PakMag Australia – October 2015 Issue 4

ISSUE NO.4 OCT 2015 AUSTRALIA

! n e e w o l l a H y p p a H THE GOLDEN AGE

TAKING CONTROL

GRANDPARENTS DAY

OF YOUR FACEBOOK

Free

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CONTENTS ISSUE NO. 4 OCT 2015

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04 What's On: October 08 Feature: Gaining Control

Of Your Facebook

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HELLO

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11 Education: Helping your Kids

Cope With Stress 15 Adult Education: Reading, Writing

& Raising Children 16 Ausmumpreneur Awards 2015

Hello and welcome to the Halloween edition of PakMag. This month we interview the winners of the AusMumpreneur awards, there were so many amazing women, and it was an honour to hear their stories and be a judge this year. Check out page 16 to meet the winners.

There's heaps of Halloween activities in this edition plus loads of prizes to win!

Wishing you a fabulous second week to the school holidays. Until next time, don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree x

21 Inspirational Children: Charlie Cooper & His Buddy Bench 23 Bump & Bub: Gender Predictors 26 Health 28 Healthy Recipes 30 The Golden Age Of Grandparents 32 Craft Corner: Chilling Creations

For Halloween 34 Celebrate: Tricks, Treats

& Goulish Sweets

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

36 Recipes For Snow Princesses 38 WIN 41 Sustainable: 17 Incredibly Easy

COVER MODEL Anais Johnston PHOTOGRAPHY Thanks to the team at Insight Creative PAKMAG P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E admin@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/PakmagAustralia T #pakmag

Ways To Conserve Water Around

The House

42 Home: Beautiful Bathrooms 45 Home: Timber Style

DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Dashing Designer Sara

Events Extraordinaire Kelly

Darling Designer Clare

Sales Guru Angelina

Grand Poobah Bree

Admin Ace Janelle

Sales Star Cherie

Sales Golden Girl Tammy

Content Captain Jenna

www.pakmag.com.au SEPTEMBER 2015

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WHAT'S ON OCT NATIONAL Leukaemia Foundations’ Light the Night WHEN: 9 October WHERE: Various locations around Australia MORE INFO

WHEN & WHERE:

McHappy Day – Ronald McDonald House Charities Fundraiser

Brisbane – 3rd October QSAC Nathan Melbourne – 10th October AAMI Park

Perth – 24th October Domain Stadium

WHEN & WHERE: 10 October - 14 November WHERE: Various locations around Australia MORE INFO

Monster Jam – The Sky’s The Limit

Sydney - 17th October ANBZ Stadium

Peppa Pig Live!

Big Splash!

WHEN: 17 October, All day WHERE: All McDonalds across Australia

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

NEW SOUTH WALES Play Along With Sam Moran WHERE: Revesby Workers' Club, 2B Brett Street, Sydney WHEN: 2nd October 10.00am MORE INFO

Justine Clarke Pyjama Jam! WHERE: Monkey Baa Theatre, 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney WHEN: 14th - 17th October 10.00am - 2.00pm MORE INFO

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"Elise picks Justine Clarke Pyjama Jam! 14th - 17th Oct"

www.whatson4littleones.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Veterans Week Family Fun Day WHERE: Semaphore Foreshore, Corner Esplanade and Semaphore Road, Adelaide WHEN: 11th October 11.00am - 5.30pm MORE INFO

Australian Supercross Championship WHERE: The Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Road, Adelaide WHEN: 31st October 6.00pm - 10.30pm

Asia Fest WHERE: Rymill Park, Adelaide CBD WHEN: 2nd - 11th October

MORE INFO

QUEENSLAND Lah Lah’s Children Show WHERE: Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) WHEN: 30th September - 3rd October, times vary MORE INFO

MORE INFO

The Screaming Jets Rock’n’Roll Rampage Tour WHERE: Venues vary across QLD including Cairns, Townsville, Farleigh, Scarness, Acacia Ridge, Booval and Palmview WHEN: 10th October - 24th October MORE INFO

Oktoberfest WHERE: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane WHEN: 9th - 11th & 16th - 18th October MORE INFO

www.pakmag.com.au SEPTEMBER 2015

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WHAT'S ON OCT VICTORIA Melbourne Festival

Alice's Wonderland Exhibition at Scienceworks

WHERE: Various venues around Melbourne WHEN: 8th - 15th October

WHERE: Albert Park Lake, Albert Park, Melbourne WHEN: 21st March - 1st November MORE INFO

MORE INFO

Walk for Prems WHERE: Albert Park Lake, Albert Park, Melbourne WHEN: Sunday 25th October MORE INFO

Children's Week Picnic WHERE: Werribee Park, Werribee, Melbourne WHEN: 25th October 2015, 10.00am - 4.00pm MORE INFO

NORTHERN TERRITORY Alice Springs Town Council Night Markets

Diesel - A Time & Place Tour

WHERE: Todd Mall, Todd St, Araluen WHEN: 15 October 2015 5.00pm

WHERE: Airport Hotel, 227 McMillans Road, Darwin WHEN: 30th & 31st October 8.00pm - 11.30pm

MORE INFO

RSPCA Save the Paw Ball WHERE: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 116 The Esplanade, Darwin WHEN: 17 October 2015 7.00pm - 12.00am MORE INFO

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MORE INFO

"Elise picks RSPCA Save The Paw Ball, 17th Oct"

www.whatson4littleones.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Science Nights WHERE: Scitech, City West Centre, Corner Railway St & Sutherland St, Perth WHEN: 5th October 5.30pm - 8.30pm MORE INFO

FRIGHT NIGHTS at Adventure World WHERE: Adventure World, Perth WHEN: 29th - 31st October MORE INFO

Octonauts Live!

Operation Reef Shield

School Holiday Family Fun

WHERE: Regal Theatre, Perth WHEN: Saturday 10th October

WHERE: Barrack Street Jetty, Pier 5 Barrack Street Jetty WHEN: 5th - 9th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

MORE INFO

TASMANIA

MORE INFO

GIGgle and Hoot Tour

Mary Poppins

WHERE: Theatre Royal, 29 Campbell Street, Hobart WHEN: 4th October, various times

WHERE: Princess Theatre, 57 Brisbane St, Launceston , Launceston WHEN: 28th October - 7th November, various times

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Lord of the Dance WHERE: Canberra Theatre Centre WHEN: 6th - 11th October 2015 MORE INFO

www.pakmag.com.au SEPTEMBER 2015

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GAINING CONTROL OF YOUR K O O B E C A F

There is no denying that Facebook is an important tool in our personal and professional lives. Facebook helps keep our friends close and our families closer and an estimated 75 per cent of parents have an active Facebook account.

Liking posts, sharing stories and commenting on statuses are some of the ways many parents engage on Facebook but most mums admit that uploading photos is one of the best ways to make use of Facebook. According to a recent study conducted

by The Parent Zone in the UK, the average number of kiddie photos parents are posting online before their little ones turn five years old is 973. And, while experts do not advise against posting photos or engaging via social media entirely, they do suggest that all Facebook users need to be well aware of just what they are sharing (and with whom).

There are countless news stories circulating about the dangers of Facebook in regards to identity theft and often the issue comes down to your privacy settings. The Parent Zone reveals that “17 per cent of parents have never checked their Facebook privacy settings and almost half (46 per cent) have only checked once or twice, despite the social network being the most common platform for photo sharing”.

If your information, including photos of your children, get into the hands of the wrong people, the consequences can be shocking. So how can you ensure that you have full control of your Facebook? Our PakMag social media team share their tips: 1. GENERAL SAFETY SETTINGS Head to "Settings" and the "Privacy" tab. See what your settings are and edit accordingly.

Go to "Timeline and Tagging". Enable "Review Posts" and the "Review Tags" so that people can't post on your timeline without your approval of each post.

