To Eat or Not To Eat?...

When it comes to books and babies, there is one tricky question other mums often ask me.  Should we, or shouldn’t we let babies put books into their mouths?  There really are two schools of thought on this one. To Eat – putting things into their mouths is one of the ways babies explore the world around them.  They especially enjoy “mouthing” toys and items they love.  Some people feel that...

Bark Art #2...

We had a great time painting on paperbark, but once the bark was used up the activity was over.  Of course the next day my three year old said, “Let’s do some more bark art Mummy!”  I had to be a little more resourceful, but we came up with a great activity. Firstly we collected whatever bark we could find in our yard.  It wasn’t paperbark, but it was bark and I figured we could work with that! ...

Bark Art...

During a weekend walk recently, my daughter discovered some gorgeous paperbark which had fallen from a melaleuca tree.  She was fascinated with the bark and we spent a fair bit of time investigating it and comparing it to the bark of other trees nearby.  We also talked about its paper-like qualities, and I told her about how Aboriginal people painted pictures on paperbark to tell stories.  As there was quite an abundance...

Parties for Little Ones (Parenting Aus)...

This week I’m blogging about parties at Parenting Australia. Come on over to read about why in my family we’ve chosen to skip the first birthday party and celebrate for the second one instead!  You can read the rest of this post here… First birthdays are wonderful celebrations for kids, families and friends – but mostly for the parents.  Let’s face it.  You’re on a pretty steep learning curve...

Book Week...

It’s Book Week!!!  From August 22-28 Aussie kids, librarians, parents, teachers, and book lovers of all ages go ga-ga for Book Week and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) awards.  If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the cute trailer for Book Week 2009. In keeping with this year’s safari theme, we decided to go on a book hunt at our local library.  Binoculars were a necessity,...

100th Post!...

Ok, so it’s taken me longer than many other bloggers, but I am finally putting up my 100th post!  Can I call myself a blogger now?!  Here are ten things I couldn’t blog without: 1.  The support of my hubby and kids – who provide me with much of my content! 2.  Wordpress 3.  “Blossom” – aka my Dell Inspiron 1525 (& gorgeous laptop bag designed and made by my sis!) 4.  Chocolate...

Real Aussie Mum – August...

My Real Aussie Mum for August is the down-to-earth Kate, from Picklebums!  She is a very creative lady, and mum to twin girls and a gorgeous little boy.  Kate and her hubby are raising their brood on the Pickle Farm in “almost rural” Victoria.  Her blog is always a great read, so pop over and say hi!  Here she shares her five faves, and her hardest struggle as a Mum.  (Thanks to the reader who requested...

Playpen Perfect...

I’m a big fan of the playpen.  I know some parents feel that limiting a child’s physical environment is harsh, or even cruel, but I disagree.  I think that planned, independent play in a small, safe area is really important for healthy development.  I also think that playpens are incredibly helpful when you’ve got a busy little crawler or new walker on your hands.  (Of course, it goes without saying...

Let Dads Be Dads (Parenting Aus)...

Are you guilty of sometimes telling your husband he is “doing it wrong” with the kids, when really he is just parenting differently?  Head over to Parenting Australia where I’m blogging today to read the rest of this post. …I am starting to see how vital it is that we let dads be dads.  My husband and I complement each other, and our children need both of us.  They need his rough and tumble...

Little Billies Giveaway!...

WINNER ANNOUNCED! Congratulations Nicole!  You have won a $25 voucher to spend at Little Billies.  I’m sure your kids will enjoy their special chart, whatever you choose!  (Please note that birthday messages and general chit-chat comments were not counted below.  Only the 24 legitimate entries were counted).  I wish I could have given more away!  I’m heading over to Little Billies now to purchase a...