Tag: Latest Posts

Rich in antioxidants & proudly Australian-made- ‘WotsNot To Love’ about this sunscreen?

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Wot? You’ve Not heard of Wotnot Naturals? Well let me tell you, you’ve been missing out! Wotnot is an Australian-owned (and run) company I’ve been a fan of for quite a few years now! (*Their tanning products are the bomb!). In my humble opinion, their latest baby is their ‘wow factor’ product because it provides everything you need to look after your skin in a single, once-daily cream. Yasssss! This is Australia’s first SPF 40, true mineral makeup & collagen serum booster in 1, and you’re gonna love it!

SPF protection in makeup form with some anti-wrinkle protection thrown in, sounds like a dream right? Well, not anymore. I’m all for skincare products that save you time, protect your skin and make you look darn fabulous all in one, so this has fast become a firm fave in my bathroom cabinet.

Hybrid sunscreen/foundation products have been around a little while, and as someone who likes a bit of make up love even on the beach, but is in desperate need of good sun protection too, I’ve tested a fair few. In all honesty I’d begun to think that they were all too sticky, too thick or simply never the right colour. Frustrating or Wot! Well, that was until I got my hands on the WotNot Naturals SPF 40 mineral makeup.

This multi-purpose hybrid works not only as your daily sun protection, but also as your BB cream, anti-aging serum, and mineral make-up too. *I know right! Four products, on your face in one slap! And let me tell you, this ingenious product IS a great sunscreen, IS fab skincare and IS a lasting make up product. It really is! I can honestly say this has the nicest texture of any I’ve had the pleasure of popping on. I love the look and feel on my skin, plus the fact that it really does what it’s supposed to do, rather than being a great SPF and a mediocre makeup. I told you, I’ve tried a few! The most important thing about having one product that covers a lot of bases, is that it’s hugely good for the environment!

“Who has time in their morning routine to apply three different products to get the same result? Wotnot’s mission is to care for people and our planet. All our products are reef-friendly, cruelty-free, made with recycled packaging that is also recyclable, and a percentage of sales goes to Women’s Community Shelters. Our high-quality, environmentally friendly, socially responsible and sustainable products tick all the boxes – and they work. A great skin product that nourishes and protects your skin while knowing you’re making a difference.  Wotsnottolove?” WotNot CEO Sinead Roberts

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ALL-NATURAL ZINC SUNSCREEN + BB CREAM

Flawless coverage PROTECTS AND PERFECTS

✔︎ Lightweight and non-greasy

✔︎ Full mineral makeup

Eco-friendly

✔︎ Zinc oxide shield against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning)

✔︎ Vegan plant collagen – clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

✔︎ Reef-friendly sun protection

✔︎ Toxin-free formula

✔︎ Certified organic ingredients

  Benefits of this awesome product include:

✔︎ Zinc oxide active

✔︎ TGA approved

✔︎ Provides broad spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B

✔︎ No artificial preservative – our preservative is approved by the ACO (Australian Certified Organic) organisation

✔︎ Ideal for people with sensitive skin

✔︎ Beautiful texture, no separation formula and easy to apply

✔︎ Australian made with recyclable packaging

WotNot also have an UNTINTED cream for ALL skin tones. This SPF 30 product blends clear leaving you with a soft primed finish.Yay! You can view the ‘Untinted’ one here.

If, like me, you’ve been searching for the perfect broad-spectrum sun cream makes your daily skincare routine so easy and you skin look like something outta a flashy mag, then this is my gift to you!

Buy yours today for just $34.99

Do it because you love your skin and you love the planet!

I was gifted this product for review, however as always, all the views here are my own honest opinion!
Keep your eyes peeled over on instagram for a little showcase on my face!

Puffing Billy: a truly magnificent way to travel!

Published on by Mrs Wilson of Oz2 Comments

On Monday we went on an adventure. The kind of adventure we’ve all spent the past two years longing for. The kind of adventure you beam throughout and realise at the end of the day, your smile hasn’t budged an inch. We went flying through the Dandenong Ranges on board the world famous Puffing Billy Railway.

