Busy Mums Mag
Volume 23 November 2018
Christmas Edition
Editors Note Christmas is a magical time for children and unfortunately life can be so busy that as parents, we forget to stop and appreciate it with them. This Christmas I encourage you to try to take the time to enjoy the little things with the children. Christmas shouldn’t be all about the presents, so get your children into the Christmas Spirit and understanding with simple DIY craft ideas and baking Christmas gifts for teachers/friends together. Designed for Mums short on time, the Busy Mums Magazine aims to help you find the information you are after to make life with children easier. In this edition we feature the recent results of our Toy Testing in time for Christmas. Great Christmas Recipes and craft ideas as well as tips on enjoying your family Christmas. We have only featured a few in our Magazine. For more, head to: www.mumsdelivery.com.au Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Lorraine
Get in touch: Editor: Lorraine Salvi lorraine@mumsdelivery.com.au Advertising Enquiries: info@mumsdelivery.com.au Office: (02) 9940 3097 2
Would you like to become a contributor for Busy Mums Magazine? We are always on the look out for stories and mums wanting to share their experiences & tips Stay Connected
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Table of Contents It’s All About Christmas! Toy Testing Awards
Christmas Activities & Craft Chirstmas Recipes
Parenting
2018 Toy Testing Results MumsDelivery in conjunction with the Busy Mums Magazine, ran a Toy Testing event where we gathered a range of families and asked them to test and rate some of the top toys for Christmas 2018. Each Toy Tester was asked to rate the toys on a 1-5 Scale on the following factors:
Safety: How safe the toy is. Age Appropriateness: How suitable the toy is for the ages suggested. Quality: The perceived quality of the toy. Price: Based on the toy, how is its recommended retail price point. Want Factor: How appealing is the toy to the child. Below is each toy we rated, MumsDelivery thoughts on the toy and a comment from one of the testers. The higher the percentage values of the Test Scores, the better the result.
Toddler early stART Sensory Creating Pack
Includes everything needed to take your child on a sensory development adventure! Pack includes hard circle, triangle and square cards, thick flower cards, sticky sticker sheets, flat jumbo sticks, paper tape, shiny googly eyes, soft felt shapes and bumpy corrugated shapes! RRP: $25 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/EGS03
4
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Kit with everything toddlers need to create and experiment with. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 100% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Fine - 60% Want Factor: Likes it 60% “Perfect for the beginner crafter as everything is easy and altogether.”
Micador jR. E.S.C.A.P. E. Table
Slip paper, blackboard or whiteboard under the clips and use it as an EASEL. Lift the lid to find a large STORAGE area. Slot the pencil cases in and store all your art materials inside. Take your art CASE in the car, on a PLAY date - EVERYWHERE! Pop the legs out to turn into a Table! Contains: Table/Case, Pencil Cases x2, Chalk x6, Pencils x8, Whiteboard Markers x4, Water Colours x12, Brush, Water Container, Whiteboard, Blackboard, Duster, Paper x10, Stickers sheets x6, Activity Sheets x10 RRP $60 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/ESC01
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: ingenious idea. Perfect for toddler, pre-schoolers, travelling, at home and so much more. Safety: Excellent – 87% Most Age Appropriate: Excellent - 87% Quality: Excellent - 90% Popular Price: Good – 73%% Want Factor: Loves it 80% Toddler “Very Stable, blackboard insert is a great idea.”
V Tech First Steps Baby Walker
Watch your little one take their first precious steps with this award winning 2-in-1 walking and activity centre. The house-shaped activity panel encourages independent play and first words, while the textured wheels, easy grip handle and durable design, give babies the support they need to take their first steps. The funfilled activity panel has more than 10 different activities, including bright light up number buttons, moving gears, and more. The activity panel can also be removed from the walker for extra sitdown play. RRP: $69.95 Available from: Target and Big W.
5
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Great to encourage independent play as well as walking. Safety: Good – 75% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 100% Quality: Excellent - 80% Price: Fine – 60% Want Factor: Loves it 80% “Visually entertaining and bonus for the phone on it.”
The Wiggles Pile UP:
Pile Up improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills! Be the first player to place your last game piece on the pile without any pieces falling off the game base and you win! Balance your piece carefully and don’t let if fall! Play alone or with friends for more Pile Up fun! Ages 3+
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A great way to encourage fine and gross motor skill development. Safety: Excellent – 96% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 100% Quality: Excellent - 92% Price: Excellent – 84% Want Factor: Loves it 88% “Anything Wiggles is loved by my little one”
Musical Rainbow Tea Party
Enjoy hosting tea time for two! The LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party with musical teapot, cake stand, five pieces of cake and two cups are perfect for pretend play. Music and Tea Party modes provide a fun range of activities that introduce colours, shapes, numbers and sharing. ‘Tea’ lights up inside the pot, tilts when poured and disappears when empty. Nine songs, 10 sound effects and more than 70 phrases allow for a rich musical and imaginative experience. RRP: $34.95 Available from: Big W, good toy stores and online retailers
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A tea party that talks to you and allows your little one to remain amused. Safety: Excellent – 93% Age Appropriate: Good - 77% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Fine – 67% Want Factor: Likes it 60% “Definitely her favourite”
6
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
LeapBuilders Wild Animals
Children will learn about animals, colours, foods and first words while building this 16-piece animal set. LeapBuilders Wild Animals will respond with over 120 phrases, sounds and songs whenever one of the double-sided blocks is inserted into the interactive SmartStar Unit. Press the learning and music buttons for even more learning fun. RRP: $24.95 Available from: Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A great way to encourage toddlers to build and create while the sounds keep it interesting. Safety: Excellent – 93% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 100% Quality: Excellent - 93% Price: Fine – 60% Want Factor: Likes it 60% “An interactive way to help toddlers build hand/eye coordination skills”
