PakMag Cairns December Issue 90

FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS FEATURE STORY

SCHOOL'S

COVER PHOTO Ashley @ Spruik Photography

OUT GUIDE

Free ISSUE 90 / DEC / 2014 CAIRNS

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HELLO

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08 FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS Feature Story 11 24 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS 15 GIFTS FOR LEARNING

Hello and welcome to our very special Christmas edition. Christmas is a joyous occasion for most, but for some (myself included) it can be a tough time of year with family dynamics, distance from relatives, or job commitments that prevent a relaxing day of pure enjoyment. So I would like to dedicate this edition to all families, especially those who need some extra love on the day to get through.

We interviewed two special large families for our Christmas feature, both with six kids and how they manage.

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We have so many fabulous Christmas ideas in this edition, lots of prizes to win plus information on all the great Christmas events happening around town.

I hope to see you at our fabulous Christmas event on December 21.

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Wishing you all a sensational Festive Season, be safe, have fun, create lots of memories with your loved ones and have a happy and safe New Year! (I can’t believe I just wrote that - where did the year go!?) Until next time, have a great month and don’t forget to tell everyone you read it in PakMag!

Bree x

19 MERIBA MONTESSORI 21 BUSINESS 23 HEALTH 24 ALLERGY FREE SWEETS 31 WHAT'S ON GUIDE 33 MINI MAG 41 ENTERTAINMENT 43 SCHOOL'S OUT GUIDE 46 CHRISTMAS CRAFT 49 WIN 51 FESTIVE FASHION

BREE JAMES / PUBLISHERS NOTE

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Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2014

Building a Home

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PAKMAG CAIRNS P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E info@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmag T #pakmag

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ON THE COVER MODEL Anthony and Danielle Mirotsos and family PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley @ Spruik Photography WEBSITE www.spruikphotography.com.au

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.

TSV Sales Star Alisyn

Admin Ace Kelly

Design Diva Sara

Dazzling Designer Emma

Grand Poobah Bree

Rydges Esplanade Resort

Epic Editor Carly

Furry Friends at Christmas

64 SNAPPED 66 RECIPE

Sales Guru Angelina

MKY Sales Superstar Deb

Sales Golden Girl Tammy

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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#TRENDING DECEMBER

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MYLIGHT PEPPA'S CHRISTMAS WISH RRP $9.99 Join Peppa Pig and her brother George as they get ready for Christmas. First there's Santa's grotto, where Peppa and George tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.

Then Granny Pig has an important festive job for them and Peppa gets to make a very special wish. Will her Christmas wish come true? A brandnew festive Peppa story, based on the hit TV animation.

Win a copy of Peppa’s Christmas Wish. ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

WEB www.mylight.com.au MYLIGHT is a handcrafted, personalised light box tailor-made to suit your taste and décor! They can be used for a range of purposes that are only limited by your imagination. Not only does the night light look fantastic, but it also encourages children with name recognition. If you’re feeling bogged down by all the plastic toys this Christmas they can also make an unusual gift idea!

MYLIGHT is offering PakMag readers a free upgrade to a remote controlled light for orders placed by December 15 (for pre-Christmas deliveries) but the code is valid for all of December.

ENTER Simply log onto mylight.com.au and design your light, selecting the remote controlled light type. Add the light to the cart and checkout entering the code: B&BRGB to redeem the offer.

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LOVE LOCKETS WEB www.lovelockets.com.au RRP $170.00 Love Lockets – beautifully capture life’s treasured moments and keep them close to your heart. Fill your Love Locket with mementos, charms and crystals to remind you of special times, loved ones and events in your life. The perfect way to tell YOUR story.

NYE 2014 CAIRNS ESPLANADE Kick off 2015 in style on the Cairns Esplanade at the free, family-friendly all ages event.

A special a family entertainment area near the Lagoon will feature The Doyle Family Fun Show and Rachael Bradley providing entertainment from 6-9pm. The main program will also kick off at 6pm with a fantastic line-up of local Cairns talent, with Sam Clark followed by Frontear and Flavour.

The first fireworks display will light up the sky at 9pm and will be followed by a set from popular Cairns band Amy Chase. Mark Seymour and The Undertow will hit the stage at 10.30pm to take the audience through to midnight and the fireworks finale.

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ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

SKEANIE & UH-OH! WEB www.skeanie.com.au RRP from $49.95

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Our L’il beach kids will rock the season in SKEANIE & uh-oh! new collection of coast- leather sandals.

Available in sizes 2-8 (RRP $49.95), these colourful coastal sandals are made from genuine leather to ensure our little one’s tootsies stay ventilated and cool during the warmer months ahead. What’s more, they’re just $49.95 and available in sizes EU24 to EU35. Light, bright and LOVEABLE, these are the season’s MUST HAVES for our little beach babes. ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

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SMART RING

TECH ALERT

Ringly is a new smart wearable device conceived to deal with a problem that many women face: Missing important calls and text messages because their phone is buried in the bottom of a bag.

Ringly is a new piece of jewellery that will deliver notifications via Bluetooth from a smartphone that has the Ringly app installed. The device notifies the wearer when they receive a call, text, email and other notifications from various apps and can even alert the user if the phone is left behind. The user can assign different vibration and lighting patterns to various notifications.

The difference that sets Ringly apart is that it is also a gorgeous, wearable piece of jewellery. Crafted with 18K gold plating and semi-precious stones, the ring will be available in various colours including black onyx, rainbow moonstone, pink sapphire, and emerald options.

Also important for a smart wearable device is battery life, and the company says Ringly can run for about three days on a full charge. To recharge it, users will simply have to put it back in its box. Ringly is available for pre-order at www.ringly.com from USD$195 and orders will ship in early 2015.

CHRISTMAS PAKCLUB PARTY DATE Sunday December 21 5pm-7pm LOCATION 37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch ENTRY Gold coin donation (raising money for ACT For Kids) Come along and join us for a fun packed evening of stunning Christmas lights, music, games, carols and a special visit from the man himself – Santa Claus!

Come dressed in your best Christmas gear for your chance to win prizes. One lucky family can win a VIP entry to the party which will include a ride with Santa in the NQ stretch Hummer for you and up to 10 friends, plus a $100 voucher to spend at the Red Beret. See the PakMag Facebook page on details how to enter.

Proudly brought to you by PakMag, Sea FM, Calanna Pharmacy and Queensland Country Credit Union.

CANCER COUNCIL PEPPA PIG SUNSCREEN RANGE WEB www.skinhealth.com.au RRP $50.00 pack Cancer Council has for years provided affordable, high quality sunscreen products especially for children. Now, it has collaborated with one of television’s most-loved characters to produce a new range of SPF50+ sunscreen. Cancer Council’s Peppa Pig SPF50+ sunscreen makes wearing sunscreen fun and will encourage more children to adopt sound sun protection practices.

The sunscreen range will be available exclusively in Coles supermarkets from September and includes Kids SPF 50+ 50ml Ezi Clip (RRP $9.95), Kids SPF 50+ 75ml Roll On (RRP $10.95), and Kids SPF 50+ 200ml Finger Spray (RRP $14.95).

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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FEATURE STORY

Families at Christmas

The traditional family unit is changing and with it, the way we celebrate at Christmas.

Christmas has always been a time of celebration, enjoying the company of loved ones and taking time to appreciate the finer things in life that might be neglected in the demands of the day-to-day.

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hristmas is a time of the year when families congregate; cousins get to share (and often fight over!) new toys; games and family traditions are created; merriment is had and memories are made.

But for some families, Christmas traditions as adults can be vastly different to those we remember as children. Many families now have parents involved in work that takes them away from the home on Christmas Day - FIFO parents and shift-workers for example may not get to experience the Christmas at home with family that so many take for granted.

The traditional Christmas lunch scene across Australia is also being influenced by the ever-changing makeup of families. In June 2012, there were 961,000 one parent families, making up 15 per cent of all families. Blended families - those made up of parent, step-parents and biological or step-children - who must navigate the balancing act of children

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celebrating Christmas with more than one nuclear family unit is also growing.

On the other end of the spectrum, extended families who are living together as a larger family unit is also on the rise due to many factors including the cost of living for retirees and pressures relating to day care and care of children, as grandparents increasingly take on the care of their grandchildren while their parents return to work. For kids who are used to living with grandparents, the ‘magic’ of spending Christmas Day with them may be different than for children who see family less frequently.

For those living far away from parents, grandparents and extended family; families who have children who may be spending all or part of Christmas Day with another parent, or for those who may not be able to celebrate with family due to other reasons like work taking them away for the day, there are still ways to feel close to your loved ones at Christmas without being physically present:

• Skype or Facetime on Christmas morning - Internet in Australia may still be far from world-class, but make the most of the technology we have and hold a Skype call with family and friends who live far away.

If you have small children, chances are it will turn into a squeal-fest, but the delight they will take in ‘seeing’ grandparents or other family members will make it worthwhile.

• Surprise family with gifts. Ensure you send them early enough to avoid the rush and they arrive on time. Gifts do not need to be expensive, just heartfelt. Receiving something that has obviously been carefully chosen will remind family that even though you can’t be with them for Christmas, they are never far from your thoughts.

• If you have a support network of friends where you live, spend time with them at Christmas. Your family will also be reassured that you’re surrounded with happiness and love during the festive season.

FEATURE STORY

pakmag

PHOTO Spruik Photography

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? This year is the first year we will all be split up. I am taking Danielle and the two eldest kids to Japan to try their hand for the first time at skiing and the experience of a foreign culture.

The two eldest kids are getting older and before we know it they will be leaving home. So we decided that it would be a good idea to spend some quality time with Athina and Dylan without the little ones on holiday because of the age gap and our desire to have some quality one on one time, which is hard with such a big family.

Anthony Mirotsos is the Managing Director, Principal Lawyer and Attorney at Omega Lawyers. He told PakMag about some of the challenges facing blended families and how they will be spending this Christmas.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: Anthony and Danielle Mirotsos - our children are Dylan (16), Athina (14), Christian (11), Alexander and Nicholas (both 8), Portia (5) and Chloe – the one year old Cavoodle!

My kids are Athina, Alexander and Portia and Danielle’s are Dylan, Christian and Nicholas, all from previous marriages.

