Bayside MamaMag April 2016

BAYSIDE

mamamag April 2016

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health & happiness Happy April Mamas. If you’ve just picked this up, chances are you are enjoying (or perhaps not enjoying!) the school holidays with your little creatures. How first term came and went so quick is beyond me. To me the Easter holidays generally marks the time the weather starts to turn cool and our after school beach soirees become a distant memory.

I’ve taken the break as an opportunity to have a little holiday... by myself... without my children. I know right!

Hey, being a single mum has got to have some perks.

My creatures are off to sunny QLD with their dad, so this Mama Bear is hightailing it to Bali, laptop in tow (because this magazine isn’t going to produce it’s self), but I’ll be working poolside, in between stocking up on Mister Zimis and writing a fab Bali travel article for our May travel issue. Excited much!

But enough of that, I don’t want to rub it in! April is all about Health & Wellbeing. We’ve met some fabulous mamas this month. Angela Zegir who has turned her career around after a high-powered position to follow her dream of floristry. The fabulous Colette McShane brings us some great HIIT fitness tips, we chat with some mums forging their way into new fitness careers and my assistant Kirsty was lucky to meet the amazing Daniel Flynn, one third of social enterprise and all round amazing company Thankyou™. If you are not familiar with his story, head straight to page 6, then straight to their website to buy his amazing book.

It will blow your mind.

My health and fitness journey, 5 months on from starting with the gorgeous Sam Wood, is still going strong. While I find it hard to fit in gym classes, I’ve really ramped up my running and kept my 6kg I lost off. This is testament to the cracking pace I ran at Run for the Kids in March. Such an awesome fun run. If you ever need a fitness goal, register for a fun run and get training. #doingitforthekids Happy holidays (I know mine will be!)

@localmamamag

WIN

Contents I choose Thankyou The story of Chapter One

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Supercharge me A new book by Lee Holmes

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HIIT me up mum Fitness ideas from the HIIT Mum

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1 of 3 $15o mIcro scooter vouchers

Flexible benefits 16 Forging a career in the fitness industry Don’t sweat it Our top picks for new active wear

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Lovely locals Glen Huntly Road Elsternwick

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What’s your style Exploring different yoga types

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Mama of the month Angela from Bespoke Botanics

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Visit our Facebook page to enter

Building bonds, creating memories 28 Post-natal yoga Males, nutrition & fertility Getting your man prepared

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Turn the page Top picks from Beaumaris Books

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www.facebook.com/localmamamag Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts April 1st 12.01am and closes April 30th 2016 at 11.59pm.

There are three prizes available, each for a $150 voucher valid for online purchases from www.microscooters.com.au.

Visit www.mamamag.com.au full terms and conditions.

MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of the Bayside area by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au

Take the high brow 36 What do your eyebrows say about you?

10,000 copies monthly in the Bayside area: Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston and Port Phillip.

Parklife 38 Bailey Reserve Bentleigh East

Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Assistant Editor: Kirsty Chick Design & layout: Grizzle Design Bayside ad sales: Daniela Simonetta

Mama can cook Fun kids treats by Lee Holmes

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Pre shool and you Navigating your kinder options

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Colour & win WIN a HipKids wooden market stand

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MamaMag April 2016

Like to contribute an article submission or products for Facebook giveaways? submissions@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries: download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au or email info@mamamag.com.au The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers.

Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

I choose thankyou What if you could make a positive impact to empower women and babies in developing countries?

As parents we know how challenging that first year of life can be to nurture, survive and thrive – yet imagine trying to do that with limited access to basic health care. Every 90 seconds a mother dies in childbirth and millions of babies die in their first month of life. It’s a sobering reality, but one which the team at Thankyou™ are determined, with our help, to do something about. And our part can be as simple as the choice of nappy that we put on our bubs – the profits of which go towards funding health programs for mums and bubs in need.

Daniel and Justine Flynn, two of the co-founders of Melbourne based social enterprise, Thankyou, are not only navigating their first year of parenthood, but also launching a life-changing nappy and baby care range set to impact thousands, and hopefully millions of lives around the world.

This is their remarkable journey, and yours too, if you so choose.

Thankyou is a social enterprise that donates Thankyou started with a simple and powerful 100% of their profit towards ending world idea, which then connected people with poverty. Daniel and Justine, along with Jarryd this idea to create a movement that defied Burns, are the three young co-founding conventionally successful business models. entrepreneurs, who worked flat out for three People connected to the vision because the years before they could even draw a salary.

100% profit-towards-poverty model turned And a modest salary it remains today, not the consumer market on its head. There one befitting of the now multi-million dollar was intrinsic motivation to brand-switch to company. The objective was always to give as Thankyou. First, and importantly, the quality much as possible. Since the beginning in 2008, of the product was very high, and presented Thankyou has given more than $3.7 million excellent value for money. Secondly, buyers to projects across 17 countries. Theirs is the would feel good in the knowledge that their story of how three first year university students money was going towards impacting global dreamed big, took on the poverty rather than multi-million Every 90 seconds a giants of the bottled water dollar corporations. The consumer mother dies in childbirth purchase power has never been so industry and began to change and millions of babies die powerful and far-impacting. the world in the most positive in their first month of life. way imaginable.

Having already proven success in Today their initial water the bottled water, body care, muesli pursuit has expanded across product ranges bar and cereal product categories, going up to incorporate body care and food – each arm and holding their own against the giants of the funding safe water, sanitation and hygiene, industry in the highly competitive baby care and food supplies to those in need around the market will present another major challenge. world. The next step is launching a baby care However that has never deterred the ambitious and nappy range aimed at reducing preventable entrepreneurs, who started with little more mortality in developing nations, as well as than an idea, a dream and a passion. Their working towards the end goal of zero world cornerstone is making the seemingly impossible poverty. possible, defying the odds, challenging the status quo and changing the game.

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The end goal is so sweet, that the motivation is seemingly unwavering. It’s a remarkable journey. And the secret that they want to share is that every person has the capacity to be remarkable. Small actions can drive massive change and passion can fuel limitless possibilities. That’s our take after reading their inspiring journey in the newly released book, Chapter One. Although the story began seven-and-a-half years ago – there’s a strong sense that it’s still only the beginning! Chapter One tells the epic story of Thankyou so far, in all its raw truth, challenges and successes. Most businesses would scale through re-investing their profits or sourcing investors, however 100% of Thankyou’s profits are committed to funding projects to impact global poverty. The book essentially becomes the funding platform to scale the business, as the guys need $1.2 million to kick-start Chapter Two – to launch the baby care range and Thankyou New Zealand!