early stART Board Books
Includes 3 Board Books with over 30 unique activities plus 8 Tri-Grip Crayons! Specially designed, to engage imagination and develop key learning areas Surface can be wiped clean and drawn on again! RRP: $25 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/ EGSBOOK01
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: An educational resource that can be used over and over again. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 87% Quality: Excellent - 87% Price: Good – 73% Want Factor: Likes it 73% “Would be great for use in car”
Ice Book and 30-piece Giant Puzzle Set
Winter is here and the animals that live in the forest are having fun in the snow and ice. Assemble the puzzle, read the book and learn about the magic of snow. This fantastic 30-piece puzzle has large pieces so perfect for small hands. The puzzle is complemented by a book with a rhyming story and lots of objects to find. This set is FSC Certified. Age: 3+ RRP: $24.95 Available from: www.lovetospoil.com.au
7
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A cute, quality wooden puzzle that comes in a great storage box for packing away nicely. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 88% Quality: Excellent - 92% Price: Excellent – 88% Want Factor: Loves it 80% “The big pieces are ideal for young children”
Miniland doll and clothing set – 32 cm
Dressed in a new Miniland outfit, this Miniland Educational doll is not only cute as but an important educational resource which helps comprehend the concepts of family, population groups, the basic rules of relationships and coexistence, respect for racial and sexual diversity. Made in Spain, this range of dolls are vanilla scented to smell like a newly born baby. The dolls have well-defined ethnic features to aid the identification of the most representative races. The dolls can be articulated. Made in Phytalates-free vinyl. Age: 18 months + RRP: $54.95 combined for both items Available from: https://axistoys.com/Miniland-Doll-Stockists
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The perfect size for young girls, the doll has realistic features and is available in most racial types and both genders so your child can find a doll like them. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 93% Quality: Excellent - 100% Price: Excellent – 90% Want Factor: Likes it - 73% “Cute doll and priced well for little girls”
Banana Joe
Pre-School
Banana Joe is too greedy and wants to keep all the bananas for himself! Roll the dice to see how many bananas you can pick and work to build up your banana stash. But stay focused, Joe could jump away at any time with the rest of the bananas. RRP: $25.00. Suitable for ages 4+ Available exclusively at Kmart.
TOY TESTING RESULTS: MD Says: A simplistic concept and a quick game that is both easy to play and funny. Safety: Excellent – 80% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 84% Quality: Excellent - 80% Price: Good – 73% Want Factor: Loves it - 78% “Such a simple game that kids enjoy. Bonus points as it can be played without parents”
8
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Most Popular Pre-School
Parenting
Kruselings Party Doll
Vera Kruseling is dressed and ready to go to a birthday party. She stands 23 cm tall and has 13 joints so she can be posed easily and stand up on her own. Her hair is able to be styled and she comes with a hairbrush. Vera has blonde hair and blue eyes. RRP: $39.95 Available from: www.crayons.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The Kruselings are great for little girls, offering a manoeuvrable doll that looks like a little girl – perfect for role play and fantasy. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 93% Quality: Excellent - 93% Price: Good – 73% Want Factor: Loves it - 93% “Sweet Doll with gorgeous clothing, she is easy to play with”
My Little Pony: Singing Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash knows what it takes to be awesomely amazing, especially at singing! The Singing Rainbow Dash pony figure has cool sunglasses and a microphone attached to her -- press her Cutie Mark to hear her sing "Time to Be Awesome" from My Little Pony: The Movie, and 4 more songs! Press the button on her microphone and use the included lyrics sheet to sing along with Rainbow Dash! She says 15 entertainment-inspired phrases and rocks her signature rainbow hair. RRP: $44.95 Available from leading Toy Stores
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The My Little Pony crazy is huge in Pre-Schoolers, so Singing Rainbow Dash is sure to be on a few wish lists. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 80% Quality: Good - 75% Price: Good – 50% Want Factor: Loves it - 75% “K thinks it is cool that she sings.”
Dinosaur Robo Alive
Beware. This Dino is REALLY alive! Zuru’s new Robo Alive Attacking T-Rex stomps and walks with REAL Dinosaur movement. It even bites and roars and has super realistic eyes that look alive. So, watch out, this is no ordinary pet! Comes in two different colours. RRP: $24.99 Available from: Target, Big W, Target and all good toy retailers
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Pretend play made to feel real with the realistic sounds this Dino makes. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 87% Quality: Excellent - 80% Price: Good – 73% Want Factor: Likes it - 73% “Limited in actions, yet the realistic sounds would appeal to dino lovers.”
9
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
La Bella Darcy Ballerina Doll
La Bella Darcy from dollmaker Kathe Kruse has a very sturdy body made out of high-quality vinyl and she stands 41 cm tall. Her hair wig is made out of resistant kanekalon, can be styled, washed and then air-dried at room temperature. Her fabulous designer outfit is made from high-quality fabrics. Age: 18 months+ RRP: $144.95 Available from: www.lovetospoil.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Sweet looking, her hair is great for girls to play hairdresser with over and over. Ideal for a room decoration/collectable that can also be enjoyed. Safety: Excellent – 94% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 89% Quality: Excellent - 91% Price: Fine – 63% Want Factor: Likes it - 73% “Loves the Ballerina Outfit. Quality in the details”
Storytime Buddy
Go on a reading adventure with Buddy! Storytime Buddy teaches early reading comprehension, vocabulary, opposites, emotions, shapes, colours, numbers and letters. Featuring a five-colour LED which lights up as Buddy talks, he comes with five books, and responds to buttons on his collar and paws, with music and ABCs. Buddy also has a nightlight feature to send little readers off to sleep. RRP: $59.95 Available: Big W, good toy stores & online retailers.
