Where did we go?

If you're wondering what happened to all my blogging and didn't see my earlier post....

We are now on the user friendly FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mums-The-Word-With-Marianna/363617727036202

Like our page now to keep up to date with all the latest information!

Family Fun Day March 24th 2013

If you're looking for some family fun head down to 

Robertson Park this Sunday 24th March for a family fun day 

out! Let's hope the weather holds off!!

Belly Art Inkless Print Kit for lasting memories!!

Calling all mums you have to check this awesome Belly Art Inkless Print Kit out!!!

If you want to make your own special keepsake this is for you ( I actually wish they were around when I was trying to do my little princess' footprint- that was mess galore. 

The lovely Ellen from Envite Studio, has just got them in stock and if you're quick you'll get 10% off all you have to do is mention you saw it on this facebook/ blog site!!

www.facebook.com/EnviteStudio

You can check out how the inkless kits work at:

http://youtu.be/bI0R5XUw1VM   it's seriously like magic!!

August is Breastfeeding awareness month!

The Orange Branch of Australian Breastfeeding Association is gearing up for Breastfeeding awareness month.

The following article is from the local newspaper Central Western Daily.



MORE than 60 Orange businesses have come forward to be part of a campaign during Breast Feeding Awareness Week next month to display a logo saying they welcome mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies.

The campaign in Orange to make women feel more comfortable about feeding their baby in public has come about through a collaborative effort between Orange Health Service and the Orange Branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

“This really is a terrific response,” said child and family health nursing unit manager Deirdre Leslie.
Orange Health Service and the Orange Branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association are producing a brochure in a collaborative effort, to be distributed in the community in a bid to encourage more women to feel comfortable with breastfeeding their babies in public.

Tiffany Baker said she has breastfed her six-month-old son Austin at a number of places in Orange.
“I have not had one negative experience and I even had a woman coming over to me to say she applauded me,” she said.

Mrs Leslie said the issues surrounding the issues surrounding Australia’s falling rates of mothers choosing to breastfeed are complex and are not related to early discharge from hospital after birthing.
“Most women have already made up their mind before they have had their baby, whether or not they are going to feed,” she said.

“The reasons are many and they can include financial pressures of wanting to return to work,” she said.
Verity Williams of the Orange Branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association said busy lifestyles are contributing to less mothers choosing to breastfeed.

“It is the way we are living our lives, and people don’t want to take the time to sit down and feed,” she said.
The brochure will be released early next month.

http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/126560/keeping-abreast-of-our-mums-needs/

Gymbaroo opens in Orange

Gymbaroo has now opened in Orange for 0-5 year olds.

For more information check out  http://www.gymbarooorange.com.au/?fid=41&pid=3

Another very interesting read.....

This stroy is from ninemsn.com.au Check out the link to see the actual end result of the MRI video!

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/8490777/mri-video-gives-first-view-inside-childbirth

For the first time MRI video has given a view of what happens inside a woman's womb during childbirth.

Researchers from Charite University Hospital in Berlin this week released a short clip of the footage captured in December 2010, New Scientist reports.
The 30-second movie reveals stage two of labour as the fetus travels through the birth canal but stops short of showing the child delivered.

Researchers used a technique called cinematic MRI, in which multiple MRI still images are taken and spliced together to create a highly-detailed video clip.
The video has enabled scientists to study the movement of the fetus and its position as it moves through the birth canal.
The technique was also recently turned on unborn twins to discover why one was receiving more blood than the other, causing one to become larger.

Sources: New Scientist, CBS
Author: Matthew Henry. Approving editor: Will Jackson

Puzzles, Lego, building blocks, origami and video games such as Tetris can help build spatial and maths skills...

A story from today's Daily Telegraph. It is a very interesting read for parents of young children!

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/puzzles-lego-building-blocks-origami-and-video-games-such-as-tetris-can-help-build-spatial-and-maths-skills/story-e6freuy9-1226406925767

Zig Zag Railway set to close...

Took our little princess to the Zig Zag railway in Lithgow today.... It's a real shame it's closing- was fantastic for both the kids and parents!

If you want to go you'd better get in quick, trains will run until Sunday the 17th of June 2012. Thereafter it will be closed indefinately. Visit http://www.zigzagrailway.com.au/ for more info.