We are a six child blended family! But at least it is three children each to balance out the stresses.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY TRADITIONS? At Christmas we are the typical blended family so every year we either have all the kids at Christmas or none. Family is very important to us so having grandparents present and any other family is something we try hard to include. Christmas is something we cherish. In the years we have all the children we try to make plans to take them away on a special family holiday no matter how humble or extravagant. It could be camping, a road trip or a flight to somewhere new; we work hard to give our kids a quality and diverse lifestyle where they get the chance to experience different things.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Both Danielle and I love the look of the faces of the kids when they get to open their presents. Personally I get the role of playing Santa including the outfit and beard, which is something that embarrasses the kids I am sure but gives them a good reason to laugh and play up. For some reason as the years go by the need to pad out Santa’s suit for his belly is becoming less and less!

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? A sleep in…….and maybe breakfast in bed.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? We are going to open our gates & invite thousands of lovely people to come and enjoy our Christmas lights. 2014 will be the sixth year we have done so. We always loved driving around as a family looking at people’s homes at Christmas and now it’s our turn to share the joy.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY TRADITIONS? Our Christmas light bonanza has become our family tradition. We decorate our house and the yard with lots of lights, a nativity scene, deer, Santa and even a brass band. Our children love sharing their house and making everyone happy. They love to get out there and enjoy the atmosphere and the Spirit of Christmas.

Redlynch’s Swain family love nothing more than to share the Christmas spirit with the people of Cairns each December. Along with their six children, Dad Jody and Mum Tammy decorate their home each year and open it to the public and it also is party central for the Christmas PakClub on December 21.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: We have six children Dakota (9), Makenzie (7), Phoenix (6), Indiana (3) and twins Chayse and Memphys (2).

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Christmas morning. To have six little people sitting excitedly on the floor taking turns at opening their presents and hearing the squeals of excitement.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU FIND CHALLENGING ABOUT CHRISTMAS? The sheer amount of work that goes into getting our Christmas display up and running along - not just the initial set up but every evening. Combine that with the daily busy life of having six kids - it puts a whole new spin on “the silly season.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? Lots of laughter and good times… maybe some diamonds too haha!

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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TRADITIONS

Wrap 25 books relating to Christmas and place under the tree. Let the kids unwrap one each night in December and read before bedtime.

Have a craft night when every member of the family makes a new ornament for the tree.

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3 Give your child an ornament each year, or let them choose one for themselves. Write their name and year on the ornament so when they are grown and leave home, they will have a collection of ornaments to take with them to start a new family tradition in their own homes.

One night have a picnic by the Christmas Tree.

Eat finger foods on the floor with Christmas music playing.

h ew eac Intervi r of the e ir memb nd write the a k y l o a bo fami ses in g respon the followin s e g s n i u h to re d record t n n a e r m ts yea chieve om a s a h r suc tones f s e l i m and r. the yea

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45 Bundle the kids up in the car and take a tour around the city to look at Christmas lights. Make sure to bring lots of festive snacks!

If you have more than one child, start up a ‘Secret Santa’. Draw a name out of a hat and take the children to purchase a gift for that sibling. This way they take time out to consider what their sibling might like and experience the gift of giving.

8 11 Choose someone who you know may be working on Christmas Day with chocolates and cookies.

You will be amazed how much this might brighten their day. Options include doctors and nurses, paramedics, firefighters, volunteers at the RSPCA and staff at restaurants open for Christmas.

Start a Christmas diary by writing a short summary of the year, how you are spending Christmas and record your hopes for the new year.

Purchase a Lil Christmas door for Santa to use. www.littlefairydoor.com

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Cover each child’s hand in paint and have them grasp a plain bauble. Once dry, write their name and year on it. It will make a gorgeous decoration and memory.

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Have a family Christmas movie night! Make white chocolate popcorn and hot chocolates and make a fun time of it.

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pakmag TRADITIONS

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Make a ‘virtual’ Christmas card for friends and family who may not live closeby and upload it to YouTube.

14 Track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve using Norad Santa tracker: www.noradsanta.org

amily whole f eir e h t e k Ta have th along to ken with photo ta ne of his to Santa a es at a local c n a appear centre in the g in shopp to Christmas. lead up

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Don’t forget to put out carrots for the reindeer and cookies and milk (or perhaps something a bit stronger) for Santa on Christmas Eve.

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Help your children go through their toys prior to Christmas and encourage them to donate to charity for Christmas. It will foster the joy of giving as well as making room for new toys come Christmas Day!

17 Have Santa borrow Dad’s shoes to make 'snowy' boot prints with talcum powder leading from Santa’s entry point to the Christmas Tree.

The look on the kids’ faces when they see the prints will be priceless!

Make a DIY Christmas table runner. Take a light-coloured table runner (or piece of light coloured fabric cut to size) and use paint to record your child’s handprint each year as they grow, writing the year next to their handprint.

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18 Make a Christmas Eve box for the kids to open and include new Christmas themed PJs, some Christmas movies for the whole family to watch, a Christmas story to read before bed, movie treats, hot chocolate, reindeer food and a letter from Santa. It’s also a great idea to get a photo of all the kids on Christmas Eve in their new PJs (as it never really seems to work in the midst of the excitement of Christmas morning!)

Before bed, take children out to look for the Christmas star - the brightest one in the sky!

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20 Set out a ‘flight path’ of tea lights in mason jars in your yard for Santa to find his way!

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DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

23 Ask Santa to crepe paper the kids bedroom doors on Christmas Eve after he has delivered their presents. When they wake on Christmas Day, be sure to pass on the message that Santa thought he should seal their doors to ensure they didn’t peek at their presents before morning!

Instead of opening ALL of the gifts on Christmas morning, have Santa hide one gift to open later in the day.

If your children are old enough, perhaps leave a riddle or clues to help them find it!

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PARENTING

pakmag

PARENTING

Gifts for

Learning

It’s that time of year again. Retail stores are busy stacking their shelves with brightly wrapped products to entice consumers into another season of overspending.

Let’s face it, as a parent there’s probably no sweeter feeling than when you get to witness the pure joy etched onto your child’s face when they open their carefully selected Christmas presents.

STORY Julie Sexton

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tatistics tell us that the average Australian adult will spend $993 on Christmas. With the emergence of newer and flashier technology released in time for the Festive Season (have you got your iphone 6 yet?) we are seeing a change in the variety of presents that are turning up in children’s Christmas stockings – they are more expensive, more electronic and as a result, less interactive!

Research shows that play is essential for children’s speech and language, cognitive, motor and social/emotional development. So, when you are going shopping this year, think about purchasing a present that will create more interactions between you and your child, or amongst their siblings.

Jigsaw puzzles are ideal for all age groups – and are also an essential “toy” for cognitive development as they develop so many skills including problem solving, visual processing, and fine motor skills. Parents often interact and communicate with their child when completing puzzles by explaining the strategies of figuring out where the pieces go, as well as describing aspects of the picture once the puzzle is complete. Young children often learn their colours, alphabet and numbers through puzzles because the parents name the pieces as the child is putting them in and they can be played with over and over.

These days parents are falling into the trap of having to buy two ipads/

ipods because otherwise “they will only fight over it”. While this leads to a quieter house, it is also robbing our children of the opportunity to learn to share and take turns with their toys.

This has huge social implications.

Turn-taking in play is a crucial developmental skill that leads to turntaking in conversation – talk, wait/ listen while the other person talks and then take another turn at talking. By not encouraging turn-taking through play we are delaying the development of this essential social skill.

Board games are a fantastic alternative to teach children to wait, listen and take turns. For young children, traditional board games like snakes and ladders are a great starting point. As children get older there are more cognitively challenging board games like Articulation, Trivial Pursuit, Cranium, Pictionary, and Charades for Kids. All of these games encourage interaction and can be pulled out when the children are complaining about being bored over the school holidays. Imaginative play toys are another great idea to foster independent and group play.

A good starting point for encouraging imaginative play in young children is to provide them with miniature versions of adult objects such as tea sets, an ironing board, toy broom, cash register, shopping trolleys, prams and dolls. These types of toys are important for toddlers of both genders.

Boys are often given the same types of toys (that is, cars, trains and trucks)

which can limit the vocabulary they are being exposed to and slow down their language development. Little figurines will allow your child to expand the types of storylines of their play. Dressup costumes and props are also a good way of encouraging imaginative play so when your daughter asks Santa for that Princess Elsa dress you can be assured that you are helping her development when that one gets popped under the Christmas tree.

We also cannot forget those time Christmas favourites: outdoor play activities! Anything that encourages children to get away from a screen and get active gets a big tick in my book. Active play not only strengthens children’s motor skills and helps concentration, it also tends to be more sociable. If you don’t believe me, compare the amount of communication that occurs when two children are watching a TV show compared with two children jumping on a trampoline.

So this Christmas, try to make a conscious decision to help your child’s development by making smart choices when it comes to buying Christmas presents – and enjoy playing with your child this Christmas!

Julie Sexton is a Speech Pathologist at TalkNQ. If you have concerns about your child’s communication development please call 0467 239 554 or visit www.talknq.com

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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PARENTING

pakmag

GIVING FOR CHRISTMAS

THE REAL SPIRIT of Christmas Christmas is a time of celebration, family and giving. Christmas is also a time to spare a thought for the less fortunate who may not have the means to provide their families with the ‘picture perfect’ Christmas we dream about.

STORY PakMag work experience student Jasmin Hayes

DEAR......

FROM....

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any parents strive to give their children the best Christmas possible, but it can be at the detriment to the real spirit of Christmas. Think about it, how many times have you given your children a Christmas gift only to find they stop using it within a week?

Giving back is easy and many parents will be surprised at the kick their children get from helping others. So, if you're in need of a few ideas on how to give back to your community this Christmas season, look no further.

You can get the whole family involved, even the kids!

THE KMART WISHING TREE For 26 years, Kmart together with The Salvation Army has been working to help make Christmas brighter for thousands of families in need with the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. To participate in the Appeal simply take a gift tag from the tree and specify the age and gender of a suitable recipient, place it with your gift (wrapped or unwrapped) under the Wishing Tree located in any Kmart store or at the Express Gift Drop point located at the front of the store. Gifts do not need to be purchased from Kmart, they can be purchased from any retailer or handmade.

CAIRNS BASE HOSPITAL CHILDREN'S WARD Cairns Base Hospital encourages members of the Cairns public to donate gifts for the Kids who'll have to spend the 25th of December in the Children's Ward. It is best that gifts are able to be wiped over, due to health and safety. Christmas gifts can be donated to the children's ward by

leaving them at the entrance desk on the ground floor.