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A soft cuddly friend that can talk and read to your preschooler; educational and fun altogether. Safety: Excellent – 94% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 91% Quality: Excellent - 89% Price: Fine – 74% Want Factor: Likes it - 66% “Great to get children reading in books without always needing parents”
10
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Baby Alive Real as Can Be Baby
There are so many sweet moments to share with Baby Alive Real As Can Be Baby! With over 80 lifelike movements and real baby sounds, this very special baby responds to a child’s voice and touch. Whether it’s feeding, chatting, snuggling or rocking her to sleep, there are plenty of memorable moments of real nurturing and love to share with this special doll. RRP: $169.99 Available from: Big W and Independent Toy Suppliers
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Such realistic features, Baby Alive is soft and cuddly – perfect for little girls wanting to play mummy. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 85% Quality: Excellent - 85% Price: Fine – 60% Want Factor: Begging for it - 95% “Funny when the doll sucked my finger and did facial expressions”
Teebee Box
Teebee is a transportable, compact toy box made from food-safe plastic for kids aged 3-12 years, designed for use on the go whether in the car, plane or at a temporary destination from the beach to the park. The handy leather strap doubles up as a way to secure the box to the seat belt and also as a way to carry the Teebee. On every level brilliant. Teebee also received an Honourable Mention 2017 in the Childhood category at the Red Dot Awards RRP: $49.95 Available from: www.crayons.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A Play Box, A Travel companion, A lunch box; the Teebee offers multiple possibilities and its compact size makes it ideal for travel. Safety: Excellent – 96% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 88% Quality: Excellent - 88% Price: Fine – 52% Want Factor: Likes it - 64% “A great little box to take on a long car trip”
On the Go! Activity Packs
Keep kids busy while you're on the go! Pack includes 2 'pop-out' animals, 6 colour pencils, 10 activity sheets, a sticker sheet and a scene. Compact in size, fits easily in your bag RRP: $12 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/Z100918
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Perfect in size and offers a good number of activities to keep your kids interested while travelling. Safety: Excellent – 96% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 88% Quality: Excellent - 88% Price: Fine – 52% Want Factor: Likes it - 64% “A great little box to take on a long car trip”
11
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Baby Secrets
Baby Secrets has a cute surprise in every tub. Open up the Baby Secrets tub to discover your special baby. Fill the tub with water and give the baby a dip to reveal if it is a boy or a girl. Once it’s in the water the secret is out! There are over 50 babies to collect and discover their secrets! RRP: Mystery Tubs: $4 Available from: Big W, Coles, Woolworths, Toyworld, Toymate
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A great stocking filler, the baby and bath appealed to both genders. Safety: Excellent – 85% Age Appropriate: Good - 75% Quality: Excellent - 80% Price: Excellent – 90% Want Factor: Likes it - 60% “Good for Doll houses and stocking stuffers”
Don’t Step In It
Be careful not to poop out while playing this hilarious game with messy consequences! Put on a blindfold, spin the spinner, and then take that many steps across the game mat. But watch out! Little piles of compound, moulded in the shape of poop have been strategically placed on the mat. Sometimes players will have to add a poop, remove a poop, or even re-arrange the poops along the mat. Who can avoid the number twos to be number one to win? RRP: $32.99 Available from: BIG W, Toyworld, Myer, Independent Toy Stores Suitable for: Ages 4+
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A funny, icky game that appealed to children of all ages. Safety: Excellent – 86% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 86% Quality: Good - 76% Price: Fine – 64% Want Factor: Likes it - 70% “The Funniest game I have ever played. Good for Party's and Playdates”
FurReal Rock-a-too Show Bird
The Rock-a-too, the Show Bird pet is here to entertain! With three modes of play, he’s the perfect partner for a show that’s full of songs, dances, and laughs. And with 50+ sound-and-motion combinations, he’s ready to take over the stage. Of course, even a show-biz veteran likes to be petted and praised – pet his left cheek for a loveable response – and maybe even a kiss! Create original comedy routines by recording fun phrases and playing them back… with unpredictable results! The Rock-a-too, the Show Bird pet is a real star – and is sure to entertain wherever he goes! RRP: $139.99 Available from all leading Toy Stores
12
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Very Popular All Ages
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The repetition of your child’s voice is seen as hilarious and they enjoyed hours of changing the sayings and laughing at the jokes. Safety: Excellent – 82% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 80% Quality: Good - 80% Price: Issue with the cost – 38% Want Factor: Likes it - 67% “Funny and is ideal for 1 child families”
DigiArt Squiggles & Sounds
The DigiArt Squiggles & Sounds electronic board recognises its own animal stencils and gears, responding with fun animal facts, sounds and songs, whilst you draw. You can create amazing spiral art with the four animal stencils and five gears, and the Magic Stencil makes your drawings come to life. RRP: $34.95 Available from: Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A good quality stencil board that holds the paper still and works well. Safety: Excellent – 97% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 90% Quality: Excellent - 97% Price: Fine – 77% Want Factor: Likes it - 77% “The digiart is a cool fun art project for little kids”
LeapStart 3D Interactive Learning System
The LeapStart 3D when used with new 3D-like encoded LeapStart books, delivers a magical experience that enhances the learning fun with amazing animations through a pop-up holographic screen. The system stylus reads invisible dots on every page, triggering holographic animations along with questions, challenges, songs, jokes and more. Kids can engage with the step-by-step system to learn school and life skills through more than 600 activities that match the curriculum for their preschool and early school years. The system comes with a Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten sampler book and works with a library of replayable activity books (sold separately). RRP: $89.95 Available from: Big W, Target, good toy stores and online retailers.
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The LeapStart 3D has brought educational toys to another level as the children hear the books, can read the words and see the story come to life. Safety: Excellent – 95% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 85% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Fine – 77% Want Factor: Likes it - 55% (rated as a toy that would be chosen by Parent’s more so than children) “An interactive concept that could help younger children to grasp phonics and make initial reading more interesting and easier.”
