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Christmas gift ideas for kids – girls (review and giveaway)
WHEN you have two girls, trying to come up with Christmas gift ideas can be challenging. More so for the second child, because the eldest child got it all the first time around. There’s always that temptation just to rewrap some old toys in the cupboard. I wouldn’t though. I promise.

So I thought I’d provide a little bit of inspiration for those of you struggling to find gifts for the toddler and preschool aged girl.

The Wiggles – Big Big Surprise DVD Set RRP: $99.99

The O’Brien household was introduced to The Wiggles four years ago, just as Sam took over the reigns from Greg. This beautiful 20^th birthday hardcover photo album-style book and box set, featuring 10 CDs and DVDs hidden inside the book’s pages, has been a lovely way to tell her about the back story of The Wiggles. Our cupboard is overflowing with Wiggles DVDs and CDs. I think we pretty much have every DVD and CD since Sam begun, so it’s a real treat to get our hands on everything from Toot Toot to Let’s Eat. Each page reveals clues as to what the CD/DVD might be, along with some great photos and quotes and even a limited edition 35mm film frame. It’s has a pretty price tag, but is worth every cent.

MegaBloks Dora Bus RRP: $39.99

What appeals about the MegaBloks Dora Bus is it’s a buildable play set ideal for fostering creative play. The bus has to be built from scratch using the blocks, but there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. It also includes a Dora and Boots figurine, guitar, scooter, palm trees and more. Stickers allow children to decorate the items as they wish. Ella has enjoyed pulling this one apart and then rebuilding it, more than the actual playing itself. Not ideal for children under 3, as it has small parts.

Stockists: Big W, Toyworld and independent retailers.

Octonauts To the Gups! DVD RRP: $19.99

As I’ve mentioned before, the Octonauts are a bit of a favourite in our house. Ella never seems to tire of them and quite casually slips some of their phrases into everyday conversation. Once again, children will learn about marine life with Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso in the seven creature reports. The show also imparts some good lessons on young minds. Ella reacts in quite an animated way to some scenes, like when the Octopod is hijacked by a group of crustaceans.

Hallmark’s Jingle the Husky Pup RRP: $34.99

Hallmark keep releasing these gorgeous interactive toys for children and their latest has won two hearts in our household. Plush toy Jingle the Husky Pup is part of the innovative Interactive Story Buddies, which feature books and plush characters with voice-recognition technology. The idea is you read the Jingle story and key phrases prompt Jingle the Husky Pup to sing, bark or howl. The story itself is incredibly heartwarming and would be a winner even without the plush toy. The only real frustration with Jingle is that while he makes a noise 99% of the time when I read the key phrases, he doesn’t make a noise 99% when Ella’s four-year-old voice challenges him. There is also a free Jingle All The Way app with the option to record your own voice reading the story.
Available at leading retailers, newsagents and selected gift stores nationally or online at www.hallmarkcards.com.au.

The Wiggles It’s Always Christmas With You CD RRP: $18.95

There’s nothing like waking up to some fresh Christmas songs on Christmas morning and this one is a real treat. Ella has learnt the lyrics to all the songs already ,thanks to having it on repeat. One of our favourites would have to be the skivvy-clad boys teaming up with *NSync’s Joey Fatone for O Holy Night and Jingle Bell Rock with Dorothy. The idea behind I Just Can’t Sleep on Christmas Eve, featuring Jeff, is pretty clever too.

Some other gift suggestions:

Tell the Time Watch

The watch, quite obviously, teaches young children how to tell the time. For example, next to the one it says: “five past’’

A Jig-Sew for Boys and Girls

This is a great one for children who love jigsaws and sewing. It is a real test for Ella who is enjoying the challenge of learning to thread.

Dr Seuss My Primary School Album

This is a gorgeous book. It actually doesn’t start until prep, so is just a year too young for Ella who’s about to start kinder next year. However, it’s a great book to fill out as progresses through primary school and then have as a keepsake.

