Bandusta Australia

Fish & Teddy Bear Recycle Crayons

2011-11-26T16:41:00.003+10:00

I've been meaning to try make Recycle Crayons since a friend did some crayon hearts in Feb for her daughter to give to her classmates :). With 2 weeks of school left before Summer Vacation, I thought these would make cute Xmas gifts for my kids' classmates :). More fun than Candy Cane :).

There is already lots of tuts on the Internet on how to do this so I won't go into too much details. However I should add that I set my oven at 200 degrees C :). I also had them in the oven until all the crayons melted (10-15 mins). Should be quick but I had some stubborn ones that took a while. I allowed them to cool on the bench then put them in the freezer for about 5-10 mins. They then popped out really easily :).

Here is the full set of crayons I did today with my whole stash of old crayons.

Here is the close up of the Fish Crayon

Here is the close up of the Teddy Bear Crayon :).

Thanks for stopping by :).

Jenn.

Home Made Yoghurt for the Kids

2011-07-18T17:37:00.013+10:00

About a year ago, my friend Kathleen suggested we try/use EasiYo to make our own Yoghurt. We were really keen to try and finally bought one :). Lol yes it has taken us a year to get one :P. We're really amazed how easy it was :). Here's a quick run down of the steps :).

You need the EasiYo containers :). Note: we took the lid off the big container for this pic :).

And a yoghurt powder mix. This is the yoghurt we're going to make for the kids to try :).

Step 1: We half filled the smaller container with cool water & poured in the yoghurt mix powder :). We stirred it until it was mixed.

Step 2: We filled the container to the top with cool water. Put the lid back on and gave it a good shake :).

Step 3: We poured hot water into the bigger container to the top of the internal baffle (coloured red - see first pic). Then placed the smaller container inside :). And put the lid back on :).

Step 4: We left it overnight (8-12 hours) on our kitchen bench until it was set :). Here's a pic before we placed it in the fridge (next morning).

Step 5: Enjoy! Yoghurt & strawberries for dessert :). DS preferred it with a little caramel sauce swirled in :).

Cheers,
Jenn

A Day at Roma Street Parkland

2011-07-06T20:18:00.007+10:00

One of our school holiday activities was to take the older two kids into the city & Roma Street Parkland for the School Holiday Fun (first week of school holidays). There were face painting, balloon animals, jumping castle and baby animals to pet :). We all had a great day :).

As for me, I couldn't resist taking some photos with my trusty Point & Shoot :).

Here's a pic of the kids & DH walking around Roma Street Parkland :). Sorry for the bad pic. I was playing with manual mode in the shade so it was way too bright when we suddenly went out in the sun.

Here's a pic of the fountain :). I took several but this was the best one :P.

And of course I couldn't resist taking pics of some flowers :).

BTW for more information about Roma Street Parkland, visit www.romastreetparkland.com/Pages/default.aspx.

A visit by the Black Swan :)

2011-06-27T17:08:00.006+10:00

The other day we took the girls to feed some ducks at the local dam and were surprised to see a black swan. Forgot my camera so we went back today and the black swan again came by for some food :). Remembered my camera this time so here are a few pics of the black swan :D.

The gorgeous black swan :).

A pic at the bank to see how close the black swan was to us :). The black swan was rather cranky at the ducks. This pic was taken just before the black swan snapped & scattered all the ducks.

Another pic of the black swan with a couple of ducks :).

My 4yo DD watching & saying goodbye to the ducks & swan :).

I could never resist pics of flowers so here are a few I took at the local dam :).

Thanks for stopping by to look at my pics :). Have a great day :).

Jenn.

They're here! My kids' Buttfreckles are here :).

2011-06-20T16:30:00.005+10:00

I discovered Buttfreckles not that long ago and knew I had to get some for my kids :). These are handmade by a lovely lady named Bridgette in Austin Texas USA.

My kids' Buttfreckles :)

Clockwise from top: 9yo DS's Buttfreckles in Brisbane Broncos colours, 4yo DD's Panicked Princess Buttfreckle & 2yo DD's Berries & Cream Buttfreckle :).

You can purchase these gorgeous Buttfreckles on B's website: www.buttfreckle.com. She has one upload a week and are always sold out real quick! She also makes CUTE OOAK Buttfreckles :). To follow her on Facebook her FB Buttfreckle page.

Think I need more for Christmas Stocking :).