Check out their amazing Chapter One launch on YouTube – a creative, clever, 7.5 minute script across 13 sets (in their borrowed

warehouse), on a limited budget, nailed in one take. The marketing, on such a shoestring budget, is pure genius. As we write, the campaign is just shy of $1 million with six days to go in their target. It was a pretty ambitious target, considering even best-selling books reap around $50,000. People embrace the concept that when you purchase Chapter One, you’re not just buying a book, but funding the future, buying into a life-changing movement. In a typically-unconventional way, there is no RRP on the book! The purchaser names their price!

Thankyou may not have the million dollar budgets to invest in scaling their business, but they have creativity, passion and the faith to change the game, along with an army of people power!

The story is epic. But it’s only the beginning.

Get involved, join the Thankyou movement and when you’re next in the supermarket choose a better world for all to live in. And when the baby care range launches, give them a try. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. Choose to do something about global poverty. No price can be put on that. #ICHOOSETHANKYOU

chapterone.thankyou.co

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FOllOw us On

supercharge Me Lee Holmes is the creator of Supercharged Food and if you aren’t familiar with Lee’s story it’s an interesting one. Finding herself bound to a hospital bed, with her hair falling out in clusters, barely able to lift her head, she hit a point where she decided to take her recovery into her own hands and turned her attention to the food she was consuming.

After changing the way she consumed and looked at food, she discovered renewed health and vitality and a complete reversal of a debilitating autoimmune disease. Now she shares her knowledge on health and wellbeing through her Supercharged books, online programs, and on her award-winning blog and she has just released a book for children called Supercharged Food for Kids.

In Supercharged Food for Kids, she breaks down the barriers of our kid’s health and lays it all out in an easy to digest way.

Lee, Why did you decide to write this book in the first place?

I decided to write this book because being a busy mum myself and step mum to three young boys, I was inspired to create simple, easy recipes for time poor parents, caregivers and grandparents who are interested in home cooking and want to create nutritionally balanced meals for kids.

I also wanted to tackle the growing problem of children with allergies, intolerances, asthma, ADHD, hyperactivity, obesity or dental problems—all of which are aggravated by poor eating habits.

My mission, like any mother, is to inspire kids to be healthy, encourage them to engage with food and experiment in the kitchen— all essentials for making our kids grow up nourished, understanding food and nutrients, and then passing this knowledge down to their children. I like to try and spread the message that healthy food can be fun and delicious!

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Tell us about the philosophy behind Supercharged Food for Kids?

My philosophy behind this book is to get over the task that feels like climbing Mount Everest when it comes to getting kids to eat healthier and enjoy healthy food, and it is all about enticing those picky eaters to eat everything and anything!

I’m staying away from Frankenfood, GMO (genetically modified) foods, and the main premise of the book is that it includes favourite recipes, such as pizza, nuggets, pasta and desserts, but with a couple of nifty ingredient switches to make them healthier.

How much does food affect the mood and behaviour of our kids and why?

Our children’s little bodies are sensitive to what they eat, and the food can quickly affect their mood. We’ve all seen kids stuffing themselves with fairy bread and lollies at parties, and then come home and crash; the tiredness comes and the tears start to flow.

If your child’s diet is full of junk food, they wont be receiving the nutrients their brain needs for healthy neurotransmitter function, nor will their brains have the fuel to transmit the messages that control our feelings and emotions.

The common mood swings they experience can ultimately affect their behaviour, learning abilities, and relationships with their peers and families. That is why it is crucial to stabilise their blood sugar levels, load them up with nutrients, and keep them way from too much junk food.

Many of us are aware of the obvious things and foods to avoid, like processed sugar and lollies, but what are some of the hidden culprits that as not as commonly known?

Other than sugar, additives, unnatural colouring agents and preservative laden foods, it’s not necessarily what is in the food that’s the problem, but what isn’t in the food.

A common culprit is refined processed food, such as white bread, which has had all the nutritional goodness taken out during the refining process, leaving a sugary destructive path instead. Swapping these processed carbs for complex-carbs such as sourdough bread, brown rice and fruit means that your kids will get all the nutrients they need to balance out their blood sugar levels.

It can be challenging to get our kids to get a variety of new vegetables, what are some of your tips?

When attempting to expose your kids to new, more nutrient-dense real foods, it’s a no-brainer that a dull, monochromatic spread of food is unlikely to entice their taste buds.

We eat not only with our mouths, but first and foremost with our eyes, so presenting a visually appealing, colourful meal packed with new vegetables is a must.

When it comes to packing school lunches your kids will enjoy, much of the battle will be in communication and variety. Like with all meals, the approach of ‘you’ll get what you’re given’ which many of us have experienced is a surefire way to discourage healthy eating. Another great way to get kids enjoying new veggies is to have them involved in the process of selecting and making their food. Right from picking the veggies out shopping, washing and prepping, right through to actually making the food.

To keep things simple you need to be organised with meal planning and cooking so you can spend more quality time with the kids and less time feeling overwhelmed about how to make them healthier.

Schedule an hour a week to organise your meals and shopping list; putting in some clever prep will save you time and money in the long run. Include your kids in the planning so they can develop an appreciation and look forward to the meals. It’s a good idea to cook meals the whole family can enjoy. Why prepare a completely separate meal for your kids if they can get in on Mum and Dad’s food? Roast dinners, soups, and casseroles can be enjoyed by kids!

Remember to make the most of a single ingredient. Getting to know how you can use a single food item for multiple meal ideas will save you large amounts of time and money.

I like to batch cook a health granola for the whole family then this turns into supercharged breakfast bars and then the leftovers make yummy yoghurt pot trifles with berries.

This is how you can do a healthy child’s diet simply, and avoid becoming overwhelmed with the challenging new feat; with these easy strategies it will feel a lot less daunting!

Lee Holmes is a food nutritionist, certified holistic health coach, yoga teacher, health author and writer. For recipes and more visit www.superchargedfood.com

It can be overwhelming to think about all of the dos and don’ts of a healthy child’s diet - how do we keep it simple, approachable and usable for everyday life and avoid becoming overwhelmed?

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hIIt me up mum We’re sure by now you’ve heard the word HIIT thrown around when the topic of fitness comes up.

And not suprisingly! The popularity of high intensity interval training is on the rise. This type of training involves repeated bouts of high intensity effort followed by varied recovery times and can be done just about anywhere by just using your own bodyweight. We met with Melbourne HIIT expert Colette McShane (AKA The HIIT Mum), and here she has put together 10 reasons why bodyweight interval training is for perfect for busy mums.