ROSIES Rosies accepts donations all year round however, Christmas is a time of particular focus for those without a home or roof over their head. This year, Rosies is running a Christmas dinner in Munro Martin Park on the 25th of December. The dinner starts at 6pm and includes iconic Aussie Christmas food. If you would like to donate food or gifts, contact Lyall Forde on 0437 719 138. Gifts will be given out to mostly teenagers and adults, so donations of gifts suitable for that age range would be gratefully received. For more information on how to donate or become a volunteer during the Christmas season, or any other time of the year visit: www. rosies.org.au

STREET LEVEL YOUTH CARE Street Level Youth Care aims to assist homeless and disadvantaged youth in Cairns and is holding its Christmas Day Evening Meal Munro Martin Park from 5pm. The dinner will be held for youths 21 and under and any donations will be gratefully received. They are asking for anyone who can assist with presents, food, and financial aid or in any other way to please see Roy and Suzanne Edwards. Your help in making this Christmas a great day for the youth of Cairns would be greatly appreciated.

To contact Roy and Suzanne Edwards call: 0478 292 575, Email: admin@ streetlevelyouthcare.org.au or visit the Street Level Youth Care website: www.streetlevelyouthcare.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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MERIBA MONTESSORI

UNDERSTANDING THE MONTESSORI APPROACH For over 100 years, the Montessori approach has understood the importance of the earliest years of life.

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he Montessori approach understands education as an aid to life. It is based on a detailed understanding of how children naturally grow and learn – and what opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

In the early years of life, Montessori learning environments are specially designed to meet the development of young children. They are prepared by trained teachers to offer opportunities for movement, challenging work, concentration and freedom of choice.

All furniture and equipment is scaled to a child size – from chairs and tables, to sinks, brooms and shelves.

This offers children the opportunity to learn to do things for themselves – to develop new skills and build their independence and confidence.

In the early years, Montessori environments provide specific learning activities for language, practical life skills, fine and gross motor, sensory refinement, culture and mathematical development.

Children learn in multi-aged groups (18months to three years and three to six years). Much like a family setting, older children act as guides for younger children – reinforcing their own learning and inspiring the efforts of others.

The Montessori approach to education offers children the opportunity to learn in beautiful, ordered environments that also: 1. Are rich in language 2. Allow children the freedom to move and explore 3. Promote independence 4. Provide ongoing challenges, aligned to the development of the child 5. Feature adults as role

models 6. Develop the capacity for creativity 7. Develop confidence and the capacity for obedience.

“Beautiful, orderly, child-sized environments and sensory play are part of Montessori’s legacy…

Montessori thought that early childhood teachers should: provide real tools that work; keep materials and equipment accessible to the children so they can find and put away what they need; and create beauty and order in the classroom.”

(Mooney 2000: 25).

Keen to find out more? Visit the Aid to Life website http://aidtolife. org or enrol in Meriba Montessori – Cairns’ only Montessori early learning program. For more information phone: 0419 022 623.

Taking Enrolments for 2015 Parent & Infant Program: Children from 3 months up to walking Parent & Toddler Program: Children from walking to 3 years • Delivered by internationally-trained Montessori Directresses • Specially prepared environment, filled with developmentally appropriate learning materials.

• Engaging activities developing and refining fine and gross motor movements, enrich language development and more.

• 2-hour session, maximum of 10 children • Enrolment is based on 10 sessions, once per week.

Wewak St, Trinity Beach p 0419 022 623 e meriba.montessori@yumi.org.au www.facebook.com/montessorimeriba

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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BUSINESS

STORY Andrew Griffiths

Andrew Griffiths lists the second half of hisTop 10 things to consider before starting your business! If you missed the top five - check out the part one of Andrew’s article at www.pakmag.com.au in our November edition!

MAKE SURE YOU ARE GOING TO BE CHARGING ENOUGH: One of the biggest mistakes that new businesses make is not charging enough. They look at being the cheapest as their marketing strategy to attract new customers. The problem is that it is very hard to put your prices up once you develop a reputation for being cheap. It is far better to sell on quality not price. Do your sums, ensure that your prices will enable you to make a good profit.

WORK OUT HOW YOU ARE GOING TO GET CUSTOMERS: Sadly too many businesses invest a fortune in their new business, set everything up, fit out the premises, build the website, stock it and staff it - and then open the doors, expecting hoards of customers to come barging in.

This never happens. You need to have a very good plan (developed well ahead of time) that clearly identifies how you will attract customers. This is considered a Marketing Plan and smart businesses invest in this before they spend a cent on anything else.

GET YOUR ADVISORS IN PLACES: Source your advisors early and get them involved in the set up of the business. Ensure you have a great accountant (ask other business owners for referrals), a great lawyer (especially if you are leasing a premises), a great marketing advisor to help develop your Marketing Plan ahead of time and possibly a few other advisors like a graphic designer, website developer, IT consultant etc. It does depend on the type of business you are planning to open. Invest in getting the right advice before you start your business and your chances of success will be dramatically increased.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR INSURANCE IN PLACE: Just as there are statutory rules and regulations that need to be adhered to, your insurance needs to be firmly in place before you open your doors. If it isn’t, you run a very real risk of being sued. As a minimum you will need Public Liability insurance - which protects you from people being injured on your premises.

This is pretty simply to organise from anyone who offers business insurance, but there are other, more specialised types of insurance covering businesses for everything from fire and theft to income protection for the business owner. Find a great insurance broker, specifically one that deals with businesses and get advice. Once again, talk to other business owners for their opinions on what is needed and what is not.

LOOK FOR A MENTOR: Having someone who you can talk to and ask for business advice in the form of a mentor is very advantageous to help avoid making all of the common start up mistakes. A mentor is normally someone older, who has “been there and done that”, who is able to give their time freely, and who has been successful. Having a good mentor to offer advice in the early set up stages of a business would be very wise.

WEB www.andrewgriffiths.com.au BOOK Australia’s #1 small business & entrepreneurial author with 12 books sold in over 60 countries.

TOP EVENTS DEC CBWC LUNCHEON DATE 12th December 2014 TIME 11.45am VENUE Hilton SPEAKER Leonie Dawson INFO Call 0419 036 609

BUSINESS DECEMBER

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING!

pakmag

BUSINESS LIAISON 2014 ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION DATE 4th December 2014 TIME 5.15pm VENUE Pullman International Hotel INFO Visit www.bla.org.au

CAIRNS YOUNG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHRISTMAS PARTY DATE 5th December 2014 TIME 5.30pm VENUE Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome INFO www.cairnschamber.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

21

a boutique swim school featuring uniquely small class sizes

FREE NEWBORN PROGRAM AQUATIC EDUCATION for 2 & 3 month old babies

enclosed pool ideal temperature for year round swimming

Babies

maximum 4 per class

Learn To Swim maximum 3 per class

Stroke Development maximum 4 per class

Squads

maximum 6 per class

Your First Lesson Is FREE!!! bringing 30+ years of experience to Cairns

call to book 4038 1241 www.littlesnappers.com.au

SANTA

SPECIAL FROZEN GUESTS

HUGE BLOW UP SANTA CHAIR DJ, BAND, TRIO, DUO, SOLO CAROLLERS & FACEPAINTERS CHRISTMAS THEMED CHARACTERS & ACTIVITIES & MUCH MORE

HEALTH

STORY Dr Elizabeth McIntosh The self-empowerment journey is very liberating as you begin to take ownership over your life. In taking responsibility for your life, you become accountable. You slowly start to put the pieces together and begin to see where you are in life today is a reflection of your behaviour and choices you made yesterday or at least in the past.

I often use the analogy of being the driver of your own bus, having a sense of direction of where you want to be in life and taking control of your life as much as you are able. This is a huge subject in itself, but is the first basic step towards self–empowerment.

Unfortunately the more common behaviour in society today is not taking responsibility but instead is called the Victim response - we see this in the U.S.A in ridiculous insurance claims of people shifting the blame for their accident on other parties when it was clearly their own fault .

We all know people like this who constantly blame their predicament

on others. I even hear people trying to blame their weight gain or obesity on other people. Some people actually like playing the victim and will enjoy laying blame at someone else‘s feet.

This type of person often has drama following them around wherever they go and they gain attention when relaying all the details to an audience.

But in fairness there are those that always blame others because they don’t know any other way. Perhaps it is just out of ignorance following their parent’s lead and it is purely a case of conditioning.

However once people see the light and let go of playing the victim and start taking responsibility for their life, amazing changes can happen. A new level of joy can be reached as you understand the power is yours along with a new attitude to move your life into whatever direction you wish.

So in summary, stop the blame game!

Take control of your life by taking responsibility for you, your words, your actions and your behaviour. It truly is your choice.

Remember the only limitations in your life are the ones you place on yourself.

that proper sun protection during childhood and adolescence reduces the lifetime risk of skin cancer.

BE SUN SMART It’s shocking, but it’s true – Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world – around 370 skin cancers are diagnosed every day in the Sunshine State.

In North Queensland alone, around 150 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.

Cancer Council Queensland and the Queensland Department of Health are calling on not-for-profit organisations and schools in North Queensland to get SunSmart by applying for the 2014 SunSmart Grants Scheme.

Katie Clift from Cancer Council Queensland said it is well known

HEALTH DECEMBER

LIFE MASTERY

pakmag

“Skin cancer is largely preventable, and it’s worrying to think that inadequate shade may be putting our kids at risk of long-term skin damage.

We need to ensure Queensland kids are best protected every day they’re out and about,” she said.

The SunSmart Grants Scheme offers funds for portable and permanent shade items for not-for-profit organisations and schools that cater for children up to age 17.

Sun protective behaviours, including seeking shade, are required whenever the UV index is three or above. In Queensland, the UV index is above three everyday – so sun protection is required throughout every season.

“There are no shortcuts – take care in preparation for outdoor activity and remember that one method of sun protection is never enough!”

PERCENTILE BABY CHARTS From the day they are born, a baby’s weight, height and head circumference are measured and then plotted on the growth charts in the back of their Red Book. So what are these growth charts and what do they mean?

Imagine lining up 100 healthy six month old baby boys in a row.

One of them is going to be the smallest and one of them is going to be the biggest. There is nothing wrong with the smallest one or the biggest one – that is just the size they are. The smallest baby’s growth will be sitting on the bottom centile curve on the growth charts and the biggest baby’s growth will be on the top percentile curve. The baby that is about 50th along in the row will be on the middle line (the 50th centile line). Another way of thinking of it is that if your baby’s weight is on the 25th centile it means that 25 percent of other babies their age weigh less than them and 75% of other babies weigh more than them.

