Westside MamaMag Oct/Nov 2020

WESTSIDE

mamamAg Oct/Nov 2020

WIN 1 OF 5 $1OO FEATHER & NOISE GIFT VOUCHERS Fabulous fashion A hero born Eat for your skin Polished women Hack your happiness

free Local fun for the Westside mum 1

QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION

GROWTH THROUGH EDUCATION AND CARE LET YOUR CHILD’S EARLY LEARNING STORY BEGIN WITH US

• Nutritious meals • Individualised

learning programs

• Qualified and

experienced educators

• Tailored learning and KEILOR DOWNS 7 Copernicus Way Keilor Downs VIC 3038 Ph 03 9366 4380 keilordowns@shel.edu.au

TARNEIT 414 Derrimut Road Tarneit VIC 3029 Ph 03 9749 6300 tarneit@shel.edu.au

1300 786 794 www.shel.edu.au

curriculum for each age

• Indoor and outdoor

play based experiences

• Safe and fun learning environments

Are we there yet?

I remember back in March, when the government locked us down for a few weeks, thinking “gosh, I hope this doesn’t last too long”. My head wanted it to be over ASAP but my heart knew, based on the reports I was getting from my step mum in Italy, that this pesky virus was not going to go lightly. Whilst working and schooling from home has become normal, it wasn’t until last night when I was going through my phone looking for images to include on this page, that it dawned upon me just how long it had been and that I had no recent images of my kids. We simply haven’t done anything photo worthy. It’s sad really, but when you’re locked in your house most of the day it’s pretty uninspiring.

As we creep ever so close to the end of the school holidays, I dwell on the fact my kids have seen more of their bedroom walls than I’d like to admit. The recent news of primary school kids going back on Oct 12 has certainly brought much joy to our house. My son is in Grade 6 and missing such a special final year of his primary schooling with a great cohort of kids, most who will go off in other directions next year.

But the last two months since I’ve chatted to you hasn’t been all doom and gloom. We celebrated our last family iso-birthday, mine, with lots of flowers, cake, Gorman and sushi, and I was lucky enough to get a glorious warm sunny day of which I spent my ‘hour out’ enjoying walking the dog. Dog walking has now become dog running as I realise just how much I’ve let myself go in iso with the dreaded corona-curves taking shape. I’ve cut back on all the nasties and taken on a really clean eating plan, added in running 3 times a week and just made sure to give myself some self-love. I’d down 6kg already and my energy and mental health is the best it’s been all year.

We chat all things beauty and fashion this issue and it’s a great time to think about your health and maybe treat yourself to some new self-care routines, be it exercise, skin care or just a new outfit for when we finally drag ourselves out of the active wear to see people in person!

Sarah Cavalier Editor - MamaMag @thecavaliermama

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Local fun for everyone • Northside • Eastside • Southside • Westside

WIN

Contents Eat for your skin

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Jessica Sepel shares her tips

Polished women

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Two mums supporting the Polished Man campaign

You beauty

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Our top picks of Aussie beauty products

Sleep and rest

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The role in children’s development

A pawsome mum

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Nat Asseraf from Gummi Pets

The value of play

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The Australian Toy Association

Melbourne’s fab fashion

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Meet some of our favourite local designers

Mama can cook

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Natural delights from Maddy Dixon’s new book

Time for family fun

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There is so much on offer at Paradise Resort

Existing in iso

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Rebecca Klodinsky from IIXIIST

Parklife

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Edwards Reserve (the frog park), South Kingsville

All eyes on you

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Should kids wear sunglasses?

Women on influence

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Fab Insta mums share their fashion and beauty picks

An absolute business mum

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Stay creative with 6 great tips

Hack your happiness

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Bring more happiness into your day

Grab a little quiet time

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Why it’s important to consume collage

Turn the page

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New book picks for kids and adults

Write your escape

48

Have you taken up writing in iso?

Subscribe to MamaMag Partnering with parents

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The importance in early learning

Lockdown luxury

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It’s time for some self-care

The rise of allergies

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A dad and doctor’s story

A hero born

Entries are open to VIC & NSW residents only.

Competition starts Oct 1st 12.01am and closes Nov 30th 2020 at 11.59pm.

Visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.

www.mamamag.com.au/featherandnoise

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Ausmumpreneur winner Elle Likopoulos

Everyday style

WIN 1 of 5 Feather & Noise $100 Gift Vouchers

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MamaMag is designed and published free for mums and families by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au | www.grizzledesign.com.au

Westside MamaMag is bi-monthly mag for Melbourne’s West. You can read all our issues online: Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside.

Editor in Chief/Creative Director: Sarah Cavalier: sarah@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries contact: Olivia Wilson: olivia@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@mamamag.com.au

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Reuben Cullen’s new book The laws have changed. Are you ready?

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers.

MamaMag Oct/Nov 2020

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.

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5

EAT FOR YOUR SKIN As a nutritionist, I’ve always believed in the powerful connection between our skin’s health and our gut health. Your digestion plays an important role in the appearance of your skin.

You see, you’re not what you eat; you’re what you digest and absorb. The gut is the cornerstone of good health. In fact, it’s where 70 to 80 per cent of the immune system lies.

When your gut is functioning optimally, you will notice better energy, skin, mood and immune function. It is really important to take care of your gut health.

On the flipside, if your digestive system is sluggish, you may experience constipation, diarrhea, bloating, hormonal imbalance, skin issues and more. Yes, it’s true that what’s happening on the inside will be reflected on the outside.

Here is a short summary to help you understand why digestion plays a key role in your skin’s health: Helps you absorb nutrients: The absorption of nutrients is an essential factor in maintaining healthy skin. If your gut isn’t functioning optimally, it can’t absorb the vital nutrients your skin needs to thrive.

Clears toxic build up: The gut helps to eliminate toxins, so if your digestive system is compromised, you may not be eliminating toxins as effectively. A poorly functioning gut can re-absorb these toxins, which can show up in your skin – leading to blemishes, pimples, acne and other common skin conditions.

Reduces inflammation: If your gut flora is imbalanced (officially called dysbiosis), it can cause leaky gut and inflammation.

This can lead to an immune reaction in the body, which results in redness, swelling and breakouts of the skin. There’s research that shows how our gut microbiome is linked to acne. A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that a disrupted gut barrier is linked to inflammation, which can influence acne.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to boost your gut health and thereby improve your skin and complexion.

Here are a few tips to help you: Eat real food I simply can’t emphasize this enough.

Stick to good-quality proteins, healthy fats, plenty of greens, veggies, nuts, seeds and pulses. Eliminate processed, packaged and convenience foods, and steer clear of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Optimise digestive enzymes Having good amounts of hydrochloric acid in the stomach helps to break down food, thereby aiding digestion. I recommend sipping on two litres of water with a dash of apple cider vinegar throughout the day.

Supplement To support your gut, I recommend taking a probiotic under the guidance of a medical practitioner. I also recommend trying our Skin + Digestion.

Enjoy probiotic-rich foods Fermented foods, such as kombucha, sauerkraut and kefir, are great for the gut and reduce inflammation, support digestion and enhance metabolism.

Stay hydrated Each day, aim to drink two litres of water.

This can be aided by enjoying some herbal tea and putting two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into your water bottle to sip throughout the day.

Eat healthy fats Foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the building blocks of cell membranes, which means they’re essential for healthy skin. Foods such as oily fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, eggs and olive oil have fatty acids that nourish the skin and are important for a radiant, soft complexion.

By Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth.

You can find plenty more informative articles, nutrition guides and also get access to a nutritionist in your pocket with the JSHealth App. You can download the app on iTunes. jessicasepel.com

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PolIshed women It shouldn’t hurt to be a child, but unfortunately for some, it does.

Devastating facts show that one child dies every 5 minutes as a result of violence. Due to the current climate, many families are forced to stay home and sadly, as a direct result of this, the number of family violence cases has doubled. Heartbreaking for all to comprehend, but the reason that Polished Man exists.

Getting behind this initiative is a bunch of wonderful Australian men and women showing their support to help end violence against children. Two of these lovely people are none other than Melbourne’s queen of confidence, presenter and mum of four, Emmylou MacCarthy and the self-confessed fun mum and prankster wife, most recently spotted on Big Brother, Zoe George.

Emmylou, firstly tell us a bit about yourself and your gorgeous family.

I live in Melbourne with my three kids, my partner Aaron and our two beautiful cavoodles!

I’m in my fourth year of being an Executive Producer of my TV series, Emmylou Loves and I’ve also just celebrated a second year of being the director of my company Elephant Dinner.

Aaron (or affectionately known as Alove to my community) is a full-time dad while I work fulltime, which isn’t always seen as conventional but it works for us. The most important thing is that our kids are happy and the house is harmonious, so we consider ourselves very fortunate to have found a routine that suits everyone.

What inspired you to get involved in the Polished Man campaign this year?

For me, it’s important to get as many people talking about the issue of violence against children as possible. Whether it’s high profile people in my network or smaller, close-knit communities around me. It’s vital to 8

start the conversation and I want to facilitate that as much as possible. The more we talk about it, the more we are standing up and saying that violence against children is unacceptable. The Polished Man campaign shines a spotlight onto the cause and I am so inspired by the work being done to raise money that I was delighted to return to the team this year.

Painting a fingernail blue is certainly far from some of the crazy fashion stunts you’ve pulled to promote confidence. What’s the wildest thing you’ve done?

If I had to guess, I’d say you’re probably talking about the time I stood in the middle of Bourke Street in pink lingerie, right?! To some people I guess that was seen as pretty wild, but for me it was more about art. I view these types of photo shoots through a lens of fashion and beauty, and see myself as someone who is creating something inspiring. Not everyone will love it! But that’s the whole point. I’m trying to get a conversation going.

I guess you could also say my skydiving days were pretty wild, considering that I regularly jumped out of a planes, sometimes in the nude!

Obviously being a mum makes this cause especially relevant to you. What’s your favourite thing about being a parent?

Wow. That’s tough to answer! I guess it’s learning how to see the world through their eyes. Kids are so innocent, and I love the way they can look at an “adult” problem and simplify it. I have learnt so much about myself by listening to my kids. It’s just an honour to bear witness to how they live their lives every day.

In this issue we’re talking all things fashion and beauty. Tell us a little bit about running your own fashion label.

It’s hard! Full stop! I probably see my label as something more along the lines of merchandise for my community rather than a being a fully fledged “fashion label”. I’m learning that it takes a lot of patience, particularly in the current climate. It’s also about putting your ego aside and listening to your loyal customers. I have so many brands that I look up to, and as much as I’d love to follow in their footsteps and create a range of exclusive prints or send models down a runway, I’ve learnt that for now I really need to listen to my customer. It’s about delivering what they want. In saying that, I’m also excited to be investing in some exclusive prints this season.

What are your everyday go-to beauty products that you can’t live without?

Firstly, I will never be without a good cleanser.

It’s also vital to wear sunscreen and to make sure it’s the right type for your face. Sure, you can buy products to help correct inflammation, oil production and hydration levels, but once you’ve got sun damaged skin it’s very hard to reverse!

I love a mix of high-end and supermarket products and it’s all about shopping around for your skin type and combining that with wherever your budget is at.

And finally, what fabulous new things can we expect from Emmylou moving forward?

I really think that the way this year has gone, it’s important for me to understand the landscape a bit more before I commit to projects in 2021.

