My Little Drummer Boys

Wordless Wednesday ~ Brothers in Arms

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:01:00 +0000

CAKE - Rawr !

Though we never met his Birth Mother and I don't know if we ever will ... 'thank you for 'our' special son'.

DS is a great 'dude', though he drives me wild at times ... loved by all our family and many others.

S & J adore him, the original Drummer boy. He came for his birthday visit last weekend.

I hope his BM knows in her heart what a blessing he has been to our family.

While you are here why not enter my current giveaways !

Cadbury Marvellous Chocolate

AntiOx Snacks and Dark Chocolate

Peter Pan Blu-ray

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Family Movie Night ~ {Peter Pan Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

Peter Pan is one of my favorite Disney movies, with beautiful animation that carries you off into a totally different world! The animation is just so clever, imagine - pre-digital and all - how talented were artists of old.

Last Saturday night we had a family movie night. It is a great way to snuggle and connect with your kids, if they can keep still and not hog the blanket or the recliner chair.

With a sprinkle of pixie dust, the Darling children are flying toward the second star on the right , straight on till morning and Never Never Land.

Home to Peter, Tink, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily , and the evil Captain Hook and his pirates - this enchanted island is a magical place.

Once again, trouble is brewing in Never Land.

Captain Hook is a typical Disney, goofy and bumbling villain, intent on defeating Peter Pan as much as he is from escaping the tick-¬‐tocking crocodile that once ate his hand.

Peter Pan, a boy with a broken shadow, is filled with adventure and spunk. Wendy John, and Michael all dream of adventure, and want to find some magic in life, as childhood slips away because they are all growing up.

Tinkerbell is the lovable cheeky pixie/fairy. Tink is independent, sassy, smart, and some say she was the first empowered girl that Disney created. Though she gets jealous and is a bit naughty , Tinker Bell’s special feature story is truly magical. I loved the old silent film version with real children on DVD. [The Blu has different special features.]

What I enjoyed the most was watching older versions of this classic movie, like going back in time and I didn’t know it began as a stage play.

Overall, I think this is a wonderful, magical film. It is a classic that you’ll love introducing to your children and always carry it in your heart! My boys have watched it a few times now.

Peter Pan is available in high definition picture and sound for the first time on Blu-‐ray from 5 June
2013.

Win your own copy here - I have three copies of the Blu-Ray rrp $49.95 to give away to my readers.

Tell who your favourite Disney character is and why ?

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are 3 prizes as above. 4. Entries - Open 18/6/2013 - Close 11.59pm 30/6/2013 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

7. Subscribe to my blog to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .

Disclaimer: was invited to the preview screening but I couldn’t attend, I was happy to review the movie because I love it. box or no box No financial payment was received.
.
Facebook
• Follow on Twitter @DisneyStudiosAU
• View videos at www.YouTube.com/WaltDisneyStudiosAU
• www.disney.com.au/peterpan
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AntiOx Snack Bars and Chocolate {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Product Talk by Nuffnang

Imagine a chocolate that is good for you and that can boost your immunity*! I know my immunity has taken a beating with chemo. My immune system is still recovering 4-5 months after finishing chemo, 3 weeks ago my lymphocytes were still below normal range. I’ve had a cold/cough for 3 weeks.

Well honestly, they had me at FREE chocolate , who wouldn’t say yes. I've been spending more time in the health food aisle. Only after I was sent some to review, did I really notice the AntiOx snack bars.

Now that winter is setting in Vitality Brands has made getting your antioxidants easier, by creating delicious sugar free AntiOx Snack Bars and Chocolate, which are high in natural antioxidants.

I wasn’t sure about the sugar free but I was willing to give it a try. I like Dark chocolate, just not as much as I like Milk. Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa can be an acquired taste I find I don’t want to eat as much Dark chocolate. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not ?

My husband is not normally a fan of dark chocolate (unless it is in shape of a ball) but tried a bit of the AntiOx bar and wanted more.
"No, I have to review it ", I said.

Given that I’m earnest about enhancing my overall well-being, I’m being more careful about what I eat. It’s hard to find products that taste good and are good for you too. Plus , to eat the quantity required to completely fight free radicals.

Why are antioxidants important ?- they help our bodies fight the free radicals that contribute to ill health. Natural antioxidants are found in fruits, grains and seeds, not everyone can get enough from their diet.

I currently drink about 4-5 cups of unsweetened ‘warm’ green tea, I force it down because it’s supposed to be good for me and when the temperature drops I like to drink hot tea all day. I was advised to drink 10 cups of green tea a day....AntiOx chocolate saves the day.

One 80gm AntiOx block provides an antioxidant hit that is equivalent to twelve cups of green tea! I can handle that.The stevia – eliminates excess calories too. Not that I would eat a block a day but a few squares after running has to be good for me. Heed the warning on the packet though - excess consumption could have you running to the bathroom ;) ...I did not test this out.

My real favourites were the Anti Ox snack bars in Acai and Goji berry.They taste soft and slightly chewy, a bit like a Cherry ripe to me. I love that they are sugar free (sweetened naturally by Stevia ), as well as free from artificial colours and flavours. They are made with super fruits, super grains, wholegrains and delicious forest fruits, and covered in rich, 70% cocoa dark chocolate.

Every bite was delicious and I had to limit myself to just one bar. I’ll be keeping these tucked in my handbag when I’m out and about. The rich, smooth chocolate coating provides an additional source of antioxidants and isn’t too sweet. The Chia & Quinoa Bar I enjoyed too.

AntiOx Chocolate {Block} also combines the antioxidant super-power of sugar-free, 70% cocoa dark chocolate and super fruits- sun dried goji and acai. I would have liked more berries because I like it fruitier. It’s a good thing the kids won’t eat my AntiOx chocolate.

