PakMag Mackay - January 2016 Issue 39

ISSUE NO. 39 JAN 2016 MACKAY

FIND MORE TIME AND

LOSE YOUR GUILT

KEEPING THEM BUSY

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE

TIPS AND TRICKS

PREPARING FOR PREP

JAN SUMMER FUN

2016 SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE 25 NEW THINGS

TO TRY THIS YEAR

Free

CONTENTS

WIN

HELLO

ISSUE NO. 39 JAN 2016 06 Entertainment: Check This Out

28

08 Feature: How To Find More Time

and Lose Your Guilt

11 New Year New You: 25 Things To

Hello and welcome to 2016!

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, so this month we are going to inspire you to regain time for yourself, to try 25 new things, and to get your kids helping out with some chores around the house.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?!

Try This New Year

15 Handling “I Don’t Know Why”:

We also have summer covered with everything that is happening around town and lots of great ideas to keep the “I’m bored” conversations at bay. And last but not least, we have our MASSIVE sign-on feature with all the activities your kids can do in 2016.

It’s a huge edition, kicking off your 2016 with a punch- we know you are going to love it. Make sure you #pakmag if you are out and about or doing anything PakMag has suggested and you could win yourself a prize.

Mackay Christian College

17 Health: The Most Common

Childhood Illnesses

19 Bump & Bub: The Battle Of The

Bum Protectors

23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag: Goosebumps

Until next time, have a sensational month, and don’t forget to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.

28 WIN: Back To School Mega

Bree x

Prize Pack

33 Craft Corner: Kids' Room

DIY Projects

35 Celebrate: Pool Party

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

37 School Holiday Guide

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2015

41 After School Activity Guide 43 Parenting: Chores & Kids 46 Home: Mudrooms 48 Snapped

PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 E admin@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmagmackay T #pakmag ON THE COVER MODEL Lilly and Chloe Caban PHOTOGRAPHY Deanne Woods Photography WEB www.deannewoodsphotography.com.au

50 Daddy Diary

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.

Deluxe Designer Sara

Events Extraordinaire Kelly

Darling Designer Clare

Sales Guru Angelina

Traumatised Trent

Grand Poobah Bree Office Aficionado Janelle

Sales Star Cherie

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

Witty Writer Jenna

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ENTERTAINMENT

T U O S I H T K C E CH Black and White Gala Dinner Pre-Bookings Open Now WHEN: 20 February 2016, 6.00pm WHERE: Clarion Marquee Mackay Marina MORE INFO: littlehigh5s@outlook.com.au Book your tickets for the Black and White Gala Dinner Recognition Awards for 20th February 2016. This is an excellent opportunity to dress in your best and support a beautiful cause – Little High Fives.

Tickets are $100 each and available now at the Clarion Hotel, Mackay Marina or MECC.

Free Movie Night WHEN: 12 January, 6.00pm to 8.30pm WHERE: Harrup Park, Juliet Street Mackay Qld MORE INFO: www.harruppark.com. au or call 4944 0000 Enjoy a night away outside of the house with a free screening of Pixels at Harrup Park. Members of the kids club will receive popcorn and nibbles and can bring a friend along.

Adore Dance Enrolment Days and Free Class Offer WHEN: 15 January, 5.00pm to 8.00pm and 16 January 9.00am to 11.00am WHERE: Suite 29/230 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale MORE INFO: www.adore-dance.com or 0437081577 Adore Dance is the latest dance studio opening in January 2016! There are a wide range of classe in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, limber and more.

Classes cater to children from 14 months to adults and Adore Dance offer a free trial class.

Come down to their enrolment days, get to know the instructors and check out the new studio on 15 or 16 January.

Harrup Park Free Craft Sessions WHEN: 1 January to 22 January, 12.00pm to 2.00pm WHERE: Harrup Park, Juliet Street Mackay Qld MORE INFO: www.harruppark.com.au or call 4944 0000 Enjoy an afternoon of free craft (without the clean-up after) at Harrup Park. There are different themes each week during the school holidays and all materials are supplied. You will need to call 4944 0000 to book your place.

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Kidtastic Fun at Caneland Central WHEN: 11 January to 22 January, 11.00am to 2.00pm WHERE: Caneland Central Shopping Centre MORE INFO: www.canelandcentral.com.au Come into Caneland Central during the school holidays for daily fun. They’ve got their Hot Wheels Interactive Zone (11 January to 15 January) and Barbie Interactive Zone (18 January to 22 January) daily from 11.00am to 2.00pm.

Check out their Sesame Street Stage Show from 18 January to 22 January at 10.00am, 11.00am and 1.00pm daily.

Mini Makerspacers at Mackay Libraries WHEN: 13 January, 15 January, 19 January and 21 January 10.00am WHERE: Gordon White Library, Sarina Library, Mirani Library and Mackay City Library MORE INFO: www.eventbrite.com.au Get your scientific explorers down to the libraries these school holidays for a morning of exploration, creation and experimentation activities designed to extend basic skills and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This program is free and designed for children aged 6 to 12. You must register and tickets are booking out fast so be quick.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

7

pakmag FEATURE

d Fin

ilt

• HOW TO •

Gu

Mo r u r e Ti o Y e me and Los STORY Kate Christie

Do you suffer from Mother’s Guilt? Silly question, really. It’s probably safe to assume that at some point in time, if not quite often, you will have experienced the soul destroying edge of guilt associated with being a parent. In fact, 90 per cent of mothers feel guilty at some point, while 50 per cent are wracked by guilt most or ‘all of the time’ (NUK UK survey).

And is it any wonder given the judgement that comes your way? If you work as well as being a mum, you judge yourself and others judge you. If you stay at home with your kids, you judge yourself and others judge you. You are judged as being amazing for doing it all or as being a machine for the same reason.

Unbelievable.

I can’t flick a switch to remove your guilt, but I can share with you the five steps to being smart which will help you find and harness hours of lost time a month - time you can devote to doing the things you love, like hanging out with your kids.

Goodbye (to at least some of your) mother’s guilt!

The Five Steps to Being SMART 1. Self-Aware - Your first step is to identify and understand your values (where do you want to spend your time) and your time management challenges (your key pain points). Knowing your values and challenges gives you a baseline.

2. Map - Next step is to map a typical week to see where you spend your time. Once you know in detail where you spend your time, including all the routines and habits you undertake without thinking, you can identify exactly what behaviours you need to change.

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

3. Analyse - Take your map and segment each task

into one of four time segments - your Musts (tasks you have to do); Wants (tasks you want to do); Delegates (tasks you can get someone else to do) and Rejects (tasks you can do smarter or not at all).

4. Reframe - From your map and time segments identify exactly what you are going to start doing differently.

5. Take Control - Establish an Action Plan to ensure you implement and then sustain your new time management habits.

Five Quick Time Management Wins

Your Delegates and Rejects (see Step 3: Analyse) are where the gold of your lost time is buried. You need to dig a little to find the biggest nuggets, but you can start with my top five quick wins for some immediate time gains:

1. Insource - Identify everything

you currently do for your family that they can do for themselves. Start with the low hanging fruit - for example, from tonight everyone in the family is responsible for putting away their own ‘stuff’. No longer will you be the person who stalks the house each day collecting and repatriating shoes, iPods, iPads, phones, dirty clothes, clean clothes, school bags and sports clothes.

2. Insource some more - Divide

up the more challenging family based chores such as loading and unloading the dishwasher, taking out and bringing in the bins, vacuuming the house and feeding the pets.

Rotate these chores on a weekly basis. Write everything up on a whiteboard or A4 sheet and place in clear view to avoid arguments.

3. Outsource - Think about any

tasks around the house which you would be happy to pay someone else to do for you. For example, cleaning.