Plotting your baby’s growth on the percentile charts is just one way for doctors and other health professionals to monitor your baby’s health. If, for example, their weight was always on the 75th centile line then suddenly they were on the 25th centile, it can be an indication to see if there are any problems. Remember however that numbers are definitely not everything! How your baby is developing, feeding and behaving are equally important measures in assessing your child’s wellbeing.

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

23

pakmag HEALTH

ALLERGY FREE SWEETS

Allergy Free Sweets DAIRY FREE

MOO FREE CALENDAR WEB www.allergyfriendlyfoods.com.au RRP $11.99

DAIRY FREE

GLUTEN FREE

These Organic, dairy free advent calendars will make a real treat for children of any age, but especially for those with dairy intolerances or who are Vegan this Christmas. Each dairy free advent calendar is filled with yummy Moo Free organic, dairy free chocolate behind each window.

The fun box features some of the Moo Free animals enjoying a dairy free chocolate Christmas together.

GLUTEN FREE GINGERBREAD HOUSE KIT WEB www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au RRP $36.50

GINGERBREAD CHRISTMAS TREE KIT

Gingerbread Folk have made a gluten free gingerbread house kit for you to build your very own gingerbread house… and this one is not made from straw or wheat! No amount of huffing and puffing will blow this gingerbread house down! Perfect for your gluten free Christmas celebrations – includes 4 walls, roof & chimney baseboard + royal icing.

WEB www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au RRP $26.50 We’re branching out…kits contains everything required to build your very own gingerbread tree ready for decoration. Included are 6 prebaked gingerbread branches, foil baseboard, icing mixture, piping bag and instructions. Packaged in designer carry boxes tied with a pretty red ribbon, they make a stunning christmas table centrepiece – decorate it to suit your theme!

24

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

CANDY CANES 10 PACK WEB www.waterlilygreen.com.au RRP $9.00

GLUTEN FREE

Surf Sweets, organic candy canes box of 10, no gluten, soy, corn syrup, artificial colours or flavours. Certified Organic, vegan and kosher!

p R O U D LY S U P P O R T S

A CAIRNS CHORAL SOCIETY INC. PRODUCTION OF

AT THE CAIRNS CIVIC THEATRE JANUARY 2015 16TH - 31ST BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

“LEGALLY BLONDE - THE MUSICAL” kWAYNE REES cKATHERINE HUBBARD +CHOREOGRAPHERS - ALANNA REES & DANIELLE MANGANO Tickets available exclusively from TICKETLINK.COM.AU

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PROUD MEDIA PARTNERS:

THUMBSUCKING AND DUMMIES Many new parents are torn on whether to introduce a dummy or pacifier to their newborn. Conflicting information, some modern stigmas associated with dummy use and the much used concept of “nipple confusion” can war with the need to provide mum and dad with some much-needed respite and some babies require the comfort of sucking to settle.

STORY Dr Anita Griffin

M

ost children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age.

No harm is done to their teeth or jaws until permanent teeth start to erupt, so the only time the continued sucking of dummies or thumbs might cause concern is if it goes on beyond six to eight years of age. At this time, it may affect the shape of the oral cavity or teeth, causing the upper front teeth to tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Thumbsucking can lead to an open bite and often a high arched palate.

Addressing the problem when the child is ready and willing to give up is more likely to be successful than attacking it head on and forcing your child to stop.

SOME TIPS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO STOP SUCKING INCLUDE: Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they do.

If a child is sucking its thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.

If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting the

child's attention with a fun activity.

Involve older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking.

A pediatric dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what may happen to teeth if the sucking is continued.

Only if these tips are ineffective, remind the child of the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock/glove on the hand at night.

If you are concerned that your child’s adult teeth are coming through and none of the above methods have worked, seeing an Orthodontist can help. Removable or fixed appliances to disrupt thumb sucking can prove successful and usually after a month or so of continuous use, children are likely to stop thumb sucking altogether.

In the case of dummies, it is recommended that waiting until breastfeeding is well established, typically around six weeks, before introducing any sort of pacifier.

Using a dummy may prevent the development of thumb sucking in children but parents should endeavour to avoid prolonged sucking for more than six hours at a time. Dummies

should never be dipped in sugary substances such as honey or fruit juices as they can lead to dental decay and erosion of teeth.

In addition, pacifiers should be kept very clean and if holes or cracks develop they can act as a harbor for bacteria which can lead to infections of the mouth.

In what is great news for dummyusing parents everywhere, it has also been found that the use of a dummy is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

WHEN IT COMES TIME TO WEAN YOUR CHILD OFF HIS OR HER DUMMY, THE FOLLOWING TIPS MAY BE USEFUL: Limit the use of dummies to key times in the day like bedtime or when your child is ill.

Positive reinforcement through modeling of other children who have grown out of dummies.

Use a reward charts with stickers recording everyday completed without the dummy.

Dr Anita Griffin is an Orthodontist at Beaches Orthodontics. For more information contact 4038 1036.

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

27

BUMB&BUB

WIN

WIN

WIN

MAYA THE BEE DVD

NUZZLIN SLEEP BAG

LITTLE BOSSY BOOTS

RRP $24.99 WEB www.mayathebee.com.au WIN a Maya the Bee DVD

RRP $44.95 WEB www.lovetodream.com.au WIN a Nuzzlin Sleep Bag

To celebrate the DVD launch of the brand new feature film Maya the Bee Movie , one lucky fan will win their very own copy!

New Extra-Light Muslin Sleep Bag For Summer. The Nuzzlin Sleep Bag by Love To Dream is an extra-light 0.2 Tog sleeping bag that offers all the benefits of traditional muslin but in a soft, stretchy fabric that is much more gentle and comfortable for bubs.

RRP $40.00 WEB www.littlebossyboots.com WIN a pair of Little Bossy Boots moccasins, in your choice of size and colour!

Born into a hive where conformity rules, the film follows Maya's inquisitive desire to escape her heavily regimented existence and experience the freedom to explore.

For more info visit www.mayathebee. com.au and www.facebook.com/ studio100.mayathebee ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Perfect for day sleeps or those extra hot summer nights, the Nuzzlin features a knitted (not woven) fabric that offers more comfort than muslin whilst retaining its light and breathable characteristics. Available in three designs and three sizes (4-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-36 months).

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

28

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

Babies need to feel the ground they're walking on in order to learn how to walk properly. It's best to invest in a really good pair of first walker shoes, which is why Little Bossy Boots moccasins are the perfect choice.

Colours include Star Dust, Cherry, Sapphire and Honey, plus a NEW range of animal print moccasins (including Cheetah and Zebra print).

All moccasins come packaged in a signature Little Bossy Boots multipurpose tin.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

BUMP&BUB

pakmag

WIN

WIN

WIN

CLOSER TO NATURE BOTTLE

BABYMEL BACKPACKS

STORKSAK LUCINDA BAG

RRP $24.99 per set of 3 WEB www.closertonaturebaby.com.au WIN a Closer to Nature Bottle Pack

RRP $34.99 Backpack RRP $29.99 Food Bag WEB www.babymel.com.au WIN a Babymel Backpack and matching Food Bag

RRP $399.99 WEB www.storksak.com.au WIN a Storksak Lucinda Bag

Add a splash of colour into your baby’s world with the new Colour My World bottles from closer to nature®.

The limited edition range makes switching between breast and bottlefeeding easier than ever before and comes in a selection of bright, fun colours for boys or girls.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Babymel delivers contemporary, practical bags for modern parents.

Featuring original prints and multifunctional compartments, their bags are the ideal choice for parents on the move!

This year, Babymel welcomed a new range of playful backpacks – the perfect companion for little explorers!

Made with high quality, wash-clean material inside and out and padded shoulder straps, they’re designed to suit pre-school, child care, sleepovers, holidays, or anywhere out and about.

Storksak Bags are an international phenomenon. The functional, fashion savvy collection is adored by parents worldwide, with some of Hollywood’s hottest stars choosing the Storksak as their preferred accessory.

The Storksak Lucinda Bag is a minimalist tulip shape Tote, made from luxurious textured leather and lined with Storksak’s signature lining. The deceptively minimalist appearance conceals an organised interior and comes in three fabulous colours; sunset orange, black and taupe.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Redlynch

KINDY

CCB Approved • EnroL today • 3-5 yeAr olds

VotEd “Best Childcare Centre” in PakMag’s Best of Cairns awards

Learning through Play each & every day

For more information visit www.redlynchkindy.com.au or call 4055 1814 or email redlynchkindy@bigpond.com www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

29

WHAT'S ON GUIDE

DECEMBER 01 Mon DUTCH SINTERKLAAS FEEST German Club House, Winkworth Street, Westcourt 4036 1049 3.00pm / Free / Family EXHIBITION - DEFENDING THE PACIFIC (Ends Dec 16) Smithfield Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family EXHIBITION - OUR DREAMING (Ends Dec 3) Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family MONDAY READ CLUB Smithfield Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 3.30pm / Free / Kids PLAY WORLD (UNDER 5'S) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids AQUA FUN PARK (Daily till 25/1/15) Cable Ski Cairns 4038 1304 10.00am / Cost / Family SANTA PHOTOS (through to Christmas Eve) Stockland Cairns www.shoppingcentres.stockland.com. au/shopping-centres/stockland-cairns 10.30am / Cost / Family SANTA PHOTOS (through to Christmas Eve) Smithfield Shopping Centre www.smithfieldcentre.com.au 10.00am / Cost / Family

"DUTCHY PICKS THE DUTCH SINTERKLAAS FEEST ON MONDAY 1 AT 3PM"

SANTA PHOTOS (through to Christmas Eve) Cairns Central www.cairnscentral.com.au 9.00am (10am Sundays) / Cost / Family

www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

SANTA PHOTOS (through to Christmas Eve) Mount Sheridan Plaza www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 10.00am / Cost / Family

KIDS EAT FREE Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 5.00pm / Free / Family

SANTA PHOTOS (through to Christmas Eve) Raintrees Shopping Centre 4032 1357 10.00am / Cost / Family

pakmag

03 Wed

CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 3.30pm / Cost / Kids ADULT BEADING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au 10.00am / Cost / Adult ARTS AND CRAFTS NIGHT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

Family

PLAY WORLD (UNDER 5'S) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9:30am / Cost / Kids

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Gordonvale Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

EDMONTON LIONS CLUB CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Ravizza Park, Edmonton 6.00pm / Free / Family

LADIES DAYTIME NETBALL Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 10.15am / Cost / Family

