sprung Floor, and much more Everything is supplied, all you need to do is bring along the birthday cake! www.hsc.org.au
Lift Dance Fitness- 44 Park Avenue Adamstown PH: 0401 811 962 Lift Dance Fitness offers parties that include games, craft and dance. Parents will have the opportunity to see their LITTLE PARTY ANIMALS perform the dance they have learnt. All kids parties run for 1 1/2 Hrs. An extra half an hour is included at the end of the party to run your own present and cake time. Catering is available for each party and will include light party food snacks, all packaged. Party bags will also be given out for each child that attends. www.liftdancefitness.com.au
Sporty Kids Tots Party PH: 4951 8886 If your little one loves running around then Sporty Kids tots may be just the right party for you. Session runs for 1 hour and includes Games based on Sports such as: Soccer, Basketball, T-Ball, Rugby, Touch Football and more. The Birthday Child receives a Sporty Kids T-shirt Saturday parties are only available at Wallsend Sunday parties can be at the location of your choice subject to ground availability. 43 www.sportykids.net.au
Yogabugs PH: 0418 435 955 Would you love your child to have a party where imagination can run wild, where every child gets to be the hero of their adventure and where they'll burn off some of that party food? They might even leave calmer and more relaxed. YogaBugs Newcastle is now offering YogaBugs Birthday Parties. Your little 'bug' can choose which magical adventure to go on, and if you provide the space, we'll provide the adventure... and we can add music and stories too.Dressing up can add to the magic. Every child can stretch their imagination and their body for up to 1 hour. CLICK HERE for more info www.yogabugs.com.au
The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre, The University of Newcastle–Funtastic Birthdays PH: 4921 7001 The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre at The University of Newcastle offers two fabulous options for children’s birthday parties. Choose from; Splashzone- This party is on one of our awesome two pool floats where you can climb to the top and swing your way through the massive archway or slip and slide with a splash into the water. Ages 5+ Kidz Climb Parties- Climb the second highest climbing wall in Australia! At an awesome height of 18 metres, the artificial wall is a magnificent centrepiece of The Forum where you can experience the extreme world of climbing! Ages 8+ www.theforum.org.au
Pulse Climbing Parties PH: 4023 4743 Pulse Climbing Kids Parties are a great way to celebrate a party. There is an awesome party room so the kids can make as much noise as they want. The parties last for 2.5 hours and a staff member will be on hand to make sure things run smoothly. Welcome to bring own food to the party room as it is equipped with a small kitchenette. Alternatively pizzas can be organised on the day. Minimum 10 people www.pulseclimbing.com.au 44
Get Back to Nature!
Hunter Wetlands Sandgate Rd Shortland PH: 02 4951 6466 Celebrate your birthday at the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia. Explore the Wetlands with your own guide and return to a party room decorated with birthday decor. Your Party includes the following: Guide for 1 hour* Dipnetting (Catching pond creatures). A guided tour around the ponds at the wetlands exploring the sensory trail & egret tower PLUS Choose 3 items from the lunch menu selection and 2 items from the snack menu selection for the party guests. www.wetlands.org.au
Blackbutt Reserve Critter Encounters Carnley Ave New Lambton PH: 4904 3344 Blackbutt Reserve are now offering ‘Critter Encounters’ for onsite parties and events, where qualified staff provide hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to meet, learn about, and interact with, native animals. The program’s wildlife critters include: • Ringtail possum, Diamond python, Giant burrowing cockroaches, inland bearded dragon, Eastern blue tongue lizard, White lipped tree frog, Eastern long turtle, Stick insects Cost: $120. Package price available with shelter hire. Duration: 45 minutes www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/recreation/blackbutt_reserve
Tree Top Adventure Park-Minmi Rd Minmi PH: 4026 7617 Tree Top Adventure Park consists of 96 challenges in the tree tops, where participants can slide down Flying Foxes, move from tree to tree on suspension bridges and enjoy many other exciting activities up to 15 metres above the forest floor! Two packages available for 3-9 years and 10-17 years. The 3-10 years old course is built with a continuous belay safety system unique in the southern hemisphere so they can concentrate on the challenges the course offers. They can experience flying foxes on their courses. 45 www.treetopadventurepark.com.au
Get Sipping! Truffled Catering-Kids High Tea Parties PH: 0412 683 853 Truffled Catering offers the complete package. From delightful nibbles and "drop in" cheese platters for the adults. To fairy floss, sparkle filled, glittered platters for the girls and spiderman figurines for the boys. Be it catering for the kids or just yourselves, Truffled has it covered. www.truffledcatering.com.au
Get Arty!