GIVEAWAY

Why do you want to try the new AntiOx snack bars and chocolate?

The prize is as follows: 2 prize winners each will each receive - 1 x AntiOx prize pack (valued at over $30), which includes:

6 x AntiOx snack bars
4 x AntiOx chocolates

The winners will be the entries deemed most creative by the Nuffnang judges. Chance plays no part in determining the winners.

Full terms and conditions can be found here on Nuffnang site.

Australian Residents Only.
Closes Friday 28 June 5.00pm AEST

*Just so we're clear - Chocolate is not intended to treat, cure or prevent disease ...but it makes for a delicious way to boost immunity and make you happy.

Like AntiOx on Facebook and get a FREE bar too.
AntiOx snack bars and chocolates nutritional information here.
The AntiOx range is available in the health food aisle of supermarkets, health food stores, pharmacies and convenience stores.

Disclaimer: I received 3 x AntiOx Snack bars and 2 x AntiOx Chocolate blocks. No financial payment was received .All opinions are my own.

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Tour De Crawf ~ 3600km Challenge.

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:10:00 +0000

Today alone, 40 Australian women will hear the words ‘You have breast cancer’.
Life will never be the same again. I was one of those women exactly 12 months ago today.

I posted yesterday, the raw edges are blurred, because yesterday 12 months ago I knew it was bad news (can't miss a teary technician and a quick phone call to tell me you need to go for an urgent biospy), but 'today' (a yr ago) was when the GP confirmed my worst fears.

I love sharing stories about people who undertake incredible challenges* to raise money for my favourite charities like BCNA.

Every extra dollar raised goes towards Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible, no matter who they are or where they live.

Shane Crawford, legendary Brownlow medallist, BCNA Ambassador and The AFL Footy Show personality, will embark on his biggest challenge yet when he rides his bike 3,600km across Australia to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

Did you know I rode my bicycle 1100km from Melbourne to Sydney as a 22 yr old ...hardly ridden my bike since.

Tour de Crawf – Ride to the other side is a gruelling 22-day marathon in which Shane will average 170 kilometres a day and will see him pass through towns such as Bendigo, Swan Hill, Mildura, Berri, Port Augusta, Kimba, Penong, Eucla, Madura, Norseman, Kalgoorlie, Yellowdine and Kellerberrin.

We drove across the Nullabor (twice from Sydney to Perth) in 2011 and that was fun ...we saw a bike rider or two and a StormTrooper who walked across. It's a LOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNG way and a lot of

"Are we there yet Mum? "

Crawf will be leaving Melbourne on Thursday 20 June and will ride across the Nullarbor to arrive in Perth on Thursday 11 July to meet the boys and appear on The AFL Footy Show live from Crown Perth.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to send off Crawf! at a special Bon Voyage in Melbourne Crawf will get on his bike and start his 3,600km journey at 8:30am.

For more information and to get involved visit the Tour de Crawf page on our website.

I'm taking part in the City to Surf 14km run as Gold Charity Runner , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia too. You can help me too I've pledged to raise $1000 - sponsor me here

(Samuel Johnson's Love Your Sister)
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How do you measure a year ~ Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:33:00 +0000

It's been a year today since my breast cancer diagnosis. ... Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes.

Give or take a few.

Do you even celebrate something like that !
Or merely celebrate living through it all and still thriving.

The Invasive Ductal carcinoma /cancer I was diagnosed with (after surgery and pathology results) was ER & P Postive (Oestrogen / Progesterone ) and HER positive (HER2 receptor positive). An aggressive kind in just 20% of women. Stage II because it had spread 3.5 mm into one Sentinel lymph node.

Right here, I would also like to point out I had very few complications. Apart from one overnight hospitalisation, for vomiting/dehydration and fever, my treatment has been relatively straightforward. Some of my friends spent weeks in hospital with 'critically' low white cells, in isolation, away from their kids.

It was none the less horrendous, they mostly leave you to suffer the side effects at home. A crap experience but you do get through it.

Having cancer ; surgery and chemotherapy, it's been a full time job. I didn't have radiation because I choose to have a mastectomy. If not it would have meant leaving home for 6wks or 4-6hrs round-trip each day to the nearest regional hospital with a Linear Accelerator (Radiation machine) ; at the time they only had one machine for all of Central West NSW .

Who's counting ...

Double mastectomy
Insertion of Port-a-Cath (minor operation)
Overnight stay due to dehydration / fever
Two breast 'core' biopsies
Nuclear medicine scan called Lymphoscintigraphy for Sentinel Node Biospy (injections of blue dye directly into breast to map spread of cancer)
1 Bone scan
1 chest xray
1 chest lump ultrasound.
1 mammogram
1 breast ultrasound
one dozen+ dressing changes -including community nurse home visits and going to local hospital community nurse - because I had my axillary/breast drain for a month)
4 x three weekly AC chemotherapy (July to Sept -2 different chemos - so 8 treatments and extra anti-nausea and steroid meds - 4 to 5 hours)
12 x weekly Taxol Chemo October to Jan (approx -length 3 hours)
11 x 3 weekly Herceptin infusion (average 2 hours)...SIX more to go till October
4 Heart scans (3 x MUGA and Echo) ...#5 MUGA heart scan next week
4 Surgical consultations
10 Oncology consultations
Hundreds of anti-nausea meds (I had paid $36.10 a week x 8wks for 2 pills, plus I was chomping down Maxolon by the handful)
20+ blood tests (guessing here - 3 weekly, then weekly for 3 months, now I have them 6wkly, my blood levels are still out of whack).
4 months of daily Tamoxifen tablets ...balance of 5-10 years to go.
Hundreds of vitamins swallowed - Calcium, Vit D, Flaxseed, CQ10 and other.
Look Good, Feel Better Program
Encore After Breast Cancer exercise program 6 of 8 (2hrs per week -2 more weeks to go)
9,000kms+ traveled for surgery x 2 , surgical and oncology appointments and first 3 months of 3 weekly chemo.
Lymphodema Consultation and education.
One Naturopathy consultation.
(Another knee x-ray, thigh 'neurofibroma' ultrasound, another surgical consult).
2 Hair colours after my hair grew back (a first and second for me)
Infinite hours lying awake 'sucking up' my fears and holding back tears.The fear of cancer returning is a constant worry (at times very emotionally exhausting).
Immeasurable words of encouragement, support, prayers and friendship. I do not know how I would have done it without my HUSBAND, my family and friends and my interwebz community.
Countless reasons to smile, find a silver lining and count my blessings.
Hours upon hours walking, even when fatigue and nausea was knocking the stuffing out of me ,(and now with running) because exercise has proven to reduce risk of cancer returning.
14km City to surf, 5km Color run and 4km Mothers day Classic
$10,000 + in medical costs, $7k-$8k out of pocket, (not including keeping our Private health Insurance going).
Plus PUBLIC Chemotherapy patients in NSW rural and regional areas are still forced to pay* for their chemo and anti nausea medications $500 plus at the moment.

