PakMag Townsville February Issue 51 2015

ISSUE NO. 51 FEB 2015 TOWNSVILLE

WORKING FROM HOME FEATURE

PALEO WAY PETE EVANS

FUN

COVER PHOTO Cheeky Monkey Photography

FOR TOTS

Free

ISSUE NO. 51 FEB 2015

34

20 WIN

CONTENTS 06 #TRENDING 08 BALANCING BUSINESS & BABY

HELLO

Feature Story

11 THE TECHNOLOGY TRAP 15 THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Hello and welcome to our February edition! The kids are back at school, some routine is restored and it’s time to get stuck into 2015. My gorgeous eldest boy Jordan turns six this month, it feels like only yesterday I was letting you all know I was pregnant! How time flies.

This edition we have a story on starting a home based business and a feature on everything you can enrol your under five year old children in.

PakMag have lots planned for 2015, so stay tuned to our Facebook page and website to find out more!

17 HEALTH 19 BUMP & BUB 23 WHAT'S ON GUIDE 25 MINI MAG 28 READ

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

33 CAIRNS CHINESE NEW YEAR

Bree x

34 PONDERING THE PALEO WAY Pete Evans

37 MODERN RELATIONSHIP

BREE JAMES / PUBLISHERS NOTE

ROLES REDEFINED

38 HOME

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

Study Nooks

41 HOME PRODUCTS 43 DIY HOME 45 FUN FOR TOTS 47 THE WORLD'S BEST CHOCOLATE

PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E info@pakmag.com.au T #pakmag SALES P 0499 725 624 PO BOX 761 Hyde Park QLD 4812 FB www.facebook.com/pakmag

FACTORY TOURS

48 SNAPPED

MODEL Rebekka & Sialle Brunker PHOTOGRAPHY Cheeky Monkey Photography WEBSITE www.cheekymonkeyphotography.com

50 RECIPES

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

Darling Designer Clare

Dazzling Designer Emma

Grand Poobah Bree

Epic Editor Carly

Sales Guru Angelina

Mackay Chief Deb

Sales Golden Girl Tammy

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

5

#TRENDING

MOCKA ZED SCOOTER

WHAT'S TRENDING

WIN

GOOIE XL LUNCHBOX WEB www.gooie.com.au RRP $34.99 Designed in Australia, the XL lunchbox is now available in two fab new designs for 2015 - spotti dotti and xtreme sport.

SNAPSHOT:

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WEB www.mocka.com.au RRP $49.95 Scooters are a popular and fun way for kids to get around. Mocka's range of scooters are affordable, durable and easy to maintain.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

TRUNK & ORDERLY RRP $40 WEB trunkandorderly.com.au Trunk & Orderly pays tribute to iconic suitcase design with a new range of fibreboard cases, storage boxes and furniture. The cases are also fully customisable. Each product is individually handcrafted in Ballarat.

The PakMag team are enamoured with the collection, particularly the Lunch Case, which takes us back to our own childhoods. A simple unlined fibreboard case, this was the traditional lunch box-come-schoolbag for generations of Australian kids!

POD GPS PET TRACKER

- dimensions 24 x 24 x 9cm - fully insulated - wide range of hand screen printed designs including spotti dotti, xtreme sport, woodlands, dino, navy blossom and car-mo - external pocket - easy to open and close - detachable shoulder strap

WEB www.podtrackers.com RRP $199.00

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

WIN

WIN

Pod is the smallest, lightest, fully waterproof pet tracking device on the market.

10 million pets go missing every year and one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. Pod uses GPS technology to help you never lose your pet again.

The small device attaches to your pet's collar and an included app gives you a real-time location of your animal along with other great activity tracking features.

Pod can be purchased at www.podtrackers.com for $199 AUD and will soon be exclusively available at PetBarn across Australia.

#TRENDING

pakmag

KEEP LIFE SIMPLE RRP $17.50 (booklet) $4.95 (ebook) WEB keeplifesimple.com.au According to qualified Personal Fitness Trainer and Anti-Ageing Coach Annette Spanski, if you are in your thirties and forties now is the time to put yourself first, and become proactive about your health. The Keep Life Simple booklet shares Annette’s solution to living a healthier lifestyle, where you can feel and look your best as you age. Annette has coached notable women including the late Princess Diana as well as other celebrities and believes she knows how to make yourself look 10 years younger!

At age 49 Annette certainly looks to be living proof of what she preaches.

WIN

JAMIE'S COMFORT FOOD BOOK COVER Hardback RRP $55.00 WEB www.penguin.com.au

WIN

KIMOCHIS

Jamie Oliver is a phenomenon in the world of food, one of the world's bestloved television personalities and one of Britain's most famous exports. Jamie's Comfort Food is all about the food you really want to eat, made exactly how you like it.

Kimochis‌ Toys with Feelings Inside support children of all learning abilities, levels and styles to refine essential skills needed to build stronger relationships and connections, achieve academically and interact easier with their peers.

With this in mind, the book features ultimate versions of all-time favourites and also introduces cherished dishes from countries around the world, providing a delicious recipe for every occasion.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

WEB www.kimochis.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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FEATURE

BALANCING BUSINESS AND BABY There’s no doubt that after the arrival of a first child, parents set out on what is probably the steepest learning curve of their lives. There is a saying that ‘children are the greatest teachers’ and when it comes to things like patience, organisation, efficiency, time management and even finance suddenly all of these things become much more important when sleepdeprived and having the world revolve around a tiny little person.

Children also have a way of reminding us adults about what is important in life and many mums find themselves, especially in those first few weeks and months after their child is born, unable to imagine returning to the workplace and missing out on those never to be repeated early milestones.

It’s not surprising then that new research recently released by St George Bank reveals nearly one in two mums (43%) are motivated to start up a business in order to spend more

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

time with their children. Other reasons cited for starting businesses included the desire to have more freedom and flexibility (27%), or to work for themselves (15%).

The ever increasing cost of childcare, the demands of nine-to-five work and the growing jobless rate are other factors that parents are also no doubt taking into account. Despite the growing number of mums in the workforce, many employers are still very inflexible when it comes to workplace arrangements - meaning more mums are seeking ideas to earn an income from the comfort of home.

The survey conducted on the AusMumpreneurs network found that while kids and family remain the top priority for mums, balancing a business with raising a family is still the biggest barrier to starting a business, ahead of other drawbacks such as limited access to funding.

Nearly half of the mums surveyed admitted to being afraid of failure as one of the biggest challenges preventing them reaching their full potential, followed with being pigeonholed as a mum instead of being recognised as a business owner, and lack of support from their family.

While technology and the internet has made it possible for parents to stay at home, care for children and also operate a functioning business, many small businesses fail during the first 12-24 months so it is important to invest time in planning your business venture and ensure you are going about the process as professionally as possible to give yourself the best chance at success.

PakMag spoke to several mums who are running successful home-based businesses in North Queensland to find out how they manage it and their advice to other parents wanting to do the same.

FEATURE

pakmag

SONIA BENNETTO Mum to two boys. Owner of HerBelly Teas "If it weren’t for the many months of research and preparation I put in prior to launching my business, it would not be a reality today. I wasn’t equipped with the knowledge or understanding to start and run a successful business, so I did my research. The government site business.gov.au was a very useful starting point. I also consulted friends and family with business experience, spoke to my accountant and read a wide range of resources to gather all the knowledge and information I required. I developed a basic business plan, to give me some direction with my business goals. I didn’t rush any part of the start-up process and I think that really helped me to establish a very clear business concept."

PHOTOS Cheeky Monkey Photography

TINA MCDONOUGH Mum to three boys. Owner of Three Little Boys "I chose to work from home after we had our third boy Kye as I wanted to contribute to the family income and the cost of having two of our boys in childcare was not affordable. Always having a passion for clothing I felt that there wasn't enough variety for mothers when purchasing clothes for their boys. As a mother of 3 boys I always found it difficult to dress them in something a little different.

