Eastside MamaMag Dec/Jan 2017

EASTSIDE

mamamag Dec/Jan 2017

WIN 1 of 6 famIly passes to Splashland INFLATABLE WATERSLIDE PARK Jimmy Rees Christmas crackers School holidays Rozalia Russian Water safety

free Local fun for the Eastside mum

long live summer

#GapfitAus

Chadstone • Melbourne Central davidjones.com.au/gap

A good start to learning.

There’s so much for your child to learn in their first five years.

We can help.

It starts with a nurturing long day care environment. At Goodstart, we get to know your child and their personality. Then we design learning experiences to build on their special interests.

It’s a good start to learning for life.

Enquire about childcare and kindergarten vacancies at a Goodstart centre near you.

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happy holIdays Something crazy happens to time when you have kids. You get so focussed on getting through each day (and keeping your sanity intact) with whatever new challenge parenthood throws at you, or savouring those tiny precious moments and stages that go by so quickly…then BAM, it’s the end of the year! How did that happen?! I hope you’re all just as excited as I am about the silly season; it’s totally the kids that make Christmas extra special and fun. Our favourite Aussie children’s entertainer, Jimmy Giggle (AKA Jimmy Rees) tells us what Christmas means to him. Whether you celebrate it or not, or celebrate something else entirely, there’s definitely magic in the air at this time of year - with the decorations, festive lights, music, parties, and the focus on family time.

Not forgetting the glorious food and ‘special’ beverages, and maybe even some presents! Our little family of three is heading to the UK to spend a chilly Christmas with my husband’s family, which we can’t wait for. After spending several years in the northern hemisphere, a sunshine-filled Christmas has never felt quite the same for me…I’m sure I’ll be very happy to come back to the heat though!

The summer break - whether it’s spent at home or abroad – is the perfect time to reconnect as a family, and get some quality time together. If you’re going to be spending time at the beach or the pool, find out more here about water safety. If you’re looking for something else to do with the kids, we have so many more great ideas and giveaways for school holiday fun.

Some mamas might be preparing to send their kids to school or Kindergarten for the first time in the new year, which is such a big deal (for us!). Our babies grow up too quickly so enjoy them, and have a wonderful Christmas and an enjoyable and safe new year.

Big hugs from the MamaMag team, thank you all so much for your support this year. See you in 2017!

@localmamamag

WIN

Contents Jingle bells, Jimmy tells Chatting with Jimmy Giggle

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1 of 6 family passes to

Parklife 8 Surrey Park, Box Hill Rainbows & unicorns Perfect party when Lotte turns 4

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Christmas crackers Fun things to do this December

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Mama of the month Sally Caldwell from Love Pollo

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Mama can cook Simple summery delights

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A-Z of school holidays 28 26 things to do around Melbourne

Mornington Racecourse Dec 27-Jan 8th and Caulfield Racecourse Jan 11th-24th 2017

Worth

$93 each!

Everything is Rozy Chatting with Rozalia Russian

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Summer skin Beauty tips to beat the heat

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Ballerina movie WIN 1 of 10 movie packs

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Mama’s in a spin Cirque Du Soleil’s Irina Akimova

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MamaMag is published bi-monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s East by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd

Safety series part 4 Drowning and water safety

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ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au

Thomas time All aboard for Sodor Island

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10,000 copies per issue in Melbourne’s East inc.

Stonnington, Boroondara, Yarra and Melbourne.

www.facebook.com/localmamamag

Lovely locals 42 Chadstone - The Fashion Capital Colour & WIN 43 WIN tickets to A Day Out With Thomas The good things in life are free 44 Talking about running Best foot forward Getting school shoes right

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Turn the page Top books from Book Grocer

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MamaMag Dec/Jan 2017

Visit our Facebook page to enter

Splashland is an inflatable waterslide park for kids, with 7,000m2 of slippery summertime fun for kids aged 5 to 12. Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Tickets valid for single day entry for 2 adults and 2 children at either venue. Competition starts December 1st 12.01am and closes December 31st 2016 at 11.59pm. Visit www.mamamag.com.au for full terms and conditions.

Check out the fun at www.splashland.com.au

Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Eastside Editor: Kara Wilson National Key Account Manager: Justine Whatmore: justine@mamamag.com.au Local Eastside Advertising Sales: Georgia Place: georgia@mamamag.com.au Like to contribute an article submission or apply to sponsor a giveaway? submissions@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries: download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au or contact the team above.

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.

jingle bells, jimmy If you have kids, then this name is probably one that you are more than familiar with and for good reason. Jimmy Rees has been lulling our kids to sleep during the Goodnight Hour since 2009. In recent years he’s been spending more time entertaining 19 month old son Lenny. With Christmas coming up we chatted to jimmy about what it means for his family and also about his upcoming Christmas show.

Rees is the middle of three brothers who grew up in Mount Eliza, living in the same family home for 22 years with their insurance broker father, Mark, and mother, Judy, who worked in childcare before raising her family.

Rees tried his luck at university, studying arts, media and drama, but found it all too serious. He dropped out of Deakin University in Burwood after auditioning for a role on ABC 3 at the age of 21. He didn’t get the role, but a casting director warmed to his audition tape and called him to say “you don’t have the job but we’ve got something else for you”. The rest is history!

We heard on the grapevine you’ve left Melbourne for a more permanent base in Sydney where Giggle and Hoot is filmed.

Are you heading back to VIC for Christmas?

Tori and I moved up to Sydney a few months ago. We were previously based up here as this is where I film, but we moved back to Melbourne when Lenny was born to be around family and have that support for a while. But with all the travel I was missing my little family too much, particularly when Lenny started to talk.

Talk us through a Rees family Christmas…

Last year our Christmas plans were thrown out a bit as I was asked to sing at the carols. We rehearsed during the day and Tori and Lenny came in the evening. At the end of the night all the cast got up at the end and I took little Lenny up on stage. It was awesome. Lenny spent Xmas in a Santa onesie with a beard. We wet ourselves laughing, he was so cute.

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Christmas day we spend dividing our time between families down on the Mornington Peninsula. There are quite a few kids on both sides so it’s always fun but chilled out.

Do you have any special memories of family Christmases as a child?

We used to do some funny things as kids. We’d do Christmas breakfast at the family home… we had an old garage that we’d open up and host a big BBQ breakfast. There are lots of kids on Dad’s side of the family so we’d have pinatas for the kids and lots of fun and games.

We has acres of land to run around. Dad used to hide our Xmas presents around the house and garden so we had to hunt around for them.

Santa bought snorkels and flippers one year. Dad had hidden them every where. I found a flipper under the sofa. Dad would just laugh and say “Santa’s so clumsy, he drops stuff everywhere”!

Do you know what Santa is bringing Lenny for Christmas this year?

Hoping a little scooter. He is very cautious. He took a while to get going crawling and walking so we are trying to encourage him to get moving around more.

Who was the nasty person who spoilt the Santa dream for you and how old were you?

I can’t remember who told me. Maybe at school. Potentially my older brother, ha, most likely. We used to play jokes on dad as our youngest brother was 5 years younger than us so I had to play along with the whole Santa thing for a while. Dad would say we needed to give Santa a beer so we’d leave out 6 beers expecting them all to be drunk!

tells Do you miss living in Melbourne?

Yes and no. I feel I can live anywhere.

As long as I have my little family together. It’s nice to explore new areas and make new friends.

Any plans to add a little sibling for Lenny any time soon?

Definitely try for another. It’s on the card just yet, but another for sure. Not sure about three just yet though, ask me in a few years.

What special features can we expect at this years Christmas show?

