Northside MamaMag Dec/Jan 2017

NORTHSIDE

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 Northside 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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Summer Flow This time last year I was preparing for a family wedding in India, also where I would see the first dawn of 2016. What an adventure that was to kick start a fast-paced year. I can hardly remember winter, now that the rays are upon us. So on reflection, I learnt how to do a Bollywood dance, attempted to navigate a Sari, evaded Delhi Belly and MC’d my little BIG Bro’s wedding.

And that was just in the first month of the year! We had a gorgeous Spring escape to Noosa and felt a bit of nostalgia on the Gold Coast, all adventures that I’ll share more about in 2017.

I lived out my life-long dream of a Kombi adventure at the inaugural Lost Lands Festival (book in it for next year peeps!). The festy was seriously a Nivana for families – they catered for everything, the kids were happy, freerange (in the wild, not chasing Pokémon but chasing their childhood) and in turn the parents were happier still. You don’t get much more joy than seeing your kids hearts bursting with happiness. Full of imagination and natural stimulation, blowing bubbles in paddocks and chasing each other until the sun comes down. I switched off the phone and wow did it feel good.

Mindfulness has beenon my mind a lot of late. I saw a great speaker, Hugh of the Resilience Project and some things he shared blew my mind. One thing that stuck out for me was the fact that adolescents today receive more information in one week, than we did in an entire year at their age. The moments of quiet and low-stimulation are less available, unless we actively seek them. So I hope you get to switch off a little this holiday season, feel the grass between your toes, mavel at the beauty of a sunset or just surrender to the moment. Learn to be still in a world that is forever moving, hold your ground. Embrace your passion. Harness your flow.

MamaMag will be going bi-monthly this year – giving us extra time to embrace the moment and make this little mag extra ace, just for you! Enjoy the ride and slow down, whenever the scenery is extra sweet. You may even need to stop to see it!

@localmamamag

WIN

Contents Jingle bells, Jimmy tells Chatting with Jimmy Giggle

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1 of 6 family passes to

Parklife 8 Victory Park, Ascot Vale Rainbows & unicorns Perfect party when Lotte turns 4

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Christmas crackers Fun things to do this December

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Fun for the whole family Hunting for activites

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

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Mama of the month Erin and Kirstin from Happy Hubbub

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Mama can cook Simple summery delights

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Ballerina movie WIN 1 of 10 movie packs

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All set for prep The role of a speech pathologist

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Summer skin Beauty tips to beat the heat

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Everything is Rozy Chatting with Rozalia Russian

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MamaMag is published bi-monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s North 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

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

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

Moonee Valley, Darebin, Moreland, Yarra and Banyule.

Thomas time All aboard for Sodor Island

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Best foot forward Getting school shoes right

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Swim safely this Summer Water safety tips

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MamaMag Dec/Jan 2017

Worth

$93 each!

Visit our Facebook page to enter

www.facebook.com/localmamamag 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

Colour & WIN 45 WIN tickets to A Day Out With Thomas The good things in life are free Talking about running

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

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Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Northside Editor: Kirsty Chick National Key Account Manager: Justine Whatmore: justine@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 VICTORY PARK, ASCOT VALE Corner Langs and Epsom Road There is something about this adventure style park and playground, we ALWAYS stay longer than intended as it is just so intricate and unique!

The kids can be the ‘kings and queens of the castle’ here as it is literally a big wooden castle complete with turrets, slides, ramps, stairs, hidey holes, sandpit, swings and much more. There is a good toddler section with a smaller slide and sandpit plus the bigger kids will love discovering the five other slides around their fortress.

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Mama’s lil’ tip: The majority of this playground is fenced in making it easier to keep track of the crew and Mamma says bright clothing is a good idea so you can see the little ones inside all the nooks and crannies of this structure. the nitty gritty BBQ - lots of free parking - lots of shade public toilets and kiosk at nearby swim centre.

River Garden Early Learning Centre 670 CHAPEL STREET

Guardian Early Learning Centre - Collins Street 101 COLLINS STREET

Guardian Early Learning Centre - Richmond 67-81 HODDLE STREET

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!

Carols in Queens Park

Sunday, 11 December. Queens Park, Moonee Ponds. Free children’s activities from 4.30pm, Carols Concert at 6.30pm. Celebrate the festive season with a free evening of carols and entertainment at this year’s Carols in Queens Park. Gather you family and friends, pack a picnic and get ready to sing along to your favourite songs.

