Anita Lincolne-Lomax with baby Grace

A special hug or kiss (or both) from their children is what makes Australian mums happy.

A survey1 of mothers over the Mother’s Day weekend by wholesale product gateway Babes in Arms revealed mums have simple wishes when it comes to what puts a smile on their faces.

Full results

A hug/kiss from their child/ren 21%

Having my family with me 18%

Waking up to my child/ren smiling at me 17%

All of the above 11%

Sleeping in 11%

A hug/kiss from their partner 7%

A meal together as a family 5%

Cheerful, unsolicited practical help 3%

Shopping 2%

Time to read a book 2%

A girl’s night out 1%

Breakfast in bed 1%

Freshly picked flowers 1%

The specialist national distributor of baby carriers and slings and babywearing expert, Babes in Arms, ran the survey over the weekend to see what made mums tick, director and reigning AusMumpreneur of the Year2 Anita Lincolne-Lomax said.

“When you’re a busy mum running a business, an office or a home, there is nothing like a hug and kiss from your child to put everything into perspective,” the mother-of-four said.

“The top responses to our Mother’s Day survey show Aussie mums like nothing better than special time with their families. This doesn’t surprise me at all because babywearing helps to form a strong relationship between parent and child.

“Being present for my four children means I work on Babes in Arms over a combination of days and late at night. Our family time is precious, which is why I created a business to work around that time,” Anita added.

In Australia’s pram-dominated culture, Babes in Arms has successfully raised awareness about the ancient wisdom and benefits of babywearing that promotes a peaceful start to life for new parents and their babies.

Babes in Arms sources the best baby slings and carriers from around the globe to build an select babywearing range that promotes a baby’s natural desire for closeness, but solves a parent’s need to be hands-free.

As an industry expert, Babes in Arms is both a national product gateway and an educational resource for parents, retailers and health professionals alike.

For more information on Babes in Arms check out the website at www.babesinarms.com.au or call 1300 725 276.

1. Survey was conducted via Babes in Arms’ Facebook page and results are compiled from 89 respondents on 11-13 May.

2. Anita was named Connect2Mums 2011 AusMumpreneur of the Year

Social for-profit enterprise Barefoot Power is rolling out a wide range of solar power products at speed across Africa, brightening up the lives of those with limited or no access to grid power. Products range from single desk lamps to complete kits for use by community homes, clinics and schools. With good links to microfinance organisations, Barefoot has sold more than 300,000 lanterns and lighting kits to the rural poor in Kenya, Uganda and elsewhere.

Founder Director of Ashden Sarah Butler-Sloss said: “In this International Year of Sustainable Energy For All, Barefoot offers a powerful example of the huge potential for businesses to bring sustainable energy to the poor. For children doing their homework and parents carrying out household chores, the benefits of being able to extend their day in a way that also avoids the polluting and dangerous effects of kerosene are immeasurable.”

The Ashden Awards were founded in 2001 to encourage the greater use of sustainable energy to address climate change and alleviate poverty. Since then award winners have improved the lives of 33 million people worldwide, saving over 4 million tonnes of CO2 every year.

Some 1.4 billion people around the world lack access to modern energy, while 3 billion rely on ‘traditional biomass’ and coal as their main fuel sources.

The specialist national distributor of baby carriers and slings and babywearing expert, Babes in Arms, is a finalist in two categories – Entrepreneurship and Specialised Small Business – in the awards, which are the largest small business awards program in Australia.

The Small Business Champion Entrepreneur category is the major award and Babes in Arms will be competing against 30 other finalists from around the country.

Babes in Arms is a wholesale product gateway for retailers and will join small business owners from around the country at the Small Business Champion Awards presentation night at The Westin Hotel in Sydney on 21 April.

Thrilled at the chance to be recognised again at a national level as a leading entrepreneur and industry expert, mother-of-four Anita said it was vital that the work of small businesses was recognised.

“Small businesses really do perform an important role in their local communities and also nationally. Babes in Arms employs local staff and our business is growing through strong customer service, developing active communities through social media and our annual babywearing celebration, The Australian and New Zealand Babywearing Week. We are also committed to connecting with our customers in person as often as possible through babywearing workshops and our product ambassadors attending retailer’s VIP nights,” Anita said.

“Being named a finalist in two categories in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards has added to a whirlwind year for Babes in Arms where I was named the 2011 AusMumpreneur of the Year by the Connect2Mums community and was listed by Shoestring Launch Magazine as a mumpreneur to watch in 2012.