I often wonder what memories my children will have of their childhood. Having moved about a fair bit, I wonder if certain places have felt more like home than others. Have we spent enough time making those moments that will be cherished for years to come? You know the ones. The ones they’ll jump to relive with their children!

With my legs hanging over the side of Puffing Billy, the smoke billowing past and enthusiastic ferns waving us by, I looked across to the children. We were in the throes of life long memory making right there and none of us knew it! We were too busy watching the countryside flying past, waving at dog walkers, pointing out kookaburras and laughing at our feet dangling over the pristinely preserved carriage sides as we crossed trestle bridges and passed long ago landslides.

Since 1900, Australia’s premier preserved steam railway has transported over 11 million passengers through the magnificent landscapes and lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, and for more than 100 of those years, Puffing Billy Railway has shared a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world – sitting on the sill of the traditional open-side carriages with your legs hanging out!

Sitting on the sills with your legs ‘overboard’ is a truly magnificent way to travel no matter your age.

“This is a one in a lifetime experience”

We took flight on the 11:15am train from Belgrave and travelled to Lakeside, where the new visitor centre stands proud in amongst the glory of the rainforest, and rightly so! This brand new centre is home to an incredible (spotlessly clean) café, gift shop, local art and the museum which cannot be missed! We loved discovering the steam artefacts and learning about the rich history of Puffing Billy before buying our own body weight in lollies from the gift shop! I quietly wished I had been around in the old days to enjoy First Class and the sumptuous trolley service!

The wonderful thing about landing at Lakeside is you have so much at your fingertips to enjoy. If you love exploring the outdoors, this is the place for you, with magnificent walking trails, swimming (during summer), paddle boats on Lake Treganowan and bike hire at COG Bikes . Now that’s an adventure we’re keen on!! Yes! You can jump off the train and on to two wheels. Simply book your trail bike or ebike, collect them once you arrive, and off you go, even deeper into the Dandenong Ranges at your own speed (or that of your fastest child!). I can almost hear the Kookaburras as I type.

‘Combine your Puffing Billy Train Trip or your visit to Emerald Lake Park with bike hire allowing you to explore the surrounds of Emerald Lake Park on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail that runs along Puffing Billy between Emerald and Gembrook.‘ COG Bike Hire

I know you’re thinking.. Wow! Hungry work!! Well, do not despair! We picked up a delicious picnic at the visitors centre which we devoured. This is a fab option for those of you who, like me, love a picnic if it’s made by someone else. This was mega! We had an Adults picnic for 2 and a Kids picnic for 2 which gave us a feast!! We enjoyed a banquet of baguettes, cakes, brownies, yoghurt, fruit salad, cheesy scrolls and freshly made salad with dressing! We even had some leftovers for the car ride home!

If you’re looking for a school holiday adventure, you’re visiting Melbourne and want a truly Victorian treat, or you’re on the lookout for a Spring time Saturday afternoon activity, you must head to Puffing Billy Railway!

This is the place memories are made!

For more information and to book your next adventure head to https://puffingbilly.com.au/

We were invited to check out Puffing Billy Railway and the new visitors centre, however, (as always) this is my honest review of our day out!

Get Excited!! Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ coming to Melbourne

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Exciting news today that none other than Shane Crawford is about to make his musical theatre debut in the role of the Pharaoh in the Australian premiere new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Yes! You read that right! It’s time to get excited!!

Book Your Tickets Here

Tim Lawson in association with Michael Harrison and The Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that AFL legend, Shane Crawford will star exclusively as the Pharaoh, in this dazzling new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for the strictly limited Melbourne season.

Shane will join an all-star Australian cast that includes Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Joseph, and Paulini (The Bodyguard, Australian Idol)as The Narrator. Enjoyed by over 30 million people worldwide, this reimagined, feel-good musical is sure to enchant new audiences and longstanding fans alike. 

