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).
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’’.
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’’.
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.
IF YOU’RE reading this early Sunday morning, I’m about to board a plane home to North West Tasmania after four days in muggy, wet Melbourne. If you’re working on QantasLink this morning, apologies, that smell is eminating from MY suitcase. Need to invest in some more powerful deodorant, I think.
I’ll have a few posts this week about my trip, but some highlights were:
The location of Medina Executive South Yarra couldn’t have been more perfect. It was actually a coincidence, but it ended up being close to EVERYTHING we needed to get to. I highly recommend it.
We became so familiar with South Yarra as we drove around in our Ford, courtesy of Thrifty Car Rental, Ella began to notice familiar sights. The Bloke in The Shed introduced her to the Treasury Building and when seeing it a second time, she piped up with: “Look Dad, that’s the building that has treasure in it’’.
DFO South Wharf was probably one of the better DFOs I’ve been to in Melbourne. I am the world’s worst shopper (Julian outdoes me in this department), but I still managed a pair of Guess jeans, some heels and too much clothing for the girls. Always the way.
Meeting so many bloggers in one spot at the Kids Business Bloggers Brunch was truly fantastic, not to mention inspiring. It was nice to put some more real-life faces to pint-sized avatars. Although, once again, the main comment I received was: “you sound so much bigger on your blog’’. My only regret was not meeting everyone or spending more time with those I had brief chats with.
And on the Bloggers Brunch, there were a few brands which really stood out for me. I’m hoping to introduce you to some of those over the next few weeks.
There was so much rain at the Melbourne Zoo for our visit we noticed zoo staff building an ark. Despite the weather, an animal-loving one-year-old and four-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it. The highlight was the giraffes, because Ella really wants one as a pet. For The Bloke in The Shed and my brother it was this animal:
A picnic dinner at the Royal Botanic Gardens with good food and even better company was a relaxing start to our trip. Ella and her new friend Bliss hit it off so well, you’d swear they’d been friends for years. You would be astounded to hear the type of adventures that await highly imaginative pre-schoolers in the gardens.
I have fallen in love with the Prahran Market. I am seriously considering moving to Melbourne now. Ella was salivating as she eyed off all the olives. I’m ready to head back for a Caramalised fig and almond gelato.
What do you love about Melbourne?
If you love shopping, trying out new products or simply getting free things, start clicking on the links below.
If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:
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.
Giveaways must be open to Australian residents.
Grab the button to add to your post.
A new list is added each Sunday at 7am so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
ANOTHER month, another birthday. It is seriously like that in this house. Yesterday we marked Princess Ella’s fourth birthday. Writing that down just blows me away. It seems like only yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time. Totally dependent. Oh, so tiny. And covered in gunk.
Now, she’s a super confident young girl. A social butterfly, who can ease the toughest of social situations. Incredibly bright and a big thinker not bound by limits. And she also happens to be the funniest person I know.
We marked her birthday today with a small family barbecue at the Bells Parade park, at Latrobe,
and the traditional O’Brien candle race (it’s seriously like watching grass grow, but they love it). Note there are only two candles. We forgot to pack more.
She was also spoilt with some beautiful gifts, including a 300-piece bead set. We ended up with the 300-piece bead set on the floor, at which point I was tempted to get the Dyson out.
I might add the majority of her presents are still on Christmas layby. Well, seriously, what store creates Christmas laybys that can’t be picked up until Christmas!
Before you go clicking to try and score yourself a bit of Christmas cheer, here’s a video of Ella’s first year of life, put together for her first birthday. Please, feel free to fast forward to about the 50-second mark. The first part is her family members and obviously rather boring for most readers. Every time I watch this video I end up in tears. The music is by my Twitter friend Martina McBride. Although, at this point, she’s unaware we’re friends.
If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:
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.
Giveaways must be open to Australian residents.
Grab the button to add to your post.
A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
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.
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
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).
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’’.
