Emma

Annabel Bower: Homemade Sausage Rolls and Tomato Sauce

Homemade Sausage Rolls and Tomato Sauce Recipe and images by Annabel Bower Makes 72 1 onion, finely chopped or grated 1/2 sweet potato (300g), grated 1 apple, grated 1 zucchini, grated 1 carrot, grated 1/4 cauliflower, grated or 1 broccoli stalk, grated 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 tsp cumin, ground (optional) 500g lean beef/ lamb/ pork mince 800g – 1kg sausage mince (from butcher) 6 sheets of shop bought puff pastry 1 egg, separated 1 tbsp sesame seeds Squeeze the excess liquid out of the grated apple, sweet potato and zucchini. Mix with onion, garlic, carrot, cauliflower/broccoli and cumin. Add the 2 minces. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Lay out your 6 sheets of pastry. Cut a centre line down each sheet of pastry to create 2 rectangles (12×24 cm). You will now have 12 pieces of pastry to work with. Brush this centre cut with egg white. Divide the meat + veg mix evenly in neat lines down the centre of your 12 rectangles. Roll the empty pastry over the meat mix tucking the outside edge underneath the edge painted with egg white. Cut each “log” into 6 bite size sausage rolls. Brush the tops with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake till crispy and golden at 200 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the bases aren’t soggy! Can be cooked and then frozen if you’re making them in advance. Homemade Tomato Sauce 1 cup passata 1 apple, peeled and grated 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp mild paprika Combine all ingredients and simmer for ten minutes. Stir the sides occasionally so that the sauce does not catch and burn. Allow to cool before blending with a stick blender or in a food processor.  This will keep for up to one week in the fridge. Annabel Bower graduated from the world renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland seventeen years ago. Annabel has since worked in events and catering and her present focus is on recipe development and food styling. As a mum of three and a passionate foodie Annabel spends most of her time in the kitchen! Her favourite people to cook for are friends and family and even though like all children her kids won’t eat everything she cooks, she is determined to keep trying and happily share a few of her failsafe, crowd-pleasing recipes with you! For more family friendly recipes follow @foodbyannabel

August 28, 2018

Whales & Wombats: Adventure Time!

When you’re a baby the world before you is a sensory wonderland to crawl, creep, slip, slide, climb and fall through. You want to discover every floor to shuffle your bum on; each bowl of mashed potato to flick across the walls; all the mud puddles to splash in and every colour of texta to draw over yourself. All of these precarious activities require a wondersuit, because not all heroes wear capes, some wear onesies! Whales & Wombats is a baby clothing brand carrying rompers, t-shirts and jumpers for any occasion. Their vibrant, comical creations are the perfect match for any mischievous activity. Oh and don’t worry, their colourful patterns hide the sweet potato stains too. These awesome prints consist of everything from toucans to tennis racquets and are made from 100% organic cotton, which is ethically sourced. whalesandwombats.com.au@whalesandwombats

August 25, 2018

Edited Interiors: Toy Storage Ideas

Keeping kids’ bedrooms or playrooms looking organised and styled is a much easier task if you incorporate functional, fun and stylish storage solutions. Here are Edited Interiors top organisation tips: Categorise toys and group like with like so they are easier to find and easier to put away. Use decorative baskets that tie into the existing styling of the room. Create a bench seat with room for storage underneath. (The Ikea Kallax cube storage is perfect for this). A decorative pillow on top creates extra seating and adds some colour and style the storage cubes underneath with decorative baskets or books. Felt pinboards are a great way to add a pop of colour to the room and are perfect for displaying treasured artworks, notes and photos. Make the most of the space underneath the bed and use trundle storage drawers. Trundle drawers make for a great LEGO storage zone. Add a kid’s dustpan to the drawer to help make the chore of packing up the LEGO at the end of the day more fun for your little one. If budget allows, consider built-in book cases and desks. Use book shelves to display your child’s favourite books. Add a bean bag or floor pillows underneath to create a reading nook or corner. If you have open shelving use baskets and boxes to keep things looking tidy. Make sure you are using the space within your children’s wardrobes effectively. Give the wardrobes an edit and voila: extra space for toys can usually be found. Label boxes and bins so the kids can easily find things and put them away. For more information on styling, and home organisation check out: editedinteriors.com.au @editedinteriors

