Muddled Up Mumma

Little LadyBags Giveaway

2013-04-29T12:46:00.000+10:00

Last week Lisa and Vivienne from Little Ladybags reached out to me to share the launch of their new website.

These are such a beautiful idea - a gorgeous range of children’s handbag and accessories and lots of fun stuff to fill them up with.

Being mum to a three year old boy, the idea would get a bit lost on Little T, so I am thrilled to share with other Mummas by offering you a chance to win your own Little Lady Freya Pack valued at $54.95.

The Pack includes everything a little lady needs for a girly day out with her friends:

Little Lady Freya Handbag
Little Lady Hairbrush
Little Heart Purse - Red
Gerri Gogi Berry Lip Balm
Butterfly Hair Clip - Mid Pink

To enter, ensure you LIKE both Little Ladybags and Muddled up Mumma on Facebook and leave a comment in the Rafflecopter form below telling me in 25 words or less which is your favourite bag from the Little Lady Bags range and why.

The winner will be chosen as my favourite answer. Entries close midnight AEST Friday May 10th 2013. Open to Australian residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more details on Little Lady Bags pop over to their website here or like them on Facebook here.

Growing Up

2013-04-16T14:00:00.001+10:00

My baby is 3 next month. This week has been one of milestones. He is doing so well in his undies and toilet training going brilliantly. I love our little conversations and his gorgeous voice when he tells me “sorry mummy” or “please may I have….”

Last night we had a successful shift to a big boy bed. Over a year since I ambitiously first tried it and gave up after a few hours of him not even wanting to lie it it. Last night he didn’t get up once after a said goodnight.

My little mate is growing up and is no longer a baby. He makes me so proud. We have both come a long way. Some days I am not sure who has grown more.

Will you be fire ready on your next holiday?

2013-04-04T13:36:00.001+11:00

This post is sponsored by Nuffnang.

Driving around Melbourne a week ago on an overcast and mild day, a warning came onto ABC radio about a fire near Winchelsea (near the Great Ocean Road). It was timely as I was asked to write a post to help families think about fire safety when traveling away from home.

My son is also currently obsessed with Fire trucks and Firemen (he loves Fireman Sam!) and is getting to an age where I can start to teach him about fire safety, but first I need to give it more thought myself.

You see there are quite a few myths and mixed messages about fire. Many of us (like me) believe that if we live in a built up residential area we are safe but this isn’t necessarily the case. In strong winds embers can travel up to 35 kilometres ahead of a fire and start new fires, meaning that your can be at risk on the outskirts of a major city.

As someone who often takes day trips and weekends away on the outskirts of town, this has also got me thinking about how I would manage in the event of a fire emergency when not at home.
Believing that it will be safe to leave even if you can see a fire might be very dangerous as there is potential for blocked road and thick smoke to hinder your vision, also fires might travel faster than a car can drive!

We also can’t think that it’s easily to defend against a fire. Much safer to have a well thought-out bushfire survival plan which has been agreed and discussed with members of the household or our traveling group. Leaving early or is always the safest option.

I t would be very dangerous to rely on emergency services like the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to come knocking when it might be time to leave or to rescue us if stuck as they are focused on fighting fires. It’s up to us to make the best possible decision on when to leave for our family based on the Fire Danger Ratings and official warnings for the area we are in.

On high risk days you should check in with a least two of the following for relevant warnings: CFA website, CFA Facebook or CFA Twitter updates, local radio or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The CFA has some great resources to help us (especially if you’re like me up until recently thinking you didn’t need to worry as you don’t live in the bush!) be prepared. I particularly like these:

A a site to help kids learn about being FireReady: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/kids-schools/
A free smartphone App (for iphone/ipad and Android) to help you locate fire safety information and warnings: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fireready-app/
A Fire Ready Kit designed to help you prepare and plan whether at home or travelling: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan%2Dprepare/fire%2Dready%2Dkit/#sthash.DEF2CgsO.dpuf

{Image sourced from ACMI here}

Review - Philips Jamie Oliver Homecooker

2013-03-26T15:23:00.003+11:00

A few weeks ago I offered a reader the opportunity to review and keep the Jamie Oliver HomeCooker from Phillips. The Winner - Toushka Lee also happens to blog at www.toushkalee.com

Here’s how she went:

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

When I first received the box with the HomeCooker inside I thought it would take forever to figure out, but it only took one recipe followed to the letter before I was adapting things and then cooking without a recipe. I know how the machine works now and I love that I can set it to do all my stirring for me while I do other things. Last night, my bolognaise sauce was stirred and cooked to perfection while I was doing something else out of the kitchen. Where was this machine during the heatwave? Cooking when it’s over 30 degrees outside and not much less inside is like working in a kitchen in hell.

With the HomeCooker I can set it all up and set the timer and leave the kitchen. The HomeCooker does all the stirring and cooking without heating up the kitchen and without me having to stand there over a hot stove sweating into the sauce. Eww.

The cutting tower is a great idea in theory but, to be honest, when it comes to grating carrots and onions, I prefer the small side of my plain old grater to get the right size to hide the vegetables from the kids. The blades that come with the cutting tower were either too big, leaving the carrots too visible or two small, juicing instead of grating. Also a pain in the butt to put the blades on and take them off.

So what did I make?

The first thing I made was granola. OMG. I will be making this all the time. It is delicious served with greek yoghurt. I know that if I tried to make this without the perfect heat and constant movement of the HomeCooker, I would burn it and ruin it completely. Burning things is a special skill of mine.

The same day, I made risotto, adapting one of Jamie’s recipes to make a simple pumpkin and bacon risotto. This was the creamiest, smoothest most delicious risotto I have ever made. Ever!

Risotto is one of those dishes that needs constant stirring. It’s a high maintenance meal and with two kids that seem determined to need my attention the second I am busy, high maintenance meals have been removed from the menu. Risotto is now back on rotation. Yum.

I can’t wait to try béchamel sauce in this machine, and with winter coming, it will be awesome for soups.

But it’s not just a hot stirrer. It comes with a pasta cooker attachment and steamer tray. I will be steaming fish and vegetables in this too!

It does take up a bit of room on the bench, but without the cutting tower, it takes up no more room than my slow cooker.

Good for :
Busy Mums
People that would rather socialise with the guests, than be stuck in the kitchen
People that like to batch-cook and freeze.

Not good for:
People that enjoy slaving over a hot stove.
Here’s the official features and benefits list:

"Official details" for the Jamie Oliver Home Cooker by Philips

The Philips HomeCooker performs multiple cooking functions, even stirring automatically thanks to its unique stirring arm. You can control the heat, set timers and know your food will never stick or burn. A revolution in home cooking, HomeCooker does all the hard work – so you don’t have to.
The Philips HomeCooker comes with an exclusive cookbook of delicious recipes developed especially by Jamie Oliver for the HomeCooker to help you create a great variety of dishes.

The Philips HomeCooker with Cutting tower HR1050/90 and HR1051/30 …

Stirs for you
Multiple cooking activities – chops, stirs, melts, simmers, stews, boils, steams, fries and sautés
Includes Cutting tower with five disc system for shredding (x 2 sizes), slicing (x 2 sizes) and cutting julienne
Includes steam basket, steam tray and pasta insert
Auto shut off
Intuitive control panel
Temperature range of 40 – 250⁰ C
3 litre family sized stainless steel bowl
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Available in black (HR1050/90) or white (HR1051/30)

The Philips HomeCooker, the first product in the Philips Jamie Oliver kitchen range, will is available from leading electrical retailers and department stores in Australia.

Philips HomeCooker with Cutting tower RRP: $529.95
Philips HomeCooker RRP: $429.95

For more information please visit www.philips.com.au/homecooker

(CLOSED) $500 Bonds Giveaway - The Universal Language of Parenthood

2013-03-19T13:12:00.002+11:00

I have just spent the past week traveling on business, passing through three Asian countries. One constant I have noticed, especially as I am traveling without my son, is just how universal and special that “knowing” or supporting look is from one parent to another regardless of cultural or religious background.

One my 8 hour flight from Melbourne I sat behind an Asian grandmother as she struggled with a crying baby sitting next to a complete stranger - gently patting and rocking the little one with aged but loving hands. As she looked around at times worried about the commotion, I smiled knowingly and sympathetically despite not getting a wink of sleep myself.

