It was clapping and cheering before someone was shot on the dance floor at a Denver nightclub. The FBI agent is in serious hot water now after his gun went off when it dropped on the floor while he was dancing.
NEED A BRAIN BREAK? LET'S TALK ABOUT DOLPHINS
New research has shown that dolphins chat to each other and call each other names.
The Newcastle Herald has reported that 17 adult male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia were chatting to each other and calling each other names. They're the only ones to do this apart from humans. So it's not 'Hey you!' it's 'Hey Johnny' How cool is that?
They used the names to say things like 'Hey Johnny I really like you' and 'Hey Johnny stay the hell away from my wife!' They also say 'I am super strong mate check out my guns' 'They also said I love you, you're doing well and chatted while playing'.
Wasn't that a pleasant little mind vacation.
The Autumn Rooms - What to do when you get a moment of kid free time
We love our children don't get us wrong, we would lay our bodies on the line for them, in fact most of us like the little ones wreak havoc on theirs. I know 6 months after having my last baby I still look kinda pregnant without wearing sucky in clothing. Those few dates with our Mum friends or partner are so precious and I have found the perfect place for your next one!
The Autumn Rooms are located on Darby Street in Cooks hill and up stairs is the blissful Tea Collective. The collaboration is the brainchild of Becci Fowler and Ben Richardson. When these two found each other they not only found love but they forged a formidable business partnership. They're both highly experienced in the industry and Becci has an undeniable fair for creating incredible spaces. Sitting upstairs with her before my lunch date with a friend she was pretty coy about creating what I had called an incredible space. The downstairs is like an enchanted garden, and the Tea Collective upstairs looks like something you would imagine a cool Royal like Meghan Markle would design.
Now to the food. Well that's the best coffee on Darby St I've had for a while, I also like Goldbergs and Core but this coffee was seriously good! And the food was also amazing, really ample servings and delicious. We had the Vegan Buddha Bowl with quinoa, sweet potato, black beans, avocado, baby spinach, cheery tomatoes, black rice and cashew dressing and the Warm Veggie Salad with cauliflower rice, broccolini, field mushrooms, lentils, garlic silverbeet, roast beetroot, pepitas, pesto and pumpkin puree. WOW, that's about all I have to say. Congratulations Ben and Becci.
Don't get stuck in traffic this weekend with kids in the car!
There's only one thing worse than being stuck in traffic. Being stuck in traffic with kids in the car!
The Newcastle Herald has reported with Stuart Avenue will remain shut over the long weekend due to worlds. Stuart Ave will be a no go zone between Hunter Street and the Honeysuckle Drive from tonight until Tuesday.
Don't Get Sick Mummy
Remember getting sick as a child? I have mostly fond memories of it, getting showered with love and affection by your mother, who let you drink lemonade and gave you yummy foods you wouldn't normally get it you weren't sick plus all the extra love and attention you got from Mum. I remember her setting me up on the couch with my favourite TV shows and a doona and I didn't have to go to school and it wasn't too bad.
Remember being sick in your 20s? First there was the anxious call to the boss then when they replied 'no worries look after yourself' as all of mine did a semi party would start. Sure you were sick but you could dose up on whatever, then snuggle on the lounge comfort eat and watch tele all day without anyone asking any questions.
But getting sick as a mum is THE WORST. The washing still piles up the babies still cry and the kids need feeding and attention despite your aching body. You just want a little rest but that's not possible as there's always a little voice in your ear saying 'Muuuuuummmmm'. It's just the worst. I remember being 7 months pregnant once and taking the afternoon off work to go to the Dr and she said 'you really need a rest. Rest is what you need'. She was female too and a mum? I'd also previously mentioned that my partner was 'working away'. Ok great so I'll just lie here on the floor of the surgery and take a kip and my daughter can stay at daycare forever and the dinner will just fly onto everyone's plates and be delivered by the little 'help mummy fairy'.
The solution? Don't get sick ever.
They say any publicity is good publicity...
