Kid Magazine Issue Eighteen

december 2014 - issue eighteen

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Learn to walk this Xmas with Attipas!

Ergonomic Shoes for Babies, Toddlers and NOW Preschoolers.

20% off + free gift* on all orders > $50 Use coupon KIDMAG at checkout.

www.attipas.com.au *Coupon must be applied at checkout. One free gift per order, while stocks last. Offer ends 24/12/14.

Editor’s letter

hi!

Cover image: Photography by Elise Garner lecoco.com.au Check out the rest of the shoot on page 34

H

ow have we come to that time of year again? This year is even more exciting for me as next week my baby celebrates her first birthday. Time flies so fast when you are having fun and from two years ago when I launched this magazine and one year ago when I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of my baby to now, it feels like it has flown by in a flash.

In this issue you will find our Christmas gift guide. Packed with 160 gift ideas for babies, kids, mum and dad. There are also a few special offers to take advantage of in the magazine so keep your eyes peeled.

This issue I also partnered with Elise Garner from Le Coco to shoot my first fashion editorial. It was loads of fun, although running around after five kids on a hot Sydney day was exhausting. I am so thrilled with how the photos look. Lots of fun, summer inspiration.

I’ll be back with a special issue in early January for back to school so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, I wish you and your family a very safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. I hope you create many happy memories together and enjoy the company of the ones you love.

Until next issue, you can find us at www.kidmagazine.com.au for more of the things you love.

Sara

Editor and Chief Kid sara@kidmagazine.com.au kidmagazine.com.au

kidmagazine.com.au 3

december 2014 - issue eighteen

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Cover fashion: Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au

Life through the lens of our Editor and Chief Kid, Sara. Join us at instagram.com/kidmagazineau

Keep up to date with our Facebook posts, full of fashion tips, latest articles, competitions and interviews. Follow us at facebook.com/kidmagazine

INSIDE

07 2014 Christmas gift guide 26 1:1 with Ecoman 32 New kids on the block 34 Summer days 56 Five minutes with Caroline Africh 58 Exercising in the silly season 60 Kid Magazine Loves 62 Eating well in the festive season 64 Behind the Blog with Tash from Gift Grapevine 69 Tips for getting a great Santa photo 70 How to pack your beach bag for a perfect day at the beach 74 Giveaways 76 Christmas crafts 84 Believing in Santa is good for children’s cognitive development 86 Festive food

kidmagazine.com.au 4

Bouncy Baby™, Cuddly Baby™, Sleepy Baby™ & Snuggly Baby™ Odour eliminating products;

Scented Envelope Sachet all natural biodegradable materials Room Spray Signature Reed Diffuser

DIAMOND BAY IMPORTS

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2014 Ch Gift G

hristmas Guide

Christmas shopping spotlight

Thinking of throwing a party for your kids to kick off the holiday season? Children love Christmas and the holidays, so creating a theme will add to their excitement! You can create a holiday theme easily and without spending much by buying a few decorations and printing off customised place cards, labels, menus and invitations to fit into your theme. For a Christmas theme, throw in some tinsel, baubles and creatively labelled bon-bons.

Customise your table settings to match rest of your decorations with the Avery Celebrations & Events range and the free Design & Print Software. Menus and place cards will make the kids feel extra special and labels on cups will add to the theme whilst keeping the washing up to a minimum. Adding your own special touch to your child’s holiday parties is so simple with the help of Avery Products! www.averyproducts.com.au/Celebrations

Li’l Zippers has totally unzipped the hassle of midnight nappy changes. No more rogue, mismatched fasteners and struggling with origami style kimono suits, the simple, one-zip Chin-tobum utility makes nappy changing super quick and easy. Made from beautiful soft cotton fabric they’re garments designed lovingly by an Aussie mum who understand the importance of your baby being happy and feeling comfortable all day everyday.

Expanding into fashion separates for the first time this season the gorgeous collection of mix and match pieces for Newborn to toddlers come in bright, funky colours and gorgeous stripes.

Designed with parents in mind they’re practical, affordable, and super cute garments make nappy changing easy and almost effortless so you can focus on everything else. www.lilzippers.com.au

Middletree was launched in January 2014 with a range of handmade soy wax candles and melts. They have now launched their new celebration range of customised candles and prints.

Products can be personalised as a special gift and to mark a significant milestone such as christenings, baby showers, engagements, weddings, in memorium and rememberance occasions.

Candles are available in 40-hour burn time in a white gloss jar, ideal to match any décor and made using pure soy wax and natural cotton wicks.

The customised framed prints are about celebrating life’s special moments such as weddings, the birth of a new baby, or adding a bit more life, colour and inspiration to a room.

The Middletree range is available from selected boutiques in NSW, QLD and VIC and the entire collection is online. www.middletree.com.au

Discover PlayMais® - a collection of extremely creative and completely natural craft materials and craft activity sets for children aged 3+. Made in Germany from natural maize, water and food colouring, it is natural, biodegradable and 100% safe. You can make just about anything with PlayMais®. Super easy - the pieces will simply stick together with a tiny bit of water, no glue required.

Squish and squeeze it, cut or rip it, roll it, mould it… Creations are only limited by your imagination!

The colourful PlayMais® pieces also stick to a range of different surfaces such as paper and cardboard, glass or clay, so you can enhance paintings, make cards, create window decorations or even decorate flowerpots.

Kids love it and spend on average 30-50 minutes in each session.

Perfect for keeping them busy over the Christmas holidays! www.playmais-australia.com.au

Advertorial

Let’s face it – we are all time poor, so I want an outfit I can just throw on and LOOK AMAZING IN! Ideally it needs to be stylish and comfortable - something I can dress up or down with ease.

Well …look no further, Humidity’s designs are young and fresh – perfect relaxed lifestyle pieces. Stylish and forgiving! There’s a gorgeous range of tops to suit all shapes and sizes and stunning summer dresses for that special occasion. Warning…Prepare yourself for loads of compliments! www.humiditydesign.com.au

Looking for wrapping paper as long as your Christmas list? PaperPak, a 100% Australian owned manufacturer and wholesaler of paper packaging has a range of Christmas Packaging to delight.

The rolls are 60M in length and are available in a range of designs with bags, labels and tissue-paper to match.

If you are posting gifts this year, there is a range of Mailing Boxes and Satchels to protect your gifts which can be used all year around. View our website for our full range of packaging options and use promo code 5000 to receive 10% off your first purchase until the 31st January 2015. www.paper-pak.net

The original and the best!

The Lamaze Infant Development System welcomes you to a comprehensive system of soft toys based on Lamaze International’s philosophy of healthy parenting.

We understand that what matters most to parents is keeping their children healthy, happy, and safe. Designed in conjunction with child development experts, Lamaze toys engage babies and provide parents with peace of mind. We make it easy for you to choose the products that are developmentally appropriate and most enjoyable for your baby with color-coded age grades featured on all packaging. Most importantly, all of our items meet or exceed industry and consumer safety regulations to ensure complete safety for your child. Lamaze toys will lead you and your child down a path of fun, healthy play and learning from birth through the early toddler years. www.lamazetoys.com

Fair Trade fashion phenomenon Eternal Creation has some fabulous Christmas ideas for you, plus a special offer to make your trip all the sweeter! It’s the season of giving, so they’re giving you FREE SHIPPING on your Christmas order! Enter code KMAG at checkout. This offer ends 10/12/14.

Treat your loved ones to a Fair Trade Christmas with Eternal Creation’s gorgeous Christmas gift guide, packed with super gift ideas for the whole family!

Or if you’re not sure what to get, pick up an Eternal Creation gift card! With values from $25-$300, the gift card is emailed to you.

You can either print it out, or send the email on to the recipient on a day of your choosing - the perfect Christmas gift! Shop the gift guide and gift cards at their lovely website. www.eternalcreation.com

My Personalised Puppy Pal Scout, $39.99 Kmart, Target, Big W, Toys R Us and independent toys stores across Australia

bab Softies Seal, $95 www.downthatlittlelane.com.au

Giggle and Hoot Stackable Blocks, $18.00 www.petersofkensington.com.au

want In the Nightgarden – “A Musical Journey… The Album”, $14.99 www.abcmusic.com.au 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant, $119.99 www.yourlettertosanta.com.au

Wobbly Penguins Pull Toy, $21.95 www.oxfamshop.org.au

Octonauts™ Octopod Playset, $90.99 www.yourlettertosanta.com.au

Storytime Rag Doll – Nina Ballerina, $49.95 www.tigertribe.com.au Marina the Mermaid, $19.95 www.lamazetoys.com smarTrike 4-in-1 Chic, $199 www.target.com.au

Love to Swaddle UP 50/50 – Summer Lite, $49.95 www.lovetodream.com.au

bies

Gelati Blue Knitted Blanket, $80 www.littleville.com.au

Aqua Flamingo 8 Hour Cooling Lunch Bag, $32.95 appleandmint.com

Ezee-Reach Stay-Put Cutlery and Bowl in Pink, $17.95 foxandbeartots.com.au

Girls Giraffe Hooded Towel. $29.99 www.pumpkinpatch.com.au

Breganwood Bath Mitt - Sleepy Owl, $13.99 www.theworldofgood.com.au

Hello World gift pack, $44.95 www.milkandco.com.au

need Bambella Designs pram liner in blue circles, $59 www.bambelladesigns.com.au

Hung on Colour dipped infant hangers, $22 per set www.bellabuttercup.com.au

GAIA Natural Baby Starter Kit, $22.95 www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