If you are hesitant to pay someone to clean for you, think about what the task costs you in terms of your own hourly rate, or emotionally (do you spend the time yelling at everyone to help?) or physically (does vacuuming kill your back?).

4. Rejects/ Do it Smarter - Some of the tasks you perform can be done a lot more efficiently. For example:

• Stop standing in front of the fridge each day wondering what to cook for dinner • Start making a weekly meal plan on a Sunday night • Stop popping in to the supermarket four or five times a week • Start keeping a list of what you need at the supermarket and head there once, or better still, buy online

5. Rejects/ Don’t do it at all -

Some of the tasks you perform don’t need to be done at all as they are a big waste of time. For example: • Stop ironing - buy clothes that don't need to be ironed • Stop running errands during peak hour • Stop picking up after your kids • Stop cleaning before the cleaner comes

By managing your time a little smarter, you can find and harness hours of lost time a month. The added bonus is that you can start to remove your mother’s guilt by spending some of that reclaimed time with your kids, not to mention a little ‘me time’ for yourself!

Kate Christie is a time management expert, speaker and the author of ‘Me Time: The Professional Woman’s Guide to Finding 30 Guilt-free Hours a Month’. To purchase your signed copy of ‘Me Time’ for only $20 plus postage and start your own journey to finding your lost time, go to www.timestylers.com and use coupon code TIME.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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THINGS TO TRY THIS NEW YEAR STORY Jenna Gallina

Want to make 2016 one of your best years yet? Here are 25 enlightening, entertaining and (somewhat) extreme things to try.

GRAB A MOONTIME DIARY Moontime Diaries can track the best time to plant, to fish, to eat certain foods and to conceive a child but it also provides a practical way to get more in tune with astrology and how it can impact your health, wellbeing and relationships.

RRP $34.00 WEB www.moontimediary.com.au

LEARN A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT It’s a great year to bring out your inner muso. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn guitar, piano or drums, check out who offers local lessons in your area. You will be surprised how addictive and gratifying it can be to learn how to play a musical instrument, even if the song is basic.

Just don’t buy a recorder. Those things should be banished from earth.

TAKE UP A SPORT, ACTIVITY OR CRAFT YOU USED TO DO AS A CHILD Did you love painting in school? Did you used to spend your weekends playing soccer? There are plenty of adult courses and indoor and outdoor sports clubs. You can join as a team or as an individual.

CONSIDER A BOOK CLUB And when we say book club, we mean, “a once a month gathering with friends where we can drink wine away from the kids.” And possibly discuss a book or two.

GET UP 10 MINUTES EARLIER What time do you usually wake up? Set the alarm for 10 minutes earlier in 2016 and enjoy a cuppa during this extra time.

SCHEDULE A ONCE A MONTH FAMILY OUTING It’s hard to get the family together, especially out of the house! Plan a family date night where you go out for ice cream, see an outdoor movie, take a walk along the Marina boardwalk, Bluewater Quay or even around the neighbourhood.

DO A FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT When was the last time you had a professional photograph your beautiful family (and no, school photos don’t count).

Get the whole family together and contact one of the many fantastic local photographers to capture your family having fun together.

MAKE A VISION BOARD If you have never made a vision board, then this is the year to give it a go. A vision board is a visual tool to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on your yearly goals. Your vision board can include images, quotes and basically anything else that highlights what is important to you, what inspires you, and what you want to achieve this year.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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pakmag 25 THINGS TO TRY

GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

TRY FASTING

There are plenty of charities and opportunities to donate time and money to those who need it most. Find an organisation that is dear to your heart and see how you can make a difference.

There are a number of fasts out there but it is advised to speak to a health professional to determine which one will work for you. If fasting isn’t for you, consider going paleo, organic, vegan, vegetarian or trying a new diet for a certain period of time.

GIVE YOUR CLOSETS A MAKEOVER This doesn’t just extend to your wardrobe. Start there and get rid of those clothes and shoes you never wear before moving onto the linen closet and ditching all of those scratchy towels and old bedsheets. Then head to your bathroom and get rid of all that old makeup and hair products that you never use before moving to the pantry and giving it a good clean out too.

SPEND AN EVENING ALL ALONE

CHANGE YOUR PILLOWS

Sure you may not be able to party like its 1999 anymore, but indulge in a night out with your partner or friends and take in a live local act. Music is good for the soul and your dancing shoes may even come out of retirement.

When was the last time you switched your pillows? Ditch the old ones and go out and splurge on two new pillows for each bed.

START A MEAL PLAN WITH MATES Once a week, cook up a massive serving of your signature dish and dish it into portions. Then swap the dishes with a set of mates who have also cooked their signature dish. If you have five friends who are interested, this means you have five days of delicious and different meals ready to go.

RELAX! Find a way to de-stress from the daily dramas, whether through yoga, meditation or mindfulness.

Book a hotel room for just you and for one night this year, enjoy the luxury of sleeping in, sprawling out, watching whatever you want on the telly and ordering room service.

You will return home in the morning feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to tackle the daily tasks.

LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

TAKE A LIFELINE WALK Clear your head and improve your direction in life. Take a long walk by yourself and make milestones for each year (for example, if you are 30, walk 30 blocks). Use each block to reflect back on that year of your life. When you turn around, use the walk home to reflect on the next 30 years to come.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP Let a coin decide whether you go North or South (or East or West). Plan nothing. Just drive and see where you end up.

CREATE A BUCKET LIST TO DO WITH THE KIDS Ask the kids to write down a few things they would like to do this year and aim to do one activity each month.

TRY COOKING SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER COOKED BEFORE Aim to do this once a month at the least. By the end of the year you will have a brand new set of go-to recipes to add to the rotation.

TRY SOMETHING EXTREME Skydiving may be a little too intense but why not give bungy jumping, jet boating, go carting, ATVing, kite surfing or wake boarding a try. Plenty of these activities are perfect for older children as well!

VISIT AN ISLAND Plan a weekend to the Whitsundays and enjoy a mini holiday with the family to Daydream, Hayman or Hamilton Island. You will feel like you are overseas when you are really only a short boat ride away.

FIND AND USE YOUR PRODUCTIVE TIME Everyone has ups and downs during the day. It’s up to you to determine when your creative juices are flowing the most and use this time to get things done.

GO SOMEWHERE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE Make it a yearly ritual to visit somewhere new. This doesn’t have to be an expensive overseas holiday – it could simply be to a new venue down the road or to a tourist hot spot that you have yet to check out.

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

GO TECHNOLOGY FREE For an entire weekend! No TV. No mobile phones. No iPad. No computer. Read books. Play board games. Create something fantastic out of Lego with the kids.

You can Instagram it on Monday.

COMING SOON

cOUrses and classes

Finance Tips sales and markeTing advice

Solo-preneurS SMe’S

digiTal media sTraTegy

Start-upS

WWW.mOBmagazine.cOm.aU prinTed Bi-mOnThly

laUnching janUary 2016

sUBscriBe nOW delivered TO yOUr OFFice

Handling The Response, "I DON't KNOW WHY"

ADVERTORIAL

pakmag

STORY Dr Craig Murison I have often heard the expression, “Teenagers, leave home now! While you still know everything.”

It is a frustrating time for parents. We all want to prevent our children from experiencing the pain we experienced from our poor decisions as teenagers. I don’t know about you, but when my children were teenagers I often caught myself reflecting on my own parents with great sympathy. My goodness - they had to put up with me!

All families go through the frustrating period of managing young people who seem convinced they know better than their parents do. The symptoms are fairly obvious. Young people will argue a completely incomprehensible set of points which, in some unintelligible way, seem logical to them but make no sense at all to you.

They will visibly glaze over when you are trying to explain something to them. Their minds wander off to some place they would much rather be. Perhaps the most frustrating part of it all is when you ask them why they did something and they respond with, “I don’t know.”

