threelilprincesses.com

Category: For Mum

Storksak Olivia nappy bag review and giveaway ($229)
WHEN Storksak made contact to say this blog had been recommended to them and asked if I’d like to review one of their nappy bags, I jumped at the chance. This is the brand that’s often spotted hanging off the shoulder of a bevy of A-list celebrities.

This Emily bag (RRP: $229)

Photo credit

is a favourite of Angelina Jolie.

And this Dori (RRP: $199)

Photo credit

is used by Jessica Alba.

I was particularly taken with the Elizabeth Quilted (RRP: $599)

And the Olivia (RRP: $299)

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I received the latter to review. Without hesitation, I found a reason to go shopping. And this from a woman who’s not good at shopping.

Imaging I was Angelina walking down Rodeo Drive, as opposed to me plodding along Devonport’s Rooke St Mall, my first impression was how small (H 31cm, W 43cm, D 13cm) and incredibly lightweight it was. Nappy bag size is such an issue – trying to find something that’s big enough to fit all that’s needed into it but not so big you feel like you’re lugging a suitcase around with you. It’s especially a concern when you have a non-walking Li’l Holly who’s as heavy as she is.

Yes, that’s Ella doing some modelling. The nylon satin with faux leather trim bag cleverly has five pockets around the outside, five inside and two hidden front gold zipper pockets, which add to the gorgeous detail that each of Storksak’s bags feature.

Other features include:
- Detachable inner zipper sak (ideal for makeup, moneyvor, in my case, the mobile phone. There is no dedicated mobile phone pocket).
- Thermo-insulated bottle holder (keeps liquids warm/cool for up to four hours.)
- Padded change mat.
The shoulder straps are well padded and it also includes a long webbed shoulder strap, which is ideal for us with the stroller.

If you’re looking for a nappy bag that’s stylish and will serve you long after you need an actual nappy bag, then the Olivia is perfect. In fact, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a bag on the site that doesn’t work as a fashionable accessory for work, shopping or going out. All the designs are devine. You’ll note on the website too, Storksak is introducing a limited time Christmas gift of a free Storksak Jools bag (RRP: $179) with any full-priced purchase over $250.

And guess what? You have the chance to win the Olivia too! To go in the draw, tell us your favourite accessory this summer. Is it a bag, jewellery or maybe a hat? The giveaway closes Saturday, December 17 at 7pm and winners will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of four entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
3. Follow on Google+ and leave a comment telling me you’re now a follower.
**DISCLOSURE: I received a Storksak Olivia nappy bag to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
December 3, 2011
Donna Hay Fast Fresh Simple DVD review and giveaway (5 copies)
DID you know Australian cookbook queen Donna Hay was in my kitchen this week? Are you jealous much?

She cooked me up cheaty chocolate eclairs. Only problem was I couldn’t reach through the television to get a taste of it. However, I was inspired enough to get out the kitchen gadgets and some fresh Tassie produce and give a few of her recipes a go.

What I’ve always loved about Hay’s cooking is its simplicity and her desire to use fresh produce. Her latest DVD, taken from the TV series, encapsulated everything she is as a cook through its title – fast, fresh, simple. As a busy mum, wife, blogger and business owner, this is key for me. She provides some great shortcuts and handy tips for making things easier (which is perfect when little hands always want to help).

The other appeal of Hay for me is how versatile her recipes are – they can be adapted for the family through to dinner parties (if we ever had them, of course). She cleverly brings life to some rather tired meals, like steak and three veg.

Other highlights include:
- A fresh spin on pasta carbonara
- Mouthwatering chocolate and cinnamon wontons
This is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. Especially those keen to relive her 13-part series fast, fresh, simple on the Lifestyle Channel. For those that are already collectors of her books and magazines, it includes recipes from these. You may remember how the castle cake from her latest magazine inspired Holly’s princess castle cake.

Donning the titles of book author, Donna Hay magazine editor-in-chief, newspaper columnist, homewares and food range creator and Donna Hay general store owner, it seems strange this is her first foray into the DVD world. The wait means the quality of this is sublime.

The DVD series retails for $29.95.

To win one of FIVE copies of fast, fresh, simple, on DVD tell us your favourite recipe to cook with your kids. The giveaway closes Saturday, December 10 at 7pm and winners will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of four entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
3. Follow on Google+ and leave a comment telling me you’re now a follower.
**DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of fast, fresh, simple for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
November 26, 2011
WIN: The entire Keratinology by Sunsilk range (valued at $100)
REGULAR readers will already know I had my hair done on Saturday. After my hairdresser styled it, I kept that look for three LONG days. That’s right, I didn’t wash it. You can only imagine what’s been breeding in there.