BABY RHYME TIME Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

02 Tue

OPEN DAY Meriba Montessori Trinity Beach State School 0419 022 623 9.00am / Free / Family KIDS CRAFT CLUB Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 3.30pm / Cost / Kids ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 5.30pm / Cost / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports

ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 9.30am / Cost / Adult

04 Thu

05 Fri GROW YOUR FAMILY TREE Cairns City Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.00am / Free / Adult LEGO MANIA Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 3.30pm / Free / Family

CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Edmonton Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 9.30am / Cost / Adult

LIL SCRIBBLERS 465 Mulgrave Road www.facebook.com/lilscribblers/info 9.00am / Cost / Kids

GROUP GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

31

pakmag WHAT'S ON GUIDE

DECEMBER TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family MILO IN2 CRICKET UNDER 8S UNDER 10S UNDER 12S Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 4.30pm / Cost / Kids

06 Sat CAIRNS ESPLANADE MARKETS Cairns Esplanade (by the Lagoon) www.cairns.qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family CAIRNS POTTERS CLUB CHRISTMAS FAIR Cairns Potters Club 28a Grove Street www.cairnspottersclub.net 8.00am / Free / Family NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WOREE MARKETS Woree State High School 0449 045 054 7.00am / Free / Family BACKSTREET ON BROADWAY CABARET DINNER Brothers Leagues Club Cairns www.brotherscairns.com.au 7.00pm / Cost / Family NORTHERN BEACHES SCOUTS CHRISTMAS CAR BOOT SALE Leisure Park Road Smithfield 0410 516 595 (Cost for Stallholders) 8.00am / Free / Family RACE NIGHT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

32

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

07 Sun LIVE MUSIC - TALL POPPIES/ GREAT LOCAL DEALS ON BUNGY & SWINGS AJ Hackett Cairns www.ajhackett.com 1.00pm / Free / Family CAROLS ON THE KNOB Yorkeys Knob Community Centre 5.00pm / Free / Family SCAVENGER HUNT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

08 Mon MONDAY READ CLUB Smithfield Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 3.30pm / Free / Kids PLAY WORLD (UNDER 5'S) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids TYC SUMMER DRAMA SCHOOL: DEVIOUS DAHL (Ends 11/12/14) TYC Adventure Theatre 169 Bunda St, Cairns City www.theyoungcompany.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

"MARK PICKS THE CAROLS ON THE KNOB ON SUNDAY 7 AT 5.00PM"

09 Tue CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Stratford Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family OPEN DAY Meriba Montessori Trinity Beach State School 0419 022 623 9.00am / Free / Family KIDS CRAFT CLUB Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 3.30pm / Cost / Kids ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 5.30pm / Cost / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family HYPNOBIRTHING BIRTH CLASS Stratford Community Hall 0420 504 421 9.30am / Cost / Adult

10 Wed

PLAY WORLD (UNDER 5'S) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9:30am / Cost / Kids AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 3.30pm / Cost / Kids ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au 9.30am / Cost / Adult

1 1 Thu BABY RHYME TIME Smithfield Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family LITTLE TACCAS Tank 3, Tanks Art Centre 4044 3044 10.00am / Cost / Kids AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 / 3.30pm / Cost / Kids ADULT BEADING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 10.00am / Cost / Adult

KIDS EAT FREE Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 5.00pm / Free / Family

PARTY GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Cairns City Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

IN CINEMAS JANUARY 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY IN 3D

WIN ONE OF 2X PACKS & ONE OF 12X FAMILY PASSES

CNS

NAME___________________________ AGE______________ PARENT/GUARDIAN_______________________________

TO ENTER COLOUR IN & MAIL TO: PAKMAG, COLOUR IN DECEMBER 2014 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 YOU COULD WIN ONE OF 2X PACKS & ONE OF 12X FAMILY PASSES (COMP CLOSES 5/1/15)

ADDRESS_________________________________________ PHONE___________________________________________ EMAIL____________________________________________

HIDDEN OBJECTS

WIN ONE OF 3X PACKS & ONE OF 13X FAMILY PASSES

©2014 DISNEY

CAN YOU HELP BAYMAX LOCATE THE SEVEN MISSING MICROBOTS THAT ARE HIDDEN IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANSOKYO?

FROM THE CREATORS OF WRECK-IT RALPH & FROZEN

IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY CNS

NAME___________________________ AGE______________ PARENT/GUARDIAN_______________________________

TO ENTER HIDDEN OBJECTS & MAIL TO: PAKMAG, HIDDEN OBJECTS DECEMBER 2014 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 YOU COULD WIN ONE OF 3X PACKS & ONE OF 13X FAMILY PASSES (COMP CLOSES 5/1/15)

ADDRESS_________________________________________ PHONE___________________________________________ EMAIL____________________________________________

DISCOVER THE HIEROGLYPHIC MESSAGE

YOUR ANSWER CAN YOU DECIPHER THE ANCIENT MESSAGE? In the new movie, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, there is an ancient tablet that possesses great powers. There is a race against time to uncover the mystery nehind the malfunction of the golden tablet. On its fave there is a cryptical message in an unusual language. Using the key, can you work out what is written on the mystical object?

Write your answer in the space provided.

You could even use this key to write secret messages to your friends.

WIN ONE OF 2X PACKS & ONE OF 12X FAMILY PASSES

IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUMTM. SECRET OF THE TOMB © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

CNS

NAME___________________________ AGE______________ PARENT/GUARDIAN_______________________________

TO ENTER HIEROGLYPHIC MESSAGE & MAIL TO: PAKMAG, HIEROGLYPHIC MESSAGE DECEMBER 2014 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 YOU COULD WIN ONE OF 2X PACKS & ONE OF 12X FAMILY PASSES (COMP CLOSES 5/1/15)

ADDRESS_________________________________________ PHONE___________________________________________ EMAIL____________________________________________

WHAT'S ON GUIDE

DECEMBER 12 Fri FREE MULCH GIVEAWAY Portsmith Transfer Station 13 25 23 / 8.30am / Free / Adult ADULT PATCHWORK / SEWING CLASS Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 9.30am / Cost / Adult MOVIE NIGHT (Free Popcorn) Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

13 Sat SNOW WHITE Cairns Civic Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 11.00am / Cost / Family SNOW WHITE Cairns Civic Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / Cost / Family CHRISTMAS PAKCLUB Robb Rd, Redlynch www.pakmag.com.au 5.00pm / Free / Family ARTS AND CRAFTS NIGHT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

14 Sun ACTIVE CAIRNS FREE COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE Goomboora Park, Shale Street, Brinsmead 0459 999 082 7.15am / Free / Family HOLLOWAYS BEACH MARKETS Foreshore of Cassowary Street m.emerton@cairns.qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family KIDS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY Brothers Leagues Club Cairns www.brotherscairns.com.au 2.00pm / Free / Kids LIVE MUSIC - FREE ENTRY, FREE JUMPING CASTLE, FREE FACEPAINTING AJ Hackett Cairns www.ajhackett.com 1.00pm / Free / Family CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Fogarty Park, The Esplanade 6.00pm / Free / Family CAROLS IN THE COOL Cairns Presbyterian Church www.cairnspc.org.au 5.00pm / Free / Family RACE NIGHT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Adult

16 Tue ARTS AND CRAFTS NIGHT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

pakmag

"CHRIS PICKS THE PAKCLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY ON 13 SATURDAY AT 5PM" CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Smithfield Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family CHRISTMAS STORYTIME Babinda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family CHRISTMAS BEETLE CRAFT Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family CATALOGUE QUEST Babinda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family CHRISTMAS DECORATION SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 / 10.00am / Cost / Kids CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au 2.00pm / Cost / Kids TYC SUMMER DRAMA SCHOOL: FROZEN – A FAIRY TALE TWIST (Ends 19/12/14) TYC Adventure Theatre, 169 Bunda St, Cairns City www.theyoungcompany.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

17 Wed BABY RHYME TIME Stratford Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

LEGO MANIA Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family SUMMER READING CLUB LAUNCH PARTY Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family SUMMER READING CLUB LAUNCH PARTY Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family SUMMER READING CLUB LAUNCH PARTY Cairns City Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family ORIGAMI FOR KIDS 8+ Gordonvale Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family EXHIBITION - DEFENDING THE PACIFIC (Ends Dec 23) Stratford Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family LEGO MANIA Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 3.30pm / Free / Family KIDS EAT FREE Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 5.00pm / Free / Family HOT FM CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS Cairns Showgrounds www.hotfm.com.au/fnq 7.00pm / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

37

pakmag WHAT'S ON GUIDE

DECEMBER MULTISPORT MADNESS FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 1.00pm / Cost / Family

18 Thu CHEEKY MONKEY CLUB'S CHRISTMAS WISH SHOW Earlville Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Cost / Family FUNKY ANGEL SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 10.00am / Cost / Kids CHRISTMAS ANGEL SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 2.00pm / Cost / Kids TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family MULTISPORT MADNESS FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 1.00pm / Cost / Family

19 Fri RECYCLE CRAFT FOR KIDS 6+ Gordonvale Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family CHRISTMAS BAUBLE SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 10.00am / Cost / Kids

EMAIL EVENTS TO ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

JEWELLERY MAKING SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFT Craft and Sewing Studio Edge Hill 4053 4421 2.00pm / Cost / Kids GROUP GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family MULTISPORT MADNESS FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 1.00pm / Cost / Family

20 Sat LOU DERRY CHANGING SEASONS EXHIBITION Cnr Abbott & Shields Street 4046 4800 2.00pm / Free / Family SCAVENGER HUNT Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

21 Sun LIVE MUSIC - FUNKY LOVE TANK AJ Hackett Cairns www.ajhackett.com 1.00pm / Free / Family

PARTY GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids CHRISTMAS PAKCLUB 37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch www.pakmag.com.au 5pm-7pm / Gold Coin / Family

23 Tue BABY RHYME TIME Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

24 Wed BABY RHYME TIME Cairns City Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family EXHIBITION - DEFENDING THE PACIFIC - (Ends Jan 13) Manunda Library www.cairnslibrary.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family KIDS EAT FREE Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 5.00pm / Free / Family

25 Thu CHRISTMAS LUNCH - RED BERET Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 11.00am / Cost / Family

MERRY CHRISTMAS Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

26 Fri PARTY GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

27 Sat MOVIE NIGHT (Free Popcorn) Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

28 Sun LIVE MUSIC - BIG NOISE AJ Hackett Cairns www.ajhackett.com 1.00pm / Free / Family GROUP GAMES Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

30 Sun KIDS EAT FREE Red Beret Hotel 4055 1249 5.00pm / Free / Family LUCKY DUCKS THEME - KIDS CLUB Cazalys www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

eFence d F l e s d ss an Fun, Fit nehe whole Family !

