http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/blog.php?95564-Searching-to-make-mum-s-life-easier en Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:12 GMT vBulletin 10 http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/images/styles/BubHub/misc/rss.jpg http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/blog.php?95564-Searching-to-make-mum-s-life-easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?608-Eat-well-be-well Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:08:57 GMT Disappointed with only a 200gram loss at the last weigh in, this week has been all about nutrition, as I'm sure it is snacks (and willpower!) that are letting me down.

I've never paid much attention to nutrition previously... I'd eat well, enjoy my food, and not really worried myself with the details.
But now I'm trying to shed some weight, it seems I really need to put more effort into a healthy balance and eating right.
Not knowing where to start, I got some tips from the nutritionists behind the Healthy Mummy range:

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
I'm the sort that can't get out of bed without eating a full breakfast so I've swapped my cereal for a vanilla Healthy Mummy smoothie with banana and frozen berries. So far so good!

2. Don't starve yourself – if you are hungry have a piece of fruit or a cup of green tea
As I get truly cranky if I'm hungry, I've found this one a great comfort. Previously I would usually snack on chips and biscuits so the snack list in the Pink Bible has been invaluable.
Snacks such as sardines on wholegrain toast, carrot sticks with hummous, crispbreads with philadelphia cheese are all making an appearance in my renewed shopping list.
The recipe section on the website has also been a lifesaver, as I'm always struggling for healthy ideas for lunches and dinners.

3. Treat yourself – we all crave comfort food or sweets at some point so give yourself a weekly treat of dark chocolate
Absolutely, and the dark chocolates in the Healthy Mummy range are yum!

4. Healthy doesn't always mean low calories – make sure you look on the back of packs to see exactly what the nutritional value is
To be honest, I've never looked at the back of the packets before now. There is all sorts of useful information on there! Now, as well as the calorie count, I look for higher protein, low fat and low sodium.

5. Fish Oil is an essential – make sure you are taking a 1000mg dosage each morning
I also had no idea about this, but it apparently has a heap of benefits such as:
May assist the symptomatic relief and management of rheumatism.
May assist in the management and relief of symptoms of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Supports & maintains the health of the cardiovascular system.
May assist in the maintenance of cholesterol with the normal range in healthy individuals and improve the LDL:HDL ratio.
Helps to maintain healthy cognitive function and promotes healthy mood.
Supports the health & function of the nervous system.

I've got to say, I'm feeling a lot better and a lot wiser about what and how I eat, so hopefully we'll see a better result next week!
I'm also really hoping that the changes I'm making to my diet will start to flow down to the family... maybe soon we might finally find a way to break the chicken nugget addiction of Mr4!

There are stacks more nutrition tips and recipes on www.losebabyweight.com.au

More soon... ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?608-Eat-well-be-well http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?593-Health-Mummy-Absolutely! Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:39:32 GMT It's week 2 of the great jeans challenge and happy to declare a 1/2 kg weight loss!

What I've discovered this week from the Lose Baby Weight plan is all the ingenenious ways to fit movement and exercise into my every day.
I don't have the time or the finances to justify a gym membership, so it's up to me and the things around my house to burn some calories.

Here are just some of the exercise tips from the week:

1) Dancing with bub
I never thought of this, but it is so much fun. I dance with the baby, I dance with Mr4, I dance whilst sorting the laundry.
Putting music on in the house rather than the TV has also made such a difference to the mood of every day. Singing and dancing rather than infommercials has certainly made home a happier place.

2) Squats and lunges.
On a quest for a perkier butt (who doesn't want that!) I've started doing squats and lunges whenever I have a moment. You can fit 20 in whilst the kettle is boiling, and at least 50 whilst hanging out a load of washing.

3) Core exercises
Whilst baby is on the playmat, I've started to use that time to get down on the floor with her and get the core active again. For some strange reason she finds my crunches hilarious, so win win right there.

4) Get moving
When Mr4 is playing, rather than catching up on emails with a cuppa and a biscuit, I now run around with him. I'll chase him with the football, play tag, have running races... anything to get us moving. Another win win, as we both love the time together and I'm getting active.

5) Strength exercises
During nap time I now try and do a mini circuit of exercises:
Start with some step ups on the back step to get the heart rate up a little, then push ups (I do them on my knees), tricep dips on the dining chair, shoulder presses with tins of beans. Even if its just 20 minutes (as we all know that naptime is also that one spell of peace we get to do everything else!), its enough to get that heart rate up and feeling stronger.

You'll find all the exercise plans in more detail on www.losebabyweight.com.au

More soon...

Is anyone else trying to lose baby weight at the moment?
Any tips to share? ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?593-Health-Mummy-Absolutely! http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?583-The-great-jeans-challenge-week-1 Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:40:20 GMT Like most women, I have a favourite pair of jeans. They are well worn, well loved, and almost intrinsic to my personality. It was a happy occasion when they were first folded away, I was pregnant and growing ridiculously quickly. But they have been staring at me from the wardrobe for months... Like most women, I have a favourite pair of jeans. They are well worn, well loved, and almost intrinsic to my personality.

It was a happy occasion when they were first folded away, I was pregnant and growing ridiculously quickly. But they have been staring at me from the wardrobe for months now, and I desperately want to be able to wear them again.

So that is the driving force behind my embarking on the Healthy Mummy weight loss and healthy eating plan - it's not about the kilos, its all about getting healthy and getting back to being me again.
I've really found as a new mum that I simply don't have the time or the capacity to look after myself properly. My energy is rock bottom, my self-esteem a close second.
So I'm hoping this plan will give me the tips and ability to get me back on track.



A bit about the range:
The Healthy Mummy range is a new product range designed to help mums get healthy post baby and also aid weight loss.
It is 100% created for mums and designed to help support the milk supply of breastfeeding mums.

Whats included:
Strawberry Smoothie and Vanilla Smoothie mix.
Fish Oils
Portioned controlled dark chocolate snack packs.
Booklet crammed with nutritional advice, snack tips and smoothie recipes
The website full of exercises, recipes and tips.

