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Dear Readers...
Following my words of wisdom last week about taking it easy in the lead up to Christmas, I have been rushing around like ‘a chook without it’s head on’ organising a work Christmas party, collecting money from parents for our teacher’s Christmas present and co-ordinating Christmas card making at home. This weekend the plan is to try and remember where the tree and decorations are and get them up. This will involve the usual sibling squabble about if it’s the fairy or stars turn on top - the fairy usually wins.
I admit it, I am as festive frenzied as every other parent at this time of year and as much as I do try each year to be sensible/plan/delegate the perfectionist in me won’t let go, after all it is only once a year.
But the festive season is fun, it’s a time of family togetherness and I love the idea that we are giving beautiful memories to cherish for years to come. This morning I stood next to my son and realized he was taller than me for the first time, I wondered where did that baby go that I used to proudly push around in his stroller? We have our children ‘on loan’ for a limited time... I’m going to enjoy every moment even if I am in a festive frenzy.
This week we have some great money saving tips from our finance editor James Randle, 3 competitions, the latest trends in toy buying and heaps more to make planning your festivities a little easier.
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Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia
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Photogifts is the first site in Australia to offer the Award Winning range of personalised Flattenme hard cover books, cards & invitations. We’ve 6 stories in 7 languages for Boys & Girls, 0 - 8years. After choosing your favourite title, all you need to do is upload your image, add your child’s name and a dedication. It’s that simple. The PhotoGo Video range, casts your kids in the starring role of their own of 30 minute animated movie. Titles include, My Christmas Adventure, The Adventures of Amazing Kid, Snow White, Turbo Kid, The Little Mermaid and My Dream book. And Photogifts will deliver to your books or DVD’s to your door. The highest quality guaranteed.
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Cath’s message to us this week in her blog is , If we want our children to have fond memories of Christmas, we need to spend less and invest more. Spend less on gifts and invest more in family time... by Catherine Oehlman. Read more.
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Christmas is that special time of year when we celebrate the bonds of love and family. This sentiment is echoed in the hand crafted gold and silver jewellery from Uberkate. Each piece is embossed with names and birthdays of loved ones. The “ubercircle” (pictured), is designed to be worn close to the wearer’s heart keeping them nearby at all times. There’s a range for women and men, including necklaces, cufflinks and key rings, and even a “mini” line, for those celebrating their very first Christmas.
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Orders need to be placed by Monday the 14th of December.
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Give a precious family gift this Christmas with Uberkate.
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Christmas Toy Choices
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The trend in gifts for children this year is to avoid cheap plastic and inactive electronic toys, parents are instead opting for creative, well-made, “active” gifts...
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Whether it be one of the Twilight Collection or the gentle sounds of the Sleep Sheep or Gentle Giraffe make any childs Christmas with their very own CloudB bedtime friend.
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Want to know what toys are cool and which are expensive lemons?
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ratethattoy.com.au is dedicated to hunting down the best value toys. Read reviews by real people - and contribute your own thoughts on the toys your kids love. And be sure to check out our cool competition to win $300 worth of toys. Entering is easy. Simply share your opinion on a reviewed toy or write a few words about something from your family toy box.
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Parenting Australia Competition
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Parenting Australia have 6 books (RRP $49.95) to give away!
Monica Trápaga knew exactly what to do when her daughter Lil announced she was leaving home: present her with a collection of tried-and-tested family recipes and stories...
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Miatom Mama
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Miatom is renowned for casual kids wear with its much loved, age appropriate, quirky t-shirt designs. Miatom has just launched Miatom Mama, fashion forward Maternity Tees for the stylish bump.
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Yesterday was a milestone in our family. No Ethan didn't walk, nor did Noah write his name, but we did achieve something - a no-tears, no-freaking-out Santa photo... by Johanna Baker-Dowdell. Read more.
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Parenting Australia Competition
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Parenting Australia have 2 games(RRP $59.95) to give away!
Consumers are a little more pennywise at the moment and looking for fun ways to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Oz Crawl is a light-hearted game that celebrates our national traditions and will be loved by anyone keen for a good laugh with their mates.
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Parenting Australia Competition
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Win 1 of 2 "4 My Earth" Packs
Parenting Australia and 4MyEarth have 2 x giftpacks (RRP $43.95) to give away!
4MyEarth hope to make it easy for you to change your lifestyle without too much inconvenience, so you can contribute towards a brighter cleaner and happier earth for generations to come. With their functional products, which are funky, stylish and unique, you can make a difference.
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Click here to Enter! |
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To celebrate the launch of Australia’s fresh new discount voucher website, EveryOunceCounts.com.au is excited to be giving away $1000 CASH and loads of other great family friendly prizes! |
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Mihiri discovers Christmas cheer does not simply lift her on its wings and land her in happy Christmas land. In reality Happy Christmas for many Mums means “happy slaving away at the stove for hours” or “merry holidays spent battling strollers and throngs of people in narrow shopping aisles”... by Mihiri Udabage. Read more.
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| Day out with the kids at the Opera House! |
 Afro Beats: Feel the African rhythm in this colourful, energetic musical performance featuring traditional instruments and percussion. |
If you have interesting products or a service you’d like our online family to know about, list it on our directory by contacting us here.
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Special editions of Parenting Australia’s eNews to look forward to
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8th December
15th December
12th January
19th January
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Starting Child Care
Festive Hurry
New Year, New You
Starting school and getting ready for child care.
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The content of this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner. |
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