Category: family

Making memories under the stars with Peninsula Nomads

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Adventures are everywhere, and most of the time they’re closer than you think.

You really don’t have to travel far to experience a true adventure, in fact, some of the greatest adventures can happen in your very own backyard. 

In uncertain times like these, making an effort to do things a little bit differently, can make such a difference to how we feel and how our children feel.  All a really good adventure needs is a smile, the smell of fresh air, sleeping under the stars and the understanding that it’s there for everyone to enjoy. There are no limitations when it comes to experiencing any kind of adventure and our aim is to create a memorable experience for all.

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Peninsula Nomads was born from understanding the chemical & physical impact that comes from spending time outdoors. We delight in the smiles that our TIPI tent setups create on everyone’s faces, and we can truly see the impact of being at one with nature first hand.

Studies have shown that if we grow up disconnected from nature and the outdoors, we place less value on the natural world. If we or our children lose our connection to the natural world, we simply won’t fight for it. Apart from all the wonderful things we get to experience whilst outside, nature is a well known healer. Being outdoors, surrounded by loved ones, works wonders for your wellbeing and has been proven to dramatically reduce stress.

Making memories…..

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We can all remember those childhood days where we used blankets, pillows and chairs to build a TIPI tent in the lounge.  Blissfully happy memories of pretending to camp out, telling stories in your own little den live with you forever. Our imagination from then can become a unique reality today and without the need to move furniture or steal everyones blankets.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a unique night under the stars with the children, or a beautiful TIPI birthday party, Peninsula Nomads will bring that feeling of adventure to you, in style. In fact, Peninsula Nomads deliver a unique and special adventure to any event, from Glamping with your girlfriends, to intimate wedding setups, delightful date nights, pretty picnics or any other occasion where adventure, love and friendship are the fundament of the experience.

Peninsula Nomads is a local family business. We provide TIPI tent experiences so the entire family can “escape” and appreciate the smaller things in life that make for big memories. After living our lives from Europe to South America and now in our “new” home here in Australia, sharing genuine happiness, care and unique experiences is the core of our mission. 

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A bit more about us….

We love creating special experiences for all our customers. Every detail is carefully curated and taken care of, whilst we completely customise your TIPI tent experience.

We work with lots of lovely local businesses to enable us to provide cookies, grazing boxes, adventures gifts, styling, glamping sleeping packages and lots more to make your experience a one of a kind. 

“No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.”

Alan Watts

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Written by Laura van de Kaa

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We are still operating, so please get in touch if you’re keen to create an awesome experience in your backyard. All set ups and pack ups are done in accordance with the Governments Covid-19 social distancing laws.

Chats with Elmo & The Cookie Monster

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

It may only be 9am, but the Wilsons got up for a 7am phone chat with none other than Elmo and the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. There’s definitely excitement in the air this morning as we prepare for the 50th Season of Sesame Street which kicks off this Wednesday 15th July at 9.30am on ABCKids.

The kids prepped their questions, Elmo grabbed his snacks, and here’s how it went! *Heart melt

 

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Monty- What’s the best thing about living on Sesame Street?

Cookie Monster: Me love singing songs with Elmo, going to Hooper’s Store with Big Bird, gardening with Abby, and baking in the Foodie Truck with Gonger. 

Elmo: Elmo loves living on Sesame Street. There are so many fun things to do, but Elmo’s FAVOURITE thing to do is sing songs with Elmo’s friends. On Sesame Street we sing songs about letters, numbers, fruits, vegetables and even Snuffleupagus’.

Poppy- Who has been the funniest celebrity you have met? 

Cookie Monster: The funniest? Oh boy, so many famous people coming to Sesame Street lately! Not sure who the funniest but they all fun. We had Joseph Gordon-Levitt Chrissy Teigen, Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, Misty Copeland, Elvis Costello, and Dave Grohl… yeah, they all came for a nice visit.

Me played new game with Chrissy Teigen called “Name that Fruit,” where Chrissy had to guess the fruit’s first names. Like Abe Apple or Breanna Banana. It pretty fun. chrissy-teigen-2-c-sesame-workshop-richard-termine

Poppy – We love all the music in Sesame Street, do you have a favourite song? 