1. You can do it anywhere! The park, the lounge room, your garden, on holiday, hotel room... anywhere and everywhere, and you really don’t need much space at all.

2. Space, as mentioned in number one.

I have done effective training sessions on my own with just a few metres square of clear floor space when working around my little one’s toys and piles of washing! I’ve even done HIIT in hotel room bathrooms so as not to wake up the others. Having a bit more space is always awesome, but don’t let it stop you from a great workout!

3. You can always progress and take your training up a notch. Mastered the push ups on your knees? Head to your toes. From push ups on your toes, try some variations like tricep (narrow) push ups, wide to narrow push ups, and even jumping push ups. It’s the same with squats, start with air squats then move to jumps, and then explosive jumps. It’s amazing how quickly you will get to these progressions if you stay consistent.

4. The kids love it! Whether it’s kids at our classes working out next to mum or dad, or our girl at home when I’m doing a workout... they want to join in and they see exercise as being fun! It’s a great thing to instil in them from an early age.

5. It has muscle and cardio benefits. With bodyweight interval training, HIIT style, you are working your muscles nicely whilst you also get the cardio benefits. This means if your range is great, you will start to drop bodyfat more than you will muscle which can often happen if you are trying to lose weight.

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6. Great fat loss. HIIT training has a huge impact on body composition. If you work nice and hard during a session and max out on that heart rate throughout the set, your body will head into EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption to get all scientific) which is also commonly known as ‘afterburn’ . This means your body will burn more calories even at complete rest! Winning!

7. You can do it at home or in a class.

Being able to do bodyweight HIIT at home is awesome, but if you do make it to a group class, it’s a fab chance to stay accountable with a workout buddy you are arranging to catch up with there.

8. The internet! If you are looking for inspiration, you can google thousands of bodyweight interval training sessions and will find so many great workouts on Youtube. It’s also a chance to check your form if you are unsure about a move in your workout.

9. HIIT training has a HUGE impact on your run speed. So much so that every 6 weeks or so, we run free community time trials at The HIIT Factory to show our clients what happens when they do 3 quality HIIT sessions per week.

You will even see a massive improvement if you don’t do any running at all. Never underestimate the power of sprinting on the spot. Keep the knees high, drive the arms and keep it fast!

10. Bodyweight training is a chance to get creative. Get your thinking cap on and create new workouts or variations of exercises.

Providing they are safe, then there’s no right or wrong way to change things up and try something new! Creativity is a wonderful thing!

“We don’t use machines, we create them.”

“It’s more about the intensity than the duration. 30 minutes is perfect for a quality HIIT session.”

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5 of my favourite bodyweight exercises My repertoire of bodyweight training is massive, for example, at The HIIT factory we do burpees 20- 30 different ways! We love to spice things up and keep the body guessing. A great starting point for you to build into your HIIT workouts is 5 of the best bodyweight exercises, and here’s why they are awesome...

1. Push ups

Push ups are a great way to sculpt some strong shoulders, arms, chest and core. They are as traditional as you get and they aren’t going anywhere. Push ups are awesome! There are so many variations, but start on knees, to toes and then try adding in some of the push up progressions.

2. Squats or Squat Jumps

Start off with squats, progress to squat jumps when you are ready for higher impact. Going for the squat jump option means big ballistic power and will send you into afterburn easily!

Oh - and they will also give you toned legs!

3. Burpees

The burpee is my favourite bodyweight exercise and the one everyone loves to hate. It’s 100% a full body exercise and will work every muscle group. You will learn to love burpees when you reap the rewards from building them into your sessions.

4. Mountain Climbers or Squat Thrusts

If you want a super strong core, squat thrust and mountain climbers (and burpees!) are up there as some of the best exercises you can do. Far more effective than a crunch or sit up, and they will also keep the blood pumping and intensity high. You can start with stepping out mountain climbers and work up to full squat thrusts from there!

5. Sprinting on the spot

Keep the knees high, really drive those arms, keep your shoulders back and turn those legs over as quick as you can! Sprinting on the spot gives you a great chance to max out on your heart rate and will have a great impact on improving your running, even when you don’t leave the house!

Colette runs classses in St Kilda, Yarraville, Newport, Williamstown and West Footscray.

Visit www.thehiitmum.com.au for details. @thehiitfactoryhq, @ptinmypocket, @thehiitmum

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flexible benefits Forging a career in the fitness industry.

Australia’s fitness industry is booming, and savvy mums are turning their passion for health and wellness into careers that afford them the flexibility to work on their own terms while raising a family, writes Melanie Katz.

“It gives me the time to be a mum, help my kids with their homework, prepare dinner and tuck them into bed. There are just so many different ways you can be flexible.”

In a survey conducted by jobs website FlexCareers earlier this year, almost half of all working mothers surveyed said that a flexible work arrangement was the most important factor in their career choice, while only 11 per cent of working mothers felt they had an ideal work arrangement.

One of the greatest things about having a professional fitness qualification under your belt is the number of options it gives you. With a Certificate III and IV in Fitness, you could choose to train clients at your own home, travel to your clients’ homes, train a group of mums in your local park, or work in a fitness centre.

Enter Australia’s fitness industry. With the nation’s demand for personal trainers growing by a healthy nine per cent each year, mums are swapping power dressing for power presses and flexing their business acumen in this burgeoning sector.

Finding flexibility Kerry Melbourne, Fernwood Cheltenham’s Club Manager and mum of three, found personal training gave her the flexibility she needed to tackle raising a family alone head on.

“It’s just such a fantastic career for mums,” enthuses the ever-energetic Kerry. “Being a PT, you’re basically running your own business and choosing your own hours.”

Kerry books clients between 6 and 7.30am before heading home to get the kids ready for school. She heads back into the gym after school drop-off to see her daytime clients between 9.30am and 3pm, before heading home to do the school pick up.

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Having options

Although now in a happy relationship, Kerry says her personal training qualification was particularly useful while she was a single mum.

“Before I worked at Fernwood I set up my garage with a Pilates reformer bed and all the basics for a gym so I could train clients at home. So at 6am, while the kids would still be snoozing in bed, I’d already be up training my morning clients at home. And after school, while they were watching telly, I’d be able to train my evening clients.”

Studying while mothering While being a mum is a full time job in itself, there’s a growing number of women using mothering’s moments of downtime to pursue a career in fitness.