The Arts Emporium 2 Pearson Street, Lambton PH: (02) 49562641 The Arts Emporium holds the most fabulous children’s birthday parties for children aged 5 to 12 years old! An art party at The Arts Emporium is an event that is full of pleasure, imagination and hands-on, creative fun. The party fee covers the theme and activities preparation; experienced, professional, highly qualified staff; all art materials; finished art and craft works to take home; party games; prizes; the hire of the venue and the art and venue clean-up. www.theartsemporium.com.au
Get Swashbuckling!
Maritime Museum PH: 4026 7617 What kid doesn’t like a fun party! It’s even better when you have your own pirate to teach how to laugh like a pirate and hunt for hidden treasure….arrrrr We can cater for up to 20 children for a fun arrrrrfternoon www.maritimecentrenewcastle.org.au 46
Get Up Close!
Oakvale Farm 3 Oakvale Drive, SALT ASH PH: 4982 6222 Book are party at Oakvale Farm where the children can get up close to farm animals. There are feeding shows at 11am and 2pm daily where everyone has an opportunity to bottle feed our baby goats and lambs, milk a cow, pat our koalas and go for a tractor trailer ride around the farm . There will also be duck feeding at 1pm which includes free feed and the chance to watch our pelicans be fed . CLICK HERE for more details on party package. www.oakvalefarm.com.au
Hunter Valley Zoo 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba PH: (02) 4990 7714 With our hands-on, interactive animal experiences, daily shows and fun relaxed atmosphere Hunter Valley Zoo is the perfect location for any event. Feed our kangaroos, cuddle up to a koala, pat a python, or a wombat and meet our cheeky monkeys. Amenities, Picnic Grounds, BBQ's, snacks & refreshments and playground are available. www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au
Get Dancing!
Lollipops Kids Disco Unit 6, 154 Park Avenue PH: 4965 5466 Why not have your next Birthday Party at our Friday Night Disco with the Kids Party Ideas specialists, run on the first Friday of each month the Disco provides all of the fantastic features of a Lollipops Party, plus a bit more including a Disco for all of the kids, both young and young at heart to dance the night away to. Click HERE for party inclusions. www.newcastle.lollipopsplayland.com.au
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Monthly Competition
Roll up! Roll up! The Oobi Summer/Spring 2011 – 2012 collection is in town! Gorgeous, sweet & summery prints fashioned in Oobi’s trademark retro twist. Oobi is inspired by retro and all things whimsical, in a past where children could enjoy the chance to be children without compromising in style. Designer Alex Riggs’ passion is for the 1940s and 1950s and her inspiration comes equally from her mother and grandmother’s closets, with a gentle nod to current trends, ensuring Oobi is timeless rather than trendy. This season Oobi have relaunched the highly anticipated and reinvented 1950s Party Dress. The vintage inspired style of the dress, the quirky vibrant rosette, and the wonderful mix of colours and prints (Apple Pop and Red dot) has together created a statement piece that is loved by all Oobi Mums and Oobi Babies. One lucky reader will have the chance to win Oobi's Classic 1950s Party Dress in red dot. For more information and to see the full summer 2011/2012 go to www.oobi.com.au 48
Monthly Competition
Visit this gorgeous little online store to view their ever expanding range of both handpicked and handcrafted products, with an individual and quirky edge. Catering for 0-5 year olds, their range includes toys, gifts, clothing, home wares, accessories and more from around the globe. Goodies are itemised by age suitability making shopping so much easier. Be sure to check out our divine range of French bags and gifts for Mamas too! This month one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a gorgeous set of three French Suitcases valued at $54.95 and a peaceable kingdom - animal alphabet match ups game valued at $19.95. For more information and to see the full range of rudy and the dodo products go to www.rudyandthedodo.com.au
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Monthly Competition
