Yeah yeah – we know all our hippy-dippy inner-city dwelling friends are going to turn their noses up at our blatant idolisation of a Big Chain Supermarket. We agree that Big Chain Supermarkets are killing the little independent bakeries and grocers. But not since Shoey’s stopped letting customers write prices (and obscene drawings) on products with permanent markers has shopping been this much fun.

It’s the You’ll Love Coles packaging that has us so enamoured with Coles and Bi-Lo at the moment. (Plus the fact that our local Bi-Lo is always empty and you don’t have to queue so who cares if the apples are hard and they never have that one brand of cheese that I love).
The You’ll Love Coles brand has those wonderful product endorsements on the packaging from increasingly random people. We would like to know where they found these people? And more importantly – why?

OK – so some of them are fairly obvious. Joyce the “lawn bowler” who endorses the Assorted Cream biscuits for example. We’re with Joyce – there’s nothing so refreshing after a hard day at bowls with the White Leghorns than a cuppa tea and some shortbread creams. And the “qualified chef” on the passionfruit pulp – well, if he likes it, who are we to argue? He has the qualifications after all.

But then there are the more obscure endorsements – like Fiona of the “soft hands” waxing lyrical about liquid soap. Were her hands already soft before use? Surely it would be better if she were “Fiona, raging dermatitis sufferer”. And the corn kernels’ Felicity, who is “always prepared”. Take that Boy Scouts and MacGyver. Pocket knives and string? Pshaw! Felicity just needs corn to get her through life’s little emergencies. We’ve taken to packing a small can of extra juicy sweetcorn in our first aid kits, just to be safe.

But our all-time favourites are the guys on the chocolate wrappers. Why don’t they just come out and say “Stoners with the Munchies will love these chocolates”? Marcus (“worships the mighty”), on the Caramel Mighty packaging looks fairly well on the way to la-la land, and Alan (“bass player”) on the Nutty Nougat Caramels is so out of it he thinks the chockies are “surprisingly nutty” despite it saying so right there in big letters next to his head.

We can’t wait for this marketing idea to branch out to electrical appliances and other household items. The first store to come up with washing machines endorsed by a rugby team (““It gets out mud and blood and beer stains!”, the Wallambumba BushPigs, filthy”) will be guaranteed our shopping loyalty.

Meredith & Susan, mothers, easily amused.

Between us we cover both ends of the sporting spectrum. Meredith will watch anything as long as it is either exciting or features men in lycra.  Susan will switch on for a major race, but probably only to discover why Meredith is screaming “GO YOU GOOD THING!” into the telephone.

Here are some more questions raised by our Olympic watching thus far:

• Why are the Australian women’s gymnastics uniforms always so hideous? Green glomesh? Really?
• If the women beach volleyball players wear bikinis, why can’t the men  wear their budgie smugglers? Or at least tight trunks?
• Meredith’s husband watches every sport, except synchronised swimming and equestrian. We understand the former, but what does he have against horses?
• Why is synchronised swimming?
• Why didn’t Jessicah Schipper punch out the commentator who said “well, you still have room for improvement” when interviewing her after her bronze-winning swim?
• Why does Simon the news guy from Channel 7 commentate the gymnastics?
• When will Tamsyn Lewis learn to just not talk?
• Why was TomSelleck (Meredith’s cat) so entranced by the gymnasts on the rings but not on the pommel horse? Is he too somehow anti-horse?
• Why didn’t they use a dragon to light the Olympic flame? A real dragon!
• What’s with all the Home and Away ads? Lost in the jungle and shipwrecked on a deserted island? Is Stefano DeMira from Days of Our Lives now living at Summer Bay?

And the final question:

• When are we going to get some sleep?

We were talking about clothes the other day. The re-emergence of 80s fashion specifically. We admit we’re a little obsessed by the topic. You see, it frightens us. It’s like 1990 to 2002 never happened, which we find more than a little disturbing considering those years were our formative early-adulthood years. The years when we were able to turn our backs on the stupid stuff we did as teenagers, and began to define ourselves as the people we were to become.

S: You’ve been reading self-help books again, haven’t you?
M: You won’t be laughing in 30 days when I have Realised my Essence and Rediscovered my Inner Me.
S: I can hardly wait.

