threelilprincesses.com

Author: Kellie O’Brien

  • When Cradle Mountain turns on the snow

    When Cradle Mountain turns on the snow

    For two winters now we’ve been promising Ella we’d take her to the snow. And for two winters, someone in the house always seems to get sick. Or it rains. Or someone pops out a baby.

    Finally, on the weekend, the rain stopped, the snow settled and no one was sick. So we headed for Cradle Mountain and all that glorious snow.

    Cradle Mountain snow 1
    You should have heard the squeals when they caught sight of it out the window.

    Ella asked me whether I was excited about seeing the snow. I wasn’t really.

    Mainly because as a kid I spent nearly every weekend during winter at our shack up the Great Lakes, in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. My most vivid memory was of mum having to get out, mid snow storm, and sit on one corner of the boot of the car because the wheel was spinning frantically. We weren’t going anywhere until it touched the ground again.

    Of course, as kids, we just wanted to get stuck in the snow so we didn’t have to go to school the next day.

    Cradle Mountain snow
    But, while I wasn’t excited about going to the snow, I was excited about seeing the girls experience it for the first time.

    Cradle Mountain snow 2
    There was a bit of snowball throwing.

    Cradle Mountain snow 3
    Ella tasted snow for the first time. And wasn’t impressed.

    Cradle Mountain snow 4
    Julian attempted a snowman – not his finest work.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 5
    And Holly tried to feed Molly Golly some snow.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 6
    When the wind got up, we knew it was time to go.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 7
    Holly had to have one last play in the snow before we went though. She hasn’t stopped talking about it since. While it’s always been Ella who wanted to see the snow, I think it was Holly who enjoyed it the most.

    Are your kids snow bunnies or are they yet to experience the white stuff?

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #111: Golly Wally has undergone a little… change

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #111: Golly Wally has undergone a little… change

    molly golly

    There’s been a new member in our house this week, who looks strangely familiar. Holly brought home Golly Molly from childcare on Tuesday, with strict instruction to take her on some big adventures. So far, all she’s done is keep Holly awake at night playing “mums and dads”.

    For me, Golly Molly looks quite a lot like another Golly Ella brought home from childcare two years ago. Except his name was Golly Wally.

    golly wally

    Could Golly have undergone a little… change?

    Have your children been responsible for the childcare or class bear or doll?

    Now, onto this week’s Aussie Giveaway Linkup…

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately. If you need to delete it, hover over your link, wait until the red “x’’ appears and click.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and be run by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.

     


    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • {TUTORIAL}: How to make Wizard of Oz birthday boxes

    {TUTORIAL}: How to make Wizard of Oz birthday boxes

    When Ella had her Wizard of Oz birthday party last year, one of the things that got the most comments – other than the rainbow house cake and that stellar *cough* homemade number five piñata, was the take home boxes (or party favour boxes, as the Americans would call them).

    Originally, I was just going to get a copy of the Wizard of Oz book for every child, knowing most of them have probably never read the book or watched the movie. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to order copies and went for the tried and true take-home party box.

    After getting over the shock of how expensive party boxes are – ridiculous, I tell you – I decided that, being the super crafty mum that I am *cough*, I should just make my own.

    Here’s the end result:

    Wizard of oz birthday boxes 1
    What do you think?

    They were so super easy to make. Here’s how we did it.

    STEP 1:

    Buy some noodle boxes from a $2 shop. You should be able to buy about a 10 or 20-pack of boxes for $2.

    STEP 2:

    Wizard of oz birthday boxes 2

    Create a yellow brick pattern in Word or Powerpoint. Then print out. To save you the hassle of having to create all those bricks, you can download our bricks here. Prepare to use a bit of yellow ink.

    STEP 3:

    http://www.mediafire.com/?b6pcs6m71ctmmyy

     

    Cut the brick pattern into a long strip, following the brick lines to keep it straight.

    STEP 4:

    Fill the noodle box full of treats. We had a combination of small toys and lollies. We were a bit light on with the lollies, just because I don’t think kids need a lot.

    STEP 5:

    Wizard of oz birthday boxes 4

    Close the lid of the noodle boxes. Wrap the brick strip around each box, taping it at the bottom.
    Ta da! That’s it. Too easy. You could adapt this for plenty of different themed parties.
    What do you usually do for birthday party take-home gifts?

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #110: Turning a loss into a win

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #110: Turning a loss into a win

    Girls cuddling

    This week I turned a loss into a fabulous win!

    On Wednesday night I had a board meeting at 5.30pm. Julian was running late getting home to do the swap over with the girls. He raced in the door at 5.25pm and waved his hands at me, with a ”quick, the car’s still running. Go! ‘

    I took off for the board meeting, getting there just in time. I turned the car off and then searched for the keys. The Nissan Dualis doesn’t require the keys to be in the ignition for it to start. They just need to be close by. Usually they’re in the console. This time, they weren’t.

    I rang Julian. ”Quick. Where did you put the keys?”