Mini Boys Light Grey Doodle Print Jogger, $20 au.riverisland.com

bab Tumble ‘N Dry Onyx Dress, $49.95 www.tumblendry.com.au Bonds Shine Zip Wondersuit Romper, $20.95 www.bonds.com.au

Frankie Ray Little Lola black and white, $29.95 www.babybunting.com.au

Elephant Stomp Bandana Bib, $13.95 www.lovefrombug.com.au

wear

Hibiscus Dress with Knickers, $49.99 www.pumpkinpatch.com.au

Bigger Boat Bodysuit, $25USD MengselDesign.etsy.com

Attipas Polka Dot Shoes, $29.95 www.attipas.com.au

Baby girl coral stripe zip growsuit, $32.95 www.lilzippers.com.au

Doodlebug Ollie Sailor Overalls, $44.95 www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au

At the Farm wooden book, $10 muddkids.com.au

bies Baby says No!, $11.66 www.storymama.com.au

I Love my Babycinos, $10.95 www.idtee.com.au

Lamaze Captain Calamari’s Treasure Hunt soft book, $19.95 www.lamazetoys.com

read Peppa’s Piggy Pack, $16.99 www.dymocks.com.au This Little Piggy Went Singing, $19.99 www.allenandunwin.com.au

Dandelion Crinkle Book, $18.99 www.theworldofgood.com.au

Growl like a Tiger, $9.99 www.allenandunwin.com.au

The Day the Crayons Quit, $14.99 www.dymocks.com.au

Where is the Green Sheep? Book & Blocks set, $19.99 www.dymocks.com.au

Minecraft pickaxe foam replica, $35.95 www.latestbuy.com.au

‘Lil Fairy Door Kit, $22 littlefairydoor.com

Daiso sticker book, $2.80 mydaiso.com.au/store-finder

CHILL FACTOR Ice Cream Maker, $16.99 www.thechillfactor.com.au

Zak! Australia Frozen 473ml stainless steel drink bottle, from $10 www.target.com.au

want

BarbieÂŽ Glam Camper, $149.99 www.yourlettertosanta.com.au

kid KROOOM Dylan Fire Station, $39.95 www.thestorknest.com.au

Dear Little Letterbox, $39.95 www.dearlittledesigns.com

Little Big Planet 3, $59.99 au.playstation.com

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Riplash Flyers, $18.99 www.yourlettertosanta.com.au

need

FRED Ms Food face plate, $21.95 www.latestbuy.com.au

Set of 3 Mini Containers – Skull, $7.95 www.metalliccowboy.com.au

Dinosaur Storage Tub Basket, $49.95 www.downthatlittlelane.com.au

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Pink butterfly nightie, $39.95 www.fourinthebed.com.au

SCOUT Kids Oslo Duvet Set, $160 www.scoutlifestyle.com

SwimFin, $39.95 www.swimfin.com.au

Kiddi Kutter children’s knife, $12.95 each frombabytokids.com.au

Penguin Lunchie Gift Set, $34.95 available from Toys R Us or David Jones

Navy blue heron cotton pyjamas, $44 www.eternalcreation.com

Classic Name Dots – Labels, $19.95 www.stuckonyou.biz

Girls Pink Denim and Check Hybrid Dress, $36 au.riverisland.com

wear

Jimmy Tank Maui Blue/Sharks, $12.95 cottonon.com

Printed Melange SS Shirt, $32.99 www.pumpkinpatch.com.au

kid Mary Jane Canvas Silver, $29.95 www.walnutmelbourne.com Freida Skirt, $34.99 www.jeanswest.com.au

Amira Jumpsuit, $19.95 cottonon.com

Mr Fox T-Shirt, $39.95 www.eenimeeni.com Crown, $19.95 www.eenimeeni.com Tiffany Blue Sparkle Flower Tutu, $65 www.littleville.com.au

Aztec Printed Frill Sleeve Top, $26.99 www.pumpkinpatch.com.au

101 Things to Do Before You’re Old and Boring by Richard Home, $15.95 www.allenandunwin.com

Archie, $14.99 www.allenandunwin.com

the ELEPHANT with red gumboots

by Samantha Vicars

The Elephant with red gumboots, $15 www.redsparrowkids.com.au Little Rhymes for Little People, $19.99 www.littlerhymes.com.au

ds

The Wheels on the Bus, $20 www.littleville.com.au

Barefoot Books World Atlas, $27.95 www.oxfamshop.org.au

Silly Billy, $16.95 www.oxfamshop.org.au

read Tottie and Dot, $22.50 www.storymama.com.au Personalised Christmas Book, $19.95 www.stuckonyou.biz

Cat’s Not-So-Perfect Sandcastle, $29.95 www.kimochis.com.au

Orla Kiely Quilted Stem Backpack (Indigo), $299.95 www.larkstore.com.au Breville the Boss™, $999 www.breville.com.au

Clay Dishes – Love Heart, $11.95 www.cocoandbliss.com.au

want Convoy stripe clutch, $39 bluebungalow.com.au

Ceramic Hearts Flower Pot, $2.80 mydaiso.com.au/store-finder

Gold Shimmer Mighty Purse, $109.95 www.handbag-butler.com

Garden Flamingoes (set of 2), $29.95 www.annabeltrends.com

mu

Marseille Robe, $139.95 www.mrsdarcy.com.au

Kate Spade Nesting Boxes (black stripe), $95 www.larkstore.com.au

“Marilyn” small basket, $57 www.themarketbasketco.com.au

Sukin Bio Natural Skin Oil, $14.95 www.sukinorganics.com

Endota spa calm essential oil, $26 endota.com.au

Energizer Powerbanks, from $99.95 www.amberonline.com.au

Mason & Pearson Brush, $118.00 www.petersofkensington.com.au

Geo glasses case from Annabel Trends, $22.95 www.annabeltrends.com

Mr + Mrs Smith quilt set, $309 www.cranmorehome.com.au

GAIA Nipple Balm, $12.95 www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

um

Pacifica Beauty Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes, $8.95 www.pacificabeauty.com.au

Twiggy in Grey, $199.95 www.sticksandsparrow.com.au

need

Crosses Towel – Jade, $19.95 www.zanui.com

AlizĂŠ with black raffia halo fringe, $190 www.carolynunwin.com.au

Ibiza Wedge Sandal, $119.95 www.sportscraft.com.au Celine Fan teething necklace, $44.95 each www.harperandhudson.com.au

Holster Starlight sandal, $59.99 www.holsterfashion.com

Katies mixed Media Top , $39.95 www.katies.com.au

Tabitha Balconette Contour Bra ($49.99) and Tabitha Brazilian Knicker (22.99) in Pink / Ivory www.brasnthings.com

next Necklace, $71 www.next.com.au

Tash Perforated Leather Ballet in Silver, $109.95 www.walnutmelbourne.com

Katies Double Waistband Denim Skirt, $49.95 www.katies.com.au

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wear

TOMS Navy Galapagos Women’s Sandals, $75 toms.com

Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Colour and Style, $55 www.anniesloan.com

read Business & Baby at Home, $29.99 www.businessandbabyathome.com.au

Pride & Prejudice personalised U Star Novel, $29.95 www.ustarnovels.com.au

Down to Earth, $39.95 www.biome.com.au

Heels on Wheels, $22.95 www.cyclestyle.com.au Make & Do, $39.95 www.larkstore.com.au

um Summer TABLE, $34.95 www.hellotable.com.au Share Cookbook, $40 www.oxfamshop.org.au

Fast, delicious and healthy recipes

For every night of Summer

5

Photography by Robyn Charnley

The Woman Who Stole My Life, $22.99 www.dymocks.com.au

NOURISH: The Fit Woman’s Cookbook , $44.99 www.lornajane.com.au

Beacon Lighting Edison Lamp, $89.95 www.beaconlighting.com.au

Game of Thrones The Board Game Second Edition, $83.95 www.latestbuy.com.au

Daneson Flavoured Toothpicks, From $8 each www.navycrockett.com.au

DRIVECLUB PS4, $99.95 driveclub.eu.playstation.com

Doctor Who Tardis Cookie Jar, $34.99 www.giftsforblokes.com.au

want Fitbit Flex Tracker Black, $126.00 thegoodguys.com.au

VOID V01EL watch, $200 www.voidwatches.com

Kambrook Rotating Stone Pizza Oven, $79.95 www.kambrook.com.au

SodaStream Play, $99 www.sodastream.com.au

Zoku Iced Coffee Maker, $44.95 www.haleimports.com.au

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Dirty Shaving Cream, $9.95 www.lush.com.au

Classic Block Desk Calendar, $24.95 www.larkstore.com.au

Nike Core Compression 6� Shorts 2.0, $40 www.theiconic.com.au Bonds, $25.95 www.bonds.com.au Powerful shoe deodoriser, $9.95 www.purebamboo.com.au

Inidgo Blue Leather Moroccan Ottoman, $200 www.rockribbonsecogifts.com

need

Sprout Garden Soap in Pineapple & Giner, $12.95 www.annabeltrends.com

Rubifresh Men’s Basic Set, $114 www.rubifresh.com.au

VS for Men Crew Cut, $119.95 www.vsformen.com.au

ad Anti-Snoring Mints, $4.95 www.navycrockett.com.au

Garrick Shirt in Charcoal Star, $84 www.bodenclothing.com.au

Deus Ex Machina Warren Trucker, $29.95 www.theiconic.com.au

Optical (Angles) Grey/White Havaianas, $24.99 www.havaianasaustralia.com.au

White Breton Stripe Grandad T-Shirt, $36 au.riverisland.com

Bodhi Denim Short, $49.99 www.jeanswest.com.au

wear

Paul Messenger, $399 www.upcyclestudio.com.au

TOMS Tan Canvas Men’s Paseos Mid Classics, $99 toms.com

Bill Short Sleeve Printed Shirt, $39.99 www.jeanswest.com.au Le Coq Sportif Deauville Plus Denim, $89.95 www.theiconic.com.au

