Which hat will I wear today.... cake decorator!

For those of you who don't know me, I love baking! I find it relaxing, it's my little escape from what's going on at the time as I focus on my creation, crossing my fingers that it turns out, hoping that it resembles something of a master chef creation (a winning creation of course) and above all else that it tastes delicious. Well becoming a mum has opened my eyes to 'ready to roll icing' and all the amazing things you can create with it. Let's face it birthday cakes can be expensive if you pay for someone to do it for you. So for Miss EJ's first birthday at the end of last year I decided to give it a go, let's put it this way it took me three evenings till after midnight to create it. When I had finished I was devastated that hubby had gone to bed as I was so excited to show it off... what to do, I couldn't drag him downstairs to take a peek and the thought of a sleep deprived mother carrying my new creation up the stairs... I had visions of face planting it down the stairs and having to buy a shop bought cake for her party the next day. So I took photos on my phone raced upstairs and climbed into bed very noisily trying to wake up hubby without actually poking him, "oh your awake, sorry didn't mean to wake you, but since you are, look at my cake!"

Anyway since then I haven't really had an opportunity to make another one, this week though it happened to be my sister's birthday. So I decided to tackle decorating cupcakes instead, thinking it would be easier to stop and start on them as I swapped between my mummy and cake decorator hats! Of course Miss EJ was in the kitchen to help with the cake making and chief taste tester as always. For my first time I was more than happy with the results, and the cupcakes were yummy. Watch out family and friends.... guess what your getting for your birthdays?

10 activities to do, for when you hear...."I'm bored"

I was searching some websites today looking for some Easter activities we could do with Miss EJ. I know I'm a little early on the Easter department, but I am trying to find something which we will be able to do together as a family and hopefully turn into a tradition. While looking for ideas I came across this article written by Lauren Rowland, "10 boredom-busting activities that beat TV" which I thought may come in handy for those rainy days ahead. You can read the full article at http://www.kidspot.com.au/MySpot-home-10-boredom-busting-activities-that-beat-TV+4862+173+article.htm which includes lots of different ideas for each activity.

10 boredom-busting activities that beat TV

“Mum, I’m soooo bored! Bored! BORED! Can we watch TV?” Regardless of how many toys and games kids have, the lure of TV is strong – and the temptation for us to hand over the remote to get some quiet-time is even stronger.
But while TV is great as an occasional treat, it’s by no means an actual activity and won’t do a whole lot for your child’s development. Get your kids off the couch and into one of these 10 fab kids’ games and activities that will not only help them learn, but will be so distracting they’ll totally forget about the TV!

1. Get crafty - Kids love craft. Not only will some glue, paper and crayons ban your littlie’s boredom and silence the call of the TV, craft encourages creativity and co-ordination too.

2. Read a book - Don’t forget the age-old activity of reading as a TV alternative. Not only does story-time support further reading down the track, it will ignite your little’s imagination and creative thinking too.

3. Have an indoor picnic - The perfect TV alternative for a rainy afternoon is an indoor picnic. Simply pop down a blanket, get out the plastic cups and plates, serve up some yummy treats and use teddies as stand ins for extra guests.

4. Make play dough - Play dough is nothing but unrestrained creative squishiness – far more appealing than a repeated episode of Dora! (See our February blog for a great play dough recipe)

5. Go on a Treasure hunt - Want to perk up your bored bunch? Excite them with a treasure hunt! It’s super easy and best of all, kids will be nowhere near the television. Remember any Easter egg hunt idea can easily be modified for any time of the year.

6. Book a playdate - When kids are among kids the drive to watch TV dramatically lessons – and they certainly won’t be bored! Plus, play dates improve social skills and help your child make lifelong friendships.

7. Help out with chores - “Ha!” you say! But in all seriousness, getting the kids to help out around the house can be achieved – especially if you turn housework into a game.

8. Get into cooking - Kids love getting their fingers dirty in the kitchen which makes cooking one of the greatest television diversions ever! Check out these easy recipes your mini masterchef will love to make.