At the end of this year I will sit back and take stock, and try to understand what my community looks like and what the world around me looks like. That way I will be able to create satisfying and fulfilling projects in the future. I’ve got my cooking show in the works and my cookbook coming out at the end of October. So for now, I’m just happy to see how these play out and then focus on getting my family settled into the new normal.

Zoe, you’re known online as the subtle mummy, but the truth is you’re anything but! Tell us about your little family and your role as a fun mum.

I’m a mum of two, Ari is 6 and Ambrosia is 4.

Then there’s the star of the show, my husband Robert, who is quite often the brunt of my pranks and makes for a lot of entertainment.

I love being silly and fun and I can’t imagine changing any time soon. It’s what people love about me most.

How have the recent stage 4 Melbourne restrictions been for your family?

The recent restrictions weren’t that bad for us actually. I loosened the reigns a lot and Rob took over Ari’s schooling as they wake up and head straight to the study leaving Ambrosia and myself to hang out all day while I get my work done sporadically too. The first round I was hovering over him and I couldn’t get anything done for myself. It wasn’t fun.

We all miss our friends and family though and poor little Ambrosia has missed a lot of her kinder experience.

You’re known to be quite the prankster, especially to your husband. What’s the funniest trick you’ve played on him lately?

I think the hot chilli sauce never gets old. I just have to space them out so he keeps falling for them. Oh and we mustn’t forget the air horn I bought. That was so fun to scare him with.

In this issue of MamaMag we’re talking all things fashion and beauty. What are your favourite local fashion brands and go-to beauty products?

What inspired you to get involved in the Polished Man campaign?

I’ve always just donated in the past but this year I was asked to be an ambassador and I think it’s a great cause. We need to be using our platforms to support charities when we can.

You spent quite a bit of time away from your two kids while filming Big Brother in Sydney.

What was the hardest part of being away from them?

This is easy! The support, the cuddles and even just hearing their little voices. It really is a pressure cooker in there and when I didn’t feel supported, or I’d had a squabble, I found myself wondering if it was worth it. In the real world they support me unconditionally and I know no matter who has upset me, those two are so in tune with me and my emotions.

They come and give cuddles and it makes everything more bearable. Same with Rob, and not having them there to support me when I was feeling down was really tough. I remember saying to producers one time when I was upset “why am I here? When I have real people in the real world who love and support me unconditionally”.

What was the most rewarding part of being a part of the show?

The accomplishments!! Being selected, winning two challenges in a row (and knowing I could’ve had the last one too). Making new friends. We became like a little family in there, a dysfunctional one, but definitely a bond that won’t be broken.

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Gosh, fashion and beauty are my jam! I could go on forever. Even though fashion for me at the moment is loungewear and pjs I have something really exciting planned with TSID, so you will have to keep your eyes peeled for that.

Also a fellow mummy blogger of mine Cat Sanz has been encouraging everyone to “wear their wardrobe” so I’ve been doing that. Basically you find something you haven’t worn in ages and make it work.

Beauty, I would have to say the derma razor has been my best friend with my IPL clinic shut at the moment. It de-fluffs you and is like a mini facial all in one. I’m obsessed with Dokimon moisturiser and I’d say my makeup is an even split between a Greek brand called Erre Due and the MCO beauty range I’ve just started working with. They’ve really surprised me with their products.

And finally what can we expect next from Zoe George, the subtle mummy?

Zoe always has something up her sleeve.

However it is all TOP SECRET. I’m always scared of things falling through so I don’t share too much until it’s finished. There are three very exciting projects though and all so completely different. As well as lots more pranks. You’ll have to follow my socials and see. (@thesubtlemummy).

This October will see the sixth year of the social impact mission to reduce violence against children. Raising over $6 million to date for trauma prevention and recovery programs for children at risk of violence.

Find out more at polishedman.com

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13

sleep and rest Sleep and rest play an important role in any child’s development. Sleep allows a child’s mind and body to rest and recover and helps support their mental and physical development.

For many parents of babies and toddlers, creating good sleep associations and routines can be a tricky, daunting prospect and support can be hard to find.

Whether it be reading your baby’s cues, sleep settling and infant development, as well as the circle of security, primary caregiving and the health and wellbeing of babies in a caring and safe environment, knowing that there is support available can be a comforting relief.

Sleep and rest in an early years and education setting In the early years and education settings, with routines being a daily focus, there is an opportunity to build a strong bond between educator and child, and the essential support to achieve the lifelong benefits associated with quality infant sleep and rest.

Providing a calm, engaging and supportive environment where educators can flourish and focus on the individual child settling down to sleep, provides the children with the home like environment, mimicking the parent to child interaction.

Educators and families learn the skills together to enhance the sleep and the settling of children. Families are provided with the comfort and reassurance that their child is in a safe environment; supporting their child’s emotional needs and being able to provide a secure attachment helps reduce the stress level of parents and children.

A baby’s sleep cycle When babies are in a deep sleep they do not flinch, but instead are very relaxed and sound asleep. Like adults, babies move between active sleep and quiet sleep. Active sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) displays movement of the face and eyes under the lids, twitching, jerkiness and even making little sounds.

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Quiet sleep (non-Rapid Eye Movement) displays lack of facial or eye movement and bursts of sucking movements, (deep sleep).

A key difference between a baby’s sleep cycle and that of an adult is the sleep time - a baby’s normal sleep cycle is 20-45 minutes compared to an adult’s sleep cycle of 90-120-minutes and for the most part, babies cannot join one sleep cycle to the next.

The key to supporting babies to sleep is be guided by your baby; as soon as they display these tired signs prepare them for sleep.

Many babies will fall asleep anywhere and won’t require a darkened room. Quiet background sounds such as white noise can help infants relax and drift off to sleep.

Signs to look out for when your child is tired: Blank gaze, pale face, jerky movements, reddened eyebrows and around the eyes, grizzling and hiccups and finally yawning

Infant cues Infant cues are the key to communicating with your infant. Recognising their cues will assist you with their needs. Babies will display both engaging and disengaging cues, and individual infants will have different cues for different things. Some tips include: • Learn their cues for eating, sleeping, hunger and much more.

• Babies are more likely to respond at certain times depending on what cues they are displaying.

• Engage and listen to your baby as they communicate through their behaviour, such as making eye contact, or gazing at you • When babies need to be changed, they become restless, push you away, arch their back, displaying disengaging cues.

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• Specialist classes including physical education, Spanish language, yoga and music.

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A PAWESOME MUM There is no denying that pets are the biggest winners in this global pandemic. Dogs in particular are getting more cuddles and walks than ever before and making isolation just that little bit better. Pets have long been associated with good mental health and wellbeing and for Melbourne mum Nat Asseraf, her Cavalier King Charles Wally has truly unlocked her understanding of the unique relationship between humans and dogs. A final gift to her children from her late father Monty, their dog Wally has been a fundamental part of helping Nat work through the grief of losing her father and has given her the strength and determination to continue his legacy and take his company Gummi Pet Products into a new contemporary direction.

First of all, tell us a little bit about your family.

I am luckily enough to be married to my high school sweetheart Paul. We have been together since we were 17 (despite a few dramatic breakups in our early 20’s)! Who doesn’t love a bit of drama in their 20’s. After finally settling down and getting married we soon after welcomed our daughter Amielle into our life.

She is now 13 and has played a big part in the relaunch of the business. As all mums would know a 13-year-old is very happy to offer an opinion. My youngest is Remy he is nine years old and in between playing Fortnite and basketball he is always happy to offer a helping hand with the business. My baby of the family is Wally, my Cavalier fur-baby love of my life.

Gummi is a family business that your Dad started 15 years ago. How did he get into pet products in the beginning?

My dad was a jeweller by trade for over 20 years. He decided that he wanted to expand into new territory and started a promotions business specialising in rubber products.

Drawing on his skills as a jeweller he saw a gap in the market for rubber based pet collars and leads and then developed a range of rubber pet accessories. This is where the name Gummi came from (it means ‘rubber’ in several languages). My dad was very passionate about the concept and was very persistent in his sales approach. The market really took to the concept and over the 15 years that he ran the business the range expanded to various categories and was stocked nationwide in all the major pet retailers.

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After working with your dad at Gummi for in the early days, and juggling two kids, you moved away for a while to a more fashion focussed career?

I have always loved fashion, ever since I was a little girl. My mum was always particular on how we dressed. So, I think that instilled in me the love for fashion, clothing and quality. I pursued this passion and worked with several fashion businesses over the course of my career, really enforcing the business acumen that came with industry. Once I had Remy, I knew I needed a business that would allow me flexibility to be a working mum on my own terms, so I converted a studio space in our home into a fashion styling studio. It was called Exterior, I started the business reaching out to my immediate circle of friends and family and then it expanded purely by word of mouth.

Losing a family member is just devastating but having Wally with you and the kids must be such a wonderful gift to remind you of him. How did this strengthen your desire to continue his legacy of Gummi.

My dad was a big part of our lives, he was a very involved father and grandfather, so losing him has definitely left a big hole in our lives, I saw Gummi as a way of filling that loss. It felt very natural to take over the business and having Wally as the muse of the brand, there was no hesitation, it seemed to be like my father was giving me his blessing to hand over the reins. Wally has been an intrinsic part of our healing process; he offers unconditional love and the best cuddles when feeling a bit down and teary.

Your recent photoshoot for the new range has some seriously cute dogs in it, including the handsome Wally. What was it like coordinating 8 dogs at once?

Let’s just say lots of treats and peanut butter.

What can we expect from the new brand direction for Gummi.

Our first range is called “Parkward Bound”, a collection that is vibrant and colourful and speaks positivity. The focus has been on the main elements of Wally’s life, Eat, Play, Walk. We are not shy to play with bold colour, positive sentiments and applying a female fashion focus to the collection. Gummi as a brand represents so much more than just product and I can’t wait for the market to be a part of the journey and conversation that will unfold.

Speaking of brands, what are some of your favourite Australian fashion brands?

I love supporting local brands, this year my fashion choices have changed a lot with lockdown, it seems I have swapped my silk shirts and denim for cotton tee’s and fashionable sweats, so lots of online deliveries from Bassike, Camila & Marc and active wear ordered from Stylerunner.

What would we see you doing on a weekend with the kids normally when we’re not in lockdown?

I would normally be racing between kids Saturday morning netball and basketball competitions, Sunday morning footy and somewhere in between sport and playdates, catching up with friends over a beautiful dinner and a G&T, oh how I miss those days.

And finally, where can we find Gummi?

Part of our relaunch strategy was to work with companies that we could establish positive business partnerships with. It was a very important decision on where the collection was being placed so we are really excited to be launching nationwide into David Jones, Best Friends, My Pet Warehouse and Pethouse.

We will be working with our longstanding independent pet retailers and be a part of their retail recovery.

In addition you the collection will be featured our newly relaunched website gummipets.com or at our exciting popup retail space 537 Hight Street, Prahran where we are welcoming every woman and their dog into the space.

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the value of Play Toys are a vital part of play as they spark ideas and inspire children to play and learn.

The Value of Play is an important message from the Australian Toy Association and its members as it supports children’s social, emotional and intellectual development.

In 2003 the original Value of Play Campaign was developed in the UK to encourage and promote the benefits of play for children. They associated play with cognitive development, fitness, confidence, abilities, imagination and much more.

The Australian Toy Association (ATA) in partnership and through the licensing of the Genius of Play program from the US Toy Association, relaunched its own Value of Play in 2019 for Australian Families and included a new look, standalone website as well as social media sites.