“Our national team has worked very hard to build Babes in Arms to the point it is at right now, and we have big plans for the business in the future,” the babywearing advocate added.

In Australia’s pram-dominated culture, Babes in Arms has successfully raised awareness about the ancient wisdom and benefits of babywearing that promotes a peaceful start to life for new parents and their babies.

Babes in Arms sources the best baby slings and carriers from around the globe to build an select babywearing range that promotes a baby’s natural desire for closeness, but solves a parent’s need to be hands-free.

As an industry expert, Babes in Arms is both a national product gateway and an educational resource for parents, retailers and health professionals alike.

For more information on Babes in Arms check out the website at www.babesinarms.com.au or call 1300 725 276.

Epilepsy Tasmania is encouraging people to better understand the condition and to show their support for friends and colleagues living with epilepsy by supporting Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness on 26 March. Other events will also be held throughout the state during March.

A media opportunity has been organised where you can photograph or film Eleanor and her classmates at Launceston Grammar School, 10 Lyttleton St, East Launceston, on Monday, 19 March at 10.30am.

Epilepsy is a diverse family of disorders comprising many seizure types. Eleanor experiences absence seizures, Epilepsy Tasmania chief executive office Tony Chapman explained.

“Absence seizures are abrupt and result in a sudden impairment of consciousness and interruption of ongoing activities, and the person is usually unresponsive when spoken to,” Mr Chapman said.

“People with absence seizures, like Elle, might exhibit a blank stare and, possibly, a brief upward rotation of the eyes, jerking movements or collapsing. An attack lasts from a few seconds to half a minute and stops as rapidly as it commenced,” he added.

Absence seizures can occur a few times a day or, in some cases, hundreds of times a day, to the point that the person cannot concentrate at school or in other situations requiring sustained attention.

Epilepsy Tasmania would like to launch a new support group in Launceston in April for parents of children with epilepsy. If you would like to be involved please contact Epilepsy Tasmania to register your interest.

The organisation is also now an official partner of The Tea Room, an international online chat group for teenagers with epilepsy. Those interested in the Tea Room should contact Epilepsy Tasmania to gain access.

Epilepsy is a common condition with up to 400,000 Australians living with epilepsy, yet data from Epilepsy Australia and Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria national epilepsy longitudinal study has found that people often face prejudice from the community and employers. Purple Month aims to dispel some of these prejudices and educate the community about epilepsy.

Luke Quinlivan

Australian water polo goalkeeper, Luke Quinlivan, is competing against epilepsy discrimination in a TV advert that launches today as part of Epilepsy Australia’s national awareness month.

In the Community Service Announcement (CSA) Quinlivan promises to do his best in his pursuit of representing Australia in the 2012 Olympic Games, and asks Australians to do their best by not discriminating against people with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a common condition with 224,000 Australians diagnosed, yet data from Epilepsy Australia and Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria national epilepsy longitudinal study has found that people often face prejudice from the community and employers. Luke was diagnosed with epilepsy 12 years ago, but through effective management strategies the condition has not stopped him becoming an elite athlete and one of the highest rated goalkeepers in world water polo. In the CSA Quinlivan explains “Even today people with epilepsy face incredible discrimination, but this prejudice is just another obstacle we can overcome”.

Filmed at the Western Australian Institute of Sport in Perth, Luke is seen going through the rigorous training regime that The Sharks squad follows every day. He reminds us that for people living with epilepsy “We’re just as capable as anyone else and often we have to be stronger”.

Tony Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of Epilepsy Tasmania says the campaign is seeking to draw attention to the realities of the condition not the myths: “Misconceptions about epilepsy can often deny people the opportunities that others take for granted. In many cases it is the prejudice not the disorder that hold people back. Luke is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through effective management as well as a supportive network of friends and colleagues. He is a real inspiration for people living with epilepsy”.

Throughout March Epilepsy Tasmania is encouraging people to better understand the condition and to show their support for friends and colleagues living with epilepsy by supporting Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness, 26 March.

For a sneak preview of the ads: http://www.youtube.com/user/EpilepsyTVAustralia?feature=watch

The story of Luke Quinlivan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLYMs3gV6r0

What is epilepsy?

Our brain is made up of millions of cells called neurones. Messages in the form of tiny electric signals are sent along these neurones, telling our bodies what to do and feel, and how to act. A seizure occurs when these signals are interrupted. The messages being sent can get mixed up, and for a brief period of time, a person may not be able to control what they do.