August 23, 2018

Yoli & Otis: Wearing is Caring

Wearing is Caring Simplistic, earthy tones and natural fibres sum up this chic, charming Australian brand founded in Byron Bay. Yoli & Otis began after Lena Catterick, gave birth to her first daughter and became passionate about babywearing. Lena began producing uber-comfortable, herbal dyed baby carriers and slings that don’t require any complex tying. Everyone holds fond memories of falling (pretending or not) asleep in the car and being picked up and carried to bed by their parents. There’s something intimate and nurturing about the closeness of being held by your parents like that. This is the kind of magic that Lena wanted to channel into her own brand. From these humble beginnings this warmth has since translated into a vast range of products! Yoli & Otis also produce incredibly adorable, childrenswear, womenswear and accessories. Take a peek at their website and hold on to your credit cards! @yoli_and_otis yoliandotis.com/

August 21, 2018

The Holiday Shots You Don’t Want To Forget

Some things about travelling are unavoidable, like jetlag or paying more in accommodation than you need to. But one part you can prepare for is protection against diseases. If you’re holidaying with your little ones, make sure your family postcard is one to remember (in a good way). Once you’ve picked your destination, talk to your GP or travel-shot clinic about the vaccinations your children need. Bring a copy of your itinerary to your appointment and anything you plan to do, so your doctor can best advise you. There are certain countries that require proof of vaccination against specific diseases before they’ll let you enter. Learn about the destination at Smart Traveller or the embassy or consulate of the countries you’ll visit (or transfer through). Here are some tips about vaccinations to prepare and protect you for your big adventure: Australia’s childhood vaccination program covers a range of vaccines including polio,tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. But don’tassume that they’re covered for travelling. They could be due for a booster. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines must be up to date (particularly if you’re visitingAsia, Africa or any country where bottled water is recommended). Plan enough time before your holiday departure for your boosters. Some vaccinesrequire more than one dose to be effective such as Hepitatis B and Rabies. There aredestinations where animal exposure is possible and young kids might want to patthem. Make sure they’re vaccinated, just in case there’s a risk of Rabies. Find out if there are any destination-specific vaccines. Yellow fever is a must forplaces like Africa, South & Central America as well as the Caribbean. Exploring Asia?Japanese encephalitis shots might be necessary. Travellers to Africa normally requireprotection against meningitis. Once you’ve organised the vaccinations, it’s time to pack your medicine bag for the children. You can never be too prepared when it comes to packing your travel ‘first aid kit.’ Everyone loves that person you can depend on who has everything. As a parent travelling to a new country with kids, you want to be that person. The more at ease you feel, the better the holiday will be. Vaccinations will protect your children from diseases, but what about those minor day-to-day risks? Like stomach bugs, itchy skin or knee grazes. Then, it’s time to pull out your travel medicine cabinet. Regular MedicationPack any regular medication your children may be taking. Don’t forget about asthmaand allergy medications. Base your supply on the length of time you’re away. Thenadd a little extra, just in case there’s an emergency. Pack all important medicationsin your hand luggage and day bag, so you’ve always got it close by. If you’re goingoverseas, organise a letter from your doctor to show immigration if they ask whyyou’re travelling with the medication. Stomach UpsetsTwo words: Bali belly. Whether or not you’re heading for Bali, stomach bugs are oneof the most common travel sicknesses. Pack tablets for an upset stomach andmotion sickness medication if you plan to travel on boats and buses. For littlesensitive-bodied children, have medicine for diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, andvomiting handy. Electrolytes are important for children who are sick, so bringing afew packets for a quick recovery is a smart move. Pain and FeverParacetamol is your best travel companion when children have a high fever. It’s goodfor the whole family, so bring a whole box. Remember to throw in a thermometer,so you can check your children’s temperature should they fall ill. SkinThe only bad thing about a tropical island are the mozzies (literally, nothing else).Make sure you’ve got insect repellent to stop your kiddies getting bitten andscratching away all night. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. There’s nothing worsethan the whole fam being sunburnt. Cuts and GrazesAccidents can happen, especially in a new country. It’s best to be prepared for them,by including child-friendly Band-Aids and antiseptic lotion in your first-aid kit. It’sbetter to be safe than sorry. Your family’s in for a fun adventure. Travel is one of the best ways to educate your children about the world. Just make sure you’re prepared with all the right things you need to do before and pack in your bags. Your local National Pharmacies pharmacist will help you put your medicines list together, so come in store (and make us jealous) sharing your travel plans. We love to live vicariously. National Pharmacies @nationalpharmacies