Jenn XOXO

Knitting for Born to Knit

2011-06-03T13:07:00.008+10:00

During high school, I used to watch my mother knit or crochet blankets for charities. I've always wanted to contribute but have never found the time to actually finish a blanket. So when Save the Children Australia launched their "Born To knit" Campaign, I decided to challenge myself and actually knit a full blanket ... or maybe 2 :).

Born to Knit is Save the Children's campaign to knit 15,000 blankets to send to children in India, Cambodia & Laos. One knitted blanket will help a child stay warm and feel comfy and safe. Most importantly, this one blanket will help to ward against pneumonia, one of the biggest killers of children under five in the developing world. More info about the Born to Knit campaign can be found here.

The guidelines for knitting a blanket is:
* Use 4mm needles
* Use 8ply 100% pure wool
* A perfect-sized blanket is made up of 16 knitted squares
* Each square should be about 20cms x 20cms
* The final blanket size should be around 80cms x 80cms

Here are my 4mm knitting needles (I've fallen in love with using circular needles) & the 8ply 100% pure wool that I'm going to use :). I went for autumn colours :).

Wish me luck :). Will post my completed blanket & hopefully I have enough time to knit another before the campaign ends :).

Something Different and New for this Blog :).

2011-05-09T12:06:00.014+10:00

Since I started using FB in August 2010, the use of my Blog for latest news/updates seem a little pointless so I've decided to use this Blog to trial the many tutorials/patterns on the web & some miscellaneous stuff e.g. Giveaways, visits to places, etc :).

To start, I'm going to talk about my family's visit to Mt Coo-Tha Botanic Gardens. It is one of our fave places to visit.

We started out by walking through the Gardens stopping to look at the flowers ...

... some unusual leaves :) ...

... some water which my youngest loves looking at ...

... and some metal creatures :).

We came across a couple of the items for the Children's Trail - Hide & Seek :). You can find more info about the Hide & Seek here. The kids were exhausted by this stage so we didn't do the Hide & Seek. Next time :).

All 3 kids were treated to some Ice Cream at the Botanical Cafe :). YUM! Definitely a fun Sunday for the whole family :).

Jenn XOXO

Winner of my Bandusta 3rd Birthday Giveaway :)

2011-05-02T11:30:00.005+10:00

Sorry for the late announcement, today was gorgeously fine that we headed off to spend the morning at the Botanical Gardens :).

The winner of the Bandusta 3rd Birthday Giveaway according to Random.org is comment No. 8 i.e. Corinna W.

Congratulations Corinna :).

Thank you everyone who participated in my Giveaway :).

Jenn XOXO

Bandusta Australia's 3rd Birthday Giveaway

2011-03-30T11:36:00.012+10:00

Bandusta Australia is 3 years old today (1st April) and to celebrate I'm going to have a Bandusta Australia's 3rd Birthday Giveaway :).

The Giveaway prize will be:

One(1) x Ethereal Silver's latest Personalized Rectangle Pendants (below).

One(1) x standard length 1mm Bead (or Ball) Sterling Silver chain, &

One(1) x Nickel plated steel keyring.

To enter:

1: Be a fan of Bandusta Australia on Facebook
2: Come back here and comment under this post with your FB profile (your first name & first letter of your Surname is fine).

OR Please post on my Bandusta wall that you would like to enter the Giveaway and I will manually add you :).

Conditions:
* One entry per person only :).
* Open to Australia Residents only.
* Prize must be claimed within 3 days or I will redraw the winner.

This Giveaway will be opened for the month of April i.e. closes on 30th April 2011. The winner will be selected by Random.org & announced on the 2nd May 2011 :).

Good luck everyone :).

P.S. I just realised I have moderation mode on so if you don't see your comment, it just means I haven't approved it yet :).

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

2010-12-28T11:03:00.002+10:00

Merry Christmas everyone :). I thought I share one of my favourite recipes for Christmas baking i.e. Gingerbread Cookies Recipe :). This is not my own recipe but one I found in a Free Coles Supermarket magazine last year (2009). It is a fun and easy recipe to bake with your kids to give as gift to relatives and/or friends :). I love this recipe because it doesn't have the "cream sugar and butter" step :). I'm all for quick and easy recipes :).

Gingerbread Cookies

125grams butter
1/2 cup golden syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger (we always put 2 teaspoon)
2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1. Preheat oven to 180oC and line baking trays with baking paper.