The ATA believes play is serious business and we are equally committed to promoting safe, educational and most importantly, fun play opportunities among children of all ages.

“Without play we believe that kids may not learn the skills they need for a happy and capable adult hood�

This resource has been widely accepted throughout Australia and in recent times, the Value of Play website has seen a large increase in traffic, especially during both the initial COVID-19 national lockdown and more recently the Victorian lockdown imposed over the past few months We are immensely pleased that families were able to use this resource at a time when children were unable to socialise with friends both at school and other activities but on the upside, could spend more time interacting with family.

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The parental role in encouraging and supporting play and helping children develop strong social and emotional skills is now well recognised. The Value of Play has been of enormous assistance in achieving balance and offering ideas to assist children make sense of what is going on in their world while continuing to enjoy a laugh and quality time as a family.

Parents can assist children by looking for ways to make play part of each day. Play can be educational, it can be creative, it can be musical, or it can be active. But first and foremost, play is fun.

Creative play allows children to express themselves. This could be by drawing, painting, singing, playing music, making a cubby under the kitchen table, building sandcastles at the beach or constructing things out of recycled boxes and cartons and a roll of tape.

Dramatic play is where children designate roles or act out situations, they may see in daily life such as playing doctors and nurses with their teddies or dolls. This may extend to imaginary play where children pretend, they are fairies, dragons or astronauts in space.

Active play includes anything that gets us moving. Active play is dancing around the living room, throwing a ball, riding a bike, climbing trees, playing at the playground, or a game of organised sport.

There is no age limit on play. When children are engaged in play with their parents, grandparents or other carers they feel safe and loved and all will enjoy the experience and the joy of play. Let the children take the lead and make the rules and decisions about play and observe, listen and remain open-minded. You will see how children use their creativity and imagination to invent games and play with toys in new ways.

They love to draw, create and build things, they also love to hear stories and read together and talk about what may happen next. Around this age children start to play together and may organise games amongst themselves. This is important for communication with others and developing empathy. Put together a collection of dress ups with old clothes and other props for them to play with. Set out a board game to play with friends and family.

For your babies, you are the best toy. Talk to them, sing with them, dance around the living room, play peekaboo, read together. Choose toys that respond when your baby interacts with them such as rattles, squeaky toys or shakers. Make sure these are safe for babies with no small or loose parts. Choosing the right toys for your child is essential.

Just as play can mean different things to different people, the types of toys that will inspire play is limitless.

The safety of any product for children is of the upmost importance for the industry and we continue to voice that through our communications.

For Toddlers, understand they are interested in how things work. They will explore any object within reach, banging, shaking and dropping them to see what happens. They enjoy interactive play such as puzzles or scooping and pouring toys for the bath or sandpit. They will have fun stacking and kicking over blocks or soft bricks Pre-schoolers also love to know how things work and how to solve problems and predict what happens.

From 6 months to 2 years: kids love building blocks. stacking and nesting toys, books, mirrors, musical toys and rattles.

From 2 to 6 years: Dolls and figurines, play dough, art supplies including old cardboard boxes and glue. Natural materials including leaves, sticks and flowers, puzzles, balls, bikes and scooters. Bucket and spade for the sandpit.

6 to 12 years: Bikes and scooters, skipping ropes, playing cards and board games. Sports equipment For Families: Traditional board games and card games, books, musical instruments or a karaoke set or a frisbee, footy or soccer ball to kick in the backyard or local oval.

Play is an important part of a child’s early development. Playing helps young children’s brains to develop and for their language and communication skills to mature. We know from studies that free play is important.

The Value Of Play website offers guidance to parents and professionals on all matters, including fun play ideas for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. www.valueofplay.com.au You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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MELBOURNE’S FAB FASHION We know Melbourne is number one for fashion and there’s never been a better time to support local home grown businesses. With online shopping so strong, let’s get behind these local fashion brands run by awesome Melbourne mums...

Mini and me - Branche Did someone say, “Mum & Mini monogrammed denim?” Melbourne mum of two Angela is the owner of Melbourne fashion brand Branche. Her range of stylish, comfortable, and practical collections for women and girls has been catching the eye of many stylish mamas and has taken everything from totes to T’s to the next level!

All truly unique products are created and finished in Australia, and bring a little Matchy Matchy heaven into your life! We just adore these jackets!!

Awesome tees and sweaters - Kind is Cool Amber is the Melbourne mum of two behind the brand Kind is Cool.

T’s made with love to inspire people to be kind! Doesn’t get better than that! This thoughtful brand has partnered with Bully Zero and gives $2 from each item purchased to support people affected by bullying which just gives us all the feels. Amber wants to make sure Kind is Cool is kind to the planet and well as humans, so all products are ethically sourced. We love the whole collection, but if we had to pick, we’d choose a handful of these, so the whole fam can spread the message!

Activewear - Mama Movement Mama Movement is the new activewear brand in town created to encourage body positivity in all us gals. The Mama Movement is on a mission to spread the message that a strong and healthy body can come in different yet beautiful shapes and sizes! Creator Faye has not only designed comfortable and practical pieces, she has whipped up matching outfits for Mama and child which are just the sweetest. If all that hasn’t got you hooked, all garments are made from recycled materials including umpteen plastic bottles… another fantastic reason to join the Mama Movement. The organic cotton matching leggings for mama and baby are the cutest!

Fabulous jackets - Ownsit!

Anna Owens is the founder and designer of Ownsit! A mama of two with a passion for women’s rights and background in social work and criminal justice. Anna is a colour crazy, creativity enthusiast, which is certainly highlighted in her amazing bright jackets featuring awesome prints by many local designers. This beauty, called the Good Times jacket, has just been restocked! You can also grab some cute tees, colourful accessories and stunning face masks too!

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Every day fashion - Feather & Noise The beautiful collections from Feather & Noise speak of the years of passion, experience, dedication, and extensive knowledge of brand owner Alison. F&N brings some of the most stylish and affordable trends to the marketplace at really affordable prices.

Shop for wardrobe essentials to everyday accessories all in the one place. We particularly love their gorgeous playsuits, perfect for the warmer weather that’s on its way and the stunning leopard print brogues a must for all Melbourne mama’s.

Shoes from bub to mum - Fawn & Finch Stay at home mum Meagan has made it her mission to create somewhere for parents to shop for their children that would have them covered from ‘top to toe’. Think beautiful pieces in staple colours and simple items for children and adults that can be worn with multiple outfits, therefore giving you the best value for money. Fawn & Finch’s delectable collection of children’s shoes are to die for. Designed by Meagan herself, our faves have got to be these soft leather, gold booties!

Lounge and sleepwear - Cachia The Cachia range of sleepwear has garnered a bit of a cult following since its launch in 2017, not to mention over 120k Insta followers, all thanks to its co-founder mums @sophiecachia_ and @leahbetts_. Melbourne lockdown has no doubt added a healthy boost to their sales whilst everyone “lounged’’ around at home, but with the changing of the seasons, it’s still a great time to treat yourself to some new jammies or comfy home-wear.

Shoe style - Lana Wilkinson Lana Wilkinson, a Melbourne mum of two gorgeous girls, is Australia’s leading fashion stylist, with a celebrity clientele that includes Megan Gale, Rebecca Judd, Ruby Rose, Zoe Foster Blake, Anna Heinrich, Elyse Knowles, Rachael Finch and Nat Bass. Building on this love of fashion and a desire to design, she’s launched a stunning shoe range. Her mission is to create contemporary, statement making shoes that can be accessible to every woman, and she’s named the styles after her well known mates! The brand focuses on occasion dressing which means that every woman can have a piece of Lana’s renowned style at home in their own wardrobe.

Mum essentials - Style Me Over @melinabagnato created Style Me Over to help women to feel beautiful and confident within themselves and express it through their style with her range of gorgeous everyday pieces. Style Me Over has grown into a holistic fashion experience offering tailored services such as personal shopping, group style sessions, makeovers, workshops and more. Mama is totally loving the new ‘Negroni’ print, especially the wide leg trousers, and we can’t wait till we can get back into her store in Oakleigh to try on some more of the Summer range. Melina also models all her pieces herself and is never without her signature bright lips!

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mama can Cook!

The kitchen can be used for more than just cooking food. It’s time to run a bath and take a moment out with these gorgeous natural recipes.

Rose-vanilla bath melts These bath melts give you a nourishing alternative to conventional body moisturisers, and they smell divine. You’ll get 10 bath melts from this recipe, so if you prefer less, then just halve the amounts.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dried rose petals 1 vanilla bean (chopped into small sections) ½ cup shea butter 2 drops rose essential oil To make: Grind the rose petals and vanilla bean together in a mortar and pestle to create a fine powder. Alternatively, you could use a coffee grinder.

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Melt the shea butter in a saucepan over a very low heat while stirring in the rose and vanilla powder.

Remove from the heat as soon as it’s melted and combined, and stir in the rose essential oil.

Pour into small silicone moulds and let them set in the fridge or freezer. Once set, remove from the moulds and store in a container in your fridge.

To use: Place one bath melt in the water as the tub is filling up. Feel free to rub the bath melt over your body if it hasn’t melted by the time you get in the bath.

Use as often as you’d like.

Ultimate flower bath salts For an instant detox that also helps with water retention I’ll always vouch for the benefits of a Himalayan salt bath. It has a wonderful detoxing effect on the body and skin.

I must say, though, it can get a little boring.

That’s why this recipe calls for flowers. It totally transforms the experience and makes me feel a bit like a fairy goddess, if I’m being honest. You need a lot of salt to really get the benefits here – this recipe makes enough for just one bath – so I recommend shopping at a bulk ingredient or health store, where you can pick things up relatively cheaply. As for the flowers, you can use fresh or dried, or a combination of both. This is my favourite thing to do with a bunch of flowers that aren’t quite good enough to sit in a vase anymore.

To make: If you’re using dried flowers, mix the salt and flowers together with your hands, bruising the flowers and allowing the salt to be infused by their aroma. Add the mixture to the bath as you fill it.

If you’re using fresh flowers, add the salt to the bath as you are filling it and sprinkle the flowers on top of the water after it’s filled.

To use: Hop in your bath and enjoy for at least 20 minutes.

Use as often as you’d like.

Ingredients

3½ cups pink Himalayan salt 1 cup marigold petals 1 cup rose petals 1 cup lavender flowers Option: If you have any favourite fragrant flowers, you can add them too!

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This is an edited extract from The Botanical Beauty Hunter by Maddy Dixon, published by Hardie Grant Books.

Berry enzyme mask For an extra exfoliating boost.

I’m always using berries for beauty. Not only are they great for our health and full of vitamin C, strawberries even whiten our teeth! I also love recipes that use up food that is no longer fresh enough to eat, as I hate waste.

The alpha-hydroxy acids in berries help exfoliate dead dry skin off your face, and the lactic acid in yoghurt supercharges this effect – you can use coconut or soy yoghurt for a vegan option. Lavender oil is really soothing for the skin, that’s why I added it here – and, of course, it smells heavenly.

Ingredients

½ cup organic yoghurt or coconut yoghurt or soy yoghurt ¼ cup blueberries ¼ cup raspberries 1 drop lavender essential oil To make: Blitz the yoghurt and berries together in a blender until the berries have broken down completely.

Pour the mixture into a bowl, add the lavender essential oil and stir to combine.

To use: Apply the mask to a clean face, neck and décolletage and leave on for 10 minutes.