The good news is that, like many other conditions, epilepsy can usually be managed with medication. Statistics tell us that eight out of ten people with epilepsy will stop having seizures once they are on medication.

Anyone at any age, level of intelligence or nationality can have epilepsy. It is estimated that 3 – 5% of Australians will have epilepsy at some time during their lifetime. Epilepsy is the world’s most common disorder of the brain, but remains a poorly understood condition. Few people can tell you exactly what epilepsy is and most are often unaware that seizures can take many forms and need not involve convulsions or ‘fits’. While seizures can be frightening, in most instances they stop without intervention. Once a seizure is over the person gradually regains control and re-orients themselves to their surroundings, generally without any ill-effects.

Famous people who have had epilepsy include Lewis Carroll, Julius Caesar, Hugo Weaving, Wally Lewis and Kerry Armstrong, Alexander the Great, Vincent Van Gogh, Danny Glover, and Henry Winkler.

QUICK FACTS

- Approximately one in 120 people have epilepsy.

- Anyone can be affected by seizures at any age, but epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in infancy, childhood, adolescence and old age.

- Up to 5% of the world’s population may have a seizure at some time in their lives. Epilepsy is diagnosed when the seizures are unprovoked and recurrent – in other words they happen more than once.

- It is estimated that around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy at any one time. Incidence in developing countries is almost double that of developed countries.

- Epilepsy is more than three times as common as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.

- Up to 70% of people gain full seizure control with treatment but in developing countries, over 80% of people with epilepsy may not receive the treatment they need.

- A small percentage of people may be eligible for surgery.

- Approximately 70% of people who have epilepsy surgery become seizure free.

- Up to 15% of people referred to an epilepsy specialist centre do not actually have epilepsy and have been previously misdiagnosed.

- Epilepsy is a condition of the brain, not a mental illness.

- People with epilepsy can obtain a driver’s license if their seizures are controlled by medication or if they fulfill the guidelines set out by the driving authorities.

- It is commonly thought that epilepsy always involves convulsions or “grand mal” seizures. In fact there are around 40 different types of seizures.

- Many people outgrow or have a long term remission from seizures. Epilepsy is not necessarily a lifelong disorder.

- Epilepsy can have profound social, physical and psychological consequences.

- People with epilepsy can face social stigma and exclusion. A fundamental part of reducing this stigma is to raise public and professional awareness.

More information on Epilepsy: http://www.epilepsytasmania.org.au/epilepsy_information_library

Popularised by sexy socialite, Kim Kardashian, the Smoky Eye look (also known as ‘Sexy Smoky Eye’) is a sophisticated, seductive eye makeup technique.

To date, however, it’s been difficult to achieve the Smoky Eye look without the aid of very expensive cosmetics or a trained professional makeup artist. SmokyEye.com looks set to change all that.

Developed by Australian mum, Danielle Parés, SmokyEye.com offers a high-definition video tutorial demonstrating how to achieve the Smoky Eye look. The tutorial consists of six short, easy to follow videos — one for each step in the process.

“It really doesn’t take that long to achieve this amazing look,” said Parés. “Each video is about a minute long, because that’s how long each step actually takes!”

Importantly, SmokyEye.com doesn’t require over-priced cosmetics from the cosmetic giants or an expert makeup artist. According to Parés, the Smoky Eye look can be achieved by anyone. “All you need is my video and my affordable all-in-one cosmetic pack,” she said. “The Smoky Eye Collection is a ‘must have’ in affordable luxury, it contains gorgeous shimmery colors for day and night, transforming the girl next door into a stylish glamour!”

Parés said she is so confident in the effectiveness of the all-in-one Smoky Eye kit that she actually guarantees it will work. “If you’re not completely satisfied with the pack, we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked.”

Key features:

• 6-part HD video tutorial for the night-time Smoky Eye look

• Developed by Australian mom, Danielle Parés

• Approx 6 minutes to complete

• No professional make-up artist required

• High quality and affordable all-in-one Smoky Eye cosmetic pack available

Keep in touch with Smoky Eye for future updates & promotions by joining her mailing list on www.smokyeye.com or via Twitter @smokyeyecom and Facebook www.facebook.com/smokyeyecom.

More than 150 guests, including Tourism and Hospitality minister Scott Bacon, Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten and Tourism Tasmania CEO Tony Mayell, have been invited to join founder Josef Chromy, managing director Dean Cocker and Ms Giddings at the opening.