French Connection polo shirt www.frenchconnection.com.au

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How to Speak Zombie, $26.95 www.navycrockett.com.au

Ecoman book, $34.95 www.ecostore.com.au

Among the Fans, $19.99 www.allenandunwin.com

Kerry Stokes, $39.99 www.dymocks.com.au

Man Caves, $24.95 www.giftsforblokes.com.au

My Dream Kombi, $29.99 www.harpercollins.com.au

Merv Hughes’ 104 Cricket Legends, $29.99 www.allenandunwin.com.au

read Time and Time Again, $24.99 www.dymocks.com.au

ad

The President’s Desk, $35.00 www.dymocks.com.au

The Little Veggie Patch Co Guide to Backyard Farming, $45 www.mrgift.com.au

1:1 with ecoman Malcom Rands is the man behind the successful ecostore. The ecostore range of home cleaning, laundry, baby, skin and hair products has grown from Malcolm’s basement in New Zealand to having a global grocery store presence. Malcom answered our questions on natural products and what we need to be on the lookout for.

1. Sustainability is a big focus for ecostore, not just in your products but how you do business. Why is this so important to you?

I wouldn’t really describe sustainability as a big focus for our business, because that would make it sound as though it’s outside of our organisation. We prefer to think of it as part of our cultural DNA - it’s why we started ecostore 21 years ago - to give people better options around the products they use in their homes and on themselves and their families everyday. When we started ecostore we were living in a permaculture eco village that we started with some friends. We were living a life of voluntary simplicity and eating our own produce so we were always very aware of the value of sustainability - not taking more than you need, giving back - these are basic tenets of sustainability and they still guide us today in everything we do from the ingredients we use to the full life cycle of our products. And because the goalposts for sustainability are continually moving and getting better as technology improves, we also follow a process of continual improvement. In terms of our aspirations we’d like to move beyond sustainability to regeneration - no waste.

2. Why should people be opting for natural and organic products to use in their homes and on their skin?

I compare the products we use on our skin to the food we eat. More and more people are becoming aware of the need to eat healthy and organic or at least fresh food. We’re turning away from processed foods with too much sugar, artificial colourings and chemical additives because we ingest these and we’re discovering that they can have a direct relationship to behaviour problems and even developmental problems in our children as well as allergies and other health concerns.

The skin is a less well known entry point for chemicals to get into the body. Yet it’s our largest organ and it’s kidmagazine.com.au 26

important to remember that whatever you put on your skin is going to be absorbed into your bloodstream in some form and if it’s fat soluble its going to be stored in your fatty tissues which can include the brain, (especially in babies). We all have something called the blood brain barrier which is supposed to protect our brains from toxins. The problem for babies is the blood brain barrier is not developed for the first 6 months and they also have greater skin surface to body mass so they are even more susceptible to chemicals in products like skin lotions, bubble bath, creams and shampoo.

3. For those who argue that using natural products costs more, what would you say?

Yes unfortunately that can often be the case, but we’ve found a way around this by safely concentrating our products so you only need to use a little. Our laundry powder is a good example of this - a 1kg box of powder will give you up to 64 standard washes for a front loader.

When you compare this to similar products on the supermarket shelf we are often cheaper but we have some work to do in terms of making this process of figuring out cost per use less hard work for busy shoppers.

We’re also working on a line of bulk products and refills to help make people’s dollar stretch a bit further. The other reason I would urge people to make natural products more of a priority is because so many questionable chemicals are in them. These chemicals are completely unregulated by official bodies meaning that the burden of proof is on individuals to prove that a chemical is unsafe rather than on companies to prove that they are safe. Even when you have groups of scientists, doctors, lawyers and consumer watchdog groups raising red flags and calling for change, they are often ignored. It can sometimes take years for legislation to change. Two examples of this are the continued use of Teflon (non-stick coating for cookware) and BPA which is used in the lining of canned foods. Both of these will upset the hormone balance in your body.

kidmagazine.com.au 27

4. What are some of the nasty chemicals that we would find in the products we use everyday for cleaning the home but wouldn’t be aware of? What is the impact of these chemicals?

Cleaning product manufacturers aren’t legally required to be transparent about what’s in their products so they often aren’t making it possible to know what’s in their products or to research their ingredients but some companies, like ecostore are voluntarily providing this information for our customers as well as a full glossary of ingredients on our website. Some of the key ones I would start with can be found in the laundry - optical brighteners, enzymes and synthetic dyes and perfumes. residues of these chemicals stay on your clothes, your sheets, your underwear and are basically up against your skin 24/7 where they can lead to skin irritation, dermatitis, eczema and other health concerns.

Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals added to products such as laundry powders, liquid, soakers and other cleaning products to give an illusion of whiter whites.. In laundry powder they stick to clothes and reflect light in the blue spectrum while absorbing UV Light.

This makes clothes look whiter and cleaner but really they’re unnecessary ingredients just added for aesthetics.

Because they are designed to stick to clothes, they end up being in contact with skin for prolonged periods of time, which can be a cause for concern when considering the effects of these chemicals on skin and possible irritation.

Optical brighteners can also end up in waterways, where they are slow to biodegradei and can cause long term negative effects on our aquatic environment. They can also attach to plants, where their UV absorbing effects can affect pollination by bees.

Laundry Enzymes do a great job of breaking down stains from things like fats and proteins on your clothes but they don’t differentiate between stain molecules on an item of clothing and similar molecules that are part of our skins oily outer layer. This can potentially cause irritation to those who are more sensitive.

Synthetic perfumes are made from petrochemicals and are used in a huge range of household products. They are often labelled as ‘Parfum’ on pack, and their ingredient composition - which often includes hundreds of chemicals, does not have to be declared. The International Fragrance Association has a list of 3059 chemicals that can be used to make synthetic fragrances. Synthetic perfumes can be irritating to the eyes, skin and lungsi; and can contain a number of allergen components that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Synthetic perfumes are also harmful to the environment, and can’t be removed during wastewater treatment, which is a major cause for

kidmagazine.com.au 28

concern considering their high aquatic toxicity. ecostore use natural essential oil fragrances, and also choose to label the allergens present for those who know they have an allergy to them. We also offer many of our products in fragrance free variants for those who are extra sensitive.

Synthetic dyes often come from carcinogenic petrochemical derivatives that are used as colouring agents for many different products on the market.

Common types of Synthetic dyes are called Azo Dyes. Not only do they come from non-renewable resources, they can be eye skin and lung irritants and can also release carcinogenic amines, as well spoiling our environment.

We get the most amazing testimonials from parents who are often at their wits end to find ways to help ease these types of issues: Both my children have asthma (4 & 6) and are usually on preventer medication from April-Nov. I am proud to report that so far this year we are preventer free and the only thing I have changed is that we have changed is to move to ecostore products for all our cleaning and washing. This seems to have been the magic remedy I have been searching for for 6 years so all I can say is thank you! It is amazing and I never would have guessed that something so simple would get these results. I am blown away! Erin - See more at: http://www.ecostore.co.nz/ products/laundry-powder-front-loader#sthash.qxWEVZff. dpuf And it’s not just cleaning products we need to be mindful of, skincare products are also important. My daughter Keva brought home a product she was given at an event the other day and asked me to take a look at it for her. The 2nd ingredient on the list after water, was propylene glycol, followed by methylparaben. These were the top 3 ingredients in a product called “herbal toner” - it looked harmless enough - it even had flower petals floating in it, but let’s just take a closer look at the chemicals which made up most of this product: Propylene Glycol can be irritating to the skin with studies showing it can provoke allergic reactions in patients with eczema and other skin allergies. Extended exposure to Propylene Glycol has also been linked to the development of asthma and allergic reactions in children. Having a small molecular weight it can be absorbed through the skin. It has been shown to cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage in laboratory animals.

Methyparaben is a preservative commonly used in personal care products. There are three most common parabens, methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Not only are these parabens irritating to

the eyes and the skin, they have been linked to breast cancer. Parabens are not carcinogenic themselves, but they are endocrine disruptors, meaning they have an effect on the normal functioning of hormones within the body. Parabens mimic oestrogen within the body, and increased oestrogen is involved with the increase in breast cells, which can also mean the increase in cancerous breast cellsv. Parabens are easily absorbed into the skin, being introduced into the system even after just one application. This is a cause for concern considering they are very often used in products that come into direct contact with the skin such body lotions and deodorants.

Individually these chemicals are cause for concern but what happens when they mix with each other or with chemicals in other products you are exposed to? the research that has been done has tended to focus on one toxin at a time, yet no one is ever exposed to just one toxin at a time and the toxicity of two toxins together is not just additive - combining one toxin with another may just potentiate the toxicity.

5. What are some simple ways we can all be kinder to our environment?

I would love to see each of us being more mindful consumers - starting with buying less. Selling or giving away things that we no longer need that might be useful to someone else. Shop around the perimeter of your supermarket to avoid processed and packaged foods or find and support your local farmers market. Take your own bags for shopping. Prepare meals at home as much as you can and of course, use safer plant-based non toxic cleaning and body care products to care for your home and family.