But as we were saying, 80s fashion is back. Not too surprising, because it wasn’t that long ago that 70s fashion was back, and before that 60s fashion. The retro-cycle just keeps on turning. But what clothing items should you invest in to make sure you’re covered if you miss a rotation? Clothing that doesn’t exist solely for fashion or utility. Clothing that attracts neither praise nor judgment. Clothing that just is.

We came up with three things.

1. Blundstone Boots – Whether labouring or out on the town, man or woman – they work. RM Williams or western boots may be fine west of the Great Dividing Range, but will get you funny looks in the cities. Blunnies, however? Practical, non-descript, timeless.

2. Men’s Pyjamas – Plain coloured, long-legged, long-sleeved PJs only are to be considered. Again – unisex. Again – timeless. Nighties are too froufrou – especially if you’re a bloke. Skimpy lace teddies aren’t so much fashion as passion. In a pair of utilitarian pyjamas you can answer the door at midday on a Sunday and not feel like a fool.

3. The Duffle Coat – Armani screams “classy”. Burberry screams “US actor trying to look like a native Londoner”. Parkas scream “Run the other way it’s a sporty person who will try to make you go outside and be active” – OK – maybe that’s just us. The sensible duffle coat doesn’t scream. It just speaks to you in a matter of fact voice about there being a nip in the air, and perhaps you should put on something warm, and not to forget your hanky and do you have enough money for the bus?

We considered good old blue jeans, but they come in different cuts that go in and out of style. Suits get single and double-breasts and do weird things with lapels and something called a “placket” which we only mention because it’s a silly word and it makes us laugh.  So that’s it – three things that you can happily purchase knowing that they won’t make you look like a complete goose. Unless of course you wear all three at once.

What’s a mum to do when her kids have great creative potential and she can’t even draw a straight line using a ruler? Well, besides having a cupboard full of craft materials for the kids to amuse themselves with, sometimes it’s necessary to call in reinforcements.

Lisa Little runs art classes with a particular focus on infants and primary aged children. She gives the kids opportunities to experience all sorts of messy creative projects that would send even the most relaxed mother running for the drop sheets and stain remover. Plaster masks, painting, collage, ceramics, sculpture and drawing are all offered in a very relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Class sizes are kept reasonably small so that the kids still get individual attention for their projects. Lessons are held in the afternoon after school and if the laughter coming from the art studio is any indication, a great time is had by all involved – the kids and the teacher.

If you want to encourage your child’s creative streak or simply want to let your kids experience some great creative fun, Little Art Classes are a great place to start.

Lisa Little – Head Teacher Creative Arts
Ph: 0407 019686, 4952 3424

With a few hours without the kids or husbands in tow, we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at Martines’. If you haven’t been in for a while, you might want to do yourself a favour and call in to check out all the wonderful take-away gourmet treats like Crab & Camembert Quiche, Beef & Bacon Pie, Spicy Chicken and Bacon Casserole and Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni with herb sauce.

If, like us, you’d prefer to dine in, there is a dining area where you can enjoy your meal in comfort. We had a relaxing late lunch and enjoyed the quick, friendly service as well as the delicious food. We grabbed a take-away menu while we were there to help out with the catering at our next family gathering.

Don’t forget that Martines’ has a great range of gourmet sandwiches, rolls and wraps for lunch as well as Peaberry’s coffee and a range of gourmet side-dishes, snacks and treats.

Martines’
28 Alma Road, New Lambton
Ph: 4957 1690
Open 7 Days

Looking for a small ‘Thank You’ gift for a friend recently, the Flower Barn at Stockland Jesmond caught my eye. There was a great range of quick pick bunches to choose from and some lovely rose arrangements that had me making mental notes to hassle my husband for some flowers in the near future.

The service was very friendly and I was able to get some advice on what flowers would and wouldn’t be suitable to give a friend with allergies. I also picked up some small bunches of bright pink sweet-peas for my daughter and some of her friends (who were quite impressed at the beautiful perfume).

“Say it with Flowers” might be a marketing ploy used by florists everywhere, but it really can brighten someone’s day to receive a bright bunch of flowers. Either pick some up next time you are passing through Jesmond or call to arrange a delivery.