Guests arrive from 5.30pm for a 6pm start at Josef Chromy Vineyard, 370 Relbia Rd, Relbia. The formal part of the evening concludes at 7pm, however guests are welcome to stay longer.

The contemporary extension was built at the rear of the existing 1880s homestead on the Relbia property to house the new Function Centre, which was designed by Birrelli Architects in Launceston, Mr Cocker explained.

“While it is a modern addition to the Josef Chromy Cellar Door and Café, the Function Centre is not visible when approaching from the front garden, so that visitors still experience the ‘old world charm’ of the homestead when walking in past the 100-year-old oak trees in the picnic grounds,” Mr Cocker said.

The renovated Cellar Door and Cafe features a modern tasting bar and cafe area and a 3m polished concrete passage leads past an open kitchen into the new Restaurant and Function Centre.

In addition to existing facilities, the complex on the 120-hectare property provides the following new facilities:

• Barrel room and micro winery where short winemaking courses will be held

• Space for larger functions both inside and out, with extensive decks on three sides

• Movable glass walls and break out rooms to accommodate smaller functions, conferences and seminars

• Dance floor and elevated stage

• Two grass amphitheatres – one for 800 people located off the back of the new Function Centre and the existing amphitheatre for 6,000 people where A Day on the Green concerts are held.

“Our new Function Centre will provide a unique venue for weddings, functions, conferences and events, overlooking the lake and vineyard,” Mr Cocker added.

A name synonymous with Tasmanian wine and food, Josef Chromy came to Australia after fleeing Czechoslovakia in 1950 following WWII.

Working two jobs in his new-found home in north-western Tasmania to fund his own meat business, the 20-year-old master butcher initially struggled in business due to a lack of capital and his limited English. His determination saw him succeed however with Blue Ribbon Meat Products before selling that business and establishing The JAC Group, which enabled him to enter the wine and property industries.

Josef Chromy has owned and developed some of Tasmania’s leading wineries including Rochecombe (now Bay of Fires), Jansz, Heemskerk, Tamar Ridge and Josef Chromy Wines, which opened in 2006. In the five years since it was established, Josef Chromy Wines has won 15 trophies, 25 gold medals and more than180 medals in total.

The Cellar Door and Cafe has been named in the ‘Top 10 Cellar Doors of Australia’ by Wine Business Magazine and ‘Most Outstanding Visitor Experience’ in 2010 by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Josef Chromy Wines, please visit www.josefchromy.com.au

The conference is an opportunity to leave your online persona behind to network, learn and share at The Sebel Albert Park Melbourne on Friday, 30 March.

With a jam-packed schedule featuring panel sessions, keynote speakers including ProBlogger Darren Rowse, Valerie Khoo from Sydney Writers’ Centre and Nicole Avery from Blog Coaching Boost, workshops, networking opportunities as well as a trade expo, this conference is one bloggers will not want to miss.

Numerous digital businesses have joined the conference as sponsors, knowing the value of connecting and engaging with Australia’s blogging community. The current sponsors are Kleenex Mums, Disney, Ogilvy 360, Genea Australia and Hardie Grant Egmont.

Kleenex Mums, the platinum sponsor, encourages a sharing environment for parents to help better control family chaos and day-to-day organisation with recipes, photos, tips and kid’s health information. To find out more about Kleenex Mums network please visit www.kleenexmums.com.au

Conference Gold sponsor and exhibitor Disney was founded in 1923, and since then Disney has remained faithful to its commitment to produce unparalleled entertainment experiences based on the rich legacy of quality creative content and exceptional storytelling. Check out Disney’s Australian site at www.disney.com.au

Silver sponsor Hallmark has been a leader in helping people make emotional connections for more than 100 years. Parenthood is full of special everyday moments and Hallmark thinks it is important to pause, celebrate, encourage and share them – the ones that make you proud, make you laugh and even the ones that make you cry. Find out more at www.hallmarkcards.com.au

Ogilvy 360 is the coffee cart sponsor and is all about engaging bloggers as online influencers. Learn more at www.asiadigitalmap.com

Chill out room sponsor Genea is a world leader in fertility and provides information on fitness, nutrition, mental wellbeing, relaxation and acupuncture as a means to achieving a natural and healthy pregnancy. To gain an insight into Genea visit www.genea.com.au

Exhibitor Hardie Grant Egmont is Australia’s largest independent children’s publisher, priding itself on knowing and understanding kids. Capture your child’s imagination at www.hardiegrant.com.au/egmont

World Vision Australia is also a conference exhibitor. As Australia’s largest charitable group, World Vision helps more than 20 million people every year with relief in emergency situations and long-term community development projects thanks to the support of more than 400,000 Australians. Find out more about this work at www.worldvision.com.au

Conference organiser and Digital Parents founder Brenda Gaddi said she was overwhelmed more than 80 per cent of tickets had already been purchased, and warned those waiting to get in quickly as the 2011 event sold out.