Shane Crawford will play the Pharaoh. Photo Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography

Shane Crawford has a truly diverse and remarkable career which includes his decorated AFL career, his wide-ranging television background, as an author and for his work as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia. This will be Shane’s first role in a major theatre production, adding to an already impressive career. 

 “To be offered an opportunity like this is amazing. I have done so many different things in my sporting and media career, but I have never performed in a musical, and I can’t wait! To be given the chance to be on stage, working with so many talented performers, entertaining an audience will be a huge buzz. Playing the role of the Pharaoh in this new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is going to be fun – and a little daunting.  Bring on the rehearsals!” Shane Crawford

THE AUSTRALIAN CAST

Shane Crawford is one of the AFL’s most marketable players, with a successful 16-year career at Hawthorn Football Club, he is one of the few players who has made a seamless transition into life in the media. The charismatic premiership player has demonstrated a range of talent that has won him many fans, with his quick wit, empathy with a wide audience, and natural ease on camera.

Having had a long association with Channel Nine as a key member of the Footy Show, Shane has been a presenter on the Today Show, Sport Sunday and Postcards.  In addition, Shane joined the fifth season of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021 sharing the hosting and sideline commentary duties.

In 2019, Shane appeared in I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! on the Ten Network and exited the Jungle in third place. 

Shane is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).  In 2010, Crawf – as he is affectionately known – completed an amazing feat to make Aussies proud, walking from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise money and awareness for BCNA.  That’s What I’m Walkin’ About lasted 12 days, raised $620,000, and saw Shane run back onto The Footy Show set through streets lined with supporters dressed in pink.  In 2013, Shane raised more than $1.3 million for BCNA after riding 3,600 kilometres from Melbourne to Perth in 22 days on his marathon Tour de Crawf. Shane is also an ambassador for Just Like Jack.

Euan Fistrovic Doidge as Joseph. Photo Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography

Euan Fistrovic Doidge is well known to Australian audiences having starred as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and as Marius in Les Misérables. He was the youngest ever nominee for the ‘Helpmann Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ for his performance in A Chorus Line.  Euan has also appeared in many other musicals including Fun Home, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pippin, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and Grease.  In 2014 Euan released his debut album Let It Sing.  Euan is currently appearing in the national tour of Cruel Intentions.

Paulini as The Narrator from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography

Fijian born songstress Paulini rose to fame through the first season of Australian Idol, making it through to the final four.  Post Idol Paulini rose to the top of the Australian ARIA Charts with her debut Platinum album ‘One Determined Heart’ and her Platinum smash single ‘Angel Eyes’, both hitting the #1 spot and receiving Aria Number 1 Chart Awards. 

Paulini went on to become a part of the chart-topping group the Young Divas, who had two top 10 albums and two top 10 singles.  On the stage Paulini played the lead role as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard Musical, was a lead vocalist in Saturday Night Fever, and played Dionne in the 50th Anniversary of Hair the Musical.  Paulini returned to television in 2019 in the hit show The Masked Singer, and more recently appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, where fans fell in love with her again for her voice and sincerity.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.  The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of times in over 80 countries worldwide.  The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.

Told entirely through song with the help of The Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers.  After being sold into slavery by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife.  While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh.  As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.

“A rip-roaring Joseph for the 21st century” – The Sun, UK

“This is a dream of a production. Go, go, go” – The Stage, UK

“A musical firing on all cylinders . . every performance oozes personality and mischief” – The Guardian, UK

Most recently the Pharaoh has been played by Jason Donovan in this production at the London Palladium and he can still be seen in the role on the current UK tour of the production.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.  The production is directed by Laurence Connor (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock), choreographed by Joann M Hunter (School of Rock), with music supervision by John Rigby. The creative team includes Morgan Large (Set and Costume Designer), Ben Cracknell (Lighting Designer), Gareth Owen (Sound Designer) and Richard Mawbey (Hair, Wigs & Makeup Design).

In Melbourne from November, playing at the Regent Theatre, for a strictly limited season.

