Bayside MamaMag April 2015

BAYSIDE

April 2015

WIN 1 of 15 double passes to the melbourne dog lovers show Adopt a pet Dogs and children Communicating with teens Juggling family routines Stranger danger

free Local fun for the Bayside mum 1

Our Dogs are family and love us unconditionally. They provide benefits throughout the community and make us smile. It’s time to celebrate and learn more about our best friends at one of the largest events in the world dedicated to Dogs! dogs in action with performances of speed, scent, agility, search, rescue and working dogs! discover the right breed for your lifestyle with 30+ breed Clubs and hundreds of dogs on show. expert tips for a healthier, happier dog with presentations on training, behavior and puppy survival! buy everything you need to spoil your fur-kids with free samples, face-painting & loads more!

“Our beloved foster failure – we could never let him go” Nathalia & Sabre from Brighton

dig deeper at:

dogloversshow.com.au breed showCase sponsor

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Celebrity vet stage sponsor

arena sponsor

Open daily 10am – 5pm

resCue dog zone sponsor

FOllOw us On

Media partners

www.alphabet-soup.com.au

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it’s a dog’s life!

Well it would be if my son had his way! I’ve been getting a lot of requests for a pet dog lately from my ‘I’m almost seven, can I have a dog” son.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore dogs, but as a single mother living in a townhouse with the world’s smallest courtyard, I’m just not sure it’s on the cards! Plus we already have a divine pussy cat.

But a mother never wants to upset their children and I think we have settled for a favourable compromise of a rabbit. Well two actually, as two weeks later Miss Milla will turn 5, so we will be getting a pair! A pet makes an amazing asset to any family and we are thrilled to bring you some great pet features this month, as well as the opportunity to win tickets to the Dog Lovers Show, a must for all dog lovers (although probably best I keep Lachie away or the rabbit idea might just get shelved!).

My childhood was full of pets. We had cats, they had kittens, there were chickens, a few ducks, two pesky rabbits that dug borrows so big my mum thought the house might cave in, lots of mice (who bred like rabbits!) and plenty of fish in the pond and my tropical tank. All this in the middle of Brighton!

One chook used to sit on her eggs, but with no rooster around there was never happy ending.

Our mama duck on the other hand, she had a mate, but she refused sit on her eggs. So one day we chucked a few duck eggs under henny-penny and low and behold our gorgeous black chook hatched a fluffy yellow duckling who followed her around the garden thinking she was mum. Adorable.

So, what else is news? Oh yeah... I crazily decided to launch a third mag, with Westside MamaMag off to a fabulous start with their first issue in March.

Let’s just say ‘I’m kinda busy right now!! But it’s all worth it. /localmamamag @localmamamag

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Contents Mama, can we have a pet?

Have you considered pet adoption?

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Childcare guilt Why you don’t have to worry

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1 of 15 double passes to thE

Dogs & kids - getting along together 10 Introducing a dog into your house Juggling family routines Hit the routine reset button

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Shut up and listen Communicating with teens

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Lovely locals We explore Highett Road Highett

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Parklife 20 Royal Park Parkville Mama of the month 24 Lisa Grant from Bayside Community Hub Cots for tots St Kilda Mums latest campaign

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Memories made today Stories of love and loss

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Fox Mums A great service for local mums

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Entries open April 1st 12.01am and close April 24th 2015 at 11.59pm.

Double passes valid for single day entry to the Dog Lovers Show Melbourne 2015. For further details and full terms & conditions visit mamamag.com.au

Visit our Facebook page to enter

www.facebook.com/localmamamag

Mama can cook 32 Our take on the Anzac cookie and more

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 VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au

5,000 copies are distributed monthly.

Can you tame a drop bear?

Caring for native animals

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Giving love a chance Relationship help is available

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Stranger danger Top 9 tips to discuss with your kids

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Like to contribute an article or products for review or giveaway? submissions@mamamag.com.au

Autumn/Winter fashion trends Fashion advice from a local expert

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Like to advertise in our next month’s issue? info@mamamag.com.au or download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au

Run for mum Join the Mother’s Day Classic

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Fun for the kids Kid’s crafts and our colouring comp

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MamaMag April 2015

Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Design and layout: Grizzle Design Distribution: Lara Schendzielorz

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.

mama, can we get If your family hasn’t got a pet already, chances are you may have heard this once or twice before!

Perhaps it’s time to consider Pet Adoption?

Adopting an animal is a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime. But before you adopt a pet you need to consider the commitment you are about to make. Sometimes the excitement of pet ownership can overshadow factors that should be considered before adoption.

Before you decide, have you considered the following?

• Do I have time to exercise the dog every day?

• Do I have time for puppy pre-school and time to socialise a puppy?

• Do I have at least an hour every day to spend with my cat?

• Do I have time for obedience training?

• If renting, does the landlord permit pets?

• Is the backyard big enough and secure?

• Does the whole family want a pet?

• Will the pet be allowed inside?

• Can I afford a pet?

Pets are a lifelong monetary commitment, you will need to factor in: • Weekly animal food bills and necessities • Yearly council registration • Monthly medications like heart worm/ intestinal worm and flea treatments • Annual vet visits for vaccinations and check ups • Unexpected vet bills due to accidents or medical conditions • Ongoing grooming

Here are the top five reasons we think you should adopt: 1. You give an animal a second chance Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are abandoned to shelters or the street. At Lort Smith, we rehome around 1,200 pets each year. These pets are surrendered to our shelter by owners who are no longer able to care for them. Adopting a shelter pet means you can give an animal a second chance for a long and happy life with a loving family.

2. You will get a healthy pet All of the animals available for adoption in our shelter have been examined by a vet and vaccinated, spayed or neutered. We also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviours to ensure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle.

3. You will save money Adopting a pet from Lort Smith’s shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet from a pet store or from a breeder. It is especially thrifty as vaccinations and desexing are included in the adoption fee.

4. You will feel better Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been proven to help people psychologically, emotionally, and physically.

Plus you are giving this animal a wonderful new home.

5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills or pet stores Puppy mills are “factory style” dog-breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs.

Puppy-mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet, and through newspaper classified advertisements to whoever is willing to pay for them.

• Boarding fees for human holidays

For more information on Animal Adoption visit www.lortsmith.com 6

a pet?

Happy Adoption stories: The Tans - Chai, Juliana, Amanda, Nathalia Dog - Sabre (Alaskan Malamute) In their words: ‘This is Sabre, he was the fifth foster dog we looked after in the space of two years. People think it gets easier to let them go as you get used to fostering…it’s not true. When faced with the thought of letting Sabre go, we couldn’t do it. He became our beloved “foster failure” and the best birthday present I have received.’

