OHbaby! Latest Articles

Winter 2010

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:50:47 GMT

Mum in black

There’s a spot in every woman’s closet for a little black dress.

Stephanie Schell The Nouveau Lace Sleeve Dress $249.95 from Pregoli

Soon Carmen Jersey Dress $189 from Child. Bellini crunch boots $249 from Eden Shoes, GUESS Lava clutch $159

Celebrating Dress $369.90 from EGG

Goddess Gown $199.90 from EGG

Little bow chic

Baby, take a bow — a bowtie, that is! These beribboned winter looks will have your little one fit to be tied.

SOOKIbaby T-shirt $34.90 and leggings $34.90, both from Pregoli. Sand Cassel Kids fedora $69 from Child. Red bucket $89 and David Fusseneger red spot blanket $219, both from Allium

Fresh Baked dress $54.95 and Hoof polka dot ballet slippers $34.95, both from Kid Republic. Le Petit Ourse beret $50 from Mesamis

Sudo Dante Skinny Rocker jeans $113 and Sand Cassel Kids fedora $69, both from Child. IKKS Maille Noir Chemise $93 and Mini Man T-shirt $50, both from Mesamis. Converse All Stars $59.90 from Eden Shoes

Linda lace insert top $16.95 and Betty Bow smock dress $34.95, both from Cotton On Kids. Footless tights $19.95 and Hoof polka dot ballet slippers $34.95, both from Kid Republic

SOOKIbaby Pussy Bow T-shirt $29.95 from Pregoli. Pure Baby Poppy double-breasted jacket $75.95 and cord pants $54.95, both from Kid Republic. Bubblegummers Makayla Mary Janes $29.90 from Eden Shoes

Circle of Life Party Bow dress $180 from Trelise Cooper Kids. Jazz Penlan boots $65.90 from Eden Shoes. Chair $749 from Allium

Brydie Bracer T-shirt $24.95 from Cotton On Kids. Oobi British tweed trousers $39.95 and Hoof Diva boots $64.95, both from Kid Republic. Sudo Gatsby cap $58 from Mesamis

Cody cord pants $34.95 from Cotton on Kids. IKKS Gris Clair Chemise $83 from Mesamis. Converse All Stars $59.90 from Eden Shoes. Panton chair $47.50 from Allium

Mockingbird Handstand skirt $150 from Trelise Cooper Kids. Merino cardigan $95 from Child. Tights $12.95 from Cotton On Kids. Hoof polka dot ballet slipers $34.95 from Kid Republic

Stockists (all prices approximate):
Pregoli www.pregoli.co.nz
EGG www.eggmaternity.co.nz
Child www.child.co.nz
Eden Shoes www.edenshoes.co.nz
GUESS 0800 289 928
Allium www.alliuminteriors.co.nz
Cotton on Kids (09) 815 6317
Kid Republic (09) 522 8334
Mesamis www.mesamis.co.nz
Trelise Cooper Kids (09) 984 6301

STYLIST: SHERYL BURSON • PHOTOGRAPHY: FIONA TOMLINSON

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 10: 2010

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Purchase Issue 10

Keeping the spark alive

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:09:48 GMT

When ‘couple’ becomes ‘family’, your journey together takes a new turn. While it’s an exciting time, the arrival of a baby can wreak havoc on the balance you and your partner had worked out in your relationship. It can be all too easy to forget why you’re with your partner in the first place. Remember that ‘newlywed’ feeling of dewy-eyed rapture you got every time you looked your loved one in the eye? What happened to it?

The ring is on your finger, you’ve merged the contents of your bookshelves, and the future is spread out before you, filled with opportunities and excitement. But bring a seven-pound newborn baby into the picture and the home front changes dramatically. Sure, you and your partner will have precious moments of standing together, gazing down at your bundle of joy, rapt with the wonder of your creation. But sleep deprivation is all too common, and time for yourselves as a couple can erode just as demands on you as parents intensify. Additionally, previously unknown differences in beliefs, values, expectations and skills can rise up and gnash their teeth, throwing you off-balance as a couple and shaking your relationship’s foundations.
     When you vowed to love each other “for better or for worse”, you probably didn’t expect that it would feel so difficult. Having a baby often magnifies the shortcomings in a relationship, and the time and energy those little ones demand can cause you to take for granted the many positive attributes that each partner brought to the relationship in the first place. You might even question why you’re with your partner, and wonder how you’re ever going to get through these full-on days. When it’s a challenge finding a moment to brush your teeth in the morning, how can you make the time for your marriage?
     At the same time that you may be feeling like your marriage is at its lowest point, there are other couples who seem to sail through the challenges of early parenthood, managing the changes easily and strengthening their relationship as a couple. This is what we all seek and admire. But how can we too sail through while deepening that loving feeling — and what can we learn from those who already seem to know the secret of surviving and thriving together?
     Here are ideas for reigniting the spark in your relationship.

Make your marriage your priority
First and foremost, you need to remain focused on the end goal of having a great relationship with one another. You or your partner may be coping with an identity crisis after leaving a job to look after the new arrival, could be facing financial pressures, may be drawn into family feuds, might need to cope with a sick child... There are so many stressful possibilities. But whether you’re in a valley or on top of a mountain, the need to dedicate thought and energy to your relationship — especially when time is scarce — is key.
When a baby arrives, its needs and vulnerability awakens our instincts to care for and protect them. However, to do so should not be to the detriment of your marriage. There’s no point being a martyr or self-sacrificial to the point that there is little left over to give to one another. To nurture, care for, stimulate and protect your child are priorities, but these must be balanced with your other roles of being a husband and wife to each other. Finding a good balance is a continual process that will need to be revisited.
It may seem impossible at first, but it gets easier with practice. Do some of the things you used to enjoy doing together. Go on a date, do a project together, and repeat some of the actions and words that came easily to you early on in your relationship. Say or write words of appreciation to one another, do random acts of kindness, and give affection. A simple hug or “I love you” can work wonders. Relate to each other! Foster friendship, respect and enjoyment of one another by spending time learning about each other’s hopes, dreams and fears. Share your highs and lows, the embarrassing moments, the great and the most frightful times in your life, and talk about how these have shaped who you are. Plan and set goals together about where you’d like to be in five years’ time in relation to your leisure/travel activities, your relationship, family life, social life, spiritual life, financial position and health.

Stop playing the blame game
Put an end to your negative behaviours. Stop blaming and criticising. Neither helps to change your relationship for the better, and both are actually predictive of marital instability and separation. Fortunately, blame and criticism are learned behaviours and can be changed, with effort. Focus on how you can help improve your relationship. How do you contribute to the problem or issues, and what can you do to reduce conflict? Can you walk away when discussions get too heated and agree to talk about it later when both of you are calm? Can you change the tone of your voice and remove that sarcastic undercurrent? If you have noticed that your moods are low and you are sleep-deprived, organise with your friends, family or neighbours to get a babysitter or some time-out so you can catch up on some sleep, and see your GP if necessary if you need further help.

Calm down
Plan to discuss problems when you are calm. No one is able to hink rationally when in a heated or upset state. It usually ends in disaster, with hurt feelings, or worse! Welcome humour into your discussions of the serious issues as it can defuse tense moments and also give perspective to the issue at hand. Poke a funny face or say a word that will make you both crack up laughing. Call each other’s behaviour into account. “You’re getting off-topic, so let’s refocus” or “Stop yelling” might be necessary catchphrases as you learn how to talk about the big stuff in a rational way. Some topics may simply not be worth discussing, as no agreement is likely to be reached, so choose your battles. If it is absolutely necessary to reach an agreement about something, like a legal issue, seek mediation from an outside, objective source. Yet be realistic about your expectations of one another, as men and women are very different.

Learn to be a great communicator
Dr John Gottman and Nan Silver’s book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work mentions what they call “the four horsemen”. These are destructive communication techniques that couples use at their peril. They are described as defensiveness, contempt, criticism and stonewalling. To be defensive is to not listen and be preoccupied with giving excuses and laying blame elsewhere, avoiding ownership of the problem and change. To be contemptuous is to be dismissive of the other person’s opinion or to consider it as having little value (“I’m not wasting my time on this — I’ve heard it all before”). To criticise is to put down and make negative comments about the other person “You are just being stubborn, you’ll never change.” To stonewall is to ignore and not engage in conversation.
These “four horsemen” erode a couple’s honour or respect of one another, leading to unhappiness and instability of the relationship. Engaging in any one of these negative practices serves to model poor communication behaviour to our children, and endorses disrespect of one of the child’s parents. If these are commonplace in your relationship, seek out couple-focused courses and communication skills courses. Counselling may also be able to help.

Share responsibilities
Talk about your responsibilities and chores as a parent. Discuss what you each perceive your role to be, and reach a consensus about these roles. Review your “job description” from time to time, as changes occur in your responsibilities and your children go through different developmental stages. Attempt to give each partner some time for themselves, perhaps to pursue something hey used to enjoy doing before children came along — playing tennis or golf, going to the gym, working on crafts, participating in a book club.
But be realistic about what can reasonably happen. Though it is a good idea to have the working parent come home to help a stay-at-home parent following a busy day at work, recognise that you both work hard, and make sure that each person gets a break. Expecting a baby’s night waking to be attended by both parents may not be practical, as the parent who works outside the home needs to be able to function well at their job too, lest they lose this job or, worse, injure themselves.
Be sure to allow your baby plenty of time with each parent so he or she bonds with both Mum and Dad, and can therefore be consoled by either parent. The partner who spends most of their time in paid work can do some routine aspects of caring for the infant, such as the evening bath, or weekend breakfasts. This allows for bonding time and provides the other parent with a well-deserved break. If you’re the stay-home caregiver, don’t be too quick to come to the rescue or aid of the other parent if the baby is crying — allow him to make mistakes and learn to manage in his own way. This means that either parent can have a break without feeling anxious about leaving the baby with his or her partner for periods of time.

Back each other up
Work as a team, consistently supporting each other when disciplining children, and make sure to discuss parenting issues and heavy topics away from the children. A child watching unresolved and recurring heated conflict between parents will be harmed, and is put at greater risk of developing short-term and/or long-term negative outcomes.

Talk every day
Make a habit of talking with each other every day and to catch up on the day’s events, share thoughts and make plans. A parent who stays home may be desperate for some adult conversation, yet the parent who works outside the home might need a little space before he can jump right into interacting with the family. Talk about these needs and trial a plan you devise together, such as when one parent arrives home from work, he or she greets everyone, has a shower, then comes down and you talk about each other’s day. Then he or she takes over caring for the baby while the other partner makes dinner, and the family sits down together to eat.
     Different plans will work for different couples, so trial them for a set time and discuss things a week later. Each partner should have the opportunity to say what went well with the plan and what could be better. Then decide to either continue with the same, adapt and change, or develop a new plan. Recognise that for many men and women, communication styles and patterns vary, so this may be a tough ask for some partners, particularly the Kiwi bloke!
     The differences between how humans relate and how this works in relationships is nicely expanded on in Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Chapman explains that all of us enjoy all five “love languages” — gifts, affection and touch, quality time, praise and encouragement, and doing things for the other — yet for most people, there will be a preferred love language that is most meaningful in helping them to feel loved by their partner.
     Some people prefer to express their love to their partner by doing helpful jobs. I remember my father putting an automatic switch in the pantry for my mum without her asking, simply to make life easier for her. Others like to buy flowers or are great conversationalists. Understanding one another in this regard can be a real eye-opener, and make our efforts to relate to each other more purposeful and effective. So getting flowers may not be as effective in expressing your love for your partner as organising to go on a date or fixing a wobbly table. Learn what works for your partner.

‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood’
In his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey points out that we should “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Only from such a premise can good communication flow. Meaning, make an effort to see where your partner is coming from, and only then, help him or her to understand your perspective.
Avoid destructive habits such as interrupting, sarcasm, raising your voice, or not paying “real” attention to what your partner is saying. Speak clearly and calmly, and be ready to explain. Listen to understand how your partner feels and what he or she is saying before saying your own piece. If you practise this, misunderstandings are avoided and authentic listening occurs.
This is so frequently the difficulty between couples — often, they are no longer feeling understood by one another, like the wife who laments, “He always works late. He doesn’t like to spend time with me. Doesn’t he love me?” The real story might be that her husband is working late to score extra points with the boss in order to secure a promotion or salary rise, which will improve their family’s financial security. Don’t immediately jump to the worst conclusion — try to see what else is going on and understand each other’s point of view.

Do it together
Create unity by developing family or couple rituals that are meaningful, such as eating together at the dinner table every night, switching off the TV at times when the family is together, going on evening walks with the baby in the pram, or creating special habits around saying goodbye or greeting one another. Make an effort to decide on weekend activities together, setting aside “couple time” to spend with each other without the baby. Institute a weekly “chill out” day, or develop traditions for what your family will do for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.