If you notice a little tingling, that’s OK – it is the alpha-hydroxy acids working their magic.

Use once or twice a week.

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Celebrate

24 October – 1 November 2020

Supported by:

IDE GU OG D

2020 Theme: Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others.

tIMe for famIly fun WHEN THE RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED GRAB YOUR SUITCASE AND HEAD TO PARADISE RESORT GOLD COAST FOR A FUN FAMILY HOLIDAY. Voted best Family Resort in Australia for the past 9 years, it’s often described as a mini theme park or a cruise ship on land and over the past few months the resort has undergone a major renovation taking it from Best Family Resort in Australia to even better!

And whilst we know there are plenty of reasons you deserve a holiday right now here’s 10 reasons (and many more) to start you off…

1. BUCKET LOADS OF FUN Our central resort area is a giant water playground featuring a lagoon pool, two heated spas and TWO enormous waterparks topped with a bucket that empties over guests in one enormous splash.

2. WHERE KIDS RULE Paradise Resort is the only resort in the country with a Kids’ Club that is available to children 0-12years of age, is open daily and offers every child up to 4 hours of fully supervised FUN every day of their stay FREE of charge when you book direct.

3. RESIDENT ROCKSTAR’S Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready for our resident mascots Captain, Cleo, Astro and Dusty making special appearances throughout your stay and joining in the many activities.

4. DAILY ENTERTAINMENT With an extensive activities and entertainment program catering from young children through to Mum and Dad there’s no need to leave the Resort.

5. THEMED ROOMS Popular Junior and King Bunkhouse rooms feature brightly painted bunk beds, additional TV for the kids, gaming console, microwave and much more, all designed with family comfort top of mind.

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6. ENDLESS ADVENTURES With a nine-metre rock climbing wall, indoor jungle gym, outdoor adventure playground and onsite ice-skating rink there is something for everyone.

7. FREE TIME FOR PARENTS Book the kids in to a Kids’ Club session and take a ‘guilt-free’ break relaxing in the new adults only pool, bar and lounge set to open early 2021 and exclusive for mums and dads to enjoy some ‘me’ time. Did someone say cocktails?

8. WE’LL DO THE COOKING Catering to even the fussiest of eaters the range of brand new bar and dining outlets including Penguins family restaurant, Jerrys Burger Bar, Debs Pizza Shack and the Poolside Café and Bar open daily.

9. FLEXIBILITY TO CHANGE Plans can change so no matter the reason, simply let us know and you can change your dates or cancel up until 7 days prior to your arrival for the smallest of fees.

10. PAY OFF YOUR HOLIDAY You only need to pay a one night deposit when you book and then just like a lay-buy you can choose when you pay off your holiday with easy, interest free repayments via direct deposit or credit card any time prior to your arrival or the final balance being due.

NO ONE STAY AT PARADISE RESORT GOLD COAST IS THE SAME AS THE NEXT, MAKING IT A PLACE TO VISIT TIME AND TIME AGAIN. How many more excuses do you need?

Secure your dates NOW with rooms starting from $169 per night for a limited time, travel on selected dates until 16 Dec 2021.

Visit www.paradiseresort.com.au or call 07 5691 0000. *Conditions apply Advertisement for

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EXISTING IN ISO Like many before her mum Rebecca Klodinsky started a business after finding a gap in the market. When she saw her sister trying on expensive swimwear she’d saved up for she she thought surely there must have been thousands of other girls who were faced with the struggle of a hefty price tag when shopping for quality.

So she started her own swimwear brand. seven years later this little business has grown into a $7M bikini empire called IIXIIST, and to top it all off she’s been running it from the AFL lockdown hub on the Gold Coast as she supports her partner, Geelong’s Lachie Henderson.

First of all you’re a mum, that’s why you’re here! Tell us about your little son.

My son is my world; he’s two-and-half years old and my sidekick in life, we’re a team. I made the deision when he was born that I wanted to keep him as private and as close to me as possible as opposed to over-sharing on social media, particulary when I have a business that requires myself to be an open book and transparent with my own life – professionally and personally. There’s no secrets in my work or day-to-day life, but when it comes to him, that’s where I draw the line.

Every mother is different, there’s no right or wrong. What works for me, works for me and that’s all that matters at the end of the day! I couldn’t imagine going through life without feeling the spectrum of emotion motherhood brings.

How has it been managing a toddler and a multi-million dollar business all within the confines of the AFL hub?

It has been an interesting addition to the rollercoaster of 2020, that’s for sure. If one thing’s certain, there’s no be all and end all of how-to-manage-the-juggle handbook you can read to navigate a situation like this. It has been a matter of sink or swim, adjusting to a “new normal”, creating a new routine and finding a new happy middle ground.

My days start well before sunrise in order to 28

have some “me time”. I have always been a big believer in regular exercise; it’s so imperative for a healthy mind and body. They have a great gym inside the hub thankfully!! Then throughout the day I’m in back-to-back zoom meetings, overseeing celebrity and stylist requests, managing photoshoots, people and expectations, all while taking regular breaks to spend time with my son.

What was hub-life like? Surely it wasn’t all WAGS and smiles around the pool.

Definitely not!! I am head down and working throughtout the day, which is just what needs to happen at the moment.

From rebranding my label from Frankii Swim to IIXIIST, and then the bittersweet timing of launching as COVID-19 hit, navigating the crippling economy as businesses around me collapse, transitioning to working remotely and raising my toddler as a single mum with a partner whoes AFL schedule is in a league of its own… it’s safe to say life is insanity.

So unfortunately I can’t report it being glamorous!! Unless you find daily health checks and a strict no-entry-no-exit policy appealing.

Everyone kind of sticks to their own inside the hub – we all have lives we’re trying to manage from the confines of a hotel.

When you’re not stuck in AFL lockdown, what your typical day look like?

I’ve worked hard to build my brand to the point where I don’t have to be in an office 9-5 and can work remotely, between my home at the Gold Coast and Melbourne, which is my saving grace being a mum.

My days always begin early, working out and setting my agenda for the day. I’m extremely hands-on in every part of my business: photoshoots and content, website analytics and financials. But my son comes first so if he needs me then what I’m doing will pause.

No one will ever remember the business meetings I missed, but my son will remember the precious moments I was there for.

You’ve had a few business-hurdles along the way. What happened there?

After a few years of behind the scenes back and forth legal issues with another company holding a similar name to Frankii, I was sick of existing in a flooded industry of brands that all sounds the same. When I launched Frankii in 2012, the name was quirky – we were a free standing ‘Frankii’. Fast forward 8 years and the name was popping up everywhere. It was time to step out again and shake things up.

This is when IIXIIST was born; a new name with depth and edge, and a representation of the brand’s evolution, never afraid to stand out or take a leap. Misspelled on purpose, the name questions how we all exist and is a reminder that things are ever-changing.

You’ve seen exceptional business growth, no doubt helped by a few celebs picking up on the brand. An Insta post from Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner helps! How did that happen?

I’m proud to say that I’ve never once paid for a celebrity endorsement; these have always been 100% organic, which is a HUGE testament to how we’re doing as a brand. We get requests from the talents’ stylists all the time, we see the emails and get back to them, it’s that simple. What really makes me happy is when the requests are accompanied by screenshots from our Instagram. When the first KKW request came through I remember thinking ‘wow, that’s really cool – Kim was on my Instagram page’!

adopt a new voice and not push sales on our audience. We stripped back the business facade and really amped up the human element behind IIXIIST. This issue is about fashion and beauty. What Australian fashion brands are you loving right now (not swimwear of course)?

LOVING (and have always loved) Jack + Jac. I dress very minimal yet opt for premium labels for quality and longevity. I love the basics they produce and their materials are divine. I’m also a fan of P.E. Nation; their parkas and hoodies are my go-to after a good reformer session And finally what can we expect this Summer and beyond from IIXIIST. Textures applied to really feminine swimsuits.

We have ditched patterns, hardware and prints and have refocused on beautiful, luxurious textures. This season will be our very first 100% sustainable line made using recycled oceanwaste and recycled plastic bottles. At the end of September we’re also launching the very first IIXIIST loungewear collection - again made from ethical material in child-free labour conditions, this range is 100% Australian based.

Responsibility never felt so comfy!

Check out Rebecca’s range at iixiist.com

Once they wear the bikini we see it either on the fan pages, paparazzi shots or they post to their own feed themselves. Once the brand starts getting credited it spreads like wildfire and we sell out with backorders online for sometimes months.

How has Covid-19 affected the brand (besides locking you up in QLD!)?

The world is completely different now. How people spend, how people communicate, how people translate information; and the retail industry is no exception. I am lucky we’ve been able to weather the storm and see this through.

Many swimwear brands and businesses haven’t been as fortunate.. As soon as the lockdowns started I knew I had to change. We edited our marketing campaigns instantly and our social media messaging shifted too. We had to 29

Parklife Edwards Reserve (aka the frog park) This upgraded playground is super appealing and well designed. There’s lots for developing agility, with a boardwalk, stepping logs, much larger stepping dragon parts, and a wooden obstacle-style running course. Under the large wooden structure that dominates the playground you’ll find kid-sized lilypad tables and chairs and yet more balancing elements.

Conventional equipment include a slide, various swings, fireman’s pole and a small climbing wall. A four-person spinner and a hammock swing provide the thrills.

Sport lovers will enjoy the adjacent oval and half-court basketball. There’s also a great circuit of paths for scooting, biking, skateboarding or roller blading. Top it off with a sandpit (with its own frog) and you’ll have some very happy children.

Amenities: Toilets, bike racks, BBQ, picnic shelter, drinking tap. Refreshments are a short walk away at Vernon’s Fish & Chippery and Blacksheep café.

Brunel Street, South Kingsville

proudly presents…

raising funds for

Register at WALKFORPREMS.ORG.AU for this year’s virtual walk or donate today with thanks to

Major Sponsor

#WALKFORPREMS2020

all eyes on you Whilst it is second nature to throw a pair of sunnies on when we leave the house, how often do you stop and consider the eyes of your children?

Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive, and what we now know is that too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation in childhood can cause short and long-term eye damage. By ‘Slapping’ on a broad-brimmed hat it can reduce UV rays reaching your eyes by up to 50%, but if you ‘slide’ on a pair of sunglasses as well you can reduce the UV rays by up to 98%.

If your child is complaining about the brightness of the sun, or the sun glare is affecting their participation in sports or other outside activities, they could be experiencing eye damage.

Short term effects of UV radiation include: mild eye irritation, photokeratitis (excessive exposure to UV and painful to the eyes), acute photo keratopathy (akin to sunburn of the cornea), inflammation, excessive blinking and photophobia (difficulty looking at strong light).

If any of those symptoms are ignored, longterm problems could occur including cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium (an overgrowth of the conjunctiva on to the cornea) or climatic droplet keratopathy (or cloudiness of the cornea). The good news is that simply wearing sunglasses can help prevent these conditions.

When should children wear sunglasses?

The intensity of UV radiation varies across the year. It can pass through clouds and be reflected off buildings, asphalt, concrete, water, sand and snow. UV radiation can peak during school hours, and on a regular school day, children’s eyes can be exposed to UV radiation for up to two hours or more. When the UV level reaches three or above, the Victorian Government recommends a number of sun 32

protection measures should be put in place.

This is generally from September through until the end of April each year.

Which sunglasses do I buy?

We recommend sunglasses that: • are category 3 and meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.

• are wrap-around and close-fitting sunglasses; these reduce peripheral UV exposure.

