THE RAINS ARE COMING

There is going to be an intense burst of rain is and it’s going to drench parts of Australia this weekend with a month’s worth of rain falling in just two days.  New South Wales will experience the downpour from Friday as the system moves across from Western Australia.

South Australia get the rain before NSW and Queensland.  Experts claim 50mm of rain will fall on Friday in Sydney and Newcastle and Central Coast and the wet weather will continue through the weekend. Tamworth and its surrounds will have between 75 and 90 per cent chance of rain with as much of 80mm could fall in northern parts of the state. Throughout the entire month of August, Newcastle has only received around 1.4mm of rain with the average normally being 55mm. 

AND THE WINNER OF THE WINE-DOWN WEEKEND AT THE MERCURE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY IS

This video is about WineWinner

PODCAST RELEASE What Activities to Do With Your Kids? And Women's Health

Proudly brought to you by 'The Little Unicorn' Childhood Centres. These days your child's calander can be filled with different activities ballet, swimming, tennis lessons or maybe piano guitar the list goes on. What is it best to be doing and what about living your life spontaneously when there's no time left in the day to enjoy your children?

'I Got It From My Mumma' is proudly brought to you by The Little Unicorn Childhood Centres. It's so important to keep your little one active and engaged, encourage their interests and keep them water safe. Click on our show above to listen to our Podcast about kid's activities, what we do, what other parents do and how much is too much? Surely you should have some time to have some spontaneous family fun? My parents are about to move into a new house with a pool and so my partner and I have stepped up the swimming lessons, water safety is so important. Check out our Facebook to WIN a month of swimming lessons at JUMP Swim Schools Cardiff. The lessons there are so fun, the teachers are really engaged with each child and there is a real focus on water safety. Also it's not prescribed by medical professionals anymore but it's saved many women's lives and breast cancer organisations still recommend you do it so we check our breasts together with Wellness Expert and Dr Sussanah Ward and chat about women's health. 

Shoplifting on the rise?

I heard on the news this afternoon that police conducted a one day shoplifting operation at Greenhills Stockland yesterday, and 7 were caught. Shoplifting is obviously not the most serious crime around but it sure does effect us all. Not only is it the loss of revenue for a shop owner but also in turn it will be us, the end consumer paying the price when that owner has to increase their costs to cover the losses. And I really feel for the shop owners. Taking precautions to try to lower the amount of thefts is costly. Retail theft costs the Australian economy more than $2 billion.

I remember when I was a teenager I was out shopping with my friend and a shopkeeper was trying to prevent a shoplifter from leaving the store with stolen goods. I ran to get a security guard and my friend helped prevent the girl from leaving the store. Have you ever witnessed a shoplifter in action?

Food court woes

I read an article recently about a lady who had photographed the aftermath of a family who had been eating in a foodcourt. She was irritated by the mess that had been left. I remember a couple of weeks ago I'd been with my family eating lunch and watched a family leave a horrendous mess behind them. Another family came behind them to take their table and had to clean the mess up before they sat down. The poor Dad had sauce drip down his jeans. And boy was I horrified. You know how everyone has pet hates? Well this and parking in parents with pram carparks is one of mine. The cleaners should not be paid to clean up after people who are perfectly able to walk their trays to the bin which is less than a metre away. End rant...

PODCAST RELEASE - The Genius That is PINKY McKAY

Parenting Guru Pinky McKay on preventing tantrums and coping with them, also time out, does it work? Teaching your child about feelings and how to regulate their emotions and the i Pad. Also brilliant comedian and mum of 5 Fiona O'Loughlin.

Mummas we're so excited to bring you the genius that is Pinky McKay this week. Bec was rather star struck talking to Pinky saying 'I think I'd be less nervous speaking to Brad Pitt'. Pinky will help you to understand your kid's tantrums, why they happen and what you can do without them? Also, teaching your kids to understand their feelings and regulate their emotions. What about if they're really naughty, does time out work? What are the alternatives? You'll fall in love with Pinky, she's full of love and life and you can tell she just genuinely cares about people and wants to best for us and our kids! 