When young people tell their parents they don’t know why they did something, I find the red mist can begin to descend and take over. Anger and frustration become quite close to the surface or bubble over completely. You may not want to hear it, but experience has taught me that when young people tell you they “don’t know why” they did something, more often than not they are telling the complete truth. They just do not know.

It doesn’t matter whether they are small children, or teenagers. When they say they don’t know why they behaved in a certain way, or made the decision to completely disregard the rules you thought they had agreed to, they actually don’t know. They do not have the capacity to articulate what it was that motivated them to deviate from the straight and narrow.

Imagine the young person’s point of view. They know they

have done the wrong thing; they may well feel bad about it (or at least feel bad about being found out), and they cannot give a rational explanation. It is a typical win-lose situation.

You may temporarily feel so much better for giving them a blast. That feeling wears off pretty quickly, if it happens at all. The young person, who can’t articulate any rational explanation, is likely to respond in kind – with some sort of inappropriate response, and the whole situation escalates.

Unhelpful all round.

It is hard, but we need to learn to take a few breaths.

Counting to ten slowly always helped me. Listen to the response or attempted explanation.

If the red mist begins to descend, delay your response.

Walk away and come back to it when you have calmed down.

Rather than trying to put your frustration and anger into words choose, instead, to ask open ended questions. Open ended questions are ones which cannot be answered in one or two words. They require more than a yes or no response - the answers you get to questions such as, “Help me understand how this respects the rules we agreed to?”

Or, “What will you do if you are put in that situation next time?” These are questions your young person can engage with and try to answer.

Releasing your anger may make you feel better for a short time but it won’t make any difference to the future choices your young person may make.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

15

HEALTH

+ HEALTH

pakmag

well as other areas around the body) that can last between seven and ten days. It is highly contagious and often passed through a child’s touch, cough, sneeze or faecal matter.

FIFTH DISEASE (SLAPPED CHEEK SYNDROME)

+ The Most Common Childhood Illnesses

Children under the age of three are most susceptible to this condition, which will appear in the form of a bright red rash on the cheeks, mild fever, a runny nose, and a secondary, lacy-looking rash on the torso. It's highly contagious but will clear up on its own.

STORY Dr. Kaylene Ferguson

INFLUENZA

It’s a fact of parenting – your child, at some stage or another, is going to get sick. And, more often than not, more than once a year.

Influenza, also known as 'the flu', affects children and adults of all ages but there is an annual vaccination available for children over the age of six months. Symptoms include a high fever, body aches and chills, a headache, a sore throat, cough, and sometimes also vomiting and diarrhoea.

Occasionally these symptoms might last for more than a week and could develop into more serious complications such as pneumonia. The best way to prevent flu is to get your whole family vaccinated in March/April every year.

It can be frustrating and heartbreaking to care for a sick child but, in most instances, the illness will pass after a few days of rest. Here are a few childhood illnesses you will probably encounter during the first few years of your little one’s life.

Remember, this information is general, and is not a substitute for a personal consultation with your family doctor.

COMMON COLD Expect about five bouts of the common cold each year during the first two years. Symptoms include mild fever, congestion, coughing and a sore throat. A cold can be treated with lots of fluids and rest as well as children’s Nurofen or Panadol.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) Kids under two are most susceptible to RSV, which affects their lungs. A child with RSV may have trouble breathing, a cough and symptoms of a common cold. The virus can escalate into either bronchiolitis (an infection of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia, but, in most instances, it will resolve on its own.

ROSEOLA Kids under two are most susceptible to Roseola, which comes in the form of a high fever, congestion, coughing and, later, a patchy rash that starts on the chest and can spread to other areas of the body. This virus normally runs its course within a week but you can alleviate the high fever with kids' Nurofen.

GASTROENTERITIS Gastro, as it's commonly known, is an illness in the intestines that can be caused by a number of viruses.

Symptoms normally include vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Most of the time it will clear up within a few days to a week and require nothing more than rest, TLC and possibly an electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte).

HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE This disease is quite common in the tropical climate, especially during summer. You'll notice painful sores and red blisters on the hands, mouth and soles of the feet (as

CONJUNCTIVITIS Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids. Symptoms include redness around the eyes, yellowish discharge or a crusty appearance around the eyes, and blurry vision. The condition can be both a bacterial or viral infection but bacterial conjunctivitis is common in younger children and needs to be treated with antibiotic drops.

WORMS While this is more often considered a problem for your pet, worms can also make their way into your child’s system.

They'll have an itchy bottom due to the tiny parasites laying eggs around the anus. Visit your doctor to confirm if it is, indeed, worms. The doctor will likely prescribe a form of medication to clear it up.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

17

BUMP & BUB

pakmag

BatBtlUeM

OF THE

PROTECTORS DISPOSABLE VS MODERN CLOTH NAPPIES Prepare for a war of epic proportions! When number threes are involved, you need the best armour out there.

So who wins – disposables or modern cloth nappies? We’ve put them to the test.

AFFORDABILITY

CLEAN-UP

The one-off payment for modern cloth nappies can be quite expensive but over time, disposables add up. Baby Soft Landing have done a calculation and have estimated the cost of disposable wipes and nappies for two and a half years adds up to $3,339.

But, perhaps where disposable nappies really shine is in the fact that you can simply just throw them away. Modern cloth nappies need to be washed, which, many mums will admit, is not that big of a deal but it is time consuming.

What about cloth nappies? The total cost of wipes, nappy inserts and coverings as well as laundering for two and a half years is calculated at $1,395.

Another thing to consider is that modern cloth nappies can be a little inconvenient when travelling, especially when you do not have access to a laundry facility.

RELIABILITY

Of course, this will depend on a number of factors including what brand of disposables and MCN that you choose. But, MCN definitely come out ahead in cost, especially if you consider reusing the nappies for the second child.

This all comes down to your personal preference but many mums have suggested that modern cloth nappies are a lot better at preventing leaks. And number threes are often easier to control with MCN’s. Perhaps it’s the extra padding.

CUTENESS

ECO-FRIENDLINESS

While disposable nappies often come with cute characters and even Christmas-themed nappies, modern cloth nappies are bright, colourful and so sweet and thus we have to go with modern cloth nappies in the cuteness category.

EASE OF USE Disposable nappies come out in front for ease of use. There are no inserts involved and many disposable nappies now come in nappy pant options which are ideal for wriggly toddlers.

Hands down, MCN take out this round.

They contain no harmful chemicals or plastics and there are even organic cloth nappies made out of cotton or bamboo.

They have much less impact on the environment than disposable nappies and they contain no harsh chemicals which are great for sensitive little bums.

While many disposable nappies come in organic alternatives, it takes at least 200 years for a nappy to decompose and the decomposing of the human waste can let off methane (a very hazardous greenhouse gas) which can pollute the groundwater.

SO, WHO COMES OUT ON TOP? A F F O R D A B I L I T Y: CUTENESS:

Modern Cloth Nappies

Modern Cloth Nappies

EASE OF USE:

Disposables

CLEAN-UP:

Disposables

R E L I A B I L I T Y:

Modern Cloth Nappies

ECO-FRIENDLESS:

Modern Cloth Nappies

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

19

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And you certainly deserve it! We’ve got the ultimate mystery box to delight mums with little ones. We don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say that you will love ringing in the New Year with this box of goodies.

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International author and Baby Product expert, Carolyn Webster shares her breakthrough knowledge and secrets to making the right choice for you baby's needs. There is so much confusion in the marketplace on what you should or shouldn't buy, what brand's are good and which ones are not. This book is full of easy and practical advice that will help you on your road to successfully choosing the right baby products for you and your baby needs.