2. Heat butter, golden syrup and sugar in a microwave proof bowl on High (100% Power) for 1 minute, until butter has melted. Stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Sift flour, cinnamon, ground ginger and bicarb soda into a bowl. Stir in butter mixture, egg and vanilla essence. Press together to form a dough. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 10 minutes.

4. Knead dough lightly on a floured surface. Roll dough to a 5mm thickness. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter. Place on prepared trays. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool on trays.

5. Decorate or eat plain :).

Enjoy :).

2010 Xmas Holidays

2010-12-03T14:24:00.000+10:00

Just letting you all know that we will be taking a well earned break over the holidays from 24/12/10 to 09/01/11. You can still purchase online during this period with shipping to recommence on 10/01/11. Thank you :).

Bandusta Australia's November Newsletter

2010-11-05T13:59:00.001+10:00

Bandusta Australia's November Newsletter can be viewed here :).

End of Pink Challenge this Sunday 31st Oct 2010

2010-10-29T08:58:00.002+10:00

Good morning everyone :). This Sunday will be the end of my Pink Challenge and I'll be tallying up how much I will be donating to Cancer Council QLD for Breast Cancer :). I want to thank everyone who has bought one of my Pink Challenge items :).

It is also time for a Newsletter and to pick the next winner from my Newsletter subscriber for a $10 Gift Certificate :).

And the winner of the September Ergo Giveaway is

2010-10-01T10:00:00.003+10:00

Kim R.

Congratulations Kim :). An email has been sent to your nominated email address :). Please get in touch with me with your delivery address so I can post you your prize :).

Thanks everyone for entering my September Giveaway :).

September Newsletter & Ergo Giveaway :)

2010-09-24T17:36:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

I've released a short September Newsletter and can be found here.

This is the last Newsletter sent to my old Newsletter subscriber list. If you would like to keep receiving my Newsletter, please re-subscribe here. Re-subscribing also entitles you to enter in my September Ergo Carrier Giveaway. Be quick as this Giveaway ends 30th September 2010 and winner is drawn on 1st October 2010.

Thank you :).

Pink Fundraiser for Cancer Council QLD (Pink Ribbon Day)

2010-09-14T12:22:00.000+10:00

This year alone around 12,000 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While survival rates have increased with recent breakthroughs, one in nine women still face a diagnosis by the age of 85 and will need our help and support. Your contribution can make a difference :).

Pink Ribbon Day is on Monday 25th October 2010. The selected pink merchandise is available on my website :). Please show your support for breast cancer by adding a pink merchandise to your order :). Pink merchandise is also available at www.pinkribbonday.com.au and at Pink Ribbon Day's national retail supporter outlets :).

I am also organising my own pink fundraiser to raise funds to support Cancer Council Queensland (Breast Cancer). My fundraiser starts right now and will end on Monday 25th October (Pink Ribbon Day). Please help me raise money to support this worth cause :). More Info here.

September Ergo Giveaway!

2010-08-31T15:14:00.004+10:00

For the 9th Cloth Nappy Hunt, I will be giving away a Brand New Ergo Baby Carrier (Camel colour) valued at $159 (RRP).

More Info Here ...

Gorgeous Handmade Ethereal Silver Jewellery!

2010-08-25T19:13:00.006+10:00

Ethereal Silver is handmade by a local designer (here in Brisbane) and is being sold by Bandusta Australia by consignment. Click here for more information or to see more pieces from Ethereal Silver range :). All Ethereal Silver pieces are 100% handmade unless otherwise specified. All pieces are beautifully hand crafted using solid sterling silver wires or sheets. No silver plated jewellery here!

Please support our local designer :). Here are a sample of her handmade pieces :).

Close up of my personalised pendant with the names of my 3 children :)

Top view of my personalised pendant with the names of my 3 children :)

Ethereal Silver Flower Helm Chain Maille Pendant

Ethereal Silver Poppy Magic Stud Earrings

Bandusta Australia August 2010 Newsletter

2010-08-25T10:32:00.003+10:00

Finally got around to finishing my August Newsletter and emailing it out to my subscribers :). Click here to view the online version :).

These newsletters will be coming out each season (4 times a year) and will promote an event or a product from Bandusta Australia product range. Newsletter specific discounts will be offered :).

If you would like to start receiving the newsletter, please visit My Accounts to subscribe. Please note that this requires signing up for an account. If you already have an account then it's a matter of changing your Newsletter option :).