Apologise
Be prepared to say “I’m sorry for...” when you are in the wrong, without giving excuses or trying to justify yourself. Consider the issues and the weight or significance of your disagreement in the scheme of things. Do you want to win the argument to salve your ego? Is it really important whether the house is spotless, you get a dog, or you visit a relative on the way to your holiday destination? Some issues are perhaps not worth the stress and grief they may cause. Be prepared to compromise. You are on a journey to interdependence, and you both need to be prepared o give and take. The gains of having a happy, stable marital relationship are immense, and remember that nothing great is easily won. How true is that when considering your relationship?

Ask for help
Seek professional help if, after having discussed it with your partner, you continue to be unhappy in your relationship and/or conflict is frequent. Do so especially if children are involved. hildren need stability, predictability and a loving, caring environment and do not cope well in a conflict-riddled home where disagreements are frequent and unresolved.
An insightful analogy I frequently refer to is that a marriage is like the hub of a wheel. When it’s running smoothly and in the right direction, those travelling along — the parents and children — thrive! When it is not, all suffer, including the children, who are powerless to do anything about it.
Particularly in New Zealand, the challenge is to make the time to nurture your relationship, since our work hours are among the longest in the Western world. So set achievable, realistic goals, to make it more likely for new, positive behaviours to emerge and become patterns over time. A good start may be to use the Relationship Booster Checklist below, or develop your own.

Relationship booster checklist
As a starting point, here is a checklist for enhancing your relationship. Try to do each of these things every week. Add or change them over time, as your needs as a couple change and as your relationship deepens and grows.
• Ask about my partner’s day
• Offer help when my partner seems busy/stressed
• Listen to my partner
• Give my partner a hug
• Say “I love you!”
• Express appreciation to my partner
• Do something nice for my partner
• Discuss chores/responsibilities
• Share and talk about my experiences, hopes, and dreams with my partner
• Refrain from ____________________ (fill in with a negative communication habit)

Further reading
• The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, by Gary Chapman
• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, by Dr John Gottman and Nan Silver
• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
• Triple P tip sheet “Supporting Your Partner” (available through KEY Psychology)

Pauline Ogilvy is a registered psychologist with KEY Psychology (Child—Family—Education), based in Rodney and the North Shore, Auckland. Pauline is a parent of three. For a consult, email pauline@keypsychology.co.nz.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 1: 2008

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Feritility Help Needed

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:47:09 GMT

Father's Day Feast

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:24:45 GMT

Little men at work

Cooking dad a delicious breakfast in bed for Father’s Day needs to be a simple job for little ones, so we’ve created a few menu options you can construct yourself with your little family, to make Dad’s breakfast extra-special!

Orange juice
Hey, Mum: Orange juice is not only a great source of vitamin C, it’s also a nice, healthy refreshing drink to start the morning. Kids will love squeezing oranges with an old-fashioned juicer, and it will keep them occupied for “Mum-only” activities around the oven.
You will need:
• 4 medium-sized oranges per glass of orange juice
How to make it:
1. Cut oranges in half. Squeeze each half with an old-fashioned juicer. Pour off the juice (being careful to pick out any seeds) into a glass and serve.

Sticky toast
Hey, Mum: This “recipe” is definitely as easy as it sounds, but it’s teaching your children basic toast and sandwich making skills. You could also go to the local bakery and let them choose a nice loaf of bread for toasting just for Dad.
You will need:
• Bread
• Butter
• Marmalade
How to make it:
1. Slice bread and toast in toaster.
2. When toasted, butter and serve with marmalade.

Pancakes
Hey, Mum: The secret to light, fluffy pancakes is not to overmix the batter — it should not be beaten smooth.
You will need:
• 2 cups four
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
How to make it:
1. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Add eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter, and stir just to combine. The batter should still have small lumps in it.
3. Heat frying pan to medium-high heat and add a further teaspoon of butter to grease pan slightly.
4. Pour pancake batter into pan in circles of around 10cm diameter, allowing room between them. When the pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges (about 2.5 minutes), flip over and cook until golden on the bottom for around another minute.
5. Repeat until batter is used up, and serve warm with maple syrup, or a dash of lemon juice and brown sugar.

Boiled egg and toast
Hey, Mum: It may sound simple, but getting the perfect consistency for a boiled egg (so there is some gooey yolk in the middle to dunk toast in) isn’t quite as easy as it sounds — it’s all about the cooking time. The rest is simple enough for any little person to help construct.
You will need:
• Eggs (as many as you want to cook for Dad)
• Bread
• Butter
How to make it:
1. Place raw eggs (with their shells still on!) in a saucepan. Pour in cold water until there is an inch of water above the eggs.
3. Place saucepan on stove and cook on medium heat until the water begins to boil, then reduce the heat. While the egg is cooking, put the bread in the toaster.
4. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 5+ minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
5. Remove hot eggs with a spoon and let them cool slowly, or run cold water over them to cool faster.
6. Once the toast is cooked, butter and serve with eggs.

Potato cakes, bacon, and mushrooms
You will need:
• 4 portobello mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 750g packet streaky bacon
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup of flour for patties
• 1/2 cup of flour, for coating the patties
• 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 100g cheese
How to make it:
1. Heat oven to 180°C. Place mushrooms on an oven tray, drizzle lightly with oil, add salt and pepper to taste, and place in oven for 45 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until soft. Mash potatoes and add beaten egg, flour, Cajun seasoning, cheese, salt and pepper.
3. You can also experiment a little by adding other finely chopped ingredients, such as sundried tomatoes.
4. Divide potato mixture into small patties and coat in flour.
5. Heat a frying pan on high and add a little bit of oil. Place potato cakes in frying pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until they have formed a golden crust, 15-20 minutes.
6. At this point, place streaky bacon on grilling dish and place in oven with mushrooms. Then return to potato cakes and flip to their other sides, and cook for a further 15 minutes.
7. Take bacon and mushrooms out of oven and serve stacked on top of hot potato cakes.

Corn fritters and salsa
For the corn fritters, you will need:
• 1 can creamed corn (410g)
• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 eggs, separated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons oil, for cooking
For the salsa, you will need:
• 4 tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 capsicum, finely diced
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1 handful chopped coriander
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
1. Mix together corn, flour, milk, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2. Beat egg whites until fluffy, then gently fold into corn mixture.
3. Heat oil over a medium to high heat a frying pan. Place large spoonfuls of corn mixture in the oiled pan and cook for 3 minutes each side. Remove to plate.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 6: 2009

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Big Latch on August 6 2010

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:07:31 GMT

OHbaby! The Parenting Place and The Big Latch On Friday 6 August 2010

OHbaby! magazine and the Parenting Place are joining forces for the Big Latch On 2010. Come along to this great venue and not only will you be taking part in this co-ordinated record attempt, there are some great giveaways and prizes to be had as well!

Freebies
There are free OHbaby! magazines and Parenting magazines for every participant as well as spot prizes and 5 x free subscriptions to be given away to some lucky mothers. So come along and join us in this record-breaking event.

Register now!
For more information, or to register your interest in participating at the Parenting Place event please complete th
There are limited seats available so register yourself, or your groups, interest today.

Venue
Parenting Place
300 Great South Road
Greenlane
Auckland

As there is limited space can you please bring your babies in capsules and not buggies. Buggies tend to take up a lot of space and we need all the space available for you and your little ones.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The team at OHbaby!

For more information about the event please click here

WinterHealth

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:14:01 GMT

Winter is the season of cold... And flu, fevers, tummy bugs, sinus infections, and a number of other unmentionable but equally uncomfortable (and sometimes disgusting) childhood ailments. As adults, we know what we need to do to feel better when we're sick, but our children depend on us to act quickly when they're under the weather, getting them diagnosed and treated so that they can feel better and be back into their toybox as soon as possible. We've put together some excellent information to help guide you as you face winter's ills and chills with your child!

Baby's temperature

Tips for healthy winter newborns

When to Call Your Doctor

Grizzly bear

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:00:31 GMT

In this extract from Star Boy & Friends, by Vasanti Unka (Penguin $25),
we’ll show you how to make a cuddly soft friend out of two argyle socks.

You will need:

2 socks (argyle is best)
3 buttons
thread
stuffing

How to make
1. Cut socks according to the pattern (shown below).
2. Turn sock 1 inside out. Back-stitch up leg 1 and down leg 2.
3. Turn sock 1 right-side out. Fill the body and the legs with stuffing.
4. Turn the arms inside out. Back-stitch along the long edge. Turn right-side out. Stuff each arm, then fold the raw edge to the inside and pin together.
5. Whip-stitch the arms onto the body at the sides.
6. Turn ear-piece 1 inside out. Fold. Back-stitch along the raw edges. Repeat with ear 2.
7. Turn the ears right-side out. Pin the ears to the head piece. Whip-stitch onto the back of the head.
8. Fill the head with stuffing. Stitch the eyes and nose into place. Stitch three small stitches for the mouth.
9. Sew long, straight stitches around the neck. Pull the ends of the thread and tie together.
10. Stuff the head into the body. Pin the head to the body around the neck. Stitch a long, straight line around grizzly bear’s neck. Leave the thread ends long enough to tie a bow.
11. Pull on both thread ends and tighten. Tie the thread ends into a bow.

Download the above pattern as a pdf to print.

Vasanti Unka is a graphic designer and illustrator who works from her home office. She enjoys every aspect of design, but has a definite bias towards book publishing. Vasanti finds great joy in continuously finding new ways of expression within the constraints of the book format through illustration and design. As a New Zealand-born Indian, she has a particular penchant for combining bright colours. Visit www.stitchfriends.com to learn more about Vasanti and her creations. This extract is from Star Boy & Friends: How to Make Cool Stuff from Socks and Gloves, copyright © 2010, published by Penguin Group (NZ), RRP$25. Available at all good booksellers nationwide. OHbaby! wishes to thank Liz West and Lyn Olds from Penguin NZ for their kind assistance in arranging this excerpt.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 10: 2010

Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 10

Craft

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:23:35 GMT

Keen to get creative but clueless as to what to create? Here the OHbaby! team share their favourite DIY projects and showcase beautiful craft ideas for the whole family. Easy and achievable step-by-step guides will have you making a play house out of a sheet, toys out of socks, hey – we might even dust off our crochet hooks in this section dedicated to all things crafty.

Check this section regularly as other crafty ideas will be added shortly!

Under-the-table house

Winter Fashion Feature 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:49:08 GMT

Christchurch Event

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:45:52 GMT

Christchurch
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Venue: Mona Vale Homestead, 63 Fendalton Road, Christchurch
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Parking: Free parking is available via the Mona Vale Avenue entrance

Wellington Event

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:38:59 GMT

Wellington
Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Venue: Chambers 3, Duxton Hotel, 170 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Auckland Event

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:29:22 GMT

Auckland
Date: Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Venue: Room 2, Duxton Hotel, 100 Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Parking: Underground parking available at the Duxton Hotel or a short walk from the Civic carpark facility

Tommee Tippee Tea Time Talks

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:17:02 GMT

Becoming a parent is a significant and special milestone whether you’re a first time parent or making a second or third trip to the maternity ward! For over 25 years Tommee Tippee has been a part of this journey for thousands of kiwi families, providing you with products that make the simplest tasks caring for baby, some of the most joyous.

But with all the experience in the world, Tommee Tippee understands there is no-one that knows their baby better than you! That’s why Tommee Tippee is loved by babies and recommended by mums.

Tommee Tippee has developed a series of events / discussion groups exclusively for OHbaby! readers designed to provide you with some insights into the fascinating world of babies. The inaugural Tommee Tippee Tea Time Talks have been developed to cover a series of topics and provide you with meaningful, practical information about early parenthood, to help you make informed choices that reflect the needs of you and your baby.

Each event will focus on discussion subjects including: Who will look after my baby while I am at work? Can I continue to breast feed my baby? Getting mum ready Motherhood and time management.

Guests at the Tommee Tippee Tea Time Talks will receive an exclusive Tommee Tippee goodie bag including a free copy of OHbaby! magazine.

When and where?
Christchurch
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Venue: Mona Vale Homestead, 63 Fendalton Road, Christchurch
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Parking: Free parking is available via the Mona Vale Avenue entrance

Auckland
Date: Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Page | 2
Venue: Room 2, Duxton Hotel, 100 Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Parking: Underground parking available at the Duxton Hotel or a short walk from the Civic carpark facility

Wellington
Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Time: 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Venue: Chambers 3, Duxton Hotel, 170 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Coffee groups and Nappy Workshop

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:07:29 GMT

The Nappy Lady Coffee groups

29th June
Nappy Night @ Dimples : Dimples Store, 23 Crowhurst St, Auckland Time: 6pm
Speaker: The Nappy Lady

30th June
Wise Cicada Cafe: 23 Crowhurst Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Time: 10.30am
Speaker: The Nappy Lady

Nappy Workshop

Waitakere City Nappy Workshop
Parents get a free trial pack valued at over $70 - must be a Waitakere resident

10th July - Contact the Council for more information on 09 836 8000

For more information on any of the above phone Kate 027 22 11 242

www.nappydays.co.nz

OHbaby! takes two top awards at the Magazine Awards 2010!