August 14, 2018

Adelaide All Star Cheerleading: Reach For The Stars

Reach For The Stars ADELAIDE ALL STAR CHEERLEADERS ARE A JUMP ABOVE THE REST. Armed with a dream and a tiny 40sqm part time gym space in 2009, founders Jess and Rachel were filled with the kind of spirit that makes the academy what it is today. Now the largest, most competitive program in South Australia, Adelaide All Star Cheerleading is also one of the largest programs in the country! The dream team behind All Star is comprised of owner and coach Jess, who has more than 50 state titles and over 9 years experience coaching teams and groups to numerous National Championship titles around Australia. Jamie is your go-to man for everything cheer, o ice related and in-between, as well as being a certified cheer and tumble coach. Last but not least, Kayla is a cheerleading, coaching and tumbling extraordinaire from the USA bringing more than 15 years of experience to her role. You know your kids are in safe hands with a team like this! Owner, Jess’ mission is to reduce the stereotypes around competitive cheerleading and promote the incredible benefits of the sport that she has seen first hand at All Star. ‘Those that only associate cheerleading with sideline style pom poms are really missing out. It’s actually a really exciting challenge for us- to reach out and share the real nature of our sport and introduce people to it for the first time’ The programs at All Star are designed to give young kids the opportunity to develop agility, fitness, strength, teamwork, confidence and should be especially recognised for its capacity to empower young girls. All Star is a competitive club that puts the fun of cheerleading first. Although they love winning and it’s something they are very good at, it will never get in the way of the vision to teach and inspire their young athletes. ‘Sharing that journey with parents- seeing physical and maturity changes in kids who go from not knowing anything about cheerleading to not only enjoying it, but embracing the whole world of the sport and becoming incredibly talented, dedicated and hard working athletes in the process is one of the most rewarding parts of running our programs.’ As well as its A-class spirit, All Star boasts the best facilities of any other club in SA. Their Nailsworth gym has SA’s largest 9-run full size competition sprung floor giving students a unique advantage for training and competing. Watch the All Star Mini gym tour here. ‘One of the best things about cheerleading is there’s something here for everyone. All ages, all genders, all heights, all levels of athleticism all bundled into fun and welcoming teams.’ Pippa Waganeen and her three beautiful girls, Kitty, Posey and LuLu love a chance to burn o some excess energy around the All Star gymnasium. Although they are all different ages, there are classes to suit each one of the girls, which has everyone looking forward to Cheer time each week! ALL STAR JUNIORS Now introducing… All Star Juniors classes! The team at All Star have carefully designed an exciting and interactive program for bubs and tots. Watch your little one discover, play and climb over the so cushioned floor of the All Star gym. BABY & TODDLER CLASS5 months – 5 years These classes are designed to be highly interactive for parents and are a perfect way to introduce your bub to developing co-ordination skills, like walking. Sessions are specifically designed to improve balance and muscle tone through creeping and crawling while also developing visual skills such as depth perception and hand-eye co-ordination. Think colourful toys, guided exploration and free play… all the fun stu ! Tuesday 10 – 11am Wednesday 10 – 11am TUMBLE TOTS2.5 years – 5 years If your junior tumbler is competent and confident enough Tumble Tots will introduce ‘shapes’ vital for tumbling and cheerleading. Parents can ‘kiss and drop’ and watch safely from the parents lounge as this class works to help mini All Stars develop their body awareness and build strength and fitness. This class will work as the building block to see your child begin working independently with just coaches. A great way to build confidence prior to school! Tuesday 11 – 11.45am Wednesday 11 – 11.45am SPACE CADET2.5 – 5 years Once your mini athlete has had a tasteof Tumble Tots and deems themselves ready for the next big step they can start their career as a tiny cheerleader. The Space Cadet competitive team train once a week to learn the basics of cheerleading.They then work together to learn a routine and compete at three competitions throughout the year – just like the big kids!Saturday 8.30 – 9.15am * Next in take January 2019 adelaidecheerleading.com.au @Adelaideallstarcheerleading 2 Jones St, Nailsworth 8269 1988 Photos by Kirsty Burns Photo

