Photo: Vermin Inc

Watch for Tell-tale Signs

For the first six to eight weeks, your baby will most likely get tired after about two hours of being awake. If you wait too long to put your baby down, she or he may get overtired, making it more difficult to fall asleep. This is why it’s important to watch for the signs that your child is tired such as when they rubs their eyes, pull their ears or become more fussy than normal. If you spot these signs, try to put your baby down to sleep. Soon you will intuitively understand the signals your baby is giving you, and you will know when your baby is ready for a nap.

Favourite Bed Time Items

Having special bed time toys, clothes and other items will help your child learn when it’s time for bed. Having special night time baby blankets, stuffed toys and special baby clothes such as pyjamas will help your child understand that is it time to sleep when they see these items. Remember, this only works if you keep sleeping items separate from the daytime items that your baby uses so that the routine can be established.

Teach the Difference Between Day and Night

Some babies start out as night owls, and there won’t be much you can do about it. After the first two weeks, however, you can start teaching your baby to recognise the difference between day and night. Keep your baby alert and engaged throughout the day. Don’t minimise the amount of daylight coming in or the amount of noise coming from the telephone, washing machine or kitchen activities. Also, try to keep your baby awake during daytime feedings. At night, don’t play with your baby if he or she wakes up. Instead, be as quiet as possible, talk as little as possible and keep the lights out. In time, your child will understand that the day is for being active, and the night is for sleeping.

Establish a Bed Time Routine

It’s never too early to start a bedtime routine with your baby. Try to make getting ready for bed as consistent as possible from night to night: start with bath time and teeth cleaning followed by changing your baby into his or her night time clothes, and finish off with a story and a lullaby. Soon enough your baby will begin to recognise the cues you are giving them throughout the routine, and will begin to understand that everything is in preparation for them to sleep.

There are myriads of workwear apparel which range from career apparel assortments to flame resistant clothing to safety footwear. There is also the high visibility clothing which has to be worn, and there are the polos and fleeces with company logo on, which are chosen to be worn. Men’s work shirts had also evolved. They are no longer looked at as clothing with rugged durability but of high fashion and style.

Choosing outdoor workwear determines the success or failure of the job. Work shirts, work denims and durable garments must be made of quality and value. So, resist the temptation to save money by purchasing inexpensive or ill-fitting items. Workers who are professionally and safely attired work hard and work smart.

The Pure Collection cashmere scarves may be a little more expensive than other types of scarves, but this is due to the fact that the softness and luxuriousness of this natural fiber is second to none. One hundred percent pure cashmere is a super soft material and is very delicate. People take extra effort to clean them because they consider them an investment. Pure Collection only offers 100% pure cashmere so you can be assured that it is made of top quality. Nothing can match the instant appeal and style of cashmere which guarantees to give you immediate attention, even if you are in a room full of hundreds of people.
Trends come and go, but cashmere scarves will never go out of style. These colorful scarves are no longer restricted to cold weather as more and more women are beginning to sport them all year round. They are worn even on sunny days by women to tie around their hair to prevent it from getting damaged. It can also be worn around the arms as a fashion accessory. And yes, men can wear them, too! Many men sport cashmere scarves around their necks. Cashmere scarves have become an ubiquitous fashion accessory that no one can live without.

Photo: MightyBoyBrian

Many of us come to realise, over time that a lot of the big milestones in life are a little like that. They are supposed to be exciting, breathtaking and once in a lifetime events, and by all means they are. But much of the time they are also stressful, requiring a lot of input, decisions and responsibility. Interestingly, after your wedding and during your marriage this continues to be the case. While you will have milestone moments that blow your mind and set your heart racing, they will also likely come with their own little sigh of relief once done.

So get prepared, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride!

What are some if the milestone moments you can look forward to… well, sort of?

1. Honeymoon over

One of the first ones, is the settling or resettling period. Many relationships these days go through two honeymoon periods, one right at the start, one after the wedding. While it might sound bad, settling is a really exciting thing. It’s becoming the married couple you want to be, knowing each other even more and building your life together. In some cases, it’s also realising a lot of those little habits you found cute — are not going to be so cute for the next 80 years!