6. What are the most popular ecostore products? If you had to pick one product that everyone should have in their home, what would it be?

SLS is used in many cleaning products yet it’s a known skin irritant and is also used in clinical studies to induce contact dermatitis, and make the skin absorb other products more easily. SLES is also used in many cleaning and body care products, including dishwashing liquid and shampoo. Yet due to the synthesis process it goes through, it can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a suspected carcinogen. Some products containing sodium laureth sulphate have already been found to contain low levels of 1,4-dioxane. CAPB was voted allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. (2004) As mentioned earlier our packaging is now made from renewable sugarcane that actually captures and stores carbon. Renewable resources are a key differentiation between ecostore and mainstream (petrochemical) brands. Our raw materials are assessed for effectiveness but also to ensure they are of low toxicity, low irritancy, low allergenicity and from renewable feedstock, are biodegradable and waste water safe. The value our customers receive cannot be measured only in this lifetime given our focus on sustainable design. Future generations will also benefit. Our formulations are made using the least number of ingredients for best results.

Being concentrated and free of unnecessary ingredients means less chemicals entering our waste water systems.

Most of our products are made in New Zealand in our own state of the art factory that has ISO14001, carboNZero, Envrioemark Diamond certifications do our suctomers know they are made with consideration for the environment 8. What is next for ecostore?

We have enormous ambitions as we want to bring a world of good to everyone. We will keep working with the top scientists and ethical ingredient growers to make sure this can happen.

END

The first product I recommend is Laundry because the residues on your clothes end up against your skin 24/7.

The second one is our haircare which now up to salon quality and the scalp is an easy way for toxic chemicals to enter your body.

7. How is ecostore different from other brands in the market?

Our products are not only better for our environment, they’re also safer for your health. There are some natural chemicals that are used by other eco brands that we won’t use because of their potential to irritate and sensitise the skin. These are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) and Cocamidoproyl Betaine (CAPB) kidmagazine.com.au 29

Want to know more about Malcom Rands and the successful ecostore? His book, ecoman, details his journey to where he is today. From ecovillage living with his young family to amazing insights into the products we use in our home and on our skin everyday to business tips and more. Ecoman is an essential book for anyone interested in ecoliving. A truly eye opening read! $34.95, www.ecostore.com.au

ecostore home cleaning products tried & tested www.ecostore.com.au

Gives you the result of a clean bathroom without the need to wear a mask to protect from strong fumes. The citrus scent leaves the bathroom smelling so fresh.

Squirt into the toilet bowl, leave for a few minutes, scrub and then flush. No bleach fumes that overpower the whole house.

The best thing about the cream cleanser is no chalky residue. You only need a tiny amount to get the job done so it is very economical.

This hand wash cleans your hands, no fuss. No soap feeling after washing and a little bit goes a long way.

It’s so rewarding when you have beautiful clean windows but you always end up feeling light headed from the smell.

This product gives you no streaks without the fumes.

Win/Win!

A must have product for every house and you can spray this one on your benchtops without fear of the nasty ingredients you are bringing into your kitchen.

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Monthly Milestone Cards Set of 12 printable cards. Only $4.95

Get 20% off when you use the code ‘december’

www.kidmagazine.com.au/shop

offer ends 31 December 2014

New kids on the block

Finally, a dry shampoo that doesn’t leave your hair feeling dry and brittle! The new Moroccan Argan Oil Dry Shampoo from Seven Wonders uses organic Argan Oil to clean and remove excess from from home while simultaneously coating the hair with a protective layer.

Available from leading pharmacies for $12.95. www.sevenwonders.com.au

There is a new player in the kids interiors market with new brand WONDERMADE. From bright and inspirational wall stickers featuring gorgeous patterns and lots of colour to patterned furniture stickers designed to fit IKEA Malm furniture pieces, the range is young, funky and affordable. Prices start from $19.95. www.wondermade.com.au

Target has released a 10-piece shapewear collection in partnership with fashion guru Gok Wan. Gok Shapewear is sexy, affordable, looks great and feels amazing.

Available in sizes 12-18 the collection has classic shapewear pieces such as the shaper brief and shaper body suit in classic underwear shade and pretty polka dots. Prices range from $30-$60. www.target.com.au

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of sugar going into kids vitamin supplements. Many kids gummy supplements contain alarming levels of sugar and that is why Blackmores have released Kids Vitamin C + Zinc Gummies which support immunity with no added sugar! Available from Woolworths, Coles and local pharmacies for $13.99. www.blackmores.com.au

If you are looking for something a little different for your baby then check out new brand, Huxbaby. With a focus on unisex fashions with an adult level of style, Huxbaby uses high quality organic materials to create funky urban designs. The monochromatic designs are perfect for parents looking for gender neutral yet stylish pieces for their little ones. huxbaby.com

Festive food can be one of the hardest parts of this time of year. You want to serve tasty food but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. The new 4 ingredients Celebrations takes the stress (and the time) out of party entertaining with a collection of food, drinks and ideas to make every occasion amazing! www.4ingredients.com.au

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“Let It Go” seems to be the theme song of this current generation and with a love of all thing “Frozen” they can now get “Frozen” feet despite the summer heat with the two designs of thongs available from Havainas. Featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf the Frozen thongs are just $29.95 a pair. havaianasaustralia.com.au

For families who already use QV Skincare, the new range of QV Baby products will be a welcome addition to bath time. Products include Moisturising Cream ($13.20), Bath Oil ($11.20), Barrier Cream ($7.95) and Gentle Wash ($10.65). Available at pharmacies and Priceline stores Australia wide. www.qvskincare.com.au.au

”Family Time” is the fun new children’s album from ARIA nominee Jay Laga’aia, one of Australia’s most recognised faces in television. Featuring duets and backing vocals with his own daughters, Georgia Rose, Katie and Bella, “Family time” is a true musical reflection of a childhood filled with wondrous vocal adventures www.abcmusic.com.au

Avid sewers and newbies alike will love the new Simplicity® by Brother range of sewing machines. The three models have a variety of features that cater to different sewing levels ranging in price from $249 - $549.

The Simplicity® by Brother range is available exclusively in Spotlight stores. www.brother.com.au

Vetta knows that many mums struggle to get their kids to eat enough vegetables. So to give a helping hand they have launched the Vetta Super Veg Pasta with hidden peas and corn. Each 50g serve of pasta provides one serve of much needed vegetables. And it tastes great!

Available in selected Woolworths store for $2.25. www.vettapasta.com.au

If you are travelling with the kids this school holidays you will want to make your accommodation as safe as possible for the kids. That is where the Dreambaby® No Tools, No Screws Safety Value Packs come in. At $24.95 for 35-pieces you will have locks, latches, plugs, protectors and stoppers that won’t leave marks when you leave! www.dreambaby.com.au

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Summer Days Photography by Elise Garner lecoco.com.au

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Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com kidmagazine.com.au 35

Above: Finley rash shirt shark patrol, $19.95 and in navy/Mexico skulls, $ cottononkids.com.au

Left: Pineapple beach a $39.95, heavenleeswim

Right: Spotty Dotty Ban rash vest ($49.99), neon

in berry licious/ d Bobby boardshort $19.95, www.

angel swimsuit, m.com

ndeau ($55.99) and ntide.com

Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com kidmagazine.com.au 38

Raspberry roses frill swimsuit, $24.95, www.plumcollections.com.au Copacabana Circles sunshade with yoga bag ($149.95) and throw ($89.96), sunnyjim.com.au kidmagazine.com.au 39

Above: Boho 1 piece in scarlet, $69.95, frankieandlola.com.au Nautical green boardshorts ($45.95) and rash top ($37.95), www.whitesoda.com.au From L to R: Nautical green boardshorts ($45.95) and rash top ($37.95), www.whitesoda.com.au Bloom frill hipped cross back one piece, $64.95, www.escargotkids.com.au Boho 1 piece in scarlet, $69.95, frankieandlola.com.au Pineapple beach angel swimsuit, $39.95, heavenleeswim.com Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au

This page: Chevvy Green short sleeve swimwuit, $44.99, www.rashoodz.com.au Banana Boat Kids Pump Spray (240mL), $17.49, bananaboat.com.au Opposite page: Pineapple beach angel swimsuit ($39.95) and swim hat ($29.95), heavenleeswim.com

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Pip ruffle tankini in peacoat/pineapple, $24.95, www.cottononkids.com.au

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This page: Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com Bright pink bucket hat with strap, $26.95, www.bedheadhats.com.au Opposite Page: Nautical green boardshorts ($45.95) and rash top ($37.95), www.whitesoda.com.au Darcy trucker cap, $29.95, www.acornkids.com.au kidmagazine.com.au 47

Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au

Raspberry roses frill swimsuit, $24.95, www.plumcollections.com.au

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This page: Delicious watermelon sarong, $69.95, www.lyloh.com.au Opposite page top to bottom: Ladybird duffle bag, $39.99, www.gooie.com.au Navy blossom drawstring bag, $19.99, www.gooie.com.au Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au Banana Boat Kids Pump Spray, $17.49, bananaboat.com.au Banana Boat Babies Pump Spray, $16.49, bananaboat.com.au

This page: Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com Opposite page: Soft navy heart print rash top ($37.95) and swim nappy ($35.95), www.whitesoda.com.au Lexi reversible sun hat, $34.95, www.acornkids.com.au Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au kidmagazine.com.au 53

Left to right: Pineapple beach angel swimsuit, $39.95, heavenleeswim.com Spotty Dotty Bandeau ($55.99) and rash vest ($49.99), neontide.com Soft navy heart print rash top ($37.95) and swim nappy ($35.95), www.whitesoda.com.au Nautical green boardshorts ($45.95) and rash top ($37.95), www.whitesoda.com.au Moroccan cotton towels, $65, sunnyjim.com.au Pink octopus inflatabale thong, $49.95, www.havaianasaustralia.com.au

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5

Minutes with Caroline Africh

Caroline Africh is a banker-cum-mumpreneur who is currently learning how to juggle work, life, a preschooler and a baby! Caroline introduced Attipas baby shoes into Australia in September 2012 after deciding to pursue passion over corporate following the birth of her first son in 2011. The winner of the recent Ausmumpreneur Retail Award, Caroline is stylish, savvy and successful.