A bit of the science:
Each smoothie contains Fenugreek, Flaxseeds, Pumpkin seeds and Apple Pectin to help support milk supply and weight management whilst still maintaining energy levels.
The entire range is dairy and gluten free.

So you can share the progress with me (yet avoiding putting photos my not-so photogenic self on the internet!), my 4 year old and I are going to illustrate the jeans every step of the way!
This is how they fit today... so you can see we have some work to do!



The verdict so far:
4 days in, and so far I'm very impressed. I am clueless when it comes to healthy eating and calorie content, so the e-book and website are a wealth of recipes and tips - with things that are easy to prepare and yummy!
The smoothies are fab, and I love the way you can add fruit to make it a proper smoothie (recipes also provided) rather than one of those watery weight loss shakes.
The exercises online are so easy to fit into my every day routine with the kids, and so far... really fun! Who doesn't love dancing?!

More soon...

Want to know more? www. losebabyweight.com.au ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?583-The-great-jeans-challenge-week-1 http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?573-The-great-weight-loss-begins Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:40:01 GMT As reluctant as I am to face up to it, like most normal pregnant women I gained a few extra kilo's when pregnant.

Maybe it was the reduction in exercise, or maybe it was the wall of Tim-Tams that was impossible to ignore whenever I went to Woolies.

Regardless of the cause, now the 6 week check up is long gone I'm desperate to try and get back into shape... because at the moment, I look at myself and to be honest, don't feel like me at all.

Aside from the 6(ish!) extra kilos I'm carrying and the terrible bags under my eyes, the belly is a saggy mess and you could play many a dot-to-dot with the cellulite on my thighs.

But where do I start, and how am I going to squeeze in any exercise or 'me' time when I also have a baby and a 4 year old in my constant care?



Well, in the hope of finding the easiest and most mum-friendly answer for you, I'm going to put the Healthy Mummy weight loss plan to the test.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be trying the shakes, the nutrition advice and the exercise plans, with the aim of achieving the results we all hope for after having a baby... all whilst continuing being a new mum, old mum and home-maker extraordinaire.

So with a little pink bible in my hand and the blender dusted off and raring to go... watch this space...

more info www.losebabyweight.com.au ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?573-The-great-weight-loss-begins http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?562-The-perfect-remedy-for-the-Man-Cold Sun, 08 Jul 2012 04:50:55 GMT We've all been there.

It's 4am, when you hear a feint coughing and then a splutter coming from the other side of the bed.

You hold your breath, hoping that you had imagined it.

But then you hear it again, a little louder, and you know… the Man-Cold* has arrived on your doorstep.

You are fairly sure it’s the same cold that your three year old has just recovered from… the same one that, aside from the gross green stuff streaming out of their noses, didn't really bother him. He continued to play, laugh, pester and demand, and do all the things that three year olds do.

However, as soon as this particular cold invades an adult male body, it mutates into a whole different, more virulent strain of disease and debilitation. Resulting in the one we all dread… the Man-Cold.

And the cure?

Well, no matter how you try and slip it past them, I've found that men refuse to take panadol, cough medicine, or any traditional form of cold & flu remedies.
The only cure that I have ever found to successfully beat the Man-Cold is a solid three days of lying on the couch watching test cricket.



Don’t, however, be misled into believing that a one-dayer, or 20/20 will do it.

Nu-uh.

It must be a full 5 day test for the full healing capacity of cricket to really kick in.
It can also be followed up with a chaser dose of Tour De France highlights - if you really need a powerful cure.

Does the Man-Cold affect every household?
Please help me - has anyone found a better cure?!

* and therein lies the reason I've had no time to dedicate to this blog recently! ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?562-The-perfect-remedy-for-the-Man-Cold http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?538-Desperately-seeking-a-time-machine Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:39:28 GMT It feels like just a moment ago that I was hauling my gargantuan pregnant belly to the hospital, and though the labour pains are a hazy memory, the first 6 weeks of babies life have gone in a flash. Attachment 23593 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23593) ... It feels like just a moment ago that I was hauling my gargantuan pregnant belly to the hospital, and though the labour pains are a hazy memory, the first 6 weeks of babies life have gone in a flash.



And with time in total freefall, I wish I could be reporting on a fantastic new invention that somehow slows the clocks down a little... something that allows the user to just take a moment and breathe. Because I don't know about anyone else out there, but my life is utter chaos - in the nicest possible way of course!

But is there any way that we can pause the bedlam for ourselves?

Enjoy every moment
Something we always hear, and something we often say to ourselves. But do we ever really make an effort amidst all the mayhem to actually do it? Well, I've made a concerted effort over the past week to find enjoyment in everything I do.

• Explosive nappy change at 3am? Absolutely. Because once it's over and baby is wrapped and snuggled back in my arms, the relief and smug pride of pulling it off without waking the whole household is tremendous.
• Hanging out the tenth load of washing? Love it. Because for these few short months I'm in the sunshine and not in the office.
• Debating the value of washing hair with a 3 year old? Hilarious. The logic they project whilst I attempt to remove half the sandpit from behind his ears makes me laugh out loud - even when I end up jumping into the bath fully clothed myself.
• Baby wakes every time you put her down? Hmm... to be honest I'm still looking for the smiley-moment in that one?! Do let me know if you can find one...

Go outside and look up
Have you noticed that the more caught up in the modern world you get, the more you automatically look at the ground, as you rush from A to B?
Looking up (and I mean literally, not metaphorically), has always been my motto in life, and one I've neglected recently.
Now, every day, I take a moment to look up at the sky.
Try it - if you are in the city, stop and look at the tops of the buildings, they are spectacular and very rarely appreciated.
Out in the park? Check out the tops of the trees, the clouds, the huge free space above our heads.
And as it forces you to stop walking (or you'll fall over!), you have to stop and just take things in for a moment.

