We have a selection of really great walks now that we can do with buggies. Apart from a sprinkle of rain, this was an excellent adventure – thanks to Melissa for pointing us in the right direction! We stopped for a playground visit at Park Drive and then had coffee at Craft Habitat. Some of us then met up again at the Tessarose workshop later that week for a singalong. After a break for Labour Day, we are up in Ruby Bay next Monday at Brigid’s house….Brigid thought we could go for a walk after a drink if it’s a nice day.
Next Get-Together
Mums Monday: Brigid’s House
10:00am Monday 30 October
3 Joseph Senior Way, Ruby Bay
Phone: 540-3644
Directions: Turn Left at Mapua school, heading towards Ruby Bay/Motueka along Stafford Drive. Turn Left up Pomona Road, just before dairy and small cluster of shops. First left up Crusader Drive, Left up Joesph Senior Way. Blue House on Left (think left all the way and you’ll be fine!)
Future meetings include Lorene’s house in Bishopdale next week then Mel’s new house in Mapua on 13 November. We are looking for hosts or ideas for the final few Mondays of the year: Nov 20, 27, Dec 4, 11. Save the Date for our Christmas & First Birthdays Celebration: Sunday 17 December at Rabbit Island.
If you have an interesting idea for an outing somewhere baby-friendly – let Adrienne know. You may check ahead on the schedule by selecting the “Schedule” button on the website. Volunteer to host by sending email to Adrienne.
October 25th, 2006
It was all girls again at Melissa’s – until the twins turned up! That slog up the drive can be tough with ONE baby - let alone TWO! We love the view up here and Mel creates such a relaxed environment.
This Monday we plan to walk from the Craft Habitat cafe around 10.10am and arrive back for a coffee before 11.15am. Bring buggies and associated gear – if it’s raining or blowing a gale, we’ll just have coffee! Next week is Labour Day on Monday so we’ll have a break from Mum’s Group – then we’ll meet on Oct 30 at Brigid’s new house in Ruby Bay; Nov 06 at Lorene’s house in Bishopdale; and Nov 13 at Mel’s new house in Mapua. We’re looking for hosts or ideas on the following dates: Nov 20, Nov 27, Dec 04, Dec 11.
Dec 17: Sunday afternoon is pencilled in for our Christmas & First Birthdays Celebration at Rabbit Island! (Or Brigid’s if wet). Here are Brigid’s thoughts:
I had an idea that we could have a celebration of our little ones turning One by having an afternoon at Rabbit Island (combined with a Christmas celebration also) or if weather’s bad my place at Ruby Bay or anywhere?? Thought the adults could bring a plate to share (sausages, salad, etc) and we could all bring a mystery gift for the bubs which they could pick out (like a lucky dip). Probably best if bubs just eat their own food, not quite ready for party food. Obviously some birthdays aren’t until Jan/Feb but this way we do one celebration and it gets them all out of the way! After talking with Adrienne we thought a Sunday in December. Does anyone have any dates yet they cannot do? Or any further suggestions. Of course, partners are invited. Got a while to plan this but I know people’s calendars get filled up quick in December and would be great if we could all be there. Let me know if you have any ideas or words of wisdom.
Please email or call Brigid with any further suggestions so we can start planning.
Next Get-Together
Mums Monday: Walking Group
10:00am Monday 16 October
Meeting Place: Craft Habitat cafe
Adrienne’s cell: 021.480.212
Don’t forget Tessarose’s workshop for kiddies this coming Friday 20th October, 1.30pm at Saxton Pavillion, Saxton Field, Stoke.
October 12th, 2006
Avocado, asparagus and ricotta dip
Vegetarian
Good source of vitamin E, folate and calcium
3 spears of asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
Half a ripe avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ricotta
Steam the asparagus until tender, and cool. Blend all the ingredients together and use as dip with baby breadsticks and cooked carrot batons.
Sweet potato, carrot and cheese mash
Vegetarian
Good source of betacarotene, calcium and vitamin C
120g sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
25g hard cheese, such as cheddar, grated
Boil the vegetables together until just tender, then mash or purée along with the cheese.
Cottage cheese and pea mash
Vegetarian
Contains iron
Good source of vitamin C
50g frozen peas
50g cottage cheese
Cook the peas until just tender. Mash together with the cottage cheese and serve with fingers of bread or rice cakes.
Lentil dhal with orange
Vegetarian
Contains iron
Good source of betacarotene and vitamin C
100g lentils
300ml water
50ml orange juice
Pinch of cinnamon
Pour water over the lentils. Cover and cook gently for 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Drain off a little fluid using a sieve and return the drained lentils to the pan. Stir in the orange juice and spice and return briefly to the heat.
