My Little Drummer Boys

Lazy Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:34:00 +0000

It's been quite a grey and dreary day here . Therefore ...

Insert Me !

Source: tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

I discovered I can waste hours on Pinterest and You tube...getting inspired :)

Source: etsy.com Pinterest

I really want to make this blackboard !

I discovered I need to practice my A B C's .

Source: beautifulyoubyjulie.com Pinterest

So I am going to print this out and frame it .

Source: Uploaded by user via Trish on Pinterest

This I love this whimsical poster too !

I've also been listening to lots of old favourites and making new discoveries . This song - Can you stand the rain ? speaks volumes !

This I can't embed but over 9 million people have watched it . The message is Hold onto your dreams - when you least expect it be surprised and don't judge anyone !

Be kind to every one you meet this week and go dance in the rain.

Linking up with Thea's

♥

Grateful - not end up in the frying pan

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:51:00 +0000

Most days from son'rise to son'set are busy.

Not our farm but Broken Hill - quickest I could locate

New challenges emerge and I just don't know where to start as we settle in to our tree change lifestyle here on the farm.

There is a lot to do or NOT ; there is no real hurry.

I was reminded last night never to take anything for granted because we can lose loved ones in a blink.

Time after time I am humbled and inspired by words on redefining joy in our lives, no matter what the present circumstances.

I followed the journey of a blogger called Emilie with terminal cancer for a while.
Early in her journey she wrote ...

If there is a bright side to any of this, it's that the unimportant, superficial things in our lives have suddenly fallen away, and we are intensely focused on what remains truly important, which is each other, our family, and making the most of the time we have together now. Emilie Lemmons

Tragically, her time with her two young boys was cut very short.

Try as I might I can't help worrying about how much time any of us have.

The message I try to focus on - is life is far too precious and we should just live intensely in the present, absorbing and embracing life as it happens. Plan for future yes but live for today.

It means letting the superficial things in life go and stop sweating the small stuff. In the end will they matter ?

I thankful for the laughter, squeals and chattering that spills ~~drink and crumbs~~ through my home. {The floors are concrete now so it really doesn't matter}

I am grateful beyond measure that these sounds fill my ~~ears~~ home and heart because it means I have children who are happy and healthy. Children I never thought would bless my life.

I am thankful for my health and theirs. Our health isn't perfect and we have ongoing health issues , but we are still blessed.

I am thankful for my family and that most of time we get along and help each other out... thankful my Brother, Sister in law, niece and nephew who came to spend a few days with us. Plus extended cousins who came to visit too. We were all grateful the temperatures this year were in the 20's ° not 40's °.

credit

We had so much fun catching Yabbies in the dams - approx: 70 yesterday (from 2 dams) and again today (1 of same dams). I bet the Yabbies were grateful we only relocated them to another dam and not the frying pan {yet}. I guess it is all any of us can hope for any day not to end up in the frying pan and to keep swimming another day ! (Do yabbies even swim ? hmm)

Have you tried Yabbies ? How do you cook them ?

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ A boy and his dog { x 2 }

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:27:00 +0000

Every boy should have two things: a dog, and a mother willing to let him have one ~ anon

A boy and his dog

Every puppy should have a boy ~ Erma Bombeck

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Going to school Nude ~ { Giveaway }

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Do you stress out about what your children are {or not} eating at school ?

Let me get to it quick !

I admit my eldest son's (now 18) school lunch would often return home squashed (and soggy from his spilt drink) at the bottom of his bag, with evidence of other friend's snacks & empty packets in his bag too.

I didn't give him ~~any~~ too many processed packaged treats like BBQ Shapes, chips, mini cookies and the like. Lucky for him , one (or more) of his friends ~~was always in the running for the most popular Mum of the year~~ was a good sharer .

Mr 18 just wanted the same sandwich, nuffin' different - yes I tried lots of ideas. So I usually gave him what he asked - Vegiemite sandwiches (unless he had already eaten all the bread). He was partial to ~~processed~~ canteen lunches occasionally ~~and I know he raided his Dad's bedside pocket change or conned him more often~~ .

He was in 'paradise' when I did Canteen duty each month. I always went prepared to buy his friends a little $omething too. (I still did school canteen in year Seven [First year highschool in NSW] till I was six months pregnant with twins (MOTY runner-up ?)

I wish he had just thrown it in the bin ~~but he wasn't smart enough~~ so I didn't know ...because I did care. Wasted ! Emotions and food and wrappers (plus lost lunchboxes from him leaving them wherever he felt like)
He didn't starve , he would come home and proceed to eat half a loaf of toasted bread and inhale the leftovers in the fridge.

Twin1 & Twin2 are starting kindergarten in 2 weeks {sob} - I have an ~~arsenal~~ hundreds of new ideas to tempt their fussy bite size appetites thanks to

$120 Food - 20 sandwich filling ideas

Larissa has a lunch box love and printable schedule to plan ahead and get organised

Mummy Smiles has this list of edible snacks.

Kidspot ~ Non sandwich lunchbox ideas

Katrina ~ Organised Housewife has this extensive list of freezable treats ideas {submitted by her readers}

Thankfully my twins love fruit,and some raw vegies, so it is easy to choose seasonal fruits and raw vegies they will eat and I am hoping they don't let them out to play till they eat something.

I am also sending them to school NUDE ! No wrappers unless absolutely necessary.
We have been practicing with the easy flip openings and screw tops , zipping bags - with no trouble at all with this ...

I like the new Nude Mini Lunch mover because it suits my 'kinder' boys' appetites and small school bags better . Take the divider out to fit non sandwich items - rolls, wraps or slices.

I know they will just want to smoosh food into their gobs quick, then run off to play ; not sit and chew.