So once the kids are in bed (for the moment anyway), and the house is quiet for the first time in over 14 hours, I stop to smile and reflect for a second on another day flown by.
Despite the blips and bumps along the way, and the few more grey hairs that I've gained in an incredibly short space of time, it was another good one... and one I wouldn't change for the world. ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?538-Desperately-seeking-a-time-machine http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?507-Fabulous-feeding-dress-discovered Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:19:07 GMT Breastfeeding was always a cause for concern in my world. My first born was bottle fed after a few fraught weeks of no milk, blisters, tears and exhaustion, so with baby #2 I was preparing for the same turbulent journey. Thankfully, however, the breastfeeding this time around has been a lot... Breastfeeding was always a cause for concern in my world. My first born was bottle fed after a few fraught weeks of no milk, blisters, tears and exhaustion, so with baby #2 I was preparing for the same turbulent journey.

Thankfully, however, the breastfeeding this time around has been a lot easier. The difficult part now is readjusting my wardrobe to suddenly accommodate this new-found world.

But I’ve recently come across a gorgeous feeding dress from innovation&you that has been a god-send these last few weeks, and it is so flexible in its design it can worn as nightwear or daywear (or both simultaneously, as seems to be the case in my house at the moment!)

Made from 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, it is feminine and flattering in all the right places, so I don’t have to worry about all the baby bumps that are still hanging around. Yet is also stretchy with fabulous inner support, so is insanely comfortable and can be worn with or without a maternity bra (and yes, the breastpads do stay put).

But the thing I really loved about this dress was the clasps. I find the plastic clasps on feeding bras so ugly, and this dress instead closes with small silver magnet clasps which are so much easier to use, and a world more attractive.

There are a few styles and colours available, but I fell in love with the overlay dress in pink and white.
It is so refreshing to wear something bright and feminine... something that makes me feel gorgeous during these weeks where I feel tired, yuk and unattractive.

This dress will certainly be a staple part of my wardrobe for as long as I’m breastfeeding!

More info?
http://www.innovationandyou.com.au/our-dresses/ ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?507-Fabulous-feeding-dress-discovered http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?480-Favourite-pre-school-books Mon, 28 May 2012 02:51:33 GMT An Australian children’s author and illustrator that caught my attention this week is Nick Bland, with his books ‘The Very Cranky Bear, ‘The Very Itchy Bear’ and ‘Some Dads’. The illustrations across all three titles are absolutely gorgeous, and the stories don’t disappoint either.... An Australian children’s author and illustrator that caught my attention this week is Nick Bland, with his books ‘The Very Cranky Bear, ‘The Very Itchy Bear’ and ‘Some Dads’.

The illustrations across all three titles are absolutely gorgeous, and the stories don’t disappoint either.



The Very Cranky Bear
In the Jingle Jangle Jungle, we meet four animal friends who cross paths with a very cranky bear, each of whom try and cheer the bear up in their own way.
Incredibly well written, the rhyming flows beautifully, making it easy to read, and kids love the lyrical style. I fell in love with the illustrations and this one is definitely top of my hit list at bedtime.

The Very Itchy Bear
We go on a journey with Bear and Flea out to sea. Bear, initially annoyed by Flea for making him itchy, discovers that once Flea is gone he actually quite misses his tiny friend.
Delightfully written and illustrated yet again, another winner – both with adults and children.

Some Dads
A lovely book about all the different types of dads you might find.
It is certainly refreshing for a book to be written about Dads and all their merits, so naturally, this one is one of my husband’s favourites. Luckily it’s also a huge hit with our 3 year old.

As I’m such a huge believer in books being a major part of my child’s pre-school world, I personally think it’s fantastic that there are Australian books being released of such a high standard for our kids to share, eventually contributing to them learning to read and enjoy books themselves.

Verdict: Brilliant. They appeal to adults as well as children... definitely my favourite books so far.

Books are available from all good bookshops. ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?480-Favourite-pre-school-books http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?459-A-blog-stopping-week Thu, 17 May 2012 20:39:13 GMT I have to declare that I am completely in love. Enough to stop me writing, sleeping, eating and doing all the other things that usually rock my world. Attachment 22277 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22277) Yes, last week my baby girl was born,...
I have to declare that I am completely in love.

Enough to stop me writing, sleeping, eating and doing all the other things that usually rock my world.



Yes, last week my baby girl was born, putting my making-life-easier mission completely on hold whilst my life has been turned upside down with a newborn.
And at the moment I can't think of any product, any review, or anything in this world that could make things more perfect.

Oh, don't get me wrong - there are a hundred ways that life could definitely be easier... but who would want that?!

So this week, it is just a quick post to all those new mums out there to try to relish these moments of exhaustion - the sleepless nights, the microwaved coffee, and the pacing the floor at 2am cuddling a newborn. As they will (hopefully!) pass, and life will get easier, as these little people grow quickly into their own.

And until they do, life will be more than a little complicated!

Nespresso, anyone?! ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?459-A-blog-stopping-week http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?422-Waiting-waiting-waiting-for-labour Thu, 03 May 2012 04:06:27 GMT

So I'm a week overdue now with baby #2... and going completely stir crazy.

As my first false start happened at 36 weeks, these last four weeks have been a very slow and torturous haze.
Every niggle, every sleepless night, every early-labour tease, I lose my sanity just a little bit more!

So this week, my making life easier mission is to find all the ways to stay calm, positive not too nesting crazy, and above all else - stay sane amidst the longest pre-labour ever.

1) Jigsaw puzzles
Yep, so in my former life I used to be a clubbing minx who was never home before daylight, usually adorned with glitter and a selection of glowsticks. At the moment, however, there is nothing more satisfying than an evening sorting edges from middles followed by an early night. Keeps the mind sane whilst stopping me from cleaning the gutters.

2) Walking
Hoping that it will bring on labour, I've taken to donning the headphones and walking at least 2-3km a day. Pre-baby I was a keen jogger, so this is the closest I can get to it whilst hauling an extra 15kg strapped to my front. Clears the mind, and I frankly don't care anymore about all the stares my humungous lycra baby bump attracts.