9th Cloth Nappy Hunt Registration is now open

2010-08-15T07:42:00.002+10:00

Like the Professor says on Futurama. Good News Everybody!!! The registration is now open for the 9th Cloth Nappy Hunt :P.

Register to Hunt

Give it a go. I will certainly give it a casual go in searching other fellow sponsors' website for their icon :).

$10 off all Pocket Hug-a-bub & Ergo Baby Carriers

2010-08-13T17:23:00.003+10:00

From now until the end of the month, I'm offering $10 off all Pocket Hug-a-bub Carriers and Ergo Baby Carriers :).

It's almost time for the Cloth Nappy Hunt (see previous post here). Can't wait :). I'll even give it ago by hunting for some icons :). Give it a go as it looks like fun :).

Bandusta Mums ORGANIC Belly Bands are now here!

2010-08-12T16:14:00.008+10:00

Bandusta Mums ORGANIC Belly Bands are now available (RRP$14.95). Finally! Been busy with the kids and volunteering at my son's school.

The Bandusta Mums ORGANIC Belly Bands are available in 3 colours: Black, White & Natural.

Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wraps are now Restocked!

2010-08-05T18:45:00.004+10:00

Except for Classic Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wraps - Black (Medium), all other Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wraps are now restocked!

Please Note: The Vespa Classic Black Belly Wrap - Medium is estimated to be available again from 23rd August 2010. Watch this space :).

3 New ORGANIC Hug-a-bub Carrier Colours!

2010-08-05T18:36:00.002+10:00

Bandusta Australia is happy to announce that we now stock 3 new ORGANIC Hug-a-bub Carrier colours!

* Bancha Tea & Barley Pocket ORGANIC Hug-a-bub RRP $125
* Barley & Nougat Pocket ORGANIC Hug-a-bub RRP $125
* Green Tea & Barley Pocket ORGANIC Hug-a-bub RRP $125

The Bancha Tea & Barley Pocket ORGANIC Hug-a-bub is replacing the Original Mocha & Hazelnut Pocket Hug-a-bub which is being discontinued.

The Navy Pocketless Hug-a-bub is also being discontinued.

Please note: the Original Mocha & Hazelnut Pocket Hug-a-bub and the Navy Pocketless Hug-a-bub will be available only until stocks lasts.

September Cloth Nappy Hunt

2010-08-02T12:24:00.003+10:00

I'm sponsoring the September Cloth Nappy Hunt as an Icon Sponsor. For those who don't know much about it, the Cloth Nappy Hunt is an internet scavenger hunt.

By visiting web sites on the hunt during the month of September, you have an opportunity to explore a myriad of excellent natural family sites as you qualifiy for random prize drawings!

The concept behind the virtual scavenger hunt is to introduce consumers to the wonderful WAHMs that are "out there", and many new products!

The Cloth Nappy Hunt runs from September 1-30, 2010.

If you're interested, please visit Diaper Decisions to find out the rules and register to hunt.

Happy Hunting :).

Free sewing patterns for portable baby change pad/mat

2010-07-18T17:53:00.005+10:00

Don't want to buy an expensive baby portable change pad/mat but can't bring yourself to be seen with a cheap alternative? Why not make your own! Below are links to FREE great sewing patterns/tutorial for baby portable change pad/mat.

Homemade by Jill provides a great tutorial for making your own portable baby change pad/mat. The change pad/mat is easy-to-clean and practical as well as really cute.

Lil Blue Boo provides a PDF file for sewing your own round roll up portable baby change/mat using vinyl tablecloth.

Sewing Mamas provides a PDF file for sewing your own portable baby change pad/mat using a flannel fabric lined with rubber.

Sew Take A Hike provides a great tutorial for making your own portable baby change pad/mat. Shows lots of photos for the bias binding step.

Small Fry and Co provides an easy tutorial for making your own portable baby change pad/mat.

Free sewing patterns for baby burp cloths

2010-07-18T15:31:00.005+10:00

Wished you had a stylish baby burp cloth instead of a terry cloth nappy? Can't bring yourself to buying a baby burp cloth? Why not try making your own :). Below are some FREE links to some great sewing patterns &/or tutorials on how to make baby burp cloths.

* New Conception Sewing Patterns provides a great pattern/tutorial for making a baby burp cloth (PDF file).

* Steph Jacobson provides an easy to follow tutorial for making a baby burp cloth using strips of fabric scraps.