Better still it fits inside the cooler bags we already own (you can buy special Nude ones too). I like the idea of everything staying cool and fresh tasting , plus it's rubbish free.

We were also sent a muffin mover to try, I think it is a perfect size for anything really. Sam loves it being pink{clear is available as well}.

I think they are reasonably priced and long lasting ; we've had a bigger lunch mover for a few years.

There is a SMASHING new range to choose from for kids of all ages. Smash & Nude Food Movers also have a new online retailer - www.bonzoo.com.au

Ok, so I ~~can't be bothered~~ might not have time to do these ideas everyday or go all the way. Hopefully I will find my

Lunch Punches

or I could try these ...

How ~~smug~~ creative and clever are they 1. 2. 3. 4. ? These were just the cute & easy ones.

I don't want to start competing for kinder mum of the year !

This I might manage

How far would you go to encourage your children to eat lunch ?

To win 1 x Nude Mini Lunch mover and 1 x Muffin mover - tell me something funny about your school lunches ?
Leave a comment below - easy I will chose 1 winner !

Australian Residents Only
Closes 6th February, 2012

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Disclaimer: I was sent 1 x Nude Mini lunch mover and 1 x Muffin mover to review, no financial payment was received. all opinions are my own.

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Monday Muse and Song ~ I am

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:56:00 +0000

I love this song and Australia day is just around the corner.

Another quintessential Aussie song.

Linking up with Thea's

because it is still Sunday somewhere !
What are your favourite Australian songs ? What songs inspire you ?

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Quintessential part of every Australian day ~ Piquing My Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:41:00 +0000

On toast

Eating and drinking is a quintessential part of celebrating Australian day and while I was browsing Pinterest I came across these delicious pins .

My brother and his family will arrive late Wednesday night . We all love to indulge in good Aussie tucker...maybe not all at one sitting.


Breakfast

bacon & egg cups

a little snacktime ...

1. Anzac Biscuits 2. Caramel Slice 3. Lamingtons 4. Lemonade Scones

Lunch & Dinner ...

1. BBQ 2. BBQ Prawns 3. Lamb Roast & Vegies 4. Damper

Dessert ...

1. Watermelon 2. Pavlova

washed down with a good glass or two of Australian wine or an Aussie beer for the ~~blokes~~ men !

What are you serving up on Australia day ?

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Zookeeper ~ at not your average Zoo { Giveaway }

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:06:00 +0000

We were recently invited to a preview of the January 12th release of Zookeeper , a very cute and hilarious family comedy movie. It was #1 at Australian box office too.

Romance and animals in a comedy together , animals showing us how we are doing it wrong - hilarious , though of course crazy ! Yes, it's very funny and the lack of swearing appealed to me .

They manage to pull it altogether very nicely. It isn't Toy Story 3 or Cars 2 but a harmless comedy with less violence than either of them.The musical scenes at the end are brilliant.

All the animals at the Franklin Park Zoo love their kindhearted caretaker, Griffin Keyes (Kevin James). Finding himself more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Griffin decides the only way to get the girl of his dreams is to leave the zoo and find a more glamorous job to win her over. The animals, in a panic, decide to break their time-honored code of silence and reveal their biggest secret: they can talk! To keep Griffin from leaving, they decide to teach him the rules of courtship -- animal style!

My five year olds really enjoyed the talking animals ...the jokes probably went right over their heads.

They are big fans of talking animal movies (Babe ; Nemo; Charlotte's web, Racing Stripes). The very cute furry co-stars are voiced by Cher (Lioness), Nick Nolte, Sly Stallone (Lion) and Adam Sandler (Monkey) to name a few. You've got to hear their impressions to believe it.

I think my boys hardly noticed the only bit I found mildly disturbing, Bernie the Gorilla describing how he had been abused by another zookeeper . He gets his just desserts in the end , the other zookeeper, not Bernie.

It certainly isn't your average zoo and isn't just a kid's movie - there are laughs a plenty for adults. Laughing is contagious. I also loved the special effects and trying to see if the animals were real . The romance at the end was sweet !

The PG rating relates to mild crude humour but if there was, it was very mild in my opinion.

Kevin James (Griffin , the zookeeper) was , well , a right idiot in love - going all out to win the dream girl who ditched him a few years back , again. The end results were somewhat predictable - watch out for the dynamic Rosario Dawson, the other NOT so romantic interest in the movie.

Bernie, the Gorilla and his obsession with TGI Friday's is very funny and well played out. Harmless ; still I wondered why he didn't need pants o_O

I laughed most of the way through ; I did miss a bit due to a toilet stop and lollie refuel !

To celebrate the release - I have two copies of Zookeeper to giveaway : one Blu-ray disc and one DVD version to be won.

To enter - answer this question -

If you could have a chat with an animal, which animal would it be and what would you talk about ?

The two most original or creative answers win one copy each ! ( Tell me which version you would like or if it doesn't matter)

Closes February 3rd 11.59pm , 2011.
Australian residents only.

Like them on Facebook and check out the Free game app too.
♥

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Giveaway : $100 Bunnings Voucher ~ The Grass is always greener ...

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:25:00 +0000

when you water it , once a week , using a soaker hose !

"The grass is always greener on the other side, until you jump the fence and see the weeds up close."
- Albert Grashuis

That used to be our grass when we first moved into our suburban home. So about 5 yrs ago Hubby got a bobcat guy in and totally removed the top layer of the entire backyard - to get rid of the weeds as nothing else was working... or so he told me ! I just wanted rid of the bindii with toddlers !!

Before he laid new turf , he put tonnes of new topsoil and sand, then installed buried irrigation tubing ...just after this water restrictions came in.