3) Cleaning
A standard pre-labour frenzy, typical of most pregnant women, but I've banned myself from anything that requires steps or a chair. So the lower cupboards of the kitchen are sparkling, the top ones we'll pretend don't exist.

4) Me time
Ooh yes, a pedicure and manicure are the best way to stop yourself going nuts. Get out of the house and get your feet pretty - it's not like you can reach them yourself at the moment, anyway.

5) Baking
Usually I'm quite phobic of being in the kitchen. Things tend to catch fire or smash whenever I dare enter into the cooking arena. Pre-labour, however, has led to a burning desire to bake... muffins, cupcakes, banana bread, whatever I can find a 5 minute recipe for. And all fairly successful so far, so long as you don't try and eat them.

Is anyone else out there overdue and going crazy waiting for 'it' to start?!
Do you have any pre-labour tips that could save my sanity whilst waiting for the real thing to begin?

]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?422-Waiting-waiting-waiting-for-labour http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?408-My-Little-Mates-Library Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:30:44 GMT Attachment 21548 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21548) Continuing on my mission to ferret out some fantastic children’s books, I had a delightful box set of alphabet books cross my path this week which I must share. Written by Australian author Susannah...
Continuing on my mission to ferret out some fantastic children’s books, I had a delightful box set of alphabet books cross my path this week which I must share.

Written by Australian author Susannah McFarlane, the Little Mates books are an excellent educational and story time addition to any toddler or pre-schooler bookshelf.

Each book is based on a letter of the alphabet and tells a short story about an animal beginning with that letter, with almost every word in the book also starting with that letter!

For example, meet Amazing Amelia Ant who is the ‘most active and athletic ant on the anthill, actually in all Australia. She adores all activities and has awesome abilities!’

Tongue-twisters to read, they keep any inquisitive pre-schooler or toddler engaged as well as keeping you, as a parent, on your toes at story time!

The exposure to new words and satisfies my concern of books being educational, plus the adorable illustrations make the stories easy to follow for kids that cannot read or quite understand all of the words yet.

Verdict: love them, but can be challenging to get the words out after a hard day!

Books are available at all good bookstores, or you can contact Scholastic Australia - customer_service@scholastic.com.au
]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?408-My-Little-Mates-Library http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?394-Pre-school-books-–-Mandy-Foot Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:00:01 GMT Continuing with the search for some great kids books, this week I came across the Mandy Foot series of picture books and accompanying websites. Beautifully illustrated, the first two in the series are picture books of the classic children’s songs – ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’ and ‘The...
Continuing with the search for some great kids books, this week I came across the Mandy Foot series of picture books and accompanying websites.

Beautifully illustrated, the first two in the series are picture books of the classic children’s songs – ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’ and ‘The Wheels on the Bus’. And the third, and latest release, Captain Kangaroo and the Great Balloon Race’, is a gorgeous tale of rescue and friendship. The theme of Australia animals and fauna is ongoing in all three books, and is delightfully presented in all the illustrations.

The Wheels on the Bus:
We sing-along with a group of Australian animals touring each state in their bus, and meet different animals native to that area along the way. Kids can have fun spotting the gecko in each spread and there is a map at the front to show where the bus goes.
The accompanying website is a huge plus, with a map of Australia to tour in which you click on the different destinations to get information on each place. There are also cute downloads to collect along the way such as a screensaver, a WOTB party planner, even a printable board game.

Verdict: Very popular book with our 3 year old, he can sing along and point out animals he recognises along the way. I loved the interactivity and locality of the book, spotting animals, following the map and learning about the country we live in. Has to be sung though, so don’t be shy!
Plus the accompanying website is perfect for pre-schoolers. It’s easy to navigate and has loads of information and things to do.

Old MacDonald has a Farm:
We, again, sing-along to the traditional song, but with some native animals added alongside the typical farmyard animals. There is plenty of farm activity for children to learn about along the way, and there are also kookaburras to count throughout the book.
Again, there is a lovely website that goes along with the book with stacks of information on the animals in the story, plus games and colouring templates for download.

Verdict: very popular again with our 3 year old, animals and singing are always a huge hit with any pre-schooler plus the gorgeous illustrations really bring a traditional song to life in a wonderfully Australian manner. The website, again, really adds another level to the books and was a huge hit.

Captain Kangaroo and the Great Balloon Race:
Stepping away from the traditional singalong style of the first two books, we follow Captain Kangaroo and his rescue of his Aussie friends after their balloon gets caught in a dust storm.
A delightful story and yet again, beautifully illustrated, there is plenty of interactivity with frill neck lizards hiding throughout the spreads to find and local animals for children to recognise.
The accompanying website yet again doesn’t disappoint either. With games to play, colouring, and information on how planes work for the older kids, it kept my 3 year old engaged for ages, all with things I felt confident were educational and developmental.

Verdict: Another success. Animals, balloons and helicopters are a perfect combination in our house, and our 3 year old loved this book. I particularly loved this one too, as I didn’t have to sing!

Highlight:
The resounding quality of these books is in the illustrations and the lovely way they present Australia and its animals to a pre-schooler. Plus the interactivity is really brought to life with the fabulous websites that accompany each book.

Want more info?
www.mandyfoot.com.au

More books next week!

]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?394-Pre-school-books-–-Mandy-Foot http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?373-Pre-school-books-Fergus-the-Ferry Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:15:58 GMT Bedtime in our household can often become a battle of the wills. Not because we struggle to get our 3 year old into bed, but because our little pre-schooler is such a bookworm we can never accomplish lights off without a huge debate on how many books to read. So over the next few weeks I’m... Bedtime in our household can often become a battle of the wills. Not because we struggle to get our 3 year old into bed, but because our little pre-schooler is such a bookworm we can never accomplish lights off without a huge debate on how many books to read.