2. CATEGORISING YOUR FRIENDS (BEST DONE ON A PC) To categorise your Facebook friends go to the "Friends" tab on your "Home" page. Click on the dropdown box per friend and categorise them as a "Close Friend", "Acquaintance" or "Add to Another List" that you create.

You can create lists based on people you work with, people in your alumni, people in your mother’s group and much more.

You can also "Restrict" the person so they are your friend on Facebook but they can't see your photos or posts.

Another option is to “unfollow” certain friends and pages. That way you still remain friends but you are not bombarded with their status updates and posts.

FEATURE

3. SECURING YOUR PHOTOS Like categorising your friends, you can categorise your photos which is highly recommended for the safety of your family.

Most albums can be customised for viewing in similar categories that you have set up like your friends. (Ie: "Public" can view your photos, Friends, Acquaintances or Family).

We suggest no images of children in your profile and cover pictures. The Profiles Pictures Album has to be a "Public" folder so change or remove photos from this folder if you wish, then change the settings of each album or photo accordingly.

4. VIEWING YOUR ACCOUNT AS A CERTAIN PERSON Sometimes we don't want certain people to see things on our timeline.

You can check to see how they see your timeline and photo albums by using the "View As" feature to see what your timeline looks like to the "Public" or as we like to say - the biggest country on Earth - Facebook. If the security is not tight enough - fix it and view again.

Things to Avoid Sharing on Facebook YOUR PHONE NUMBER

YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

If you want to include your phone number, make sure you hide it from your profile so only select people can see it.

Going away for the month? Don’t share this on Facebook until you have returned. This simply announces to your friends (and possibly others if you share publicly), that your house is empty.

• Go to Facebook and click on your name at the top of the page. When your profile page loads, click the “Update Info” button in the lower-right corner of your cover image.

• Go to “Contact and Basic Info” in the left column and next to your phone number click the “Edit” link.

Also, avoid status updates claiming “All alone tonight” or “Partner is away for the weekend” as you never know who could get this information.

• Click the “audience selector” icon and change it to “Only me.”

• Facebook is a great place to store family photos and albums from holidays but make sure you have the right settings on the album. “Only Me” or “Family” may better than “Public”.

YOUR HOME ADDRESS

YOUR KIDS IN THE BATH, ON THE POTTY OR NAKED

It’s best to avoid showcasing your home address.

Remove it from your profile as well as any events that you have hosted at your house in the past.

What you may think is a sweet moment in the bath could end up on a child pornography sight. It’s not a nice thing to think about, but it does happen.

• Follow the directions above to get into the “Contact and Basic Info” section of your profile information.

• If you are going to share these photos, make sure you select the appropriate audience.

• Look for “Neighbourhood,” and if there’s an address there, click the “Edit” link next to it and wipe out the information.

GROUP PHOTOS

• Then click “Save Changes.”

YOUR PAYMENT INFORMATION Facebook is free, but it still wants your credit card number. Adding your financial information lets you buy gift cards and other products straight through the website but this could be disastrous in the wrong hands.

• Open your Facebook, click the upside-down triangle in the top right corner and choose “Settings.”

• In the left column select “Payments,” and then on the right go the “Account Settings” tab.

• You can see if you have any saved payment information and remove it.

According to The Parent Zone, “25 per cent of parents confess to never asking the permission of the people in photos before posting them and over half (53 per cent) have uploaded a photo of a child that wasn’t their own.”

• When uploading photos of other children, make sure you have permission from the parents first.

Many parents are not comfortable having their children’s faces on social media.

pakmag

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EDUCATION

pakmag

Helping Your Kids

COPE WITH STRESS

STORY Rowena Prentice, Birdwing Therapies I often find myself wishing I was back in childhood, free of stress. But the reality is that childhood can be a very stressful experience. With increasing school demands, countless extra-curricular options and coping with life, more young people are experiencing overwhelming stress, sometimes leading to mental health issues.

Headspace (the National Youth Mental Health Foundation) tells us that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem experienced by young Australians, affecting around one in five females and one in 10 males aged 16-24 years.

About half of people with anxiety experience their first symptoms by age 11. According to BeyondBlue, one in 16 young Australians experience depression. Both anxiety and depression are common results of overwhelming, prolonged stress.

WHAT IS STRESS? Stress itself is not a bad thing. It helps us learn and develop. Essentially, stress becomes a problem when it leads to prolonged distress.

In preschoolers, separation from parents can cause anxiety. As kids get older, academic and social pressures create stress. Too much exposure to 'adult' worries, major changes (like illness, death, separations or moving) and even everyday things like seeing disturbing situations in the media are all common stressors.

Fear, anxiety and worry are normal and often manageable in children; however, extra help may be needed when anxiety seems out of control, stops them participating in activities or prevents them from doing things their peers do easily.

WHAT DOES STRESS LOOK LIKE? While a certain amount of stress is useful, too much can lead to emotional crisis or serious physical illness. Common physical signs include sleeplessness, headaches, stomach aches, diarrhoea/constipation and susceptibility to illness.

You might notice changes in behaviour like 'nervous' habits, fears, difficulty concentrating, excessive shyness, acting out, withdrawal or lying, or a decline in academic ability.

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pakmag

EDUCATION

HOW CAN YOU HELP? There are many simple things you can do to help reduce stress:

HOW DOES YOUR CHILD COPE WITH STRESS?

PLAY Children learn and make sense of their world through free play. Make sure they're getting as much unstructured, imaginative/creative free play time as possible, with plenty of time spent outdoors.

BREATHE Sounds simple, but learning calming breathing takes practice, and can help reduce the physiological symptoms of anxiety. Help your child to breathe deeply and slowly through mindful breathing or games like blowing feathers or bubbles.

Other useful calming techniques include muscle relaxation and visualisation exercises (there are plenty of these online, or from family/ health services), playing with sand and water, beading and colouring.

COMMUNICATE Include both family sharing and one-on-one time as much as possible. Dinner and bedtime are great opportunities to hear how your child is going. Try to use open-ended questions and simply listen. They're more likely to talk openly if you're accepting and non-judgemental. Sometimes kids just feel better when you're there. When children misbehave, try to understand why they might be behaving that way.

REFLECT Use everyday moments to help children understand their world. The news, TV programs and everyday events in their life are all opportunities to help kids discuss, reflect and make sense of what they see and hear. Let them know it's okay to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious and that other people share those feelings.

ENCOURAGE STRUCTURE Structure (like daily routines, family meetings and shared rules) can alleviate stress by helping children know boundaries and expectations. As children get older, they can contribute to how those structures look. You can also help by anticipating potentially stressful situations and preparing kids for them.

REST Make sure there's downtime in every day, and set healthy sleep patterns. Sleep can be improved by having regular bedtimes (even weekends), limiting night screen time and having calming activities before bed.

While most parents can support their child to cope well with stress, professional help may be necessary when behavioural or physical signs persist, when stress is causing serious anxiety, or significant problems at school or at home.

More detailed information on reducing your child's risk of depression and anxiety can be found at www.parentingstrategies.net

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Tamara A Hogan outlines several different coping methods common in children.

THE ATHLETE (GETS PHYSICAL) Pushes themselves extra hard in their exercise or sport routine.

THE COMEDIAN (USES HUMOUR) Tells jokes or finds the ‘funny’ in the problem.

THE EEYORE (PASSIVELY RESISTS) Disengages and gives up.

THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER (POSITIVELY REFRAMES) Looks for the positive by reframing the situation.

THE NURSE (HELPS OTHERS) Distracts themselves by rushing to aid others who appear to need their help.

THE TALKER (TURNS TO VENTING) Expresses their negative feelings freely with others.

THE MARTHA STEWART (SOLVES PROBLEMS) Analyses and sources the problem before coming up with several solutions.

THE MASQUERADER (DANCES WITH DENIAL) Avoids the issue altogether by denying the problem exists.

THE MARTYR (BLAMES HIMSELF) Excessively blames themselves for a situation by internalising the issue.

