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WIN: Two nights in a one-bedroom Medina apartment (Valued at $1000)
SINCE blogging about being Spoilt on a grand Melbourne holiday (Medina Grand review) and asking Did you know fish eat pumpkin?, there’s been a lot of interest from you, our readers. So, as a way for you to experience exactly what it’s like to live like princesses (or princes), we’ve decided to allow one lucky reader to live like we did.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, let me refresh your memory. Last week the O’Briens went to Melbourne and indulged in three nights’ accommodation in a stunning room at the Medina Grand in Melbourne. This was our room.

Our two-bedroom Medina Grand room

You can visit the review post to see how that room ended up!

There are a few Medina options in Melbourne, but the Medina Grand suited us because it was an easy walk to the Melbourne Aquarium (or pram ride, for Ella and Holly), simple trek home from the MCG for The Bloke in The Shed (or more like a tail-between-his-legs waddle after the Pies’ loss) and quick tram ride to Harbour Town (the highlight for Ella – the tram, not the shopping). Although, if we hadn’t missed the stop, we might have shopped at the new DFO South Wharf instead. But anyway…

And did I mention pancakes?

Ella stuffing her face with pancakes, while Uncle Rick watches on.

What made our holiday was the hotel. There is nothing better after a hard day slogging it out at the shops, than coming “home’’ to comfort. You can read the full review at Spoilt on a grand Melbourne holiday. And Ella hasn’t stopped talking about her big bed

Ella's room

or that big box of toys.

The toy box and kiddie chairs.

The thing that appealed to us about Medina is it’s family friendly – just check out its Facebook page MumSpace. It’s an online mother’s group that Medina created to thank one of its most valued group of guests. Yes, you guessed it, us mamas. The group has been up and running for a year now (it just celebrated its first anniversary) and has more than 10,000 fans!

So, just for a minute, picture yourself here:

Or here…

Or even here.

Well, dream no more. You can have a chance at living it.

To go in the draw to win two consecutive nights accommodation for two adults in a one-bedroom apartment at a Medina Apartment Hotel of choice across Australia, simply tell us which Medina hotel you’d like to stay in? You can find hotel locations on the Medina site.The giveaway closes Sunday, June 5 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only.

Want more 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’’.
Total Prize Value: $1,000

Terms and Conditions:

Prize must be redeemed at a Medina Apartment Hotel in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Wollongong or Darwin. Prize is not refundable, non-endorsable or non-transferable. Prize is for two consecutive night’s accommodation in a one bedroom apartment for two adults at a Medina Apartment Hotel of choice.

Bookings should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. All prizes are subject to availability. Additional spending money, meals, insurance, taxes, passports, visas, travel to and from the winners choice of Medina Apartment Hotel and all other ancillary costs are the responsibility of the winner. The winner must provide a valid credit card at check-in to cover any incidentals incurred throughout the stay.

In the event that, for any reason whatsoever, a winner does not take an element of the prize at the time stipulated by the Promoter, then that element of the prize will be forfeited by the winner and cash will not be awarded in lieu of that element. The prize will be issued in the form of a gift voucher valid for six months from the date of issue.
Winner announced at Medina Apartment winner is…
May 19, 2011
PHOTOS: One cheeky monkey bouncing on the bed

ONE afternoon, our cheeky monkey – Princess Ella – had a little too much fun bouncing on our bed. All the while singing: “one cheeky monkey bouncing on the bed…”

Oops, chopped off her head. Actually, isn’t that the words to another nursery rhyme?

Linking yp with My Little Drummer Boys’ Wordless Wednesday.

May 18, 2011
SHED: Did you know fish eat pumpkin?

TRUE, and I know it to be so because an underwater diver with a microphone in her face mask told me so. I’m not going to doubt her, especially as she was the one in the tank surrounded by any number of sharks as big as cars, huge stingrays and enough Snapper to send Rex Hunt into a piscatorial orgasm.

The answer came as part of a presentation in the impressive underwater auditorium at the Melbourne Aquarium. By way of qualification, the pumpkin revelation was only a small part of a longer answer to a question I posed to the aquarium diver about where they get the food they feed the fish, with the express qualification she could not reply “the ocean’’. But enough about pumpkin.