* Threads To Fabric provides a great easy to follow tutorial for making a baby burp cloth including some instructions for machine embroidery.

Free sewing patterns for baby bibs

2010-07-18T15:06:00.011+10:00

When your little one starts to teeth (& starting solids), you can never have enough baby bibs :). Why not try making your own. Below are some FREE links to some great sewing patterns &/or tutorials on how to make baby bibs.

* BlissTree provides a great tutorial for making a crew neck over-the-head baby bib.

* Going Sew Crazy provides a pattern for making cute little baby bibs.

* Mad Quilter provides a great pattern/tutorial for a bandana bib.

* Mad Quilter provides a great pattern/tutorial for a bandana DROOL bib although it looks similar to the bandana bib above.

* Make it & Love it provides a tutorial for making a sassy baby bib using cotton batting.

* Nested provides a pattern/tutorial for making an alternate shaped baby bib.

* New Conception Sewing Patterns provides patterns and tutorials for making 3 different types of bibs (PDF file).

* No time to be Bored provides a tutorial for a reversible vinyl pocket bib.

Bandusta Mums ORGANIC Belly Bands Coming Soon

2010-07-18T14:05:00.004+10:00

Bandusta Mums Belly Bands will soon be available in ORGANIC Cotton/Lycra but only in colours: Black, White and Natural.

I'm rather excited about these as I actually thought there wouldn't be any difference between normal Cotton and ORGANIC Cotton. Boy was I wrong! ORGANIC Cotton is super soft!

They will be available for purchase from August. Watch this space :).

Bandusta Mums BAMBOO Belly Bands are here!

2010-07-02T13:23:00.005+10:00

Bandusta Mums BAMBOO Belly Bands are now for sale. Please click here to check them out at Bandusta Australia.

They are priced at $10.95 each and available in 2 colours only i.e. Black and Natural.

Bandusta Mums BAMBOO Belly Bands - Black Colour

Bandusta Mums BAMBOO Belly Bands - Natural Colour

Free sewing patterns for breast or nursing pads

2010-06-20T14:12:00.011+10:00

First off the bat for Sewing Stuff is reusable or washable breast/nursing pads.

From experience, I suggest making waterproof breast/nursing pads or at least super absorbent ones. Below are some links to some great FREE sewing patterns &/or tutorials on how to make reusable or washable breast/nursing pads using old T-shirts or easy to get fabrics.

I also suggest making at least 20+ pairs of breast/nursing pads, if you're like me i.e. only do laundry about twice a week :P.

* A Stitch in Lime provides yet another absorbent method but using micro fleece.

* eHow has a quick and easy method to make breast/nursing pads from items you already have e.g. old T-shirts etc.

* Exploring Womanhood provides a method for making contoured breast/nursing pads.

* Little Lizard King provides an alternative way to make breast/nursing pads with cotton batting.

* Passionate Homemaking provides an alternative method using fleece making the breast/nursing pad quite absorbent!

Please Note:
Breast/nursing pads should be changed as soon as they become damp to lessen the risk of infection, thrush etc. This is usually after a feed from milk let down.

New to Bandusta Australia's Blog - Sewing Stuff

2010-06-20T14:08:00.011+10:00

I've been thinking about this for some time now and finally decided to go ahead with it. I will be adding a section called Sewing Stuff to this blog where I'll have links to free sewing patterns &/or free sewing tutorials that I think will be useful for Mums like me :).

I plan to keep Sewing Stuff updated with links to new or better sewing patterns &/or tutorials and ensuring all links still work!

Bandusta Mums BAMBOO Belly Bands Coming Soon

2010-06-08T20:41:00.006+10:00

Yes that's right, Bandusta Mums Belly Bands will soon be available in BAMBOO/Lycra but only in colours: Black and Natural.

They will be available for purchase from mid to late June. Watch this space :).

Vespa & the Ladybird Nude Coloured Belly Wraps are now Available!

2010-06-08T20:28:00.007+10:00

It has taken me a bit longer than I had planned but I have finally finished with the images for the Vespa & the Ladybird Nude coloured Belly Wraps. These Nude coloured Belly Wraps are now available for purchase at Bandusta Australia.

The Vespa & the Ladybird Nude coloured Belly Wraps are available in two (2) styles:

Classic Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wrap

Classic Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wrap

Plush Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wrap (BAMBOO)

Plush Vespa & the Ladybird Belly Wrap (BAMBOO)

Again these Vespa & the Ladybird Nude coloured Belly Wraps are available in sizes: Small, Medium & Large.