“What a blast … triumphantly reborn” – Evening Standard, London

Book Your Tickets Here

Around Australia at 80ks – Your Summer ‘Must Read’

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Summer is almost upon us, and despite international borders reopening (*ahem sort of/don’t hold your breath) I think many of us are still planning to adventure closer to home this year. If, like me, you’re hanging out for an adventure within Australia, this is the book for boundless inspiration. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of experiences, insider travel tips and dog friendly fun, and is full to bursting with possibly the greatest photography of our beautiful country I have ever seen. If you’ve ever wondered what it may be like to hit the open road and really explore what Australia has to offer, here is your inspiration. As you turn each and every page, you could almost be there inside Meredith & Sean’s bright yellow combi, patting Bandit the pup; the warm, salty wind blowing in your hair! Yes, it’s that good!

This great Aussie road trip took Mez, Sean and Bandit across four states, one territory and over
22,400 kilometres. They drove over dirt roads, down four-wheel drive tracks, onto ferries and
boats, to the edges of cliffs, across beaches and up mountains. They ventured through dust
storms and croc-infested waters, over red dirt, into some of the most ancient lands on Earth,
and along some of the most isolated roads in the world. All in their trusty vintage 1975 kombi,
Meredith’s camera at the ready and with a true sense of wanderlust to fuel their journey.

As a photographer, Mez knew this once-in-a-lifetime adventure would offer her the
opportunity to capture Australia in her own unique way, particularly after the dramatic
changes to our landscape since the devastating bushfires, and boy did she do this.. with a cherry on top!


When it comes to travel, Meredith is full of encouragement and enthusiasm.
‘It took guts to head out across this great big country in an old yellow kombi. I hope every
page gives you a little more of the confidence and comfort you need to set out on your own
adventure. If we can do it in a 1975 kombi you can do it too!’


One of my favourite things about this book is the oodles of great tips this awesome team share so you and I can explore to the fullest when we dust off our suitcases. From dog-friendly highlights (yay) and the best camping spots, to locating the tastiest cheap eats and the finest coffee, this is just as much a travel guide as it is an insanely beautiful coffee table book to share with the fam. After our trip to Kangaroo Island earlier in the year (best holiday ever) the children were thrilled to turn the pages and see the little yellow combi getting on the ferry & hitting up all the sites we’d loved too.

Around Australia At 80ks provides all the inspiration you need to get out on the road!

If you’re looking to elevate your next road trip or you know someone who’d love to live this adventure, you’ve got to get this book. I’ve had a copy for a couple of weeks and have picked it up over and over again, diving into a new landscape every time. Whether you’re ready to hit the road, or you’re happy to live vicariously through Mez’s adventure, this is the road trip that keeps on giving. Enjoy xx

About the author


Meredith (aka Mez) is an Australian photographer, writer and educator, based on the South Coast
of New South Wales, Australia. Specialising in landscape, travel and documentary photography,
her passion is in telling stories and capturing images that evoke a response – visually, emotionally,
intellectually or otherwise. Outside of photography, Meredith is an avid car collector and restorer.
She can often be seen at her local beach with Etta, her beloved yellow kombi, Bandit, her dog,
and Sean, her husband. They travel around Australia getting off the beaten track to discover this
amazing vast and wild country. Around Australia At 80ks is her first book.

You can follow Meredith & see more of her work on Facebook, Instagram and on her website.

Around Australia at 80ks
Two humans, one dog and a bright yellow kombi
on the road trip of a lifetime
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEREDITH SCHOFIELD

Out now. Buy here

Affirm Press
RRP: $35.00

Melbourne, stop eating immediately… and get to Grazeland !

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

TANTALISE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT MELBOURNE’S GRAZELAND  The permanent foodie’s playground!

Hailed as ‘A permanent festival of food in Melbourne’ and ‘A playground for foodies, friends and families’ it goes without saying, I cannot wait to get to Grazeland.