9. Throw a tea party - A fancy tea party is a bit more upscale than going on an indoors picnic, and sure to delight any bored little princesses. Set up a table fit for her guests (which can be siblings, friends, you, dolls - or even imaginary friends!) and serve up some juice as ‘tea’ and some yummies. What TV?

10. Hold a puppet show - Banish boredom by acting out stories with a puppet show. Your kids can even re-enact their favourite TV shows or movies if they like – but there’s little chance they’ll want to.

Miss EJ's favourite activity this week is to build a cubby using the dining chairs and a few blankets, and to sit in there and read books with her dollies and teddies.
What is your little one's favourite activity this week? We would love for you to share it with us.

PS. If your in Perth this weekend, don't forget the teddy's bear picnic at the Zoo on Sunday! http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Whats-On/Events/Teddy-Bears-Picnic/

Baby Massage

Recently I came across a few articles on the benefits of baby massage, that got me thinking about our own experience with baby massage, which I thought I might share with you. We first decided to try baby massage when Miss Ej was only a couple of weeks old as we found she was getting distressed when bath time was over. At first it was for only a few minutes at a time as she was not that receptive to the massage, but gradually as she became used to the routine she enjoyed the experience and it also became a special bonding time shared between hubby and her as it was something they could do together. We found also that during the day if she would become restless it was something we could use to settle her, as she suffered at times with bad wind. Still today we always finish her bath time off with a massage which she loves, in fact sometimes she is trying to hop out before she has had her bath just to have her massage, We have found that it helps her to be calm and relaxed ready for bed.
Below is selected extracts from one of the articles which is written by Pinky McKay, I thought it may be of interest to you if you are thinking of trying it. For more information or to have a look at some of her books which are available go to her website http://www.pinkymckay.com.au/

The Benefits of a Loving Touch
Although it is difficult to measure the effects of spontaneous touch between parents and babies such as all of the smooching, tickling and blowing of raspberries and tiny tummies, there are a number of studies into early skin to skin contact and baby massage showing amazing benefits for babies.
By taking a little time each day to introduce baby massage it can be a wonderful time of sharing for either parent. Massaging your baby stimulates all of your little one's senses through skin contact, eye contact and your familiar smell as well as hearing your voice and experiencing a focused response. This loving interaction and sensory experience is hard wiring your baby's immature brain for emotional and neurological development. As you touch and talk to your little one and share eye contact, you stimulate the development of connections between nerve cells in your baby's brain that will form foundations for thinking, feeling and learning.

Do you have time to massage?
It can be daunting to think you have to fit another activity into your already busy day, just because it is good for your baby, but massage and 'touchy feely' games ('round and round the garden' or 'this little piggy') can be easily incorporated into the busiest days, even if you have several littlies.

Giving your baby a mini massage
Set up a quiet, warm space. Sit comfortably and relax breathing deeply. Undress your baby and keep him warm, then pour a small amount of natural vegetable oil (such as olive oil) in your palm and rub your hands together as you make eye contact and ask your baby, "would you like a massage?"
Legs and feet (one leg at a time)
Cup your hands and alternating your hands (one supports baby's ankle as the other strokes) 'milk' baby's leg from hip to ankle. Firmly stroke baby's sole from heel to toes then roll each toe. Finish by stroking both legs together from hips to ankles.
Stomach
With one hand following the other, massage baby's stomach in continuous clockwise circles(following baby's colon as this is the direction the food travels).
Chest
Place both hands on baby's chest. With fingers flat, stroke up baby's sternum, around the top of the chest, out to the shoulders, then back down to the bottom of your baby's sternum, making a heart shape. Then, stroke gently outwards over baby's shoulders.
Arms and hands
'Milk' the arms one at a time, from shoulder to fingertips, then massage baby's hands by pressing your own thumbs into his palm, before gently squeezing and rolling each finger. If baby's hands are clenched shut, stroke or kiss the back of his hand to encourage him to open his hand.
Face
With both hands supporting baby's head, make gentle circles on baby's scalp. Then with flat fingers, stroke from the centre of the forehead out to the temples. With your fingertips, massage in small circles around baby's jaw.
Back
Roll baby over onto his tummy or (if he resists tummy time) place him on his tummy (with his arms forward) across one of your thighs. With one hand on baby's bottom, swoop your other hand from baby's shoulders to buttocks. Finish by lightly 'combing' baby's back with your fingertips, from shoulders downwards, alternating hands. Gradually stroke lighter and slower, then finish by placing your hands on your baby's back and breathe slowly with your baby
Enjoy a cuddle with your calm, relaxed baby.