*just saying it is still subsidised on PBS - just not free like it was for my first 3 months chemo in a Sydney Public Hospital.

I don't care that I lost my breasts.Reconstruction is complicated and not on my radar any time soon. It's also very expensive...meh - I have $1000 prostheses and a frilly bra I hardly wear. Running is more fun, with less bounce.

I ~~can't~~ don't work apart from doing bookwork for my husband's business and mothering ...I still had to help cook, clean (maybe less because you don't need high standards living in a converted farm shed), listen to home-reading and empty the laundry basket on occasion. My husband really stepped in to care for us all.

I'm fortunate blogging can be done from the comfort of my pjs and home. Plus it has given my kids a few extras, they would not have had otherwise.

In between there is waiting for Drs, waiting for your turn in the Chemo lounge, and waiting while they access the port-a-cath, take bloods, deliver my bloods to pathology, wait for results , wash their hands, then infuse chemo ; so poisonous they gown, double glove or wear thick purple gloves and mask. Then flush the lines, more hand washing, and then remove the port needle from my chest. Send me on my way...all with a smile.

Still waiting was easy enough to endure with my iPad or a book.

Today, it's reason enough to celebrate I'm here after one year.

♥

Marvellous Creations {5 x Cadbury Prize Pack Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Giveaway

What do you do on a rainy day ?
Eat chocolate is always my answer .

Following on from last year's fantastical Marvellous Creations range, Cadbury has launched two new flavour combinations ~ 'Clinkers, Gummi Bears & Choc Biscuit' and 'Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows' in same purple attention grabbing wrap {in store now}

I was sent some to try.

Imagine mini marshmallows blended with the crispy Clinkers and Raspberry Chips or Gummi Bears and Choc Biscuit pieces all covered in delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate!

Pop a bit in your mouth to find Gummi bears, hidden in the chocolate, smaller than your average gummi bear , just as delicious. It is going to win fans as the chocolate melts away to reveal other key ingredients. It is very sweet but hard to resist. I love the clinker bits.

I always felt ripped off we never got enough pink and too many yellow and green clinkers.

My only compliant is the unique block is made of different shaped pieces in varying sizes - cries of his bit is bigger than mine are ringing in my ears. So I ~~eat it when they are not around~~ shell out another piece to keep the peace.

I am always happy to share with my chocolate loving readers.
(I also gave a block to a mum from my boys soccer team , she has two chocolate loving rascals).

Five lucky people will each receive a prize of chocolate including the following Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate:
· 2 x 290g blocks of Marvellous Creations Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows (RRP $5.49 each)
· 2 x 290g blocks of Marvellous Creations Clinkers, Gummi Bears & Choc Biscuit (RRP $5.49 each)
· 2 x 50g bars of Marvellous Creations Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows (RRP $1.80 each)

Just tell me why you want to pop some Marvellous Creations in your mouth ?

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are five prizes as above.
4. Entries - Open 12/6/2013 - Close 11.59pm 26/6/2013 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

7. Subscribe to my blog to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~Giant orange spherical orb - Planet: Under Construction (PUC)

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:07:00 +0000

I spotted this interesting Sculpture created using 200 traffic / construction cones in a spherical orb at Sydney’s Circular Quay.on 21st May - I snapped it with my iPad .I had no idea till last weekend it was part of Vivid.
- see it glowing here

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:38:00 +0000

I made a tweaked wheat free (buckwheat flour) version of this moreish Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe today.They are delicious, just don't do what I did and taste with haste (in other words shove it in your gob too quick) because you'll burn the roof of your mouth.

I used my own pancake recipe but followed the tips found on Pinterest.
I had my idea for it but checked google for 'how to make' and Pinterest showed me dozens of recipes.

Unfortunately, I did not have cream cheese drizzle but I will next time.
Plus, I will stack them 3 high...two is not enough.

I am also going to try her other suggestions and a few of my own.

TIP - Recipe Girl's tips are valuable to success.

PS did you know you can now pin directly from the image, come back tomorrow and I show you mine.

Edited - to change image.
Be careful when you are pinning because there are a lot of spam links with popular recipes like this, and images that don't lead direct to the website.

♥

Pouring

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:28:00 +0000

I'm sitting at Cancer Care Centre, waiting my turn. After today I will be almost 2/3 (#11) of the way through the seventeen Herceptin infusions.
Six more treatments to go, through to October.
Three more blood tests.
Two more heart scans.
One thousand seven hundred and sixty odd , anti-hormone tablets (and maybe an extra 1865).
Not that I am counting.
I am going well, all things considered.