Carols in All Nations

Saturday, 10 Dec, 6pm. All Nations Park, Separation Street, Northcote. It’s time to celebrate! Bring your best singing voice and celebrate Christmas with your community.

Carols in All Nations this year will be hosted

by Neda, featuring ARC Christmas Choir with Darebin City Brass, Bobby & The Pins and High Street Bells, plus great food and creative children’s activities!

Moreland Carols by the Lake

The Carols by the Lake 2016 program will be held on Saturday 10 December , 6-10pm at Coburg Lake Reserve, Murray Road, Coburg.

Pre-carols entertainment from 6 pm including roaming Christmas performers, children’s activities and the Salvation Army Moreland City Band Ensemble.

Banyule Carols by Candlelight

Sat 13 December, 6.30 - 9.30pm, 1 Flintoff Street (Opposite WaterMarc), Greensborough. Get into the holiday spirit and watch as Greensborough Town Square lights up with twinkling candlelight and cheerful voices! Be entertained

by The Australian Children’s Choir, Anna’s Go-Go Academy, The Kazoos, school choirs and roving performers.

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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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Fun for the whole family The hunt for quality activities to keep the kids entertained and occupied during the school holiday can become a monster task for any parent.

Summer holiday activities across Melbourne are far and wide, and not of them are necessarily suitable for all ages.

During the school holidays universal options are key, something that both children and parents can enjoy. While family adventures can take a hit on the back pocket over the summer holidays, there are plenty of cost effective options around, and Family Movies the Clocktower is one of them.

Local performing arts venue, the Clocktower Centre, has swapped the stage for the big screen and present a selection of classic films, and the family movies which have been held over the holidays have been very popular with past titles including The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Introducing kids to the films that parents had cherished when they were young is a great experience and memory to share. For many parents, it’s like watching their favourite children’s film for the first time again.

In 2017, the Clocktower Centre has catered for the summer holidays with Mulan and the ever popular Toy Story screening throughout January.

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Based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan and hailed as one of the most progressive ‘Disney Princess’ films, Mulan has been inspiring generations since its 1998 release.

And while computer- generated animated films are certainly nothing new for children in this day and age, Toy Story is one which has stood the test of time being the very first computeranimated film of its kind and also the very first film from the famed Pixar Animation Studios.

Other films on over during the term school holidays, include The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King and Mary Poppins.

At only $8 a ticket, do not think that the low ticket price has compromised on the quality of the cinema experience on offer. Movie snack favourites like popcorn and choc tops are available, and the comfortable theatre seats make for good viewing.

The Clocktower Centre also accommodates for access requirements including wheelchair spaces in the theatre, with companion seats or assistance available, easy access to all levels of the building, access to all areas for people with guide dogs and hearing induction loops in the theatre.

Tickets and more information for Family Movies at the Clocktower can be found online at clocktowercentre.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 9243 9191.

The Clocktower Centre is located at 750 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds.

FAMILY MOVIES

AT THE CLOCKTOWER Screening family favourites during the school holidays

MULAN (G)

Wednesday 18 January at 11am ALL T

ICKET

S

TOY STORY (G) Wednesday 25 January at 11am

For tickets and more information visit clocktowercentre.com.au or call 9243 9191

Clocktower Centre Alive with theatre, functions & events

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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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

Mister Maker ™ & © 2016 The Foundation. Licensed by Zodiak Rights Limited.

MAMA of the month In February 2016, Erin Richards and Kirstin Boyd launched Happy Hubbub, Australia’s first coworking space with an on-site childcare facility, in Preston. With these passionate and experienced Mamas at the helm, we think it’s only a matter of time before Happy Hubbub will be meeting the growing need for flexible work solutions for entrepreneurial parents all over Melbourne and beyond.

What was your background prior to creating Happy Hubbub?

My background is in book publishing. I was an editor at Lonely Planet when our first son, Arthur, came along in 2009. Lonely Planet was a great employer, allowing me a flexible return to work consisting of a job-share and workfrom-home hours. But after Reggie came along in 2011, it made financial sense to go freelance rather then return to work with two kids in childcare.

What sparked the inspiration behind the idea?

Freelancing with young children comes with its own set of challenges. Although the boys went to daycare two (and later three) days a week, it was difficult to find additional childcare when inevitable spikes in work came. I’d find myself becoming an irritable, ‘shouty mum’ if I tried to get work done on ‘their days’. I’d often end up burning the midnight oil because one or both boys hadn’t taken their daytime nap... or because I had napped with them!