Teena & Presley McLeish Dog - Snowy (Samoyed) In their words: ‘This is Snowy, he is 4 years old. We adopted him in October 2014. Snowy was surrendered by his owners. He came to us completely matted, underweight and not house trained. How his life has changed! His coat is now pure white and matt free, his weight is perfect and he now sleeps on Presley’s bed every night! Our Family is now complete.’

Tyce & Dani Wignell Dog - Diesel (Dogue de Bordeaux) In their words: ‘This is our Dogue de Bordeaux, Diesel with his best ‘little human’ friends. He is a gentle giant and adores his friends and family. As you can see he is a natural guardian and takes this job very seriously…not even a smile for the camera.’

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childcare guilt?

As a parent, it’s natural to feel guilty ALL the time about the choices and decisions we make for our children. We can feel guilty about everything ….whether it’s hot chips for dinner, cheaper brands of wipes, TV watching ….especially the decision of when to leave our children in the care of others.

Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about childcare; and why it’s not what it used to be!

1. The Facilities Child care centres are no longer what they used to be. Today they are state of the art, purpose built facilities designed specifically for the development of each age group (0 – 5 years). Internal sound systems, iPads, art studios, communal dining spaces and herb and vegetable gardens are now commonplace in unique learning environments, as are custom built play equipment.

2. They will learn and learn more!

Childcare is amazing these days. They will teach your kids everything from how to make and keep friends, how to have good manners, the alphabet, counting, music and even things like languages and looking after the environment.

Child care centres employ many qualified tertiary and Tafe trained Educators to interact with children and support them to become independent, curious, explorers and discoverers.

They participate in a wide range of intentional teaching experiences and learn collaboratively to encourage thinking and creativity.

3. Development is about health and wellbeing too A child’s development is not just about education. Health and wellbeing are just as important to their development.

Many child care centres offer health screening in the key developmental areas of hearing, vision and speech for all enrolled children as part of their core offering. Nutritious breakfast, lunches and snacks, often designed by leading Australian nutritionists, are provided too.

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4. Your children will make friends Although you may have organised play dates with your friend’s children, long day care allows your child to develop strong social skills and form independent friendships without you to guide their every move. They become confident in all types of social settings, learn how to make friends, keep friends and share.

5. You can stay in contact all the time now Modern technology now allows parents to stay connected to their child’s day to day activities in real time.

Only About Children has developed a customised app which allows Educators to send daily updates and photos directly to a parent’s smartphone.

Only About Children will open in Hampton in May 2015. onlyaboutchildren.com.au

Australia’s leading Early Education and Kindergarten opening in Hampton!

May 2015

Fee inclusive of : Oac Grow – our unique, tailored educational curriculum

Allied Health support by specialist Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists

Dedicated 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten programs led by a university qualified Teacher

A seasonal menu designed by one of Australia’s leading Nutritionists

Music, art, foreign language and wellbeing programs as part of the curriculum Yearly health screenings in the key developmental areas of vision, hearing and speech

5 wholesome and delicious meals prepared daily on site by a qualified Chef Access to our customised app, Oac CONNECT, allowing you to stay connected with your child throughout the day with photos

For more information: (03) 9645 8164

onlyaboutchildren.com.au

461-463 Bluff Rd, Hampton, 3188 Open 7:15am - 6:15pm 9

dogs & kIds - gettI So you’ve decided to get a dog.... here are great tips from the Royal Children’s Hospital about safely introducing a dog into the family home.

To help prevent misunderstandings, dogs, children and adults need to learn how to approach and communicate effectively.

Supervising children and dogs when they are together and teaching both children and dogs how to behave around each other are the keys to preventing dog bites. Young children do not have the skills or understanding of how to interact with a dog appropriately.

The child may have no concept of the pain they may be inflicting on a dog when they handle it roughly. Remember, any dog can and might bite a child.

Important dog behaviour to recognise Dogs have a special way of communicating with each other and humans. A dog’s body language may give us clues about how a dog is feeling. Some dogs perceive eye contact or staring as a threat or challenge.

A dog should be left alone if it: • Lifts its lips • Growls • Backs away • Raises the hair on its back • Stares at you

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Teaching children how to interact with dogs Children learn most effectively by “doing”.

Many of a child’s life skills, such as crossing the road, grooming and eating are learned from the parent, with the parent modelling the desired behaviour. Telling children “don’t…!” will not give the child the necessary information or skills to perform the correct behaviour.

Model the desired behaviour with the child.

Tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Introducing a new dog into a household with a child Ideally choose a puppy that has already had friendly experiences with children such as in the breeder’s home. If accepting an older dog then you need to gain as much information as possible about the dog’s life and assess the response of an older dog to children before accepting it into your home. Temperament testing may be available from the place of adoption or it may be best to have a veterinarian or qualified animal behaviourist assist you with this assessment.

Prior to the arrival of the dog, children should understand that the dog must always be treated gently and quietly.

The child should be encouraged to take on age appropriate responsibilities such as grooming or keeping the water dish full however you still need to make sure this is being done competently as ultimately you are responsible for your dog. Older children can “learn” to teach their dog good manners such as “come” or “sit” on cue.

ng along together Introducing a new baby into a home with a dog

As dogs and kids grow up

Young babies and children should never be left alone with a dog. A new baby in the home will most probably require some major changes to the home routine which will affect the dog. If any adjustments to the dog’s routine are likely, gradually introduce the changes in the months prior to the baby arriving.

As children grow up with a dog, hopefully the relationship between them becomes one of love, mutual respect and understanding of each other’s needs and behaviours. However, as a dog ages, is unwell or if in pain the behaviour of the dog can change. Situations such as moving house, visitors or other changes to the dog’s environment can also cause a dog to feel unsettled. If a bitch is pregnant or has puppies she may feel tired, sore and protective of her babies. Be aware that her behaviour may be different from what you may be used to. Treat her gently and allow her space to be a mother. Be aware and make the appropriate changes such as increasing supervision of dogs and kids, separating them if you need to and communicating with your children so that they understand what is occurring.

There may be changes that need to occur such as which rooms the dog is allowed access to or where the dog will eat or sleep. Again, prepare well before the baby arrives.

Babies and dogs need strict and close supervision at all times. Make sure the dog does not have any unwanted access to the baby such as whilst on the floor or in the baby’s room. Close the door or use a door barrier which cannot be breached by the dog.

To help the dog get ready for the arrival of the baby, bring home something from the hospital that smells like the baby and allow the dog to sniff it.

Gently introduce pleasant but ‘child like’ contact with the dog, for example stroking and gentle pulling of the ears, tail or paws. The dog should be rewarded for being relaxed and accepting the contact. The dog should be taught how to gently accept toys or food from an adult’s hand after an appropriate verbal cue such as “take”.

If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour then seek help immediately from your veterinarian.

Rewarding a dog when the baby is in its presence creates a positive association for the dog. Shouting at the dog or locking it outside will create a negative association for the dog.