It’s quite different from last time. A few more Giggle and Hoot characters. Last year was more of a concert, bit basic, less of a story line. We have a big story line this time round. Giggle Fangs comes in and makes the sky all dark - don’t ruin Xmas! There are more songs, some songs that are Christmas-ified G&H songs. Xmas elves.

Pirate Hoot beard. Hoota-claus. It’s all very silly and fun. Lots of audience participation too!

It’s Christmas time in the land of Giggle and Hoot and everybody is busy, getting ready for the arrival of Hootoclaws for his special Christmas Night Watch. Will Jimmy Giggle and Hoot be able to brighten the sky again and help save Christmas?

Will they need help from some special Owl Pal friends? Find out in this live musical spectacular, Giggle and Hoot’s Magical Christmas!

Catch Jimmy and the gang in Giggle and Hoot’s Magical Christmas.

Monday 19 Dec – Frankston Arts Centre. www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au Tue 20 and Wed 21 Dec – Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse. artscentremelbourne.com.au For complete tour and ticketing details, visit: abc.net.au/abcevents and livenation.com.au

Parklife surrey Park Standard Avenue, Box Hill Nestled in the beautiful surrounds of Surrey Park, you will find an adventure playground and a tranquil little lake called Surrey Dive – which was originally a deep water hole that locals would swim in. Instead, these days everyone goes to Aqualink recreation centre which is also situated within this leafy park, and you’ll only find friendly ducks swimming in ‘the Dive’. Although unfenced, the playground is far enough from roads, but the lake is close so parents need to be vigilant. For the energetic, nature-loving kids, there is plenty of surrounding parkland to run around in and explore.

The mostly-wooden playground is big and tailored to suit a range of ages and abilities.

It is divided into separate age-appropriate

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sections: a toddler fort-style boat structure with the popular slide, tunnel, steps, and captain’s steering wheel; then for the bigger kids, there are spiral climbers, monkey bars, a chain mesh ladder, flying fox, a clatter bridge and slide. The highlight for the big kids who are unafraid of heights is a super high spiral slide. Be prepared for a long queue of mini daredevils!

Some other fun features include a small maze and lighthouse, four swings, a climbing wall, rope ladder, and a clock. .A lot of the playground gets shade from the trees, but you’ll also find BBQs, picnic tables, and chairs under shelter.

There are toilets, a bike path, and an oval, making it a great place to spend the day or have a big get-together with other families.

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Enrolling now. Call 13 82 30 or visit guardian.edu.au

rainbows & unicorns When you’re the editor of a magazine and your daughter turns four, well... you get a little bit excited and call every awesome supplier you’ve come across in the last two years and get them involved!

Little Lotte loves everything to do with rainbows and unicorns, and Mama Kirsty pulled out every stop to make sure it was a party she would remember!

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Habitots, Albert Park: Art party & finger food. www.habitots.com.au Sparkles & Frosting, Brighton: Custom unicorn cake & cupcakes. www.facebook.com/sparklefrostingcakes Arlo & Co. Melbourne: cake topper, wooden name plaque, custom printed birthday board & custom bamboo place settings. www.arloandco.com.au Mary Mary Studio, Coburg: Flower wreath for table & Little jars of happiness. www.marymary.com.au Electric Confetti, Brighton: Neon ice-cream & rainbow. www.electricconfetti.com Poppies for Grace, Melbourne: Jumbo balloons with fringe and honeycomb balls. www.poppiesforgrace.com Cookies By Julia: Unicorn, ice-cream & rainbow cookies. @cookiesbyjulia Vickie Liu, St Kilda: Pastel mini doughnuts www.vickieliu.com Puddle Ducklings: Custom unicorn flowercrown. www.facebook.com/PuddleDucklings/ Lark, Ballarat: Laura Blythman party plates & cups, unicorn jumbo balloon with streamers, unicorn streamer set. www.larkstore.com.au Tiny People: Tutu Du Monde dress, The Dreamery Tutu. www.tinypeople.com.au Photography: Thanks to Derek Sheerin and the gorgeous parents!

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christmas crackers Mama’s picks to get you through December!

Boroondara Carols in the Park Saturday, 12th Dec at Macleay Park, Balwyn North. The Carols in the Park event has been successfully staged for the past 27 years and is continuing to engender a spirit of community and goodwill in the area. Roy Best and Carrie Barr will be soloists and once again Santa (Motor Cycle Stuntman David Russell) will arrive on his Suzuki Sleigh.

Carols at Carrical House

Sunday 11th Dec 7.30 - 9.30pm at Carrical House, 18-20 Mason Street, Hawthorn. A joint event with HCC, Servants Community House, Rotary North Balwyn and Sing Australia.

Carols at Como Park

Sunday 18 Dec 7.30 - 9.30pm. The inimitable Rhonda Burchmore hosts Melbourne’s muchloved carols concert, featuring a stellar line up of performers including Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys), Amy Lehpamer (Sound of Music), Verity Hunt Ballard (Mary Poppins), and Bert LaBonte (MTC). Bring along a picnic and celebrate Christmas under the stars with a spectacular riverside fireworks display.

Christmas at Central Park

Saturday 10 Dec, 5 - 9.30pm, Central Park, Burke Road, Malvern East. A Christmas celebration for the whole family, with craft activities and unique performances for the kids until 7pm, including the Mik Maks, Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, Dancing Queen Parties and CircaNICA’s Giant Stilt Elves! Carols hosted by musical theatre’s Lucy Durack (Wicked), featuring Thalia Smith (We Will Rock You), Josh Piterman (Cats), and Casey Bennetto (Spicks and Specks).

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Santa’s Magical Kingdom

On now – Dec 23rd, Caulfield Racecourse.

The magic of Christmas will come alive at Santa’s Magical Kingdom with an interactive walk-through adventure land including everything that you love about Christmas, plus an International Spectacular Christmas Show that will amaze everyone. Fun rides for all ages including ferris wheel and giant slide. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is for every child and the ‘inner-child’ in all of us. www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

Christmas Melodies

Mon 12 Dec, 11am & 1:30pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Sing along to a collection of classics and new favourites with a range of well-known artists.

Line up includes Michael Cormick and Suzanne Johnston with the Salvation Army Melbourne Staff Band and The National Boys Choir. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

Vision Australia’s Carols

by Candlelight

Sat 24 Dec, 8pm - 11pm. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This beloved family tradition has a long and proud history, with the event turning 78 in 2016, the night promises to be as vibrant and captivating as ever. Bring your family for a night of unforgettable live performances. carols.visionaustralia.org

Christmas Square, City

On now – Sun 25 Dec, daily 10am-11pm, City Square. Discover nutcracker soldiers, interactive candy canes and get a free photo with Santa. As part of the TAC’s #BePresent campaign, a giant interactive present will find a home in Christmas Square. Deck yourself out in festive decorations for a free, personalised photo and Christmas card!

Myer Giftorium and Santaland On now – Thur 5 Jan 2016, Bourke Street Mall.

Your one-stop Christmas shop plus meet Santa and ride on his train. Note fees apply for photography and there is an online booking system (though you can try to walk in).

Santa’s Post Box and Australia Post Giving Box

On now – Fri 16 Dec, City Square. Write a letter to Santa and donate a gift at the Australia Post Giving Box where your donation will be delivered to a child in need.

Santa’s Christmas Spectacular

On now – Sun 18 Dec, Wonderland Spiegeltent at Melbourne Star. Wonderland Spiegeltent will be hosting the amazing Santa’s Christmas Spectacular Circus Show! See the crazy acrobatic elves get themselves into all sorts of mischief in Santa’s Toy Workshop. With bigger tricks and even crazier stunts, these elves will not disappoint! www.wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au

A Merry Market Christmas

Fri 23 Dec, 6am – 9pm, Queen Victoria Market.

