These are the gorgeous babes that ‘Countdown to a Kiwi Christmas’ is supporting …

We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

Please help us support these families – email us triversityplus@gmail.com to purchase a copy of the book for $15!

Eva Mitchell is a gorgeous, but very sick little four year old. She was born with half a diaphragm and as a result, her vital organs never fully developed. She can’t eat real food, struggles with breathing and has lived in Starship children’s hospital since she was born.
While Eva is extremely sick she is also an incredibly loving and intelligent little girl who loves the life she’s been given.

You’ll find a story from Hannah Ockelford from TVNZ’s 20/20 with Eva and the Mitchell family here:  http://tvnz.co.nz/20-20-news/thursday-october-4469654/video

Recently Tiffany (Eva’s mum) and Hannah participated in the $10 Cure Kids Challenge. You can support this cause here: http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/Evasangels/

Thank for helping Eva and her family this Christmas!

www.facebook.com/babyevamitchell

My name is Cullen Gilbert and I have Cerebral Palsy. I was born 06.06.2010 with Birth Asphyxia and my Cerebral Palsy is a result of that. I spent 4 weeks in New Born Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital and at one stage there it was pretty touch and go, and according to the Doctors I am one very lucky little boy to be here today. The Doctors here have told me that my abilities in the future are by no means guaranteed and we have been told that I may not walk, I may not talk, and I may not even be able to feed myself. My Mummy and Daddy refuse to let this be the case and are determined to give me every opportunity they can to ensure that I get the best out of my body . . . they believe I deserve the chance to fly.

So do a lot of friends, family, businesses and kind-hearted strangers! Cullen and his family have been fundraising for a stem cell transplant that can change his life!! At the time of printing, Cullen and his mum Shaye were travelling to the other side of the world to get this treatment!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Get-Cullen-on-His-Feet/131054743664339

Thank you for supporting Cullen and his family!

We will also be making a donation into the account of

Lewis Railton, a gorgeous 3 year old who suffered a rare stroke and will require ongoing rehabilitation. You can read about his story here at the NZ Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10767166 

Thank you for supporting Lewis and his family : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lewis-Railton/228332657214296 

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A COPY OF

COUNTDOWN TO A KIWI CHRISTMAS

AND SUPPORTING THESE YOUNG FAMILIES THIS CHRISTMAS

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Today we got the ultimate test. Several months ago we drew up a new family budget. First We wrote down everything we spend. It was HIGH! Then we adjusted it to where we NEED to be, and then did a third one of where we’d LIKE to be to be living the life we want (within reason) while still leaving within our means. So a couple of days a go I revististed this, adjusted it and printed it. I allocated just $40 per month on takeaways.

When we went to town today and had McDs for 32.70, we realised quickly that our budget will require us to reign in!

We both need new clothdes. Not a silly want but actually need. My DP hasnt had new shorts etc in over 4 years and after 3 babes, my wardrobe doesnt fit me well! I have bought several second-hand pieces of Trade Me in excellent condition for fab prices so Ive been able to stick to the budget well!

A great start!

In the last 10 years I’ve done high school, a few years teirtary study, travelled overseas (19 countries!), had three kids and started a company. What does the next 10 years have in store?

New Years is a wonderful time because it feels so fresh and NEW. Lots of good intentions and new goals, a chance to look at where we have come and where we are going.

I know lots of people have resolutions and many of them never happen, but Im pleased to say Im not one of those! For the last few years I have set goals (broad, mind you!) and have seen results.
In 2008, my goal was to get organised and thats when I started the CALM programme. It made a difference to me – I’m still decluttering, struggling with mess and always doing housework but its getting easier and the CALM programme made a huge difference!
In 2009, my goal was to look after me, so I saw the optometrist, the dentist and got a few haircuts (thats a big thing for me!).

So what are my 2010 goals? Ultimately, its to get simpler. I want to spend less, surround myself with only the things I love, and get rid of the clutter, and I want to spend more time with the kids. I want to do more for myself and less for others.

So here starts a new journey – 2010 and getting SIMPLER. Join me on the road to making do, making more and making it go further!!!!!

For a start, make sure its your baby that is leading and is ready. I’m not the only one thats tried to instigate or rush the process faster than the babe wants to go – completely on accident, I didnt set out to push them! But take a step back and let your child do it! I swear its easier and faster and lots of mums agree with me!

Then grab a couple of Brolly Sheets – I got mine from thesleepstore.co.nz – Louise and her team are really helpful and friendly and if you havent already discovered their site, you’re going to love it! Loads of info and products and books – very cool!
Anyway, get the set of two Brolly Sheets as its a little cheaper. (I’ve got four since I have the two kids so close together). They are worth their weight in gold. There is no plastic and PVC so they’re safe for babe’s beds, they’re so easy to wash and dry and you wont believe how waterproof they are – no kidding – they’re absolutely amazing!

