Cookie-loving, playdough-hating mother of one, freelance writer, journalist, blogger, lover of travelling, juggler (of many roles and occasionally inanimate objects).
I have worked on local and national newspapers and with a number of web-based clients. I specialise in working with small and medium-size businesses and organisations to get their message out.
Great family travel articles and other goodies. Read about great camping spots in Australia, road trip on the Great Ocean Road, hiking in New Zealand, safari in South Africa, big city camping, cool camping gadgets and loads more ...
Travel Magazine for families who love to travel and explore the world. This issue is filled with inspiration and ideas for a great beach holiday ...
Travel
Sydney is an unbeatable holiday spot when it comes to keeping kids entertained. Australia's biggest city has an endless lineup of family-friendly events, a bustling waterfront, clean beaches, plenty of well-funded and well-maintained attractions, and a vibrant food scene (even for littlies). Here are 10 surefire activities to fill your itinerary with the kids in Sydney.
Wellington may be known as the city of wind, but it is also a city of words with many of New Zealand's best known authors, poets and playwrights having a connection to the capital.
If you like to feel the sand between your toes, the coastlines of Christchurch and the nearby Banks Peninsula offer plenty of opportunities to indulge. During my years in Christchurch I spent many a happy summer's day, and quite a few spring, autumn and winter ones as well at the beach.
There is no disputing that Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, but you should not let that put you off visiting the southern town even if adventure sports are not really your thing.
In the aftermath of the February 2011 earthquake, Christchurch's central business district was a black hole in the middle of a city rocked by a major disaster. Military personnel staffed cordons, roads were blocked, power and water was out, major tourist attractions were destroyed and many feared the city would never return to life.
One of the great things about Wellington is its compact size, making it an easily manageable place to explore even with young children. The first stop on any family tour has to be Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Be prepared to spend several hours exploring here.
Parenting and Early Childhood
Starting your baby on solids is a fantastic milestone, but it can also be a daunting prospect. Most moms take the traditional route of starting with pureed fruit and vegetables or rice cereal, but an increasing number of parents are now trying baby led weaning.
10 Toddler Craft Ideas 1 out of 1 people found this helpful When your bored toddler is tugging on your arm, waiting for you to organise an activity it can be all too easy to reach for the television remote.
Starting preschool is a big milestone for parents and children alike, but it can also be a daunting time for parents, as it is yet another step along the road to a child's independence.
Early childhood education is a hot topic among parents: Some believe their kids should leave home for educational daycare before preschool, others believe in formally teaching their toddlers at home, while still others believe their kids should be left alone to play and just enjoy themselves until they start preschool.
At an age when most little girls are playing with dolls or trying out their mother's lipstick, two-year-old Savanna Jackson is having her make-up done by a professional and parading on stage at beauty pageants. Her mom, Lauren Jackson, has also admitted that she gets her toddler a spray tan as part of her pageant preparation, but says it's only to stop other contestants from getting an unfair advantage.
If you are anything like me, then the thought of crafts for kids probably sends you running for cover. I am not a big fan of crafts, but my son enjoys them and so I make myself join in every so often. Here are five craft ideas which are possible even for non-crafty moms.
Raising a child can cost as much as a car or a new house, but the reward is worth it.
Education and Teaching
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority deemed it acceptable for students to write in "text speak" in their exam papers sparking outrage among teachers and parents. This story appeared on the front page.
Exploring the benefits of formal early childhood education and its impact on future learning.
Exploring the benefits of boys only classes at school and the effect it can have on learning.
A mother shares her experiences with illiteracy and her determination to overcome her problems. She successfully learnt to read and write.
General
Kiwi adventurer Mark Inglis completed a remarkable climb of Everest wearing two false legs after losing both legs in an earlier climbing incident. This story appeared on the front page.
Renowned mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary raised questions about the conduct of climbers during Kiwi double amptee Mark Inglis' Everest climb after a climber from another party was left for dead on the mountain as they passed him. Inglis responded saying they did all the could to help but could not endanger themselves any more.
A homeless man found dead under a bridge was fondly remembered by those who knew him.