Monday, August 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Baked Cinnamon Apple Finger Food
Peel and cut 2 apples into 'fingers'
Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the top
Place tray in oven and bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees C
Allow to cool and serve ... let baby feed themselves
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Routines first 12 weeks
Babies do love routines and they can be of great benefit to you, and the rest of the family, as well. They help to comfort the baby, establish sustainable sleeping and feeding patterns and can go a long way to reducing stress and worry about “what was I supposed to be doing now” and remembering just which part of the day you are actually at.
It can all become a blur at some point.
Pick up any parenting book and it will be loaded with information and reasons for establishing daily routines. Some will suggest a more relaxed approach for these early weeks, along the lines of “just go with the flow” and others recommend more rigid regimens that damn you to Hell if you don’t stick to them.
recommendation that sits best with your and your baby / family / personality. How strict to you want to be with your routine, and how are you going to implement it.
Here’s some basic information.
Establishing a routine is not as hard as perceived. The first 6 weeks of your baby’s life, give or take 18 months, your baby will eat and sleep. Oh, and poo a lot. And probably cry a fair but too. But you really only need to worry about the eating –sleeping thing for your routine.
They are likely to feed approximately every 4 hours – yes, that includes overnight. It is unlikely that your baby will be “sleeping through” (roughly translated as some extremely late hour at night, until some ridiculously early hour the following morning.) before 12 weeks, give or take 6 years.
Feeds can take up to an hour, then there’s the settling back to sleep. This can take anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Let’s go with 30 minutes.
So, you have an hour feeding, half an hour settling, leaving you with two and a half hours to do … whatever needs doing before the next feed.
Oh, yeah – that four hours “between feeds”? It starts when bubs STARTS his feed, not when you put him back to sleep. Sorry ‘bout that.
Be kind to yourself. There’s not a lot of time, and there is much to be done. Getting enough rest yourself is essential, so make sure you use some of these short bouts of “free time” to get some down time, otherwise you slowly lose your mind and wonder why the car keys are in the leftover lasagne.
Read a book, have a nap, create and print of signs for your door indicating you are not currently in a fit mental state to be entertaining guests.
I also recommend weekly routines for the household tasks that just must be done. Choose a day each for clothes washing, making the bed, scrubbing the bathroom, and vacuuming and sweeping. Schedule an off day.
Things may pile up a little, but once you get into it and know what you’re in for, things will be more efficient and you can reschedule.
And before you know it … you’ll be into a great routine without having to think about “what now?!”
After approximately 2-3 weeks, you’ll have it down pat; kicking your partner in the back to retrieve the baby for you at Stupid O’Clock to feed then return to it’s cot (if you both stay away long enough), grumble at them about getting their own damned breakfast, after all you’re not their mother, think about how long it’s been since you last had a shower, ponder whether your pyjama pants could pass for tracksuit pants and if you do go outside, will you look like the active and together mum out for her daily walk that you can picture in your head, go for walk anyway, probably with screaming baby and vomit in your hair.
Return home, collapse on couch, contemplate various activities such as washing the towels and preparing the evening meal, make some vague attempts at doing so, and explain to partner when he/she returns home that you’ve been so busy all day that you haven’t had time to think about evening meal and surely Vegemite on toast constitutes several food groups.
After some days, and depending on your ability to effectively communicate how the routine will operate, your partner will just get up and get baby and stop asking insidious questions pertaining to food-like substances expected at a reasonable hour in the evening.
I suggest a chart or table of some description stuck to the fridge. Or nailed to their head.
“The Outtro”
Establishing consistent routines, therefore, is helpful to the entire family.
The baby will feel settled and, eventually, learn what’s to happen next, readying themselves for the next feed or sleep, or play time.
You will feel slightly more relaxed, anticipating the next part of your day coming up, and, in a few short days, slipping into a routine where you just do things without thinking about them.
As for the rest of the family, they’ll also know what’s happening, and begin to understand what is expected of them, so you will only have to ask them to do it seven times, and not the standard 406.
They’ll also know not to ask “what’s for dinner?” or “Where are my socks?” or “Why are your runners in the freezer again?” saving you the hassle of enquiring as to why you have to do everything around here, in a very loud voice.
Of course, once this 12 weeks is up, they start sleeping through, AND sleeping less through the day, you get to work out a whole new routine!