Interaction between the dog and adults should not be exclusive to times when the baby is asleep. Taking your child with you when walking the dog is one way to create a positive association between the two.

Published with permission from the Royal Children’s Hospital. For more info visit www.rch.org.au/dogsandkids/ 11

juggling family Is your family life a chaotic circus in which you spend more time dropping the balls than juggling them? If this sounds like your family then NOW might be a good time to hit the routine RESET button.

The word routine conjures up images of hard work and strict schedules.

1. Environment:

Before setting routines - set up systems and structures within your spaces that support your daily routines. Zoning your spaces provides an obvious home environment the entire family can work within.

2. Communication:

However setting routines in place for the entire family can help you establish a positive work/life balance whilst transforming a chaotic household into an organised haven.

Set-up a family Communication hub for incoming paperwork/school notices/calendar dates/bags etc.

Routines are simply a healthy pattern of habits within our daily lives. They are how we organise ourselves to ensure we get things done, spend quality time together and have FUN.

Family calendar/diary: Have a central place for a calendar, either physical or digital. Keeping track of important dates is essential and should be available to everyone within the home. This becomes the schedule you work everyones individual routines around.

Routines also provide us with a sense of security, responsibility, purpose and achievement.

Every household is made up of many members so be sure to share the load.

Teaching kids organisation and responsibility is a valuable life lesson and let’s face it, as grown-ups we can still learn a thing or two.

AAPO Accredited Professional Organiser, Robyn Amott from Bless this Mess, shares her Top 5 Tips which are sure to have you ticking all the boxes and out the door on time.

When setting up routines firstly take a step back and consider your goals.

Keep in mind all families are different, so it’s important to establish routines that reflect your family’s needs it’s not about perfection.

Paperwork: Paperwork comes at us from all directions, school notices, sports activities, holidays, parties. Establishing a routine around how you deal with incoming information can ensure you don’t miss anything important.

You can deal with this paperwork in one of two ways.

Action immediately: Complete the notice and pop it back into your child’s bag, RSVP to a party invite and note these in your diary straight away to ensure it’s not forgotten – even if it’s not due for another week or more.

Action later that day: Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to take the required action for new information and to review items that still require attention.

Adding paperwork to a pile for LATER is a sure fire way to forget about it.

However, not all paperwork can be actioned immediately. Setting up an action folder with simple reference headings (doctors referrals, school notices, follow-up, calls to make, dates or months) will ensure you can access the information quickly and easily when needed.

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routines 3. Be Realistic & Set Clear Expectations:

Avoid becoming overwhelmed by not overfilling your bucket.

For the kids: Create a check list of age and stage appropriate daily routines.

Work around the general timeframes of Before School/After School/Bedtime etc (for example:- getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing school bags, doing homework and readers before bed.)

A simple point system where they challenge themselves to achieve a set number of points per week, stickers or simple praise can be all they need.

Don’t fall into the trap of always associating achievement with monetary rewards or gifts.

For the parents: Our routines are often more complex and work around smaller blocks of time. Set a pattern for yourself each day that allows you to complete necessary tasks like empting the dishwasher and preparing lunches prior to making the children breakfast; hanging a load of washing out before leaving for school/work etc., yet still taking care of yourself and being present for the kids.

4. Break it Up:

Establish regular daily routines or set them out based on the week ahead.

Everyday is not always the same so you need to be flexible whilst also ensuring you’re prepared for each day ahead of time.

A simple ‘this follows that’ approach establishes a dance like sequence/ rhythm to the day.

5. Prepare Ahead of Time:

Sundays are a great day to review and set your routine for the week ahead.

Finish each day as you intend to start the next. Complete notices to be returned to school, set out any bills/paperwork that require your attention the following day.

Morning routines are busy enough without playing catch-up or the stress of those last minute essentials you forgot.

Whilst repetition is the key to turning routines into healthy daily habits so too is understanding our limits. Being consistent is just as important as being flexible. Give everyone time to adjust to their new routines.

To celebrate take time out together enjoying an outing or activity as a family.

Keep it simple and don’t sweat the small stuff!

For more information visit www.blessthismess.com.au, or contact Robyn directly 0407 757 466

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Toddler Music & Dance Classes

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays Music 9.45am and 10.30am, Dance 11.15am Suitable for ages 8 months - 4 year olds Mention MamaMag for 20% off your term class booking

Children’s Birthday Parties Stylish party venue for children & parents OR invite Polkadot’s entertainers to your house with characters & themed parties from $220

School Holiday Programs also available www.polkadot.net.au

145 McKinnon Road McKinnon - Call 9578 5096

Acai and Dragonfruit bowls available 14

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

Create lasting memories through sport

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Shop 3, 487 Highett Rd Highett Vic 3190 Tel: 03 9077 2096 - www.essentiahealth.com.au

NOW OPEN IN HIGHETT! Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

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shut up and listen “The best way to communicate with teens? SHUT UP & LISTEN!” Communicating with teenagers is one of life’s great contradictions. We want them to open up and speak to us. By contrast, they can think of nothing worse than a heart-to-heart chat with their parents. Teenagers are notoriously difficult to communicate with. They mumble, they grunt, they speak in monosyllables and they become increasingly distant. We genuinely want good communication with our children.

We want them to feel that they can share ideas and opinions with us, and feel comfortable doing so. We are told over and over by all the experts “Good communication is the key to best parenting”. The trouble is that with teenagers effective communication is vastly different from what we think it is!

I often ask teenagers: ‘Why do you not like talking to your parents?’ A frequent answer is: ‘When we talk, they never shut up. They either don’t listen to me, they lecture or they criticise.

They don’t really want to hear my point of view.

So most of the time I don’t even try.’

‘Teenagers don’t lose their ability to communicate, but their attention shifts away from parents and focuses like a laser beam onto their peers’ When we talk to our teens, there is so much that we want to convey as parents.

We incessantly remind them to watch their language and not be rude. And we feel the need to frequently correct them. This type of instruction comes naturally to us as parents. It worked just fine throughout their childhood.

But it just doesn’t work anymore. This form of didactic guidance is fairly useless with a teenager. The best way to communicate with adolescents is counter-intuitive: SHUT UP & LISTEN! In order to encourage our teens to talk, we need to keep our opinions out of the way until a later stage.

The reason we find it so hard to shut up is that we feel that if we don’t correct our teen then and there, we miss the opportunity to teach her 16

the right way. This feels like a loss of control, which it is. But that’s exactly the point. Shutting up means letting go of the control that we may feel we need to exert. Of course, we need to use our discretion. You certainly won’t shut up if he bashes your car, or she gets seriously drunk or you find marijuana in the house. But for everyday conversations and interactions, don’t feel you have to use every opportunity to instruct. Let some of the issues go. Letting go of some control allows your teenager to talk and communicate further. If he doesn’t feel judged, criticised or corrected then he may just begin sharing more than his three favourite words ..... ‘fine’, ‘nothing’ and ‘later’.