“I’d say three-quarters of our student base are mothers.” says Annelise Worn, mother of two and Training Manager at Fernwood Learning, Fernwood Fitness’s Registered Training Organisation.

“It’s such a great career path for mums because there are so many mothers seeking the services of a personal trainer. Women love chatting, and having that common ground with your clients builds rapport straight away. We often find our mum trainers build really successful businesses because they already know a huge number of women they can offer their services too,” Worn says.

Mum of two Donna Ramos is completing her Certificate III and IV in Fitness with Fernwood Learning. After she tucks her kids into bed, Ramos powers up her laptop and squeezes in a few hours of study for the night. She’s hoping once she completes the course, she’ll be able to leave her part-time job altogether to pursue a more rewarding career in fitness.

“The best thing about studying online is the flexibility it gives you to balance your study with having a family and working,” says Ramos. She says the trainers at Fernwood Learning have made studying online really easy too.

“If I ever have a question, they’ll get back to me within a day or so. And the online platform is simple and easy to navigate.”

Staying healthy and fit on the job One of the biggest perks to working as a fitness trainer is that there’s no need to squeeze a gym session into your day: your workout is your work! Being active in your day job frees up time to spend with your little ones and allows you to pocket the cash you would usually spend on a gym membership.

But beyond the gym fee savings and extra family time a career in fitness buys you, one of the more rewarding aspects of working in the fitness industry is the healthy message you’re sending to your children.

It might not always feel like it, but you are one of the greatest role models your children will ever have. During their early years, kids learn routines and habits that stick with them for the rest of their lives.

The home environment is often cited as the most significant contributing factor in any child’s life – including their weight problems. So setting a good example right from the start paves a healthy path for your children.

And for Kerry Melbourne, it’s not just her three kids who are benefiting from her career choice.

“I get such a buzz from helping others. Plus it keeps me on track with my own healthy habits as well… there couldn’t be a better way to live!”

So mums, it’s never too late to change your career path.

Fernwood Learning offers nationallyaccredited Certificate III and Certificate IV courses in fitness, delivered online, so you can study anytime, anywhere. Find out more at fernwoodfitness.com.au/fitnesspersonal-training-courses/

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lovely locals

Glen huntly Rd Elsternwick 1.

1. Child and Adult. This educational toy store is a mainstay on the Elsternwick strip. Husband and wife team, Gary and Maria have been at the helm for more than three decades. So you can be assured that you are getting some experienced advice when looking for that perfect gift, be it books, high-quality toys, puzzles or board games, to captivate the minds and imagination of the kids. 329 Glen Huntly Road, elsternwick. com/child-and-adult 2. Mexico City. There are two Mexico City restaurants in the area, the other located in Bentleigh - a regular mother’s group dinner escape for us. We can’t go past a cheeky margarita jug! We’ve also brought the kids here on a weeknight. You’ll find this restaurant busy during the week, a testament to quality and value, so it pays to come early and even book ahead. Here you will find authentic Mexican food with friendly service.

313 Glen Huntly Rd. www.mexicocityrestaurant.com.au

2.

3. Music Works Magic. You may have experienced that feeling when kids come home with a new song that they have learnt – pure joy and clearly proud of their achievement. Music Works Magic offers specifically designed classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children. Private instrumental tuition for both adults and children is also available. Trial a group class in Term 2 for FREE, just mention MamaMag! 560 Glen Huntly Rd. www.musicworksmagic.com 4. Kids Fancy Dress Party Place. In need of a costume for a party?

Then this is the place to come. Downstairs is the adult’s costume shop, to nail that next themed party brief. But the true magic is upstairs in the kid’s party room – an oasis of dress up, imagination, colour and fun.

There’s a room FULL of costumes for kids to try on and play in, as well as face painting, twinkling lights, mirrors and music. A fuss-free party option that is sure to delight. 568 Glen Huntly Rd. www.kidsfancydresspartyplace.com.au 5. Glittery Tapping Wonderland. There’s something about watching your child’s first dance concert that just melts your heart! It’s all about fun, glitter, bubbles and imagination in the studio here – especially for the pre-school age group. Lessons for the littlest fairies end with chasing bubbles and making a wish in the fairy garden. However the end of year concert shows that they have also put in lots of effort behind the fun. The studio also runs classes for older kids and even the big kid in all of us. Look into the free open day on April 10th. 1109a Glen Huntly Rd Glen Huntly. glitterytappingwonderland.com For more information on places in Elsternwick visit elsternwick.com

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3.

4.

5.

BENTLEIGH Everything for baby and kids!

New and second hand items available Every 3rd Saturday of the month!

Next market: 16th April 9am - 12.30pm

St Johns Church Hall, Corner of Tucker and Centre Road, Bentleigh Coffee Truck and Sausage Sizzle Future market dates: 21/5, 18/6, 16/7, 20/8, 17/9, 15/10, 19/11 Stalls $25 each. www.trybooking.com/JUJE For more info call 9557 2226 or bentleighanglican@bigpond.com

Come and experience a different kind of play.

1/19 Clarinda Road Oakleigh South. Ph 8555 2259.

MamaMag reader specials: Weekends Build & Play promotion $5 OFF all Robot play*

(*please present coupon, no other offer applies)

10% OFF ALL Parties booked in April*

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FREE jelly cup with Kids entry*

$2 OFF entry on Tuesday* 21

what’s your style?

Exploring different types of yoga.

How many times have you heard people say how amazing yoga is? Yoga improves flexibility, strength, balance and wellbeing. But where do you start if you don’t know your Downward Dog from your Child’s Pose? Are you searching for a class but overwhelmed by the variations on offer?

Which are hot and which are not? Are you looking for something vigorous, or do you need something more restorative? Below is a brief summary of the most common styles to get you started.

Hatha

Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to all forms of yoga that teach asana (postures).

Expect a gentle, basic yoga class with little or no flow between poses, perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Hatha classes are a great place to learn the basics of yoga asana and alignment and you should leave the class feeling stretched, strengthened and more relaxed.

Vinyasa or Flow

Vinyasa is the Sanskrit word for flow. Classes are known for their dynamic, flowing movement and choreographed transitions. No two classes are the same and intensity can vary from gentle to extreme, catering to all levels of experience and ability. Classes may be listed as Slow Flow, Power Flow or Gentle Flow. If you get bored with a repetitive practice and love to get physical then vinyasa may just be the one for you.

Ashtanga

Commonly called Power yoga, Ashtanga requires constant movement and is physically demanding. It follows a set series of poses and transitions with the teacher wandering around assisting or correcting individual students.

