It seems that we Boomers, and even Gen Xers (which always surprises me),  struggle with what to do with our tech-savvy, know-their-own-mind, Gen Y brethren!

As a Relationships Advisor focused more on couples, Gen Xers and Boomers are my target market.  So I don’t have a lot of need to deal with the issue.  But I’m hearing a lot of pain out there.

So my ears pricked up when my friend Ann Buik told me she was going to run a workshop on the topic of Gen Ys in the workplace.  As a workplace leadership expert and executives’ coach, it made sense that she’d have this kind of issue in her armoury of advice.

This workshop was originally planned for earlier this month, but with Ann taking on a new role with my old friend Ross Mitchell from Nesso, and some marketing glitches, it was rescheduled!  I must say I’m very pleased about that.  That means I could get the word out to all of you people in pain!

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If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook.

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Chris Owen is Pink Apple and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert.

If you want a better relationship, but don’t know how to get it, then why not follow the beating heart in sidebar of this blog and take the Relationship Mojo Test?  You’ll receive Chris’ free E-Book  Your Relationship: From Mojo to Marvellous to help you improve your relationship.   Oh and there are other bonuses to be found on the other side of that beating heart!

Every month The Calm Space has a theme.  Each week, 3 or 4 of the contributors add some more food for thought on the month’s theme. As the month progresses, the roots of the theme get tickled and tackled. Opinions arise, stories develop, and sometimes controversy takes the stage!

This month’s theme is “purpose”.

Now, I’d argue that purpose is a bit of a new-age, coach-induced phenomenon.

And I’m a coach – kind of!

If the Calm Space is about moving “from stress serenity one step at a time” then I reckon purpose should be given a good kick in the backside!

So I’m reluctant to add having a purpose to the relationship “shoulds” that hang like boulders around our necks.

I figure that just like you learn to pick your battles with your adolescent children, there are other more important relationship “battles” to attack, than having a purpose! [more]

What do you think?

Oh by the way, Karen offers an excellent e-course to get you helping yourself.  Called A Month of Me Time it’s an excellent freebie.  I suggest you try it!

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If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook.

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Chris Owen is Pink Apple and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert.

If you want a better relationship, but don’t know how to get it, then why not follow the beating heart in sidebar of this blog and take the Relationship Mojo Test?  You’ll receive Chris’ free E-Book  Your Relationship: From Mojo to Marvellous to help you improve your relationship.   Oh and there are other bonuses to be found on the other side of that beating heart!

As he said in his email to his subscribers  “Wouldn’t you love to personally design the mate of your  dreams?”

While that could sound a bit like Frankenstein’s monster, there is some truth in it, isn’t there.  We’ve all got a bit of a list of preferences while we’re out on the dating scene!  Come on! Admit it!!

So let’s play a game. You can now design your ideal mate. Pick from any of the traits described below and even add some you don’t see. Go wild. Create a list of all the positive traits you wish for in your mate. Your dream partner can now be assembled like ordering a new car. [more]

Peter and his wife Ellyn Bader run The Couples Institute in the US.  I am a regular reader of their work and find their techniques filtering into my own work by osmosis.

Clearly for all my Aussie readers the Bader Pearsons are only available online.  But when you have come to grips with your DIY quest and realised that perhap the two of you could do with some help to get back on track, then Pink Apple’s Solutions for Now might just fit the bill!

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If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook.  I add a Relationship Tip there every day.

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Chris Owen is Pink Apple and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert.

If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking the Relationship Mojo Test and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding Your Relationship Mojo.

I thought you might want to know about it – if you’re a lady that is. See I’m helping build better relationships between you and me with this heads-up ladies;-)!

She has three handbag organisers to be won.

Switch bags in seconds! Every bag must have one….

Change handbags without having to dump all your things out.

Fantastic for those change outfit – change handbag moments – quick and easy and ensures you never forget to grab your essentials out of your handbag when in a hurry and no time to check through all the pockets. [more]

Go check out the details and get yourselves into that prize draw.  It closes THIS SUNDAY, so get cracking!  And don’t say I never tell you anything!!

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If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook.  I add a Relationship Tip there every day.

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Chris Owen is Pink Apple and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert.

If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking the Relationship Mojo Test and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding Your Relationship Mojo.

It’s not unreasonable.  I’m sure blokes want good women to share their lives with too.

But how do “good men” get to be good men?

By effective relationships with a significant man in their life as they grow, develop, and mature.  And by powerful modelling by good men.

Good men are just ordinary men trying to do their best, be self-aware, and be prepared to admit when they’re wrong, and seek knowledge when they recognise they got a gap there!

