{mum space}

a new road to travel...

2009-11-02T23:01:00.000+11:00

The time has come for me to wave goodbye to this little blog. Sniff.
It's been coming for a while; I just had to let it really sink in before I carved the words in blog-stone.
There's a few contributing factors with a common denominator:
I'm freelancing more so time is getting tighter.
I'm starting a new creative writing course and a sewing course and will need to dedicate time to assignments and classes.
It's hit me that our girl has only one more year and a lil bit at home before she heads off to school so time with her is precious and I want to soak up every last little bit.
I want to get more things off my to-do list and onto my by-golly-I-did-it list so yep, I need to dig around and find time for that.
And I won't bore you with the rest (you know, the house to clean, the garden to tend to, the food to bake) but essentially time seems to be getting scarcer around here and some things have had to be reassessed. Ahem, my time spent on the 'puter being at the top of the list. I just simply don't have the time to maintain this blog at the level I would like to.
Whilst I have so, so, so much enjoyed writing this blog what I've loved most is the people I've met, the new friends I've made and the totally ace blogs I have discovered. I won't quit those, promise. In fact I might even be able to linger a bit longer and comment a bit more on some of my faves.
And while I should perhaps be quitting the blogosphere completely I've gone and done a bit of moonlighting over at tumblr and I'm liking it. A lot. I'm actually using it as a bit of an organisational tool. Well, that's what I'm telling myself (and my husband).
You can visit me if you like. I'm here. And I'm making a list of fun things to do with the littles here. And I'm collecting recipes I want to make here. And I'm listing and linking gift ideas for our family here. And one more... I'm collecting visual inspiration for our house here. Oh yes, it's list making gone crazy but I'm finding it's bringing a lot more order and purpose to my net-gazing.
But as I head into my new courses I've made a pact with myself to have two recreational internet (aka blog reading and posting) nights a week. Sheesh, I'm having withdrawals just thinking about it but my guess is I'll be so busy with everything else I won't even notice.

So if you see me around a bit too much just don't tell my ~~husband~~ parole officer.

Sandra x

And the winners are... Small Fry Play

2009-10-12T10:35:00.002+11:00

I woke up with the feeling that I had forgotten to do something. I've checked a few times to make sure I put underwear on.
Then it came to me.
The comp I put on my blog has ended and I need to draw some lucky winners. The littles have kindly pulled three names out of a bag.
Ems, Buttons by Lou Lou and Carmel — you all won a copy of Small Fry Play. Congrats! Email me your address details (contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com) so you can play all day. And a huge thank you to the Small Fry crew for this giveaway. I really love what you do!

Giveaway :: Play all day with Small Fry's latest book

2009-10-05T22:54:00.004+11:00

Yay! The Small Fry ladies have been busy making another book. This one is dedicated to one of our favourite things to do (and I'm sure one of yours) — play!
We all know play is super-important for little minds, helping them to build essential life skills and make sense of this world, but as an adult I sometimes find myself resisting play. I get a case of the I'm-too-busies or let's-not-make-a-big-mess-that-Mama-has-to-clean-ups. Do you ever find yourself doing that? Sometimes there are legitimate things you need to do (like make food so that your littles are alive tomorrow to play some more) and it's also great for children to have some independent play time but I really think we adults could play a bit more. It's fun so why not, huh?
So if you need any encouragement on making play time a priority this book is it. It not only explains the importance and relevance of play for growing minds and bodies but gives lots of practical applications with great games and crafts and ideas on making your spaces fun and safe.
It also celebrates the connection play brings between family members. Nothing brings my littles closer than a game of mud pies in the back yard and I know how much they value Mama and Dada letting go and getting into the swing of a game of fairies or moon explorers.
One thing I'm really loving about this book is the sense of simplicity it imparts. Play doesn't have to be complicated or hard work. You don't have to devise crafts that would outsmart Martha Stewart. We all know that the simple things in life can bring the greatest joy and the area of play is no exception to that. Sometimes a rock can be all you need to have a fun-filled day with your special little people.
One of the authors of Play, early childhood guru Sue Cant has kindly shared her top 10 tips for Play with us:
1. Time to relax. Make time every day to let your children play freely. This will build creativity and social skills and give them time to de-stress.
2. Create balance. Make time and space for active, noisy play and quiet, alone play. Children need both to fuel their minds and bodies.
3. The toy debate. Find toys and other items to play with that have more than one use. A blanket can be a tent , a flying carpet, the skin of a dinosaur or something to cuddle up in when we read a book together. When buying toys ask yourself what will my child do with this toy? Will it stand up to the job!
4. Mess is good! Busy minds shouldn't have to worry (within reason) about mess. If it's really messy take it outside or plan a space where it is OK to be messy.
5. You're the parent. Set simple limits that make sense to your child and stick to them! In play your child is learning about the world and their place in it, sometimes that means children need limits to help them play safely.
6. Build resilience. Encourage your child to try new things and to challenge themselves physically and mentally according to their skill and development. The world can be a tough place at times so help them to learn how to manage that risk by building determination and self assurance.
7. Expand your child's world. Be brave try out new things and places together. This builds interest and curiosity which will enhance your child's play.
8. Interact. Make time to read, sing, dance and talk to your child everyday to build connections that will last a life time.
9. Make time for you. Parenting is challenging. Make a little time each day to do something for you. Five minutes might be all you can get but use it to feed your own spirit.
10. Hug them every day no matter what. No matter what the day has brought hug them before bed. This gives them the message that they are important and in turns feeds their self confidence to explore and create tomorrow.
And to celebrate the book's release and spread the love of play the lovely Small Fry team are giving away three copies of their book.
All you have to do to enter is drop a comment below. That's it. The competition will close Sunday October 11 at midnight AEDST. Good luck.
For me this book has sparked a dedication to make this school holidays all about connecting with my littles through play so I'm giving the blog a rest. I'll pop back in to let you know who won the books but other than that I'll see you all in two weeks. Have fun x

Prehistoric snack of the week

2009-09-28T13:18:00.003+10:00

The other day our son held up his half munched piece of cheesy toast and exclaimed "A T-Rex!".
Do you think I could flog it off on ebay like the Virgin Mary cheese sandwich?

And the winner is...

2009-09-27T21:41:00.003+10:00

Please excuse my tardiness... I've been flat to the floor with kids (both my littles seem to be on major hurting themselves sprees at the moment; the weirdest accident of the week was our daughter who cut her toes quite badly on a washing basket... TWICE), major dust cleaning (a lot of you know what that's like! Sheesh, I am over it and can this crazy wind please go away too?), birthday party creating (why did I decide on a do-it-all-myself party-at-home job this year?) and another family member in hospital (thank goodness it's not one of the littles this time). September is throwing us some curve balls. Roll on October.
I've popped over to visit the random number generator and the winner is:
Congratulations aprilmanley! Email your mailing deets to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com. Thanks everyone for entering and thanks so much Cushie Tushies for the lovely giveaway!

Do dwell on it!

2009-09-22T06:00:00.001+10:00

DwellStudio, those lovely makers of gorgeous bed linen, have some new prints out and they have expanded their range to include bath accessories, toys, lunch kits, backpacks, bibs, aprons and stationery. Happy days!
Holy crackers. That backpack. Divine.

Here, take another look in case you blacked out from the cuteness of it all:

Tiny People stock a lot of this label so hopefully they'll be getting the bags when they come out at the end of October.

Waiter, there's a baby in my table...

2009-09-21T06:00:00.002+10:00

A friend was recently telling me how hard it is to achieve quality time with her daughter to complete homework because her nine-month-old always wants to be part of the action. She said there have been torn homework books, tantrums from both children and quite a few tears (mostly from the littles but I think she's about to join the raining eyes party out of sheer frustration). This could be the solution. The Baby in Table I spotted on Inhabitots last week. A nice spot in the table for baby and plenty of room for the little homework doer to set up down the other end. Provide baby with his own homework book to drool on and rip as he likes, set yourself up on a cushion with a cup of tea in hand and everyone will be happy.

Welcome to the house of fun

2009-09-20T06:00:00.001+10:00

Our son is always proclaiming that when he grows up he's going to build a house right next to ours and join the two by a bridge. I think this is probably the image in his mind:

{I've seen this pic a lot around the web; most recently over at Sweet Home Style}

WIN! Cushie Tushies for your little one's cute tushie

2009-09-19T21:20:00.006+10:00

Hey, weren't Shell and Cath from Cushie Tushie's fantastic in their Super Mum interview?
And those nappies. Goodness me. Too. Cute. Babies these days, huh? They really do have it all.
Well, they are so super fantastic that they have a little surprise for a {mum space} reader. That's you. Yes. You. The one reading this.
The lovely ladies want your little one's tushie to get the deluxe treatment so they are giving away a couture nappy and matching wet bag in the winners choice of print. Just head on over to the Cushie Tushie site and then swing back here to leave a comment with your choice of print.
Want extra entries. You can get three more big ones. Here's how to get 'em:
Blog this giveaway and get 1 extra entry
Subscribe to or follow this site and get 1 extra entry
Twitter or Facebook this giveaway and get 1 extra entry
Just be sure to leave separate comments saying which of these you have done to get your extra entries. Good luck!
I'll be drawing a random winner next Friday, September 25.

Super Mums :: Shell and Cath from Cushie Tushies

2009-09-19T20:42:00.008+10:00

We all know that the world would be a better place if it was run by mums alone. Shell and Cath from Cushie Tushies would definitely be on the board of directors.

{Shell and her little man with the tushie that started it all}
{Cath and her boys. If we could read minds I'm sure the boys are saying: my cushie tushie is so... cushie}

How did Cushie Tushies get started? Like all mums I wanted to provide the best for her new baby. After researching all the options available for my baby’s bottom I decided that Modern Cloth Nappies were ideal.
The birth of my first son in 2005 provided the inspiration for the very first Cushie Tushies nappy. I wanted the benefits of cloth with the ease of disposables — I was looking for a one-sized all-in-one that was absorbent, easy to use, in fun, brightly coloured fabrics. There weren’t too many options within my limited budget that covered all the bases, so I created my own!
It was such a fun and effective product that word spread. Pretty soon, I was making nappies for friends and strangers alike and, with the help of our customers’ feedback, the Cushie Tushie developed into the popular All In One cloth nappy that it is today.
The Cushie Tushies team now includes two partners: founder Shell, as Design and Production Director and Catherine Langman as Marketing, Sales and Financial Director. We're both mothers striving to strike a balance between work and family — spending quality time at home with our children whilst nurturing and challenging their professional, creative and business interests.
Cloth nappies have come a long way in the last few years and you’ve been at the forefront of that change with your Cushie Tushies nappies. What exactly are modern cloth or all-in-one nappies?
Any new parent or expectant mother who has wandered into the baby and maternity section of Online Shopping has probably noticed the plethora of cloth nappies available. One glance at an item description, however, loaded with acronyms and strange terms, probably causes you to back away and not even try to begin deciphering their descriptions. I know this because not that long ago, I was one of these people!
In an effort to make buying nappies easier for all parents, here is a brief explanation of what modern cloth nappies are and what to look for. Cloth nappies can be roughly divided into two categories: ‘traditional’ flat cloth and ‘modern’ cloth. Flat cloth is the traditional terry squares, and also what are known as pre-fold nappies. They are the most basic form of nappy and are quite cheap. They require a good quality cover and usually have to be changed more regularly as they are not as absorbent as Modern Cloth nappies (or MCNs). MCNs, also known as pockets and All-in-one (AIO) nappies, are shaped like a disposable and don’t require folding like a flat nappy. As the name suggests, the waterproof cover, absorbent material and nappy inner are all in one unit. They fasten simply at the front, with touch tape or snaps, and are generally easy and convenient to use.
What are the advantages of cloth nappies over disposable?
When you first look at modern cloth, it may look more expensive than you expected. As with any purchase you make, you will always pay a premium for quality. When it comes to cloth nappies, the old-fashioned terry squares with plastic pilchers will always be the most cost effective option. However, if the greater work-load, more frequent nappy changes and problems with leaks aren’t for you, then modern cloth is the way to go.
A good quality modern cloth system is an excellent investment. By paying a little extra per nappy, you’ll get products that are more effective and absorbent, and durable enough to last the distance.
So let’s have a closer look at the figures and see how they compare to disposables. For the sake of this comparison, we have used a price-point of 50 cents per disposable. Obviously cheaper disposables are available, but generally need more frequent changing than we have estimated in our comparison.
Birth to Undies: 2.5 years, or 130 weeks, or 913 days
Disposable nappies: 7 nappies per day @ 50 cents per nappy = $3,195.50
Disposable wipes: 1 packet per week @ $5.50 = $915.00
That's a TOTAL of: $4,110.50
A Cushie Tushies Full Timer bulk pack will provide you with:
24 nappies, 2 wool covers, 4 bamboo fold-ups, 4 packs wipes = $884.00
That’s a total saving of $3226.50!!!
With two kids in nappies, these costs would double! And that doesn’t take into consideration extra expenses like disposable nappy sacks…
Mums are so busy these days, are modern cloth nappies going to add a whole lot more work to their already full day?
Modern cloth nappies don’t require bleaching, soaking, hot washing, ironing or any of those mundane and time consuming jobs that make traditional cloth nappies seem like a chore. This makes caring for modern cloth nappies really easy. Once used, simply empty the contents of the soiled nappy into the toilet (or you can use a bio-degradable flushable liner for this if you don’t like the mess) and throw the nappy in a dry nappy bucket with a lid, or straight in the wash.
How often on average do you need to change your baby if you are using Cushie Tushies?
The Couture is our premium nappy, but with the price tag you do get some serious bang for your buck. Our customers love this nappy because it is super absorbent — it lasts anywhere between 6-12 hours. But mostly, our customers love the Couture because it is a true fashion item — the range of colours and prints is huge, so there is a style to suit all tastes!
The Basix is what we call our workhorse nappy. This nappy is excellent value at a reasonable price. It is absorbent, lasting 3-5 hours between changes, trim fitting, and so easy to use that Daddy and Granny can’t get it wrong! It comes in a range of beautiful colours and is available in discount bulk packs.
How many cloth nappies do you need and how long do they last?
Cushie Tushies receommends having at least 24 nappies for full time use. This is enough nappies for around 2½ days’ wear, allowing for washing every second day with a few to spare while the rest are drying. We find that having less nappies, and therefore washing more frequently, means each nappy gets a much bigger work-out and deteriorates faster. By having a good sized stash, you are not washing every day and therefore the nappies will last well over a much longer period. Of course, if you prefer to wash less often, you would have a bigger stash!
And does one size really fit all? How does that work?
Cushie Tushies all-in-one (AIO) nappies are one-size-fits-all, or OSFA. This means that the nappy you purchase when your little one is born will see them right through to toilet training. There is no need to buy different sizes as your child grows — rather, as your baby grows, you simply adjust how far around the front of your baby's tummy you wrap the wings of the nappy and secure firmly with the snaps. To fit our nappies on a newborn to approximately 5kg, you will need to shorten the rise at the front by folding the top down. This will also reduce the size of the leg holes, preventing leakage, and the nappy will still fasten at the front as normal. Cushie Tushies has tested our OSFA nappies on boys and girls, from newborn to toddler, with great success. We hope you find the same with your child!
Where can you get Cushie Tushies modern cloth nappies?
Online at our website, through our retail stores (also listed on the website) or through our consultants all across Australia.
You have some really cute designs in your range, which ones are your favourites?
Shell :: Bumble Bee Couture and Orange Basix

Cath :: Denim Couture and Black Basix

Mum review :: BabyWedge

2009-09-16T21:47:00.004+10:00

Mama to three, Christine, gave the babywedge a workout with baby Finn who has reflux and both mum and her little man are loving it.
"I've been using the babywedge for a couple of months now for my five-month-old and it's so useful.
After Finn was born he developed reflux so I had his cot on an angle which wasn't really that practical and didn't look great either but seemed to help the problem. Now we can just use the babywedge without having to worry about adjusting the cot all the time.
It's so easy to take in and out and very portable for taking to grandparents' places and on holidays to use in portacots.
I like the way it keeps the baby on the same angle every time and it feels familiar to him so it's become a comforter as well as helping with his reflux.
He especially loves it for tummy time when I place it in the living room. I think it feels more secure for him with the bars on the side and it is really comfortable and soft... no head banging on the hard floor when he gets a bit tired!
I would definitely recommend the babywedge to mums with babies who have reflux. It's such a versatile, handy addition to the nursery. I'll be giving it a go as a back pillow when I can get Finn off it for a second."
The babywedge was developed by Brisbane sisters Hayley Birtles-Eades and Sally Martin out of their own need for colic-relief for their babies. But it has many more uses: a pregnancy pillow, a breast-feeding support pillow, an aid for flathead, a tummy-time aid, a toddler rest station, a driving support pillow. It weighs only 500grams and has a machine-washable 100 per cent cotton cover (in an assortment of lovely colours). Check out the website for stockists and lots of tips on reflux and colic.
Thanks Christine for your review and thanks Hayley and Sally for making lots of mums and babies lives easier!

