LET'S FIND THIS MONSTER MUMMMAS

OK NHM Mummas we’re as appalled as you are to hear that one of our Newcastle children has been targeted in the most horrific way possible. 

We want to help find this monster. Just to recap on Tuesday an 11 year old little girl was walking to Belair Public School when she was taken at knifepoint and sexually assaulted in a five hour horrific ordeal. 

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Jacob, from the sex crimes squad said the attack was “horrendous”. Safe to say every mother I know’s blood is boiling. 

He went on the say “It’s our mission to get this person and remove him from the community as quickly as we possibly can.” 

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE INCIDENT 

She was walking through Hudson Park in Adamstown Heights just after 9.15am.  

She was grabbed from behind by a man, threatened with a knife and forced into a red car.

The man then drove her to a secluded bush area.

Here she was sexually assaulted for a number of hours.

She was released just before 2:15pm at  Kotara Railway Station.

From here she walked 1.5KM home. 

She recounted the attack to her Grandmother.

She was taken to JHH and medically examined.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT HIM 

He was believed to be driving red commodore.

He is described as chubby.

He has short, black, messy hair.

He has wrinkles on his forehead and around his mouth.

He has an Australian accent.

He could be a smoker.

He had brown staining on his bottom row of teeth and cracked lips.

He was wearing  a dark coloured zipped up hoodie.

He had beige coloured shoes. 

He was wearing denim jeans.

HERE WE’VE INCLUDED INFORMATION FROM POLICE ABOUT KEEPING YOUR KIDS SAFE 

HERE WAS THE INFORMATION ISSUED TO PARENTS FROM THE LITTLE GIRL’S SCHOOL

INFORMATION GIVEN TO NEARBY RESIDENTS BY POLICE

Lets find this monster, for the little girl who's had her life ruined in the worst way possible and so there is no chance of him reoffending. 

Any information you have please contact Crime Stoppers here. 

THIS DAYCARE TICKS ALL THE BOXES

Lily tells us about her first week at The Little Unicorn daycare centre.

Lilly has had the best experience for her first few weeks at the Little Unicorn Daycare Centre and I wanted to share it. I was so anxious about putting Lilly into care even if it is for a few hours a week but work and mortgage commitments have meant I can't take her everywhere and needed to find a second home for Lilly. I thought of 'Family Daycare' like all mums but was steered away because I perceive there to be less accountability than in an established Daycare Centre. From the moment of enrolment Fiona and the team at Little Unicorn were so caring and genuinely interested in caring for Lilly. I love that all the food looks amazing and it is all made on site. She's really hungry for a 6 month old and everyday I pick her up she seems super contented.

I have visited other Daycare centres with some staff that seem uninterested in their job and like they don't want to be there.  The Little Unicorn is the opposite of this the kids and everyone that works there seem to always have a smile on their faces. The children are always separated from what I can see too which I think is good because sometimes the toddlers can be a little bit rough with the babies. Well my toddler can with my baby anyway! 

The Little Unicorn also has a super low staff turnover which meant Lilly's relationships with educators wouldn't be changing all the time. The security is also really good which I think is important as kids get older and 'adventurous' and there also seem to be a good number of Educators in proportion to the children. The environment is also very clean, which is impressive considering all the little people running around. In fact I'd prefer to just stay at The Little Unicorn and never go home because my house is a little bit less clean, haha. 

From the moment I met Amy at The Little Unicorn I knew they'd be a perfect supporter for NHM and our family is super happy to be supporting them also as a happy customer. 

Have you heard of Geocaching?

On the hunt for family activities to do that are a bit outdoorsy, I stumbled across Geocaching. After doing a bit of reading up on it, I've discovered this could be something that the whole family could really enjoy together and could really add some extra fun to your weekends or free time. 

Geocaching started in early 2000 and there are now over 3 million geocaches and millions of active geocachers playing. It is basically done by downloading the Geocaching app which easily navigates you to cleverly hidden containers called geocaches. This is happening all over the world!

The idea is to find a geocache, and if you take something in the container to then leave something of equal or great value, place the container back how you found it and then share your experience with the rest of the geocaching community via the app. 

We all love a good treasure hunt, especially the kids, so if you're family are already geocaching I would love to hear about it and if you're not yet, why not give it a go, I know I will be!

Have you heard of The Floss??? Neither had I!

About a week ago one of the kids came home doing this strange little dance move and we all laughed. Then he did it again the next day and we thought it was a bit odd so suggested he maybe stop doing it so much. Then we were walking through the shops over the weekend and saw another child doing the same dance and realised that maybe we were missing something. So to google we go. 

It's called The Floss and comes from an Insta-famous American schooled, Russell Horning, also known as The Backpack Kid, I guess because he wears a backpack. He has around 2 million followers so I'm definitely not judging. 

