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Tag: Christmas

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #80: When you tell Santa the wrong thing

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #80: When you tell Santa the wrong thing

     

    Letter to Santa

    We did our annual visit to Santa yesterday. As predicted, Holly cowered, petrified of the big fat man in red. Ella, on the other hand, fought her way to the front.

    “Have you thought about what you’re going to say when he asks you what you’d like for Christmas,’’ I said to her as we waited. She thought about it, then looked a little stressed. “Can’t think of anything?’’ I asked. “How about saying that you’d like your family to be happy and healthy’’.

    She looked at me with a screwed up nose. “No, Mum. That’s silly,’’ she said. “I’ll ask him for a toy giraffe.’’ This may have had something to do with our recent visit to the Melbourne Zoo – or more likely just a random thought.

    So, off she went, to ask Santa for a stuffed toy. Something we really don’t need looking at the state of her bedroom.

    Half an hour later, walking through a major toy store to fit a helmet for Holly (Santa needs her measurements), Ella spots a Barbie camper van and starts jumping up and down with excitement. “I’ve found what I want, Mum. I want a camper van.’’
    “But you’ve already told Santa you want a giraffe,’’ I reminded her.

    After a rather sad face, yesterday afternoon was spent writing a letter to Santa.

    News just in – Santa has ran out of camper vans. Or, more correctly, she already has waaaaay too many gifts for us to add another one to the pile. Now praying her memory is short.

    Do your kids have their hopes pinned on a gift that’s unlikely to arrive under the tree?

    OK, let’s see get into some last-minute Christmas giveaways.

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:

    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 and be run by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below 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! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.

     



    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • Uncovering the true magic of childhood – apparently

    Uncovering the true magic of childhood – apparently

     

    girl eating at pool with seagull
    Li'l Holly showing how to make a Vita Wheat magically disappear - if the seagull doesn't get it first

    IT STARTED with a tweeted conversation with Romina from Martyrhood. Her children had cracked open the magic kit and were going all David Copperfield on her – minus sawing women in half. That could get the carpet dirty.

    It brought back memories of my childhood, torturing my cousins by making their Red Skins and Milk Bottles disappear. I even tweeted “oh, how I would have loved to watch my 12-year-old self trying to make a ball disappear under a cup”. Sadly for Romina, she’d already endured this trick a number of times by her children.

    By sheer coincidence, on Christmas Day some of the O’Brien family members had put together a magic show for the rest of us. Ella even got to play the assistant, which primarily required her to stand with her hands on her hips watching the featured magician. Thankfully we didn’t have to worry about her disappearing into the back of a box or being given the straight jacket treatment inside a tank of water.

    The highlight was Ella’s uncle trying to guess which coloured block was taken out of a wooden box by his niece. The fact he had to keep referring to the instructions kind of killed the magic. The O’Briens won’t be tacking this show on the road any time soon.

    All this magic obviously began to rub off on Ella. While eating dinner the other night, she announces: “I have a magic trick for you all.’’ We all sit to attention, bar Li’l Holly who’s too busy showing how to magically make a sausage bake disappear. We waited with baited breath. This could be good. She’s really taken in the concept of magic through all the various tricks she’s witnessed.

    “Ready?’’ she asks. We nod. Ella takes a deep breath, sits up tall and says: “Look, I can talk with my eyes closed’’.

    Have you children delved into the world of magic? What’s their favourite trick?

  • …And that’s the end of the story

    …And that’s the end of the story

    WHAT a year, hey? I stepped into the mummy blogosphere and, just like Alice, ended up in some bizarre wonderland. Lucky I’m already short and could fit through the door. What I’ve learnt through the online world, not to mention juggling two children instead of one in 2011, astounds me some days. Twitter was merely an idiot I’d rather avoid and Facebook fan pages were for people with big egos.

    I know my brain is sure to get another workout next year. Look out Google+ business pages. For now though, it needs a bit of a break. I won’t be here or on social media much either. I know, shock, horror. How on earth will I survive?

    For those wondering, the Aussie Giveaway Linkup will return Sunday, January 1 due to the limited number of giveaways running at the moment. In the meantime, I’d love to bore you to tears with my bad poetry. Brace yourselves.

    Christmas tree

    Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

    Not a creature was stirring, not a Zhu Zhu nor a mouse.