BUMP & BUB

PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES FOR NEW MUMS STORY Simone Kay Building a solid foundation by taking the time to recondition stressed pelvic floor muscles in the first 6 - 12 months post-delivery sets you up for long term success.

I asked three experts in the field of pelvic floor reconditioning what they thought was most important in the initial weeks and months post-delivery.

pakmag

THE CUDDLE CURE The magic of touch is more powerful than most of us realise.

Good news for mums who love their hugs! Cuddles not only promote closeness, but they can also help with common infant health concerns.

Hug-a-bub® founder, childbirth educator and doula Suzanne Shahar explains how human touch affects newborn stability and the quality of mother-infant attachment.

Dianne Edmonds a pelvic floor physiotherapist in WA, stresses the importance of doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly. When in doubt, check it out, and head for a real time ultrasound with a pelvic floor physiotherapy specialist.

Robin Kerr, a specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist in Nambour, says, “Pelvic floor needs to be functional.

Isolated exercises are not enough and are too hard to keep going with in the long run. Mums need to be able to change gears from gentle supportive marathoner-type contractions as they work to short strong sprints to support the pelvic organs during a cough or sneeze.”

Kylianne Farrell, a fitness trainer, highlights that it is important to recondition before you begin to retrain as you did prior to pregnancy. “Jumping straight back into exercise

“Skin-to-skin contact increases oxytocin. This is sometimes

or movement, with a pelvic floor that is not ready to hold

known as the ‘cuddle hormone’ and is the hormone

these organs in the pelvis efficiently will leave you very open

responsible for bonding. Babies who are carried and

to pelvic floor dysfunctions and prolapse.”

receive plenty of cuddles have higher levels of oxytocin and

The message is consistent. Slow and steady wins this race.

sleep more deeply.”

Make time to get the basics right and have confidence that the exercises you are doing will deliver the result you want.

are found to be more content, less fussy, settle quicker and

“Their digestion is generally better and this is believed to greatly ease the symptoms of colic and reflux,” she says.

Not only should cuddles be encouraged in infants, but nurture their love of hugs for as long as you can. Nothing beats starting the day with a morning cuddle from your kids, even if they no longer fit comfortably in your arms.

So grab those little ones and give them an extra big squeeze. It’s good for everyone involved. Aim for eight hugs a day – that’s the minimum!

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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WHAT'S ON JAN FRIDAY 1 NEW YEARS DAY HOLIDAY

MONDAY 4 FREE CRAFT Monday- Friday Harrup Park Country Club www.harruppark.com.au 4th - 22nd 12.00 - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

HOT WHEELS INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

TUESDAY 12

"Rob picks Hot Wheels Interactive Zone from Monday 11th"

WEDNESDAY 13

THURSDAY 14

TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 13th - 14th 8.30am / Cost / Kids

Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636

2 days: 13th - 14th 8.30am / Cost / Kids

TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 11th - 12th 8.30am / Cost / Kids HOT WHEELS INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

FRIDAY 15 MINI MAKERSPACES Sarina Library www.bit.ly/1B48nRd. 10.00am / Free / Kids MINI MAKERSPACES Gordon White Library www.bit.ly/1B48nRd. 10.00am / Free / Kids

MONDAY 11

HOT WHEELS

TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 11th - 12th 8.30am / Cost / Kids

Caneland Centre Court

NIDA ACTING WORKSHOP Cannonvale State School Hall www.wfmts.com.au See website for details 11th - 17th Cost / Kids

HOT WHEELS INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

HOT WHEELS INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

INTERACTIVE ZONE

www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids SCHOOL HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT - PIXELS Harrup Park Country Club www.harruppark.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN DAYS 5 - 12 yo

Mackay Gymnastics 4942 0032 9.30am / Cost / Kids

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

3 REASONS TO USE PAKMAG:

Mackay's Family Magazine for parents of 'BEANS TO TWEENS'

1. PakMag prints 10,000 copies every month 2. PakMag distributes to McDonalds, Coles and Healthpoint Chemist in the Mackay Region.

3. PakMag targets parents of 'BEANS TO TWEENS.' CHECK OUT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR yOUR BUSiNESS! Call us on 07 4053 3331 or visit www.pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your business in the family market.

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WHAT'S ON JAN FRIDAY 15 SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN DAYS 5 - 12 yo Mackay Gymnastics 4942 0032 9.30am / Cost / Kids

MONDAY 18 TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 18th - 19th 8.30am / Cost / Kids

SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au Shows at 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

"Teegs picks Seasame Street Stage Show from Monday 18th" STUNT ACADEMY Cannonvale State School Hall www.wfmts.com.au 18th - 21st See website for details Cost / Kids

SESAME STREET MEET AND GREET Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 12.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au Shows at 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

MINI MAKERSPACES Mirani Library www.bit.ly/1B48nRd. 10.00am / Free / Kids SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au Shows at 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Outside Target www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

SESAME STREET MEET AND GREET Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 12.00pm Daily / Free / Kids TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 18th - 19th 8.30am / Cost / Kids

BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Outside Target www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

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TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 20th - 21st 8.30am / Cost / Kids STUNT ACADEMY Cannonvale State School Hall www.wfmts.com.au 18th - 21st See website for details Cost / Kids

TUESDAY 19

STUNT ACADEMY Cannonvale State School Hall www.wfmts.com.au 18th - 21st See website for details Cost / Kids

WEDNESDAY 20

SESAME STREET MEET AND GREET Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 12.00pm Daily / Free / Kids BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Outside Target www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

WHAT'S ON GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 29

IN CINEMAS JANUARY 14 RoadshowFilms

www.goosebumpsmovie.com.au

RoadshowFilms

RoadshowFilms

www.goosebumpsmovie.com.au

www.goosebumpsmovie.com.au

Mild scary scenes

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Enter www.pakmag.com.au 1. ZAK AUSTRALIA STAR WARS 4 PIECE LUNCH PACK RRP $12.00 WEB www.zakau.com.au // Includes 1 x twist top bottle, 1 x snap sandwich container, 2 x snap snack containers. These products are available in Woolworths stores. 2. KID ZINGER WATER BOTTLE RRP $29.95 WEB www.beyondcool.com.au // The Kid Zinger water bottle is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. All drinks in the Kid Zinger can be made using only fresh fruit, though a drizzle of honey can be added to make a fresh-squeezed orangeade or lemonade. 3. SUPER MARBLE RUN RRP $45.99 WEB www.child.com.au // Super Marble Run is one of the top Christmas toys for 2015 selected by recently launched online toy retailer, www.child.com.au. The design possibilities of the Super Marble Run are endless so a different toy can be created each play time. Kids will learn cause and effect, patience and problem solving skills while playing. The set includes 100 pieces and is recommended for kids between 5 and 8 years. 4. BLUNT UMBRELLAS MINI + KIDS RRP $99.00 WEB www.bluntumbrellas.com.au // Blunt Umbrellas will withstand the strongest winds, with the Classic model tested to 117km/hour. The kids model has colour-changing ink that changes in the rain! 5. GRIT FLUXX SCOOTER RRP $170.00 AVAILABLE Leading independent scooter retailers // This well specked scooter features wide handle bars with soft grips, a reinforced frame for extra strength, tough deck with built in grind rails, flex bender, alloy core wheels and high quality bearings for a super smooth ride. The Grit Fluxx scooter comes in some awesome colour designs. 6. SPENCIL LIBRARY BAG AND CHAIR BAG PACK RRP $28.90 (1 x library bag and 1 x chair bag per pack) Girls and boys styles to choose from WEB www.spencil.com.au // Among Spencil's popular back-to-school products on offer are lunch boxes, lunch bags, various pencil cases, tech bags, library bags, chair bags and the ever-popular Spencil slip-on school book covers. And the best thing about the Spencil range is that there are dozens of coordinating designs to choose from. Your things will never get lost in a crowded classroom again!