This was May 2011

Yes it was that green and big ! Though looks larger than it is.

My husband loves his grass and lawn mowing. He used to do it for a living ( He still has the mower brochure of his first ride on he bought we with lived on one acre in 1993. When we moved back to small backyard in 2000 he sold it to my brother - it still goes.) . I am told he used to mow the grass at his primary school at 11yrs.

DH tended our lawns lovingly and refused to palm the job off to the teen because he just didn't cut it right. While we were away in WA - the teen spilt roundup ...a weed killer in a few patches {or maybe he was using it to weed o_O}

This was Dec 2011

Ignore the weeds at the back - hubby didn't get to them before I took the pic

Our lawn ~ soft leaf Buffalo ST26; is also a low maintenance lawn.

I know that some of my friends struggle to get their husbands to keep the lawns mowed, let alone manicured or keeping a check on weeds. They are not alone...

Turf Australia – the industry body that represents all turf growers in Australia, recently conducted consumer research which revealed that 80% of Aussies have a lawn, but only 30% of them know how to care for it properly. In fact, less than 1/3 of the respondents to the survey knew what type of grass they owned in their own garden !

In December, I was offered the opportunity for a turf consultation with a local turf retailer. Some of the biggest turf suppliers in NSW are from Hawkesbury region (flood plains?). Chris from Millers Turf was my expert!

He gave me some of his expert hints and tips to care for your lawn at different times of the year . Most turf retailers can help households choose the right grass variety for their requirements - they can lay it or tell you the best practices for laying it yourself and maintaining it.

How often should you and much should you water established lawn ?

Once a week you need to give a good soak - (see more details here)

Unless you have a run of 40 °days and no rain ; you will need extra watering.

The best time to water is in the early morning -less water is lost due to evaporation.

The worst time to water is in the evening because the lawns stay wet at night, which encourages disease and fungus development.

What about Fertilisers ?

Chris said he recommended we (and most people) can use Scott's Lawn Builder - available at Bunnings or anywhere :). It is a good all purpose fertiliser. Retailers like Millers can also advise on specific fertilisers matched to your turf or if you have a problem. Done !!

Application is recommended every 6 weeks or so from October to March (follow pack directions and water it in well).

We have a few different grasses growing back where the Roundup killed off the grass. Our lawn is quite susceptible to weed killers :(. We can either leave it or cut it out in a larger patch and lay new turf again. Hubby is undecided as we have new tenants moving in.

How often should you mow ?

Once a week minimum , more in growing season and throughout summer to keep it looking green, and reduce dead looking patches - when you do mow.

I had a few questions about laying new turf in a small patch on our farm. Since our new backyard is now 1000 acres - it will be just be big enough for the boys and dogs to ~~wrestle on~~ play on , our BBQ table & chairs, a special seat and under my the hammock.

Since I can't have this

1. My hammock

We will need to select a hardy grass and non allergic too- ! I won't detail it all here but all the answers can be found on Millers website.

I know now we need to keep the grass 1m radius from native trees and shrubs so I'll be careful planting new ones.

Chris gave me a copy of

My husband has the book now !

New turf requires a great deal of water in the first couple days and or it will die off, if not properly watered to the dirt below. It also needs good preparation.

Some turf retailers can also advise or provide lawn care programs - how much or how little fertiliser it needs, how to fix brown patches, how to fill in gaps and weeding, etc.

So on with the giveaway -

I have one $100 Bunnings Gift Voucher to giveaway with thanks to Impact Communications and Turf Australia.

I hope you have fun planning a garden make-over, so your lawn is always ready for a BBQ with family and friends !

Tell me in the comments what is your dream backyard or what you would do with the $100 ?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My husband thinks it is well worth maintaining a patch of green lawn - even on tank water (outside of a drought of course).

Disclaimer: Millers gave me a free consultation as part of Turf Australia campaign. All opinions are my own. I was not obliged to mention them but their website is a wealth of information.
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Wordless Wednesday ~ My Little Boy Blues

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Don't let those sweet faces trick you !

My boy's best friend is his brother !

Sunday ~ A good day

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:50:00 +0000

I've been a bit busy the last few weeks , hence the blogging hiatus. It wasn't something I planned but that is way it panned out.

Suffice to say we have had a wedding, funeral, moving , our 18 yr son moving out of home ( on good terms because he has a job in Sydney training as a Fire technician ) , Christmas , new puppies , packing to move (we are renting our house not selling so we had to fix things and leave the place spotlessly clean) and general displacement in the crazy mix. Plus other stuff and matters I can't blog about because it is not my story to tell.

Last night to top it all off we had a severe thunderstorm - causing a power failure at 9.30pm. I was home alone with the twins. Lucky I found a torch (or my little guys did) minutes before - as the power had been flickering. Eventually I found a candle, then a lighter gun. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

I then had to check the new puppies were ok in their temporary pen and kennel , way down the back, in the pouring rain and lightening all around (again my little guys came to the rescue because they knew where a Ben 10 umbrella was). Then I had to close all the wide open windows in the caravan.

The storm was quite scary, thankfully my boys didn't freak out. Though they did ring my husband on my mobile phone while I was out in the storm and they were inside in the dark (it was before I found the candle) with lightening flashing everywhere.I didn't dare risk taking them outside with me. It looked quite spectacular even if a bit scary as only a few windows have curtains...

Normally, I would have been more prepared but everything has been moved about due to moving in Wednesday. Usually my White Knight is here for such emergencies.

I heard this song recently and it resonates with me .

song #2 As we packed (and decluttered) there were a lot of memories that came flooding back. I had to throw out a lot of things I have held onto for years physically and mentally.