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:47:13 GMT

OHbaby! is thrilled to announce that we took out two top awards in the 2010 Magazine Awards, including Magazine of the Year (Family, Health, and Wellbeing) and Best Print & Digital Integration (Consumer).

Managing Director and Publisher Angela Pedersen says, “It is an honour, in just our second year of publishing, to be recognised with two such prestigious awards. This is a significant achievement for a small, independent publishing company, and we are so proud to be singled out among the Family, Health, and Wellbeing magazines in New Zealand as the very best. Our amazing team of talented mums has aspired to create a world-class magazine, and these awards are a wonderful endorsement of OHbaby!'s status in the market.”

Editor Katherine Granich adds, “The OHbaby! team wanted to create a magazine that we, as mothers and intelligent women, find inspiring and interesting. From the very conception of OHbaby! Magazine, we have stayed true to our vision and continued to produce high-quality editorial content that piques our readers’ interest and treats them with respect. Winning this award reinforces that we are on the right track, and we would like to acknowledge the huge part that our readers play in shaping our identity and success.”

OHbaby! Magazine Art Director Sheryl Burson was also named a finalist for the Designer of the Year award in the Family, Health & Wellbeing category.

Congratulations to the entire OHbaby! team for your talent and success, and thanks to our readers, advertisers, and distributors for all of your support!

Pictured above are Katherine Granich and Angela Pedersen accepting the Magazine of the Year Award. Photo by Getty Images.

It's time for The Big Latch On 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:19:37 GMT

It’s time for the “Big Latch On” again -- an event involving breastfeeding mothers gathering at venues all over the country and breastfeeding simultaneously. Last year we broke the record with 1306 babies latched on. Let’s break the record again! The 2010 Big Latch On is on the 6th of August 2010 with the countdown at 10.30 am. For more information, to register or find a local venue go to www.womens-health.org.nz, email isis@womens-health.org.nz, or call 09 520 5295.

Breastmilk is fresh, free, always available with no preparation -- it’s the perfect way to feed babies when out and about, so of course, that means in public places too.

“Although in the past there has been discrimination against women breastfeeding in public, we hear such a lot of supportive positive stories now, there really is a shift in public perceptions of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public is really okay!

“Breastfeeding is a very normal part of life and overwhelmingly positive for mother and baby. Breastfeeding in public can only help to make people more familiar and more comfortable with breastfeeding as they see it become part of normal daily public life.

"It’s a shame that people hang on to ideas that breastfeeding in public is somehow not right. In the end, they probably just need to get comfortable with it, we know that breastfeeding is great for mothers and babies, and it’s not on to exclude them from public life. Breastfeeding in public is here to stay,” says Breastfeeding Advocate Isis McKay of the Women’s Health Action Trust.

In an effort to increase and normalise breastfeeding, Women’s Health Action provides national co-ordination for an event titled the “Big Latch On” which is organised by breastfeeding mothers and their supporters throughout the country. The annual Big Latch On involves breastfeeding mothers getting together at venues located all over the country and breastfeeding simultaneously. This joins other events taking place during world breastfeeding week (1st - 7th of August).

Last year, more than 500 World Breastfeeding Week events took place globally involving more than 800,000 celebrants. The Big Latch On celebrates breastfeeding mums and babies; promotes the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mums and society at large; and sends a message that breastfeeding in public is acceptable and will be supported. It is a great opportunity to get community recognition of the great work these breastfeeding mothers are doing. Last year we broke the record with 1306 babies latched on and breastfeeding simultaneously.

The Big Latch On will be turning six this year, and each year has seen increasing involvement and support for the event from communities large and small around New Zealand. Better still; the positive impacts of the Big Latch On have extended past the event itself. The Big Latch On has prompted the establishment of breastfeeding support groups in areas where mothers are isolated; and events like this help us as a community to reach out and support one another.

The coordinator from the 2009 Levin cinemas venue said, “I did not realise the positive impact an event like this could have. I had one mum who had been quite uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding her baby in public. She decided to come along to the Big Latch On as a “trial run” and I am happy to say that she now feels confident and supported to breastfeed her hungry baby when she is out in public.”

Many New Zealanders have not grown up with breastfeeding as a normal, natural part of life. It is events like the Big Latch On that convey what breastfeeding actually looks like, and help dispel the perception that breastfeeding in public is somehow obscene or offensive., email isis@womens-health.org.nz, or call 09 520 5295 Isis McKayWomen’s Health Action09 5205295012442450isis@womens-health.org.nz

This year we are aiming to once again break this record! The 2010 Big Latch On is taking place on the 6th of August 2010 with the countdown and 10.30 am. For more information or to register or find a local venue go to www.womens-health.org.nz

Christchurch

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:05:05 GMT

Friends Cafe + Play
285 Cashel Street
(03) 943 2989
www.friendscafeandplay.co.nz
• Parking: Free parking on the city side of the building.
• Pram accessibility: Wide doors to accommodate prams; wide aisles.
• Child-friendly features: Indoor playground for under-5s (entry $3), baby play pens, high chairs, two separate baby-friendly areas set apart from the under-5 playground.
• Restroom: Easily pram-accessible toilets with change table, nappies, and wipes available.
• Children’s menu: Extensive and delicious, with items like cheese toasties, pikelets, kids’ platters to serve two to three children ($7), and a Munch Box ($4.50), which comes with various yummy choices. Baby food and fun party options too.
• Fluffy: $1. Heaped foam drizzled with chocolate, served in an espresso cup with two marshmallows and a chocolate fish on the side.

Va Voom
60 Queenspark Drive, Parklands
(03) 383 2739
• Open: 8am-4pm weekdays; 8.30am-4.30pm weekends.
• Parking: Plenty of parking right out-side in the shopping centre carpark.
• Pram accessibility: Ramp up to the entrance and staff happy to help you with the door. Not a lot of room inside for “parking”, but prams can be left on the front deck.
• Child-friendly features: Lots of toys available, and colouring-in equipment delivered to your table. Plenty of highchairs.
• Restroom: Bathrooms are shared with adjacent Robbie’s Bar and Bistro. Nappy-changing facilities provided.
• Children’s menu: Extensive menu, most popular item being the kids’
platters — fruit and veggie sticks, a toasted sandwich and a mini muffin for $5. Other menu items range from $1.50 to $8 for the tempting “stack-it” — hash brown, bacon and poached eggs.
• Fluffy: $1. “Plunket’s unofficial vote for the best fluffy in Christchurch”, served in a small glass with chocolate sauce, sprinkles, two marshmallows and a chocolate fish.

Aaroma Cafe
Shop 2, Rolleston Square
70 Rolleston Drive
Rolleston, South Canterbury
phone (03) 347 9590
www.aaroma.co.nz
• Parking: Ample and easily accessible.
• Pram accessibility: Easy-to-open doors with staff to help out if you’re on your own, and wide aisles to make navigating easy.
• Child-friendly features: Fully fenced outdoor play area, soundproof indoor playroom, PlayStation bench for older children, and an ice-cream parlour to tempt everyone.
• Restroom: Changing table, extra wipes and nappy-changing supplies in case you’ve forgotten yours. There are even spare nappies available.
• Childrens’ menu: The lunch menu contains nine items, with prices ranging from $4 to $9, but most things are under $5. Special requests are also taken.
• Fluffy: 50c. Served in a demitasse cup, with chocolate syrup on the bottom, foam in the middle, and a face on top made of chocolate, with sprinkles for “hair” and a marshmallow on the side. Takeaway fluffies available.

Nelson

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:04:26 GMT

Alchemy Café @ Alchemy Arts
92 Bateup Rd, Richmond, Nelson
(03) 544 5853
• Parking: About 40 parks right outside the front door.
• Pram accessibility: Easy to access and plenty of room once inside.
• Child-friendly features: Bring your gumboots and prepare to get muddy
— this café has an exciting outdoor play area featuring a live pig, a rabbit,
and even a tractor! Loads of clean and tidy indoor entertainment as well; an enclosed play area for toddlers and an all-weather courtyard. Plenty of highchairs available.
• Restroom: Nappy-changing facilities and disposal system; handy basin for hand washing.
• Children’s menu: No hot chips on principal, but plenty of healthy options to tempt young taste buds. Kids’ platter of fruit, vegetable sticks, smoked chicken and cheese toasties ($7.50). Plain croissants and nachos also popular with kids, and dishes can be adapted from the main menu.
• Fluffy: $1. Foamed milk with chocolate sprinkles and a marshmallow on the side.
• Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm, seven days. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Wellington

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:02:51 GMT

The Short Straw
50 Johnson’s Road
Whitemans Valley, Upper Hutt
(04) 528 7884
• Parking: Out in the country, so heaps of off-street parking.
• Pram accessibility: Ramps to get inside, with doors wide enough to
accommodate a pram.
• Child-friendly features: This incredible café is made entirely from straw.
Outside are a playground, sandpit, petanque, chess, giant blocks, and
swingball. Inside are a puppet theatre,“market stall”, “playing house” corner, and reading area. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.
• Restroom: Excellent parents’ room with change table and stool so children can reach the sink for hand-washing.
• Children’s menu: Extensive menu with heaps of options, including crostini, yoghurt, and a great-value $5 kids’ meal including a toasted Sammie, fruit, and a fluffy. Child-sized cutlery and tables and chairs for small people too.
• Fluffy: 50c. Foam with sprinkles on top and a marshmallow on the side,
served in an espresso cup.

Melt
150 te Moana Rd, Waikanae
(04) 902 5893
• Parking: Plenty of parks in their own dedicated car park out front.
• Pram accessibility: Ramp to the front door, and very spacious once inside, so plenty of room for pushchair parking and maneuvering.
• Child-friendly features: All ages are welcome in this roomy café with small tables and chairs for young diners, and a toy corner to keep them entertained while the big people have coffee. Highchairs available too.
• Restroom: Spacious, easily accessible bathrooms, but no nappy-changing facilities.
• Children’s menu: Several options including children’s favourites: Sausages and chips, chicken and chips ($9.50), and ever-popular ice-cream sundaes ($5.50).
• Fluffy: $1. Sprinkled with chocolate, served with a chocolate fish and a marshmallow.
• Opening Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, seven days. Open for evening family dining from 6pm Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Super
130 The Parade, Island Bay
phone (04) 383 7872
• Parking: Heaps nearby, but they get a lot of foot traffic too.
• Pram accessibility: Easy-to-open wide front doors, wide aisles, and enough space to “park” a pram.
• Child-friendly features: Fenced-off interior play area with toys for the littlies. Outside is a playhouse in a lovely sun-trap of a courtyard.
They have a regular clientele, and staff make an effort to know what their customers usually have — always the sign of a good “local”.
• Restroom: Change tables and wipes are available.
• Childrens’ menu: Five items, prices from $4.50 to $6.50. Nothing is deep-fried, and special requests are welcome. They are also able to cater for vegan and gluten-intolerant customers.
• Fluffy: 50c. With sprinkles on top.

Masterton

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:01:38 GMT

The Perky Pukeko
8 Bannister Street, Masterton
(06) 378 2641
• Parking: Plenty of parking spaces (metered council parks) on the street
out front.
• Pram accessibility: There is a very small step to enter the café, but
otherwise it is easily accessible and roomy once inside.
• Child-friendly features: A dedicated space for play with plenty of toys and books. This area is surrounded by tables where Mum and Dad can have
coffee, the whole area being enclosed with a baby gate so that you can dine without fear of escapees! Two highchairs are available too.
• Restroom: No nappy changing facilities as such, but the bathrooms are spacious so there is plenty of room to tend to your little ones.
• Children’s menu: The café is known for their nutritious and delicious made-to-order salads and sandwiches. Children can order their sandwich preference, be it ham, jam, or anything in between. Plenty of other yummy treats, lolly cake being popular — $2.90 for a slice that is the perfect size for sharing. All food is made on site, and staff are happy to cater to the needs of allergy sufferers where possible.
• Fluffy: 80c. Sprinkled with chocolate, served in a special children’s cup
with a marshmallow on the side.
• Opening Hours: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Tauranga

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:00:56 GMT

Koffee Kulture
18 Gravatt Rd, Papamoa
(07) 575 0576
• Open: 8.30am-4.30pm, 7 days.
• Parking: Ample parking with eight spots directly in front, and then 30 or so in the surrounding carpark.
• Pram accessibility: Self-opening double doors, and plenty of room for your pram once inside.
• Child-friendly features: A fully fenced internal playground, featuring a rocking horse, baby slide, and a pirate-themed area for more adventurous kids. Also has a breast-feeding booth, three highchairs, and disposable bibs for sale.
• Restroom: Easily accessible double bathrooms with two loos — one for
the big person, one for the little person. Two nappy changing stations with hand-washing facilities.
• Children’s menu: Extensive, priced from $2.50, with gluten-free options.
Choose a meal from the little people’s menu — nuggets, fish and chips etc (they come with a drink). Mini brekkies available if out for brunch. Plenty of treats, and your child’s favourite sandwiches made to order. In fact, the friendly staff will try to accommodate any requests. Atomic coffee for the grownups.
• Fluffy: $1.50. Whatever milk option suits your child, all foamed up with
sprinkles and chocolate sauce on top, a marshmallow on the side, and an
optional straw.