On the night before Christmas Eve, head into Queen Victoria Market for your last minute Christmas gifts and all the freshest Christmas fare! Open until 9pm for the first time in the Market’s history, you’ll be greeted by Santa and his elves and will enjoy roaming entertainment, live music and interactive kids activities throughout the day. www.qvm.com.au

Christmas Projection Show

Now – Sun 25 Dec, daily from 9pm – late, Federation Square and Melbourne Town Hall.

This Christmas will see City of Melbourne’s annual Christmas Projection Show at Melbourne Town Hall extend to Fed Square, decorating the Swanston Street facades with festive cheer. Visit Fed Square, and then

follow the Christmas lights and decorations along Swanston Street for the feature show at Melbourne Town Hall before you revel in some late night Christmas shopping in Melbourne’s many unique local boutiques and major retailers. fedsquare.com/events

Santa train at Queenscliff

10 and 17 Dec, 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm, Queenscliff Station. Enjoy a steam train ride from Queenscliff to Lakers Siding and return.

Hear Mrs Claus reading an Australian Christmas story, sing Christmas carols with their caroling elf, plus Santa will present each child with a gift.

Christmas themed face painting for the kids and a children’s activity pack with ideas to help prepare for Christmas. bellarinerailway.com.au/santa-train

Gingerbread Village

by Epicure

Thu 1 Dec – Sat 24 Dec, Melbourne Town Hall.

Admire iconic Melbourne landmarks and locations all made out of gingerbread.

Entry is by gold coin donation and all proceeds go to the Royal Children’s Hospital. www.epicure.com.au/about/gingerbreadvillage-by-epicure

Christmas Kingdom

Corner of Ascot Vale Rd and Duncan St Flemington. Christmas Kingdom is your one stop Christmas Shop in the North. A must for the best Christmas decorations. www.christmaskingdom.com.au

Myer Christmas Windows

On now – Thursday 5 Jan 2017, 7.30am – late, Myer Bourke Street. Based on the book ‘One Christmas Eve’ with a particularly Melbourne and Australian flavour.

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I’M ALEXANDRA VERY HAPPY BORN AT ST VINCENT’S PRIVATE HOSPITAL TO A

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Want to avoid the crowds and hassles of the big centres this Christmas? Head to Camberwell Junction Can’t bear the idea of the bustling crowds or snaking around car parks fighting over spaces but still want a good range of stores for Christmas gift hunting?

Choose Camberwell – we’ve got it all. With over 400 of your favourite chains, quirky independents, market fresh produce and unique services, you’ll find it all in Camberwell.

Where’s Rudolph?

Santa’s reindeer are hiding around Camberwell and he needs you to help him find them. Look for the missing reindeer in shop windows around Camberwell. If you find Rudolph you’ll go into the draw for our major prize of $500. Submit entries at camberwellshopping.com.au More Family Fun Join us in Camberwell for our Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 17. Ride with Santa on an antique fire truck, watch the street performers, dress up for a crazy pic at the Christmas photobooth, get your face painted and more. The day runs from 11am til 2pm and it’s all FREE! This is our way of saying thanks for your support throughout the year.

Other News The Camberwell on Canvas community art show runs from November 15-30 on Burke Hill. The 24/7 window exhibition offers art for sale – you might discover a gem! Menswear store Blazer and Malaysian restaurant Tanhiah are new to Camberwell. French bakery Laurent Patisserie has moved two doors up into a larger and very stylish premises, perfect for a relaxing break from shopping. Get up to 80% off at Husk’s clearance pop-up or grab a pair of shoes from Zeira’s new store. Also, have you caught up with fashion shop SilverMaple Boutique and Autobarn car parts and accessories?

Find out more about Camberwell shopping precinct, events and competitions at Camberwellshopping.com.au

Camberwell Christmas Family Day SATURDAY DEC 17 - FROM 11AM - 2PM featuring

STREET ENTERTAINMENT & LIVE MUSIC for the whole family SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS giving out reindeer antlers FREE RIDES ON SANTA’S ANTIQUE FIRE TRUCK and other fun activities for the kids BALLOON ARTISTS & FACE PAINTERS

Get all the details and more fun Christmas events online at CamberwellShopping.com.au

Pre-Prep Programme Weekly 3 yr and 4 yr old sessions Fun and engaging way using phonics to learn to read, write and spell New classes available for Term 1 Email : info@think-smart.net.au Call 0411 298 187 or 0411 373 540 THINK SMART LEARNING CENTRE

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The Well Shopping Centre Shop 114, 793 Burke Road Camberwell (03) 9882 0032 or email camberwell@dymocks.com.au 18

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Fruit Skewers with Passionfruit Yoghurt Dip Serves: 6 | Prep time: 15 minutes

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MAMA of the month Our Eastside mama spotlight shines on Sally Caldwell, who along with her husband Chris, opened Love Pollo with the intention of bringing Melburnians good quality, free-range roast chicken.

Of course you can’t have a roast chicken without crispy hot chips, as well as amazing salads, burgers, and wraps, yum!

Most of us mamas need to just grab some dinner for the family on the way home at some point in the busy week, and Love Pollo provides the perfect, healthy and fresh, affordable alternative. Sally chats to us about her family, what inspired her to start the business, and how she manages the ‘juggle’.

Can you tell us a bit about your children, and what you love doing as a family?

My husband Chris and I have three healthy and very active children: Max 13 years, Ned 12 years and Zoe 10 years. Our kids are all quite close in age and it is fantastic now that they have common interests (not so much during the early infant/ toddler years).

Our family LOVES anything that involves the beach and spending time together – with both parents working full time and busy active kids during the school term and holidays, spending time together and creating family traditions is very precious.

How would you describe Love Pollo, and what is the most popular item on the menu?

Gone are the days of dingy charcoal-stained diners and fatty fried chicken offers. Love Pollo is redefining the way Australia eats roast chicken. Love Pollo sets itself apart from the competition through a menu focused on offering premium healthy, free-range, roam free, chemical free, gluten free chicken, amazing salads, along with gluten free chips, free range pulled pollo burgers and wraps - all in a contemporary environment that replaces the old stainless steel chairs and white tiles.

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Launching this concept was driven by a love of fresh, healthy produce for myself and Chris who are aiming to provide families with a quick, healthy, value for money take home meal.

The most popular item on our menu is our Family Feast which feeds the whole family for only $38.90, or $41.90 if you go upmarket for a Flavour Infused Pollo, my favourite is the Lemongrass and Ginger Infusion. The Family Feast includes: a whole pollo (cut just how you like it into half or quarters), family chips and a large salad or veggie medley. Great value for money and a fantastic healthy alternative for busy families on the go.

Have you always had a passion for healthy, fresh food? What were you doing before you had kids?

Yes I’ve always loved healthy, freshly prepared food and the brand matches the way we aim to raise our family: healthy and active.

My background is in corporate marketing and sponsorship, so we are focussed on developing the brand based on knowing what works well in these fields. Chris is also the CEO of Lenard’s Chicken and previously the GM of Bakers Delight, so we have some relevant food retail experience.

How do you juggle running your own business with motherhood? What is your favourite part of what you do?

As all working mums know working fulltime and family life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It keeps me extremely active/

organised. My days and weeks are planned within an ‘inch’ of my time. My working day starts early (5.30am) as I enjoy having the house to myself and getting ready for the day: school lunches made, loads of washing on and dinner preparations started (yes I like to know what’s for dinner at breakfast).

Each day is different in retail but I do enjoy visiting the stores, checking in on the staff, keeping a close eye on the stock levels (we don’t want to run out of our hero product ‘pollo’) and then get to my desk by 9am. My ‘office’ work day finishes at 3pm to pick my daughter up from school and then the work really starts on the sport circuit – this is my favourite part of the day as time in the car between activities is precious and that’s when you hear about their day – I LOVE it! Once the kids are in bed nice and early, I’m back working but always aim to get eight hours sleep a night.