This year we will make new memories !

I chose Elvis in honour of the Elvis festival being held nearby in Parkes.

Thea @ Do I Really Wanna Blog hosts Sunday Session, where you get to share the songs that you love. It is just the way I like it - no rules, no themes – free rolling fun.

Back to School 2012 with CLARKS

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:06:00 +0000

In just over 3 weeks my babies will start their formal schooling. I can’t believe they have gone from

Though I have been through it all with Mr 18 it still makes me teary and anxious.

There has been much excitement in the air, in between the chaos of moving, preparing for ~~the big farewell~~ their first day. This last week we have purchased uniforms, socks and shoes.

When looking for school shoes there is one trusted name that comes to my mind instantly Clarks.

My eldest son took his first baby steps in Clarks (so did his twin brothers). Then many times over , during Mr 18’s school years, he tested them to the limits of strength, flexibility, stitching and ~~durability~~ scuffability . I know Clarks test all these components rigorously before the shoes hit the shelves.

As a parent I want the best fit and comfortable shoes my sons will wear , without compromising on style and quality. I am happy to pay a little more because I know that, most years, my eldest son’s shoes lasted a full year.

Clarks also have wide range of fittings - 6 widths for the hard to fit wide or narrow feet . I like to know they are fitted properly ; with 18 styles and 184 sizes you are guaranteed - one perfect fit. They have ½ sizes too.

Clarks understand the importance of finding quality shoes for children that withstand the rigorous wear our kids throw at them. The 2012 Back to School Range has many new styles and new Platinum range.

The Platimum range include the kid’s active air technology-

They are moisture wicking and quick drying which helps to keep kid's feet feeling cooler throughout the day. It all means they make them super comfortable to wear during long, hot school days.

As Joel can tie shoe laces but Sam cannot I debated about giving him the independence of slip on boots instead of lace ups.

I asked Brenden Brown, Podiatrists and Clarks Ambassador about lace-ups vs boots.

"School shoes with laces are the best option for growing feet as they cradle and support the foot. Boots are often quite loose so one can slide their feet in and out with ease; while this is ok for adults I don’t recommend that children whose feet are still growing wear boots for a long period of time." - Brenden Brown, Podiatrists and Clarks Ambassador

I personally dislike Velcro for black leather shoes because over the year it loses it ability to stick except to fluff and to carpet and looks less stylish plus the distraction factor ...rip , rip ! I expect Sam will learn to tie laces quite soon anyway.

Tuesday, I took my boys to experience the 10 step fitting process at Clarks' Parramatta store. We met Quzon who explained in detail the 10 step fitting process. Quzon was also very friendly with my fidgety little chatterboxes.

After their feet were measured - Sam was 12.5 F, Joel 12 G - we only needed to try one pair of shoes for each boy.

We chose 'Player' style for it’s

•    Removable Active Air Innersoles
•    Full grain Aniline Leather Upper Leather Lining
•    Lightweight PU Sole

Plus, I didn’t want any deep tread/heel I had to clean out [...since we have new puppies too :-) need I say more ]

I was very surprised to hear each Clarks retailer (major retailers included) has specialised fitters who must attend a minimum one day training/instruction course run by Clarks. They then must be overseen fitting shoes x 20 times to be approved as a specialist fitter. There is no mistake, your child’s feet will measure exactly the same when measured by any Clarks fitter.

Quzon told me they usually restock what has been sold (each day) within two days but if the style and size your child needs is not available at Parramatta’s Clarks store they will post the shoes out when they come in stock (no extra charge)

Most Clarks shoes are also suitable for Orthotics.

For more information - browse the entire range on the Clarks website.

Clarks Parramatta have combo specials buy 1 pair get 2nd half price or buy 2 get 3rd pair free and they price match {Conditions apply of course}.

Most major retailers currently have great Back to school specials with 20 – 25% off . Some [Platinum] styles are only available at Clarks and specialty shoe stores.

Sam & Joel love their new shoes, I have to stop them from wearing them now.

I am sometimes dismayed that parents will pay $100 + for their own comfortable shoes but put their child’s growing feet in cheap, uncomfortable shoes. While I know we all have a budget it's important to me, that since they will wear them on average 28-30hrs a week, that they be well fitted and comfortable.

Remember - Eligible persons who receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, are eligible to receive the Education Tax Refund ETR and it covers black leather shoes as part of the school uniform.

Each day now we will start preparing the twins so they experience a smooth transition into school . I still think the teacher isn’t going to know what hits her !

Thanks Clarks for taking the stress out of school shoes shopping for me !

Please tell me your top tips for starting school ?

Disclaimer: I experienced the Clarks 10 step fitting process and received school shoes for purpose of this review. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Wordless Wednesday ~ The Big Move

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:45:00 +0000

What has been keeping me busy the last 2 weeks !

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Crust Gourmet Pizza - Once bitten , Smitten -WIN a {Friday Night Off} kit

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:21:00 +0000

How does a night off cooking sound ?
It's every mother's dream ...
What is the favourite take away meal in our house ~~after hot chips~~ ?
Pizza.

I was so excited for the opportunity to try Crust Gourmet Pizza. The pizza everyone is talking about - I've heard so many good things about it on twitter and read all the reviews.

I ordered in store so I watched the Crust Pizza guys in action. You can order online or by phone as well. They have Gluten free and wholemeal base options as well on some pizzas and even healthier menu options.

I saw the amazing display of fresh ingredients on display at the shop front window (totally behind glass). The staff were very generous with toppings and they were fast and neat. They were very friendly too. They were topping up the display with more fresh ingredients in new trays as I watched.

About 2 mins after I placed my order my brother called to place an order with me - So I ordered extra pizza for my Brother and his family.