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’’.
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.
I’M GOING on a jet plane to Adelaide today. Or Radelaide, rather. Although, who am I to make jokes. I live in Tasmania. I think we shut our shops half an hour earlier than the city that always sleeps.
The occasion is a Kelloggs Bloggers Brunch, where I get to eat cereal and talk kids, health and my favourite meal of the day. And can I just say, you know you’ve made it when you get your blog on a cereal packet. Right?
So anyway, I thought I’d best ditch the holey jeans and trakky top for something a little more appropriate. Considering I don’t do fashion – I tend to buy classic items that I can still wear 10 years from now – this is the portrait of a non-fashionista trying hard to be a fashionista. Possibly trying too hard.
OK, enough with the woof whistling. I have to thank Koolaman Designs, ECCO Shoes and Swish ECO Hair for helping me try and look chic.
Koolaman Designs:
A beautiful Audrey pendant, hand stamped with Princess Ella and Li’l Holly’s names. The appeal is its daintiness. I’m not into chunky jewellery. Everything I wear is very petite – probably because I’m very petite. This one measures 2.8cm high by 2.8cm wide and can fit 34 characters on it. At $170, it’s something to buy that special person this Christmas. It has timeless appeal (big tick) and is something I’ll pass on to the girls one day. You can buy online.
ECCO Shoes:
I fell in love with ECCO back when it released its Autumn/Winter range. The Kalama 50mm is a cute ankle strap sandal made using genuine leather. In fact, its leather is of such high quality it sells to luxury designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Coach and Porsche. That’s classic enough for me. I love that the straps are adjustable, it has ample cushioning and there’s no such thing as “breaking in’’ required. At 150cm short, I probably require something with a little more heel though. But otherwise, I’m impressed. There are quite a few styles from the 2010 Spring/Summer range I have my eye on.
Swish Eco Hair:
If my hair feels good, then I feel good. So yesterday I indulged in a cut and a few extra foils to tie me over till my next appointment. This little ‘do I can thank my lovely hairdresser at Swish Eco Hair in Devonport, Tasmania for. And we probably should give a little shoutout to her ghdstraightener for that smooth, shiny finish. Swish have a Facebook group.
I have a giveaway coming this week to make you look just as gorgeous. *ahem* So don’t forget to subscribe via the homepage. In the meantime, get a little style from the links below.
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.
2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents.
3. Grab the button to add to your post.
4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
BEFORE buying baby products I’ve always spent hours reading reviews to make sure I was buying the best for the girls. Valco, Oricom and BabyBjorn kept slapping me in the face while I surfed the net. You know, back in the days when I had hours to waste on the internet.
We were fortunate enough to be in a position to buy quality products from the start, the majority of which have lasted the distance – two children and four years. If only I could say the same for me. Looking a little worse for wear these days.
When Li’l Holly turned one this month, I began packing away what have become some of my favourite products. As each product was placed in a box, I thought how nice it would be for others with young children to experience just how fabulous some of those brands are.
So, without further ado, here are some of the Baby Products We’ve Loved.
Valco EVO2 stroller
WALK into our house and you’ll see Valco dotted throughout – Valco feeding chair, baby rocker and our beloved T3 Plus stroller. What won me over with the T3 Plus is that, while it’s a compact umbrella style stroller that’s easy for me to handle (I’m only little, remember), it’s still extremely sturdy. Ella has even been known to jump into it now at age four. Yes, poor Li’l Holly.
Our zip-in storm cover and zip-in UV mesh have been well used (more the storm cover, with Tassie’s weather) and are easily stored in the underneath basket. I also have easy access to Twitter, with the zip storage pocket at the back holding my smartphone. Throw in a five-position reclining seat for sleep times, 4 wheel suspension for smooth travelling and some easy grip, ergonomically angled handles for mum’s poor arms and you can see why I find this one hard to fault. We’re even taking it to Melbourne with us next month.