My favourite part of my work is working on expanding our range, building each business, seeing sales grow, and our great team enjoying those successes, and of course building the brand.

What other advice would you give mums who are considering starting a business?

Surround yourself with great people and work with a product that you love. People, people, people they are the lifeblood of our little organisation and we love them!!

Every day is a challenge when you run your own business. Our challenge is to continually refine our business model, looking for the 1% improvements with one eye on the current business as well as one eye on the future.

What inspires you and what has motherhood taught you?

Enjoy every moment and don’t rush….kids grow so quickly (I never believed it until our eldest turned 13 and I thought BOOM where did the time go!).

I also believe that with Love Pollo, don’t rush a NEW store or a NEW product or a staff member; take the time to really invest in the planning and fingers crossed it works!

to by Moment Design

Share the Love at: Shop 2, Rear 656 Burke Road, Camberwell Shop 20, 620 Victoria Street, Richmond lovepollo.com.au

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

Fri 27 Jan 11am & 1.30pm

Frankston Performing Arts Centre Sun 29 Jan 11am & 2pm New Show On Sale - 4.30pm Melbourne Hamer Hall BOOK NOW Go to livenation.com.au

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mama can Cook!

With the warm weather finally here, outdoor barbecues, picnic dinners on hot night and Christmas on our doorstep, what more could you want than some clever healthy salads for dinner?

Nectarine, buffalo mozzarella and rocket salad Ingredients:

Method:

SALAD

Cut nectarines into wedges.

3 cups wild rocket

Combine rocket, nectarine wedges, mozzarella and basil in a large bowl and set aside.

3 white nectarines 2 buffalo mozzarella balls, pulled apart ½ cup basil leaves DRESSING Ÿ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Whisk together the oil and vinegar in a small bowl and season to taste.

Drizzle dressing over salad, toss lightly to combine and serve immediately.

Watermelon and radish salad with goats cheese Ingredients:

Method:

SALAD

Thinly slice and cut watermelon into rough triangles.

500g chilled watermelon 150g soft goats cheese 4 red radishes 2 shallots 1 cup mint

Arrange watermelon on a platter and dot with small spoonful’s of goats cheese.

Thinly shave radishes and shallots on a mandolin or carefully with a knife and scatter over the watermelon.

1 cup basil

Roughly chop herbs and sprinkle over the watermelon.

VERJUICE DRESSING

For the dressing, whisk ingredients in a bowl, season to taste, then drizzle over watermelon salad and serve.

1/3 cup verjuice 2 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

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Brocballs with garlic tomato sauce Ingredients:

Method:

2 bunches broccolini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

1 cup almond meal ½ cup grated cheese ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Steam broccolini for ten minutes, until tender and bright green, leave to cool.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Pulse steamed broccolini in food processor until chopped, add to bowl with almond meal. Add cheese, parmesan, basil, parsley and garlic. If desired, add cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to season.

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Whisks eggs in a small bowl and stir into broccolini mixture.

2 large free range eggs

Shape mixture into 12 balls, pressing firmly. Place on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp olive oil

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add onion and garlic, cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

¼ cup diced brown onion

Serve brocballs drizzled with sauce and enjoy!

Sauce

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped 1 400g can crushed tomatoes

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Chris Humfrey’s

ZOOKEEPER EXPERIENCE!

Spend a whole day with zoologist Chris Humfrey, from ABC’s hit series “Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life!”, at his very own private zoo in Mount Macedon, just 50min from Melbourne’s CBD. Get up close and personal with over 2000 animals with this hands-on experience, which is offered nowhere else.

Chris has personally designed this exclusive program with strictly limited numbers of children which ensures your child gets the best WILD experience possible.

greAT Christmas gift idea!

Bookings and Enquiries www.wildaction.com.au Phone 0419 385 245

A-z of school holidays Arts Centre Melbourne. Head to the Arts Centre Melbourne for Room on the Broom, adapted from the award-winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler. 4 – 15 January. www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

range of energetic artists and performers who specialise in working with kids, their workshops, performances and classes are imaginative, engaging and fun! Albert Park. www.gasworks.org.au

Bounce. Fly through the air and bounce

Harbour Town Smurf Village. Meet Smurfette, Lazy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Papa Smurf, Painter Smurf and many more living happily in the village. Plus, kids can attend the Smurf Craft Village each weekend and let their imaginations run wild as well as taking home a special Smurf keepsake. Free daily until Sat 24 Dec. www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

off the walls. BOUNCEinc is a massive indoor trampoline park for all ages which is all about jumping high and landing safe. Venues in Glen Iris, Blackburn North and Essendon Fields. bounceinc.com.au

Collingwood Children’s Farm. Be a farmer for a day these summer holidays as you feed the animals, let the chickens out, do some farm chores, collect the horses and learn to groom and saddle them. This program is open to children aged 10 - 16 years old. www.farm.org.au Day out with Thomas. A must for the

Thomas mad child. The whole family will enjoy unlimited rides with Thomas in the Troublesome Trucks, a 45 minute return train ride with one of Thomas’ Friends, plus all the boys and girls can meet Sir Topham Hatt! bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

Enchanted Adventure Garden.

A multi-award winning natural attraction nestled in the beautiful hinterland of Arthurs Seat. Get tangled in a maze, go Tube Sliding or book a Tree Surfing adventure. Or just set up a picnic and listen to the laughter. www. enchantedmaze.com.au

Frankston Sand Sculpting.

Walk amongst 5 metre towering giants as you explore fanciful lands of dinosaurs and dragons, sea creatures and spaceships, pirates and princesses – all brought to life with over 3,500 tonnes of sand. Sandsational play pit, facepainting and more! From Boxing Day. www.sandsculpting.com.au

Gasworks. Gasworks’ kids holiday

programs offer creative and entertaining experiences for children aged 4 to 14 during the school holidays. Bringing together a

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IMAX Melbourne: Let David Attenborough lead you on a fascinating 3D nocturnal adventure, Museum Alive, through London’s famous Natural History Museum. Encountering extinct creatures that are brought to life right in front of our eyes. Opens: 2 January imaxmelbourne.com.au

Junior Rangers. The Junior Ranger program encourages kids to explore Victoria’s amazing parks with a real park ranger. Junior Rangers can take part in cool activities like rock pool rambles, historic tours and spotlight night walks. For kids aged 6-12. juniorrangers.com.au Kew Traffic School. Grab your bike and

get outdoors at the Kew Traffic School these holidays. The Kew Traffic School has had a re-development of the bike track with new surfaces that the children can ride or walk on, a renewal of the much loved cubbies and shops, and a designated area for “off-road” skills.

Luna Park. From the moment you step

inside Mr Moon’s giant mouth, you are exposed to a world full of carnival flair, from the rides that send you sky-high, to historical carousel rides, Melbourne’s Luna Park has been the face of fun in St Kilda for generations. Luna Park offers a range of attractions for all ages from mini roller coasters such as the Silly Serpent, to nail biting thrill rides such as the Pharaoh’s Curse and Power Surge. lunapark.com.au

Melbourne Museum. The brand new

The Snowman. Melbourne Recital Centre.

NIDA. NIDA run Holiday courses for all school age groups helping identify and experience the essentials of screen acting. Build your on screen confidence as you develop skills in improvisation, character development and script work. www.open.nida.edu.au

Up Unlimited/Clip n Climb. At UpUnlimited climbing is open to anyone, any age, any ability. Their newest venue brings you more climbing, new challenges and even higher walls. You can race your mates on the SPEED WALL or pit your skills against the newest climb - ASTROBALL. Moorabbin and Richmond. www.upunlimited.com.au

Children’s Gallery is a wondrous place for babies to 5-year-olds to explore, play and learn.