Eggy bread
Vegetarian
Contains iron
Good source of B vitamins
1 slice of soft wholemeal bread
1 egg, well beaten
A little oil for frying
Heat the oil in a frying pan. Dip the bread in the egg, turning to coat both sides well. Carefully place into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the heat and place on kitchen paper to absorb any surplus oil. Cut into tiny fingers, and serve along with some slices of tomato or satsuma.
Baby ratatouille
Vegetarian
Good source of betacarotene and vitamin C
1 tsp olive oil
Half a small onion, finely chopped
1 small courgette, diced
1 small pepper, yellow or red, seeded and diced
Few slices of aubergine, diced
4 tomatoes, skinned and seeded
Lightly fry the onion in the oil, and add all the other vegetables. Stir, cover and turn down the heat, allow to cook until the vegetables are tender. This should take about 30 minutes. Purée or mash to an appropriate consistency for your baby.
Broccoli with tomatoes and almonds
Vegetarian
Good source betacarotene, vitamin E, calcium and vitamin C
2 florets broccoli
25g flaked almonds, lightly toasted and ground finely
2 tbsps canned chopped tomatoes
Steam the florets until tender and blend with the tomatoes. Stir in the ground almonds, and serve.
Lamb with apple
Good source of B vitamins and vitamin C
Excellent source iron
200g lamb mince
1 cooking apple, grated
100ml unsweetened apple juice
1 small courgette
Large pinch ground cinnamon
Half tsp dried tarragon
Cook the mince in its own fat until it has browned all over or no longer pink. Drain off the resulting fat. Return the mince to the pan and add the grated apple and courgette and juice. Stir, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Add the cinnamon and tarragon, stir and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Blend lightly to remove large lumps, and serve with mashed potato.
Alternatively for a family meal, place in a casserole, top with sliced tomatoes, and spread mashed potato over. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 180 degrees C (gas 4).
Savoury chicken casserole
Excellent source of iron
Good source of betacarotene and vitamin C
Half an onion, chopped finely
1 chicken breast, skinned and diced
1 dessertspoon olive oil
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 bouquet garni
3-4 button mushrooms, wiped and thinly sliced
150ml water
50g frozen peas, thawed
Gently fry the onion and chicken until the chicken is cooked on all sides. Add the carrot, bouquet garni, mushrooms and water. Stir and cover. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, before adding peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are warmed through. Remove the bouquet garni and blend to an appropriate consistency for your baby.
Sardine and avocado spread
Good source of omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin E
2 canned sardines in oil, drained and well mashed
Half an avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
Mash the ingredients well together and use as a toast topper or dip.
October 10th, 2006
Tessarose coming your way 20th October.
An hour-long workshop free of charge for babies (and siblings) of Parents Centre Members/course participants ($2 per child for non-members) followed by afternoon tea.
You will learn dances and action songs that encourage children to move which in turn will increase learning opportunities for them. Learn the importance of “The Beat” and how being able to keep the beat will also harness learning.
Increase your knowledge of left/right brain integration and have activities to encourage this. Increase your knowledge of the vestibular system and learn songs to encourage this. Children will: have fun; participate in a range of activities that encourage learning; enjoy the energy of the performance that is tailored to their needs, age and stage. Dance and kick up your heels!
Friday 20th October @ 1.30pm
Saxton Pavillion, Saxton Field, Stoke
Proudly sponsored by Hamish Fletcher Lawyers
October 9th, 2006
Our last Mum’s group at Mel’s old house – soon we’ll meet at her new house! The kids had lots of fun with Harvey’s toys – especially the mobile monkey! Here is a photo of a few of them playing together…
Next Get-Together
Mums Monday: Melissa’s House
10:00am Monday 9 October
583 Waimea Road, Stoke
Phone: 547 1666
Directions:
Coming from Nelson Cruise through Tahuna, continue along Annesbrooke Road, straight through roundabout towards Stoke, at the T intersection where Annesbrooke road meets Waimea Road/Main Road Stoke, turn left. Our house is about 100m along on the right, up a long drive up the hill (up the drive with the blue mailbox and big tree). There is room for about 3 cars to park at the top of the drive, otherwise you will have to park down on Waimea Road, on the opposite side of the road, because there is no parking on our side. There is heaps of room to park at the intersection of Annesbrooke Road and Waimea Road, or a bit further along Waimea Road is Nick Smith’s electorate office and a Church on the corner and they have a big car park. The drive is quite long and steep, so it is a bit of a walk, just head up the drive to the right, past 585, and we are right at the top.
Future meetings include Brigid’s new house in Ruby Bay on 16th October then it’s Labour Day the next Monday on the 23rd October. We are looking for ideas or a host for the 30th October and 6th November.
If you have an interesting idea for an outing somewhere baby-friendly – let Adrienne know. You may check ahead on the schedule by selecting the “Schedule” button above. Volunteer to host by sending email to Adrienne.
October 5th, 2006