They’re men trying to be the best they can be.  And like all of us, they’re flawed.  They get it right sometimes and wrong sometimes.

And guys there’s nothing more sexy than a good man admitting he needs advice or help.

So if our sons are to turn into good men they need relationships of depth and love with their father (for preference).

And they need ordinary men to try be the best good men they can be.

I am watching with delight as Pete Aldin author of Freaked Out Fathers takes on what I have always known was his mission in life – to help ordinary men be the best good men they can be.  And help those ordinary/good men build effective communicative relationships with their sons.

• If you (or your partner) are an ordinary man wanting to be the best good man you can be AND
• If you have sons

Then go visit these sites over at Pete’s website Great Circle

He’s currently offering

Dads and Lads Retreat weekends (for kids aged 11-13 and Dads of any age)

Covering All Bases a program for Dads (delivered by telesminar in the comfort of your home)

and Mini Pitstop (for Dads of sons aged 1-4)

There is much advice for us as general parents but little that focuses on building Dad’s confidence in their fathering and providing skills to help Dads build greta relationships with their sons.  Pete is the right man to deliver this.

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If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook.  I add a Relationship Tip there every day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris Owen is Pink Apple and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert.

If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking the Relationship Mojo Test and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding Your Relationship Mojo.

Apart
from the fundraising, the event was such a social and networking
success that we've been pressured by our Melbourne businesswomen
colleagues to repeat (and repeat) the process!

Another Phoenix Lunch

So the latest Phoenix Lunch
is now on sale.  Most of you who've expressed interest, are now on our
database and received personal information about the Lunch.  But just
in case we've missed anybody, I thought I'd let you know how to
register and book for the lunch.

If you'd just like to know about the Lunch so you can make a decision, then click through to The Phoenix Lunch website and have a read. 

If you already know enough and you'd like to book, here is the direct link to the registration page,
don't forget to complete your registration with your payment via PayPal
which will allow you to pay by credit card, debit card and EFT.

Of course, fundraising is still our objective (as well as fun and networking) and this Lunch is supporting Post and Ante Natal Depression Association (PANDA). 
There's a poll on our website and everyone who's read it and taken the
poll has had personal experience or knows someone close who's walked
through this terrifying illness!  That's how significant this is to
women!

One More Thing …

There's
a bonus for those who take out Super Early Bird priced tickets. There's
a draw for several free seats at a workshop that we three are unning in
February.  Yes Pink Apple, Angela Esnouf from Creating Order from Chaos
and Janet Powell the Parenting Coach from Mentor Maestro are presenting
a new program called Keys to a Calmer HomeLife.  But more details of
that later …

Also We're Looking for Sponsors

 If you're
interested in pampering our attendees then why not become a sponsor. 
More information about our Jade, Ruby, and Pearl Sponsors here.

If you'd just like to find out the background story, then feel free to have aread here!

Needs nothing else but your eyes on it!  Thanks Jeff for drawing our attention!

My sister Sarah wouldn't be here today if it were not for
leukaemia research. I also started my career in leukaemia research and after 20
years I am back working in this field again; my lab is investigating new ways
to help diagnose and treat kids with leukaemia.

Please help us Light the Night by making a donation towards
my fundraising. I'm joining thousands of people to Light the Night. We'll carry
coloured balloons each with a tiny light inside. It will be a beautiful night
and with your help we can do something good; raising vital funds for patients
and families living with blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma and
myeloma. The money I raise will be invested in critical research into better
treatments and hopefully cures, as well as supporting patients during their
long and tough treatment. Remember, celebrate and give hope at Light the Night
by making a donation or joining my team.

Please click on the image
below to sponsor me

or go to http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=300091

Regards

Jeff

Jeffrey
Craig , PhD, RD Wright Research Fellow, Group
Leader, Developmental Epigenetics, Early Development and Disease; Honorary
Research Fellow, Dept. of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville,
Victoria 3052, Australia
T + 61 3 8341 6346  F (61-3) 8341 6212 "FAO Jeff Craig
x6346" ; M (61-3) 0409 517900; E jeff.craig@mcri.edu.au ; www.mcri.edu.au

Epigenetics
2009 Australian Scientific Conference: www.epialliance.org.au

"My toof's' wobbly, Nana.  See … Loook!  It goes wibble wobble." Jack helpfully demonstrates!

Since becoming an Oma, I've become a bit of a sucker for all the vast array of products I now discover on the market for children.

Simple but unusual hand-made gifts are the specialty of Monique Nickalls at Your Cheeky Monkey.