Also this week Australian comedian Fiona O'Loughlin is hilarious naturally talking candidly about raising her five kids and life as a working comedian. Saying although she loved her job she got back from Edinburgh once to see her 3 year Tess (that is pregnant now with her grandchild) having a bath 'I looked at her little 3 year old shoulders, and I thought ohhh I've missed a whole month of you'. How beautiful and relatable is that as a working mother? That moment you drop your kids off for the day and your heart just sinks. 

It's a great show featuring two inspiring mothers, we hope you enjoy it! 

Want your parents to live longer? Get them to babysit

As I scrambled to leave the house today to rush off to work I realised I really wold be in a very tight spot without Mum and Dad. My partner had to dash off to work in Sydney and The Little Unicorn my most loved back-up wasn't open so enter Mum and Dad 'Mum can you take the kids and drive Mick to the train station while I go to New Fm?' 'Sure darling' came the wonderful reassuring voice of my Mumma. Crisis solved! I don't know about you but I also feel SO relaxed when my kids are with my parents. You just know they're being amazingly looked after and cared for. Turns out it's good for your parents too. Data from 500 seniors in the Berlin Aging Study found that those who cared for grandkids lived longer!  The study found that the kids kept them physically active and helped relieve stress. Local NHM Mumma and Dr Sussanah Ward from Blacksmiths said "Looking after kids will keep your parents' mentally alert. It will also encourage a sense of fun and keep them feeling younger but you have to strike a good balance. Make sure your parents get some time to enjoy themselves too, without the kids". 
 

Don't forget your Powerball ticket next week!

Next week when I win Powerball, I will set an Australian record for the single largest lottery win. I wish! 

But nobody picked the winning numbers for the $80 million Powerball jackpot, so it now rises to $100 million next week.

I guarantee when I win, I'll buy you all a house! 

The Big D - Divorce, When are you ready? Advice for Mums

I still remember the day I had 24 hours to get out of the house and people were giving me very strange looks as I got rid of half of my life over the balcony into a dumpster. Argh divorce. It was never something I wanted to happen to me personally, no one does, but for whatever reason whether it's substance abuse, physical or emotional abuse, gambling or other additions, infidelity or whatever reason, thank goodness there is a way out for couples that simply can't make it work. 

For whatever you're dealing with, know that there is a way out. You and your kids will survive. If you're in an unhealthy relationship and it's impacting your and your kid's health there is no question that you are better off without it. 

Here are some things to keep in mind from Bec Tansey and Mel Sarge and from Lawyer Samantha Miller from Baker Love Lawyers , Newcastle Australia. Keep in mind these are generalisations of course everyone's story is different: 

- Samantha says 'if there is enough money to go round before you split there will be enough money to go around after the split' don't get fixated on it,  you'll be ok even if you're a stay at home mum'.

- Do you need to keep a violent partner away from you and the kids? Don't be scared to seek the help of the police. Go to your local police station and seek an 'AVO'.

- Partners with a lucrative small business sometimes attempt to 'hide' the money they make after a split to decrease the money they have to pay the other partner. Get evidence of their earnings for the past 5 years while you still have access to them. Keep in mind, they may also try to buy you out for a lucrative amount before doing the above also. 

- You shouldn't feel bad about 'leaning' on your friends and family during this time keep them in the loop and don't try to hide what's happening. 

- Try hard to keep your split out of the courts and mediate beforehand with the help of legal professionals if need be. The moment you hit the courts you'll lose all the money you've worked hard for, maybe even your entire life savings. 

- It is common for one party to say they'll have the kids often then when you split they only take them every now and then. Keep note of the times they don't have the kids and your child support will be adjusted accordingly ie. you'll get more money. Unfortunately you can't really force your ex to take the kids which is really sad. 

For more listen to our 'I Got it from My Mumma' Big D Podcast by clicking the link below.

What gets you to that point where you emotionally decide that's it's better for you and your kids to leave the partner you're with? How do you get through it? Amazing legal advice from Mumma lawyer from Baker Love Lawyers Newcastle on Samantha on what to do.

The Block 2018

Well Masterchef finished up last week and now my partner and I have shifted from cooking to Renos while we watch The Block. So here's my little recap from last night. 

This season the contestants are doing up The Gatwick in St Kilda. It's a completely run down old building and before they start the actual renovations, they'll have to clear out all the old furniture and dead rats. They'll be right, it's not meant to be easy. There are five teams, and they'd have to feel pretty good about themselves even for making it that far, there were over 45,000 other couples that submitted applications.