Shady baby

2009-09-15T10:24:00.003+10:00

Okay, since parts of this country seem to be skipping the Spring and heading straight for Summer it's time to get the beach/pool gear sorted. You know what I always find painful? Rashies. There's a whole lot of ugly out there under this category. But you know what else is ugly (and downright negligent)? A sunburnt child. So of course a clever mum has come up with a solution for people who don't want their littles getting around with rash shirts shouting such blasphemies as "Bad Girl". Freak me, if those two words ever appear in this house I will know the world is coming to an end.
Enter Babes in the Shade rashies. This gear is chlorine and salt-water resistant, UPF 50+ and super cute (or cool if your littles won't let you use that word about them any more!). Standing ovation.
Spots get me every. time and the colours are gelato-licious.

And I am in love with this little rugby inspired number for the boys. Cute. I mean cool.

Things that go bump

2009-09-09T06:00:00.002+10:00

This is a guest post/review on the Thudguard Infant Protective Safety Helmet from cool mama and art director extraordinaire, Judie. Thanks for sharing Judie!
My youngest daughter thinks she's Evel Knievel. Look!

You will often find her scaling the dollhouse to reach the summit with a victorious two arms up in the air; leaping from the lounge to an arm chair; and doing wheelies and speeding backwards across the floor on her trike.
Coupled with a three-year-old big sister who occasionally forgets her sibling is a little unsteady on her feet (this walking thing is new, you know!) and you have a recipe for impending disaster.
Add to this a work-at-home papa who lets the girls loose on activities I deem way too dangerous (I know, skinned knees are a right of passage for toddlers but with her climbing ways rivaling Spider-Man I really was starting to worry about a serious knock to the head). So after one sickening thud too many on the floorboards we set about searching for some head protection for our little stunt girl. Thudguard was delivered to our doorstep within the week and Little Miss Knievel duly strapped in (after some encouragement from Papa and big sister who donned their own bike helmets in a show of solidarity).
Comfy enough for stunts? Well, she doesn't fuss with it once it's on, though she will come and request it be taken off after 30 minutes or so because her head gets hot — and the sweaty little mop of hair that emerged was a bit alarming at first (it doesn't have quite as much ventilation as a bike helmet). The helmet is constructed from a very lightweight neoprene covered foam and the manufacturers recommend it be used for short lengths of time under supervision. The chin strap could do with an extra bit of padding where it attaches — you do have to take care or your little one is likely to get chafed by the misalignment of velcro. It's very simple to get on and off; my 16-month-old doesn't yet have the strength to undo the strap and I trust that by the time she is capable she will have progressed to a proper helmet (yes, we have our eye on an Evel Knievel replica helmet!)
Thudguard is endorsed by neurosurgeons and at $45 I think it's a small price to pay for peace of mind during this stage of your baby's development. It certainly doesn't hurt that it looks super cute on and comes in lilac or powder blue!

Wonder wall

2009-09-07T10:19:00.003+10:00

Wow! I wish I could pull off this kind of decorating brilliance. I'm reading it as "life can be crammed to the corners but still look beautiful and make you smile" and that sentiment is going to get me through this week.
via Home Sweet Home

Visualising

2009-09-03T14:50:00.003+10:00

We're planning a *gulp* camping holiday at the end of the year.
The littles are waaay excited.
I'm hoping it goes a little something like this:
via Home Sweet Home
:: PS :: we've just had some hospital time with one of our littles (everything is a-okay now) so I may be a little scarce around here for a while x

Da real kids' club

2009-08-31T05:30:00.001+10:00

I've yet to meet a non-dancing kidlet. I'm convinced they do not exist. Ours are beasts for the groove. A typical Saturday night at the Sharpham residence often involves some serious rug cutting.
If you are a Sydney mum and your littles like to move it, move it, you may want to check out baby loves disco.
I guess it was really only a matter of time before someone started a nightclub for little-o's and Tash and Alex are bringing it once a month to Slide Bar in Darlinghurst (minus the dodgy middle of the night Kings Cross antics though). Finally, a club where lollipop sucking is appropriate. A ticket will get your dancing machine three hours of non-stop fun, including dancing, games, prizes and of course chillout areas for when it all gets a bit much. And it's a hot ticket too. The September event has already sold out, so get in and get your October Halloween tickets early.
Actually, it's probably lucky we left the city before this idea came to fruition. I would totally not to be able to stop myself from getting amongst it. You know I would so be forming a dance circle lickity split. I know it. And our littles definitely know it.

Spring it on

2009-08-30T06:00:00.001+10:00

Spring forward Spring so little girls can step out in lovely little shoes.

via Inhabitots

Doin' it for the kids

2009-08-28T10:29:00.004+10:00

You know, it's people who do things off their own bat for others, expecting squat in return, who make this big old world keep on a turning for me.
One of those people is the loverly Despina who has set up Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids.
Her and her partner have been looking into becoming foster carers and in the process she had a fantastic idea. You see when kids are taken into foster care they quite often leave their home with little more than the clothes on their back. And as awesome as it is that there are people out there who provide refuge for kids in need they are still scared as all get-out in their new environment. So Despina is putting together backpacks containing underwear, jammies, toiletries, books, a soft toy, etc... so that foster kids have something they can take with them. I love that she thought of putting torches in the backpacks. Coz the dark is scary no matter your age and especially when you are somewhere you've never been before.
I explained the idea to our kids and thought we might make a donation on their behalf but the littles had a better idea (of course). They wanted to make up backpacks for kids their own age ("friends who need help" they termed them).
It was a great opportunity to talk to our kids about people who are less fortunate and explain the foster care situation as best we could. Then we shopped for their friends and they put together their little care packs with so much love and talked about how they hoped the kids who got their backpacks found a nice family to take care of them. My heart was friggin breaking (in a good, proud-Mama way). Our son even explained what he was doing to the checkout girl at Best & Less when he bought his little "friend" some socks and underpants.
So thanks Despina for letting us be involved in your kindness and providing a real solution for a real problem.
And I urge you to get involved too. You can make a donation (money or goods), buy a ready-made backpack or make up your own and send it on up to Despina. And pass it on.
Get over here and find out more.

New-to-me

2009-08-20T22:21:00.000+10:00

I just discovered gastrokid (and no that is not a sick child).
What it is is a fantastical kid-skewed food blog. Loves it. Big time.

Oooh and look. They have a cookbook out. Yes please.

I'm in trifle trouble

2009-08-19T20:52:00.005+10:00

Gulp. Over 60 designers at one online destination.
Uh-huh.
Trifle has launched ladies. Get there.
It's soooo good. And unlike the edible stuff no calories. Although I probably won't be able to afford any food once I'm done.
I'm eyeing off:
:: Little Lotti's Josie Ruffle Pants

:: Lovestamp's jewellery

:: Maggie and Sparrow's patchwork quilts

:: The Pet Pocket Pinafore's by Free Range Baby

:: Flirty Bird's Bambi Headband

:: Mee a Bee's Forest Friends Little Kid Satchel

:: Absolutely everything from Let Them Eat Cake

Somebody. stop. me.

music monday :: a coconut double

2009-08-12T13:12:00.005+10:00

We love exposing our kids to all sorts of music so they can formulate their, ahem, own tastes (even though it hurts my ears sometimes).
Something I've finally got around to doing that I've been meaning to do for years is compile their own playlists on my iPod.
I've split them into the following categories for each of our children: makes me dance, chills me out, sing-along songs.
Their favourite songs are now literally at their fingertips and we can add to them as we please.
Here's a Coconut Records (love Jason Schwartzman) double; one for our daughter's playlist and one for mama's (Chloe Sevigny I think you are totes cool but I don't know about that jumper, sheesh, are the 90's making a comeback already? Please don't make me go there).
What are you listening to this week?

I spy with my little eye :: get your activity on

2009-08-12T12:23:00.012+10:00

There are sooooo many great ideas out there we want to try. Here's a few on our current "do it" list:
:: Storytelling stones are the flavour flave of the blog world at the moment and we're busy collecting to make a set for some outdoor Spring time play.
These are from Amy at Sweet Sweet Life. Too. cute. clever. lady.
Check these links for tutes and inspiration too:
—red bird crafts
—maya*made

:: And while we are collecting suitable stones for that project we're also looking for little pebbles for this one:
Alphabet pebble magnets from the amazing Playful Learning.

:: Okay so I may not understand what she is saying but I really enjoy the pictures and ideas on this blog. I'm feeling this felt car mat in a big way and am thinking I could really go to town and bling it up big time (I promise to share if I pull my finger out on this one).

:: This little study centre over at FamilyFun reminded me that I had bookmarked the same idea over at Martha quite some time ago. I think it's time this mama rocked it for our little homework-beaver. Actually I could use one of these to hide behind when I'm laptoping.

:: And this fairy furniture from Monkey Lobster is just the freakin bees knees, no? The littles (not to mention the fairy folk) are going to go nuts and this mama may just pass out from the cuteness of it all!
Right-o then, best be off to make some of this magic actually happen in real life. Have you got any fun projects on the boil at your place? Feel free to share your links x

Here comes the sun

2009-08-11T11:12:00.005+10:00

Yes it does.
It's being very kind and hanging around making the days a little longer.
And I can feel its rays getting a teensy bit warmer. Yay!
Oh but you know how you really know the sunshine is coming back to town to play?
The shops start getting lots of fresh drops of clothing without *gasp* sleeves!
That's right, summer ranges are taking to the shelves.
So how about these super-lovely-suits from Aussie label Toetum?
Yes please.
I know some chunky little baby thighs that would look uber-cute in one. Jackson I'm looking at you, young man.

It's a wild world

2009-08-09T22:13:00.002+10:00

You know I am hanging out for this movie. You know the first tralier made me cry (lil bit). So does the second one. I have been watching this all weekend. I may explode waiting for this movie. I don't think I have anticipated anything so much since the birth of our littles.

@ Yahoo! Video

Super Mum :: Stella from Little Miss Stella PR

2009-08-07T11:50:00.006+10:00

I love celebrating the amazing things mums are doing, everywhere, every day. That's what the Super Mum series is about. So let's meet our latest cape-deserving mama.
I really do believe that having children brings you to your full potential. I think it’s the time out you take when you first have a baby — for many of us it’s the first time we have ever stepped away from our professional lives and thought about something different.
And we all know from little things big things grow so it’s not surprising that when Stella Katsaros took time away from being a TV publicist to be with her newborn son, Sam, she realised through her little man that she could do big things.
Stella, you had a baby, which in turn inspired you to start your own PR business, Little Miss Stella. Tell us how you came to this decision?
I must be honest… it was partially a decision I was forced to make. Though I’ve always entertained ideas and dreams of being my own boss, I finally took the leap when my employer refused to let me work part time after my maternity leave ended. I was quite peeved and wanted to show them that I didn’t need their job anyway… I wanted to play by my own rules! And so, Little Miss Stella Publicity & Media Relations was born.
How do you go about starting your own business from scratch?
I cannot emphasise enough the value of educating yourself, researching and preparing. I don’t understand how people can invest money, time and emotions into an idea or a business without feeling thoroughly satisfied with their homework. Do small business courses, buy books, read Internet articles, become a member of your relevant association or even do some work experience. At a very basic level you need to have a passion and belief in what you want to do, as well as a strong belief in your abilities. You need energy, conviction, guts, street savvy and support — but you also need to hold on to the vision, be thick skinned and try your best to not get discouraged.
What are the main challenges of running your own business?
For me it’s the daily struggle I feel between wanting to control and do everything but knowing that I can’t. Relinquishing that control and trusting your ‘baby’ with other people is a major challenge. Once you learn however, that outsourcing and getting the right assistance can really help you grow your business, you get to wonder how you ever did without it!
Is it harder to switch off when it’s yours?
Its almost impossible. It doesn’t help that modern technology like the Blackberry and laptops make it too easy to always be working. But, you have to step back occasionally and say to yourself that the work will still be there tomorrow. (Those who know me well will be laughing real hard right now because I probably seldom give myself that opportunity actually!)
What do you love most about Little Miss Stella?
I love that I can be my own boss, play by my own rules and live the life and have the career that I choose. I can take breaks when I want, work as hard as I need, but still give myself time and leeway to be a mum, wife and friend.
How do you handle the juggling act of being a mum and running a business?
I am blessed to have an amazing support network. My husband is very supportive and encouraging. He does what he can to make sure that I can work on Little Miss Stella — attend meetings, visit clients interstate, stay up late and do work etc. Every so often he tells me how proud he is of me and that always gives me a huge boost.
I also have the best mum in the world. Not only is she my chief babysitter but, like hubby, she bends over backwards to free up my time so I can put 110% into my business and my clients. She looks after Sam when I have a meeting, makes sure my hubby and son are OK, cleans my house, cooks food etc. I often wonder how I will ever repay her for her colossal effort.
You specialise in “nursery PR”. Who are some of your clients?
Because of the circumstances I was under when Little Miss Stella started it was a no-brainer that I would gravitate towards the nursery industry. Not surprisingly as a style conscious mummy I was keen to work with the most gorgeous baby, kids and parenting products and brands. We have been honoured to work with some amazing and innovative nursery products and brands over the past few years. Our clients include Babywedge, Petit, Joey Sling, Bosco Bear, Kalamazoo Kidz, Little Innoscents, Paper Eskimo, Hide That Spot, The Party Parlour, Yunginz and many many more. At the moment we have our biggest client list ever and we are surrounded by stylish and funky gorgeous stuff! It’s truly a pleasure to go in to work every day!
The pace of things in PR is insane these days with online media coming to the party, how do you keep up with everything?
I make a real deliberate effort to stay on top of the social media and online thing. It helps that I am addicted to Twitter and Facebook and am pretty savvy with regards to websites and blogs. As a public relations provider I can’t afford to not be up with these trends because they are now an integral part of any PR campaign. The traditional ways of approaching the media and communicating with the public has changed. If I didn’t get up to speed with all of this I wouldn’t be able to do my job properly and my clients would miss out. That would be my worst nightmare. So, I’m constantly attending seminars and courses to help in this area, but I also find that just spending time online, communicating with other PRs and similar businesses and learning how they do things has also proven to be very constructive and helpful.
What are your favourite magazines?
Magazines are my drugs so this is a very loaded question to be asking Little Miss Stella! Sorry for being predictable, but at the moment I am a huge Vogue fan. Just like Carrie Bradshaw I like to keep them and cherish them and read them when I need a pick me up. I buy UK, US and Australian Vogue every month without fail. I’ve also been a huge fan of Real Living (the ACP interiors mag) from the very first issue because I love the way I can escape to a decluttered, organised and beautiful space without too much fuss or effort!
And your favourite blogs?
Not surprisingly I love Girl With A Satchel — its all about the world of magazines, so is another place I can indulge in the magic and glamour of glossies. It’s good too because Erica buys all the magazines and I don’t have to!
I also have an unhealthy obsession and true love for interiors and style so other top blogs for me include The Sartorialist, Coco+Kelley, Karen Cheng’s Snippets of Life, apartment therapy and ohdeedoh. I’ve also just discovered dooce.com. FANTASTIC!
What’s your grand plan for Little Miss Stella?
Happiness and making a difference. I don’t want to make a gajillion dollars. I just want to be happy and I want my boys to be proud of me. I want to know within myself that I gave it my bloody best.
What’s your advice to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Spend time figuring out how to work smart. Hard work is essential, yes, but speak to successful business people you admire and aspire to and ask them how you can work smarter, not necessarily harder. And remember that you have to spend money to make money. There’s no way around it.
Head on over to Little Miss Stella for more info on the fabulous and very talented Stella and to check out her lovely clients. And if you need PR, she is so your woman!