Do you have an experience with baby massage that you would like to share? We would love to hear from you.

Perth Zoo Friends

I wanted to share with you all an excellent gift idea, that little Miss EJ received for Christmas. We were lucky enough to receive a Zoo Friends annual pass from her gorgeous Auntie S. The pass gives us 12 months unlimited entry to Perth Zoo, with many other benefits as well, including free entry to Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Adelaide Zoo and others.

We have already been more than half a dozen times this year, and it never gets boring as sometimes the animals you want to see may be shy or perhaps you will get a perfect day like the day we had today and get to see everything. We always pack a picnic so we are not having to purchase food when we are there, as they have excellent BBQ facilities and a large grassed area to relax in once you have worn your little ones out.There are always different activities and events going on through out the year, in fact we are looking forward to 'The Teddy Bears Picnic' which is on the 27th March.

Today Miss EJ and I decided to take my mum and dad with us to share this special time. It had been awhile since they had been and they were amazed at all the changes. They loved seeing Miss EJ so excited at all the animals and listening to her trying to say the names and do the animal noises, I think her Monkey impersonation would have to be the best! The African Savannah was the favourite of the day, especially the lions. I have attached a few images from today to share with you.

So if you are looking for that unique gift for a little Mr or Miss, why not think about becoming a 'Zoo Friend' just go to http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Get-Involved/Home-Page---Support-Your-Zoo/Become-a-Zoo-Friend/ to find out more information.

Getting Creative

I am constantly looking for gorgeous things that are oh so girly to add those finishing touches to Miss EJ's bedroom. To start with it was a lot of cream and white but slowly over time it has taken on a butterfly theme. With the most beautiful wall decals I found in pinks, turquoise and browns, a pink butterfly mobile created from paper, which I had my eye on the whole time I was pregnant, secretly wishing for a little girl just so I could buy it. One day I even found a beautiful quilt for her cot made from vintage style fabrics. Little treasures here and there that I am hoping will last a lifetime and one day hold special memories for her.

The one thing which I have been looking for the longest was a set of 3 canvases for her wall. I have spent hours searching the inter net, markets, and your everyday stores occasionally coming across something that would suit only to find it was over my budget. I wasn't after anything too detailed, in fact I was after simple, clean designs that were almost child like. Since I hadn't picked up a paintbrush in more than 15 years I was a bit hesitant at giving it a go. I am so glad I did as I think the final product looks fantastic, I got exactly what I was after as well as being within my budget and I found the experience rewarding as I love walking into her room and thinking to myself that I painted them!

So I thought I would share with you my tips and hints on how to make some for yourself, either for your little ones bedroom or perhaps as a great gift idea for someone else. I managed to make the three canvases for under $40!

You will need

A design idea - I just penciled this onto the back of an envelope

Blank art canvases - I used 3

Acrylic paints - I used just 4 different colours.

Paint brushes - you will need a couple of different sizes.

Pencil and eraser

Embellishment's - A great place to find these would be a scrap booking shop

Firstly I lightly drew the designs onto the canvases. I wasn't confident in drawing the E free hand so I found a font I liked on the computer, enlarged it, cut around it and used it as a stencil to trace around. I drew the cupcake and butterfly freehand but kept them very simple to make it easy, but you could use stencils for all of the designs if you don't feel confident enough to draw them.