As always, it is a stark reminder that so many people are 'coping' with cancer. Fridays are a quiet day apparently.It's still busy.

It is pouring today .
I'm not complaining, we really need this followup rain.
To fill our tanks and dams.
To grow oats and grass for the cattle.
It's been so dusty for so long.
It's been foggy lately too. My brain not the weather.

I saw a new surgeon Wednesday for the Neurofibroma in my thigh (left leg) , it's the biggest he's seen , so he told me. It's been getting slowly, progressively bigger over the last 10yrs, or so. It's the size of a large orange, 7cms. My breast cancer was 6mm and 25mm in comparison.

He wasn't interested in my little lump in muscle where my right breast used to be. He was ranting about my GP not putting the correct breast cancer diagnosis - she had written - DCIS - [Ductal Carcinoma inSitu] , I also had was IDC [Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (malignancy)]. He said it was very important and a big difference. My thigh tumour wasn't related but I get it. He said he would write it in the letter back to her. She is a lovely , caring GP -why hassle her.

He asked me had anyone talked about prognosis , cancer returning and why I had a double mastectomy ? my surgeon ? He knew my Surgical oncologist well, he said. New surgeon is a breast cancer surgeon too. WTF? The HER2+ is a mark against me , he said, as I squirmed uncomfortably. He said 5% risk.

Then we moved onto Neurofibromatosis, had my tumour been biopsied ? , then the risks of it being so close to femoral and other nerves. Most likely he won't touch it, after I have an MRI, he will decide. To see if the tumour is close to the nerve matters.

I risk permanent numbness and losing sensation down my entire leg. I already have progressive, distal numbness in places, down to my ankle, odd sensations when I run or twist my leg a certain way. Nothing too bad.

He said I'll probably have to see a Neurosurgeon; they fly in/ fly out to Base Hospital or I can be referred back to Sydney. At the moment it is still ok. It doesn't bother me too much.

Lots of small grievances in one day.When I went to book in for the MRI, he hadn't signed the form. Oh well, we all make mistakes ;), like my GP. I have to go back and get it signed. A small bother but they won't do the scan unless I do. I have a 3 wk wait. Enough time.

The MRI receptionist wouldn't believe me about the titanium screw in my head for my BAHA hearing aid. I told her I'd had a previous brain MRI. Fortunately, I knew where I'd had the brain MRI a few years ago, in Sydney, she called them to make sure and to fax the report.

The new surgeon's receptionists were 'agitated' because my abbreviated name is on my Medicare card and my full name on Health fund care . They said I had to fix it, despite it not being an issue for 20 yrs ...did I tell you my MIL & I share the same name. Small annoying things. It stuffs their computer matching apparently.

It was FUN having my MIL open my confidential mail when she lived with us with for six years [mostly good times people] and especially medical stuff. So I changed it with Medicare. [I now get my medical records confused with another local woman with the same name.]

I feel like six million dollar woman with all my spare parts and accessories.Thankfully , I was not frisked when I got selected for an explosive check at the airport a few weeks back. It was just a scanner thingy waved over my body, shoes and bags. For a moment I had visions of being strip searched ; with lumps where I shouldn't have lumps and I was wearing my breast protheses that day too.

Time's up - my 280ml infusion is almost done. I'm going home to sit in front of the fire and catch up on blog reading and make cauliflower pizza crusts. I might have a nap too.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Food critic for an afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:32:00 +0000

Recently I was asked to be a food critic for an afternoon by sampling McDonalds, what promised to be, three 'tasty' mouth-watering burger concoctions. Joining me were the delightful Fi, from My Mummy Daze and Dee, from Mum's Lounge I had no idea what to expect, so the much-anticipated 800km+ round trip (in a day) was something to look forward to. A fun option when you want life to give you something different.

I didn’t realise that we would be in the video (or I would have had my hair done) ; even so when the table is set for a most exciting event - food critic or burger connoisseur – you just dig in . Being fast food is not an excuse to be mediocre. It wasn’t.

The first burger I tried was the delicious ~~messy~~ McChamp. McChamp has a crispy chicken breast , it doesn’t look or taste like ~~pretend~~ ‘pressed’chicken meat , with a savoury-sweet relish variation and special mayo that is perfect with really anything. It had just the right amount of crunchy lettuce on a wheat germ bun. Quite different to other burger buns. I like nice buns.

Though don't you get annoyed when your burger sauce drips down your chin and you don’t have time to wipe it away quickly – before someone points it out.

My favourite was McGrilled which, for me, was a surprisingly good combination of flavours. The 100% chicken breast meat was succulent and tender .I liked the simple grilled breast, with crunchy lettuce , a slice of fresh tomato and the special mayo .The lowest kJ of the 3 burgers , it certainly appeals to me for health reasons. It is reassuring that I still can enjoy a very convenient to eat, and tasty treat, with my family, and stick to my healthier diet. I hasten to add I went back and ate the whole McGrilled burger.

Though after I’d tasted the tangy relish I just wanted to try it on a McGrilled. ( I did on Saturday after the Soccer Gala day when the parents took the boys to Golden Arches for a special treat ...after 4x 20 min games over 4.5hrs, in bitterly cold wind. It rained minutes after our last game) [They do make you pay 50c extra]

McSpicy – also had a nice crunch that was accompanied with a spicy mayo – I soon realised it was in the kick-starter chicken coating too. I took more than one bite because I like a little spice in my life and to live dangerously , lucky I had a water bottle handy. My lips were burning after 2-3 bites and my eyes watering. So, it was my least favourite , though my chilli and spice loving Brother would devour it in minutes. This one I left .

It is cool to be healthy ? I am not one to encourage fast food as a regular meal but when you get to taste a unique innovation that is delicious , you can't help but rave about it a little.