Future palaeontologists will excavate fossils, traverse the discovery garden, explore plants and stories; and for everyone who loves to dance, there will be a ‘camouflage disco’.

Opens Dec 4th. museumvictoria.com.au

O’Brien Group Arena. Skate With Santa every weekend from Saturday 3rd to Saturday 24th December between 11 and 3pm. See if you can keep up with the big man in the red suit! www.obriengrouparena.com.au Prahran Market. On Tuesdays the team from Peninsula Animal Farm host their animal farm experience. Friday mornings enjoy FREE kids’ dance classes offered by the Next Gen team from Space Studios. www.prahranmarket.com.au

Queen Victoria Market. Those

The Snowman is a family-friendly Christmas concert performed with live orchestra and the animated film of The Snowman projected on the big screen. Saturday 12 December 2015 11.30am www.melbournerecital.com.au

Virtual Reality Creation. Explore and

experiment with virtual reality using the easy to use world-building program Cospaces, create an amazing virtual world that you can view in 3D as you build it. Kids aged 6 and older. ACMI Jan 7th and 14th www.acmi.net.au

Wild Action Keepkeeper Experience.

Spend a whole day with zoologist Chris Humfrey, from ABC’s hit series “Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life!”, at his very own private zoo in Mount Macedon. Get up close and personal with over 2000 animals with this hands-on experience, which is offered nowhere else. www.wildaction.com.au

Summer Nights. Melbourne’s largest and best array of global street food, artisan and vintage stall holders and quirky activations. You’ll be floating around the historic Market sheds with the cream of Melbourne’s busking scene and roving entertainers. www.qvm.com.au

Features 6 foam pit lanes, 3 dodgeball courts, 4 slam dunk lanes and a large free jump court. www.xtremeair.com.au

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

The kids will love the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden. There’s lots of fun places to explore including the Ruin Garden, the Meeting Place (which has a water feature that sprays up out of the ground in summer!), a Wetland Area, Bamboo Forest, The Gorge, Plant Tunnel, Kitchen Garden (full of yummy vegetables!) and The Rill (a gentle waterway that runs through the Garden). www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Splashland. Splashland is the inflatable

waterslide park for kids, with 7,000m2 of slippery summertime fun for kids aged 5 to 12, Splashland will be sliding into Mornington Racecourse from 27 December 2016 – 8 January 2017, and then slipping over to Caulfield Racecourse from 12 – 24 January 2017. www.splashland.com.au

Xtreme Air Trampoline Park.

Your child can become a Junior Chocolatier in a hands on class learning to make their very own chocolate creations with European Chocolatiers. www.yvci.com.au/classes

Zoo: Breakfast with the Gorillas. Delight in a

delicious buffet breakfast at Melbourne Zoo, then see the Western Lowland Gorillas enjoying an early morning forage while hearing from the keepers about these fascinating animals.

Selected Saturdays in Jan and Feb. www.zoo.org.au

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everything is Rozy Rozalia Russian is one of Australia’s most popular fashion bloggers and has now turned her experience in the fashion world into her own business, launching her own fashion and lifestyle blog, Rozalia. Along with her nightclub famous husband Nick, this uber stylish mama to threeyear-old daughter Willow Valentina is due with baby number two in the new year. We chat about motherhood and that ultimate work-life balance.

Is this pregnancy much more special having your daughter Willow to share it with?

baby in her tummy. She talks to my stomach and kisses and cuddles it.

The second pregnancy doesn’t get as much special treatment as the first as it’s sort of like, ‘ok I’ve been through this before’! Early on it was hard for Willow to understand what was happening but now that I am carrying around a huge basketball that Willow can see, she now definitely understands. She told me she is going to be a good big sister and help me with the new baby.

What is your favourite pregnancy outfit?

What has been different about this pregnancy compared with your first?

Some of my go to labels have been both maternity and non-maternity. Kookai and Scanalan and Theodore have been great for both day and night wear. I also stocked up on Bae the Label, ripe maternity and Legoe Heritage who all offered stylish maternity options.

It has definitely gone a lot quicker as I don’t have time to just sit and relax. Between working, looking after a three year old and moving house, there are no real downtimes, which makes the day go super quick. I feel like during the first pregnancy you are so precious and cautious whilst second time around it’s just like ‘ok let’s just get on with it’.

Tell us about the new Cybex by Jeremy Scott pram we’ve seen you with. Talk about a fashion accessory!

Is Willow looking forward to becoming a big sister?

I have been taking the pram for a little spin at home and testing it out. It is so easy and light to push and has countless practical functions. Baby Russian will definitely be one stylish baby.

Willow is super excited, she tells every one she is going to be a big sister and that mummy has a

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When I am pregnant I like to wear super tight stretchy dresses to show off the bump. I feel if I wear any thing too loose I just look frumpy.

It’s definitely a fashion accessory! It is by far the coolest pram I have every seen! Cybex have spent years and years perfecting a pram that is not only practical but also very stylish and Jeremy Scott has just taken it to a whole new level!

Any other must haves for baby number two?

A Baby Bjorn carrier! I have witnessed many girlfriends carrying their new bubs around in the carrier whilst chasing after their toddlers. It’s so much easier when you have your hands free rather than always carrying them as you can still get on with the day and get things done!

What advice would you give to mums out there on balancing work, motherhood and fitting in time for yourself?

You are never going to have it all together, and even the women who you think have it all figured out still have their struggles. No mum is perfect and we need to stop being so hard on ourselves.

What is your favourite thing to do when you get a chance to go on a date night with Nick?

We both love our food and cocktails so we love heading out to dinner and drinks with friends and just having a fun and relaxing night out.

What is Nick up to now that Eve is closed?

He is still heavily involved with his events business and at the moment he is getting ready to throw his annual New Years Eve party and then St Kilda Festival early next year. The plan

this year was for him to have the year off and for us to travel. We headed to America for a couple of months and whilst we were over there checking out different bars and restaurants, Nick got itchy feet and decided he wasn’t ready to hang up the night club boots just yet!

Any funny parenting tales from the last few years with little Willow?

The stuff that comes out of Willow’s mouth nowadays which is just hilarious! I love the way a three year old sees the world and just says it how it is! So she has us laughing every day. As parents, I guess the first couple of months were the hardest but also the funniest. I recall one night it must have been around 3am and neither Nick nor I had slept and there was massive code brown! The poo explosion was on another level!

I remember I was gagging, trying to throw the nappy to Nick to get rid of, then he dropped it and poo just went all over his legs. He quickly showered and then picked her up like 15 min later and she just vomited all over him and back in the shower he went. It was just one of those “OMG moments”. “Is this what our life has come too?” We swapped the 3am cocktails for 3am poo explosions. In those situations all you can do is laugh. It’s the only way to get through the newborn phase.

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summer skin Skin & Beauty Tips for surviving the Summer heat Melbourne’s hotting up early this year and it’s given us a not so gentle reminder that we need to make an extra effort to protect our precious and largest organ of our bodies….our skin. Summer heat poses a few problems for us busy ladies. Not only do we want to keep our skin safe, silky and smooth, we also want our makeup to withstand the heat and last into the balmy summer nights. Here are my top tips and product recommendations to do just that.

Protect

Wear SPF every day. We should be doing this every day of the year but summer really is the time to make sure you are at the top of your game when it comes to skin protection. Choose a broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB and in my opinion go for the SPF 50+ the skin on our faces, neck and décolletage is so fragile we want to try our best to continue to protect it. As busy mums we often forget about our own sun protection but would never send out the kids without it. A good tip is to swap out your after shower body lotion for a high protection sunscreen, that way you know you are covered as soon as you leave the house.