Dunedin

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:00:14 GMT

Croque-o-dile in the Garden
Botanic Gardens, Dunedin
(03) 477 0026
• Parking: Plenty of parking in the botanic Garden’s carpark.
• Pram accessibility: Very easy access with a ramp, and plenty of room
inside for the “buggy brigade”!
• Child-friendly features: There is a basket of toys to entertain the children while you have a coffee, and the Botanic Garden’s playground is less than 100m away to burn off all the excess energy afterwards! Two highchairs are available.
• Restroom: No nappy changing facilities in the café bathroom, but these can be found in the public restroom nearby.
• Children’s menu: The menu features elements of French cuisine, including crepes ($8 to $12 depending on the fillings). Children are welcome to order off the main menu, or share with Mum and Dad. Muffins are popular for sharing ($4) and apparently huge. Watch out for winegum crocodiles ($1), a sneaky treat popular with young diners!
• Fluffy: $1.20. Foamed milk with chocolate sprinkles.
• Opening Hours: 9.30am to 4.30pm, seven days.

Auckland

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:58:47 GMT

The Parenting Place

300 Great South Road, Greenlane
(09) 524 0025
• Parking: Limited on-site parking. Street parking also available.
• Pram accessibility: Easy-to-open doors and loads of room inside for buggy parking.
• Child-friendly features: Plenty of highchairs and a warm welcome to any little people wishing to dine in the café. Alternatively, there are couches and coffee tables over in an area cleverly designed for play and interaction. Loads of exciting toys, a large touch screen featuring games and entertainment for the kids, and smaller touch screen consoles displaying resources and parenting advice. The Parenting Place also has a bookshop, runs parenting
workshops, and is staffed by people passionate about families and
available for a chat.
• Restroom: A separate bathroom for baby-changing and toddler use.
• Children’s menu: Gingerbread men are very popular — mini men are $1, and larger ones $1.50. Other items, including cupcakes, scones,
sandwiches, and filled rolls are big enough to share. Children’s hot
chocolates are a specialty at $2.
• Fluffy: 50c. Fluffy milk served with a smiley face of chocolate powder and two marshmallows.
• Opening Hours: The Parenting Place is open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to
Friday. The café closes at 4pm.

Bang Bang
56A Brown Street, Ponsonby
(09) 361 6010
www.bangbang.co.nz
• Parking: Four dedicated parking spots next door, and heaps of additional free on-street parking right outside the café.
• Pram accessibility: Wide double doors and easy-to-navigate aisles, with room between tables to “park” your pram.
• Child-friendly features: Enclosed play area with rubber-mat floor, chalkboard wall to encourage artistic endeavours, magnetic wall for fun with magnets, book corner, heaps of toys and games. Face painting, music and drama classes, storytelling, pram walking group, and heaps of other child-friendly activities scheduled each week. Several high chairs available. They do great children’s parties too.
• Restroom: Ramp to access, with doors wide enough to easily accommodate a pram. Changing table available.
• Children’s menu: Extensive children’s menu with 15 items for toddlers ($2-$9) and 14 varieties of Stages organic baby food for babies on solids. Sippy cups and child-friendly tableware available, as well as disposable bibs. As the menu says, “No request is too strange... Go on, try us!”
• Fluffy: $1. Chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows. There’s even a “fluffy loyalty card” for frequent fluffy-drinkers!

The Library Cafe
55 Princes Street, Onehunga
(09) 636 7292
www.librarycafe.co.nz
• Open: Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm; Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm; Sun 9am-late.
• Parking: Public car parks out front and plenty more on Princes Street.
• Pram accessibility: Easily accessible with a ramp, huge foyer, and room to maneuver and “park” when inside.
• Child-friendly features: Huge play areas indoors and out. Books, toys, games, and blackboards inside; outdoor play equipment under shade in the courtyard for when the sun shines. Available for kids’ parties.
• Restroom: Pram-friendly bathrooms with nappy changing facilities, including spare wipes, and toddler toilet training seats.
• Children’s menu: Healthy choices with a sandwich, fruit, crackers, and a fuffy for $4.50; antipasto platters to share for $9. Specialises in food allergies. And for the perfect end to a relaxing weekend, take the family for a Sunday roast — a three-course set menu, half-price for kids, every Sunday evening.
• Fluffy: 50c. Your choice of milk, with chocolate sauce and a marshmallow.

Café Windsor
542 East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay (behind McDonald’s)
(09) 477 2876
• Parking: Plenty of parking available in the large car park right out front.
• Pram accessibility: Easily accessible with a ramp, wide doorway, and plenty of space once inside.
• Child-friendly features: Play areas both indoors and out, jigsaw puzzle
tables, and a play kitchen area where kids can whip up a plastic feast. Story time on Tuesdays, bouncy castle on Thursdays (during term time), and videos during school holidays.
• Restroom: Plenty of room, with nappy-changing facilities and wipes available.
• Children’s menu: Loads of delicious options for junior appetites; special features include toasted sandwiches in the shape of boats ($2.30) and a chocolate brownie in the shape of a car ($1.70). Kids’ cupcakes and smiley-face sandwiches also popular choices.
• Fluffy: $1. Fluffy milk served with chocolate sprinkles and two marshmallows.
• Opening Hours: 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Closed for three
weeks over the Christmas-holiday period (from 25 December onwards).

Tauranga Mainly Music Fundraiser

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:59:24 GMT

Help Mainly Music raise some dough!

Domino's Pizza Tauranga is getting behind
The Salvation Army's Mainly Music.

On Wednesday 16th June
$1 of every pizza sold between 5pm and 8pm
will be donated to our Mainly Music.

Come down to Domino's Cameron Rd, Tauranga and pick up a great deal on your pizza
and help us out at the same time!

Our mission is to be able to buy new drums and shakers,
and props for our Mainly Music sessions.

Mainly Music is fun interactive music sessions for young children and their parents/ caregivers. Children and adults join together for a thirty- minute music session. We then provide morning tea for the parents and children in a relaxed setting.
We love to support each other, do life together and celebrate special occasions!! Check us out online www.mainlymusic.org.nz

Issue 9 book reviews

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:06:43 GMT

Focus on nutrition, health and wellbeing with these great books for thinking women

Baby on board

Optimum Nutrition Before, During, and After Pregnancy
by Patrick Holford (Piatkus $39.99)
Pregnancy is a time that women tend to take a hard look at what they’re eating, but all too often, they’re more concerned about what they shouldn’t eat instead of what they need to grow a healthy baby. In this comprehensive guide, leading nutritionist Patrick Holford tackles one of the most important, yet often overlooked, areas of conception and pregnancy — assessing and improving your health through diet and nutrition. From helping men to create “super sperm”, to essential fats to give your baby a head start, he even addresses topics like how to prevent anaemia and boost immunity.

Eating for two

Simply Delicious Recipes for a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy
by Kathleen Gandy (Penguin $40)
Gandy, a food writer and former food editor of Australian Gourmet Traveller, has compiled a list of pregnancy-friendly ingredients and shows you simple ways to prepare them that will maximise nutrition for mother and baby without compromising on flavour. Containing over 100 recipes that will make cooking and eating during pregnancy a pleasurable experience, it covers everything from light breakfasts and lunches to dinners and late-night treats. Your cravings will thank you.

Open mouth, insert spoon

The Happy Baby Cookbook
by Australian Women’s Weekly (ACP Books $29.99)
Ah, baby food. Mashed, puréed, pulverised. Splattered on the walls, ground into the carpet, decorating your baby’s (and your) clothes from head to toe. Have you thought about making your own instead of splashing out on a million jars of the stuff? This is a great guide to feeding your baby. From starting solids to finger foods to toddler meals and lunchbox fodder, this book covers it all in an easy-to-use format. There are lots of innovative ideas (peanut-butter and vegetable sandwich, anyone?) and even a special section for kids with allergies. Good value and well presented, this is one book we’re not ashamed to have open on our benchtop.

What Do I Feed My Baby? A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Solids
by Leanne Cooper ($19.95 from www.ohbaby.co.nz)
Our own nutrition expert Leanne Cooper of Cadence Health has written several excellent guides to feeding children, and this book about starting solids is one of the best we’ve seen yet, because it explains how to combine breastfeeding with solids, and takes you on a day-by-day journey through what to feed your baby to get them used to solid food without going too fast or introducing the wrong kinds of foods. Leanne recommends starting solids at about six months of age, which is in line with what medical professionals recommend, and she looks at the topic from a nutritionist’s point of view, helping parents to give their children the best start with the best foods. It’s not a difficult read — at 80 pages, you’re definitely getting quality combined with concise information — and if you’re only going to get one guide to starting solids, this is the one to add to your parenting library.

In the kitchen

Yates Garden Fresh Cookbook
(HarperCollins $44.99)
Have you started a vegetable garden and don’t know what to do with that overabundance of spring onions? Or do you just want to make fresher-tasting meals from shop-bought veges? This companion to the Yates Garden Guide gives general information on growing your own vegetables, herbs, and fruit, and is chock-full of delicious recipes to bring your produce to the table.

The Aunt Daisy Cookbook
edited by Barbara Basham (Hodder Moa $29.99)
For a quarter of a century, Aunt Daisy was one of New Zealand’s best-loved radio personalities, and her cookery books have been a nationwide phenomenon. Compiled by her daughter Barbara Basham, this collection of over 700 classic Kiwi dishes is simple, practical, economical, and delicious. It’s right up there with the Edmond’s Cookbook as a must-have for all Kiwi kitchens.

The River Cottage Family Cookbook
by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Fitz Carr (Hodder & Stoughton $55)
Ah, yes, the man with the longest hyphenated surname in he UK. Seriously, what were his parents thinking? Most of us are probably familiar with writer and broadcaster Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage series of TV programmes about living off the land, getting back to basics, and celebrating seasonal produce, and this compendium doesn’t disappoint. It’s got gorgeously photographed recipes (seriously, you feel ike you want to take a seat right there in he middle of the picture and eat what’s on the page) and quirky projects — make your own sea salt, anyone? — in over 400 pages of lusciousness. Definitely a great gift for the chef in your life, and you can visit www.rivercottage.net for even more seasonal recipes and inspiration.

Special requests

Sweet Alternative
by Ariana Bundy (Conran Octopus $34.99)
Can’t have gluten, dairy, or soy? This cookbook full of desserts is an excellent choice to satisfy those sugar cravings without sacrificing too much on the taste. There are some interesting recipes in here, like wild orchid ice cream, konnyaku and lime noodle granita, and heavenly grass (not what you think it is). A good effort, and you’re sure to find something relevant.

Allergies: New Zealand’s Growing Epidemic
by Dr Vincent St Aubyn Crump (David Bateman $34.99)
This book has photographs of gross skin conditions. Sorry, but that’s the first thing we noticed when flipping through. Revolting, but also extremely useful if your baby has some kind of unidentifiable rash that may or may not be eczema. Written by the head of the Auckland Allergy Clinic, it’s New Zealand-relevant, with up-to-date research and information.

Managing Your Child’s Food Allergies
by Alison Orman (HarperCollins $34.99)
This Australian book is a useful companion to Allergies: New Zealand’s Growing Epidemic. Focusing exclusively on food allergies, it provides ideas on how to navigate common problems such as shared meals, school, birthday parties, and field trips, and offers help putting in place long-term solutions to give children balance.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 9: 2010

Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 9

How to make an under-the-table house

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:54:53 GMT

Children love private spaces to hang out, play in, and pretend with. This clever twist on a child’s play tent, from the book Cool Spaces for Kids by Sam Scarborough (Hamlyn $39.99), is easy to make and looks gorgeous.

Nothing could be easier than draping a large sheet over a table to make a secret play space underneath, which can become anything from a tent in the jungle to a mountaintop castle. This example has a playhouse feel to it.