Grazeland is set to reinvigorate the city’s food scene with a wide range of  cuisines and fan favourites on offer from 50 food and beverage vendors in the new permanent playground for foodies!

Photo credit Sam D’Agostino

Initially set to open in early 2020, Grazeland, like many other new ventures, was forced to push pause last year. The  unique outdoor dining experience is now more fitting than ever – bringing Melburnians a COVID-safe casual dining  precinct that spans across whopping 10,000sqm. 

“Almost two years ago, we hand-picked some of our favourite local establishments to join us at Melbourne’s first  permanent festival of food and we are thrilled to finally be able to announce Grazeland’s official opening date,” says  John Forman, Grazeland Director. “It is more important than ever to be able to offer Melburnians a place to safely gather  together and reconnect over food, discover new favourites, and create memories after experiencing such an isolating  year.” 

Ready to service every indulgence, Grazeland pays homage to Melbourne’s celebrated hospitality industry and offers the rare opportunity to please everyone in a group. Grazeland’s large list of sweet and savoury food vendors are complemented by three fully licensed bars, artisan stalls selling locally designed products, and a rotating schedule of  captivating entertainers and live performances on two stages. 

Photo credit Sam D’Agostino

Tailored to those looking to feed their curiosity, diners can expect to choose from some of Melbourne’s favourite dishes.  Menu items include award-winning pizza from 48h, cannoli from Cannoleria by That’s Amore Cheese, Bengali-style  curries from The Calcutta Club, freshly shucked oysters and lobster rolls from Claw & Tail, frozen cheesecake from Stix,  family-favourites from Hooked Fish & Chipper, African BBQ from Tasty Suya, and authentic gelato from Cielo Gelateria among many others. 

Reminiscent of a street party from earlier days, Grazeland’s design was carefully curated by Push Projects. The location features individually designed stalls that bring each offering to life and was created with Melbourne’s weather in mind,  with ample undercover and outdoor seating available – making it a destination for everyone and every season. 

“We’re very excited for people to be able to head to Grazeland. It’s set to be a great weekend destination for  families and friends to come together to relax and be entertained. We welcome Melburnians from across the city to  explore more of what Melbourne’s inner-west has to offer,” says Cr Jonathon Marsden, Mayor of Hobsons Bay. 

Visitors can find the permanent festival of food in Melbourne’s inner-west, across the West Gate Bridge next door to  Scienceworks, in Spotswood – just 17 minutes from Flinders St Station and easily accessible via car, boat and public  transport.  

Grazeland brings together foodies, families, work colleagues, and couples alike to connect over a food-fuelled  adventure and discover some of the best that Melbourne has to offer. 

Make yourself hungry and go to Grazeland!!

Address: 20 Booker St, Spotswood VIC, 3015  

Opening Hours:  

Friday – 5pm to 10pm 

Saturday – 12pm to 10pm 

Sunday – 12pm to 9pm  

Website: www.grazeland.melbourne  Socials: @grazeland.melbourne  

Go back to school nude with Smash Enterprises

Published on by Mrs Wilson of Oz1 Comment

Back to school is fast approaching. Eeeek! How has that happened? It only feels like yesterday that term 4 ended and we were gearing up for Christmas and now we’re staring term one right in the eye! With the new school year looming, I’ve been listing all the things I need to organise and, just like every year, it’s a little overwhelming; especially as I have a tendency to leave everything to the last minute and my children seem to have grown about a meter since December!

Bento Bite full of Coconut Yoghurt & lots of goodies for lunch!

Although I should be getting ready, buying school shoes and getting haircuts, I am not’, I’m organising and packing for our road trip to Kangaroo Island next week!! Same same but different. In fact, I think organising a family holiday is easier than organising all the school stuff!

Smash Enterprises Nude Food Movers available at Woolworths

The great thing about heading off on an trip this time of year is not just knowing that we are about to embark on an adventure together, but knowing the weather will be perfect and there is bound to be plenty of beautiful fresh produce to be snacked on all the way Adelaide! Yay for the Nude Food Movers!

