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coffeegroup.org News - December 2009
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Hi Everyone!
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We made it! As I write this editorial, it is the wee hours of Christmas Eve and the stillness around me is palpable. The mountain of groceries has been put away; our daughter and pets are asleep; the last of the gifts have been made and wrapped; the tree is dripping with decorations and twinkling lights; and my heart is bursting with gratitude. For this has been perhaps the most remarkable year for our family filled with the highest of highs and if there were any lows, they have long since faded into insignificance.
Throughout the duration of 2009 we have all learned a great deal not only about each other, but also about ourselves. Satine has well and truly embarked upon her own spiritual journey: marveling at the beauty of the world; questioning her beliefs as well as those of others; trying to make sense of injustices; and learning the art of acceptance and forgiveness.
We have had the most amazing conversations from: "Mama, do you think that people own shops just so that they can make money or because they want to make people happy?" to: "When I die, I'd like to give my organs away so that some other people can may be able to live longer ... after all, it's not like I'm going to need them because I'll be a star again." And yes, we've even been presented with the topic many parents dread (and certainly don't expect to have to discuss with their six-and-a-half year old): "What IS sex, anyway?" To which I replied: "It is a special hug between a man and a woman and it is how babies are made." Which then led to her next question: "Can two women have sex?"...
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Image by Sam Mothersole Photography
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Whilst we have had our fair share of heartaches and challenges over the years, as a whole, our family is certainly very blessed indeed. If my life is lacking in one thing, it is time. I seem to have a knack for taking on too many commitments and putting undue pressure on myself to achieve near-impossible goals. Or perhaps I simply have a serious lack of time-management skills? Whatever the case may be, I seem to have lost sight of the fact that my own happiness and sense of satisfaction and well-being is just as important as everyone else's and that I cannot be the mother, wife, sister and daughter that I aspire to be if I don't nurture myself.
As the new day dawns I am feeling particularly philosophical and have formulated my New Year's resolution: put myself firmly back on the priority list; to clear both the physical as well as metaphorical clutter; and to lead a more relaxed and less chaotic life.
Whether you're putting on a lavish Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, or opting for a good old Kiwi BBQ, I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable festive season.
Our final newsletter for 2009 is bursting at the seams with fabulous giveaways for the whole family and a variety of articles, reviews and recipes. So grab a cuppa (or perhaps a cocktail?) and take a well deserved break from all the festive preparations...
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Breastmates Friendly Feeding Awards - Call for Nominations
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The inaugural 2010 Breastmates? Friendly Feeding award nominations are now open to all New Zealand cafes, restaurants, shops, parents? rooms at shopping malls, parks, libraries, and anywhere women can go in public and breastfeed their babies with ease.
“New mums in particular will benefit from knowing in advance where breastfeeding friendly places are located,” says Breastmates founder Frances McInnes. “It can be terrifying as a new mother needing to feed a crying baby with no facilities or unfeeling staff looking on. I hope this will forearm breastfeeding mothers with the practical knowledge and inside tips to make their experience more enjoyable.”
Breastmates is an award-winning online maternity one-stop-shop specialising in breastfeeding necessities and luxuries. McInnes is an expert on breastfeeding and is involved with the Ministry of Health?s breastfeeding campaign. She?s keenly aware of New Zealand breastfeeding statistics, which are out of step with the Ministry?s ?Breast is Best? stance, especially among Maori and Pacific women. Currently only 38% of New Zealand mothers are exclusively breastfeeding their babies at 6 months. (source: HealthPac monitoring reports for 12 months to end of March 2008).
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“Feeding dominates much of a new baby?s life so making this as happy for the mother and baby as possible is our aim,” explains McInnes, who is often shocked at the treatment breastfeeding mothers receive around the world – such as the mother thrown off a Delta airlines plane simply for breastfeeding her one-year-old daughter onboard. “The awards will raise awareness of the issues surrounding inadequate breastfeeding areas and attitudes, while rewarding those that are making an effort.”
Judging criteria includes whether the area is quiet, comfortable, has toddler toys, has water available, provides a nappy changing area, is clean and tidy, has stroller access, provides sun protection & shade, has nice staff and/or has heating available for baby food/bottles.
Nominations can be made online at www.breastmates.co.nz and businesses with great breastfeeding facilities can also include a button on their website encouraging their customers / visitors to vote for them http://www.breastmates.co.nz/awards There will also be a place where
you can nominate the worst places to breastfeed.
Regional finalists will be announced and ?Mystery Mums? will then be sent out to test and judge the finalists to find the ultimate Breastmates? Friendly Feeding location around the country.
May the breast mate win!
