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Would you like to meet the Octonauts? Review and giveaway
AFTER an “hour of Octonaut power’’ on ABC For Kids on Sunday and full viewing of The Octonauts: Meet the Octonauts DVD, I figured it was time I shared what it was about this show that has mesmerised nearly preschooler Princess Ella. And me, for that matter.

I don’t recall the last show that captured Ella’s imagination to this extent. Every game we play now starts with: “Octonauts, to your stations’’ and “Explore! Rescue! Protect!’’. I’m quite happy to stay in the safe surrounds of the Octopod, to be honest.

The show is based on the books by award-winning design team, Meomi. Captain Barnacles Bear, Lieutenant Kwazii Cat and Medic Peso Penguin dive into action (bad pun, I know) when there is trouble under the sea. Using some rather incredible looking vehicles, they rescue sea creatures and explore the underwater world.

What Ella has taken away from watching the show is:
- Recognition of different sea creatures and an appreciation for the beauty of the underwater world. Although, let me know if you ever spot that turnip creature.
- Understanding the need to protect and preserve our oceans.
- Has fostered her imagination, which has spilled through to our playtime activities and her drawing. She can draw a rather impressive Peso.
- The importance of team work in achieving goals. Milking this one during pack up time.
- Teaches her about different emotions and how to deal with them.
The Octonauts is such a cute concept and thoroughly enjoyable for children AND parents (I always think this is hugely important. Don’t get me started!). The CGI characters are bright visually, but also in nature as they play out what are strong storylines.

Some may argue the storyline is simply regurgitated each episode – a sea creature finds itself in trouble and the Octonauts come to the rescue – but each plot is fresh and interesting. As all good fish should be. It is, for sure, ABC for Kids’ shining star at the moment, capturing the hearts and imaginations of children.

The Octonauts DVD (RRP: $19.95) has a run time of 77 minutes.

This month Roadshow and ABC are also releasing Giggle and Hoot: Present Hoot-tastic Dress Ups DVD (RRP: $19.99) taking from the popular TV show, and

Giggle and Hoot: Bedtime Stories and Songs CD (RRP $14.95). The CD includes guest appearances from characters from The Wiggles, Shaun the Sheep and Play School to sing 15 songs, including Birdcage Boogie to Hoot’s Lullaby.

Would you like to win a copy of all three titles? For a chance to win ONE OF TWO ABC FOR KIDS PACKS (including The Octonauts: Meet The Octonauts DVD, Giggle and Hoot: Present Hoot-tastic Dress Ups DVD and Giggle and Hoot: Bedtime Stories and Songs CD), simply leave a comment telling us your child’s favourite Octonauts character. The giveaway closes Tuesday, November 1 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 via the Google Friend Connect button over there in the sidebar and leave a comment telling me you’re now a follower.
Find ABC for Kids on Facebook or buy online.

**DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Octonauts: Meet The Octonauts DVD for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Check out more giveaways in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses
October 18, 2011
WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #20
THE Bloke in The Shed will today be tackling his first Skilled Burnie Ten – an event dubbed Australia’s premier 10km road race. Yes, it’s no easy feat. He wants we three princesses to be there in case something happens. I assume the “something’’ refers to needing an ambulance. We’ll also likely be doing some huffing and puffing from the sidelines to help create a bit of a tail wind for him. Whatever works.

The race (or walk, in his case) starts at 11.15am if you happen to be in Tasmania’s North West and are looking for something to do. There are also activities throughout Burnie, which I’m hoping will occupy the girls while they endure the long wait for their Dad to cross the finish line. In all seriousness, we do wish him all the best.

The race will also be a chance for him to work off yesterday’s birthday cake. Holly’s postponed birthday party finally happened after all the sickness we’ve endured. After running out of eggs on Friday, I had to bake the three cakes late Friday night and then spend yesterday madly assembling and decorating them to create a Princess Castle cake. Here’s the end result:

It's fair to say she was pretty impressed!

Especially when she got to eat it!

The full details of how on earth I created this (with a little help from hubby and his rolling pin) will come tomorrow.

By the way, if you’re wondering whether or not to start clicking on the links below in a bid to win something, here’s what I won from Crash Test Mummy last week and used at the party yesterday.

How cute are they? OK then, off you go. Start clicking.

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!
What’s been your favourite birthday cake creation thus far as a mum?

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

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October 16, 2011
WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup #19
Baby Holly on a recent bike ride

FOR all those wonderful people who have been asking about Baby Holly, she’s getting much better. Thank you. She even walked with the wooden trolley today totally unassisted. I know, you don’t really care.

However, in other news, Princess Ella is now battling Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. The ulcers at the back of her throat are so big they look like stalagmites. Or is that stalactites? They’re so painful they’re preventing her from eating all her favourite “sometimes’’ foods. Although, apparently cake would make it feel better. Yeah, right, just like the Cadbury Fruit and Nut chocolate block I’m devouring will make me skinny.

Anyway, now I’ve turned you all off your Sunday Eggs Benedict, you may as well get 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!
While we’re on the subject, what are you having for breakfast this morning? Do you have a Sunday breakfast tradition?

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

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October 9, 2011
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 #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