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Category: Reviews and Giveaways

WIN: The complete Tommee Tippee discovera Cups collection (valued $90)
SOMETHING happens when we get new drink bottles in this house. Enough water is consumed to fill the Nile. I’m now questioning why I haven’t gotten in on this drink bottle action.

Princess Ella mainly drinks out of a glass at home, but drink bottles are the staple when we leave the forte. Something to do with not being able to put a lid on a glass and wanting to keep my bag dry. In fact, getting a bottle that doesn’t leak through my bag has been the highest priority.

Then there’s the other little issue, usually caused by newfound drink bottle fan, Baby Holly. She tends to leave a lot of these on the carpet throughout the house, which is always pleasant when you’re wearing socks:

Holly has been keen to skip the slow release baby-designed cups, due to being too difficult to get liquid from or just plain heavy. She instead picks up her big sister’s cups and merrily gurgles and splurts, due to the flow being way too fast for her. The result is her constantly sporting the drowned rat look.

So wanting to trial the new Tommee Tippee discovera Cups was more for Holly’s sake than Ella’s. The six cups in the collection start for bubs as young as four months through to two year olds-plus. Each has non-spill technology – even when held upside down. So what’s the first thing I did? I held them upside down. And? Nothing. Not a drip. Unless, of course, you count the one holding the bottle upside down.

The drip saver is due to a Samtech valve, which means children only have to put their mouth to the cup to release the liquid inside. As soon as the lip pressure is released, the cup is sealed again to avoid spills. Yep, this is real fancy pants drink bottle technology.

Holly has been using the Tommee Tippee discovera™ Active Drinking Active Straw Cup 12m+ (300ml) and all I know is the transition to a straw was instant. No teaching required. She’s also been wearing a dry t-shirt ALL week.

They're also good for chewing on!

Nearly four, Ella is using the Tommee Tippee discovera™ Active Drinker for 24m+ (300ml) without a qualm, despite this one aimed at the two-year-old market. It’s also pink. Enough said. Apparently it was also crutial we take it along to show Dora the Explorer.

While the 300ml capacity is certainly a bonus for us in not having to constantly refill them, the only challenge we’ve faced has been trying to fit them into the pockets of my nappy bag. They do fit, but would be a tight squeeze for those with bags featuring smaller pockets. Despite the size, the cups aren’t heavy for either of the girls to manage. Purely based on the drip technology, I’ll be continuing through the collection as Holly grows.

Strange close up shot of the product that I forgot to work into the editorial, but am using regardless.

The six cups in the discovera™ range are:
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ First Sips Cups 150ml 4m+
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ Natural Flow Cup 260ml 6m+
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ Natural Flow Beaker 330ml 9m+
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ Active Straw Cup 300ml 12m+
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ Active Sporty Cup 360ml 18m+
- Tommee Tippee discovera™ Active Drinker Cup 300ml 24m+
Each are BPA-free and retail for $14.95. For stockists, phone 1800 890 011. You can also learn more via the website at www.tommeetippee.com.au.

Would you like to win the entire collection? Well, Tommee Tippee is giving away one of each of the cups. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment telling us your favourite drink. The giveaway closes Thursday, October 20 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 two complimentary Tommee Tippee discovera Cups for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Check out more giveaways in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
October 6, 2011
CBeebies favourite characters coming to a phone near you – for free (app review)

AFTER a hectic day riding her bike, picnicking and seeing how many ways she could throw herself down a slide (oh, it can be tough being a preschooler), Princess Ella needed something to settle her before dinner. Actually, she just needed something to settle her full stop.

It seemed the perfect opportunity to download the free CBeebies On The Go app via The Bloke in The Shed’s iPhone.

The look on his face was akin to a dog whose bone was taken away from it, never to be seen of again. He had every reason to worry.