So I feel like I'm way behind on the latest craze because apparently everyone is doing it. Celebs like Millie Bobby Brown, Dele Alli, Kate Garraway and Charlotte Hawkins are all doing The Floss. I guess because I have absolutely no clue who any of the above are that I'm pretty safe in knowing that I'm totally behind the 8 ball. I'm not too concerned because it really is a dance that makes it look like you're flossing your nether regions... 

Do your kids love you? Kendra Wilkinson

We've all felt that sting of judgement from other mums, whether we didn't breast feed long enough or give our kids enough organic puree blah blah blah. Judgement is everywhere in the Mum world and it's so much easier now that people can write nasty things and hide behind a keyboard. 

Kendra Wilkinson says she's over judgey mums adding "The way your kids see u n love u is all that matters. We all have a story and that's what makes us all unique. My kids and I'm sure yours would be devastated to know that grown ass adults are criticizing their mothers n fathers (sic)"

She added that spreading negativity was useless adding:  "People have different stories but that doesn't mean they are bad. It's a shame that our kids have to grow up in a world of such harsh criticism. It's only hurting our next generation n not helping.

"Stop the hate and stop the abuse but always encourage love n respect people's ways. I love hearing people's parenting techniques n would never judge someone unless there's hate involved. (sic)" 

Her comments come after she previously slammed critics who shame her for her lifestyle choices without knowing the real her.

In part of a lengthy caption posted in April, she wrote: "Let me just vent for a second. I bust my a** off as a human being. I work, pay bills, take care of 2 kids and love them to the fullest plus trying to take care of myself through it all is a 24/7 job. I don't know what the f**k some of u haters think u know but you better get your heads checked because your assumptions based on pictures and clips of shows make u straight up delusional.

"I appreciate the true people that follow me and know who i truly am vs idiots comin in n out making s**t up. I'm also talking about people around me too. I'm a lover and a free spirit by nature, not a fighter but lately I've been feeling pushed into a corner by judgement and opinions that are 100 false n not me. (sic)"

KIDS LEFT WITHOUT HOMES HOLED UP IN HOTEL ROOMS IN NEWCASTLE

Your own children are enough right? But what if we told you The Newcastle Herald has reported that 16 children are living in crisis motel accommodation in the Hunter due to a “desperate shortage” of foster carers across the region.

There are another staggering 10,000 children living in out of home care across the Hunter and Central Coast. 

Gary Christensen, the director of Hunter-Manning CatholicCare Social Services, said  “We desperately need foster carers, and we need them now,” One little boy lives in a hotel room and is looked after by ‘caseworkers’ on rotational shifts. As I write this I’m crying. They report that he’s ‘always smiling’ loves the park and loves Spiderman. 

He has autism and uses ‘blu tac’ and ‘bubbles’ as calming tools. 

If you’d like to know more about foster care this week “I GOT IT FROM MY MUMMA” radio show will chat to the amazing Gemma Pusey, who cares for SIX foster children and is only 25. She just refused to see them go back into the ‘system’ and has done everything she can to give these beautiful children some sort of stability in their life.

SHOULD YOU DO WASHING TODAY?

I've just been popping all the clothes in the laundry and ignoring the washing because its been too wet. We now have no clothes. My kids seem to like going nude but I don't think that's responsible patenting so it's time to tackle the laundry. There's 30% chance of rain today Mummas so do with that what you will. I know some people feel guilty for using the dryer. I have one particular girlfriend who certainly doesn't. Her washer turns into a dryer after washing and begins to dry all the clothes woooooowwwww. 

The wet weather is set to continue during the next week with smatterings of sunshine here and there to tempt you into popping everything on the line but then see you cry as all your hard work is undone and the rain falls, then the wind rips the clothes off the line, then they got all muddy. 

Another wet weekend is forecast by the way. iPad time! lol 

ABORTION - A MOTHER'S CHOICE

An Australian law has now been passed to say that  protesters who intimidate, harass or film people within 150 metres of abortion clinics or hospitals will face punishments including jail time. Upper House Labor MP Penny Sharpe said it was a  "terrific day for women in New South Wales".

I have known a few women that have terminated in my lifetime. One of my friends told me she knew a girl that used the 'day after pill' like birth control and had had later abortions too, without a thought. I personally, have never met a woman that did that. Friends of mine have aborted because they thought they were; too young to have a baby or couldn't support one properly, were in an abusive relationship mentally or physically, or had been raped. I personally don't know of any woman ever that's skipped off to an abortion clinic. They've all thought long and hard about it and have been left with great sadness. The thought of the people I've known being hounded and abused as they went to get an abortion seems to me to be unfair. 

Murder on the dance floor???

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.