Although not an easy thing to do, wait until a little later to address the issue. Allow the emotions on both sides to calm down. A common response to this is: ‘If we don’t respond immediately to this back chat, won’t my teen feel as if she is getting away with it?’ Anthony Wolf, author of The secret of parenting, says: ‘Absolutely not. Just try my approach and see how much they hate for the power to rest in your hands.’ They want the response. The back chat is to spark off your emotion and thereby they have a chance at manipulating you. When a child gives you back chat, you have two options – either to respond immediately or not to respond. If you respond to the back chat, the chances are you will just get more of it. The back chat will die down if there is nothing to feed off.

Effective communication means that each person’s needs, desires and opinions are considered. Teens need to know that their parents respect them even though we may not agree. Although they don’t always show it, they appreciate it when we truly listen and pay attention to what they are saying in a nonjudgemental manner.

And if they still choose not to talk, let them know you are there to listen to listen to anything at any time.. The notion that teens don’t like to communicate with their parents is only partially true. They abhor being told what to do and they are not very good at taking criticism. (Neither are most adults, for that matter.) But they do like to be heard.

‘Teenagers don’t lose their ability to communicate, but their attention shifts away from parents and focuses like a laser beam onto their peers’ explains leading Australian adolescent expert, Michael Grose. Even the most introverted and monosyllabic teen appreciates being heard. It is the most basic part of being human. To a lesser or greater degree, we all want to share with someone what we feel and think. However with teens, the people they choose to share with are not usually their parents. The reason is simple: at this stage, they would much rather share with their peers. It’s a normal developmental experience, but it doesn’t last forever. They eventually move out of adolescence into early adulthood and once again for the most part, value the relationship with their parents.

Teens are also often betrayed or let down by a friend or partner and then need someone to turn to. But they will only share with us, their parents, if they feel it’s safe. We could take our relationship with our teens to the next level simply by being as non-judgemental and uncritical as possible while they are talking to us.

What to do: • Listening does not necessarily mean you say nothing. The ‘shutting up’ part means withholding correction, criticism or rebuke.

• Being heard requires us to make eye contact and truly listen.

• For your teen to feel heard also means letting her know that you have understood what she has said, each step of the way.

Dr Linda Friedland is a medical doctor, mother of five and the author of the new book, Raising Competent Teenagers (Rockpool Publishing $27.99), now available at good book stores and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

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1. New hot spot for lunch - The Diplomat Good taste, good times and good manners in equal measure. What a refreshing feeling to find a fabulous looking new cafe on the strip. Top-notch service and the best coffee and comestibles in Highett society. The Diplomat is a combination between fine and fast food showcased in the best looking spot in Highett. 4 Railway Parade 2. Home Decor and Gifts - Sunny & Me This cute little gift store really has something for everyone. From books and cards, jewellery, gorgeous homewares, candles. Come in for a browse, you may just find something different and unusual that you have never found before. Shop 1 - 535 Highett Road 3. Fresh Produce - Devolas Offering all the same wonderful services you have come to know and love at their Brighton store, Devolas is your humble neighbourhood greengrocer with a difference. All produce is hand-picked with special detail to ‘locally grown’. Plus free delivery within a 4 km radius. 517 Highett Road 4. Health and Wellbeing - Essentia Essentia Health’s focus is on the well-being of families. Their well trained, professional, friendly staff are ready to help you with any of your medical and healthcare needs from yoga classes, osteopathy, perinatal health, counselling to education classes as well. 3/487 Highett Road 5. Secondhand splendor - Family Life Op Shop Who doesn’t love a second hand bargain? This shop sells furniture, books, bric-a-brac, clothing, electrical goods and general household items and all proceed go back into the Bayside community through Family’s Life’s amazing services. 12-14 Railway Parade 6. Karate Kids - Kimekai Karate Kimekai offer a balanced program involving all aspects of combat including punching, kicking, blocking, throwing and grappling with students aged 3 years to 50 years and specialised programs to meet every need.

545 Highett Road 7. Wine time - Hawker Bar - So these guys aren’t actually open yet, but Highett’s highly anticipated bar will certainly be the place to meet and relax.

Keep your eye out on their progress! 288-290 Highett Road 18

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

Enrol now for 2015

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Platypus Junction, 37 Venice Street, Mentone Book a tour today, call Libby on 9583 4566 Scan the qr code or visit platypusjunction.com.au/mentone © 2014 Platypus Junction Mentone Pty Ltd IEZZI H325 MM

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Parklife Royal Park Royal Park – Nature Play Playground, Parkville, near Corner Gatehouse St and Story St, Parkville.

This month we are travelling outside the comfort zone of Bayside to celebrate the opening of the new Royal Park Nature Playground at the old Children’s Hospital site!

This place is the ‘talk of Melbourne town’ at the moment and so much so it inspired us to venture out of Bayside and into some city park lands. The blend of playground and nature is excellent with ropes, wood and rocks being a refreshing change to the usual run of the mill play equipment. The gardens, paths, bridges and rock stairs make getting from one part of the park to another all part of the adventure. There is the usual stuff like sandpits, slides and swings plus they have added things like a metal sculptures to play on and a water play area really spices up the fun factor. Lots of thought has been put into the older kids enjoyment too with tricky climbing rope ladders and platforms for them to tackle. The beautiful grassy hill overlooking the playground was a highlight for Mamma, the views are lovely and the grass is squishy, perfect for a picnic or for rolling down, running up and running down ... again and again! Take your time here, there is heaps to do and one thing is for sure everyone will sleep well after a visit here.

Mama’s lil’ tips: Take a towel and change of clothes in case the kids get a little wet. There is no free parking that we could find but the ticket machine takes cards. Parking could well be an issue on a weekend. Toilets and baby change facilities are in the nearest Royal Children’s Hospital building towards the water play area and there are also a few little cafes in that direction too.

The nitty gritty: BBQ, water fountains, park benches, picnic tables, public toilets nearby.

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23

MAMA of the month This month we met with Lisa Grant, a Beaumaris mum to three who created The Bayside Community Hub. The hub is a one-stop Facebook Group, bringing the Bayside community together to ask questions, promote local events and share info from local schools, kinders, sports clubs, community services and businesses.

Where did the idea to create the Bayside Community Hub come from?

My friend Amanda Bruere created the Bayside Melbourne Mum’s Facebook Group after some involvement with Meetup groups, and the idea followed on from that. We wanted a current, family-focused community group for our local area, so the Beaumaris Community Hub was born. I quickly suggested we branch out into the Bayside Community Hub and wanted to add the business directory and website.

