My Little Drummer Boys

Become the family bread winner ~ Baker's delight {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:21:00 +0000

“If thou tastest a crust of bread, thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens.” Robert Browning

I don't need to sell you on Bakers delight bread - it sells itself and our new local store is quite becoming a favourite stop off when I go shopping. My boys love the pink finger buns & cheesy mite scrolls , rolls and I just try to look away from all the deliciousness like Sourdough, Chia bread and oh everything.

Bakers delight have a new Back To School Facebook competition, where you have the chance to a win a year’s worth of bread for your family!

Our first term has well and truly kicked off , we are just finishing up our first week of school.
By now parents, like me, across Australia are scratching their heads to come up with exciting, energy filled lunchbox ideas that get eaten ...and that don’t end up in the bin or bottom of the school bag!

So why not share your brilliant ideas, and gain new ones by entering - Bakers Delight competition.
It's so easy to enter ...

All you have to do is create a lunchbox masterpiece/s, including sandwich or roll suggestion, take a photo and log onto http://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight?sk=app_338104436220104

There you will have the opportunity to upload your “Back To School” creation to the competition tab for people to rate your lunchbox idea.

The lunchbox with the most ‘likes’ from each state will win a whole year’s worth of bread!

Competition is open now and ends 27 February 2012. Encourage your friends to vote for your lunchbox. Your creation can gain the title of “Australia’s best school lunch idea”, and keep your family’s tummies full all year!

Here is my entry -

Chicken Schnitzel, avocado, rocket on Chia Bread ...we love it !

To get you started I have 3 x $10 vouchers to giveaway to 3 lucky winners -

Leave a comment and tell me your brilliant idea -
Giveaway closes Sunday 12th 11.59pm !
Australian Residents only.
Ps Click on BD Facebook page voucher tab to print and redeem a free Cheesymite scroll when you buy a loaf and click on my entry in gallery too if you like *sob* I only have 1 vote !

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Hang a gate

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

No man acquires property without acquiring with it a little arithmetic also. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate.
J. R. R. Tolkien

We did not choose to be the guardians of the gate, but there is no one else.
Lyndon B. Johnson

♥

10 degrees of separation and seeing double.

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:12:00 +0000

I still feel a bit overwhelmed about my babies starting school yesterday. I started to write a post, and then I could feel too many emotions bubbling up .

It only seems like yesterday I was peeing on that little white stick after our second IVF cycle (third attempt).

Ten degrees of Separation -

My twins first day at school was fabulous. They posed for photos at home and then at school - a bit subdued –The bell rang and they gave us a wave and a quick hug. In they ran and settled down to play on the mat in the blink of eye.

We hovered outside watching through the window other parents were still inside. I just had something in my eye as I saw another little boy crying, his mother hovering , looking helplessly about for someone to do something.
As we were leaving the grounds the Principal recognised us and mentioned they had five sets of twins starting that morning . The local paper was coming to take photos ! The rate overall, about 1 in 80 births in Australia is a twin - so they have 5 times this - with 80 kinders.
It was only then a few tears spilled. They made the front page today . They had 3 boy/boy sets, 1 Girl/girl set and 1 Boy/Girl set spread over 4 kinder classes .One set per class with 5th set separated at the parents request. One boy set are identical bare a freckle.
I noticed after I got the paper –the other fraternal boys I know of already. My boys and I met their mum and her twins in the main street one day last year. I thought she said they were going to school elsewhere. I still had her number in my phone so I sent her a message.
A lady I met in the Blood bank today knew the Girl/Girl set and mentioned one little girl had dwarfism – I haven’t noticed (at school or) from the photo . You can’t tell exactly in the photo. The lady saw me glassy eyed, gazing over the paper - so that is why she mentioned it.
I discovered today two other schools in Sydney also had 5 sets of twins starting school this year – wow !
Sam and Joel had a lovely day and as we left the school by a side gate , they were playfully pushing each other – the Principal was on gate duty –He recognised Dh & I (again) smiled , and said THEY were lively boys. They were apparently the only ones climbing the play equipment , just outside the classrooms, where the group photo of the 5 pairs of twins was taken.
They proceeded to mishandle and pull on his tie OMG – double trouble the first day ;). I am pleased he is such a lovely friendly Principal and didn't mind. It was a McGrath Foundation tie , I may not have noticed otherwise.
When we asked what they have learned last night – they didn’t say much. Over breakfast something came up about SITTING DOWN ...no ooo they didn’t learn their ABC’s but the 5 L’s.

I was surprised they remembered - I am guessing maybe not 100% in the right order.

L- Legs - cross them and sit on the floor

L-Lap – hands still in your lap

L- Listen

L- L o_O K

L –Lip – zip your lip

They told us in stereo, each, a bit mixed up.!