I’d barely finished explaining to Ella what to do and she was confidently flicking and tapping the screen like a pro. Perfectly pitched to the (nearly) four-year-old princess, it features games and short video clips from its popular shows, including one of her favourites, Charlie and Lola. Among the games are Teletubbies matching pairs picture game and Kerwhizz jigsaw game.

Ella’s favourite was the 3^rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge, mainly because it inspired so much excitement as she tried to tap the fruit before it passed across the screen. The puzzles were quite challenging for her to begin with, until we realised the idea was to click on the two images you wanted to swap, instead of sliding them. Once she got a handle on this, the puzzles became much easier.

Her favourite video was by far Big Cook Little Cook – who can refuse decorating a chocolate train cake? She watched this five times!

I was particularly drawn to the Get Squiggling program. I love the idea of drawings coming alive, further fueling their imaginations when it comes to creating their own Van Goghs. As far as the games, Number Jacks was an opportunity for her to start recognising the difference between a 6 and a 9 by listening for the number and then matching it with one on the screen. I’ve already seen an improvement thanks to this game.

It’s this mix of being hugely entertaining, while still learning vital information for her age that makes this so appealing. There’s great variety, so little chance of becoming bored easily. It would have been particularly handy during our recent trip to Hobart, where a lot of patience on Ella’s part was required. And mine, I might add.

My only concern is the short videos could wear thin if on repeat. However, in all, this brightly coloured, easy-to-navigate app from BBC Worldwide is a wonderfully entertaining and educational app from a trusted brand.

The CBeebies On The Go app is now live at ITunes and FREE to download on an iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The CBeebies channel for kids is on Foxtel and Austar.

What’s your child’s favourite CBeebies program? Have they tried the CBeebies On The Go app? What other apps would you recommend for preschoolers?

Disclaimer: I am being paid by Kidspot to write this post in order to review the CBeebies On The Go app. However, all opinions are my own.

October 3, 2011
WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #18
THE last few weeks I’ve shared some fan-tab-ulous wins in my life with you all. Well, today it’s all about the times when you DON’T win.

This week I decided I’d set Princess Ella up with some water paints and paper so I could chat with the lovely Louisa from Brand Meets Blog about work-related “stuff’’. Just before the call came through I hear an “ahhhhhh’’, followed by “Mum, Mum, look what I’ve done?’’. She then started a stream of uncontrollable tears. I peer around the corner and there, on the CREAM curtain, is black paint… splattered everywhere.

Want a closer look?

Sorry, had to divert my eyes. I couldn’t bear to look at it again.

You’re probably all thinking: what silly idiot buys a house with cream curtains? Actually, add cream lounge suites, cream carpet, cream cupboards and cream walls. Can I defend myself by saying we bought it PRE-kids. The other question you’re probably asking is: what silly idiot puts a child’s craft table near cream curtains? Ahh… I have no defence for this one.

After this little incident, I questioned why I ever wanted one of these:

That's a grape in her mouth, incase you were wondering.

OK, so she is pretty cute. Might I add, this photo was taken minutes after she’d calmed down from the whole ordeal. Yep, there’s a lot of “sorry’’ in that face. Not.

Apparently, the curtain couldn’t be drycleaned or spot cleaned. We were told we should wash it in the washing machine instead, after spraying it with a little Wonder Soap. The end result: the backing on the curtains melted and the stains didn’t come out. We have seven LARGE windows curtained in this material.

So, what’s the point of this story? Well if, like me, you’re feeling like you need to change your luck, then how about clicking on some of 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 NEW button 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!
Do you have a good “win” or “loss” story this week?

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

<center><a href="https://threelilprincesses.com/" target="_blank"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Tina_Gray/giveawaylinky.png" border="0" alt="Aussie Giveaway Linky"></a><BR>Hosted by <a href="https://threelilprincesses.com">Three Lil Princesses</a> </center>
October 2, 2011
WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #17
THIS week I was asked if I could produce some photos of myself for a business thingy related to my Mum PR biz. Yep, that’s about as much as I’m going to tell you. Anyway, there was a bit of a contest going on between The Bloke in The Shed and Princess Ella as to who could take the better shot.