Many vinyasa styles of yoga have their origins in Ashtanga. It is a more vigorous style of yoga and probably not the first class to try if you’re starting out.

Bikram

If you like to sweat then Bikram is for you. The room is heated to 40 degrees and the class follows a set format consisting of two breathing exercises and 26 poses designed to encompass all of the components of fitness – muscular strength, endurance, cardio strength and flexibility. Good for gym junkies.

Hot Yoga

Hot yoga differs from Bikram yoga. Firstly the room is heated to somewhere between 28 and 32 degrees and this practice is not confined to the limited, ordered postures of Bikram.

Instead, classes usually take on a similar format to vinyasa flow classes. You will get sweaty so bring a towel to both Bikram and Hot Yoga classes and hydrate well before and after class.

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is a meticulous style of yoga focused on proper alignment in the poses.

An Iyengar studio stocks a great array of yoga props – blankets, blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs, bars and a rope wall – to help students find that correct alignment. This is not a cardio class but you will be amazed at how physically and mentally challenging it can be. All levels of experience and ability are catered for including those with injuries or chronic conditions.

A weekly practice is good but if you really want to see changes and increased flexibility, strength and well being, two classes a week is ideal. Find what works for you and stick with it. The benefits, both physically and mentally, truly are life changing.

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Kundalini

Kundalini refers to the energy of the root chakra, which surrounds the base of the spine.

The principle behind Kundalini yoga is that in freeing up this area, students can unleash the unlimited potential that lies within that energy center. Kundalini yoga is a unique and vigorous combination of postures, breathing, chanting and meditation designed to uplift the spirit.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy yoga is a modern practice that combines the ancient principles of Qi Gong, Tai Chi and yoga to enhance the flow of energy (Qi) within. The practice is strengthening, grounding and relaxing at the same time.

Movements are natural and intuitive, performed without tension or strain. This makes the practice accessible to all ages and fitness levels.

Participants enjoy moving naturally without the need to assume a certain shape or posture.

Restorative

Restorative yoga uses blankets, bolsters and blocks to prop students into passive poses so the body can experience the pose without exerting too much energy. Restorative yoga will leave you feeling rejuvenated and peaceful.

Ideal for the elderly and those with injuries or chronic medical conditions.

Yin

Yin, similar to restorative, uses props to support you in stretching poses, however the poses are held for 3–5 minutes. While Yang styles of yoga like Astanga and Vinyasa work to strengthen and stretch muscles, Yin works to stretch and stimulate the fascia or connective tissues of the body. If you feel like you need some healing and serious stretching then yin is the one. Classes are suitable for all levels.

A Yin practice brings balance to our modern 24/7 yang lifestyles.

Nicole Nanfra, founder of Empower Yoga and Mindfulness in Black Rock suggests trying a few different classes to gauge teaching styles and best fit for you. At their studio in Black Rock she and studio partner Donna Coghill run a 5 week beginner course that introduces students to all the elements of a yoga practice.

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MAMA of the month This month we met the lovely Angela Zegir from Bespoke Botanics. A Local Bayside mum of 3, Angela has recently made a huge career change from a high powered General Manager role at Aesop to setting up a floral studio in her garage and finally pursuing her dream!

Of course you’re a mum, that’s why you’re here! Tell us a little about your children...

We have three children Tom 14, Charlie 12 and Matilda 7. Two out of the three of our kids have special needs ranging from autism to depression and a range of things in between.

Yet they are all beautiful, caring and intelligent beings in their own right.

What were you doing before the launch of Bespoke Botanics and why then big change?

For the past 20 years I did the safe and responsible thing. I worked hard and built my career in the corporate world of human resources. After each of the three kids I returned to work and kept the juggle going until I started to drop balls. For the past 5 years I worked as the Global GM HR at Aesop.

It nourished my love of design and creativity.

Technically I worked part time but the reality of course was far different. I explained a bout of pneumonia several years ago as just bad luck.

Weekly trips to the osteopath for back problems and persistent headaches I explained to myself as also bad luck. Two of our three children have special needs which took up much time and effort. Balls started dropping at home, work, friends and everywhere and I couldn’t just walk away from my job – I had to try and hold it all together. But for who? Some false sense of identity I had created.

Then my role at Aesop was made redundant last July. It devastated me and everything I had worked so hard for. Fast forward several months and I took a leap. I did some fulltime study in floristry, which is what I had always said I wanted to do if ever I had a chance to change pace and meaning in my life.

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Tell us a bit about Bespoke Botanics?

Bespoke Botanics has been running for four months now. We make beautiful floral creations for all the important occasions such as weddings, corporates and events. However our main focus is building the subscription service.

A once a week delivery or one off delivery for discerning customers who know the value and impact fresh flowers have in their personal space. In the busy and hectic world we now live in, having flowers delivered is such a delightful feeling. It is also a perfect gift idea suited to grandparents, new mothers or those unwell. We are making flowers affordable so a quick one off purchase can be delivered to someone special and make their day.

What has been the biggest learning journey in creating your own business?

Trying to keep an ongoing mindset of belief that I can and will make this business successful. As anyone who has ever had a career change will know it is hard going back to the start, foregoing an income. Building new relationships and skills are essential. I’ve also had to be aware of the areas which I don’t enjoy or have as much skill in and find ways to address them. Finance and tech savviness aren’t my greatest loves but both are important to the business.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

I love love love the flowers. Going to market (very early I might add) and seeing what you can find and mix together is such a cathartic and creative process. I also get so much delight in the creating of something special for each recipient of my arrangements. I recently had a client burst into tears when she walked into the

room and saw a stunning arbor we’d made for her event. I was pleased to see they were tears of happiness not disappointment.

My other favorite part of what I do is recalibrating my life and having time to reconnect with the important things in my world such as my children and friends.

Do you have any funny parenting stories to give us a giggle…

Just last week my 7 year old was asking to get a new sister (no chance…). Then she asked me where is the door in my stomach for babies to come out? I distracted her with the offer of an icy pole.

A little along the same theme, when we explained to our then 8 year old we were pregnant with his soon to be born sister, his curiosity and persistence lead us to be honest and explain the manner in which I got pregnant. His response was “what, I didn’t see you doing that, can I watch next time”?

Motherhood has taught me…

So much yet at times I feel so inadequate as a mum, nothing prepares you for all the challenges and highlights. Being a mum to children with special needs is simply a rollercoaster and I am still learning and overcoming the bumps. It becomes important to surround yourself with a few true friends who understand your world and can be supporting and loving.