Elmo: Elmo’s favourite song is called ‘Elmo’s Song.’ La la la la, La la la la, Elmo’s song…

Poppy – Did you like Australia when you came here to visit?

Elmo: Elmo loves visiting Australia, especially the beaches to put his furry toes in the sand. Elmo swam with a dolphin when Elmo was last in Australia. That was so cool. Next time Elmo visits Australia, Elmo wants to learn how to surf! Elmo wants to try “catching a wave” and “hang ten,” baby! 

Cookie Monster: Me did a foodie truck tour of Sydney–that was definitely a highlight! We tried a toastie, pizza, tacos, and finally a chocolate mint cookie for a delicious dessert! Me have fond memories of the sights, sounds, smells and cookies of Australia. You call them biscuits, right? Oh, me getting hungry.

Monty – What have you been doing to keep busy while staying at home on Sesame Street?

Elmo: Elmo’s Daddy set up video chat so Elmo can have virtual playdates and sing-a-longs with his friends. Elmo has also been doing Grovercise with Grover– that’s when Grover teaches you exercises. He falls down a lot. And Elmo’s also been learning mindfulness activities. Yeah, like belly breathing and how to calm down before bedtime. the-great-sesame-cake-off-1-c-richard-termine (1)

Cookie Monster: Me organising snack chats with me friends, making healthy snacks and trying new foods like hummus.

All me friends on Sesame Street been giving me recipes. Big Bird shared his Granny Bird’s sunflower seed cookie recipe, Chef Gonger gave me banana bread recipe, and Oscar gave me recipe for grouch goulash…. me not sure me gonna try that one

“As we mark our 50th season, we want to remind families everywhere of the timeless lessons Sesame Street has always taught. Everyone, no matter where they are from, is equally deserving of respect, opportunity, and joy.” Steve Youngwood, President of Media & Education and Chief Operating Officer of Sesame Workshop.

Monty -If you had one wish what would it be? 

Cookie Monster: Dat an easy one. Me wish for a delicious cookie to share with all of me friends on Sesame Street.


Elmo: Elmo really likes the virtual playdates with Elmo’s friends on Sesame Street but Elmo can’t wait to go back outside to visit Hooper’s Store with Elmo’s Mommy, play with Abby and Rosita, and have a dance party with Big Bird and Snuffy. They make the whole street shake.

Poppy – Can you please give a shout out to all the kids who may be feeling sad or disappointed while they’re staying home.

Cookie Monster: There lot going on right now. Me talk to me mommy about how me feeling and she gives a nice warm hug. And sometimes you just need moment for self. Listen to your favourite song, or watch a favourite show. 

Me also learn that it physical distance, not social distance. Me still get to see me friends and family, but in a whole new way, and me know that you can still see your friends and family, too. 

Stay healthy and me sending you a big, virtual hug – and cookie – through the internety – Cookie Monster

Elmo: You can do a lot of fun things at home. Elmo loves building pillow forts, making obstacle courses, and going on a scavenger hunt with Elmo’s Mommy and Daddy.

Elmo is sending you a big hello and hopes Elmo can see all of you very soon. 

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This 50th season will launch in Australia on ABC Kids on Wednesday 15th July at 9.30am and will also be available on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

Sesame Street content continues to be available via ABC Kids each weekday morning at 9.30am. The episodes are also available any time on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app. 
About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organisation behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

 

Life, Loves and Lockdown

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Lockdown is well underway *again here in Melbourne so it’s a perfect time to see how others are doing it!! Here’s a sneaky peek at ‘Lockdown Life’ from Melbourne’s best local biz cheerleader, charity fundraiser and all round good human!

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Liz Paganoni – Life Loves & Liz 

Staying home and not having to interact with others face to face, is the stuff Liz’s dreams are made of. Mostly. Wow. Is Liz a crazy lady? Sort of! She is an introverted homebody, so lockdown isn’t that uncomfortable for her in all honesty.