I dug out our Smash Enterprises Nude Food containers and lunchboxes that have been cleaned and prepped ready for the new school year (*yeah I actually do that) and have filled them will all sorts of goodies to keep the kids satisfied on the road. These great rubbish free containers are not only super handy to throw in bags *LEAK PROOF… they also ensure the car (or classroom) doesn’t end up full of trash! I am a huge fan of the Nude Food revolution, and Smash always seem to get their ranges Bang On! Due to the fact that these are leak proof, they can be a little tricky to get open and closed, so if you have preppies this year, you may want to practice a few times.

No leaks, easy to clean, dishwasher safe *hoorah, and cool enough for the bigger kids to pop in their school bags too! No cringing here thank you! How good do they look!?!?!

Smash Enterprises (Left to right) Tall Zipper Case, Triple Snack Tube, Leak Proof Snack box & Sandwich box, Fruity Movers & Bento Bite

If you’re about to go on the search for fab back to school lunch ware, just head to Woolworths where you will find a fabulous range of Nude Food Movers for your team! Smash have thought of everything, and have even got some gorgeous new ice packs! (*check my instagram stories) Oh, and make sure you tag us in your pics so I can get some lunchbox inspo because let’s face it, by week two they’ll be on repeats again!

Smash Enterprises Bento Bite

Head to Woolworths to grab all your back to school lunchboxes, and make sure your kids are starting the new school year the right way! #gobacktoschoolnude

These lunchboxes were gifted for a review, however, as always, the opinions in this article are honest and a true indication of what I think is a fab product!

Serious flippin’ fun with Acro Kids

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Honestly, school holiday fatigue is kicking in. I know it’s only week 3 but the struggle is real. Christmas is over, the presents are rapidly sinking to the bottom of the toy box, and we are inching toward unacceptable levels of screen time whilst mama works!

Thankfully Acro Kids have come to the rescue with their exceedingly good holiday program at their incredible new venue, and as I type, the freshly showered children are curled up on the sofa, well and truly exhausted! #Thankyou

Develop your child’s acrobatics and parkour skills, fitness, coordination, stability, strength and confidence!

Acro Kids offer fun, energetic, non-competitive, recreational gymnastics and parkour programs designed for children aged 1 all the way to teenagers (school holiday program is from aged 3.5), from beginner to advanced.

My children haven’t done anything like this before. Acro Kids has been their first foray into parkour and gymnastics, and from their very first class, they were hooked. Both are buzzing when I pick them up, and are tripping over each other to show me their newly learnt skills and tricks, which today included nailing a walkover and perfecting their flips and aerials. All these newly accomplished skills are honed by the gentle and supportive guidance of the fabulous coaches & Mr.D.

The pride, the sense of achievement and the desire to improve are what makes Acro Kids one of the best activity programs available for youngsters – Liv Wilson

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to get your children active this summer, and into the new school year, you must must must check out Acro Kids! Trust me, you’ll have all the feels when you pick up your hot, sweaty, proudly cartwheeling children!!

All the info

My children are 8 (boy) and 12 (girl) and both love these classes equally.

ACRO KIDS SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMS – January 2021

Mornington & Mordialloc

Let the Acro Kids team entertain your kids at their Acro and Parkour/Ninja workshops and full day holiday programs these holidays!

2 hr Workshops – $30 per child

The popular Acro, Parkour and Acro/Ninja workshops are designed by qualified and experienced Gymnastics coaches for children aged 3.5 – 16 yrs of all levels of ability from beginner to advanced. Children will learn and practice gymnastics and parkour fundamentals including tumbling, cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, flips, aerials and much more! Circuit style program with fun games! 

Parkour workshops include super fun obstacle courses where the aim is to use both mind and body to run, climb, jump and vault from one station to the next.

Full Day Holiday Program – $85 per child

A combination of the Acro Kids popular acro and parkour/ninja workshops in an epic all day program. Designed for school aged children of all levels of ability and experience. Children will learn gymnastics and parkour fundamentals including tumbling, flips, aerials, cartwheels, handstands, barrel and commando rolls, fence jumps and much more! 