5 New Bandusta Mums Belly Band Colours!

2010-06-05T07:11:00.003+10:00

I have added five (5) new colours to the Bandusta Mums Belly Band colour range. The new colours are:

* Baby Blue
* Chocolate (Brown)
* Grey
* Hot Pink
* Sand

I have also removed Yellow/Gold from the colour range due to it's unpopularity. Should you still wish to purchase a Yellow/Gold Belly Band, please contact me directly at Contact Us.

To see all 12 colours, please visit Bandusta Mums Belly Band web page.

All Hugabub Wraps are now in Stock!

2010-06-02T14:35:00.005+10:00

I've just received my Hugabub Order so all my Hugabub Baby Wrap Carriers colours are now in stock!

Organic News:
The Black Pocketless Wrap is now made with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Interlock providing a softer yet more supportive stretch for comfort and durability.

I am also going to put these on specials and the prices for the two (2) style Hugabub Wraps are below:

* Original Hugabub Carriers are $110.00 ($10 off RRP $120.00).
* Pocketless Hugabub Carriers are $74.00 ($5 off RRP $79.00).

Please note that at Bandusta Australia, all Baby Carriers will be sent Registered Post.

Watch this space as I will be putting a couple more on specials later this week.

End of Financial Year Sale!

2010-06-01T16:08:00.002+10:00

Yes, it's that time of year again and everybody loves a good sale so I'm going to discount a few products. To view what's on special, please visit my Specials webpage.

For this month:
* Bebe Au Lait Nursing Covers (Breastfeeding Covers) are $44.95 ($5 off RRP $49.95).
* Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers (Breastfeeding Covers) are $44.95 ($5 off RRP $49.95).
* Standard Ergo Baby Carriers are $149.00 ($10 off RRP $159.00).
* Sport Ergo Baby Carriers are $149.00 ($10 off RRP $159.00).

I will be putting more items on specials this week so watch this space.

The sale will finish on 30th June 2010.

Did someone say BAMBOO?

2010-05-29T14:40:00.005+10:00

Vespa & the LadyBird Post Pregnancy Belly Wraps have introduced a new line called "Plush Belly Wrap".

The Plush Belly Wrap is made from the same body moulding lycra/polyester blend inner as the Classic range and fully covered and lined with super soft bamboo/spandex.

Bamboo is naturally moisture wicking (ie super absorbent) and an antibacterial fabric which makes it ideal for:
* Australia's warmer climates,
* for those who like to exercise, and
* for those who simply love to indulge!

The Plush Belly Wrap is available in 3 sizes: Small, Medium & Large.

Currently I have both the Classic Belly Wrap and the Plush Belly Wrap in colour Black. Skin colour (Nude) for both Classic & Plush Belly Wraps will be available for purchase at Bandusta Australia early June.

Bandusta Australia May 2010 Newsletter

2010-05-04T15:08:00.006+10:00

For those who missed the newsletter last month. You can find it at May 2010 Newsletter..

These newsletters will be coming out each season (4 times a year) and will promote a product from Bandusta Australia product range and offer discounts on selected products.

If you would like to start receiving the newsletter, please visit My Accounts to subscribe. Please note that this requires signing up for an account. If you already have an account then it's a matter of changing your Newsletter option.

New Breastfeeding/Nursing Products

2010-04-22T09:13:00.003+10:00

I am happy to announce the addition to Bandusta Mums product range of two new breastfeeding/nursing products i.e. Milk Bands and Bosom Buddy Gel Packs.

Milk Bands (RRP $9.95) are the latest solution for breastfeeding/nursing mothers. Milk Bands are a great way to keep accurate nursing log without the hassles of nursing journals, safety pins etc. Just simply flip inside out to keep track of which breast to start feed with. The Milk Bands has a time tracking device to record time intervals between feeds but can also be used for many other different purposes. Milk Bands are made from soft, flexible, breathable and non allergenic silicone therefore comfortable & suitable for anyone to wear. Available in 5 colours - Apple Green, Baby Blue, Baby Pink, Lilac & Yellow.

Bosom Buddy (RRP $29.95) are recommended by lactation consultants and are professionally contoured to fit the breast. Apply warm before feeds to assist/increase milk flow for blocked milk ducts, engorgement, mastitis & thrush. Apply cool between feeds to relieve pain, reduce swelling & discomfit.