THE TOLERATOR (EMBRACES THE CHANGE AND CHALLENGE) Accepts reality and the stress that comes with it and proactively adapts to new situations.

See www.tamaraliving.com for the full list of “Creative Coping” methods.

www.pakmag.com.au SEPTEMBER 2015

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ADULT EDUCATION

pakmag

Reading, Writing &

RAISING CHILDREN

STORY Jenna Gallina When it comes to adult education, finding the balance between being a parent and being a mum is tricky to say the least, but most multitasking mums would agree that the end result is certainly worth it.

You’ve seen the stock photos of a mum enjoying a coffee while she studies with her children happily sitting beside her. In reality, studying with children, especially young children, isn’t always such a pretty picture.

Returning to school after having children, whether studying online or on campus, can be a daunting and frightening idea.

Plus, tick off each item from your checklist – there is nothing better for your motivation than seeing your list of things-todo diminish.

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

How will I find the time to do everything?

Get all your chores out of the way before you study so you don’t hear the beep beep beep of the washing machine every time you turn a page. Plus, turn your phone off and log out of Facebook!

How will I find the motivation?

THINK OUTSIDE THE TEXTBOOK

Will I even remember how to study?

Taking the plunge and finding out just what you are capable of not only benefits you and proves that yes, you can do it, but it also sets an excellent example for your children. If mummy can do it, then so can they.

Whether you are thinking about enrolling in a program or are currently undergoing an adult education course, keep these tips in mind when juggling learning with little ones.

If you can, purchase a tablet so you can browse through the lecture slides while feeding bub on the lounge or rocking your little one to sleep. You may even be able to get some lectures through audio so you can play them through your phone or iPod while walking the kids to school or on your afternoon stroll to the park.

Top Ten Reasons to Consider Adult Education

Balancing Study with Kids SET A FAMILY STUDY TIME For example, make 4pm every week day family homework time where everyone sits down around the table and studies, reads, draws or does something creative.

KEEP THE KIDS HAPPY Have snacks prepared and some activities that your kids can do with minimal supervision.

One option is to set up four different activities (play dough, blocks, colouring and LEGO, etc.) and set the timer for 15 minutes each. This gives you an hour of study time and the kids get a taste of toy circuit training.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR PRODUCTIVE TIME AKA – their sleep time. This may mean getting up an hour earlier or going to bed an hour later, but it also means you don’t have to sacrifice your family time for study time.

USE VISUAL REMINDERS Make a timetable with study times, project due dates and check-lists for the different things you need to accomplish each week. Use coloured texters for every subject and make your visual board bright and fun. This will make it easier to actually do what you have to do.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

To increase your earning potential To challenge yourself To continue your quest for knowledge To get into something completely new To fulfil a personal goal To start a business To further your current career To meet new people and network To improve your self-esteem To set a good example for your kids

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Ausmumpreneur Awards 2015 Meet the Mums Who Prove

You Can Do it All

The AusMumpreneur Awards celebrates Australia’s most outstanding mums in business and last month, celebrate they did!

The night belonged to Monica Meldrum, who took out the St George Banking Group 2015 AusMumpreneur of the Year Award. Monica is the owner of Whole Kids, Australia’s largest range of organic, allergy free health foods for children, and the proceeds help to fund kids’ health and environmental projects.

MONICA MELDRUM Whole Kids.

Melbourne.

PakMag was lucky enough to speak to the winner of the George Banking Group 2015 AusMumpreneur of the Year Award, mum-of-two and owner of Whole Kids, Monica Meldrum. Monica, her husband, James and two children, Sam (1) and Chloe (5) live in Melbourne, Victoria and her journey to become the AusMumpreneur of the Year is nothing short of inspirational.

Tell us about yourself in twenty words: I'm a fun, caring mother and wife, and I’m passionate about making a difference. I’d also say that I’m a conscientious and socially aware businessperson.

What are three things you cannot live without?

1. My family – family is everything to me and I treasure each moment we spend together.

2. Whole Kids Barefoot Bars – I never leave the house without two or three in my handbag. They’re great for the kids but they’re also a healthy snack for me when I’m on the go!

3. Chai (naturally brewed leaves, not the powder) - Each morning I start the day with a cup of Chai Tea. What’s your favourite quote?

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall What are you renowned for?

Aside from my business, it would have to be my Indonesian folk singing. I was in Indonesia and began learning the language by singing Dangdut -Indonesian folk and traditional popular music. Needless to say, I’ve been asked to belt out a tune or two at a party!

What are your favourite things to do on your time off?

I was a fitness instructor in my former life, and still love leading an active lifestyle. I make time for yoga and walking along the beach. Nestling down with a great book is also one of my favourite ways to unwind.

Who would play you in a movie?

Naomi Watts. She's a mother, a fantastic actress and she’s Australian, so she ticks the right boxes.

What made you get into business?

While travelling in Indonesia to deliver an aid program to children living in poverty, I vowed to make a difference to children’s health. On returning to Australia and witnessing food related illnesses amongst children and an abundance of over processed, heavily marketed children’s foods, I decided to do something about it.

Aside from winning the AusMumpreneur of the Year Award, what are your greatest achievements so far?

Seeing the growth of our community initiative, Small Seeds Community Grants Program, come to life. Small Seeds is one of the ways Whole Kids gives back to the community. We invite community groups and non-profit organisations to apply for one of our grants that we award every 3 months. This year, 10 years on, we’re seeing many worthy community programs benefitting from our Small Seeds Grants and it’s a wonderful feeling to see these projects come to fruition.

Also, seeing Whole Kids stocked on QANTAS flights and in major retailers. This has all helped bring us closer to achieving our Whole Kids’ BHAG which is to provide 50 million healthier choices for mums and dads.

What’s in store for Whole Kids?

We’ll continue to grow our contribution through our Small Seeds Community Grants Program by announcing projects that we’ll be partnering with to better the community. For more information or to nominate a program or local initiative that you feel would benefit from a grant please visit our website: www.wholekids.com.au/small-seeds-about-us/

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Runner Ups for St George Banking Group 2015 AusMumpreneur of the Year Award

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Making a Difference Award

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Rising Star Award

Kelly Brown

Kristy Vallely

Alisha Lynch

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a Mumpreneur?

“I'll start by saying "Nothing good comes easy" be prepared to work hard and work through your own personal fear. If you are committed - you can do anything!”

Any tips to share with mums in business?

“Really love and believe in what you are wanting to turn into a business as you will need a lot of passion to go the distance. Enlist as much support as possible and make sure you are scheduling days off from your business.”

The St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Regus Business Excellence Award

The St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Emerging Award

Little Pieces Photography.

Brisbane.

Stephanie Wilson TFI Dentistry.

Cleveland.

“

You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Jane Goodall

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Customer Service Award

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Handmade Award

Nikki Wilkins

Melanie Fogarty

Nurture Nest.

Adelaide.

What made you decide to start Nuture Nest?

"I started with a vision to make parenting easier and more enjoyable for parents through selling safe, comfortable baby carriers which enable parents to do more of what they love with the people they love most. Nurture Nest is now one of the largest and longest running baby carrier specialty stores in Australia with an incredible community of passionate people alongside it.”

Beyond the Willow Tree.

Cairns.

How did Beyond the Willow Tree come to be?

“Beyond The Willow Tree is Australia’s original and leading DNA artistry designer. I began my business from one hundred dollars and a dream of turning families’ most precious items into a physical representation of their journey. We are now a team of five working with customers all over the world, specialising in handmade breast milk, umbilical, hair and ashes jewellery.”

The Imperfect Mum. Cairns.

Casey Bryden Sunbella.

Perth.

Any advice for mums starting a business from home?

“Give it a go, it’s the best job in the world. You get to spend time with your precious little ones as they grow up, yet remain connected to the outside world. It’s nice to balance emails, business calls and corporate events with play-doh, craft and cuddles.”

Naughty Naturopath Mum. Brisbane.