I’m now going to stop referring to myself in third person, because ‘weird’, and delve a little deeper into the situation. I’ll start with a brief introduction. My name is Liz. I’m a wife to Tom and mum to three babes, Ella (11), Alex (10) and Anna (about to have an iso 7th birthday).  We are a fairly regular family. We work hard, and we play hard! We enjoy spending time with friends and family, we love food and drinks and hanging out together.

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When Lockdown 1.0 hit, we were in the midst of a bit of a health crisis. Given it wasn’t mine, I’m not going to go into it any more, but suffice to say ‘Lockdown’ was somewhat of a blessing in disguise. We were able to block out all outside pressures and work through what happened as a family. Gone were the external pressures of work, school, sport and social things that pretty much kept us busy 7 days a week. So, it was a great chance to heal. On the flip side, not being able to access outside help was hard. Thankfully, with the assistance of a medical team (via phone), friends and family and plenty of messages, we were able to deal, and I am actually somewhat grateful for the lockdown. It was like a giant pause button had been pressed and we had time to stop.

Lockdown wasn’t all healing and dealing though, we also had the time to do other stuff, like clean out the pantry…and the plastics cupboard….and all the other totally boring stuff that ordinarily, the craziness of life helps you to put off.  

For the kids, not going to school was HUGE. They’re all baby nerds and absolutely love school so they were devastated at not being able see their teachers and friends every day.

Liz8When the whispers of no school first began, we whipped up some lists and schedules quick smart and got into a great routine. We all had chores to do every day, we all had time allotted for exercise and we all made time for work. The most important aspect for us was the exercise component, making sure the kids (and I) got outside each and every single day for fresh air and movement. It’s easy to forget how much incidental exercise kids do every single day at school, before school and during play times as they run around doing whatever. 

On the subject of school, we are really lucky. Our kids LOVE school (I’m yelling that out because that is how they actually feel about school), so remote learning wasn’t all that bad for us. Ella and Alex are very self motivated, sat down every day and smashed out their work. I’m so grateful for these two and how well they did over the period. Anna was a bit harder to work with but at that age, it’s to be expected. She’s in grade 1 and I’ve discovered she likes things done a certain way, at a certain time on a certain day. And boy, if you deviate from this unknown schedule, things are not going to be done! However, she must have learnt something as her reading has skyrocketed right up to grade 2 level.  #WinningLiz4

I could probably write a 1000 page thesis on my thoughts about lockdown and iso but BORING. I guess my main points about getting through lockdown (which is actually me living my best homebody life) are these;

  • View it is an opportunity. An opportunity to ditch all the external pressures that take up so much time. An opportunity to bond as a family. An opportunity to clean the bloody plastics cupboard out.
  • Schedule your days. Schedule in chores. (The kids are home more thus can do more chores).  Work in exercise/movement time (we found 2 x 1hr blocks within the day worked for us and work/school blocks. Having a schedule means you don’t turn into a PJ wearing couch potato *not good for your physical, mental or emotional health.
  • Set goals. This time round I’ll be walking every single day working up to running. You can check up on me on Strava if you like (Liz Paganoni) and keep me accountable! Walking each day means I have at least an hour away from the kids, self care, which helps me stay sane. 24/7 with the kids is hard right?! I also have work goals too. Lockdown is a great opportunity to work on things you might not normally have time for.
  • Make friends with online shopping…. and your local bottle shop. But also make sure you have AFD’s each week…because, balance! Buy from local businesses who have probably had the worst year ever between bushfires and COVID. You have plenty of time on your hands to find rad new biz’s to support after all! Spread the word of the local businesses you use. They will love you for it and you’ll feel good to.
  • Check in with others. Introvert or not, you still need to interact with others. A text convo here, a Zoom chat there, it benefits both parties. Make it a goal to chat to a different person each day?

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Lockdown is hard but we’ve done it once and we can do it again, as long as we support each other. I believe in you all. And if I can help in any way, please let me know.