A chic wide brim hat and dark sunglasses will ramp up style and skin saving properties.

With new skin care technologies it’s now much easier to find a facial sunscreen that sits well under makeup. My choice is MECCA Cosmetica’s “To Save Face Superscreen” SPF 50+

Mix it up

Summer means we can just generally lighten up when it comes to our make up. The heavy foundations of winter can be put to the back of the vanity and we can embrace the

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lightweight sheer bases that let our skin shine through! Choose lighter bases such as CC creams or tinted moisturisers. Add a sweep of light reflecting bronzer and fall in love with highlighter (my favourite places to wear it is tops of cheekbones, down the nose and cupids bow). A great DIY tip for a lightweight dewy look is to mix up a good quality concealer (try MAC Select Cover Up) with a brightening radiance boosting balm (such as Clarins Beauty Flash balm) or if you can’t face the beach with no coverage mix it in with your facial sunscreen and off you go.

Prime

Heading to the races or a summer wedding?

Then you want your makeup to last so you must put in the ground work and for that reason invest in a hard working primer. Primers have been around for a while but you can be strategic with the primer you buy. If you have oily skin you might want to go for a mattifying formula such as Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 or if you are more on the dry side opt for a moisture boosting finish for under your makeup. MAC’s Lightful C Marine- Bright Formula Serum packs a punch of moisture. Or if you are a combination of both use a combination of different primers targeting different things on those particular areas on your face. Opt for an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing even through the hottest temperatures. Urban Decay Primer Potion has a cult following for this reason and can be used lightly through eyebrows and under eye area to keep filled in eyebrows and under eye concealer in place. For long lasting lips it’s a good idea to keep lips exfoliated and moisturised. Nursing mothers may have experienced the skin saving benefits

of Lansinoh before and it’s the same magic formula I use to moisturise the lips of my clients when I start their make up. To exfoliate your lips you can use a towel/face cloth then pop on some of this when you hop out of the shower. By the time it comes to doing your lips they will be perfectly smooth. For a long lasting lip press a small amount of foundation all over your lips (you can use what’s left on your foundation brush), line and fill in the lips completely with a long lasting lip liner (try Rimmell 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner) and then apply your lipstick. As the lipstick wears off, your liner remains underneath.

Hydration

Last but not least keep hydrated. Drink water.

There’s no way around it your skin and body will thank you for it.

Amy Hughes is a professional makeup artist and beauty writer at www.madeoverandme.com where she blogs a mixture of beauty, real life and weddings. Amy is available for wedding makeup, special occasion makeovers and makeup lessons in the comfort of your own home or venue across Melbourne.

Set & Refresh

I personally don’t love a heavy powdery finish for summer makeup but I do like to set my makeup to ensure its longevity. I use a small brush or damp beauty blender to set with powder only in the areas I know get shiny (typically inner corner of nose, chin area, forehead). Alternatively if you want to set with powder all over the face opt for a fine light reflecting powder to set your make up and provide glow. Try HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Powder which boasts “photoluminescent technology that makes you appear as you have just stepped into your perfect light” well when you put it like that who wouldn’t want to use it!?

As the night goes on and you feel you want to top up your make up I always advise my clients to buff their skin before adding more product.

Using a buffing brush (such as Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush) to buff the areas of the face where you feel maybe the make up has moved out of place (eg, around the nose, chin and forehead). That may be all you need or if not go ahead and reapply. More often than not, when you are embracing a dewy summer skin look you can set your makeup with a beautiful refreshing make up spray. You can also use this later in the day to refresh your skin...I often take one on summer girls nights out and we all have a spritz! I personally love Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, although not necessarily a makeup setting spray it’s soothing and gentle for even the most sensitive of skins.

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Want the easiest way to get a beautiful, fresh, cut Christmas tree to your home or office this year?

Our simple pre-order Christmas tree and delivery service means Christmas is easier than ever. You pick the date and The Christmas Tree Elves will deliver a stunning, perfectly picked and beautiful Christmas tree straight to your door.

We put some Christmas cheer into your festive planning, saving you precious time.

Call Head Elf Alicia on 0410 570 879 or order online at www.thechristmastreeelves.com.au

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Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag! 34

WIN

1 of 10 ovie m a in r e ball cks prize pa worth ! $110 each

Prize packs includes a Family Pass to the new Ballerina movie (2 adults + 2 child tickets), a dance bag, tutu and necklace.

Ballerina is a beautifully animated tale about following your dreams. FĂŠlicie is a young orphan from Brittany who dreams of becoming a ballerina at the Paris Opera. With her best friend Victor, who wants to become a great inventor, they devise a madcap plan to escape the orphanage for Paris. Ballerina dances into cinemas 12 January, 2017.

visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions to enter Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Tickets valid at participating cinemas only. Competition starts December 1st 12.01am and closes December 31st 2016 at 11.59pm. Visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for entry details and full terms and conditions.

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“I have the best life. I love the stage, performing, the audience, plus I get to discover different cities, learn new languages, meet new people and show my daughter the world”.

Over 7 million people around the world have enjoyed the magic, wonder and incredible feats of KOOZA. The Melbourne season opens on January 20 2017 at Flemington Racecourse. Tickets to see KOOZA would make a unique Christmas present for loved ones. www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza

Matt Beard Costumes: Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt ©2012 Cirque du Soleil

mama’s in a spin Ever wanted to run away with the circus? We recently chatted to Irina Akimova, the uber talented Russian Hoops Manipulator from Cirque Du Soleil’s Kooza. Not only the best in her field, she is also a mama, travelling the world with her 3 year old daughter.

At what age did you start learning the art of hula-hoops?

I was 12 years old. There was a circus school, “ART ALEE”, in my town in Russia. When I started they gave me a hoop and said “this will be your role” but I was more than happy to improve myself in just the one area.

Did you instantly decide this was what you wanted to do in life or did you have other plans?

I loved the hoops and I like the idea of improving myself, so I just kept going. I’ve been doing it for 20 years and I still love it.

I love creating different tricks and new hooping things.

Tell us about your role in Cirque du Soleil?

I feature in the second act. It’s about underground work. I am the Queen of the underground in a big purple cape and hat.

I look very beautiful. It’s much darker than the first half of the show. I feature hoop manipulation, playing with hoops and characters showing innocent and trickster, different sides of life, dark v’s beautiful/sexuality.

It’s very exciting.

You are a mother to a 3-year-old daughter.

Did you take much time off from Cirque Du Soleil after she was born?

I stopped with the circus when I was two months pregnant and started performing again four months after Veronica was born.

What is it like travelling the world with the circus and a small child?

We’ve just finished up our time in Sydney.

Before this we were in South America. We have a baby sitter who travels with the circus and there are other wives, girlfriends, musicians

who help look after the kids. I’m glad Veronica has a chance to learn other languages. She currently speaks Russian and English and she wants to learn Spanish because there are many Spanish people in the show. She has been to South America, Europe, Japan, North America, Canada. She was born in Miami, Florida and I’ve kept travel diaries from all our adventures.

What does a typical day involve?

We perform 6 days a week with Mondays off.

We do 9-10 shows a week. I wake up at 7am and go to sleep at midnight. Mondays we try to have special time together as a family.

Are there many other artists in the show that have their children with them?

There are about eight families with the circus and 10 kids in total on the tour. But I’m the only artist with a child. Sundays are family day and they have activities for the kids before the show.

Does your partner travel with you as well?

He is also a circus artist and is currently in Moscow. He is a Head Balancer and artistic director. He comes to visit us around every 3-4 months.

When you are not on tour, what do you like to do for fun as a family?