Heather Rowlands Kippins.

Adelaide.

What inspired you to start your business?

“When I had my eldest son in 2012 I searched for a modern, cool comforter that ticked all the boxes when it came to fair trade, ethical production and organic materials. I couldn’t find them, so I decided to make them! It took two years of prototyping and searching for the right manufacturer for them to come to life.”

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St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Service Business Award

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Digital Innovation Award.

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Sustainability Award

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Product Innovation Award

Kelly McDonald

Jodie Blight

Vinita Baravkar

Kristy Chong

What inspired you to start your business?

“I needed to work from home, and make as much money as I could if I was working as a teacher, but with my baby at my feet, and without putting my son into before and after school care. It had to be something I loved, creative, and sought after.”

What do you love about being a Mumpreneur?

“Being able work the hours that fit with my family, use my brain and have the freedom to develop something that no one has done before, while not compromising my most important role (being a mum). But the best part is how proud my kids and husband are of my achievements.”

What inspired you to start your business?

“I experienced first-hand the disastrous health and environmental impacts of traditional cotton growing with farmer suicides, pesticide poisoning, birth defects, harmful dyes and toxic chemicals. Nobody deserves these adverse effects and I wanted to create a line of products that we need and use daily that help the earth, humanity and us as consumers. I combined my deep love for the Earth, humanity and sustainable design to create Bhumi Organic Cotton.”

Tell us about your business.

“Modibodi is fashionable, comfortable, innovative underwear that replaces daggy period panties and panty liners, prevents embarrassing little mishaps, and gives women what we need in underwear.

Our underpants use our patented leak-proof technology or moisture wicking technology, so women have peace of mind, and keep cool, dry and fresh.”

Garden Babies Fine Fairy Art. Melbourne.

St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Influencer Award

The St George Banking Group AusMumpreneur Retail Business Award

Nikalene Riddle

Samantha Spunner

Skinnymixers.

Adealide.

What have been your major achievements in the past 12 months?

“I have fostered a successful, positive and very active Facebook community, with 39,500 members. From there I established my blog and website which has had over half a million unique visitors. Through my passion for developing healthy recipes I have lost 35kg and have maintained this weight loss.”

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Hello Table.

Melbourne.

SEPTEMBER 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

Sinchies Reusable Pouches.

Caloundra.

What inspired you to start your business?

“I was running a family daycare when yoghurt pouches launched. Kids and parents loved. But one little girl was dairy intolerant and felt left out. I made her a pouch replica and filled it with dairy-free yoghurt - that’s when it hit me. Why not a refillable, reusable pouch?”

Bhumi Organic Cotton.

Melbourne.

ModiBodi .

Sydney.

Follow your dreams and use “your natural-born talents and

skills to make this a better world for tomorrow.”

Paul Watson

St George Banking Group Service Revolution Awards

Maddie Race Kids Say Yum

Julie Jones

Have Wheelchair Will Travel

Stacey Currie BrandPrint Australia

For more information on all things AusMumpreneur visit www.ausmumpreneur.com

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INSPIRATIONAL CHILDREN

pakmag

Little Kids, Big Ideas

CHARLIE COOPER & HIS BUDDY BENCH STORY Jenna Gallina, photographs thanks to Peppermint Lane Photography.

You may not know his name, but you most likely know his idea. Charlie Cooper is the inspirational 10 year old boy behind the Buddy Bench, a concept that is taking Australia by storm and helping children create friendships and eliminate loneliness in the school yard.

The inspiration behind the Buddy Bench is one most of us know too well. I can still recall that awful feeling when no one wanted to play with me at school. And, as a mum, there is nothing worse than having this same sinking feeling remerge when your child comes home feeling disappointed and discouraged that he didn’t make any friends.

The primary school student Charlie Cooper knew this feeling all too well.

But, unlike most kids, after months of feeling lonely in the playground, Charlie decided to do something about it.

The Buddy Bench started with a simple request. “Charlie came home one day from school and told me, ‘Mum, I didn’t make any friends again today’,” Charlie’s mum, Carly, tells

Get to Know Charlie Cooper FAMILY

Mum, Carly, dad, Matt, brother, Jack (13) and sister, Lilah (8) FAVOURITE BOOK

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

FAVOURITE THING TO DO

Ride bikes

FAVOURITE SUBJECT

Technology

PakMag. “The next day he went to his school principal with his idea for the Buddy Bench.”

Charlie’s hope was that the Buddy Bench, which he read about while holidaying in the United States, would help children feel included in the school yard.

“If you feel lonely at lunch, you can go there and there will be someone waiting for a friend. So you can make a new friend,” Charlie explains.

After his initial request and with the assistance of Leigh Nelson from Choice Pools Safety Inspection, Charlie wrote a letter to the Men’s Shed and Bunnings to ask for help.

Within a few months the first Buddy Bench in Australia was installed atTrinity Beach State School last September.

In one short year, Charlie’s idea has travelled across Australia. Buddy Benches are now featured in many schools in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales including local schools Edge Hill State School, Isabella State School, St Andrews Catholic College, Caravonica State School and Whitfield State School with plenty more in the works.

“We certainly didn’t think it would go as nuts as it has!” Carly admits.

Charlie’s Buddy Bench isn’t the only thing getting recognised. Charlie is

proving to be quite the inspiration as well. Last year he spoke at James Cook University’s inaugural TEDx event where he shared his solution to bullying. The YouTube video of his speech has been viewed close to 100,000 times in less than 12 months.

“About one person views the video every hour,” Charlie explains proudly.

Charlie was also nominated for the Pride of Australia medal that recognises ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Carly tells us that her son, who she describes as thoughtful, compassionate and kind, is definitely a lot “less shy” and “more cheeky” and the recent public speaking events, conferences and radio shows are boosting his confidence.

With every Buddy Bench installation comes a lesson for the students. They are taught what the Buddy Bench is for and encouraged to approach those who are using it. Rather than seen as a target, the Buddy Bench is seen as a solution and so far, the results have been nothing but positive.

“At the start, lots of people were using it,” Charlie explains. “But now, there are less and less kids sitting there because they are making friends.”

Charlie’s kind spirit, his unwavering commitment and his inspirational story are changing the rules of the school yard for the better, one bench at a time.

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100% edible

Handmade decorations

for your cakes

Our icingbits turn your cakes into works of art!

For info call 0410 107 722 or visit www.icingbits.com 22

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BUMP & BUB

pakmag

Gender

PREDICTORS

HOW TO GUESS YOUR BABY'S SEX

Anxious to know the gender of your baby? Check out some of these old wives tales that suggest you can determine the sex of bub based on your cravings, how you are carrying and even through the chemical reactions between your wee and baking soda.

While there isn’t much scientific proof to these tests, they are fun to do. And, there is a 50 per cent chance that you’re going to get it right: HOW ARE YOU FEELING? • If you’re a nauseous mess, then odds are, it’s a girl.

• If you’re feeling fine, then there’s a higher chance it’s a boy.

WHAT ARE YOU CRAVING? • Sweets? Girl.

• Savoury? Boy. WHAT IS BUB’S HEART RATE? • If your scan reads above 140 bpm, then superstitions suggests girl.

• Anything below 140 bpm and it’s a boy.

HOW ARE YOU CARRYING BUB? • Round, low and mostly in front like a basketball? Then it’s a boy.

• All over, especially in the bum and hips. You have a daughter to thank.

HOW’S YOUR SKIN? • Glowing? Then it’s a boy.

• Covered in acne? Legend says it’s because your little girl is stealing your beauty.

HOW ARE YOU SLEEPING? • Sleeping on the right side? Then you’re having a girl.

• Prefer to sleep on the left? Then it’s a boy.

HOW DOES YOUR WEDDING RING SWING?

WHEN DID YOU OVULATE?

Dangle your wedding ring attached to a piece of string over your belly while lying flat on the bed.

There just may be some truth to this one, which is based on the Shettles theory that male sperm move faster, but do not live as long as female sperm.