Facebook reviews... are they valuable or detrimental?
This has always been something I've been in two minds about. The review option for businesses can be really beneficial, as long as it's a good review you are receiving. Then there's always businesses that have bad days and I think for the most part people can accept that. But what about when a business receives a response that they don't feel is justified? This is exactly what happened to The Howard Springs Bakery in the Northern Territory. They received a one star review from a customer about a cold pie and an out of date iced coffee and boy were they not happy! They responded in a less than nice fashion (check it out below) and boy has that blown up in their face!
COLD SEASON
Cold season is a pain for Mums and kids. You'll rush them off to the Dr then you'll be turned away most of the time because your Dr will tell you that your child's cold is viral so antibiotics are of no use. Here are some tips to help NHM Mummas out this cold season:
1. Buy some Hydralyte icypoles from the chemist and let your little one suck on them to keep up their fluids if they're old enough
2. If they'll eat stick to really basic foods like toast
3. Nurophen is great for pain relief but you need to use Panadol to bring bubs temperature down
4. A young baby can't blow their nose enter the 'snot sucker' above to get the junk out. It's all rather gross but it works. I've even had mums tell me they suck it out themselves! A mother's love knows no bounds. I myself have done this
5. Pop some books under your child's cot at night so they're on an incline at night. It will help with the nasal drip and stop them coughing as much
6. Use saline drops to help with a blocked nose
CHANGES TO WASTE COLLECTION
Times are changing for your Green Bin. Food scraps will now be collected in the Green Bin starting July 30 to help with landfill. What do you think of that?
Lake Macquarie Council have started handing out kitchen bins and compostable garbage bags on to collect food scraps for the green bin. Green bins will now be emptied weekly, while general waste and recycling will be collected on alternate fortnights.
The Herald reported that Mayor Kay Fraser stated “This is a significant change for our city, but one which has substantial long-term environmental and financial benefits,” “It will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by an estimated 17,000 tonnes a year"
What are you reading?
I remember when I was a teenager I had specific magazines that I would read religiously, some that I would read at friend's houses and others that I would scoff at claiming they were for old people. So you can imagine my horror now as I sat down to enjoy a read of Cosmo, one of my old faves to find that I am now way too old for Cosmo! When did this even happen? It's all about one night stands, what you should study at University and wait for it... acne! In the latest issue there is even an article on 'The Art of Doing Nothing' with a tagline, 'Imagine measuring a day's accomplishments not by your to-do list ticks, but by the number of times you stopped to take time out and watch the sunset'. Ha! Excuse me?
So I closed up the eagerly anticipated new magazine and picked up my Home Beautiful magazine which I'm sure reminds me of what was on my mum's coffee table growing up. When did this ageing process happen?
What are you reading? And please don't say Cosmo!
THE PERFECT NIGHT OUT WITH MUM
Growing up some of my most special memories were those spent just with my mum without my brothers. I always loved the time we had together just the two of us and still do today!
One of the things we used to do together was go and see musicals. My first was when I was 7, we went and saw 7 Little Australians WOW it was so amazing! The next year Big River with Cameron Dado what a spunk he was, then we went on to see all the big shows together Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and who could forget Jesus Christ Superstar with John Farnham and Kate Caberano such precious memories.
When I heard Beyond The Barricade from the UK was coming to Newcastle on Friday June 29th at the Civic Theatre I was beyond excited. The show is critically acclaimed and features performers from Les Miserables from the West End including songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, Mumma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, of course Les Miserables and more.
We want to send you on a date to the show with your daughter or mum! To win a double pass just LIKE our post on FACEBOOK and SHARE it on your timeline.
If you want to grab tickets you can do that here
Good Luck Mummas!
Katy Perry goes back for more Orlando
Katy Perry and Orlando are back together after splitting last year, after they claimed one of the main reasons for their split was not being able to spend much time together. The pair are determined to stay on track and se each other as much as possible despite both having busy schedules.
Do you think relationships can work after a break up?