Across the aisle, another couple struggled as their child was unsettled and cried throughout our night time flight, each baby setting the other off in a crying match.

Walking around the busy streets in both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong I people watched through the eyes of a mother who was missing her child and seemed to zone in on every baby and toddler that passed. I couldn’t stop marveling at the innocence of children - so incredibly untouched by the stresses and worries of our world.

On another occasion, as my traveling companion and I queued up in a shopping center toilet a lady rushed past jumping the line. We both were about to push back and insist she wait her turn until we saw the baby in a sling across her chest and took a backwards step.

I am someone who struggles with with crowds. Tolerance of others was never one of my strong-points. Yet as a mother this has changed a lot especially when amongst the crowd are families. I love to observe their dynamics. Going through customs into Hong Kong airport I watched twin girls start fighting as their father brought them back into line. Kids are kids no matter what nationality. It in turn reminds us that people are people no matter what nationality. There is no such thing as better or worse – more or less deserving. From within all cultures there are good and bad people. Sometimes it take the face of a child to remind us of this.

After being approached by Bonds to write a blog post in celebration of the 2013 Bonds Baby Search, this recent trip gave me the perfect inspiration. To me the Baby Search is a celebration of babies and their families from all backgrounds.

Don’t forget voting closes at 11.59pm on Sunday March 24th, so pop on over to www.babysearch.bonds.com.au and join in the celebration.

GIVEAWAY!

Bonds are offering one lucky follower of my blog the opportunity to win a $500 Bonds Gift Card!

To enter, ensure you LIKE both Bonds Bump and Baby and Muddled up Mumma on Facebook and leave a comment in the Rafflecopter form below telling me in 25 words or less which is your favorite item from the Bonds Baby range and why.

The winner will be chosen as my favorite answer. Entries close midnight AEST Friday March 29th 2013. Open to Australian residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was gifted Bonds clothing vouchers in exchange for promotion of the Bonds Baby Search. All opinions and ideas are my own.

Dreaming of Babies

2013-02-26T15:23:00.000+11:00

Last weekend I took a big step forward.

I finally tackled the boxes and boxes of baby clothes in my garage. I sorted into piles of "sentimental things to keep", “designer clothes" to give to a few friends, and the rest for donation to charity.

I pulled out memory after memory of the first 2 years in Little T’s life – presents from friends and family, items made with loving care (including some beautiful things his grandmother knitted) and bits and pieces that brought back so many moments in time. I found the little name bracelet that somehow fit on his tiny wrist in hospital, the clip that went on his belly button moments after the cord was cut, board shorts in size 000 from his first swim in the sea, my maternity clothes and nursing bras and the breast pump and bottles I sat attached to for hours trying so hard to make enough to feed him.

My mind raced back: those first 5 days in hospital, everything so new, exciting and terrifying. The struggle of being at home for 10 months. That feeling of tiny fingers wrapping around yours as tiny lips suck fiercely on a boob. That new baby smell. Kisses on a soft belly that leave you both smiling.

I sifted through baby clothes worn on holidays and remembered how badly I wanted our family to work but knew things were getting away from us.

There were blankets and sleeping bags, a jolly jumper I’d forgotten I had, rattles and soft toys, cute little mittens and booties reminding me how tiny he once was.

I was doing so well with my sorting until of all things, I pulled out a little yellow chicken toy that had been his favorite and I found myself fighting back tears.

{The offending Chicken toy}

Giving away these items signified my conceding that for me I will not be having another baby. It is what it is. Not my original plan by any means but in many ways my own choice.

A side effect of my circumstances. The life I have chosen now.

It hurts like hell.

Win a Jamie Oliver Home Cooker to Review and Keep!

2013-02-22T16:13:00.000+11:00

{note: Available to Melbourne readers or those able to arrange collection from Melbourne}

The good folks at Phillips have provided me with a Jamie Oliver Home Cooker to review on my blog.

However since accepting this offer I have decided to purchase a Thermomix. I've checked back with Phillips and they are happy for one of you write the review for me!

The deal is, in exchange for trialling the home cooker and writing a review to be published on Muddled Up Mumma (I’ll coach you on how to go about this) one lucky reader will get to keep the Jamie Oliver Home Cooker valued at $529.

As this is a large item and I have it with me (brand spanking new and unopened in its box), this “giveaway” is open only to readers who are able to arrange collection of the home cooker from Bayside Melbourne. If you are prepared to pay any courier or postage costs, I will send it to you.

To enter please leave a comment below telling me in less than 100 words what you would cook as part of your review and why you household needs a Jamie Oliver Home Cooker.

Please ensure your email address is included so I can contact you if successful

Giveaway Rules:
Entries close Friday March 1st at Midnight
The cooker must be collected before Friday March 8th.
You will need to complete your review before Sunday March 17th.
You must have a digital camera or ability to take clear and creative photos as part of your review.
I will select the winner based on who I think gives the most creative answer.
The selected mum will be notified via email.

Introducing the Jamie Oliver Home Cooker by Philips

The Philips HomeCooker performs multiple cooking functions, even stirring automatically thanks to its unique stirring arm. You can control the heat, set timers and know your food will never stick or burn. A revolution in home cooking, HomeCooker does all the hard work – so you don’t have to.
The Philips HomeCooker comes with an exclusive cookbook of delicious recipes developed especially by Jamie Oliver for the HomeCooker to help you create a great variety of dishes.

The Philips HomeCooker with Cutting tower HR1050/90 and HR1051/30 …

Stirs for you
Multiple cooking activities – chops, stirs, melts, simmers, stews, boils, steams, fries and sautés
Includes Cutting tower with five disc system for shredding (x 2 sizes), slicing (x 2 sizes) and cutting julienne
Includes steam basket, steam tray and pasta insert
Auto shut off
Intuitive control panel
Temperature range of 40 – 250⁰ C
3 litre family sized stainless steel bowl
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Available in black (HR1050/90) or white (HR1051/30)

The Philips HomeCooker, the first product in the Philips Jamie Oliver kitchen range, will is available from leading electrical retailers and department stores in Australia.

Philips HomeCooker with Cutting tower RRP: $529.95
Philips HomeCooker RRP: $429.95

For more information please visit www.philips.com.au/homecooker

Social Media, Stalking and Ego

2013-02-21T21:30:00.002+11:00

One thing I don’t try to hide is my love of social media – however over the years how I use it and my platforms of choice have shifted.

I’ve struggled a little in the past 12 months - attempting to protect my personal life from it's online presence. It’s often had me questioning the reasons I have a blog and use social media.

Whilst I don’t really worry about the judgement of others, I have been my own worst critic when it comes to this.

There are pros and cons. We all know that. What can one day be a useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family or networking with like minded people (whether it be socially or professionally), can the next test your relationships, anger people and be a major cause of stress and anxiety.

My boyfriend HATES social media and by that I particularly mean the “social” platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Twitter he’s used for a laugh with mates and he’s slowly realizing the value of LinkedIn as a means to position yourself for future career moves and to network within your industry. But when it comes to Facebook in particular it’s a no go zone and one he hates. Google his name and the only digital footprint you'll find is a LinkedIn profile with no photo (trust me, I tried it in the early days!).

The past 12 months my blog, my blog’s Facebook page, my personal Twitter account (I also have one for work) and my Instagram account have been the go-to-place for people connected to him to scour for snippets of information to use against him as it pertains to our relationship. More often that not some of what I post actually has nothing to do with him or us, but when someone who doesn’t know me reads it, well let’s just say they can interpret or choose to make something out of nothing. Perception is often reality.

Other times, well, I confess I have vented about being stalked by his ex and her friend and hit delete not long after (sometimes only a matter or minutes) realizing I am only adding fuel to fire.

It never ceases to amaze me just how many of these times, he’d receive an angry text in response to something I had posted that might have only been online a matter of minutes before I decided to delete. Just goes to show how closely some people ~~stalk~~ watch.

I will never reveal names or pictures of those involved. Ours is a complex situation.

My approach has changed. I’ve backed off from the whole “blogging” thing - I post when I have something I really want to share or seek self therapy by tapping the keyboard. I like to share the opportunities that brandss provide around giveaways when I believe that those I know read my ramblings will enjoy or benefit from them. Some of those choices I get wrong. I know that. It’s trial and error. Just like life.