So over the next few weeks I’m on a quest to try and ferret out some great children’s books - books that are not only interactive and educational for our sons eager learning skills, but also books that are fun for parents to read... because, after all, we are the ones that have to read them over and over (and over) again!

This week, my first discovery is the Fergus the Ferry rhyming picture books.
A series of beautifully illustrated short stories, each book tells a story of the adventures of a group of ferries that work in Sydney harbour. We follow them as they rescue sailors, brave storms and tackle whales.

All the stories carry the standard children’s book morals of loyalty, teamwork and being nice to your friends, and the rhyming really helps to keep the child engaged, but what I personally really liked about these books was the relevance to living in Australia today.
They told stories of events such as Australia Day and the boat race, New Years Eve fireworks and bush fires, and also covered all the main areas of Sydney harbour with interest points such as the Zoo, Manly, the Heads, and Circular Quay. All of this meant our son really connected with the stories, because they were all based in places he recognised. And, though this locality is a great selling point for those who live within Sydney, don’t let it put you off if you don’t. They are still thoroughly engaging and entertaining stories.

In addition to the books, there is an app available which has the books in ebook form - both for children to flick through and read by themselves, and with the audio added so the story is read to them... definitely my favourite part of the app!
There is also a cute little game on there, but to be honest, it was very simple and our 3 year old got bored quickly. Probably better for younger kids.

Verdict: Our son loves these books, and all bedtimes stories this week have been Fergus Ferry books. They are simple to read, and are just the right length to easily read two books before bedtime – keeping everyone happy.
And the app really brings another level to the series, making the books more interactive and accessible for pre-schoolers.

Highlight: the audio version of the books on the app.

More books next week! ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?373-Pre-school-books-Fergus-the-Ferry http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?354-The-most-ridiculous-pregnancy-advice-* Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:20:32 GMT
It never ceases to amaze me, the ridiculous pregnancy advice and comments that are thrown my way. And being 8 months pregnant I seem to be at the pinnacle of random people saying the weirdest things.

So this week, I'm putting aside all product testing, to share my top 5 of the most bizarre and inappropriate observations I've received, as well as (just for fun) suggesting some equally as inappropriate responses (all comments are true, all responses are not!)

Let me know if you've received any advice that has had you lost for words, would love to hear your stories.

5) "I didn't think you were allowed to exercise when pregnant"
Accepted - I shouldn't be doing an iron-man or climbing in the Himalayas, but at the time I was simply donning some sensible shoes and heading out for a power-walk.
Dream response: Oh no, I'm not exercising - I'm simply putting on my sneakers to get me as far as the couch.

4) "It's not safe to wear skinny jeans when pregnant"
Not having noticed the skinny jeans warnings on the leaflets from the hospital, I did wonder what the panic was.
Is there a concern it's a dangerous fashion crime that could cross the placenta?
Or that anything remotely stylish might have me mistaken for something other than an incubator on legs?
Dream response: Yes I know. But my butt will fall off if I remove them.

3) "Beep Beep Beep" (otherwise known as a colleague making a truck reversing noise when I tried to walk between chairs)
Funny. Because being compared to a haulage truck really makes my day.
Dream response: no words, but I really wish I had Sellotaped them to their own chair, wheeled them outside and left them on the footpath next to the bins.

2)" Wow you are huge, you are going to really struggle getting that baby out!"
Really. So from a single glance you know how big the baby is, how long my labour will last, and how flexible my pelvis is.
Dream response: "Thanks for the concern, but a lot of this is simply ice-cream and fairy bread, so we are probably all good”

1) "Your baby is a bad sleeper because you listened to dance music when you were pregnant."
It's very rare that I'm lost for words, but this one had my jaw on the floor. And I still haven't managed to find the science connecting a great tune heard in utero with an unsettled baby. If anyone has any ideas on the logic here, please let me know!
Dream response: "All that sleep deprivation is worth it for the moment they hit 18 and I can take them to their first rave."

Has anyone had any ridiculous comments or advice when pregnant?
Please share!

* no pregnant women were harmed in the writing of this blog. ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?354-The-most-ridiculous-pregnancy-advice-* http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?336-Can-t-agree-on-a-baby-name Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:12:09 GMT So with just a few weeks to go until the birth of baby#2, there is still a very large elephant in the room in our house, trumpeting very loudly about the worrying fact we haven't agreed on a baby name yet.
We've skirted around the subject, hesitantly suggesting ideas and quickly scurrying back to our corners, but we are still a long way from agreeing on that perfect name we both love.

So this week, my making life easier quest is all about finding a way of bridging that gap to agree on a name, even if it feels like an insurmountable task.

Here are the top tips, as suggested by the many pregnant women out there in the same boat:

• Try and meet in the middle - both make a list, then swap lists and cross of those you don't like until you find one you both like.
• Always remain subjective - though baby names often come with emotional attachment, a rejection of your favourite name is not a personal insult!
• Finding a name you both love is not about winning the battle, but about compromise - so try and stay on the same team throughout all the debate
• Start discussing names as early as possible - it gives plenty of time for deliberation and also plenty of time for a break from the subject when you can't agree!
• Always hear out your partner - even if your mind is made up, their opinion is as valid as yours so always hear their whole argument before rejecting the name
• Try and remain diplomatic if there are any hereditary names to consider. They can always be a second middle name rather than a first name as a compromise
• Children always grow into their name - even if it isn't quite the name you dreamed of when you were a child, within a few days, you won't be able imagine them being named anything else
• When all else fails, you have reached a stalemate and you are certain the name you have in mind is the one you want - place your hand in the small of your back, make a small wince and whimper and slowly sit down on the couch. This technique will never fail in getting what you really want, but can only be used a few times - so spend it wisely!