With the help of a good friend It was then we started researching for good quality clothing from mainly Australian companies and handmade clothing from small businesses Australia wide."

REBEKKA BRUNKER Mum of one. Owner of BayBeeBoo "I get to spend every day with my beautiful little family! My partner works away at the mines so when he is home it is nice that we can both be at home. He also helps a lot with the business so I am very lucky. It has been a great experience for both of us. I also get to spend every second watching my daughter grow which is a blessing!

It can be time consuming, you need great dedication and passion to run a successful at-home-business. If you're sick, you work, if your child is sick or a family issue comes up, you work. Customers come first.

But that is a part of anything in life, if you want to be successful you have to put in the extra time and effort."

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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TECHNOLOGY TRAP

pakmag

THE TECHNOLOGY TRAP: HOW IT CAN HELP AND NOT HINDER STORY Jenna Mottin and Julie Sexton

It is becoming a common occurrence these days to see young children interacting more with a screen and less with their family when out for a meal.

Research into the effect of excessive screen time on oral language development and later schooling success is still in its infancy but the more a child is engaged with technology the less they are interacting with humans. This results in fewer opportunities for children to listen to and engage in conversations which are fundamental in learning to speak and communicate effectively.

These early interactions provide children with the opportunity to build their vocabularies, understand social rules of language such as turn taking and asking questions as well as understanding body language and facial expressions.

Health authorities have become concerned with the boom in the use of technology by young children. It is feared that there will be serious knockon effects in the areas of education and health which has prompted the Australian Department of Health to issue the following guidelines regarding screen time for children aged under five years: • Children younger than two years of age should not spend any time watching television or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games).

• For children two to five years of age, sitting and watching television

and the use of other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games) should be limited to less than one hour per day.

• Infants, toddlers and preschoolers (all children birth to five years) should not be sedentary, restrained, or kept inactive, for more than one hour at a time, with the exception of sleeping.

Between two and five years of age children are like sponges, soaking in all the oral language input and learning new words (sometimes words we wish they didn’t learn) at an incredible rate.

At two years of age children should have a vocabulary of 50 words and we should begin to see them combining two words together to get their needs met and to express themselves such as “more milk” or “Daddy home”. In order for this development to occur adults need to spend time engaging with their children in play, book reading and conversation to model how communication works.

It is heavily documented in the literature that there are strong links between oral language skills and a child’s ability to read and write. In fact, a recent study has indicated we can predict how good a child can read and spell at 11 years of age based on their oral language skills at age two.

With all that being said, technology is here to stay and there are some very real benefits of using technology to supplement children’s language and literacy development. Personally, I recently found that I could only engage my four year old son in learning letters and sounds through technology! We had always used books and play for language development but he just did not seem interested in learning the alphabet nor writing his name. I was becoming concerned because he was to start prep this year so I purchased a Letterland computer game and showed him how to play it. We sat together and practiced the letters and sounds and played the games. The VERY next day he picked up a toy that had a cross on it and he said “Look Mum, it’s X like Fix-It-Max (one of the Letterland characters)”. I couldn’t believe it! Since then I have used other i-Pad apps to further encourage his interest in learning letters and their sounds, but of course, I always restrict the time he is on the i-Pad and talk with him during and after his screen-time. He still doesn’t like to write his name so it's important to remember that screen time should be used to supplement other learning activities to achieve a well-rounded approach to development.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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pakmag

TECHNOLOGY TRAP

APPS FOR LEARNING

12

POCKET PHONICS ABC

MY PLAYHOME

READING EGGS

RRP $8.99 (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch)

RRP $4.99 (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android)

RRP Free (Compatible with iPad and Android)

PocketPhonics teaches kids letter sounds, first words and handwriting.

It is used in over a thousand schools and pre-schools, and tens of thousands of homes worldwide.

Independent research found children learnt nine times faster using PocketPhonics compared to a classroom lesson.

My PlayHome is the original and best dolls house app. Massively interactive, your kids can explore and use everything in the house.

The characters eat, sleep, shower, brush their teeth and more. No other doll house app comes close in interactivity, detail, ease of use and just plain fun!

Reading Eggs is the multi-award winning reading program used by over 2 million children worldwide. The program provides a comprehensive range of reading lessons and ebooks that teach kids aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

IN THE KITCHEN

ABC MAGIC 5

COOKIE DOODLE

RRP Free (Compatible with IPhone, iPad and iPod touch)

RRP Free (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch)

RRP $1.29 (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch)

Ever wanted to play with your food?

Ever wanted to know how to cook your food? Ever wanted to be cooking and be the chef? Ever wanted to play chef? Now you can! Here’s a fun way to learn the different things we can find in the kitchen. Our chef friends will help you learn in an entertaining and educational way. Children will learn to recognise different kitchen utensils and form associations with pictures and audio as they follow along.

This app will help strengthen the association of each letter with its most commonly occurring sound.

Children can choose 4, 6 or 9 squares to work with and then choose whether they will match pictures to letters or letters to pictures. Children then choose the correct pictures to match the letter or choose the correct letter to match their picture Both the letter and the picture have touch activated sound features to help children learn and reinforce this skill.

If you enjoy making cookies but hate the mess, this is the app for you. We provide the dough, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, your choice of frostings, sprinkles, and candies all in one easy to use package.

FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

When your creation is complete, devour it, send it to your friends and family, or save it to your photo album.

PARENTING

PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD Parenting’s a hard gig. Really hard at times. And parenting in the digital age brings with it a host of additional demands and complexities.

It’s little wonder that today’s parents are concerned and confused when it comes to modern parenting.

WE DON’T HAVE A FRAME OF REFERENCE. We didn’t grow up in a digitallysaturated world like our children are inheriting. So we can’t revert back to our own childhoods and look for guidance. We often can’t ask friends with older children how they solved their “digital dilemmas” because the technology’s evolving so quickly.

As parents we seek advice, but when it comes to navigating the digital terrain with children, we’re often bombarded with information (much of it mis-information) and conflicting advice. Apocalyptic warnings are often reported when it comes to kids and technology. “Screen-time is bad for kids.” “TV and iPads can be educational.” “Video games re-wire your child’s brain.”

MEDIA MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS And sadly, a lot of the information presented to parents is based on myths and misconceptions so we end up even more confused than when we started.

CHILDREN TODAY WILL EXPERIENCE “DIGITALISED CHILDHOODS” Whether we’re happy to dunk our children into the “digital stream”, or perhaps we’re more reluctant to do so, there’s no denying that today’s children will inherit a highly digital world. The genie is out of the bottle.

Digital technologies are here to stay.

The iPad will not be un-invented, the Internet won’t disappear. Therefore, fearing, banning or ignoring technology is not a solution. And it’s not in our children’s best interests.

It’s critical that as parents, we discover the best ways to use technology with children. We need to find ways that support, not stifle their learning and development. And the good news is, that this is possible.

pakmag

Technology’s just a tool - it’s neither good nor bad. It really depends on how it’s used. As parents, we need to look for healthy and helpful ways to leverage common technologies like iPads, TVs, video games and computers. The research confirms that when we use these technologies intentionally and in developmentallyappropriate ways children benefit from their use.

As modern parents we need to help today’s digital kids form healthy media habits, just as we teach them healthy eating habits. It’s critical that we teach them how to manage technology in healthy and sustainable ways. We don’t want our children to face the predicament facing many adults today, where technology manages them!

PARENTS NEED EVIDENCEBASED INFORMATION It’s imperative that as parents we also minimise any potential harmful effects of technology. And this requires access to research-based information.

In the upcoming Parent Seminar “Parenting in the Digital World” Dr Kristy Goodwin, from Every Chance to Learn, will dispel the myths and misconceptions about raising children in a digital age.