Courtney & Hans - these guys have no Reno experience but have already been labelled the 'hot couple'. She seems a little bossy but I think they will probably be dark horses in the competition. 

Kerrie & Spence - I'm so excited to see what they produce. Their home that they renovated, featured in Grand Designs magazine. He's a builder and a damn good one at that. Tonight his first awesome feature will be revealed. He decided to do a coffered ceiling which so far looked amazing... 

Hayden & Sara - newly weds and so far not my favourite couple. He's a construction project manager and she's a former flight attendant and now stay at home mum with a 14 month old. Last night they decided to just go to bed rather than begin clearing out their room which has left them with significantly less time than the others to complete their first room reveal. 

Norm & Jess - Norm is a builder and Jess is a breakfast radio host from the Sunshine Coast. They are a hilarious couple who I think will not have their relationship tested by The Block. 

Bianca & Carla - these two are the tallest girls you ever did see! Both ex-professional netballers, they are best friends who have renovated together in the past. 

I'm excited about this season. The Block is 7pm Sunday and 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday. Will you be watching?

WIN A SPOT IN ADELE MARTIN'S MONEY BUDDY PROGRAM

I Got It From My Mumma thanks to The Little Unicorn Early Education Centres. Become a money Whizz with Money Mentor Adele Martin and make your kid's money smart too, plus little kids growing up too quickly, the sexulisation of our young girls.

'I Got it from My Mumma' thanks to The Little Unicorn Childhood Centres, here, Money Mentor, Adele Martin  Newcastle born money boss teaches you how to get money smart and teach your kid's clever ways to save and spend. We also have a spot for you to win in her Money Buddy Program. Just follow our Facebook Page and TAG a couple of Mummas you want to take on a shopping spree with your savings. Also little girls growing up too quickly and some mindfulness around it.

HAVE YOU EVER FELT EXCLUDED?

A blog post I read today resonated with me it was about a mum who felt like she was being excluded by other mums when she took her daughter to an extracurricular activity. It resonated with me because I have been that mum recently. I can think of one particular thing I went to where no one talked to me and they were all talking to each other. I tried to contribute to the conversation but was met with a frosty response. To any mother that's ever happened to I'd like to offer some advice. 

As a child I was super overweight and unpopular. People used to tease me and when I spoke in primary school they often said 'wow can you hear something? I think I heard a voice? Oh no that was nothing' and I'd walk off alone and go and sit by myself. 

Then in high school I turned things around and got very thin. People would comment 'she only eats two apples a day'. No matter how hard I tried I didn't fit in. I'd have this strategy where I'd see who was away for the day then I'd go round and ask groups of girls at lunch if they'd seen that person because we were 'hanging out at lunch'. Then I thought they'd think I had a friend at least. The other thing I'd do is go over to the public phone and hold it to my ear and pretend to talk to someone even though there was no one on the other line because the pain of sitting alone and being watched was too much. 

Then one day something clicked. Well, I fell in love with a very attractive young man who was super popular and a lot older than me and I was suddenly a little less offensive to these 'mean girls'. 

None of it really matters because in the long run I learnt self respect and self love and not to give the slightest crap what anyone thinks of me. It's so liberating not to care and to enjoy your own company but I must say I heaven't experienced this sort of bitchiness since school and it sucks. 

So to any mean mums out there boo to you, to any other mums that are in a 'click' and notice another new to the area or your child's activity classes or whatever, take the time to be nice and smile, maybe say 'Hello, how are you?' and if you're on the other end of meanness, try to ignore it and acknowledge your own self worth. Feel the sunshine on your shoulders, the air in your lungs and see the light that burns bright in your own child's eyes, the ones you created, you clever mumma and know that you are loved, you are so loved.  

Have you ever used a 'Parent Room' at a shopping centre? Read this

Someone alerted me to this story yesterday and I freaked out. Her version was 'a mum was confronted by a crazy man in a shopping centre parents room and she had no mobile reception. He was abusing her while her children were there, she didn't know him. He made threats to dismember her and other mothers just walked by as she cried for help and ignored her'. 