OK, so maybe if it looked a little more like this one
– the Valco EVO2 stroller – then it would be perfect. The EVO2 is the newest model, which comes in two funky designs: Chainz and Arctic.
How nice is Chainz? It features a no-pinch-hinge to save pinching fingers when it’s being folded, along with lockable swivel wheels, adjustable footrest and compact fold with carry handle. And guess what? You could win the NEW EVO2 MODEL.
Favourite part: It’s easy to assemble and pack away, which means more reasons to go shopping. Hmmm, slightly dangerous. EVO2 is valued at: $199.
You can find more about Valco at www.valco.com.au, plus be sure to connect via Facebookand Twitter to keep up with future specials, news and competitions.
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Oricom Secure610 Premium Digital Baby Monitor
I confess, we bought a different brand of baby monitor when Ella was a bub and soon regretted it. There was static noise, interference and the antennae started to break. So when Li’l Holly came along we decided to upgrade. After hours of research, the end result was our much-loved Oricom S500.
Not only does it offer crystal clear sound, but every night Holly drifts off to the sound of lullabies that play through the base and handset. The handset also features a torch – perfect for our night feeds and displays the room temperature – it even has an alarm sound and/or light when it’s too cool or hot. Then there’s the parent talk back system: “Go back to sleep, Holly’’ and charger. I might add that fully charged it lasts for hours and has a pretty extensive range.
This is one smart little unit and is still being heavily used in our house – and probably will be for a while. The latest Oricom SC610 monitor has many of the same features. In addition, it projects soothing starry night images onto the nursery ceiling. Oh, I want one of those. It also has 19 classical tunes, lullabies and nature sounds and vibration alert with alarm function for feeds. And guess what? Yes, the winner will get the new Oricom SC61 model.
Favourite part: Being able to grab the remote in the middle of the night and turn the lullabies back on if Li’l Holly stirs without having to get out of bed. Lazy? Yes! Oricom Secure610 Premium Digital Baby Monitor is valued at $199.
You can find more about Oricom at www.oricom.com.au and buy direct from the site. There are some exciting giveaways coming up on the Oricom Facebook page so don’t forget to like them.
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BabyBjorn baby carrier Miracle
The BabyBjorn carrier was our saviour for both girls. With Princess Ella (pictured above), it was the one thing that allowed us to settle her when she was battling colic in those early months. I’d do a couple of laps of the house and she’d be out to it. It was the upright position and being close to me that were the keys.
With Li’l Holly, the BabyBjorn saved my back. She is twice the size of her sister at the same age, so popping her into our beloved BabyBjorn made carrying her so much easier. And I’ve mentioned before about using it during arsenic/witching/feral hour.
What I love about BabyBjorn is how it’s ergonomically designed for parents and children, it has good head and neck support, it allows the change from inward facing to outward as baby gets older and it has plenty of cushioning for support. I was also able to unlatch the front and place the girls straight into their beds without waking them.
The latest version, the BabyBjorn baby carrier Miracle, is designed to be used from newborn to 15 months thanks to consulting leading peadiatricians. There’s even an innovative size adjustment buckle on the inside of the carrier to make it larger as baby grows.
Favourite part: Hubby and I are worlds apart when it comes to our shape and size (see photo above for proof), so easily being able to adjust it was essential for us. The new BABYBJORN baby carrier Miracle is valued at $199.95.
You can learn more about the latest BabyBjorn carrier www.babybjorn.com.au. BabyBjorn has an active Facebook page so make sure you add yourself to their page.
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Would you like to win all three products? For a chance to win a Valco EVO2 stroller, Oricom Secure610 Premium Digital Baby Monitor and BabyBjorn baby carrier Miracle VALUED AT $600, simply leave a comment telling us your favourite baby product. The giveaway closes Monday, November 28 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).
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’’.
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’’.
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 did not receive any item for review. All products were purchased. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
Check out more giveaways in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup.