Liz xxx 

You can follow Liz and her journey through life, loves and Lockdown via her website and on her socials below xx

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Friends, family and The Spice Tailor

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Friendship – मित्रता

Three Cheers!!  ‘Little’ dinner parties are back on, and I am ecstatic! I delight in having friends over to eat with us. I adore the preparation, the laying of the table, the lighting of the candles. I love everything there is to love about getting together with those you feel most at ease with. Sharing a meal is so significant to me, even more so since we moved away from our nearest and dearest. It’s a great way for us to spoil new friends, build on friendships and create a real family atmosphere for our children.

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Cooking a meal for others really is a great way to show how much you love them; and when I say meal, I mostly mean curry! Nothing warms my heart more than the air filled with the scent of India, the sounds of romantic Hindi love songs playing gently in the background, cutlery hitting plates, sharing plates being passed around and laughter gently powdering the air. Meals like this are the be all and end all for me, and I hope it’s something my children look back on fondly.

Family – परिवार

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An ‘Indian Culture Night’ is a great way of getting everyone involved, whilst savouring some of the words most divine spices.  There are so many wonderful things to explore when it comes to the diverse and vibrant Indian culture which makes it a great conversation starter. Saturday night was cold and wet here, so an Indian meal was the perfect way to warm things up. We popped Om Shanti Om on (best movie ever) whilst we got to work. We chatted, danced, and the children wrote place cards for everyone in Hindi. It was the sweetest touch to the table.
 “There are so many options for people looking to create their own Indian meals at home. It feels to me that there has been a gap in the market for a long time to show people how they can introduce authentic Indian tastes and flavours to dishes beyond just curries” – Beloved chef Anjum Anand, founder of The Spice Tailor 

स्वादिष्ट – Delicious

Thankfully, I was fully prepared to create a feast with The Spice Tailor’s incredible meal kits. They have an easy three step process to creating a restaurant quality meal that the children can get involved in. Hurrah! Glass of red wine in hand and three simple steps to create the most authentic curry to wow my guests! IMG_5512

These meals are not only easy to prepare, but they are thoughtfully created, free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavourings which is always a good thing. The Spice Tailor use natural ingredients to create their simple to use, flavourful sauces, dahl and pastes which means even the least creative cooks can shine.

यादें – Memories

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Creating a themed dinner party is so much fun for the whole family. Our table was full. Full of friends, of love, and of laughter whilst brimming with curries and rice, chapatis, naan bread, poppadum and pickles. It was a truly delicious banquet, that we all had a hand in preparing.
What a night to cherish; the beginning of the end of lockdown, celebrating travels to come, India, food, friendship and family; all before diving in to a tray of carefully selected Indian Sweets.

The fondest memories are made, gathered round the table.

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In Australia you can find The Spice Tailor range in Coles and Woolworths 

*We were gifted The Spice Tailor meal kits however, as always, these are my own words, and my own opinions. 

Small Biz Shout Out #3 -Elly VValler Design

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment
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I am so excited to introduce you all to Elly Vvaller. Elly is not only a beautiful person, she is also the creator of some insanely gorgeous hand printed paper goods! Yes that says hand printed!!!
I had a good chat with Elly and asked her to share her story, so that you could all be encouraged to reach out and support her.