Amanda has a bit more fore-sight than me, and guessed how much work would be involved, so decided to stick with the admin, and let me get carried away and do the crazy stuff! I think I should have listened to her back then, as I found myself so tired the other day that I tried to cook the kid’s dinner in the dishwasher!!!

When did the hub start?

The Beaumaris Community Hub was created in March 2014, and the Bayside Community Hub followed 4 months later in July 2014.

What were you doing before you started the hub?

Busy being a stay-at-home mum to my three beautiful children. That hasn’t changed – I just try to slot the Hub work around it all!

Before motherhood, I spent 15 years working in the IT industry, but that seems so long ago!

With almost 3000 members, your little community is certainly growing fast!

What’s the most common type of posts you get on the page?

People are really keen to get personal recommendations from the Hub. I completely understand the sense of comfort it gives to use

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a recommended business, but I still find it funny that people on the hub are so prepared to listen to recommendations from complete strangers!

We also have lots of posts regarding community events and try to balance the space across personal requests, business and community.

Do you allow advertising on the page and if so how do businesses get involved?

Restricted advertising is allowed on the Hub, but only for businesses that are registered to our Business Directory. Businesses can register via communityhubs@yahoo.com.au, or our online registration form.

I have been involved in many groups where advertising isn’t controlled, and it does become very tedious. Some quick calculations show that we could end up with up to 30 ads per day if it wasn’t restricted.

March saw the launch of the Bayside Community Hub Directory website. How did you develop the website and how many businesses are involved?

I had been planning to build the website since September last year, but was struggling to find the time.

Thankfully, I received an email from a local mum, offering to help me build the website.

I had never met Nicki Lloyd from Mara Communications before, but we clicked straight away, and the rest is history!

The website development has been an amazingly experience for both of us, and I am so excited to keep working with Nicki to make the website even bigger and better than it already is!!!

Children’s photos by Lauren Sadler Photography

We currently have around 150 businesses on the website, and I am receiving 10-20 requests to join each week!

Amongst all the great community spirit, running an online community must also open you up to a world of opinions, trolling and other possible nasties. Is it hard to keep the peace?

I am delighted to say that this hasn’t been too much of an issue. I think people know that I run a tight ship, and that there are clear rules in place.

I review posts and comments, and take action if something is against the rules. I consider it my responsibility to protect all of our members, and do take that responsibility seriously!

Where do you see the hub heading in the future?

My brain has a million ideas swimming around – it is just a matter of figuring out what to do next, and finding some time to do it!!!

You must have your hands full with your three little people. Got any funny parenting stories you’d like to share?

I have funny stories every day – children say the funniest things! My 3yo daughter is particularly funny at the moment – whenever I say something to her that she doesn’t like, she replies with, “Well, that’s none of your business mum!” I think she might have inherited some of her stubborn determination and strong-will from me somehow.

Motherhood has taught me...

To take very deep breaths!

My guilty pleasure is...

Chocolate and my 10pm till 12pm slot working on the Hub – I never combine the two though!

Where can we find you?

Come and join in the Bayside fun at www.facebook.com/groups/baysidecommunityhub www.baysidecommunityhub.com.au/

Bayside Community Hub Locals Supporting Each Other

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cots for tots Local not-for-profit organisation St Kilda Mums is targeting a goal of collecting 500 cots in their 2015 Cots for Tots campaign, running from 15 March to 30 April.

St Kilda Mums collects and rehomes nursery items for families in need, with cots the most consistently sought after item, and up to 70 families per month on the waiting list.

The annual campaign launched in 2013 and saw the collection of 400 cots in an eight week period last year. Donations were made by families giving their preloved cots, or through the St Kilda Mums website where a donation of $140 enables St Kilda Mums to purchase a brand new cot (at a heavily subsidised price from loyal suppliers).

The target of 500 cots in 2015 would mean St Kilda Mums has a six month supply to help families give their babies a safe place to sleep.

St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson concedes the target is ambitious but is confident it can be reached.

“St Kilda Mums was so fortunate to receive 400 cots in 2014. To be able to make such a significant impact on the lives of babies across Victoria by donating a cot was a rewarding experience for all involved, especially our generous donors.

“In 2015, we’d like to increase that impact.

As parents, we want to provide the very

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best for our children. Through circumstances often beyond their control, some families need a helping hand. I know if we put out this call to action, hundreds of families will see what a difference they can make by donating their pre-loved cot to another family, or donating funds for a new cot.

“I’m confident and excited about the Cots for Tots campaign and I encourage everyone to spread the word. We will be sharing a weekly tally on our website and Facebook page so our supporters can track our progress,” Ms Macpherson said.

How to donate to St Kilda Mums Cots for Tots campaign To donate a preloved cot, please email donate@stkildamums.org with the cot make, model and year of manufacture so we can be sure we can rehome it.

Cash donations are also welcome, with details available at http://www.stkildamums.org/ donate/money/. As a registered charity, all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

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memories made today There really is nothing quite like the news that you are expecting a baby, with that mixture of excitement and a little trepidation as you approach this most lifealtering journey, whether for the first time or even the fifth time.

Parents-to-be generally fill the months waiting for the ‘big arrival’ with contemplations of what life will be like, what kind of parents they will be, what baby might look like, what gender baby will be; and for those who have already entered the parental rodeo, thoughts on how they might alter the original game plan with the arrival of another child.

But what if life bursts that bubble of excitement and replaces that sheer happiness with devastating shock, fear and the desperate need to find answers as to ‘why’?

In late July of 2013, I met my niece at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (Butterfly Ward) at the Royal Children’s Hospital. I met sweet Abby for the first, and sadly, for the last time that night.

Abby was a beautiful healthy looking baby, despite her breathing tubes it was hard for me to comprehend that this innocent child only had days left in this world.

As her two sisters and my two daughters as her big cousins all clambered onto a chair together to hold Abby for some photos seemingly unaware of what the future held, my heart began to sink as I realised I was not just there to meet Abby but to capture as many tangible memories for her parents as I possibly could to last their lifetime.

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I had been in contact with Belly Art and their modern keepsake business over a number of years prior in a professional sense as the editor of a Melbourne based lifestyle magazine. I was always on the lookout for innovative and interesting Australian owned and designed products to feature up and coming contemporary and quality brands.

With older children of my own, I never actually thought I would need to use their services, but life is often peculiar.

I called Belly Art out of hours on a wintery Saturday afternoon with a last minute plea for one of their now award-winning Inkless Print Kits. Within the hour Ilana, their Creative Director, was at my front door with the keepsake kit and clear instructions as to how to take the prints and how the prints could be stored for later use for different keepsake applications should her parents want to use them in the future.