• have lenses that are made of a polycarbonate material. These are impact-resistant, making them a better choice for active kids.

• are not toy or cheap fashion sunglasses as they will not meet the Australian Standards.

Five tips for getting your kids to wear sunglasses 1. Wear sunglasses yourself. Model the behaviour you want to see in your children.

Remember even on overcast days, UV rays can still cause damage.

2. Choose wrap-around, close-fitting sunglasses. They’re suitable for active kids as they don’t fall off.

3. Choose polycarbonate lenses as these are very impact-resistant, making them a better choice for your kids!

4. Talk to your children about eye health; UV radiation cannot be seen or felt. Let them know sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory.

5. Allow kids to pick the colour. They are more likely to wear the sunglasses if they are involved in the decision-making!

Always remember that a combination of sun protection measures is best. SLIP on sun protective clothing, SLOP on broad spectrum sunscreen, SLAP on a broad-brim hat, SEEK shade and SLIDE on sunglasses.

By Sunnies4kids founder, Nathan Gilliland and mum of two active kids, Kellie Floyd.

Get more from mama - www.mamamag.com.au | Get social with mama - @localmamamag

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Spent half of lockdown scrolling the gram? Same! We’ve asked a few of our fave insta-mums what beauty and fashion they are loving this year.

Give them a follow!

@@rachel_de_oliveira Favourite local fashion designer?

Oshun, Diamond Creek - she isn’t a designer, however she stocks lots of the most beautiful local designers in both the fashion, homewares and accessories.

What are you wearing daily?

High waisted jeans and a tank.

What hair styler can you not live without?

Must have beauty items in your handbag?

Definitely a lipstick as it can be used to pop on the eyes and cheeks.

Best beauty innovation you’ve discovered this year?

Eye Envy lash growth serum.

I’m about half way through but already seeing amazing results.

My Dyson Airwrap.

@@catsanz Favourite mum-wear?

What hair product can you not live without?

Feather and Noise

Miracle hair by Eleven

Local fashion designer?

What beauty hack have you embraced this year?

Thurley Must have beauty items in your handbag?

Lip balm, Hand sanitiser and a mask (hello 2020), lip liner and lipstick, hand cream

This year being in lockdown for most of our time I’ve really rediscovered home makeovers.

Eye masks, exfoliating regularly, eye cream and loads of serums for the face.

Favourite everyday mum-wear?

I am still feeding Goldie so anything with buttons, I love a relaxed fit shirt and short combo, I can’t stop buying matching sets, from LMND. Favourite fashion designer?

I am loving LMND - Lemonade (And of course Andie Kids️)

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@@anna.mac_

What’s in your handbag?

Maybelline’s ERASER concealer for the bags under my eyes...

INIKA’S BB Cream What hair product can you not live without?

I am using BondiBoost GR for length atm.

Best beauty innovation you’ve discovered this year?

I am addicted to eye lashes extensions. Helps with tired eyes and no need for mascara.

@rachelxwatts What are you living in right now?

Active wear - loving PE NATION at the moment. Great fit, styles and fabrics Favourite fashion designer?

What hair product can you not live without?

Eleven Sea Salt Spray (best volume ever without being sticky).

Alice McCall.

Best beauty innovation you’ve discovered this year?

What beauty essentials are in your handbag?

Brushing my eyebrows up then putting hairspray in them!

Lipgloss, eyebrow pencil, sunscreen, mask and hand sanitizers now too.

Favourite local fashion brand?

then I like to pack a bronzer and a coloured lippy.

I love Evergreen Clothing which is located not far from me in Mornington. Their clothes are always fashionable, comfortable and most importantly, nice and versatile for busy mums!

What hair product can you not live without?

Batiste Dry Shampoo Best beauty innovation you’ve discovered this year?

Your go-to outfit/style?

Jeans, t-shirt and a mum bun! I love all tee’s, plain, slogan, band, coloured.... that teamed with super ripped denim and a pair of slides and a messy bun!

What are your must have beauty items in your handbag?

Every day bag, just a chapstick but if I’m going out in the evening

I’m obsessed with the James Cosmetics skincare range... their 24k Gold Serum and Gelous Gel Moisturiser have been absolute game changers for my skin.

@@i_heart_kmart

Favourite local designer? St Cloud. I love their designs which are stylish but still easy to wear.

Their latest collection is full of dreamy pastels.

Must have beauty items in your handbag? Lipstick, lip gloss and a mini fragrance-I also throw any testers I get in there so I always have some on hand.

What are you wearing daily?

Third Boi. Designed by a Melbourne Mum these pieces are super comfy yet stylish enough to make you look ‘put together’ for school pickup or when you’re going for a coffee.

What’s your favourite hair styler? My curling wand.

Best beauty innovation you’ve discovered this year? Face oil!

L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil is a product I’ve just discovered and I absolutely love the way it makes my skin look and feel.

@@Tara_Alexander_ 35

An Absolute busIness mum MamaMag were thrilled to be the Diamond sponsor of this year’s AusMumpreneur Awards in Victoria. There were so many fantastic entries from amazing mums across the state who are doing fabulous things in business.

This year’s top gong, The VIC AusMumpreneur of the Year Award, went to Oakleigh mum Elle Likopoulos from Absolute Business Brokers and The Mumpreneurs Club!

You’re obviously a mum! Tell us about yourself and your family.

I am a mother of four kids under 10 (two of which are 20 month old twins).

My husband and I were high school sweethearts so despite being only 21 when we married, we had been together a long time. Despite always knowing we would end up married, we didn’t quite plan to tie the knot so early! In early 2009 I went to the GP complaining of stomach cramping, I had suffered from stomach aches and bloating for a few years but every doctor concluded that it was IBS or constipation and never thought too much of it. This particular day the GP was concerned the pain may be my appendix and before I knew if I was taken to the local hospital to have it removed in fear of a burst. When I woke up from that surgery, my life would change forever. A very long story short- I had ovarian borderline tumours engulfing both ovaries. I spent over a month in hospital and had very painful abdominal surgery that left me unable to walk for weeks. It was in my hospital room that my Oncologist advised he was able to safely remove the tumours from one of my ovaries to give me a chance at IVF. He couldn’t save both, but he was able to keep a sliver of one and retain all the other components in my body to allow me the chance to carry children.

At the time I was in shock and survival mode and I remember I kept telling my devastated family that I didn’t mind if I couldn’t have kids of my own. I wanted to say and do anything to keep them from being upset, it was the only thing I felt in control of during that time.

Despite trying to convince everyone around me that I was strong and resilient, I distinctly 36

remember my walk around the ward and passing the maternity wing which was on the same floor. I remember slowly walking past the babies as I held my drip rod in one hand and telling myself not to allow the emotions and fear to flood my mind. I made a promise to myself from that day that I would never feel sorry for myself and I would be back one day in that very ward holding my baby. My husband proposed to me a few weeks after I was released from hospital and we were married July of that year. By October I was pregnant with my son and the very next year I proudly walked around that same ward and to my old room in the Oncology unit holding him. That was a moment in my life where I realised the power within myself to create my own destiny.

I’m very lucky to have the family I have today and never once take it for granted. It was this chapter in my life where I realised how short life could be and it made me determined to take every opportunity to live it with no regrets. As a young mum, I was adamant that I wouldn’t pick between my professional goals and my kids and I would try my best to do it all.

Tell us about your business.

I run Absolute Business Brokers which is a family business. I also host a podcast called The Mumpreneurs Club which is designed for career women with children and I’ve also recently launched a not for profit support group for mumpreneurs navigating the Covid market and lockdown. My role in Absolute Business Brokers is to motivate a male oriented group of agents to sell, manage the administration staff, handle legal matters and steer the direction of the brand.

I’m also the highest earning sales agent in my firm and the first business broker to be invited by the Chinese government to speak in China to visa buyers.

How did Absolute Business Brokers start?

What do you wish you knew before you started your business?

My father was a migrant from Greece who came to Australia with no support or ability to speak the language. Like many migrants in his time, he worked in factories and small business.

My father saw a gap in the market for reliable business brokers who could provide support and decided to focus his passion into filling that gap. Absolute Business Brokers is a legacy of my father’s passion and I feel the responsibility of seeing it succeed and continue to grow.

With my higher level of education and English being my first language, I have been able to take my father’s dream and see it flourish to an international platform. Absolute Business Broker’s vision is to ensure community support through business investment.

I wish I knew in the earlier years to have less self-doubt in myself and my gut instincts. As women I think we are sometimes conditioned to be quiet. Standing out or being assertive aren’t always popular traits for women in business. If I could go back I’d stop wasting so much time in doubting my capabilities and my value as a business woman.

What has been your greatest challenge and how have you addressed this?

My industry is heavily male dominated with most being older or middle aged men. My greatest challenge as a young woman with kids was proving myself to them. I had to work harder and achieve more to earn their respect and allow me to be their leader.

There were sacrifices made such as working through the night to ensure I kept up but didn’t take away from time with my children. My age and gender meant I had very few passes with my peers at first until they took notice of me.

What have been your top three greatest achievements in the past 12 months?

Despite the challenges of Covid, I have grown my sales team; started a podcast to support mumpreneurs and pivoted my business whilst maintaining staff morale under lockdown conditions. Despite the continuing trials and tribulations our business has grown and strengthened during this period.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a business for the first time?

Don’t take on too many things at once. Do six things 1000 times not 1000 things six times.

Consistency and determination are the keys to success. Running a business is a slow burn and immediate satisfactions or results are not something you should be chasing.

When you’re not busy working, what are you up to on the weekend with the kids? Where are your Melbourne go-to’s for fun?

My husband and I love to travel and find joy in exploring Melbourne café’s and local restaurants that allow us to explore new food and cultures.

We love to visit our local café Vanilla for weekend family breakfast and frequent local parks where the kids can play. Murrumbeena Park is one of our favourites because it has play zones to suit each child’s age and let’s the whole family interact together whilst being age appropriate for all of them. Our favourite restaurant is San Antone at the Crown Casino because we love Southern Style bbq cuisine and the older kids look forward to playing at the arcade and bowling alley at Kingpin afterwards.

And finally, where can we find you?

You can listen to The Mumpreneurs Podcast on Apple, Spotify or most FREE podcast platforms.

Join in at Facebook Instagram nd find my business online at www.absolutebusinessbrokers.com.au

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everyday style Since I had my son (who is 3 in October) my style has become more and more about comfort and being casual.

With this in mind I thought I would share with you a few ways I am elevating my everyday look right now. These are the simplest things that I find give me an extra boost day-to-day and ensure I stay creative with my style.

It doesn’t come as a surprise to any mums for me to say so when our typical mornings leave us with very little time to get ourselves ready before we take on our day.

1. Create a morning routine - Set up

Being in iso for such an extended period of time has made me realise and reflect on my personal style and the impact it can have on me. I know I’m not alone when I say that it has become harder and harder to want to look and feel your absolute best when the truth is we are spending so much at home and rarely stepping out of the house. So why bother?

One thing is for sure that for me comfort comes above everything else, but it shouldn’t at the expense of looking put together.

There is so much more behind getting dressed every day and the impact it can have on you.

So when I’m feeling like I don’t want to get ready in the morning, I remind myself, WHY I am showing up today.

No matter what season you are in your motherhood, first and foremost give yourself some grace but also remind yourself that you are so much more and deserve so much more.

Every woman has a purpose to show up for.

So remind yourself every day WHY you are showing up.