I've had moments where I’ve stopped and looked at other bloggers and to be honest thought, “yes we are a self absorbed, self centred bunch”, but then remembered there’s WAY more to it and it’s far more complex than that. I’ve wanted to give myself a little smack for putting a judgy hat on - and let me make it clear most of that judgment I’ve centered on myself.

My personal Facebook account has been culled and I probably should cut it further. I find it hard to say no when someone sends a friend request. I have a separate profile under my blog name and I try to keep it to connect with other bloggers and people I’ve met through social media or blogging events.

Twitter I come and go with. The trouble is I have a Blackberry phone (for work) and it’s not user friendly when it comes to tweeting, so I pop over there from time to time but am trying to build up my work twitter account to connect with our industry and my clients. It’s a great way to follow key trends and share information.

Pinterest I love. It IS a time waster. No doubt. You can get lost in there. I mostly re-pin other people’s images – things I like and want to come back to for ideas, whether it be to put an outfit together, amuse Little T or get creative around the home (SO many best laid plans!).

Instagram I have recently made private. I love taking photos but once again having a Blackberry phone, I am limited to times when I have my iPad or iPod touch handy.

I recently shared some personal things which aforementioned boyfriends’ ex’s friend latched onto and messaged me on Facebook about - so it's now private. Send a request to follow me and if you don’t look like you’re connected to her in anyway (and she’s great at making up fake accounts so I am cautious) then I’ll add you and we can follow each other.

To me Instagram is a feel good thing. So many beautiful, creative and fun photos. I love how many of my friends are now joining and I find it great keeping in touch visually.

LinkedIn I use a lot and am getting more into.

I try to keep my online time to a minimum but we all know time can get away especially on Facebook and Pinterest. It's a challenge to find a balance between my addiction to social media, the professional and personal benefits it provides and the wedge it has potential to create if I step over the line on a personal level.

What's your take? Obviously if you're reading this you've been on some form of social media. What's your platfrom of choice? Do you have someone close to you who is anti-social media?

{Image from here}

My First Celebrity Interview

2013-02-13T08:30:00.000+11:00

A little while back I wrote a post about parental blindness based around the fact that every mum and dad wholeheartedly believes theirs is the cutest baby on the planet.

My theory is well-founded by the fact that last year the Bonds Baby Search received 27,259 entries, 722,788 total votes and 1,551,208 unique visitors to its sight.

In a weeks' time on Tues 19^th Feb the Bonds Babysearch 2013, will launch and I have no doubt the numbers will be even greater as word gets out that there are now even more categories open for entry.

This week I have been extremely fortunate to hone my journalistic skills by interviewing Aussie tennis legend, father of two and Bonds Ambassador Pat Rafter who is helping promote the babysearch. Those of you who know me realise interviewing celebrities is not something I have ever done before so I was very nervous about coming up with some decent questions.

Thanks to my trusty friends Facebook and Twitter, I did a little research by asking my followers to help me with a few questions that would hopefully elevate me from sounding like the amateur mummy blogger than I am.

So Mummas and friends, here’s how it all went down……

Pat, I understand you don’t have a Twitter account. Is this because you aren’t interested in social media or have you made a conscious decision to protect your (and your familys’) privacy?

I don’t feel the need to be in contact with people all the time. I like having a tiny bit of secrecy about my life. I don’t Tweet and I don’t Facebook, but I will have to be up with it when my kids start – we don’t allow them to do it yet, but there will come a time when they want to start doing it.
I see a lot of time wasted on Twitter and Facebook, and prefer to be outdoors. I turn off all my communications when I’m doing things, there are about three hours a days when I’m not contactable, even by phone, you can’t get hold of me unless you have my home number. Nothing in this world is that important that you need to be able to be contacted all the time. But I understand that’s the way the world is, and at some stage I will have to be a bit more aware of it.

What sports do you enjoy with your kids?

I’ve taken them on surf trips and they love to go skiing in the snow, and sometimes we just go to the park and throw the Frisbee or kick the football together. And, of course, we all play tennis together.
But I also like watching them develop their individual interests – my daughter loves ballet and gymnastics, and my son enjoys tennis and soccer.

If one of your children wanted to pursue a professional sporting career how strongly would you support them (no matter what the sport)?

I would definitely support them, no matter what the sport, if they loved it. My boy used to play rugby, but he wants to play soccer now. And I’m secretly relieved. So, yes, we will do everything to support them if they choose to continue with sport as a career. But their schooling must come first and they have to finish Year 12 - education is very important to us.

How do you manage the demanding schedule of sport/work + being a public figure along with being a dad?

Just recently, in taking the Davis Cup captaincy role, I’ve found myself a lot busier than I used to be in the early years of my children’s lives. It was very important for me to be around for their development. Now that they’re a bit older I am travelling a lot more, which is different for me.
I think I’ve got a decent balance, and I do travel with the kids as well. The public image side of things is tricky with the kids, but we try to manage that as best we can. I’m conscious of it, but it’s a reality of our life as well. We try not to let them be affected by it all.

Which is easier: winning the US Open or getting a child to bed?

Winning the US Open is definitely easier! You can be selfish in your work but with a kid if they don’t want to sleep they don’t want to sleep. Naughty corners are generally a help with that one. Since my kids are older now it’s not quite as big an issue.

What morals do you try to instil in your children?

We always teach them to respect people, use good manners, treat everyone the same - my mother always taught me to treat everyone equally, whether they are janitors or billionaires.
And we tell them to look out for people if they’re hurt or need help. We also bring them up to be humble with what they’ve got.

What has been the most valuable piece of advice about parenting you’ve ever received?

Before the kids were born we read up, we watched the super nanny and we felt like they helped, but every kid’s different. You just have to learn through trial and error as a parent.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new Dad, what would it be?

As a father, give them as many cuddles and goodnight hugs and kisses as you can. Our kids won’t go to sleep unless we do that. And just be there for them, because it pays such huge dividends in the long run.

What is your favourite item from the Bonds range?

I still love the undies, but I’m also really liking the tees at the moment. I think about eight years ago I didn’t like them that much, I don’t usually like the fit of raglan tees, but now the materials and the fit are much better, and I like that they now come without the tags. I’m wearing one now!

And the question women all around Australia want to know: Is it natural or an airbrushed fitting in those Bonds undies shots?

Absolutely airbrushing. I specified it in my contract.

I was wrong

2013-02-08T16:19:00.000+11:00

I was wrong when I assumed I was ok.

I was wrong when I thought I could just stop taking my anti-depressant medication without any impact.

I was wrong thinking that some of those closest to me would understand that a depressed state is not something you just snap out of.

I was wrong thinking the one I love the most would respond with affection to my meltdown.

I was wrong to yell and swear at my innocent son when I was having one of the worst mornings I can ever remember.

I was wrong thinking no one cared.

I was wrong thinking I was a useless to anyone or anything.

I was wrong thinking thinking I destroyed everything I touched.

I was wrong not to consider I might be wrong before shooting off at someone I love.

I was wrong to think this was going to be easy.

When were you last wrong?

{image source}

Recreating my Ladyspace with some Scotch (Sponsored Post and Giveaway)

2013-01-31T00:05:00.001+11:00

After moving house last August into a rented property, one thing I really missed was my Ladyroom.
I work from home and my office space doubles up as my lady space. Part of the reason I think I lost my blogging mojo for a while there was linked directly to losing a sense of place and inspiration.
I’ve been wondering for a while how to create a workspace that reflects me and makes me want to spend my time there productively. Being in a rented house means there’s no painting walls or banging hooks up to hang some of the wonderfully lovely prints and nick nacks given to me over the years.
There is no “me” in this room.

My boyfriends desk sits beside mine. I won’t show you a photo of it as it’s a mess right now, but since being sent some 3M Scotch Restickables to try out, I am starting slowly on transforming our office into a fun and inspiring room.

I really wish I’d take a before shot to show how in the space of 10 minutes my boring desk became fun again.

First I used the Restickable mini tabs to pin some of Little T’s childcare artwork to the wall behind my monitor.