For close to 5 years, Minifashionista has been a leading online Australian children’s retailer. They specialise bright, fun and funky clothing, toys and gifts for children 0-4 years. Just recently they have undergone a fabulous website makeover and have introduced some fantastic new brands including Skip Hop, Boon, Aden & Anais, and Seedling. Although a lot has changed at Minifashionista, one thing that has stayed the same is their commitment to excellent customer service. With Christmas not too far away, Minifashionista have been busy sourcing and loading lots of great gifts for children aged 0-10 years. You’ll find a great variety of fun and unique gifts, and there’s no need to worry about the wrapping, as it’s free. They can also deliver your gifts worldwide. This month one lucky reader has a chance to win a wonderful Skip Hop package valued at over $110.00. The package includes: The Skip Hop Zoo Bee Insulated Lunchie Bag; Bee Foldable Bib; Bee Melamine Tableware Set; Owl Treetop Hug and Hide Activity Toy, and; Owl Treetop Stroller Activity Toy. For information go to www.minifashionista.com.au 50
Monthly Competition
My Munchkin Home are Australian Made Designer Removable Wall Stickers that are perfect for the baby nursery, kids rooms and home interiors. Many rooms have been decorated in gorgeous designs from their in house design team. An example of their designs is the Animal Tree House Silhouette design which is a classic design that suits the baby nursery, kids rooms and playrooms. Available in the full colour range this design along with other Tree designs, Rocket Ships, Words quotes and Customised names. Decorating your child’s room is easy with wall stickers designed with kids in mind and your homes décor. The team have proudly launched soft Hand Screen Printed cushions to add to your child’s room and enhance your wall stickers. These super soft cushions are perfect to cuddle or to tell your child how much you love them with such designs as “I Love You To The Moon And Back” or “You Are So Loved”. All cushions are hand screen printed with eco inks in a range of colours perfect for your child’s room. The prize offered by My Munchkin Home is a Gift Voucher for their online store to the value of $100.00. To view the full range head to their website www.mymunchkinhome.com.au Also follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mymunchkinhome for new design releases and offers. 51
Monthly Competition
Love JK creates beautiful designs for children. Ranging from wall art, invitations and stationery, all products are created with love in Melbourne. Love JK also offers a gorgeous range of personalised prints. They are a stunning addition to a nursery or bedroom and make for a perfect gift for baby showers, christenings, and birthdays. This month, one lucky reader, will have the opportunity to win their choice of two large framed personalised prints. The Lovey Dovey Dala print in pink and navy, or the Off To The Moon print, both valued at $99.95. For more information about Love JK's range of lovely, unique products, please visit www.lovejk.com.au
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Monthly Competition Terms and Conditions •Entrant can only enter once •Winners will be notified by email •Winners will need to respond to email within 7 days to collect their prize •Alphabet Street will determine what prize is issued to winning entrants •Entrants must be 18 years and over •Entrants must be from within Australia •Competition will close midnight on the 30th September 2011
Would you like your little one to be the next cover star of the Alphabet Street mini mag? Each month we will email our
subscribers the theme of the
Is your child the next
cover star of the Alphabet Street mini mag?
month. This theme will need to be incorporated into any photos you send us and will need to be somehow included in the photo. It may be pets, toothbrushes, food etc. The most creative entry will have a chance of being the cover star of our mini mag for that month as well as being shot by by children’s portrait photographer Kylie Mitchell from Heart in Motion Photography.. If you are a subscriber to Alphabet Street....stay tuned for more information 53