WHAT'S ON JAN WEDNESDAY 20 SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN DAYS 5 - 12yo Mackay Gymnastics 4942 0032 9.30am / Cost / Kids

THURSDAY 21 TENNIS COACHING CLINICS Pioneer Tennis 4957 7636 2 days: 20th - 21st 8.30am / Cost / Kids MINI MAKERSPACES Mackay City Library www.bit.ly/1B48nRd. 10.00am / Free / Kids STUNT ACADEMY Cannonvale State School Hall

www.wfmts.com.au 18th - 21st See website for details Cost / Kids SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au Shows at 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm Daily / Free / Kids SESAME STREET MEET AND GREET Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 12.00pm Daily / Free / Kids BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Outside Target www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids

"Scott picks Two Day Tennis Coaching Clinic From Wednesday 20th"

FRIDAY 22 SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au Shows at 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm Daily / Free / Kids SESAME STREET MEET AND GREET Caneland Centre Court www.canelandcentral.com.au 12.00pm Daily / Free / Kids BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Caneland Outside Target www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.00am - 2.00pm Daily / Free / Kids SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN DAYS 5 - 12yo

Mackay Gymnastics 4942 0032 9.30am / Cost / Kids

TUESDAY 26 AUSTRALIA DAY HOLIDAY

SUNDAY 31 FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL EXPO Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre www.travelexpo.net.au 10.00am / Free / Family SENSORY MOVIE DAY - THE GOOD DINOSAUR Birch Carroll & Coyle Mackay Cinemas sensorymovieday.mackay@ hotmail.com 11.00am / Cost / Family

REGULAR MARKETS EUNGELLA MARKETS DATE 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) TIME From 9am LOCATION Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street

MACKAY MARINA MARKETS (Supporting the Mackay Animal Rescue Society) DATE 3rd Sunday of each month TIME 9am to 1pm LOCATION Mackay Marina

MARIAN MARKETS

DATE 3rd Sunday of the month TIME From 8am LOCATION Holy Rosary Church Anzac Avenue (Excluding May & Dec)

PAXTON'S NIGHT MARKETS DATE 1st Friday every 2nd month TIME From 5pm LOCATION Paxtons Warehouse

SARINA SHOWGROUND MARKET DATE Last Sunday of the month TIME From 8am (Mar to Dec) LOCATION Bruce Highway Sarina

SEAFORTH MARKETS

TWILIGHT MARKETS

DATE Every Sunday TIME From 8.30am LOCATION Palm Avenue Seaforth

LOCATION Northern Beaches Bowls Club TIME 6pm to 9pm INFO Please visit website for dates and theme www.nbbowls.com.au

SHOWGROUND MARKETS DATE Every Saturday TIME From 6.30am LOCATION Milton Street

TROPPO TREASURE MARKET DATE 2nd Sunday of the month TIME From 7.30am to 11.30am LOCATION Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

WALKERSTON COUNTRY DATE 1st Friday of each month TIME From 6pm LOCATION Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Walkerston

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

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REGULAR EVENTS MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL SATURDAYS SOCIAL RIDES Meeting point Metro Café, River Street Start time 6.30am ABILITY LEVELS Team Caffeine (Beginner - intermediate): 15-20km/h Team Tour de Latte (Intermediate): 25km/h Team Slipstream (Intermediate-advanced): 30km/h Team Titanium (Advanced): 35km+/h More Info Visit Rock N Road Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates.

SUNDAYS LAZY RIDERS Held every second Sunday -stay for breakfast after the ride!

Meeting point Bridges Café, Bluewater Quay Start time 7.00am Ability level beginner-intermediate More Info Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates SIZZLE'N SAUSAGE SUNDAY SESH* Mountain bikers of all abilities are welcome to come out for a ride, held every Sunday and followed by a sausage sizzle from 8.30am.

Meeting point Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh Start time From 6.00am Ability level Beginner-advanced More Info Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates

More Info Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MOUNTAIN BIKE (MTB) NIGHT RIDE* Meets every Wednesday to ride the trails – lights on bike and helmets are a must!

Meeting point 1 Corry Cycles, 5 Kay Court, North Mackay at 6pm Meeting point 2 Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh at 6:30pm Ability level Intermediate-advanced More Info Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates *MAD MTB or MTBA membership is required to use the trails.

THURSDAY NIGHT SOCIAL RIDE A weekly evening get together for a ride and catch up, on each Thursday.

Meeting point Metro Café, River Street Start time 7.00pm Ability level Beginner-intermediate INFO Visit Bicycle Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

RUNNING GROUPS

THE LAYZEE RUNNERS CLUB Every Saturday from 5.45am Meet at the Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30am. Meet at the City Fitness Health Club, Victoria Street.

Free More Info For more details visit www.mackaycitycentre.com.au

WALKING GROUPS

MACKAY DOG WALKERS & SOCIAL GROUP Every Saturday at 7:45 for an 8am start. Departs from Bluewater Quay More Info For more information visit the Mackay Dog Walkers Facebook page.

HEALTH & HEART WALKING An initiative of the Heart foundation.

Departs from 2 Tennyson St, Mackay Every Saturday at 6:45am Contact Heather 4957 7997

BABY BOUNCE

STORYTIME

BICYCLE BELLES A social riding group just for ladies, held every Wednesday.

Meeting point Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria Street, Mackay Start time 6.00am Ability level beginner-intermediate More Info Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MUMS AND BUBS MORNING RIDE A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school Held every Wednesday at the Gooseponds.

Meeting point Car park at the end of Willis Street, North Mackay Start time 10.00am 30

ACTIVE IN THE CITY

Storytime is aimed at 2 – 5 year olds and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term.

This half hour program of stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs enhances language and literacy development in an interactive, fun-filled environment. The sessions encourage a child’s love of books and promotes the library environment as an exciting place for the whole family.

TIMES AND LOCATIONS Mirani Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.00am Walkerston Library Tuesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Gordon White Library Wednesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Fridays 9.30am - 10.00am Sarina Library Wednesdays 10.00am - 11.00am

JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

3.00pm FREE Sausage Sizzle Sports Bar 3.00 - 4.00pm Happy Hour 7.00pm Live Entertainment, Sports Bar

Dog Walking Group Every Sunday from 7.00am - 8.00am at the Bluewater Trail - starting at the Bluewater Quay Zumba Every Sunday from 9.00am - 10.00am at the Bluewater Quay

8.00pm After Dinner Mint Gaming Room

THURSDAYS

Please note that Baby Bounce does not run during the school holidays.

Gordon White Library Mondays 9.30am - 10am Mackay City Library Mondays 11am - 11.30am Mirani Library Mondays 9.30am - 10am Sarina Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10am

WEDNESDAYS

Mackay City Library Thursdays 10.30am - 11.00am Please note that Storytime does not run during the school holidays.

SUNDAYS

Rock N Road Cycle Every Saturday from 6.30am at the Metro Market Cafe The LRC Runners Club Every Saturday from 5.45am at Metro Market Cafe.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30am at City Fitness Health Club

SOUTHS LEAGUES CLUB MONDAYS

9.00am Mother Hubbard Drawn 6.15pm 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Members Roast Night in Bistro 7.30pm FREE Trivia Night 7.30pm Pick The Pig Gaming Room 8.00pm Members Monthly Birthday Draw

TUESDAYS

9.00am Sunday Buffet Breakfast in Bistro 1.00pm Club Raffles 1.45pm Membership Draw 2.00pm FREE Texas Hold’em Poker with 888L 6.00pm Club Raffles 6.00 - 7.00pm Happy Hour 7.00pm Saints Bingo (Last Sunday Of Each Month) Souths MAJOR Promotion Drawn

MAGPIES SPORTING CLUB MONDAYS

Trivia Night Hosted by Hammo from 4MK Am. Registration from 6:30pm, Starts 7pm.