Nominate a Super Mum you know (yes, it can totally be the very super YOU) to be interviewed here. Email me: contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com.

Oh the things you discover via Twitter

2009-08-04T07:00:00.002+10:00

Training chopsticks for kids.
I could use a set of these!
Check them here.

Sharing the love

2009-08-03T09:45:00.003+10:00

Or maybe for me and the Internet that should be where is the love?
Our deep love affair is a bit cool at the mo (it's not you, it's me). Maybe I've just hit overdose level and need to dry out a bit. Or it could be that every time I get on the 'puter I find a zillion new ideas to add to my to-do list and so am busy trying to get some projects started. Either way the twitching in my left eye has subsided so I was probably right to cut down on my obsessive Interneting. Enough about my sickness though.
Natasha from Piper+Lily is such a nice girl. And she's clever. She makes adorable baby booties — look. And she's given me my first bloggy love thingamajig.
Thank you Natasha.
Now I have to list seven things about me: (Argh, my odd-number phobia is giving me palpitations over this one.)
:: I am only a smidgen over five foot but my brother and sister are both sky-scrapers and younger than me. When we were kids my bro used to tell me that if I didn't hurry up and grow I would have to fill in the necessary paperwork to be declared a dwarf.
:: If I scratch my middle rib my funny bone goes c-c-crazy. Or does that happen to everyone?
:: I am a secret hypochondriac (not anymore). I'm always thinking I have a tumor or some other life-threatening condition. That eye twitch — I was so sure I was going to have a stroke or go blind (or both!).
:: I seriously considered becoming a nun in high school. As you do.
:: I used to like to twirl the dangly ends of my chenille bedspread in my ears and up my nostrils when I was a kid. I even had a name for it: "triddling a treeny bit". That really falls into the too much information basket, doesn't it?
:: I simply cannot stand the toilet paper rolling off from under. I'm an over. And if I come to your house I will change it around. Sorry. I can't stop myself.
:: I can't do that tongue rolling/curling thingo for the life of me and I can only wink on my right eye.
And now I have to pass this bloggy love on to seven other bloggers. I don't think there are criteria to be met. It's simply blogs I love and the pleasure is all mine. But I would also like to add to the rules if I may. May I? I don't even know who to ask so I'll just take the liberty here. If this doesn't fit with the style of your blog or you simply don't care for it don't feel you have to post about it. You choose. Really. No one will be offended.
:: Faith Hope & a Whole Lotta Love — Sarah posted a scone recipe on the weekend, get there.
:: Little Pinwheel — Hayley also has a cute-as online store of the same name, just try and stop yourself.
:: veronica loves archie — Veronica is so funny and so right and makes me want to jump on the Tumblr train ride.
:: We Heart Books — I heart Katie and Lou for sharing their book love; they also have a lovely book store (of the same name).
:: Planning With Kids — Nicole posts some of the sanest mum-advice and had me at Roast Vegetable Lasagne.
:: Childhood 101 — Christie is full of fantastic little people activities.
:: m.e — Cathie's baking is always inspirational and her photographs are drool-inducing.
If you want to play along you do this (remember, only if you want to):
:: Post the logo of this blog love token
:: Thank and link to the person who passed it on to you
:: List seven things about you
:: Pass the token on to seven other bloggers (and leave comments on their blogs to let them know they have been loved).
Phew. For someone who is on frosty terms with her "other lover" that was quite a lot of "us" time. I think I need a Bex and a little lie down.

The Mother-In-Law Conundrum

2009-07-29T12:32:00.004+10:00

I can't believe the school holidays are over; *sigh*. We were really getting into the swing of staying in our pj's until mid-morning. Ahem.
I think that was one of our most fun breaks ever. And we didn't even go anywhere. It was so nice to have some down-time and refuel emotionally and physically for the next busy term.
Over the break we had a few visitors, one of them being the mother-in-law. Let me preface this whinge by saying she is a lovely lady and we actually get on rather well. When she visits she always brings our littles pressies which is very exciting for them. Books, stickers, colouring pencils. Nice. And this time a BLOCK of chocolate. Each.
She must have seen the WTF look on my face because she immediately explained that it was organic and preservative-free (at least my banging-on about something has been heard).
Okay, I thought, if I convince the kids to use their choco-booty to make biscuits and cakes I can live with this one (and get in on the action).
But then she rips out this line: "After dinner you can have some". I think this time my head spun 360° and green froth came out of my mouth. I had to put my foot down on this one; "No we won't be having chocolate before bed, we'll do some baking with your special treats tomorrow." The kids looked at me like I had just banned Christmas and had a bit of a sook but the decision was accepted. I think they kind of guessed it would go down that way anyway.
Now here's where it gets rather interesting. After dinner Granny got them ready for bed and read them some books. See I told you she was a nice lady.
The next morning our five-year-old informed me that when Granny went to say goodnight she smuggled them in a few squares of chocolate. After my head fell off and I kicked it around the room for a bit I tried to explain the many levels on which this was a wrong thing to do. Then of course I had to have the awkward convo with "Granny" — she just gave me a bit of an eye-roll and left me feeling like a freakin' prison warden.
Now here's the ugly twist. My mother-in-law is vegetarian. I made her some risotto that night. With chicken stock! What? It was organic and preservative-free. Do you think I'm going to hell in hand basket?
How do you handle your mother-in-law?

Agoo winners

2009-07-26T20:40:00.004+10:00

Hey, thanks for entering this fabulous giveaway everyone.
Sorry about any mess-ups with the comment application change over; I had emails from people whose comments disappeared — don't worry I put you all back in the draw.
The lucky duckies are:
:: faithhopeandawholelottalove from a very lovely blog of the same name:

:: Mel T (if you have a blog or anything you want to let people know about just shout and I'll link it up)
Email me your addresses at contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com so your little legs can get all cute and cosy.
And thanks to Agoo for the giveaway. Your Leg Huggers rock.

So wish I was going to this:

2009-07-21T22:30:00.002+10:00

Spaced out

2009-07-20T21:16:00.007+10:00

In case you have been living under a (moon)rock for the last few days...
We played (and ate) it like it was 1969... all day long.

And it's not over yet.
We've been reliving the moon mission with NASA's "live" stream here (a real time recreation of the Apollo 11 mission with all the audio communications and video footage). The site takes a while to load but is well worth the wait.
No doubt we'll be up for the landing at 6am tomorrow morning.
For budding astronauts this is a lot of fun (NASA's kids' site).

Tommee Tippee winner

2009-07-19T23:06:00.002+10:00

***Amy*** you are the winner.
Lucky you. Congratulations.
Email your address deets to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com.
x

Agoo giveaway

2009-07-17T22:10:00.004+10:00

I've told you before how much I adore Agoo's sweet, sweet leg huggers.
One. They look crazy-cute on little legs. Our daughter has some and they triple the cuteness factor of an outfit in an instant. Check out the oodles of lovely prints they come in here.
Two. They are so versatile. One size can go from baby to five-year-old and even this mama's arms when I forget to take my cardy to the park. They can be worn alone or make for extra-toasty little legs when you pop them over a pair of stockings.
Three. I'm also really loving that they are made with bamboo.
I really dig bamboo as a fabric. It's so soft. Almost as soft as the little legs they adorn. And so comfy. I have bamboo briefs and I tell you, I have to check myself a few times a day to make sure I actually put underpants on — they are that comfy. And bamboo sheets are just dreamy. Like silk but not at all in a porno way.
Oh and I just learnt from Agoo that bamboo is also antibacterial, a great insulator, highly absorbent and even environmentally sustainable. Right on, bamboo. You are one truly super-duper fibre.
And because Agoo are rockin' peeps they are giving two {mum space} readers a pair of leg huggers and a two-pack of bamboo socks.
To be in it just leave a comment below.
For a second entry follow or subscribe to this blog (leave a separate comment saying you've done so or that you are already a subscriber/follower).
For a third entry Twitter or Facebook this comp (don't forget to come back and leave another comment to say you've done it).
Competition will finish next Saturday, July 25, 10pm AEST. And anyone in the whole wide world can enter.

Kids in the kitchen :: meringues

2009-07-15T10:17:00.005+10:00

Both our kids love helping out in the kitchen.
They are ace mixers, pourers and measurers.
But they have come to the stage where they want to do more — in fact, do it all. By themselves. So I've handed over the pot holders and let them at it.
Wait! Put the phone down. Do not call DoCS. I am not going to completely turn my kitchen over to a five-year-old and just-turned-four-year-old. Although it quite often looks as if I have.
We have discovered that meringues are something kids can do pretty much solo (well with a mama hovering close by but not touching — much). It's great for encouraging independence and growing confidence in young children.
All you need are two egg whites and 100 grams of caster sugar.
And the only utensils they need are a large mixing bowl, electric mixer, lined oven tray, spoons and pot holders.
I usually have leftover egg whites and I freeze them in pairs for future use. Just thaw them and let them sit at room temp for about half an hour before use.
Preheat the oven to 100°C. Oh excuse me. Let your littles turn the dial to the 100 mark.
Next let your little hands whisk the egg whites with a hand held mixer until they form soft peaks.
Then they can measure the sugar out, add half to the egg whites and use the mixer again to get them thick enough to be able to turn the bowl upside down without anything falling out (our kids are always amazed by this but I do have to encourage them to keep mixing as they want to turn the bowl very early in the piece).
Next get them to fold the rest of the sugar in with a big metal spoon. I have shown them how to fold ingredients gently quite a few times and I was very impressed with their efforts (I have given this step a bit of help with our daughter a few times).
Then let them spoon blobs onto a lined tray using two teaspoons. Again I was most impressed with their technique. To get the little peaks you just need to swirl the tip of a spoon in the top of the blob — our son has become a master at this and likes to add the finish to each blob as our daughter plops it on the tray. Team work. Love it.
Then comes the "grown up" part they love. Putting the tray in the oven without mama. Just make sure they are gloved-up.
The meringues will take about two hours to set and then get a gloved-up little to retrieve them (the tray will really only be warm).
Then all that's left to do is eat them and well, like all kids ours are total experts at that part of the process.

PS :: It's school holidays in our little world (yay!) so I'll be a bit of a scarce blogger for the next couple of weeks. I will be back this Friday with another fantastic giveaway.

Tommee Tippee Giveaway

2009-07-13T12:45:00.005+10:00

To celebrate the fact that Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles have gone BPA-free (nice one guys) {mum space} has a lovely gift pack to give away.
The Closer to Nature bottles are excellent for mums wanting/needing to combine breast and bottle feeding or wanting/needing to ween, as the teat has good flex and stretch to mimic the way a baby feeds on the breast. And it's comforting to know that their bottles don't have any nasty BPAs leaching into your babies milk.

The prize pack includes:
2 x 340ml Closer to Nature bottles
1 pack Closer to Nature breast pads
Tommee Tippee first feeding bowl and utensils
Tommee Tippee bath squirties
Tommee Tippee bath appliques

To be in it to win it all you need to do is leave a comment below.
For an extra entry subscribe or follow this blog and leave a separate comment to let me know you have (current subscribers and followers leave a separate comment saying "already subscribed" too for your extra entry).
If you would like a third entry twitter about this giveaway and leave another comment to say you've done so.
Competition closes this Sunday, July 19, 10pm AEST.
Good luck lovely ladies.

Aromababy winners

2009-07-13T09:45:00.002+10:00

Woo hoo! The three lucky Aromambaby winners are:
:: Cal
:: Your Cheeky Monkey
:: Adam and Jada's mummy
Email your address details to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com and your lovely baby skincare packs will be on their way to your house so you can indulge your little one.

I spy with my little eye :: the cuteness edition

2009-07-10T23:09:00.005+10:00

I am a total sucker for cute (come on, who isn't?). Gets me every. time. Here's some of what I've been oohing and aahing over this week:
:: Little Choopie your hair accessories are so absolutely adorable I want to squeeze your choopie cheeks.

:: Nothin But Wood you have got me so very giddy with your fairy doors. (C'mon hubby, please finish that paving under the big ol' tree out the back so we can put one of these portals in before the Spring fairies arrive.)

:: Agoo your bamboo leg huggers make me want to eat chunky little baby thighs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seriously. Stop it.

:: Sambellina you have the darn cutest party packs on the block. Thank you Skout for the hot tip.

:: Treehouse28 you've delivered for Spring time play-all-day wear.

:: Wooden Donkey your quirky vintage is right-on. Meet Me At Mikes you always have your cute radar tuned to perfection.

:: Mayhar Drygoods you never ever fail to surprise me. Downloadable paper dollhouse furniture. Get. outa. freakin. town.

I could go on. All day and all night. And then some. There is just so much cuteness out there. Share yours. Pretty please.

A biscuit to please littles AND biggies

2009-07-09T12:29:00.003+10:00

I am really enjoying Bill Granger's new cookbook, feed me now!. It's packed with fantastic family-friendly recipes. This week we gave the chocolate and pistachio biscotti a whirl. I've never made biscotti before and I was really pleased with how it turned out.
Perfect with a hot chocolate or glass of milk for the littles and fantastic with a coffee/tea for the grown-ups. Everyone satisfied with one bake. I love it. Oh and you can make a nice Jenga stack with it too.
If you want to give it a go he also published the recipe online for SMH's Good Living here.