• To conceive a boy, couples should have sex as close as possible to ovulation.

• To conceive a girl, couples should have sex two to four days before ovulation.

DOES YOUR WEE FIZZLE?

• If the ring swings back and forth (like a pendulum), then it’s a boy.

• If the ring swings in a circular motion, then it’s a girl.

WHEN WERE YOU BORN? The Mayans determined a baby’s gender by looking at the mother’s age of conception and the year of conception.

Pee in a cup and add a small amount of baking soda.

• If both are even or odd, then it’s a girl.

• If the baking soda fizzles, then it’s a boy.

• If one is even and the other is odd, then it’s a boy.

• If nothing happens, then it’s a girl.

WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR WEE? Cut one red cabbage into chunks and boil for 10 minutes. Head to the toilet and wee in a cup. In a separate cup, mix 1 part urine with 1 part cabbage water.

• If the water turns pink or red, this indicates boy.

• If the water is purple, it’s a girl.

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Love Lockets helps you capture your treasured moments. Using a genuine glass floating Love Locket, you are able to select from their huge range of interchangeable charms, crystals and plates starting from $7. Tell your story, piece by piece.

Bluebird Candles are handmade using biodegradable soy wax, cotton wicks and high quality scents and essential oils, creating premium eco candles. The candles are poured in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. The Spa Jars have an average burn time of 30 hours.

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BLUEBIRD CANDLES RRP $20.00 WEB www.bluebirdcandles.com

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TOMMEE TIPPEE CLOSER TO NATURE EXPRESS AND GO STARTER SET RRP $59.98 WEB www.closertonaturebaby.com.au Choosing to express gives you back some well-deserved freedom and flexibility, but the whole process can get messy and complicated. The Express and Go range from Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature makes everything easier.

By using a single pouch to EXPRESS, STORE, WARM and FEED, there’s no need to transfer between bottles – so you’ll never lose a precious drop!

The Express and Go Starter Set (RRP $39.99) includes:1x extra slow flow teat, 1x breast pump adapter set, 1x breast milk pouch bottle with slow flow teat and 20x breast milk pouches. This prize also includes an extra 20 breast milk pouches (RRP $19.99) ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

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ATTIPAS TODDLER SHOES RRP $29.95 WEB www.attipas.com.au

THULE URBAN GLIDE RRP $749.00 AVAILABLE AT Baby Bunting, Babies R Us and leading independents retailers.

WEB For your nearest stockist visit www.thule.com The Thule Urban Glide is an all-round sports stroller for the active family. The sleek and lightweight design makes it perfect for jogging on your favourite path and as an everyday stroller. Its Swedish style, quality and functionality will be the envy of Mums and Dads wherever you go.

One of the lightest sport strollers available, the Urban Glide has all the options you and your little one need. Featuring a one-handed folding mechanism, comfy reclinable seat, adjustable handlebar, a lockable front wheel for added stability, large storage compartments and much more.

It comes in Dark Shadow, Mars and Thule Blue.

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Baby shoe experts Attipas Australia are proud to bring you their feature style for Spring/Summer 2015, Animal Leopard Brown! Featuring cheeky prints for both boys and girls, these gorgeous shoes will finish off any toddler outfit this season. Based on seven years of research, Attipas are award-winning and have been endorsed by Australian podiatrists. Lightweight. Flexible. Convenient. Breathable.

Safe. Attipas shoes are Walking Science.

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pakmag

HEALTH

HEALTH + Eat more organic. Buy more organic Common catch-crys you might hear every day. But how concerned or convinced are you at making organic produce a priority in your household? Conventional farming uses pesticides and fertilisers made with harmful chemicals which are absorbed and ingested by our bodies and can remain there for a very long time.

The combination of so many chemicals over a long period of time is a real concern and can negatively impact our health, in particular our immune and nervous systems.

Serious health risks such as cancers, Parkinson’s disease, foetal and fertility abnormalities, developmental and neurological issues and chronic fatigue syndrome. Nutrient depleted soils is also often the case resulting in fruit and vegetables devoid of minerals and vitamins, covered in pesticides and fertilisers. Our bodies need real food for fuel, not synthetic chemicals.

Concerns are always expressed that organic food is expensive and not affordable for families. With gradual changes and substitutions you may be surprised at how this is not really the case.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP • Grow your own and swap with friends doing the same.

• Join a community garden project or co-op in your area.

• Visit local markets.

• When you’re not able to buy organic, choose spray-free or no-spray produce. Ask the vendor and get to know your farmers.

• Always soak (apple cider vinegar and water is a good soak option), rinse and scrub any non-organic produce where possible. Norwex chemical-free cleaning have a Fruit and Vegetable Scrub Cloth specifically for this.

+ five fertility TIPS FOR WOMEN STORY Jana Gorski Naturopath and Natural Fertility Educator 1. DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE Most women understand that fertility declines with age but did you know that by 35, a women’s fertility is 50 per cent of what it was in her early 20’s? Combine this with any number of the following factors that reduce your fertility and you may have trouble conceiving.

2. YOUR HORMONES NEED TO BE JUST RIGHT Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are two of the leading causes of infertility in Australia. Hormonal imbalance can make conception or maintaining a pregnancy difficult too. If you have irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, menstrual pain or PMS, herbal and nutritional medicine can bring your hormones back into balance.

3. YOUR LIFESTYLE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE Studies show that smoking, excessive caffeine intake, alcohol and lack of social activity can all reduce the time it takes to achieve a pregnancy. Combine just three of these factors between a couple and the time to pregnancy is four times longer!

4. STRESS CAN IMPACT ON YOUR FERTILITY There is no aspect of our health that isn’t affected by stress!

Stress can disrupt the reproductive hormones involved in ovulation and maintaining a pregnancy. There are safe and effective natural treatments to help with managing stress.

5. TIMING IS EVERYTHING An ovum only survives 12 - 24 hours so getting the timing right is important. Natural Fertility Awareness teaches you how to correctly identify ovulation and when conception is most likely, maximizing your chance of pregnancy.

FRUIT & VEGGIE SCRUB CLOTH RRP $16.25 WEB https://yvetteprice.norwexbiz.com.au This scrub and dry Microfibre cloth removes dirt, pesticides, bacteria and waxy coating using pure water.

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The right medical advice along with complementary medicine can help assist the improvement of your fertility.

Jana is a trained Natural Fertility Educator and Naturopath at Calanna Woree, offering Nutritional and Herbal Medicine as well as diet and lifestyle advice to maximize your fertility.

+ Understanding Food Labels Can you judge a food by its label? Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift tells you how.

Light, low or no cholesterol, fresh, Australian-made, baked not fried, reduced-fat, no sugar?!

While food labels are a valuable source of information, they can sometimes appear cluttered and confusing.

Here is what you need to know THE INGREDIENTS LIST • Ingredients are listed in order of the proportion they comprise in the total product. Try to avoid products that list sugar, fat or salt in the top three ingredients.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PANEL (NIP) • The NIP provides information on energy (in kilojoules), protein, total fat, saturated fat, total carbohydrates, sugars and sodium based on portion size.

BEST- BEFORE DATE • Foods with a shelf-life of less than two years must have a best-before or use-by date.

USE-BY DATE • Foods that should not be consumed after a certain date for health and safety reasons must have a use-by date and cannot be sold after that date.

HEALTH STAR RATINGS • The Health Star Rating (HSR) system was developed by Australian, State and Territory Governments, industry, public health and consumer groups to provide an overall rating of the healthiness of a product, as well as specific nutrient and energy information.

NUTRITION HEALTH CLAIMS • A new standard to control the use of health claims on food labels came into effect in 2013.

• Health claims refer to a relationship between food and health rather than a statement of content (e.g. ‘a good source of calcium’).

• All health claims are required to be supported by scientific evidence and are only be permitted on foods that meet certain criteria.