13
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
School Age Micador Air Clay Jewellery Kits
Create your own on-trend jewellery! Packs include materials, modelling tool and step-by-step instructions to help you create a necklace, bracelet and a bag charm Air clay and foam are air hardening (no baking required!) RRP: $13 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/Z100812
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A quick, fun and easy, well priced craft kit that children can do on their own. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 90% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Excellent – 93% Want Factor: Loves it - 87% “An extraordinary little fun kit”
Most Popular School Age
Lil Gleemerz
Short for ‘little gleaming lemur’, Lil’ Gleemerz is a limited-edition interactive light-up toy with an emphasis on fun and engagement. With over 100 + reactions and the capacity to tell knock jokes, answer yes or no questions, light up to the beat of music and sounds around it and play games, this product is the perfect companion. RRP: $39.95 Available from: Big W and Myer
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Cute toy very much in line with current market trends for cute, cuddly toys mixed with tech. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 90% Quality: Excellent - 85% Price: Excellent – 60% Want Factor: Likes it - 65% “Thinks that it is cute and likes that it talks”
Secret Safe Diary Colour
Protect all of your secrets without worry with the Secret Safe Diary Colour. The colour screen makes your diary and personal organiser really stand out, whilst the voice unlock system that only responds to your voice, will keep everyone out. With 20 different activities, including three virtual pets for you to look after, lots of great games that cover words, maths, logic and more, your secrets will be safe. A QWERTY keyboard, voice memo, alarm clock, address book and more, makes this the must-have modern-day diary. RRP:$59.95 Available from: KMart
14
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Another tech toy that offers a range of uses, from diary to pet play and other activities. Safety: Excellent – 85% Age Appropriate: Good - 70% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Good – 70% Want Factor: Likes it - 53% “Price is very reasonable - a great gift for a young girl”
Miniland Mecaniko
This STEM construction set includes 81 pieces plus wheels, string and a spanner to put it all together with, whatever it might be! The set includes six colour construction design sheets to get your child started and it all comes in a cardboard suitcase for easy storage and portability. Suitable for 3 - 7 years. RRP: $34.95 Available from: Australian Geographic
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Great toy to increase fine & gross motor skills; ideal for boys wanting to build and create. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 80% Quality: Excellent - 85% Price: Excellent – 75% Want Factor: Loves it - 80% “He gravitated straight to this and started building”
5 Second Rule Jr
A junior version of the popular party game, with all new questions and bonus time spaces! It seems like it would be easy to name 3 flavours of ice cream – but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down? You have to be quick, so just say whatever comes to mind and risk silly answers slipping out! Includes 200 cards (400 questions), 6 Playing Pieces, Timer, Game Board and Rules. Age 6+ https://www.ugames.com.au/product/5-second-rule-jr/
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: This quick game gets children thinking and excited. Easy to play with only 2 people so an ideal game for siblings. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 80% Quality: Excellent - 94% Price: Fair – 54% Want Factor: Loves it - 74% “An amazing and fun game”
15
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
My Studio Girl Flying Glitter Unicorn
Make your own gorgeous unicorns! These easy to make creatures are colourful and glittery. Each set includes a parent and child figurine to cover and decorate with air-dry 3D glitter foam and colourful airdry clay. These are ideal introductory craft kits that assist children in creating magical creatures that they can display and play with. Age 8+ https://www.ugames.com.au/product/flying-glitter-unicorns/
TOY TESTING RESULTS: MD Says: A great craft activity that isn’t very messy yet keeps them occupied for a good amount of time. Safety: Good – 75% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 85% Quality: Excellent - 90% Price: Excellent – 90% Want Factor: Loves it - 75% “This activity is a fun school holiday game and only for $15”
Yellies
Yellies! are the cutest, fuzziest pets that respond to your voice! Each Yellies! pet has its own unique look and personality and is full of fun surprises! Voice and sound-activated, they respond to talking, yelling, clapping, singing, or even music. The louder you yell, the faster they go! Find your favorite! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) RRP: $19.99
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Simple yet entertaining. Safety: Excellent – 90% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 90% Quality: Excellent - 85% Price: Fine – 55% Want Factor: Likes it - 65% “Cute and fun”
Best Furry Friends
Best Furry Friends Pat and Chat Plush Your favourite BFFs are bigger and better as plush toys! These furry BFFs are a great addition to any #BFFSquad. Pat their heads and hear what they have to say- they are so chatty! Each Pat and Chat BFF comes in its very own handbag so that they can stay close to their bestie. Wave 3 is launching just in time for the holidays. Yoko the Pink Unicorn, Zara the Sloth and Stardust the Pegacorn are so excited to join the #BFFSquad that they can hardly stop chatting about it! RRP: $40 Available from: Toyworld and Toymate
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Its fluffy, it talks and it comes in a bag – perfect for any 4-5-year-old girl. Safety: Excellent – 93% Age Appropriate: Good - 77% Quality: Good - 73% Price: Good - 65% Want Factor: Likes it - 67% “She likes that it is portable. Super Cute and Soft”
16
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Pass the Pen
Pass the Pen is the world’s fastest drawing game! With the pen tip disappearing as you play, you only have 10 seconds to draw while all the other players guess. Is that a hamburger? A snowman? A sumo wrestler? You earn points if someone gets it right; if not, you Pass the Pen to the next player, and they pick up where you left off! With over 500 objects to draw, it’s fast, fun and guaranteed to draw plenty of laughter from the whole family. RRP $39.95. 3 or more players ages 8+. Available from Kmart
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Quick game, ideal for older children that can draw well. Safety: Excellent – 84% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 80% Quality: Excellent - 80% Price: Good – 64% Want Factor: Likes it - 56% “Pass the pen was a fun and exciting board game filled with fun things to draw”
Sassi Lens Book
A scientific book to inspire curiosity in learning filled with innovative and detailed illustrations of the animal world. Browse the pages of this fun illustrated 32-page book to read curious facts about the animals that inhabit our planet. Did you know that reptiles are ‘cold blooded’? Do you know how mammals are different from other classes of animals? What is the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates? A lens in three colours (red, green and blue) reveals the different themes on each page. RRP: $24.95 Available from: www.crayons.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: The Sassi Lens Book takes reading to another level. Interactive and interesting. Safety: Excellent – 100% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 93% Quality: Excellent - 97% Price: Excellent – 87% Want Factor: Loves it - 70% “A big hit for the older kids and parents”