Three words to describe your style Contemporary, practical, neutral

Top fashion brands for you and the kids

gamble knocking down the main wall in the downstairs part of the house, but the gamble paid off as we are very happy with the outcome.

Words of wisdom to new mums Some babies are hard and others are easy. Take each day as it comes and don’t get caught up on what others have to say! I learned this the (somewhat) hard way as my first baby (now 3) was actually quite easy in hindsight. I could take him shopping, to get my nails done and even to the hairdresser! My second baby (now 1) was much harder, still doesn’t sleep through the night, and can be quite disruptive, making trips to the nail salon or hairdresser near impossible! Having said that I still love him to pieces : )

(Me) True Religion, Theory, Comptoir Des Cotonniers, Seed, Saba, Gucci, Tory Burch. (Kids) Petit Bateau, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Seed Kids, Target, Bonds.

Quote/mantra you live by

Beauty product you swear by

Shopping – online or bricks & mortar?

Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream. It’s an expensive indulgence but it gives your skin an immediate, almost pregnancy-like glow. I’m addicted!

I am very much a bricks-and-mortar shopper. I love the concept of viewing, touching and browsing. This may seem ironic given I’ve spent the best part of two years building an online retail business! The reality is that there is a very active community of online shoppers throughout Australia (particular in rural areas) and hence I have capitalised on this.

Advice for juggling motherhood and work Outsource where possible! Being a mum is hard enough without having to run a business. In order to fit a business in and around my kids, I need to be very organized, as well as outsource key tasks. I have a warehouse that completes order fulfillment, an IT team that maintains my website, a designer that manages my artwork and a PR team that deals with the media. Running my business whilst still being at home with the kids wouldn’t be possible without outsourcing! I am still the face of the business, but have found that by outsourcing processing tasks, I am able to operate the business using a top-down approach. I have learned to micro-manage less and rely more on the strengths and skills of others.

If you set your mind to it, you can achieve it.

Technology you can’t live without Samsung S5, Macbook Air Ultimate holiday destination I am an avid traveller and have been to over 40 countries thus far, each as interesting as the next. To date, the most beautiful place I have visited has been Bora Bora in Tahiti.

Closely followed by Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. Both absolutely stunning.

Favourite room in your home

Best toy you ever bought your kids

While I love my cosy bedroom and attached little verandah, our open plan downstairs area (lounge/dining) is definitely my favourite part of the house. This area also couples as a playroom and my office! We bought and renovated our little terrace while living overseas so took a

Henry was only 1 when he received a Duplo kit but is still using it at now 3.5 years. Oscar (1) is also playing with it. It is the most clever and useful toy in the world! I was also a Lego kid so perhaps they get their love for it from me ; ) An oldie but a goodie.

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Exercising in the silly season and how to fit it in Jackie Steele, co-founder of Body Beyond Birth It’s amazing to think that Christmas is just around the corner... where did this year go? If you’re anything like us, on top of everything else you’re already doing, you’ll be trying to get yourself organised for Christmas - making your lists and checking them twice, thinking about the holidays and what you need to do between now and then. As if we weren’t already busy enough as mums, right?! And then... how do we fit the “me time” into our days to do some exercise in this “silly season”? We try to fit it into what we’re already doing! Here are our tips...

Time out with the kids Need to get out of the house? The kids want to have a play? Find something active to do rather than going to see a movie or just sitting down to have lunch. Depending on the age of your kids, you could go to a park and push the pram around then let them have a play in the playground, throw a frisbee or kick a ball, or if they’re a little older, why not going to play some skirmish... or if your pelvic floor is up to it, check out one of the trampoline centres where there’s a trampoline on every floor and wall!

(Note... This one is only for those that have a super strong pelvic floor!)

Christmas Gatherings

As daggy as it may seem, most of us love a good Christmas song. Put on some of your favourites and teach them to your kids while you have a good sing-song and boogie together. Shake, move, groove and dance around... feel like a kid again and just have fun. Who knows, it might even become one of your favourite family traditions!

One of the best parts about Christmas time is catching-up with family and friends. Of course there’s normally plenty of delicious food and wine to enjoy, but why not organise to do something active before you enjoy your reward (i.e. all the yummy things you’re going to eat)? By doing this, you’ll be able to really enjoy yourself afterwards. Suggest to meet your friends and family for a friendly game of cricket or touch footy, perhaps it’s even a game of chasings. Whatever it is, just try to fit something in that gets you all moving.

Christmas Shopping

Holidays with your family

Unless you’re super organised, you probably still have some to do (like us!). Now we’re not suggesting you go to the shopping centre and do a full workout, however, you can certainly increase your activity while you’re there. Park your car a little further away from the entrance and get in a little extra cardio with the extra steps you take. Instead of using the lifts or escalators, take the stairs and work that butt! You’d be surprised how much activity you can fit in while just going about your day-to-day business.... and it all adds up!

Holiday time... it’s finally your turn to take a well deserved break too... so take it! You’ll find there’ll be opportunities where you can get active together... in a relaxing way.

Spend some quality time relaxing with your family and take a walk after dinner or before breakfast and just talk.

Maybe it’s the beach calling and you can jump around in the surf together, followed by a walk along the beach.

Wherever you are, whatever you like to do, just remember to have fun!

Jingle Bell Rock

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A couple of other things to keep in mind...

Be sensible with what you are eating and drinking over the Christmas period. If you have a glass of wine or alcohol, follow it with a glass of water so that you remain hydrated. (It will also help to slow your alcohol consumption down... and help prevent you getting a hangover!).

Be aware of what you’re eating and if you’ve had enough, stop. It’s very easy to keep eating for the sake of it when you’re at a party with food all around. It’s really important to enjoy what you’re eating, but just know when enough’s enough!

Christmas really is a crazy time of year with so much going on, and for us mums, it can really be totally exhausting. While it’s really important to keep ourselves active so we’re healthy and strong, it’s equally important to listen to our bodies and rest when we need to. If that’s what your body is telling you to do, just do it... you deserve it!

We hope you all have a very happy and healthy Christmas with your families!

Jackie Steele is the co-founder of Body Beyond Birth (bodybeyondbirth.com). With a professional background working in Human Resources for a global healthcare company, 10 of which as HR Director, Jackie has years of experience establishing health and fitness initiatives. She has developed a global workplace wellbeing website and developed several other health and fitness programs, informed by her passion for yoga and Pilates. Jackie has three young boys under 5 and it was her pregnancy with twins in 2012 which led to her meeting Becky when they bonded over their love of health and fitness. From this, Body Beyond Birth was born.

END

Kid Magazine Loves

Make bath time even more fun this Christmas with the super adorable Cuddledry Reindeer Towel. ‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is nothing jollier than the sight of a toddler wrapped up as a soft and fluffy reindeer.

Available for 1-3 years and priced at $89.95. www.thestorknest.com.au

Not only are Little Bossy Boots moccasins handmade in Melbourne from super soft leather in the most gorgeous colours, you also receive your order in a cute tin lunchbox that your baby will be able to cherish long after they have outgrown the shoes! They are also affordable at just $40 a pair. www.littlebossyboots.com

For those parents who make their own baby food, Sweet Vanilla is a great solution for transporting food while out and about. The reusable food pouches feature adorable characters the kids will love. A collapsible silicone funnel also helps prevent spills while filling the pouches. A pack of four pouches is $16. sweetvanilla.com.au

With open plan living so popular these days, a common issue is blocking access to certain areas when little ones start moving. The Dreambaby® Royale Converta® 3 in 1 Play-Yard & Wide Barrier Gate ($179.95) is a flexible solution that can be used as a play pen, a wide gate or a protective guard around a room. www.dreambaby.com.au

I love everything about Christmas, especially mince tarts!

And you can’t go past a fresh mince tart straight from the baker’s oven. This year the Christmas range from Baker’s Delight includes a new Christmas Tree Cake ($8), Traditional Christmas Cakes (from $3.50), Fruit Mince Tarts and delicious Lemon Tarts (both priced from $1.70).