Tickets are available for PR/Brand/Company delegates for $209. Accommodation can be booked with the Sebel Albert Park separately.

For more information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the conference, email enquiries to sponsorship@digitalparentsconference.com.au.

Barefoot Power CEO Rick Hooper was presented with this prestigious award by Princess Takamada of Japan.

Mr Hooper said it was an honour for Barefoot Power’s work to be recognised by the Katerva Award panel amongst nominees of high calibre. Energy & Power category runners up were Innowattech, Nanosolar, OPX BIO and Sun Catalytix.

“Billions of dollars are spent around the world each year on kerosene, which is not only damaging to the atmosphere and the environment, but is also harmful for people to breathe. Our solar energy solution provides an alternative to kerosene that is more affordable, safer and reduces carbon emissions,” Mr Hooper said.

“Recognition from organisations such as the Katerva Awards helps Barefoot Power reach its goal of impacting 5 million people by 2013. Individuals, families and communities have access to energy which will improve their lives,” he added.

The Katerva Awards are given annually to sustainability ideas in 10 categories. A network of spotters, researchers, panels, experts and thought leaders whittle down the world’s best sustainability initiatives, looking at practical, strategic, scientific, social and commercial aspects for each nominee.

Katerva Award nominees are based on the principles of Katerva, who seek out “game changers and industry breakers” like Barefoot Power, who are improving the world through ideas that prove efficient in impacting lifestyle, consumption and action in innovative ways.

Barefoot Power won the Australian Sustainability Award for Sustainable Small Company of the Year in November and was one of only two Australian companies to be featured in the 2011 Global Cleantech 100.

Barefoot Power’s PowaPack Jr Matrix passed Lighting Africa Certification in 2011, joining the Firefly Mobile light and phone charging system and PowaPack 5W home lighting system. Barefoot Power was featured in Screw Business as Usual, the latest book from Richard Branson of Virgin Unite.

Barefoot Power is funded through a diverse group of investors and the European Union.

To find out more about Barefoot Power’s products, distribution models and financing opportunities visit www.barefootpower.com

Seed Organic Cradle

Creating a beautiful, contemporary and safe nursery for your baby can be pricey and confusing, but luxury baby equipment hire specialists Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire can help with the right choice.

Furnish your dream nursery with the very best – without having to invest enormous amounts of money; the best part about Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire’s service is that everything is hired so you’re not outlaying money on products you won’t need after a few months.

Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire has recently added to its exclusive luxury nursery range with the Stokke Collection, and is the only Sydney store to stock the brand, Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire customer service manager Danni Guerreiro said.

“Showing all the modern hallmarks of Scandinavian design, Stokke products are designed and constructed specifically to encourage each child’s individual development and strengthen the bonds between parents and children,” Danni explained.

Thrilled the business is able to offer such an exclusive product to their discerning customers, Danni said the luxury range from Stokke fitted with Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire’s existing brands seamlessly.

“Our motto is safe, clean and affordable. Stokke, with their contemporary design, modern approach and functional products, were the obvious choice when we looked to add to our exclusive range,” Danni added.

Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire customers can select from Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchairs, Stokke Sleepi and Stokke Bounce N Sleep that are functional as well as stylish.

The Stokke Sleepi Cot is the stand out product in this range, with its narrow oval shape design creating a comfortable and safe nest-like resting space for your baby.

Whether its furnishings, strollers or baby car seat hire, the luxurious range of high end products on offer at the Sydney business are sure to match the style and design of your home.

Rock-A-Bye Baby hire helps customers create their dream nursery, assists with hiring from its luxury range of contemporary nursery equipment and even has products for sale. And for those families travelling but not wanting to give up the comforts of home, try the Sydney Airport Concierge Service.

For more information about Rock-A-Bye-Baby Hire and its baby hire range, visit www.rockabyebabyhire.com.au or call (02) 9589 4942.