2. A child

Your next milestone is that maternity wear, aching back period called pregnancy, and possibly more so, the birth itself. While it is said to be one of the most amazing experiences in your life, this is one you will definitely feel a sigh of relief after! The nine months of carrying a child — all the time — on your front and the anticipation of giving birth can be very daunting and stressful. But relax, soon it will be over and you’ll have a child to deal with, then you can enjoy the next big milestone — your first Wiggles concert!

3. Your first home

This is a big one — and potentially quite a stressful one. If your life has always been relatively comfortable when it comes to funds, for the first time, money may become an issue. Finding the right place, getting the deposit together and waiting anxiously to see if it goes through are all times of heightened stress. But you’ll be relieved when it’s done, you can move in and stop paying useless rent!

4. First day of school

Your child’s first day of school is probably as stressful, or more so, than your own! It’s a huge day for your child and a day of mixed feelings for you. You will be excited for them, but at the same time, anxious, worried and anticipating how much you will miss them. But once they get into school and everything is fine — and you get your life back a bit — you will be surprisingly relieved!

Photo: {Salt of the Earth}

That Hourglass Silhouette

Hour-glass silhouettes or maybe Party Dresses glimpse spectacular about different body kinds : they greatly enhance curves in addition to emphasize feminine size. This specific design is actually all about outlines, curves, in addition to textures; it will always be manufactured from any solid silk fabric that can give a good construction for the garment. Used by using sexy, strappy stilettos in addition to diamond jewelry, this specific glimpse is actually meant to end up being showcased about the catwalk.

That Tumble V-neck Dress

For any sexiest glimpse of the calendar year, strut that tumble v-neck dress, in the event you dare. This specific design appears to be best within solid fabric, balancing a good mega sexy glimpse with the highest degree of elegance. Any expensive updo to show heli-copter flight sexy design in addition to lovely chandelier jewels will make you appear to be you just travelled along the reddish colored carpet for a celebrity awards present or maybe the biggest Artist occurrence connected with the year.

Cut-out Layouts

That cut-out pattern has been visible within Evening Dresses, covers in addition to tees, denim, leggings, and various clothes this year. Right now, this specific key style trend is actually accomplishing evening gown couture stores all across the world. Edgy, cut-out proper gowns usually uncovered a bit of body to the facets of the body or maybe about the back in the costume. The main element to this pattern : such as many others, is not to overdo it. Discover a dress that has a ‘cut-out central point’ and that exposes also that back, facets, or maybe stomach locations.

Asymmetrical Clothes

Even though evenness in addition to ratio tend to be some of the almost all popular attributes, this holiday season is actually all about creating a equilibrium through additional elements such as color, design, in addition to essential visible points. That a-symmetrical pattern is currently all over the reddish colored carpet, usually affecting Celebrity Dresses like the famous one-sleeve or maybe slanted-hem garment and other layouts which present an uneven range connected with symmetry.

This specific fresh pattern is actually what we telephone any assertion dress, busting that mildew connected with just what constitutes a traditional dress in addition to placing criteria connected with its own even though busting that taboos of regular couture. You will discover almost endless possibilities to choose from, nonetheless remember to choose any design which fits in addition to flatters you the best.

Photo: Senator Kate Lundy

In 2011, the Gillard government made a move to reduce the financial stress of a new baby to Australian families, with the introduction of the Federal parental leave program. Recognising that many employers in the country don’t have a parental leave scheme, the Government introduced an initiative to support families and also bring Australia up to standard with many other developed countries around the world.

What is the parental leave scheme?

The Government’s parental leave scheme is an opportunity to stay home with your baby immediately after the birth so you can connect and share in this amazing time. Without an income this can be near impossible for some parents to do.

The government acknowledged substantial impending skills shortages, and recognised the need for new parents to stay connected to the workforce while on parental leave, so skills would not be lost and the retention issue wouldn’t increase.

The scheme pays an eligible parent weekly payments equivalent to Australian minimum wage, $543.78, generally through their current employer. It’s just like receiving recreational leave but at a lower rate. This great news means although you won’t be receiving your normal income, you will have enough for the necessities – and hopefully a few toys thrown in!

