Latest news with #Kidspot
Herald Sun
4 hours ago
- Herald Sun
'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
When I think of holidays, my mind usually jumps to far-flung, passport-stamping destinations—the kind that live on vision boards and in frequent flyer fantasies. But a recent getaway gave that thinking a serious reality check. Nestled in the Central West, in a countryside postcard known as Abercorn, I discovered that the ultimate escape doesn't need a customs line. Listed as one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025, Abercorn sits in a valley so peaceful, even the roads don't bother with stop signs. It's wrapped in vineyards, kissed by country air, and just a short drive from the town of Mudgee. A true country getaway that gently yanks you and your family out of city chaos and into something that feels a lot like exhaling for the first time in months. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Abercorn was named one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025. Image: Supplied RELATED: The best family-friendly property in Australia has been revealed There's a reason why Abercorn is one of the top holiday homes This holiday getaway delivers for both sides of the parenting contract. The kids get disconnected from electronics with wide open spaces and endless adventures. You get silence, scenery, and maybe even coffee that's warm enough to drink! It is the kind of break from routine that will reset everyone. The moment you roll down the long driveway, Abercorn starts showing off. The view stretches out in every direction, with a valley so wide it feels like you've landed in a postcard. And then, just as you're taking that all in, you spot the front entrance. The path to the door is framed by a dreamy arch covered in a carefully curated tangle of greenery, setting the tone before you've even turned the handle. This, I thought, is when the holiday officially begins. Inside, Abercorn instantly delivers on the cosy-meets-stylish promise. Designed to sleep eight, the house manages to feel both spacious and snug at the same time. The open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for guests to wander from space to space without bumping into anyone, but it also gives everyone enough room to peel off and have their own little corner of calm. For me, the real standout was the massive windows that wrap around the living space, seamlessly inviting the countryside in. They became my favourite spot, perfect for savouring morning coffees, enjoying sunset wines, and soaking in every moment in between. Cosy vibes in the country. Image: Supplied The bedrooms are thoughtfully spread out, with a generous master, two queen rooms, and a sweet twin room that's practically begging for a sibling sleepover. Each space has its own rustic charm, and yes, more of those magical windows so you can wake up to gum trees instead of Google Calendar notifications. But here's where Abercorn really turns the dial up—two fireplaces. One inside for toasty nights curled up with a glass of red, and one outside for marshmallow-roasting sessions under the stars. Whether you're a parent in desperate need of downtime or a couple looking for a quiet spot to reconnect, there's a nook for you. And just when you think the charm has peaked, there's a veggie garden tucked off to the side. You can pick whatever's ripe or just potter around pretending you're Meghan Markle! Feeding the cows with the kids never gets old. Image: Supplied Keeping the whole family entertained Inside Abercorn, the charm just keeps coming. I loved seeing shelves packed with books of every kind, offering a much-needed break from our screens and a chance to dive into a good story. These days, it's so easy to get caught up in our devices, even when we're trying to relax. But if reading isn't your thing, no worries. The games area downstairs is a real gem, with a table tennis table and a bunch of board games that kept the kids busy and our competitive spirits alive. And yes—this is a farm stay, which means there are farm animals, big cows that love to get fed hay. They wander over around 4pm each day for a snack and a sticky beak, and feeding them quickly became a daily highlight. Whether you are an adult or a child this activity is heaps of fun and is something everyone got excited about. Off to sample some of Mudgee's best. Image: Supplied RELATED: Grandymoons: The 2025 travel trend we didn't think we needed If you're keen to explore beyond the property, Mudgee is just down the road and filled with treasures. There's wine tasting for the grown-ups (you've earned it), charming boutiques to browse, and if you time it right, weekend markets bursting with local goodies. I loved wandering through the quiet streets and hidden corners—every path felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe out. Before heading out from Abercorn, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the simple joys we experienced. It was the perfect escape from the digital grind, offering real connection and relaxation. Whether you're chasing family fun or a peaceful retreat, Abercorn greets you with open arms and moments you won't forget. The writer was a guest of Stayz. Originally published as 'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
Mercury
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mercury
Couple trigger TikTok by taking baby - but not toddler