LABELLING TRICKS Don’t be misled by labelling tricks. Here are some common ones to look out for: • ‘Light or lite’ does not necessarily mean low-calorie or low-fat, it may just be light in colour, taste or texture.

• ‘Low or no cholesterol’ on foods like margarine and oil are often meaningless because all vegetable oils contain virtually no cholesterol, but can often be high in fat.

• ‘Baked not fried’ might sound healthier, but may have just as much fat.

So, it turns out you can judge a product by its food label.

• It takes into account energy, saturated fat, sodium and total sugars. The more stars a product has, the healthier it is.

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HEALTHY RECIPES it M o

Cheesy Vegetable Ti

a

Fru

n

nsters

RA T FO GREA HY BBQ T HEAL ISH! D This recipe, thanks to www.fitnesshashtag.com, is tiantastic!

PREP TIME 15 mins COOK TIME 45 mins SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium yellow onion 1 tsp minced garlic 1 medium zucchini 1 medium yellow squash 1 medium potato 1 medium tomato 1 tsp dried thyme Salt & pepper to taste 1 cup shredded cheese HOW TO MAKE Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté both in a skillet with olive oil until softened (about five minutes). While the onion and garlic are sautéing, thinly slice the rest of the vegetables.

Spray the inside of an 8×8 square or round baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the softened onion and garlic in the bottom of the dish. Place the thinly sliced vegetables in the baking dish, in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.

5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

These adorable apple and strawberry creatures are silly and sweet! Thanks to Fork and Beans for introducing us to this amazing recipe!

PREP TIME 15 mins SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS 2 green apples, each quartered Peanut butter (or alternative nut spread if your child is allergic to peanut butter) 32 sunflower seeds Butter 2-3 strawberries, sliced Almond flakes Choc chip bits HOW TO MAKE Cut the middles out of each quarter of the apple to create a mouth. Coat the inside of the cut gap with a filling of peanut butter.

Place 4 sunflower seeds on the top of the "mouth" for the teeth. Place 1 sliced strawberry inside the mouth for the tongue.

Use a small dollop of butter to “glue” a choc chip bit to an almond flake to create the eyes. Use butter to secure the eye to the apple monster.

SUGAR FREE BAKING COOK BOOK RRP $29.95 WEB www.sweetlife.com.au Sugar Free Baking by Carolyn Hartz is a collection of 60 sugar-free and gluten-free recipes, with absolutely no hidden sugars such as rice malt syrup, honey and agave. This 78-page comprehensive book is a personal journey with Australia’s first sugar-free pioneer, Hartz, featuring an indispensable guide for the home baker to serve up real, guilt-free recipes.

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THE GOLDEN AGE OF

GRANDPARENTS 25 October is Grandparent’s Day. We at PakMag want to wish all the Nanas, Papas, Omas, Opas, Nans, Pops, Marnies, Pas, Babushkas, Dedushkas, Nonas and Nonos around FNQ a happy Grandparent’s Day and a massive thank you for everything you do, not just on Grandparent’s Day, but every day of the year.

1

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4

A grandmother is a “little bit parent, a little

3

bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” Author Unknown

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A grandfather “is someone with

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silver in his hair and gold in his heart.” Author Unknown

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Five Tips for Honouring Grandparents 1.

Enjoy a meal out followed by a nature walk.

2.

Create a scrapbook, collage or photo album to give to Grandma and Grandpa as a present.

3.

Play a game with the entire family – charades, Pictionary or Monopoly are fun for adults and children of all ages.

4.

Get your children to create a dance, puppet show or skit to perform for them. Bonus points if you join in on the performance too.

5.

If you’re in different cities, states or countries, plan a Skype session and enjoy afternoon tea together.

1. Jack, Peyton, Tyler & Hudson 2. Grandad, Nan Nan & Isla 3. Tony, Karen, Alex & Rubén 4. Lucas & Grandparents 5. Jade & Nana 6.

Joan, Alan, Reece, Tristan, Ruby, Georgia & Catherine 7. Great Grandfather Neville & Rominy 8. Jacob & Papa 9. Steven, Chloe, Cody, Ethan & Hunter 10. Grandma Nicky, Avara & Stella 11. Nana Erin & Paige 12. Isla & Maria 13. Lara, Maria, Isla, Madi, Jeffrey, Rhys & Ethan 14. Grandfather Barry & Ollie 15. Nana B, Olivia, Natasha & Makayla May 30

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pakmag

CRAFT CORNER

CHILLING creations for Get your house ready for Halloween with these easy and fun crafts to do with the kids.

SPOOKY TOILET PAPER ROLL EYES YOU NEED • Large black rubbish bag • Tape • Scissors • Black Sharpie pen HOW TO MAKE

1.

Lay your rubbish bag flat and trim off the sides and bottom so you are left with two big rectangles of plastic

2. Cut each piece into an approximate

square. Fold one of the squares in half diagonally to form a triangle.

3. Fold that triangle in half two more times to narrow it. Use a few pieces of tape to fasten the layers together where the loose folded edges come together. It will help hold the shape together when you're cutting.

4. Use a black Sharpie to sketch some

guides on the plastic: draw a "stem" from the folded point out to the end of your triangle. Then sketch some scallops that come off the stem.

YOU NEED • • • •

Empty toilet paper rolls Glow sticks Duct tape Scissors

HOW TO MAKE

5. With scissors, cut out the negative

1. Cut out eyes from the toilet paper roll 2. Insert a glow stick in each toilet paper

6. Tape several webs together and add

3. Place outside in the trees for a spooky

Thanks to How About Orange http://howaboutorange.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks to Rust and Sunshine: www.rustandsunshine.com

shapes and unfold your web.

extra strips of plastic to connect them if you like.

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Rubbish Bag Spider Webs

SEPTEMBER 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

roll and cover the ends with duct tape

glow-in-the-dark surprise for your kids or trick-or-treaters

Halloween monster treat bags YOU NEED • • • • • • •

Brown paper lunch bag Construction paper Glue stick Scissors Black marker Acrylic craft paint Spray glaze or acrylic sealer (optional)

HOW TO MAKE

1.

Ghoulish Lolly Gloves YOU NEED • 1 x disposable latex glove • Assorted lollies • Black ribbon HOW TO MAKE

1.

Fill plastic gloves with an assortment of small lollies and treats. To make the hand shape, include at least 4 round lollies that will fit into the finger sections of the glove

2. Tie the end of the hand shut with a piece of ribbon

3. Add a spider to one of the fingers for an extra scary twist.

4. Place next to the lolly container at the

front door to spook your trick-or-treaters.

Thanks to The Kitchn: www.thekitchn.com

Paint bag whatever colour you like. Stand them up and let them dry. Add another coat and let them dry again.

2. While bag is drying, cut facial features out of

construction paper. You can use your imagination to make some fun eyes, mouths and hair.

3. Cut polka dots, squares, stripes, or any other type of decoration you would like to use for your monster.

4. Using your glue stick, decorate the bag using the stripes, squares, or polka dots. Be sure to cover the entire piece of construction paper with glue before pressing on to the bag so that none of the corners stick up.

5. Fold down the top of the bag so that you don’t accidentally glue your facial features too high.

6. Use a glue stick to put facial features together before

gluing them to the bag. For example, glue the blacks of the eyes to the whites, glue teeth to mouth etc. Next, glue the facial features to the bag. Use a marker to add thin eyebrows.

7. Let everything dry, then if you like, add a coat of sealer spray.

Let dry again and fill with treats. You can punch a hole through the top of the bag and tie with ribbon if you like.

Thanks to Crafts By Amanda: http://craftsbyamanda.com

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pakmag

CELEBRATE

Tricks, Treats &

GHOULISH SWEETS Halloween PARTY IDEAS If you’ve embraced the American Halloween tradition, then have we got a treat (or trick) for you and your little ones! Go batty with these Halloween ideas.

Decorations Transform your home into the ultimate haunted house with these eerie embellishments.