For t

21 Donaldson St, Manunda PHONE: Barry Hampton 0414 782 189 WEB: www.ckdcairns.com.au 38

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

pakmag

What's New HOT FM CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS DATE Wed Dec 17 from 5pm LOCATION Cairns Showgrounds The Cavalcade of Lights will again take to the streets of Cairns on December 17, with gates opening at the showgrounds at 5pm and the cavalcade commencing at 7pm.

Dress up your car for the chance to win $100 in the Best Dressed Car Competition but please remember for safety reasons you cannot have flashing lights on your vehicle. ©Disney. All Rights Reserved.

WEB www.disneylive.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/DisneyLiveAustralia The magical, timeless fairy-tale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be performed live on stage when Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales comes to Cairns on January 21 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Maps of the route are available from the Hot FM Website on the day or at Cairns Hardware or Hot FM reception.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT WRAP-UP EDMONTON LIONS CLUB CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

It is only the second time Disney Live! has visited northern Queensland as part of a national tour. This spectacular live show stars Cinderella, Snow White and Belle, along with their handsome Princes and an all-star cast including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy.

DATE Wed Dec 3 from 6pm LOCATION Ravizza Park, Edmonton

Audiences will be enchanted as some of their favourite Disney characters come to life in this heart-warming and magical show full of spellbinding stories. The dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects captivates from beginning to end. Children can dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic and sure to get them up on their feet singing, dancing and clapping along!

CAROLS ON THE KNOB

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at www.ticketlink.com.au PakMag has two family passes to the show on Wednesday Jan 21 at 4pm (four ‘A Reserve’ tickets valued at $155), as well as a meet and greet with one of the stars for each of the winning families (four people). This is a money can’t buy experience! To enter visit www.pakmag.com.au

DATE Sun Dec 7 from 5-8pm LOCATION Yorkey’s Knob

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT DATE Sat Dec 14 from 6-8pm LOCATION Fogarty Park, the Esplanade

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

41

School's Out Guide Who can believe the school holidays are upon us again? We are so lucky to live in Cairns with an abundance of fantastic facilities and offers available! Why not take advantage of some of these local “Boredom Busters”.

CAIRNS INDOOR SPORTS The Tiny Tots Program (for under school aged children) will be running on 16th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 23rd December from 9am to 12pm. Cost is $7 per child.

Origins – Marvel vs Transformers” workshop will run from 6th January to 9th January and the “Classic Tale of Hugh Dunnit” will run from 13th January to 16th January. Lastly, “The Runner” workshop will run from 20th January to 23rd January.

The ever-popular Multisport Madness (for school aged children) will be held on 17th, 18th and 19th December from 1pm to 3pm. Cost is $7 per child. Call Cairns Indoor Sports on 4032 2844 or visit www. cairnsindoorsports.com.au.

All workshops will run daily from 9am-3pm. Cost: $240.

Bookings are required. For more information (or to book) phone 4041 4066, email info@theyoungcompany.com. au or visit their webpage www. theyoungcompany.com.au.

WILDLIFE HABITAT

BAD FISHY

The Wildlife Habitat Junior Keepers is a four hour school holiday program being held on 6th, 7th , 8th , 13th and 14th January 2015. The program will incorporate animal feeding, presentation, interaction and projects to assist the keepers in their day to day schedules, providing a fun and interesting environment to children participating. Bookings are essential as the program is limited to 15 children per day. Cost is $40.00 per child per day. To find out more call 4099 3235, email info@wildlifehabitat.com.au or visit www.wildlifehabitat.com.au.

Bad Fishy are offering 20% off their jet boat rides when customers mention “Pakmag” over the Summer school holidays. Bookings are essential. Call 0499 490 030 or visit www.badfishy. com.au for more information.

NEXUS COMBINED MARTIAL ARTS Nexus are holding School Holiday Martial Arts Camps with Soke Brad.

Spend a fun filled day learning Martial Arts skills, teamwork tasks, confidence-building activities, fitness and fun games. For additional details phone: 4038 3348 or email admin@ nexuscombinedma.com.au.

THE YOUNG COMPANY Summer Drama School programs are on offer throughout the school holidays at The Young Company.

The “Devious Dahl” workshop will run from 8th December to 11th December and the “Frozen – A Fairy Tale Twist” Workshop will run from 16th December to 9th December. “The

CRAFT AND SEWING STUDIO The Craft and Sewing Studio at Piccones Shopping Village in Edge Hill offer a great variety of school holiday classes.

Classes are scheduled as follows: • 16 Dec Make a Christmas Decoration ($20) 10am-11.30am • 16 Dec Christmas Activities ($20) 2pm-3.30pm • 18 Dec Make a Funky Christmas Angel ($15) 10am-11.30am • 18 Dec Make a Christmas Angel ($15) 2pm-3.30pm • 19 Dec Make a Christmas Bauble (15) 10am-11.30am • 19 Dec Jewellery Making Class ($15) 2pm-3.30pm Bookings are essential for all classes. Children under eight years need to have an adult present with them at all times. Call 4053 4421 or email enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au for more information.

STOCKLAND CAIRNS Santa’s Breakfast will be held at Centre Court on December 17 from

JOIN IN OUR BRAND NEW SCHOOL HOLIDAY CHALLENGE & YOU COULD WIN THANKS TO OVERFLOW! WWW.PAKMAG.COM.AU/ CHALLENGE

8.30am to 10am. Cost: Free (Bookings must be made with the Stockland Customer Care desk – limited to 50 participants).

Santa photos will be available throughout December with all children receiving a free gift from Overflow.

Cost: Photographs are available for purchase from Scene to Believe Photographers.

A Donut King donut decorating workshop will be held at Centre Court between 12th January to 16th January running from 10am to 2pm daily. Cost: Free. Bookings are required and can be made with the Stockland Customer Care desk.

Show off your skills in the Stockland Cairns B Boy Dance Competition.

Heats are being held from 14th - 16th January at 11am - 1pm. The grand final will be held on 17th January at 11am.

The winner will get to perform a 10 to 15 minute routine at the B Boy World Champions Tour at Brothers on 19th January (Including a meet and greet).

For additional information on any of the activities being held at Stockland Cairns visit: www.shoppingcentres. stockland.com.au/shopping-centres/ stockland-cairns.

CAZALYS The Cazalys Kids Club is the place to be throughout the holidays. There are party games, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and much more on offer.

Cost: Free. For more information visit www.cazalys.com.au or refer to this months What’s On Guide. www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

43

pakmag CHRISTMAS CRAFT

A Very Vintage Christmas

BY

FOLLOW IMAGES & INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THESE THREE CRAFTS! 46

1 2 3

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

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1. STRING BAUBLE

2. PAPER GARLAND

3. SNOW GLOBE

Christmas trees which were once decorated with fruit and candles have evolved to become styled centrepieces for our home throughout December. The Christmas bauble often takes centre stage in various colours, patterns and sizes. Starting with a simple foam ball, why not make your own?

Use last year’s Christmas cards or invest in some traditional or modern patterned light card to match your current Christmas décor. Paper garlands are simple to make and get kids of all ages involved in Christmas craft. Use them to decorate your tree, wall or Christmas table.

The magic of a snow globe has been creating wonderment for children as far back as the 19th century: a miniature world within a winter wonderland. Create your own snow globe this Christmas.

YOU WILL NEED:

A Jar Distilled Water Glycerine Glitter Waterproof Glue (hot glue / super glue) A Plastic or Ceramic Ornament

YOU WILL NEED: Foam Ball String Ribbon Lace, or a Decorative Braid Beads Pearl Head Dress Pins Craft Glue

TO MAKE: Begin by cutting a length of ribbon to become the hanging loop of your bauble. Glue the ribbon into a bead and then the bead onto the top of your foam ball. For added strength, place a dress pin through the ribbon and bead and into the foam bauble.

Using the edge of the bead at the top of your bauble as a starting point, glue and wrap your string in a spiral pattern around the bauble. Glue as you go, as it can become a sticky process.

To add a vintage touch, finish your bauble with a lace trim or decorative braid around your bauble.

HINT: Consider using a thicker string to create a different look and easier application.

Light Card (scrapbooking paper is a good thickness and is often double sided for a variety of prints and colours) Hole punch or awl Scissors (scissors with a patterned blade for an interesting edge) String Beads, optional Pencil Round object to trace around

TO MAKE: From your selected card, draw multiple circles by tracing around your round object. Cut out your circles.

Using the hole punch or awl, cut a hole in the centre of each of your cut circles. Thread your string through each of the holes in your paper circle to form your garland. Consider adding a bead in-between the paper circles to help space them out evenly.

HINT: If involving kids in the threading

process, consider taping a piece of sticking tape around the end of the string to make threading easier, or invest in a large plastic craft needle in which the string can be threaded through first.

YOU WILL NEED:

TO MAKE: Before beginning to assemble your snow globe ensure that your chosen ornament fits in your jar when the lid it attached. Separate the jar and lid.

On the inside of the jar lid arrange and glue your ornament into place. Allow glue to set and dry.

Inside your jar, add about 1 teaspoon of glitter. Fill the jar will distilled water and add a ‘dash’ of glycerine. Adding Glycerine is not absolutely necessary, however, it helps to thicken the water and slows the movement of the glitter through the water, making it ‘snow’ for longer within your snow globe. Gently stir the glitter, water and glycerine mixture together.

Over a sink, top your jar with distilled water so that it is almost overflowing.

By filling your jar to the top with water the presence of air bubbles in the mix will be reduced. Gently screw the lid with the attached ornament back into the jar. Screw the lid on tightly. Stand your snow globe on the lid of the jar and watch your winter wonderland come to life.