Micador jR. Globe4Kids - Blue Ocean, 30cm Adventure Edition
Comes with a non-permanent globe marker, so your child can plot their adventures! Includes learning activity sheet and lots of easy to peel and replace stickers. More than 100 illustrations of animals, monuments, produce and more on globe. Easy to assemble. Includes easy-to-follow instructions.Huge 30cm diameter globe sphere with lots of fun things to learn and do! RRP $60 Available from: https://micador.com.au/products/MGMG4K
17
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: An interesting way to learn about the world around us. The globe makes it easier than a map to understand. Safety: Excellent – 87% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 77% Quality: Excellent - 87% Price: Good – 60% Want Factor: Parent’s Choice - 47% “Good for preschool ages as well”
Tweens & Teens National Geographic Glow in the Dark Slime Lab
Make your own glow-in-the-dark slime and learn all about the fascinating organisms known as slime moulds! Kids will become chemists – concocting slime, learning about slime moulds, and exploring where slime occurs naturally in nature. Age 8+ RRP: $25.00 Available from: Australian Geographic, David Jones, Kidstuff, Myer, Toy World, Toy Mate and all good toy retailers. For further information visit www.ugames.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: Totally on trend and a fun, easy activity. Safety: Excellent – 87% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 77% Quality: Excellent - 87% Price: Good – 60% Want Factor: Parent’s Choice - 47% “I just love making slime”
Wild Science My First Sci-Fi Science Kit
Star in your own sci-fi adventure as you explore the science of outer space. Make sci-fi movie sounds and discover the science of planetary orbits and cosmic storms. Launch a rocket to explore the Solar System, make spinning and flying UFOs and decode a secret alien message. Age 6+ RRP: $36.00 https://www.ugames.com.au/product/my-first-sci-fi-science-kit/ Available from: Australian Geographic, Big W, Kidstuff, Spotlight, Target, Toy World and all good toy retailers. For further information visit www.ugames.com.au
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A great interactive toy that will encourage thinking and understanding of science principles. Suitable from 6 with adult help and from 10+ without. Safety: Good – 68% Age Appropriate: Fair - 56% (Good with Parental help) Quality: Good - 60% Price: Good – 64% Want Factor: Likes it - 56% “Tricky without parental help, so a great idea to do together.”
18
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Monopoly Gamer Mario Kart
This edition of the Monopoly game joins forces with Nintendo video game characters for an exciting gameplay experience. Instead of the standard Monopoly tokens, players can choose to move around the gameboard as Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, or Toad. Buy iconic Mario Kart properties such as Bowser's Castle and Rainbow Road, Pass Go to trigger a race from Mario Kart Cup, dodge banana peel tokens, toss shells, pick Grand Prix cards, and collect Coins. When the final race is over, the player with the highest score wins. RRP: $44.99 Available from: All toy retailers Suitable for: Ages 8+
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A new spin on a classic brings Mario Kart racing to a Monopoly board with your favourite Mario Kart locations. Faster than traditional Mario so easier for children to understand/play. Safety: Excellent – 100% Most Age Appropriate: Excellent - 88% Popular Quality: Excellent - 96% Price: Good – 52% Tweens Want Factor: Loves it - 80% Teens “An Exceptionally funny and fun game”
Disney Song Challenge
Remember and re-enact favourite moments from Disney movies. Show off your Disney song skills and sing a song from the show or movie that's listed on the card. When players mess up a song, spin the Wheel of Fun-Sequences gives them a fun Disney actions to perform such as pretending to eat an apple like Snow White, doing a whale impression, or even re-enacting the spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp. RRP: $39.99 Available from: All toy retailers Suitable for: Ages 10+
TOY TESTING RESULTS:
MD Says: A different and funny game that is great for the entertainer children and gives the shy members an easier option. Safety: Excellent – 88% Age Appropriate: Excellent - 84% Quality: Excellent - 88% Price: Good – 68% Want Factor: Loves - 72% “Fun toy to play with and it is good for games and challenges.”
19
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Just in time for Christmas!
Check out these New Release Toys... Harry Potter Backpack in Red Go back to school in style with this Harry Potter backpack. You will be packing your bags and heading to Hogwarts in no time.RRP: $25 Available from: Big W Hermione Plush All your favourite Harry Potter characters, now in a cute plush form. Get the team back together and collect them all! Assortment includes Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hedwig, Voldemort, Crookshanks, Dumbledore and Dobby Available from: Big W, Target, Zing, Myer RRP: $19.99
DC Super Friends Bat Racer Batman is here to save the city! Let your little one fulfil the role play games and save your city with this DC Super Friends Bat Racer. Available from: Big W RRP $49.99
20
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting DC Ooshies Collect all your favourite Super Heroes from the DC Universe in mini-form with these DC Ooshies. Available in a 7 pack from Big W, Kmart RRP $15
DC Ooshies Vinyl Figure Your favourite DC Super Heroes are now avaialble in these brand new 4� vinyl figures. Available from Kmart. RRP $10
Harry Potter diecast wand Your Harry Potter kit isn’t complete without a wand For all the wizards and want to be magicians this is a perfect stocking filler idea. Available from all leading toy retailers. RRP $7
Harry Potter Blind Bag Keyring & Blind Bag Collectibles Keep your favourite Harry Potter characters close by. Get the crew back together and collect 36 of your favourite Harry Potter characters in a cute mini form. Available from all leading toy retailers. RRP $3
OSMO Genius Kit and Coding Jam Game The award-winning team from Osmo have developed the clever Play System that teaches kids coding, maths, language, art and to even run a business with its amazing technology! The educational toy is heaps of fun and perfect for ages from 5-12 years bringing back the essence of play and encouraging core life skills; creative thinking and social interaction. Osmo consists of a unique new reflective camera, game pieces and mobile apps that incorporate an iPad into the game in a whole new way. Osmo expands gameplay beyond the screen, transforming the physical space in front of the tablet into an interactive environment that turns any object into a digitally connected game piece or even captures physical drawings and makes them digital in real time. It brings the whole family together, as the first multi-generational connected gaming device with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning at its core. #playosmo #osmo Available from: JB Hi-Fi, Australian Geographic, Office Works, Harvey Norman and Apple stores. RRP: Genius Kit $159.99 and Coding Jam Game $99.99
21
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Reviewed Vibes Girls Scooters by Grit. While there are many ‘skater’ type or trickster scooters on the market, not many of these scooters are aimed at girls. The Vibes range of scooters from Grit, designed specifically for girls. See what they offer by Reading the
Review
Micador jR Globe4Kids – Blue Ocean 30cm Adventure Edition. I have three boys with endless questions, and I’ve often wondered if a globe for kids might be worth having. The Globe helps kids to explore and learn about our planet in a fun and creative way. Find out more: Read the Review
The Wiggles Pile Up The Wiggles Pile Up is a balancing game for toddlers and Pre-schoolers to enjoy. The aim of the game is to be the last player to place a piece on the game before it falls.