The Princesses and I had made the journey to Melbourne on the premise tickets to the footy were my Christmas present, but really Princess Kel and I just wanted to take Princess Ella to the aquarium. Staying at the sensational Medina Grand, we were only a couple of blocks away so we gathered Kel’s Melbourne-based brother Rick and shuffled off to the aquarium.

Now, we hadn’t been to the aquarium POK (post kids) so don’t fall into the trap we and several other families made and try to enter through the old entrance. The main entrance is now on Flinders St where, upon entering the facility, you are greeted by the magnificent penguin exhibition.

The temptation, being the first exhibit, is to hurry through it to the next one. Don’t. Take your time to marvel at the contrast of the penguins at rest on the ice and those putting on the most acrobatic displays in the pool. If you want to, you can actually go back to the penguins again after you’ve seen the rest.

You can follow an easy path through the different sections of the aquarium, but in hindsight I’d suggest timing your trip around the keeper/diver presentations at the different sections to get the most out of your visit. The schedule is online .

Look out for the spots at the aquarium where little kids can actually crawl underneath exhibits and poke their heads into glass spheres.

The rockpool is always a delight for the littlies and Ella showed no fear in picking up a starfish.

However the fear was there when a very brave Ella standing next to a docile crocodile in a glass exhibit was told it was actually a “real crocodile’’. We had to check her undies for stains afterwards.

Other interesting things Ella learned were stonefish are not actually stones, lionfish are not actually lions and you wouldn’t dare eat jellyfish with custard for dessert.

Ella really enjoyed it and it was a good 2-3 hour experience for a toddler, but I think she’d really appreciate the experience more as she gets older (me, I could have stayed there all day). The only negative for those with young, pram-weilding families is the one point where you need to negotiate one tight lift to get to another level.

Overall, the Melbourne Aquarium was an experience that Ella will never forget and that in itself was priceless.

Do you have any other kid-friendly suggestions for Melbourne?

Read more about our Melbourne trip at Spoilt on a grand Melbourne holiday (Medina Grand review) and Two nights in a one-bedroom Medina apartment ($1000 giveaway). The Bloke in The Shed also gives his account of footy at the ‘G and I give my take on the Melbourne Zoo.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary night at the Medina Grand and complimentary tickets to the Melbourne Aquarium. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

May 17, 2011
FEATURE: Spoilt on a grand Melbourne holiday (Medina Grand review)
THERE was just one downside to our incredible four-day holiday in Melbourne last week. It had nothing to do with the crazy Melbourne weather – and this coming from a Tasmanian. And there was certainly little to fault with our sublime accommodation at Medina Grand or the cute waddling penguins at the Melbourne Aquarium.

A penguin at the Aquarium

No, it was watching three-year-old Princess Ella bury her head into her Dad’s shoulder as her Uncle Rick drove off for the last time during our vacation. With tears streaming down her face, she whimpered: “I miss him’’. It broke our hearts. All I can say is, thank goodness for Skype.

Aside from that one moment, this was definitely one of the more enjoyable holidays we’ve had – and it included a three-year-old, seven-month-old and lots of rain. Ella even got a lollypop from one shop assistant for “being so gorgeous’’. It could have easily gone the other way, considering five minutes into the plane flight she asks: “are we there yet?’’.

Medina Hotels gave us one night complimentary in a two-bedroom apartment at the centrally located Medina Grand on Queen St, which lived up to the cliché that first impressions count.

Hotel room before…

… and after!

We were amazed at the service, the facilities and, oh, the space. And I’m not just saying that because they spoilt us. The kids were given a toy chest full to the brim with toys.

Toys and a TV – Ella was in heaven.

While we scored a divine bottle of red and welcoming card on arrival.

Sorry, no photo – the wine was devoured by the time we thought to photograph it.

Ella had the luxury of her own Queen-sized bed, big bathroom and a TV. I think she scored the better room. It was just enough space for her and her nine “friends’’. Her bathroom also included full laundry facilities but, alas, she didn’t make use of them. The Bloke in The Shed and I had a walk-in robe, safe and full bathroom (with bath) off our room.