Then the Restickable Shapes pinned up a sheet from my kikki.k monthly planner to help me see at a glance what’s going on this month as well as the 2013 AFL footy fixture (getting in early) so I can see who my beloved Tigers are playing where and when.

If I was more organised I would have some lovely photos ready to pin up as the mounting range are perfect for photos and won’t damage wall surfaces. These little puppies are double sided so you can use them like I did behind Little T’s artwork by peeling off both sides or as I did on the planner by just peeling one side and sticking over edges or corners of the item you are mounting.

Whilst I am yet to road-test this bit – I am assured you can wash them in soapy water and air dry to restore stickiness and reuse over and over.

If you’re renting like me or are just wanting to ensure you protect your walls, they remove cleanly and without any residue (no more blu-tack ever in this Mumma’s house!).

3M Scotch tell me you can use these for securing objects and knick knacks so I am now kicking myself didn’t get them out of the packet over Christmas despite having some at home as they’d be ideal for ornaments around the home.

If you’d like to give these babies a go, there’s a few ways you can go about it. Firstly, you can buy them from any Officeworks or Bunnings store around Australia (recommended retail is $4.95).
Or I will send a sample to the first 20 people to email me at Jodie@muddledupmumma.com with your name and postal address.

Plus….. one lucky reader can win a pack of four full sized products (the same as I have photographed up the top of this post). Here’s how:

Simply leave a comment below telling me an idea for how your might use 3M Scotch Restickables.

Giveaway Details:

Prize is 4 packets of Scotch Restickables - one of each of type.
To enter, leave a comment leave a comment with a suggested use for Scotch Restickables .
The winner of the full pack will be the most creative suggested use as judged by me.
Open to Australian postal addresses only
All “entries” close" 5pm Friday February 9th 2012 AEST.
Winner will be contacted by email shortly thereafter

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

The Poo Explosion from Hell

2013-01-29T13:51:00.000+11:00

Many of you will know about my love of IKEA and on the weekend, accompanied by my girlfriend Kat, Little T and I headed into our local store for a fix of cheap candles and photo frames.

Getting ready to leave home, I tossed up whether to take my big handbag or a little over the shoulder one - citing the fact that Little T had already done 3 poos that day as my justification for the little one (I wouldn’t need to carry my changing kit). In the IKEA car park I stopped to think – should I take the pusher to stash my emergency changing kit or could I leave it in the car? Surely a wee or two in his nappy could wait the hour or so it would take to make our way around and back?

The Little bugger did my head in the entire way through the store. Wanting to touch every thing. Wanting me to carry him. Wanting walk by himself. Wanting a Pop Drink (the bribery I used to get him excited about going). Wanting to constantly crack it and lie down in the middle of the walking paths through each section….it went on. My girlfriend looked at me many times, amazed at how hard work he was and telling how wonderfully patient I was being.

When we hit the market hall (my favourite part and candle lover heaven), I told Kat this would be easy as he’d sit in the trolley. Of course he didn’t want to and refused to stay with us walking, so I had to carry him. As we got to the registers with a full trolley, I was SO over it.

Just as it was our turn I felt something wet on my arm and looked down to see a table-spoon sized blob of green runny poo on it. I turned to Kat and exclaimed “oh shit”…. “literally”. The look on her face said it all! I then checked Little T’s backside to see the biggest poo explosion he’s ever had. All up his back, t-shirt, shorts and even spilling down his leg and onto his shoes.

This cannot be f*^ing happening I told myself!

I organised for Kat to pay for my stuff and rushed to the exit with what felt like hundreds of eyes on me and my son covered in green shit. A staff member seeing what was happening pointed me to the nearest toilet.
We got in a cubicle and I told the little man to stand still. I could see in his eyes he understood the panic on my face. I undressed him and started to use the toilet paper to wipe him down. Of course it was the crappy 1-ply stuff that falls apart with the sight of water and I must have made about 20 trips back and forth from the cubicle to the wash basins to wet it and add a bit of hand soap. Turning into a mum who licks paper to clean her child.

“Mumma there’s poo on my shoe” the little man told me. “Yes mate, mummy will fix it”.

I literally stripped him to nothing and then wondered how I was going to get him out of IKEA with no clothes. At that point, I wanted to cry. I was overwhelmed.

I was wearing a 2-layer dress and for a while there he was going to be carried out in what was my top layer!
I tried calling Kat to see if she’d run to the car to get the spare nappy and wipes I had but of course she wasn’t answering her phone.

So we pushed on and my super mum powers kicked in. With Little T sitting naked on the closed toilet lid, I washed his crocs in the hand basin, rolled up the poo covered t-shirt. Cleaned him down with disintegrating toilet paper and reassured him it was ok. I was thrilled when I realised the poo on his shorts was only a smudge on the outside, so I washed it off and popped them back on him.

Composed we made our way out. The only sign of what had gone before a small green smudge on the sleeve of my dress and a topless kid in the middle of a shopping centre.

Never again will I chance it and leave that spare nappy set behind!

What is your worst ever poo story with your kids?

{image above is from the book “Everyone Poops” by Taro Gomi}

The Lazy Mum’s Guide to Cleaning and Giveaway

2013-01-24T20:42:00.000+11:00

When you mix a busy mum (aren’t we all) with a lazy mum you get someone who is looking for shortcuts and ways to make things quick and easy.

As a full-time working mum, I used to have a cleaner once a fortnight but I don’t now for a couple of reasons – firstly I save the money and secondly I found it hard to get one in my price bracket that would clean to my standards.

So I’ve been trying to work some routine and time saving product into how I keep our home clean.

Whilst Little T loves to help his Mumma, it’s a bit hit and miss and often I end up needing to clean up after his “cleaning up”. Still – train them early I say.

I’ll give you my tips shortly, but I wanted to highlight one thing that is important to me is trying to minimize harm of harsh chemicals on my son and our family and friends. The cleaning sprays I now use are from a brand called method who first sent me product to try about 6 months ago. There was never any pressure for me to blog about it (which I love), but not only do I love so many of the products I tried, they truly have changed how I go about cleaning. Surfaces cleaned with method, including high chairs and/or bathtubs, are absolutely safe for contact by children. method does not leave behind any toxic or harmful fumes or residues, as it does not contain hazardous ingredients.

By doing the following things, I manage to keep my dedicated cleaning time to around an hour a week. During that time I do the major stuff – a thorough sweep, mop the floor, thorough toilet and shower clean and dust.

1.Use flushable or biodegradable wipes for quick daily or emergency cleans

I keep a packet in the kitchen and each bathroom and toilet. They are more expensive than sprays, but for me the time saved in between thorough cleans is well worth it. There’s all sorts of brands that make these but I have been using the method tub and tile flush-able wipes for quick toilet seat cleans before visitors arrive or if my partner has been a bit messy around the bathroom sink. I do this whilst I am getting ready in the morning. I use the biodegradable wipes in the kitchen to wipe the bin lid or give the cupboard doors a quick going over. I do this when I am already in the kitchen for some other reason.

2. Keep toilet cleaner in the toilet for a quick going over every few days. If you have to get it from another room, you won’t do it unless you're doing a major house clean.

3. Cheat where you can. I invested in a robot vacuum cleaner a few years ago. I mostly sweep my wooden floors every few days and mop once a week, but the bedrooms are carpet. So I set my little robot off and shut the door. Job done.

4. Use Microfibre cloths and lots of them. I have heaps of these around – once again leaving one in the bathrooms for quick mirror or bench wipes. They make dusting and wiping so much quicker as they are more effective than regular rags, sponges or paper towel.

5. Create a cleaning caddy. I use this for my regular cleaning stuff and it lives in the laundry for when I do a major clean. In it is window cleaner, exit mold, brushes for scrubbing tiles and around the taps, floor cleaner, disinfectant and an all purpose cleaning spray. Anything else, I keep away out of reach in a box as I rarely use it and it just takes up valuable space.

Make sure it has a handle so it’s easy to take from room to room.

(Just to prove how lazy I am – I didn’t take a photo of my actual caddy… this one’s from here)

6. Organise under your sink. When I was doing home economics in year 8 at school I‘ll never forget the teacher telling me that the sign of a good housewife was a clean sink. For some reason it’s stuck with me. I keep my kitchen cleaning stuff under the sink and try to make cleaning up in the kitchen as quick and painless as possible.