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Book / Product / Service Reviews
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The aim of the Book / Product Reviews section is to share books, products and services available to New Zealand families and to provide our members with the opportunity to add their own ratings and reviews. This month we review a sensational selection of books and products for the whole family:
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| We are also giving you the opportunity to win some of these fabulous books and products - read on to find out how!! |
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'Tis the season for celebrations and holidays. Louise Tanguay from The Sleep Store shares with us tips and pointers to ensure that our littlies continue to sleep well whilst we're travelling as well as upon our return:
Whether you have chosen an imitation or cut pine for your Christmas tree, there are a number of things to keep in mind to minimise the fire risk:
If you're planning a trip away, or have been extremely good this year and received some expensive gifts from Santa, you may be thinking about increasing the security at home. So here are some tips on protecting your property and your family:
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For many of us Christmas is a time of sharing: sharing meals; sharing gifts; sharing holidays; and sharing memories both old and new. It is a magical time of indulgence, stress, and hopefully plenty of laughter as families come together to celebrate. As we become parents and our families evolve, we may find ourselves re-defining what Christmas means to our family and creating new traditions along the way:
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It is also that time of year again when we all over-indulge ourselves in a variety of activities which can be rather bad for us when consumed in extremes, yet oh so deliciously satisfying for our souls. Whether it's extravagant spending, sunning, or sipping that dominates this festive season, many of us will manage to find some time along the way (possibly whilst recovering and nursing our wallets, skin and heads) to reflect upon the past year and make plans for the year ahead. Kathy Fray leads us through her 10 principles for achieving inner happiness which will in turn lead to happier parenting:
As a country surrounded by water, it is unsurprising that us Kiwis enjoy our water sports. Many parents are opting to familiarise their children with water as early as possible. However, whilst our children may be relatively confident in the controlled environment of the swim school, we must remain cautious about their limitations and the potential dangers.
The following articles will help you and your family keep safe this summer in, on and around water:
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Rivers - Water Safety New Zealand
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Have you had a chance to sign in and introduce yourself on the Coffee Groups Discussion Forums?
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These forums have been created especially for our members so that you can discuss what's on your mind, share your experiences, benefit from the support of other parents throughout New Zealand and make some friends along the way.
They are also a great place to meet new people in your area. Perhaps you're new to New Zealand or recently moved to a new city. Maybe your friends are not at the same stage of parenting as you or your coffee group hasn't worked out. Here's your chance to meet local parents - eager to make new friends and possibly even start a coffee/walking group!!
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Why don't you sign in and join a discussion topic - or start a new post about something concerning you? Chances are, you're not alone in your experiences!
Christmas Delights:
Visit the Cook's Corner page for more tempting recipes.
And if you are a seasoned sugar-crafts-person or new to cake decorating, be sure to check out our Birthday Cakes Gallery which allows you to share your creations and inspire others.
The coffeegroup.org Events / What's On section is devoted to "what's on" throughout New Zealand: from parenting courses and pre-school classes to community, sports and recreation events.
But wait, there's more!! As a member of the coffeegroup.org community, you now have the ability to upload and maintain your own listings so that you can notify the whole of New Zealand about your community-based, family oriented activities completely free of charge!!
Christmas 2009 Competition:
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Together with our fabulous sponsors, we have compiled our list of goodies and put together a fabulous selection of prizes worth over $500 to fill your family's stockings this Christmas:
...from eco-friendly sandwich wraps and lunch bags...
...to natural skin care...
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...a book, puzzles and window decals... |
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...a sensual nightie for mum...
...and personalised clothing for babies and children...
Congratulations to Kristi Spires
and a HUGE thank you to our fabulous sponsors:
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December 2009 Giveaways:
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a copy of Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas valued at $25
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a Natural Glow Gift Set
valued at over $100
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a copy of How to Talk to Santa
valued at $15
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a copy of Merry Christmas, Splat
valued at $26
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Click here to go in the draw to win a Mini Photography Session
valued at $200
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a copy of Piggy Pogget
valued at $19
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Congratulations to the Winners from our October 2009 Giveaways:
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A NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator and Refill Hygiene Filters went to: Linett Ram (Auckland)
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A Gift Voucher from Little and Large went to: Lynne Warbrooke (Paparoa) and Jolene Maguire (Riverton)
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A Gift Voucher from The Vinyl Room went to: Clayton Hutton (Wellington) and Mel White (Napier)
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A copy of Buddy by V.M. Jones from HarperCollins Publishers went to: Kevin Clarke (Auckland) and Jennifer Teal (Wellington)
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A copy of Yates Young Gardener by Janice Marriott from HarperCollins Publishers went to: Polly Nichols (Rotorua) and Lynette Woodgate (Christchurch)
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Once again, if you have any comments or suggestions, please send them my way - I value your feedback and will do my best to provide you with articles, resources, and web site features which you will find useful and entertaining.
I would also like to thank our advertisers without whom this web site would not be possible. Please support them by following their links and finding out more about the fantastic products and services they have to offer.
Till next time, happy parenting!!
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