Finally, abandon all your traditions and rotuines about bed-making!!! You want to have as little additional washing as possible so change the way you do things. For example, treat your duvet cover as a bedspread – pull it off the bed at nighttime so it doesnt get wet. The more you wash and dry something, the more it fades and wears, and if you’re like me, you would have a duvet cover that matches your baby’s bedroom (one of my covers was made specially to match the room and the other is beaded and layered and simply gorgeous!).
Instead, use a woolen blanket or other small blanket that can keep your child warm and is easy to wash. I have used the cot blankets with my kids since they’re big enough to cover them up but small enough to wash easy!!
And consider the use of sheets. I have put our top sheets awayas thats just extra washing, and only use a bottom fitted sheet on one bed. For the other child who is in the stage of LOTs of night wetting, we just use the brolly sheet and a top blanket – easy!

Another thing we chose to do was buy each child a new (but cheap-ish) foam mattress. Our intention is to buy a decent mattress when they’re a bit bigger and past this stage. Frankly, it doesnt matter that we have accidents on the mattress – I just put the mattress outside in the sun on each ‘wet’ day and let the sun work its magic – it eliminates smells and stains and dries the whole mattress well and quickly. This has been working well for the last few months and now that its summer its even easier and quicker.

All the mattress protectors, woollen underlays, winter blankets, top sheets and pretty bedding has been tucked away while we go through this phase – thats to make it easier on myself and ease the stress of washing – and it seems to be working!

Good luck! Would love to hear your tips!!

I found out recently when my babes stopped milk in their bottles. We had progressed to sipper bottles and it was a great way to give them their milk. But literally one day they stopped – it began when the elder babe decided to have water in his bottle – what a novelty! – and from then on, milk just didnt cut it!

We went from using 4 litres of milk a day to less than half a litre (admittedly I stopped drinking hot chocolate each day at this time, but each kid went from 2-3 bottles of milk to none!).

My WellChild providers were not worried because the kids love cheese and yoghurt etc. Also, this was the time I was introducing very milky meals for my baby, so the kids were also custard and semolina puddings, cheese sauce etc.

However I was concerned. Just because I offered cheese sauce and custard didnt mean the kids were eating it! So now I make a point of offering a cup of milk at either lunchtime or afternoon tea time (depending on whether they’re in preschool that day) in a grown-ups cup with a straw. Its the only time they get a straw so its a big novelty. They’re also sucking back the yoghurts so I’m not so worried about calcium intake now!!

I love Summer dining – easy BBQs and lots of salads, left-overs galore and the yummiest fruits. Make this work in your favour to create simple and easy meals for the whole family!

Pasta salads are usually a winner with kids – my 2YO adores them! Add chopped raw and cooked veges like tomato, carrot, peas and corn, onion and spring onion….. try shredded chicken or tinned fish… add mayonaise or dressing
I have a tuna pasta salad that is very cheap and easy to make and is a great dish to take to BBQs or parties!
Simply boil a pack of pasta until al dente, add 2 cups of frozen corn pieces, wait two minutes then drain. Add chopped onion, spring onion, red capsicum, a tin of tuna or other (boneless) fish and half a jar of mayonaise and stir. Chill and serve.

 My 3YO wont touch pasta no matter how hungry he is! He does love potatoes and homemade chips or wedges are a hit! In summer, bake wedges or chips and serve with BBQ steak and salad.

However I have a challenge with serving this to a puree-baby. Athough I have pureed salad and steak, it doesnt offer much to the baby so this is what I do………. give him the home-baked chips or pasta salads as finger food…. puree up steak (including kebabs or crumbed snitzel or whatever I decided to do with the meat!) with mashed potato or whatever else we had… and occasionally I resort to my frozen stash!! (Sometimes you just cant puree nachoes or paninis!!!).

To build up my frozen supply, I make extra vegetables when we have a roast. I always have roasted veges (potato, pumpkin, kumera, onion etc) and steamed vege (broccoli, peas, cauli, cabbage etc) so its always a good balance. I puree these extra veges with gravy/cheese sauce and the meat we’re having and end up with at least 4 baby dinners to freeze.

I cant wait for summer fruits to kick in – I have been watching the plums turn from green to red over the last few days and I bet by the end of the weekend I would have had my first one!!!

Natural living… honest and helpful stories and tips… creating and capturing precious memories….

A combination of many projects….

Watch this space!!!!

Of course, the secret to great and easy baby food is keeping is soooo easy that its not a hassle to do – beacause it just wont get done! I have come up with several easy recipes for adapting the family meal into a baby meal!

Mince Stew

In a a large pot, add mince and add enough water to just cover.

Add chopped veges – kumera, carrot, potato, broccoli, celery- what ever’s in the garden or fridge! Veges that need less cooking time can be added later (like leafy greens).
Grate a potato and a carrot or courgette and add.