If you’re like me, you don’t like leaving dirty dishes around the sink overnight, yet after a lovely meal and a few wines, you can’t be arsed cleaning up. And don’t you know it – not everything can go in the dishwasher (if you have one – I am forgetting it’s a first world problem!).

I have been using Dishmatic brushes for as long as I can remember. Except until I was sent the whole range a few months ago, I only kept one color brush head. Having them all makes it easy to keep things tidy and quickly clean items that are delicate or need a really good scrub. I keep the main one in my sink all the time and the others I store head up (so the detergent doesn’t run out and waste away in a caddy below the sink.

7. Try to stop the cause of dirty floors and dust before it happens. I keep my front and back door areas swept and dusted to minimize how much gets walked or blown in.

8. Put things away regularly. The biggest cause of “mess stress” for me, is seeing a build up of bits and pieces around the home. You know – unfolded washing in piles or baskets, shoes left where they’ve been kicked off, junk mail you plan on flicking through, kids hats, toys, books etc… it’s just stuff that takes over your home.

Whilst I do not make claim to be extremely organised, I do make sure everything has a “home” within our home and every few days when it starts to get out of control, I take 20 minutes or so to put things away.

Little T is still too young to help with this and my partner works long hours and travels a lot. When he’s here he helps with the major clean but the rest I do in tiny bursts to keep my sanity. Really it’s not that hard.

I must add too that my favorite product from method is the daily granite surface cleaner. I will buy this forever – as it’s non-toxic and both cleans and sparkles my benches. I could go on about so many of the other products I have tried including the hand washes and baby washes, but I’ll just say there was not one I didn’t love.

The method range is available available in selected Independents (including IGA’s) across the country, Woolworths and online from here. Dishmatic products are availabe in Woolworths, IGA, Big W, Franklins and Independents.

THE GIVEAWAY

The good folk from Method and Dishmatic are kindly offering to giveaway $300 worth of their products to help a few lucky readers tweek their home cleaning routines.

The prizes are:

From method: first prize: a bundle of method products valued at over $100 rrp.

prize includes: kitchen hand wash – lemongrass,2 x hand gels - sweet water/french lavender, 2 x all purpose cleaner - french lavender/pink grapefruit, daily kitchen cleaner, glass + surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, daily shower, spring daisy laundry - 50 loads, smarty dish dishwasher tabs, pink grapefruit wipes, bathroom wipes, dilutable floor + surface cleaner

second prize: method babies + kids products valued at over $50 rrp.

prize includes: 1 x baby body lotion, 2 x baby bubbly bath, 1 x kids body wash – fuzzy peach, 1 x kids 3 in 1 shampoo – fuzzy peach, 1 x kids body wash – crisp apple, 1 x kids 3 in 1 shampoo – crisp apple

From Dishmatic: 2 x year's supply of 'washing-up wonder' products from Dishmatic worth $75 each.

Each prize bundle will comprise several of each of the following: Dishmatic, Dishmatic refills in Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty and Micro Soft, Dishmatic Steel Scourer, Steel Scourer refills, Dishmatic Brush, EcoForce Pegs

To enter, ensure you like Muddled up Mumma on Facebook and leave a comment in the Rafflecopter form below telling me in 25 words or less about your favourite time saving cleaning tip.

The winners will be chosen as my favourite answers.

Closes Sunday February 10th at Midnight AEST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was gifted a number of products from the method and Dishmatic range to try. I was surprised when they arrived that some were products I already bought but hadn’t associated with these brands. I was not obliged to write a review in return for trying these products. I genuinely love these items and wanted to share them with you.

Can’t Quite Put My Finger On It

2013-01-09T17:36:00.002+11:00

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I’m having one of those days. I am distracted but can’t seem to work out by what. I jump from task to task.

I feel strange. Things need to change but I am not sure what I want or where to start.

I feel really lethargic and a bit down in the dumps. It’s that time of month which doesn’t help.

Tomorrow I start a health kick. I’m trying out a 5 day detox with a juice and healthy dinner plan (from here in case you’re wondering). I sprung into action 2 days ago after Little T asked me to get on the scales (he didn’t even know what they were for) and to my surprise, the few kilos I knew had crept on over the past few months turned out to be 7. It may not seem like much, but when you’re 60 kilos, to put 7 extra on in 4 or 5 months is huge. I knew something was up as many of my clothes wouldn’t fit.

Anyway, I’ll write later about how the detox goes.

This post wasn’t meant to be about my health. It’s more my state of mind. I feel weird. Like I’m at another cross road in life having to make some decisions that will have significant impact on my journey.

Work, lifestyle, hobbies, and habits all up for consideration.

Maybe I need to practice the art of mindfulness to improve my effectiveness? Maybe I need to adopt a more minimalist approach to my possessions? Maybe I need a career change? Maybe I need to take better care of myself?

Perhaps I just need to go back and see my therapist!

It’s almost like I have lost some of my sense of place in the massive changes that 2012 brought.

I live day to day in a tricky personal situation where there are ex-partners and children from each of these involved. There is love and passion like no other but also fear and uncertainty on both sides. We are apart a lot. It gives my nutty head too much time alone to think and wander where it shouldn’t.

What do I want for the year ahead? Health, happiness and love. Don’t we all. How will it look and how will I know if I am there? I have no bloody idea.

Where do I begin? Maybe a vision board? Pinterest my old friend you may be able to help here.

So a little soul searching is now on my to-do-list. Ironic really – adding one more thing when one my main end goals is to cut back.

Wish me luck.

How about you? How you are feeling coming into 2013?

Christmas Holiday Cheer

2013-01-08T13:53:00.002+11:00

Here’s how Christmas unfolded for Little T and I…..

Little T Goes to The Zoo

2012-12-18T13:40:00.003+11:00

I am putting my proud Mumma hat on today.

Here’s some pictures of my Little man from a recent trip to the Melbourne Zoo.

The Truth

2012-12-16T15:06:00.000+11:00

I’ve held a lot back from this blog over the past year. Those who know me well know exactly what I am referring to. It’s been a fine line and tricky in many ways. I am not someone who likes to hide things. But dealing with the impact of social media and what you put on the internet makes it more complicated. There are others to consider. Once we make something public on-line there’s no going back.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently and how I handle wanting to be open about myself on my blog but not hurting others at the same time.

If you’ve followed me for some time, you will have been aware of many cryptic status updates earlier in the year. They came at a time I wasn’t coping well with what was going on around me. I’d post a status update in a fit of rage only to remove it later as either I settled down or the person it was directed at fired up.

You see the truth is I ended my marriage after I met someone else. Reality is it would have eventually happened some other way and the reasons why are something I will never expose publicly, but meeting someone else had me analyzing the situation and really thinking about what was right for me. It was not an easy thing to know you are going to devastate someone else because you are seeking your own happiness and fulfillment over theirs. Knowing you are effecting your friends and family and risking losing some of them.

Not that I care anymore what people think but I do need to highlight that I do stand tall and proud that I was upfront with my husband about what was happening. I was unhappy (and he knows its not the first time I’d told him that) and I had met someone I liked. I hadn’t at that time acted on it but I knew it was what I wanted. So the wheels were put in motion.

It is now 9 months since I had that first difficult conversation and we knew it was going to be over. I still worry about him being ok, but I know my choice was the only one for me and in some ways for him. He needed to be free of me to reach his own potential and already I am seeing that play out which makes me immensely proud of him.

Unfortunately the other side has not been so straightforward. The person I met was unhappy too – that’s how we initially connected – open and incredibly honest conversation. I had never before been so comfortable around someone else. So honest and truthful.

What happened on his side was unfortunate and incredibly difficult for everyone involved. I will never share here what eventuated.

I am sad about the damage that took place. I am not a home wrecker as I have been called. I am proud to have had the courage and conviction to remain open and honest with those who are closest to me. The other person involved made his own choices and I continue to be respectful of these.

I am in a good place now. Those who judge are always going to. Those I care about understand.

It’s been interesting to hear a few people close to me who weren’t as surprised as I expected -telling me they never saw any “spark” between Mr T and I. That’s because it wasn’t there. We were best friends and for some that is enough in a marriage but not for me. A life of “what if” is not one I can lead.