She’ll translate the latest research about how technology’s impacting today’s children’s learning and development, into practical and digestible information for confused and concerned parents (without having to ban the iPad or switch off the TV). Kristy will arm parents with evidence-based information so that they can feel confident making decisions about how they’ll use (or perhaps avoid) technology with their children.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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HEALTH

pakmag

FOOD ALLERGIES There is no doubt that the number of children with food allergies is increasing.

The incidence of allergic disorders in general (including mild conditions like hay fever as well as life threatening food allergies) has almost doubled in Western societies in the past 25 years. Unfortunately, we still don’t have an answer as to why this is happening. However, here is a summary of some things that we do know about allergies in children: • Smoking during pregnancy, or exposing your baby to passive smoke, increases the risk of allergic respiratory disorders such as asthma.

HEALTH JANUARY

• You do not need to avoid eating “high risk foods” (such as egg, nuts, soy and shellfish) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

• Breastfeeding is recommended for at least six months. If this is not possible, a hypoallergenic cow’s milk formula, or HA formula, is recommended in babies who have a parent or sibling with a food allergy.

• Solids should be introduced between four and six months with a new food introduced every two to three days. There is no need to delay giving “high risk foods” and recent evidence shows that introducing these foods early is probably better.

• 80 per cent of children will outgrow egg and cow’s milk allergies by the ages of five to 10, while only 20 per cent will outgrow allergies to nuts and shellfish.

For more information, chat to your GP or a great website is www.allergy.org.au.

Dr. Claire Stewart has a one year old son and works part time as a GP at Fairfield Waters Medical Centre in Townsville.

WHEN BABY BLUES BECOMES POSTNATAL DEPRESSION Feeling a bit down in the week-or-two following the birth of your bub happens to most new mums, but for some women it can become more serious. Postnatal depression occurs in around one in seven women within a year of having their baby.

Symptoms can range from feeling low and unable to cope with the demands of parenting to more severe depression with thoughts of self-harm. Ask yourself: have you been feeling depressed for more than two weeks? Are your feelings interfering with your day-to-day functioning? Are you worried about your wellbeing or your child’s wellbeing?

Any of these signs are red flags, and indicate that you need to talk to your GP as soon as possible.

Treatment options will be guided by the severity of symptoms and support mothers have in place. Sometimes some counselling or support groups can help. For more severe depression require a combination of psychological therapy and medication might be needed.

It is also best to seek help early and not be embarrassed or feel guilty about your feelings. The good news is that postnatal depression is treatable with help from your doctor. What can postnatal depression look like?

• Negative, obsessive thoughts • Low self-esteem or lack of confidence • Tearfulness or irritability • Feelings of anxiety, guilt or inadequacy • Low sex drive • Changes in appetite • Memory difficulties or trouble concentrating • Sleeping difficulties or changes to sleeping patterns

GETTING FIT IS AS SIMPLE AS CHILD’S PLAY Think back to your childhood.

Did you spend a large chunk of every day playing, letting your imagination run wild, using your limbs, your lungs? Do you remember specific favourite television programs you were allowed to watch?

Psychologists say parents should encourage play and creativity over screen time, as this is how children learn and develop their language, social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills. Too much time spent in front of a screen limits the opportunities for personal expansion in these areas, they claim.

Government recommendations for children aged two to five years are one hour of screen time a day; two hours for children aged five to 12 and none for younger children.

A win-win situation is for parents to set some time aside each day to enjoy physical activity with their child.

Not only will it help strengthen family relationships, but the benefits of a game of tag, skipping, ball games, playing at a park, throwing a Frisbee, or hide and seek are massive.

You can burn over 400 calories by running around for 30 minutes.

Imagine getting fitter and losing weight while you’re having fun!

Even just switching off the telly and getting down on the floor for a game, or play wrestling on the bed, is beneficial.

Discover your inner child and move towards a healthier lifestyle for the whole family.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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GENDER DISAPPOINTMENT

BUMP &BUB

STORY Carly Hammersley

Of all the ‘taboo’ subjects facing pregnant women, gender disappointment can be one of the most difficult to deal with and is much more common than many mums-to-be realise. Varying in degrees of severity, in some cases symptoms can lead to antenatal and post-natal depression.

Many women feel unable to discuss gender disappointment for a range of reasons including: • Fear of being judged as a bad mother and the belief other people will assume they will not love their child; • Not wanting to be deemed selfish or insensitive because their child is healthy; • Worry that they will upset those who are having trouble conceiving.

• Fear that they will not be able to bond with a child of a particular sex.

Gender disappointment has become more prevalent in modern society, with so much focus by parents and family members on discovering the sex of baby during pregnancy (rather than waiting until birth). It has also become much more of an issue with families limiting the number of children they have. Many mums report friends and family members unknowingly putting the pressure on throughout pregnancy, with uninvited questions about gender preference.

“When I fell pregnant with my second child, almost immediately the questions started, insisting that I must desperately want a girl this time around,” said mum of two, Corinne.

Corinne’s firstborn was a boy and she said, despite not having a gender preference prior to becoming pregnant with her second, the number of questions about girls made her stop and think.

“After a while, all of the innuendo started to have an effect and I started to think about how nice it might be to have a little girl to complete our family.

We resisted the temptation to find out the sex of our baby at our scan and, in the end, we were blessed with another little boy.

“For a few days I did feel a bit down, like I was grieving for the little girl I would never know as my husband and I had decided this baby would complete our family. On about day three after he was born I was sitting alone with my baby and just looking at his face and I fell utterly in love, just as I had with his brother. I’m the only girl in a house full of boys now and I love every minute of it!”

Corinne said now looking back on her pregnancy, she was glad she hadn’t found out her baby’s sex in an ultrasound as she believes the reactions of other people may have had more of an impact and she may not have been able to enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.

“Obviously friends and family don’t mean any ill will when they talk

about having a particular gender over another, but I think it should be something people keep in mind when talking to pregnant ladies.

It can definitely be a sore subject and people may not realise the weight of their words.”

Psychologists generally agree that feelings of gender disappointment tend to dissipate following the birth, with the majority of mums bonding with their child over time - just as Corinne did.

However, in some cases, the feelings can deepen and even prevent mum bonding with bub. In these cases, intervention may be required as gender disappointment can evolve into post-natal depression.

The best course of action if you are feeling any sort of disappointment regarding the gender of your child is to try and get your feelings out in the open.

Family and friends can encourage mums (and sometimes dads can be affected too) to talk about their emotions, without judgement or censorship.

“For me, the disappointment was a bit like going through a grieving process.

I imagine there will be times in my life when I will stop and wonder what it may have been like to have had a girl, but my boys are my whole life - and I’ll never regret who they are,” Corinne said.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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BUMP & BUB

WIN

WIN

WIN SNUG AS A BUG®

PROTECTA TABLE

RRP $39.95 WEB www.snugasabug.com.au WIN a Summer Wrap (colour and size choice to winners subject to availability)

RRP $39.95 WEB www.take2protect.com.au WIN a Protecta Table Cover

Snug As A Bug® baby wraps are designed with the busy mum in mind. When moving baby from car to stroller, carrier to cot there’s no need to unwrap and wake your baby.

Our Australian Made® baby wraps and swaddles are the perfect way to keep your baby wrapped up and feeling secure without the need to disturb their precious sleep.

The Summer Baby Wrap is perfectly suited to those warm summer days where added sun protection is a bonus. Light weight, breathable, waffle fabric with built in sun protection that helps protect baby from the suns harmful rays.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

Welcome to Take2Protect, the only place where you can find simple and re-usable solutions which will assist in protecting your babies and children against germs and bacteria.

The Protecta Table is fully adjustable to fit most children’s square tables and is perfect to prevent your children from marking their tables or simply use to revamp an old table.

The Protecta Table is easily fitted, removed and easy to clean. It comes with a matching storage bag which may be used for pencils, crayons etc.

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DONKEY AUTOBAHN CAR TAPE AND MY FIRST TRAIN TAPE RRP $21.95 WEB www.shop.aussiebubs.com.au WIN a Donkey Autobahn Car Tape and a My First Train Tape Perfect gift for active little kids or great to decorate tables, floors and walls!