Read the Review
22
Miniland Mosaic Art. Mosaic Art uses STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to develop skills such as critical analysis, problem solving & creativity. Designed for children aged 3-7 years, this box of creativity is packed full of benefits for young kids. Read the Review
Micador early stART Colourtivities Board Books The Colourtivities Board Book can be used as a fun, creative and educational activity for toddlers. The three books include a number, letter and activity book and come complete with crayons. Read the Review National Geographic Glow in the Dark Slime Lab The slime crazy has well and truly hit with just about every school aged child going crazy for Slime. The National Geographic Slime Lab kit offers a glow in the dark slime creation kit where you can create your own slime and enjoy the tactile experience of it. Read the Review
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Parenting
Reviewed Miniland Mecaniko Activities. A construction kit to encourage motor skills and creativity. Miniland’s Mecaniko Activities is an 81-piece set of nuts, bolts, pulleys, tools and activity cards to assist in building your child’s core learning skills.
Read the Review
Just Dance 2019 Just Dance capitalises on the growing popularity of dancing among the tweens and teens. The 2019 Just Dance offers 40 songs; a mixture of the hottest tracks right now to favourite classics that even parents can enjoy. Read the Review.
Moonlite: A Children’s storybook projector. Putting a modern spin on an old favourite; Moonlite projects images from your child’s favourite storybook onto your ceiling using the flashlight function on your mobile phone.
Read the Review
Nutribullet Balance The Nutribullet Balance offers the following benefits: Convenience The Nutribullet Balance app and Bluetooth technology Helps amateur cooks Raises nutritional awareness The variety of foods that can be made – it’s not just a smoothie maker!
Read the Review
23
The Micador jR. E.S.C.A.P.E. Table offers a complete craft station for young children. From toddlers to school aged children the Micador jR. E.S.C.A.P.E. table has a universal appeal with a practicality that makes me think a mum designed it. Read the Review
MCONNECTED Charging Station with 5 USB Ports A USB Charging Station that can charge multiple items at the same time, while reducing table top clutter, is ideal.
Read the Review
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Perfect for everyone in your family, we’ve rounded up the best gift ideas for you this Christmas. No matter the budget, we have something for everyone. From Christmas Gift Ideas for your Teacher, to Stocking Fillers, Baby pressies, Children’s toys and gifts for Mum and Dad; Christmas Shopping made easy!
View our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide
24
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Christmas Gift Ideas for Overseas Family
Christmas is coming and for those of us who have family overseas, here are some ideas of gifts that you can easily send to them this Christmas.
1. Photos or Photo Albums
As they cannot be around to experience many of the memories I think sending through photos of the children as they grow helps these family members feel more connected to the children. I try to include notes and dates so that they understand how old the children are in each photo. Photo Albums are fantastic ‘brag’ books that your relatives can show to their friends.
2. Handwritten letter
Nothing surpasses a handwritten letter to let someone know that you are thinking of them and care about them. Make the letter a little more special by including some drawings or notes from the children.
3. A ‘Care’ Box
Creating a ‘care box’ does not need to be large or include a lot of items. Simply pick 2-3 things you know the recipient loves and include them in a box with a nice card. You can get boxes of all sizes from Australia Post and they can also advise cut off dates to post the items in order for them to reach your loved ones in time. Ideas of items to include in the box: Personalised Jar of Nutella, Tim Tams, Tea, Hand Cream or something the recipient loves and would be homesick for.
4. Gift Voucher
Gift Vouchers are always a great idea – easy to send and easy for the recipient to get themselves something they would like. Be careful to pick a gift voucher that can be used in their country. Visa and iTunes vouchers are ideal as they are accepted in most countries.
5. Gifts Delivered
With so many businesses selling online these days, you can find companies that will deliver your gift to the recipient, in most cases with a card on your behalf. We have had flowers delivered to interstate and overseas family members on numerous occasions to cheer them up and let them know we are thinking of them. What gifts have you sent overseas or interstate that you would recommend? Written by Lorraine Salvi, mother of 3 with many family and friends located both nationally throughout Australia and Internationally.