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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MOTHER'S HEART NECKLACE SET (www.bellefever.com.au) (RRP $ 119.00)

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01. RICHIE SS SHIRT (Cotton On) (RRP $19.95) 02. JORDYI SHORT (Cotton On) (RRP $24.95) 03. BOYS FEDORA HAT - JOHNNY (Hats by the Hundred) (RRP $35.00) 04. GIRLS VICTORIA ROSE FLOWER DRESS (Target) (RRP $40.00) 05. BOYS BOW TIE - NAVY (Target) (RRP $15.00) 06. BOYS SHORT SLEEVE CHECK SHIRT - CHAMBRAY (Target) (RRP $15.00) 07. FLASH - SILVER (Eye Tribe) (RRP $29.95) 08. CORK SANDAL (Cotton On) (RRP $19.95) 09. CLEO - PINK + LEOPARD TRIM (Eye Tribe) (RRP $29.95) 10. GIRLS VICTORIA ROSE CIRCLE PRINT DRESS (Target) (RRP $40.00) 11. GIRLS PONTE DRESS (Target) (RRP $35.00) 12. CLASSIC LILA SANDAL (Cotton On) (RRP $19.95)

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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01. PENDANT (Lightly) (RRP $292)

02. REPLICA TOM DIXON ETCH WEB PENDANT (Zanui) ($349)

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06. OVEN (Limport Appliances) (RRP $3081)

05. TAP (Methven) (RRP $199.95)

05

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HOME

BUILDING a Building a new home is probably one of the most exciting and monumental life events a family can experience - besides the arrival of children! Creating a home that has never been lived in before, personalised to the needs of your family is a dream for many. But it can also be extremely daunting and stressful, as many people who have built a home will tell. We’ve compiled some handy tips to consider BEFORE you embark on your dream build.

STORY Carly Hammersley

BEFORE YOU START Do some groundwork. What do you want out of your new home and its surroundings? Think about what makes it onto the ‘must have’ list versus the ‘like to haves’ and the ‘luxuries’ list. This is where your budget will come into play. Things you should consider when deciding on a piece of land include: LOCATION - the distance to work, shops,public transportation, schools and child care, hospitals, libraries, green spaces and recreational facilities all need to be considered.

DESIGN - think about the design of your new home. What style will it be? Size, number of bedrooms, whether you need home office space, how much privacy is required (and where) and will it be flexible for what you require of your home now and in the future.

home

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NOW THE FUN (AND OFTEN OVERWHELMING) PART!

organisation and is an indicator of their professionalism.

Now you are ready to see what’s available in home designs. As you drive around visiting display homes and sales centres, it’s a good idea to take notes. That way it is much easier to make comparisons later.

COMMUNICATION

The key to successful home hunting is to take your time. Take a thorough look at everything and ask a lot of questions. The builder or salesperson should be ready and pleased to answer each question. Sales centres will often have information packages available for home designs, or if looking at land estates, consider the development and the community, including proximity to schools and other facilities. Keep in mind that a builder’s display home is usually just one of several designs offered by the company.

HOUSE AND LAND OR CUSTOM DESIGN? Depending on your budget, you may wish to consider a house and land package. This is generally a more affordable option than commissioning an architect or building designer to custom design a home for you. Today, project home builders offer a myriad of house design options and many can customise their basic plans to suit your family, lifestyle or your block of land.

When visiting display homes, be sure to ask if the features are standard or upgrades (extra cost) and consider whether the design will work with your block (if you already have one). If you don’t already have land, the builder may be able to assist you in finding one suited to the design you like.

DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS - are there any covenants or planning restrictions on the land? Changing land usage or seeking council approval for planning relaxations can cost precious time and money.

if you choose to engage a building designer or architect to design your home, they are often also able to offer a project management service and can act as a ‘go-between’ with your builder. This can help ensure a smooth and successful build.

FINANCING - consider how much you have available for your deposit, the monthly mortgage repayments you are comfortable with and your other financial obligations and needs.

Regardless of which option you choose, check if your builder is a member of the Housing Industry Association. The HIA is Australia’s largest residential building

Communication is key to a successful and smooth building process. Stay in touch with your builder throughout the process to discuss any issues or queries you may have, while also keeping in mind that they require the room and space to manage the construction and during the build, they are in control of the building site - not you. Wherever possible, try to only communicate with your builder - not their contractors or tradespeople. This will prevent any unnecessary confusion.

MOVING IN You can’t move into your new home until the builder has formally advised you of ‘practical completion’ - where the home is completed for habitation in accordance with the building contract and relevant statutory requirements.

At this stage, you will need to inspect the property with your builder prior to handover and ensure you are happy with the home.

DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD This is the specific period of time after you have taken possession of your new home where your builder is required to rectify any faults or issues that may occur. This is usually around six months after the date of completion.

You must notify your builder in writing of any defects during this time.

09. ROCKCOTE ECOSTYLE LOW SHEEN (Painted Earth)

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worth of sustainable living products.

GREEN THUMB: Cairns Regional Council’s sustainable living program.

We look at a different topic each month to help connect the dots between environmental stewardship, community well-being and economic prosperity.

SIGN UP to have your say and we’ll put you in the draw to WIN: • $2,000 worth of sustainable living products for your home.

• Monthly prize draws from local business sponsors.

You will gain access to: • Monthy prize draws • Online forums • Sustainable living resources

GO TO: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/greenthumb

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SUSTAINABLE

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS… Christmas is a time for being with family, for eating turkey and fruit pudding until you could burst and for showing that you care through the giving of gifts.

STORY Sophie Barrett, Sustainability Coordinator CRC Last Christmas my kids received a cheap plastic and foam bat and ball set for the pool. Within 10 minutes it had broken and was thrown in the bin. After talking to other parents I realised that many had similar stories and were concerned by the waste produced by Christmas presents, not to mention the mountains of paper. So in 2014 our family made a commitment to buy less plastic.

My daughter’s 5th birthday party in March bought about a dilemma - I didn’t want to say “no presents” – that would have just been mean! So after much deliberation I decided to write on the invitation: “Please do not feel you have to bring a gift, however if you do so, we would appreciate something plastic-free, homemade or recycled.”

On the day, as people arrived, I felt guilty about providing a “gift specification” but was pleasantly surprised by the warm comments from the other parents and the thought that went into the gifts. Gifts included a pot plant, a plate of homemade brownies, a book, a wooden puzzle and a homemade kitchen apron. A couple of parents said it had been hard to find something without plastic but that it had really made them think.

This Christmas when you are looking for presents, put some thought into reducing waste. The most sustainable gift is a hug or saying I love you, but if you want to buy something check out the ideas below:

TIPS FOR GUILT-FREE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: · Have a Secret Santa – spending more on one quality gift means it will usually last much longer. · Consider a “Hippie” Secret Santa – everyone draws out a name and makes a present for a particular person from a pile of materials. Kids can have fun guessing who each gift is being made for. · Bake some biscuits, rum balls or a cake and present in a decorated jar or tin. · If buying plastic or electronics – invest in quality products that are made to last or upgradable. · Find recycled gifts on Gumtree or sell off last year’s unwanted gifts to buy something new. · Buy from a Green shop or handmade shop- try Enviromart, The Green House, Handmade Cans or the local markets. ·

Go to the LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) Xmas Event in Yungaburra on Sunday the 7th December from 10am-1pm. Kids can trade their unwanted toys, clothes etc for things they really want or buy crafts. Search Facebook for “LETS Family Day”.

· Buy recycled wrapping paper or recycle old paper and decorate it yourself.

My most cherished presents were the decorated laughing cow cheese lid with lolly wrapper angel wings that said “I love you Mum” and the memory of everyone piling on to my bed on Christmas morning sharing stories and a cup of tea.

For families looking to make the investment in a solar hot water system for their home, the overabundance of information can be a minefield to navigate. CMD Solar is a locallyowned and operated company who manufacture their own product.

All CMD Solar systems meet Australian standards and come with a seven year tank warranty. Now is the perfect time to consider investing in a solar hot water system for your home and save up to 90% on hot water heating costs. For more information 1300 853 392 or visit www.cmdsolar.com.au.

SUSTAINABLE SERIES

THE LOCAL CHOICE FOR NATURALLY HOT WATER

REDUCE THOSE ELECTRICITY BILLS Whether building brand new, or improving the efficiency of your existing home, here are the ideas to bring down those dreaded electricity bills, some of which can cost very little up front, but can save you hundreds of dollars every year.

1. Utilise off peak tariffs. Especially for power hungry appliances such as pool pumps, speak to your electrician for more information.

2. Rooms which receive direct afternoon sun can get hot and retain heat throughout the evening. Shade Western walls and windows to minimise harsh afternoon sun.

3. Ensure your ceiling is insulated. This will not only keep the hot air from the roof coming in, but will also help to keep your cool air in the rooms if you have the air-conditioning on.

4. Replace light bulbs with LED alternatives. These are more expensive initially, but will pay for themselves in the long run.

5.

When replacing appliances, especially items such as fridges and freezers, select those with a high energy efficiency star rating.

6. Hot water systems can account for up to 25% of electricity bills, so consider solar hot water or a heat pump.

For more information on this and other aspects of sustainable housing, contact Rachel, Kenick’s National Award winning Greensmart professional on 0423 182 037 or visit www.kenickconstructions.com.au.

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TRAVEL

THE WORLD’S MOST WONDERFUL WATERPARKS For a fun-filled time with the whole family on your next holiday, a visit to a waterpark guarantees a great time for all. Although Australia is known for places such as Wet n’ Wild on the Gold Coast, a great place to beat the heat, there are also fantastic parks located in more unlikely places around the globe, such as Canada and Germany. Here’s our guide to some of the world’s best waterparks.

STORY Kylie Stokes

CHIMELONG WATER PARK GUANGZHOU - CHINA Covering an area of more than 300 square kilometres, the Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou Province is the largest water park in the world.

New attractions are being added all the time in a constant push by the park’s owners to have the biggest, fastest, scariest and most thrilling water rides in the world. Currently, Chimelong’s main attraction is the Behemoth Bowl, a slide quite unlike any other. Thrill-seekers ride four at a time in a specially constructed tube, and after sliding nearly 100 metres, are thrown into a huge bowl before being thrown into a drop chute into the swimming pool below.

WORLD WATERPARK EDMONTON - CANADA The vast Edmonton Mall in Canada is better known as being one of the world’s biggest and most impressive shopping centres. But it’s also home to an expansive indoor water park, open all year round – a great place to not only beat the heat, but also the freezing winter temperatures, which can drop as low as -40 degrees.

World Waterpark’s signature slide is

the Cyclone, with an innovative loop design similar to that of a loop the loop on a traditional rollercoaster.

WATERBOM BALI - INDONESIA Bali has been a favourite destination for families for many years, and a day out at the Waterbom Park is often on the must-do list for visitors young and old. Conveniently located in the Kuta tourist hub, in spacious landscaped Balinese gardens, Waterbom offers more than 20 action-packed slides.