The Bloke in The Shed was rather impatient and just wanted to get inside to cook his steak. Ella, on the other hand, just kept clicking. She had all the photography poses going on and comments like: “Just back a little bit more for me’’ and “That’s it. Now smile’’. She’s not yet four.

Anyway, here is the end result:

The Bloke in The Shed's effort

And another from The Bloke.

Ella's first shot - with the flash producing all sorts of weird colours.

And Ella's masterpiece. Don't ask! I have no idea how she captured this!

I think I may need some professional help! What do you think?

Anyway, let ‘s get down to some more serious business – giveaways. If the links are up, then start clicking for your chance to win some great prizes.

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 NEW button 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!
Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

<center><a href="https://threelilprincesses.com/" target="_blank"><img decoding="async" src="https://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Tina_Gray/giveawaylinky.png" border="0" alt="Aussie Giveaway Linky"></a><BR>Hosted by <a href="https://threelilprincesses.com">Three Lil Princesses</a> </center>
September 25, 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
WIN: These are a few of Ella’s favourite things (valued $275)
Princess Ella excited about her ``favourite things''.

WE’RE doing it Mary Poppins-style with a little giveaway we’re calling These Are A Few Of Ella’s Favourite Things. Mainly, it’s things Princess Ella has loved that brands have sent through. Yes, she is one spoilt little princess. Come her birthday, she’s going to be a little blasé about the gifts we’ve given her.

Among the products Ella is loving are the Tiger Tribe Boxset Beach Villa from Cadootje and Tiger Tribe, a Hallmark Recordable Storybook of Winnie the Pooh, Stephen Joseph Gifts accessories, Rhys Muldoon’s latest album and Teddy Rock’s new CD and DVD.

Tiger Tribe Boxset Beach Villa

With her love of doll’s houses already evident, Ella’s eyes lit up when she spotted the Tiger Tribe Wooden B0xset Villa with summer approaching, this one is going to come in particularly handy when travelling.

This ingenious two-storey beach house, aimed at the 3+ age group, packs away into its own box making it portable and compact. It’s stylish and wonderfully designed using eco-friendly birch plywood. Ella was particularly taken with the art work, including crabs, waves, decks and little windows.

It also comes with a host of accessories. The boy and girl (dubbed Jackie and Wacky by Ella) are made using wood and bendable rope arms and legs. Rope is also used to easily fasten the box shut. Plywood and felt are combined for items like the wind surfer, beach umbrella and sun lounges, which add to the painted wooden kitchen, bedroom dresser and bed. It certainly has one little girl – and her mum’s – imaginations running wild.

The only downside for us is some parts being a choking hazard for Baby Holly. Overall, I’m incredibly impressed and quite keen to check out the other box sets and box extensions.

Favourite part: Sunnies and hat-wearing girl and boy, now named Jackie and Wacky. Valued at: $59.95.

You can find more about Cadootje on Facebookor Tiger Tribe at www.tigertribe.com.au and Facebook.

Hallmark Recordable Storybook

Since The Bloke in The Shed has taken on his new job, it means he’s more often missing out on one of our favourite parts of the day – bedtime books. However, we’ve now found a way for the two li’l princesses to not miss out on hearing their dad read to them. It’s our Hallmark Recordable Storybook.

We were given a copy of Winnie the Pooh’s Plan Bee: A Story about Friendship. I would have been more than happy to keep the calming demo voice and beautiful background music already programmed into the book. However, the opportunity to record our voice reading it was too great to pass up.

I’m particularly taken with the illustrations which, as is typical of all Disney releases, are beautifully done. The hardcover book also features a wonderful message about friendship and what it takes to be a good friend as Pooh goes about trying to be a bee.

While each page is recorded separately, the downside is Ella changing the pages too soon during reading and cutting off the recording. This means we have to start from the beginning for that particular page.