Mouthwatering! www.bakersdelight.com.au

I’ve been travelling a bit lately and have been quite amazed at the number of restaurants that don’t provide high chairs. There is nothing worse than trying to eat lunch while holding a baby and that is why Totseat ($49.95) is such a fabulous idea. It folds up to fit easily in your handbag and fits over a chair to instantly transform it into a highchair. Genius! www.thestorknest.com.au

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Did you know that Batman is celebrating his 75th anniversary year? To celebrate, Warner Bros and Best&Less have partnered to create a range of DC Comics inspired summer apparel. My favourite is this adorable Caped Bib complete with cape and rock hard abs. The range is priced from $4-$30. warnerbros.com.au/merchandise

I’ve long been a fan of the Walnut Melbourne Euro Plimsole and it is my go to comfy shoe and this Spring/ Summer there is even more to love. I’m crushing on so many pieces. They have got everything covered. From my current favourite metallics to brights and more neutral tones. Shoe heaven! www.walnutmelbourne.com

Bonds has this year released their first ever Christmas range, ‘Shine Bright’. From onesies, to undies, tees and more the Shine Bright range includes all your Bonds favourites with a wonderful Christmas explosion of stars, confetti and shine. www.bonds.com.au

Capture baby’s first Christmas with the Pearhead handprint decorations. Much more special than your average “Baby’s First Christmas” decoration, these personalised ornaments will always be a special reminder of your first Christmas with your precious bub. www.thestorknest.com.au

Waffles are such a guilty pleasure. The crunchy sweet little morsels are now a treat you can easily make at home. The Sunbeam Snack Heroes Waffle Stick Maker makes up to six waffle sticks at once, all ready in minutes.

It is available for $39.95. www.sunbeam.com.au kidmagazine.com.au 61

Up to 75% quieter while still maintaining powerful airflow, the new Dyson Cool™ fans are safe and easy to clean/ Equipped with a remote control, sleep timer and ten airflow settings, a Dyson Cool™ will be your best friend this summer! Priced from $449. www.dyson.com.au

Top tips for eating well over the festive season Melissa Lichocik, Founder of Healthful Mums We have all been there and done that. We have the best intentions leading up to the festive season to eat well and exercise, only to undo all our hard work at the first sign of a mince pie.

So here are some simple tips to keep you healthy during the festive season, yet allow a little flexibility to still enjoy yourself because we should all be allowed to enjoy a mince pie at Christmas without the guilt.

•

Eat before you go. Heading off to yet another Christmas part where you know there will be a vast range of high calorie, processed foods. Fill up on the good stuff before you leave and you wont be as tempted to indulge. Try some healthy snacks like veggie sticks, fruit and yogurt or my favorite, rye sourdough toast with avocado. It will keep you satisfied and less likely to reach for that naughty food.

•

Hydrate with plenty of water. I love having Christmas in summer, I couldn’t imagine it any other way, but when we head out to Christmas functions we tend to be thirsty if we haven’t had our quota of water for the day. This leaves us reaching for a soft drink to quench our thirst instead of H20. If you know you are heading to a function, then ensure you have your water intake in check before you head out.

•

•

Keep Active leading up to the holidays and during.

You don’t have to be sweating it out at the gym. Grab your walking shoes and take the kids for a walk or head down to the local swimming pool or beach for a swim. Also kids get the best toys for Christmas! Help them take their new bike out for a ride or head down to the park to kick their new football around. Having school holidays with the kids is a great time of year to get the whole family involved in some fun fitness.

•

Eat treats in moderation. I know if I wasn’t able to enjoy a mince pie and a glass of Baileys on Christmas day I would probably cry. This is because when I eat a mince pie, I think of my late Nanna who was the best mince pie maker and I am yet to replicate her amazing recipe. I don’t want to be thinking about how many calories the mince pie has and the fact I shouldn’t be eating it. Food should be enjoyed and we should connect with these happy memories that a certain food gives us. At the end of the day, a couple of mince pies aren’t going to ruin it all, so enjoy them in moderation and don’t feel guilty.

•

Pile your lunch plate up with veggies. No one is saying your not allowed to eat a leg of Christmas turkey (with the skin) as there is no enjoyment in that, but if you fill up a little bit on some roast veggies or salad, you are less likely to overeat of the naughtier Christmas foods.

Limit your alcohol intake. Most alcohol is high in calories but if you find it too hard to abstain from alco- • hol all together, why not limit yourself to one or two • drinks and drink soda water the rest of the time. There really is something refreshing about soda water with some lemon or lime in it on a hot summers day.

Start the day with a healthy meal. If you know you are going to a party and will be enjoying some Christmas treats, then make sure you have a healthy breakfast to fill up on some nutrients. At least this way you know you have one healthy meal sorted for the day.

•

•

Watch your portion sizes. You can still enjoy these not-so-good-for-you foods, but just have smaller portions of them and eat mindfully if you can. So slowly enjoy the food you are eating and savor it. If you finish your plate and still feel hungry, then wait at least 10 minutes and then decide if you are really hungry and want a second helping. Sometimes it just takes the brain a few extra minutes to catch up with what out stomach is saying to us.

If at the end of the day you feel like you have overindulged a little too much, then that’s ok. Pick yourself up, jump back on the horse and don’t feel guilty about enjoying one of the most memorable times of the year.

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Melissa Lichocik has worked in the health industry for 16 years. She is a mum of two, a former paediatric nurse, a soon-to-be qualified nutritionist as well as a health and wellness blogger. She is the founder of Healthful Mums and her aim is to inspire and motivated mums to be the healthiest version of themselves they can be.

You can find her at www.healthfulmums.com.au or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/healthfulmums.

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Behind the Blog with Gift Grapevine Gift Grapevine (giftgrapevine.com.au) is a new blog on the scene and is all about sharing inspiring gift ideas for babies and kids, the latest trends and toy news. Just in time for Christmas we asked Tash, the mum behind Gift Grapvine, about blogging, life and her tips for Christmas gifting this year.

1. Tell us a bit about your blog Gift Grapevine is all about inspiring gift ideas for babies and kids, the latest trends and toy news. Nothing’s for sale, just ideas for when you are thinking “What do I buy a X year old?!” I try to keep ideas fun, practical and affordable – they are all gifts I love to give or would love to give.

The idea for the blog came about after a realisation that my house had become bombarded with toys of the soft and fluffy variety. I counted 51 stuffed toys – only 2 of those were ones I had purchased. I realised many people think along the same lines when gifting so decided to turn my large spreadsheet of gift ideas into a blog providing ideas that aren’t just soft and fluffy!

2. When you aren’t blogging, what are you doing?

When not chasing around my overly energetic toddler tornadoes I love heading out to the shops or scouring the net for finds, hanging out with my family, friends and awesome mums group, chasing a little white ball on a hockey turf and collapsing on the couch with my husband (Handy Hubby – he’s in construction and renovation).

You will often find me with the tornadoes at one of Perth’s fantastic gated parks with a large coffee in hand or anywhere by the beach. There’s something calming about the beach which I love and Perth has some fantastic spots.

I regularly self-medicate with wine and am partial to the odd vodka cocktail.

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3. How do you manage the balance between being a mum, blogger, wife?

I’m not sure that I am finding a balance just yet! As the blog is only 5 months old I’m still learning so much. There are lots of balls to juggle – family, doing the books for Handy Hubby’s business, the odd amount of project work for an old IT client and now the blog.

I’m a night owl so most of my work is done when the tornadoes are asleep. I’m a big writer of lists so I find that helps me prioritise. If I find myself overwhelmed, which is often, I just need to take a step back and remind myself what is important. Family comes first and everything else can wait in line.

As much as the organiser in me likes to schedule blog posts for set days each week, the world is not going to end if I am one day late! Handy Hubby is also crazy-busy with his business so we make sure we have occasional date nights to just get out of the house and reconnect.

4. What has been your biggest blogging achievement?

I was so excited to get my first comment on the blog – it was a “someone out there is actually reading this!” moment. Now I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I read that I have helped someone with a gift idea – whether it’s Christmas or a kindy birthday. That’s the whole reason I started this blog so it makes me happy.

5. Why do you love blogging?

I love writing about something I enjoy. I worked in marketing in my life before kids and found that writing about IT or industrial fasteners wasn’t creatively fulfilling. The blogging community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. There are some amazing writers out there who are funny, inspiring and informative and they just make me want to be a better blogger.

I love helping people with gift ideas. This blog is just a cyber-version of me 18 years ago when I was working in a toy shop helping people choose a gift!

6. What advice would you give other mums thinking of starting a blog?

Don’t faff around and procrastinate – just do it. I wish I got

into blogging sooner and spent less time trying to make every aspect of my blog perfect (in my eyes as a newbie anyway!). There is so much information on the web about blogging so read a little, make a plan and just get going.

You will learn as you go.

7. What is next for your blog?

I’m keen to continue building the community around my blog. I’d like Gift Grapevine to become a community where everyone can share great gift ideas and cool finds.

In addition to the usual gift ideas and stories, I plan to do more kids book reviews and would also like to start product reviews of new toys.

8. What is your favourite quote/mantra?

“Be kind to everyone you meet.” There’s too much negativity in the world so there’s no need to be a douchebag.

That and “Life is too short to drink bad wine”. I like to live by both.

9. What tips do you have for mums for Christmas gifting this year?

I like to keep gifts practical, fun and age appropriate.

There’s no need to go overboard with expensive gifts.

Young kids especially have no concept of how much things cost. I’ve seen kids get more joy out of a $2 bubble wand than an expensive gift. And don’t forget books! Books make a wonderful gift and I will always include a book or two with my tornadoes gifts each year.

As much as I love buying and giving gifts, I think at Christmas time it is also important to teach kids about helping others and encourage activities around that, whether it’s donating canned goods to a Christmas appeal, buying a child a gift to put under a Wishing Tree or donating some no longer needed toys for other kids to enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

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Santa can be a bit scary for little kids who are thrust upon a strangers lap with loads of other strangers watching on by as they have their photo taken. While a bad Santa photo will give your family endless laughs (particularly at future 21st birthday parties), Tinybeans co-founder, Sarah-Jane Kurtini has shared her tips for how to get a great Santa photo.

