General

The other day a client came into the studio to have her belly cast done. She was 37 weeks pregnant with her first child. She was excited and nervous on the pending arrival of her first born. As we were chatting with her about our own pregnancy experiences, I reminisced on the days when I was pregnant and carrying a big, round belly. I remembered when my babies would move around and I would freak out at first but then wait with anticipation for their arm or leg to bulge out. I have photos that captured the different stages of my growing belly but I thought how nice it would have been to have something to show the true size and shape of my body right before my beautiful babies popped out. Each pregnancy my belly looked different.What a special and amazing keepsake to look back on over the years. To see the wonder of pregnancy and the beauty of a pregnant belly. As I sit here and write this knowing that I will never go through that stage of my life again, it’s nice to know that these special moments in time can be captured and cherished.To see our range of belly castings visit, https://www.babymade.com.au/studio-casting/belly-casting/gallery/

Introducing the new look of the, My 1st Birthday Keepsake Card. We have made some changes to this keepsake to give it a more bright and colourful appearance by incorporating the colours of the Baby Made brand.Like the original keepsake card, it still includes a wipe and 2 papers so you can still take your little ones print and place it in the display frame of the card. There is also a section to display a photo of your baby from their first birthday.The back of the original card had a section to fill out noting baby’s milestones at one year however we have changed this to a space where you can write the persons’ name who is receiving the card, add a birthday message and sign it off with your name.Therefore, this keepsake has two purposes. One as a keepsake where you can take your baby’s prints on their first birthday and secondly you can make it a birthday card that you can write on and either add it to another gift or give it on its own. Most people hold onto special milestone birthday cards, so here’s one that can be kept for years with the special detail of your one year old’s hand/footprints.Head over to https://www.babymade.com.au/product/my-1st-birthday-keepsake/ to get your hands on this memorable keepsake.

Have you ever wondered about the generations. What are they? Which generation am I? How do they differ over the years?There are the baby boomers, generation X, generation Y and generation Z.The baby boomers were born 1946-1964. They were born after World War II when there was a spike in births hence the name. They were born with black & white TV’s, listening to Elvis and The Beatles and being influenced by leaders such as, JFK and Martin Luther King. This generation value relationships and spending time with family and friends. They are goal focused who believe in hard work and pushing themselves to reach their potential and make a difference. Baby boomers are also self-reliant and have learnt to fix and do things themselves. Baby boomers are the first generation on the planet to get to age 60 and still see a long road ahead.Next came generation X. They were born 1965-1980. Gen X grew up with the fall of the Berlin Wall, Live Aid, MTV, microwaves and the commencement of the fitness movement. They were also the first generation to use computers at home and school with receiving a better education than their parents.Generation X are filling the leadership roles as the baby boomers retire. They are self-sufficient, results-oriented independent thinkers. They embrace technology and social media having seen the advancement from analogue to digital. Gen X are ambitious and eager to learn new skills who like to spend.Generation Y also known as millennials were born, 1981-1996. They were born in a world of emerging mobile phones, laptops and tablets. This generation prefers to communicate via email, social media or text. They prefer to work for companies with a huge emphasis on technology and prefer these methods of communication. Technology needs to be a part of their day to day life.Many millennials have grown up with overworked parents therefore they have a different attitude to work, preferring a more flexible work schedule. They have high expectations of their employer and are not afraid to find another job if their ambition is not met. Generation Y are self-expressive and confident however others may perceive them as selfish, lazy and delusional.Generation Z were born 1997-2009. They are the first digital natives who were born with smart phones, iPads and other gadgets. They are looking to be a loyal generation who prioritise diversity, race, gender and orientation. However, they may encounter mental health challenges as they spend more time in front of a screen and therefore feel isolated and become depressed.This generation is also swayed by real-life users and influencers rather than celebrities. They like to use social media to create their own personal brand. They still have a lot of growing up to do however signs show that they will grow into engaged, independent thinkers who are socially minded and recognise their responsibilities in shaping a fairer future.