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News. The internet has slammed a couple's decision to go on holiday with their baby, while leaving their toddler at home. Georgia and Chris Brown, both 30, booked a four-day stay in Morocco for a family getaway. They brought along their four-month-old son, Harry, but left their two-year-old, George, at home with his grandmother. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. RELATED: I made my teens sign a 'travel contract' before our family holiday "I wasn't sure on the idea of it at first, but I'm so glad we did it" Taking to TikTok, the couple shared their experience. 'POV: You leave your first baby at home to take your second baby on their first holiday where it can be all about them and not their big sibling,' she wrote in text on the video. In the caption, she admitted she'd been unsure at first. 'I wasn't sure on the idea of it at first, but I'm so glad we did it,' she explained. 'It was so amazing to make those one-on-one memories with our second.' But the internet didn't hold back. 'This is horrible,' wrote one commenter. 'I fear you did it the wrong way around,' another wrote. A third warned: 'this is exactly why older siblings feel left out.' 'This is rotten,' a fourth criticised. image: TikTok/gettingreadywithteddy RELATED: This is what parents do after adult kids get on flights "We wanted to give him something that was all about him" In response, Georgia posted a follow up video after TikTok went 'mad about it.' 'Just to clarify this will only be for his first ever holiday and any other holidays after will be family holidays,' she revealed. She also said the trip was about giving their second child the same memories they had created with their first. 'People are saying it's either favouritism or we don't have the money and that's definitely not the case,' she clarified. 'As a second child his life very much revolves around his brother's schedule so we wanted to give him something that was all about him.' Georgia dismissed concerns that the trip could cause George to develop abandonment issues or long-term resentment as 'absolutely crazy.' She insisted he was happy and well cared for by his grandmother, though admitted there was some guilt that he missed out on the Moroccan fun. Since then, the couple has taken two more holidays with both children, refuting claims they "weren't able to take two children" away at once. Originally published as Couple trigger TikTok by taking baby - but not toddler - on holiday
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
My brother asked me to pay for my Mum's Mother's Day lunch - even though I was more than 1,000 miles away
A woman has revealed her shock after being sent a bill for a family lunch - that she didn't attend. Melissa Noble, an Australian content writer, could not join her family for a Mothers' Day lunch - which fell on May 11 in Australia - because she lives more than 1,000 miles away. But the mother-of-three was sent a bill for $70AUD (£33) after the lunch. Melissa, who has two sisters in addition to her brother, said: 'Each time there's a birthday or a special occasion like Mother's Day or Father's Day, I'm sent a bill for that individual's meal out. 'Even if I'm not there.' Writing on Australian parenting website Kidspot, Melissa explained that the family of six have always prioritised 'making each other feel special' with 'week-long' birthday celebrations and 'presents and outings galore.' She said: 'It's something that I've always loved about us – the fact that we prioritise making each other feel special. 'But… the way we're going about recently is getting a little pricey and unsustainable.' Given that she comes from such a large family, the birthdays and special occasions throughout the year obviously add up, equating to a major expense. Meanwhile, Melissa has a family of five to support at home. While she was already concerned about the growing financial burden, the final straw was her brother's presumptuous message after the Mother's Day lunch she could not attend. Melissa lives in Victoria in southeastern Australia while the lunch took place in Queensland in northeastern Australia - almost 2,000km away. She explained that her brother sent a message with his bank details, adding: 'So, ahh, mum's Mother's Day lunch came to $70'. Shocked by the figure quoted, the content writer replied: 'Did you say $70? What did she eat? Lobster?' It turned out that her mother hadn't indulged in lobster but had enjoyed a three course meal. Melissa was quick to insist that she's not a 'scrooge' and is always happy to contribute to gifts for her family members' birthdays. She also added that she never charges her brother and sisters when her parents are in Victoria when there's a special occasion to celebrate. Yet, with three young children of her own and squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis, she has grown sceptical about her siblings' expectation that she should pay 'for someone's lavish lunch or dinner out' when she's not even present. Unsure, however, if she was being unreasonable, she turned to friends to ask their opinions. One replied: 'Are you kidding? I would be so pissed off if someone invoiced me for a lunch or dinner that I wasn't even present at.' Reassured by her friend's response, Melissa volunteered a potential solution to the pricey problem. Her plan, she said, is to address it with her family and make clear that, while she's happy to contribute towards a gift, she's 'no longer footing the bill for fancy three-course meals out multiple times a year.' Placing a positive spin on it, she said that whoever is lucky enough to be able to attend a celebratory family lunch or dinner should be the one to pay.
