threelilprincesses.com

Category: Reviews and Giveaways

  • WIN: The Little Engine That Could Review and Giveaway

    WIN: The Little Engine That Could Review and Giveaway

    THE Little Engine That Could was one of those beautiful stories I grew up with and includes a message I continue to live by – I think I can, I think I can. In most cases, this motto has proven right. Especially during child birth!
    If you remember the book, or read it to your child now (note: must get the book for Ella), then you’ll be filled with fond memories. With the help of some talented voice actors in Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis and Corbin Bleu (you know, the kid from High School Musical) along with the minds behind The Lion King and Aladdin, they’ve made those pictures in my head into the most bright and colourful (and I mean colourful) animation.
    If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the Little Engine is a girl shunter train. A major bonus in our household. She leaves Dreamland to head over the mountain to the real world, all the while encountering many obstacles. She learns to put her fears aside and when the journey seems impossible, she remembers the words: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you’re right.’’
    You’re probably wondering how they fill out a whole feature-length movie. Well, that’s the bit that didn’t go down so well with 3.5-year-old Ella. You see, there’s the introduction of an evil “Nightmare’’ engine, who was just a little too scary for this li’l princess.
    This part, unfortunately, we had to fast forward, so I can’t really tell you much more than that. However, children a year or two older with a love of trains would relish this tale. And, aside from this one moment, it really is a fun movie, with a classic storyline, sweet characters, one powerful and positive message and a rather cool pop soundtrack.
    It’s released by Universal Studios. Running time: 1 hour 22 minutes. Rated: G
    Here, take a look:
    Want to watch more than just the trailer?
    To go in the draw to win one of three copies of The Little Engine That Could on DVD, leave a comment telling us your favourite book from your childhood (or your child’s fave if you can’t remember!). The giveaway closes Friday, July 10 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 a copy of The Little Engine That Could on DVD for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me
    AND THE WINNERS ARE:
    Cate, who said: “I shared this on Facebook”
    Sarah Asome, who said: “Flat Stanley. Just the best book. The twits almost got the win tho.”
    Jasmine, who said: “Who Sank The Boat?”
  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup + How to write a good product review

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup + How to write a good product review

    Ella and Holly eyeing off a pair of shoes I got to review.

    IT’S Aussie Giveaway Linkup time already. I know. Where did the week go? This week I thought I’d share five tips for a good product review.

    • Write a balanced review. Remember, most reviews will include some degree of constructive criticism. Very few things in this world are perfect, so there is always room for improvement. It not only increases the believability of your review, but it also builds credibility for you as a reviewer.
    • Provide a thorough description of the product – size, price, features, targeted audience, colour range, stockists etc.
    • Be personable. People want to hear what you think and how it was applied to your life. They don’t want to read what was in the press release. They also want to hear “your voice’’, so don’t change your usual writing style.
    • Use a photo to illustrate the product. People like to see what they’re getting and especially if the photos is of you (or your kids) using it.
    • Disclose what you received for doing the review – product, money, airfares to BlogHer (OK, that was someone else, not me!).

    If you’re a blogger or business owner with a giveaway you want to link up, please read the below. For readers, simply start clicking the links and enter. I’ve got my lucky hat on this week. Fingers crossed…

    If you’re a blogger 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.
    5. Start entering the giveaways!

    This linkup is a combined project with the wonderful Tina Gray, so don’t forget to pop on over and say hi. You can link up your giveaway on either of our sites – it all goes into the one linky.



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



  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup and another winning entry

    FOLLOWING on from my previous posts about how to ace 25 words or less competitions, here’s another winning entry for you. This time it was for another $2000 Prepaid Visa card, with the question being what you’d spend the money on.

    To Sydney, to Sydney, to buy a Forelli bag, Home again, home again, with a new watch from Jag.

    Hmmm, I’m guessing there were some pretty poor entries for me to score this one!

    If you’re a blogger or business owner with a giveaway you want to link up, please read the below. For readers, simply start clicking the links and enter for some great prizes. If you think you won’t win anything, think again – last week I won two prizes. Best of luck.

    This linkup is a combined project with the wonderful Tina Gray, so don’t forget to pop on over and say hi. You can link up your giveaway on either of our sites – it all goes into the one linky.

    If you’re a blogger 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. 
    5. Start entering the giveaways!




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



  • WIN: Full Belly + Little Bundle double book pack (review and giveaway)

    WIN: Full Belly + Little Bundle double book pack (review and giveaway)

    WHO ever thought a host of celebrities could have eased my morning sickness during both pregnancies. They could have reassured me when I struggled to fall pregnant the second time. They could have allowed me to see those labour pains in a whole new light.
    Don’t believe me? Then you obviously haven’t read Adelaide psychologist, author, parenting expert and Parent Wellbeing director Jodie Benveniste’s latest book Full Belly: comfort and inspiration for pregnancy and birth.
    During both pregnancies, I devoured pregnancy books like they were bibles. However, often they weren’t all that comforting or reassuring. Often, it was the opposite – magnifying the fears I already had.
    Jodie has compiled a book that helps deal with not only the physical, but also the emotional issues that come with being preggers. There’s such a calming tone within this inspiring little book – from food cravings to labour pains. Each subject is given its own page and, in bite-sized form, includes a quote from a celebrity, a bit about Jodie’s personal experiences and some words of inspiration. It makes it such an easy read.
    It’s this formula that she used for her successful first book in the series, Little Bundle: Comfort and inspiration for new parents. This is the book I’m most devouring – for obvious reasons. I can pick it up and read just the page that most relates at the time, I can skim through to the subjects that interest me or I can lap up every page. I love how Jodie reassures, gives you confidence and inspires you to make the most of every precious moment.
    There is a warning I’d like to add though. Tears: there will be many, but all happy. The anxiety page has been my saviour. So too the self belief page. The quote for self belief comes from Henry Ford and really resonates with me: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right’’.
    If you’re looking for someone who speaks with warmth and empathy, who offers comfort and reassurance, then I’d recommend these books for whatever stage of parenthood you’re at. Or alternatively it’s a wonderful gift for a friend. Now, where’s that page on babies not sleeping again…. You can learn more about Jodie and the books at www.parentwellbeing.com
    To go in the draw to win the double book pack – including a copy of Full Belly: comfort and inspiration for pregnancy and birth AND Little Bundle: Comfort and inspiration for new parents – leave a comment telling us your favourite quote.  The giveaway closes Friday, July 10 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 a copy of both books for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me
    AND THE WINNER IS: Tutu Ames, who said: “I tweeted (then got distracted on Twitter)”.
    Congratulations, Tutu!
  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup with more winning secrets

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup with more winning secrets

    My Sirdar yarn

    ANOTHER week and another look into the secrets of winning 25 words or less competitions. After last week showing how I used nursery rhymes to score a prize, this time I’m showing how I used humour. And regulars to this blog will know, humour is what I (try to) do best.

    This one was for a $500 Paypal credit. Can’t remember what I spent it on now, but most likely knitting yarn. Most definitely from the UK. And certainly Sirdar. I’m obsessed with that brand.

    So anyway, the question was something along the lines of your best buy on eBay. Here’s the answer:

    “Best thing found on eBay was a Dan Seals CD. Someone had the same God awful taste as me. Mind you, they were selling it!’’

    Anyway, that’s all for this week. Don’t forget to link up and/or enter, then pop on over and say hi to my fab co-host Tina from tinagraydotme.

    If you’re a blogger 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. 
    5. Start entering the giveaways!



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



  • WIN: Cupcake City’s bake and decorate kit (review and giveaway)

    WIN: Cupcake City’s bake and decorate kit (review and giveaway)

    IT WAS hard to pick who was happiest when the delivery man arrived this week. Was it his joy in seeing me in my dressing gown, no hair or makeup and coke bottle-thick glasses (more on that another day… maybe)? Or me realising he was delivering this:

    from the wonderful Glenys of Cupcake City? Yes, definitely me. The other real joy in receiving our miniamo Cupcake Bake and Decorate Set is The Bloke in The Shed isn’t much of a sweet tooth. Poor us, hey!

    I opted to bake our cupcakes one day and ice them the next – I couldn’t bear the thought of Ella bouncing off the walls after eating a bowl of icing on top of cupcake mixture. The kit included 12 round cupcake moulds, heart-shaped stencils, easy squeeze icing tube, decorating nozzles and 16-recipe cupcake and biscuit book written specifically for your child. I’m indecisive at the best of times, so the choices (combined with our own baby cupcakes with sprinkles recipe) caused slight problems. Finally, we settled on a recipe which called for a swirl of strawberry jam just before popping them in the oven.  Too easy.

    Then the real challenge began. Of course, art is subjective. Right? Well, that’s what I’m telling myself, anyway. We got out the full colour palette,

    some candied decorations and Cupcake City also threw in some edible gold dust. You can find other fun cupcake decorations at Cupcake City too.

    The end result was Ella with fingers and a mouth laced with blue.

    She looked like she’d been playing in the toilet bowl. Unfortunately, my icing was far too runny, so when I was trying to achieve beautiful little flowers atop my cupcakes, I ended up achieving this:

    My other challenge was an impatient preschooler who just wanted to grab the piping bottle and have her way with each cupcake. I think, with a little more time (and minus a preschooler), this kit has the ability to create some really beautiful cupcakes. Alas, mine are far from beautiful. Now please, don’t laugh.

    Here’s the cupcake Ella decorated. Note, it wouldn’t stay on the bench long enough for me to photograph it.

    So, they’re not perfect, but we can promise we had an absolute ball. The kit works a treat (it’s just me, really), the piping set is really easy to use and the cookbook is actually a great bonus to this kit. Tomorrow we’re tackling some of the decorated biscuits.

    While the silicone moulds make cupcake making easier than ever (and help save the environment), the decorating side of the kit is probably suited to children with a little more patience than my three-year-old. Although, to be honest, she had fun despite her unusual looking creations.

    So, if you’re thinking of visiting us, beware: you may get a little cupcake with your icing! I’d suggest it would be safer to visit Cupcake City’s Facebook page and website instead – she comes across the most incredible cupcake finds.

    To go in the draw to win a miniamo Cupcake Bake and Decorate Set (RRP: $30) from Cupcake City (choose between “Pastel’’ or “Bright’’), leave a comment telling us what you love to cook in the kitchen with (or without) your kids.  The giveaway closes Sunday, June 26 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.

    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 a miniamo Cupcake Bake and Decorate Set for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

    Aussie Giveaway Linky

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

    And, using my new “And the winner is…” plugin, the winner of the Bake and Decorate Kit is:

    BARB! Barb said.

    Yummy looking cupcakes! I personally am looking forward to a pic of the woman in her dressing gown that met the delivery guy!!! I have a few of these cupcake kids cooking sets packed away as presents for Ellie’s friends…..they’re always well recieved by 6-8 year olds!

    You’ll be waiting a while, Barb!! hehe!! Congratulations! I hope you and Ellie enjoy it.