    Silence. Then: ”Umm… In my pocket”

    So, there I was… I couldn’t lock the car. I couldn’t restart the car.

    Thank goodness I hadn’t stalled at the traffic lights on the way to the meeting.

    But the story is not over. Oh no. I found a way to make this whole scenario work for me.

    The following night Julian’s Rotary Club had a Christmas in July Partner’s Night. During the night, they have a ”fine session” which involves dobbing club members in for silly things they may have done. They then pay a gold coin fine, which is all part of the club’s fundraising efforts. I can tell you, they raise a lot of money.

    During the dinner, the corporal encouraged the wives to share fine-able stories.

    Of course, a little story about a car and a set of keys couldn’t be ignored. How could I pass that opportunity up?

    Have you ever been stuck without car keys?

    Now, onto this week’s Aussie Giveaway Linkup…

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately. If you need to delete it, hover over your link, wait until the red “x’’ appears and click.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and be run by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.

     


    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • Do your children love playing dress ups?

    Do your children love playing dress ups?

    Sponsored post

    play dress up 1

    When I was a kid, I had one dress up outfit. It was a horrible-fitting clown costume. I’m sure I have a photo of it here somewhere. My sister had a beautiful nurse’s outfit with matching medical bag. I think I got duped on that one.

    Basically though, that was all we had.

    Girls dress up ideas

    play dress up 3

    Now, inside the girls’ playroom, is a giant dress up box full of every occupation, animal and fairytale character you could imagine. They’re obsessed with dressing up and putting on shows.

    Those outfits can range from The Bloke In The Shed’s trackies with my high heel shoes (always a great look!) to a full blown Cinderella outfit with matching handbag, tiara and slippers.

    Even for her 5th birthday, Ella chose a blue and white checkered dress and red ruby shoes like Dorothy for her Wizard of Oz party. She just had to dress up.

    Why I’m a supporter of kids dressing up

    Play Dress up 2

    I’m a big supporter of kids playing dress ups, because it helps:

    •  Foster their imagination.
    •  With empathy – apparently!
    • Role playing and gaining skills for their future
    • Working through different emotions and relationships they may be experiencing.

    As a parent, I always think it’s an interesting insight into what’s going on inside those little heads. And probably throws back a little of how I act as a parent too. I really do cringe when they play mums and dads.

    Dress up inspiration

    Play Dress up 5

    Last week, online store Fairytale Treasures sent the girls two outfits – Ella a Little Red Riding Outfit and Holly a bumblebee outfit.

    It was a hard decision for Ella, who also had her eye on the zebra, leopard and cowgirl outfits from the girls dress up range. The store is focused on fairytale-inspired outfits and dress ups and really appeals well to the different age groups. There is also full ranges for boys and girls.

    Along with being impressed with the quality, I love how the dress up clothing is versatile enough to be worn for everyday wear. Ella wore her black Red Riding Hood top with a pair of jeans and it looked fabulous. She’s now asking can she wear the skirt for dancing next week.

    Similarly, Holly was able to wear her bumblebee top with white trousers. She also wants to wear the skirt everywhere. Or rather, dance in it everywhere.

    If you’re looking for quality dress up clothing for your children’s dress up box, need something for Halloween coming up, ideas for birthday parties or need some Christmas gift inspiration, I’d highly encourage you to check out http://www.fairytaletreasures.com.au/

    Make sure to like the Fairytale Treasures Facebook page and sign up to their newsletter to keep up to date with new items. You can also follow Fairytale Treasures on Pinterest and Instagram.

    Do your children love dress ups? Do they have a favourite outfit?

    DISCLAIMER: I was paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #109: Bindi Irwin edition

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #109: Bindi Irwin edition

    Australia Zoo magazine

    I have a little winning tale for you this week.

    Ella was completely devastated The Advocate Newspaper was running a competition to win a wildlife walk in Tasmania with Bindi Irwin. The reason she was devastated was because the judge of the competition was the Editor – her dad. I’m guessing there’d be more than a few upset entrants if Ella entered and won.

    Things got even worse when she discovered he was spending the day at a conference with Bindi and having dinner with her that night.

    Eventually, she decided to instead give Julian strict instructions to get her Bindi poster signed.

    Within minutes of the conference, Julian had spotted the wildlife warrior at the conference but figured he’d catch up with her later. Well, “later’’ just so happened to involve school work or some other event for Bindi.

    Thankfully, Terri Irwin came to the rescue with a copy of their wildlife magazine. And Julian had to do some major selling of the magazine to Ella via Skype that night before the dinner event.

    When Julian arrived at the dinner, he was surprised to find Bindi was there too. I can tell you, he wasted no time in placing a poster and a pen under her nose. All was well with the world again.

    At least in Ella’s eyes, anyway.

    Funnily though, when Julian brought the magazine and poster home, it was the magazine she was most sold on. Typical.

    Are your kids Bindi fans? Have you been to Australia Zoo yet?

    Now, onto some real better wins…

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately. If you need to delete it, hover over your link, wait until the red “x’’ appears and click.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and be run by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.

     

    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses