Things We Love

Kids’ Gymnastics

gym

Mel takes Reuben to check out the kids’ gymnastics class at Gymkidz.

Like any mum with an active toddler I am always looking for fun activities that will both stimulate Reuben, teach him some new skills and hopefully tire him out so he has a good nap! Reuben and I were lucky enough to recently try out Gymkidz at Newtown in Sydney’s Inner West which definitely fulfilled all these criteria. Reuben currently participates in soccer and swimming, but at Daycare he has taken a great interest in the past few weeks on balancing on high beams, climbing up ladders and jumping off beams onto mats. He spends a large part of the day doing these activities, so I thought a structured class where he can learn some more advanced gymnastics type skills could be great.

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Why my nappy bag is an extension of me

handbagWhy my nappy bag is an extension of me

Finding out you are expecting a new addition to your family is an incredibly exciting time. When it’s your first child, there is so much to think about buying. From the cot to the car seat, clothes, bottles, dummies, toys, play mat and so much more, but there was one thing I was particularly excited about – the nappy bag. Everything else in my eyes was for the baby, but the nappy bag was well and truly for me and me only. Sure, it would hold all the baby’s things, but I would be carrying it all day every day and needed to fall in love.

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December Kids Books

lego-cityHere are our top picks of December kids books.

Skip to the Loo by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Antia Jeram
Walker Books
This whole business of potty training came around far too quickly for my liking, but before I knew it I had a kid in undies and this book was a great help. Cassie has always been a bit nervous about the potty, but what better way to introduce it than with a group of animals all sharing their love of it. From elephants in tutus to monsters and ghosts, this adorable board book will not only keep your little one entertained, but will have them ‘skipping to the loo’ in no time.

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Christmas Present Ideas For Kids

trainAfter some great Christmas present ideas for kids you know? Here is a fabulous list of 10 presents to get you started.

I am the type of person that likes to be organised – doing things last minute doesn’t work with my personality and that includes Christmas shopping. It may not be socially acceptable, but I start scouting out presents for nieces and nephews back in July. It not only helps to break up the cost of Christmas, but it means when the festive season creeps up (which it all too often does without us noticing), I can sit back nice and relaxed knowing I have everyone covered. This year, I made things even easier for myself. I went into Kidstuff (started online then went and visited their store near me), told the staff member the ages of my nieces and nephews, and got some great present suggestions. Everything I needed under one roof with some great help to go with it!

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Top Kids Picture Books

cinderellaThese are our top kids picture books for the month. Check them out!

Cinderella by Jane Ray
Walker Books
I’m not going to lie, I love a good fairy tale and this book doesn’t disappoint. As I turned each and every page I was just as, if not more, excited than Cassie to see the gorgeous 3D illustrations. Cassie loved pulling on each page (which thankfully are quite sturdy) and examining the contents, pointing out all the things she recognised. From ugly step sisters through to beautiful ball gowns it retells the tale perfectly. It’s one of our favourite night time stories at the moment that we enjoyed snuggled up together on the couch.

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Love To Dream – Maintaining Routine Through Every Season

love-2-dreamLove To Dream – maintaining routine through every season.

About eight years ago I got invited to my first baby shower and I had absolutely no idea what one should take as a present. I wandered into a baby shop near my work in my lunch hour, and instead of asking for help, I aimlessly walked around. I came across the LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLE UP™ Original Swaddle Up range – and the picture on the packaging had me suckered in. This baby with its arms in the air looked adorable! My friend, post baby quickly gave me the feedback that it was the best present she received and that she had made her husband run out and buy more of them before they had even left the hospital. I should at that point have worked out that I needed shares in this company as every time I gifted one, I received the same feedback – so amazing, baby slept, so we went and bought more! I also loved nothing more than receiving photos of all the tiny babies in their little swaddles arms surrendered up in the air.

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