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Organised Mums – Inner B Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:02:35 +0000

Don’t laugh. I might be all tech savvy with my iPad and iPhone and MacBook – but I cannot live without a paper diary! I’ve always opted for a small one that I can keep in my handbag, but when I started working part time a few weeks ago I knew I needed to graduate to something more substantial.

Hellloooo Inner B! I jumped at the chance to try out their Mum Organiser*. Here are 5 things I LOVE about it:

It’s robust. I give my things a pretty good workout, and this diary is in and out of my bag several times a day. It’s really well made, the binder is strong, and I’m confident it will go the distance!
It’s refillable. Next year’s diary will only set me back $16.95 which is the cost of the 2013 refills.
It’s pretty. I know that sounds shallow, but a visually appealing diary does help me to approach daily tasks more positively. The Mum Organiser comes in three fresh shades. No cutesy cartoons or tacky taglines here. Just good design and happy colour.
It’s well thought out. I really like the monthly dividers, and the monthly overview at the start of each section. I also appreciate the week to a double page layout. I cope with my ~~insanely~~ ~~ridiculously~~ busy schedule much better when I can easily scan a month or a week at a time. The business card pockets at the front are great, plus I’m glad there’s space for a pen to permanently live in my diary.
It’s made for me. Well, not me exactly… but it is made for mums, with special consideration for things mums tend to write in their diaries. And it is made for those Down Under, with Australian and New Zealand school holidays and public holidays marked. (Yay!)

The only small criticism I have for the Inner B Mum Organiser is that it is a little tricky to write close to the binder rings – but then again, without the binder it wouldn’t be refillable. All in all I think this is a great product, particularly for mums like me who juggle part time work with full time parenting.

To celebrate Mothers Day this weekend, I have one Mum Organiser to give away valued at $44.95 thanks to the amazing Valerie Petersen at Inner B. All you have to do is leave a comment sharing why YOU need a Mummy Organiser!

Competition is open to Aussie residents only. One entry per person please. Winner will be drawn at random on Sunday 20/5/12 8pm Qld time.

If you’re interested in other great products from Inner B, check out the notepads, planners and journals here. You can also find Inner B on facebook and twitter. You’re welcome

*I received an Inner B Mum Organiser free of charge for review purposes and the usual admin fee applied to this post.

Tin Can Play and MILO Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 05:52:54 +0000

I’m very pleased to be an ambassador for the MILO Play Movement in 2012. Play is a child’s work, and the importance of play in children’s development cannot be underestimated.

MILO sent the SquiggleKids a fantastic play kit (final photo) to use in the backyard – and I’ve got one play kit to give away to a lucky SquiggleMum reader as well! The kit contains soccer nets, cones, a selection of different balls and even a ball pump for your kids to use outside, plus a couple of tins of MILO.

So of course, you know what my kids have had the most fun with, don’t you…? The tins!!

Kids have been inventing games with MILO tins for as long as MILO has been around. The labels might have changed, but not much else has. Here are 5 activities that are sure to bring back memories, and your own kids might like them too:

1. Tin can stilts

2. Tin can telephone

3. Tin can bucket (on pulley rope)

4. Tin can bowling

5. Tin can drums

The kids have had SO much fun playing with a couple of tins. Sometimes I think commercial toys are entirely overrated. That said, they were also pretty excited about this stuff:

To win your own play kit thanks to MILO, just leave a comment below sharing what your kids like to play with in the backyard. Do they prefer sports-type activities? Imaginary games? Or creating their own fun with un-toys like mine? [One entry per person please. Australian and New Zealand residents only. Winner drawn at random on Monday 23/4/12 8pm Qld time.]

Disclaimer: I receive payment for consulting services as a MILO Play Ambassador, and received the MILO Play Kit free of charge.

* THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED*

Congratulations to the winner, Cherie!

Fox And Fine Feathers Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:10:42 +0000

When meeting author/illustrator Narelle Oliver at the Read Up launch recently, I might have mentioned that Miss 5 and I are kind of into birds…

…which of course lead us into a discussion about Narelle’s award winning picture book, Fox and Fine Feathers, with her signature linocut illustrations.