In other news - I am very relieved I was able to change an appointment at Westmead Children’s Hosp for Sam on Thursday till Monday 13th when he had already another appointment at the Eye Clinic . Saving us over 728km/10 hrs - driving trip. Not to mention 2+ tankfuls of petrol . My husband already has to travel to Sydney to work this week for 2 days.

We will stay overnight with family when we go. Need less to say - I would have taken him to both appointments if I had too. Now- I can attend the Kindergarten information session on Thursday and he doesn’t miss two days of school in his first week.

♥

Grateful for newborn calves and choc chip banana loaf

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:59:00 +0000

Hubby woke up this morning and as he made me a cup of tea - thought he was seeing things through the window ...a tiny calf in the far paddock.

He went to check and so it was - so off we all went to for a closer look !

The umbilicus ? still attached.

Not that it was totally unexpected he did put Grandpa's Angus bull over the cows about 9 months ago. Then we left them to it.

According to the cattle gestation chart in his diary - the first calves weren't expected until February 14th. Though I read younger cows (like ours can calve 10 days earlier) so I am calf watch from now on.

We own 11 cows and we are not totally sure how many are in calf because the Bull preferred the other ladies instead and escaped at first chance a few weeks later into a large heavily tree'd paddock...like he did again today.

Sam & Joel also own a Cow & calf each , a gift from their Grandpa. Their cows & calves escaped too with another one of our 11. The rest of our little herd they got back after a little game of chasey with Hubby and his cousin (K was over Grandpa's working on fences).

Hubby unlocked the padlock on the gate to the lane way to fix it, the chain was across and he came back for lunch. Somehow it came open - we suspect the Bull pushed on it and the chain wasn't latched securely.

Today , I got my apron on and started baking. I wanted to bake some treats for the boys who start school on Monday *sob*. Chocolate coconut slice and Low fat choc-chip banana loaf that I am trying in the bread maker. The oven is small and not too good at getting and staying hot - so I made the slice in it.

Ingredients ~ Low fat choc-chip banana loaf

2 cups S/R flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon bicarb of soda

2/3 cup caster sugar

1 cup choc chips ( I used dark)

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk ( I substituted 1/4 cup lowfat milk & with 1 teaspoon lemon juice & 3/4 cup natural yoghurt because I had no BM)
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup mashed bananas

Icing sugar to dust

Directions

Preheat oven to 180 ° (if using loaf pan - grease and line it)
Sift flour , bicarb of soda and cinnamon in a medium bowl, stir in sugar & choc bits (I used dark) and mix in well.
Whisk together in a jug - eggs , buttermilk (or my substitute) , olive oil and bananas until smooth
Stir mixture into flour mix , then spoon into prepared loaf tin - or toss it all in bread-maker like I did.
Bake at 180° for 45- 55 minutes until brown and knife or skewer comes out clean from center of loaf. If using a large or deeper loaf pan, increase time to 50-60 minutes.
Leave to cool in loaf tin for 10 mins - turn out onto wire rack - Serve and dust with icing sugar if desired - consume responsibly !

{How low fat it is I know not - but it should serve 10 ?}

The result was a very moist, not too sweet banana bread perfect with a cup of tea.

I noticed this one is a different texture to last time I made it in my previous oven - could it be the buttermilk substitute or the bread maker and a short, deeper loaf tin ?

The choc coconut slice is ~~overcooked~~ very crunchy - it was too soft so I left it longer and longer ...covered with icing and coconut it is still very edible ! I also reduced the sugar, butter by a 1/4 - 1/5 and added rolled oats - so it makes a difference too maybe. I confess I am not an expert on tweaking recipes.

I 'd be grateful to know how to stop the choc chips from sinking ?

♥

Back to School with Cheeki Stainless Steel Water Bottles ~ {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:52:00 +0000

I know there has been a lot of talk about plastic water bottles and BPA does concern me. I am pleased to know that my cheeky boys will be starting school with Cheeki.

Since having seen the very popular Cheeki stainless steel water bottles , I've had my eye on buying a few.

I have tried to keep my kids on the right path to good hydration by giving them water - but they hate drinking 'warm' water while we are out & about or road-tripping . I'd rather not buy cold water ( or worse) when we go out - just why is water so expensive ? - not anymore with Cheeki !