Join The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance....

I came across this website detailing how misusing antibiotics is creating resistant bacteria, which means that in the future antibiotics may not work in the treatment of serious illness.

This will lead to major health problems in years to come.

Children and adults alike who are treated with antibiotics for common coughs and colds are doing themselves more harm than good.

Visit  http://www.nps.org.au/bemedicinewise/antibiotic_resistance

or check out
http://clients.slingshotdigital.net/nps/NPS-Antibiotics.pdf

http://clients.slingshotdigital.net/nps/Resistance-Fighter-Pledge.pdf

and become informed to protect the wellbeing of our and our children’s future.

Storing your breastmilk....

This is a magnet I have.... but the information is very useful if you are a breastfeeding mum! So thought I'd share it. The information is from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

(Click to enlarge)

Double the Fun!!

Love and Care Twingo....

After a lot of research- and believe me I have looked far and wide- I'm excited to say that I purchased the Love and Care Twingo- twin side by side pram!

It is light, easy to manoeuvre, I can put the two seats any way I like- forward facing/facing me. There's a huge basket- it's honestly a dream.... I would recommend to anyone who's looking to purchase a double stroller!!

To check it out for yourself visit www.loveandcare.com

Be safe with Mothersafe...

If you're a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, before taking any over the counter medicine it's best to check it's safe for you and bub!

Contact MOTHERSAFE on 1800 647 848

Women's & Infants Clinic Orange...

If you're needing to get in touch with the Midwives at Orange Health Service (hospital) contact:

Women's & Infants Clinic 6369 3261
Antenatal Clinic 6369 3270

Pre and Post Natal Fitness...

Are you looking to keep in shape in order to have an easy labour or maybe you're wanting to get back into shape after the birth of a bub. Then Zensational Fitness could be for you- specialising in pre and post natal exercise. Visit http://www.zensationalfitness.com.au/

Australian Breastfeeding Association, Orange Group

Meets at the Harvest for Christ Church Hall (Corner Glenroi & Churchill Ave)
Wednesdat 10.30-12 Midday

If you've had a good morning bring something to share for morning tea, if not the group will try to make your day better!
FURTHER DETAIL – VERITY 63631845

During the mothers group, a certain topic is discussed every week!

Now on Facebook....

Check out our new facebook page and share it with every mum you know!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mums-The-Word-With-Marianna/363617727036202

Double trouble!!

Being pregnant with my second child, I was really tossing up whether I should buy a double stroller- honestly I really didn’t want to. However after much deliberation I have decided that with only a 2 year age gap between my children I will probably need one to keep my sanity in a shopping centre!

I'm not much of an athlete, so darting at full speed with a newborn in a pram- after a toddler who's decided to do a runner just doesn't seem appealing to me.

BUT...... how many different double strollers do there want to be? All of them are so different and I have looked at quite a few and just don’t know what to go with. Some of them are so tricky to use- especially when it comes to reclining or putting a child into sitting position (something that I think should be easy...call me odd).

So I thought why not ask other mums what they use and the pros and cons of their double stroller, as it just may give me a better insight to what I should purchase!

I’d love to hear from you…. So please leave a comment!!!

Printable worksheets....

I was looking for some worksheets suitable for toddlers on the internet and was surprised how many sites cater for this!

So if you're looking for some educational printable worksheets for your toddler or pre-schooler check out these websites. They have great sheets for learning the alphabet and numbers as well as a whole range of other choices.

http://www.kidslearningstation.com/

http://www.allkidsnetwork.com

http://www.kidspot.com.au/slideshow/Kids-Activity-Sheets-Colouring-Pages+2.htm?gclid=CKjpqNOJ_68CFUdKpgodalxcDw

http://www.first-school.ws/theme/alphabetp1.htm

National Mothering Week May 7th - 13th

The Australian breastfeeding Association has been an extremely vital resource, giving mothers advice on a range of topics including the importance of nursing your infant.

This week they are celebrating and continuing to raise public awareness through National Mothering Week. Many of the 20 local support groups across Australia will be holding local events to unite mothers from all walks of life.