Podcasts or Music? Which do you prefer? Are you a podcast person or a music person? Or both? Podcasts have become a popular way to listen in on people and their lives, current affairs, motivational topics and much more. Some podcasts I love listening to are about people telling stories and speaking candidly about their life experiences. Don’t get me wrong I still love listening to music especially whilst doing the housework or randomly having a boogie with the kids. For me, music is life. But, when you want to change things up a bit, try listening to a podcast. Find one that interests you and you will get so much out of it. Here are some podcast titles you can give a go: The Imperfects, Dying for Sex, Dr. Death, Motivation Hour and No Filter.

Since these lockdowns, getting back to basics has been a way to keep my mind and spirit and the morale of our household in check. Sure, the changes in our lives have not come easy but like the saying goes, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’. With that in mind, enjoying the simple things have been the best way to get through. Pumping up the music, having a dance, letting go any frustrations is one way to help. Sitting outside on a sunny day, on the grass, taking in nature and your surroundings. Talking, about anything and everything can at times lead to tears or fits of laughter. Being creative, with whatever you have in the house, making up some fun activities or games. The other day, I taught my kids how to play the fruit & veg game. I used to play it as a kid. They loved it. For those who aren’t familiar, you write categories, eg. Fruit, Vegetables, Country, Girls name, Boys name etc. and you have turns to say the alphabet in your head. Another person says, stop and whatever letter they stop at you write down your answers to the categories beginning with that letter. You get 10 points for your right answer, if you and another person has the same answer it’s 5 points. You’ll be amazed at what interesting answers your kids come up with. A lot of laughs to be had.

Thank goodness for NetflixLockdown has had its ups and downs. Probably more downs than ups. But what’s getting you through? Netflix has definitely been a saviour in our household. A lot of binge-worthy shows that have left me wanting more. Many a late night has been had when I tell myself, just one more episode. I’m amazed with the different types of shows that have got my attention, not my usual go-to but I guess that’s the beauty of being in lockdown you learn more and more about yourself.One show that kept me interested and also provided a laugh here and there is, Good Girls. Also, the documentary, Formula 1: Drive to Survive caught me by surprise. I had no idea the drama, cattiness and politics behind car racing. Then there’s, Queen of the South, this one is for those who love anything to do with drug cartels and how one woman reigns supreme. Another one is, Clickbait which whilst watching it felt a little familiar then after googling found out it was filmed in Melbourne even though the story is based in the United States.So, thank goodness for Netflix to keeping us chilled during these times.

Have you ever taken the kids camping? So much fun to be had if you enjoy the great outdoors. Tent, caravan or cabin, we’ve tried them all. Tents are a fun way to experience true camping. The kids will love it and parents will too even though at first think it may not be your cup of tea. But seeing the kids overly joyful reactions and excitement will warm the cockles of your heart that you will end up loving it too. The simple thing of waking up in the morning and getting that fresh air in your lungs, making breakfast and eating it outside sitting in camp chairs, spending the day at the beach, by the river, or in amongst nature and at night sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows is pure magic. The kids riding their bikes around the caravan park making new friends whilst you sit back and relax with your family & friends, talking, telling stories, drinking, eating & most of all, laughing. Nothing beats it. I highly recommend trying it out. You won’t be disappointed. The memories you make will be life-long. Take it from me, I grew up going camping with my family and now doing it with my husband & my kids together with my brother, his wife & kids is just the best and hopefully one day my kids will carry on the tradition with their own kids. Give it a go these summer holidays. Here in Victoria, there are many places to visit. Here are my top five: Bright Port Fairy Cumberland River, Lorne Yarra Valley Torquay

What pampering do you enjoy? Most people like to spoil themselves with a little something to make them feel better. There are so many options these days. Is it getting your nails done? Going to the hair salon? Lash extensions? Chemical peels? Botox? Brows? Facials? Massages? Gym? Yoga? Pilates? Or the long-time favourite, retail therapy. You may enjoy one or two of these options or quite possibly all of the above. I think it’s vital to treat yourself once in a while. Whether you’re a stay at home Mum, working Mum or just someone who needs a break from it all. Fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg once said, ‘It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself’. You may be someone who enjoys the simple things like feeling the suns rays on your back or walking barefoot on the grass. Whatever it may be, find a moment in your day to stop and take it all in.