As a working mother I did think it was possible to have it all however I am probably a little less of that belief now. There will always be compromises whether you work fulltime, part time or not at all. Learning to accept these compromises and being comfortable with your decisions is crucial.

I am my hardest critic and am trying to learn to be kinder and more forgiving of myself and worry a lot less about what others think. My change of career has been pivotal in this as I’m creating a completely new identity and focus.

Surrounding myself with an abundance of blooms is where it’s at right now. I invite you to follow me on Instagram and see my take on the blooms.

You can find Angela at bespokebotanics.com

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Level 1, 232 Carlisle St, Balaclava Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

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Monday and Wednesday 4.00pm-5.00pm.

Working on running technique, drills, speed and endurance. Sessions include stretching, body strength work and games. Great prizes.

Continues school terms and holidays.

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Building bonds, creating memories Parenthood is the beginning of a new life for every couple—it is exciting, challenging, frightening and exhilarating—a true roller coaster of emotions from the start.

Attending a post-natal yoga class is just one of the ways that can assist with the transition from old life to new and help create both balance and a sense of grounding at a time when everything seems to have turned on its head.

The time to start yoga post-natally depends very much upon the individual but a guideline is 6 weeks after a complication free vaginal birth and 8 weeks after a caesarean section. Previous yoga experience is by no means a pre-requisite for these classes. In fact, for mothers who have previously practised yoga, one of the biggest challenges is listening to what the body is saying in its post-natal condition and not expecting too much too soon. Postures that may have been easy before pregnancy and birth may not come as naturally and so the practise of acceptance, self-love and kindness is an all important part of the journey.

Post-natal yoga has all of the positive physical, emotional and mental benefits of a traditional class however, as parents learn to cope with the demands of their new life, these benefits are often magnified. A post-natal class gives new parents a sense of community, an environment full of support and understanding. This sense of belonging, of being heard, can often help in those early weeks—especially with new mums suffering the “baby blues”.* Physically the yoga asanas are focused and adapted to work with the post-natal body to: • strengthen – pelvic floor muscles, abdominals and back muscles • rebuild flexibility and tone – legs, arms and core • stretch – shoulders and back to help with soreness caused by breast-feeding 28

Post-natal yoga classes also offer the opportunity for mental and emotional relaxation.

A safe environment where it is okay to let go of the worries, concerns, and fears that accompany the parenting of a new born and an opportunity to relish timeout in the company of like-minded individuals and their babies.

Oh yes…the babies. Although the parents are in class to practise yoga, the needs of their baby ALWAYS come first—whether it is feeding, changing or general comforting. Whenever the baby is happy and content, most classes adopt a “leave well alone” philosophy as this allows more “me” time for the parent(s). However, if the baby is unsettled, ALL postures in a post-natal class can be adapted to include the baby—whether they are being incorporated into a balance, held in the arms or on the legs in a strengthening posture or simply being snuggled in Savasana.

Post-natal yoga offers something for each member of a new family. It aims to provide a place of comfort and community whilst enabling and encouraging physical recovery from birth as well as emotional and mental relaxation. In the early days of parenting when everything is both amazing AND challenging, these classes offer a unique opportunity for a new family to build bonds and create memories. *The “baby blues” are VERY different to postnatal depression which requires medical support and treatment. If you feel you or a loved one may be suffering from PND it is essential to seek medical diagnosis and attention.

By Clare Dinham-Wiltshire.

Clare will be teaching children’s yoga at Artea, Port Melbourne. Go to www.artea.com.au for information about times and age groups.

learn how to swim at st kilda sea baths benefits of our classes:

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Established for over 50 years, we're committed to continuing the Keith Cakes tradition in Bayside and our chefs still produce our fabulous range according to the original recipes.

Celebration Cakes | Children’s Cakes | Dessert Cakes Savouries | Health Cakes | Cupcakes | Treats | Catering

46 Church Street, Brighton | Ph: 9592 8070 | keithhomemadecakes www.keithcakes.com.au

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Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

Perfect for primary school kids aged 4 to 12. With its timeless message about the importance of forming friendships and full of lessons that prepared us for adulthood, The Little Prince is as relevant now as it was when we read it growing up.

THURSDAY 9 JUNE 2016 10AM & 1PM Kingston City Hall, 985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin Call 9556 4440 or visit kingstonarts.com.au to book

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Males, Nutrition & When we think of men and fertility, it’s something we don’t really pay a lot of attention too.

Infertility can be just as much as a man’s issue as a woman’s.

Up to 40 percent of fertility can be traced to men, which is a big statistic. Nutrition has a direct impact on sperm potency and motility.

Research shows that poor eating habits and regular consumption of alcohol, for instance, can lower the quality and quantity of sperm, making conception more difficult. Eating healthily will not only boost your sperm quality and quantity it will also help increases your chances of conceiving a healthy child.

According to Chinese medicine theory, reproductive health is the result of your body being in correct balance. Stress, poor lifestyle, inadequate diet and other factors can disturb natural balance. This results in poor health including impaired semen quality and quantity.

It takes 70 days for your body to create and mature sperm. A healthy diet and lifestyle can increase sperm production, increase the percentage of healthy sperm, and improve sperm movement.

The following diet and lifestyle habits will help with male infertility: • Losing excess weight – weight loss can increase testosterone, energy and vitality.

• Eating a well balanced anti-inflammatory fertility diet to ensures maximum intake of minerals.

• Choosing organic foods and chemical free personal hygiene and cleaning products.

• Eliminating caffeine and alcohol • Eating foods high in natural health fats and nutrient dense to help promote male fertility.

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Take good quality supplements. Several studies show that even short-term zinc deficiencies can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels. Other studies suggest that men with low levels of folate – the same one women need to reduce the baby’s risk for neural tube birth defects – have lower sperm counts. Calcium and Vitamin D play a role as well. The addition of essential fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 will help with energy production, blood flow and control inflammation that can interfere with sperm motility. L-Carnitine this amino acid is a necessary nutrient for sperm cells to function normally. In studies – supplementing with L-Carnitine helps to normalize sperm motility in men with low sperm quality.

Regardless of the source of infertility, it is important for both partners to support each other in the fertility process. The fertility diet is a healthy diet that supports energy, vitality, longevity, health promotion and disease prevention.

Up to 40% of fertility can be traced to men

Fertility

By Amanda Waaldyk Angea Acupuncture & Yoga, Prahran www.angea.com.au

2 Month Treatment Plan: Diet & Lifestyle modifications • Primarily paleolithic dietary principles, weight training, and work/play balance is discussed.