• White candles with red wax dripping down the sides.

• Orange ‘pumpkin’ paper lanterns with black eyes taped to them .

• Paper plate bats. Paint paper plates black, add black wings, googly eyes and draw a scary face with white pen.

• Paper plate skeletons. Draw and cut out bones, skulls and ribs from white paper plates and combine each body part with zip ties and a hole punch.

• Toilet paper spooky eyes.

• Ghoulish lolly gloves.

• Rubbish bin spider webs.

Sweets and Treats

CHECK OUT PAGE 32 TO DISCOVER HOW TO MAKE SOME OF THESE CHILLING CREATIONS

• Pumpkin biscuits. Get creative with orange icing and green embellishments.

• Scary finger biscuits.

Witch way to the treats? This way!

• White chocolate banana and strawberry ghosts. Dip a banana into melted white chocolate and add chocolate chips for eyes. Place each banana ghost on a paddle pop stick and let cool in the fridge. Repeat the process with strawberries.

• Halloween hot chocolate. With a black icing pen, add eyes and a funny face to your marshmallows before popping them into a cup of hot cocoa.

• Spider cake pops. Add eight legs and black sprinkles for a spine tingling twist on your cake pops.

• Milo mummy balls. Combine two tablespoons of milo, one tin of sweetened condensed milk and one packet of arrowroot biscuits in a food processor. Make balls out of the mixture and let them cool in the fridge. Dip each ball in melted white chocolate and add red sprinkles for the eyes.

• Graveyard chocolate mousse. Combine chocolate mousse with cookie crumble and place in layers in a plastic cup. Top with an arrowroot bickie with RIP written in a black icing pen to create the graveyard look.

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• Frankenstein cake pops. Dip marshmallows in a mixture of melted white chocolate and blended spinach (to create the green colour) and decorate with a black icing pen.

• Guess the Body Part. Blindfold your guests and ask them to dip their fingers into various bowls of different “spooky” things, including spaghetti brains, grape eye balls and jelly guts. Have the guests guess what body part they are touching (and what food it could actually be) .

Ghoulish Games It’s not a Monster Bash without a few freaky games!

Movie Madness

• Mummy Wrap. Divide the kids into teams of two and give each team a roll of toilet paper. Choose some spooky Halloween music and get each team to wrap one team member in as much toilet paper as possible until the music stops.

End the evening with a fangtastic family-friendly Halloween classic that won’t leave the kiddies with nightmares:

• Pin the Wart on the Witch. Test out this hair-raising twist on the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

• Coraline (ages 9 and up).

• Apple Bobbing. Fill a bucket with green food colouring and water and dump apples into the bucket. Tie your guest’s hands behind their back and get them to ‘bob’ for the apples, using only their mouths to grab one.

• Decorate your own Trick or Treat Bag. Pull out the glitter, the texters, the felt, the feathers and anything else you have hidden in your doodle drawers. Help your kids make different scary monsters, pumpkins, bats, witches, ghosts and more.

• The Nightmare Before Christmas (ages 7 and up).

• Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (aged 3 and up).

• Hocus Pocus (ages 10 and up).

• Corpse Bride (ages 10 and up).

• Casper (ages 6 and up).

• The Worst Witch (ages 6 and up).

• Bedknobs and Broomsticks (ages 7 and up).

• The Witches (ages 8 and up).

• Halloween is Grinch Night (ages 4 and up).

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Recipes for

S E S S E C N I R P W O SN

It’s been two long years since children around the world were first hit with Frozen fever and, if your kids are anything like my daughter, the end of this winter is nowhere in sight. That’s why we selected these special snow princess snacks from The Snow Princess Cookbook for our recipes this month, perfect for birthday parties, after school snacks, Coronation day perhaps?

e Snowball l t t i L et Bic e w S

kies

wD

Melted Sno

ip with

Magic F r u i t

INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter at room temperature 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup icing sugar HOW TO MAKE Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with non-stick paper and set aside until ready to use.

Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add flour, sugar, salt and vanilla extract and mix until the dough forms into a ball. Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured work area.

Form dough into 3cm balls and place them 3cm apart on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden.

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INGREDIENTS 2 cups plain Greek yoghurt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 4 - 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Assorted seasonal fresh fruit Wooden skewers Rainbow sprinkles HOW TO MAKE

Remove from the oven and let cool for ten minutes then transfer to a wire rack.

To make the melted snow dip, combine all ingredients (except the fruit, sprinkles and skewers) in a mixing bowl.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Fill a bowl with powdered sugar and completely coat each ball with icing sugar.

To make the magic fruit wands, place assorted fruits on the wooden skewers.

Serve right away or store in an air tight container for up to one week.

Garnish the dip with sprinkles and serve with your magic fruit wands.

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Royal Pr i

ncess

P op

Bake a Sno

n a m w

corn Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 egg 3/4 cup molasses 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons powdered ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 6 inch wood craft sticks (one for each bickie) Coloured fondants (white, orange, turquoise and black) Sugar eyes Small white marshmallows White frosting

1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs at room temperature 1/2 cup coconut oil 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips Freshly popped popcorn Various sprinkles (optional)

HOW TO MAKE

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Like a 12-tin muffin tray with muffin tin paper. Set aside until ready to use.

In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, eggs and molasses and mix with an electric mixer. Add the dry ingredients and mix completely. Remove the dough from the bowl, shape into a flat disc, cover with plastic wrap and let chill for 2 to 3 hours Remove dough from the refrigerator and let sit for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line 2 cookie sheets with baking paper lightly coated with cooking spray.

Dust work area with flour, roll out the dough to approximately 2 centimetres thick and cut out each bickie.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before decorating.

To decorate, roll out the white fondant and cut into three lopsided circles of various sizes to create the snowman’s head, chest and tummy. Use a small bit of orange fondant for the nose and complete the face with a black fondant mouth and sugar eyes. Complete each snowman with fondant arms and buttons.

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Vanilla Butter cream frosting (3 cups icing sugar, ½ cup butter softened, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and ¾ tablespoon whipping cream blended until light and fluffy) HOW TO MAKE

Mix water and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Let stand for 5 minutes until it forms a gel.

Whisk together flour, sugar and the remaining chia seeds in a large bowl. Add eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract and chia seed gel. Mix well to combine ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips.

Pour mixture evenly into prepared muffin tin and bake 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.

Make vanilla Butter cream frosting and frost cupcakes with it.

Decorate each cupcake with freshly popped popcorn and sprinkles. Alternatively, you can also try decorating with mini pink marshmallows for a more colourful twist.

The Snow Princess Cookbook is available from www.exislepublishing.com.au and good book stores.

RRP $24.99

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WIN! WIN

SET OF 4X4 INCH POCKET PRINTS RRP $16 for a set of 24 prints WEB www.pocketprints.com.au

WIN

FIFO DADDY PRINT & ARMY DADDY PRINT RRP from $23.95 Sizes A4-A2 WEB www.bespokemoments.com.au

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play select photos from your phone, Instagram or Facebook then leave the rest to Pocket Prints. They'll print and post them to your door.

A special print for all the amazing FIFO and Army families.

Something to cherish especially during the times Daddy is away. This print can be personalised with your choice of blonde or brown hair, a yellow or orange high vis uniform and even his name personalised on his shirt.

It's time to free your photos from your phone.

Navy and Air Force variations are coming soon.

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ECCO SOFT 7 LADIES LO-TOP SNEAKERS RRP $239.95 WEB http://au.shop.ecco.com/ ECCO Shoes are giving three lucky readers the chance to win a pair of their brand new Soft 7 sneakers in Black! Your new favourite comfortable sneakers, the brand new ECCO Soft 7 Lo-Top is a cool, contemporary long-lace sneaker made from rich full-grain leather for a light and soft feeling, all day long. A soft, comfortable textile lining, ensures a perfect inner climate, and the leather-covered inlay sole with ECFS™ is also removable for the option of extra width.