Both these new products and other products are available on my website at Bandusta Australia. Please note: the current 10% discount for Ergo Baby Carriers and Hug-a-bub Carriers will end on the 30th April so be quick before sale ends.

10% discount on Hug-a-bub Carriers

2010-04-06T15:17:00.003+10:00

My DD loves the Hug-a-bub Carrier so I thought I'll spread the love this month by offering 10% discount on all Hug-a-bub Carriers. Ergo Baby Carriers are also 10% discounted this month.

Please note that at Bandusta Australia, all Baby Carriers will be sent Registered Post.

New Products are now listed!

2010-04-04T11:31:00.004+10:00

It has been a hectic start to the Easter long weekend but I got it done :). The following new products are now listed as part of Bandusta Mums product range:
* The Vespa & the LadyBird Belly Wraps (RRP $49.95) - Sizes S, M & L
* Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers (RRP $49.95) - 6 patterns to choose from, and
* Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers (RRP $49.95) - 2 patterns to choose from.

Please check them out at Bandusta Australia.

Also, Bandusta Australia is now 2 years old so I'm going to offer 10% discount on Ergo Baby Carriers. Discount is for April only. Watch this space as there will be other special offers/discounts this month.

It's a Wrap!

2010-04-01T14:54:00.007+10:00

One of the new products that I will be listing during Easter for Bandusta Mums is the Vespa and the LadyBird Post Pregnancy Belly Wraps (priced at AUD$49.95). I think this is a great product and not only accessible but also affordable for all new mums allowing them to experience the benefits of a Post Pregnancy Belly Bands/Wraps. I am very pleased to be one of their stockists :).

For those who haven't heard about Post Pregnancy Belly Bands/Wraps, here are 10 great reasons why it's a must have for a new mum:

1. Flattens and firms your tummy.
2. Smoothes out lumps and bumps.
3. Provides abdominal & lower back support.
4. Added support after Caesarian surgery.
5. Accelerates healing in abdominal separation.
6. Minimizes water retention and tummy bloating.
7. Promotes good posture.
8. Restores self confidence & boosts self image.
9. No tags or seams & available in 3 sizes.
10. Recommended by physiotherapists and midwives.

I personally wished I had known and owned one of these after the birth of each of my 3 kids. I am told by physiotherapists that it gets harder with each subsequent pregnancies for the muscles to move back into place. And that it rarely does after a 3rd bub.

My 3rd bub is now 10 months old but I'm still going to use one to try and improve my abdominal separation which is currently about ~2 fingers :(. Starting today, I am going to conduct my own experiment with me being the test subject :). My aim is to wear a Vespa & the LadyBird Post Pregnancy Belly Wrap everyday for a month and check to see whether I have improved my abdominal separation. I will post my conclusions so watch this space :).

As I said, it's a Wrap!

Bandusta Australia First Blog Entry!!!

2010-03-28T20:44:00.002+10:00

Bandusta Bandanas will be turning 2 years old on 1st April 2010. It has been an amazing 2 years of making plain coloured cotton bandanas and belly bands.

Three years ago I had a wish to run an online business selling products that caters to mums. I was a step away from ordering my first stock of products when I realised that my 2nd child was only 13 weeks old and I had no time to start up a website.

Three years on, I've started Bandusta Bandanas and the belly bands I make is my best seller. So with that in mind, I am finally going to get my wish to sell mums' related products.

All this means that the Bandusta Bandanas website will be rebranded to Bandusta Australia with new main lines of products: Bandusta Mums and Bandusta Bandanas. Bandusta Mums will incorporate my existing belly bands, maternity/nursing wear, baby carriers and any other mums' related product that I can come across. Bandusta Bandanas will be for the rest of my existing products.

Bandusta Mums first new range of products are the baby carriers: Ergo Baby, Breeze Baby and Hug-a-bub. They are now listed on my website. Please check it out when you can.

Coming soon for Bandusta Mums is 6 designs of Bebe Au Lait Nursing Covers and 2 designs of Hooter Hider Nursing Covers.

Next on my wish list is burp cloths, nursing tops and Mei Tai baby carriers. Bandusta Mums will add 100% cotton Mei Tai baby carriers to it's brand sometime soon. At the moment I am sourcing nursing tops and some other products. I hope to have these new products listed on my website soon. Please watch this space :).