Wondering what you need to pack in your hospital bag? Here are the essentials you will need so there's no last-minute rush to fill a suitcase between contractions. Depending on what type of person you are; super-organized or, a leave-it-till-the-last-minute type. Whichever one, it is a good idea to pack your hospital bag by around 37-38 weeks. As your fantastic friends at Baby Made, we have put together the must-haves to take to hospital so you can just print it or save to your phone and tick off the checklist be ready to go! We recommend packing 3 separate bags: 1 small bag with a change of clothes for the labour; a medium bag with the baby’s essentials; and a larger bag for everything else you will need. You’ve got this! BM Hospital Checklist

Christmas 2020 is here! Even with the lockdown in place in Melbourne for most of the year, I can’t believe there is only 4 more weeks for Santa’s big arrival. I don’t know about you but this year Christmas looks and feels different. Time is a big factor, catching up with everything and everyone not to mention getting the Christmas list organised.Here at Baby Made we’ve made things a bit easier for you. We have some great gift ideas that will go a long way. You can choose the Deluxe Christmas gift pack which includes an 8x12’ wooden frame, one wipe and 2 sheets of treated paper. It also has a 6x4’ window to place your favourite photo next to the print. In this pack you also receive a ‘My First Christmas 2020’ white porcelain star ornament which measures 3 inches from point to point and a gold thread. https://www.babymade.com.au/collections/allThe other pack is the Christmas gift pack which includes a 5x7’ wooden frame with one wipe and 3 sheets of treated paper and a ‘My First Christmas 2020’ white porcelain star ornament measuring 3 inches from point to point and a gold thread ready for hanging. https://www.babymade.com.au/collections/baby-gift-packs/These gift packs are an adorable gift and keepsake to celebrate your baby’s first Christmas.Also, you can’t go past the original and ever so popular, Inkless Print Kit. This kit contains 4 treated papers, 1 wipe and an order form to choose from the range of products where you can personalise your gift with your baby’s print and if you like add a personal message. See your prints displayed on mugs, stubby holders, key rings and mouse pads. Make gift giving to your loved ones easy with our free gift wrapping service. https://www.babymade.com.au/products/inkless-baby-footprint-handprint-kitDon’t forget to get your prints in to us by the 14th of December to receive your gifts in time for Christmas.

As we turn the last pages of 2021 we look back on what a year it was. Again, we were faced with personal challenges- mentally, financially and emotionally. So much has happened and continues to happen in the world and in our lives. There are days when it feels like a big test, deciding what is the right answer? However, this isn’t the type of test you take hoping for a high score. Instead, you hope for a brighter future, for your kids and their kids. To me that’s what it’s all about. What we do today impacts them. Hope has been huge for me this year. There are days when I’m holding onto every little inch of it to get me through. But as hard as it can be I try with all my might not to lose hope. I hope for better days, better months and better years ahead. Sometimes, there may be things to test us but what we learn from these tests is what will get us through. ‘In school you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.’ - Tom Bodett

Halloween first originated 2000 years ago in Ireland from an ancient Celtic festival. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Later it was the Irish immigrants heading to the United States that helped make Halloween what it is today. In the late 1800’s it became more of a holiday celebration where community and neighbours get together, carve pumpkins, trick or treat and dress up in colourful and scary costumes. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween. Here in Australia the day/night is growing although there are still some Aussies who think, ‘it’s an American thing’. This year Halloween will look very different because of Covid. Here in Melbourne the government has outlined the do’s & dont’s. You can have a Halloween scavenger hunt which includes going for a walk and spotting anything Halloween themed from house to house from a distance of course. If you want to dress up in costume you must still wear a mask as a costume mask is deemed as not suitable. Also, no trick or treating or knocking on house doors for lollies. Instead, you can leave individual lolly bags at the front of the house for kids to take.