Bracelet

I think every little girl needs to have her own bracelet at some stage. If not for birthdays, then definitely Christmas. This one is ideal for any age.

Guess How Much I Love You Pop-Up Book

I’ve mentioned this one before. It’s one of my favourite books for this year, with its clever interactive pop-ups and a beautiful story most of us are already familiar with.

What gift suggestions do you have for girls this Christmas?

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**UPDATE. COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. Because it’s Christmas and we’re being rather generous, you have the chance to win one of THREE Octonauts: To The Gup! DVD and The Wiggles It’s Always Christmas With You CD packs. To go in the draw, tell us your favourite Christmas present as a child (if you can remember!). Mine was my Cabbage Patch Kid, Astra! The giveaway closes Thursday, December 15 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 The Wiggles – Big Big Surprise DVD Set, MegaBloks Dora Bus, Octonauts To the Gups! DVD, Hallmark’s Jingle the Husky Pup and The Wiggles It’s Always Christmas With You CD to review. All opinions expressed are my own. Some links are affiliate links. This means if you become a customer, I may receive a commission in the future. This doesn’t affect how much you’re charged.
December 8, 2011
Alphabet Photography Challenge – U

U is for Under an Umbrella Upside-down

Under, over, or beside

Can you find the 3 “U”s

That are trying to hide?

By Veronica Wong

I love images. I love their stories, being inspired by them and challenging myself to create something special. I’ve only recently started learning to use my DSLR properly, otherwise I rely on my trusty iPhone. I love photography challenges too since they get my creative juices flowing. You can find more of my photos and photo challenges on my blog at Mixed Gems.

Don’t forget to head on over to the Alphabet Photography Challenge page, where you’ll find a series of “look and find” photographs to help your child learn the alphabet.

December 7, 2011
My Tasmanian Backyard: West Coast Wilderness Railway

AS MOST of you know by now, we spent three heavenly days at Strahan last month and had the chance to board Gordon River Cruises and ride the now famous West Coast Wilderness Railway on Tasmania’s West Coast. This one is particularly special to me having been part of trying to get it up and running again (then known as the Abt Railway) through all the media coverage at the time. Well, that’s what I tell myself, anyway.

While on paper it didn’t sound like the most riveting of experiences for a one year old and four year old, it couldn’t have been further from the truth. In fact, I think it was a pleasant surprise for The Bloke in The Shed too.

The trip is steeped in history from its start at the fishing village of Strahan through to the finish in mining town Queenstown. Pay attention now, because here comes a brief synopsis. The railway, built in 1896, is regarded as one of the engineering marvels of Australia. At some points the railway is etched along the side of plunging gorges (photos down lower) and you get to see some of the many bridges they built while standing in freezing rivers. Of course, this one’s now off limits.

It gives you chills thinking about the fact pioneers achieved such a feat 100 years ago. You’ll see what I mean soon. With some incredibly steep grades along the line (at its peak it hits 1:16), the railway works through a unique Abt rack and pinion system. Conventional locomotives couldn’t cope. And you get to still experience that.

The beautifully recreated steam train and carriages with exquisite detail inside wind along the faithfully reconstructed line through some of the most rugged scenery in Tasmania.

See what I mean? This is what you get to see a lot of. Picture perfect.

Although, if you’re wondering about the colour of the water in the King River, that’s pollution – yes, on the edge of a pristine World Heritage area. But you can learn about that on the trip.

Among the highlights (other than being able to get Holly to sleep in the pram they supplied for us), were:

Getting to stop at Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril and Rinadeena, which were once home to small populations. Hard to believe.

Falling in love with the Christmas hills honey at Lower Landing. That’s Ella’s second dip, by the way.

The chance to see the train in action at the turning stations.

The Tasmanian produce on offer at lunch, which Li’l Holly thoroughly enjoyed.