Gently bring to boil and simmer, stirring occasionally to break up mince. When all the veges and the mince are cooked, remove baby’s portion and puree or mash to desired consistency. Cool.

Add worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper, stock cube or anything else you want to add to your stew

Mix a tablespoon of cornflour in a small amount of water and gradually add to stew until you get the desired gravy consistency. You may have to repeat.

Serve with rice, on toast, on its own, or with pasta. If you use pasta like orzo or risoni, or rice, you can add this to your pureed meal to add safe texture for your growing babe (like I do for my 9-month babe).

Step Five: The Morning Clean-Up

Once you have had breakfast and cleared away the dishes, its time to begin your morning clean-up. This should take no more than 40min – if you’re up at 7am, you should easily be able to do your morning routine, breakfast, feed the masses, feed baby, feed yourself, change some nappies and do the morning clean-up by 9am!
ON A GOOD DAY!
We all have bad days! If you are having one of them, be kind to yourself and instead nap when the kids do, read a magazine if you can, take it easy and do what you need to and what you deserve. The housework can wait on bad days!

But if you are having a good day (and we hope you have more of these than the other kind of days!) then its time to shift into your morning clean-up. (if you are a working parent, you may find you have to slot this 30min clean-up into another part of your day. Or break it into two parts. Whatever works for you!).

The morning clean-up starts with hanging out the washing. If you followed your morning routine, before you had breakfast, you put the washing machine on. It should be finished by now. Hang out the washing whenever possible or do whatever needs doing to get it dry.
Then, vacuum your living areas.

Do you know what you achieved now?
With a clean kitchen bench, beds all made, living rooms vacuumed and you are dressed – you are company ready!!
ANY VISITOR CAN WALK THROUGH YOUR DOOR UNANNOUNCED AND YOU AND YOUR HOME CAN GREET THEM WITH A SMILE!!

YAY!! Give yourself a pat on the back, because that is one heck of a huge accomplishment!! In fact, you are well on your way to achieving CALM!!

You have gained CONTROL of your home with your evening and morning routines, ACCOMPLISHED some of your morning clean-up, and you can now LOVE the results!! Well done!!
All you need to do now is MAINTAIN that by keeping on top of your routines each day! Yay!

ROOM FOCUS

Then, we start on Room Focus. This is section cleaning where we work on one space in our homes a day, to keep them clean.

Here is a sample of how Room Focus works. We have divided a house into the following sections: (you may have to adapt for your own home)
*Monday – Kitchen
*Tuesday – Master Bedroom & Bathrooms
*Wednesday – Kids Bedrooms
*Thursday – Living & Dining Rooms
*Friday – Office, Laundry and Quick Clean

Further, for each room, we have a list of things that commonly need cleaning. You can find these lists on the Room Focus menu on the left.

So each Wednesday, we choose two or three things from the list to do in the kids bedrooms, and then we vacuum.
We may choose to dust, change the sheets on the bed, and declutter the t-shirt drawer. Then we vacuum. Yay! Only takes about half an hour and the kids rooms are right for the week!
The following Wednesday, we may declutter the top dresser drawer, do a toy purge (out with the old, broken, no longer played with etc!), change the sheets and then vacuum!
The following Wednesday may follow a night of teething or sickness. We are tired. So all we do is change the sheets and vacuum.

Can you see how easy it is to stay on top and MAINTAIN control of our homes, with simple routines and a Room Focus each day?

Each day is a different space. The time you spend in this space will depend on how much time you have – but aim for about 20-30minutes.
That’s how Room Focus works!

So what have you achieved in Step 5?

In your Notebook, you should now have a page titled ‘The Morning Clean-Up’, which may look a little like this:

*hang out washing
*vacuum living area and that day’s room
*Room Focus

And also have YOUR plan – five days of the week and five different living spaces. You can copy our plan if it works for your home.

We like to start our week with a clean kitchen and also go into the weekend (which usually means company!) with a clean and tidy living area. To achieve this, on Thursday’s we clean our living area and on Friday we have a Quick Clean which is just that – a quick straighten of the room. (There is more on Quick Cleans on the menu to the left!).
What would make you happy?
What plan would work best for you?

Why only five days? Because the weekends should typically consist of enjoying time with the family and relaxing. (of course this may be different if your family has adapted to travel or shift work or something!). On the weekends you will probably still vacuum the living area and you should still keep up with the washing, but its nice to be able to relax and LOVE your clean home!!!

My Plunket nurse came back something along the lines of … “You’re the only one who cares and can push for answers… you have to do it for her, because noone else will…”

And how, isnt she right! That little comment reminded me that our children depend on us to make the best decisions for them, to help them and guide them… and to ultimately look out for them. My babes are now pre-schoolers, learning new concepts, words and independence every day . . . so I guess I just needed to be reminded that I still have to stand up for them!!!

Small post – but such touching words!