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Importance of Business Networking
One of the most important elements of a work from home business is networking. Because we do work from home we don’t have interaction that others do so it is crucial that we allow time to network and build relationships. We’ve all heard the saying “It’s not what you know it’s who you know” So today I’m going to be stepping into the networking arena & joining me is Kellie Anderson, & Larna Pittiglio. We are going to discuss the importance of networking, the traditional methods & the new age networking opportunities. Then we will share some results we’ve received just from networking. Let’s get stuck into it guys!
Download podcast here Sunday, April 29, 2012
Just 5 Minutes
Do you ever find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions at once, have no time to scratch yourself, let alone take some “time out” as the experts suggest? Ever find yourself screaming “Just five minutes!” Amanda Cox shows us just how you can realistically achieve that rejuvenating time out that all mums NEED!
Download podcast here http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-Just5Minutes416.mp4
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Regional Mums
Hi!
I’m Stefani and welcome to our ‘business mum’ segment. I’m here in the
Yarra Valley, a gorgeous wine growing region about an hour’s drive from
Melbourne. Today, I’m meeting with two inspiring mums to talk about the
special challenges they face as working parents in a regional area.
Claire runs a thriving creative design business with her husband from
their home. Nikki works part time as a heritage interiors consultant for
a leading architectural firm in Melbourne. Each has two children at the
local primary school. Both Nikki and Claire have worked hard to create
successful work environments that also enables them to make family a
priority. Let’s go meet Claire and Nikki and find out how they do it.
Download podcast here http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-RegionalMums332.mp4
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Toilet Training
Hi I'm Karen and today we're talking toilet training!! I'm a firm believer that most of the "expert" parenting books on the market should be tossed out the window! Your instincts as a mum, and sharing stories with other mums, is a much better way to go to build your confidence. I've toilet trained both my kids ? thank goodness! ? so I wanted to get together with some other cool mums to swap stories for what we all found did and didn't work when it comes to toilet training.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Exercise during Pregnancey
When you become pregnant, your body begins to change in order to accommodate the requirements of a growing baby. As an expectant mum, exercise may offer many physical and emotional benefits; but it's important to respect that your body has a few new limits. It's time to get a new roadmap! Hi, I'm Catherine, and here to navigate us through the new territory, is Snezana Pessin - (or 'Snez') - exercise coach, owner of Sentience Personal Training, and currently expecting, herself!
Before starting ANY exercise program, ensure that you seek medical advice first. Discuss your plan with your health care provider and check that you are all okay to get started.
Download podcast here
Sunday, March 18, 2012
What to Expect When You Have a Second Child
Transcript:
Even if you've gone through it once before, pregnancy and birth can be a journey of the unknown. It can be exciting and scary at the same time. With me here are two mums that have been here before and they're headed for the birth experience again.
So, welcome Sam & Thomas and also Emma & Clancy…..
So, are there any unexpected feelings or fears that you are having in this pregnancy?
Emma: I don't know if they are unexpected but there are fears with either pregnancy, you vaguely know what you have ahead of you and I think that's a little bit daunting and I try to pretend it's not happening.
Amanda: It can always be different no matter how many pregnancies you have had...
Sam: I don't have any fears as such, as my first experience was good as they go.
Everything went well and I was fit and healthy, within a very short time frame. I suppose my concern is anything happening twice.....probably not.
Amanda: Do you like being pregnant?
Emma: It's ok this time, I'm more in a hurry...this time. You enjoy being pregnant and people saying ‘oh, you’re pregnant!’ But this time, it is hurry up and give me the baby...
Sam: I quite enjoy it.I'm over the feeling sick, the mark which is good and something to celebrate and be joyful for....I quite enjoy being pregnant. I have notice too having a toddler now that sometimes I forget that I'm pregnant. Your life is so, so busy, whereas your fist one, all you seem concentrate on I'm pregnant and what's happened today and
I’d wait, you know, weekly to read the books and read the emails to find out this week the baby is this big. You’re very, very focused first time around and I find it hard this time to think about.
Amanda: Is there anything you would do differently this time around?