“National Mothering Week is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to mothers, but also a great time to acknowledge the diversity, complexity, challenges and joys of mothering”. Says Rachel Fuller, National President, Australian Breast Feeding Association.

 As a mother, nothing beats having another mother to chat to about your queries and concerns. You can also form lifelong friendships at weekly meetings. If you’re interested in joining a local ABA group or talking to a breastfeeding association counsellor visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au/contacts/groups or call head office on (03) 9885 0855

Orange Tiny Tots Playgroup Turns 1!

Orange Tiny Tots Playgroup partied in style on Monday the 7^th of May, as members celebrated its first birthday in conjunction with Playgroup NSW’s 40^th.

Group leaders Kylie, Maria and Karen organised balloons, a giant jumping castle, piñata and massive pass the parcel- this took one poor parent over an hour and a half to wrap as every layer had a special present for each child! Scrumptious party food tingled everyone’s taste buds and a very special cake was made as a team effort by some leaders and a parent!

The Orange Photo News heard that Orange Tiny Tots was turning one, so they came and took photos of the big day to feature in their local paper.

Every child was lucky enough to take a slice of the party fun home with them, with specially customised party bags full of homemade play dough, books, stickers, bubbles and party blowers!

It has been an extremely successful year for the Orange Tiny Tots, the playgroup has grown with 35 children who attend. Parents especially love bringing their children to the Orange Tiny Tots Playgroup, as it is very structured. Kylie believes having a structured playgroup gives children the opportunity to grow as individuals while learning to follow instructions and routine, prior to entering their schooling years. 

To join a playgroup near you visit http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/nsw/  

Best bubble mixture!

If you're sick of spending lots of money on bubble mixture, but morning fresh and water just don't seem to work as well, give this recipe a go. I picked it up at a local fun fair.

This will make 1.3 litres of bubble mixture.

*1 Litre warm water
*250 mls quality dishwash liquid (such as morning fresh)
*30 mls of glycerine- this is sold at supermarkets and chemists and helps make the bubbles last longer.

Stir all ingredients together and scoop foam off the top of mixture. (continue to scoop foam during play as well)

Be sure to supervise your children while using this mixture- KEEP AWAY FROM EYES AND MOUTH.

Sue Dengate to visit Orange, May 23rd.

For more information on tickets or the day contact angela@angeladuncan.com

Orange Show, May 5th - 6th

Looking for a fun day out with the family? Then head to the Orange Show this weekend.

I was there this morning and it was all systems go to get it set up and ready!

There are heaps of cakes, crafts and flowers that have been judged in the pavilion.

And of course there's show bags and sideshow alley.

Don't forget to head down to the showground tomorrow night to watch the fireworks!

Easter Crafts For Kids

If you're looking for some Easter Craft Activities for kids, check out some of the following websites they all have fantastic ideas.

http://www.kidspot.com.au/subsection+162+Easter-Crafts.htm

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/index.html

http://holidays.kaboose.com/easter/

This page on Google has great colouring pages and activities to print off!

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=easter+activities+for+kids&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dsJ0T8PcIYaViAf7m_HjDw&ved=0CIwBELAE&biw=1676&bih=805

Letter from the Easter Bunny!

Why not make your children's Easter extra special with a personalised letter from the Easter Bunny?

I've made one for my daughter as a special momentum, to place with all the goodies the Easter Bunny will bring her.

It's easy to do as Huggies has done all the hard work for all the busy parents out there!

Visit http://www.huggies.com.au/kids-activities/easter-craft/letter-from-the-easter-bunny

simply enter your child's name, select the gender and print! It's that easy!!

Easter Eggstravaganza - April 1st 2012

If you're looking for something to this weekend why not head to the Orange Ex-Services Club and see the Easter Bunny!!

There's $5000 in Easter Eggs to win, there'll also be plenty of activities for the kids including face painting, Easter Egg guessing competition, a colouring in competition as well as some RSPCA animals.

Doors open at 1.30pm, ticket sales start at 2.00pm and the first draw will take place at 3.00pm!

Happy Easter everyone!

Family Fun Day, Robertson Park, Orange 1st April

As we move into the month of April, why not start it off with a day packed full of fun.  

Head down to Robertson Park in Orange on the 1st of April for a family fun day.

There'll be plenty of activities and entertainment for everyone!