My First Autobahn Tape is a tape that will build 33m of roadways. Each pack of tape comes complete with a tiny toy car designed to traverse the newly created highway between the kitchen and the bathroom perfect fun for every car obsessed child.

The My First Autobahn Tape is perfect for play or decoration. Adhesive tape including toy & gift box.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

BUMP&BUB

WIN

pakmag

WIN WIN

LITTLE BAIRN BOTTOM BALM

SOFT SOLE LEATHER BABY SHOES

MODIBODI BREASTFEEDING SINGLET AND UNDERPANTS

RRP $19.95 WEB www.littlebairn.com.au WIN a Little Bairn Bottom Balm

RRP $28.95 - $34.95 WEB www.tiptoeandco.com.au WIN select any baby style in stock in preferred size

RRP $33.50 WEB www.modibodi.com.au WIN a Modibodi singlet & underpants

Made in Australia, the Little Bairn range for pregnancy, mother and baby is eco-friendly and uses only the most pure, high quality and 100 percent natural ingredients.

Formulated with an aromatherapist and in consultation with a midwife and cosmetic chemists, each product from the Little Bairn range offers a natural skincare solution made using only certified organic essential oils to ensure they are free from synthetic chemicals and fertilisers. Little Bairn Bottom Balm is made from a delicate blend of soothing oils and natural beeswax specially formulated to both treat and prevent the symptoms of nappy rash.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Tiptoe & Co sell gorgeous quality soft sole leather baby shoes, perfect for pre-walkers and early walkers alike.

In sizes ranging from 6-24 months, our styles feature two rubber grip circles on the outer sole for added stability and durability, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor adventures.

With hand-stitched soles, beautiful soft leather and so many cute styles, you are bound to find a pair or two for your little one!

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Imagine the freedom of breastfeeding without nursing pads... well it's here - Modibodi Classic Breastfeeding Singlet. Designed to wick and absorb milk leaks, and eliminate odour or sweat, this truly is a must have nursing top for all breastfeeding mums. Designed by Australian mum and entrepreneur, Modibodi took over 18 months to develop. This involved consulting up to 100 textile engineers and fibre companies in the USA and Australia, conducting close to 1,000 scientific tests (overseen by my husband James Chong who also happens to be a world class researcher in cardiac therapy) and working with leading Australian lingerie designers and manufacturers.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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WHAT'S ON GUIDE

FEBRUARY SUN 01 2015 SEASON INFORMATION DAY/SIGN-ON DAY Saints Eagles Football Club www.sesfc.com 11.00am / Family FAMILY YOGA - FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Yoga Health Townsville www.sundalah.com.au /kidsteensfamily.html 3.00pm / Cost / Family WILLOWS MARKETS Willows Shopping Centre www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 7.30am / Free / Family COTTERS MARKETS Flinders Mall www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family Family

MON 02

MUMS & BUBS YOGA (Pre-Registration Required Suits 6 weeks to Crawling) St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 10.30am / Cost / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

TUE 03 SCHOOL TOUR FOR INTERESTED PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN The Cathedral School www.cathedral.qld.edu.au 10.00am / Free / Family GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 6.00pm / Cost / Adult GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 7.15pm / Cost / Adult PARENT INFORMATION SESSION TALK NQ SPEECH PATHOLOGY CityLibraries Aitkenvale 4727 8310 9.30am / Free / Adult ART BOX ACTIVITIES FOR UNDER 5'S Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Family AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM (Bookings Required) Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

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"MINTY PICKS MUMS & BUBS YOGA ON MON 2 AT 10.30AM"

ANNANDALE FALCONS FOOTBALL CLUB SIGN ON (Under 5's to Under 16's) Cranbrook Park www.annandalefalcons.asn.au 5.00pm / Kids EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family STORY TIME CityLibraries Flinders Street 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

WED 04 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.30pm / Cost / Kids STORY TIME WITH LA LUNA YOUTH ARTS CityLibraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

THUR 05 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Jezzine Barracks recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.45pm / Cost / Kids BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

FRI 06 TOWNSVILLE FIRE VS CANBERRA CAPITALS Townsville RSL Stadium 4727 9797 7.00pm / Cost / Family STORY TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family KIDS NIGHT - KIDS RIDES, FACE PAINTING & ACTIVITIES Brothers Leagues Club www.brotherstsv.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family

SAT 07 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 9.00am / Cost / Kids SATURDAY NIGHT BUFFET (Free Mini Golf and Jumping Castles - Bookings Essential) Townsville Mini Golf 4771 3999 5.00pm / Cost / Family

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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pakmag WHAT'S ON GUIDE

FEBRUARY TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES VS NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS Townsville RSL Stadium 4727 9797 7.30pm / Cost / Family EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family

SUN 08 WELCOMING BABIES CEREMONY Riverway Arts Centre 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family WILLOWS MARKETS Willows Shopping Centre www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 7.30am / Free / Family COTTERS MARKETS Flinders Mall www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family

MON 09 MUMS & BUBS YOGA (Pre-Registration Required Suits 6 weeks to Crawling) St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 10.30am / Cost / Family MUMMY FUNDAY Stockland Shopping Centre 4779 6033 10.00am / Free / Family

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

TUE 10 GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 6.00pm / Cost / Adult GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 7.15pm / Cost / Adult AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM (Bookings Required) Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / Cost / Kids EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family

"CHOOKY PICKS THE SEARCHERS ON FRI 13 AT 8PM" STORY TIME CityLibraries Flinders Street 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

WED 11 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.30pm / Cost / Kids MORNING MELODIES - THE 3 CHINESE TENORS Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 11.00am / Cost / Adult STORY TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

THUR 12 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Jezzine Barracks recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.45pm / Cost / Kids MORNING MELODIES - THE 3 CHINESE TENORS Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 11.00am / Cost / Adult STORY TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

FRI 13 THE ANTIPODEAN STEAMPUNK SHOW (Ends 12/4/15 - Runs Tuesday to Sunday) Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Free / Family STORY TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family THE SEARCHERS Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 8.00pm / Cost / Adult NATIONAL APOLOGY DAY 2015 City Libraries Thuringowa 4773 8811 10.00am / Free / Family KIDS NIGHT - KIDS RIDES, FACE PAINTING & ACTIVITIES Brothers Leagues Club www.brotherstsv.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family

SAT 14 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 9.00am / Cost / Kids

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READ

READ THE LAZY FRIEND AGE 4+ COVER Hardback STORY Ronan Badel / Gecko Press A wordless picture book about a slot who does absolutely nothing. The sloth lives in the jungle with some excellent friends who care about him very much. When the sloth’s tree is cut down and his is taken away on a truck, his friends must do everything they can to get him home safely. He leads them on an enormous adventure, even if he is asleep the whole time…

WATCH OUT FOR THE CROCODILE AGE 4+ COVER Paperback / Hardback STORY Lisa Moroni / Gecko Press With a bit of imagination, anything can become an adventure. A delightful picture book about a father and daughter’s trip into the wilderness, and how children and adults see the world so differently.

THE VOLUME OF POSSIBLE ENDINGS AGE 11+ COVER Paperback STORY Barbara Else / Gecko Press Dorrity is the only child in magicfree Owl Town. When she finds an enchanted book with dire predictions, she must face her enemis. And who is the strange boy who appeared in the Beastly Dark?

LINE UP, PLEASE! AGE 3+ COVER Paperback / Hardback STORY Lisa Moroni / Gecko Press Standing in line can be dull, but not when you mix tigers and frogs, sheep and skunks. But what could be worth waiting for…? An international bestselling picture book with bold illustrations, lots of animals to count and identify, and a fun gatefold at the surprise climax!

ELEPHANTS HAVE WINGS AGE 11+ COVER Hardback STORY Susanne Gervay / Ford Street Publishing Beautifully illustrated by Anna Pignataro, Elephants Have Wings follows the story of two children, riding on the wings of a mystical white elephant, embark on an extraordinary journey to discover the meaning of the parable of the blind men and the elephant, and the humanity in all of us.