Overall , McChamp was a taste winner, it was so perfectly crunchy that I think it could be addictive...and the relish too. One bite and you'll easily get hooked on its awesome flavour and texture. I confess I went back and ate the lot (after I polished off the McGrilled), because it was almost 3pm and I’d skipped lunch knowing we were tasting 3 burgers [Breakfast was at 5am before I left for my flight and they only gave us a muffin and muesli bar inflight]

Even though I am avoiding wheat and fast food in general - What's not to love about sharing the occasional burger with burger loving hubby and a Happy meal with your kids?

As always, all opinions are my own , the water bottle and burgers were all complimentary...AND IF I was complimentary -I meant it. However, there were no Fries.Would I have liked Hot, crunchy, salty, Fries ? ... yes but that might be too naughty !
♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ House Rules - Work in progress

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Before April 2012 ... "I’m just thrilled to see somebody actually working!”

♥

Stepping out of my comfort zone, Naturally - RedBalloon review

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:01:00 +0000

RedBalloon review

I was stepping out of my comfort zone when I decided to choose a Scientific Naturopathic consultation for my next RedBalloon experience ...~~I possibly needed a detox after eating all that chocolate and fudge.~~

What ?

Hands up who wouldn’t want more ~~Sleep~~ Abundant Health, Energy and Vitality!

I‘ve always had the understanding that Naturopathy focuses on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and encouragement of natural healing. I wanted to know more as I travel the path to recovery .

I trusted the fact that because they were a Redballoon experience they must be reputable. In the past I may have been sceptical about some alternative medicines with my nursing background / career. I know diet and natural therapies play a big role in healing in many cultures.

I had already booked this experience when I discovered my son’s new girlfriend, was ‘training’ to be a Naturopath. [A four-year Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy degree. She was telling me how much she loves microbiology one day...~~not my favourite health subject~~ ]

Interesting, hmmm, I hope she curbs his junk food addiction.

I arrived early and was given a lovely cup of green tea (Of course)

My consultation with the scientific naturopathic practitioner began with a detailed questionnaire, then a patient interview focusing on my diet and lifestyle, health concerns , medical history, emotional journey {right now especially with cancer } and physical features like height and weight, skin , BMI and muscle mass. All information basically to give her a full picture of how I manage my health. She put me at ease and listened...not like some Drs who care less about the whole person.

The information I gave , used in conjunction with my results from the testing, helped determine my health priorities. The testing package includes a zinc mineral test, (zinc is one of the most important minerals for long term health and longevity) and the highly regarded cellular health test.

I was deficient in zinc and I had a few areas to work on with my nutrition.

I’m still under the Oncology team and having Herceptin treatment every 3 weeks so I'm always going to be cautious. All the advice I received was sensible . She actually asked more questions about my health and diet then they ever have. A lot of the advice was similar to what a renown nutritionist recommended a few weeks ago.

I got feedback on the health and energy of my cells, my body composition and the biological age of my body (I have the body of a 42yr old – hurrah). My body weight was spot on, but I’m lacking muscle mass. I’ve lost muscle mass since my breast cancer diagnosis.

After my Naturopath practitioner collated the results, she gave me a tailor made program including a few nutritional/dietary changes and supplement recommendations to target my specific health concerns and assist my body in returning to full health and vitality.

When I told my husband I needed more sleep ...he agreed 110% !
He said "~~Turn off the computer~~. Go to bed earlier – you are not sleeping in".

I've really been trying to give a go but being sick the last week with a respiratory infection has not been easy.

I would highly recommend this experience. I trusted my practitioner's advice and I purchased a few recommended supplements, though there was no pressure to do so.

Personally, I wouldn’t advise anyone ever to rely on this type of treatment alone for cancer. Serious consequences may result avoiding or delaying conventional medical care. Also, if you are visiting a Naturopath, be sure you know what kind of training and education the person has.

Thanks to RedBalloon and Radiance Healthcare It was so easy to book a suitable time. A day later, when I wanted to move my appointment from 3pm to 4pm , it was no problem to change with Radiance.

RedBalloon have the ultimate in 2500 + different experiences across Australia. The variety of experiences that cater to all ages ,and lifestyles means there is something for everyone to choose.

If you can't decide on an experience buy a gift voucher. RedBalloon vouchers are perfect for any occasions ...I really don't need 217 reasons to take a mini break this winter ! One would suit me perfectly.

There is a special deal for My Little Drummer Boy readers!

Offer: Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.
To redeem: Visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM12 at the checkout to receive your discount.
Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to Red Balloon T&Cs, for full details see www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions

Disclosure: Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the Red Balloon Experience Program. I will be sharing more awesome experiences with you over the coming months. Stay tuned! As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.
I paid for my own supplements.

Linking with Essentially Jess #IBOT

♥

A vivid memory - the day ...

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:28:00 +0000

My photo - author unknown

When you get to my age , there are only so many vivid memories you can carry in your head space.
I refer to yesterday and Letting go.

Oh the clutter inside my nutt.

I also have a significant issues with my memory, mostly short term - it is legit and referred to as ~~chemo brain~~ PCCI - Post Chemotherapy cognitive impairment. I've flooded the kitchen more times than I care to admit (twice this week filling the sink ...I digress this is not my vivid memory)

I wish I'd been or could go see VIVID Sydney - it looks spectacular.

I wish my vivid memories were only happy ones but I'd be lying...

The day I was told "I'm sorry your baby has no heart beat" is top of my vivid memories.

The day my twin babies were born and I got to meet them is another ...though I'm sure the photos help me remember because I was very doped out after a C/section.

The day my husband received his cancer diagnosis.
Then the day I was told I had breast cancer.

Again I share this

♥

Letting Go.