How to make
1.   Decide on the height and width of the door and windows needed. Measure and mark up on your sheet with tailor’s chalk and cut out.
2.   Cut a door “curtain” from a scrap of fabric using pinking shears and making it 2 cm (3⁄4 in) wider than the doorway. Stitch it to the top of the doorway.
3.   Measure and cut out plastic ‘windows’. They should be about 4 cm (11⁄2 in) bigger than the window opening. Pin these in place behind the openings and stitch down.
4.   Measure and cut four curtains from matching scraps of fabric, using pinking shears. Attach these to the ‘outside’ of the sheet, carefully stitching them to the house along the top of the window, and taking care to conceal the plastic window seam beneath. Make two fabric tie backs per curtain and stitch in place.

Tips for beginners

You can find a great range of fabrics, as well as plastic sheeting, at your local Spotlight store.
Old pillowcases or clothing are great for fabric scraps. The window “curtains” don’t have to match — use tea towels for a “rustic” effect.
If you don’t have a sewing machine, don’t worry — this is easily hand-stitched as the seams are minimal and all straight anyway.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 9: 2010

Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 9

OHbaby Photo Centre

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:40:55 GMT

OHbaby!, in association with Snapfish, are excited to launch the OHbaby! Photo Centre from Snapfish! To celebrate, we're offering you a 20x20cm custom soft cover Photo Book with 20 pages for free*!

To take advantage of this offer, go to www.snapfish.co.nz/ohbaby_photobook, register for Snapfish (or login to your account if you are an existing user), upload your photos and create your Photo book. Use coupon code OHBABY0410 at the checkout to receive your discount.

Mother's Day gift ideas:
If you're anything like us, you might need to organise your own Mother's Day present, or you could forward this email on to hubby so he can organise it!

Canvas prints

Mugs

Plus, for the kids:

Sporty drink bottles Playing cards

When you register, you'll also qualify for 20 free prints, the perfect opportunity to print all those baby snaps you've got stored on your hard drive.

Terms and conditions: *Use of the coupon code is limited to one Photo Book per customer. Postage and handling fees apply. Offer is valid from 16 April till 14 May 2010. Offer is valid in New Zealand only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Common sense prevents driveway accidents

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:52:09 GMT

Simple, straightforward procedures have a more important role to play than cameras in reducing the death and injury toll of children caught in driveway accidents, according to the Child Safety Foundation of New Zealand.
“A series of tragic incidents over the last few weeks has underlined the urgent need to do all we can to prevent our children being killed or injured on driveways,” says the Foundation’s Executive Officer, Berenice Langson.
“Installing reversing cameras on a vehicle can certainly be a positive move. However, at an estimated cost of between $300 and $950, cameras will be beyond the financial reach of many families. Moreover, as fixed devices, they have only a limited ability to monitor the swift movements of children at play.
“Whether or not you have cameras installed on your vehicles, there are some simple, cost-effective and very straightforward steps that every family with children can and must take to prevent driveway accidents occurring.
“The most obvious of these is to look and ensure there are no children around and likely to be in your path, before you actually get into your car and start reversing. This rule applies, of course, to people visiting a home with children, as well as to the parents themselves. For all drivers, it’s a matter of checking and then checking again,” she says.
“It’s equally important for parents to ensure their children are supervised. That includes making sure you know where the children are and not assuming someone else in the family is looking after them, when, in fact, they’ve been left untended. Similarly, it’s vital to hold onto your child when saying good bye to visitors.
“In addition, it’s essential to separate play areas from your driveway. Ideally, that means fencing the driveway off. Even if fencing-off is not possible, you need to make sure that your children never, ever use the driveway as playground,” Berenice Langson adds.
Recent accidents include the death of a Wairoa two- year-old on March 22nd, when a family friend reversed a car out of a driveway. On April 3rd, a 17-month-old Hamilton girl was partially crushed by a reversing vehicle, whilst another Hamilton child received serious injuries two days later, when the eight-year-old was using the driveway to play hide-and-seek.
The Child Safety Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to minimise preventable accidents occurring to New Zealand’s children.

The Foundation has developed kits, with life-sized, plastic child figurines, for demonstrating the dangers involved in reversing out of driveways. Used extensively by community organisations, schools and parents’ group, the kits have drawn shocked responses from people seated inside a vehicle at how little they could see of the plastic children.
Made of durable materials and intended to last for at least five years, kits are purchasable from the Child Safety Foundation of New Zealand for approximately $2,000 each.
“We believe that every community in New Zealand should have access to one of our kits. They are saving lives, by demonstrating just how difficult it can be to see children from the driving seat,” says Ms Langson, adding that it’s impossible to put a price on children’s lives.

SOURCE: Child Safety Foundation

DATE: 15 April, 2010

Friendly Feeding Awards - the winners are announced!

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:12:18 GMT

It’s official. Auckland’s North Shore is home to the most supportive breastfeeding environment in the whole of New Zealand, as the inaugural 2010 Breastmates’ Friendly Feeding award is handed to Mairangi Bay’s Café Windsor, with Sylvia Park’s parent’s room the runner up.
The family-friendly café beat nine finalists and eighty-five nominated businesses to be crowned the best place in the country to breastfeed your baby. With the North Shore home to many families — 47.5% of the demographic are couples with children (5.5% above the national average)* — it’s sure to be a busy week for the cafe following the announcement.
“Cafe Windsor’s attitude to service blew us away,” says Frances McInnes, the founder of Breastmates award-winning online maternity store. “From offering to cut up a mother’s food so she could eat with one hand while breastfeeding, to cups of water brought over unprompted to any mother they saw breastfeeding, this cafe doesn’t just walk the talk — it’s running the marathon when it comes to being supportive to families!”

The Winner: Cafe Windsor (542 East Coast Bays, Mairangi Bay)
“Our mission has always been to provide a place that our customers can feel comfortable in and our customers are predominantly mothers. Breastfeeding just isn’t an issue, it’s what mothers do,” says owner Alan Barrow modestly, who has run the café with his wife for almost four years. “Being child and mum-friendly has always been our point of difference as we’re situated off the main road.”
Endorsement by Breastmates will no doubt ensure even more visibility for the café among mothers in the region. Café Windsor is located in the Windsor Park Baptist Church complex, which plays host to Jumping Beans, Mainly Music and MOPS.

The Runner Up: Sylvia Park parent’s room
Parents rooms are often the last place parents want to breastfeed, so it’s surprising that the second best place to feed your baby, as voted by mothers, is the parents room at Sylvia Park shopping centre.
“The parents room was always impeccable, with great facilities, including a secure area for toddlers with child-décor and a kids DVD playing. Parenting booths, with the option to close or leave the curtain open, comfortable chairs for breastfeeding and clocks in each cubicle made this an excellent choice,” mystery mum’s judging comment.
“Many parent’s rooms are obvious after-thoughts by management,” says McInnes. “Being tucked away in a small, dingy room with no outside light or entertainment isn’t the first choice of women doing something as natural as breastfeeding, but Sylvia Park’s parent’s room has proved they can be done well and provide a haven for a breastfeeding mum.”

Windsor Cafe and the management of Sylvia Park’s parent’s room will each receive a framed certificate, as well as promotion on www.breastmates.co.nz and to their database of New Zealand mothers.
The full list of nominated locations, as recommended by other mums around New Zealand can be viewed online at www.breastmates.co.nz/awards.
“We don’t judge parents on whether they are breast or bottle feeding, and we provide support for both methods on our website. But it’s great to know that other Kiwi businesses are providing facilities and an encouraging attitude for those mums who do breastfeed,” says McInnes.
“Our hope is that Breastmates’ Friendly Feeding Awards will encourage more businesses to see the value for the community in providing support to mums while they are breastfeeding their babies,” says McInnes, who is an guru on breastfeeding and was involved with the Ministry of Health’s breastfeeding campaign.

SOURCE: Frances McInnes

DATE: 14 April, 2010

Celebrate Mum this Mother's Day

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:33:15 GMT

Being a mum is hard work. We all want to do our best.
Often we’re too busy looking at other mothers we think are doing a great job that we don’t see them looking back at us thinking the same thing. This Mother’s Day, Breastmates would like to bridge this communication gap by launching a free certificate to download and share.
“Something as simple as encouragement about how well your child is doing can mean the world of difference to a mum,” says Breastmates founder Frances McInnes, mum to two boys, as well as being a small business owner.
“I know myself, if someone just comments on what I am doing as a mum, it really makes me feel encouraged. This year my goal is to help mothers feel encouraged and confident in their parenting ability, and in the choices they make.”
If someone passes you one of these certificates, then you’ll know that your mum skills are noticed. By sending one to a mother you know, you will be making a real difference on a day that may otherwise have been quite a challenge!
You can download this certificate here, save to your computer, and then email to your friends along with your own message of encouragement.

For more information, visit www.breastmates.co.nz.

SOURCE: Breastmates

DATE: 14 April, 2010

Autumn 2010

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:42:54 GMT

Work it, mama!

Take your bump to the office in style with these nine-to-five fashions

Ripe cardigan AU$89.95, ruched shirt AU$74.95, and Romeo pencil skirt AU$64.95, www.ripe.com.au for stockists

Ripe Romeo cropped jacket AU$119.95, ruched shirt AU$74.95, and Romeo pencil skirt AU$64.95. Kumkum earrings $99 from www.skandi.co.nz. OPI nail varnish in Chicago Champagne Toast $24.90

EGG Houndstooth Pea Coat $199.90 and Pocket Skirt $129.90, www.eggmaternity.com Mishka’n’Milka The Lone Rider shirt $199 from Child www.child.co.nz. Kumkum ring $399

Kumfs Juniper shoes $249.99. Saben Daphne bag $420

Saben Dylan bag $700. Next boots $299 from Eden Shoes www.edenshoes.co.nz

Szabo wrap dress $199 from Child. Zelda shoes $229.99 from Kumfs

Necklace stylist’s own. Trimester Panache wrap top AU$84.95 and Obsession skirt AU$84.95, both from Queen Bee www.queenbee.com.au. OPI nail varnish in Bullish On OPI $24.90. OiOi nappy bag $236 from www.finelines.co.nz

MA silk blouse AU$189.95 and Obsession jersey skirt AU$84.95, both from Queen Bee.
Kumkum earrings $169

EGG multi-wrap top $159.90. Besotted Boy Bow blouse $189 and Mishka’n’Milka The Porter tailored pants $269, both from Child. GUESS Slick shoes $315

OPI nail varnish in Give Me Moor $24.90. EGG top $159.90 and pants $199.90.
Saben Scarlet purse $185

Pumpkin Patch dress $59.95. Kumkum ring $569. Necklace stylist’s own
(similar available at Smith & Caughey’s)

Kid Republic Baby Mel bag $159.95. Briarwood Dolly boots $579

Saben Amelie bag $355. Briarwood Santiago boots $569

Pumpkin Patch top $59.99, Ripe Romeo pencil skirt AU$64.95. GUESS Caramel shoes $229

Astute collared wrap dress AU$129.95 from Queen Bee. Saben Josie bag $390.
Kumkum earrings $59

Ripe Orbit wrap dress AU$109.95. Montblanc earrings $470, 0800 289 928 for stockists

Eeni Meeni Miini Moh Balloon Dress $99. Nature Baby organic merino top $59.95 and organic cotton leggings $29.95. Bibi boots $78 from Mesamis. Cocoon Couture Tree $310 from Allium. Madder & Rouge fabric bird $39 and wooden owl $18. Universal white tree coat stand $198 from Smith & Caughey’s.

Catimini Spirit City Hat $66, Spirit City Coat $232, Spirit City Balloon Dress $179, Spirit City Leggings $65, and Baby Mabel shoes in Prune $117, all from Mesamis. The Poi Room stuffed Kiwi $189

Pumpkin Patch top $26.99, short-sleeved cardigan $29.99, tights $12.99, boots $49.95.

Coccon Couture bookends $87 and fabric bird $15, both from Allium. Catimini Spirit Ethnique mittens $59 and scarf $66, and Spirit City scarf $66, all from Mesamis. Kartell Stone Stool $420.

Madder & Rouge fabric bird $39 and owl $18. Preston shoes (bronze) $75.90 from Eden Shoes. Pedigree shoes (red) $79.90 from Eden Shoes. Baby Mabel shoes $117 from Mesamis.

Nature Baby top $34.95 and socks $9.95 Eeni Meeni Miini Moh pants $84. Cocoon Couture beanbag $115 from Allium.

Spirit City T-shirt $98 and Spirit Ethnique Hat $66, both from Mesamis. Kaloo dress $76.50, knitted vest $74.50, and tights $33.90, all from Allium. Doudou et Compagnie bear $64.95 from Kid Republic

Catimini Urban scarf and hat set $66, Urban cardigan $153, Urban trousers and top outft $166, all from Mesamis.