We wish them good luck.
xx
GIVING UP LAMBTON PARK? WHAT A DOG ACT
How do you feel about fences being placed around Lambton Park and dogs running around inside off leash? This is the plan that the Council looks set to put into place as more off leash areas are being explored for dog owners. Other suggestions of fenced off areas for dog owners included Carrington foreshore, Maryland Drive Reserve and Acacia Avenue Reserve. Lambton Park is currently such a beautiful spot, a hive of family activity daily with Mums and Dad's teaching their kids to ride their bikes and playing outdoors.
How do you feel about sharing it with Newcastle's Doggy population?
Below are the results of the Newcastle City Council survey that was recently undertaken.
CREATE AN EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR KIDS THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Create an experience for your children these school holidays, something that they'll remember for a lifetime. Kids themselves have called their Rhubarb Jam workshop experience "amazing", they have been excited by their chance "to get onstage" and be able to "do your own thing".
The 'Pump Up The Jam' July School Holiday Program promises to enhance your child's creativity by opening them up to an amazing creative arts experience. They'll be given a theme and a framework and get to develop their own show in 5 days. It will ultimately be shared with their families.
Each Jam packed day sees your little one singing, dancing, acting and also developing sets and prop making. Your child's individuality is celebrated as they develop their own characters, storyline, lyrics and choreography under the mentorship of experienced creative arts professionals. All this happens in a fun, inclusive and pressure free environment which gives every child involved the opportunity to showcase their personality and shine!
The workshops are coming to Kotara South Public School in July. Places are limited BOOK HERE
BEFORE YOU HAVE ANOTHER BABY READ THIS
I just emailed myself to 'hang out the washing' I'm not even kidding having 'two bubbas' as my 2 Year old refers to our family is exhausting. You pick one up? You have to pick up two. You pop one on your lap, you have to have 2 on your lap. My first was rather breezy she'd just feed and sleep and smile so I thought might as well have another. I've heard it will be great when they can play together and they'll be close friends but at the moment it is super hard. I constantly feel guilty about not giving my baby as much attention as I think I should give her and it breaks my heart that I'm sort of forcing my 2 year old out of her babyhood early by not being able to baby her as much as before. Anyway sure it will get better eventually just a word of caution to Mummas considering having another bub close to their others.
Big shout out Jemma from 'Maxy + Mimi Coffee' for putting up with us today. I went there today to support an NHM Mumma creating a great new business but I'm pretty sure we were more of a nuisance than a support haha.
Cornelia Frances dies aged 77
I was sad to hear of the death of Cornelia Frances from cancer. She was best known for her role in Home and Away as Morag, Alf Stewart's sister but I fondly remember her from The Weakest Link and her awesome abruptness when telling contestants, 'good bye'.
RIP Cornelia
xx
NEWCASTLE HOUSING MARKET SLOWS
I don’t know if you’ve noticed that the FOR SALE Real Estate boards are staying up substantially longer in Newcastle than they were 12 months ago.
It’s likely that people are after a particular price in line with the heavily inflated property prices we’ve seen lately and the market says no.
In March Australian house prices on average grew .8% well below the double digit gains we’d seen the year before.
Research however shows that it’s high end properties in Sydney and Melbourne that are seeing the biggest drop. I’ve known people in Sydney and Melbourne who sold this year and didn’t get what they’d expected too. Similarly high end suburbs of Newcastle like Merewether have also cooled off slightly. Strangley enough suburbs like Shortland, Jesmond, Glendale and Edgeworth and other suburbs coming off a lower base seem to be holding up slightly better.
If you are currently selling and you aren’t getting the offers you expect it’s worth considering that you’ll be buying into the same market so that provides some relief.
Khloe Kardashian Proud Mumma
3m Likes, 18.4k Comments - Khloé (@khloekardashian) on Instagram: "Mommy's Little Love"
They used to tell us about every intricate detail about their lives. These days the Kardashians are a little more quiet. Here's Khloe's 6 week old daughter True Thompson taking nap. Ohhh cute.