I then painted the designs on to the canvases, using a couple of coats to get the colour I wanted to achieve. When I was happy with the pictures, I then painted the backgrounds in alternating colours so they all matched. Make sure you also paint the sides of the canvases to finish them off depending on the paint you use, you may need a couple of coats to get an even finish. You can spray the canvases once you have finished with a matte or gloss sealant to help protect them from the dust and dirt. Once I had done all of this I added some stick on crystal embellishments to add the finishing touch.

A few other ideas for your canvases if you are feeling creative would be to cut shapes out of fabric, glue them onto the canvas and then blanket stitch around the edge. Why not make a picture out of buttons and glue them onto the canvas. You could also create a stripey canvas by gluing different coloured ribbons next to each other. If you have some favourite fabric why not just cover the canvases. There are endless ideas for creating your masterpieces.

Why don't you have a go at making your own, we would love for you to share your ideas or even better still send in a photo of your creations.

Recipe for a healthy snack

I am always on the look out for different snack ideas that are healthy, quick and easy to just pop in your bag on the way out the door. I recently came across this recipe in my Women's Weekly - The Happy Baby Cookbook. As well as loving the end result, Miss Ej was a great help in the kitchen as chief taste tester. So we thought we would share this recipe with you.

Muesli Squares

Ingredients
125g butter
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apples
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 cup self-raising flour

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180'c/160'c fan-forced. Grease and line 20cm x 30xm lamington pan.
2. Stir butter, sugar and honey in large saucepan over medium heat, without boiling, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients. Press mixture into pan.
3. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan; cut into squares to serve.

You can easily change the dried fruit to suit your toddlers taste as we added dried cranberries to the mix. Muesli squares are delicious as is for a quick snack or can be broken into pieces and stirred through some yummy vanilla yoghurt!



The Women's Weekly - Happy Baby Cookbook was given to me as a gift from my mum and it has become a firm favourite in my kitchen! "When you're a first time parent your naturally nervous and unsure about what to feed your precious little bundle of joy. Should you choose breast or bottle? When should you start introducing solid food? When can baby start eating with the family? Is there such a thing as a healthy snack? This delightful book helps answer these questions and is jammed full of recipes for first foods, puddings and lunchboxes, as well as allergy-friendly and party food. There's also a big chapter on family food with useful information on how to cook delicious meals for the whole family"

Programmed for sleep...

Miss EJ has always been a terrible sleeper, even before she was born. Now I know what I am supposed to do as a parent to get her to sleep, as we have read every book you can think of related to sleep, we've tried relaxation cd's, calming sprays for the bedroom, we have been to sleep workshops, we have even tried controlled crying which we did for almost a fortnight, apparently it's not called that anymore it's now called controlled comforting, personally I would call it controlled heartache as it definately wasn't comforting for any of us involved.
There are times when the only way she would sleep, is if she slept in our bed. Everybody said you shouldn't do that, but when that's the only sleep you are getting, trust me, it's a brilliant idea and eventually after a month or two she grew out of it and we moved onto something else.
You see being new parents we were led to believe that our child was obviously faulty and must of missed being programmed for sleep 101. Especially when all you seem to hear is how other peoples babies are perfect sleepers and sleep through the night by the age of 2 months. I can assure you that is not what you want to hear when you are a sleep deprived mother.
You see Miss EJ just needs a cuddle to go to sleep, and well honestly, who doesn't enjoy a cuddle, before they go to sleep at night.
So instead of trying to conform to society and what the text books tell you on how you should put your little one to sleep. We decided to cherish those cuddles and that special quiet time we share each day, before nap time and bed time as I know all to soon my little Miss will grow up and eventually one day she will sleep through the night and won't need me to get her to sleep anymore.
So I suppose in the scheme of things, what's a sleep deprived year or two, when you are getting all those extra cuddles...