Photo: I, Timmy

Who’s Eligible?

If you are the primary care giver to a child born or adopted after January 2011, you may be eligible.

You need to be currently employed and have worked 10 of the 13 months prior to giving birth. Within those 10 months, you must have worked 330 hours which is around one day each week. You can be casual, contractor or self employed, as long as you were working.

A means test at a certain level of income will also apply.

What if my partner wants to access the leave?

The scheme is open to either partner, so long as they are eligible, however only one of you can access it. If you and your partner wish to share the leave, and you are both eligible, look at the opportunity for you to use half the 18 weeks, and your partner to take leave for the remaining half. This gives you both an opportunity to share the excitement and the tiredness of a new baby!

What about my other benefits?

The parental leave scheme will have an impact on some of your other benefits. In terms of child and family allowances, if you elect to apply for the paid parental leave scheme and are successful you will no longer be eligible for the baby bonus scheme. If you have twins, there may be an option to benefit from both schemes.

Other allowances such as dependent spouse may also be impacted. If you are counting on these, make sure you take it onto consideration.

Photo: Conor Keller

After heading out or online and filling your baby wardrobe with gorgeous maternity wear, filling the new supplies closet with enough diapers to last for weeks and reading all the baby books you can find, it’s time to get out of the organisational phase and into the joys of nesting — creating a beautiful haven for you and your baby. Your baby nursery can be one of the most amazing decorating jobs you ever undertake in your house — because it invites rather than deters the adventurer, the fairytale lover and the child inside who craves bright colours and big pictures.

When creating a nursery that will take your breath away and encourage your baby’s imagination consider the following:

1. The theme
The theme is what really makes your nursery. Be as adventurous as you like. This is not time for bland, plain paint jobs and furniture that matches everything else in the house. This is the time to think of your favourite childhood fairytale and really bring it to life. The theme will influence everything from your paint job, to you furniture and the toys and props you get to make the room beautiful. Think princesses, castles in the sky, the beach or even just a colour combination.

2. Paint job
Your paint job is what will set up the theme. While plain walls are nice in the lounge room, go for something different here. Perhaps a whole room mural that catapults you into a scene from a fairy tale, pale walls with brightly painted animals or shapes, or even just different sized big letters placed randomly. Get creative and don’t be scared to do it twice to get it right! Draw a picture first so you know your plan, use templates and stencils and let your inner child do the painting!

Photo: jhiner

3. The furniture
Use your furniture to compliment the paint and extend the theme. If you search online, you will find a wide range of furniture shops that stock everything from fairytale furniture to plain white furniture that will suit every theme. Perhaps you want a crib that looks like Cinderella’s carriage or the base of the far away tree. Either way, you will also be doing a lot of sitting in this room — feeding, putting the baby to sleep and just checking in, so compliment any theme with a big, cosy, corner chair!

4. Decoration
As well as pictures, use toys that align with your theme to finish off the room. You can buy online toys, or spend a day out in a store, but go for a range of sizes and cover the nursery with them!

Online retailers such as the Ellos Store allow you to browse through a wide range of jackets and coats before you make a final decision. The female autumn/winter jackets on offer at Ellos include mid-length coats, stylish blazers and long trench coats. Depending on the main situations in which you will be wearing your coat, you need to pick a suitable style for your needs. A sophisticated trench coat will look smart for travelling to and from work, whilst a casual but insulated parka may not scream catwalk style but will definitely keep you warm and dry.

Whilst shopping online, you should also keep your eyes open for the latest deals and special offers. On the Ellos homepage, you can already see a sneak preview of their upcoming autumn clothing range and participate in a special deal offering 10% off one of your orders from their site. Simply enter code 7200 when you reach the checkout and you will receive your discount, as well as free delivery on the order. This is a limited offer so be sure to take advantage of it while it lasts, and check back for more deals and discounts at www.ellos.co.uk.