The park’s most unique offering is the Climax, where riders enter a chamber suspended nearly 20 metres in the air, followed by a sudden vertical drop, before unexpectedly being taken back up and looping around, a seemingly physics and gravity-defying thrilling few minutes of fun!

TROPICAL ISLANDS BRANDENBURG - GERMANY While Germany is not exactly known for its sunny climates and beautiful sandy beaches, Tropical Islands, in Brandenburg, is the next best thing. As the name suggests, the largest indoor water park in the world recreates the relaxed vibe and

aesthetic of a beach resort, all within a large, fully enclosed dome. Palm-tree lined sandy shores lead to the clear blue waters of the ‘beach’, surrounded by dense rainforest. Tropical Islands is better suited for those after a relaxing waterpark experience rather than racing up and down waterslides, but there’s still plenty to enjoy, with an onsite sauna and spa, various waterfalls, and even guided treks through the rainforest.

NOAH’S ARK WISCONSIN - UNITED STATES The states of California and Florida may traditionally hog the theme park headlines with their various Disney offerings, but the small state of Wisconsin trumps all others when it comes to waterparks. Wisconsin Dells is home to Noah’s Ark, the biggest waterpark in the United States, and with more than 50 slides and water rides, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. There’s one-of-a-kind slides and rides such as the first nearvertical loop in the Scorpion’s Tail, and the Water Coaster. For the younger ones, there’s the Kiddie Kingdom Water Playground, for the whole family, a 4D Dive-in Theatre showing the latest cinematic releases.

my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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pakmag EAT INDEX

EAT INDEX

ALL VOUCHERS also available at www.pakmag.com.au, on our facebook page or take a photo with your phone

BAR & GRILL Thurs nighTs: $15 grill nights Friday nighTs: $10 Pizzas saT mornings: $10 Pancakes Live music EVEry sunday from 1-4pm and $1 oysters!

Book in for your Xmas Party!

PHONE: 07 4055 3534 Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach

enquiries@ellisbeachbarandgrill.com.au 60

DECEMBER 2014 www.pakmag.com.au

REVIEW

REVIEW

GET MERRY AT RYDGES Rydges Esplanade Resort has all the bases covered this festive season whether you’re planning a celebratory end-of-year Christmas function, a kids party, or somewhere for a revitalising mini break!

T

he famous Festive Fire and Ice buffet dinner will be served daily, offering an innovative concept that mixes the style of a la carte dining with a traditional all-youcan-eat buffet.

Diners can choose from freshly prepared meats, poultry, fish and seafood which is cooked on the flame grill right in front of you.

During December there will be a Christmas roast of the day along with everyone’s favourite mini Christmas puddings with brandy custard and fruit mince pies.

Take it a step further and organise your end of year function on the Fire and Ice Terrace which can also cater to smaller guests!

If you’re looking for the ultimate endof-year wind down, why not book the family in for a Christmas break in Rydges market-leading family rooms.

Complete with bunks featuring their own LCD screens and X-boxes, the kids will be kept busy with the wide variety of games and DVDs that are available for hire from the hotel reception or by streaming content from their own iPad or iPod.

Should the kids tire of indoor fun, the swimming pools (including a lap pool) and kids wet play area are perfection at this time of the year in Cairns when the prospect of cooling down is never far from anyone’s mind! Wind down with a game in one of the tennis courts or hire a bike and explore the Esplanade and surrounding areas.

For those travelling without kids, the resort offers 240 spacious guest rooms in addition to its new family rooms all with either rainforest or waterfront views. The onsite restaurant, Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant and Bar, serves up a sumptuous full buffet breakfast and all day dining snacks along with a mouth-watering tapas menu.

Rydges Esplanade Resort is located at 209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns midway along the Cairns Esplanade.

The Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Wharf, Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Convention Centre are only a short stroll away.

Rates start from just $199 for a family room (for two adults and two children under 12 years of age) and can be booked via www.rydges.com/esplanade

www.pakmag.com.au DECEMBER 2014

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pakmag BIZ INDEX

BIZ INDEX

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Portsmith, 48 Hartley Street PHONE: 4041 6096 Trinity Beach, Cnr Aropa St & Cook Hwy PHONE: 4057 8218 OPEN: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm & Sat 8am-2pm For more info call Rachel 0431 213 971 or visit www.pupstars.com.au

Cairns indoor sports Tue, THu, Fri & SaT

9am-midday

• Face Painting • Puppets • Balloons • Games • Music • Other costumes available

PHONe: 4032 2844

164 Mayers Street, Manunda cairnsindoorsports.com.au

4057 8019 or 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com

pakmag Leisure

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* Biz Index Advertising From Only $70/Month

PET

Cairns Veterinary Clinic LOOKING AFTER OUR FURRY FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS!

C

hristmas is traditionally a time of indulgence and many owners hate to see their pet missing out. As you and your family sit around the table this Christmas, you may be tempted to share all the yummy goodies with your pet. Don’t!

Giving inappropriate foods and overfeeding are common causes of health problems seen by veterinarians over the festive period.

DON’T GIVE YOUR PET A TRIP TO THE VET THIS CHRISTMAS; FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BEST MATE HAPPY AND HEALTHY. 01. Many foods are dangerous and harmful to pets. Avoid feeding the following foods AT ANY TIME OF YEAR: CHOCOLATE - toxic to the heart and nervous system. GRAPES, RAISINS AND SULTANAS - can cause acute kidney failure. GARLIC AND ONIONS - may cause blood cell damage and anaemia. AVOCADO - may cause stomach upsets such as vomiting and diarrhoea. COFFEE AND TEA may cause stomach upsets. Caffeine is toxic to the heart and nervous system. XYLITOL (found in gum, lollies etc) - can lead to liver failure.

COOKED BONES - may cause stomach

lacerations, punctures and can easily become stuck in the throat. NUTS Macadamia nuts, moldy pecans and walnuts can cause seizures, vomiting and neurological issues. SAGE - (a seasoning used in stuffing) can cause tummy upsets and central nervous system damage. ALCOHOL - may cause intoxication, coma and death.

DAIRY FOODS - can cause stomach upsets such as diarrhoea. FATTY FOODS such as sausages, ham bones etc - may cause pancreatitis.

02. “Just a little treat” is okay! Think again – one piece of bacon (or ham) given to your dog is equivalent to a human eating thirteen pieces of bacon.

03. Feed your pet a high quality, nutritionally dense pet food, such as Hills Vet Essentials, to ensure they are getting the nourishment they need (some supermarket brands contain fillers that add bulk rather than nutrition).

04. Don’t give your pet more food than usual, particularly if they’re not exercising as much - just an extra kilo or two can make a small cat or dog obese. Feeding your pet too much food can also lead to stomach upsets and diarrhoea.

05. Give your pet non-food treats such as toys, a new collar and lead or a new comfy bed.

06. Treat them with love rather than food - take them for walks, throw that ball or Frisbee and enjoy cuddles on the couch.

HAVE YOU ASKED SANTA FOR A PET THIS CHRISTMAS? Pets as presents must be considered seriously. Traditionally the influx of animals into shelters increases during January and February as many pets are given as Christmas presents and then become unwanted when the responsibility of pet ownership becomes a reality. Consider the expenses involved with owning a pet and the time needed to give them a great quality life. Be sure you have the recipient’s consent and REMEMBER that the cute puppy or kitten will be with them for many more Christmases to come.

CAIRNS VETERINARY CLINIC WISHES YOU AND YOUR PETS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY 2015.

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pakmag SNAPPED

SNAPPED! 03

01 04 02 05

01. AZHIANY CAHILL - Baby Welcome Ceremony and Family Expo 02. COOPER-MAI - Fun in the Sun Festival 03. RYLEE & KOBE - Fun in the Sun Festival 04. NATHANIEL & GABRIELLE - Sugar World 05. RAF & GLENN - Holy Cross Christmas Fair

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SNAPPED

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pakmag

08

PHOTOS THANKS TO MELISSA DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Email photos, name/s & locations: photos@pakmag.com.au (Deadline for photos 15 DEC for the JAN 2015 Edition of Pakmag)

09 07 10

06. ASHTAN & DENIKA - Fun in the Sun Festival 07. JORJA - Holy Cross Christmas Fair 08. REESE & SOPHIE - Holy Cross Christmas Fair 09. JESSE & JARROD - Tinaroo Dam 10. JOSHUA - Tinaroo Dam

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pakmag FOOD

RECIPE CHRISTMAS COOKIES

PEPPERMINT FUDGE

FRUIT CAKES

SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH

250g Nestle Dark Chocolate Melts 250g Nestle Milk Chocolate Melts 1 Can Condensed Milk 1 Tablespoon Butter 2 Peppermint Crisp Bars, crushed

1kg Mixed Dried Fruit 620g Milk (white, coffee, chocolate, soy or almond milk) 280g SR Flour (or Gluten Free SR)

METHOD

METHOD

01. Add chocolate, condensed milk and butter into saucepan and melt on low heat until it becomes smooth, continuously mixing. Remove from heat. 02. Add the crushed Peppermint Crisp Bars. Stir in quickly. 03. Pour into a lined lamington tray, leave to cool.

Then place into refrigerator to set. 04.

Once set remoe from fridge and cut into small bite-sized pieces.

01. Soak the fruit in milk for 4-6 hours.

02. Preheat oven to 150 degrees.

03. Line 25cm cake tin with baking paper or lay out silicone cups on a baking tray. 04. Put mixed fruit mixture and flour into mix master and combine on low speed for 1-2 minutes. 05. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes for large cake or 30-35 minutes for muffin sized (or until skewer comes out clean).

125g Butter 200g Caster Sugar 300g Plain Flour, Sifted 1 Egg 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence Pinch Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder Coloured Cachous

METHOD 01. Preheat oven 180 degrees. 02. Add butter and sugar to mix master and mix for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. 03.

Add rest of remaining ingredients, mix for another 1-2 minutes or until mixture comes together. 04. Tip out onto cling wrap, wrap and place in refrigerator for 1 hour. 05. Take dough from fridge and roll out onto a floured board with a rolling pin to approximately 5mm thickness. Cut shapes and place onto a lined tray with baking paper ready to bake. Cookies can be decorated with coloured cachou balls or left plain. 06.

Bake for 6 to 10 mintues (depending on the size of the cookie cutter). Remove from the oven when they are just starting to colour, cool on a rack.

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TIP: Work very quickly as soon as it stops mixing pour straight into tray before it starts to thicken, if it thickens it's harder to work with. If you get called away and it's too thick to pour reheat slightly to bring it back.

www.trendyliltreats.com.au

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