Have you been in the situation of not being able to agree on a name?
Do you have any tips on how to reach a compromise? ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?336-Can-t-agree-on-a-baby-name http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?320-Affordable-and-brilliant-it-s-toy-of-the-week Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:49:10 GMT
As the heavily pregnant mum of a very exuberant 3 year old boy, I'm always on the quest for new and innovative products in the baby/parent world. And this week I stumbled on something fabulous that I have to share... something that ticked all the boxes for a perfect toy:

It's affordable.
It can't be broken.
It keeps a three year old entertained for hours.
It folds up to the size of a handkerchief.
It will never date or get old.
It is great for gross motor skills and burning off all that energy.

And what is it, I hear you ask?

It's called The Balloon Ball - a colourful sturdy cotton cover, which fits a balloon inside. You simply pop in a deflated balloon, blow it up and tie a knot, and you have a ball.

Brilliant.

It stood up to the rigours of rainy indoor play with a boisterous three year old, and I can imagine it is going to get punished by #2 when she comes along... I just won't inflate hers quite so hard!
The cover is washable and fits a standard size balloon so you can just keep using it over and over again (I'm very glad I have a small pump though, because blowing up balloons whilst pregnant was not easy!)

I love finding something that is genuinely brilliant and simple, particularly when they outdo the expensive and fancy toys. Master3 has a 3 tier garage complete with ramps, lift, helicopter launch pads and sound effects sat in the corner gathering dust, whilst the balloon ball gets used over and over again.

The only drawback? I need husband to come home sooner to play it with him - as mummy is getting tired!

Need more info?
www.nic-nac.com.au

]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?320-Affordable-and-brilliant-it-s-toy-of-the-week http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?299-Sucks-or-success-BPA-free-sippy-cups-put-to-the-test Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:56:33 GMT
The sippy cup market is overwhelming to me. Walking down the aisles of any baby shop has me confounded, as I'm promised a plethora of no spill, toddler proof products, in bright colours and plastics.

However, the number of cups I've gone through in the years has left me feeling a little disillusioned. All I want is an easy to clean cup that is BPA free, my kids love, and can survive the battering any toddler can give out - but so far that has been hard to find.

So I've put three BPA free sippy cups to the test, in a quest to find the perfect cup.

Ikea - trainer cups. $3.99 for 2.
Initially I had high hopes for the Ikea cup. Despite their bargain basement price tag, usually their products are perfectly functional and reliable.
Not in this case.
The lid just pushes onto the cup rather than screwing tightly so I was never truly confident that it was going to stay on, and I was pretty certain that one tumble onto the floor would have all the contents spilling out. It can only really be used as a table cup and certainly would never take it out and about in my bag.
Verdict: don't bother.

Pigeon MagMag cup RRP $12.95
Very simple design with perfectly sized handles and changeable tops that change as your child grows. The first top option is a teat top, second is a soft spout and third - a straw top.
Made at a perfect size for little hands and with no complicated valves or spouts, it was easy to clean and kids loved it.
I did find however that neither the spout top, nor the straw top lasted very long, as Master3 was a chomper and quickly destroyed both. And though you can buy replacement tops for when that happens, the costs quickly mount up. Also, the straw top leaked if you didn't get the top screwed on correctly - something that was easily done a few times!
Verdict: Nice design but did get a little frustrating.

Kiddy Concepts Adaptable Kiddie Bottle. $27.95
This cup is definitely top of the range.
Made from food grade stainless steel it also has a choice of 3 tops to change as your child grows - a nipple teat, sippy top, and sports top. And without paint or lacquer on the bottle, there is no paint to chip when dropped so I felt confident in its safety.
I loved this cup. A really simple, sturdy and lightweight design, that took all the knocks that a feisty toddler can throw at it.
It never leaked, and without any complicated valves it was really easy to clean with no nooks and crannys for milk or juice to stick to.
Despite being the most expensive, I'm certain it would actually be the most cost effective in the long run, as I would only ever need the one bottle, with just one upgrade to the sports top.
It is also designed to be compatable with Avent teats, so you can use your own teats with it at the beginning.
Verdict: Best out there and can't find fault. Very happy to find a cup I can finally rely on!
More info at www.kiddieconcepts.com.au

Has anyone else been frustrated by the sippy cup market?
Or finally found a cup that works?!

Angela is a writer and magazine producer originally from the UK. Now happily settled in Oz, she is mum to one exuberant three year old with baby number two on the way, and can be found either writing, renovating or steadily fumbling her way through the world of parenting.
Find more of Angela's stories at angela-sutherland.blogspot.com.au

]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?299-Sucks-or-success-BPA-free-sippy-cups-put-to-the-test http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?279-Help-I-have-a-fussy-eater! Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:51:33 GMT
I can't pinpoint when it actually happened, but somewhere between mashed veggies being contentedly smeared all over his face and now – meal times with my son went drastically askew.

I blame myself. The minute he began to reject foods that previously had him waving his spoon in delicious anticipation, I was reaching for the chicken nuggets in a blind panic worrying that any food was better than no food, until every dinner time became an endless battle of bargaining and badgering over a single pea.

In desperate need of something to break this cycle, I’m on a quest for something that can help me provide good nutritious food, quickly and easily.
And in a hope that they might have the answer to my problem, as they claim to be the complete solution to dinnertime battles, I’m putting the Vegie Smugglers recipe books to the test!

The books:
They have a range of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks – some targeted for kids, but also including many mealtime ideas for the whole family.
Both books include a handy introduction with all the different veggies and their nutritional value, plus some invaluable tips on dealing with a fussy eater.
Also, rather than being split by ingredient, the chapters are rather brilliantly categorised by time - there is a quick dinner section, stuff to make and reheat, things to freeze, things to make fresh, and fruit.
And with a variety of cuisines, ingredients and styles, I found there were plenty of recipe options to suit even the fussiest of eaters.

The verdict:
A real success.
The recipes were simple, quick to prepare, nutritious and tasty, and the books gave me plenty of ideas for mealtimes with the minimum of fuss.
Even fussy Master3 tried everything after a couple of offerings, and even more surprising... he liked them!