1. Build anticipation by showing pictures, reading books and singing songs about Santa 2. Get your child to make something to give to Santa so they’ll be excited to give it to him 3. Arrive early - the earlier you get there, the less time your child has to get nervous 4. In the line get your child to think of a question to ask Santa to break the ice: What food should I leave out? What time will you come to my house?

5. Make sure they’re fed and napped!

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HOW TO PACK YOUR BEACH BAG FOR A PERFECT DAY AT THE BEACH LEE-ANNE STILLITANO, FOUNDER OF HEAVENLEE CREATIONS It’s a gorgeous day outside, the summery feeling is in the air and the kids are itching for some outdoor activities.

But, the thought of packing up the bags, the car, getting everyone ready and driving to the beach is already giving you a headache.

What if you could organise the process and enjoy more time at the beach with your children without the stress?

Here are a few hints to help put some organisation into your day.

GETTING EVERYONE “BEACH READY” We have an order to getting ready, Just a quick mental checklist to help with the chaos SWIMWEAR Ensure you have swimwear you are comfortable in. If the mother of the house isn’t comfortable you definitely won’t enjoy your beach trip. As a mum, you are always looking after your kids first, but just this once, please take the time to find some swimwear you are comfortable in. It can make all the difference to a happy beach trip.

A few notes for your children’s swimwear • UPF50+ is a must for our harsh Aussie sun.

• Comfortable swimwear they can play in.

• Long sleeve rash tops if you are planning a long trip.

• Bright colours so you can always see them.

• Room for growth.

MUM Why me first? Because, once you start getting the kids ready it can turn into mayhem pretty quickly. You don’t want to get flustered and throw everyone in the car and forget about yourself.

Run a visual checklist of “head to toe” for yourself. Be sure you are ready for action when you arrive as everyone jumps out of the car. kidmagazine.com.au 70

• • • • • •

A spare cover up/kaftan/pull over to keep in the car A good sunscreen, one for the whole family, hypoallergenic, SPF 50 Eye protection. Sunglasses for everyone!

Hats. Put your hats on before you leave the house, then you know everyone is sorted.

Shade if you are staying at the beach for a long period.

Water in throwaway bottles.

KIDS Get the kids ready for swimming, before you leave the house. If you are like our family, as soon as we hit the sand it’s a race to the water. Use a visual guide of “head to toe” and ask yourself, are they ready for jumping into that water?

• • • •

Swimming gear: rash tops, swimsuits, board shorts Hair up and off your child’s face.

Sunscreen. Always put it on before you leave the house.

Shoes, nothing with buckles. We prefer thongs, they are so compact.

• •

Hats on before you leave the house.

Get the kid to pick a quick snack to eat on the way there.

Tip – Don’t even bother putting clothes over top of their swimwear. It will just get all sandy at the beach when they take it off and throw it at you.

Now run your “head to toe” checklist over all the kids.

PACKING YOUR BAG – in this order.

BEACH BAG We recommend a nice large beach tote bag. It’s best to carry one large bag you can pack to the top. Don’t let the kids pack their own Dora or Thomas backpack, you will end up carrying multiple bags on the way home!

TOWEL We take a few different towels. A small kids size turkish towel and a hooded poncho kids towel. These towels will go in the bottom of your beach bag, as they are your last item you will need for the day. Keep your main towels on the top of your beach bag.

One mistake everyone makes is putting all your towels at the bottom and what’s the first thing you do when you have found your perfect beach spot, lay out your big towel to sit on. We love using the kids Turkish towels to dry off and an adult size Turkish towel to sit on at the beach. They are very light and compact, also dry very easy and you can continue to get them wet and dry again in a quick beach trip.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

EMERGENCY

In a plastic bag just put a change of clothes. I stick to 2/3 pieces of clothing per child, one is underwear and the other is a throwover dress for the girls, shorts & top for the boys.

If you are planning a long beach trip, please pack the following in a zip lock bag:

SPARE PLASTIC BAGS While you are packing a spare change of clothes, put 1 or 2 plastic bags in. You will need these later.

FOOD Before you start preparing food in Tupperware containers, think again! We want easy and basic. Zip lock bags are the perfect solution. Sandwiches, healthy snacks, sultana’s, museli bars all in zip lock bags which you can put in the bin as you are walking back to your car. Put all your zip lock bags in a plastic bag. Avoid taking cheese.

DRINKS

• • • • •

Band-Aids Betadine or disinfectant cream Pain reliever for children and adults. Just a few, not the whole packet.

Stingoes spray for bugs or mosquitoes. Especially if you are planning an afternoon or river trip.

Aloevera lotion or after sun lotion. Just a small tube.

BUGGY CLIPS Do yourself a favour and purchase some “Metal Buggy Clips”. Have a few clipped to the handles of your beach bag. They will come in very handy at the end of your beach trip.

REMEMBER To put your main beach towel over the top of your bag.

Use throwaway drinks. A few pop-top drinks should be fine. If your children do like cold water, put your pop-tops in a small thermo container they would use for a school lunch bag. Freezing some pop-tops the night before can be ideal if it’s going to be a really hot day. But, throwaway is the key! Put all your drinks in a plastic bag or your thermo bag.

TOYS Here is where you can save some space. Give your child a plastic bag and explain to them, they need to pick 1 item each. You can also use an inexpensive laundry bag with the tiny holes that will shake away any sand before you leave. We have a plastic storage tub in our laundry with beach and swimming accessories/toys, all kept in the one tub.

WARNING, you will end up carrying these when you head back to the car. You will use a spare plastic bag here.

SUNSCREEN You must take sunscreen with you. I recommend you take just one SPF50+ sunscreen with you. Keep it wrapped in a plastic bag or zip lock bag.

I always keep a small tube clipped onto my beach bag and I never take it off, fin those forgetful situations.

ELECTRONICS Keep all mobile phones, cameras, wallet, car keys in a zip lock container. Preferably in a separate compartment in your beach bag. Don’t bother with your handbag, unless you have a small baby bag you want to take.

TIP 1. During your beach trip put all your disposable rubbish into your plastic bags and clip these to your Buggy Clips on your beach bag. Just throw it in the bin as you are running to your car.

2. Put all wet bathers into your plastic bags while the kids are getting changed before you head to your car.

3. Keep a plastic storage tub in the boot of your car. All your sandy beach toys, towels, shoes, can go straight in here. Avoiding too much sand in your car.

4. Put spare hats in the cars plastic storage tub.

5. If taking a baby to the beach, we recommend you use a “Breeze Baby” sling. It is much easier than taking the pram and you will have all your hands free.

6. Always pick your swimming spots between the Surf Lifesaving yellow flags. Even go and introduce your children to the Captain Lifeguard on duty, your kids will love it and the lifeguards are always so friendly.

7. Timing, timing, timing. Pick your timing wisely. Every family is different, but be sure to go when they are full of energy. You never know, it might be a very peaceful drive home.

8. Don’t over pack, remember you shouldn’t stay out in the sun for too long with little kids.

I know this can sound like a lot of work, however, with a few practices you will have a beach trip running smoothly.

The children will soon follow your routine of “head to toe” and maybe doing their own checks one day.

Wishing you many enjoyable beach trips for years to come.

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giveaways To enter visit www.kidmagazine.com.au/win Competitions close Friday, 3 January 2015 at midnight AEDT Full competition terms & conditions at www.kidmagazine.com.au/terms--conditions Four copies of 4 Ingredients Celebrations valued at $29.99 each

Five Baby Therapy gift sets from The Aromatherapy Company valued at $29.95 each

Two $100 gift vouchers from Walnut Melbourne

A $100 gift voucher from Beanstalk Books

A Bonds Shine baby pack valued at $100

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Seven copies of Jay Lag’aia’s album “Family TIme” valued at $14.99 each

Two Lamaze baby packs valued at $69 each

Eight Chill Factor Ice Cream Makers valued at $16.99 each

Merry Christmas from Kid Magazine Download these free and festive colouring pages of the Kid Magazine kids at www.kidmagazine.com.au/the-kids

Painted doily hanging decorations This project is perfect for Grandma’s vintage doilies that may be stained and so not suitable for use anymore. A dash of paint and they are super shiny Christmas decorations to light up any tree.

You will need fabric doilies gold paint paint brush hot glue gun diamantes ribbon Lay your doily on a sheet of baking paper and start painting. It is easier to squeeze some paint onto the paper before you start.

When you have finished painting one side of the doily, move to a clean piece of baking paper and allow to dry.

Depending on the weather this could take a couple of hours or even overnight.

Once dry, turn the doily over and paint the other side.

Again, move to a clean piece of baking paper to dry Depending on the paint you use you might like to do two coats of paint. Usually one will be sufficient though.

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When painting is finished, use a hot glue gun to stick a diamante to the centre of the doily. You can skip this step if you like or you could add more diamantes. It is up to you.

Thread a thin piece of ribbon through the top of the doily and tie off at the end.

Hang your doily decoration on your Christmas tree, on a door or give them as gifts.

Christmas crackers Part of the fun of Christmas day is when everyone opens their crackers and reads out the terrible jokes inside. Trinkets are swapped and hats are worn. Make your own Christmas crackers this year and personalise the trinkets inside. Your guests will love the personal touch and you will save yourself some money in the process.

You can choose any type of paper you like for this. I have used brown kraft paper and blue wrapping paper. You could use Christmas wrapping paper or get the kids to decorate some plain white paper.