I DON’T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL AGE 4+ COVER Paperback / Hardback STORY Stephanie Blake / Gecko Press Simon - the mischievous rabbit from Poo Bum is back! When his mother says: “Tomorrow is your first day of school, little rabbit!” He says: “I’m not going!”

WHAT'S ON GUIDE

FEBRUARY SATURDAY NIGHT BUFFET (Free Mini Golf and Jumping Castles - Bookings Essential) Townsville Mini Golf 4771 3999 5.00pm / Cost / Family TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES VS MELBOURNE UNITED Townsville RSL Stadium 4727 9797 7.30pm / Cost / Family EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family

SUN 15 FAMILY FUN DAY Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 9.00am / Free / Family WILLOWS MARKETS Willows Shopping Centre www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 7.30am / Free / Family COTTERS MARKETS Flinders Mall www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family

MON 16 MUMS & BUBS YOGA (Pre-Registration Required Suits 6 weeks to Crawling) St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 10.30am / Cost / Family

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EMAIL EVENTS TO ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

TUE 17 GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 6.00pm / Cost / Adult GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 7.15pm / Cost / Adult ART BOX ACTIVITIES FOR UNDER 5'S Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Gold Coin / Family

STORY TIME CityLibraries Flinders Street 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

WED 18 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.30pm / Cost / Kids LOUD LOUNGE QUICK STICKS CHALLENGE City Libraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 3.00pm / Free / Family STORY TIME City Libraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

THUR 19 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Jezzine Barracks recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.45pm / Cost / Kids BABY RHYME TIME City Libraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM (Bookings Required) Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family

EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

FRI 20 STARS IN THE RIVER - THE PRINTS OF JESSIE TRAIL (Ends 10/5/15) Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Free / Family TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES VS WOLLONGONG HAWKS Townsville RSL Stadium 4727 9797 7.30pm / Cost / Family MULTICULTURAL STORYTIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family KIDS NIGHT - KIDS RIDES, FACE PAINTING & ACTIVITIES Brothers Leagues Club www.brotherstsv.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family

SAT 21 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 9.00am / Cost / Kids COUPLES BIRTHING WORKSHOP Oonoonba Community Centre theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 9.30am / Cost / Adult SATURDAY NIGHT BUFFET (Free Mini Golf and Jumping Castles - Bookings Essential) Townsville Mini Golf 4771 3999 5.00pm / Cost / Family

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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pakmag WHAT'S ON GUIDE

FEBRUARY EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family ELVIS TO THE MAX Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 8.00pm / Cost / Family

SUN 22 WILLOWS MARKETS Willows Shopping Centre www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 7.30am / Free / Family COTTERS MARKETS Flinders Mall www.townsvillerotarymarkets.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family

MON 23 MUMS & BUBS YOGA (Pre-Registration Required Suits 6 weeks to Crawling) St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 10.30am / Cost / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 11.00am / Free / Family DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

EMAIL EVENTS TO ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

TUE 24 GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

MORNING MELODIES - PIRATES OF PENZANCE Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 11.00am / Cost / Adult

HEALTHY TEETH ARE HAPPY TEETH STORYTIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

STORY TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

STORY TIME CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

THUR 26

GENTLE YOGA - "NURTURE THE NURTURER" St Matthews Hall, 6 Carmody St, Mundingburra theyogaandfitnessstudio@gmail.com 7.15pm / Cost / Adult

RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Jezzine Barracks recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.45pm / Cost / Kids

AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM (Bookings Required) Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE Riverway Arts Centre 4727 9797 6.30pm / Cost / Adult

STORY TIME CityLibraries Flinders Street 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ARMY MUSEUM Jezzine Barracks 9.00am / Free / Family

BABY RHYME TIME CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 1300 878 001 10.00am / Free / Family

EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (Must Book in Team) Launch Zone www.launchzone.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Adult

WED 25 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

FRI 27 ZORBA THE FREAK Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 8.00pm / Cost / Family

KIDS NIGHT - KIDS RIDES, FACE PAINTING & ACTIVITIES Brothers Leagues Club www.brotherstsv.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family

SAT 28 RE-CRE8TIV KIDS ART CLASSES Deeragun recre8tiv@gmail.com 9.00am / Cost / Kids AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION - BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION CLASSES CityLibraries Aitkenvale abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Adult SATURDAY NIGHT BUFFET (Free Mini Golf and Jumping Castles - Bookings Essential) Townsville Mini Golf 4771 3999 5.00pm / Cost / Family EARLY YEARS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP IN SERVICE CityLibraries Aitkenvale 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family TOWNSVILLE ARTIST MARKET Riverway Arts Centre 4773 8871 2.00pm / Free / Family

CHINESE NEW YEAR

CAIRNS COMES ALIVE FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR The Chinese community of North Queensland invites all North Queenslanders to join them for this year’s Chinese New Year festival and events program to celebrate the commencement of the Year of the Sheep.

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The Festival will commence on Tuesday February 3 and conclude on Saturday February 28.

This year’s celebrations include an Official VIP Launch, Business Yum Cha Lunch, Race Day, Street Festival and the annual Cairns and District Chinese New Year banquet.

The feature event of the celebrations is the Annual Street Festival, to be held on Saturday February 21 from late afternoon, with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

Attracting over 15,000 people, the popular festival is held in the centre of Cairns City, in Grafton Street, the original Chinatown of North Queensland. Within walking distance to most hostels, Grafton Street is the ideal setting to merge Chinatown heritage with modern entertainment and traditional Chinese Cuisine.

Two stages will provide non-stop entertainment throughout the event and include traditional dance performances, bands, firecrackers displays and martial arts shows.

The Street Parade, which includes Lion and Dragon performances, traditional drumming and Molihua Dancers, is not to be missed. Stallholders providing arts and crafts, Chinese cuisine and kids activities add a community spirit to the event.

The ANZ Bank Yum Cha Lunch is another popular event featured during Chinese New Year. Held at the popular Café China, the Yum Cha Lunch provides a forum for a lively debate about the state of the Chinese economy and how to do business with this very important market for Australia. Featuring the heads of industry, including the Mayor of Cairns, the lunch is usually a sold-out annual event. Bookings can be made at www.ttnq.org.au/shop or phone 4015 1204.

The Cairns Jockey Club Chinese New Year Race Day will be held on Saturday February 14 at Cannon Park and will include five local races, Fashions of the Field, Yum Cha Banquet, Lion dances and a three-hour beverage package.

Gates open at 11am.

The Chinese New Year Celebrations are co-ordinated by the local Chinese Association CADCAI (Cairns and District Chinese Association Incorporated).

With funding from Events Queensland and the Department of Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and local businesses, 2015 marks the successful 12th year of the Festival. President Lai Chu Chan said she was delighted to see such growth and popularity for the celebrations.

“The Cairns Chinese New Year celebrations are the largest in the state outside of Brisbane. Our celebrations have grown year to year and our feature event, the Street Festival is the largest festival in Cairns with attendees coming from all around the country.“ For further information contact the Cairns Chinese New Year Street Festival Facebook page or www.cairnschinesenewyear.org

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

33

PONDERING THE PALEO WAY TOWNSVILLE - TUES MARCH 24 As far as controversial celebrity chefs go, Pete Evans just about has the market covered these days.

The renowned Aussie chef, who became a household name as a judge on the popular reality TV cooking show My Kitchen Rules (MKR), is also a qualified health coach and has become one of the most prominent Australian supporters of the Paleolithic lifestyle.

In 2013 “the paleo diet” was the most searched for diet term on Google and, during 2014, health authorities in Australia did their best to discredit paleo as a healthy option.

However, Pete Evans came out firing against organisations including the Heart Foundation, the Dieticians Association of Australia and the Australian Medical Association who launched, at times, personal attacks on the chef as a way to discredit the lifestyle choice.