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Thu, 30 May 2013 11:41:00 +0000

Day 30 - React to this term: Letting Go

Whatever the future brings.

Sweating The Small Stuff
Clutter
{...Gas}

I saw this book at the library , randomly browsing for anything of interest, and I felt drawn to borrowing it. It is quite funny (as one would expect with Corrine Grant) but also serious and life changing. I'm going to get it out again tomorrow.

We are getting ready to move into our more permanent, temporary home and have so much stuff to let go of.

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Found my camera - lost in the fog.

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:01:00 +0000

Next run I'm getting my tutu on too.

I noticed tonight these two kids have consecutive numbers to me - random snap taken by hubby - 35 secs ahead of me.

I was happy to see my Boys nearing the Finish line.

I've lost the purple'ish glints *sob*

♥

Only Pictures ~ Breaking all the rules.

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 28 May 2013 06:13:00 +0000

Day 28, Tuesday: Only pictures

Re-inventing the wheel ~ Tyreright review

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:54:00 +0000

I don’t know much technical information when it comes to choosing car tyres.I rely and trust the experts [and Hubby] for the right advice.

I was asked to trial the Tyreright online/mobile website and the timing couldn't have been better because one of our vehicles was due for new tyres and like most people we had been putting it off until we had to.We have owned this car , bought secondhand 12- 13 yrs , and with over 390,000+kms it has seen a few tyre changes.Having the right tyres is so important when you do a lot of driving.

I digress - Sunday night , it was cold and dark, and I was following hubby down the highway, back into town. I saw him pulling over suddenly with his long trailer on .Then I saw a small hatchback on side of the road with flashing hazard lights and a young woman who was 'waving' at us to stop - she had 'parked' right on the edge of the highway.

I pulled over behind hubby. I got out first and she asked to borrow my phone. She said she had 2 kids in the car, her phone was flat and her tyre was damaged.

Hubby did the right thing and changed it to the spare tyre for her, since we wouldn't have left her waiting alone with her 2yr and 3 month old baby. She had bent the inner side of the wheel rim . He advised her to take it to tyre repairer. She was happy that the tyre appeared okay. [I was glad it was the passenger side. There was no road shoulder and there wasn't much room to push the car off the road further.]

Key motoring organisations agree that tyres are one of the most important primary safety feature, provided your car is also in good mechanical condition. Tyres are the only contact between you and the road, and they influence vehicle control - acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Most people say the more you spend on tyres the safer your car will be.

Have you ever looked for your tyre placard lately ?

This is for another car.

I confess I couldn't find it at first....so you can bet I leave 'tyre checking' to the man. Even so, I have had to change a tyre once or twice and pump the tyres up.

You need to start the selection for the right tyres by knowing the tyre placard contains important information on the recommended tyre pressures for your tyres under various conditions. It also helps keeping pressures at recommended levels for best tyre life. You can find it on the information sticker on the door jamb, under the sun visor or inside of the glove box lid. It is also on tyre walls ...

Australian-owned and operated, Tyreright has a detailed knowledge of Australian driving conditions and industries. Tyreright has an easy three step tyre ordering system.

Their revolutionary online ordering system allows you to select your tyres ahead of time (mobile or online) , pay for them online and then book a time that suits you in order to have them fitted.

You can check on Tyreright website for your vehicle -

You can narrow your choices too by tyre brand and price range.

Click on tyre specs

Every tyre on the site is scored out of 10 on five core characteristics: Handling; Wet Weather Handling; Comfort; Durability; and Fuel Economy.This helps when choosing which tyres are best for your car and your family use.

Tips on finding the right tyre for your vehicle(s)

    Check the size already on your vehicle.
    Consider the conditions you mostly drive in.
    Think about what performance characteristics are most important to you.

Tyreright is a national network of independent tyre dealers across Australia - finding a store near you is simple as entering your location, it you have a problem they have a chat box with expert help on hand.

The website was simple to use but I had a very tight schedule so with my tyres options chosen, I decided to ring the store and book in directly and ask their advice. I also needed to choose tyres that were in stock or could be delivered the next morning. Leigh was extremely helpful said it was no problem at all.

Tyreright offers an option to select a guaranteed time for fitting, if you’re tyres aren’t fitted within 30 minutes of your booking time, they will give you a $30 cash-back. However, it didn't apply to 4WD's or additional services like alignments [you can order this on website too] and conditions apply)

This car is in Sydney at the moment and I flew in for the day ; I had two appointments. We have used our local country Tyreright for new tyres recently and were very impressed with their service too [we paid for this]. Plus they do mobile tractor and agricultural tyre repairs right on our farm.

I booked at a location I knew I could access from a nearby railway line ~Parramatta. A friend met me there with the car and waited while the tyres were fitted and for me to arrive. Everything was like clockwork and tyres were fitted on time. My friend emailed me this before I even asked -

Hi Trish,

It was good to see you yesterday.

Just adding a few of my observations at Tyreright Parramatta.

The staff were very courteous and helpful, they made you feel very welcome.

There is a very comfortable and clean customer waiting area, with coffee and tea provided, also TV and daily news paper in this area. Rest rooms are very clean.

All together a very pleasant experience.

Regards

Neil

I especially liked that there are no hidden or unexpected charges when you have your tyres fitted at Tyre Right. All their prices include expert fitting, electronic balancing, valve replacement and environmental disposal of your used tyres. (We've been hit before with extra costs.)

Find Tyreright on Facebook and friendly Twitter team. They run live chat support on the website during business hours in addition to phone support and social media team. You’re never far from help and advice when you need it.