Burberry trench coat $495, Burberry track suit $249, Burberry shoes $275, Burberry nappy bag $990, all from Smith & Caughey’s.

STYLIST: SHERYL BURSON
PHOTOGRAPHY: FIONA TOMLINSON

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 9: 2010

Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 9

Issue 8

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:00:35 GMT

Summer’s best new books for thinking women and their families

Editor’s choice

Flanimals Pop-Up, by Ricky Gervais (Walker Books $34.99)
Yes, it’s that Ricky Gervais (comedian, actor, creator of The Office), and this book is hilarious — so hilarious that I stole it from my daughter and furtively snickered over it myself, hiding it every time she entered the room. A pseudo-scientific compendium of strange, colourful, and somewhat revolting creatures that defy conventional description, this imaginative pop-up book is filled with tongue-twisters, creepy crawlies, and truly ugly and unloveable creatures that previously lived only in the author’s imagination, and will now live in yours (oh, all right, and your children’s). I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun with a pop-up book — it’s downright silly, and if you’re in need of some levity, you should add this to your shelves. ~Katherine Granich

Publisher’s choice
Babybliss, by Jo Ryan (HarperCollins $36.99)
Despite having just had my third child, I still found this book wonderfully helpful. It’s so reassuring to be encouraged to relax and enjoy your little bundle. Jo Ryan outlines what to expect as your baby grows, and provides a guide to help get your baby into a good routine — in a relaxed way. I love how Jo explains what your baby should be doing between weeks 1-12, offering support and alternatives if you don’t want to let your baby cry himself to sleep. I recommend reading this book leading up to the birth of your baby and, more specifically, as soon as you get home from hospital! When you’re in the little bubble of having just given birth, your mind is fuzzy, and everything is a bit surreal, reading this book feels like an expert who understands is right there holding your hand. While every baby is different, the same principles apply to all newborns and babies as they grow, and Jo predicts and covers this in a relaxed and comforting way — it’s bliss! ~Angela Pedersen

In the garden

Yates Young Gardener: Growing Things to Eat, by Janice Marriott (HarperCollins $24.99)
Kids love getting busy in the garden, and it’s not too late to plant some vegetable seedlings for harvesting in late summer and early autumn! This illustrated guide to growing vegetables is written for children, but adults who are new to digging in the dirt will appreciate its simple explanations and heaps of fun, accessible projects to do in and out of the vege patch. Our favourite: Planting a teepee with bamboo stakes and climbing peas or runner beans.

Isabella’s Garden, by Glenda Millard and Rebecca Cool (Walker Books $29.99)
The colourful illustrations in this book are almost like an illuminated manuscript — stylised but appealingly original, you don’t even really need to read the words to understand the story. Isabella plants her garden with seeds that sleep in the dark, deep soil, and over the next several pages, the rain arrives, the sun shines, and the plants grow. Excellent for reading aloud, the lyrical text echoes the “House that Jack built” nursery rhyme. A beautiful way to introduce young children to gardening, and reinforce the continually changing seasons.

The Tui NZ Vegetable Garden, by Sally Cameron (Penguin $45)
An indispensable guide to growing vegetables in Godzone, this gorgeously photographed book is a must-have for novice and experienced gardeners alike. From preparation to cultivation to harvesting, it pretty much tells you everything you need to know. There are individual sections on each vegetable — from asparagus right through to turnips — as well as herbs (aloe vera to yarrow) and an excellent reference of common problems you might come across. Our favourite section is the garden diary at the back, which tells you what to do month-by-month.

In the kitchen

Table Tucker, by Penina Petersen (Hachette $32.99)
Take four nights off from cooking every week? Like we’re going to say no to that. Table Tucker is a chunky little cookbook that gives you 52 weeks of menus and shopping lists and directs you to “Cook only three times a week and put your feet up.” Written by a mum, it takes a little bit of getting used to — each week there are three meals that serve two, plus three meals that will serve four to six, and you’ve got a bit of planning to do to make sure that there’s enough food to feed your family. Meals are seasonal, which helps when buying produce and ingredients. The recipes aren’t illustrated, but they’re pretty easy to follow regardless. The premise of the book is a good one, but we’re not sure we’d be able to stick to it for the whole year. Still, anything that will save us time is worth a try, right?

More Peas Please, by Kate Di Prima and Dr Julie Cichero (Arena/Allen & Unwin $35)
Feeding a fussy eater? You’re not alone. We’ve never yet met a toddler who eats everything that’s set in front of him without complaint, but it’s not just stubbornness on your child’s part, even though it probably feels like that most of the time! This excellent book looks at the reasons behind food fussiness. It’s not so much a cookbook (although it does contain recipes) as an explanation of what’s going through your child’s mind when he point-blank refuses to eat anything with lumps in it. If you’re not into hiding broccoli in brownies, check out this book.

Fit Food Fast, by The Millennium Institute (Random House $29.99)
You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate these nutrient-rich recipes, although the 12 top New Zealand athletes who share their own healthy-eating tips are certainly inspiring. Jointly designed by The Millennium Institute of Sport & Health and Nestle New Zealand, this very Kiwi cookbook features simple recipes using readily available ingredients. Great for busy families.

Out and about

Cézanne and the Apple Boy, by Laurence Anholt (Frances Lincoln $29.99)
Suitable for four- or five-year-olds, this delightful introduction to the art of the great French Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne is through the eyes of his son as he travels to spend time with his father in the countryside. The elder Cézanne was a sometimes difficult and intense genius, and his revolutionary style of painting was not accepted at first, but the tender relationship between a father and son unfolds beautifully in the pages of this gorgeous book. If you’re an art lover, this is a wonderful way to bring the world of art to your child.

Maisy’s Street, by Lucy Cousins (Walker Books $18.99)
Great for younger toddlers, this sturdy concertina-style book lets your child take a walk down Maisy’s street. The two-metre-long street scene is double-sided, enhancing interaction. A great way to encourage your child to look at the world around her, and to familiarise her with the kinds of things she’ll see in her own neighbourhood — the bakery, library, fire station, and even the lolly shop.

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 8: 2010

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Purchase Issue 8

Kindy gets conservative

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:28:17 GMT

A kindergarten at Mount Maunganui is leading the way nationally in giving lessons to young children about the value of water and the importance of its conservation. Arataki Kindergarten is working on the educational initiative with Bayfair Shopping Centre, which has installed a rain-water harvesting system at the kindergarten.
The system can capture and store up to 4,500 litres of rain-water, which flows into a 1,000-litre tank with a measuring gauge. The design means children can assess the water level before using the system to irrigate their gardens.
Bayfair, with support from other local businesses, decided to fund the project as part of its long-time promotion of environmental sustainability. Since introducing a sustainable management strategy in-centre seven years ago, Bayfair’s waste costs have dropped by 44%, and it has established New Zealand’s first waste-free food court, now diverting more than 50 tonnes of food scraps each year to compost rather than landfill.
“We take recycling and energy conservation seriously and have worked hard to improve the shopping centre’s carbon footprint through a variety of new measures,” says Steve Ellingford, Operations Manager at Bayfair. “The Arataki Kindergarten water system is one example of how we are expanding what we do to the wider Bay of Plenty community.
“Nearly one billion people worldwide lack access to safe, clean water, and we aim to teach the newest generation that water is a precious resource that is not infinite – it must be protected and conserved. We see this as a great way to encourage them and their families to find easy ways to reduce wastage.”
Arataki Kindergarten’s head teacher Tania Shorter says the local community is grateful for the system as an education tool and a valuable addition to their backyard.
“Children’s minds are wide open at this age and they’re fascinated by nature and anything interactive. With the kids starting the new term this month we are sure this is going to be a big hit!”
David Burnett from Devon Plastics and Andrew McCarthy from Tauranga Hardware & Plumbing both contributed to the project by offering their products and services at a discounted rate.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says it is wonderful to see local businesses working together to improve the environment. “Having a rain tank at Arataki Kindergarten is a great education opportunity. Tauranga City Council's water conservation programme, Waterline, has been in place for about 10 years, and rain harvesting is a topic of increasing interest. It is great to see Bayfair also helping the kindergarten’s children learn how the city's stormwater system works, and teaching them that the 'drain is just for rain'."
Bayfair previously teamed up with Arataki Kindergarten to promote green initiatives last July, when management helped children from the kindergarten and Arataki Primary School plant trees through the Paper4Trees programme.
Bayfair is a leading sponsor of Paper4Trees in Tauranga and Western Bay schools, and the initiative saw 311.5 tonnes of paper and cardboard recycled in exchange for 1,246 new native trees.
“If all businesses made an effort to be more sustainable – no matter how big or small – we could together make an enormous difference to the world in which these children will grow up,” Mr Ellingford says.
“We hope the Arataki Kindergarten children enjoy collecting and using their rain-water from now on and learn some valuable lessons about sustainability along the way.”

SOURCE: Alexander Communications

DATE: 17/03/10

Slings

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:43:53 GMT

Carry your baby in style with these funky slings.

Space/black sling $80 from Unido www.unido.co.nz

Pure Organic Cotton sling $79 from nature Baby www.naturebaby.co.nz

Midnight Poppy/Black sling $80 from Unido www.unido.co.nz

Black Grace sling $149 nestling www.nestling.co.nz for stockists

Taiko sling AU$75 from Beep Beep www.beepbeepslings.com

Breeze Baby sling $99 from Belly Beyond www.bellybeyond.co.nz

Natural Organics sling $95 from Nature’s Sway www.naturessway.co.nz

Ripe Roxy dress $139.95, Ripe Portsea top $109.95, and Ripe Tomboy shorts $99.95, all from Kid Republic Newmarket (09) 522 8334

As seen in OHbaby! magazine Issue 8: 2010

Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 8

New ambassador joins search for a cure

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:26:42 GMT

Breast Cancer Research Trust is delighted to announce the addition of a new ambassador to its team of individuals dedicated to raising awareness of its goal of finding a cure for breast cancer by 2018.
Carol Hirschfeld is a notable personality throughout New Zealand with her positions as anchorwoman at TV3, producer at Campbell Live and her current role as Head of Programming at Maori Television. CEO of Breast Cancer Research Trust, Tony Moffatt, comments, “Carol is the perfect person to come on-board as the latest addition to our ambassador family – she is incredibly knowledgeable and talented, admired for her poise and grace and will offer the Trust an informed opinion on its work moving forward.”
Carol joins an amazing group of ambassadors which includes fashion designer Karen Walker and Advertising Creative Director Mikhail Gherman, TV personality Petra Bagust, and maître’d Geeling Ng. Along with the Trust’s Patron, Trelise Cooper, the ambassadors do a wonderful job of raising the profile of the Trust and encouraging donations so the Trust can continue its ground-breaking work into finding a cure for breast cancer within the next eight years.
Carol comments, “I am so looking forward to being part of the Breast Cancer Research Trust and finding a cure for breast cancer by 2018. With one in eight women being diagnosed with this disease each year, coupled with one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, a cure has never been needed more and I am thrilled that I can help be part of it.”
“I’m impressed by the work of the Trust, it’s single minded goal and it’s achievements to date. The passion and conviction displayed by everyone involved excites me with the potential for achievement.”
For further information about the Trust, please visit www.breastcancercure.org.nz

SOURCE: The PR Shop

DATE: 15/02/10

PORSE founder up for top award

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:07:03 GMT

Early childhood education leader Jenny Yule, has been named as finalist for one of the world’s most prestigious business awards – the Veuve Clicquot New Zealand Business Woman of the Year.
Ms Yule, who is the founding director of New Zealand’s largest in-home childcare and training provider PORSE, has been named as a finalist alongside investment adviser Carmel Fisher, lawyer Cathy Quinn, corporate banker Elaine Gill, and foodie Rachel Taulelei.
The winner, who will be named on March 25, will be presented with the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award trophy, and a business class ticket to France to attend the 2010 International Business Women's Forum at the Veuve Clicquot winery in Reims.
Yule says being recognized in these awards is a “milestone” for New Zealand’s early childhood sector - an industry not typically known for making business award headlines.
“Being named as a finalist is a huge honour and one that I share with the 3,000 plus women in PORSE who match the award criteria – with their contributions to economic development while improving the quality of life for children, families and community.
Ms Yule, who also sits on the Executive Committee for the Infant Mental Health Association of Aotearoa New Zealand, (IMHAANZ) has spent the past 20 years working in the early childhood education sector and the last 15 years creating PORSE from scratch.
“PORSE started with a vision that continues to strengthen year on year with better services and products to support our 3,000 strong nanny and educator workforce who are making real contributions to the community.
PORSE is credited with significantly contributing to the popularity and growth of in-home childcare, which has seen a 54 % per cent increase in demand in the last five years.
Yule says the success of her business has come about because of a need for women to be valued in a career that is often overlooked.
“Caring for our babies in home environments with a person who can love and respond to their early developmental needs is not a luxury but a necessity for our future.
PORSE’s comprehensive childcare business model leverages the economy through job creation and training, with potential to export.
The Veuve Clicquot Awards honour outstanding business women from around the world who embody the values of Veuve Clicquot and its pioneering entrepreneur Madame Clicquot.
Yule’s entrepreneurial vision seeks to empower women to exhibit the many qualities of Madame Clicquot – resilience, optimism and leadership.
Madame Clicquot was recognised as the world’s first businesswoman, inventing the champagne riddling process in the early 1800’s, and becoming known as “la grande dame de la Champagne.”