Mid-2012, when Arthur and Reggie were 3 and 1, a fellow work-from-home mum was venting online: “I just wish I could go to a cafe or somewhere, open my laptop alongside other women, get some work done, and look out the window to see our children being looked after by a proper child carer. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

I immediately felt there was a business there, but couldn’t find anything of the sort in Australia. I kept thinking about it – even

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coming up with the name! – but it wasn’t until six months’ later, after ringing in the New Year, that I finally had the courage to tell my husband about my business idea. Bless him, instead of telling me why it couldn’t be done, he told me to go for it. So I started researching it more seriously, though I still struggled with self doubt, of the “why do I think I can do this?” variety.

How did you get over that ‘imposter syndrome’?

Little by little. In the beginning it was like I was doing a school project and – this may sound strange – I was kind of surprised when people took me seriously (e.g. when I ran the idea by the local council and they came back with helpful suggestions and statistics).

The more I worked on it, though, the more passionate I became about it, and the business plan took shape. At a networking event in 2014 it dawned on me that I was no longer saying things like, “I’m hoping to / I’m thinking about”.

When someone asked me why I was there; instead, I heard myself saying “I am going to open a coworking space with on-site childcare.’

I am going to. Somewhere along the way I started taking myself seriously, too.

By mid-2015 I had some investors on board and had found the premises, but we needed more capital. A friend introduced me to Kirstin Boyd, another local mum, and I sent her the business plan. She’d been in the childcare industry for 15 years and she’d just left her job as she and her partner, Jo, were planning to open their own

business, though they didn’t know exactly what yet. (One of their ideas had been a coworking space with childcare!) Two days later, Kirstin contacted me and said they were in – we now had the capital we needed and Kirstin came on board as the Childcare Director and co-director of the company.

Finding Kirstin was like finding the final piece of the puzzle, and Happy Hubbub opened in February 2016.

Have things changed from your initial concept as things rolled out?

Yes, definitely. This year we operated a limited hours service (aka occasional care), which meant members couldn’t access the Child Care Rebate (CCR) off our fees. This turned out to be a real financial barrier for many people who wanted to use the service. Also, we found some members would start out thinking a half-day was perfect but, once back in work mode they’d soon need longer than the limited hours we provided, so we’d end up waving goodbye as they’d head off to long daycare.

That’s why in 2017 we’re relaunching the childcare as a long daycare and half-day care service, which will give members access to the rebate and the ability to do a full day’s work with their children in our care. The response to the move has been fantastic, with enrolments for 2017 already nearing 50% occupancy.

What does the future hold for Happy Hubbub?

to by Moment Design

Kirstin and I are excited about the future for Happy Hubbub; 2016 has been a bit of a “suck it and see” year, but we’re confident we’ve hit on the right business model going forward. Long term, the vision is of a network of Hubbubs across Melbourne and, eventually, Australia.

And finally, where can we find you?

239A Murray Rd, Preston www.happyhubbub.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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27

all set for prep?

The role of a Speech Pathologist for families, schools and kids It’s that time of year when children are completing their final term of Kindergarten and beginning to prepare for the transition to Primary School. It’s an exciting and emotional time, and most parents admit to some concerns about how their child will settle into the new learning environment.

Speech Pathologists work closely with families during this time, as children and families prepare for the new demands of the coming year. Demand surges in Term 4 from families wanting to check that their child is as ready as possible for the new challenges awaiting them.

In some schools, Speech Pathologists form an integral part of the Prep Transition Program, helping teachers and families identity any children who may require additional support.

The role of a Speech Pathologist Some parents are surprised to hear that speech pathologists play a really important role in supporting students as they enter primary school – and also supporting staff to assist students in the school environment.

Speech Pathologists working in primary schools strive to support the work that teachers perform in the classroom, in order to see children achieve their full potential. Collaborating with teachers on goals and strategies for children needing extra help is a key part of this. Using in-class support, group therapy, or one-to-one intervention, we work to develop the speech and language skills of children from prep right through to the end of grade 6 (the fun doesn’t stop there, though! You will also find Speech Pathologists supporting students in high schools, too).

Speech pathologists are specialists in speech and language development – both of which are very important ingredients for success in 28

the classroom. Literacy, oral language, written expression, and comprehension are all areas in which speech pathologists can work with a late kindergarten or primary school child.