You are not JUST at home and looking after your children, you are raising the next generation.

You are not JUST going to work or working from home, you are providing for your family.

You are not JUST getting dressed for your partner, you are cultivating a relationship.

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some time to get ready before the kids get up.

Think about what your ideal morning would look like and how you want to feel each day.

2. Add some colour - If you haven’t heard about “dopamine dressing” it’s meant to help boost your mood with the colours you wear.

So think about colours or patterns that make you feel good and bring you joy.

3. Add one extra detail -

Add a pop of lippy or gloss, some blush on your cheeks, putt on some jewellery, curl or straighten your hair - take your pick! Try each day to add one detail that makes you feel more pulled together.

4. Experiment - Fashion is meant to be

fun and creative! Now is the perfect time to try on new outfit combinations you may have been lacking in confidence to wear in normal circumstances. You may surprise yourself what combos you end up with!

5. Wear things differently - Scrunch up your sleeves, do a Full tuck, Half / French Tuck, Knot your top, put a layer on, mix some textures or patterns. It will lift up your outfit instantly!

6. Accessorise - It’s tempting to leave your accessories off as nobody is around to admire them BUT I find accessories are often the thing that personalises an outfit and makes it unique.

By Eliana Colimodio, Personal Stylist, Style By Eliana. www.stylebyeliana.com

ELLE LIKOPOULOS

Host of The Mumpreneurs Club Podcast On the Mumpreneurs Club Podcast We talk about overcoming the challenges of running a successful business, keeping a healthy social life and ensuring your children stay alive!

Each episode we share tips and tricks on how to juggle it all and keep a little bit of your own sanity!!

Two seasons worth of funny, relatable and informative content that will appeal to working mums!

Elle is a mother of 4 who shares candid insight into the real-life of running a business and raising kids under 10 including 2-year-old twins.

Elle has been on the top of her game as a business broker for years and shares industry secrets and insight from the elusive small business market.

Want to feel and look your best, remember every school event, smash work goals and hold up a “sex in the city” social life? Whoever said, “You can’t have your cake and it it too....didn’t listen to an episode of The Mumpreneurs Club”

Download on Apple, Spotify or where you get your favourite podcasts FREE today!

@themumpreneursclub

hack your happIness 5 ways to bring more happiness into your day, in less than an hour.

2020 has left many of us feeling afraid. Afraid of slowing down, afraid of keeping up, afraid of holding on and afraid of letting go. The way we live our lives and plan for the future has been rocked to the core destabilising our foundations and making uncertainty and disruption our new companions. There’s an internal battle going on. Do you feel it? That resistance between unrealistic expectations of what you should be doing (based on the way life used to be) and creating the space to adapt to whatever this new normal is.

The struggle is real, many of us have deprioritised our happiness at the expense of productivity. Happiness Poverty is alive and well. It’s the state of having an insufficient amount of joy in our lives. According to happiness researcher Shawn Accor the more positive we are the more intelligent, creative and effective we become. The fact is that enhanced productivity is a by-product of happiness. Our brains operate more effectively when we create the space for joy and do it often.

According to the research undertaken by Happiness Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky 50 per cent of your happiness is genetically determined which means it’s fixed, you are born with it, 10 per cent relates to your circumstances, and the remaining 40 per cent?

Well that’s up to you!

This is where the concept of hacking happiness comes in. When we hack happiness, we give ourselves permission to let go of the preconceived notion of happiness being an end goal (e.g. When I have that thing I will be happy.) Instead we embrace happiness as a way of being, it’s a practice. It’s allowing ourselves the opportunity to experiment daily with simple hacks that enable us to amplify our happy moments. Let’s take a look at some of my personal favourites, all of which take less than 15 minutes but deliver lasting impact: 40

1. Dabble in rose, bud, thorn: I love to do this with my 10-year-old son. Each day over dinner we share a rose: something that bought us joy today, a bud: something we are looking forward to, and a thorn: something that wasn’t so great today. It’s a beautiful way to make the practice of gratitude a focus. Equally there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this practice alone.

2. Do something brave: Give yourself permission to believe in yourself through the practice of micro bravery.

Resilience is born out of leaning into fear and experience tells me micro bravery is one of the best ways to build it. Micro bravery is doing small things each day that make you feel uncomfortable. It can be as simple as having a difficult conversation, signing up for an online class to learn something you know nothing about or sharing something that makes you feel a little vulnerable with someone else. Small acts of bravery practiced over time build the courage and confidence to lean into bigger acts of bravery enabling you to unlock potential and possibility you never imagined.

3. Remove the word busy from your vocabulary: A psychologist once said to me “a busy mind will go to anxiety it’s just a matter of time. Busy perpetuates busy and the feeling of being stuck on a hamster wheel running a million miles an hour”. I made a choice a few years back to remove the word from my vocabulary and the impact on not only my mindset but on the conversations, I have is huge! When people now ask me how I am I share I’m “positively engaged”. It keeps me accountable to ensuring that I spend my days positively engaged as opposed to busy and cultivates some curious conversations.

4. Gift yourself the start of the day: Give yourself permission to gift yourself the start of the day. This one may feel the hardest because so many of us are programmed to believe that if we finish all the stuff on our to do list we will have time for joy at the end of the day. So, we start the day doing…checking email, sorting kids, looking at social media…

Try getting up just 15 minutes earlier each week day (you will need to also practice going to bed a little earlier for this to be sustainable).

This is your sacred time so don’t check your phone, don’t go near it, instead gift yourself the start of the day by doing one small intentional thing that sets the tone for the type of day you want to have. It must be something that brings you joy…journal, read, write, move (do a short yoga practice or walk around the block).

Whatever works for you. This is by far the single thing that brings me the most joy. Words cannot explain what a treat this can feel like especially if the rest of the world is still asleep.

5. Ground yourself: Grounding is quite simply physically connecting yourself to the earth. Take off your shoes and walk on the grass, touch a tree.

Whilst a relatively new area of science there is emerging evidence that connecting physically with nature helps us sleep better, can reduce pain and bring more joy.

Penny Locaso is the world’s first Happiness Hacker on a mission to teach 10 million humans how to intentionally adapt in order to future proof happiness. She is the author of Hacking Happiness (Wiley $29.95).

Visit www.hackinghappy.co

A psychologist once said to me “a busy mind will go to anxiety it’s just a matter of time. Busy perpetuates busy and the feeling of being stuck on a hamster wheel running a million miles an hour”.

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GRAB A LITTLE QUIET TIME

All in the name of anti-ageing

In your 30’s, 40’s or 50’s and starting to notice the effects of ageing? Skin looking a little dry, and a little more dull and drab, and you can’t get that dewy plumpness back? Your hair doesn’t grow as much, or it’s starting to get thinner, or you’ve noticed your first grey hairs? Your nails are weaker and even splitting more? Your joints ache and you don’t recover as well after a big night or a busy week, and your skin doesn’t heal as quickly, yet you just don’t seem to have that glowy, dewy, supple skin anymore no matter what products you slather on your face!

We are all getting older, and the effects of ageing start to creep up on us pretty quickly!!

No matter if you’re in your 30’s, or your late 40’s, you’ll no doubt start to see changes happening… and this is due to the ageing process and the depletion of natural collagen production in your body, which starts to deplete by 1% to 2% per year from your mid20s. So by the time you’re in your mid 30’s, you have potentially lost nearly 10-15% natural collagen production, so imagine in your 40’s and into your 50’s, where this number climbs to around 35-40% - no wonder these things start to deplete, and you’re not as happy looking in the mirror...

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Yes, this is the ageing process, but it’s also about the natural collagen depletion your body is going through!

Collagen is like the ‘glue’ that holds everything together in our bodies, it’s important in creating stronger joint and tendon health, assisting improved gut health and digestion, promoting smoother, enhanced skin that has that supple elasticity and looks more hydrated with improved texture, and of course thicker hair, faster growing, stronger nails, and better overall beauty from within.

But how do you take collagen?

Well, it’s all about ingestion – you need to consume collagen to get the benefits of the peptides. The trick with collagen is that you need to consume it regularly, consistently, as it needs to build up in your system, especially considering your skin has a 28 day cycle…. so you may not start to see results immediately.

Initially, you’ll start to see improved nail strength and faster growing nails, even your toenails start to grow – this is the sign that you’re drinking it consistently! Then you’ll start to feel thicker newer hair growth, and then lastly your skin will start to improve, with less bumps, a more hydrated, elastic smoothness and the diminished appearance of fine lines and a much better, smoother texture that you’ll be impressed with. But it’s all about consistency.

The results are all dependent upon your age, how much UV exposure you’ve had, your sugar intake, smoking and the environmental pollutants you’ve been exposed to, and of course your consistency in taking collagen, as every body is different, but with regularly and consistently drinking our collagen beauty teas, you’ll start to see results and that fear of ageing should diminish!

There is much science behind hydrolyzed collagen peptides showing results can start in as little as 8 to 10 weeks, however, as every person is different, some may see results after 4 weeks, and many may not see results until much later.

If you want to support your body, and feel and look better, along with regular exercise, drinking lots of water and having great nights’ sleep, collagen may be the perfect addition to your daily routine. 35% of people take supplements, and collagen is now the number two supplement in the USA in 2020 - that’s quite telling that women are discovering this supplement as we all want to look and feel our best!

With our crazy lives getting faster and faster, with more and more to do, it’s no wonder that women the world over are discovering the power of collagen, and when mixed with the ancient remedial benefits of drinking tea – well, you seriously need to take just a little five minutes of some quiet time to pamper your skin and have a break - after all, you deserve it!

By Sam Arcadipane, the Founder of Fusspot Collagen Beauty Teas. Sam has left corporate life to pursue her own business and dream of giving mums and women something just for them – a little time out with a cup of tea that is also great for your skin! You can find out about the powerful benefits of each blend on www.fusspottea.com

Most women are “super-beings”, making very little time for themselves… being super-mums doing everything from running businesses, working from home as well as home-schooling, fitting in friends and family, running households and chores, organising the family, as well as doing admin, cooking, cleaning and sending that board report in on time.

So why not make a little time each day for a little quiet luxury, with a delicious hot cup of collagen beauty tea that will not only give you five minutes of peace, but will assist your skin, help get your glow back, and support your overall wellbeing all at the same time!!!

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Bandits by Sha’an d’Anthes Fern lives in a colourless, lifeless city and has only ever seen trees as pictures in her books. Fern is told that the bandits who come in the middle of the night to steal from the city dwellers are bad guys, but when she follows them back to their home she discovers a land of colour, life, friendship and a future she believes in.

Bandits is an adventure story that can be a jumping off point for parents to talk about more complex topics like friendship, the environment, urbanisation, prejudice and diversity. Sha’an d’Anthes is an author and illustrator from Sydney. Her work is vibrant, playful and curious; delighting children and adults alike.

For children aged 4+. Published by hachette.com.au RRP $24.99.

Back to Sleep by Zoë Foster Blake A warm and funny bedtime story where it’s the parents who won’t go to sleep. Back to Sleep is a reflection of Zoë’s much-loved brand and profile, told with an authenticity and humour born of experience.

Poor Finn is looking forward to drifting off to sleep in his cosy warm bed, when Mummy appears wanting a drink. Finn resettles her and has just fallen asleep, when he’s woken again . . . this time by Daddy, who’s had a bad dream. And so it goes. Just when Finn has one parent back to sleep, the other wakes up! When will these two sleep through the night?