Emma: Uh... I suppose the first time you expected the professionals are the ones leading you...this time around I’m going to take the lead a bit more. I was waiting for midwives to come around and do something or say something and at one stage I waited a long time and I got really anxious about that. Clearly I'm now a lot more confident about that, now and say to my doctor ‘no come here!’ It took them awhile to get my doctor. This time I would say ‘no!’ I have got more confidence of every aspect of it. Right down to seeing a doctor or having a scan and hoping the same will happen with the birth as well.
Amanda: Sam for you?
Sam: As I said it went well for a first baby, he was a particularly quick birth, so I'm expecting that again and the advice says that will be happening again...I will be calling for the epidural on route to the hospital.
Amanda: Does this pregnancy feel any different from the other pregnancy?
Sam: Mine did at the start, movements early not that we're the baby??, your body changes differently...perhaps the second time you’re a little bit more prepared for things. I also notice that my tummy popped out a lot quicker....and it was a bit frightening.
Amanda: Are you planning to find out or do you know the sex of your baby is?
Emma: We know, we found out on Wednesday, we found out with Clancy and we decided we would find out again...so yes we are having another boy. As much as we are thrilled we don't care for either way. Ummm it allows you to prepare for a house full of testosterone.
Amanda: And same for yourself?
Sam: We found out for Thomas but we are not going to find out this time we want it to be a surprise. Yeah ,I think the first time ideally I felt the need to be prepared, but this time, you know what, if it's a girl, you know, I'm sure pink clothes aren’t tricky to come by.
Amanda: Second time around have you noticed your partner has treated you differently?
Emma: There is not enough time. Whereas like Sam was saying before, this time around you’re so pre-occupied or ready that there is just no time for anything, let alone each other. So, I think that's the hardest bit is you don't have enough time. He doesn't focus on the baby either. It’s hard enough for me to find time, let alone him. That’s the main difference.
Sam: I think the same
Amanda: How are you both preparing birth?
Sam: The one thing that I learned from last time, that I am doing this time is um... work out as best I can at the gym or keep as fit as possible. I found that really helped birth and post birth.
Emma: Yes I'm doing the same thing, lots of exercise trying to keep all that up. Nothing particularly different same hospital, same doctor …
Amanda: Sometimes people have a really bad experience.
Emma: My long labor wasn't reflective of the doctors or midwives, it was just long.
Amanda: Well I hope the second time is easier. Well, guys, thanks very much for sharing your experiences and concerns. Best of luck with both the births and thank you for sharing with us today.
Thank you for joining us today on Room To Grow. If you would like any more information that you have seen on the show...please go to our website http://www.roomtogrow.tv We would love to hear your feedback, stories and suggestions about what you would like to see on this show. See you next time.
Download podcast here
http://blip.tv/file/get/RoomtogrowtvWhatToExpectWhenYouHaveASecondChild351.mp4
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Reading to Children
Transcript:
Reading stimulates children's imaginations it can help them relate to people and places that were otherwise be unreachable. When you open a book for your child in shared reading you are giving shape and dimension to ordinary events and helping them learn to be better communicators. Reading can assist your kids to develop important skills for life improving their minds and introduced into a lifelong love of learning. Here to help us start our kids reading is Paula Kelly from the Center for Youth Literature and Reading Development from the State Library of Victoria.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Traveling with Children
Traveling with your children for the first time can seem daunting, once you've done it a few times you will have gained a lot of confidence. With us today are two mums to talk about their experiences and what to do and what not to do when traveling with children.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Vtech Storio Toy Review
Vtech Storio 4 + . it encourages development in children’s literacy skills,
It’s an animated E-Book reader specially designed for children learning to read. The interactive animated storyteller enables kids to watch the story and read along at the same time. It also has a story dictionary and progress tracker.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
School Mornings
Tired of frantic mornings, rushing around to get everyone out of the door and to school on time? Well here are 10 simple steps you can take to get your mornings running smoothly.