SOURCE: PORSE

DATE: 15/02/10

Free soccer sessions for preschoolers

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:02:58 GMT

Ultimate hospital bag checklist

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:54:56 GMT

Have you packed your hospital bag yet? It's a good idea to have one packed by 37 weeks, just in case baby decides to make an early appearance. To help you decide which items are must-haves, and which will make your labour more bearable, we've put together the Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist. Click on the image below to open it as a .PDF, then simply print and tick!

Your guide to safe eating during pregnancy

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:47:02 GMT

It can be difficult to remember which foods are safe to eat during pregnancy, and which foods are no-go zones, so we've prepared a simple guide for you to print and put on your fridge for quick, easy reference. Simply click on the image below to download it as a .PDF, then print.

Your essential pregnancy toolkit

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:30:49 GMT

Pregnancy is a special time in your life, and the nine months that you spend nurturing your growing baby is also a time to nurture your own sense of wellbeing. We've put together your essential pregnancy toolkit to help you have the smoothest pregnancy possible.

Dress to impress
Gone are the days when maternity wear consisted of shapeless sacks and bold, garish prints - accomodate your growing bump in comfort, without sacrificing style:

Breasmates range of maternity essentials
Breastmates maternity clothing section has just launched on their website, with stylish tops and clothing all at reasonable prices. They now have products that will take you through your pregnancy and into breastfeeding or bottle feeding, along with advice and consultation that you may need. Gorgeous products for mums! Door-to-door delivery and a relaxed exchange policy make shopping easy. To find out more visit www.breastmates.co.nz. They also have a very interactive Facebook page that is worth checking out!

Satisfy your clothing cravings with Ripe Maternity
Ripe Maternity understands and appreciates the lifestyle of pregnant women and allows you to maintain your own personal style during your pregnancy.
Pregnant women rely on Ripe to provide them with on trend, yet comfortable and practical maternity wear. The label’s Winter 2010 collection does not fail to provide. From staple maternity basics to trend driven statement pieces and everything in between, Ripe has it all! If you haven’t already discovered all that Ripe Maternity has on offer, find your nearest stockist to find that shopping for maternity clothing can be easy and just as much fun as before you were pregnant! Ripe’s latest Winter styles are in store now. To check out the collection and find your nearest stockist visit www.ripe.com.au

Pamper yourself
During pregnancy, your skin undergoes an intense period of change. For some women, the result is that fabled "pregnancy glow", but for others, these changes can mean skin that is drier, prone to breakouts and more sensitive than usual. Nurture your skin with these nourishing treats:

Aroma Mother 'Mummy-to-be' box
Pretty and fresh for an expectant mum, this gorgeous box features both essentials and luxuries for your skin. Each box Includes a lovely posy of flowers, Linden Leaves 'Pick-me-up' body oil, two foil bath discs, Essential Aroma massage oil, protective cream, Aroma Mother bath gel and Aroma Mother soap, all presented in a stylish white gift box with ribbon trim - definitely one to add to your baby shower wish list. To purchase, visit the OHbaby! Online Store.

Earth Mother Angel Baby Natural Pregnancy Stretch Oil
Are you an Angel Mama with a sensitive nose and an itchy, pregnant belly? Mama knows. That’s why Natural Stretch Oil is exactly what every mama needs. Your gloriously expanding belly, hips and breasts will drink up the luxurious blend of oils to deter those pesky stretch marks, and the light, delicate scent won't aggravate morning sickness. Mama starts with plant-based oils that are cold pressed without solvents to insure their purity, then infuses them with the healing herbal goodness of organic calendula and calming organic chamomile. Natural Stretch Oil is light and readily absorbable. To purchase, visit Belly Beyond.

Growing Memories
There are so many ways to celebrate your changing shape and preserve your pregnancy journey for posterity, from pregnancy journals and pictures of your growing bump, to a video diary for your baby-to-be. Here are some of our favourites:
Samsung high definition camcorder HMX-R10BP
This ultra-compact camcorder adds an extra level of comfort to every shot you take. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to grip and hold long enough to catch that special memory in full high definition, and the 2.7" touch screen gives you a great view to make sure it’s all captured. Forgot your camera at home? You can also take high-quality 9MP digital still photos and then flip through them on your HDTV with family and friends. Available in black and silver.

What will you do with your placenta?
Plant a tree to celebrate the birth of your child and honour the amazing job your placenta has done with "Capceco", the Biodegradable Placenta Capsule.
Packed at birth, "Capceco" requires no defrosting or unpacking. The whole capsule goes into the ground to nurture your child’s birth tree, removing up to one tonne of carbon emissions over its life. "Your Tree", a beautiful child’s keepsake book is included in your pack, teaching children about their birth tree and encouraging them to care for nature. Purchase “Capceco” online at www.capceco.com or at the Eco Store.

Preparing for the big day
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may feel an uncontrollable urge to nest. Put the finishing touches on the nursery, wash all those teeny, tiny newborn clothes and stock up the freezer with quick and healthy meal ideas - and don't forget to pack your hospital bag. Don't know where to start? Check out our Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist:

Your one-stop maternity and baby essentials shop
Belly Beyond is the place to shop online for maternity lingerie, nappy bags and baby carriers plus an extensive range of gorgeous gifts and baby essentials.
With the largest collection of nappy bags from brands like OiOi, SKIP*HOP and Isoki, it’s a sure bet you’ll find the right style at the right price. Have fun creating your own unique Wishlist or shop for gifts. From cots to carriers, breast pumps to blankets – it can all be delivered to your door. Secure online shopping with speedy delivery on the latest and greatest in Babyland and now offering Fly Buys points! www.bellybeyond.co.nz

Have a happy, healthy and blissful pregnancy!

Hamilton cloth nappy workshops

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:54:39 GMT

Interested in Using Cloth Nappies?
Choosing cloth nappies can be quite confusing because there are so many different styles available and a lot of conflicting information.
Come along and let ‘The Nappy Lady™’ dispel all the myths, show you how they work and explain all of the things you could possibly want to know about nappies.   She will show you how to choose the style that will suit your family and how easy it actually is to use cloth nappies.
Each couple will receive a free nappy trial pack valued at over $45 to take home.

Upcoming Dates:     Friday 12th February @6.00pm
                                     Saturday 13th February @9.00am

Venue:     Parents Place, 87 Boundary Road, Hamilton

Cost:        $15 per couple

Bookings are essential: Please contact Kate Meads (aka The Nappy Lady) on (07) 5492955 email kate@nappydays.co.nz. There are limited spaces available and they book up very quickly.

Huggies supports water confidence for under fives

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:49:46 GMT

Triple World Surf Ironman Champion Cory Hutchings was born with a natural feel for the ocean, but he thanks his Nana for being his earliest ‘Pool Buddy’ and for teaching him to swim.
Cory has teamed up with his youngest child Zak (2) in a poster campaign this summer funded by Huggies, which encourages parents and caregivers to get into the pool and be pool buddies with their children under five. Cory says in the poster: ‘I’m a big fan of one-on-one time in the pool with Zak our youngest. Close together he feels secure and it’s fun.’
The Huggies Little Swimmers Pool Buddy campaign is based on the view held by water safety experts that helping children become familiar with the water early is an important foundation for learning to swim.
“I encourage parents, grandparents and caregivers to get into the pool with the littlest members of the family this summer. It’s fun and it’s special. I think kids build water confidence more easily if their earliest water experiences are with someone they are close to, where there’s already a relationship of trust,” says Cory.
Cory says he and his wife Ange have both had one on one pool-time with their four children at different stages. He says their children have come to enjoy the water in their own time and in their own way.
“Zak is still hesitant in the water and I respect that. Luke (7) surfs and is confident in all depths of water, but I am still vigilant with him. Skye (9) loves the water and swims confidently but is not interested in competitive water sport. And Korbin (12) is New Zealand’s current New Zealand Surfing Champion in the under-12 age group, and is preparing for competition in Australia.
“Children have different personalities and they all feel the water differently. I think New Zealand parents do a great job. The key is to give kids opportunities to build water confidence early and then book them into more formal swimming lessons when they’re ready.
“It’s a tricky balance between being over-cautious in the water and overlaying our fear onto them, or at the other extreme, expecting too much of them too soon,” he says.

Huggies Little Swimmers POOL BUDDY Pointers
These pointers are designed to help parents understand water confidence
from a child’s perspective:

0-6 months
·          Hold me and support me so I can feel safer in the water
·          I feel safer in the water when we have happy eye contact
·          I won’t be frightened when you move me through the water gently and
           slowly
·          Singing and talking gently teaches me what is coming next
·          Supporting my body helps me learn what it feels like to float
·          When you are relaxed, I relax too

6 months – 1 year
·          When you support me I can try new things
·          I love it when we play with my friends in the water
·          Learning to swim means I discover how to feel happy and safer in
           water
·          I love to try to do the actions when you show me how
·          Tell me before you splash or submerge me
·          When lying on my back, I need to feel your support and feel you close,   especially when my ears, head and shoulders are in the water

1 -2 years
·          Continue to support me as I need to know you are there
·          Always return me to a safe place (like the side of the pool so I can hold on)
·          Roll me from my back to my tummy over and over in the water
·          Lie me supported on your shoulder and gently roll me to my tummy
·          Laughing and playing with you in the water is special

2 – 3 years
·          I still need you to be there with me in the water
·          Respect me because sometimes I don’t want to be in the water!!!
·          Please catch me when we decide it’s time to jump in
·          Playing games in the water helps me to develop my confidence
·          Repeating activities I love gives me confidence to do it by myself
·          I need to trust you when I try new things

Developed by Jenny McPhail of Water Discovery and Gill Connell of Moving Smart

Your back-to-school checklist

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:47:17 GMT

Click to download as a printable PDF:

Starting preschool or kindy

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:03 GMT

CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL OR KINDY
Deciding which preschool or kindy is right for your child might be as simple as a matter of geography, or it might involve some research on your part into different philosophies and approaches, as you consider which will best suit your child and family circumstances. A good place to start is the Ministry of Education website, www.minedu.govt.nz/parents.aspx, which includes a list of kindies and preschools by location and information on the “20 hours free ECE” programme”. The Ministry of Education conducts reviews of all educational institutions, and this includes preschools and kindies, so once you have found one or two that you think might be suitable, visit www.ero.govt.nz to read the reports on them. You might also like to visit them to get a feel for the atmosphere there.
Once you have decided on a preschool or kindy, put your child’s name on the waiting list as soon as possible – some have long waiting lists so the earlier you enroll them, the sooner he or she will be able to start. Some parents place their child on the waiting list for two or three preschools at the same time, and then take whichever place becomes available first.

PLANNING
Young children often struggle with the concept of time, so trying to get him or her excited about something that isn’t going to happen for a while is tricky, and often pointless – they will respond better if you begin the preparation process a week or two before they are due to start. If your child has older siblings, he or she is probably already quite excited about being “grown-up” enough for kindy or preschool, but if not, spending time away from home might seem like a foreign, and frightening, prospect.
Broach the subject at a time when your child is settled and feels secure, perhaps at a family mealtime or when you have some one-on-one time. Talk about the exciting activities that he or she will be able to participate in at kindy, and be sure to give him or her the opportunity to ask questions – they will have plenty!
Most kindies or preschools will allow you and your child to visit before the official start date, to give both of you a chance to see how things work there, and how your child will be spending his or her time when there. It’s also a chance for your child to meet the teachers/staff, and will help make the big day seem less overwhelming.

PREPARING
What your child will need to take with him to preschool or kindy will vary, depending on what they supply, but things your child is sure to need are:
•    A backpack – letting your child choose one will help build excitement about starting kindy.
•    One or two spare changes of clothes
•    A good, sturdy pair of shoes
They may also need:
•    A lunch box – again, letting your child choose one is a good idea
•    A drink bottle
•    Spare knickers/undies in case of accidents – even children who have been toilet trained for some time may have the odd accident at preschool while they settle in
•    An apron/coverall to protect his or her clothes when painting
•    Sun hat and sunscreen during the warmer months
•    Gumboots and jacket/raincoat during winter
Make sure everything is clearly named, either with labels or with indelible laundry marker to avoid your child’s belongings ending up in the lost property box.