• The paleolithic diet (abbreviated paleo diet or paleodiet), also popularly referred to as the caveman diet, Stone Age diet and hunter-gatherer diet, is a modern nutritional plan based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals that various hominid species habitually consumed during the Paleolithic era—a period of about 2.5 million years duration that ended around 10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture. In common usage, such terms as the “Paleolithic diet” also refer to the actual ancestral human diet.[1][2] Centered on commonly available modern foods, the “contemporary” Paleolithic diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts, and excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and processed oils.

• Handful of brazil nuts (source of selenium) • Handful of pumpkin seeds (source of zinc) • Bananas- bromelien increases sex drive • Asparagus- increases sperm count • Dark chocolate- powerful amino acid • Walnuts- omgea 3’s • Goji berries- high antioxidant

Supplementation • Omega 3 fatty acid (Fish oil) • Co Q10 • Create the Essence • Paternal Plus • Zinc supplement

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turn the page How to put your parents to bed by Mylisa Larsen, $24.99, New release 1st April 2016.

With distinctive illustrations by Babette Cole, this is a really fun picture book by a debut author . The traditional bedtime ritual is turned around because it’s about a child whose parents are so tired that THEY must be put to bed!

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo, $19.99, New release 12th April 2016.

The new book from the extremely talented New York Times best -selling author Kate DiCamillo is a special novel for readers aged 9+. Kate has won the prestigious Newbery Medal twice and amongst her earlier books is the beautiful Tale of Despereaux. With her exquisite writing, Kate gives us a lot to think about-big themes underpinning a story about friendship and solidarity between 3 girls.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by Ryan J Stradal, $29.99.

Quirky, at times funny, at times moving, with a commentary on the food industry thrown in. This book is about the family you lose, the friends you make and the chance connections that can define a life. When you start reading this book, you might think that you are reading short stories (really engrossing short stories!). But then it all comes together to make an extremely enjoyable, satisfying read.

Dinner with Justine by Justine Schofield, $39.99, New release We all want simple, wholesome and delicious meals that can be made with readily available ingredients. This is the foundation of Justine Schofield’s hugely popular television show, Everyday Gourmet, and the inspiration behind her debut cookbook. One of the most popular contestants on series one of Master Chef Australia, Justine is now an established cooking personality in her own right. Beaumaris Books is hosting an evening with Justine on Wed 11th May at Ginger Fox in Beaumaris. Ticket package with book $50. Ticket only $35.

This month’s reviews are brought to you by our friends at Beaumaris Books.

Beaumaris Books author events book out quickly – email to get on the email database for event notification. New ‘Story time with Lu’ now running on Wednesday afternoons between 4-5pm. Phone or email to book.

24 South Concourse, Beaumaris Ph. 03 9589 4638 read@beaumarisbooks.com.au 34

BEAUMARIS BOOKS 34

BAYSIDE STORE NOW OPEN

The Brow Bar is the original and only ‘The Brow Bar’ concept totally dedicated to perfecting the arch, colour and consistency of the brow

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take the High brow What do your eyebrows What your eyebrows reveal reveal about your personality, about you energy and well-being?

Your eyebrows represent how you do things Do you know how to change your life by changing your eyebrows? An experienced brow whisperer does. A brow whisperer is an eyebrow artist who reads eyebrows to discover secrets about your energy flow, key personality traits, and even your luck in love. When given the chance, brow whisperers can use this information to make subtle changes that have a huge impact on your appearance, energy and overall well being.

How it works Eyebrows are as unique as the people they are attached to, and everything about the eyebrow reveals something different. We look at different aspects of the eyebrow to get the full story and see what changes should be made.

First we look at the essential energy flow. The inner part of the eyebrow represents the heart, and the outer edge is the world. When reading the face we follow the flows and curves of energy along the brow edge from the heart into the outstide world, which reveals how the person interacts with others around them.

Next we look at the quality and texture of the hair itself. The quality of the hair reveals how much energy exists, and in what direction it goes. The texture of the hair, whether curly or straight, standing up or lying flat, reveals how the energy works and flows.

The three zones that exist on your face are mental, emotional and physical. Your eyebrows are the connecting point between your mind and your emotions, and they symbolise how you are feeling energetically. Likewise, the whole body is represented in the face, so the eyebrows come to represent your arms in action.

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energetically. You can use the following information to do some brow whispering of your own. Remember, your left eyebrow represents your feminine side, and the masculine is represented in the right eyebrow, so both need to be read individually.

Are you a starter, a finisher, or do you like to do everything? Read each eyebrow from the inside of the eye to the outside of your face.

The energy flow is represented in the density of the brow and whether it finishes at the corner or before. Keep in mind that sometimes the hair is there, but it may be so light it’s almost invisible.

If the eyebrow hair is sparse in the centre then you are probably not a very good starter, but if the eyebrow hair continues all the way to the end you are a good finisher.

Some people have very strong eyebrows on the right (male side), showing that they are very forceful; they do things and get things done.

But fine hair on the left (female) side reveals that they are not so focused emotionally. They may be light in their thoughts and ideas and have trouble following through to completion. The opposite may be true as well.

Additionally, at the beginning of the eyebrow your hair might be all over the place and messy.

This means you are easily distracted at the beginning of a project, but then you can follow through because the hair falls into place and continues to the end.

Here are a few more examples of what your eyebrows reveal about you: • Eyebrows that are far away from your eyes show you are a very mindful person. It is easy for you to become disconnected from your heart and follow logic instead.

• You become disconnected if your eyebrows are too high and arched. Eyebrows that are too high are always in the mind section of the face, and reveal a tendency to become heartless or overly critical.

• Really straight and low eyebrows represent too much emotion. This means that everything is restricted and not flowing, and your point of view becomes very black and white. This is also true of a mono brow.

• Eyebrows that are excessively arched or pointed reveal that you may be critical of yourself and your family.

Change your brows, change your life Brow whisperers are on a mission to use the information revealed by the eyebrows to change the energy flow of the face, and therefore the entire person. They carefully consult with clients to determine goals and aspirations, then use brow whispering skills to create needed changes. Here are a few of our favourites: • The perfect eyebrow for love has a nice curve, straight and balanced. Avoid too much curve because you want flexibility and open mindedness, and you want to be able to protect the heart when needed.

• When it comes to career, people with really pointed eyebrows are good at jobs where there is critiquing, editing and where you need to find where things are going right and going wrong.