Free to play, bookings for a table are recommended call 4965 6100.

NORTHERN BEACHES BOWLS CLUB Trivia Night First Thursday of the Month. Trivia Night hosted by Dave Peters from the SEA FM Morning Crew. From 7.00pm.

1.00pm Green Grocer Gaming Room 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Gimme 5 for $12 in the Bistro 7.00pm Members Attendance Draw

WEDNESDAYS 12.30pm Souths CASH Bingo 1.00pm Supermarket Sweep Gaming Room 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Hump Day Rib or Rump 6.00pm Club Raffles 6.00 - 9.00 WOW promotion Gaming Promotion 7.00pm Free Texas Hold'em Poker with 888PL 7.30pm Souths Cash Bingo

THURSDAYS 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Kids Eat Free 6.00pm Club Raffle 7.45pm Membership Draw 8.00pm Major Tom Gaming Promotion

FRIDAYS 4.00 - 7.00pm Happy Hour From 5.00pm TGIFriday Wheel 6.00pm If you Crumb it They Will Come 6.00pm Club Raffles 7.00pm Live Entertainment Sports Bar 7.30pm Lucky Seat Gaming Room

SATURDAYS 11.00 - 12.00pm Happy Hour From 12.00 noon Auction Cup 12.30pm Club Raffles 1.45pm Membership Draw

MACKAY ANIMAL RESCUE SOCIETY

Monthly Adoption Day Last Sunday of the month, 9.00am to 12.00pm, Mackay Pet Superstore, Greenfields Fundraiser Markets Third Sunday of the Month Mackay Marina 9.00 - 1.00pm

ECO ART POPUP STUDIO

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS 0 - 5 YEARS Time 9.00 - 10.00am Location Old Harbour Park, Mulherin Drive, Mackay Harbour Cost $5.00 6 - 12 YEARS Time 3.30 - 4.00pm Location New Harbour Park, East Point Drive, Mackay Harbour 13 - 17 YEARS Time 4.30 - 5.00pm Location New Harbour Park, East Point Drive, Mackay Harbour 18+ YEARS Time 10.30 - 11.00am Location Old Harbour Park, Mulherin Drive, Mackay Harbour

nQ cAR & tRuck RentAls Explore Mackay and the beautiful Whitsunday’s in a car from NQ Car & Truck Rentals. Our low prices and great service are the reason why we are the first choice of so many visitors to the Mackay and Whitsunday’s area.

Low prices, great service Vehicle hire atthe right Price!

Whether you need a car rental from the Marina or at the Airport, we offer a drop off and pick up service.

1800 Rent A tRuck

cARs • utes • 4WDs • buses • tRucks Phone4953 49532353 2353 Phone Malcomson Street, 64Malcomson Street,MACKAY MACKAY nicole@nqcartruckrentals.com.au tracie@nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au

pakmag CRAFT CORNER

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KIDS' ROOM

DIY PROJ ECTS

Looking to add a personal touch to your kids’ bedrooms. Check out these simple and adorable ways to spruce up the desk, walls, bed, door and every other nook and cranny in the kids’ room.

1. DESIGN DIY ANIMAL DRAWER PULLS Spruce up your child’s desk by designing your own drawer pulls. All you need are some plastic dinosaur and animal toys, gold spray paint, a drill, glue and hanger bolts, washers and nuts. Find the full tutorial at www.apartmenttherapy.com

2. LET THE KIDS GET LOST IN THE CLOUDS Add a bit of fresh air to your kids’ bedroom walls by using white paint and a cloud stencil to paint clouds on the feature wall.

The clouds will give the room a vibrant and airy new look and it is so much easier than completely repainting a wall. Find the full tutorial at www.mermagblog.com

3. BRANCH OUT WITH A POM POM BRANCH BOUQUET Another great way to add some colour to your kids’ room is to create a clever bouquet out of branches and pom poms. I did this recently with my kids and they absolutely loved it! Find the full tutorial at www.wayaiulandia.com

4. GET STUCK ON MAGNETIC WALL ART Magnets are a favourite for many kids and there are magnetic shapes, words, letters, numbers and all sorts of characters. Add your own magnetic wall to any room by purchasing sheet metal and drilling or gluing it into a section of your child’s bedroom.

Inspiration thanks to www.cupofjo.com

5. HELP LITTLE ONES SLEEP TIGHT These DIY animal sleep masks are a great after-school project for the kids. Find the full tutorial at www.blog.mandylynne.com

6. PROUDLY DISPLAY YOUR CHILDREN’S ART WORK What do you do with all of those cute pictures and paintings from the kids? Make a collage out of them! There are companies that can do this for you or you can DIY by purchasing a large photo frame with multiple sections. Inspiration thanks to www. janeleni.com

7. ANIMATE A DULL DOOR WITH DECALS Add a dash of imagination to your child’s door with this adoor-able dragon door decal from Etsy store MadeofSundays.

8. GET HOOKED ON ANIMAL BUM DOOR HOOKS Hooks are perfect to hold hats, jackets, umbrellas and more and this is such a cute craft idea. All you need is white paint, animal stencils and nails to pull off this cheeky look. Find the full tutorial at www.heturquoisepiano.blogspot.com.au

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Pool

PARTY Summer is officially upon us and what better way to ring in the New Year and celebrate the heat than with a pool party?

If you are lucky enough to have a pool, then here are some tricks to ensure your party is a splash. And, if you don’t own a pool, make sure you show this to your friends that do. *Hint. Hint.*

1. Every pool party needs some awesome inflatables and these

food-inspired inflatables are as delicious as they are fun. Get your hands on some at Urban Outfitters, starting at $29.00 (for the donut) and $59.00 (for the pizza slice).

2. Celebrate a special birthday or Australia Day with a flamingoinspired turquoise cake, the perfect way to complement the blue sky and aqua water.

3. Cool down and keep the kids entertained by staging a water balloon fight. Fill a kiddie pool up with water balloons, split your guests into teams and let loose.

4. Rather than host a buffet style lunch or stick to party platters,

why not consider individual servings of yummy goodies in cute plastic cups? Plastic is always a smart move when dining around the pool and with kids.

Try these individual seven-layer dips from The Girl Who Ate Everything www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com or these cute jellies from Disney www.family.disney.com/recipes

5. It’s important to stay hydrated and these adorable watermelon icy poles from Cooking Classy www.cookingclassy.com can certainly keep the kids cool and refreshed.

6. For a fun way to keep the guests clean, wrap your utensils up in a blue napkin with Lifesaver ties. Pair your utensils with Flamingo straws and mini umbrellas found on eBay.

7. To make your event a little more formal, hand deliver these lolly party invites. They are free and printable from The Lovely Drawer www.thelovelydrawer.com

8. And, finally, you cannot have a pool party without a cocktail or two. Try these revitalising “ocean water” drinks from Fake Ginger www.fakeginger.com

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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Aqua Fun Park

BARBIE INTERACTIVE ZONE Monday 18th to Friday 22nd January 11.00am - 2.00pm daily Outside Target

SESAME STREET STAGE SHOW Monday 18th - Frisay 22nd January 10.00am, 11.00am & 1.00pm daily Meet & Greet 12pm Centre Court For more information call 4944 7111 or visit www.canelandcentral.com.au

Pioneer Tennis Who wants to have some awesome fun these Holidays??

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ aquafunparkmackay

E: pioneertennismackay@gmail.com Facebook: Pioneer Tennis Mackay They are located at 6 Leisure St. Mackay (off Bridge Rd)

TENNIS COACHING CLINICS THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CLINIC 1 January Mon 11th - Tues 12th 8.30am - 11.30am daily.