25
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
DIY Christmas Baulbles
The Christmas countdown is on and for many mums it’s the busiest time of year, full of endless ‘to do’ lists, shopping trips and present wrapping. “Christmas is a time for families to come together and so it makes sense to get the kids involved from the outset. Christmas craft activities can be a great way to involve the children in the lead-up and is a good family bonding exercise too. Be sure each child gets to express themselves. The focus is on creativity and fun and exhibiting your child’s art. When guests come, point out your child’s creation. Give the children credit for their work and input – it’s a great way to encourage their confidence,” says Renee Mill, clinical psychologist. DIY craft just got easier this Christmas with the Pilot Pen’s Pintor Paint Markers. Perfect for Christmas craft, they can be used on any surface and come in a range of 13 vibrant colours. Suitable for use on any type of surface, including metal, glass, wood and ceramic – they are a great tool for easy Children’s craft. Here is how you can easily Decorate a Christmas Tree Bauble…
DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE BAUBLE Materials needed: • • • • • •
Pintor Paint Markers Christmas baubles Thin strip of paper (about 15cm long) Tape Scrap paper Wet cloth for wiping off mistakes
Instructions: 1. Tape the ends of the paper strip together to make a ring. 2. Using the ring as a stand, place the bauble on top to keep it still. 3. Shake the Pintor Paint Marker 10-15 times with the cap on, hearing the ball move in the barrel. Remove the cap and prime the tip. Do this by pressing it multiple times on scrap paper until ink starts to flow. 4. Test the marker on scrap paper before drawing on the baubles. 5. Start by drawing a triangle in the shape of a Christmas tree on the bauble. Colour it in. 6. Next, draw a long rectangle for the tree trunk underneath the triangle 7. Using your favourite colours, draw 2 squares, one on each side of the rectangle. This will be the presents under the Christmas tree. 8. Next, draw a star on top of the Christmas tree. 9. Allow the ink to dry before moving on to the following steps. 10. Once dry, draw lines for tinsel and circles for baubles on top of the Christmas tree. Use any colours you wish. 11. Draw ribbons on top the presents. 12. Lastly, decorate any empty space with circles or fun shapes. 13. And you’re done! Wait for your art to dry before hanging the bauble on the Christmas tree. 14. In case you make any mistakes, you can use a wet cloth to wipe it off.
26
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas This Christmas Craft idea is from Pintor Paint Markers. Available in broad tip (RRP $5.95) or extra fine, fine, or medium (RRP $4.95). To watch the step-by-step video and for more craft ideas, visit: http://www.pilotpen.com.au Renee Mill is a clinical psychologist from Sydney based practice, Anxiety Solutions CBT. She is a parenting and anxiety specialist and the author of books Parenting Without Anger and Anxiety Free, Drug Free. More information: http://anxietysolutionscbt.com/renee-mill/
How to properly clean Christmas ornaments Christmas is approaching fast, which means lots of family fun and precious moments to remember. However, it also means a lot of stress, responsibilities and insufficient time to get everything done. Still, that shouldn’t deprive you of the joy to give your home the festive look it deserves. We usually buy Christmas decoration with the idea to use it for many years to come. Although resistant, it still needs to be properly stored, regularly cleaned and maintained for serving its purpose longer. If you notice that some of your favourite ornaments are not looking their best anymore, there is something you can do. Instead of replacing them with new ones, you can give them a little bit of cleaning that can make a big difference. Do you still keep an ornament from your childhood that brings you dear memories? That is something that should be preserved for sure. Whether it comes to old or new ornaments, time, dust and wearing inevitably leave their mark. The secret to protecting them lies in the specifics of their material.
Glass
These particular ornaments usually come with a steep price, so some special attention is required here. The good news is that, although fragile, they are quite easy to clean. A glass cleaner, preferably a milder one, can be applied on a piece of cotton fabric and used to polish the surface. Some difficulties, though, may arise in case there are glitter elements. In that case, it would be best to use a make-up brush for dusting all areas first before applying the glass cleaner.
Styrofoam
This is a material that is quite fragile and could get easily damaged. Regardless, it still needs cleaning due to dust accumulation and possible mould formation. A lot of styrofoam ornaments are also purely, white which means that even the smallest flaw is visible. You may be tempted to spray with your favourite all-purpose cleaner but that could only ruin the ornament’s structure. Chemicals are way too aggressive for styrofoam, so better stick to the simple combination of lukewarm water and dish soap.
Read the Rest of the Article 27
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Christmas Cookies
These Christmas Cookies are easy to create and are a great independent play activity idea for older children.
What you need:
1 pkt plain biscuits 1 x tub Icing 1 Pkt Choc Chips Mini Marshmallows Food Colouring to decorate Food colouring in a tube You can use home made icing, however store bough icing means no mess and very little effort on your behalf.
Creating your Christmas Cookies
Set aside a number of bowls – each with icing in it and add different food colouring to each bowl. Simply ice the base of your cookies with the colour of your choice. Use your icing and decorations to complete the picture.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas
Cut Strawberries in half to create Santa’s hat Use White mini marshmallows for Santa’s beard Cut a marshmallow in half and place in the middle of a cookie for a melted snowman. Using food colouring tubes, create your Christmas baubles.
View other great Christmas Craft activities & gift ideas 28
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Lifestyle
2017 Christmas Gift Guide Christmas
Gift Ideas for everyone in the Family
Gift Guide 2018 29
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Christmas Treats
Coconut & Lemon Shortbread Stars Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: Approx. 25
Ingredients Shortbread: 250g butter, diced and softened to room temperature ¾ cup icing sugar 1 ¾ cup plain flour ⅓ cup McKenzie’s Fine Desiccated Coconut ¼ cup McKenzie’s Rice Flour 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind Icing: 1 ½ cups icing sugar, sifted 1 tbsp water 10g butter, melted ¼ tsp lemon rind McKenzie’s Desiccated and Shredded Coconut, for serving Method: 1. For shortbread; place butter and icing sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until creamy and pale. Fold in the flour, coconut, rice flour and lemon rind. Tip onto a lightly floured surface and bring together. Form into a disc, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. 2. Pre-heat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Line oven trays with baking paper. 3. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 5mm thickness. Using star shaped cutters, cut stars and place onto prepared trays. Bake for 20 minutes or until just starting to turn golden. Allow to cool on trays, before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to ice. 4. For the icing; combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth. Allow to sit For several minutes to come to desired consistency if required. Spread over shortbread stars and sprinkle with coconut. Store in an airtight container. Recipe from McKenzie’s
30
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Watermelon Christmas Trees These Watermelon Christmas Trees are super easy to make and the kids love them. Simply cut the watermelon into slices, then cut 2 lines in the base the width apart you would like your trunk, then remove the remaining skin. #ChristmasRecipes #christmastrees #kidssnacks
Allspice Chocolate Truffles Preparation time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour refrigeration Cooking time: 5 minutes Makes: 30 small balls Ingredients: 200g plain cooking chocolate 50g butter 2 medium egg yolks 2 tsp McCormick® Allspice Ground 1 tsp McCormick® Cinnamon Ground 1 tsp McCormick® Vanilla Sugar 250g White chocolate melted 200g shredded coconut Method: 1. Melt chocolate and butter and stir in egg yolks and spices. Mix well. Beat until the mixture thickens. Place in a refrigerator until the mixture has hardened slightly about 1 hour. 2. Shape the mixture into ½ to 1 tsp balls 3. Dip set truffles in melted white chocolate and coat with shredded coconut. Hints · · ·
31
& Tips Add the zest of ½ orange to truffle mix for added zing. Adults only – add 2 Tbsp dark rum to mixture at step 1. before refrigeration. Place finished balls into sweet cases and put into a pretty box and give as a gift.
