Hello there...

A wonderful chocolate-filled Easter we send to you (and for the record, we don't believe there is such a thing as TOO much chocolate). There's some Easter craft ideas bandying around that you and the kids may find fun. Check them out.

If you're not sure where to head for the school break, visit our family holiday portal for some affordable last minute ideas from Wotif and Stayz. Forum member Ladybugblue84 is looking for ideas for camping spots so add in your suggestions if you can. Or keep the kids busy at a local play centre - perfect as a wet weather option or to avoid the heat!

This month's features are a mixed bag you're sure to enjoy.

• Cord Blood - the power cord of stem cell research
• A Renovator's Guide To Success - one woman's tale of beating the building industry's boys club
• An Essential Nursery Checklist - do you have too much?

Remember, we've included very useful links at the base of each article for more information and so you can to chat with like-minded parents and share ideas.

Prizes galore this month in our competitions and giveaways
You can enter them all or just pick your favourites

• What a score! 12 junior jerseys perfect for your little sporting hero have been sidelined just for them from the wonderful team at Dummy Half

• In conjuction with our fab article this month, we have copies of The Renovator's Survival Guide to be nailed, thanks to our pals at Penguin Books

• Join My Child and Bub Hub in celebrating their birthdays and you could be sharing $4,750 in prizes

• The Sydney Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo is on in May. Print off your FREE ticket here!

Hot Cross Bun Baked Custard
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour plus
Serves: 6

6 Hot Cross Buns, preferably slightly stale
3 eggs
600 ml milk
2-3 tablespoons sugar
dash of vanilla
1/2 teaspoon butter
nutmeg and cinnamon sugar

1. Beat eggs well and then add milk, sugar and vanilla. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
2. Strain into a greased pie dish.
3. Either cut or break by hand the Hot Cross Buns into small chunks and submerge in the custard mix. Make sure the buns are saturated.
4. Place small pieces of butter on top and sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon sugar, to suit your taste.
5. Stand in a baking dish of water and bake in a preheated slow oven (150 - 160 degrees Celsius) until set. This will take between an hour to an hour and 15 minutes but will depend on your oven. Check regularly to ensure the baking dish always has water in it. Top it up if need be.

This recipe, created by our NSW Manager, Danella, was adapted from a Bread and Butter Pudding recipe of her grandmothers to use up a surplus of Hot Cross Buns. It has been tested (several times now) and her children love it, especially served fresh from the oven and topped with ice-cream. For more great recipes, cook up a storm from our scrumptious recipe hub. We'd love to see you share some of your own family favourites.

Breaking News...

The ABA has recently launched Australia's first 24-hour toll free breastfeeding helpline. 1800 MUM 2 MUM will give mums and dads support and information from trained breastfeeding counsellors.

Our Research Help section is running hot, hot, hot at the moment. Media requests range from families that ski overseas to Gen Y mums needed for focus groups. We've also got a request for birthing experiences to be shared.

The Perth Modern Parenting Conference (April 18) has only a few spaces left so book your tickets now. Mention Bub Hub and you'll get the tickets for only $50 - saving $30! You will also enjoy afternoon tea, a light dinner and a goodies bag with over $300 worth of inclusions and offers. Don't miss out.

The Bub Hub Team