August 13, 2018

Lindy Klim: Thoroughly Modern Mama

Thoroughly Modern Mama When Lindy Klim started modelling in the late nineties – her lithe long limbs and exotic looks capturing the essence of modern Australia – she breezily mentioned in one of her very first interviews that she wanted to be a mother. “I want a big, huge family – I want four kids!” she recalls, laughing. Fast forward twenty years and Lindy is not only a mum of four, she is an accomplished businesswoman, fashion designer and the embodiment of modern parenthood. After a highly publicised marriage breakdown to Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, Lindy is happier than she has been in a long time. Together with new partner, property developer Adam Ellis, they welcomed a little girl, Goldie, into the world eight months ago. The newest addition to the Bali-based brood completes the family of photogenic siblings that include Stella, 12, Rocco, 10 and Frankie, 7. Funny and disarmingly honest, Lindy speaks of a very real and relatable kind of family life: the juggle of managing multiple after school activities, navigating a new journey into joint custody arrangements and becoming a blended family. Initially fearful of how it might all work bringing a new baby into the family unit, her fears were allayed the moment Goldie arrived. “Frankie in particular, is ‘obsessed’ with Goldie…but what’s nice is that there’s 3 kids that are the Klim’s, and now we’ve got Goldie and it’s just made our family closer and that’s really lovely,” she says. On being a blended family, Lindy explains they don’t talk about half-siblings, they’re simply brothers and sisters: “…we never say it, we never sort of mention it – sometimes there’s confusion over last names, but we’ll just manage that and get through it,” she says. With Stella approaching her teens, Lindy is parenting at both ends of the spectrum, changing nappies one minute and chaperoning her eldest daughter on her very first date the next. Having Adam step in and take on the role as stepdad has only strengthened their family bond. “Stella’s relationship with Adam is incredible. She’ll often text or call him before me, which is great as I know that sometimes I’m not always the best person to talk to.” she says. While becoming a mother again at 40 is physically more demanding than the first time around, the experience of already being a mother has certainly had its advantages. “When it’s your first, it can be so daunting and terrifying and you just don’t know what to expect. I think it’s been nice for Adam to see how my experience in having three other children before Goldie has made me so relaxed that it’s made it such a nice journey for the both of us.” It certainly hasn’t slowed her down either, with several projects in the pipeline, including her own burgeoning fashion label, Rama Voyage. The collection of dreamy, resort style linen separates are effortlessly wearable and evoke the very global, free spirited lifestyle you imagine her to have. “I want to set a really good example for my children. I want to work, I want things to be a success – I think it’s really important for them to see that. Having another child has definitely given me more courage to get things off the ground.” She has also recently taken on an ambassador role for Peanut, the app that’s just launched in Australia and designed to reflect modern motherhood. Described as ‘Tinder for mums’ it offers a smart, mobile solution to connect mothers during what can be an incredibly isolating experience. It’s a perfect fit for the busy mum, who credits Adam, her mum and support network in Bali as the ‘village’ helping to raise her tiny tribe in what’s been a hectic and intense few years. For now, the family are off on a new adventure together, heading to Europe and will spend time on a boat in Croatia. “Either the best or worst idea ever!” she laughs. With Lindy and Adam designing and building their new family home together and the older children happily attending Bali’s world renowned sustainability-focused Green School, it certainly seems that life really has begun at 40. Now armed with the emotional maturity to live her life with conviction, she’s learned to become more accepting of herself. “It has been difficult and there has been a big change in myself that I’ve noticed since turning 40 and having Goldie. I’ve found it’s better to concentrate on yourself and what your journey is. It’s been a really big lesson for me, but it’s been a really important one,” says Lindy. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time – it shows through the children, it shows through me. It’s beautiful. There’s nothing really worrying or troubling me – I feel really content.” Lindy’s TIPS for travelling with children: – Always make sure all your kids devices are fully charged before leaving! I’ve been caught out on this one before, so now I also like to travel with a power bank too, which is especially handy for any long haul flights. Just make sure you charge that one before leaving too! – Ensure you have downloaded any movies, shows or games fully – not only so they can actually watch in flight, but to avoid any international data shock on your return. – On a long haul flight, I like to pack a surprise small gift I can whip out at some point on the flight when I feel tensions rise. Nothing big, and preferably something relevant to the trip, like a new diary, they can use for the holidays. That way I can encourage them to start on it straight away or distract them, even momentarily. – Always pack spare clothes for everyone on your carry-on. It’s especially true now with Goldie and the myriad of accidents that occur with a baby or toddler, but also if your luggage gets lost or, there are delays and you need to freshen up. – Kid