Use this Promotional code - to receive a 5% Tyreright discount when purchasing your tyres from the Tyreright website : MyLittleDrummerBoys

Have you had to change a flat tyre lately ?
♥

Dear Readers

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:15:00 +0000

Day 27 -Letter to your readers

I'm taking part in the City to Surf as Gold Charity Runner raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia .Today alone, 40 Australian women will hear the words ‘you have breast cancer’. Life will never be the same again. I was one of those women 12 months ago.

Every extra dollar raised goes towards Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible, no matter who they are or where they live. You can help me too I've pledged to raise $1000 - donate here
♥

Take it down a notch.

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Sun, 26 May 2013 12:09:00 +0000

Today I wanted to share this ...every day I try to yell less , though I get sucked back into raising my voice a notch or three when I feel stressed or thwarted by things I want to do.

I'm ashamed of myself for being a yeller, more often than I would like and most times unnecessarily.

This lady speaks clearly how I feel about yelling too. I'm going to print it out and read it often.
Enough said.

http://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/05/22/the-important-thing-about-yelling/

Now pass the chocolate before someone gets hurt !

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

I ~~drop the ball often~~ take on too many things at once and get stressed out.
I am a professional procrastinator.
I speak awkwardly or repeat myself and talk loudly from time-to-time (the later due to my hearing mostly)

if you ask my husband ...

win a Hamper of Fairtrade tea

I spend too much time , drinking tea and on the Internet / digital devices - he just doesn't believe I am reading ...articles, news , weather {and about my community AKA Facebook}.
I don't spend enough time cleaning because of #1 ...except if visitors are imminent.

Now pass the chocolate before someone gets hurt !

♥

Lessons learnt through the tears of mascara stained cheeks

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:57:00 +0000

101 uses for this It has a multitude of uses ...

Not to buy "Dry Clean Only” garments - It really burns a hole in your pockets any time and when you can't afford it - the clothes become Moth chow.

That most of your time will be swallowed up with things you don't want or like doing - like washing and cleaning and working for someone else to get

That the older you get , the more you need of ........... {insert - everything ~ chocolate, money, love, forgiveness ?}

How often you need to say “I love you” and “I’m sorry.”

That the light at the end of the ~~dark , lonely road~~ tunnel is always still visible and hopefully not just an oncoming train.

How to sell yourself ! That we must believe in ourselves and our unlimited potential even when things do not go as planned.

How to prune roses ? yes, I wish they had taught me that instead of algebra.

That every lesson worth knowing , you will learn through the tears of mascara stained cheeks ...yours, your mum's or friends.

That Zach Sobiech , a teenager with a terminal illness will touch the world in a mighty way with his music and life.

You're My Cup of Tea {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:16:00 +0000

*sob* I'm sad my favourite mug is broken. I have one of 4 left.

My favourite treat is when my beloved brings me a cup of tea in bed, first thing in the morning.

Before I have to get up, and start thinking about school lunches, socks and lost library books or permission notes or anything else I needed to do ...yesterday !

I was to'tea'lly delighted when I received a little hamper of Fairtrade tea.

I love the little infuser for one - available on Tielka website

Tea! thou soft, thou sober, sage, and venerable liquid,... thou female tongue-running, smile-smoothing, heart-opening, wind-tippling cordial, to whose glorious insipidity I owe the happiest moment of my life, let me fall prostrate. ~Colley Cibber, Lady's Last Stake

I drink all kinds of tea , my favourite is a mug of strong Australian Afternoon for breakfast and English Breakfast all during the day (I'm a bit of a tea rebel) and lots of green tea. Green tea is ultra healthy and filled to the brim with antioxidants, so I'm trying to drink more of it . Plus organic tea is my tea of choice.

tea leaves
tea loves
loves tea
lives tea
leaves tea?
never.
~Uniek Swain

I have a lovely purple teapot and the nifty tea infuser above for leaf tea , though often I'm too impatient to use leaves.

I like Chai tea but I'm not drinking much milk right now - so it's a rare treat.
All tea is good for you.

A cup of tea calms me and

Harry found the [tea]... seemed to burn away a little of the fear fluttering in his chest. ~J.K. Rowling.

Includes the beautiful glass Tielka teapot

It was Fairtrade Fortnight ~ May 4 – 19th - creating awareness and the opportunity to support Fairtrade products. I'm trying to be more conscious about what I buy.

Fairtrade have provided this fabulous giveaway of 3 tea hampers, for My Little Drummer Boy Readers.

What is Fairtrade

...is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, by requiring companies to pay sustainable prices ,which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives and their community through better schooling and improved health services.

I'm curious -

Do you prefer a cup or a mug ?

Do you use a Teapot ?

Do you Jiggle or Dangle ?

Who wants to knit me a tea cosy ?

Includes the beautiful glass Tielka teapot

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are three prizes - 3 x Fairtrade tea hamper as pictured above.
4. Entries - Open 22/5/2013 - Close 11.59pm 4/6/2013 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit or if they differ slightly to the image above.

7. Subscribe to my blog to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar >>>>

Enter as many times as you like as long as you answer the question in a

comment below describing your favourite cup of tea moment.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary hamper of Fairtrade tea and three to giveaway - however opinions expressed are purely my own. I already purchase Fairtrade tea because I believe in it.

Linking up with

Wordless Wednesday ~ This little Piggy

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:37:00 +0000

Sunday afternoon we were on our way to visit my in-laws , driving through the scrub/bush paddocks . [Yes, it very dry here-please send rain]. Suddenly, we saw this pig walking up from the dam.

In the 6yrs we have been visiting/living on the farm, we've never seen a pig on either of the two farms. This little [medium- size] Piggy wandered in from somewhere ? Nearest neighbours are a km or more away.

It appeared quite tame , not that I got out of the car. Hub quickly snapped a few photos with my iPad. I was taking some fruit& vegies scraps over to our Nephew's pet pig [white] so we tossed them to this pig instead. It ate hungrily. We drove off.