Favourite part: Ella said it was when Pooh endeavours to fly (although, she didn’t use the word “endeavours’’ obviously). Retails for $34.99

You can purchase the book, and the other titles such as Lightning McQueen and his Winning Team, via Hallmark Australia www.store.hallmarkcards.com.au, with all orders shipped out within 48 hours.

Stephen Joseph Gifts:

Each day Ella changes the message on her new rewritable door hanger on her bedroom door. Some days it says “good morning’’ and others “stay out’’. I might add these are merely just a series of random letters and squiggles, but she assures me that’s what it says.

The door hanger is from Stephen Joseph Gifts, featuring colourful children’s accessories for children aged two to eight. She also received a beautiful drawing pad with crayons, a turtle Go-Go purse and matching coin purse.

This is a seriously cute range, with high quality and, most importantly, safe products. The accessories also come in a number of coordinating designs, so you can mix and match to your heart’s desire. They include butterflies, ladybugs, robots and trains.

The purse has been a lovely place to put the $2 coins her Nan keeps giving her. It fits snugly inside the bag, which was perfect for her to take to a wedding we attended two weeks ago. The ladybug notepad with crayons helped during the long, boring trip south to that same wedding.

Stephen Joseph Gifts includes backpacks, lunch bags, stainless steel drink bottles, photo frames, raincoats, handbags and sunglasses. I’m so taken with the designs behind the gift ideas, I’m already eyeing off quite a few items for Christmas.

Fave part: Door hanger she can write messages on and rub out daily. If only we knew what those messages were. Pack retails for $77.85.

You can find more and buy Stephen Joseph Gifts at www.stephenjosephgifts.com and connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Rhys Muldoon and Teddy Rock CDs and DVD:

Despite my favourite CDs collecting dust, I’m still pushing for the princesses to listen to a variety of genres – even if it is still all kid based. So the past week we’ve swapped our pretty pop music for down and dirty rock courtesy of Play School favourite Rhys Muldoon’s I’m Not Singing and Teddy Rock’s Nursery-wave Party!

I’m Not Singing is TISM meets Play School. Start with Kram from Spiderbait as your co-writer/producer, add guest vocalist Tex Perkins, some tongue-in-cheek lyrics and yep, Rhys’ album ain’t for the faint hearted. Except that Ella loves it – every head-banging moment. She’s lured by the silliness, catchy tunes and mention of… bodily noises. Along with punk-style Footy Dad, her favourite is the rockin’ Bob the Bear, with the well chanted line “who, who, who did a poo?’’. The Bloke in The Shed is likely to be listening to this one even without the girls in the car.

Teddy Rock is kids’ music with the cool factor. Expect nursery rhyme favourites like This Old Man and Twinkle, Twinkle turned up a notch with Buzz, Belle and Bop. We were given the 24-track CD and 18-track DVD to review and were taken with the rockin’ Incy Wincy Spider. It’s the same old lyrics, but the tune is just a little hardcore. I should have broken out the leather jacket for Ella. While both albums caused plenty of laughter, beware: they are best enjoyed in small doses.

Favourite part: Ella just can’t get past the “who, who, who did a poo?’’ lyrics from Rhys’ Bob The Bear track, especially right after Baby Holly has done her business. CDs retail for $19.99 and DVD $27.99.

Learn more about I’m Not Singing at www.abcmusic.com.au and follow Rhys on Facebook. Learn more about Teddy Rock at www.teddyrock.com

To go in the draw to win a Tiger Tribe Boxset Beach Villa, a Hallmartk Recordable Storybook, Stephen Joseph Gifts pack (drawing pad, handbag, door hanger and kids tote), Rhys Muldoon’s album I’m Not Singing and Teddy Rock’s Nursery-wave Party! CD and DVD OR the runner-up prize of a Hallmark Recordable Storybook, leave a comment telling us what are some of your child’s favourite things. The giveaway closes Monday, October 17 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’’.
**DISCLAIMER: I received review copies of all of the above. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
September 19, 2011