There’s also a great little walk at Dubbil Barril, which would have been quite peaceful if not for a four year old singing Christmas carols at the top of her lungs. We’ll thank Michael Buble for inspiring those ones on the two-hour trip down.

One of the real jaw dropping moments is when the wonderfully entertaining guide explains how the locals used to climb down that

to pick up balls and toys swept down the river. Seriously, that is crazy.

As the journey came to an end, I was expecting we’d stop at Lynchford. I’d told Ella – and Twitter – all about how we were going to pan for gold and therefore make our fortune. Back when it first opened that was what I had the chance to do. And I scored gold. A tiny little speck on the end of my finger. Instead we stopped briefly and I got this photo.

What a fitting end – Princess and Queen River Gold Mines. Now if that was created especially for us, I don’t know what was. That beats gold any day.

Coming into Queenstown you get to see the now famous barren hills, a result of the sulphur from the smelting at the copper mine. For the non-Tasmanians, Queenstown’s other famous landmark is its gravel oval – and yes, the fellas still play AFL footy on it.

It’s easy to see why this is an Australian Tourism Award winner. It really does transport you back to a time when dishwashers were created by having lots of children. The trip is quite eerie in parts, but mostly you will be captivated by the beauty of this place. Families with older children would enjoy this even more than our two preschool-aged girls. There’s seriously no where else like it. The trip is worth every penny.

A quick half hour stop and it was time to board the bus at Queenstown for the 50-minute drive back to Strahan. In a car it takes about 35 minutes – if I’m driving. It’s a pretty windy road, so we were thankful both girls were so exhausted from their day they were out to it within a few minutes of the trip.

Travel dates: October 3 to April 28, 2012 timetable now available online.

Queenstown departure: 10am and arrives in Strahan at 2.30pm and a 4pm coach back to Queenstown by 5pm.

Strahan departure: 10.15am and arrives in Queenstown at 2.30pm and a 3pm bus back to Strahan by 4pm.

Duration: About 5 hours.

Travel options: Tourist carriage (includes lunch and return coach) or Premier Carriage (includes lunch, snacks and beverages – that means sparkling!).

Cost: Vary between $110 and $210 per person. Children 3-14 years are entitled to child fares. Children two years and under are free. Child fares are not available for the Premier Carriage, but children and infants may travel on an adult fare.

More information: Visit www.westcoastwildernessrailway.com.au

Have I enticed you enough to want to go?

Read more from the My Tasmanian Backyard series, along with our stay in Strahan Village.

DISCLAIMER: We received Tourist Carriage tickets to ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway, thanks to Pure Tasmania. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

December 6, 2011
Ever wondered what WordPress plugins everyone else is using?

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WHEN I started out in this bloggy game, I always wondered what plugins everyone else was using. Over time I’ve borrowed, discovered and tweaked the plugins I use. While I have previously blogged about all the WordPress plugins used here, I realised since then how much they’ve changed so thought it was time to share again.

Akismet:

This is one of the best ways to protect your blog from comment and trackback spam. Atlhough, beware, sometimes it sends non-spam comments to the spam folder. So keep an eye on it.

All in One SEO pack:

This is one of the reasons my posts keep making it onto the front page of Google. With a little help from some SEO basics too.

And the winner is…:

This is one of the easiest ways to draw your giveaways. Forget ever having to count how many entries you have and then using Random.org. With it coming to light via Nikki from Stylish You about the whole game of chance Vs game of skill, this one is in revision here at Three Li’l Princesses.

CommentLuv:

A lovely way to give some promotion to fellow bloggers, this one displays their latest post (or an older one if they choose) when they leave a comment on one of your posts.

Comment Reply Nofication:

I’ve long been a ReplyMe supporter, but recently stumbled across this one. It looks much neater when the comment reply lands in the reader’s inbox. A reply plugin is important if you want to try and build a relationship with your readers.