Published by Penguin Books $19.95

Poppy Picker by Stella Stamatakis When Poppy Picker keeps putting her finger up her nose, we know it won’t end well. Her parents are disgusted, her teachers’ upset, and her friends grossed out. She’s been warned about the Booger Monster many times.

But will she listen before it’s too late?

Poppy Picker was inspired by author Stella’s own story of losing part of her finger as a young child. In the classroom as a primary school teacher Stella created many tales to engage her students as to how and why her finger was missing. “My students would shriek in delight and horror as I would embellish the story of the booger monster and how he bit my finger off. www.stellastamatakis.com RRP from $16.95

The Ee in the Deep Blue Sea by Judith Barker This is the story of the ee. A curious sound as you can see. The EE in the Deep Blue Sea is a fun. Australian-themed phoneme story that teaches young readers about the vowel sound ee and where they can find it in different words. The book explores many undersea and reef environments and introduces children to twenty of the creatures that live there.

Published by Woodslane RRP $16.99 45

The Polar Bear in Sydney Harbour by Beck & Robin Feiner A polar bear in Sydney Harbour? When Hannah spots a polar bear in Sydney Harbour, she knows something isn’t right ... But even worse, none of the adults seem to notice him at all. Can Hannah help her new friend find his way back home?

From the creators of If I Was Prime Minister comes an empowering and inspiring new picture book about standing tall and shining bright.

Published by Harper Collins RRP $24.99.

Aunty’s Wedding by Miranda Tapsell and Joshua Tyler Everyone on the island is getting ready for Aunty’s wedding. Maningawu wears her best hat and I wear a wurrijinga in my hair. We all dress up, but I still don’t understand. Why do people have a wedding?

A warm family story that celebrates love and culture from actor, activist, writer and Australian sweetheart, Miranda Tapsell, and Joshua Tyler, cowriter of Top End Wedding, lushly illustrated by Samantha Fry. www.stellastamatakis.com RRP $24.95

HOWL by Kat Patrick Maggie has had a very bad day. First of all, the sun was the wrong shape, in a sky that was too blue. The spaghetti was too long, and her pyjamas were the wrong kind of pyjama. Then Maggie begins to have wolfish thoughts...

Howl is a masterfully told and exquisitely drawn story of a young girl’s way of expressing and resolving big feelings.

Available from Scribble Kids Books RRP $24.99.

Vote 4 Me by Krys Saclier The students of Mount Mayhem primary school are fed up. Their uniform is hideous, the tuckshop sells only healthy food, and the sports cupboard is empty. It’s time to find a leader who will speak on their behalf. But who will it be? They need an election!

Fortunately Ms Sparks is an expert on preferential voting. Voting has never been so much fun. Australia’s preferential voting system explained!

Key curriculum topic covered in the most delightful way. Excellent teacher support material and classroom activities available for download.

Published by Wild Dog Books RRP $24.95

Poopy Pants and Potty Rants by Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas ‘Hey there, kiddo! The time is right for you. ‘You’re going to learn the big-kid way to do a wee and poo!’ After an amazing AFL career, Daisy retired at the end of 2019 and can now most often be found singing along to Frozen with his daughter, Tilly. Poopy Pants is a hilarious look at the hits and misses of toilet training, focusing on the delightful bond between a father and a daughter. With relatable gems like ‘this time it must be true!’, a reward chart and 120 stickers inside, this is a warm-hearted, funny celebration of parenting and potty training.

Published by Albert Street Books, an imprint of Allen & Unwin RRP $19.95 46

How to break up with friends by Dr Hannah Korrel We all have that one friend. The one who expects the world, but never remembers your birthday. The one who ditches your dinner plans when you’re already halfway to the restaurant.

Why do we keep these people in our lives? How do we go about getting rid of these crappy companions?

ad ul ts

This is the no-bullshit, essential guide for anyone devoting their precious time and energy into maintaining friendships with toxic friends. Dr Hannah Korrel will help you to identify the bad friends in your life, understand what true friendship should look like, learn how to attract the best people, and become the best friend you can be yourself.

Published by Impact Press $24.99

Paul Jennings Untwisted, by Paul Jennings In the telling of his own tale, children’s author and screenwriter Paul Jennings demonstrates how seemingly small events can combine into a compelling drama. As if assembling the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle he puts together fragments, memories and anecdotes to reveal the portrait of a complex and weathered soul.

The accounts of the trials and joys of turning his stories into episodes of the television program Round The Twist will be of special interest to the millions of fans of this series. Untwisted is revealing, moving and very funny.

Paul Jennings has crafted perhaps his most masterful story yet ... the story of his life.

Published by Allen and Unwin RRP $34.99

My Year of Living Mindfully by Shannon Harvey From the director of the internationally acclaimed documentary of the same name, MY YEAR OF LIVING MINDFULLY is a book filled with compelling stories, groundbreaking science, and unexpected insights that go to the heart of what it means to be human in the twenty-first century.

In the midst of a global mental health crisis, millions of people have turned to mindfulness. But does it actually work? In a world-first experiment, journalist Shannon Harvey recruited a team of scientists to put mindful meditation to the test. But what began as a year-long self-experiment soon became a life-changing experience.

Published by Hatchette RRP from $15.99.

The Music Advantage: How learning music helps your child’s brain and wellbeing by Anita Collins As a ground-breaking music educator and popular expert on ABC TV and radio, Dr Anita Collins draws on the latest neurological research to reveal the extraordinary benefits of learning music, from newborns to teenagers.

With practical strategies and real examples from home and school, The Music Advantage shows how parents and teachers can use music to improve reading skills, create focus, enhance memory and assist with behavioural habits in children.

Published by Allen and Unwin RRP $32.99 47

WRITE YOUR ESCAPE The current COVID restrictions have limited our ability to be outside our own front door, let alone travel further afield. The idea of getting on a plane and lying on a beach whilst your little ones miraculously entertain themselves in the sand at your feet, feels like a far-off dream. Finding space for yourself and a little ‘me time’ in a home-schooling environment is a long-forgotten throwback to 2019! But wait. There is hope for a little escapism. The next time your kids hit Roblox why not turn to poetry?

Writing has seen a massive resurgence in iso.

In the same way that people have turned away from their ‘ever-on’ electronic distractions to embrace home-cooking, sew quirky face masks and plant edible gardens, writing and writing societies have experienced an unexpected surge of interest and participation in events.

‘It’s amazing,’ says Caroline Webber, President of the Society of Women Writers Victoria.

‘Women are turning to writing as a way of dealing with the pandemic. Whether it’s a result of having more time or as a form of therapy to escape the trials of home-schooling, more and more women are seeking us out.’

And it’s the traditional writing forms women are turning to. The society’s poetry workshops and fiction writing seminars are proving the most popular. Some people are dusting off longforgotten manuscripts, others are taking up word-wrangling for the first time.

If you are tempted to give it a go here are some tips to get you started.

Tip 1 - Don’t jump straight into writing your

first epic novel. Warm up your creative juices by writing short poems or 500 words on practice topics. Keeping it short allows you to focus on

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the words and also means you can squeeze in writing time even if you can only spare 15 mins.

Here are some ideas for you to write about: • the first time I… • outside my window…

• rain on my face…

Tip 2 - Your first draft is just that, a draft. So

don’t be too hard on yourself. Like all things in life writing takes practice so give yourself time to hone your skills and find your style. Once you’ve written your first piece leave it for a couple of days and then reread it fully end to end. Make notes of which bits don’t quite work and then rewrite the piece from scratch.

Tip 3 - Think about joining a writing group

or society. Sharing your work with supportive fellow writers and getting feedback is a great way to improve your writing. The Society of Women Writers Victoria is one such organisation but there are plenty of others to choose from. What is unique about SWWV is its long and proud history of encouraging women of all ages, stages and abilities. They are currently offering reduced an annual fee of $20 plus one-off $10 joining fee. Like many organisations and businesses, the Society converted its workshops and meetings into Zoom-based activities which makes it more accessible for busy mums.

The best advice I can offer is just jump in.

Give it a go and you will be amazed how rewarding and absorbing writing can be.

By Vanessa Potts from The Society of Women Writers Victoria Society. Find out more about the society, its workshops and meetings at www.swwvic.org.au

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PARTNERING WITH PARENTS IN EARLY LEARNING Take a look inside any children’s service and you will see children actively playing, interacting, exploring and learning, guided by qualified educators. Children’s services plan and provide play-based programs to support children’s development and learning. The educators draw on a range of information including essential documents such as The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and the National

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Quality Framework (NQF) to provide stimulating programs that extend each child’s learning.

However, their first and most important source of information is each child’s family.

Families hold crucial knowledge about their children, their culture and community. This wisdom is acknowledged in the guiding principles of the NQF which states “…families are children’s first and most influential teachers” (ACECQA 2020). Children’s services are motivated to collaborate with families to gain a richer understanding of each child and their family context and to effectively support children’s learning and development.

Partnering with parents Children’s services strive to develop strong partnerships with families, recognising that parents are valued partners in their child’s learning and within the service. Each family is welcomed into the service and information sharing already begins with the enrolment enquiry. It continues during the child’s and family’s orientation and commencement and develops throughout their time with the service. The collaboration methods will change and grow along with the child’s development and the family’s expectations and involvement.

Collaboration and conversations Any time is a great time for parents to share information with the service about their child. This often happens through informal conversations such as during drop off and pick up times, where information is exchanged about the child’s home life, interests, learning, sleep patterns and routines. Face to face meetings with educators can be opportunities to discuss goals for the child, developmental progress and strategies to support learning.

Every service appreciates parents’ ideas and will have different ways for families to contribute feedback and be connected with the service. For example, parents can add suggestions to the learning program through digital platforms or writing in the program document or a feedback book in their child’s room. There are opportunities to be part of philosophy and policy reviews. Involvement in the children’s program by parents and extended family can range from joining in on excursions to sharing skills such as gardening, languages, cooking, carpentry, cultural traditions, etc.

When parents partner with their child’s service and share insights about their child and family there are significant benefits for children, families and the service.

Getting to know you Partnerships with parents helps educators gain a deeper understanding of the child, their family relationships, their routines, development, behaviour patterns, key settling strategies, home language, culture and play preferences. The educators use this

information to provide learning programs that build on children’s individual interests and abilities.

Belonging and identity Really knowing each child is crucial for educators to create programs that continue to respond to children’s needs and nurture their sense of belonging and identity. This reflects the intent of the EYLF in fostering children’s identity, wellbeing and confidence as learners, now and into the future.

Consistency works Information sharing supports parents and educators to work together on consistent approaches for children, including for example calming strategies, established routines and behaviour support. Consistency helps children navigate the expectations of home and child care and feel a sense of trust and security in the familiar practices. Building a trusting partnership with the service can help parents to feel confident in sharing information about any changes to family circumstances. The service can tailor the education and care strategies to meet the child’s and family’s changing needs, whether short or long term.

Quality matters All children’s services have a quality improvement plan which guides continuous improvement for the whole service. The quality improvement plan relies on different voices to assess the service and prioritise improvements. Parents can offer feedback and ideas which will bring unique insights and perspectives to the quality improvement plan, leading to higher quality programs for children.

The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ becomes a reality through meaningful partnerships between families and early years services. Take up opportunities to connect and collaborate with your children’s service – you will be welcomed!