Lyrebird, Coucal, Pitta and Nightjar are birds of the forest floor. Although as different as groundbirds can be, they always look out for danger and warn each other to hide. One day, Lyrebird, Coucal and Pitta forget to look out for Fox. Only Nightjar is watching. Can he warn the others in time?

We loved learning more about these four beautiful Australian rainforest birds from the story:

Superb Lyrebirds are incredibly shy creatures. They are rarely seen, but often heard as they mimic the calls of other birds. Males have long, intricate tail feathers.
Pheasant Coucals are sizeable black and brown birds. They are not particularly adept at flying, so prefer to run after their prey.
Noisy Pittas are brightly coloured little rainforest birds. They hop about in the undergrowth, and although quite common are not often seen.
Long-tailed Nightjars are masters of disguise. Their feathers are perfectly camouflaged amongst the leaf litter during the day while they sleep.

In addition to talking about birds, we also discussed the problems introduced species, such as foxes, can cause to fragile ecosystems. Other introduced species to Australia include cane toads, rabbits, and (feral) cats.

This picture book is not only a wonderful read, but is rich with opportunities to discuss habitats, birdlife, camouflage, predators and more. Great for low to mid primary, and any kids with an interest in wildlife. (For my teacher friends, Scholastic provide Teachers’ Notes on Fox and Fine Feathers for classroom use.)

Courtesy of Narelle Oliver herself, I have a SIGNED copy of Fox and Fine Feathers for one lucky SquiggleMum reader. To enter, simply leave a comment below and tell me an Australian bird that your kids have seen in your area. (It’s a great excuse to look out for birds this week…) One entry per person, Aussie residents only, comp closes Sun 18/3/12 8pm Qld time.

PS – If you adore Narelle’s work, prints from the book are available at the gorgeous Marks and Gardner gallery online, or at their beautiful premises on Mt Tamborine. Tell them SquiggleMum sent you

*I received a copy of the book from Narelle Oliver, but did not receive payment for this post.

_____________________________________________

This competition has now closed. Congratulations Judith.

You are the winner of a signed copy of Fox and Fine Feathers!

8 Reasons Octonauts are Awesome (Win!)

SquiggleMum — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:19:33 +0000

To say the Octonauts have captured my kids’ imaginations is an understatement, and I don’t think my children are alone! I’ve overheard mums talking about the program, and kids role playing their favourite characters. The Octonauts follows a team of adventure heroes who dive into action whenever there is trouble under the sea. In a fleet of aquatic vehicles they rescue amazing sea creatures, explore incredible new underwater worlds and often save the day before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod.

So what is it exactly that makes this show stand out, and attract such a wave of support from parents and children? Here are 8 (hehehe…) reasons why Octonauts are awesome:

Graphics. This program is a visual feast. The talented duo from Meomi create a stunning CGI underwater world which combines true aspects of aquatic life with imaginary elements.
Soundtrack. Composer Darren Hendley (who also wrote the music for Olivia) brings to the program a high quality score reminiscent of any sci-fi-action-adventure film. The music isn’t limited to opening and closing credits either. It features throughout each ten minute episode, adding to the excitement.
Non-fiction content. Each episode features an underwater animal in its natural habitat. Along with the Octonauts, kids learn about interesting behaviours or unusual characteristics of each animal.
Tried and true formula. Anyone who has watched their share of sci-fi adventures will recognise the similarities between the Octonauts and the crew from the Enterprise, or SG1, or…. (Yes, I am married to a geek). Strong leader + shy medic + scientist-with-a-Scottish-accent + fearless adventurer = awesome team!
Intelligent entertainment. Children’s programs which are “dumbed down” make me groan. I believe television shows for kids should be language-rich, introduce interesting vocabulary, and model excellent use of conversation. Octonauts more than meets my criteria in this department.
Target age. There often seems to be a lack of good quality entertainment appropriate for kids in the 4-7 age range. Between toddlers and tweenagers is a whole stage (which seems to be disappearing) called childhood!! This program is ideal for lower primary aged kids. Yay!
Environmental awareness. I’m always happy for my kids to watch a television program which encourages them to get back outside after it’s finished, exploring the natural world and the creatures in it. The “Explore! Rescue! Protect!” tagline of the Octonauts is relevant in any habitat.
Understanding. This program isn’t about good-guys and bad-guys. It’s about good-guys and misunderstood-guys. This is particularly important in the context of real animals. There are no evil animals. Sometimes creatures can harm us, but it is not because they are “bad” in any way. Usually when animals hurt us it is because they are afraid and are defending themselves or their young.