I expect more judgement here. It’s only natural when the story remains incomplete. All I can say is the truth has set me free and the rest simply doesn’t matter any more.

A trip to a special toy shop

2012-12-07T18:38:00.001+11:00

How do you explain to a 2.5 year old you are taking them to a blogging event? This one was easy to put a good spin on as this morning Little and I went to Mattel’s Toy-riffic Christmas morning tea to learn about the most sought after toys for 2012.

To get through the half an hour drive, I pumped the little fellow up by telling him I was taking him to a “special” toy shop - one that not many kids ever get to go to.

We had such a lovely morning learning about what toys are going to be a big hit this Christmas and meeting other mums and kids. Not many toy shops put on a spread of morning tea with balloons, coffee for mum and even ice cream for both the big and little kids.

We all got a special surprise when Santa turned up and all the kids went home with something from his stocking. Big thanks Mattel.

Let me give you a run down on the toys Little T loved.

The TrackMaster™ Risky Rails Bridge Drop (RRP $124.99) was hands down the little man’s favourite toy. He spent 75% of our time watching Thomas go up and around the tallest TrackMaster™ set ever made.

Even the big fella got down and had a go with this one!

You can’t see it properly by Little T has the remote control to the Steam N Speed Remote Control Thomas (RRP $83.99). This is the Toy Santa sent us home with and he is SUPER cute - puffing real (cool) steam and saying Thomas phrases as he whistles and chugs along.

Little T waited very patiently to play with the Cars Lightning McQueen Hawk (RRP $68.99) as it was very popular with all the little boys.

Despite never having seen Toy Story, Little T knew what to do with Buzz when he found the Toy Story Total Control Buzz Lightyear (RRP $83.99)

The Hot Wheels® Wall Tracks™ Power Tower (RRP $78.99) was also one I will bookmark as a future present idea.

I did my best to entice him, but Little T simply wasn’t interested in the “girls” toys. I say that because I am a believer in not trying to stereotype kids into gender specific toys.

I took him over to see the Barbie® Sisters Cruise Ship, Monster High® High School (he was a bit interested in this one but it was too old for him and he would have destroyed it!) and the little purple Fijit Friend (one of my personal favorite toys).

Above: Barbie® Sisters Cruise Ship, Monster High® High School and Fijit Friend

Disclaimer: Little T and I were guests of Mattel at this event. All opinions are my own.

Christmas Giveaway - 24 Prizes Worth $1,263 (CLOSED)

2012-12-05T20:50:00.001+11:00

The countdown has begun and to help you with a few last minute gift ideas or presents (if you’re a lucky winner), I’ve put together the following giveaway.

Here are 25 prizes adding up to over $1,263 in value!

It’s really easy to enter. Just fill in the Rafflecopter entry at the end of this post.

Winners will be drawn Thursday December 13th and notified the same day via email.

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3 x Gloria Jeans Packs - $337 in Value

For the coffee lovers out there, Gloria Jean have provided these three super packs. Let me tell you, I have been eating their Chocolate coated coffee beans and Gingerbread Reindeers these past few weeks and they are SO moorish. The Caffitaly machine I’ve seen in my local Woolworths and am thinking of giving one a go. The fact you can buy the Gloria Jeans coffee pods for them in store, means you can be assured a decent brew at a reasonable price. For more Christmas Gift ideas of Coffee inspiration, pop over to: www.gloriajeanscoffees.com or www.facebook.com/gloriajeanscoffees

Major Prize Pack (RRP $224.56 )

- Caffitaly Capsule Machine x 1

- Gloria Jean’s Coffees Capsules x 1 variant of each

- Gingerbread Reindeers x 3

- Christmas Coffee Mug x 1

- Chocolate Coated coffee beans x 2

- Milk Chocolate Drinking Mix x 1

Runner-up Prize Packs x 2 (RRP $56.55 each)

- 1 x Christmas Mug

1 x Sweet Peppermint Mocha whole beans

- 1 x RA Cocoa

- 2 x Peppermint Mints

- 2 x Spearmint Mints

- 2 x Gingerbread Reindeer

LEGO Star Wars Jabba's Palace™: (RRP $199.99)

I am a bit of a star wars nut myself and love this Lego set. How cute is that Jabba the hut?

At Jabba's Palace™ on Tatooine, Princess Leia is disguised as Boushh as she tries to rescue Chewbacca and carbonite-frozen Han Solo. Can she get past the roof-mounted missiles, defense guns and surveillance equipment to reach them?

LEGO® toys have been the perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler since I was a kid. The LEGO Group has an amazing collection of construction toys and buildable board games for all ages and stages of development, from toddlers all the way up to young-at-heart adults. For details on the full range check out www.lego-australia.com.au/

Vtech InnoTAB 2 – $179.95

Little T and I recently attended a launch event for the new InnoTAB 2 and I can assure you this toy needs to be at the top of the Christmas list for good boys and girls aged 4 to 9.

It comes packed with features including a 5” inch LCD touch screen, twist camera, video capability, tilt sensor and microphone, more than enough to keep any techsavvy child busy in a safe and controlled environment. Retailing at $179.95 you can get your hands on one in either blue or pink both instore and online at Toys R Us, Big W, Target and David Jones. More information and downloads are available at www.vtechkids.com.au

Vtech have provided an InnoTab to one lucky reader as part of this Christmas Giveaway.

2 x Family Passes to: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition ($59.95 each)

Having opened on 21 November at Pavilion Waterfront, Docklands Drive, this state-of-the-art entertainment and educational experience offers visitors the opportunity to tour scenes from the famed literary world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the magical Narnia films, visitors will enter a three-dimensional world that combines the wonders of science with aspects of fantasy.

Once inside The Chronicles of Narnia exhibition, visitors will encounter several fun, hands-on elements including - A replica of the White Witch's Throne, an interactive frozen waterfall, a model of King Miraz's Castle, an area highlighting the mythical creatures of Narnia, which allows visitors to create their own creatures featured in the films and much, much more..

Visitors will also come face-to-face with characters and creatures from Narnia, including Reepicheep, a Minotaur, and Centaurs as well as costumes of key characters, including the White Witch and the Pevensie children. A recreation of C.S. Lewis’ study, where he wrote the Narnia adventures, is also shown in the exhibition.

When: 21 November 2012 to February 2013

Where: Pavilion Waterfront, Docklands Ave, Docklands

Tickets: Phone Ticketmaster on 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

Hours: Weekdays: 12 noon to – Last entry 7pm – Close 8:30pm Weekends: 10am –Last Entry 7pm Close 8:30pm

Admission: Family $59.90 (4 Ttx), Adult $19.90, Child (3-10 yrs) $14.90, 2 years and under free - Groups 10 or more-buy 8 and get 2 free

3 x Fisher Price Laugh & Learn™ iPhone / iPod Touch Apptivity™ Cases – $24.95 each

Any parent with an iPhone or iPad will know what a godsend these are! Designed to allows babies to interact with free Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ apps, while protecting mum or dad’s mobile device, the durable case holds your iPhone or iPod Touch behind a clear film to protect the screen, and features textured handles for easy grasping. Clacker beads provide fun play and a mirror at the back of the case encourages self-discovery.

The Laugh & Learn™ Apptivity™ Case for iPhone & iPod touch is compatible with iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 2nd, 3rd & 4th generations. It’s recommended for children aged 6 months plus and recommended retail is only $24.99. Available in Australia from Target, Big W, Toys ‘R’ Us, Kmart, Myer and Toy World. To check out the Laugh and Learn apps pop over here or visit www.fisher-price.com.au

4 x Games from Mindscape (RRP $19.95 each)

I don’t really get the whole “gaming” thing despite working in IT with many self professed geeks who do. If you’re into games, I am assured you’ll enjoy these PC Games from Mindscape. Pop over to www.mindscape.com.au for more cool stuff and some great stocking filler ideas. Be sure to look at the Kids section for the craft packs.

Mystery #23 Nancy Drew®: Shadow at the Water’s Edge: Nancy Drew heads for Japan where she’s staying at a traditional ryokan (inn) for a little R&R with Bess and George, but when reports of a vengeful ghost start scaring away the guests, Nancy’s vacation takes a turn for terror! Nancy Drew works to uncover the secret that lies beneath the surface, before the ghost can take its revenge!