I've already been off to YCM's site buying cute goodies for my baby granddaughter.  In particular I am finding that her simple little TagNCuddle is a very helpful tool when soothing the separation anxiety.  She clutches on to it, and it goes to bed with her in her cot at Oma's house.  (At this stage after a few distraught babysitting sessions, Oma's grateful for anything that will work!)

However not all at YCM fits the young baby market.  In fact, far from it!

And this one really caught my eye!

When I saw it, I knew it was a BIT premature for my 6 month old girl, even to this indulgent grandmother.  However, I reckon this would be gorgeous for anyone with a 4 or 5 year old who's getting ready to shed those first baby teeth and join in the "Tooth Fairy" Fiction!  After all Gorgeous Granddaughter doesn't even have any teeth yet.

But your grandchild might. 

I really believe in rituals to mark important occasions, and one of the first signs of growing up is when you lose your baby teeth in readiness for that adult tooth.  

That's how you'd be having that conversation with Jack (or Emily.)

I reckon it's worth thinking about a Tooth Fairy Pillow.  Beats those bloody glasses of water, bearing tiny teeth or shiny coins which used to get knocked over in our house!  (No I wasn't a tight wad!  When my little darlings were loosing teeth, the going rate was about 20-50cents!)

 Anyway I suggest you head over to Your Cheeky Monkey and have a look at the Tooth Fairy Pillows and go be indulgent of your grandchild.  It's better than buying 'em lollies!

(What?  You hadn't caught up on Apple Tart turning into Oma?  Well more about that on Monday!)

Back when I was a Yummy Mummy … (Hmm – that's one thing we 'self-indulgent baby-boomers' would never have dreamed of calling ourselves.)

Anyway! Back when I was a Yummy Mummy, there was no internet.  There were barely any baby shops, and even more extraordinary was the look of astonishment I received because I restrained my baby's carry basket while driving in the car!

In the Noughties, shopping takes on a whole new meaning. 

The Joys of Girlie Shopping

Especially when I have the delicious excitement of shopping for a little girl (after all those years of testosterone in my world) and I can do it at any hour of the day or night sitting in my office, or in front of the TV with laptop on knee!

There are an abundance of businesses owned by stay-at-home-mums and focused on their own target market.  Many of them are to be found hanging out in places like Real Mums or on Twitter.

As I shop, I intend to share my discoveries with you.  After all if I have to be a grandmother at my incredibly young age (more about that on Monday!) you all have to share the journey!

New Discoveries

The first one I found has been Your Cheeky Monkey run by the delightful Monique Nickalls.  I recently won a voucher for the site and now my little Oma's Girl has a gorgeous TagNCuddle of soft fabric with myriads of bright little ribbons and tags to grab hold of while I change her nappy!

And while I was shopping there I also bought the cutest little hand-knitted Tiger finger puppet so we can continue to indoctrinate Oma's Girl into following Daddy and Oma's AFL Team the Tigers.  And of course I did buy a few other odds and ends.

YCM makes beautiful
Handcrafted products for baby showers, new babies, and children, and
fun practical items for the special
child in your life.

Being the generous soul that she is, Monique seems to have another competition going.  This time it's for a soft Whimsical Cat.  Don't bother entering the competition as I intend to win that one too!!! 

By the way, can anyone recommend any other places for an indulgent Oma to visit?

Now don't forget to watch out for Monday's post about Apple Tart becoming Oma. After all, it's all about me!

When a barista knows how to make great coffee he/she also knows how to make lush chocolate as well.  They wouldn't dream of delivering thin froth that loses it's oomph a few seconds after making it to the table!  They listen to your order and deliver exactly what you want! 

Anyway, I digress!

Today SweetP and I went to visit a coffee shop in Malvern in Melbourne's inner southeastern suburbs.

Right opposite Monash Uinversity Caulfield on Dandenong Rd is the start of Waverley Rd with a weird-coloured pub on the corner! Opposite the pub and at 49 Waverley Rd Malvern East is a little coffee shop called Shango Cafe. 

My Melbourne Friends, I cannot encourage you ENOUGH to go taste the delights of good coffee there.  

Buzzy feel, great mix of old shop with funky modern fittings, lots of light, magazines and newspapers, and an area out the back with plenty of room for prams and a sandbox to keep the kids happy!  The slices and muffins were yummy.  The panini looked delicious and the place is obviously popular with the locals!

SweetP tells me his coffee was thick luscious and great!  My hot choc (and I'm fussy and find I rarely get what I've asked for)was tall luscious and heaped with dense well-developed froth and gorgeous coffee art as well!

Dom the owner tells me the customers vary according to the time of day.  I saw mums and kids, business people tapping on laptops and working through agendas, as well as some of the retirees who like a good coffee!

My friends get thee to Spango asap!  You deserve it!