Are your kids fans of Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso? The first DVD is now available exclusively to ABC shops and ABC Online, and will be available at all good retailers from the 6th October. Thanks to my friends at Roadshow and ABC4Kids I have FIVE copies of the Meet The Octonauts DVD to give away. Simply leave a comment sharing what you or your children like about this program. Usual rules apply: one entry per person, Aussie residents only, comp closes Wed 28/9/11 8pm Qld time.

*Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the Octonauts DVD for this post and the usual admin fee applied.

A Good Wrap Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:21:45 +0000

I’m sure I am not alone in grumbling through the daily chore of packing lunch boxes! Usually I pack sandwiches, fresh fruit, crackers, dried fruit and a muesli bar. To cut down the amount of plastic ziploc bags and clingwrap which end up in the rubbish, I instead use small containers, and these fantastic reusable bags from A Good Wrap. (They also make the whole task a little more fun).

A Good Wrap products are made up of a 100% cotton exterior, and food safe zip lock nylon which can be easily wiped out. They can also be washed in the sink with the daily dishes, or thrown into the washing machine. Sandwiches and rolls stay fresh in the wraps, while the small snack bags and medium snack bags are perfect for all the other bits that go into your child’s lunchbox. The wraps and bags are secured with velcro.

Tiki Walsh, the Aussie mum-of-three behind A Good Wrap says, “We believe that locally produced food should be also wrapped in locally produced bags and wraps. It’s better for our children and better for the environment.” What a great philosophy. Love it. Oh, and check out the fundraising ideas as well. I’m sure some schools and kindergartens would LOVE to have lunch wraps in their school colours or fabric!

Thanks to Tiki, I have two prize packs valued at $36 each to give away. Each pack contains a small snack bag, medium snack bag and sandwich wrap in a mix of fabrics. To enter, leave a comment below sharing a healthy lunchbox idea your child happily eats! And if you could jump over and “like” A Good Wrap’s facebook page that would be great too.

Usual rules: one entry per person, Aussie residents only, comp closes Sat 10/9/11 8pm Qld time.

Disclaimer: I received two wraps, medium snack bags and small bags for my own kids free of charge for review purposes, and the usual administration fee applied.

__________________________________

This comp has now closed.

Congratulations Alyra and Petrina!

Top Songs by Justine Clarke

SquiggleMum — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:56:40 +0000

My kids are huge fans of Justine Clarke, and I am a big supporter of her work as an Australian children’s entertainer. I’ve met her backstage, interviewed her, reviewed and given away her albums and dvds… and now I am delighted to be able to give away tickets to her Little Day Out Tour! I have TWO double-passes for a couple of lucky SquiggleMum readers.

In order to win a pair of tickets, simply share your favourite Justine song! Do you your kids have a favourite? I couldn’t pick between my top 3 songs:

Mrs Knife and Mr Fork – One of my early faves. For a children’s song, the lyrics are just sublime. Justine rocks a fifties vibe in the film clip, and there’s lots of cool percussion played on cutlery.
Song to Make You Smile – This song really does make me smile, and I sing it to the kids to make them smile too. It has such a sweet melodic introduction, with a catchy chorus and positive message.
My Shadow and Me – I loved this jazz number the first time I heard it, and I never tire of it. Justine and her team really do set the standard when it comes to creating musically sophisticated, yet age appropriate for our kids.

So over to you. Do you agree with my choices, or have a different favourite? Leave a comment sharing your favourite Justine Clarke song and you could win a double pass to the nearest venue (Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane)!