So yesterday morning I treated my very-much-in-need-of-a-wash hair to the new Keratinology by Sunsilk range. I was sent through the Advanced Reconstruction Range and the Sun-Kissed Colour Therapy Range.

I started with the Keratinology by Sunsilk Sun-Kissed Colour Therapy, Colour Therapy Shampoo and Express Treatment Conditioner. It was followed by five minutes of the Keratinology by Sunsilk Sun-Kissed Colour Therapy Glossy Mask. And before you scold me about being in the shower too long (like someone else I know), it rained all day yesterday so there’s plenty of water in the dams. The entire day I felt like flicking my hair about as if I was in a shampoo commercial, because of how soft it felt.

Last night, before bed, I popped on some of the Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Program Overnight Treatment. I must admit, I only tried it in the ends of my hair because I was concerned I’d wake up greasy. However, it couldn’t be further from the truth. My hair this morning is soft and silky and has no evidence of product residue. Last night it even melted into my skin as if I was putting on a gentle moisturiser. Although, I do wonder how it performs on more oily hair.

Packaged in stylish light brown and black bottles, each product has a pretty, sweet smell, but is by no means overbearing. The collection uses advanced Keratin Micro Technology to address the common damage symptoms from repeated bleaching, colouring or ironing and to prolong that salon look. Obviously what I’m after, if I’m not washing my hair for three days! I’ll be interested now to see the effects long term.

Getting my hair done is my idea of bliss. I only wish I could be at the Keratinology by Sunsilk, in association with marie claire, pop-up salon in Sydney this week. Imagine a pampering wash and blow dry, the ENTIRE Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Range, the latest issue of marie claire and… champagne for a mere $20. The lot is valued at $90.

If you’re in:

Burwood: Park Ave, Burwood (opposite Westfield Shopping Centre): Today

Parramatta: 182 Church St, Parramatta (in front of Parramatta Town Hall): tomorrow, Monday, November 14 and Tuesday, November 15.

call 0426 293 611 to book your salon appointment. You can also find out more information on the Keratinology by Sunsilk Facebook page.

If, like me, you can’t get to Sydney for this bit of luxury, you can still treat yourself at home. Heck, I’ll even let you open a bottle of champagne. To win the ENTIRE range –
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Program Detoxifying Shampoo & Express Treatment Conditioner – RRP: $10.99, 200ml (each)
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Program Heat Protector Spray – RRP: – $13.99, 180ml
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Program Overnight Treatment – RRP: – $13.99, 100ml
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Advanced Reconstruction Program Hair Spa Mask – RRP: – $13.99, 200ml
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Sun-Kissed Colour Therapy , Colour Therapy Shampoo & Express Treatment Conditioner – RRP: $10.99, 200ml (each)
- Keratinology by Sunsilk Sun-Kissed Colour Therapy Glossy Mask – RRP: – $13.99, 200ml
tell us why your hair needs some reconstruction. The giveaway closes Thursday, November 24 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of four entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
3. Follow me via the Google Friend Connect button over there in the sidebar and leave a comment telling me you’re now a follower.
**DISCLOSURE: I received the full range of Keratinology by Sunsilk products for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
November 10, 2011
WIN: The worldwide beauty phenomenon: BB Cream by Garnier (review and giveaway)
YOU may have passed me in the street this week and not recognised me. You see, I’ve been donning a new face.

Me… showing off Garnier's new BB Cream

A slight improvement on the old one.

Garnier sent through its version of the new worldwide beauty phenomenon, BB Cream. Theirs is called Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. If you haven’t heard about BB creams yet, it stands for “Blemish Balm’’ or “Beauty Balm’’. Having seen so many beauty trends come and go, this one grabbed my attention because there’s some history behind it.

BB creams were developed in the ‘50s to soothe and heal a patient’s skin after surgical procedures. It took off in the late 2000s in Korea and became the beauty secret of its film stars. It’s now quickly spread through the UK, US and finally Australia.

Miracle Skin Perfector combines skincare with makeup. How easy will your morning skincare routine be now? The skincare is made up of anti-oxidant properties and Vitamin C to boost the skin’s natural glow and radiance.