As we live a little too far to enjoy it hot at home I was planning on giving my Mum a night off cooking too and sharing it with her (she lives close to the Penrith store). So we had a Family Night in but out with the my extended family.

It was so hard to resist sampling a piece right away - the aroma coming from those cardboard boxes was amazing!

kid's chicken & pineapple with real chicken

ham & pineapple

Crust recently launched their Kids Meal range, a 9″ inch pizza in a choice of three flavours : Ham And Pineapple, Chicken And Pineapple, and Cheese and organic juice.

I ~~drooled over~~ chose the Peking Duck : marinated Peking duck breast, steamed bok choy, shallots and sesame seeds, with a hoisin base and garnished with fresh chilli (They used whole ones we could remove them without any burning)

Hubby had the Wagyu Beef, Asparagus, Red Capsicum, Shallots & Marinated Tiger Prawns on a Tomato base, drizzled with Hollandaise sauce, served with Salt & Cracked Pepper. Well we all tried it so he didn't get much ...

Crust Pizza really was the most delicious pizza we have all tasted - all the kids agreed.

My Brother paid for a Meat deluxe from Meat range and Crust Supreme and they were was also a winner. We still had leftovers for the next day. The Caesar salad with Chicken was delicious.

My boys at five years old didn't finish a whole pizza but they ate every bit of the 2 slices that had - a first, plus the topping stayed intact and didn't slide off !
Did I mention they have desserts

Now that i've got your attention ...

One lucky winner will receive an incredible Crust *Friday Night Off kit which includes
2 x Upper Crust {Super Gourmet} pizzas, 2 x kids pizzas with organic juicebox, 1.25 l soft drink, salad and 4 desserts, pack of UNO cards and a DVD for Mum & Dad.

{* Can be used any day not just Friday}

Thanks Crust - how awesome is that !

Tell me what toppings would you chose to make your own Gourmet pizza or why you should win?

Get creative to win !

Entries close January 15th 11.59pm (Voucher must be used by 31st January)
One winner will be chosen based on creativity and orginality.
If the prize is not claimed within 7 days of the winner being emailed or notified - there will be a re-draw.
Competition is open to Australian residents only -because whilst the kit is sent to you - Pizza Prize is a pick up :-)

(You Can opt for Home delivery normally but not for the purposes of redeeming this Prize)

Disclosure: I received a Friday night in pack for the purpose of this review. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Congratulations to Salz - the lucky Crust Pizza Winner !
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Wordless Wednesday ~ Something Blue

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

The beauty of the day wasn’t measured by the layers on the cake or the fabric of her dress, but by the way he looked at her when she walked down the aisle.

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Wordless Wednesday ~ Little Drummer boys meet Little Drummer Boy

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +0000

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Protect your iPhone or iPod with Fisher Price Apptivity { Giveaway }

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:11:00 +0000

Do you know how you can protect your iPhone or iPod from iNfant destruction ?

I was sent the new Fisher Price Apptivity to review and I have one to giveaway too. One of my Facebook friends asked this very question the other day...how could she protect her iPhone from her 1 year old ?

Disclaimer : I don't have an iPhone but I really want one :). My teen has one ...

I know that my iPod is feeling a little unloved after i got an iPad 2 but my 5 yrs twins fight over it all the time.

They cracked my iPod accidentally earlier this year. No iDea how I just found it cracked . Thankfully , the people at the Apple bar replaced it totally free, but I didn't know that they would for that type of damage until the last minute. I got lucky.

My terrible two said they didn't know how it ended up under the bed. I am sure it was accidental.

This brilliant Apptivity idevice protects your precious ~~baby~~ iPhone or iPod touch from little sticky hands, drool & dribble and potential screen damage from smash and drops.

Seriously , the cool looking - Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case lets toddlers enjoy their very own (FREE) apps while protecting mum or dad 's iPhone or iTouch. Your toddler can even have Facetime with long distance relatives or kiss Daddy goodnight when he is away.

The jury might be out on the safety of babies & toddlers and mobile phones - I guess as parents we decide how much we let them use it. The iPod is not so much of a worry.

The durable case has easy-grasp handles just right size , a clear film covers the screen, plus a nifty home button lockout feature to prevent unwanted call-making .... though I wouldn't recommend using it when you are expecting an important call.You can't access it in a hurry...

I would also make sure the apps can't be deleted because the home button lockout doesn't stop them from touching apps, holding and deleting them.

My two already tried to crack the case open with a pate knife but failed ... they just roughed the edges up a little.

I can see the Apptivity Case being a perfect way to let a toddler be in control while parents protect their devices. Without the device inside the Apptivity case it entertains with a mirror and rattle beads. Best of all - no batteries required.

To win you own ibaby device bodyguard or maybe iNanny leave a comment and tell me why you need one ? Though I take no responsibility for what your child may do with it !! I know what mine are like and so far so good.

Glowless's Tricky loves it... he gave her a heart stopping moment with her new iPhone when he pegged it.

Australian residents only.
Closes January 2nd 2012 (eeek it is so close already)
The most creative answer wins one Fisher Price Apptivity case...sorry iPod not included..

Congratulations to Grant - his wife is going to be one busy lady !I couldn't think of anyone who we will need it more.

we've a very feisty 3 year old son and an inquisitive 1 year old daughter
my wife is pregnant with twin boys and it just so happens i bought her
an iPhone4 which she loves and wants to save from our house's disorder

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Wish you were here ~ love Sammy

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:40:00 +0000

The Tanker Jetty in Esperance

PS It is the last day to a Win Skylanders Wii Starter pack , then enter for your chance to win Sony PSP-E1000 Prize Packs x 5 !