August 9, 2018

Choose The Scenic Route

Choosing the right family car is not an easy task. With so many SUVs on the market it can be hard to differentiate between all of the options and then narrow down exactly what specifications you want, without sacrificing one thing for another. Brooke has a growing family and knows that her top priorities are safety and functionality. The perfect car for Brooke would incorporate these requirements and be aesthetically pleasing at the same time, because just like the taco ad says ‘porque no los dos?’ Find out what Brooke thought of the new Volkswagen Allspace Tiguan when she took it for a test drive with the family for the weekend! Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 132TSI Comfortline 2.0 Litre in Deep Black Peal with Driver Assistance Package and Luxury Package SAFETY I was impressed that the Tiguan Allspace scored a maximum five-star rating in the ANCAP safety rating and it’s definitely no surprise with the extensive list of safety features listed in this SUV. All busy mums who have battled reverse parking with a car full of vocal children will appreciate the reverse camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The Tiguan Allspace also has seven airbags including dual front, front side, driver’s knee and full-length curtain coverage. I was wowed by the auto emergency and Manoeuvre braking*. The car can brake if the rear sensors detect an obstacle or alternatively it will gently steer you into your lane if it needs to. This is really helpful with blindspots when changing lanes. FUNCTIONALITY It’s as though Volkswagen delved into the mind of a busy mum and catered to just about every need possible when designing this car. The Tiguan Allspace can seat up to 7 people as it comes with two additional seats in the back. The boot space is 230L with all seats up and with all seats folded down it can hold up to 1755L… that’s a lot of space for cricket bats and beach toys. Having kids who love outdoor activities means that storage is always an important factor for me. There’s even about 6 different cupholders, meaning I can have the kids’ juice boxes, my cup of coffee and even the old tea mug I’ve forgotten to wash safety positioned. Everything is also nicely lined with rubber or felt to stop things rattling around. We’ve all had arguments over the temperature in the car before, but now we can agree to disagree. The Tiguan Allspace has three-zone climate control with driver, front passenger and back seat temperature. One of my favourite features was the App-Connect~ where you can access your smartphone’s screen, selected apps, maps and music on your car’s touchscreen and voice control. AESTHETIC I’ve often found that a lot of the family-sized SUVs available on the market are big and clunky, without actually utilising the space inside. Visually, the Tiguan Allspace is ultra sleek and in proportion, whilst also having great storage options and the ability to seat 7 people. The interior of the car is just as impressive as the exterior and I just can’t go past the black leather upholstery^. The optional Luxury package includes leather seats^, an electrically adjustable drivers seat with memory function, heated front seats and a panoramic electric glass sunroof. We would probably pay the premium to include these features as they supplemented the overall comfort of the car very well. OVERALL VERDICT This car is built for families, it’s like Volkswagen thought, ‘What do families want? They want safety, somewhere to put their stuff and something that looks good and then added as much technology as possible on top. Volkswagen has paid high attention to detail with this model and there is a particular focus on interior features making it a wonderful family car both inside and out. 10 FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES PEDESTRIAN MONITORING FRONT ASSIST WITH CITY EMERGENCY BREAK* LANE ASSIST* DRIVER FATIGUE DETECTION SYSTEM* 3-ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL STURDY VIENNA LEATHER APPOINTED UPHOLSTERY^ APP-CONNECT~ FOR SMARTPHONE KEYLESS ACCESS START 8″ DISCOVER PRO INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM USB PORT (THREE AS STANDARD) To test drive or to find out more information about the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace contact Solitaire Volkswagen 30 Belair Road Hawthorn SA 5062 37-41 Main North Road Medindie SA 5081 1300 857 671 Solitairevolkswagen.com.au Images by Meaghan Coles Photography

August 8, 2018

Rebecca Morse: Holidays. They can bind and divide a family.