This is so true....

Teddy Bears Picnic, 17th March, Cook Park, Orange

 

Grab your favourite teddy, dress them up and go down to Cook Park on the 17th of March where you'll be in for a big surprise! For many bears will be there as part of the Coralie Park Child Development Centre Teddy Bears Picnic.

The day is aimed at children aged 0-5 years with plenty of hands on activities they can get involved in, including craft and cake decorating. There'll also be jumping castles, live entertainment, lots of stalls and even the fire brigade.

Al activities will be a gold coin donation as this is the Coralie Park Child Development Centre's main fundraiser. So for an awesome day out for the family be sure to stop by Cook Park on March 17th between 10.30 and 2.30!

Kids Day Out- Bathurst, 3rd March 10am - 2pm

Are you looking for a fun filled day for the whole family? Then head down to Bathurst’s CSU Campus on March 3rd!

There’ll be jumping castles, all the kids favourite characters, stalls, music, face painting and much more!

Kids Day Out runs from 10am – 2pm so don’t miss out!!

Playgroup Activity Ideas.....

Are you a mother that dreads when it's your  turn to come up with an activity idea for playgroup? Well fear not! My trusty friend Elizabeth came across the fantastic blog Squish Ideas for Preschool. They have hundreds of activities to choose from and they suit a range of ages including toddlers!

Do yourself a favour and visit their blog at http://squishideasforpreschool.blogspot.com.au/

to take the stress out of organising your next activity. You can also check them out on Facebook and Pinterest.

JET Program

If you are a mother trying to re-enter the workforce you may be eligible for some assistance through the Federal Government program JET.

I know some of my friends have been successful applicants under the program and it’s just the help they need.

For more information check out

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/jet.htm

Free Breast Screening....

If you are aged 40 or over you are now eligible for a free breast screen at Orange Health Service. Orange Breast Screen has decided to drop the age to help detect signs of breast cancer early. For more information visit http://www.bsnsw.org.au

Child Health Care Nurse Number

The Orange Child Health Care Nurse number has changed due to their relocation to the new Orange Health Service and is now 63693300.

Are you looking for a helping hand around the home?

Sometimes as mums we have a hectic shedule and could do with a helping hand.

JCR Nannies and Au Pairs service the Central West and might just be what you need! 

- An affordable alternative to child care- A live in Au Pair!

- Au pairs are from Europe,South Africa,America,Canada and New Zealand

- Au pairs cost between $120-$250 per week per family and work in exchange for their weekly wage, board & food

- Your Au pair will assist you with School runs,cooking the children's food, the children's laundry,homework,cleaning the children's play areas & more

- Your children cared for in their own home

For more information contact Kristy for details! Phone : 02 53106722

Or visit: 

http://www.jcraus.com.au/aupair-nanny-agency-jcr-home.html

Activities for Families....

Finally as the New Year is getting on a roll, family activities are starting to pop up around the region.


Next month Bathurst will be hosting the Kids Day Out with lots of fun activities.


There'll also be a Teddy Bears Picnic in Cook Park.


I'll have more details on where and when shortly.


Hope you all have a great day!

Time Tested Beauty Tips.. By Sam Levenson

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her

fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed,

revived, reclaimed and redeemed: never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older you will discover that you

have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,

the passion that she knows.

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!

Happy New Year!!!!

Wishing all Orange families a wonderful and prosperous 2012!

I hope you all enjoyed the fireworks in North Orange, it was absolutely fantastic!

I'll be keeping my eye out for new activities that pop up around Orange for the kids.

Be sure to let me know if you hear of anything that I haven't listed!

Need help? Check out Orange Family Support Service....

Huntley Berry Farm

Took little Princess to Huntley Berry Farm to pick strawberries this weekend!

She had the best time picking the berries and putting them in the basket, she also stalked a few chickens.

It's great to get the kids into the fresh air and learning about where our fruit and veggies come from.

It was such a lovely day that I thought I must just tell other mother's about it, especially now that the weather is wonderful!!

Huntley Berry Farm has a huge variety of berries during the season, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Feijoas as just a few to name.

You can also have a Bbq out there, go for breakfast or even a coffee.

To get there turn off the highway at Lucknow Tavern then follow the signs for 4km.