Abby passed on two days later, but her permanent hand and footprints while she was here continue to bring solace to her parents, Loni and Shane. As Loni explained, “the grieving process has been so long, yet the time with Abby was so brief. Sometimes I question whether Abby was actually ever here and then I walk into what would have been her bedroom and I see her footprints in a frame and I feel reassured and blessed that ‘yes, she really was here’, and it means everything to me”.

While the story of Abby is a personal story, I have no doubt that most MamaMag readers would be familiar with the very public story of Michelle Buchholtz and partner Alexander Ansalone’s continuing fight against Michelle’s terminal cancer diagnosis and their decision to forgo her treatment after finding out they were expecting a baby, which resulted in the subsequent delivery of baby Ava three months premature, who is now home and doing well.

This article is intended to draw light on the times in life when those special baby book mementos, belly casts and precious items we collect of our child’s earliest years can be the everlasting keepsakes for tomorrow and provide life lasting tangible memories, especially when that may be all we have to hold on to and cherish.

By Lisa Quittner from Belly Art To find out more visit www.bellyart.com.au

While at first Michelle and Alex’s story strikes as one of tragic misfortune, it is actually also one of a mother’s pure and self-sacrificing love for her child. It is also a lesson about positivity and courage in the face of adversity.

Despite Michelle’s current chemotherapy treatment, I am extremely thankful for her insights via her sister Janine, into having her belly cast done at Belly Art’s studio in North Caulfield the day before being admitted to hospital to deliver Ava, and why she originally wanted a belly cast prior to the knowledge of her terminal prognosis.

“I wanted to capture that special moment in my life and to have it for my little girl. I wanted to have it on my wall and one day give it to Ava. The belly casting was an opportunity to express how I was feeling about my pregnancy and child through an art form, I am very creative and found this type of expression to be very familiar to me” says Michelle.

I asked Michelle whether the meaning and value of having her pregnant belly cast had changed for her emotionally after learning of her prognosis. “Yes, it has made it much more special, it will show Ava what her mother looked like when she was having her. It will also more than likely be my only pregnancy, so that makes that time in my life extra special.”

Sometimes, life doesn’t live up to our expectations and certainly isn’t always fair; sometimes we are just simply unable to control the powers that be.

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Fox Mums My name is Sharon Fox. I’m 31 years old and single parent to a beautiful five year old boy. Before I had my son I spent eight years volunteering overseas, doing humanitarian work following the war in Bosnia. At seven months pregnant I made the decision to return to Australia to have my son, as things didn’t work out with his dad.

Having my son Bryson was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. That said, my experience as a single mum wasn’t easy.

I had been away for a long time and felt disconnected in many ways.

I was committed to providing a great life for Bryson and went to Uni to get my Masters degree. While I was studying I worked at a number of casual jobs. Studying and working and raising a toddler on your own is tough.

I was time-poor and on a very limited budget, which meant I couldn’t afford to pay a babysitter for the occasional outing with friends, or just to have some down time. I usually missed out on social events at work for the same reason, so this was a very isolated time. The practical challenges of raising a child and meeting the costs of living were difficult, but the hardest thing was the feeling of being completely on my own.

After I finished Uni, our quality of life increased drastically. I was fortunate to get a good job, and I realised what a huge difference it can make to have more options and resources available. This is how the idea for Fox Mums came about.

I wanted to build a community that provided an affordable option for mums to get the time they need to achieve a better balance and quality of life. The community uses a virtual currency and

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A local mum’s idea to create an easier life for herself and mothers. is set up so just about anyone can afford to pay for babysitting and childcare at a fraction of the market rate.

Members can use the site to search their area for other nearby mums. Member profiles have information about the member, and a weekly calendar with their babysitting needs and availability for helping out. Members can message and get to know each other on the site, and arrange to meet up. Membership is completely free, and you get 100 free credits to spend on sign up.

Single or not, I think all mums can benefit from the support the community provides. There are many wonderful mothers groups already in existence which support mums; Fox Mums has just taken it a step further and provided a framework for mums to get very practical, affordable help. This will free up time and resources which mums can then choose how they will use - whether it be to increase their income through paid work, study, take a fitness class or a childfree trip to the hairdresser, catch up with friends, or just have some down time.

I am excited to see Fox Mums becoming a thriving community where mothers feel safe and happy connecting with other local mums.

For more information visit www.foxmums.com.au

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mama can Cook!

Chorizo, Beans & Barley Serves: 4 | Prep: 5min | Cook: 30min

Method:

Ingredients:

In a heavy based pan add the chopped chorizo, cook until it releases its oil.

1 chorizo, quartered lengthways and sliced thinly 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 carrot

In the meantime blend the veggies using a food processor until they are fine. Chopping or grating will work fine too, I am just lazy.

2 squash (actually you can use any veg)

Add remaining ingredients (aside from the parsley, salt & pepper), bring to the boil then simmer until the barley is cooked.

1 cup barley

Season with sea salt & pepper, top with parsley.

1 zucchini

1 litre stock 1 x 400g tin beans - your choice 1 x 400g tin tomatoes Salt & pepper to taste Parsley to garnish

Plenty of healthy vegetable goodness in this family dinner time pleaser. Give it a go in your house soon!

32 32

Pull out these beauties this ANZAC Day! Sure to be a hit, and fabulous in the kid’s lunchboxes.

Cranzacs (Cranberry ANZAC biscuits!)

Makes: 30 | Prep Time: 12-15 min | Cook time: 10-12 min Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup coconut 3/4 cup caster sugar 1 cup dried cranberries (craisins) 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 125g butter 1/2 cup golden syrup 1 tsp baking soda 2 tbsp boiling water

Method: Preheat oven to 175°C. In a large bowl combine flour, rolled oats, coconut, sugar, cranberries and seeds.

Melt butter and syrup together and cool for five minutes.

Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to butter (mixture will foam up).

Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll into walnut sized balls and place on baking paper lined baking trays, flatten slightly with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

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Can you tame a Drop I was an animal-kid. You know the type. The ones who drag home abandoned kittens, hatchlings fallen from nests, birds with broken wings, even half-dead lizards.

Through those creatures – tiny and insignificant as they may have been – I learned that loving an animal doesn’t always mean taming it and making it a pet. I learned to love the wildness of those creatures, and let them go when the time came. So when I read that the little prince chose not to tame the beautiful fox, it struck a chord of memory.

Nowadays, I see the kids like me when I visit schools. Their hands shoot up in the air if I ask if anyone wants to be a vet when they grow up. They’re not the only kids who love animals, but their passion is palpable.

All this came back to me when I sat down to write Dexter The Courageous Koala, a story about 13-year-old Ashley, a city kid who’s desperate for a puppy of her own, and what happens when she misses out on a puppy and instead becomes caught up in rescuing an injured mother koala and her young joey ‘Dexter’.