♥

Giveaway ~ Sony PSP-E1000 Prize Packs x 5 !

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:17:00 +0000

Friday, a special delivery arrived at our door.Though my 5 year olds can hardly say the name PSP E1000 they know it means SONY ~ Imagine an affordable, handheld, portable entertainment console with pocket money priced games (@ $14.95).

It must be every ~~parents~~ kid's dream ...to get the best value gaming on the go with the brilliant new PSP-E1000.

PSP-E1000 valued at $139.95RRP

Sony Computer Entertainment have provided five x PSP-E1000 prize packs for this amazing giveaway which includes ~~a parent of the Year award .~~..

1 x Gran Turismo

- 1 x Motorstorm: Arctic Edge

- 1 x ModNation Racers

- 1 x Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier

1 x Little Big Planet
The new PSP-E1000 is a little bigger and heavier than the PSP-3000. While it plays all PSP games it does not include any Wi-Fi features. A bonus for parents worried about children accessing online gaming. It does target those on the go and it can still be connected to a PC via a USB cable, giving you access to new content on PlayStation Store via Media Go.

I confess, right form the start I am very much gaming console 'Racing' challenged. I cannot stay on the track or navigate successfully, even going slow.

Ah - Mod Nation Racers, I'd totally win if the ability to crash into walls were awarded a prize...my boys were saying "MUM ! you are not a very good driver" ... while the little man inside the game yelled at me -

"Are you allergic to the road"

" Get back on the track and hit the gas "

So I gave up and the kids yelled Hooray!

I haven't had time to check out the other games apart from Little Big planet which looks very interesting

On this new hand-held adventure, Sackboy will be getting lost in the Australian outback, helping to build a theme park in the desert, and starring in a series of movies in the glittering lights of Tinsel Town - But will he make it to the Carnival on time when he's having so much fun? !

My boys are marginally better than me but they are only just entering the gaming console realm at 5 and the games are still a little beyond them. They haven't had much practice yet.

Questions ? well all your PSP E1000 questions can be answered here. It even saves your favourite music and photos for you to enjoy anywhere.

For your chance to win 1 of 5 Sony PSP-E1000 Prize Packs leave a comment in 25 words or less answering

Why you should win a PSP-E1000 prize pack ?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer : I received a complimentary PSP-E1000 via Hausmann Communications and games for review purposes. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Congratulations to the Winners -

Dr Bron

Heather

Lisa Wood

Wendy Wyatt

Lyndel Rowe

Thank you to everyone it was very hard to choose the winners !

♥

Ok , now ... moving on

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:15:00 +0000

The last 5 days have been nerve wracking, to say the least. Last Thursday my husband had another round of followup - CT scans of his head, temporal regions and a chest CT.

I know I live by faith not fear , however it doesn't make us immune to illness, stress, depression and cancer.

We knew the scans were coming and it is only after M has them that the worry sets in like concrete. Hard and heavy.

It has almost been 17 months since M finished his radiation therapy. We planned our road trip around his three monthly appointments. M is well despite troublesome headaches; they attribute mostly to stress.

Today, we were SO relieved that there is no evidence of recurrent disease where his tumour was and no local recurrence in his chest etc. (I love this image a friend posted of fireworks on my Facebook)

As we sat waiting in the newly renamed, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Care Centre - ~~try saying that in one breath~~ , I knew that everyone was there, like us, hoping for good news. A sea of quiet sombre faces.

A young mother was seated nearby bearing tubing, hanging from her clothing about the waist and a dark fluid filled drainage vac/bag. She was there with 2 little boys and her husband.I felt teary.Most of the others were older folks. Lots of bald heads, you try not to look, at as you walk the corridors ... men and women, young and old. No one is immune to the scourge of cancer.

Fortunately we walked out with good news.M queued up to book more appointments for 3 and 6 months time. It is a blessed relief to be moving on and making those appointments in a way.

We then went upstairs to book a different, PET, scan for February. There was a lady in the waiting room who overheard my hub mention his two Drs names to the receptionist booking his appointment. The lady mentioned they were her husband's Drs and he was having his scan right then.

She continued taking , without us really asking much ; He was diagnosed a week ago, on his kidney, the lovely Drs, her nightmares, not sleeping, not eating, starting radiation and then surgery (reverse of what M had because he had surgery first then radiation) and the what if's ... I knew exactly what she meant.

It wasn't a very long chat but at that moment in time, I hope, we communicated HOPE and shared the confidence we had in her husband being in the right hands with same Drs - how amazing was that in a huge hospital like Westmead.

I am guessing her situation is compounded by being confined to a wheelchair, with several fused fingers/hand on the ends of both her elbows (She had virtually no forearms...and I didn't ask.) She showed us and told us she was chewing her nails off.

Then she said her husband's first name - and it was the same as my husband. Freaky. We told her ...She laughed and said " So you are a sh*t.head too then ?" We all laughed but I disputed it !

I still wanted to hug her and say "It will be ok " but it didn't seem right plus she was holding her tapestry (I am in awe of how she managed it with her hands/fingers/forearms disability).

Who am I to know ? how it all will end ?

Step by step is all I can manage. I gave her my Cancer Care newsletter instead. I realise now I didn't even tell her my name or ask hers ( Sam, my 5yr old would have asked her in a flash,had he been there.)

Was it a chance meeting or what ?

Anyway , I can also say we are moving on. Today the Real Estate rang to say they have leased our home . We have to be out in 3 weeks + 3days. It is being leased to 4 young doctors in their final year of medicine who need to be close to our local hospital.