After a week and a half of using it, what do I think?
- Someone said it was more like tinted moisturiser, which left me a little sceptical. I’ll admit, I need better coverage than that these days. We’ll thank sleep deprivation for finally catching up with me. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s given me great coverage without being heavy thanks to mineral pigments for natural coverage.
- It claims to deliver five instant benefits – 24 hour hydration (yes), even skin tone (my complexion does look better), corrects blemishes (even the pigmentation under my eye is looking better), boost radiance (I’m glowing!) and SPF protection (well, yes, obviously).
- The product could be improved by increasing the SFP 15 to 30. Our sun is too harsh.
- Interestingly, for my combination skin at least, it’s not too oily or drying. It’s quite creamy and is really easy to apply.
- When I’m wearing it, it lessens the lines around my eyes and mouth. Well, my deep canyons look more like ravines, anyway. Unfortunately, I lucked out on simple “fine lines’’.
- There are only two shades – light and medium. More shade options would be better for busy mums who may require mixing the two shades to get the right match. Fortunately, the light shade is perfect for me.
- I was impressed by the longevity of the coverage. It stayed on… all day! I tend to see foundation slide off my nose by late afternoon. Although, I am still wearing a concealer underneath. I’ve yet to find a product that hasn’t required me to do this.
- It’s only $13.95. Really? I’m not even going to reveal how much I’m spending on skincare and foundation at the moment. I’m starting to wonder why I’m paying all that money.
- It smells divine.
- I love the idea that while there’s an immediate cosmetic effect, there are long term benefits as well. I’ll be keen to see how my skin transforms over a longer period.
… and just a bit more self portraiture!

The Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector – BB cream (RRP: $13.95) is available at Priceline, supermarkets, pharmacies, independent and variety stores. You can also find out more about the BB cream at www.garnier.com.au and on its Facebook page.

Would you like to try it? Well, Garnier have teamed up with Three Li’l Princesses to giveaway 1 x Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Light AND 1 x Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Medium to 10 – yes 10 – readers. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment telling us the best beauty tip your mother/grandmother passed on to you. The giveaway closes Thursday, October 6 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of four entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
3. Follow me on my new Google Friend Connect button over there in the sidebar and leave a comment telling me you’re now a follower.
**DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Light and 1 x Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Medium for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Check out more giveaways in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
September 23, 2011
The Wonder Weeks review and giveaway (valued at over $260)
RIGHT now, Baby Holly is in the midst of Wonder Week 46. So you can only imagine how grateful I was to get hold of the updated, fatter version of the worldwide bestseller The Wonder Weeks book. Yes, the sanity saver book I go on about on this blog, Twitter and Facebook all the time.

Yesterday I read the sections I hadn’t covered in the original version as my fussy baby displayed the three Cs – cranky, clingy and crying. Oh yes, fun times here. The updated version extends beyond the original eight Wonder Weeks to now feature 10 of these fussy, pull-your-hair-out periods in a baby and toddler’s life.

What I’ve loved about the book is it’s a real eye opener to why these cranky pants periods can be so frustrating for babies… and parents. They’re kind of like growth spurts, but for the brain. The book sells itself on exactly what it does: helps you to learn how best to stimulate your baby or toddler’s mental development and turn the hair-pulling phases into leaps forward. It never tries to make you believe it’ll turn your baby into a genius. You’ll need Mozart for that.

I only read the original book each time we were about to embark on another leap to see what the next lot of cognitive growth had in store. So, having now read the entire book, these are the things I loved most about it:
- It not only explains why things are happening, but also what you can do to help your baby through it. It means you’ll enjoy your baby more and learn how to better cope.
- It’s broken into the different developmental leaps, making it easy to digest. Each “Week’’ is also broken into smaller categories. Plus, it’s written with the everyday parent in mind. Even this sleep deprived mama found it easy to follow.
- You’re able to connect with your baby better through the gentle games and activities suggested.
- It’s packed with quotes and experiences of real parents (and let me tell you, they’re pretty honest), making you feel less alone during the challenging periods. The book is like your parenting support and instils you with greater self confidence.
- There’s a My Diary section to allow you to record your baby’s progress.
- The new edition means all those people who wished it was about more than just babies can learn about the developmental leaps right up until 20 months.
- The book reassures you that every baby is different. So if you baby isn’t doing it “by the book’’ or what another baby of similar age is doing, that’s OK.
My favourite line from the book is: “we have shown that every baby is `reborn’ 10 times in the first 20 months’’. Lucky we don’t have to go through the labour part as many times.

The book was written by Dutch author Frans Plooij and his wife Hetty van de Rijt, who passed away in 2003. The pair researched parent-baby interactions for 35 years. When Hetty died, the first draft of the last chapter of this revised book was ready.