As an animal-kid I pestered my parents for pets – puppies, kittens, ducklings, budgies, mice and, of course, a pony. I guess my parents thought that pets would teach me care and responsibility, which they did (though I never did get a pony). But I wonder now if I didn’t learn more important lessons from the wild and wounded creatures I brought home, hoping to heal them and release them.

They weren’t endangered native mammals.

I suspect most of them were pigeons and only a few survived. I had enthusiasm but little knowledge, and if wasn’t for a nearby vet who gave advice over the phone, probably none of them would have made it.

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In reality, few kids will be rescuing injured native wildlife – such as koalas, kangaroos, possums or bats –and there aren’t many chances for kids to learn about these creatures outside of zoos. It doesn’t seem right somehow – these are the creatures that live wild in Australia, and their survival in the future may rest on people’s care and concern – their willingness to take action to protect these creatures and their homes.

But stories shouldn’t preach. So rather than telling kids what they “ought” to know about koalas and the threats facing them, I threw my young heroine right in the middle of a difficult koala rescue so she could learn about courage, loving an animal, and the importance of NOT always taming it. Through the story Ashley

Bear? learns to love young Dexter and ultimately let him be free. And along the way, young readers can absorb a bit about the perils facing koalas – and what to do if they find injured native creatures – without feeling like it’s a lesson on capital E Environment.

The story came out of my own delight in seeing wild koalas. In the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to see them in my garden.

Our favourite koala, “Elsie”, had symptoms of chlamydia, a disease that eventually killed her.

Through trying to rescue Elsie I learned about Friends of the Koala and their amazing work trying to save injured and diseased koalas like Elsie.

I discovered that caring for injured or orphaned native creatures (not only koalas) is a tough job. It takes many hours, days and weeks of sometimes round the clock care, and it can often end in tears. But the joy that carers feel when their charges survive and go back to the wild is inspiring.

So – if you’d like to share a different kind of Australian animal story with the animal kid in your life, Dexter The Courageous Koala might be the one for you. At the very least check out the Australian Museum’s spoof page on “Drop Bears”: carnivorous marsupials that kill by jumping from above and biting the neck of their intended prey, including humans. (http://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear).

As far as I can see, no one has been able to tame one.

Top five tips on involving kids in caring for native creatures • Do you have pet dogs and cats? Keep them inside at night, put bells on your cat’s collar, and keep your dog on a leash if wildlife is about.

• NEVER pick up an injured wild creature before checking with an adult. You might get hurt, and so might the animal.

• If it’s safe, move the animal away from danger and into a quiet, dark environment such a cardboard box with a small towel inside. Don’t offer food or water.

• Write down where you found the creature – it should be released back in the same area.

• Know the number of the nearest wildlife rescue service. You can also take native creatures to the nearest vet for help (for no charge).

• Remember - only licensed carers can look after native wildlife. But everyone can keep an eye out for creatures that need help.

Written by Dr Jesse Blackadder.

Dr Blackadder is an Australian author fascinated by landscapes, adventurous women, animals and very cold places. She wanted to be a vet from the age of five, but ended up becoming an author instead and has published award-winning books for adults and children. www.jesseblackadder.com

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Giving love a chance Relationships can go through huge changes as the years go by.

Work pressures, young children, poor health and money worries can potentially cause serious conflict and upset. Sometimes, you may feel like the only path is to give up and head towards separation or divorce.

But Bayside not for profit community service organisation Family Life is offering couples the chance to pause and reflect. They believe it’s vital to take the time to pause and consider major decisions especially for any children involved who will be affected by any major changes for a lifetime.

As part of an Australian Government funded pilot program, “Relationship Review & Renew”, the first 100 couples who apply will be offered a series of free specialist counselling sessions with Family Life to gain clarity and confidence into what path to take moving forward.

Family Life team leader and counsellor Coni Forcey says the sessions will help couples of all ages and backgrounds to find out what has happened to their relationships - and look at both sides.

Ms Forcey says;

“It’s not about blame or failure. There’s a whole range of pressures that can affect any relationship, including how your childhood experiences are affecting your behaviour towards your partner, and this program is a very real chance to explore them before making any big decisions.”

Family Life say they will help couples define the issues that require attention and very importantly try and reach a better understanding of what’s reasonable and what’s unreasonable in a relationship. And so far, a wide range of couples have come forward to benefit from the pilot program. The community service organisation have received applications 36

from young couples feeling the pressure of striving to buy their first home together, to “empty nesters” in their 60s who are unsure whether to stay together for the next chapter of their lives.

“In that heady, honeymoon phase when a relationship starts, often everything is seen through rose tinted glasses,” Ms Forcey explains, “Further down the line life often throws tricky curveballs, compounded by the fact a partner’s once endearing character traits might have become irritating. But it’s normal for relationships to have ups and downs it doesn’t always signal the end.”

After an initial two-hour consultation at either the Sandringham or Frankston branches of Family Life, couples will be offered up to five follow-up sessions - spending time individually and jointly with their counsellor. CEO of Family Life Jo Cavanagh OAM says “we at Family Life are very optimistic about the new pilot program, the results of which will be studied

by Monash University researchers”.

Ms Cavanagh says;

“Some couples may still move forward to separation but at least they have taken the time to reflect, while other couples are heading towards restoring their relationship with renewed insight which is wonderful.”

For more details about this program contact Family Life on 03 8599 5433. www.familylife.com.au

There’s a lot at stake.

Stop & press pause to consider your options.

Is change in your relationship needed or are you considering separation or divorce? Get the expert help you need as part of an Australian Government funded pilot program that will be free to the first 100 couples who sign up.

Find confidence on the best steps to take next. www.familylife.com.au

stranger danger Education, situational awareness and being street smart are the keys to preventing your child from being harmed by strangers.

This list of 9 things is the perfect starting point for parents to use when discussing Stranger Danger with their kids.

It is important to discuss these points with your children on a regular basis. Role playing different situations is a good idea to test their understanding.

1. Don’t trust strangers This may be the most important bit of advice in this list. A stranger may offer your child a present to enter their car. Tell your child that this is always a trick. Don’t trust strangers!

2. Always play near a parent or teacher

Your child is in danger of being harmed by a stranger if they play by themselves where you can’t watch over them. Another good tip is to tell older siblings to always watch over their younger family members.

3. Know your safe places in the neighbourhood

We encourage parents to go for a walk in their area and have a discussion about the different safe places close by.

4. Know who the safe people are in your community These people can include police and family friends. Ask your child to make a list and discuss this with them.

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5. Don’t tell people you will be staying home alone

This is simple - if people know that your child is home alone they may try to harm them.

6. Don’t answer the door if you are home alone

A stranger may try to trick your child into opening the door and letting them in.

7. Don’t give out personal information

If a stranger talks to your child over the phone, internet or person, make sure they know not to tell them where you live.

8. Call 000 for help

If a stranger approaches your child and they feel in danger tell them to run away and call 000 for help if they have access to a phone.