The apartment was extremely kid friendly – if Holly woke up and had a screaming fit, she was out of earshot from Ella who was up the other end of the hotel room. Plus the walls seemed to be so well soundproofed we didn’t hear a thing from any other room or the city below.

The girls in Ella's big bed.

Add to that a large lounge, dining and work space (ideal for parking strollers), plus a balcony overlooking the city. The full kitchen helped in preparing our own meal the first night, food for the newly solids eating Holly and breakfast each morning. Boy, did it help save some money. There was the option of a handy grocery delivery service through the hotel, but we discovered an IGA down the road instead. Not to mention there being cafe and restaurant options on every corner.

My only negative, and to be honest it’s pretty picky, was the straight-backed high chair. Holly just couldn’t sit comfortably. Thankfully we had the stroller with us.

Speaking of which, knowing we didn’t want to be carrying around a three-year-old when she got tired during shopping and touring the city, we invested in a cheap $30 stroller from Target which served our purposes well. It probably wasn’t a great look for my brother Rick when we managed to get in the background of a Herald Sun photo.

That’s Rick pushing the pink pram. While away we avoided posting, Facebooking and tweeting about the fact we were in Melbourne in fear someone ransacked the house. Then we somehow managed to make page 3 and all that went out the window. Our house is still in one piece, by the way.

Other highlights of the trip included:
- Ella’s first experience on a tram, where she learned what it felt like to be a sardine. It helped her feel greater empathy for the fish at the Aquarium.
- Shopping in the city and at Harbour Town, which wasn’t actually the plan. The plan was to go to the new DFO South Wharf, but we missed the stop. Typical tourists.
- Spending the day at the Melbourne Aquarium and seeing the sheer look of terror on Ella’s face when she realised it was a “real crocodile’’.
- Good taxi drivers – there’s slight concern when you know there’s no child restraints in taxis (which is legal) but then score a maniac taxi driver who appears colour blind at traffic lights.
- Ella witnessing Flinders Street Station and announcing to all “that place is on our computer’’. (I’d shown her a few online photos to help prepare her for the trip).
- Pancakes that made our eyes look bigger than our bellies – or our plates look bigger than our heads.
Pancakes bigger than your head!

So, what do you love about Melbourne?

Stay tuned. A review of the Melbourne Aquarium and footy at the ‘G is coming tomorrow, courtesy of The Bloke in The Shed. Read more about Medina hotels or join the MumSpace Facebook page where women share their experiences.

Make sure you enter to win two nights in a one-bedroom Medina apartment (valued at $1000).

Disclosure: We received a complimentary night at the Medina Grand and complimentary tickets to the Melbourne Aquarium. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
May 16, 2011
WIN: My Posh Baby Boutique review and giveaway
FROM Ella and Holly’s first breaths they have worn pink and white. Open their wardrobes and it hits you in the face. Ella even admits pink is her favourite colour. So when I stumbled across My Posh Baby Boutique I was, well, let’s just say “tickled pink’’.

It is no surprise to me stock is constantly selling out, but owner Samantha Bellas kindly sent something through for me to view. My first impression was the WAHM (Work At Home Mum) business’ slogan “Putting Big Smiles on Little Faces” certainly fits. Everything is just so cute and dainty. Samantha even admits to searching the globe for “labels that are fashionable, unique and simply gorgeous’’.

The two pieces I viewed were from the label Mud Pie. The fabric is incredibly soft and the thickness of the tights make them ideal for winter. Each piece feature sweet ruffles on the front of the bodice and a little bow, while one even has ruffles along the hemline. Often when I buy online I’m disappointed to find the shade of pink isn’t quite to my liking, but this is divine. It’s a soft baby pink that would look good on any skin colouring – Ella and Holly being extremely fair. The biggest challenge (other than trying to keep whites “white”) is trying to not buy the whole range. Dangerous!

Here are the two designs. They’re certainly more suited to those special occasions.

How can you resist this?

