Kids' birthday parties

   

Has your nestling had their first party? If not, brace yourself! Children's parties are totally different to the ones I remember from my childhood.

For a start almost all of our parties were at home. We didn't have one every year, nor did we expect to, and although I went to a co-ed school I don't think I ever invited a boy. In my defense neither did any of the other girls in my class - and I probably wasn't ever invited to a boy's birthday party.

I'm sure my mother got great pleasure out of choosing what clothes I would wear to a party, but I usually didn't enjoy wearing them. I remember the humiliation of having my photo taken standing out the front of our house (yes, where everyone driving down the street could see me), holding a present and wearing a lemon coloured crocheted poncho over a brown paisley shirt and yellow, well, I can only describe them as "slacks". In case you haven't guessed I was a child in the 70s. I know retro is cool but there are some things that will never be in fashion and I am pretty sure canary yellow slacks and lemon crocheted ponchos fit into the latter category!

We always played games and if you were lucky you might win a prize, but you certainly didn't expect to, and it would have been unusual for the birthday child to win at Pass the Parcel. One of my favourite games involved rolling a dice to get doubles. If you managed to roll doubles you had to quickly (because the rest of the partygoers kept rolling) put on a hat, scarf and gloves then pick up a knife and fork and try to cut bite sized pieces off of a family block of chocolate. As you can imagine, or maybe remember if you've played it too, there was a lot of putting on hats and scarves then taking them off because someone else had rolled double. Fun!

Party food was very much a 'one size fits all' approach and usually the same offerings of: little boys (frankfurters); fairy bread; chips; sausage rolls; biscuits and cake, all washed down with green, red or orange water cordial. I don't remember there being any party bags either. But you always got a piece of birthday cake (wrapped up in a paper napkin) to take home with you. Mind you the birthday cake would have been a normal, fairly plain, homemade cake, possibly with candles but none of this decorating in the shape of your favourite TV character - not that there were very many of those to choose from at the time...

I remember someone having a party once where they took us all to the pictures, amid much muttering about such decadence from all the other parents! When I got to high school there was the occasional roller skating party, and that was really stepping up a notch.

Ah, simpler times. But those days are gone. The world of party planning for the under 10s can be a rather scary place. However I think you will just have to work it out for yourself as there are too many minefields for me to guide you through - cost, venue, numbers (and more importantly who gets invited and who doesn't), duration, food (especially the cake), what to wear (you and your child), when to open presents, the list goes on and on.

So, good luck and enjoy the party!!

The team at nestling.

Food allergies

Photo courtesy of US Dept of Agriculture

Approximately 5% of children and 1% of adults in Australia suffer from some form of food allergies. The reactions range from very mild to severe. As the reduction in figures from child to adult indicates, it is quite common for children to grow out of allergies to particular foods over time.

Allergic reactions to food are increasing and there are a number of theories as to why, but none that have been scientifically proven. These include: the proposition that increased hygiene levels have meant less exposure to infections and therefore increased risk of allergy; and, the timing of the introduction of highly allergenic foods - such as eggs, peanuts and tree nuts - to babies.

Most children with allergies to milk, soy, wheat or eggs will grow out of these - often by the time they reach school age. However, reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, seeds and seafood are usually lifelong and need to be correctly managed.

Food intolerances are more common than allergies but the symptoms are usually less severe. Intolerances are often caused by dairy products, additives, and specific fruits (such as strawberries, tomatoes and some citrus fruit).

Symptoms of allergy

These vary but typically include: stomach pains, diarrhoea, vomiting, swelling and hives. Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and this affects the breathing and circulatory system and, if untreated, can be fatal.

Common allergans

Eggs, millk, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, sesame, soy, fish and wheat.

Managing allergies

The most important aspect of managing any allergy is to identify and avoid the allergan. In the event of a reaction occuring the symptoms need to be recognised and treated. In school-aged children the risk of an allergic reaction must be correctly communicated to the school, along with advice on the appropriate care of the child in the event of a reaction. This may involve provision of an Epipen or other medical equipment as needed.

If you think your child has grown out of their allergy it is essential to have an assessment by a medical professional. Do not test at home to try to determine whether they are still allergic.

Photo courtesy Fabio Bruna

The team at nestling.

Reference: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

nestling Christmas poem

'Twas the week before Christmas

and all through the store

nestling was offering

30% off, or more.

With loads of great brands

and designers for you

plus free gift wrapping

to make it easier too.

There are dresses for girls,

shorts and tops for boys,

lots of baby blankets,

jewellery and toys.

A range of beautiful fabrics

in gorgeous styles,

we have fabulous clothing

that goes on for miles.

Spend more than $100

and we'll send your order for free.

There's something for every little nestling

under our tree.

Merry Christmas from the team at nestling.

More for you at nestling

At nestling we have made a number of enhancements and want to share them with you. Whether it's rewarding you for choosing to shop with us; helping you to compile a wardrobe of gorgeous clothes; or giving you the opportunity to have your say on our boutique and services, we want to make sure your shopping experience is a truly satisfying one.

Here's a summary of our recent additions:

1. Member rewards program

We have just launched the nestling member rewards program. To become a member, simply register an account and subscribe to our newsletter. Once you are a member you will receive special discounts, previews, vouchers and lots of other exciting rewards. 

2. Gift registry

The nestling gift registry is great idea for baby showers, birthdays and other special occasions. Creating a gift register helps your family and friends give the perfect gift! We will gladly assist you in putting your gift register together, whether you are a first time mum and aren't sure what you need, or you would like some ideas for putting a wardrobe of clothes together.

A nestling gift register offers your family and friends:

·        a selection of clothes, baby accessories and other gifts they know you will love; 

·        a convenient shopping experience;

·        free gift wrapping; and

·        free postage on orders over $100.

As our gift to you, you will receive:

·        10% off all remaining products on your gift register after the event has occurred; and

·        a nestling gift voucher worth 20% of the total amount purchased from your gift register.

Creating a gift register is easy. To get started simply create an account or, if you already have an account, just log in.

3. Customer feedback survey

What do you think of nestling? Now is the time to have your say. We are conducting our first ever survey and would love to hear from you. Follow the link to complete the customer feedback survey.

When you are done send us an email to let us know you have taken the survey and we will send you a $10 voucher to thank you for your input.

The team at nestling.

The things we love about Christmas

23 things to love about Christmas

1. The rising excitement level of our children (and all children)

2. Sunny days = summer clothes

3. Shop decorations

4. Sending and receiving Christmas cards

5. Santa photos

6. Putting up the tree

7. Decorating the tree  

8. Christmas carols

9. Christmas cooking

10. Choosing/making and giving presents to the teacher

11. End of year school concerts

12. Carols by candlelight

13. Choosing something for the Giving Tree

14. School holidays

15. Deciphering the Christmas list

16. Driving around to see the Christmas lights

17. Wrapping presents (usually on Christmas Eve)

18. Putting out cookies, carrots & milk for Santa and his reindeer

19. Sneaking in to place the gifts from Santa on the end of the bed on Christmas Eve

20. Christmas morning

21. Gift giving

22. Christmas dinner

23. Relaxing on Boxing Day  

The team at nestling.