By Sabina Klepp – Education Practice Partner Story House Early Learning www.shel.edu.au

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THE RISE OF ALLERGIES It was a Saturday afternoon and my wife Cindy and I were at a Chinese yum-cha restaurant with our extended family, including our six-monthold daughter Olivia. The dumplings had all been devoured and it was time for dessert. One of the delicacies at the yum-cha restaurant was an egg tart. We fed a bit of one to Olivia. We were introducing her to a range of solid foods at the time and thought nothing of giving her a piece. But just a few minutes later my motherin-law noticed a new rash over Olivia’s lips.

The rash then spread all over her face, and she started to become wheezy. She looked quite uncomfortable, and I thought that she might be in pain. We all rushed over to her— myself, Cindy, my brother-in-law, his girlfriend and both grandparents. The waitresses even came over to see what was going on. In the middle of the cacophony, I heard a voice yell out: ‘Is there an EpiPen®?’ That panic-stricken voice was mine.

I am a qualified medical specialist, but in this situation I was absolutely powerless. I had no access to any medical resources, and there was no EpiPen® in the restaurant. For a few terrifying moments, I watched as my daughter’s reaction escalated, my own heart pounding as my worst fears as a parent were realised.

We rushed her into the car to take her to the nearby hospital, but mercifully her reaction began to subside. As we drove, she did not become

Allergic diseases are increasing on an unprecedented scale in both developed and developing countries around the world.

According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), almost 20 per cent of the Australian population has an allergic disease. That’s almost one in five people— a staggering figure.

One in nine Australians— or an estimated 2.7 million people— had asthma in 2017–18. Nearly one in five Australians— or approximately 52

short of breath nor did her face swell up. When we got to the emergency department, Olivia was assessed as stable and discharged with advice to follow up with an allergy specialist.

Without a doubt, this was one of the most harrowing and distressing events in my life to date. You may also have experienced such an event too. Your child may have a severe allergy or a mild one. Maybe you have an allergy yourself and are concerned about your kids’ risk of developing one. Perhaps you are planning a family, pregnant or hoping to expand your family, and you are aware of the increasing rate of allergies and want to know what you can do to reduce the likelihood that your baby will have one. Whatever the case may be, as a doctor and a parent I can sympathise with the feelings of fear, anxiety and disempowerment that you are probably feeling in the face of the scourge of allergies. I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I’ve written this book to provide you with an arsenal of information about the practical things that you can do during pregnancy and birth, and on into your baby’s infancy and early childhood, to help prevent allergies developing.

A new wave of science has brought fresh understanding about the link between allergies and the gut that every parent concerned about allergies should know about.

Dr Vincent Ho 4.5 million people— suffered from hay fever (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) in 2014–15. Eczema occurs in around 20 per cent of babies, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide.

We also know that it’s kids who are experiencing the most severe allergies. In Australia, for young children aged between zero and four years of age, there was a 5.5-fold increase in anaphylaxis from 1994 to 2005. Food allergy is rampant and affects around 10 per cent of babies up to twelve months old.

In fact, Australia has the highest rate of confirmed food allergy in the world. The HealthNuts study based in Melbourne assessed over 5000 infants and in 2011 found that 9 per cent of one-year-old Australian babies had an egg allergy. The good news is that 80 per cent of babies will outgrow their egg allergy within a few years. Even those who suffer from severe reactions are still likely to outgrow an egg allergy, with only a very small proportion keeping the allergy for life. A peanut allergy, on the other hand, is almost the opposite— only 20 per cent of children grow out of their allergy.

The allergy problem is only going to get worse. ASCIA predicts that by 2050, the number of Australians affected by allergic diseases will be an astounding 7.7 million.

From my own experience on the ground, I know that the situation is bad. Waiting times for allergy clinics at public hospitals have blown out to many months, and even in the private sector there are huge waiting lists for testing, diagnosis and treatment.

Many of my immunology colleagues have told me that they already have enough work to keep them going until retirement, as there is no shortage of children needing testing and ongoing management. Many of these children will become adults with chronic allergies.

What causes allergies?

Are we just not dirty enough anymore?

I feel pretty lucky to have had no allergies or major medical issues in my life so far. My mum often reminds me that when I was a toddler I was always playing around in the dirt in our backyard. Apparently I even used to eat ants.

Mum believes that contact with ‘dirt and bugs made you strong’, and I’ve always wondered if there might be some truth to that.

Scientists have proposed the hygiene hypothesis as a way to explain the rising prevalence of allergic diseases. This is the theory that early-childhood exposure to particular microbes (germs) protects kids against the development of allergic diseases.

Lifestyle changes in industrialised countries— more sterile urban environments; more time spent indoors— have resulted in less exposure to microbes, especially for children. This has meant fewer infections, but it is also associated with a rise in allergies.

In other words, we’re not being exposed to the kind of bacteria that we once were, so our bodies aren’t learning how to fight certain diseases. It seems like my mum was right— playing in the dirt as a kid is good for you.

The story of the hygiene hypothesis is a fascinating one.

In 1989, Professor David Strachan, a London epidemiologist (a scientist who studies diseases within specific populations of people), published the results of a survey of more than 17,000 British children exploring the increased incidence of hay fever in post-war Britain. A curious pattern emerged in the data: the more elder siblings a child had, the less likely he or she was to develop eczema by the age of one and hay fever by the age of 23.

Professor Strachan believed the older children were passing some protective effect on to their younger siblings, and that this special protective effect was exposure to microbes. This earlychildhood exposure to particular microbes affected the development of the younger siblings’ immune systems, which protected them against allergies.

The catchy title of Professor Strachan’s paper was ‘Hay fever, hygiene, and household size’.

Funnily enough, the word ‘hygiene’ was only used in the title of the paper and nowhere else in the text. Despite this, the media and scientific community zeroed in on the idea that we’re simply not dirty enough anymore. But how exactly does this work? And why are some microbes ‘good’ for us but not others?

This is an edited extract from The Healthy Baby Gut Guide by Dr Vincent Ho, Allen and Unwin, RRP $29.99, available now.

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a hero born Meet Melbourne’s Reuben Cullen.

By day you’ll find him in his highvis working in electrical, but as soon it’s time to knock off you’ll catch him at home writing poetry, working on his next children’s book or hanging out with mates having a laugh.

Reuben Cullen’s spiky bleached hair and funloving grin are the first things you notice about him. Even before he speaks you know this down-to-earth construction worker is not your average children’s book author. But life hasn’t always been laughs for Reuben who has faced challenging life experiences with addiction and recovery as well as losing contact with a child he considered his daughter.

“During the day you can find me in my high-vis vest working in demolition, but once I clock-off you’ll catch me writing poetry and stories – always with music on,” At his darkest point Reuben’s relationship fell apart and his drug addiction spiralled out of control which ultimately contributed to the loss of contact with his ex-partner’s daughter Kasey, who he had raised as his own daughter from the age of 1 to 8.

Reuben not only lost the ability to read and write but loosing contact with the little girl he taught to read, write and ride a bike was equally heartbreaking. Thankfully he realised that ultimately only he could bring himself out of his situation, and he had to step up and be his own hero. Today his aim is to inspire and empower children to also be their own heroes.

With his love of writing helping him heal, Reuben has recently launched his first book, A Hero Born, that he hopes will pass on a message of self-love, confidence and self54

esteem to children across Australia – all things he was struggling with himself while writing the book during his recovery from addiction.

During the dark period of his addiction, he became incapable of doing what he loves most; writing. This for him was the turning point that inspired him to turn his life around and became the motivation for him to write A Hero Born.

“Working hard on the book gave me an outlet again and made me accountable for something in my life that I was interested in. I found it helped me with removing the drugs from my life.”

It might seem strange for a recovering addict to write a children’s book, but Reuben had a deeply personal reason to want to share his story of empowerment with younger audiences. Naturally this book is dedicated to Kasey Jane, the young girl Reuben loved and helped raise from the age of one when he was in a long-term relationship with Kasey’s mum.

“Kasey was a big reason I wanted to write the book. I wanted to one day have something to show her and hopefully read to her. I just hope kids can learn to be the best person for themselves from reading the book – if I can just help one child not go through what I did then I’ll be happy.”

More than 6% of Australians aged over 14 years have used amphetamines, including Ice, one or more times in their lifetime, and 2.4% of 12 to 17-year-olds have tried amphetamines.

Reuben’s own experiences taught him that you need to start young in sharing messages of selfesteem and resilience to help adolescents avoid the same destructive path he went down.

Others agree and see the power in someone with Reuben’s reallife experiences sharing a genuine, educational and inspiring story of hope with Australian children.

Reuben’s words have been brought to life by vibrant and imaginative illustrations from Michael Glenda, a father of three, and a well-known street and tattoo artist.

The book follows the parallel adventures of both a caped hero and an everyday hero to prove that anyone can save the day. The motivational messages throughout the story encourage children to be ambitious, healthy, reliable, selfless, caring, honest, confident, determined and happy.

“A Hero Born is about a child looking up at a hero and talking about the traits and values of a hero, but by the end he realises he is his own hero through simply acting out these values himself. My journey has taught me the importance of believing in yourself.”

Reuben wants to inspire kids all over the world, and to help them understand just how special and important each of them is. His writing is carefully considered in order to surprise and educate children in a fun and meaningful way. He would love to share his stories with children to help them develop the tools to live a positive and happy life.

A Hero Born is available from reubencullenkids.com RRP $24.99 55

Is your home pool defence set for this summer?

Take a few minutes to check the safety of your pool barrier.

YOU NEVER KNOW, YOU COULD JUST SAVE A LIFE.

SAFE BARRIERS

SAVE LIVES

Visit kidsafe.com.au to find out how

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H A R D W A R E

IS YOUR POOL REGISTERED? On average, four young children die in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas each year, and many more are taken to hospital for near-drownings. We encourage the active supervision of young children in and around swimming pools and spas at all times.

In Victoria, the construction and installation of swimming pools, spas and safety barriers and barrier maintenance are all subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations).

Swimming pool and spa owners have a legal obligation to ensure that they maintain the effective operation of swimming pool and spa safety barriers. Gates and doors must remain closed, except when entering the pool or spa.

On 1 December 2019, new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria. It is now mandatory for owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located to register their pool or spa with the relevant council.

The new laws apply to swimming pools and spas that are capable of holding more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water. This includes permanent pools, above ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs, bathing or wading pools and some relocatable pools.

Relocatable pools that do not consist of multiple components and do not require any assembly are not subject to the barrier requirements. An example of such a product is a small inflatable pool that requires no assembly other than inflation.

For more information, visit Kidsafe

Registering your pool or spa If you are the owner of land on which a pool or spa is located, you must register the pool and/or spa with the relevant council. You can contact your local council or check their website for more information on how to register your pool or spa, including the fees payable.

Failure to register a swimming pool or spa within the relevant timeframe can see a fine of up to $1,652.20 being issued.

Pool barrier inspections and compliance An inspection system has also been introduced as part of the new laws – all pool and spa owners are required to arrange an inspection of the safety barrier to determine if the barrier is compliant with the applicable barrier standard, every four years.

The deadlines for inspection and lodgement of certificate of barrier compliance are staggered based on the date your pool or spa was installed – further information on the deadlines can be accessed via the Victorian Building Authority.

Pool barrier restrictions All pool and spa barriers experience wear and tear over time (including rust, missing bolts or screws and damage), which is why it is important to ensure your barrier is regularly checked and maintained.

Even with the new laws introducing inspection and certification requirements once every four years, it’s still important that you regularly check and maintain your barrier to ensure it is in proper working order.

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