Blog this :: 15 facts

2009-07-08T00:01:00.004+10:00

Finally I'm getting with the program and joining the Blog This weekly challenge. Join in if you like. This week's challenge is to post 15 bits of trivia about oneself:
:: I have an odd number phobia. No volume setting escapes my even number adjusting fingers. Oddly enough (couldn't resist the pun fun) we live at number 11! Of course I justified it by the number being made up of two ones and one plus one does equal two. Yes I am struggling to accept that this list is 15 (notice I am not numbering my responses).
:: I ate a dodgy steak sandwich over four years ago and can't even look at a picture of one to this day (I even tore one out of a cooking mag and binned it). Serves me right I guess considering I am a former vego.
:: I can crack an egg with one hand and can't remember a yolk ever breaking (I suspect I have selective memory on this one).
:: I have double jointed fingers and toes which comes in useful for absolutely nothing.
:: I am spider psychic. I dream or have a premonition before seeing a big spidey every time. My husband only began to believe when I told him there was a funnel web in one of our cupboards (before opening the cupboard of course) when we were packing up to move house (and sure enough it was in there).
:: I can perform ace hospital corners on beds thanks to my OCD/Nurse mum.
:: I have zero driving stamina and am at serious micro-sleep risk after a mere 45 minutes.
:: I swallowed my mum's engagement ring when I was three and it hasn't been seen since.
:: I have a really loud nose blow. Seriously. Like a trumpet. It earns me big stares from strangers. Not ladylike I know but I just can't do it any other way. Our son has inherited it. Who knew you could pass on something like that to your children?
:: I can read an entire book upside down (the book, not me), I did it in high school a few times. Good times. Or way too much time on my hands.
:: I cannot tell which way North, East, South or West are in any given place or at any given time. As for reading a map, don't ask. Lucky my husband works in mapping.
:: I am the eldest in my family and the shortest (by a long way). Hmmm, we all know who drew the short straw in my family...
:: I used to jog across the Harbour Bridge to work every morning. Nowadays I don't think I could walk it. Lucky we moved to the country...
:: I sucked my thumb into my teen years. Both our kids suck their thumbs. The road to quitting will be a long one, I know.
:: I am currently addicted to Chic Nuts (roasted chickpeas; get into them).

A quick fix :: flower arranging 101

2009-07-07T12:49:00.006+10:00

Whilst I am committed to embracing winter and learning to love all that it has to offer I really do miss having fresh flowers in the house. And as there is not much happening flower wise in our part of the world I have *gasp* indulged in a bit of dried flower action.
My nanna would be proud but I'm sure my Feng Shui master (if I had one) would be having kiniptions [update: silly me, make that conniptions — thanks Tania]. It's lavender, surely dried herbs don't mess with your Feng too much. Hey, at least they aren't plastic. And it came from a local organic hobby farm. And smells divine. And took zero skill to plonk in the vases all freestyle-like. Any of this clawing back any shred of cred I may have had?

Super Mum :: Catherine from Aromababy

2009-07-05T21:38:00.007+10:00

When our son was born nearly six years ago a friend gave me a gorgeous gift pack full of Aromababy products. We are still using this brand in our house and I can't recommend it enough. It's natural, pure, GM-free and one of the best go-to birth gifts in my repertoire.
Catherine Cervasio started her natural, organic skin care business, Aromababy over a decade ago for her own baby and has grown it to include products for mums-to-be, mums, organic baby wear and baby massage workshops. Phew!
Yes, she is one busy lady. But she still finds time to pro-actively support a wide range of children's charities, work with hospitals to promote petro-chemical-free skin care, speak on baby care and really does live by the notion of "giving back".
You can find her beautiful products in selected Myer stores, Babies Galore, pharmacies, boutique baby stores and health food stores or visit her website for more info.
Here's Catherine's 10 tips for infant massage:
1. Always start at the legs for newborns, as this is least intrusive area. Begin by holding Baby's right foot in your left hand, gently stroking up the leg with your right hand, from the outside of the ankle, up over the knee and to the inner thigh, then sweeping down to the inside ankle. Repeat each stroke 2-3 times.
2. Using both hands, apply a gentle 'wringing' action, squeezing up and down the length of the leg, finishing at the ankle.
3. Use your thumb to lightly circle the soles of the feet, gently squeezing and releasing Baby's toes one by one. Gently move one hand off Baby's leg and onto the other leg, then move your second hand over so as not to break the flow of fluid movement. Continue to massage Baby's other leg using strokes explained in Steps 1-3.
4. Move up toward the tummy area and make contact with this new 'space' so Baby becomes familiar with the area to be massaged next. This is an ideal time to introduce circle shapes and shapes of letters, even spelling out words on the skin, making the massage more enjoyable particularly for the older child. Be sure to maintain eye contact as you explain the shape or word you are making to your child. Keep in mind strokes should be in a clockwise direction and should be confined to the abdomen only. Massage Baby's tummy from YOUR left to right, (clockwise) in the direction of their digestive tract, using small circles with fingertips or the flat of your hand and taking care to avoid the umbilical cord area.
5. Complete the front by placing both hands in the centre of Baby's chest and sweep up and out over the centre of the chest, over the shoulders and hugging the entire length of the arms finishing off at the fingertips . Using both hands massage Baby's arms using a gentle squeezing up and down, finishing off at the fingertips. Massage each finger from knuckle to tip but do not attempt to restrain your baby if he/she curls fingers, kicks or moves arms during any part of the massage.
6. Gently turn Baby over and use the whole hand to stroke from the shoulders, down Baby's back to the buttocks - take care of Baby's delicate spinal area and instead always work either side of the spine.
7. Use both thumbs to make small circles around the top of the buttocks using both hands, starting toward the middle and moving out to the sides. Gently knead or 'roll' the buttocks simultaneously with both hands using a press and release action.
8. Move onto the back of Baby's legs and use a gentle wring and release action starting at the top of one leg, massaging from the thigh all the way down the back of the leg and onto the soles of the foot. Move hands one at a time gently onto the second leg and repeat these movements.
9. Using long, light and fluid strokes from the head to Baby's toes, finish off the back area.
10. Carefully turn your baby over and stroke across the forehead using fingertips of both hands. Starting in the middle and gliding out toward Baby's temples. Pause for a moment and use feather-light circles around the temple area. Do not massage near the eye/eyelids and take care not to get oil near Baby's eye area.
Ahhh, I feel relaxed just from reading those. Thanks Catherine.
And as a special treat for {mum space} readers I've got three gorgeous gift packs to give away. Just leave a comment below to be in the running and include your choice of pack colour (blue, pink or yellow).

And if you would like an extra entry become a subscriber or follower to this blog (leave a separate comment to let me know you've joined up).
Winners will be drawn randomly this Sunday, July 12 at 10pm and posted on the blog.
Good luck.

Ze Super Zeros Winners :: Zonk finds a home

2009-07-04T15:24:00.004+10:00

And the winners, brought to you by names pulled out of a hat courtesy of our kids, are... (insert your own drum roll here):

:: Lucy
{Oh these are so cute i love them!}

:: Stacey from Adelaide
{These are pretty sweet!}

Email you address details to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com so Zonk knows what flight path to take.
Thanks for entering everyone. And a huge thanks to those cute little critters, Ze Super Zeros, for a fab freebie.
Stay tuned for another great giveaway next week.

Cold comfort

2009-07-03T10:14:00.004+10:00

Gee whiz it's cold and windy outside. Of the freezing and gale force variety.
We crazily braved the walk to school this morning and I'm pretty sure that stuff hitting us in the face was sleet.
Then to top it off the wind whisked away a drawing our daughter was holding way beyond the reach of this smidge-over-five-foot-mama. And so she played a spot of see-you-and-raise-you-one with the foul weather and embarked on the mother of all meltdowns, complete with frothing at the mouth.
We made it back home alive (just), kicked off our gumboots, crawled in under the covers together and napped for an hour.
Balance restored.
And just to make sure we stay in the land of happy (and froth-free) for the rest of the day we're about to put on a warming and comforting lunch. There's nothing like a hot lunch on a cold winter day.
I use this pumpkin dish I discovered via Elizabeth David as a perfect accompaniment to pork and recently discovered that leftovers mixed with brown rice make for one of the finest comfort foods around (a quasi risotto even).
Preheat your oven to 220°C. Steam about 600 grams of pumpkin until soft then mash. Scatter 30 grams of butter (broken into little pieces) in the bottom of an oven proof dish (a pie dish is a good size) and put in pumpkin mash. Then add half a cup of milk, one egg and the yolk of another (keep the white), season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and give it all a stir. Then whisk up your egg white and stir it in too. Chop some butter into pea-size bits and sprinkle on top. Place the dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
Pssst :: don't forget today is the last day to enter the Le Super Zeros giveaway. Click the image top left over there to leave a comment and be in the running to give Zonk a new home.
Have a warm and toasty weekend everyone. x

I spy with my little eye :: link love

2009-07-01T21:58:00.005+10:00

Need some surfing inspiration? Check these winners out:
:: Mandi over at Organizing Your Way shares a great idea she's been getting into: ready-to-go craft boxes.
Perfect for the school holidays and indoor weather that is upon us Down Under mums.

:: I *love* this idea and have been having lots of fun with it with our preschooler: bring me the alphabet from Today is Fun. You simply get your little to go on a treasure hunt and find something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. So simple. So fun.

:: I must admit I am a massive wannabe Buddhist. I love the "just be" notion. It's hard though, isn't it? And how about living like it's your last day? Eeek. Death freaks me out. Getting old freaks me out. The rapid rate at which time passes freaks me out. I'm having palpitations thinking about it. So this post from Project Happily Ever After was a good reminder to find acceptance and live and love each day to the fullest.

:: Just look at these journals Amy from Let's Explore made for her daughters. Beautiful.

:: Kids Style File profiled a piece from the latest Mixtape Zine on Jessica from Green Mamma. Awesome tips for green living. And thanks for introducing me to Jessica's blog. Click it. It's amazing.

:: I am hanging for the school hols next week. Planning With Kids has 10 fun home-based activities to try with the littles.

:: This week I've discovered tea & jam photography. Kate and Nathan photograph littles and their families and their work is so stunning. Look:
Told you so. They live and work around the Ballarat area so if you are that way and need some gorgeous photos, who you gonna call?

:: Simple Kids listed this oldie but goodie on keeping a simple home with kids from Zen Habits. If you are drowning in kid clutter check it out.

:: Cathie created these too-cute giraffe cupcakes and shared the recipe on her blog. She's so lovely like that.

:: And to fight off any winter lurgies and build up your littles (and your own for that matter) immunity Liss has listed some super foods and pantry remedies over at Frills in the Hills.

Shop it like it's...

2009-06-30T11:08:00.004+10:00

the end of the financial year!
Oh yes, sale time has arrived. Woo-hoo!
Now I'm not normally one to take advantage of a person when they are down but the retail sector has had a bit of a slumpy time of it lately and they need to clear stock and give their figures a bump to end the year. So really I'm helping them out by snapping up their bargains, right?
Everywhere I look there's red %OFF signs screaming my name but one sale I am hanging out for is the one that will kick off at 159 Clovelly Road this Friday:
Oh how I wish I could just climb into my laptop and walk through those doors right now. When we lived in Sydney this was my absolute favourite place to shop. The best one-stop baby/kids shop I've seen. All the cool labels hang there; Paper Wings, Rittenhouse, Sweetpea Home, Cried Wolf, Finger In The Nose, et al.
Now being a good three and a half hour drive from the big smoke I would be crazy to jump in my car and burn rubber and petrol just for a sale. Wouldn't I? Well lucky for me I don't have to make that decision because Kido online will be getting the mark-down treatment too. Phew!

Sweet ride

2009-06-28T23:03:00.005+10:00

Sit down.
Now check these out:
What was the first thing you thought/said?
Mine was: too. freakin. cute.
My husband's was: sweet ride
Our son's was: rmmm, rmmm (accompanied by a quick lap of the house on an imaginary bike complete with a mono at the end) I definitely need one!
Our daughter's was: ooooh, a pink one. Do you think they come with a baby seat? (I'm sure custom pimping of your ride is totally the done thing for these bikes)
The all important deets: You can order one here from Kiddimotto. There are six colours to choose from and two designs. They are $299, kinda exy I know but I can think of loads of justifications for the spend. Oh, here's one, free shipping to most states in Oz. Rmmm, rmmm, indeed!

WIN! A super hero softie

2009-06-26T00:18:00.002+10:00

Softies are definitely having a big moment.
And why not?
They are so very cute, so very nice to cuddle and will be your bestie forever and ever (even if you drag them through the dirt and try to feed them mashed avocado).
And here's another hot tip for free: they don't come much cuter than the new Ze Super Heros.

How totally right am I?
Designed in France (ooh la la indeed), there are six characters, each with their own super power (Zonk the monkey is an ace climber) and super challenge to overcome (but he's scared of heights), a detachable cape that doubles as a comforter and a secret little pouch to hide treasures in (I'm thinking the perfect spot to stash that first lost tooth for a little fairy to come and collect).
And just because they are zuper-duper lovely little softies they have all agreed that two {mum space} readers should definitely welcome a little Zonk monkey into their family.

{update, June 28th: Zonk was previously a bit off colour in his picture and was sporting a yellow cape. This is his correct colour. Sorry super people}
Hands up who wants one?
Just leave a comment below to be in the running and be sure to check out the great animations on their website with your littles.
Competition will be open until 10pm AEST next Friday July 3rd, when two random winners will be drawn.
Good luck.
:: these little guys are retailing at $54.95 each, phone 1300 881 940 or email enquiry@jasnor.com for a stockist close to you ::

Simple fun :: tracing

2009-06-24T11:03:00.005+10:00

Over the weekend our kids discovered a new activity that is fast becoming an obsession.
It's such a simple one.
I can't believe I haven't introduced it to them earlier.
Tracing paper and a pencil!
I was cutting some baking paper to fit a pan and remembered how much I loved to trace things when I was a kid so I tore off a few sheets and gave them to the littles.
They both chose some books and went to town.
All.day.
Our son traced an entire book!
Of course when I was in the grips of my own tracing fever in the late 70s I didn't know it was also developing concentration, writing and reading skills (our son traced all the words and sounded them out as he went) and comprehension (both kids talked about their pictures in-depth as they went; the expressions on character's faces, what they were doing, what they were thinking and saying and such).
Whilst our son was intent on completing a whole book our daughter dipped in and out of a few books. One of her favourites, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! has lots of white space on the pages to which she added her own doodles, expanding on a story she knows so well. She also used some of her tracings as colouring sheets.

What a timely and welcome addition to the keeping-them-entertained-indoors activity list.