Holidays. They can bind and divide a family. When I was growing up, family holidays meant piling into the Commodore, listening to mix tapes on our Walkmans because Dad had the cricket on the radio and sticking our head out the window to get some fresh air when he lit a cigarette. Ah the liberal parental rights of the 1980’s. When we go on road trips with our kids, the system is less of a dictatorship and more of a democracy. Every passenger takes turns choosing a song. As a result I’m all over the Taylor Swift back catalogue, equally the girls can sing along to American Pie with conviction. But at least when you drive to your holiday destination your offspring’s bad behaviour is only witnessed by your own direct relatives. There are few things more torturous than a crying child on an aeroplane, for parents and innocent passengers alike. If you can manage to successfully restrain a hysterical child in an infant seatbelt you might as well wander up to the cockpit and offer to help the pilot land the plane, such is your level of genius. You survive the air travel and arrive at your resort of choice. Mummy really needs a massage and a cocktail. Actually make that a cocktail and a massage. There is a Kids’ Club. Naturally. This ain’t my first rodeo people. You put the kids in the Kids’ Club. You take the kids out of the Kids’ Club. Because you start to feel guilty that you’re not spending enough quality time with them on the “Family Holiday”. They proceed to fight in the pool and splash each other, and the book you’ve managed to read just one paragraph of, while demanding hot chips and raspberry lemonade. Hot chips, raspberry lemonade, a Mojito and a Bintang are ordered. Stat. Travelling with kids is not easy. Show me a family that has survived a holiday without one or all members having at least one epic meltdown and I’ll show you a family that is telling porky pies. We’ve had holidays where the whole family has been struck down with gastro, and a dinner during which the items on the children’s menu proved far less appetising for Milla than Grace’s hair. Rewind to my childhood and running screaming from the sea with a bluebottle wrapped around my leg and my sister sleeping in a motel bath to avoid the sound of my father’s snoring are formative family holiday memories. But these negative experiences weave into family folklore along with the positives. Which of course are many. Travel within your state or country teaches children to appreciate the adventures and experiences on offer on their doorstep. Overseas travel teaches children about different cultures, currencies, cuisines. It broadens their mind, their tolerance, their understanding of their place in the world. Travel, both near and far, makes us grateful to return to the security and familiarity of home. My tip for successful family holidays is simple. Keep expectations low. If everyone is prepared for tantrums along the way, the children will be less shocked when you throw one. @rebeccamorse10

August 8, 2018

The World’s First Occupational Therapy Clinic for 13-21’s in Adelaide

OTFC is an Adelaide Clinic revolutionising treatments for adolescents with ASD otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a world first occupational therapy clinic for the 13-21 age group! OTFC+ is a service developed to support young adolescents and adults with sensory, physical, behavioural, social and emotional challenges. OTFC+ is an extension of Occupational Therapy For Children (OTFC) services that have been offered to children and families for over 30 years in South Australia. The innovative approach of this new therapy clinic will help thousands of Australians live more fulfilling lives and revolutionise the way the disorder is managed. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of varying severity that affects a person’s ability to perform basic roles – impacting on their social, emotional and physical well-being and placing extra responsibility and pressure on carers and family members. More than 115,000 Australians have ASD, with 48,100 reporting a need for more help with cognitive or emotional tasks and 27,100 asking for more assistance with communication. OTFC+ programs are based on the link between physical health and emotional and social wellbeing, and bring together a variety of services to address these shortfalls. Through the OTFC+ LIFEskills SOCIALskills group programs and individual physical programs, the challenges adolescents with ASD face – physically, cognitively and emotionally – can be targeted. occupationaltherapychildren.com.au @occupationaltherapyforchildren