Daily Telegraph
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Telegraph
A letter to all the women who called me a cheat after weight loss treatment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. 'Get off the couch and exercise. You need to work out, not take the easy way.' 'You're lazy and you're a cheat.' 'You're just going to put it all back on when you go back to your greedy ways.' When I started using a medical treatment for weight loss a few months ago, I made a commitment that I would always be honest about it. And I have been. I've shared my story online, on my social media channels and in the media, and I've been really open about how I have been looking after my health by using GLP-1 treatments. I never want to gaslight anyone by pretending that my weight loss has just been from walking more and quitting my night chocolate. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Evie has always been confident regardless of how she looks. Image: Supplied Losing weight is harder when you get older For women especially, it's harder to stay in shape as we get older. There is so much going on with our hormones (I have PCOS which makes it difficult to manage my weight), and of course genetics and metabolism plays a part too. So many of us have tried to lose weight for years with less and less success, and so for me, having the option to use a GLP1 treatment was such a relief. I really needed help after years of trying to get healthy. For too long, how we feel about ourselves as women has been based on how much we weighed or how we looked. We're too fat, we're too skinny, we should be stick thin, we should have big bums, we are saggy, we are too athletic, we're flat chested, our boobs are too big. We're too fat, too fat, too fat. And we need to work hard every day to make sure we are not. RELATED: 7 weight loss myths you should stop believing Stop the judgement It's ridiculous that people are concerned about other people's weight, and that they feel that they have the right to judge - and what I've found super annoying about sharing my story is that women are very quick to call me a 'cheat' for using medical support to improve my health. I don't know why they care, because it's definitely not a competition. The thing is, we are not created equally and while of course I admire anyone who is so dedicated to their health and fitness, I have also worked hard over the years too. I just don't get the same results and my body has different things going on that makes it harder. It doesn't mean that I am less worthy than a thin or toned person, or that I don't deserve to have access to treatments that can help me become healthier. And while our bodies are different, what we have in common is that we are all victims of this external obsession with how we look and whether we are 'fat' or 'skinny'. My message to these 'haters' is that I'm sorry that they were made to feel that they were allowed to call me a cheat. That they feel it's okay to bring other women down. That they think having a thin body makes them better than me. And in fact, their attitudes could be preventing others from trying treatment that can help them – because you make them feel ashamed. Juniper's 2025 YouGov survey found that anti women's health attitudes are more dangerous than we realise - 39% of women have not tried medical weight loss treatment because of the stigma that surrounds it - the fear of being judged and of being called out for using it. Happy with how she feels now. Image: Supplied RELATED: Having 'the weight talk' with your kids The conversation around cake is important We judge women for being overweight or unhealthy, and then we double down and call them cheats when they seek medical support to change their lives. The conversation around weight is much more important than reducing it to name-calling women who are doing their best: it should be a discussion about ending the focus on women's bodies, erasing the constant judgement of how we look and stopping its detrimental effects on self-esteem, on decision-making and on simply enjoying life. Imagine a time when our children can grow up without being scrutinised for how their bodies look! We can't let weight loss be yet another topic that divides us from matters that are really important. Female healthcare should never be disparaged, no matter what form it takes. The solution is in how we support each other – allowing women to do what they need to become healthy. Supporting achievements and not competing. We need to work together and support each other - no matter what our size is. I'm not a cheat. I'm proud of how I am improving my health each day. I hope one day these women can see that too. Evie shares her heath and travel adventures at Instagram at Mumpack Travel Originally published as A letter to all the women who called me a cheat after weight loss treatment
Herald Sun
23-05-2025
- Herald Sun
Teens warned against 'entitled' driving trend that could end in jail time
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Victoria Police has issued a new warning to teens who have found a loophole enabling them to get their driver's licence a year earlier than normal. Whilst the minimum age to drive solo everywhere else in Australia is 17, in Victoria it's 18, leading some to find a creative way to get on the road early - though it could earn them jail time, and a few thousand dollars in fines. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. RELATED: Aussie parents concerned over new playground location 'Of course they have the support of their parents' According to Victoria Police, teens in the state are being warned that trying to get your licence early in an unethical and illegal way could end them in some serious hot water. The strategy is that teens with a holiday house or relatives living elsewhere in the country are using that address as their primary address, allowing them to sit their driving test elsewhere and earn their Ps at age 17. And, driving instructor Ollie Azriel added that parents are just as much to blame by letting it happen. "They just tell me, look I'm going to get my licence interstate ... what can I say?" he told 9News. "Of course they have the support of their parents because they're still 17 and just want to get their licence." RELATED: Aussie mum's iconic response to parking fail 'It goes to the sense of entitlement that we see play out' Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said that the idea was riddled with entitlement. "It goes to the sense of entitlement that we see play out," he said. "Just because you've got a holiday house in Noosa doesn't mean you can skip the rules." It has also brought up fears that the death toll on Victorian roads would soar, given the increase in immature and inexperienced drivers. "The more mature you are the better you are able to handle experiences on the road," TAC Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said. What's the damage? Victoria Police say at this stage, they don't have substantial evidence of this kind of behaviour. However, they noted to those thinking of doing it that it is a criminal offence to obtain a licence fraudulently, including by providing misleading information. Obtaining a driver's licence by fraudulent means in Victoria can lead to either a hefty fine, or jail time. For those hoping that the rule is going to change, it seems you're out of luck, as Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said the government has no plans to make changes to the driving age. Originally published as Teens warned against 'entitled' driving trend that could end in jail time