It's another huge step for us, moving on, though we rather we had just sold - it gives us a safety net to come back to. True be told, I've been sweating on the results to know we could still move to the farm and not have a reason to stay ... if you know what I mean.

Moving on ...

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ride em' Cowboys

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Everyone wins a Rocking Horse Race !

Jan 2009 - Our Rocking Horse Story

Have you entered my GIVEAWAYS ?

♥

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure { Giveaway & review }

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:23:00 +0000

A few months ago my boys & I were invited to a truly innovative experience – Skylanders Spyro's Adventure. When I got the first email I was really unsure about it.

Having had experience with a few different gaming systems, our now 18yr has played , I knew within minutes of seeing it for real- it was a winner. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure’s story line was penned and crafted by the writers of Toy Story... Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, with very cool technology.

A game that meshes the toy and videogame worlds ! Bingo !

It’s also no surprise the inspiration for the game came from some of the developers' observations of their own children. It is recommended for children 6yrs and over ; Sam & Joel can already manage some independent game play and know how to read the visual clues and follow verbal prompts.

"For generations, the Skylanders have used their magical powers and weapons to protect Skylands. But now, an evil tyrant has frozen them into toys and banished them to Earth. Only you can put them on the Portal of Power and bring them back to life in their world to save Skylands forever."

This is Spyro the Dragon in a way he hasn't been seen before – in a hand-sized action figure along with 31 other Skylander action figures in all (Each one with a unique powers). Each Skylander falls under one of eight elemental groups: fire, water, life, earth, tech, air, undead, and magic. I love the names Chop , Chop - Trigger Happy with his 2 six shooter that shoot gold coins.

The game starts by placing the Skylander character of your choice on the glowing "portal of Power" the gateway to your Skylander adventure.The figures are teleported ( Yes, with a radical buzz of streaming light) into the game and come to life. The 'portal of power' syncs wirelessly to the game through a USB adaptor plugged into your console or PC. (Beware the Portal is battery operated but it does include 3 Duracell – stock up for Christmas or get rechargeable ones and watch you don't lose the USB adapter)

Skylanders are far from ordinary toys - they have 'brains' that as you progress through the game remember shared experiences and leveled-up abilities (but only on your own console). There are also different game slots to save different family member's games.

Don’t worry , even if you are not in possession of all character types (YET) you can still ~~beat~~ complete the game. Awesome hats provide attribute bonuses and characters wear them in-game, adding some interesting customisation . Finding all the hats is an ~~addictive~~ engaging bonus – if you have the right Skylander figure to get access to them.

The down side is the pester power your kids will be leveling up AT YOU . Even as I played, past a bonus area that could only be unlocked by a certain Skylander element, I could feel I needed that Skylander – now !

Another thing I loved is that is has visual and verbal clues for kids in-play to tell them the best Skylander (element) for each area and what button to press. It still allows for players to develop their own strategies and chose own game tactics.

What does the STARTER PACK come with ?
- The starter pack comes with everything you need to start your own adventure including:

• Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure software

• Portal of Power

• 3 Skylanders Figures

• 3 Trading Cards

• 1 Sticker Sheet for all three characters

• 3 Skylanders Spyro’s Universe Codes

• Collector Poster (to put your stickers on)

You can, I am told, play the entire game with just the Starter pack. Skylanders is also playable on the web.

The Activision website has cool stats on each Character , information for parents and you play it there too.

Skylanders can be played with friends (or siblings) by simultaneously placing two interaction figures on the Portal of Power (...as long as you have 2 controllers). Each Skylander works across all gaming platforms so they can be ~~taken~~ teleported anywhere, jump from console to console or even to the web.

Activision has ingeniously and very functionally, made a completely cross platform multiplayer game. So if your kids own the PS3 version, they can play the Nintendo Wii version at a friends house with their own figures.

The ability to trade the Skylanders around and because friends can team up in play means there are endless opportunities to extend the gaming experience with extra battles and challenges. You also might not have to buy them all ( The bonus is you can buy individual Skylanders & pieces so makes for easy birthday party gifts.)

The game is so engaging older siblings (or parents) will want to play along too (trust me). The genius of the game is you can start play or drop out of the game instantly , swap characters in play and add characters. NO more – "I need to finish this level Mum"

I know my 9yr nephew and his friends are flippin’ their minds about this game. I saw it on his wish list (on the fridge) and asked my SIL what she knew about Skylanders ? - Just that L really wanted it - She had no idea of the games potential. I told her the website has a great parent's guide. They are getting it on Xbox.

Sure the Skylander characters just explore various levels – castles, mines, forests, pirate ships – beating up enemies as they collect money, unlock gates and solve puzzles but ..... each new figure adds extra challenges and boosts the power of other figures. Extra figures = a life, and as long as you have a free Skylander you continue a level without starting over. The characters don’t die but rest till the next level - I love that we have two Spiros -just saying we needed them !

Skylanders is available for the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft XBOX 360, Nintendo 3DS and PC. We have Playstation3 and the graphics and visuals are incredible.

The good news is I have one Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Wii version only to giveaway to one lucky reader. Oh I wish I had more.

In 30 words or less tell me who you would like to be in Skylanders and why ?

If you are the chosen one with the most interesting, creative or original answer - a Skylanders Adventure Wii starter pack will be teleported to you by Australia Post hopefully before Christmas - no promises.

Australian residents only -read full term & conditions.
One entry per person leaving a 30 words or less answer

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Have you Liked My Little Drummer Boys

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary PS3 copy for review purposes. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
♥

Thank you for the music

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:08:00 +0000

If you are my Secret Santa take note

I confess I love Christmas music even if Ill never see snow at Christmas.

and these are just too cute not to share

what's your favourite Christmas carol and by what artist ?