Now sure, I’ve only shown girls designs here, but the boys’ outfits are just as cute. One of the boys’ ranges, Knuckleheads, is a fave of Kourtney Kardashian. You can check out the other labels on the www.myposhbabyboutique.com website and on Facebook.

So, if you’re keen to see your little one dressed so cute you could just eat them (although, I wouldn’t advise that), then simply leave a comment below telling us which outfit you love (visit the site for more options). The winner will receive a $50 voucher to spend at My Posh Baby Boutique. The giveaway closes Sunday, May 22 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only.

Want more 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’’
Disclosure: I did not receive product or financial payment for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
May 15, 2011
FEATURE: Happiness Project

THE past month I’ve been taking part in Naomi from Seven Cherubs’ Happiness Project. The idea was each day to record and write one sentence on what has made me feel happy or grateful during that day.

What do you think? Do I have much to be grateful for? Well, a tidy house, at least.

Picnic in the park

April 10: After a total two hours sleep last night, I was thankful for an afternoon nap.

April 11: Playing finger puppets with Pinky the Elephant, who masterfully got Ella dressed, fed and hair done without pain for childcare today.

April 12: The house is tidy.

Apirl 13: It’s days like these I’m extra glad I started blogging – wearing the most gorgeous pair of shoes and organising a super huge giveaway with the company who made them.

April 14: Watched Ella play with her two Sydney cousins who she doesn’t see very often.

April 15: Apparently, my poor li’l bubba is hungry, which is why she won’t settle to sleep and wakes hourly. Thank heavens for my child health nurse.

April 16: Picnic at the park with good food, my wonderful family on the most gorgeous Autumn day. Bliss.

April 17: The house… clean.

April 16: Was asked today: “do you know I really, really love you, mama?’’. Nothing beats that.

April 17: Landed another PR job – such a wonderful feeling.

April 19: Won a Minnie Masquerade DVD from Caz at The Truth About Mummy – am Ella’s best friend at the moment. Hehe!

April 20: Enjoyed five minutes of peace with a cup of Chai Station chai tea. Wish for more moments like these.

April 21: Glad to hear a spark in my brother’s voice after ringing him for his birthday. Poor bugger witnessed something rather traumatic last week.

April 22: Watching Ella playing chasings with her Sydney cousin, who she hasn’t seen in a long time.

April 23: Eating hubby’s Choccie Hot Cross Bun and Butter Pudding (probably won’t be so grateful for this later on).

April 24: Easter. Chocolate. Now that’s pure happiness.

April 25: The house is tidy. For a while, at least.

April 26: Ella made me a bracelet out of pipe cleaners and beads. So thoughtful.

April 27: Feeling inspired (and extremely chuffed) after reading a beautiful email from a reader about my blog writing.

April 28: Three and four-hour lots of sleep last night. It’s been a long, long time.

April 29: Had a fabulous time at the Royal Wedding Pyjama Part-ay and met the loveliest bunch of mums. Haven’t laughed that hard in ages.

April 30: Having my hair done… finally. Goodbye silver highlights; hello younger woman.

May 1: I can see the laundry floor.

May 2: Went to the doctor to discover Baby Holly’s arm (which looks as if it’s dislocated) should be fine.

May 3: Scored the most incredible media interviews for one of my clients today. So thrilled.

May 4: Loving this clean house today.

May 5: Just bought a new car (Nissan Dualis Ti – hopefully) with someone else’s money.

May 6: Love watching the Bloke in The Shed play with the girls on his first day of holidays.

May 7: Got out of the house.

May 8: Ella and the Bloke in The Shed made me a fruit platter with “drizzled’’ chocolate for Mother’s Day breakfast. It looked more like poo on a plate! Love the effort though.

May 9: Had a wonderful chat to Alli from Motivating Mum and feel extremely inspired about starting the PR blog/business.

May 10: Reading through my Happiness Project 30-day task I realise I have so much to be happy about and grateful for. Blessed am I. (Oh, and so grateful to Naomi for letting me take part).

What moment made you happy today?

Read more from The Happiness Project.

May 13, 2011