    Stockings were hung by the plastic tree with care,

    Including Dad’s tie. Who put that there?

    Zhu-Fari, elephant, Wharton,

    Ella and Holly were all snug in their beds,

    While visions of more Zhu Zhus danced in their heads.

    And Mum she drank wine, Dad a Bourbon night cap,

    With Carols on, while playing with a new iPhone app.

    Zhu-Fari, elephant, Wharton, Zhu Zhu,

    When on top of a pressie there arose such a clatter,

    Wharton, the Zhu-Fari, had made the presents scatter.

    Across the room, as the wrapper he did bend

    Still didn’t reveal if the gift was another Zhu friend

    Zhu Fari, elephant, Wharton,

    He would have to wait, just like each girl and boy,

    Though Wharton had to admit, Mum was looking rather coy.

    As he finally drifted off, he was confident of Christmas glory,

    And that, my friend, is the end of the Zhu story.

    As I said, my brain needs a break. And the tie thing? That was Ella’s way of decorating the tree.

    Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and looking forward to tempting you with lots of good things in the New Year. Take care. xx 

    DISCLOSURE: I have spent much of this year as a Zhu Zhu mummy blogger ambassador. This was my final project for Zhu Zhus and Hunter Toys. If you’re still looking for a stocking filler for the kids, I highly recommend a little furry Zhu Zhu. They are little lifesavers when witching hour arrives.

  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #29

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #29

    LAST night The Bloke in The Shed and I hosted the Carols in the Blogger Domain Party here on the blog and it was an absolute hoot. Thank you to all those who took part.

    You can click on the post to see the transcript of the night. But beware: it gets a little rowdier as the night wears on. I think after Michael Buble was on, we all went a little giddy in the head. There also may, or may not, have been a photo that made one attendee respond with an “oh my’’.

    We’re looking at hosting some regular events throughout the year, so if you have suggestions on online parties you’d like to be part of, let us know. Australia Day, maybe? In the meantime, it’s time to win some goodies before Christmas arrives.

    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!

     



    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • How one little boy’s wish changed my Christmas

    How one little boy’s wish changed my Christmas

    Birthday girlTHERE was a post half written on a little tiny notepad as I cooked homemade pizza with Princess Ella for dinner tonight. In between cutting up the sweet potato, zucchini, mushrooms and eggplant, I jotted down thoughts quickly before Ella’s incessant need to tell me the same knock knock joke repeatedly ruined my train of thought. That, or her baby sister waking.

    It started off with how the big guns know too well we’ve all got our purse strings loosened a little more than usual at the moment. You see, three big companies filled our letter box this week with rather large bills, each with a due date of, yes you guessed it, December 24. Merry Christmas to us and a frugal New Year.

    However, that all went out the window at 7pm tonight. My outlook on Christmas, on life, changed when I read a Letter to Santa in The Advocate Newspaper. The letter was from eight-year-old Staci. Tears are still falling as I write this. Those bills? They’re irrelevant. Suddenly, I just want my little girl to talk my ear off – bad jokes or not.

    I’ll leave you with an extract from that letter. Merry Christmas to you all and, please, make sure you hug your babies just a little tighter tonight.

    Dear Santa,

    My name is Staci … and I am eight years old … I wish I could be one of your elves, because my wish for Christmas is to have my baby brother back. He died in July of HLH. If we could have Joey back, Dad and Mum wouldn’t be sad anymore. Please take a gift to heaven for Joey. He loves teddy bears and cows and trucks.

    Thank you very much.

    Love Staci

    *UPDATE*: I’ve since discovered little Staci is actually a boy, not a girl, and so have changed the title accordingly. Also, on December 16, The Advocate did an inspiring interview with Staci and his family.

  • Christmas gift ideas for kids – girls (review and giveaway)

    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 Wiggles - Big Big Surprise DVD Set

    The O’Brien household was introduced to The Wiggles four years ago, just as Sam took over the reigns from Greg. This beautiful 20th 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

    MegaBloks Dora Bus

    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

    Octonauts: To the Gups

    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

    Jingle the Husky Pup

    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

    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

    Jig-Sew

    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

    Dr Seuss 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

    baby girl's 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

    Guess How Much I Love You Pop-Up Edition

    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?

    *  *   *

    **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.