This shocked me to the core. As a mum I find that other mums are always helping me, with shopping or the children a fellow mother just gives you a look of, I know what it's like, often they verbalise it 'Dahl, I've had four I know what it's like let me help you', other times it's just a knowing look. I said to her 'Well that wasn't Newcastle. Mothers help each other here' but I genuinely felt sick to my stomach and had to find out more.

So here's the 'reported' story, a mother of three panicked when a man allegedly began yelling abuse at her in the parents' room of a shopping centre. She said 'older man without children' walked into the parents' room at Westfield Hornsby in northern Sydney without any children and wandered around. She made enquiry as to what he was doing there before he allegedly 'launched into a tirade of abuse' and threatened to dismember her. She is reported to have screamed for help to other mothers that passed and it is alleged that they ignored her. She escaped finally and  quickly took a picture of the man to show security and police. She added 'I was really disappointed in their response and care factor for violence towards women and children'. 

What do you think could have prevented this? Should 'parent's rooms' be more secure? I'm sure you can relate to dismissive attitudes of security etc, I can imagine that, but fellow Mums not helping seems hard to believe. Maybe I just don't want to believe it. 

Cyber Safety

The risks of cyber safety are vast and include:

•     Exposure to inappropriate material, such as pornography or violence
•     Grooming
•     Physical danger, such as meeting up with strangers met online
•     Unwanted advertising & marketing towards children
•     Exploitation
•     Sexting
•     Harassment & bullying
•     Exposure of personal information & privacy
•     Financial risks
•     Unreliable information
•     Spam
•     Viruses

Sarge and I spoke to a member of the NSW Police Force's sex crimes squad who gave us some great tips to help keep your kids safe. 

• Establish rules - how long and where
• Check settings - particularly Facebook, go into the app setting and restrict to age appropriate only
• Get children to show you what they’re doing
•  Set up the computer in a public area in the home – making supervision easier
•  If you don’t already, get to know the Internet. Its important to familiarise yourself with what is available to your child online.
• Make sure kids never give our their private details (name, address, phone number, school)
• Stress that they should never send a photo of themselves to anyone. If they send a nude image of themselves, it is a criminal offence and they run the risk of being placed on the CPR (child protection registry)
• Ensure they never make plans to meet anyone from online - predators will pretend they have similar
• And the biggest rule is: Never, ever post something online that you wouldn't want your parents, friends or school to see

Cyber Safety starts from a young age. Here, I've listed ways that you can encourage cyber safety within each different age group. 

PRE-SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

This age group is just beginning to learn how the computer works.  Be sure to sit with your child during this stage on the computer and chose websites which are suitable for your child’s age group. My kids that are this age, don't watch regular YouTube and just watch the app YouTube Kids which filters out non age-appropriate programs.

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

Primary school aged children need access to the Internet for school work. Children of this age feel more confident using other services provided by the internet such as chat rooms, with some deciding to search for prohibited material. Your children will also be influenced by marketing material. It is extremely important for your children to know not to give out personal information or details. By making their time on the internet a family activity, you will be able to maintain very close supervision, while teaching them safe online behaviour.

HIGH SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

This is the age group where the internet is a necessity to assist your children with research for projects and homework. Your child will want more independence and freedom while using the internet, while their email and instant messaging contacts will grow. This age group may also feel they want to explore prohibited material. While it is more difficult to keep tight supervision on what your teenager is doing online, it is vital that you stay in touch with them and discuss any issues that may occur. Keeping the computer in a public area in your home can assist with this. Get to know the services your teenager uses, and develop reasonable computer usage rules. with them.

You can listen to our special Podcast on Keeping Kids Safe Cyber Safety:

https://omny.fm/shows/nhm-i-got-it-from-my-mumma/keeping-kids-safe-online-getting-married-how-to-gu

This video really hit home to me because I believe that at least two of my children would walk away with a stranger. We watched this together and then talked about it later.

Check out our Podcast! All About Botox and Filler and Meal Delivery Services

Are you a little tired Mumma? This week we talk around botox and filler, how it can make you feel great about yourself but also some warnings on things to avoid. Also a limited number of Mummas can get their forehead done free when they book an appointment with Hunter Plastic Surgery, just quote NHM when booking.  Also are there times when you don't want to cook anymore? It all just becomes too much? We review meal delivery services. 