August 7, 2018

Eco Crayons: Colour Safe

Colour Safe Put down the glue and get ready to chew until your hearts content kids because Eco Crayons are 100% plant based making them 100% non-toxic, vegan and biodegradable. These handmade crayons are made with 100% natural ingredients like waxes and butters. The colour pigments are even derived from plants, roots, seeds and flowers so you can colour the rainbow naturally. When Mum, teacher and Eco Crayons founder, Naomi Parsons began researching what was really in the kind of products we watch our kids chew on, she was horrified. The use of pigments containing heavy metals, paraffin (from petroleum), synthetic oxides and micas, plastics and asbestos particles is alarming to us too…. All Eco Crayon waxes and colours are food grade so \ if they do happen to make their way into little mouths they are completely safe! It’s not just the crayons that are eco friendly. Even Eco Crayon pouches are made from 100% organic fair trade cotton, coconut husk buttons and hemp cord that is unwaxed, biodegradable and vegan dyed. All labels and packaging are 100% recyclable and vegan dye printed. This makes both the art mediums and the packaging eco-friendly and sustainable! Keep an eye out for the newest element of Naomi’s business. eco-friendly botanical paint, coming soon! We asked mumpreneur, Naomi a few more questions about her business: What made you decide to start your own business? It was never my intention to start a business, it was just something that organically evolved. I’m a special education teacher by trade and my daughter Arleena, who is 6, is a chewer, so all of the little people in my world were putting drawing tools in their mouths, often covered in colour leeching into and staining their skin for days. This was the birth of Eco Crayons. Do you make the goods yourself? Yes, I am one crazy mumma! Every single crayon that leaves my studio has been handcrafted. I use a small batch process so that there is more control over the outcome – plant pigments areextremely sensitive to work with. Every batch and crayon is hand weighed, hand poured, hand cut and hand boxed. Having a handmade product is important to me as it allows me to combine my love of science with the creative part of my soul. It also means that I have control over the manufacturing process and can produce a product which has a very green environmentalfootprint. What is the importance of buying our kids natural, eco friendly products? One of the most confronting lessons on my journey so far is uncovering what is actually in kids products. As parents we just take for granted that if something is listed as non-toxic then it is safe for our kids, right? As a mum and teacher I trusted these messages too, however, many of the ingredients in commercial crayons are synthetic and chemically engineered. Surprisingly many eco friendly crayons are not actually sustainable as they contain palm oil and non-renewable mined micas and clays to colour them. ecocrayons.com.au@ecocrayons

August 4, 2018

Get the Ball Rolling

Little Tennis Stars is a local Adelaide tennis club specifically designed for early learning so that little ones can develop confidence straight off the bat. Founder Dionysia Paronis (Didi) was introduced to tennis in primary school at age 5. She instantly fell in love with the sport and decided to join a tennis club. After noticing the joy and confidence that she gained from her involvement with tennis, Didi decided that she wanted to provide this same experience to younger children (as young as 18 months old). A mama herself, Didi loves working with young kids, this lead to a specific focus on catering to the Early Learning area. Her programs allow young ones to feel safe and comfortable in their new learning environment. We asked Didi to explain a bit more about the benefits of tennis: How does playing sport build up children’s confidence and help with their developmental learning? We use the ‘Game Sense Approach’ this encourages children to play with purpose while learning through play. Children feel confident when successful and as a good coach it’s important to make each child successful at everything they try. With confidence and success their developmental learning comes naturally and they will be able to advance to the next level. How do you provide a safe/supportive environment for children with all different levels of capabilities? Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework guidelines (EYLF). This assists in planning each lesson like an ELC would as part of their daily routine. During a lesson we use both direct and indirect teaching styles. Both encourage children to learn how to search and receive information, solve problems and explore solutions. At the Foundation stage of children’s development we ‘guide more, direct less’. Are your programs purely competitive? At the foundation stage of children’s learning it’s important to keep it simple and effective for their development. Seeing the children have fun while learning is most rewarding for us. Our foundation program isn’t competitive. Once children progress to our Hot Shots Red, Orange and Green stage program there you’ll see more competitive training methods to assist in match play. PROGRAMS Hot Shots Blue Stage 3–5 years (ELC) Hot Shots Red Stage 5-8 years Hot Shots Orange Stage 8-10 years Hot Shots Green stage 9-12 years Petite – Introductory Program 18 months – 3 years (ELC) The Petite Introductory program assists in preparation for the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots pathway. Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) The Little Tennis Stars Program has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Children have the opportunity to develop skills including:• Gross motor skills• Co-ordination• Group interactionConfidence and self-esteem littletennisstars.com.au@littletennisstars Image by Meaghan Coles Photography

August 4, 2018

MYER Centre: Winter Wellness

In nature, winter is the season for hibernation and a time for rejuvenation. It’s the perfect time to focus inwards and build strength and stability in the body with the right food and wellness routine to support you through the colder months. The Myer Centre Adelaide has you covered for everything green, clean and in-between! Warm up with a Vietnamese pho, purchase a great cookbook or invest in new activewear for some fitspiration! Myer Centre Adelaide @myercentreade

August 1, 2018

Kiddo Mag: Issue #5

August 1, 2018

SMALL BITES

It’s never too early to get them interested in food and cooking, there are so many fun, fashionable and creative ways to ignite the little foodie in them. Who said broccoli was boring?

July 30, 2018

Latest issues