It then tried to chase and follow us like a dog. We haven't seen it since.

Wild Emus were spotted out the front at in-laws farm next door on the weekend too.I wonder if the drought is bringing them out searching for food.

♥

Blowing out ...

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:07:00 +0000

S

truggles ! I have a few ~~dozen.~~

I don't know about you but even after doing kids' birthday parties for 18-19 yrs , I struggle each year. In 2-3 weeks I have to send invitations out. Their birthday being in school holidays in 6 weeks time.

Last year my friend and I were discussing her twin boys' upcoming birthday. She was asking for my expert opinions how to make it a success and as simple as possible ?

I was glad I wasn't alone in my feelings of overwhelming inadequacy !
I said you are asking the wrong person !

Though I've certainly picked up quite a few tips and tricks in the organisation of my oldest son's birthday parties and in delivering him for attendance at countless other raucous birthday events. My eldest , being our only child for 13 yrs, had yearly birthday parties and each year it was a struggle to find ideas and venues acceptable to all parties.

My own little lads started planning a raucous 6th birthday party with plans to invite a infinite number of 5yr- 6yr olds within days of starting school {80 kindergarteners}. I trembled every time a new friend or three was added to the list. I was filled with absolute fear at the birthday party monster they were creating.

Each day, my head spinning off it's axis, their heads filled with yet more requirements for their own party, 10 different birthday cakes, 20 different foods and 1000 lollies , jumping castles or a pool party {in July} .

Life had other ideas.Thankfully, or really with some disappointment, before the first invite was officially issued. Their birthday was 6 days after I was discharged from hospital for my surgery and in the July school holidays to boot. I'd originally planned for it to be when school resumed. Plans were cancelled. They were only a little disappointed and I'm struggling to make it up to them this year.

My experience ; I know that throwing a party for my twins and a few closest friends is likely to ensure a far more enjoyable experience for me and all involved. Yet, dare I cause a meltdown by only inviting a few, plus we have a few yr 2 children in their class and kindy class mates from last year , soccer team mates ...

Last year we had an impromptu backyard party {at my brother's} with a few friends from our old church & playgroup, their cousins , balloons , the trampoline and a Skylander's cake. They had a ball anyway.

Oh Yes, the children chorus !

Parties are fun, exciting and joyous...

Mums cry ...with ~~money to burn~~ the right planning,

and by breaking the day down into smaller, manageable components.

I reviewed a book last year but it doesn't help we can't host a backyard party or take a risk with a park and the weather in July. We had two local park parties with their friends in January. Too easy for their mums.

Is it wrong to want to throw the kind of birthday party that will be remembered for years to come and spend as little as possible ?....(with as little stress as possible!)

I am thinking of hosting a Karate /Ninja party , though the centre I rang has yet to host birthday parties and are not too definite. It would be self catered so I can control the food.

I am so grateful for my boys , every day they are my reason for living.I want to make this birthday very special because they bring magic to every day and they have been so patient the last year.

Now before I turn into one of those intensely annoying mums who puts a ridiculous amount of pressure on myself to throw the perfect party I'll go make a cup of tea and come visit your blog.

What do you love or hate about birthday parties ?

Do you struggle too?

♥

From all the lands on earth we come

noreply@blogger.com (♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:38:00 +0000

Today's prompt is we were asked to write a post about "Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them "

I ask myself and you "What sets one blogger apart from another blogger ?”

That is one of the hardest questions to ask - it is very challenging to pick -just- 5 bloggers amongst the 100+ I read for different reasons. What if I exclude someone who I read often and perhaps unintentionally offend !

Not everyone is a writer , not everyone is hilarious and I enjoy the 'depth' of people blogging through challenges, well written or not.

Just saying ...I've been there.All my life I've tried not to compare people. I have never been competitive and nor taken competition too seriously.

I feel very blessed with the people I have met through blogging - the friendship and the connections and the honesty of some bloggers in revealing their own adversity, adventures and triumphs. I love the social side of blogging and connecting with other bloggers and readers. There are also many other fine bloggers who are never included in the Top Blogger lists.

We are one, but we are many 
And from all the lands on earth we come 
We share a dream and sing blog with our own voice: 
I am, you are, we are Australian  bloggers

All of us have traveled different journeys , we bring our baggage into blogging.We all have stories that count and matter. I just don't like naming names because I hated not being picked for the team .

{Shhh - don't tell anyone but you are my favourite if you are reading right now}.

♥

My Little Drummer Boys

Wordless Wednesday ~ Brothers in Arms

Family Movie Night ~ {Peter Pan Giveaway}

AntiOx Snack Bars and Chocolate {Giveaway}

Tour De Crawf ~ 3600km Challenge.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to send off Crawf! at a special Bon Voyage in Melbourne Crawf will get on his bike and start his 3,600km journey at 8:30am.

How do you measure a year ~ Breast Cancer

Marvellous Creations {5 x Cadbury Prize Pack Giveaway}

Wordless Wednesday ~Giant orange spherical orb - Planet: Under Construction (PUC)

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Pouring

Food critic for an afternoon

Wordless Wednesday ~ House Rules - Work in progress

Stepping out of my comfort zone, Naturally - RedBalloon review

A vivid memory - the day ...

Letting Go.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Found my camera - lost in the fog.

Only Pictures ~ Breaking all the rules.

Re-inventing the wheel ~ Tyreright review

Dear Readers

Take it down a notch.

Now pass the chocolate before someone gets hurt !

Lessons learnt through the tears of mascara stained cheeks

You're My Cup of Tea {Giveaway}

Wordless Wednesday ~ This little Piggy

Blowing out ...

From all the lands on earth we come

We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We share a dream and sing blog with our own voice: I am, you are, we are Australian bloggers