There's a pear in there

2009-06-22T11:25:00.005+10:00

I have always been quick to spout off about how much I dislike Winter. Maybe a little too quick and I think it's even about time I said sorry to the frosty fellow. Because you know what, whilst I don't like feeling cold and I miss wearing singlets and thongs (or flip flops — I don't want anyone on the other side of the world to think I hang out all summer in a singlet and pair of barely there underpants), there is a whole lot that comes with the season of chill that I do like. In fact, love even.
:: I love sitting in front of a fire sipping hot chocolate
:: I love wrapping my littles in lovely knitted beanies, scarves and mittens before we head out for a brisk walk to school
:: I love family board games
:: I love it that the littles sleep until at least 8am most Saturdays
:: I love rainy afternoons around the fire reading chapter books
:: I love snuggling on the couch catching up on all the movies I've wanted to see for the last year
:: I love misty mornings
:: I love the smell and taste of slow-cooked food
:: And I really, really, really love baking
Last week I had a lot of ripe pears so gave the Pear and Almond Pudding Cake from The River Cottage Family Cookbook a go. It was so delicious we ate the whole thing and I got up and cooked it again the very next morning!
And I just have to tell you that this is one of the.best.ever cookbooks. Seriously. It's not just that the recipes are great. They are that. But they are not just recipes. This book celebrates families in the kitchen by including the hows and whys of food science and history (it's answered a lot of our kids' and my questions). It's like having a totally fun and friendly home-ec teacher in your house to make simple sense of everything for you. There's even food experiments to try and instructions on growing your own produce. It really is the bees knees.
Oh okay, I know, the recipe already:

What you will need:
150g unsalted butter, softened (but not melted)
25g unsalted butter (this can be straight from the fridge as you will be melting it)
1 tblspn granulated sugar
125g caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tspn almond extract
75g almond meal
75g self raising flour
3 ripe (but still a little firm) pears
How to make it:
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin (springform is best to release this cake as it is very moist).
Peel and core pears and slice each pear into four large wedges. Put in a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter and sugar and stir gently to coat pears. Cook for just a few minutes and then remove from heat.
Mix butter and sugar well with a wooden spoon then beat in eggs one at a time following with almond extract. Add almond meal and flour and fold into mixture.
Scrape mixture into pan and spread evenly and gently with a knife. Arrange pears on top and bake for about 45 minutes.

What are you finding to love about winter?

I spy with my little eye :: link love

2009-06-21T06:00:00.017+10:00

Here's some of what I've been reading on the never-ending interweb this week:

7 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child on Zen Habits from guest blogger Writer Dad's Sean Platt. They are not so much undiscovered "secrets" but more simple tips and reminders to bring out the happy in your little person (and you) through quality interaction. Through this article I also discovered Sean's new Children Write the Future initiative. Story writing activities to do with your children. What a great idea. I can feel a new family ritual coming on...

Kind Over Matter is like a rolling inspiration board for me. Just look at this one they posted from Kitty Sanchez's flickr files and try not to tear up just a lil:

I liked the reassurance and justification to not go back to "the office" just yet from The Wisdom Journal via their Can You Survive As A One Income Family post.

I love and am totally feeling the sentiment of Simple Mom's post on "using the good stuff". A nice little nudge to live life to the full every day and celebrate even the small stuff.

These crayon wallets from Valerie at Frugal Family Fun Blog look easy enough even for the sewing-machine-challenged likes of me. Great take-alongs and a super gift idea. Thanks for a fantastic tutorial Valerie.

Rebecca over at Babyccino gives us an easy recipe for natural hair gel for the littles — a simple gelatin and water mix. Cute hair-dos sans chemicals, nice one.

Nicole over at Planning With Kids found this great idea over at Harmzie's Way's blog. You sit down with your kids and get them to answer questions about you (it's very funny and very revealing). What a great way to find out how your children perceive you. And you know you will get the absolute truth because no one can tell it as straight as kids, right?

Someone (sorry I don't remember who), somewhere (that's right, I don't remember where either) mentioned something about mandalas (maybe this was one of those faintly remembered dreams you have just as you are dozing off). And you know what, they make for crazy fun for hours for littles and biggies alike. We cannot stop. Go here for free printables and colour yourself into a blissful meditative state. Ommmmm.

So what have you been reading on the blogs? Got any great links to share?

Before motherhood

2009-06-18T10:28:00.001+10:00

This week sees the release of what looks to be a lovely book from Katy Garner and Peace Mitchell: What I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Mother. It would be a beautiful gift for an expectant or new mama.
Becoming a mother is the most amazing thing that has happened to me and there's no doubt it's changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
There's so much I didn't know (and still don't) about being a mother.
Before I had my first baby I read a few books and took in a few bits of advice from people but I really didn't go into information overload.
After our son was born there were plenty of times when I thought I was so not equipped to deal with a precious new little life. But you do always find your way (or just make it up and cross your fingers) and the journey of discovery becoming a mother has set me on is one that I love and am so grateful for.
Here's a few things I've learnt along the way.
Sleep is definitely under-rated.
You will search your soul and get to know yourself better than you could have imagined.

Mastitis hurts a lot and can make you feel depressed as all get out.

A sucky day can be cured by one little smile.

Sleeping through the day is A-okay (if you can get it).

Your heart may feel like exploding at any given time.

Tomorrow is another day.

You will worry yourself sick.

You will feel so happy you will want to bottle it.

A shower feels twice as nice when you haven't had one in a few days.

Snuggling can cure anything.

You will forget your own name on occasion.

A messy house is far from the end of the world.

Some days you may never make it out of your pyjamas (which doesn't necessarily mean you won't make it to the shop for milk on those days).

Maybe bodily functions are a little bit funny.

It's possible to unpack an entire dishwasher without realising the contents were dirty.

Butterfly kisses feel beautiful.

Cars get really smelly when you let little people eat in them.

Time is a very scarce and precious resource.

[A lovely excerpt from Peace and Katy's book — something all mothers need reminding of from time to time]

What about you?
Is there anything you wish you'd known before you became a mother?
And what have you learnt along the way?

Stick it

2009-06-17T06:00:00.001+10:00

Did you see these on Ohdeedoh?
Oh man, I am a sucker for a decal and these would have to be some of the cutest I have ever laid eyes on. Actually yes, I declare these delights the cutest.

Fabric, WASHABLE!, wall decals made right here in little old Oz.
And remember how much fun the cut out paper dolls were to dress up? Well now ~~you~~ your little girl can play it on her bedroom wall. What fun!

Keeping colds at bay (I think I may be on to something)

2009-06-16T06:00:00.001+10:00

Tis the season to be sneezy.
Touch wood we haven't been visited by any major snot monsters. Maybe with Piggy Flu on the rise in our country I should be consuming whole trees to keep the jinx away.
I do have a theory on why we are staying cold-free in our house. Ta-daa:
And gee I hope by blowing this trumpet I'm not tempting fate.
First I need to take you back a few months. Around Easter I had a shocking cold/flu that left me with a recurring sore throat and cough for weeks afterward. I was ingesting more eucalyptus than a family of very hungry koalas. It seemed nothing could kick it until I discovered Cold-Clear. Within days it was finally gone.
I thought it might have been coincidence and that my own brand of super-flu may have simply run its course so I wasn't ready to spruik the miracles of this little lozenge just yet.
But there have been so many kids with runny noses at school and preschool and we've had a few mornings where the kids have woken with a bit of a croak and sneeze. So I've been busting out the Cold-Clear for the family and nothing has eventuated from these false starts.
You can find Cold-Clear at your local chemist and the magic ingredient is said to be zinc (each lozenge contains 13.3mg). Apparently the zinc binds to the cold virus to stop it spreading. It's safe to give to children over two, there's no preservatives and it's non-drowsy (does contain sugar though). I've only given the kids one lozenge a day on three occasions as I have heard that too much zinc can be adverse and deplete you of iron.
The only down side I've found is that they don't taste awesome; they tend to dry your mouth out and leave a bit of a powdery aftertaste. Although that just makes you drink more water, so there's a silver lining.
If we make it through the winter without major sniffles I'll be buying crate loads of the stuff. If stocks are low you'll know where to come...

Do you have any miracle remedies for warding off winter colds?

Show me the money

2009-06-15T06:00:00.003+10:00

Have I created a monster with this pocket money thing?
Or is it that money really is the root of all evil?
Last week we had a money moral dilemma with our son.
When I unpacked his lunch box one afternoon I found two twenty cent pieces in it. I hadn't given him any money so I asked where it came from and he mumbled something about just finding them on ground. My mama-intuition told me there was more to this story so I probed a little further (you know water torture actually works — kidding).
Turns out he found a dollar coin on the ground and spent 60 cents of it at the canteen on yoghurt straws for him and a friend...
We had a BIG talk about handing in any found money to a teacher and not keeping or spending what is not ours. He totally got how sad the kid who lost his/her money would have been (as sad as when he lost his favourite handball).
And I'm still not sure if this is too hardcore but I made him take a dollar out of his pocket money and give it to his teacher the next day.
Yesterday I heard him telling his little sister that even though he was a bit sad to "give away" some of his pocket money he felt better because whoever lost their money would be happy again now.
I dared let out a sigh of relief only to nearly choke when I heard him follow with this bomb: "It's just that I love money so much and I want to get so much of it and I love, love, love it".
What do you say to that?
I am now seriously considering turning to water torture to find out the leader of the Capitalist Wall Street cult he has obviously been rolling with!

Something's fishy

2009-06-13T22:47:00.001+10:00

When I sliced up this batard (I said bat-ard) I could not believe the little fishy shapes before my eyes and of course I could not help myself. I'm obviously no bento master but I try to impress the little people with a bit of fun on the plate.

Tried & Tested : If the shoe fits...

2009-06-11T20:40:00.002+10:00

Earlier this year I took our daughter for a podiatry appointment. She was wearing my her favourite pair of Converse. Yellow high tops with a daisy print on the toe.
So the podiatrist asks me what type of running shoe she wears.
Ummm, she's three and a half at the time, not exactly running marathons so I tell him her "play shoes" are Converse and sandals.
Then he asks me what kind of sandals she wears and I have to admit that I've succumb to the Mary Jane Crocs. He says he doesn't "hate" Converse but they shouldn't be worn all the time. Crocs make him cross though.
So the appointment ends with him telling me her feet are developing just fine but she really should be in a good quality running shoe at her age.
This sits with me for a while in the "I just can't face ugly joggers" file. I don't even like my own running shoes. I was guilted in to them after the shoe fitter told me my high arches wouldn't be supported in any other shoe than the one with the fluoro orange stripes up the side. Yeah thanks.
Then I received a sign from the "keeping DoCS away from my front door Gods" in the form of a package from Saucony. As I pulled the little pink and grey numbers (above) from their packaging I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. They looked alright.
Our daughter was most excited. They had pink on them! She slipped straight into those little numbers and they have been a very consistent fixture on her tootsies ever since.
She finds them easy as pie to put on and take off herself (gotta say this is a big plus for me too) and really comfortable, she's calling them her "pillow shoes".
The fit is really spot on but the thing I like best about them is their Jedi mind trick powers. Previously a walk to even the mailbox has been taxing on the stamina of our little girl. But now that she has her "pillow shoes" she's up and down the driveway like a cheetah. And the school run to drop off her big bro has become exactly that. Whereas I used to make the two block trek fending off cries of "carry me" now it's all "you can't catch me Mama!".
And because I have the Mama-version she's got us both on a fitness kick. She's teaching me to jog. Showing me how you have to tuck your elbows in and lift your knees high. No idea where she got those tips...

I am trés impressed with the grown-up Saucony shoe. I have never tried this brand before and you know what, they are honestly the most comfortable running shoe I've ever worn. Our daughter is right, there's definitely a "pillow" effect going on. Yet they are surprisingly light for such a cushioned ride. I've always received a welcome blister from new running shoes and thought it was par for the course but I didn't get even a hint of one with these. And of course I much prefer the pink and grey to my fluoro orange numbers (to the Vinnies bin with you losers).
I'm impressed with the price too. I've paid upward of $200 for a much lesser shoe. The women's Progrid Jazz retails for around $150 and the children's Baby Triumph is $50. For stockists call 03 8878 3000.

I DigThis

2009-06-11T12:10:00.003+10:00

I am loving this new initiative put together by Kathryn, Liss and Nisha. Thank you ladies. In short it's a network for Oz bloggers to connect and join in some fun challenges. I've discovered lots of great new-to-me blogs and I'm so looking forward to participating in the weekly challenges. Want to join? Anyone can. And they are very friendly. Go on. Click this:

Ode to Autumn

2009-06-09T12:15:00.004+10:00

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'erbrimmed their clammy cells.
[1st verse, Ode to Autumn, John Keats]

There's nothing like Keats' lovely tribute to ease my passing of the season mourning.
I'm holding on so tightly to the last leaves that cling to our big old Manchurian pear tree. I've told myself that when they are all gone I must embrace winter. I figure I have about a week left (unless I get so desperate I super glue a few leaves to a branch...
The littles have been paying their respect to the lovely colours of the season with a bit of leaf frolicking.

And we've also been bringing the colours inside the kitchen and our tummies through some sweet and salty and seriously delicious pistachio biscuits.

See you next year friend.

White Chocolate and Pistachio Biscuits
Nigella Lawson :: How to be a Domestic Goddess
100g soft unsalted butter
125g caster sugar
100g brown sugar
1 tspn vanilla extract
1 egg
150g plain flour
1 tspn bicarb
100g ground pistachios
125g whole pistachios
125g white chocolate
Preheat oven to 180°C. Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla, then egg, then flour and bicarb. When you have a smooth, thick dough add the nuts and chocolate and mix to combine. Roll walnut-sized balls and place on greased and lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Leave on baking sheet to firm for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Feeding the family

2009-06-08T09:08:00.004+10:00

I like to think I serve up a variety of pretty okay chow to our kids. But every now and then I catch the kids rolling their eyes in a "not this again" fashion and realise I'm stuck in a same old pattern. That's where books like this are great. They give you that nudge and inspiration to freshen up the recipe routine with some kid-friendly fare.
I first met Annabel Karmel through her Baby and Toddler Cookbook which was a gift after our son was born back in 2003. I found the simple tips, ideas and recipes great for a new mum with zip experience in making food for a little one.
Our kids will now eat most grown-up meals but it's still fun for them (and us) to have kiddy meals every now and then and the funny face pizza is always a good way to introduce new foods (our daughter garnered a taste for olives at an early age this way). What I like best about Annabel Karmel though is the lunch ideas. This is the area in which I get most stale (pardon the pun) and because I'm usually stuffing the lunchbox like a robot early in the morning a resource on hand with step-by-steps to something other than an egg and lettuce sandwich is a friend of mine indeed.

2009-06-07T21:04:00.002+10:00

Sorry about disappearing like that. We've had a bit of puking around our place so I've been stuffing sheets in the machine and passing the bucket and such fun tasks. Who'd have kids, huh?
Anyway, so while I've been up half the night monitoring my little chuckers I've been indulging in a little late night TV to soothe my tired, vagued out brain. Here's two products I've discovered (that I would probably have been better off not knowing about). Although I do have to thank them for making me laugh as I was cleaning chunks from kids' pyjamas:
:: the snuggie wearable blanket (one would think once you put sleeves on something it ceases to become a blanket but apparently not)

:: the ped egg (sheesh, if the kids weren't sick already all I would have to do is show them this commercial...)

To market, to market

2009-06-02T12:06:00.011+10:00

I like to think I don't spend very much time at the shops these days. And when it comes to an actual physical shop that's true. But I have to admit I do spend a ~~crapload~~ bit of time browsing the cyber shops.
When I was in my early twenties I could hit up a big city mall or shopping strip for a 10-hour non-stop shop no worries. Now-a-days I can easily jump on Etsy for a quick look for a gift before bed and find myself still clicking hours later.
The drop in the Aussie dollar gave my purse some much-needed respite. But we're back over 80 cents baby and guess what? There's a new market place to spend the wee hours scouring. 1000 Markets is the latest online offering of handmade and artisan goodies. Uh-oh. As an introduction I popped in to their children's marketplace for a mere hour and found so much treasure. I'll be back...

No-sew mini curtains

2009-05-29T14:27:00.005+10:00

Our little girl's busiest "room" is her home corner. So many "babies" to cook and wash for. Recently she complained to me that her shelves looked a bit untidy and asked if I could possibly "knit" her some curtains.