While there is an app now available for iPads and iPhones, my only suggestion for the author is for it to be released as an ebook. As a breastfeeding mum, my Kobo eReader is lighter to hold and doesn’t require physical page turning while feeding bub.

If you want to learn more about the book, you can:
- Visit the official site at www.thewonderweeks.com
- Read my Week 26 post The Book That Stopped Me Crying, which includes the Wonder Weeks chart.
- Read my Week 37 post, Revisiting The Book That Stopped Me Crying.
- Buy the book at the Book Depository.
- Buy the book on Amazon.
- Get the app from iTunes
- You could enter the giveaway and score a copy for free.
UPDATE: COMPETITION CLOSED…. To go in the draw to win one of four copies of the new extended version of The Wonder Weeks (ranges in price from $65.95 at Angus and Robertson to $27.62 at The Book Depository) or one of two apps ($1.99 on iTunes), simply tell us three words to describe your baby or toddler right now. The giveaway closes Monday, September 19 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of three entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
August 30, 2011
WIN: Vanchi nappy bag review and $150 gift certificate giveaway
THE nappy bag I started this motherhood journey with became less than practical once Baby Holly (aka Baby No. 2) came along. Big. Bulky. Over flowing. And it was always impossible to find anything. I always looked like a draught horse dragging along a pack. No wonder those horses always look so miserable.

So I did what many mums do and opted for a kids backpack. A lurid pink backpack with green, blue and white spots. Yes, it’s fair to say it didn’t match my shoes. Or anything else, for that matter. So when this arrived:

My Zeppelin carrier from Vanchi

I felt like a Paris mum – not that I have any real idea what that would really feel like. But I can imagine. You see, this gorgeous Zeppelin Carrier is part of Vanchi’s designer nappy bag range, aimed at style savvy mums. OK, so I’m not style savvy, but I’ve been known to fake it ’til you make it.

There is one problem with the bag – it’s become rather popular in this house.

Princess Ella modelling my Vanchi bag.

Princess Ella didn’t just want one photo of herself posing with it, but a string of them.

Again…

…and again! OK, that's enough now.

There was some major disappointment in our house when she learnt she would have to go without it for two days while I was in Sydney. My trip to the big smoke with Baby Holly was how I was going to put this bag to the test. Would it be practical enough?

It was that and so much more. Just before boarding our flight, when I was told that unfortunately I hadn’t checked my baby in (oh dear – too focused on my bag maybe?), I at least looked rather stylish as I stood waiting for the hierarchy to give my baby permission to board. What else was I going to do? Leave her at the airport?

While on the plane, I was able to whip out a dummy from the dummy safe to appease the non-parent travellers, put some used wet wipes into the wetpack (non-stinky ones, I might add) and find a toy inside the removable mummy pouch – all without spending hours searching the bottom of the bag. And the bag fitted neatly under the seat in front of me (because I hate trying to get bags into those overhead lockers. Something to do with being only 150cm tall).

The contents.

The leather-look Zeppelin bag features:
- Matching dummy safe
- Bottle holder with insulated lining
- PVC wetpack for soiled or wet items
- Large change mat with waterproof lining
- Optional pram strap
- Key clip
- A removable mummy pouch
- Multiple pocket options
And this:

The cute dummy charm.

A cute signature dummy charm that’s attached to every Vanchi bag. It also has a waterproof lining, full length zippered closure and metal feet to protect it from wear and tear.

It’s seriously hard to pick faults. The only thing I could possibly suggest is a designated mobile phone pocket, as the inside pockets are rather large.

The only other problem I faced was trying to choose which Vanchi product I wanted. I challenge you to pick just one. So if you’re looking for something with a little bit more class and style, then I honestly can’t rate Vanchi highly enough.

Even better, Vanchi was started by Aussie mum Sarah Van Bentum after a surprise twin pregnancy in 2005 and a timely gap in the market. A certain percentage of all Vanchi products go directly towards Child Rescue, a division of World Vision working to combat child slavery. To learn more about Vanchi, visit www.vanchi.com.au and I recommend liking their Facebook page so you never miss out on news and giveaways.

A far more stylish photo of the bag.

To go in the draw to win a $150 Vanchi gift certificate, simply tell us which Vanchi product you would love to own. The giveaway closes Sunday,, August 21 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of three entries.

Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
Check out our other giveaways.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me

Win
– Find the best Online Competitions brought together all in one spot. It’s free and updated daily!
July 24, 2011