Awesome facts I like about Cheeki

Children's {all actually} stainless steel water bottles are eco-friendly, safe to drink from and painted with non-toxic inks. Lots of bright kids designs ( including ABC favourites and attractive girl/boy/teen designs) !
Cheeki lids are BPA free - made out of Polypropylene (also known as PP) with a Silicone washer.
The bottles are made from Pure Grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel - there are no linings and they will not leach chemicals.
They have insulated neoprene pouches {& even carry straps} that fit snugly and are not bulky. We tested them out and the water was as cold to taste 5 hrs later as when I filled it. Perfect for long , hot school days.They do last 8hrs apparently.
Replacements are available for twist sports caps , Screw caps ! So you don't have to replace the whole drink bottle. The lids are interchangeable.
350ml, 500ml, 600ml,750ml and 1L sizes ...for thirsty little camels
The sports bottles have special flip up lids and fast flow instead of screw cap.
My 5 yr olds managed getting the lids open/closed well - so hopefully I won't have leaks in the school bag.

The single walled bottles are designed for cold liquids only and cannot be frozen ( Trust me I lost a S/S bottle last year that was accidentally frozen - it bulged out at the bottom ,then cracked open) .

Cheeki have products for everyone in the family. They have unique insulated bottles which are a vacuum sealed double walled bottle, they will keep the content hot or cold for 12 hours.

I love the look of their Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee mugs {I want to get one for my tea : when I have to rush out the door , to get to school on time - so I can have it in the car ) or maybe a flask}. Plastic coffee / tea tastes terrible !!

Those of you who use Fitness shakes will love the Cheeki Protein shakers which even come with a blending ball for lump free mixes and are unique to the market !

For mums with bubs using bottles-

Cheeki make a range of BPA free - 280ml baby bottles too that are durable and hygienic - bacteria cannot form on the inside or outside of the bottle and it will not break down like plastic. Shatter-proof and with embosed markings, they contain no linings and will not leach chemicals.Painted with non-toxic inks too.

We were fortunate to receive 1 x 350ml kids and 500ml water bottle with insulated pouches to review.

I plan to buy more they are very reasonably priced and online you can buy duo/trio gift packs.

It is important to me that Cheeki products are fully recyclable, unlike plastic bottles which harm our environment and create landfill ... I was gob smacked !

It takes 1000 years for just ONE plastic bottle to decompose. That bottle you bought when you were 12? Yes, it's still in landfill and will be there for many generations to come.

Did you know Cheeki are also happy to support school fundraising - check their website for details.

Now I know you can't wait to try Cheeki water bottles so I have 2 x $25 gift certificates for an online purchase to giveaway . Perfect for the lucky winners to choose a Cheeki product that suits them !

To enter complete the entry form and leave a comment below.

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Visit the website or eat drink stainless partner site and tell me what is your favourite Cheeki product and why you would like to own it ?

For an Optional second entry - LIKE Cheeki on Facebook - to be a valid entry you must answer the question again.

In the meantime checkout the special offers and sales on the website http://www.eatdrinkstainless.com.au/special-offers.html or use store locator here.

The Huffington post has a great article on 20 interesting things to do with water bottles

Disclaimer - we received 1 x 350ml & 500ml Kid's water bottles with neoprene pouches to road test. No financial payment was offered , all opinions are my own. I was very impressed with their fast delivery too from Eat, drink, Stainless!

♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Worth of water

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:33:00 +0000

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ~Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732

Forgot to take a photo once they got it off .

33,000L in case you are wondering ...the rain didn't make it into the tank .

♥

Tetris, tears and tissues

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:46:00 +0000

So here I am counting down the last ~~mins~~ hour before we collect the twins from school.

Today is their best start assessment , a 4 hr stint during which the teacher will take them aside individually and see where they are at .The rest of the time is for playing. They were fine once they spied the toys on the mat.

I was ~~by then~~ fine. I had a few leaky tears on the way. I wasn't crying , just a single tear or two sliding over my lids. Getting ready and finding stuff was most stressful. A bit of verbal biffing.

DH & I were very tired , he didn't get home from working in Sydney till 1am . I waited up for him. It was closer to 2am by the time we were in bed. Awake at 7am ...

Yes , this is real - it looks worse in real life !

It is like playing tetris with boxes, furniture, the exercise bike, TOYS and everything every day as we try to find a spot for things. Things come crashing down sometimes. The unpacker did not organise the boxes well so I have been rifling through to find stuff I WANT now !

The lads also like to move things especially my shoes (so I lost them this morning too) and keep finding stuff that isn't lost to hand me
" Mum, I found this ..."
I put it down ...goodness knows where...when I am next looking and can't remember where and you get the picture $^!#


The kitty- Mia loves hiding from the puppies and kids here !

Sadly, our other cat , mumma ~ Ziggy is missing. I haven't seen her for maybe a week now. Lost ? I hope or found by someone nice *sniff*.

My mission once the boys go to school full time Monday is to really get the box tetris under control and organised since we can't unpack it all ~~ever~~ right now.

♥

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

♥

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

<p>&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;</p>

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.

♥

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 ?

♥

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 ?

♥

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.
♥

♥

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.

♥

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

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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 !

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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 !

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