Elly – Elly VValler Design

I’ve been running my own business since 2015.  I started whilst on maternity leave, got my first big retailer early on and the rest followed!
Originally from the UK, I’m now based in Sweden where I run the business from my peaceful home studio.
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I have always been creative and am an illustrator at heart. For that reason, when I started my business I decided to specialise in beautiful hand foiled greetings cards and prints. I sell these worldwide via wholesale and through Etsy for those of you who love putting pen to paper or wrapping gifts in delightful designs.
The current climate means that I’m having to be a little more creative in how I work and what I’m producing. I’ve found my new print at home files  are doing well and I’m hoping to offer a bespoke service where I ship products direct with a personal message.  Fingers crossed!
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As a small business owner, I’m continuously looking at working harder on my social presence.  I feel that it’s so important my customers know who’s behind the brand and understand that there’s more to me than my stationery.  I am currently working on a brand new website that combines my love for vintage, styling and illustration, so watch this space!
Collaborations are at the top of my list!  Do get in touch if you have a great idea! 
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At times like this we all need to remember we’re in this together!  It’s unthinkable that every single person and business is affected by Covid 19 no matter how big or small they are.  I truly hope we can learn to see the positive take aways from this situation we find ourselves in. I’m hoping that over time we relearn the joy of snail mail, slowing down and most importantly, staying in touch.  Writing is our historical archive and we don’t want to lose it in a time when text and zoom is king.
I am lucky in that I haven’t had to make too many changes to my way of working because of the pandemic. However, I have made it my goal to create more of a presence on social media to really reach my customers and show them who I am and what I am creating. I’d love for you to reach out and find me, see my work, like what I do, and purchase something that may brighten someone’s day just at the right time.
Elly xx 
If you would like to get in touch with Elly regarding wholesale or purchasing something to make someone smile, please email her directly at @ellyvvallerdesign@gmail.com     or you can reach out to her through Instagram 

Thank You!

Whilst many, many small businesses are letting go of staff, and popping the ‘closed’ sign on the door for the last time, thousands more are trying their absolute best not to become a victim of the Covid-19 Pandemic. That is why it is crucially important that we all make sure we are researching before buying and making a real point of ‘shopping small’. By sharing these posts you are sharing this small business with your friends and you are creating a chain of exposure for each and every business we feature. Imagine the difference you could make, just with the click of a button!!

Who can you support next?

Liv xx

 

Covid-19 Making expats feel even further from home

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

 

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Photo – Andrea Piacquadio

Covid-19 is throwing ‘life as we know it’ into something we have only ever seen in films. It’s pushed us to think long and hard about what we we really need, and shown us just how much we take for granted. (Not necessarily a bad thing?) We all have so many questions as we sit back and watch it unfold across the world, in ways we could have never imagined.

“We are in a war against an invisible killer,” UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock

For expats, living far from their loved ones, this pandemic hits us hard, not only because our every day life is fast becoming unrecognisable, but it’s hit us in the heart.

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Photo – Cotton Bro

 

 

Whilst we are experts in conversing via video chat, and writing letters to friends in far off lands, nothing has prepared us for being helpless when seeing our loved ones in lockdown. We are only able to watch on as our older relatives need us now more than ever. Over 65’s in the UK are facing a long stretch of time at home in isolation, and when that includes your family members, and you’re so far away, it’s hard. A month ago, we could have jumped on a flight, and raced to the rescue if a parent or family member was sick, needed us, or worst case scenario passed away. Now we’re feeling shut off and we don’t know how long for.  Many expats are deeply concerned they may never get the chance to see some of their loved ones again. 

 

My sister is a doctor in an NHS hospital. Last year she had lymphoma and faced a long battle against cancer, she has only been well enough to return to work full time in the last month. I’m terrified she will get sick and die and I will be stuck here in Australia. My Dad is also very vulnerable, and she won’t be able to visit in case she passes it on as she will be exposed at work. I am so scared I may never see them again. I’ve always thought that I could get home in 24 hours and now that’s not the case and I hate it – Chloe Reynolds 

“I’m feeling far away”

Flights are being cancelled and border controls are being put in place to stop people spreading the virus. When you rely on flying to get you to your family, this can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and panic. We are too far away to pop a cooked meal on the doorstep of a loved one, or pop by and check on them (through the window), so who’s going to help them?

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Photo- Lisa Fotios

 

 

At a time when Age UK have stressed the importance of thinking of “practical” ways to help the elderly, such as running errands on relatives’ behalf or picking up supplies such as food and medication, it is tougher than ever to be overseas. You feel helpless. The only thing we can do is make an extra effort to check in on our local community, reach out to the more vulnerable people in our streets, and hope that people are doing the same for our family too.