The program will run from 8.30am-3pm. We have extended care available until 5pm for an additional $20 per child. Children staying for extended care will have afternoon tea, supervised free play and a movie to keep them entertained!

Places are limited so avoid disappointment – BOOK HERE (link to https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ )

Term time program information and fees can be found here, or you can contact Acro Kids directly via info@acrokids.com.au or by calling 0477 079 970.

All of ACRO KIDS qualified coaches have Working with Children checks and First Aid training. Parents can drop off and pick up. There will be 1 trainer to 9 children ratio during the acro and parkour activities. Children will need to bring snacks, lunch, a water bottle and lots of energy! 
Read Acro Kids Covid Safe Plan here. 

Beebee+Bongo- Supporting women and families in Cambodia

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

When your kids drive you bongo, find the funny

I am so excited to share a really special brand with you! As soon as I heard about the amazing work Beebee+Bongo are doing to support women and families in Cambodia, I just knew I had to tell you about it. Beebee+Bongo is a new brand of eco-friendly toys that celebrates the ups and downs of parenting, while creating employment for women in Cambodia. 

Just as Monika, founder of Beebee + Bongo said in the video, parenting struggles are universal. *Don’t we know it! Wherever you go, whoever you talk to, no matter the cultural differences or socio-economic status, children everywhere push our buttons, embarrass us, keep us up at night, and generally drive us all crazy! 

Monika and the Cambodia Knits Organization (CKO), agree that being able to laugh at the situations our kids get us into —and ourselves—is key to surviving parenthood:

“We believe a healthy dose of humour is essential for parents. Your kids can drive you mad and there will be colossal disasters from time to time, but the best thing to do is take it in your stride and laugh.” – Monika

Get Behind Beebee +Bongo’s Kickstarter Project

Beebee + Bongo toys are designed with these parenting moments in mind. Each toy in the Sleepy Snoogus line-up for example, has its own unique sleep profile that parents and kids can relate to, including Sabay the Pig who has to wake up every two hours to eat. All of these wonderful, carefully created creatures are designed to remind parents that they aren’t alone in these struggles.  

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1951628744/find-the-funny

The truly wonderful thing about this story is that Beebee + Bongo and the Cambodia Knits Organization support parents locally in Cambodia by providing much sought after employment. Starting from January 1st 2021, Beebee + Bongo will become the primary purchaser of Cambodia Knits Organization products, all of which are eco-friendly, hand-made, and provide women with home-based employment that most importantly is fairly paid. 

“COVID-19 has wiped out 97% of tourism in Siem Reap, home to the World Heritage Angkor Wat Temples, and with it, tens of thousands of jobs. We decided to fight back—and fight harder than before—to ensure that we can keep these women employed, and employ even more.” Monika

The company estimates that for every $1300 in sales, CKO can employ another knitter. The Kickstarter campaign launched on November 24th will enable them to expand their product line and message to families around the world. 

Bongo the water buffalo is calm, industrious and patient

“These are products made for parents, by parents, that you can feel good about having in your home.” 

These gorgeous toys from Beebee+Bongo are not only fun for the children who play with them, they’re a friendly reminder to all of us that parenting isn’t about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing it with love and a sense of humor. A great reminder for all of us, especially this year!! Please do some research, find out more about the wonderful work of Cambodia Knits, and think about gifting a donation in support of this wonderful brand.

Please dig deep and help CKO create jobs for families in Cambodia and delightful products for families just like yours around the world.

Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give – Unknown

All the info

You can read more about the producers here

Support this wonderful work for as little as $5 a month now on Kickstarter! Visit Kickstarter and help keep all the knitters knitting through the Covid-19 Crisis. 

If you would like to talk to someone about making a donation, please email Monika using the link below.