9. Run Yell and Tell

It is important to tell your child that running away to a safe place (see Tip No. 3) should be their first action when in danger. Next, we need to emphasise the importance of using their voice to call for help. Your child’s voice is their most powerful weapon. Your child needs to be loud, which can be difficult.

To improve your child’s confidence, we encourage trying martial arts.

This article was written by Sensei Kenneth Douglas from Twins Martial Arts.

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Discover what drives Chris to work with animals.

Who knows your child could follow in his footsteps!

This is an exceptional hands-on experience, which is offered nowhere else.

Chris has personally designed this exclusive program.

Stricly limited numbers of children will ensure that your child will get the WILD experience which they CRAVE! Chris’ zoo is nestled in the foothills of Mount Macedon.

It’s an easy 50 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

GREAT GIFT IDEA!

Bookings and Enquiries www.wildaction.com.au Phone 0419 385 24539

autumn/winter fashion trends Winter is back ….well in the fashion shops anyway!

As the cooler weather begins to arrive the easiest and most savvy way to update your look is to pick up a few new pieces that reflect the current trends.

Below are the key colours to consider when shopping; remember it only takes a few new season additions to re-invent your old winter wardrobe!

Navy is the new black The presence of navy in the winter collections has been steadily building over the past couple of winters. There are many reasons why navy is deemed the new black. It shares the same benefit of being very flattering and slimming to wear as it is a dark tone. It also matches easily with a wide range of different colours; including charcoal, marle grey, red, white, cream, tan, teal, and fuschia. Navy also looks fantastic on all skin tones whether you are olive or fair and works really well with red hair. Whilst black can be a bit harsh and cold navy offers some warmth and is a classy alternative.

Finally I need to dispel a fashion myth! Please note navy and black can be worn together.

So throw away the old rule book and invest in an oversized navy knit and team with black ponti pants and ankle boots for a stylish and flattering combo!

Military tones Olive, khaki, white and camel tones are also popular this winter. The military trend features camo print, gold detailing and safari style shirting. However for a subtle nod to this trend opt for some khaki slim pants worn back with a grey oversized sweater. Olive can be a hard colour to wear near the face so if it doesn’t suit your complexion try some pants or suede ankle boots in this hue. Sand, tan and caramel tones look amazing on blondes; just remember it can be harder to keep clean so make sure to buy pieces that are machine washable! Olive tones look fantastic on strawberry blondes or red heads and the darker shades are very slimming …so why not be brave and branch out!

Animal instinct Whether it is zebra, leopard or snakeskin the animal prints are present in clothing, accessories and footwear. Adding a leopard print scarf, a faux fur vest or a pair of zebra print loafers to a plain outfit can really lift the ensemble. Now be careful when it comes to prints, keep in mind the smaller the print the more flattering it is to wear. Also it’s best to avoid any shiny fabrics as these can be quite unforgiving. Footwear whether it be an everyday ankle boot or a ballet shoe is a fun way to embrace this trend and there are lots of animal print loafers, ballet shoes and boots around at all price points.

So choose your animal print of choice and pick up an accessory to instantly add interest to your look.

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Black/white prints Whether it is stripes, checks or polka dots, black and white prints are big! This modern monochrome combination is a trend that will stand the test of time. So do invest in the perfect skirt, top or pant in this classic and elegant combination. Opt for a black background for the most flattering way to wear this print. Whilst a complete black and white ensemble is very chic try adding a pop of colour such as a red accessory or lipstick to complement this look.

So mamas unfortunately it is time to pack away those sandals and pull out the winter boots. Remember fashion is fun so be brave and experiment with some new season trends‌ even if you just purchase a statement print scarf!

By Rebecca Durnan Personal Stylist & Owner of Pearl Rock www.facebook.com/pearlrock

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run for mum Looking for something different to do with the family this Mother’s Day? How about a fun day out getting active at the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic.

The Mother’s Day Classic is becoming an annual event for families across the country.

A fun run/walk for all ages and fitness levels, the Mother’s Day Classic also plays host to a range of family activities held throughout the day for kids and big kids to enjoy.

Activities include warm up aerobics, performers, food stands, free massages, entertainment plus a kids activity area with face painting and jumping castle. It’s a chance for the whole family to spend time together on a special day for mum.

While there is much family fun to be had, the event is about honoring women affected by breast cancer while raising vital funds for breast cancer research. It is a day of celebration for women and their families - a day to enjoy the company of your family and friends while supporting a great cause.

This year special discounts are offered for family registrations.

The event involves 4km and 8km courses to walk for fun or run for your personal best. Many mums see Mother’s Day Classic as a perfect opportunity to start their fitness journey.

You’ll find information on the Melbourne event (at Alexandra Gardens around the Tan Track) at http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ our-events/event-locations/melbourne/ and for those outside of Melbourne there are many regional events including one at Geelong and one at Ballarat.

One Melbourne family who make Mother’s Day Classic a regular annual calendar date are the Newmans - mum Kelly was only 31 and busy caring for two young children Jack, 2, and Mia, 4 months old, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012.

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Almost three years down the track Kelly has completed her treatment. She sees participating in the Mother’s Day Classic as an important way to fund advances in treatment and detection, as well as to acknowledge her journey.

“I take part in the Mother’s Day Classic each year to help fund vital cancer research so we can find a better treatment and one day a cure for this disease. My children love it as it is such a fun day out,” Kelly says.

The Mother’s Day Classic is Australia’s largest funder of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with $24.3 million raised for research by the event since it began in 1998.

More than 100 events will take place on Sunday May 10 in every capital city and major regional areas, please check www.mothersdayclassic. com.au for more details and to join an event near you.

To register or for more information go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

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pet Sparkl e Rocks With pets on the menu, why not create some of your own Pet Sparkle Rocks and welcome April in with a touch of sparkle. To start this crafting session get the kids out and about on a bit of a scavenger hunt to collect some rocks, ready for glittering! I hope you have fun sprinkling glitter around.

I would love to see some of your kids crafting, pop me an email or post on my facebook page.

Facebook.com/lizzyannstudio www.lizzyann.com.au lizzyann@fairley. id.au And for the mums don’t forget to check out my next Craftilicicous High Tea crafting afternoo n in May.

What you need:

A good collection of rocks

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How to make your Pet Rocks:

A small paint brush

Place a rock on the paper. Dip your paint brush in the PVA and draw a shape on the rock in the glue.

PVA glue (white glue) Several colours of glitter

Shake your glitter over the glue shape.

Pick up the rock and shake off the extra glitter onto the paper under it.

A piece of paper

Carefully pick up your paper and tip glitter back into its container.

Leave your rock to dry and your done!!

WIN one of three ‘Design your own mug for mum’ sets!

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Name: Address:

Age: Postcode: 45

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