Stockland Mall, Bluegum Rd, Jesmond
Ph/Fax: 4951 2270

We recently had a relaxing brunch at All Bar One in the Hunter St Mall (diagonally opposite from DJs). It was a chilly day, so we declined the open air tables to sit inside the restaurant. The table service was fantastic, the menu was varied and the food delicious.

Meredith, a cooked breakfast connoisseur from way back, enjoyed the Bushman’s Brekkie with steak, bacon, emu sausage and wattleseed scrambled egg. Susan went somewhat more traditional with a stack of pancakes served with maple syrup, ricotta and raspberry compote.

The breakfast menu is available all day and there is a nice balance of traditional meals and selections for those who prefer something a bit different. Many meals are available with a gluten-free or vegan option. Susan, one of those social misfits who can’t drink coffee, was particularly grateful for the range of hot chocolate flavours available. She enjoyed the orange hot chocolate and already has plans to return to try the coconut hot chocolate and mint hot chocolate in the future.

If you are enjoying a day in the inner city and are looking for somewhere to get a coffee and snack, a light meal or even something more filling, All Bar One has you covered.

All Bar One
188 Hunter St Mall, Newcastle
Ph: 4929 7333

We love a bargain. Our favourite bargain is when someone sends us something for free (hint, hint!). Failing that, we love to find something that we like at a really good price.

Julie’s Fashion on the Move is a run from home business with clothes from size 8 – 24 and accessories to suit all tastes. New items arrive fortnightly.

Julie is so friendly and fun to talk with you’ll need to leave time to have a cup of coffee and a chat. She has a great eye for fashion and can help you pick something that will really suit you and your budget, which is particularly useful if you are a bit of a fashion tragic like Susan.

Julie’s Fashion on the Move is open Thursdays from 9am – 5pm and at other times for special bargain shopping days. For further details give Julie a call.

Julie’s Fashion on the Move

52 Violetown Road, Tingira Heights
Ph: 02 4948 8616 or 0400 500442

Have trouble with chocolate going straight to your hips? Looking for a fun way to get some exercise? Got kicked out of the aerobics class for lack of co-ordination? Maybe you should try some bellydancing!

Zurina Ali runs the Bellydance School out of Bel Air Primary School, Adamstown Heights two nights a week, and it is quite possibly the most fun you can have with your clothes on. A former ballerina, Zurina has trained extensively in Egypt and her enthusiasm and passion for this style of dance is infectious.

Beginner classes start with the very basics, so lack of dance experience is no excuse and honestly, if the rhythmically challenged Meredith can pick it up, anyone can! In addition to learning the steps and choreography, you will also pick up a lot of information about the history of the different styles and the countries where they originated.

Not just an excellent teacher, Zurina’s performances are something to be seen. We’ll keep you posted in What’s On for her latest dates.

Class Times

Beginners (Level 1) – Monday 7pm – 8pm
Level 2 – Monday 6pm – 7pm
Level 3 – Tuesday 6pm – 7pm

Classes are run on a drop-in basis at only $10 per lesson so come along and perfect your tummy rolls!

www.thebellydanceschool.com
02 49501118
0412 723 735

We love food. We don’t limit our enjoyment to just Chocolate either. We love that other food group too, Not Chocolate.

To help us out when we are in a Not Chocolate kind of mood and because the health experts advise that Not Chocolate is good for kids too, we like to keep our fridge and pantry stocked with fresh fruit and vegies. Unfortunately, these can be a bit hard to come by at the local supermarket these days.

Our solution has been to buy our fruit and vegetables from the local grocer’s market. No, we don’t get up at the crack of dawn to head out and get ourselves a F&V bargain. Instead, we ask the wonderful Shaun and his team at Fresh as Fresh to pick up what we need and deliver it straight to our door.

Not only do they offer a great range of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, but thanks to an association with Darby Street Quality Meat and Bakers Delight, you can also order meat and bread products.

What more could we ask for? Chocolate! we hear you shout. No problem, when you order online through the Fresh as Fresh website you can also choose from a selection of honey, juice, nuts, muesli bars, yoghurt, eggs AND they even have rocky road chocolate.

Fresh as Fresh delivers 6 days a week to suburbs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Cut off times for orders are available on the website and credit card and direct deposit payment options are available.

www.freshasfresh.com
Ph: 4927 6746