threelilprincesses.com

Author: Kellie O’Brien

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #108: Winners are grinners

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #108: Winners are grinners

    It’s been a week of wins. And I mean REAL wins this week (of course, all my wins are real. But you know what I mean!):

    • Julian and I won the celebrity chocolate mousse eating competition at Latrobe Chocolate Winterfest last Sunday. We were as shocked as you are. It was so much fun. We have to confess, our experience at feeding two small children mush during the past five-odd years and having Cadbury-coloured blindfolds gave us a competitive advantage.

    Chocolate Winterfest

    • It was The Bloke in the Shed’s birthday on Tuesday. You’ll see how we went all out with his birthday cake. Probably better than doing the princess castle birthday cake again.

    birthday cupcakes

    Do you love birthday cake making? Usually I do, but this year time was not my friend.

    Now, onto some 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



  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #107: Chocolate Winterfest

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #107: Chocolate Winterfest

    Skyping

    There is plenty to do a happy dance about this week. Our wins were:

    • Julian and I were selected (ah… roped into) a celebrity chocolate mousse eating competition. You’ll see us there at Latrobe tomorrow (Sunday). The idea is we’ll feed each other chocolate mousse – while blindfolded. I do love my chocolate, but this is probably taking it a tad too far. It starts at 10.40am if you happen to be in Latrobe, I’d love you to come and say hi. And maybe cheer us on!
    • Ella had her school report come back this week. It showed she’s super smart, super creative… but not an athlete. Takes after her mother.
    • It’s the Bloke in the Shed’s birthday this coming week. We sent him off to Melbourne on Thursday to watch the Collingwood versus Carlton game at the MCG last night. The girls missed him so much, when they Skyped him Holly asked for cuddles and kisses. It’s fair to say my computer is just not the same anymore.

    What were your highlights?

    Now, onto some real 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



  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #106: Busy week

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #106: Busy week

    Holly blowing bubbles

    It’s been a busy week here, with meetings, dinners and deadlines for the end of the financial year. It means this week’s Aussie Giveaway Linkup is just a tad late. But we’re here now and that’s the main thing, right?

    Before we launch into this week’s giveaways, here are a few funny wins from this week:

    • The main reason for the linky delay was due to attending a Rotary Changeover dinner last night. Riveting stuff, I tell you. Somehow we landed on the widows’ table. One of the ol’ ducks asked if I was a “working lady’’. When I said I owned a business, she asked what I did. “I coach businesses in social media, blogging and public relations.’’ She forced a “I-have-no-idea-what-you-just-said’’ smile, and turned to natter with her friend about puppies. Well, that’s one way to kill a conversation.
    • While we were out at said dinner, my Mum was looking after the girls at home. Tucking Holly into bed, Holly presented her index finger to Mum and said “Do you want to eat my booger, Nan?’’ Strangely, Mum declined.
    • Ella lost her third tooth this week. Seriously, they’re falling out at a rate of knots. And guess what’s coming up in the next month? Yes, school photos.

    What’s made you laugh – or cringe – this week?

    Now, onto some real 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



  • 6 romantic date ideas in NSW

    New South Wales was the destination for part of our honeymoon, so it holds fond memories for us. eHarmony Australia has written a great post for us on six romantic locations for dates in the NSW region. Hopefully it inspires some romance in your life.

    Guest post sponsored by eHarmony Australia

    Dates are the foundation of all good relationships, allowing you to spend quality time together. Planning a thoughtful date is the perfect way to show that you care. They can reflect yours or your partner’s interests, hobbies and ambitions, and you can really get creative with them. So, whether you’ve been married for 20 years or are going on your first eHarmony date, here are six romantic date ideas.

    1. Winery tour

    The central coast is home to New South Wales’ proud wine heritage. Take a weekend, or even a day trip, to take in the world-famous vineyards, views and cuisine of the Hunter Valley. Check the concert schedule too – your date might coincide with one of the signature music events held in the region.

    threelilprincesses_1Photo credit

    2. Southern Highlands retreat

    The Highlands, just an hour and a half south-west of Sydney, is a hub for a romantic country break. With plenty of relaxed wining and dining, boutiques, gardens, drives and galleries, the towns of Bowral, Mittagong, Berrima and Moss Vale are a great date destination for NSW couples.

    3. Cultural date

    New South Wales is a cultural lighthouse of writing, art, music and performance. Try a date in Byron Bay. Check out the local festivals line-up for the music, book and arts festivals (not to mention the galleries, eateries and general creative atmosphere – and the beach!). If you bonded over a mutual love of culture on a dating website, this is a perfect date destination.

    4. Surf’s up!

    For the activity-inclined, try a surfing lesson. The South Coast has plenty of surf schools so learn the basics and have a great time. The endorphins are a great way to kickstart a date. A few spills in the ocean, some laughter and exercise will certainly take away any nerves, and give you a fun experience to look back on.

    5. Country music date

    Country music lovers will always find their way to the home of the genre in New South Wales: Tamworth. Whether it’s during the annual festival or any other time of year, the Golden Guitar is a beacon to fans everywhere.

    threelilprincesses_2Photo credit

    6. Bushwalking date

    Lovers of the outdoors are right at home in New South Wales. Head to the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, to experience breathtaking scenery, Aboriginal heritage and great hiking trails. Top off the day’s walk with dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants or pubs.

    Going on dates is important at any stage of a relationship. Whether you’re just getting to know each other or have spent many years together, it’s a way to reinforce the strength of shared interests, attraction and mutual compatibility.

    What are your favourite date destinations?

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #105: Parent Help Take 2

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #105: Parent Help Take 2

    Parent Help

    Week two of parent help and this was the result:

    • One child made me smell pasta inside a milk container – and it wasn’t nice!
    • Same child laughed his head off after I smelt the pasta – and then insisted I smell it again.
    • Ella was thrilled because I spent the entire time with her and her four-member group. I was thrilled when we finally moved away from the kitchen activity to the odourless writing station.

    Tell me: why do kids find these things so hilarious?

    Now, onto a writing station full of prizes to win…

    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



  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #104: Parent Help

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #104: Parent Help

    Pink Poppy

    Bottoms on the mat. Eyes to me.

    Now… hands up if you’ve done parent help before?

    This week I had the chance to do my first parent help session, where all, bar four kids, read me a book. If anything, it was a great chance to see where Ella sits in relation to the rest of the class in regards to her reading.

    I also discovered that:

    • One little boy really likes Vegemite, judging by his face. Too cute!
    • The entire story of one little girl’s garden and what flowers and animals are in it. I probably didn’t quite need that much detail.
    • That I’m meant to also read to my own child, because “every other mum reads to their own kid and you didn’t read to me.’’. Boy, was I in trouble!

    Have you done parent help yet? What was your experience?

    Now, onto some winning reading.

    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