We try lots of different things. Cooking classes, cake decorating, baking, farm visits. Outdoor things.

What is your favourite thing to do when you get a chance to go on a date night with your husband?

We always catch up as the three of us. It’s so important to include Veronica in every moment she can have with her dad.

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Drowning and Water This Safety Series we are taking about drowning and water safety. Summer in Australia is blue skies and clear water, pools, beaches and fun, but the danger of drowning is real. It’s a horrible thought for any parent that you could lose your child, to any cause, but to think that it is from something we take for granted, water, well the result can be heart breaking.

The horrifying tragedy behind drowning is that it is preventable, but more importantly it isn’t just the pool or beach that can cause havoc, it is other things around our home that are a part of our every day activities such as the toilet, mopping bucket, baths, dog bowls and much more! Anything that can cover the nose and mouth of an infant is considered a danger for drowning.

Interesting Fact!

“Children can drown in very small amounts of water! Water that is deep enough to cover their nose and mouth is enough for a small children to drown in” – Nataly Tormey WWC So let’s start this awareness process at the beginning on how can we prevent these tragedies in our home but let’s also think about when we are going on that long awaited relaxing family holiday.

Prevention at home Bath time During bath time it is essential for the child to have 100% adult supervision. The use of bathing tools such as bath seats does not suffice for supervision. Each moment your child is in the bath they require an adult with them.

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Some tips during bath time: • Prepare for bath time. Ensure that you have clothing, towels, and anything required after bath time ready before the bath is full. This will reduce the risk of you having to leave the room.

• Ensure that the bath is not too full and that soaps and lotions that are slippery are not used.

• Using grips at the bottom of the bath will help create friction.

• Once the bath is complete empty the bath promptly and restrict access to wet areas without adult supervision.

Home pool When it comes to having a pool at home there are multiplethings to consider. These include fencing, gates, environment, ability to supervise, chemicals and electricity. The Australian Royal Life Saving Society has created a short but informative video and checklist. Go to www.royallifesaving.com.au Have you considered all the other areas in your home that could be a drowning risk to your child? Some other areas to think about are; • Buckets • Inflatable pools • Eskies • Water tanks • Irrigation channels • Drains

• Pet bowls • Spas • Streams/lakes • Fish ponds • Water features

As the statistics have shown it’s our little ones from the ages of 0-4 at highest risk! At these ages they are very inquisitive and will explore areas that aren’t to be explored. The process of exploring leads children into unsafe zones that they are unable to detect as dangerous.

Taking measures to prevent these incidences is very important however keep in mind that supervision is always essential.

Safety Safety Series Part 4 Prevention on holidays Before you go on your adventure Your children are going to love exploring the water while you are away, whether you are basking in the sun at the beach and the children are diving for treasures in the ocean or they are slipping and sliding at the water park. So before you go it might be a great opportunity to get your children prepared and start thinking about some swim lessons. Swim lessons are available in your community from a swim school provider. When you register your child be sure to advise them of your needs and your time frame before you jet set and go so they can work with you to ensure your child has some of the basic survival skills.

When you’re out and about It is important to be aware that regulations of safety around water are very different from one country to another and that goes the same for natural water conditions at a beach or a swimming hole. Before you dive in head first do your research with the locals and ask them about the conditions of the water and ensure it is safe before you cool off.

Once you are there, talk to your children about ensuring they stay within reach and how important it is not to go off on their own.

Make sure your little ones always stay within arms reach and you are supervising constantly.

Introducing safe play zones will help enforce this with your children.

Interesting Fact Indulging in a private villa with a pool?

In some countries you can hire a temporary pool fence to keep your little ones safe in your accommodation!

First Aid Any water prevention information site will explain the importance of knowing First Aid and CPR. If you are required to rescue your child it is very important to know how to do CPR. We offer these classes and if you are unable to attend a class we can provide further resources for you, your family and your community.

Read www.royallifesaving.com.au www.swimandsurvive.com.au www.infantswim.com

Listen Listen to a follow up interview with Nataly Tormey, founder of WONDERWOMAN Children First Aid on Little Rockers Radio.

Learn WONDERWOMAN Children are the founders of Community Funded Family First Aid programs. Thanks to local sponsors and support we can provide affordable and accessible infant and paediatric first aid for all families.

Find more information at www.wonderwomanchildren.com

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thomas time

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There are certain things that little kids are just really into. Some like superheroes, some like princesses or Frozen, and some, well they like trains! And our favourite train? Thomas of course.

Thomas is so versatile. Watch him and his friends of Sodor Island on the TV, set up your own train track at home and collect all his friends like Percy and Gordon. There is bed linen, colouring in books and clothes. But fancy seeing a real lifesized Thomas. Welcome to Day out with Thomas!

The Bellarine Railway is one of my favourite historical railway trips. Yes it dawdles along, goes nowhere and the seats, well they are 1920’s carriages after all. But the view as you head out along Swan Bay along the waterline is amazing.

So add in steam engines with big smiley faces and you are guaranteed a big hit with the entire family.

Seeing the kid’s faces when they saw that Thomas was a real live train was by far the highlight.

Master three loved the unlimited turns on the jumping castle, the colouring in area plus there were also some very talented face painters. His excitement when he saw all the different trains was just incredible and for him to get a turn to blow the train whistle, priceless.

The day includes unlimited rides with Thomas in the Troublesome Trucks and a 45 minute return train ride with one of Thomas’ friends. A perfect school holiday filler and an easy day trip from all of Melbourne.

10 & 17 DECEMBER

RAIN SANTA T S SPECIAL rain Santa T Specials er Decemb 7 1 & 0 1

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

SANTA GIFT FOR CHILDREN, STORY READ BY MRS CLAUS CAROLING ELF, TRAIN RIDE & MORE!

22 7-8 & 21January

cliff

Queens

© 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited © 2016 HIT Entertainment Limited

www.bellarinerailway.com.au

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lovely locals

Chadstone, the Fashion Capital

1. Axil Coffee Roasters: You know the coffee is going to be

1.

amazing here because this café is a specialty coffee roaster. The team not only brings years of hospitality experience from barista competitions, coffee roasting and café ownership, but they regularly travel the globe to source and produce the best coffee Their mouth-watering modern menu consists of all-day delights like Ferrero Rocher chocolate waffles and new school Philly steak sandwiches. Come for the coffee, stay for lunch!

Ground Level. www.axilcoffee.com.au

2. Kidstuff: Bringing a touch of childlike wonder to Australian children for almost 50 years, you’ll find unique Christmas gifts and toys that will entertain children of all ages over the summer holidays. Their strict criterion for product selection is simply ‘if the toy, game or puzzle does not encourage the development of a child’s mind, imagination and physical wellbeing, we will not stock it’. Lower Ground. www.kidstuff.com.au

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3. Sensitive Santa: In Santa’s Balloon Factory, children (often on the

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Autism spectrum) who require a more sensory-friendly environment can come and visit Santa on certain dates this Christmas. This ideal setting is low stress and quiet, and parents can also book ahead to save the additional stress of queuing - a small booking fee is redeemable through your purchased photography package on the day. To view the timetable, check out Chadstone’s website. Lower Level, outside David Jones. www.chadstone.com.au/events/14/santas-balloon-factory

4. Australian Geographic: Here you will find Christmas gift solutions for everyone you know. Offering a wide range of educational and informational toys and games based on science and nature, you can find something interesting and intellectually enriching for children and adults alike – whether it’s dinosaurs, geography, astronomy (they have the best telescopes!), gadgets, or crafts, and even magic tricks, puzzles, and science games. Inspire and excite the special people in your lives this Christmas. Lower Ground. www.australiangeographic.com.au 5. Oxfam Australia: What better time is there to decide to shop ethically than at Christmas time! Oxfam is a passionate supporter of Fairtrade, which empowers disadvantaged communities by paying them fair and stable prices for their work, helping them to gain the skills they need to develop their business, and giving them access to world markets.