Farm Frenzy 3: American Pie: Players join Scarlett, the feisty star of Farm Frenzy 3, as she puts robots to work on her land. Keep up with the latest advancements in technology to grow crops, feed animals, collect produce and manufacture goods. The title features zany new animations, 90 all-new levels packed with never-before-seen characters, buildings and challenges and fast-paced gameplay.

Smash Frenzy 4: In Smash Frenzy 4, aliens have entered our dimension and kidnapped thousands of men and women. The brightest minds on Earth then came together and created a secret weapon that can return any object it touches to its home planet. Players must work to rescue as many people and save earth in this brick-breaking bonanza! Powerups will emerge from smashed items, interactive objects and explosive 3D visuals will amaze right up to the end. Don't miss Smash Frenzy 4, the greatest Arkanoid adventure ever created!

Sky Taxi 4: Top Secret:Players work to rescue a beautiful spy from the clutches of a madman as they run, jump and stomp through Sky Taxi: Top Secret! Guide Mitch, a movie star by day and superhero by night, as he sets out to save the day! Enjoy stunning side-scrolling action as you progress through different levels grabbing goodies, knocking out baddies, and discovering cool secrets! Survive epic boss battles and save the spy in Sky Taxi: Top Secret!

(The winner will receive all four games)

3 x Copies of “Good Night, Sleep Tight” children's book by Mem Fox – $19.95

Seeing as one of Little T’s favorite books is “Where is the Green Sheep” by Mem Fox, I was keen to snap up the opportunity to share with you Mem’s new picture book, Good Night, Sleep Tight. As an early Christmas gift to you and your littlie we’ve got 3 copies to give away.

Good Night, Sleep Tight was inspired by research suggesting that children who have learnt six nursery rhymes by age four will usually be in the top reading group by eight. The book revives seven classic nursery rhymes for new generations and highlights the importance of parents reading aloud to their children.

Available where are good children’s books can be purchased.

Patch Buddy – $49.95

These are a cute combination of a soft toy in a backpack. There is a special pocket for the little toy to sit in and always be part of the trip! The backpack is roomy, with plenty of space for everything a little one will need for a day out – a change of clothes, a snack and a sunhat will fit with ease.

No more losing toys at the bottom of bags - sitting securely on the outside of the bag means Patch Buddies are always in sight and ready to play, or ready to comfort during those offhand toddler meltdown moments!

There are three different funky backpack colour combinations to choose from, and seven loveable character options including Loyal Mouse, Playful Pig and Happy Penguin. Patch Buddies are suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years and retail for around $50. To purchase online or to view a list of stockists, go to www.eurekaconcepts.com.au.

Personal Planner or Notebook – $49 Value

I am loving these personalised planners and notebooks from www.personal-planner.com.au and am going to be a frequent visitor for a gift idea that is a little different.

You can change colour, text and design on the front and back cover as well as the inlay. There are also clever boxes for to-do list, gym sessions (mind you not something I use!), preschool, ideas of the week and more. Friend’s and family member’s birthdays can also be added to the inlay directly from Facebook. They’ll even print and deliver the finished product directly to our your doorstep! The site once again is www.personal-planner.com.au or visit on Facebook.

Up for grabs is a digital gift for a personalised notebook or planner in your choice of size.

Bondi Bag From Bill Brown London Australia – $34.99

Just secretly I am going to leave a few hints around the place to my loved ones this Christmas as I am coveting one of these Bondi Bags to help keep me looking stylish whilst staying practical this summer. Designed by Londoner Bill Brown, the range is made from all natural products. The Bondi Bag is perfect as a beach or baby bag. The winner can select a colour from the range.

As well as beach bags, handbags, shopping bags, travel bags and cosmetic bags, Bill Brown London also stock beds and sarongs. Check out the full range at www.billbrownlondon.com.au or say hi on Facebook.

4 x Packs of Windowsill Pots from Mr Fothergill’s Little Gardeners range ($16.95 each pack)

Mr Fothergill’s Little Gardeners range is a fun collection of nifty gifts perfect for stocking fillers including the delicious Lolly Plant and unusual Tickling Mimosa that will get kids into the garden and growing their own healthy snacks during the long school break.

The Little Gardeners range includes everything required for children to ‘grow their own’ and learn the benefits of green values in a fun, practical way.

Mr Fothergill’s 500mL Windowsill Pots will keep the kids and their green thumbs busy with a Jiffy soil pellets, seeds and easy recipe ideas for kids such as strawberry jelly and frozen berry smoothies to teach children healthy living. Windowsill Pot varieties include Lolly Plant (Stevia), a healthy alternative to sugar that is three hundred times sweeter, Lemonade Plant (Lemon Balm), Mini Strawberry (Alpine Strawberry) and Mini Tomato. For tips and other ideas for your new flourishing garden, visit the website: www.mrfothergills.com.au or Facebook page www.facebook.com//Mr-Fothergills

Craft Gift Pack from Kiddie Create – $9.95

Kiddie Create is a new concept engaging children. It is a disposable craft bundle filled with various themed based bits and bobs for children to construct. Kiddie Create can be subscription based or enjoyed as a one off individual pack. The primary notion is keeping the surprise in life, with unique packages that are simple to understand. For more information visit www.kiddiecreate.com.au or say hi to Erin (who is practically a neighbour of mine living in the next suburb to me) on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/kiddiecreate

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Enter to win one of the above prizes using the below Rafflecopter tool.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

The winners of this Christmas Giveaway will be randomly selected using the Random.Org tool embedded in Rafflecopter.

The competition opens, Wednesday December 5th and closes on Thursday December 13th at 5.00pm AEST. Open to Australian residents only. There are 24 prizes to be won, with a total prize value of $1263. Winners will be notified via email.

Decluttering My Life

2012-12-04T13:00:00.000+11:00

To many it may be the bleeding obvious, but it’s only recently hit me that I can’t have my cake and eat it too.

Call the “old me” naive, ambitious, selfish, or maybe stupid – but it’s taken almost 37 years for me to work this out.

Like I’ve had an epiphany, all of a sudden I have realised I simply can’t DO everything I want to.

My mum has been telling me this for a long time. “Jodie, you take on too much. Have you ever considered cutting back?”

Why would I? I thought I was coping. After coming close to having a break down and learning to manage my depression earlier this year, getting back to “normal” has meant taking on more.

This week is a week of de-cluttering for me. My home and my life. Removing some of the sources of stress. Thinking about what is really important. Prioritizing opportunities in context with the amount of time I have to complete them. Taking better care of myself. Thinking about who I want to share myself and my time with.

I plan to be in better position to make good and sensible decisions. I have for too long wanted to do so many things. Grand plans on everything from travel, exercise, things to make, games to play, people to stay in touch with, business and blog ideas…..

I love sport and I want to get back into my chosen sports of sailing, swimming and playing golf but which mother who works full time in a high pressure IT role and writes a blog and cleans her own house can do all this and still have time to play with her son and be a good mum? Maybe some, but not me.

I am home alone the rest of the week. I am working my way through a series of tasks to help get me back on track.

Exercise and healthy eating is the first start. I am off alcohol until Sunday and trying to fill myself with fresh fruit and veggies and lean meat. My body has been neglected for some time. I have barely stepped out into a run since I fell pregnant with Little T just over 3 years ago.

I need to get the basics right before I can move onto the next stage.

This week I am also tidying up lose ends; getting my tax return ready to lodge, selling some stuff on eBay I’ve been meaning to do for months, getting my Christmas Giveaway up on the blog so I can meet all the commitments to PR’s I’ve been making and then clear the slate to be more selective on content I agree to share or promote, do all my Christmas shopping and finish off my spare room for Christmas visitors.

Oh and double check the lotto tickets that have been sitting on my desk for over a month!

I want to head into 2013 without any baggage. I want to be able to make better decisions and not carry a sense of “missing out”. I do still want my cake, but I now know I need to share it round and not over indulge.

Are you someone who tried to bite of more than you can chew?

Image from here

My Sky Dive!

2012-12-03T14:38:00.002+11:00

I did it!

Yesterday I jumped out of a perfectly good (albeit tiny) plane to help raise money for Support for Mums.