We put together these easy-as-pie little numbers without so much as a single stitch one afternoon.

I simply cut a tea towel in half, folded the cut edge under twice and ironed it flat into a "hem". I then punched through eyelets every 5cm (or so) with a hammer. (Tip: pierce a small hole in the fabric first with a sharp knife or scissors to get the eyelet through).

To hang them I used hook and eyes and PVC coated wire. All the supplies were from Spotlight and the whole thing cost around $4. If you use a tea towel you already have it would cost under $1 to do this.

And she's right you know, it looks so much tidier and complete with some pretty little curtains for her crockery shelf. Hmmm, those books shelves stacked with puzzles and games look like they could use a little "tidy" too...

Sale alert!

2009-05-29T11:24:00.004+10:00

There's no doubt maternity wear is on-it these days. And no more than these stylish folk. Kelly Rutherford has been absolutely rockin' some of their fabulous maternity coats in Gossip Girl.
I'd seriously consider getting knocked up again just to wear an Isabella Oliver Maternity dress (lets face it, some days I feel I could fill one of these frocks out sans baby in the belly).
And with 25% off all dresses until May 31 there's no better time to get your baby bump frock on.

Extra, extra, read all about it

2009-05-27T12:28:00.005+10:00

I really, really love the Internet. So much so that sometimes I think I need to join an addiction group. I know lots of you are with me on this one. And I love magazines a whole bunch too. So when two great loves hook up it can mean only one thing. Bliss. Which for me is a super-sized cup of tea, a slice of (or even a whole) cake, lots of scrolling, clicking, oohing, aahing and a notebook full of new things I really truly ~~want~~ need. Here's the latest screen-reading delights I've been taking a peek in (oh and they all have very nice blogs too):

:: Papier Mache
How perfect is the name? A new Australian online magazine tagged "a very cute children's magazine". And is it what! The photography and styling is gorgeous and I am in love with everything in this magazine, especially Maja's toilet roll wig craft. How adorable.

:: Small Magazine
It runs with the Northern Hemisphere seasons so it's topsy-turvy for Aussies but there's nothing like planning ahead, right? And as we start to layer on our winter woolies it's nice to be able to gaze into summery images and pretend the sun is shining for a bit. The illustrated fashion feature this issue is sweeter than fairy floss and there's a totally cute bird mobile craft from super-talented Australian artist Lisa Tilse of The Red Thread.

:: LMNOP Magazine
Another Australian production, LMNOP is a quarterly that is on-it for kids toys, fashion and lifestyle products. The current issue is a winner devoted to the alphabet. I am totally lusting after the Montessori Reading Boards by Neinhuis. But at around 400 big ones lust-purgatory is where I will remain I'm afraid.

Berry baby cakes

2009-05-25T12:20:00.004+10:00

We had a little birthday in this house recently and the cake request was for "little garden fairy cakes". I came up with these and she was delighted. They are simply vanilla cupcakes topped with whipped cream, strawberry halves, a choc ball for the head (I dipped a toothpick in some cream to draw on the faces) and a strawberry leaf hat. Couldn't be easier.

I spy :: new shops on my radar

2009-05-21T12:45:00.010+10:00

Now that we live in a country town online shopping is an even bigger part of my life. Three cheers for the interweb. Here's some lovely little places I have been doing a little window-shopping in for winter clothing:

:: Soda Pop Kids
Andrea's selections are so on-it. And I do love a one-stop-shop. The store is very well stocked with lots of unique brands and has loads on sale right now. The Bluebird & Honey pinafores are killing me softly with their cuteness:
:: Eternal Creation
Owned and operated by an Australian designer, Eternal Creation is located in the Himalayas, employing and training locals. This is one brand I would happily dress my littles in head-to-toe. Words cannot describe the absolute gorgeousness of these clothes, here, see for yourself:

:: mini eco
It's nice to be able to shop for a range of products without worrying about what chemical processes they have been through before making it to your little's wardrobe or toybox. And I'm very into bamboo at the moment, it's soooo soft. These organic cotton briefs are coming to a cute tushi in this house as soon as her size is available. Cute florals and a nice cut for a little lady. So right. What's with the low-rise undies for little girls these days? So wrong.

Charting their success

2009-05-19T21:28:00.005+10:00

We've not previously been a "charty" family. There's been a few (feeble) attempts at a stay-in-my-own-bed chart but that's it.
Last week our son requested a job chart so that he could earn pocket money. School. It teaches them so much more than how to read and write...
Okay, I had to think about this one on a few levels.
I haven't ever really been one to make our kids do "jobs". That's not to say they live a hotel-like existence. Or maybe they do. Come to think of it... No, they do a few things like help pack up their toys and the things they ask to do sometimes (sweeping, vacuuming, dusting) and a lot of "jobs" helping mamma in the kitchen and outside with their dadda (gardening, raking, jumping in piles of leaves, etc...).
So, I had to ask my husband, did we want our kids doing "jobs"? After a pros and cons convo we decided having a few set tasks builds responsibility, pride, independence, routine, time management skills and helps mamma out with the morning schedule big time. Everyone wins.
The jobs we have allocated are pretty basic. Cleaning teeth, putting clothes in the laundry, tidying the playroom, taking dishes to the sink. And each of them has their own special job (recycling for our son and helping to fold and put the washing away for our daughter — have we stereotyped too much there?). There's also been a lot of bed-hopping in this house lately and thank goodness they requested a stay-in-bed chart to be tacked on. I think the dollar signs in their eyes produced this one but hey, who am I to argue if I benefit from it too?
Then there was the pocket money thing. We have savings accounts for our kids that we bank into for when they are older and we buy them everything they ~~want~~ need. Sure we talk to them a bit about money and how much things cost and have explained the concept of working for money and saving for things but we hadn't considered giving them their own money yet.
I had to give over the most on this one. Because they don't really want for anything I thought giving them money to do with what they please could turn them into spendthrifts (not to mention the visions of crap toys coming into the house I was having). My husband on the other hand saw the opportunity for some life lessons.
So we've decided to go with pocket money in the hope of teaching them to spend wisely, the value of goods, the need to save up for big ticket items and the difference between quality and crap. And for me we've decided it will be good practice in *gulp* letting go of my control over their every little move. Hey, I still have to drive them to the shops with their bags of coins... do you think they'd believe me if I told them BigW had closed down and the only shop left open was the art store?
Lastly there were the logistics of the whole plan. We thought there was opportunity to build the house rules into the project (you know, "no pushing", "no shouting", "ask first if you want to borrow something", etc...). We really need to move on from the time-outs and I find it easier to discipline if I have a streamline approach. So the set up is that each job earns you a sticker on your chart. But if you break a house rule you will have to put a sad face on a sticker. At the end of the week you count up all the happy stickers and get 20 cents for each one. There's the potential to earn $7 a week. I think that's plenty for a four and five year old. Isn't it?
And the charts. I had visions of embroidered felt boards to hang on their doors with little pockets for them to put reward tags in but you know they want to start this thing now not in 10 years time. Then I tried making something up on the computer but it looked very average so I ended up just drawing them in crayons and getting them laminated so that they can be reused week to week. Cheap and easy. And this way if another idea pops up or this one isn't working we can easily update. At the completion of the making and the beginning of the doing I am looking forward to seeing what choices they make (I think) and encouraging them to develop a healthy attitude and spending and saving. At the very least it's a good opportunity to see if we wield any influence what so ever over our children.
I'd love to hear your tips on this one? Do you use charts in your house? How do you structure it? Is it successful?

Loafing around

2009-05-18T22:08:00.005+10:00

As the chill descends it's important to focus on the good things that winter will bring.
Number one for me is baking. Lots of baking. It warms the house and tummies. Double the good deed.
There is nothing like warm sweets and a cup of tea to put me in the right frame of mind.
I'm trying to pace myself and haven't started on the puddings yet. Soon. I'm trying to hold off until June 1 to bust them out.
Right now I'm using up all the bananas in my freezer to make the age-old crowd-pleasing banana loaf. This is one recipe that never lets me down. It's quick to whip up (you don't even have to get the mix master out), I always have the ingredients on hand, you can add spices, nuts and even chocolate to bling it up a bit, it makes the house smell nice and while it is delicious warm (especially with some vanilla icecream) it tastes even better on day two (if it makes it that far). Here's my take:

Banana Loaf
1 cup plain flour
1 cup wholemeal flour
2 tspns baking powder
1 cup raw caster sugar
pinch ground cinnamon
pinch ground cloves
3 bananas mashed
125g butter (melted)
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a loaf tin. Sift flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl (tip the wholemeal husks left in the sieve in too). Stir in your caster sugar and spices. In a separate bowl combine melted butter, mashed narnies and whisked eggs. Now add it to your dry ingredients and mix well. Bake for about an hour or until a skewer comes out clean. Dust with icing sugar.

A tip I learnt from my nanna: add a piece of folded newspaper to the bottom of your loaf tin (put it under the greaseproof) to stop loaf cakes burning on the bottom.

Added extras I love: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, milk choc chips or white choc chips.

Babies in the wild

2009-05-15T17:43:00.003+10:00

If you're in Sydney I'm very jealous of you this weekend.
You see there's something very special happening in your beautiful harbour.
A baby seahorse release!
When we visited the Aquarium last summer these little critters were my favourite. They are so tiny and delicate and I was mesmerised watching them float through the water wrapping their spiny tails around reeds.
You and your littles can get on board a cruise to "Seahorse City" this Sunday May 17. The Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund and leading seahorse scientist David Harasti will release captive bred baby seahorses into the harbour during a half day cruise. Check here for booking deets.

Mum style

2009-05-14T22:05:00.005+10:00

It's easy to loose your way with your "look" once the littles come along. There's no denying trackies are very comfy...
Most of my style effort goes into choosing clothing for the kids. They look cute in just about anything and tiny fashion is so good these days so it's a no-brainer.
But then I find myself left with the same old tired jeans. Okay not the ones I wore before I had kids — they are never getting over these altered hips again.
Lately though my style spark has been reignited by a few brands which really seem to cater to the mum-comfort I need. I'm talking quality wash and wear fabrics, items I can easily mix and match and dresses that don't cling in the wrong places or require a pair of heels to look good.
One of my latest discoveries is Lounge Apparel. Nice, huh?

Hungry for more...

2009-05-13T12:10:00.013+10:00

Give me a family that doesn't love Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar... (you can't find one, can you?)
But if I asked you to find a family who don't do licensed merchandise you'd come up trumps within seconds.
For the most part we are one. I did relent and let our daughter purchase some My Little Pony socks a few weeks back. Damn those ponies.
And you know what, I think I could be sucker punched again with all the Hungry Caterpillar goodies floating around the interweb and cuteing up shops to celebrate the books 40th anniversary.
Have a look and no doubt you'll be feeling the pull too (I warn you, it's strong):

The board game was just the beginning...

bath mitt puppet :: cookie jar :: apron

t-shirt :: pencil case :: drink bottle holder

cushioned lap tray :: tote bag :: lunch boxes

money box :: snack plate & cup :: baking set

and even a diaper cake... (ummm, maybe not)

And that is not even the half of it!
How do you feel about licensed merchandise? Love it or loathe it?

I spy with my little eye :: a mixed bag of treats

2009-05-11T10:42:00.007+10:00

:: Motherlode blogs about the "can we get a puppy, please?" conundrum (currently being presented for approval process in this house!) I'm totally undecided... anyone have any first pet for a five-year-old advice?

:: I love this water bottle sling maya*made whipped up from her new copy of Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials. Practical and pretty, my favourite combo.

:: Mamapedia is a question and answer resource for, yep, mothers. You simply pop your question in and relevant answers from other mums are listed. You can join up and share your wisdom too. Wonder if they can answer this one: where is our second telephone handset?

:: You must check out this play kitchen at ohdeedoh. This lucky little's dada made him a blinged up mini kitchen (there's even LED lights to make the stove top and oven "work"!) I need a lie down after that — it's almost too much (in the best way).

:: I'm looking for new recipes for my Winter menu plan (yes, it's coming people, brace yourselves). This Roast Vegetable Lasagne from Planning With Kids looks like a worthy addition! What are your favourite winter recipes for the family?

:: These chalkboard eggs by Lisa at The Red Thread look just divine.

:: I still don't have any slippers for the kids for the chilly season (bad mama). I just haven't seen anything I really like. But the floors are getting cold first thing in the morning so maybe I should give these handmade felt numbers from Notebook: magazine a go...

:: I've revealed my mum-love of Sussan before — maybe it's because of my limited shopping options in the country or could it be that they really are getting it right these days? Whatever it is I've added a pair of their jeans, a wool vest, a skivvy, tights and some pj's to my wardrobe so I'm in deep now.

:: In the too-cute-for-school camp are these Daisy Jane socks (say it with me, awwww) from Annabel Trends. Bless these little cotton socks.

:: And lastly, a Mother's Day inspired post at the creative mama (but relevant any time of year). Guest writer Freedom Martinez gives us her 10 things I have learned about surviving Motherhood so far...
6. MUST get out of your pajamas and shower. The world looks so much more conquerable when you are refreshed and ready to take it on… its amazing how much better everything seems after a quick shower.
So simple. So true.

The visitor

2009-05-11T06:00:00.001+10:00

Our neighbour's rabbit got out last week and decided he would move in with us for a few days.
The kids were delighted.
The vegie patch was ravaged.
If I was Mr McGregor this fluffy little fella would be sitting in a stewing pot about now and I would be licking my lips.
Lucky I am a sucker for a cute bunny.
Anyway, he reminded me that the vegie patch is still yielding some good stuff and also needs a bit of attention.

So the last of the cucumbers and beans have been picked, the beetroots are ready to eat and the silverbeet is flourishing.
Um, the marigolds however...

Bunnies really like marigolds (ahem)!

All aboard the love train! Toot, toot!

2009-05-08T17:00:00.001+10:00

I've come over all bluegrass. Eric Bibb's music is making me smile and the housework a lil bit more fun.
Have a lovely Mother's Day weekend everyone x

Sale alert!

2009-05-08T10:30:00.002+10:00

Calling all mums to be!
Isabella Oliver Maternity is having a mid-season sale until midnight Sunday May 10. Perfect, if your Mother's Day pressie sucks or is non-existent you can DIY.
There's up to 70% off. Woo-hoo!

Wake up and smell the... pomegranate

2009-05-07T20:57:00.008+10:00

What do you look for in hair washing products?
Ideally I'd love something that had me stepping out of the shower with Angelina Jolie red-carpet hair. Failing that simple request I do expect my shampoo and conditioner to:
:: smell good (the bi-carb and vinegar is working for the kids but when I tried it I just came off smelling like a soggy salt and vinegar chip)
:: have an ingredients list that doesn't take an hour and a dictionary to read
:: does not contain sulphates or parabens
:: have wash and go-ability (ie. give my fine, limp hair a bit of oomph and shine without having to blowdry and add product)
:: oh yeah and make my hair feel clean (I'm always amazed at how many hair products leave a greasy residue)
It's been rather difficult to tick all the boxes but I think I've landed THE ONE.
It's called Organix Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo and Conditioner and we're getting along like a house on fire.
The wash and go-ability has exceeded my expectations. Usually when I don't blowdry I'm forced to pull my mop into a ponytail mid-morning but this little concoction is seeing me through with a respectable down-do until bedtime.
The organic pomegranate and green tea extracts impress me but there are still a few big words (guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride anyone?) and fragrance so it's not 100 per cent organic/natural. Props for the packaging though. The bottles are made from recycled materials, there's no petrochemicals and the labels use environmental inks.
I'm also pretty impressed with the price. You'll find them in Priceline for $15. And there's lots more flavours too. I think I'll give the cucumber yoghurt one a run next.
And I cannot finish without mentioning the smell. I don't usually like sweet, fruity scents but this one is winning me over. It's so good. It reminds me of something but I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe a cocktail I had last time I was in Thailand.