Best bits:

• Every recipe clearly tells the basics – including freezing and storage, plus how many adults and kids each recipe serves.
• There were plenty of recipes that suited the whole family – no more cooking 3 different meals for everyone.
• No recipe required any complicated or expensive ingredients, so I could make most things from what I had in the cupboard plus some fresh vegies.
• Nothing was overly time consuming or difficult, so with some basic planning I could have a nutritious dinner on the table for the whole family without any fuss.
• As they were such kid friendly recipes, fussy eaters can easily get involved with the cooking and preparation

Our favourites:
Lamb & feta meatballs with pasta salad – big hit with both husband and 3 year old.
Sultana & apple muffins – simple to make and really yum
Traffic light swirls – anything to do with cars is a hit in our house, and this was no exception.
Fruit pikelets – mainly a big hit because I loved them, but I’m the head chef so it's allowed... right?!

Making life easier?
For me? Absolutely. Life in the kitchen is definitely easier.
I’m not a great cook. No dessert of mine has ever been served deconstructed, and to be honest, the kids on Junior masterchef freak me out a little. So to be able to whip up a batch of healthy salmon pikelets or sausage rolls and bung them in the freezer is a godsend – especially on those days when I fly in the door at 6pm panicking about what’s for dinner.

Fussy eater fixed?
Not fixed, but definitely vastly improved. And now my repertoire for mealtimes for Master3 has gone from an embarrassing sausage or nuggets, to a range that does include veggies and freshly prepared meals, and one that I’m happy with.

The facts:
Vegie Smugglers and Vegie Smugglers 2 by Wendy Blume
More info and sample recipes are at www.vegiesmugglers.com.au

Have you got a fussy eater?
Do you have good tips to share?
]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?279-Help-I-have-a-fussy-eater! http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?267-Action-or-relaxation…-what-birthing-method-worked-for-you Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:13:23 GMT
I must be honest, with just 8 weeks to go, the fact that I'm due to give birth quite imminently is starting to become very real.

As a VBAC, and thus destined to be monitored and clock-watched for the duration of labour, I've gone on a quest to decipher a few birthing methods, in the hope that more knowledge might mean less intervention. And to discover, can you really learn all you need for birthing, from a book?

Juji Sundin’s Birth Skills
The theory: a method of mastering pain through vocalisation, movement and action, channelling any adrenaline and energy into positive action rather than tension and fear.

The book: Very informative and factual, it takes you through a number of different coping strategies, each time with plenty of direction and examples. It was explained clearly enough that once finished, I was confident I'd understood the method enough to be able to do it alone. The version I read also had comments from Sarah Murdoch's own personal experiences, which made everything seem more real.

The verdict: Though the imagery of me stomping and banging stress balls together for hours on end challenges every part of my inhibitions, the attitude and voracity of this theory really hit home for me.
I have more nervous energy than a supernova, so using that pent up energy to positively face the pain certainly gels with my personality.
I also found the tone of the book very positive. There was no judgement if you did end up reaching for the drugs, so I came away feeling supported by the method and confident about its outcomes, rather than worried about failing or 'doing it wrong'.

Summary: Certainly going to give this one a go.

Hypnobirthing: Marie Morgan
The theory: Very similar to the CalmBirthing method, this theory is based on managing the pain by finding a state of complete calm through visualisation, relaxation and breathing.

The book: Takes you through the stages of pregnancy and birth to prepare your mind for each eventuality. It then guides you through the different techniques – breathing, relaxation, visualisation – with examples of each and exercises to practice.

The verdict: Because I am generally incapable of relaxing I was a little dubious about this working for me, but decided it was the perfect opportunity to really try and turn that around… and I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't nearly as airy-fairy as I'd imagined.
I found the book alone wasn’t enough to feel confident in fully grasping the method, the relaxation and visualisation CD's are essential to complete the picture. But once I'd invested some time and opened my mind to the concept, I could definitely see the benefits. I don't think I would manage to actually achieve self-hypnosis without attending the classes, but it certainly gave me some fabulous pointers on ways to remain calm and visualise the pain away.

Summary: Great pointers on how to stay calm and I'm already feeling the benefits, but felt like I needed a class to truly master the technique.

I've already put the theories to the test in everyday situations, and they both worked in their own, very different way.
Counting from one to ten and marching on the spot certainly dulled the pain of a stubbed toe. But alternatively, visualising a 'pain dial' and completely relaxing the body also really helped when I bashed my knee on my desk drawer (and we all know how painful that is!)

Other invaluable reads:
Silent Knife by Nancy Cohen: Definitely a must read for every VBAC. Though it is based in the US making a lot of the stats and facts irrelevant to us, it really allowed me to feel like a VBAC is a positive choice and nothing to be afraid of.

Gentle Birth choices by Barbara Harper: Though big and daunting at first, it’s a fabulous book that talks you through your options for a gentle birth. Gentle birth being one that focuses on exactly that – an experience that is gentle and non-intrusive for mother and child.
Again, I felt very positive about labour and birth after reading this, taking away any fear I had and replaced it with hope and empowerment.

And I'll report back in about 10 weeks time as to which (if any) method really worked when put to the test!

What birthing method has worked for you?
Did you find it all went out the window on the day?






]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?267-Action-or-relaxation…-what-birthing-method-worked-for-you http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?250-iPad-can-it-be-an-educational-tool Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:26:35 GMT When given an ipad by my boss (another way for me to be contactable, cleverly disguised as a Christmas gift!), I must admit, I was unsure what to do with it. I loaded up my email, downloaded a few apps that I didn’t really need, read the news in bed... but after those first few weeks of...
When given an ipad by my boss (another way for me to be contactable, cleverly disguised as a Christmas gift!), I must admit, I was unsure what to do with it.

I loaded up my email, downloaded a few apps that I didn’t really need, read the news in bed... but after those first few weeks of mindless tinkering, it was gradually demoted to hanging around on the kitchen bench, amidst the browning bananas and phone bills. I had a laptop and a phone, so finding a place in my busy life for another device that's simply a mish-mash of both these items was proving a struggle.