CLINIC 2 January Wed 13th - Thurs 14th 8.30am - 11.30am daily.

Caneland Central KIDTASTIC JANUARY 2016 HOT WHEELS INTERACTIVE ZONE

CLINIC 4

11.00am - 2.00pm daily Centre Court

Juniors are eligible to play across clinics when they are booking in for second day.

P: 4957 7636

CLINIC 3

Monday 11th to Friday 15th January

You will need to bring: a racquet if you have one ( if not we will loan you one) a drink bottle and some snack food, Hat, sunscreen and good shoes.

W: www.pioneertennis.com.au

Cost from $5 for the Skyslide or $15 per session

EMAIL bookings@ aquafunparkmackay.com.au

Each clinic is limited to 40 juniors a day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sessions start every hour on the hour at 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00noon, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm

CALL 1300 500 261

Costs: $25 a day or $20 a day when booking into 2 or more days

Bookings essential Limited spaces available

YOU CAN AT AQUA FUN PARK MACKAY. EVERY DAY IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS UNTIL JANUARY 26.

No booking required just arrive 30 minutes prior to your preferred session time and please complete the online participation agreement at www.aquafunparkmackay.com.au

15 years of age. The juniors will be involved in both games and skills based coaching stations. There will be emphasis on FUN, PLAY & LEARN through modified games.

January Mon 18th - Tues 19th 8.30am - 11.30am daily.

January Wed 20th - Thurs 21st 8.30am - 11.30am daily.

These clinics are designed for Hot Shot Beginners through to juniors

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pakmag SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Whitsunday Film Musical and Theatrical Society

Monday to Friday 12.00noon 2.00pm with different themes each day/week.

Friday 15th, Wednesday 20th and Friday 22nd January.

FREE School Holiday Movie Nights!

Email admin@mackaygymnastics. org.au or call 4942 0032

Tuesday 12th January - Pixels 6.00pm - 8.30pm, kids will receive popcorn and nibbles, must be members of the kids club and can bring a friend along.

FREE, bookings essential – call Reception on 4944 0000 to book in.

Cost is $16.50 per day

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL as there is limited numbers mention you read it in Pakmag

Go Wake

More info available on our website www.harruppark.com.au/KidsClub

ARE HOLDING ACTING & STUNT WORKSHOPS

For more information on what’s happening these school holidays visit their webpage.

11th - 17th January - NIDA Open Workshop 18th - 21st January - Stunt Academy They are being held at the Cannonvale State School Hall For more information or to enrol, visit www.wfmts.com.au

Mackay Gymnastics

or call 0419 722 060

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE WHO PRE BOOK THEIR GROUP. YOU CAN EVEN EXCLUSIVELY BOOK OUT THE ENTIRE PARK. CALL 4805 6143

Harrup Park Country Club HARRUP PARK WILL AGAIN BE HOSTING THEIR FREE KIDS CRAFT DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS THROUGH TILL FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY

The Park is located at Michigan Way, Andergrove.

EMAIL mackay@gowake.com.au

WEB www.gowakemackay.com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN DAYS For kids aged 5 – 12 years from 9.30 to 11.00am on Wednesday 13th,

MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM YOU READ IT IN PAKMAG!

Keep up to date with local issues, competitions, events & all things parenting

/PakmagMackay

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE Adore Dance

Pioneer Tennis

www.adore-dance.com

www.pioneertennis.com.au

0437 081 577

4957 7636

AN EXCITING NEW DANCE STUDIO OPENING IN CANNONVALE IN JANUARY 2016.

FREE FUN DAY & SIGN ON

They offer Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Dance Stomp for Boys and Limber Their studio caters for all & gives all students the opportunity to shine & reach their full potential.

A quality studio for all ages, abilities and interests. Classes from 14mths to adults in all styles.

ENROLMENT DAYS Friday 15th January From 5.00pm - 8.00pm Saturday 16th January From 9.00 – 11.00am Studio is located at Suite 29/230 Shute Harbour Rd, Whitsunday Business Centre Cannonvale Contact them today for a Prospectus or to discuss your dancing needs admin@adore-dance.com

Saturday 30th January from 8.30am - 12.00pm With the Aussie Open now finished for yet another year, tennis is about to get underway on the local scene at Pioneer Tennis situated at 6 Leisure Street, Mackay (off Bridge Rd) The Club has a Saturday Morning Comp Ladder where juniors are placed in Ladders to their ability to ensure fair and competitive tennis. Working within the National framework of Hot Shots, the Saturday Morning Comp ensures all standards are catered for. Every junior is assigned a group to represent.

Team Tomic, Team Stosur, Team Kyrgios or Team Groth, the junior represent both their house and them as an individual.

At the end of the season, all juniors receive a trophy and their nominated house shields.

And the beauty of Saturday Morning Comp is you are not committed to turning up each and every week. If you are coming though, you do have to be signed onto the ladder by the start time. Each Grade is supervised and run with ladders updated by the Monday after play.

Comps start Saturday 6th February 2016

SATURDAY MORNING JUNIOR COMP LADDERS. Red Ball Level 1 8.30am - 9.30am Red Ball Level 2 8.30am - 9.30am Orange Ball Level 1 8.30am - 9.30am Orange Ball Level 2 8.30am - 9.30am B & C Grade 9.30am - 11.00am A3, A2 & A1 11.00am - 12.30pm

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE Mackay Council SPORTS EXPO AND SIGN-ON DAY

Jump Swim School

City Brothers Football Club

www.jumpswimschools.com.au

www.citybrothersfc.com.au

2016 Sports Expo and Sign-on Day - at the MECC on 14th February from 9.00am to 1.00pm.

The annual expo and sign-on day has become an important event on Mackay’s sporting calendar, with about 8000 people attending in 2015.

There will be around 100 clubs exhibiting and there will also be live demonstrations in the Rio Tinto Active Zone It’s a great event for people of the region to bring their kids to and also for adults to see what a wonderful range of diverse sports and activities that are on offer RUGBY league legend Shane Webcke will be back again this year for his fourth expo in five years. “I do a lot of things in regional Queensland and a lot of them are based around sport, but nothing comes close to this - just the amount of different sports that are represented here and the passion with which people represent those sports. It’s one of the most unique and interesting events that I attend,’’ he said.

The event, facilitated by Mackay Regional Council, is supported by corporate partners Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Rio Tinto, Sportspower and Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

For more information www.mackay.qld.gov.au

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0438175681

Juniors - Craig 0418 308 362

JUMP! WAS FOUNDED TO CREATE A PRIVATE TEACHING FACILITY FOR BABIES, INFANTS AND CHILDREN TO LEARN TO SWIM AWAY FROM THE VAST NUMBERS AT PUBLIC FACILITIES.

Seniors - Sammie 0422 055 763

They provide a clean, modern and private indoor facility which is heated throughout the year.

Their service is unique by providing smaller classes which allows the swim instructors to develop positive relationships with both parents and children. As the service is more intimate it allows the teachers to be able to focus on each child and gain trust and confidence which will enhance their swimming ability.

E: mackay@jumpswimschools. com.au

INTERESTED IN PLAYING SOCCER? 2016 Sign On: Sunday 31st January from 10.00am-12.00pm Nita Fleming Oval, Juliet Street Mini roos Under 5 - 11 Junior competitive competition Under 12 - 16 Senior competitive competition Men’s & women’s Contact us for more details or you can self-register online here: www.myfootballclub.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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C h o re s & K i d s STORY Jenna Gallina When is the right time for your children to start helping around the house? Turns out, it’s completely acceptable to start putting the kids to work at a young age. And, what’s better – it’s actually good for them.

Getting your children to help out with the chores around the house can teach them a number of important lessons. It can help develop responsibility, self-reliance and a sense of achievement.