One entry per person please, and you must be able to get to either the Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane show. Two winners will be chosen at random. Competition closes 8pm Qld time, Sunday 7/8/11.

Justine would love you to visit her facebook page, or stop by her website for updates and info.

This competition is closed. Congratulations to the two winners: Super Sarah and Penny Whitehouse!

Winners have been notified by email.

Baking With Kids – Mission Possible

SquiggleMum — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:09:22 +0000

Baking with kids isn’t impossible… in fact it’s heaps of fun! We have been baking up a storm these holidays thanks to Mission For Health and the a-w-e-s-o-m-e baking box they sent us! Best of all – I have an awesome box for a SquiggleMum reader too

Here’s our baking mission in pictures:

Choose a recipe.

Clean the table ready for baking.

Cream the butter and sugar.

Crack the egg!

Sift flour and add. Get ready to knead the dough.

Roll the dough.

Cut out shapes.

Bake in the oven.

Next day: time to decorate.

Look what we made!

* * *

If you would like to win the same baking box we received, just leave a comment below sharing what you and your kids like to cook together. Easy. (Aussie residents only, one entry per person, comp closes 8pm Friday 15/7/11)

You might also like to check out Dettol’s Mission for Health website and the tops tips from celebrity ambassador Toni Pearen. I think perhaps Dettol suspected we might encounter a little finger-licking-goodness while baking with kids…

Disclaimer: I received the Baking Box courtesy of Dettol’s Mission For Health campaign, but did not receive payment for this campaign.

This comp has now closed, AND THE WINNER IS:

#8 – Kathryn Cavalieri

Congratulations Kathryn. Hope you and your kids enjoy.

Embracing Winter Days (like Dirtgirl)

SquiggleMum — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:14:58 +0000

Lately I’ve been hearing a message I really dislike: Keep your kids out of the winter weather. I’m not sure where the message is coming from, or why. Of course we have to make allowances for weather, but there is no need to keep kids indoors. Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s day – every day.

Almost a year ago to the day, I wrote here on the blog about Playing Whatever the Weather:

I don’t think we can expect children to tolerate extremes of temperature they are not accustomed to, but I do think they should be able to enjoy outside time in their home climate. For my kids, temperatures range from about 10 degrees celsius in winter, through to around 35 degrees in summer. Winter play means wearing lots of layers. The days start chilly, but do warm up and beanies need to be replaced with sunhats. Winter play doesn’t mean staying inside with the heater on. Summer play means sunscreen, hats and sun-safe clothing. It also means drinking plenty of water, and playing out of the sun during the hottest times. Summer play doesn’t mean staying inside with the airconditioning on! Ok, yes there are days when I use the heater in winter, and the air con in summer – but we don’t stay trapped inside and I always find the kids have more fun outdoors.

A year on, I am nodding along to my own words. My opinion hasn’t changed. I still think it’s important for kids to get outside, whatever the weather. Next week the school holidays start, and I know it will be a great opportunity for my two munchkins to play together outside. Here’s what a typical home day in the winter holidays looks like for us (with the morning routine relaxed because we’re not in a rush to get to school):

6:30 – 7:30 Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 Get dressed, brush teeth, make beds, do morning jobs
8:30 – 9:30 Play inside (or help Mum with housework)
9:30 – 10:30 Morning tea and outside free play
10:30 – 12:00 Creative activity together, preferably outside (anything from painting to playing pirates!)
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 Quiet Time in bedrooms (read or rest)
1:30 – 3:30 Outside free play or continuing activity and afternoon tea
3:30 – 4:00 Pack up sandpit, outside toys, creative mess
4:00 – 5:30 Play inside, TV on (while Mum gets dinner ready)
5:30 – 6:15 Dinner and bathtime
6:15 – 7:00 Stories and BED

It’s a pretty fluid schedule – times are just there to give you an idea. You can see though that the kids can easily have three or four hours outside during the warmest parts of the day. I know that some days they will have extra time outdoors, because they’ll be keen to get outside straight after breakfast despite the chill, or because they’re still hunting for dinosaur eggs at 4:30 and haven’t noticed the temperature dropping!