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

Evans is now kicking off the year by continuing the momentum the Paleo movement gained throughout 2014 with a tour of Australia and New Zealand entitled “Learn to Cook the Paleo Way”.

Evans for his part says he isn’t fussed by the personal nature of some of the attacks and takes it all as an opportunity to raise public awareness and generate discussion about eating clean, whole foods.

“This is about a message and a global movement that’s designed to educate people about the fact that the food they choose to put into their bodies can be medicine and so it’s all about making a conscious choice,” Evans said.

“Every piece of press, positive or negative, only serves to further highlight any discussion around what we eat and how it impacts on our bodies, both physically and emotionally.”

Evans said one of the misconceptions

regarding Paleo is that people are still seeing it as just another fad diet. “(Paleo)...is a lifestyle that’s all about making healthy choices every day.

And once you start to be conscious about what you eat and assess the impact certain foods have on your body that helps to create an awareness and begins the journey towards using food as a tool to enhance both your physical and emotional wellbeing.

“Unlike ‘fad diets’, Paleo is designed to be sustainable and achievable because putting our health first is a lifelong journey - a choice we can all make for ourselves, every day with every forkful of food we put in our mouths.”

The fundamentals of the Paleo diet see Pete avoid grains, legumes, dairy products and genetically modified and processed foods, replacing these with grass-fed meat, organ meats, pasture-raised poultry and game, wild-caught seafood, nuts, seeds, some seasonal fruits and leafy greens.

INTERVIEW: PETE EVANS

Since discovering Paleo, Evans said he had found a way of fusing his passion for food with a more altruistic goal – to create recipes that can let others achieve optimal health and wellness through the foods that they eat.

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PETE'S PICK

“It’s about applying principles from the best nutritional research with our knowledge of what foods drive ideal physical and emotional health. I don’t purport to know all the answers, I’m learning every day and on my own journey. I just hope I can inspire and encourage others to investigate the research and information we share and delve further to see if it makes sense to you.

“Ultimately, it’s about listening to your own body, and working with a trusted health professional if you are considering changing your diet, to find the best possible path for you.”

The Learn to Cook the Paleo Way tour will visit North Queensland during March and attendees will learn the skills to cook on a budget, make bone broths, prepare family food, kids lunches and start fermenting at home. Evans will be joined by fitness expert Luke Hines (fellow MKR mate and author of the Clean Living cookbook series) plus several local and international guest speakers.

For families first venturing into examining diet and lifestyle changes, Evans said it was all about making small, incremental changes that end up having a dramatic and transformational impact.

“Cut out processed food, get rid of the refined carbohydrates and sugars and start connecting with your food sources. Make friends with your local butcher, take the kids to the local farmers market on the weekend to shop for fresh produce and make a commitment to choose healthy foods every day that enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing. And once you start to feel the results of eating nutrient-dense whole foods, you’ll start to make much more conscious choices about the foods that are right for your family.”

For more information on the Learn to Cook the Paleo Way tour or to purchase tickets, visit www.earthevents.com.au

RECIPE FOR TIME-POOR MUMS!!

Cauliflower fried rice with free-range bacon is quick and easy to prepare and always goes down a treat for hungry kids on the go. It’s a really popular dish for those who want to avoid grains and wheat and replaces bland white rice with nutrientrich, flavoursome and healthy cauliflower. Plus, you can then add all the ingredients your kids love the most so you can entice them to the table before they’ve torn the house apart!

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 (about 1kg) cauliflower heads, separated into florets 4 slices bacon or ham, diced 4 eggs, whisked 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 200g shelled and deveined small raw prawns 100 g shiitake or oyster mushrooms, sliced 2.5cm piece of ginger, finely grated 100g okra, sliced 100g Brussels sprouts 2 tablespoons tamari 1 large handful of bean sprouts 2 spring onions, finely sliced 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves

METHOD (1) Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.

(2) In a large frying pan or wok, fry the bacon over high heat until crispy.

Remove and set aside. (3) In a large frying pan or wok, fry the bacon over high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. (4) Heat the coconut oil in the pan over high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes, or until softened. Stir in the prawns, mushrooms and ginger and cook for another few minutes. Add the okra and Brussels sprouts and cook for 1 minute. Add the cauliflower and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until tender. Add bacon, egg, tamari, sprouts, spring onion, herbs and some salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes, or until everything is heated through and well combined. (5) Serve with a splash of fish sauce and kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage), if desired.

PREP AND COOKING TIME: 40 MINUTES

www.peteevanschef.com

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

35

RELATIONSHIPS

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WHY WHO WEARS THE PANTS DOESN'T MATTER:

MODERN RELATIONSHIP ROLES REDEFINED Over the past 50 years roles have changed not only in the parenting space but the overall masculine and feminine dynamic. With the rise of equality and feminism through the 60’s and 70’s to the ‘metrosexual’ male movement of the 90’s and 00’s there are a lot of really confused men out there and to be fair, a lot of confused women too.

When I was growing up, one of the biggest insults you could give a man was to infer that his wife/partner ‘wore the pants’ in their relationship. This was challenging his ‘manhood’ and always would get a raucous applause at the pub or BBQ where it was uttered.

Growing up as a child of Baby Boomers my parenting role models were those on TV comedy shows and three of my best friends parents as mine separated when I was 6.

Gender or sexist humour was again commonplace and being a man meant parenting little, working long hours and having ‘alone quiet time’.

Yet there was one couple, parents of a twin boy and girl whom I gravitated too as a young adolescent. In fact I think I tried secretly to become adopted. You see, Doug was a teacher so he worked very family friendly hours. He picked the twins up from school, took them to their sporting activities, cooked, cleaned and played and was present in every way.

Joy did all of those things too. She was feminine, motherly yet knew that Doug derived so much enjoyment of his ‘role’ in the family that she was empowered to do the things she wanted to as there was a balance in the relationship.

Doug still loves a beer, a punt and his sport and enjoys being in the company of his mates just like the other male role models I had in my life. He just chose to own his passion and I saw how rounded his kids (my friends) were.

As many men do, my later teenage years and my twenties were spent experimenting, partying and generally doing what most young men do.

When I met my now wife, I was ready to begin the next phase of my life. I had come out of a relationship where I was the controlling partner with a very subservient girlfriend that played the role of a ‘good housewife’ perfectly. She cooked, she cleaned while I took everything for granted and in fact became everything I despised in a man.

I soon learned very quickly that Natasa, my new partner was in fact the polar opposite of my last partner.

She was opinionated, confident and certain in what she wanted and I was challenged more than I ever had been.

By the time we had our first child I immediately tried to assume the role that my role model Doug had unknowingly imprinted on me.

I changed nappies, cleaned up vomit, soothed my son back to sleep, cooked and cleaned all the while working in a new business I had just purchased.

I was present, passionate and loved being a dad.

One day I turned down a game of golf with my mates as I wanted to give my wife a break from looking after our son while I had been at work only to hear the words tumble out of my mate’s mouth, “Wow, I can see Natasa wears the pants in your relationship”.

It shouldn’t have mattered. I don’t know why I reacted the way I did yet

I got defensive and lashed out. Who was he to judge me?

Over the next few years I struggled with other people’s expectations of what a man was meant to be to his children and his partner. My wife was a powerhouse, driven and got her energy from business and significance yet I was nurturing, calm and valued quality time and family very highly.

We spent some time fighting against it yet when we finally took ownership of what really inspired each of us it worked well if we reversed the ‘traditional’ gender roles and just did what we were great at.

When we did we instantly became in flow and our whole relationship, family life and business success just reached amazing heights. We were both doing what fulfilled our purpose; we excelled at everything we did.

Now, two kids later and another soon on the way, things have adjusted slightly as we have moved along with me taking on more of my own business interests and my wife being able to take a break from our other businesses to welcome our new child into the world. We continue to be in flow with ourselves, our family and our businesses all because we decided it didn’t matter who wore the pants.