The internet is telling us baby Dad Tristan cheated on her while she was pregnant with Bubba so she left his name off an anniversary card for Kimye. We hope the internet is wrong.
TOP 5 KID FRIENDLY CAFES IN NEWCASTLE
Mum said today 'back in my day you couldn't leave the house when you had kids. No one would let you into a cafe they just turned you away'. WOW I thought, that's super mean. Having said that, to go to a cafe with the kids isn't often enjoyable, you just have to woof down what you're eating and skull your coffee as fast as you can while you direct them around like a neurotic actor on the set of an epic drama. Enter 'kid friendly cafes', my main problem with them is the coffee tends to be rather crap - well not always here are a few cafes that offer a kid friendly experience and a good brew.
1. Kids of Thunder - 114 Maitland Rd, Mayfield. New on the scene they offer elaborate play areas and great coffee. NHM hasn't tried it yet, the only thing we're not sure on is they said they only do sweets and we love us some smashed avo.
2. Habitat Cafe - 513 Glebe Rd, Adamsown. This place is seriously great, its pretty secure with a great play area. I used to meet with my first ever and only Mum's group here and we always had a great brew and a blissful time. Fun fact, Sonya Cameron who initiated the group was also the midwife at the JHH who delivered my second baby Lilly. I am a huge fan of the JHH and their Drs and nurses how blessed we are to have them.
3. Goodness Me Organics 617 Glebe Rd, Adamstown. I've had good coffee from these guys before their organic eats are also really good. It has a lovely vibe and Mums with kids are welcome, it's also rather secure.
4. The Secret Garden Charlestown Square. Nice coffee but a limited menu. Having said that the play equipment here is ample so the mums that I see there often look pretty stoked for some time out. I've also seen mums sort of 'settle in' there, bringing out snacks for their kids that they've packed. The vibe I get from here is that it's much loved by Newie Mummas.
5. Black Circle Cafe, 12 Alma Rd, New Lambton. My friends have recommend you go to Black Circle because there's a great kid friendly area, the Peaberry's brew is good as is the food, they have an 'all day breakfast menu' and they do free baby chinos.
Wrong car lady!
I took my littlest to Paw Patrol yesterday and then we drove over to Glendale to go for Sushi Train. He fell asleep on the way over so I sat in my car for a little while after we arrived and let him sleep a bit more. All of a sudden the passenger door opens and a slightly dishevelled woman leans in. In my shock, I yelled at her and asked what she was doing and she quickly shut the door and walked away. Innocent mistake, could be. I wasn't so sure after she then proceeded to start trying to open the doors of three other cars nearby. So I pulled out my phone, took a photo of her and that's when she suddenly found the car she was looking for and they then drove off.
It makes me wonder though... A friend of mine's husband once opened the passenger door of a car in a carpark, hopped in and started talking to his wife. Only the woman next to him wasn't his wife, but a stranger who thought he was trying to attack her. I know him and he's pretty harmless, but it would have shocked the poor woman!
Has this happened to you?
Silent Saturday
So if your kids play soccer through Northern NSW football league you may have seen an email about Silent Saturday which is going to be this Saturday, May 26. Basically as a coach, parent, spectator etc. you can't yell out at the kids on the field. Oh my god I am in so much trouble! Yes, I am that mum. In my defence, my mum was also that mum at my netball games growing up. Hell, she even got banned, by me.
So naturally, I'm concerned about this weekend. But, I do feel it's necessary. And how tragic is that? How come days like these even need to be implemented? When did the school age sport games turn so competitive? When did us as parents start putting so much pressure on the kids to constantly perform well. And more to the point, when did Saturday morning sport start to turn nasty, even violent? I've heard stories where parents are physically fighting each other! Don't we enrol our children in team sports so that they learn to work as a team? To enjoy some active and fun time with their mates? But lastly, is a day like Saturday going to make us think about how we are acting at the other games or will we all just go back to yelling out, 'kick the damn ball!'