You will need 1 sheet of paper 25cm x 30cm per cracker 1 cracker/bon bon snap per cracker 1 toilet roll per cracker (plus two extra toilet rolls) ribbon cracker goodies (e.g. paper hats, trinkets, jokes) Glue the cracker snap along the long edge of the paper.

Carefully lift one of the end toilet rolls half way out of the paper. Using one hand to hold the middle toilet roll and one hand to hold the “half out� toilet roll carefully push the end roll in towards the middle (the paper will scrunch down) and then twist.

Place the three toilet rolls along the paper about 2cm in from where you have glued the cracker snap. Start rolling the paper around the toilet rolls. You need to roll quite tightly to avoid saggy crackers.

Tie a piece of ribbon around the twisted end and remove the toilet paper roll. Cut the ends of the ribbon if they are too long. If you are placing anything inside the crackers, now is the time to do it before you close up the other side.

Before you get to the end run some glue along the length of the paper so it will hold in place.

Repeat on the other end to close off the cracker. Voila!

Homemade Christmas crackers to delight your dinner guests.

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Cracker critters You can make miniature versions of these critters to use in your homemade Christmas crackers or make larger ones to use as Christmas decorations. With a STAEDTLER FIMO soft material kit you will have an array of colours so you are only limited by your imagination with what you can create!

STAEDTLER FIMO products can be purchased at stores such as Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Lincraft or other art and craft supply stores. Visit www.staedtler.com.au for more infomation.

You will need STAEDTLER FIMO soft material pack STAEDTLER FIMO Liquid Gel fork

To make a Santa hat, start by making a cube shape with a piece of red STAEDTLER FIMO soft. Carefully use your hands to stretch out the FIMO into a pyramid shape and bend the top of the pyramid over to the side.

Take another slightly larger piece of white FIMO and roll it into a snake shape long enough to fit around the base of your hat.

Roll a small ball of white FIMO and use the FIMO Liquid Gel to attach it to the end of the hat.

Wind the white snake shape you have made around the bottom of the hat. If it is too long, simply cut it off and join the two ends together.

Bake in the oven at 130C for 20 minutes.

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To make a Christmas Tree, start in the same way as with the Santa and form a cube shape with a piece of green STAEDTLER FIMO soft.

Place the pyramid shape upright on a piece of paper. Take a fork and jab it at the pyramid shape to create little dents or branches in the tree.

Once you have your cube shape, use your fingers to gently stretch out the cube to make a pyramid shape.

Roll a very small piece of yellow FIMO to create your “star� and use the FIMO Liquid Gel to attach it to the top.

Bake in the oven at 130C for 20 minutes.

To make a Snowman, start by rolling Roll two balls of white FIMO, one slightly larger than the other.

Now take two pieces of black FIMO. With one, roll it into a ball and then press it flat to create a flat circle. With the second shape it into a cube. Again, using the FIMO Liquid Gel, glue the cube shape on top of the round shape to create a top hat. Then glue the top hat to the top of the Snowman’s head (the smaller white ball).

Using the FIMO Liquid Gel, glue the smaller ball on top of the larger ball.

To make the buttons roll three very small pieces of black FIMO and glue them onto the front of the Snowman’s body (the larger white ball). To make the nose, use a very small piece of orange FIMO and roll it into a snake shape.

Cut off the pointy tip of the snake and use the FIMO Liquid Gel to attach it to the front of the Snowman’s face.

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BELIEVING IN SANTA IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN’S COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT As Christmas approaches, families across the country prepare by following a host of different festive traditions. These include decorating the tree, singing carols and making lists of longed-for toys that just might be delivered on Christmas morning.

Dr Victoria Flanagan, a senior lecturer at Macquarie University and published author, argues that enabling children to believe in Santa isn’t just fun, it’s also good for their brain development.

Parents often seem surprised that creating a Christmas atmosphere in their home – one which encourages children to talk about Santa and what happens at Christmas – could actually be good for their children.

But taking the time to ask your children about Santa and what he does each year is actually an activity that can increase the acquisition of new vocabulary, aid in the development of problem-solving skills and help children learn to respond to situations empathetically.

“The perfect example of this”, says Dr Flanagan, “is a chat I had with my 4 year old last week. He wanted to know how Santa managed to fly around the whole world in just one night, so we talked about what kind of vehicles he might need to do this. He also thought that Santa and his elves probably owned computers, as it wouldn’t be possible to keep track of so many toys on paper. This kind of conversation helps children to learn new words as they discuss situations outside of their everyday experience. It also helps them to solve problems imaginatively – such as the “problem” of keeping track of lots of paper lists. And it can help children to develop empathetic responses, as it prompts them to try and see things from the perspective of others. When my little boy announced that he wanted Santa to bring him two toys, it was a great opportunity for us to talk about the fact that Santa needed to visit every girl and boy in the whole world, so it wouldn’t be possible for him to bring more than one toy for anyone.”

Imaginative play – the simple act of imagining a scenario outside of a child’s familiar environment and creatively exploring such a situation – is vitally important to children’s mental development. Celebrating the magic of Christmas is one such activity. Writing a letter to Santa, or leaving out a snack for him and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, allows children to experiment with new ways of looking at the world. “I’ve always loved

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Christmas time and what it represents. It gives me great pleasure to know that by keeping the magic of Christmas alive in my own family, I’m not only having fun with my boys but also helping them to develop language and life skills.”

Top tips for keeping the magic alive for parents to try at home this silly season, as brought to you by Mattel’s Letter to Santa service, include: Set the mood. Put up the Christmas tree early, and play holiday music around the house. Choose bedtime stories that bring Christmas and the Santa story to life.

Make a moment of it. Take the time to hang up the stockings together on Christmas Eve – but make sure your kids know that Santa will only visit once they’re asleep! If your children see how committed to the magic you are, it will encourage their own belief.

Continue the magic on Christmas Day. If your children see Santa’s footprints throughout the house on Christmas morning, or a thank you note for the cookies and milk, their imaginations will run wild.

Letter to Santa. Get in early and get your kids to prepare their letter to Santa through www.yourlettertosanta. com.au

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Festive food

Take the fuss out of your celebrations this Christmas with these easy finger food recipes from 4 Ingredients Celebrations.

ANGEL WINGS MAKES 24

200g white chocolate 24 plump, dried apricots 1/2 cup (80g) pistachios, finely chopped In a microwave safe bowl, place chocolate pieces and melt on medium-high, stirring every 30 seconds until nice and smooth. Take an apricot one at a time and dip it into the melted chocolate, covering only half, then dip the chocolate end into the pistachios. Place on a paper-lined baking tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set. Pop in a jar or container and keep refrigerated.

Festive Fruit Fizz SERVES 8

1 cup watermelon, cut into cubes 10 strawberries, hulled and halved 1 cup fresh, sweet pineapple cubes 1 litre Lemonade (or sodawater) Put cubes of watermelon, strawberries and a pineapple pieces on a baking tray and freeze for several hours or until frozen. Process the frozen fruit in a blender until smooth. Spoon blended fruit mixture into a pitcher, add icy cold lemonade or sparkling mineral water and serve.

Tipsy Tip: Add a little vodka for the adults.

From 4 Ingredients Celebrations, page 224

Ricotta & Prosciutto Baked Pies MAKES 12 • • • •

5 slices prosciutto 400g fresh ricotta 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked 1 bunch chives, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven 180°C. Line the base and sides of each mini-muffin pan with prosciutto. Combine ricotta, thyme and chives in a bowl. Distribute mixture evenly into each muffin section and bake for 15 minutes or until set.

Remove tray and set aside for another 15 minutes to cool before serving.

Optional: Season ricotta, thyme and chives with sea salt and pepper. Bake topped with some halved cherry tomatoes.

From 4 Ingredients Celebrations, page 44

Decadent Salmon Stacks SERVES 8

500g pumpernickel slices 250g cream cheese, softened 120g smoked salmon, finely chopped 120g caviar Line a 23cm x 13cm loaf tin with cling wrap. Trim the slices of the bread so the slices fit in the pan in pairs in a snug layer. Stir together the cream cheese and salmon until soft and well blended. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread. Flip over enough slices to lien the bottom and place them in the pan, cream cheese side down. Continue the process until all the bread is used. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. To serve, turn the loaf out of the pan onto a cutting board and carefully remove the plastic. Using a sharp knife, cut in half the long way and then crosswise to make eight pieces. Garnish each piece with a dollop of caviar. Serve immediately.

From 4 Ingredients Celebrations, page 40

Heavenly Haloumi Skewers Makes 8

24 basil large leaves 180g Haloumi cheese, cut into 16 cubes 16 semi dried tomatoes 3 tbs. (45g) balsamic glaze Take four pre-soaked bamboo skewers and cut in half using good quality scissors. Thread each skewer with a basil leaf, followed by a slice of semi dried tomato, then a cube of haloumi and repeat until all 8 skewers are created. Preheat a flat plate or barbecue to medium. Place skewers onto barbecue and toast each side for 2 minutes or until golden. Serve warm seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Chicken & Chorizo Skewers Makes 8

1 chicken breast, cubed 1 chorizo sausage, sliced Extra virgin olive oil spray 1/2 cup salsa Heat a grill plate or nonstick pan to medium. Onto each skewer, thread a piece of chicken and a slice of chorizo; repeat twice per skewer. Spray lightly with oil and then grill for 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through, turning a couple of times to evenly cook. Serve warm with salsa as a dipping sauce.

From 4 Ingredients Celebrations, ‘Skewer Duo’ page 46

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December 2014 - Issue eighteen