Collectively the Mother Jumpers raised over $38,000 to help Mums and Families in crisis.

Here’s some pictures of my experience.

And the video!

I’d highly recommended to anyone who is considering this to giving it a go. As someone who is petrified of heights and small planes, I surprised myself by how relatively calm and safe I felt and how much I loved the whole experience.

Beware Spider

2012-11-23T12:53:00.000+11:00

I love Facebook. I am not ashamed to admit it. I love connecting with people and being about to find common ground. Last night was a great example of this.

I was home along and just about to go to bed when I noticed a big black spider on the curtain in my bedroom.

I don’t “DO” spiders. I cannot and will not sleep until I know exactly where that thing is and that there is no way I will wake up at any stage with it in my immediate vicinity. Same applies for in my car – I do not move the vehicle if I know there is a spider inside the car. Once I had a large huntsman inside my car and upon spotting it, I stopped immediately in the middle of a (fortunately quiet) street with door wide open until my braver girlfriend could present it to me in a squashed and not chance of ever moving again state.

The only exceptions to my spider policy are Daddy Long Legs who I will quite comfortably live with. In fact there are several in my bathroom and pantry right now.

So back to Facebook…..

Here’s what I put out there last night:

Well, I am now equipped with so many tactic to take into a future spider emergency thanks to the response that came back. It has to be one of the most quickly jumped up status updates I have made as within the hour I had 33 people coming back with advice.

So for all you spider haters like me, here are the tips:

So, there you have it. Spray and Wipe, Vacuuming it up, WD40, CRY, Hairspray, various squashing techniques, lock the door and have a glass of wine in another room, call a man to come over and help…. so many ideas.

I ended up going with the vacuum option and more than 12 hours later my dustbuster is still sitting outside as I am not game to chance that the spider is still alive and may end up back inside before I empty the dustbuster into my big wheelie bin.

So there you have it. How would you have dealt with the spider situation?

{Spider image via here}

Breaking The Rules

2012-11-15T21:50:00.002+11:00

Life has changed for me in so many ways for me in the last 12 months.

One thing I have started to be consciously aware of is that I am starting to break some of my “self imposed” rules.

Let me give you an example.

Up until a few months ago, I never bought red underwear. Not even a colour close to it.

To me, I associated red lingerie with skanky or sluttyness. Then I saw a bra and undies by Elle Macpherson intimates in a red lace that I looked at and loved. My inner rule maker told me they were off limits, but something else kicked in and over-ruled the ruler maker herself. I bought them. I love them. I feel great in them. They don’t look cheap or skanky. And you, know what…. who cares if someone else thinks they do. For a start, no one else sees me in them (except Little T when I get dressed in front of him) and even if that changed I am comfortable enough and in my own choice not to let it worry me.

I am backing myself in a lot more.

Another example of my rule breaking….

A while back I wrote about how I loathed kids clothes with cartoons and popular kids show characters on them.

Earlier this week, Little T and I were in Target, looking for some summer staples for him and I found myself looking at Thomas The Tank Engine sandals. Whilst I pulled myself up in my apparent rule-breaking mode, I did stop and go toward other “character free” options - but then as we looked for some swimmers, the little man pulled a “Cookie Monster” set off the rack and delightfully told me he wanted the one with the Monster. I didn’t even blink as I grabbed them and we headed off to the register.

Final example was tonight…..

The little man and I went to our local Mexican restaurant together for dinner on a “school night”. We shared Nachos and as I drank a Margarita, Little T had some soda water with a dash of raspberry to make him feel like it was a special drink.

We came home and despite it being his bed time, we were having too much fun and stayed up cuddling on the couch laughing and being silly together. He started to play being asleep and told me to go to sleep too. I couldn’t stop laughing as he started to pretend snore - Where had he heard that from? Then I did the same and he giggled and cuddled me.

If a moment like that is not just reward for letting a rule slip every now and then, I don’t know what is.

Tell me, when is the last time you surprised yourself and broke one of your own rules?

Giveaway: Summer Cordials From Alchemy

2012-11-01T22:13:00.002+11:00

Last summer I was sent a pack of these…

which I turned into these for Little T……

I still have some cordial left in our pantry and last week as the weather warmed up in Melbourne, I started thinking I should make some more icy poles for the Little man and it prompted me to want to share the giveaway (I had almost forgotten about) with you. Lucky the lovely Courtney from Alchemy Cordials was super understanding and let me get away with a 10-month delay!

So here I am telling you a little about Alchemy cordials and offering you the change to win a $100 pack from Alchemy which will give you an endless summer of family icy pole fun.

The Alchemy Cordial Company is a family business making Classic Cordials from all-natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. When diluted they have half the sugar of soft drink and can be used in all sort of ways - personally I made icy poles and added some to my Vodka!

As well as the giveaway below, Alchemy are also offering readers of Muddled Up Mumma a special discount code which will entitle you to a special introductory offer of 20% off their Classic Cordials, Coffee Syrups, Chais & Frappe Mixes . All you need to do is enter the promotional code MUDDLED at the checkout when purchasing these products online from www.alchemycordial.com.au.

You can also check out Alchemy on Twitter or Facebook.

The GIVEAWAY

Alchemy is providing a prize pack of Alchemy products valued at over $100.

To enter, ensure you like Muddled up Mumma on Facebook and leave a comment in the Rafflecopter form below telling me in 25 words or less how you would like to use some Alchemy cordials. The winner will be chosen as my favourite answer.

Closes November 14rd at Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney Live Giveaway

2012-10-31T17:48:00.004+11:00

This summer Disney Live is touring Australia with Mickey’s Rockin’ Road and I have two family passes to Giveaway valued at $140 to offer to followers of Muddled Up Mumma.

Mickey, Minnie and our favourite Disney friends including Tigger, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and Woody are putting on a show for the whole family.

The story revolves around Mickey and his pals putting on a talent show, with Mickey as the director, Minnie as the costume designer, Goofy as the clumsy stagehand and Donald in charge of the big “Ka-Pow”! Realising that they need more performers, they embark on a road trip in Mickey’s fantastical bus, where they face a series of misadventures and eventually round up a few friends to help put on their show.

TOUR DATES & TICKET INFORMATION:

PERTH Dec 28-30 Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek

BRISBANE Jan 6-7 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek

SYDNEY Jan 11-13 Sydney Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster

NEWCASTLE Jan 15-16 Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

WOLLONGONG Jan 19 WIN Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

ADELAIDE Jan 21-22 Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

MELBOURNE Jan 24-27 The Plenary, Melbourne Convention Centre - Ticketmaster

LAUNCESTON Jan 30-31 Silverdome – Silverdome

HOBART Feb 2-3 Derwent Entertainment Centre – Ticketmaster

CANBERRA Feb 9 AIS Arena – Ticketek

TOWNSVILLE Feb 16-17 Townsville Convention & Exhibition Centre – TECC

Also touring Cairns and Darwin! Tour and on sale information coming soon!

A Reserve: $37.50 (*family ticket $140) / B Reserve: $29.50 (*family ticket $110)
*Family ticket admits any configuration of four people / Children under 12 months free on the knee.

Pop over to the Disney Live webpage to find out more about the show and ticketing, see some cool photos and access activities for the kids.

The GIVEAWAY

On offer are 2 x Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) Tickets valued at $140 each.

The winners may select which Capital city from the available shows.

To enter, ensure you like Muddled up Mumma on Facebook and leave a comment in the Rafflecopter form below telling me in 25 words or less who your favourite Disney Character is and why. The winner will be chosen as my favourite answer.

Closes Monday Dec 3rd at Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PERTH	Dec 28-30	Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
BRISBANE	Jan 6-7	Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
SYDNEY	Jan 11-13	Sydney Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster
NEWCASTLE	Jan 15-16	Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
WOLLONGONG	Jan 19	WIN Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
ADELAIDE	Jan 21-22	Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
MELBOURNE	Jan 24-27	The Plenary, Melbourne Convention Centre - Ticketmaster
LAUNCESTON	Jan 30-31	Silverdome – Silverdome
HOBART	Feb 2-3	Derwent Entertainment Centre – Ticketmaster
CANBERRA	Feb 9	AIS Arena – Ticketek
TOWNSVILLE	Feb 16-17	Townsville Convention & Exhibition Centre – TECC