Stuart Denman is a lifestyle mentor who spends his time working with those craving a better, more balanced life.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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01. FEATHERS WALL CLOCK (Zanui) (RRP $59.95)

HOME

02. BUT FIRST COFFEE PRINT (Zanui) (RRP $29.96)

06. DECORATIVE PORCELAIN APPLE (Zanui) (RRP $29.95) 03. VARPUNEN SACK- CIRCUS (UrbanAire Design) (RRP $70)

07. CORNER DISPLAY / BOOK SHELF (Booie+Ben) (RRP $170) 11. HEX BOXES (UrbanAire Design) (RRP $50)

04. WHITEWASH BRICKS WALLPAPER (Zanui) (RRP $159.95) 08. MY STACHE WALL DECAL (SET OF 2) (Zanui) (RRP $11.96)

09. GUMBALL POUFFE (Zanui) (RRP $159.95)

05. FOGERTY INDUSTRIAL STOOL (RetroJan) (RRP $99.00)

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

10. REPLICA SIDE CHAIR (Zanui) (RRP $59.95)

HOME

- which can be a concern if computers are located in bedrooms.

12. DOUG INDUSTRIAL LIGHT SHADE RED (RetroJan) (RRP $49.95)

STUDY NOOK

There’s no denying, space in the modern home is at a premium.

The cost of building a new home is ever increasing, with Allianz Australia reporting that the average cost of building a home is more than four times what it was 20 years ago.

In North Queensland, where there is the further impediment of limited competition compared to capital cities, the expense can be even greater.

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There is a huge array of furniture on the market currently designed with the study nook in mind including small wallmounted or slimline desks made to fit in tight spaces. Ikea has the fabulous, minimalist style “Micke” desk which comes in various colour combinations - including basic black and white - for a starting price of just $69.

As a result, families are looking to make the space they do have available in their homes as multi-use and versatile as possible. You do not need to have the biggest house on the block for it to satisfy all of your needs, it just takes a bit of creativity and planning.

Something that has become almost a necessity for many families in recent years is a study area. Even if you have the ‘average’ Aussie family unit of two adults, two children and one dog living in your home, chances are you still do not have a dedicated room to spare that could be used solely as a study.

Not just a creative solution for limited space issues, the study ‘nook’ has become something of an on-trend item to have in modern homes and offers the perfect space for paying bills, surfing the net or staying in touch with family and friends via social media or Skype. If you choose to locate the nook in a high-traffic shared area like a living room or family room, it also offers the benefit of allowing parents to supervise children’s use of the Internet

Another option is to install a small shelving system as a desk. Just ensure it is fitted to studwork in your home and is weighted to take whatever you plan to place on it (a laptop may be a more sensible option rather than a full desktop computer in this instance).

A massive trend at present is spaces styled monochrome, with hints of natural materials like wood panelling, shelving and decor. Seating options can also be budget-friendly and in keeping with the location of the study nook space. You probably wouldn’t require - or want - a large office style chair to be situated in your living room permanently. Look for alternatives like stylish Mid-Century influenced dining chairs - such as a Hans Wegner wishbone replica - or even a Tolix stool. The beauty of study nooks is that they can be as organised or as eclectic as you are!

With a little bit of imagination, you can turn an often unused corner of your home into a fabulous and useful feature. And you’ll never have to see a laptop sitting on your dining table again!

STORY Carly Hammersley

13. LAX WALL MO UNTED D (Spence ESK WAL & Lyda) NUT (RRP $1 ,320)

12. ISABELLA SCANDINAVIAN STYLE OFFICE DESK (RetroJan) (RRP $499)

14. JAMES THE BOOKEND (Zanui) (RRP $52.95)

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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ARD Y K C A O T B R U D O N A L B TURN M FRO

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D N A R G

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purposes only. Painted finish is additional. *Terms and Conditions Apply.

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01. NORMANN AGNES VASE H20.6 CM (Designstuff) (RRP $80.00)

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04. RESIN NOVELTY PEN (Typo) (RRP $6.95)

02. FIESTA BULB EDISON HANGING VASE (Zanui) (RRP $29.95)

03. TABLE LAMP YELLOW OLLIE

BY MILK+ SUGAR (Cranmore Home) (RRP $179.95)

T ART CROSSES PRIN 14. NAUGHTS & 6) 8.3 $1 RP (R (Zanui)

STUDY IDEAS

05. LETTERS & NUMBERS STAMP SET (Typo) (RRP $19.95)

06. PRINTED CLOCK (Typo) (RRP $39.95)

10. PEGASAURUS (Typo) (RRP $2.95)

07. PEN HOLDER (Typo) (RRP $12.95)

08. SMITHSON OFFICE CHAIR (Zanui) (RRP $139.95) 09. PASTEL WOODEN VASES (SET OF 3) (Hello Pretty Poppy) (RRP $45.00)

12. FERM LIVING WIRE BASKET BLACK (Designstuff) (RRP $125)

13. 2015 DESK CALENDAR (Typo) (RRP $16.95) 11. FACETED VASE SET (Typo) (RRP $29.95) www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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DIY HOME

1

2

3

4

Make this

COTTON SASH BASKET

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Homes which feature surfaces and furnishings made with natural products can simultaneously add both richness and softness to an interior space. When kept in their natural style or with minimal processing, linen and cotton and other jute products add a soft balance of texture to hard surfaces such as tile, timber or stone.

Cotton as a material is strong and versatile. It is easy to work with and can be changed and altered with dye for a different look.

Cotton sash cord traditionally used as a functional material in timber windows has become a popular DIY product in the production of rope baskets.

Available from most hardware stores where rope is sold, cotton sash cord can be left as a natural colour or dyed with fabric dye and then stitched together in a coil in your chosen style or shape. Stitching the basket together using embroidery thread gives the maker an opportunity to add colour suitable to an existing home interior.

TO MAKE How much cord you will need will depend on the style and size of the basked which you wish to make. The basket featured was made using a continuous 3m piece. Begin by gluing

the ends of the rope to stop them from fraying.

Doing this in a random manner will add a rustic effect.

Prepare your embroidery thread ready for stitching the cord together. Cut off a length of about 50cm in length.

Embroidery thread usually consists of 5-6 threads bunched together.

Cut and use the threads together for a more dramatic effect. Thread the needle and tie a knot in end of the longer strand.

When you are happy with the size of the base begin making the sides of your rope basket in the same manner, but coil your cord on top of the layer before. Continue to stitch together, passing through the cord for added strength.

To begin making the base, tightly coil the end of the sash cord in on itself and stitch together, passing the needle through the cord.

Continue to wrap the cord around itself keeping it on a flat surface while constructing the base. As each layer is added, stitch the cord to the layer before. Try to stitch directly through the cord as well as wrapping the embroidery thread around the cord and through the gap between each layer of cord for added strength.

When your basket is at the desired size, cut the cord and finish the end with additional glue if required to stop it from fraying and stitch it down covering the end with the embroidery thread. Finish by tying off the embroidery thread and tucking it out of sight between the rope layers.

HINT: For a more uniform finish, coil your cord around a bucket, bowl or existing object as a shape guide.

STORY Sophie Buchholz

DIY PRODUCTS Scissors, Large needle, 6mm Cotton Sash Cord, Masters, $1.69m, Embroidery Thread, Spotlight, $1-$3 depending on thickness

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

43

R

ANCHLANDS

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Come Riding With Us!

• Learn how to ride • Basic horsemanship • Training techniques - basics, dressage, jumping and horse sports • Enthusiastic positive instructors • Adult beginner classes • Fun and informative holiday programmes • Horse agistment • Saddlery shop

Ph: 47740 124 www.ranchlands.com.au 83 Hammond Way, Kelso Townsville Qld

Ride for Fun, Fitness and Friendships

FUN FOR Tots TOWNSVILLE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS “TAPA” 4723 2101 www.tapa.net.au

TAPA tiny tots classes for the three to five year age group are aimed at exploring movement, music, magic and make-believe. Providing a positive, colourful and creative environment, it can assist with developmental stages of young children in any educational area, including dance. The program aims to developing skills of coordination, gross and fine motor skills, social and interactive skills, musical appreciation, movement, basic dance technique, body awareness, fitness and perhaps most importantly, a sense of self through creativity and imagination.