For example, if a child has trouble with producing speech sounds, this may impact on her ability to accurately sound-out and spell words. If a child has difficulty with his receptive language (i.e. understanding language), he may have trouble following the instructions given to him by his teacher.

Similarly, children with autism spectrum disorder have trouble with using language in a social way – making conversation, using jokes and idioms, negotiating, etc. – and speech pathologists can work with these children to help them better navigate the social side of school.

School Readiness Skills Although skills vary from child to child, at school entry age, children should have the following skills: • Most speech sound errors resolved, able to say ‘k’ ‘g’ ‘s’ and ‘l’ sounds • Speaks fluently; correctly uses plurals, pronouns, tenses • Interested in words and language; seeks knowledge • Understands and names opposites • Uses complex language, can retell stories • Able to clap syllables, identify starting sounds in words, and make rhymes • Follow 2 step instructions • Seeks to play rather than be alone; friends are important • Complex imaginative play emerging • May still need time to recognize and talk about complex emotions e.g. frustration • Will sit at the table for a short period • Colors within lines • Cuts and pastes simple shapes

Getting in early is key Most Speech Pathologists are able to offer “screening” sessions for students finishing kindergarten or entering Grade Prep, to check for any signs that further assessment or assistance might be required to help them thrive in the school environment. Term 4 is an ideal time to do this ahead of school entry, so there is still time to work on anything that comes up!

If you have a child beginning Foundation/ Prep in 2017, you may like to consider arranging a School Readiness Check. This will provide support for your child’s final term of kindergarten, identify if there are any areas to focus on, and help your child hit the ground running for the beginning of their Prep year.

By Dee Wardrop, Dee Wardrop Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy Services, Thornbury. www.deewardrop.com.au

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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 a 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 it’s 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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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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35

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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“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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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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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 189 Somerville Rd, Yarraville 444 Clarendon St, South Melbourne

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Building better futures for children with disabilities

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Swim safely this summer If just one activity was to represent summer in Australia, it would be swimming. Hot days spent at the beach or river, games of Marco Polo in the backyard and birthday parties at the community pool are all a part of our quintessential Aussie summer.

Preparing our kids to navigate a hot summer safely, is one of the many gifts a parent or grandparent can bestow upon a child. It provides a certain freedom that can teach confidence and independence, whilst reducing the likelihood of our loved ones becoming a tragic statistic.

Heartbreakingly, 50 children under the age of 16 drown each year in Australia, with most deaths occurring to toddlers under the age of 5 years.

According to research conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society, many of these deaths could have been prevented, with formal swimming lessons such as their tailor made Swim and Survive Pathway Program, said to reduce the risk of a toddler drowning by up to 88%.

Not only does enrolling your child in an accredited Learn to Swim program benefit the child with his or her swimming ability, swimming is lots of fun and provides plenty of health benefits, including, keeping the heart and lungs healthy, improving strength and flexibility, increasing stamina and improving balance and posture.

Swimming lessons also benefit children via challenges and through the rewarding of their accomplishments as they progress through the

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swimming levels, assisting with self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Swimming is also a social activity, they will make friends, have fun, and grow in confidence.

Once your child gains confidence with their swimming, they can participate in many more activities with the family, friends or on their own. Some of these additional activities include: surfing, canoeing and kayaking, sailing, triathlons, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Once learnt, swimming is a skill that is rarely forgotten and not only will it mean more fun for your child, it may very well save their life or save the life of another person one day.

Four water safety tips for this summer: 1. Water safety begins with you. Be within arm’s reach when your family is in, on, or around any water.

2. Regardless of swimming ability, no person is drown proof. Ensure that there is adequate supervision at all times when your family is around water.

3. Young children are fascinated by and attracted to water. Recognise or eliminate potential water dangers around your home.

These could include fish ponds, bathtubs, toilets, nappy buckets, swimming pools or spas.

4. Water is everywhere and it’s not always clear, clean and heated water. Learn water safety knowledge and personal survival skills for the beach, river, lake and even for pools at home or at someone else’s house.

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: 45 45

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 Hampton, South Melbourne and CBD. www.runstopshop.com.au

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Alcohol free event

6.30 to 10.30pm Sat 31 Dec 2016 Fireworks spectacle starts at 9.30pm.

All the excitement without the late night! FREE family friendly event.

Live entertainment, carnival games and rides, food truck court and much more.

The event is for the whole family but for their own safety, please leave your dog at home. #myfestivalcity.com.au for more information visit

festivalcity.com.au