Download podcast here
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Yoghurt Berry Ice Cream
A quick video recipe on how to make Yoghurt Berry Ice Cream
Download podcast here
http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-YoghurtBerryIceCream308.mp4
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mumpreneur Profile: Patti Constas PC Corporate
Mumpreneur who shares her secrets to success
Download podcast here
http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-MumpreneurProfilePattiConstasPCCorporate807.mp4
Download podcast here
http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-MumpreneurProfilePattiConstasPCCorporate807.mp4
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wow I can read Dominoes Toy Review
3 + A product that offers children opportunity to learn to read basic words and create imaginative sentences. It is a set of 40 dominoes with simple sentences and basic sight words. Dominoes can be wiped clean. They can be used as an individual matching activity or played as a game with 2-6 children. Dominoes can be used in two ways, matching the two halves of each picture and by forming simple sentences
Download podcast here
Monday, February 20, 2012
Organising the Chaos and our Relationships
Today I am going to tackle the 2 biggest problems for work at home Mums organising the chaos and our relationships.
If you’re anything like me when you work from home sometimes you feel like you’re always chasing your tail. You strive to get ahead but in reality you’re just trying to stay afloat.
Sound familiar?
Download podcast here
Friday, February 17, 2012
Beads & Patterns Toy Review
School teachers might recognize this product because it's actually got a curriculum link with Australian schools. It's Beads and Patterns a numeracy product that encourages Fine motor developments, Matching, Visual discrimination, Hand eye coordination, patterns It's simply a kit of 176 wooden beads comprised of 4 colours, 2 shapes and 4 sizes plus a pattern map. On the map there are 22 graded patterns, including basic to more advanced and matching strips. Children pick a pattern and make it with the beads.
Download podcast here
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Bloggers Brunch part 2
Part 2 of Bloggers Brunch featuring Amanda Cox (aka “Mad Cow”) Postnatal depression & how she overcame it. Alli Price - The three things you need to be a success and how to flaunt them! & Renee Mayne (aka “Bra Queen”) Renee will tell you everything you need to know about how to love life & when reality bites.
Download podcast here
Sunday, February 5, 2012
How working mums can achieve a better work/family balance
Download podcast here
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sleep deprivation with Pinky McKay
Karen Miles interviews sleep expert Pinky McKay on why sleep is important; and gives advice on how parents can try to get more or better sleep - given our busy workloads.
Download podcast here
Monday, January 23, 2012
Bloggers Brunch
This event, hosted by Kids Business and Room To Grow, was to celebrate Mothers Day and 50 selected mummy bloggers were invited to attend. The event started off with a mums meet and greet and a quick chance to grab a coffee and network.
The event started with our MC Christie Nicholas, from Kids Business who introduced the event presenters.
Firstly you are going to hear from 6 amazing, inspirational, gorgeous women with a real, positive story to tell you. Nicole Avery: “How Twitter found her a book deal”, Bronwen Fallens: Life as a single mum and how her daughter inspired her to write a series of children’s books, Catherine Cervasio: Working with a growing family and building a global business
After the presenters finished, it was time for brunch where all the networking started….the bloggers consist of both Melbourne and interstate bloggers. It was a great platform for the mums to connect, and make new friends….
Companies are starting to respect and recognise the fact that the women here today have an influential voice in the community. That blogging isn’t just a mum writing about her day and her children. Companies are realising that these mums have a voice through their blogs, and have built up large audiences of other mums through social networking. Each company was able to show off some product to the mums, and interested mums willing to blog or add reviews were able to keep the product.
Download podcast here
Sunday, January 15, 2012
10 Point Children’s Birthday Party Plan
Birthday parties are the highlight of the year for kids, but can be a dreaded event by parents. By working though a 10 point plan, you can keep have an at home party which is enjoyable and simple, for your children.
Download podcast here
Sunday, January 8, 2012
WAHM's
On the surface we see the Mumpreneurs, Work at Home Mum’s, the WAHM’s as the perfect balance a world of rainbows, laughter and it looks light and fluffy. Once you look beyond that you see extremely passionate, strong minded business women who will do anything and work any hours from anywhere to create that work/life balance for their kids and for themselves. It’s not for the light hearted because sometimes you don’t have a set wage or set hours but what you do have is love, passion and dedication for your business for you and family to be proud of. So you still have to look at your business the same as any other business. It has structure, a business model, lead generation, marketing and branding all of things that all business need to grow and be successful. If you do that and you will create the life and business you’ve always dreamed of.
Download podcast here
Download podcast here
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Baby Massage with Catherine Cervasio
Find out the benefits of baby massage with Catherine Cervasio. For more information and research on infant massage can be found by visiting www.aromababy.com
Download podcast here
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