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Christmas
Chocolate Cherry & Candy Cheesecake Ingredients 250- Biscuit 75g butter to combine 250-cream cheese ½ cup caster sugar 600ml thicken cream 200g milk chocolate 300g cherries 225g candy 1 Tablespoon gelatine ¼ cup water—for gelatine Method: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Crush biscuits in a processor & combine with 75g melted butter, Mix well. Spread over base of dish firmly, put the lid on and refrigerate for a minimum of 10 minutes. Chocolate mixture In a saucepan add 300g cream & chocolate, stirring till melted. Allow to cool.
Cream cheese mixture: 1. Combine cream cheese, caster sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer. Add 300g cream and mix for a further minute. 2. Sprinkle gelatine over hot water and mix, cool mixer, do not allow mix to set. Combine with cream cheese mixture. 3. Combine chocolate mixture and cheesecake mixture together. 4. Pour over the biscuit base and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. 5. Just before serving, remove the lid if using a Delicake Master base and Sleeve; decorate with cherries & candy then remove the sleeve. Recipe from Julie at Delicake
Caramel Popcorn Method Cover the bottom of the pan lightly in oil and put on high Ingredients Canola Oil (or similar) Popcorn Kernels 100 g butter ½ cup sugar 3 T Honey Baking Paper
32
to heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by putting one popcorn kernel into it. If bubbles form around the kernel, add enough popcorn kernels to cover the base of the pot. Put the lid on and wait. Once you hear 2-3 kernels pop, turn the heat down to low-medium. Once the popcorn is made, pop it into a large bowl. In another saucepan, add the butter, sugar and honey and put on medium-high heat to combine. I stirred while the honey and butter were melting. Once most of the butter is melted, leave the mixture to bubble and boil until golden brown. Set up a tray lined with Baking Paper. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and using a couple of spoon mix the popcorn and caramel around to coat all of the popcorn. Add caramel popcorn to the Baking Tray and once hardened, you can snap the pieces into smaller chunks.
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Quick & Easy...
Christmas
Beetroot & Chick Pea Dip Perfect for entertaining in the Summer season, this Beetroot and Chickpea Dip is healthy, looks great and is tasty. Ingredients 425g can baby beets, drained 1 1/4 cups McKenzie’s Chick Peas 1/4 cup natural Greek yoghurt 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbs lemon juice 1 clove garlic, crushed Method 1. Prepare chick peas as per instructions on pack. Once cooked, allow to cool. 2. Process drained baby beets, chick peas, slivered almonds, Greek yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Season with McKenzie’s Salt & Pepper. 3. Serve with crunchy pita chips: To make pita chips cut pita bread into triangles. Spray with cooking oil spray, season with McKenzie’s Iodised Sea Salt and bake in a moderate oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crunchy.
1 Minute Bruschetta Okay so this is the cheaters guide to Bruschetta and while the Bruschetta is not 100% traditional it tastes great, is easy to make and can be done so quickly it is the perfect solution for a busy mum. Directions: 1. Buy a Ciabatta, Sour Dough loaf or French Stick for the bread base 2. Buy a tub of Tabouli 3. Cut the bread into slices and toast 4. Spoon the tabouli onto your bread slices 5. Drizzle with Olive Oil 6. Serve Variation: Rub Garlic onto the toasted bread prior to adding the Tabouli
33
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Understanding ADHD The DVD: THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE WAY FORWARD A step-by-step guide to understanding ADHD and learning how to improve the life of your child by Rebecca Perkins. Available from: www.myspecialchildonline.com RRP: $39
Wise(ish) Words for New Parents For anyone with a new addition to the family, Wise(ish) Words for New Parents offers all your best and funniest tips on first smiles, handling sleepless nights and coping with loads of nappies. You have the chance to hand on some of your best advice to the people you love. Make them serious or harness your inner comedian ¬– the choice is up to you. Available from: thebookofeveryone.com/au RRP: Paperback - $49.95 Where’s bear? Sophie stood Bear at the top of the castle. “You’re so brave, Bear!” When Sophie returned from dinner, Bear was not where she had left him. “Bear, where are you?” Sophie called. Go on an adventure with Sophie as she attempts to find her best friend, Bear. Sophie has to be brave, just like Bear, but the Shadow Monster is lurking in the dark. This gentle book encourages children to face their fears and to have courage, even if they are frightened or nervous. Available from: http://www.empoweringresources.com.au/ RRP: $17
34
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Mother Earth launches new look Crunchy and Smooth Peanut Butter Packaging With a 5 star health star rating, Mother Earth peanut butter is completely natural with no additives, no preservatives and no added sugar or oils. It’s simply freshly roasted peanuts ground into peanut butter! Available from: Coles and Woolworths supermarkets nationwide. RRP: $4.00
35
Yowie World Wildlife Super Series Yowie has released its mega World Wildlife Super Series to Australian collectors, featuring over 50 new toys to discover. The new World Wildlife Super Series includes six Yowie and a number of Grumkin from the popular book series, as well as their animal friends from all around the world. Available from: For a limited time at retailers such as Woolworths, Kmart and Big W. RRP: $3.60
www.mumsdelivery.com.au
Brought to you by
mumsdelivery.com.au
Click ‘Follow publisher’ on Issuu to receive all our Gift Guides and Busy Mums Magazines
36
www.mumsdelivery.com.au