My parents were due here early May. We haven’t seen them for almost 4 years. Also my 70+ dad has heart condition & mum weak immunity. Yes that distance suddenly got a long way away.  It is what it is, but gosh what I would do to have a hug from my parents right now  – Sarah Trett

With so many frightening scenes around the world, we have mixed emotions about the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s important that we are brave, not just for ourselves but for our loved ones too.

It’s like a nightmare, my Dad passed away yesterday, Mum isn’t coping at all and my only brother is in isolation as my nephew is sick- Paulette Smith

At this stage it’s hard to ascertain how long we will be faced with restrictions or determine when will it be ‘safe’ for any of us to get home, so the most important thing for everyone to do, is keep in touch, keep strong and most importantly keep well.

I have a frail elderly mum who is 83 and living by herself in the UK. Luckily the church community are keeping an eye on her.
I have a brother who is a respiratory physician who will be very much at risk of catching the virus.
A sister in Belfast who helps run the breast cancer services whose services have basically stopped to push resources and manpower to care for those with the virus, leaving those who get sick with cancer and needing surgery having just to wait!
My other sister is a teacher … keeping teaching in her school for those children of key workers. Very anxious times. – Juliet Clayton

Despite all our worries, and our feelings of helplessness during this crisis, we must remember, this pandemic has the ability to segregate us all, but it absolutely has the capability to bring us all closer than we have ever been.

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Photo – One Shot

 

Have courage, and be kind

 Liv xx

 

If you are an expat, we’d love to hear how you are keeping in touch with loved ones back home. What are you doing to assist or make life easier & brighter for friends & relatives who are far away?

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The quotes in this article came from the women who are part of the UK Mums in Melbourne Facebook Group.  You can find them on Instagram too!

Sonic is coming and you can win tickets!!

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I don’t know about you, but every time I see this little blue guy, it takes me back to the good old days!

I guess that’s why I can’t wait to take the kids to see SONIC THE HEDGEHOG when it’s released on the 13th February!

Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from ©SEGA, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth.

In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic. 

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To celebrate the release of this exciting new movie, we are giving you the chance to WIN 1 of 10 double in-season passes over on our Facebook & Instagram pages!

Head over there now to be in with a chance!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG IS IN CINEMAS FEBRUARY 13 

Facebook: /ParamountPicturesAU 
Twitter: @ParamountAU
Instagram: @ParamountAU #SonicMovie
Directed by Jeff Fowler Written by Pat Casey & Josh Miller Based on the Sega Video Game Produced by Neal H. Moritz, p.g.a, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Takeshi Ito Executive Producers Hajime Satomi, Haruki Satomi, Masanao Maeda, Nan Morales, Tim Miller Starring: James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter and Jim Carrey 
 ©2020 Paramount Pictures & SEGA. All Rights Reserved. 

The Being Brave Book: A Novel And Guide

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The following book review was written by me and first published on KidTown Melbourne

The Being Brave Book: A novel & guide about finding courage and strength by Sema Musson and Hester Leung.

I have recently enjoyed this delightful book with my 11-year-old daughter, who herself has moved schools and walked, in many ways, in the shoes of the main characters. Not only did it encourage us to discuss the power of positive thinking, but also started conversations on the importance of being determined, brave, honest, imaginative, and best of all, kind. Lessons that we could all take on board and talk to our children about a little more frequently.

‘Ellie and Alyssa have been best friends since pre-school. One chatty, one shy, one adventurous, the other considered, one Australian, one with Chinese heritage, both supportive and giving. It’s easy together. Then they change schools.’

Being Brave is a novel and personal development guide for young girls with themes on self-esteem and resilience. It’s the first novel/guide we have read and I’m glad we did!

We are all aware of the challenges children face while growing up, but it’s stories like this that teach us all how to put one foot in front of the other regardless of how big the climb! It’s an important read for youngsters as it confirms their feelings are not out of the ordinary, and therefore they’re not alone.

Please grab a copy and join Ellie and Alyssa on this important journey through the everyday pressures of school and family life in this all-Australian girls’ adventure story, where girls triumph and the main characters reflect Australia’s wonderful ethnic diversity.