THE BIG DAY
When the big day dawns, don’t be surprised if you feel a little emotional – starting preschool is a huge milestone in your child’s life, it’s normal to feel a bit misty-eyed!
Let your child pack his or her own backpack, and if they have to take lunch, involve them in choosing what goes into their lunchbox (within reason, of course!). Try to allow enough time that it isn’t a rush to get ready. Don’t forget to take lots of photos, both of your child getting ready at home, and them settling in at preschool.
When you arrive at kindy, be prepared to stay with your child for at least a few minutes. Some kindies will encourage you to stay with your child until he or she feels comfortable, even if this means the whole session for the first few days, while others will encourage you to leave fairly promptly and have a teacher take care of settling your child. Be clear on this before you arrive, and discuss it with your child.

SETTLING IN
If your child is having difficulty adjusting to kindy or preschool, here are a few ideas that might help:
•    Starting a reward chart for staying at kindy for the whole session by his- or herself
•    Making a booklet about your child’s time at preschool – include photos of you dropping them off, of them participating in activities they enjoy at preschool, and then of you picking them up again, to reinforce the idea that you will come back to get them once the session is finished
•    Taking note of other children your child plays with at kindy or talks about at home and encouraging him or her to build relationships
If you have concerns about your child’s settling, be sure to talk to the teachers who look after him or her – preschool is a whole new adventure for your child, and they are experienced in helping children settle in.

Fendalton Playcentre Nearly New Sale

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:13:50 GMT

Boobs in the berries

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:31:56 GMT

"Boobs in the Berries" Antenatal Classes are funny, fun, and most of all useful. The Classes are for families who are still pregnant. Your boobs will thank you (pain- free breastfeeding is a good thing), your midwife will thank you (you will get off on the right foot), your partner will thank you (helps them get their head around what they can do to help) but most of all your baby will thank you (you will find out why when you come).
Classes taught on an Organic Blueberry Farm. Why an organic blueberry farm? Well because it is beautiful, delicious, and a lovely day out....And also because, Mandi Lynn (that's me) lives there and my studio is there, and I love to have people around so why would I hold it anywhere else?
In my position as a Lactation Consultant for the Hutt Valley DHB, I developed a two-hour long class that attempted to cram everything that I saw was most important for breastfeeding success. The classes were an overwhelming success and began bursting at the seams very quickly. The Lead Maternity Carers were all sending their clients because they found that they had a much more solid start in breastfeeding and had significantly fewer problems. The Hospital Midwives all commented that they could easily tell when a mother had been to my class because they took to breastfeeding like a duck to water.
I have stepped down from my role at the DHB to focus on my farm and photography but I couldn't give up all of my work with mums and babies, so thus was born....Boobs in the Berries (....actually it started out as Boobs in the Bushes but then when I Googled it, got a bit of a shock....I figured that wasn't where I wanted to be leading people, Boobs in the Berries seemed much tamer at least in Google. )
My classes are practical, fun, and entertaining. You will actually practice with a doll or stuffed animal and will get support to learn:
How do you achieve pain-free feeding?
How do you get sleep with a baby that is feeding around the clock?
What do you do if your baby just will not feed in the beginning?
How to know if your baby is getting enough milk?
How long and how often do the little guys need to feed?
Can you have a glass of wine and breastfeed?
What about demand feeding versus routine feeding?
Which modern day parenting practices have a negative impact on baby's instinctual feeding skills?
What is an effective winding techniques to help prevent colic?
What to eat when you are breastfeeding?
Practical tips of how your partner can help you to succeed at breastfeeding as well as give you a little break.
The truth about baby formula.
What if you don't have enough milk?
What if you have too much milk?
The Neurodevelopmental aspects of breastfeeding (how your baby's brain is getting wired and why what you do matters so much.)
Tips for creating harmony and relaxation around the house with a new baby.
What ever other questions the group has.
The classes are held on most Sundays at 2pm usually in our Native American Tipi. So you can come up for the day, have a picnic, pick your own organic blueberries then learn how to slide into parenting with the least amount of drama.
There is no fee charged for the course but a $10.00 per person koha would help with enabling us to provide more breastfeeding support for those with less financial means in the Wellington region.
What to bring:
Yourself
Togs if you want to go swimming (we have a beautiful swimming hole at the farm)
Your support person
Togs for them if they want to go swimming too
A Doll or stuffed animal that is roughly the size of a newborn
A picnic if you want or if you are feeling decadent you can just elect to eat in our sweet shop and have our buttermilk pancakes and a bluesky blueberry milkshake.
A picnic blanket would be good as well as depending on the weather we may have the class in the meadow or in the Tipi.
Sensible shoes for walking on a farm.

Nature Baby at the Golden Globes

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:07:40 GMT

Nature Baby will be gifting to the crème da la crème of A-list celebrities attending the Golden Globes this year.
New Zealand’s leading natural and organic baby brand was exclusively invited to provide baby gift bags to treat celebrities invited to the Golden Globes Gifting Lounge.
Held at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Beverley Hills each year during the week of the Golden Globes, the DPA Gifting Lounge offers A-list celebrities, Golden Globes nominees and presenters gifts selected from luxury brands from around the world.
The celebrity guests invited to select any number of gifts, including the much coveted Nature Baby gift bags, include New Zealand’s own Anna Paquin, Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Winslet, Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts and Penelope Cruz, to only name a few.
This year Nature Baby will be offering celebrities a selection of their beautiful certified Organic Cotton Baby Clothing and Botanical Skincare ranges alongside offerings from other premium brands including, Natura Bisse skincare, Barbara Bela couture dresses, Diane Von Furstenberg sunglasses, Tucker Paisley handbags, Ginger McGann couture jewellery, Le Tahaa Private Island holiday in Tahiti, and many more.
“We are so excited to be a part of such a prestigious event and have the opportunity to showcase our natural and organic baby clothing range to the who’s who of film and television” says Georgia Faull, Nature Baby founder and mother of three. “We have a great following of US customers and are thrilled to be able spread the word further. A growing number of celebrities use their influence to support causes such as the ethical and environmental benefits of buying organic where possible, which really helps to educate consumer choices.”
Gifting lounges are always a favourite with celebrities surrounding the world’s biggest awards events and film festivals where a space is created offering invite-only celebrities complementary premium brand products and services. At this year’s Golden Globes, guests will be pampered in three different suites including a fashion studio, a luxury spa and the gift bag suite.

Boost your child's brain power

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:03:18 GMT

The message rings out all over town on the TV, billboards, flyers and the radio, ‘back to school.’ It heralds the end of summer and the need to get our kids’ brains back into gear after the holidays.
As bags are packed, uniforms pressed, books collected and lunches made, how can we further support the learning process for our kids throughout the long school year? Perhaps a little ‘turbo-boosting brain food’ is in order.
Essential fatty acids or EFAs are the best way to ‘turbo boost’ your child’s brain.
EFAs are amongst the most crucial nutrients for children, as most are deficient. EFAs are considered ‘essential fats’ because they are required for good health but cannot be produced by our bodies. The body requires these beneficial fats to support all bodily systems. According to research the most beneficial EFAs are the omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
It was once believed that the brain was fully developed at birth. While it is true that most of the brain cells are formed by this time, advances in research have enabled us to see that the brain continues to form after birth. EFAs have been shown to play a key role in the health of the brain. Did you know that the brain is made up of 60% fat? – and up to half of that fat being omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
So what does that all mean? Children’s brains need a steady supply of EFAs to perform at their best. DHA is uniquely important to the nerve and brain cells and has shown to improve learning, memory and cognition in children. Infants require DHA for proper brain, eye, immune and central nervous system development. The omega 3s found in cold water fish such as sardines, anchovies, and cod are a great food source of the EFAs they need, but due to concerns about environmental toxins (such as mercury), experts recommend a purified fish oil supplement as the ideal source of EPA and DHA.
Here are a few examples of what fish oil can do:
• Fish oil linked to improved learning, memory & spelling ability
South African researchers followed 355 children aged 6-9 to see what effect fish oil supplements had. The results showed children’s verbal, learning and spelling ability improved, they retained information better and were less likely to take sick days.
• Fish oil improves attention span, learning and behaviour
The University of South Australia conducted a 15 week study on 132 children aged 7-12 who had ADHD. The children given fish oil capsules were calmer and less impulsive and their behaviour, attention and vocabulary all improved.
One way to make sure your children get the omega-3s they need is to use fish oil supplements designed specifically for their developing brains.
Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA is made entirely from Arctic cod liver oil, rich in the omega-3 DHA. This formula is essential for the proper development of the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems. Supplementing with Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA is a safe, pure and effective way to improve your children’s health, and give them a nutritional head start in their mental, physical, and social well-being.
Even better, children love the fresh strawberry taste of Nordic Naturals Childrens DHA, which make them easy to chew or swallow. It is available in small chewable soft gels or in liquid form.
Try introducing some of these products to your children’s daily diet:
Children’s DHA soft gels available in packs of 90’s, 180’s & 360’s
Children’s DHA liquid available in 119ml or 237ml bottles
How much is enough?
Generally fish oil liquid can be given to a child 8 months and up and capsules from 3 years and up. Recommended dose is included on the label.
To learn more about published scientific research showing how omega-3 essential fatty acids boost children’s brains, health and well-being, see www.omega-research.com.
Distributing products to over 25 countries, Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils. The company has built a strong reputation in the omega-3 fatty acid category by delivering exceptional purity, freshness, taste and demonstrating environmental responsibility. Nordic Naturals has over 150 different fish oil products including liquids, soft gels, and children's chewables – all in natural triglyceride form(*see below). For information, call 0800 439 631 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com
For New Zealand enquiries and for information on stockists of Nordic Naturals please call NaturalMeds on 0800 439631 or visit www.naturalmeds.co.nz.

February highlights on Playhouse Disney

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:11:32 GMT

First up from Monday 1 February and continuing daily at 12.00pm and 7.30pm is Jungle Junction:
Jungle Junction follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle filled with a network of floating roads that twist and loop high of the ground in harmony with the trees.
Part animal, part vehicle, the inhabitants of Jungle Junction, also know as 'Wheelers', include Zooter, an energetic pink pig scooter who is the town messenger, her bets friend Ellyvan, a cross between an elephant and a van who serves as the Jungle delivery service, and the Beetlebugs, the playful kids of the jungle who are always eager to learn.

Secondly, again from Monday 1 February continuing daily at 11.30am and 6.30pm we're premiering the series Timmy Time:
Timmy is a little lamb with a lot to learn. He has just turned three (in sheep years) and being the 'only lamb in the flock', Timmy has been used to getting his own way. Now for the first time, Timmy is going to have to learn to get along with the other little animals because Timmy is going to Kindergarten!

Our third highlight this month is the Handy Manny Weekend Fiesta on every weekend in February at 10.30am.
Join Playhouse Disney for a festival of fun as Handy Manny joins us with four brand new episodes premiering each weekend at 10.30am!

Your back-to-school survival guide

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:07:54 GMT

It's almost the end of the holidays, and whether your little one is heading off to kindy or school for the first time, or returning after the summer break, it's time to start thinking about the big day!

WIN a ‘Back to School’ prize pack with SPECIAL AGENT OSO
Special Agent Oso, a loveable special agent in training needs your help with his latest special assignment – ‘Back to School’! Go to PlayhouseDisney.co.nz and tell him your helpful hint for heading back to school for the chance to WIN 1 of 100 ‘Back to School’ packs! With help from you there’s nothing he can’t do! Watch Special Agent Oso every day at 10am on Playhouse Disney. Competition opens 09/01/10 and closes 31/01/10.
Full terms and conditions available at Playhouse Disney.co.nz

Planning
Starting school or preschool will be far less daunting for your child - and you - if you are well prepared. Check out our tips for starting kindy or preschool, and tips for starting school to make sure you have everything covered.

Stocking up on the essentials
From backpacks to pencil cases, drink bottles to shoes, send your child off to preschool, kindy or school in style this year with these cool essentials:

"Traffic" canvas backpack, $26.95 from Early Learning Centre

"i-Walk sports" shoes, $64.95 from Bobux

"Tools for School" pack from Stuck On You

Organic cotton sunhat from Nature Baby

"UV Naturals" sunscreen from Made 4 Baby

"Sandwich Keeper Plus" from Tupperware

"Eco Tanka" drink bottle from Belly Beyond

"Eco Kids" sandwich pocket from 4 My Earth

Don't forget to check out the recipes in the OHbaby! Cookbook in our Lifestyle section for some great lunchbox fillers!