Proudly brought to you by The Little Unicorn Childhood Centres. Are you feeling tired Mumma? Maybe a touch of botox and filler might help out. Also Mel doesn't feel like cooking anymore, we review meal delivery servcies.

Quick Getaways

We've just returned home from a couple of days in the Blue Mountains and if you're looking for a quick and easy getaway this is a great option. We just jumped on the M1 south for 3 hours and were there. First stop was lunch at the Gingerbread House where the kids were able to decorate gingerbread cookies or a gingerbread house. Then we went to Echo Point to look at the Three Sisters. When I wasn't worried that my kids would climb a fence, it was truly beautiful and I'm pretty sure even the little ones appreciated it, yelling that they did look like sisters! 

The next day we went to Scenic World and that was a heap of fun. They have a glass bottomed cableway which the kids thought was amazing. Then the fast, steep train was a big hit with everyone. Another walk and we travelled back on another cable car to the top. 

I'd recommend this to families, despite the cold we really enjoyed our time together. Australia is truly an amazing place!

Are You a Renovating Mumma?

We were undertaking some minor works recently and I found myself caring for two small children in a tiny space because no other part of the house was safe or clean. Our house is too small for our family like so many other families we live in each other's pockets often bunked in together and waking when each other wakes so I've dreamed of doing a renovation. I have to say however after a tiny little taste of what it would be like to perform 'works' at your house with small children around while living in it, I don't know how you do it Mummas? It's so cramped (even more so), it disrupts routine and it's just downright tough ie. access to normal things like the toilet and the sink are not always easy. If you have any tips about how you cope renovating with small children we'd love to hear them!

PODCAST RELEASE Let's Talk about Miscarriage and Tina from the Lah Lahs

Imagine the heartbreak of many many miscarriages, then imagine your friends reacting to your heartbreak by shutting you out and showing no empathy. Listen to one woman's incredible story of miscarriage below. Let's talk about kids and music with Tina from the Lah Lahs. 

We feel like it's time to talk more about miscarriage to help women heal. We can't sweep this topic under the rug anymore, let's acknowledge fellow women's pain and allow them to discuss it openly and honestly. Also Tina from the Lah Lahs; is it safe to wash your hands and wipe them on your pants?

MISTER MAKER MEETS THE MINI MAKERS OF NEWCASTLE

When Mister Maker told us that Blue Door was his favourite cafe in Australia we had to do something to celebrate! We contacted PJ and he invited a bunch of Newcastle Mini Makers along to Blue Door to have breakfast with Mister Maker, make a Blue Door and get a signed momento from the man himself. Wow did we have fun, the Mini Makers were very star struck. A big thanks to all the Mums and Dads that entered to meet Mister Maker and congratulations to the families that won. Thanks to our sponsor The Little Unicorn too for supporting NHM and creating these amazing memories for the families of Newcastle. 

A little bit of health and fitness tips from someone who knows what they're talking about... (not me)

Jamie-Lee Campbell from Get Foxed Fitness

“When are you going to lose that baby weight? Did you see that *Sarah’s stomach is flat and she had her baby yesterday”?

Good for you *Sarah (stuffs fistfuls of cheezles in mouth).

Whilst I praise and envy the *Sarah’s of the world, whose bodies bounce right back after babies - we need to be realistic that this is not the case for most women AND some women just aren’t interested in ‘bouncing’ back - whatever it may be, it’s all good.

But what can you do when you are ready to get fit, healthy and shift some excess weight?

1. You need to make sure you’re doing this for you. You do this when YOU’RE ready, not because you feel pressured by others whether it be comments from family, friends, strangers or anything you see in the media/online.

2. Have you had clearance from your OB/GYN or GP to commence exercise? While most women feel fine to exercise soon after baby - our bodies still require time to heal, hence why there is a 6 week wait period after birth.

3. Take a look at what you’re eating and drinking. Do you need to re-evaluate your diet or drink more water? You’d be surprised at how important it is to monitor what you eat and drink as it’s the foundation for weight loss and changing your lifestyle successfully.

4. Find a physical activity that you enjoy (super important)! Whether it be walking on your own, group fitness classes or sessions with a Personal Trainer - you need to find out what it is you enjoy and go for it. At the end of the day, I encourage women to start feeling more confident about themselves and that starts with you... not *Sarah.