Get a copy, cuddle up with your girl, and take some time out to enjoy the togetherness whilst learning some positive personal development tips!

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Check out the Being Brave Girls on Facebook

The Being Brave Book: A Novel And Guide By: Sema Musson and Hester Leung is available to buy online at Booktopia and other leading book stores.BB5.jpg

RRP $19.95

‘It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are!’

Liv xxx 

Check this smashing kids dining range!!!

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Yes folks, picnic season is back on! (We’re in Melbourne, so picnic season is definitely a thing!) Everyone loves eating outdoors, especially us Mamas, as it means fresh air, fun times, and the birds get to clean up the crumbs! That’s why I’m hitting you up with this intel before you finish your Christmas shopping, or complete your back to school haul, and before the weeks and weeks of school holidays where lunches last aaaaalllll day!!

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The clever crew at Smash Enterprises have come up with yet another fabulous everyday kids range which I can guarantee your babes are going to love! (Tell Santa the good news!!)

If you get yourself to your local Woolworths on the 27th November you’ll be one of the first to get your hands on these beauties for half price in their two week sale (offer ends 10th Dec)!!!

What’s not to love about that!

 

Things we love about the range:

  • Great designs – we all want happy kids, and happy kids who eat!!
  • Easy to clean– This is a must isn’t it?
  • Travellers – with the leak proof containers, screw top cups, flip top drink bottles, and durable plates and bowls, the whole range is great for travelling!!
  • Fun to fill – Makes my mornings a lot easier if the kids enjoy making their own lunch!

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  • BPA free– so important for our growing children!! 
  • Ice brick cooling – It’s warming up out there, and the ice block is a winner! (If they remember to pop it back in the freezer)
  • Durable – I’ve seen how kids treat their lunch boxes so the stronger the better I say!!!

Alongside the Bento Bite lunch boxes, and Hydro Sippers, Smash have launched the super cute bamboo plate & bowl, and some funky cups with ‘swirly straws’. Great for encouraging rehydration!!! Win!

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Kids dining just got a whole lot cooler and you need to get in on it before they sell out!

Prices

Bento Bite Lunch Boxes – $20 RRP

Curly Straw Tumblers – $9 RRP

 Bamboo Plates – $5 RRP

Bamboo Bowls – $5 RRP

 Hydro Sipper- $9 RRP

Don’t forget to head to Woolworths from the 27th Nov for the ‘Smash Kids Dining Range’ two week, half price sale (offer ends 10th Dec)!

 

Make sure you’re following our Facebook & Instagram pages for a ‘Smashing’ giveaway coming soon!!!

 

Carols by Daylight -Friend in Me

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

If you are a parent in Melbourne, you will have heard of the amazing gang at Friend in Me. If you haven’t, keep reading because you need to know about the wonderful work they are doing!FIM3.jpg

Friend In Me enhances social inclusion and spreads kindness in childhood in the effort to break the cycle of mental health conditions that derive from being ostracised from society. These guys deliver all the magic that is sadly missing from some children’s lives! Talk about AMAZING!!!

Friend in Me are on a mission to make sure that no child is left behind.

‘We want to children to be empowered to celebrate their uniqueness and have the confidence and the tools to build their tribe so they can go forth with life when they never thought possible. We are working and collaborating with organisations to have an impact on social change through our events and workshops.’ – Friend in Me

Friend In Me is having an end of year celebration at the iconic Melbourne Museum on Saturday, 14th December 2019 with some amazing acts including;
 
Team Dream 
Signing Choir
Bethany Fisher and her dance crew
Santa
Headlining act by Harrison Craig winner of the second series of ‘The Voice’ 
Snow Queen Elsa 
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To join in all the fun at Melbourne Museum, in support of Friend in Me, you can purchase adult tickets for $30. All of the money will go directly to Friend In Me to make sure even more kids are supported! Kids are free  (or gold coin donation).
**Tickets include free entry into the Museum after the event so you can all make a day of it.

Check out the event here

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Please share this post with your friends and family, and get the word out there about this wonderful event!!!

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