TAPA teaches more than just great dancing and its Tiny Tots classes are in high demand. Get in touch early to secure a position.

READY STEADY GO KIDS 1300 766 892 www.readysteadygokids.com.au Ready Steady Go Kids is Australia's largest and most reputable multisport and exercise program for preschoolers (aged two and a half to six years). The high quality, physiodesigned program teaches children the fundamentals of 10 different sports (soccer, tennis, hockey, rugby, AFL, tee ball, basketball, golf, cricket and athletics) in a fun, non-competitive, team-based environment.

Classes run for 45 minutes, with five sports covered each term. Classes also focus on a specific gross motor, hand-eye/foot-eye and/or balance activity to complement the sport component. The program has a structure that is repeated each week so that participants become familiar and comfortable with the routine.

To ensure that every participant receives a high level of attention and support, a low instructor to student

ratio is maintained. Instructors have (as a minimum) a Level One Coaching qualification under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme from the Australian Sports Commission, a current working with children check and extensive experience in teaching preschool aged children.

To find out about class availability in your area, call 1300 766 892.

Term fees are pro-rated to include only the remaining classes for the term. All new children are eligible for a FREE trial class with Ready Steady Go Kids at the Aitkenvale or Cranbrook venues!

Class fees are $169 per 10 week term. You can join the program at any time during the term and fees will be charged pro-rata.

RANCHLANDS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 4774 0124 or 0400 345 727 www.ranchlands.com.au Ranchlands Equestrian Centre has been teaching people to ride horses in Townsville since 1977. With wonderful fully trained horses for every level of rider, from the nervous beginner adult or child to the competitive dressage rider, Instructors have heaps of experience, are accredited riding teachers and are passionate about their job Facilities include a round yard to start rider and, two dressage arenas under lights with excellent footing and huge mirrors. Thers is a saddlery shop to purchase all your riding gear with a knowledgeable staff and agistment yards and paddocks to keep your own horse. Ranchlands supplies horses and saddlery, as well as boots and helmets for use during lessons.

For the Tiny Tots (under 6) Ranchlands offers an introduction to horses in a safe fun environment, before they commence the harder work of learning to ride correctly. Tiny Toys can enjoy a 15 minute pony ride to familiarise themselves with horses to develop a

love of animals. This will hold them in good stead for when they turn six and they are of age to commence formal lessons.

REFLEXIONS DANCE STUDIO 0413 197 370

reflexionsdancestudio@bigpond.com Reflexions Dance Studio offers classes for children from two and a half through to year 12, girls and boys, beginners to advanced. From classical ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop, students can prepare for ADA ballet, jazz & tap exams; eisteddfods; public performances and end of year concerts.

The studios are fully air-conditioned and equipped with sprung wooden floors, mirrors and barres. Reflexions offers a variety of Tiny Tots speciality classes which will appeal to the different interests of all children five years and under including Wiggles ‘n’ Giggles (two and a half to four year olds), Itty Bitty Ballet (four and five year olds), Rock Tots (four and five year olds), Tiny Tappers (four and five year olds).

Classes for 2015 commence February and Reflexions currently have an introductory offer for new students: pay $28 to attend four 30 minute classes.

FAD STUDIO www.fadstudio.com.au 0475 135 637 FAD classes are fun, dynamic and affordable, offering jazz and cheerleading classes to students age three and up. FAD studios offer a wonderful space for young people to appreciate the value of fitness, gain self esteem and confidence while making new and lasting friendships. For many, dance classes at FAD have sparked a lifelong love affair with music and the arts.

Classes commence on February 2.

Contact the studio for more details.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

45

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

THE WORLD’S BEST CHOCOLATE FACTORY TOURS The classic story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has inspired many to go out and seek their very own fantasy chocolate adventure. Most of the world’s major chocolate makers offer factory tours, offering a rich insight into the history of the product and tasty samples of course!

Here are some of the best.

STORY Kylie Stokes

HAIGH’S CHOCOLATE, ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

Haigh’s chocolates are virtually an Australian institution, the factory is located about 20 minutes from the Adelaide city centre and tours of the site are absolutely free. Be sure to get in early when booking your tour, as spots are limited and fill quickly.

CADBURY WORLD, DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

The whole family will enjoy learning how their favorite chocolates are made with taste tests along the way. There are a number of different tours available but if you’re visiting on the weekend only shortened versions are available as the factory doesn’t operate on the weekends.

HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD, UNITED STATES

Much more than a simple chocolate factory tour, Hershey’s Chocolate World is a virtual chocolate-themed town. There are numerous shops and restaurants, with Hershey’s chocolate naturally dominating the desserts. You can also create your very own chocolate bar, catch a 3D movie featuring the Hershey chocolate characters, and learn more about the sweet treat at the onsite museum. Of course, there’s also the chocolate factory tour itself, complete with free samples.

MUSEUM TEMPLE OF CHOCOLATE, BELGIUM

Alongside Switzerland, Belgium is probably the leading chocolate creating destination in the world, so if you have time, be sure to check out a couple of factory tours during your stay. If you’re travelling with a family, the kids will love the Temple of Chocolate, created by Cote D’or Chocolates especially for the young ones. The interactive tour takes in a Toltec temple, Spanish galleon, and then concludes with an early 20th century chocolate factory, perfectly restored.

Here, kids can make their very own chocolate and taste the original Cote D’or chocolate. This tour is another that fills very quickly, so be sure to reserve places in plenty of time.

CAILLER CHOCOLATE, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is one of the greatest chocolate-producing countries in the world, and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a factory tour.

One of the most interesting and famous is the Maison Cailler factory tour in Broc-Gruyere. This factory tour is great for those who are particularly fond of truffles, with classes available teaching the art of truffle making.

PERUGINA CHOCOLATE, ITALY

my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

The hilltop medieval town of Perugia in Italy is the birthplace of the famous ‘Baci’, or ‘Italian kisses’ chocolates. The Perugina Casa del Cioccolato is a must-visit destination for any chocolate lover and is regularly rated amongst the very best chocolate factory tours in the world. There’s even an entire chocolate school, so you can sign up for some sweet classes.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

RECIPE IDEAS

GLUTEN-FREE ZUCCHINI BREAD

FLOURLESS FUDGE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 full cup of grated zucchini 1 1/4 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend 1/4 cup almond flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if flour already has it) 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup canola oil 2 extra large eggs 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (or regular whole milk) 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

3 cups. powdered sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 tablespoon salt 4 large egg whites 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS 1) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray 3 mini loaf pans with gluten-free cooking spray (or one standard 9-inch loaf pan) and set aside.

2) Place the shredded zucchini into some paper towels and gently squeeze out any moisture. Fluff the zucchini with a fork and set aside.

3) Put the all-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl and whisk to blend.

4) In another large bowl add the brown sugar, canola oil, eggs, coconut milk, lemon juice and walnuts.

5) Whisk thoroughly until smooth.

6) Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini (Reserve a little to sprinkle over the tops of the loaves) and the nuts.

7) Divide evenly between the pans, sprinkle over the reserved zucchini and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean.

8) Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully turn out to cool completely on a rack.

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

INSTRUCTIONS 1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2) Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

3) Spray mats with nonstick cooking spray.

You can also line with parchment paper.

4) In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with cocoa powder and salt.

5) Stir in the vanilla and egg whites.

6) Whisk just until the batter is moistened.

7) Stir in the chocolate chips.

8) Scoop the batter by the tablespoonful onto the baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread (about 2 ½ ” of space between each cookie).

9) Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are glossy and lightly cracked. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2015

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