♥

Australian Women’s Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

Air Wick Aqua Mist { $350 Giveaway } ~ Day 5 Christmas Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Two weeks ago I shared with you my opinions of the new Aqua Mist from Air Wick.

The results are in and everyone's Aqua Mist favourites are different. Air Wick has nailed it and catered to everyone who tried it. Plus created a fresh and welcoming atmosphere in my testosterone filled home .

My mum, Sister in Laws, and friends agree it beats other air fresheners ~~thumbs~~ noses up ! Mum & I preferred the Magnolia & Cherry Blossom, My SIL & two friends -Wild Lavender & Mountain Breeze My other friend , Hubby & teen Fresh Waters

I know you all would love to try Aqua essences too but it is ~~expensive~~ difficult to post them. Aqua Mist is available from all leading supermarkets so why not pick up some Air Wick Aqua Mist for yourself !

The good news that you won't want to miss ~ is from something in the Air Wick to something in your pocket - because thanks to Soup and Air Wick I have a fabulous giveaway of three Coles / Myer gift cards to celebrate the release of Aqua Mist.

They will hopefully be posted to you just in time for Christmas! or to catch the sales.

1st prize: $200 Coles / Myer gift card
2nd prize: $100 Coles / Myer gift card
3rd prize: $50 Coles / Myer gift card

That's right $350 (in total) - 1 prize per winner = 3 winners .
They are almost as good as cold, hard cash !

The winners will be chosen based on originality, humour and/or creativity.
Please answer in 25 words or less...

~~Who~~ What would you use Aqua Mist on ?
or
What air freshener fragrance would you like to ~~see~~ smell ?

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

(Once we sold my hubby's car privately to a Concreter and he paid us in piles of cold, musty smelling cash. We were very suss but he said he didn't trust banks. We had his address so we knew where he lived if the money wasn't accepted by the bank . Sorry I digress ...Good luck )

♥

How to find your Christmas spirit ? {+ Baker's Delight Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:39:00 +0000

When do you start feeling Christmassy ?
When the stores bring out the decorations or the super TOY sales mention lay-bys for Christmas?
When you see the 100 days to Christmas peeps start ~~pestering~~ encouraging you into action on blogs and social media ?

When the Baker's Delight Lemon Tarts and Mince pies, and Christmas cakes arrive on the shelves ?

OMG Crisco & Castle, Hamper King ads ? ... have started the ~~pressure~~ prepare for 2012 Christmas . I've seen everyone of them this morning.

I've seen a lot of disillusionment circulating. People who are wondering where they left their Christmas spirit and just as many celebrating all things wonderful about Christmas ...giving me the guilts because I haven't had time to do much at all.

No tree, no decorations - but I do have the kids presents and Santa photo covered.

I love Puddles & Gumboots Magical Memories linkup with homemade craft decorations, Elf adventures, Christmas printables and Tina Gray's Celebration,

So how do we get into the Christmas Spirit ?

1. Head over to Pinterest stat if you want to find some Christmas spirit - 1000's + of ideas here for everyone. Focus on simple activities and ideas to keep it low key or really get inspired to go overboard.

2. Get down on the floor and see through the eyes of a young child. Kids bubble over with excitement and wonder about Christmas.Spend a day with a young child reading Christmas stories, watching Christmas DVD's or watching Christmas carols on you tube... maybe a little of their excitement and Christmas magic will rub off on you.

3. Start a new family tradition - see no 1 or Google it. Look for a fun activity that will be low-stress (and easy on the budget) ...not something you'll dread because of the hassle. We are doing the Elf on a Shelf this year. Trade it for a tradition you no longer enjoy.

4. Step away from the stress. Take a few hours or even a day for yourself. Back away from craziness of the season. Get your hair cut, give yourself a facial , switch off your computer and go for a walk, smell the roses, visit a beach.Say no to new demands and/or delegate or postpone some activities.

5. Remember you have choices about the commercialism of the season . It isn't about having the most decorations and the best gifts under a magnificent tree. We can't even find our artificial Christmas tree but we will go out today and cut one from the paddocks or bunch together some sticks in the shape of star (thanks Gemma).

6. Lastly make someone else happy - playing on my TV now the Salvation Army - I believe in Christmas campaign - donate a new unwrapped toy and place it under any giving or charity tree ...
Play Santa to a friend in need !

Now it's my turn ... take some of the pressure off your baking list see #4 just pick up some of these indulgent treats from Baker's Delight .

Warning - just don't lose your restraint ...The Lemon tarts and Fruit mince pies are my favourites.

A delicious any time of the day treat ...just be careful not to eat the lot or you'll look like Mrs Claus. They are the perfect gift for Santa or hungry boys.

Crisp buttery pastry and soft moist fillings. Dust them with icing sugar and bliss ! I had no time to snap a photo because no one would wait.

O M G - the Baker's delight's Traditional Christmas Cake has such a delicious blend of dried fruits and spice encased in a light cake. It comes in a lovely storage tin and is more moist then other Christmas Cakes I've sampled. I'm not big on Christmas puddings but when heated and served with a brandy custard or icecream it's divine.

They are perfect to keep ~~hidden~~ on hand for unexpected visitors ~Santa~ , a gift for the person who has it all (they come gift boxed) and especially to dress the Christmas table.

I am giving away a little Bakers Delight joy with three x $10 vouchers so you can indulge in some of these treats for yourself!

Leave a comment and tell me what your key Christmas moment is ?
The 3 most creative answers will win?

Australian Residents only.
One entry person.
Closes Friday 16th December 4pm Sydney time.

Today I am thankful for Christmas spirit and the people who graciously share their ideas to make life easier for me and Baker's Delight.

♥