I don’t mind the tv going on in the late afternoons at all. I know that the kids have had lots of outside time, and they’ve usually had enough of each other by then. We’re all getting tired, crankiness creeps in, and I need to get dinner ready. And what do I put on? Dirtgirlworld of course!

Dirtgirl knows that winter is wonderful outside. She loves winter’s nourishing soups, rugging up in lovely warm clothing and gumboots, and making the most of the sun when it’s out – even if it’s just for a little bit. Me and Dirtgirl? We’re so on the same page. Even when my kids are watching tv, they are getting the message that outside is where the fun is at. Dirtgirl and Scrapboy give my kids ideas for tomorrow’s play, and encourage them to get their boots on and head outside all over again.

Thanks to my friend Dirtgirl (and the gang at Madman) I have five amazing prize packs to give away. Each one has the Winter DVD, as well as Dirtgirlworld’s Spring, Summer and Autumn DVD collections! To win all four seasons DVDs, just leave a comment below sharing what your kids like to do outside in WINTER.

Usual rules apply: Aussie residents only, one entry per person, winners drawn randomly, comp closes Sunday 26th June 6pm Qld time.

If you’re a fan, you might like to follow Dirtgirlworld on facebook and twitter, and check out all the cool stuff starting to happen on their blog too.

Giggle-icious Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:42 +0000

Giggle and Hoot continue to go from strength to strength as the lovable co-hosts of ABC4Kids. I’ve had the opportunity both to interview Jimmy Giggle (James Rees) and meet him backstage. He really does deserve the attention he receives from kids across the country. Late last year I watched him give the same genuine grin and hug to the 367th child waiting in line as he did for the first child in line. He obviously loves what he does.

The latest offering from Giggle and Hoot is a DVD compilation of giggle-icious music. Sing-along to new Giggle and Hoot songs and enjoy well known tunes like Hoot’s Lullaby. On the DVD, Giggle and Hoot also present episodes or songs from some of my ABC favourites. There’s a fantastic Playschool episode on Making Music, a Wiggle and Learn episode called ‘Beach, Beach, Sandy Beach,’ songs from Justine Clarke, The Wiggles and more! It’s a great compilation DVD for weekends, school holidays or rainy afternoons with toddlers!

You can pick up a copy in ABC Stores or online for $19.99 or enter below to win one of FOUR copies! To enter, simply leave a comment sharing something that makes your child giggle! (Aussie residents only, one entry per person, comp closes 6pm Sunday 8th May, 4 winners chosen at random.)

* I received a copy of Giggle-icious Music courtesy of Roadshow.

Seeds for the Future Giveaway

SquiggleMum — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:14:12 +0000

My daughter has only just embarked on her 13yr school journey – and already I am over chocolate drive fundraisers! I am always interested to hear about unique fundraising ideas, and this has to be one of the best I’ve seen. Educational? Check. Australian? Check. Profitable? Check. Ethical? Check.

If that sounds like your kind of fundraiser too, you have to check out Seeds for the Future. It’s a simple fundraising concept: buy a seed packet for $1 and sell it for $2. That means a whopping 50% profit for your school, kindy, playgroup, MOPS group, whatever. (Be aware though that you will have to outlay for the seed packets first.) Seeds come in 25pkt boxes, and contain either a warm or cool selection of herbs and vegetables depending on the season and your climate zone. There are even tips for successful growing on the site too! What a fanstastic way to encourage families to get gardening together, while fundraising for your community group. Contact Seeds for the Future if you’d like a free fundraising kit and seed sample pack.

Fancy a little seed raising with the kids? Thanks to my generous friends at Seeds for the Future I have TEN mixed selection packs to give away to TEN SquiggleMum readers. Yay!! To enter, leave a comment sharing your gardening-with-kids experience below. Are you an avid grower of veggies in the backyard? Are you a sometimes-gardener with a small patch of herbs? Or have you never-ever-ever tried gardening with your children?

Usual rules apply: comp closes Friday 1/4/11 6pm Qld time, ten winners selected at random, one entry per person, Aussie residents only please.