WIN

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FIZZY POP DESIGNS A4 UNFRAMED ART PRINT RRP $39.95 WEB www.fizzypopdesigns.com.au Surround yourself with laughter, creativity and all things Fizzy Pop. This is the lively philosophy behind online business Fizzy Pop Designs. Offering colourful imaginative kid’s framed and unframed art prints, they’re on a mission to help turn blah kids bedrooms into happy fun spaces.

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With plenty of designs to choose from you can find something that will tie back to the theme of your child’s room or choose a statement print that is truly ‘eye-catching’.

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WIN

pakmag

WIN

SPARROW & B FEATHER CROWN RRP $29.00 WEB www.sparrowandb.com.au Find the Whimsical, Follow your Heart, Embrace the Wild...

Sparrow & B create beautiful costumes for children, which inspire little imaginations around the world. Their entire range is proudly 100 per cent handmade in Melbourne, Australia, and is filled with bright, happy, colourful designs.

Their Feather Crowns are soft & comfortable, and made with a variety of coloured felts. Cute enough to wear everyday, a fun addition to any costume box, or fantastic included as part of room décor.

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WIN

INDIE & SLOAN TEE RRP $29.00 WEB www.indieandsloan.com Indie & Sloan tees are for kids with an adventurous spirit, those who like to stand out and explore and who aren’t afraid to get dirty. Their tees have attitude and a hint of cheek like the kids who wear them Indie & Sloan create cool tee's for awesome babies , boys and girls. All the tee’s are very soft and durable 100 per cent cotton. Each tee is screen printed with only the best child friendly non-toxic water based ink.

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SUSTAINABLE

pakmag

17 INCREDIBLy EASY WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER AROUND THE HOUSE My kids have a hard time understanding water conservation. Water is all around us – at the beach, in the creeks, at the pools, at the waterparks. So, why can’t we let the hose run for half the day?

Water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant. Not only can conserving your water save you money, but it can also help prevent water pollution and soil saturation.

Reducing the amount of water you (and your kids) use is actually incredibly easy. Minor changes to your daily habits can make a massive difference. Here are a few tips to get you started:

In the Kitchen 1

Use your dishwasher – it actually uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Just make sure you fill it up first.

2

Give each child one glass in the morning to use throughout the day – that way you won’t end up with a house full of half full glasses to wash.

3

Defrost food in the fridge rather than running water on it.

4

If your children accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant.

5

When washing fruit and veg, add a bowl underneath and collect the water to use to water plants instead.

6

Cook with less water – steaming is always better than boiling and swap water for stock when you can.

In the Bathroom and Laundry 7

Turn the water off when brushing your teeth and washing your hands rather than letting the tap run while you scrub.

Outside and Around the Yard 11

When the kids complain that it’s too hot outside, put the sprinkler on for them in an area of the lawn that needs watering as well.

12

Invest in a tank outside to trap rain water. You can use this for drinking water, for water to water the garden, to wash the pet or to clean the car.

13

Use a pool cover to help keep your pool clean, reduce chemical use and prevent water loss through evaporation.

14

Invest in a high quality and heavy duty broom to clean your patios, sidewalks and driveways rather than relying on the hose.

In General 8 9

10

Reuse the towels – there is no need to wash a towel that has only been used once.

15

Track your water usage – keep your water bills every quarter and make it a family goal to try and reduce the amount each month. If you succeed as a family, you get a reward, such as a family trip to the zoo or an ice cream out.

Wash only clothes that are dirty. My kids both have a habit of dumping their clean, recently-folded clothes in the laundry because they don’t want to put them away.

16

Don’t always flush. If it’s just wee, let it be (unless someone is coming over). In the average home, the toilet accounts for 28 per cent of water use.

Teach your kids to be water aware – explain how to correctly turn off the faucet and to check if a toilet or sink is leaking

17

Invest in water efficient appliances in your kitchen, shower and laundry.

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Nikles Techno 350 Overhead Shower Reece (RRP $433.99)

Home

Stone Wall Alpine Mist Lightweight Beaumont Tiles (400x125 mm)

Herringbone Nero Mosaic Beaumont Tiles (280x280 mm)

SEPTEMBER 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

Brooklyn Ash Textured Beaumont Tiles (600x300 mm)

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Mono Penny Round White Beaumont Tiles (310x324 mm)

Belga Charcoal Beaumont Tiles (450x450 mm)

Kado Lure 1755 Freestanding Oval Bath Black Reece (RRP $2273.99)

Mizu Bloc 900 Wall Hung Vanity Unit Reece (RRP $677.00)

Beautiful

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BATHROOMS Story Jenna Gallina

So how can you give your bathroom a facelift without succumbing to stress?

Mr Frazer shares his top hints: Set a budget Given their mix of function and 'glamorous' usage, and the fact they are often small rooms, bathrooms need to be carefully thought out and planned.

With bathrooms becoming more and more a focus of design and style, consumers need to pay even more attention to the details. Ask an Architect spokesman Cameron Frazer tells PakMag, “Bathrooms can be extremely costly to renovate due to the range of trades involved.”

“Fully renovating a conventional bathroom could cost between $15,000 and $30,000, so it is important to think through the renovation strategy carefully,” Mr Frazer tells PakMag. Create your dream design Have a browse online for various bathroom fixtures and accessories that you love. You may not be able to afford the high-end vanity or resort

“But they can also be the most rewarding to renovate - they can provide a sense of luxury and retreat for the owner and look spectacular.”

Posh S

olus

750 D

ouble

Geberit Sigma01 Reece (RRP $ 160.00)

-style spa, but it will give you an idea of what you like.

Know your renovation requirements Before starting to renovate a bathroom you need to assess the timing and the aim of the renovation.

If you are renovating to sell the property it can sometimes be better to go for simple changes thus allowing the new owner to renovate to their own style. Renovating the bathroom to improve the home for your family means you can choose fixtures and accessories customised to your personal needs (double shower, thanks).

Gloss Wall Basin Set 180mm Chrome Beaumont Tiles Towe lR

ail R

eece

(RRP

COOGEE Bench Mount Basin Highgrove Bathrooms (RRP $99.00) $51.9

Sussex Pol Dual Handle Basin Mixer Black Reece (RRP $756.99)

Your bathroom is more than just where you wash your face in the morning and bathe your children at night. It is also most likely the place where you go to escape the chaos for five minutes, to enjoy a piece of chocolate in silence and to take a hot bath without your shower-stealing children jumping in…

9)

Methven Aio Wall Shower White Reece (RRP $336.00) CIBO Eco 900 Shelf Mirror Reece (RRP $1035.99)

Phoenix Flow 135

Wall Bath Spout Re

ece (RRP $ 178.99

)

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There’s no doubt that timber is one of the hottest interior trends right now. Once only used as flooring and furniture, timber all but disappeared in the ‘90s and early ‘00s in favour of high-gloss surfaces but is making a massive comeback. From Tassie, American and European Oak to Walnut, Teak or Zebrano, no matter your timber of choice there is something to every taste.

01. Side Drawer 2 Toned White Kmart (RRP $35.00)

02. Arrow Set – Copper and Black with Hand Foil Rainy Sunday (RRP $85.00)

TIMBER

Style

04. Vintage Oak Sideboard Sounds Like Home (RRP $3579.00)

06. Oslo Table Lamp with Spear Detail on Grey Shade Beacon Lighting (RRP $69.00)

Timber wall panelling adds an architectural feature to any room and is a relatively straight-forward update, while interior designers will tell you timber kitchens are the hottest thing since 2-pak!

If renovating or building isn’t on the cards, a great way to incorporate the look is through a signature timber piece like a bed, dining table or statement occasional chair.

03. Round Side Table - 2 Tone White Kmart (RRP $29.00)

05. Replica Hans Wegner Peacock Chair PP550 Matt Blatt (RRP $1250.00)

07. Denala Coffee Table Zanui (RRP $879)

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