Photo: avlxyz

Myer’s ‘Fashion on the Field’ events at the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the presence of race-day photos in major fashion magazines throughout spring shows that there is indeed a big market for fashion at the races. With the spotlight shining so brightly on what we wear to the races, the pressure’s certainly on to get it right! Here is your guide to creating the perfect race-day fashion statement.

Start With the Dress, Not the Hat
Although fancy hats and fascinators are synonymous with horse racing, try to choose a hat to suit your dress, and not the other way around. While everyone wants to make a statement with the perfect hat, it’s a common mistake to choose a hat and then cobble together the rest of the outfit to suit it. This always ends up looking less chic than when a hat is cleverly chosen to highlight a beautifully fitting dress, for the simple reason that women’s heads are much more uniform in size and shape than their bodies. Therefore more effort should be put into finding something to suit your body than your head, as you will feel and look more comfortable this way—and after all, that’s half of the battle!

Enhance, Don’t Overpower
Once you’ve got your killer dress, you can start to think about headwear. There are three main rules for choosing the right headwear for a racing event. The first rule is to consider it in relation to your dress. We’re not simply talking colour and fabric here either, but the style and personality of your dress. Is it whimsy, flirty, fun, bold, edgy or sexy? The hat should be in line with the image you’re trying to put out, not at odds with it.

The second rule is to consider the formality of the race and the dress code. For example, some racecourses have stricter dress codes than others, and either over-dressing or under-dressing could make you feel uncomfortable.

The third, final and most important rule, is to choose a hat or fascinator you can wear comfortably!! Regardless of whether you look like the incarnation of Grace Kelly in it, if you can’t see, can’t move or can’t keep it on, it’s not the right hat for you.

Of course, once all this is decided you still need to find shoes (comfortable, please!), a makeup scheme (day-wear) and jewellery for the occasion, not to mention seek out some good racing tips so that you can pick a winner! While it’s a lot of work to get ready, it’s more than worth it when you arrive feeling confident, comfortable and dressed to kill.

Photo: J. McPherskesen

Bassinet
Having a bassinet as well as a cot is a good idea.  When you first bring your baby home you will most likely what it keep it close to you and have it sleep in your room with you.  This makes it easier when the baby wakes for feeds during the night as it is close by.  As new parents you often find that you will worry, usually unnecessarily, and having your baby where you can hear it through the night will put your mind at rest.  Choose a bassinet that meets that right safety standards and one that doesn’t have any sort of canopy that might fall over onto your baby.

Change table
You can do without a change table and change your baby on the bed or floor but a change table will make it a lot easier on your back.  It is not unusual for new mothers to get a sore back once they have had the baby due to carrying the baby awkwardly and bending over changing nappies.  Being able to change your baby without bending over is ideal.  If you don’t want to spend money on something that is only going to be used for a short time you can also buy chests of drawers that have a removable change table that sits on top.  Once your baby has grown out of nappies you simply remove the top section and your child can continue to use the drawers to store their clothes.

Baby sling
A baby sling or carrier is great for a new baby.  As well as being able to carry your baby on your front and have your hands free your new baby will also love being snuggled up close to your chest.  There are a few different types of slings available ranging in price.  They are a handy piece of equipment to use when going to the supermarket because you have your hands free to push the trolley and do the shopping easily.  They can also be good to wear around the house when your baby is unsettled and you need to continue with whatever it is you are doing.

Nappy bag
Having a nappy bag is essential because when you leave the house you will find that you need to take a lot of things with you.  No longer can you just leave the house with your purse and your keys.  You will need a bag large enough to carry several changes of clothes, spare nappies, bibs, wipes, toys, dummies and bottles if you are feeding your baby formula.  You can buy great nappy bags that have a fold out change mat and lots of pockets for all the essentials.

Bouncer
Bouncers are great to sit your baby in, and as well as giving you somewhere to put your baby when they are awake, you can buy bouncers will all sorts of toys and mobiles hanging on them to entertain your baby.  You can even buy bouncers that vibrate and rock so you can soothe an unsettled baby.  If you don’t want to spend a lot of money you can get simple bouncers that just have a wire frame and a piece of stretch material that the baby sits on.  These work just as well and you baby can still see what is going on around them.