The Oxfam Shop proudly sells beautiful handmade products from artisans all over the world, and also sells delicious chocolate and coffee. Go on and support some hard working people in need, and end the year on a high feeling like you’ve done a great thing. Ground Level. www.shop.oxfam.org.au 42

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WIN

1 of 4 Family Passes for\‘Day Out with Thomas’ at the Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff, this January!

See www.mamamag.com.au for terms and conditions. Parent’s email will be added to our monthly MamaMail. You can opt out at any time.

The whole family will enjoy unlimited rides with Thomas in the Troublesome Trucks, a 45 minute return train ride with one of Thomas’ Friends, plus all the boys and girls can meet Sir Topham Hatt! Find out more at bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

Day out with Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Based on The Railway Series by The

© 2015 HIT Entertainment Limited.

Reverend W Awdry. © 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas

WORTH

$85

& Friends and Day Out With Thomas are Trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

Post your entry by December 31st to: MamaMag, PO Box 8018 North Road LPO, Brighton East 3187.

Child’s name:

Age:

Parent’s name: Email: Address:

Postcode: 43 43

The good things in life Nothing is simpler than going for a run. You don’t need anything special besides a good running outfit and a pair of trainers to get you started. There is no need to overcomplicate running by thinking we need expensive gear; bluetooth headphones, watches even tracking devices, you just need to lace up and run. Simple.

Running is one of the only sports that allows you to train literally anywhere; the park, inner city, even inside on a treadmill. You don’t need a license, timetable or booking it’s literally put one foot in front of the other in any surround that suits; you can literally run anywhere – even the water.

Running is a sport anyone can participate in; this is what makes this form of exercise so assessable. Run in a group for a social activity or solo for some ‘catch up on my own thought time’ running gives you a certain freedom that no other sport can offer.

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Benefits of running: Mental Rough day? Tough night? Don’t feel like going out for a run? All you have to do is make it past the front door, that doesn’t sound hard does it? If after a few hundred meters you just aren’t feeling it, turn around and make your way back home, at least you can say you tried. But we all know, the chances of you returning back home is minimal and we both know that you won’t feel any worse after your run, actually we put money on it that you will feel a whole lot better.

Exercise such as running helps pump blood to the brain helping you think more clearly as well as releasing chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria boosting your overall mood. No wonder you feel such clarity and are in such a good mood after a run.

One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Running can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension, not a bad trade off for the recommended guideline of at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical exercise on most or all days of the week.

Practicing the mindfulness action of running daily not only reduces your stress levels but also improves your overall mental health.

are free Physical

How to start running

In addition to the psychological benefits, the physical benefits of running are vast. Scientists have discovered that a daily run can assist you to live a longer life due to improvements in your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and working the heart muscles regularly, improve bone health which increases bone density and prevent injury and the onset of osteoporosis, improve lung capacity and promote better breathing. It boosts your immune system, helps you be more focused, sleep better, maintain balance of the body – do we need to go on?

Step 1. Change into your active wear, put your trainers on and lace up

Whether you choose to run for health reasons including maintaining weight goals, make new friends or to assist with mental health and wellness the fact is, running makes us feel good.

The mental and physical benefits of running are much longer than your excuses so what are you waiting for, it’s time to run!

Step 5. After 30mins slow to a walk until your breath gradually returns to normal. You will now feel energized, less stressed and that one step closer to sound physical fitness.

Step 2. Walk to the front door; additional extras include child in pram (excellent weight and resistance training), the dog, hydration and music Step 3. Start slow with a jog and build up to a faster pace after around 10minutes Step 4. Maintain a comfortable pace; you should be able to hold a conversation whilst running – unless you are doing intervals

Run well.

By Amanda Meggison, Nutrition advisor, Food Coach and Endurance athlete.

Run Stop Shop South Melbourne and CBD. www.runstopshop.com.au

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best foot forward Children’s school shoes are undoubtedly the most important shoes your child will wear in their lives.

A child’s foot is extremely susceptible to change due to its soft and pliable nature. Choosing the correct shoe and understanding how to have it fitted properly is key to ensuring good foot health and development for children.

With so many brands and a large variation in price (some as cheap as $10 and as expensive as $160) it is very important to know what to look out for when purchasing a shoe. Knowing which shoe design features are important for good foot health is crucial and can most likely prevent significant foot and leg problems from developing.

Buying new shoes a week or two from the start of the new school year is best. This will ensure that the summer growth spurt children usually go through will have passed and the size, most likely, will be appropriate for a longer period of time. Also, purchasing two weeks before the start of school allows the child to slowly wear their shoes in for a few hours over a few days.

Buying new shoes at the end of the day is also advised, as children’s feet can swell throughout the day, measuring them at their “biggest” allows for the shoe to be fitted properly.

So what do you need to look for in a new school shoe?

1. Leather upper and inner of shoe.

2. The heel counter of the shoe should be high enough to cup the ankle bones and be stiff.

3. Select a shoe with a rigid middle and ensure that the shoe only bends at the toes.

4. The shoe needs to be wide enough and deep enough for your child’s forefoot and toes.

5. Laces, velcro and buckles are best.

How much growing room does my child need?

Buying shoes that are too big can be just as much of a problem as buying shoes that are too small. The general consensus amongst most podiatrists is the shoe should be one thumb width bigger (approx. 14mm) than the child’s longest toe.

Always remember: To check your child’s foot growth each term.

If you child wears orthotics make sure you have them at the time of the fitting unless otherwise advised by your podiatrist.

Take the school socks your child will be wearing for the fitting.

If you are unsure always ask for clarification from the salesperson or your podiatrist. www.childrenspodiatry.com.au

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Turn the page “Follow the Star – A pop-up Christmas Journey” By Andy Mansfield Well, Christmas is fast approaching and little people are getting very excited (some big people too)!! Follow the Star is a beautiful pop-up book with charming rhyme describing how the Star of Bethlehem has become the shining symbol of light, love and Christmas for people all over the world. We even put it on top of our Christmas tree! A beautiful gift idea.

Cricket Australia’s “I Can Be ….” Series by Phil Kettle This is a cracking little series of eight chapter books for children aged 7-12 years. We join outback kids Jill King and Jack Ace from a little outback town called Mistake Creek who get to meet their cricketing heroes.

Featuring male and female Aussie cricketers, these books are a joy to read and are full of fun facts and advice about the game.

”Ocean and Sea” by Steve Parker This Scholastic publication is an absolute gem - with bright, stunning photographs and easy to follow information your children can learn about oceans all over the world, the animals that live in them and the people who depend on them. This gorgeous book is a must have and a great Christmas present idea.

“The Lady Grace Mysteries “ by Grace Cavendish Our fictional author Lady Grace Cavendish became a ward of the court after her parents tragically died in service to Queen Elizabeth I. Lady Grace is now Lady in Waiting to the Queen and as such has a front row seat to all the scandal and intrigue of court life. She simply loves a mystery, and these delightful stories, told in the first person, show Lady Grace getting into all sorts of scrapes to discover the truth. Suitable for ages 9-12 years.

The Book Grocer is an Australian, family-owned business which takes pride in the fact that all of their books are priced at $10 or less, both in-store and online. The books are of amazing quality and their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. There are Book Grocers all over Melbourne, but if you head to the store in Vogue Plaza before the end of January, all books are only $6 making it the perfect place to do your Christmas gift shopping. www.bookgrocer.com.au The Book Grocer, Vogue Plaza Shopping Centre, 670 Chapel St, South Yarra 47