• If you want an abundant family life you want an arched eyebrow that flows across the brow line. It should be even and flexible so you maintain an even temper.

By Chernae Silk - Australia’s Brow Whisperer browbar.com

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Parklife Bailey Reserve, gardeners Road, Bentleigh East Tucked in at the back of the GESAC complex, this futuristic playground is perfect for kids who love climbing, with its fall-safe colourful spotty rubber matting and huge space-age climbing feature. The metal marine style vessel (seems to be a cross between a ship and a submarine) has climbing rocks all over the curved surfaces, a giant tunnel slide, rope ladders and a metal ladder leads to the upper observation desk for great views.

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There is also a climbing dome, interesting panels with gears and noises, suspended swing, standard swings, beautiful sea-horse and dolphin springers and stand-on spinner.

Right next door is a well equiped fitness station, so mama can even fit in a mini workout while the little ones play. Plus concrete paths make for some great scooter action.

Shelter with tables, water and BBQ facilities.

Most of the playground is shaded by shade sails.

Encourage. Enrich. Empower.

EVER WANTED TO TRY ACTING FOR TV and FILM !

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Building solid

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Learningland Literacy and numeracy classes for 3 to 6 year olds

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mama can Cook!

Chocolate popsicles Ingredients: (makes 4)

Method:

2 bananas 65 g (1/4 cup) nut butter

Whizz all the ingredients in a food processor to combine.

60 ml (1/4 cup) additive-free coconut milk or coconut water

Pour into the ice block moulds and add the sticks, then freeze until set.

2 tablespoons cacao powder 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon stevia powder or your sweetener of choice 4 iceblock (popsicle/ice lolly) moulds and sticks

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Cucumber sailing boats Ingredients: (serves 2) 2 small Lebanese (short) cucumbers 260 g (914 oz/1 cup) plain full-fat yoghurt 6 drops liquid stevia or 2 teaspoons your sweetener of choice pinch of Celtic sea salt 1 tablespoon chopped dill 1 red capsicum (pepper), seeded toothpicks, for decorating Method: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds.

Combine the yoghurt, stevia, salt and dill in a bowl. Spoon into the hollowed-out cucumbers.

Cut triangles for sails out of the capsicum.

Skewer each sail with a toothpick and stick the other end in the cucumber.

Supercharged tip: This is a great snack to let the kids make on their own – with parental supervision.

Health tip: Cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re a great way to keep the body hydrated.

They’re also a good source of B vitamins, so they’ll give your child a little energy boost.

Recipes and Images from Supercharged Food for Kids

by Lee Holmes (Murdoch Books).

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pre school and Kindergarten is an emotive, even evocative subject. When I recollect my kinder experience I get a mental image of a sunlit bathroom tiled with brightly coloured tiles; I remember that the picture over my hook was of a red, yellow and blue umbrella, and now that my kids are at kinder I furtively squish their play doh and smell the satisfying aroma of dried paint on crackling butchers paper. These vivid recollections come as no surprise to Dee Millar, who heads Hurlingham Pre School in East Brighton where my three year old daughter attends for five precious hours (for her and for me) each week.

“Somewhere along our evolutionary path we’ve omitted the full sensory approach to learning as we get older; but we see our three and four year olds using all of their brains to explore their world at kinder, and this is something we celebrate and encourage. It guides our whole program,” she said.

In preparation for starting school we’d like our children to develop the best possible levels of confidence, resilience, curiosity and an eagerness to learn and try, respectful and positive relationships with teachers and other kids; delivered in a safe and stimulating environment. If they’re happy we’re happy!

How is 2017 shaping up?

While it would be nice to consider your child’s pre school needs in isolation this is not an option. Tied to your decision making process will be factors such as any plans to return to paid employment, or substantial changes in the hours yourself or a partner are working. Are there other siblings with care needs to consider? Are you pregnant or planning to expand the family next year? What support do you have from grandparents, nannies or au pairs for drop offs and pick ups, and what can you put in place?

Planning a child’s precious pre school years can be bewildering and even stressful exercise for parents but it shouldn’t be; what you decide is the right thing for your family.

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Pre School in Victoria Kindergarten for three year old children is not funded by state or federal governments and is therefore not compulsory; however many community and private kindergartens offer a sessional kindergarten program for three year olds.

The Victorian State Government provides funding for four year old children to attend 15 hours of kindergarten during the year before commencing school. How different kindergartens and long day care centres with funded kinder programs timetable that 15 hours is intrinsically important to parents.

Most community and private kindergartens offer their 15 hours in two longer day formats (suiting those that may work on those days) or as shorter, variable formats for children who respond better to the social and learning opportunities of kinder by attending more often but over fewer hours. Many kindergartens now offer a choice of both long or shorter sessional programs, while long day care centres offer a combination of long day care and funded or unfunded kindergarten program.

What are the differences between kinder programs at long day care centres and sessional community kindergartens?

If your child already has a place at a long day care centre then there are obvious advantages of accessing its funded kinder program. Your child is already familiar with the centre, the teachers and the other kids, and it’s convenient location to your work. Its common for a kinder room of three to five year olds to be together in long day care, with skilled early childhood teachers planning a program that caters to the specific needs, interests and abilities of the individual children in the group. Kindergartens tend to offer separate three and four year old group sessions, run to a set timetable and

you planned activity program. It provides a sessional rather than rotational learning environment, whereby it can run a theme or activity without having to start again or repeat the same session. Sessional kindergarten fees are term based and cost less than long day care fees by a clear margin, but perhaps are not as cost effective if parents have to factor in before or after care and holiday care arrangements.

Many working families elect to do a combination: two days of long day sessional kinder at a private or community kindergarten or ELC which is a feeder to their selected primary school, in conjunction with days at their long day care centre. It is important to remember that only one facility can claim DEECD funding in any given year for four year old kindergarten; if two centres claim for the one child this is seen as double dipping and illegal. Most long day care centres and kindergartens stipulate that where places are in demand priority for enrolment will be given to those children for whom it will be their funded program, and require written confirmation of your selected funded four year old provider. Explore what other government rebates and supports might be available to your family for long day care needs over and above the sessional kindergarten hours. Most long day care centres try to accommodate the needs of existing families over new members, so with a bit of research and negotiation you may be able to set out a timetable that works best for your family.

State Government site detailing why kindergarten and tips for choosing a kindergarten: http://www.education.vic.gov. au/childhood/parents/kindergarten

By Frances Hoy

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