So mums and dads, pull out the mops and buckets because we’ve got your go-to-guide to what chores your kids can do based on their age.

TODDLER TASKS

PRESCHOOL DUTIES

When your little ones are two and three, they can help:

When your child reaches the age of four or five, you can up the chore list to include:

• Make their beds (messily most likely but it’s a work in progress) • Help pick up their toys and put them back in the baskets • Help with the laundry by carrying the items into each room and putting their dirty washing in the basket • Help with the dusting of easy-to-reach surfaces • Help feed the pets

• Tidy their room • Carry their school bag inside and put away their school items • Help set the table and clear away the dishes (most likely just the plastic ones at this stage) • Help unload the dishwasher • Clean the floors with a dry mop • Retrieve the mail • Assist with washing the car

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

PARENTING

pakmag

SCHOOL AGED RESPONSIBILITIES When the kids start school they can also help: • Bring in the rubbish bin • Water the garden and indoor plants • Vacuum and use a wet mop • Fold laundry and put their clothes away • Wash the dishes and put them away • Clean the bathroom (probably not well, but, hey, at least you don’t have to scrub the toilets!)

• Rake the leaves • Use the washing machine and dryer unassisted • Hang the washing on the line

Happy Helpers, Happy Household Using a reward or chore chart is a great way to encourage your child to help out. It can help them focus on improving their behaviours, provide a sense of delayed gratification and teach them the importance of working towards a goal.

Here are a few of our favourites:

MONKEY AND CHOPS CHORE CHART PARK INCLUDES 1 x Chore Chart; 2 x Chore magnet sheets (72 chore magnets, 4 photo frame magnets, 4 blank magnets); 1 x magnetic pen.

RRP $24.95 WEB www.monkeyandchops.com

MELISSA AND DOUG RESPONSIBILITY CHART

TWEEN AND TEEN TASKS Get your older kids to help: • Mow the lawn • Slice, dice and wash certain foods • Change their bed sheets • Wash the windows • Clean mirrors • Dust unassisted • Clean the vehicle unassisted

INCLUDES Dry-erase board and 90 magnets, including responsibilities, positive behaviours, and rewards RRP $19.99 WEB www.melissaanddoug.com

I REWARD CHART APP If you prefer a digital chore chart, then this app is a great one that allows you to customise the chores and more.

RRP Free AVAILABLE The App Store

Make Your Own Chore Chart Got a spare baking tray, a few bottle caps and some magnets lying around? Then you’ve got the makings of your own crafty DIY chore chart.

Simply cover each bottle cap with a cute image or a blank piece of paper and write the chore on the bottle cap. Place a magnet on the back and use the baking tray as the chore board.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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pakmag HOME

Hunting For George Concrete Clock Leo & Bella (RRP $199.00)

Cotton Rope Storage Tub Etsy Store: Zillpa (RRP $150.00)

Vientiane Fish Bone Weave Basket Early Settler (RRP $25.00)

Take Away Organiser Kikki.K (RRP: $29.95)

Bills Organiser Kikki.K (RRP: $39.95) Retro 2 Drawer Bookcase Fantastic Furniture (RRP: $349.00) 46

JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

MUD-

ROOMS STORY Jenna Gallina You may not have a specific ‘mud room’ but you most likely do have an area that acts like a mud room – where your daily items are dumped, ditched and left to gather dirt.

Some people will use their entrance way while others keep this stuff in the laundry. Whether you are lucky enough to have a designated ‘mud room’ or just a corner in another area of the house, here are some tips to maximise space and minimise clutter. Don't let your mudroom become a chaotic catchall for shoes, hats and backpacks

DESIGN WITH THE KIDS IN MIND Your mudroom is probably going to contain a lot of the kid’s stuff – homework folders, hats, boots, thongs, backpacks so make it as easy as possible for them to contribute to keeping it clean by choosing products they can use – drawers that are easy to open, cupboards that are child-friendly and hooks they can reach.

CREATE AN ORGANISATION STATION Our organisation station is a lifesaver. We simply use a bookshelf with a number of different sections. One side is for my son’s stuff and the other is for my daughter’s. There is a section for each backpack, homework folder, hat, shoes on the bottom and the top contains a folder to store their various newsletters, artwork and reminders that come home with them every week.

ENSURE EVERYTHING HAS A HOME Use different shaped baskets to store the different sized items. For example, larger baskets might be better for jackets, umbrellas and big gum boots. Smaller baskets might be better for school socks or even hair elastics. As long as every item has a place to live, then this avoids clutter.

If you start buying more items, then you may need to replace the old with the new or it starts to get cluttered again. For example, we just bought new school shoes but my son’s other three pairs (from this year alone!!) are hidden in one of the wicker baskets. This is just taking up space.

MAKE USE OF YOUR WALLS Hooks can work wonders for larger items, jackets and backpacks.

You can also use the walls around the area to give your mud room a fun look – display your children’s artwork, add some colour with prints or invest in some suitable wall stickers to brighten up this space.

KEEP IT CLEAN. Invest in a high quality mat to stop the dirt from getting any further than your mud area.

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

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SNAPPED MACKAY

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1

5 10 2 3

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7

11

1. Adam North Mackay 2. Amy John Breen Park 3. Abi John Breen Park 4. Lilly North Mackay 5. Sienna Glenella 6. Andrew & Blake North Mackay 7. Archer North Mackay 8. Nathan John Breen Park 9. Cody John Breen Park 10. Elsie North Mackay 11. Jack John Breen Park

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16 20

13

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21 PHOTOS THANKS TO: CHAMPION PHOTOGRAPHY

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Email photos, name/s & locations: photos@pakmag.com.au (Deadline 14 JAN for the FEB 2016 Edition)

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12. Kami John Breen Park 13. Zac & Kaden North Mackay 14. Lachie John Breen Park 15. Landon John Breen Park 16. Rachel John Breen Park 17.

Theo John Breen Park 18. Rocco John Breen Park 19. Liam John Breen Park 20 - 22. PakMag's Christmas Party Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

www.pakmag.com.au JANUARY 2016

49

Daddy Diary Preparing for Prep I can‘t believe how fast this has happened, but this year my boy is a “Preppie”.

Just last week I was trying to make room on my computer and looking through lots of old photos (deleting the out-of-focus ones), and I was going through some piccies of when my Harrison was just talking and walking. It seems so fast that we’ve now gone through the day care era, the kindy stage and now we’re on to prep.

This is a whole new world we’re entering into, not just for him but for us as well.

Day care was easy. As long as you had food and water, light bedding for your little person, and extra clothes for the day when they forget about the toilet or play in water, generally you’re all sweet.

By Scott Linden 50

JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Then, it was on to kindy where the

food was a little more detailed, plus

there was a library bag and a uniform.

That in itself brought a new element as to how many t-shirts we bought

versus how many times a week we had to do the washing.

Now, it’s prep. And there’s a book list.

An actual book list. The uniform is,

of course, more intricate, but it’s the

book list detail that has really thrown

me. Maybe it’s just because I haven’t had anything to do with schools and booklists since 1993?

I think this is a really exciting time

for Harrison and for us. We’re talking about prep a lot at home, about

meeting new friends, going to the

really good library and all the books we can read together. Even with all

that, I wonder how we are going to go on day one.

This is a day I’ve thought about for

quite some time, ever since he was really little. My boy going to school.

He’s fine heading to kindy, and I hope he keeps that same attitude with school. Now, it’s pretty much, “Bye Dad, I’ve got to go and do my work now,” and off he goes. That was one of my favourites.

I hope through his school life he learns lots, has a heap of fun, doesn’t get bullied and doesn’t become a bully.

If your kids are going to school for the first time in 2016, or heading back to school, I hope they have a fantastic year.

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JANUARY 2016 www.pakmag.com.au