The view from here

2009-05-06T21:17:00.004+10:00

More days than not we are waking up to this:

And we don't live in a city so that's not smog peeps.
When we moved here it seemed everyone I met would open with, "I hope you don't mind fog".
So when said fogs started I was half waiting for something spooky to happen. So far, no Jack the Ripper incidents have occurred. And maybe it's just the newbie in me but I am loving these misty mysterious starts to the day. Sure you can't see past your front gate but come nine-ish it starts to lift and gives way to a day like this:

What's not to love?

Fodder for the water cooler...

2009-05-05T21:30:00.010+10:00

When you were pregnant did you find out the sex of your baby?
Or are you pregnant and deciding whether or not to find out?
We found out. I'm actually the CEO of Control-Freaks-R-Us so a surprise didn't even cross my mind. Although, I also sit on the board of Doubters and Sceptics so I was totally convinced the doctor didn't know his pee-pee from his hoo-ha and that I was having a boy second time round. I even subscribed to a few issues of Old-Wives-Tales magazine and dangled my wedding ring from a piece of cotton over my pregnant belly to see which way it swung.
On the flip side I know people who are totally against finding out the sex of their baby. Some feel they need a surprise after giving birth, some say they've made it to 20 weeks without knowing so why bother now and I have other friends who think it's bad luck to find out (they must have read a different issue of Old-Wives-Tales to me).
Then there's a third group. The ones whose babes refuse to flash for the ultrasound. A friend who desperately wanted to know was almost ready to purchase her own ultrasound machine until she realised she would have to sell her house and wouldn't be able to afford to feed or clothe her mystery child. She once remarked that if a pee test could tell you you were pregnant why couldn't it tell you if you were having pink or blue?
And guess what? Apparently it really is that easy. IntelliGender is an at-home urine based test kit that can reveal the sex of your baby as early as eight weeks into pregnancy. Hmmmm, I wonder if any I-don't-want-to-knowers will be swayed? It works by measuring a combination of hormones including the hcg hormone and the difference in those hormones when you are pregnant with a girl. Lab tests have shown it to be 90 per cent accurate. It's available from chemists and will set you back $95.
Would you try it?

WIN! This is your life... baby

2009-05-04T20:39:00.006+10:00

Digital cameras are ace aren't they? You can easily take 100 snaps of your sleeping baby in a matter of minutes. Then you download them all and have well meaning plans to compile a baby book with all the details of every little gurgle and smile.
Next thing you know the nappies are a distant memory and you’re looking through the lens at a little person top-to-toe in school uniform. Click, click, click… that’s another 50 shots for (ahem) the baby book… I don’t know about you but a five-year backlog is looking a little beyond me. Or at least I thought it was until I discovered Laikonik’s Once-A-Year Books.

Artist Kasia Jacquot has really nailed the keepsake album with this clever idea. These gorgeous photo albums are designed to hold one photo per year of your child from birth through to 18 years of age. And there’s room opposite each photo page for you to record achievements, milestones and perhaps an unforgettable quote.
The albums are handmade by Kasia and come in a lovely felt bag. A lovely and unique touch is that the books fold out concertina style so you can really get a sense of the story of your child’s life and can watch them grow over and over and over again.

And guess what? Because Kasia is as lovely as her designs she is giving away a personalised Once-A-Year Book to a very lucky {mum space} reader. All you have to do is leave a comment below to be in the running to win. Competition closes this coming Saturday, May 9 at 10pm AEST.

Super Mum :: Amie from Merino Kids

2009-05-03T23:11:00.008+10:00

One of the best baby products I ever invested in was a sleep bag. Mum of three, Amie Nilsson invested her life into making the world's first merino fine wool bags for bubs. They are super soft, super safe and make babies super sleepy. Amie, you definitely deserve to be slipping on a super hero cape.
What sparked the birth of your merino sleep bags? Merino Kids began in 2003 following a very harrowing time of sleepless nights with my baby daughter Lilybelle. I found synthetic fabrics were causing a heat rash and making her very uncomfortable, restless and upset. As I was unable to find any suitable alternatives in the market I decided to research the use of natural fibres for babies and young children. Through the knowledge I gained of merino fine wool as a unique, breathable fibre, I designed the Go Go Bag™, the world’s first merino baby sleeping bag and hey presto Merino Kids was born.
What are the benefits of merino as a fabric? The main benefit of merino is its incomparable ability to maintain a comfortable micro-climate between body and bedding. Merino naturally breathes and controls moisture giving it a unique ability to respond to changes in temperature. This means young ones are kept warm when it is cold and cool if it gets hot. Fine spun merino is like fine silk, making it one of the most comfortable of fabrics on your skin (it's perfect for those with skin irritations or eczema).
Medical studies have proven that merino improves the sleep patterns of babies? How does this work? At Cambridge Maternity Hospital, UK, studies of infants sleeping in merino found they settled more quickly, cried less, fed better, and gained weight faster. The same studies found that low birth weight babies gained an extra 10 grams a day, compared to those that were not sleeping on merino. Since overheating has been identified as a key factor in many cases of SIDS there is a strong case for using merino because of its ability to regulate heat and humidity.
Can you let new parents know the benefits of using a sleep bag? The Go Go Bag™ is practical, durable, compact and machine washable. It allows babies freedom of movement, without the possibility of kicking blankets off in the middle of the night. Our Go Go Bags also have a unique vent function which allows for easy transport of baby from bed into a pram or car seat (or vice versa) without being disturbed.
It might have all started with a sleep bag but now you have a whole range of mum and bub products. Tell us about some of your new products. We have just launched a new product, the Cocooi Newborn Gown, which features a unique envelope opening for ease of use which is in line for this year’s International Forum Award. We have also designed a beautiful range of sleepwear, essentials and playwear which we are very excited about. To complement our merino we have recently launched an organic cotton bag and clothing range. As our customers' and our own children have grown our product ranges have moved up into new sizes — we now cater for newborns, infants and toddlers up to four years old.
Exactly how does organic cotton differ to non-organic cotton? It's not only a more environmentally friendly way of producing garments but also provides a healthier product for young children. We use an independently certified organic cotton that is free of harmful chemicals throughout the manufacturing cycle. This includes using an oxygen whitening process, rather than the conventional bleach used to whiten most cotton products.
Which products have been your own family favourites? The children have given all our products a very good work out but the original Go Go Bag™ is still our favourite. Scarlett (two) loves her Merino Kids tunic and would wear it night and day at the moment if she could.
What are the most important factors in children’s clothing for you? Safety first, functional design, comfort and innovation.
What are your future plans for Merino Kids? We want to continue creating and developing some of the world’s best natural baby products and be recognised as the world leader in the use of Merino as the natural wonder fibre for young children. This year we have a large focus on ensuring sustainable development and have been getting involved more at a local community level.
To purchase and check out all things Merino Kids head here. As we head into winter the Mix and Match Merino Playwear is my pick as the perfect way to keep active littles snug and stylish. Layer them up and head on out to collect paper bags full of Autumn leaves.

Dandi winner!

2009-05-02T09:18:00.003+10:00

Thanks everyone for entering the Dandi apron comp and thank you to Dandi for their very lovely giveaway.
Alena Rayner you and your little person will now be baking in style! Congratulations. Email your posting details to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com.
Have a beautiful weekend everyone x

Mother's Day gift guide

2009-04-29T23:04:00.000+10:00

It's time to get shopping for your very own mum... or start dropping hints for what you might like...

For the new mummy:
Move over Chloe, the Il Tutto is fast becoming the "it" bag amongst modern mamas. Cate Blanchett has one — say no more. Made from luxurious Italian nappa leather, all the practical functions are there (waterproof change mat, insulated bottle holder, removable washable lining) along with the fashion statement. Better still, once your babe no longer requires a house to be packed into a bag for an outing you can remove all the "baby" paraphernalia and reclaim it as your own handbag.

My love of tea is on par with a wine critic's love of a good drop. I can sniff out a worthy brew a mile off and the cheap stuff, well, it'll get ya by when you're desperate but you wake up the next day vowing not to sip from anywhere but the top shelf again. I discovered World Par-Tea at my local market and am making my way through their many flavours (Jasmine Dragon Pearl, Organic Chamomile and Kashmiri Chai are household favourites so far). Their cute lil Ruby's Shoedays Box is a perfect gift; booties for the new babe and a relaxing fruit tea for mum.

Putting together a record of baby's life is made simple and so perfect by mum and artist Kasia Jacquot from Laikonik. Her gorgeous once-a-year books are designed for you to put one picture of your precious little one in each year from birth to 18 and pen the highlights and milestones opposite. Then they can try and prise it from your hands once they reach adulthood.

For the home-y mama:

tika is the new line from Skipping Girl creator and designer Hayley Allen. She's working with Peruvian women to bring us some fun handmade home and fashion pieces. In giving to your mum you can also give to some mums and their families in Peru.

Dandi has lots of gift ideas for mums. If your hubby is looking for inspiration just email him their link. Their new bamboo range would look at home in any kitchen. You can chop on their cutting board and be off with the birds at the same time.

Cookbooks are always high on my wishlist. One of my favourite cooks is Bill Granger. He does family recipes so well. I've pretty much exhausted my copy of Every Day but thankfully Bill has come through with feed me now! It even has the perfect recipe to make for your mum — a chicken and egg dish called Okayodon (it means mother and child).

For the jet-setting mum:

The mere mention of international travel has me twitching like crazy at the moment but an inter-state trip to Melbourne, now that would be Mother's Day heaven (can I get an empty credit card with no limit on the side please?). The Sebel Albert Park has a family special on at the moment, $139 a night for two adults and two kids.

For the spiritual mum:
Because every mum could use a guardian angel, right? I'm loving Cristiana's handmade Saintly Charming range which uses french glass beads and oxidized metals.

For the green-thumb mum:

If your mum digs tending to her garden you should fork out and get her some of these gorgeous accessories from Annabel Trends' Sprout range. Her veggies will be so impressed with her hot new look they will shoot up like Jack's beanstalk.

For the eco-mama:

A free Mother's Day gift that doesn't make you look like you're tight or you forgot. Plant a tree with your mum and your little ones to celebrate our nurturing spirits and give a little back to Mother Earth. Just think, one day you'll be able to watch your kids' kids climb it.

For the bookworm mummy:

The Gucci Mamas authors are back with another very funny mummy-lit book, Versace Sisters, the story of two sisters, one trying to maintain a picture-perfect family, the other wading through a broken marraige and a huge pile of working-mother guilt. Join the authors' online bookgroup here and help raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research and care.

For the bling mama:
Sheesh. Gorgeous face, perfect bod, doting hubby and cute-as kids. Heidi Klum you suck. But your jewellery range... now that's rather nice. The simplicity of the clover sterling silver bracelet sets (one hammered, one polished) is right on.

Beauty and the beasts (I mean babies)...

2009-04-28T21:20:00.012+10:00

Before I had kids my sis would turn up to family events with a babe on her hip and *gasp* unplucked eyebrows. She warned me there would be days when getting a shower in was impossible. At the time I thought she needed some strong medication. Enter my own littles and yes, there have been a few showerless days, many an untidy brow day and my hairdryer goes weeks without even a sideways glance.

I really need to get back on track in the beauty department (obviously). So, I've called in the big gun for advice. Jackie Maxted is a mum of four and the Managing Director of Beauty Heaven (a free online guide to all things beauty — it's like the biggest and best beauty magazine you could ever wish for).

Once the kids arrive there's undeniably less time for mums to spend on their beauty routines but that doesn't mean we have to give up on ourselves all together. What are the top three beauty treatments mums should maintain.
1. Never abandon your hair salon for more than three months, no matter what! I know it takes time out of your busy day, but the results are absolutely worth it. Not only do you come out feeling like a new woman (or rather a new mum!) but also there’s the added bonus of a bit of time to yourself.
2. Make time for a fortnightly luxurious bath — light candles, add your favourite bath oil and take in your best weekly mag. Soak up all the gossip while your skin soaks up well-needed moisture. My current choice of bath luxury is Be Genki’s Serenity Bath Oil and Jo Malone’s Red Roses Bath Oil (right).
3. Look after your skin with good products — you don’t always have to have the most expensive brands but make sure you still cleanse and moisturise with the best products you can afford. I think it’s a good idea to seek some expert advice from your local skincare salon or department store as your skin changes with pregnancy, childbirth and just having a different lifestyle.

You’ve packed all the baby essentials in your nappy bag but what three products for yourself should you also slip in for a mum on the go?
Lip gloss (L’Oreal Glam Shine is great value), an SPF moisturizer (I love Nivea Light Veil SPF 30+) and a quick spritz of your signature fragrance (Marc Jacob’s Daisy is a winner!)

The baby’s been fed and settled, the babysitter has arrived and you have 15 minutes to get ready for your dinner reservation. What’s your approach?
Shower very quickly (with a shower cap on). Quick towel dry and the all-important body moisturising. Once I’m dressed I have time for a quick eyebrow tidy and then pencil, eye pencil at the corner and I spend a bit of time making sure mascara is well applied. I finish off with a lip gloss and sprinkle of powder across my cheekbones for a bit of definition and sparkle. Last thing — choose one piece of jewelry that fits your mood and off you go!

If you’re taking time off work to stay home and care for your family you don’t have as much cash to spend on luxury products. What are your top three buys for mums looking to pamper but not break the budget?
1. Trilogy’s new range of anti-ageing moisturisers (left) are good value and seriously lovely products with great ethics behind them.
2. I love VS Sassoon’s new eco-friendly hairdryer — what a fabulous idea!
3. Aveda has a beautiful Balancing Infusion For Dry Skin that works well for a good price.

What DIY treatments do you recommend for mums?
There are some really great intensive hair treatments out there to give locks a much-needed boost. GHD thermal protector for weak and damaged hair is a great daily one, while APIVITA Deep Moisturizing and Repair Mask for Dry & Coloured Damaged Hair is great for bringing shine back into coloured hair.
An at-home pedi is also a great cost cutter and pampering treat. All you need is a Manicare Ceramic Stone Foot File, Montagne Jeunesse Soothing Foot Soak, The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue (below) and your favourite polish.

WIN! Have a fine and Dandi day

2009-04-26T22:45:00.010+10:00

Afternoon baking sessions are a favourite activity in this house but I must admit it can get pretty messy. Aprons are a necessity. And we are due for some new ones. How about a matching mother and daughter pini set from Dandi?

Pretty cute, huh.
Now that would make a nice Mother's Day gift, wouldn't it?
And you should see the other lovely offerings from the Dandi girls. There's tablecloths, ironing board covers, divine bamboo bowls, gorgeous pinboards and lots more.
So seriously, how about a pini set? For you. That's right. You.
The lovely (not to mention highly talented) girls from Dandi want to give one lucky {mum space} reader a mother and daughter pini so you and your little girl can get messy and still look totally glamourous in the kitchen.
Just head over to the Dandi site, have a peek at their lovely designs, choose your favourite from their halter pini styles then head back here and leave a comment with your choice of design for you and your little helper.
A winner will be chosen at random on Saturday May 4, 9am AEST.