Facebook Like Box:

Yes, I have a Facebook Like Box, but as you’ll noticed I did a bit of tweaking with the help of fellow blogger Louisa Claire so it wasn’t a great big box with hundreds of faces showing. If you want to know the code to make your Facebook box more minimalistic, I’m happy to pass it on.

Fast Secure Contact Form:

Every blogger should have a Contact page to allow readers, PR and others to contact you easily. Along with having a contact form, I also think it’s important to provide your direct email address on the page along with it. You can see mine to see what I mean.

nRelate Related Content:

This is the little boxes under each post which recommends what other posts you might be interested in. This one is pretty spot on in its matching of other posts to the one you’re reading. You can display this one in a few different ways, but I like the photo option.

SexyBookmarks:

These are all the little icons down the bottom of the page that allow you and readers to share your post easily via platforms like Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Delicious etc. Hint hint!

WordPress Editorial Calendar:

If you want to get organised with your blogging, then this one is a must. It will allow you to see what your blogging schedule looks like and you can easily move things around.

WordPress Firewall 2:

It was thanks to this little plugin that the 10 attempts to try and hack my site over the weekend failed. Enough said.

WP Social Blogroll:

If you look in my main sidebar from the homepage, you’ll notice a list of blogs I read (currently in the process of being updated). This one is more about me and being able to keep on top of all the blogs I love to read, but has served as a great way for others who visit here to discover some fabulous blogs too.

WP Touch:

With more and more people now viewing blogs on their mobiles and smartphones, you really need to be able to give them the option to read you while on the go. This one provides a mobile-friendly version of your blog.

XML Sitemap Feed:

This is also another reason I’m doing well in Google. That’s about all I can tell you about this one. Just a little clueless here.

What are your favourite plugins? What work for you?

December 5, 2011
WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #27
FINALLY I’m lifting the lid on a secret I’ve been harbouring for weeks now. I’ve been itching to tell you all. I know, how terrible of me to keep secrets from you. And just when you thought we had an open and honest relationship.

Below is an invitation especially for you. I know some of you have had a pretty challenging year and deserve a chance to let your hair down even for just a few hours. The aim of this event is to give parents and grandparents – especially those of you who aren’t able to attend a Christmas or carols event due to family commitments – a chance to have a bit of fun. In fact, we want to leave you in fits of laughter. So, here’s your invite:

You are invited to the

Three Li’l Princesses’

Carols in the Blogger Domain Party

On Saturday, December 17 from 8.30pm until 11pm

HERE at Three Li’l Princesses.com

There will be running commentary of the Seven Network’s televised Woolworths Carols in the Domain, silly Christmas quizzes, ridiculous photos, the best (and worst) Christmas-themed videos, lots of laughs and, of course, some goodies to be given away from Santa himself. He’s feeling rather generous this year too. There are more surprises in store, but we’re keeping a lid on those just a little longer.

There’s no need to sign up to anything, log in, give us your personal details or RSVP. Just bring along your bottle of wine, box of chocolates and your favourite dressing gown to the palace from 8.30pm on December 17. The signs will show you the way!

We’re also working with the lovely people behind the Woolworths Carols in the Domain so you’ll be among the first to hear who’s performing at this year’s event – just make sure you either subscribe to the blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Plus, don’t forget to visit www.carolsinthedomain.com

We had an incredible response from our Royal Wedding Pyjama Part-ay earlier this year, but we promise this one will be even better.

So, I want to know, who’s your favourite carols singer? And no funny jokes about me.

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If you can’t wait for the lovely prizes in store on the night, why not try your luck below. And don’t forget, if you haven’t filled in the Australian Women and Social Media survey conducted by myself and the lovely Louisa from Brand Meets Blog and Everything Is Edible, there’s still time. You could score yourself a $200 voucher in the process.

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.
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!
Hosted by Three Lil Princesses Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
December 4, 2011
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)

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is a favourite of Angelina Jolie.

And this Dori (RRP: $199)

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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