That was, until my 3 year old discovered it.

Now, it holds more power in our house than the promise of Yo Gabba Gabba... or smarties... or both combined.
Because, though apparently invented for adults, in our house the reality is that the iPad is most definitely a toy and a babysitting tool - all rolled into one.

I had originally aimed to never be a parent who bribed, despite completely reneging on that deal by the time my son was 12 months old! Now, the promise of 10 minutes of iPad has breakfast eaten, clothes on and bag packed ready for daycare... without hardly any fuss.

Concerned that it was another of thing that would file me into the ‘bad parent’ category, such as TV and video games, I became determined to find a silver lining to the situation. And I found that there are hundreds of fantastic apps out there for kids that are educational, informative and entertaining... ie guilt free.

Here is a list of our favourites:

Lego 4+: Cute little app where you build a lego vehicle or animal and move it around the landscape collecting blocks. Not many levels, but good for the younger kids.

Iwritewords: brilliant app in which you trace the outline of letters to build words. Teaches handwriting, spelling and word construction.

Drawing Pad: Huge array of brushes, paints, pens, and stamps with which to make your own artworks. Great for little fingers that are just learning to draw.

Contre Jour: One for the slightly older kids (like husbands), where you manipulate the environment to roll and swing Petit to his portal. Lovely graphics and music providing hours of entertainment.

Labyrinth: Based on the classic handheld puzzle of rolling the steel ball around the wooden maze. Plenty of levels with easy and hard options.

Unblock me: Again, based on the classic wooden strategy puzzle in which you free the red block by sliding the other blocks out of the way. Even the easy levels are a bit tricky for a three year old, but definitely one for the older kids.

Mighty Fin: quirky arcade style game where you guide a little goldfish through the water to collect bubbles. With plenty of levels and cute changes of costume available, it’s not very educational, but lots of fun.

Pipe roll: A great little puzzle game for the younger kids in which you join the pieces of pipe together to run the water from the tank to the house.

Now, I'm sure my parents would have been delighted if I played puzzles and spelling games for hours when I was little, without any concern whether it was rotting my brain, so is the ipad just a modern day equivalent of puzzle play? Or should it be condemned as yet another disguise for video games?

Well I believe that all depends on the apps that you have on there, and the balance with other activities. We'll play 15 minutes of ipad then head outside to kick a ball. It gives me time to put on a load of washing, quick clean of the bathroom, and also a happily entertained child in the process.

And though, much to the dismay of my husband, our son is now the resident champion of Angry Birds in our house, I’m sure that even catapulting cute birds at little green pigs provides a beneficial skill set for the future... it's all about the laws of physics... right?

Do you have an iPad that the kids are allowed to play with?
Is it simply the modern day version of the toys we used to play with or something that should be left to the grown ups?
Have you found any great apps to share?



]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?250-iPad-can-it-be-an-educational-tool http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?237-What’s-your-favourite-thing-in-the-world-right-now Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:25:50 GMT Throughout my life I’ve always had a treasured item or collection of some sort. It all started as a small child with my badge collection, where I had a pin-badge from every place I’d ever been. In my University days it was beer mats… same principle as the badges, but a whole different...
Throughout my life I’ve always had a treasured item or collection of some sort.
It all started as a small child with my badge collection, where I had a pin-badge from every place I’d ever been.
In my University days it was beer mats… same principle as the badges, but a whole different method of accumulation.
My 20’s treasures included a shoebox full of used glow-sticks, a giant chupachups lollipop, and a very beat up old Ford Fiesta.

Now, all grown up and in my ahem-30’s, I’ve noticed how drastically the type of valued items has changed since becoming a parent.
My box of keepsakes for my son would be definitely be on the list, It contains the usual stuff we parents keep – his first socks, some scribble artwork and a glued-macaroni dinosaur.

But the other thing? Pure and simple - my dustbuster.

Though admittedly a world far removed from the hazy days of weekend shenanigans and glow-in the dark paraphernalia, it is no less pivotal to my life right now.

Toddler dinner thrown on the floor?
Dustbuster.

Biscuit crumbs all over the couch?
Dustbuster.

Half the sandpit from daycare tipped on the steps?
Dustbuster.

Never something I’d consider buying personally, it arrived at our house completely by chance, just a free gift my husband picked up whilst buying a trunk full of tools. It sat in the box for a while, moved around from cupboard to cupboard whilst I occasionally reminded myself ‘I must get that out one day’. But once unwrapped and given its first assignment of handling my sons crushed vegemite topped crackers, I never looked back.

The time and effort saved from not getting the big vacuum out every time a toddler tornado hits my house is worth its weight in Dysons. Plus being so small, it also doubles up as great toddler entertainment (supervised of course!) One afternoon, my son dustbustered the whole house, for fun… does life get much sweeter than that?!

Though I sometimes mourn how my Friday nights have changed so drastically – from agonizing over what shoes to wear, to now picking pasta shapes out of my hair – I wouldn’t swap it for the world. And my strange hoards of treasures will always be with me… whatever they may be.

What do you have at the moment that you can’t live without?
Do you have any strange collections that you hold onto? ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?237-What’s-your-favourite-thing-in-the-world-right-now http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?235-Welcome-to-the-testing-corner! Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:17:17 GMT Hi, and welcome to the testing corner :wave: Here, each week, I hope to uncover and share with you stories and secrets about all those products, hidden gems and tricks out there. Things that can help make the life of a busy mum easier, sweeter, and of course more entertaining... and hopefully...
Hi, and welcome to the testing corner :wave:

Here, each week, I hope to uncover and share with you stories and secrets about all those products, hidden gems and tricks out there.
Things that can help make the life of a busy mum easier, sweeter, and of course more entertaining... and hopefully get to chat with you along the way!

So if you ever have 5 minutes, grab a cuppa and a tim-tam and drop in to say hi. ]]> making life easier http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/entry.php?235-Welcome-to-the-testing-corner!