Give the friendly team a call on (02) 6365 5282.

Day Out with Thomas - Zig Zag Railway

Book now for a day out with Thomas - a great day for the whole family!

Where: Bells Line of Road Clarence 10km before Lithgow

When: 13-Jan-12 09:00 AM until 16-Jan-12 02:00 PM

Includes:

• A steam train ride with ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’
• A Little Thomas Ride with Annie and Clarabel
• Jumping Castle Merry-go-round
• Pedal Trains and much more

January School Holidays 2012

Trains running daily from Friday 13th to Monday 16th.
For further information ring Special Events: (02) 6355 2955

http://www.zigzagrailway.com.au/thomas_friends.php

Looking for a special unique baby gift?

Then check out Baby Cakes & Bitz! They have a huge exciting range for any special little person that's just entered into the world! https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/babycakesandbitz

The Premi-Babes Association of Orange Incorporated

Are you a mum to a premi baby or do you know someone who's little one was just to impatient to make it to full term?

The Premi-Babes Association of Orange Incorporated is run by volunteers who are happy to give families advice and support.

The group is also always fundraising to buy much needed equipment for the premi babies unit at Orange Base Hospital.

If you'd like to talk to someone or to join

contact (02) 6366 5203

When unfortunate events strike.....

As a mum you never wish any child or their family to be presented with awful tragic situations,

but if you know someone that has been affected by a stillbirth or neonatal related death the SANDS group (Stillbirth and Neonatal death support) can provide support for families.

Contact Di Weldon on 6362 4317 or Diana Bailey on 63605147

My tip...

I was forever trying to get my Little Princess to eat fruit and cereal, but as she doesn't cooperate with me if food is on a spoon I came up with a little trick, which I thought I would share with you all.

I blitz a weetbix, a few blueberries, a couple strawberries, a banana, a bit of pear (you could use whatever fruit- that's just what I had at the time) and a dash of vanilla with her milk to make a brekkie (or any time of day) smoothie. 

I then cut a bigger hole in the top her bottle to allow the little chunks through (you will have some no matter how long you blitz, I've tried) and give it to her! She loves it, and as a fussy eater I think any baby would love it. I couldn't put it in her sippy cup as the chunks just blocked the no spill filter and I wasn't able to find a cup that isn't no spill. 

I hope my tip works for you to get your little one eating fresh fruit! 

Child Care Centres in Orange

CHILD CARE CENTRES

Orange City Council Children’s Services		6393 8600		Preschool, Long Day Care, Occasional Care, Family Day Care, Before & after school care Vacation Care
Courallie Park Children’s Centre	39 Kearney’s Drive, ORANGE NSW 2800	6363 1944	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
Spring Street Children’s Centre	143 Spring Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6362 0033	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
Yarrawong Children’s Centre	2 Yarrawong Place, ORANGE NSW 2800	6361 8366	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
Occasional Child Care Cottage	85 Kite Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6393 8670	Tuesday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm	$9>00/hour Children 0 – 5 years
Family Day Care	79 – 81 Kite Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6393 8610		Professional & supervised care for children up to 12 years of age in homes of registered carers
Out of School Hours Care		6393 8615		Before & after school care Vacation Care
Bright Horizons	19 – 21 Seymour Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6361 7377	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
ABC Orange	86 Kite Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6362 0106	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
ABC Hill Street Children’s Centre	182 Hill Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6363 1842	Monday – Friday 6.30am – 6.30pm	Children 0 – 5 years
Nurture One	32 Albert Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6369 0274	Monday – Friday 6.30am – 6.30pm	Children 0 – 5 years
ABC Orange North	90 Molong Road, ORANGE NSW 2800	6360 0077	Monday – Friday 9.00 – 6.00pm	Children 0 – 5 years
Willows Preschool  & Early Learning Centre	55 Dalton Street, ORANGE NSW 2800	6361 2575	Monday – Friday 6.45am  – 5.45pm	Long day care for Children 0 – 5 years Before & after school care Vacation Care
Waratah Early Learning Centre	52 – 54 Farrell Road, ORANGE NSW 2800	6361 1854	Monday – Friday 6.30am – 6.00pm	Long day care for Children 0 – 5 years Before & after school care Vacation Care