We will remember them

2009-04-25T04:54:00.003+10:00

My husband has taken our son to his first dawn service this morning.
It can be hard to communicate with our children about war. We don't want to glorify fighting in any form but we do want to instill the utmost respect for those who gave their lives so that we may live the way we do today.
For now we've told our children that war is not nice, people get killed and injured and it's not something you ever want to happen. But sometimes there are very big disagreements between countries and when some countries threatened to come and attack Australians some very brave people stood up and protected everyone. We've focused in on Anzac Day for our kids as a day of thanks for the men and women who helped make our country what it is today — a free and happy place.
We'll leave the heavy talk of reasons for and against and current wars for when they are older.
Of course in a perfect world there would be no wars but no matter your views on the subject one can't turn their back and ignore those who have stood side-by-side in a muddy trench (the youngest of them just 14) and protected our country from invasion. Australia could have and would have been a very different country and a lot of us indeed would not even be here but for the 400 000+ men (a lot of them still boys) who volunteered to go to War in 1914 and those who followed in subsequent wars.
To each and every one of Australia's service men and women I owe my children's freedom and the peaceful lifestyle we enjoy today (and so much more). From the bottom of my heart — we will never forget what you have done and do for us, thank you.

A good egg

2009-04-24T09:03:00.004+10:00

I have a new obsession.
Egg poaching.
Not in a hide in the bushes and steal from the hen house way though.
I know I'm late to the game on this one but a few past failures and overwhelming tips (I really thought you had to swirl the water in a certain direction to pull off the mystical poached egg) had turned me into an eggs-any-other-way-but-poached kind of Mama.
But my entire family LOVES poached eggs and one morning I woke with a particularly strong hankering. Enter the solver of all problems great and small — Google. Why I had never googled "poached eggs" before is beyond me.
It turns out there's a website dedicated entirely to the art of poaching an egg — perfectpoachedegg.com. But of course.
My main (but not only) boo-boo was the use of about FIVE litres of water instead of just enough to cover the egg. I also thought you had to get it off the heat and cover with a lid as soon as the egg hit the water.
All you need is a deep non-stick frying pan. Fill with water. Bring to the boil. Add a dash of vinegar. Carefully break your egg into the centre of the boiling water and about a minute later you can lift it out gently with a slotted spoon or spatula and place it atop your toast.
Our kids have been ordering them every other morning (and some lunch times). I think the most satisfying part for them is jabbing their fork in and watching the yoke run out volcano-style. They've renamed them "poked eggs".
Want to know another good place for a poached egg?
It makes a great topper for a bowl of Minestrone soup. Really, it's delicious.

Park life

2009-04-23T08:30:00.005+10:00

Last weekend my hubbie went in a cycling event that started in the NSW central-tablelands town of Blayney. It's a small town of a tad over 3000 residents so there's not really a whole lot going down there. What they do have though is a totally kick-arse children's adventure playground.
When you have kids you spend a lot of time in parks and a lot of them are pretty ho-hum, you know two swings, 10 kids trying to get on all at once.
But here, in the little township of Blayney is a park big enough for all the resident's kids and plenty of passing through hanger-oners like us.
There's a kiddy bike path, HUGE sandpit with shadecover and built-in diggers, ponds, lovely nature areas for picnicing, bridges, giant chess game, a train, quite a few spinny thingamegigs, lots of swings (including a special needs swing), an awesome flying fox (even Mama gave this one a red hot go), a sizeable climbing structure and the piece de resistance for our kids — a human mouse wheel.
For the rest of the day they kept giggling to each other about how they still felt like they were going round and round in the mouse house.
Needless to say the question of the week around here has been "When can we go back to THAT park?"

Hug a tree :: it's Earth Day

2009-04-22T08:20:00.003+10:00

Give the planet a little extra lovin' today and be at one with nature on world Earth Day! You know most things we can do that are good for this big ol' host of ours actually benefit us big time too.
Solar hot water = less bills
Organic backyard vegie garden = healthy food at your fingertips for next to nix
Planting more trees = more clean air to breath
Switch to green cleaning = eliminating nasty chemicals from around our families
Repurposing = endless family craft fun and saving money (why buy it when you can make it?)
Catch the bus = reading a book while someone else does the driving
What are you doing or thinking about that can ease the environmental impact we are having on Earth?

Super Mum :: Tanya from Additive Free Pantry

2009-04-21T20:41:00.009+10:00

When our son was three he developed a cough that just wouldn't leave him. It was keeping him (and Mama) up half the night. Numerous trips to the doctor led to ventolin inhalers and talk of asthma. My mother's intuition didn't want to accept the diagnosis. Then I read Sue Dengate's Fed Up, a book about food additives and the effects they can have on people's health, development and behaviour. And here I was thinking we were a healthy family; I served up plenty of fruit and veg, steered clear of highly processed foods and limited the treats. I was shocked to find that I was still giving my children a considerable portion of foods that contained additives Sue believes are linked to conditions such as asthma. Fed Up reveals what all those numbers on food labels mean and explains what they do to us. I worked hard (it took a looong time to read the back of packets and cross-check numbers and letters) to eliminate all the offenders from our family's diet. And I have to say I was amazed (not to mention relieved to get some sleep!) when our son's cough disappeared. (I must mention that I don't prescribe to Fed Up's elimination diet or limited-fruit diet, it's fruit and veg till you burst around here.)
It's no surprise then that I am loving mum-of-three Tanya Winfield's work. She runs Additive Free Pantry Party in NSW's Upper Hunter region and visits homes to explain the effects of additives and help you clean out your food cupboard and clean up your family diet. Tanya, you're welcome to clean my pantry out any time...
So what is an additive-free pantry party?
I guess it's like any party plan but a lot more information-based. The host invites friends over for morning or afternoon tea (additive-free home baked goodies are supplied by me) and I talk about additives — what they are, what they do to our bodies, which foods they are in, etc... I also supply a handout with websites, reference books, recipes and where to shop in the local area. I also do one-on-one pantry clean-outs and information sessions.
What alerted you to food additives?
A friend loaned me a book, Additive Alert by Julie Eady. At the time my children were snacking on a plain store-bought biscuit and when I looked up all the ingredients I was shocked to find out what my kids were really ingesting. One of the synthetic antioxidants (320) is so bad it was banned in Japan in the 1950s. I cleaned out my pantry that afternoon and have been additive-free since.
What exactly are additives and why are they in so much food these days?
Additives come in many forms. Colours, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, bleaching agents, humectants, preservatives, anti-foaming agents and so much more. Some are added for colour, some to change the flavour, or to increase shelf-life. Most food additives are chemicals and offer no health benefits to the consumer at all.
What are the main nasties we should get out of our pantries?
320, a synthetic antioxidant found in biscuits, breads, vegetable oils and margarines.
282, propionates found in bread and some dairy products.
220, sulphites found in processed meats and juices.
621, MSG found in sauces, soups, frozen meals, seasonings and more.
What challenges are involved in maintaining an additive-free lifestyle?
My teenage daughter is not 100% additive-free all the time as she is just that — a teenager. This dose unbalance me at times but we have an agreement on which additives are in the no-go zone and I make sure she knows what food additives can do to her to her body so she can make informed choices on her foods when she's out with friends.
What changes have you noticed in your family members since you went additive-free?
I have noticed my kids are a lot calmer. My two boys sleep soundly every night for up to 11 hours. My youngest was a tantrum thrower and this just doesn't happen anymore.
My husband is a shift worker and he seems to cope on the change overs a lot better. I feel like I have sooo much more energy than I did before. If ever I eat anything with additives I feel tired and lethargic that afternoon or the next day.
Please tell us it's not all mung beans and brown rice. Can you still enjoy treats and be additive-free?
Absolutely, my kids still enjoy chips, lollies and ice-cream every now and then. You just need to check the labels and find out which ones are OK. There is not a lot my kids do not eat. We choose not to eat take-away any more as most is laden with additives. I still cook a lot of the same meals I used to, I just check all my ingredients.
Does it cost more or less to live this way in your opinion?
For a family of five I spend around $220 per week. That's for EVERY meal, EVERY day. I shop at supermarkets, a butcher, baker and a local fresh fruit and vegie stall. I don't buy a lot of prepackaged foods so this is where I save.
What are your plans for Additive Free Pantry Party this year?
I'm happy to help spread awareness of the food additives in our everyday foods. I believe that everyone has the right to be informed on these hidden nasties. I'm looking at getting into local canteens to clean up the foods we offer our kids at school.
Can you give us a yummy additive-free recipe to try?
Sure! Here's two:
:: Of course I just had to try one of Tanya's recipes. The Coconut Slice is quick, easy and so yummy! This plate was polished off very quickly. ::
Quick Coconut Slice
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup organic desiccated coconut
1 cup raw sugar
125g melted block butter
½ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
Preheat oven to 180°C and lightly grease a 20x30cm slice pan.
Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl then stir in coconut and sugar. Add butter, milk and eggs, mixing well. Pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 mins, until golden and cooked when tested with a skewer.
Cool in pan. Dust with icing sugar. Cut into squares to serve.
:: Check the label on your coconut — a lot contain preservative 202, a sorbic acid which is harmful to asthmatics and can cause behavioral problems in children.

Banana Bread
2 bananas
2 tablespoons golden syrup
¾ cup raw sugar
1 egg
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of sea salt
Preheat oven to 180°C and grease and line the base of a loaf pan.
In a large bowl mash bananas with a fork. Add golden syrup, mix. Add sugar and stir in. Add egg, flour and sea salt, lightly mix until combined. Pour mixture into loaf pan, cook in oven for 30–40 mins or until golden on top. Check with skewer, if it comes out clean the bread is cooked. Allow to cool before cutting. Enjoy!
For more information including purchasing books about food additives you can contact Tanya via email on Supermummy[at]live[dot]com[dot]au.

I spy with my little eye :: a cute fest

2009-04-19T21:00:00.009+10:00

Cuteness is all around us... here's some proof:
:: Babyology found these little baskets of gorgeousness. A baby doll and her cradle that doubles as a handbag. Oh my. Say hello to Penelope Peapod. Can it get more perfect for little girls? No way! In Australia shop Young Things for them.

:: With Dora well on her way to cementing Spanish as the global language, kids everywhere would probably appreciate these Spanish felt alphabet squares from Etsy shop Toodle ooo, as featured on ohdeedoh. If you're nifty you could probably whip up some yourself in your language of choice.

:: Amy from Living Locurto is an organisational junkie after my own heart. What about this for an idea?
Days of the week tags for your children's clothing. Now that's organised. And a great little exercise for kids learning to read. Because she is so nice you can download the tags from Amy's blog for free and get on your merry way with a wardrobe organising frenzy. I'm tempted to do it for myself... too much?

:: Cookie knock and Shella Anderson thankfully opens the door of her Essex, UK converted bungalow to show us her decorating genius and love of fabrics.

:: Felt is definitely shaping up to be THE fabric of 2009. heartfelt Australia (cute name) are making me oohhh and aahhh with products like their finger puppet bags. Here's another reason to love their work — heartfelt are an ethical business who work with Nepalese felters to raise funds for orphans.

:: It's almost beanie time. These ones from Crochet Corner on Made It are calling me for our daughter and almost making me look forward to the coming chill.

Little Innoscents winners

2009-04-19T20:48:00.003+10:00

The four mummy's who will soon be pampering their little bundles with the lovely Little Innoscents range are:
Claire
Jude
Becca
Renata79
Send your address details to contact[dot]mumspace[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thanks everyone for entering!

If money were no object...

2009-04-16T23:07:00.009+10:00

Amongst other things like trying to end world hunger and human suffering, I would live in an eco-castle in the south of France and shop for my kids here.
The toys would please the littles (and the mama) in this house to no end.
And the clothes. Oh the clothes. They are to-die-for, so hold onto your hat. And you might want to hold onto your credit card even tighter because yes, they ship worldwide.
The style inspiration is dream-like and they stock a massive range of the coolest kids' labels on the planet. The likes of Little Marc Jacobs, ACNE Miniature, Hucklebones, Ralph Lauren, Quincy, Finger In The Nose and Max & Lola are all there to tempt you into an online spending frenzy. I am capital-L loving and seriously picturing our son dressed head to toe in one of their new labels, Loft Design By. The look is laid-back preppy and the fabrics are all eco (bamboo, organic cotton, cashmere and hemp). I think I need to cut my VISA up NOW! Somebody stop me, PLEASE!

Baby Love

2009-04-15T21:37:00.001+10:00

It seems everywhere I turn at the moment within my family and circle of friends new little babes are being born into this big old world. I love it. And of course that means lots of special little welcome gifts... I'm loving that part too. Because you know, I can happily get lost for hours on end in baby stores.
How adorable are these little numbers?

GUNDbaby's new vintage-inspired giraffe and elephant collection not only looks super-cute (digging the corduroy fabric) but also has development in mind, stimulating the senses and encouraging motor skills. Ticks all the right my-fave-Auntie-gave-me-this boxes for me.

{mum space}

a new road to travel...

And the winners are... Small Fry Play

Giveaway :: Play all day with Small Fry's latest book

Prehistoric snack of the week

And the winner is...

Do dwell on it!

Waiter, there's a baby in my table...

Welcome to the house of fun

WIN! Cushie Tushies for your little one's cute tushie

Super Mums :: Shell and Cath from Cushie Tushies

Mum review :: BabyWedge

Shady baby

Things that go *bump*

Wonder wall

Visualising

Da real kids' club

Spring it on

Doin' it for the kids

New-to-me

I'm in trifle trouble

music monday :: a coconut double

I spy with my little eye :: get your activity on

Here comes the sun

It's a wild world

Super Mum :: Stella from Little Miss Stella PR

Oh the things you discover via Twitter

Sharing the love

The Mother-In-Law Conundrum

Agoo winners

So wish I was going to this:

Spaced out

Tommee Tippee winner

Agoo giveaway

Kids in the kitchen :: meringues

Tommee Tippee Giveaway

Aromababy winners

I spy with my little eye :: the cuteness edition

A biscuit to please littles AND biggies

Blog this :: 15 facts

A quick fix :: flower arranging 101

Super Mum :: Catherine from Aromababy

Ze Super Zeros Winners :: Zonk finds a home

Cold comfort

I spy with my little eye :: link love

Shop it like it's...

Sweet ride

WIN! A super hero softie

Simple fun :: tracing

There's a pear in there

I spy with my little eye :: link love

Before motherhood

Stick it

Keeping colds at bay (I think I may be on to something)

Show me the money

Something's fishy

Tried & Tested : If the shoe fits...

I DigThis

Ode to Autumn

Feeding the family

To market, to market

No-sew mini curtains

Sale alert!

Extra, extra, read all about it

Berry baby cakes

I spy :: new shops on my radar

Charting their success

Loafing around

Babies in the wild

Mum style

Hungry for more...

I spy with my little eye :: a mixed bag of treats

The visitor

All aboard the love train! Toot, toot!

Sale alert!

Wake up and smell the... pomegranate

The view from here

Fodder for the water cooler...

WIN! This is your life... baby

Super Mum :: Amie from Merino Kids

Things that go bump