Book review- Love your Brain

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

With so much going on in our little people’s worlds at the moment, there was no better time for this fabulous little book to hit our mailbox. Emotions have been running away with us over the past 10 months, (thanks lockdown) and honestly, I’m not sure any of us really took enough time to sit down and talk about how or why we were really feeling the way we were feeling.

Love Your Brain, written by none other than Chaos to Calm legend Chrissie Davies, is a brightly coloured, fun and interactive book that takes the readers on a journey of discovery. Discovery of our emotions, the way our brain works, how we can look after our brains and what we can do when big feelings take over our bodies. *Not just for kids hey. We all need a read!

Love Your Brain is the perfect brain bible, fun fact checker and most importantly, go to guide for parents and children to turn to in order to understand their behaviour more positively, and discover how to become brain builders, together.

“When we truly understand that children don’t see the world in the same way as adults, and we teach them how to keep their brains happy and healthy, we understand that this is really the most important parenting tool we will ever need” Chrissie Davies

As a busy mama to an even busier 8 and 12 year old, we can easily forget to stop and be kind to ourselves. Emotions can run high in our house, however, Love Your Brain’s enchanting narrator ‘Little Brainiac’ gave us all a gentle reminder to stop, calm down and love our brains so that they can love us back. I delighted in the calming nature of this read, and we all appreciated the emphasis on everyone’s brain being unique. I particularly loved being able to confirm to my children that “Yes, it’s ok to feel like that”, put a name to the emotion and reiterate how important it is that we are healthy & sleep well. *Thank you Chrissie!

“I created this book specifically for you to use with kids to help them understand the importance of learning about their brains, and it is my goal to hear the words “love your brain” in every family & classroom worldwide. I also hope that this book is used as a tool for teaching children about inclusion, neurodiversity and embracing our differences.” – Chrissie Davies

Love Your Brain emphasises the naming of emotions, and most importantly, how to manage them. This is a huge thing for our little ones. It’s incredibly hard for our children to open up about how they feel if they don’t really have a name for that ‘knotted feeling in their tummy’. Monty loved the idea that his brain is a computer and we spent ages chatting about his ‘amazing super computer brain’.

This is going to be an “always on the table” book in our house. One that we can dip in and out of whenever we need the reassurance, the guidance or the gentle reminder to feed our brains and give them a break every now and again.

If you have children, this is a book that will keep on giving. It is the perfect way to teach your little one about their emotions and about keeping their brain as healthy as can be! Gift this book this Christmas, and think of it as one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your child’s future.

Love Your Brain

Written by Chrissie Davies and Illustrated by Lou Pennisi

RRP $24.95

We were gifted this book, however, as always, these words are my own and honest opinion xx

Glowing skin is always in with Kiss Ready!

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

Truthfully, if you asked me to describe my skin tone, Miss Piggy comes to mind! I’m pink! Not pretty pink, just piggy pink! You’ll often hear me describe myself as an English Rose as I cower in my tent on the beach so not a bit of sun can reach by body, but in all honesty, I just don’t like the pasty white, almost blue when I’m cold, or tomato red when I’m hot, and I go out of my way to cover it up with the old “faux glow” fake tans whenever possible.

When I discovered the gorgeous Kiss Ready and tried the lip balm, I was sold! Whatever Louella makes, I’m all over it. As I’ve got older I have tried to stick to natural skincare and Kiss Ready ticks that box and more. Made in small batches, using Australian grown, cold pressed chia oil for the insane amount of goodness inside, these products sound too good to be true right? All this goodness and Louella who is the beauty behind the biz is just glorious, making Kiss Ready a no brainer for all beauty lovers wanting to make the right choices about their skincare.

Everyday luxury with small batch and nourishing natural skincare

Our range of Australian handmade, no nasties and cruelty-free artisanal skincare is enriched with Australian grown and cold pressed Chia seed oil – Louella Owner of Kiss Ready Skin

So, little old me, writing about skincare, well isn’t that a turn up for the books.

Whilst I am now very “into” skincare, I haven’t always been so careful to use the best ingredients. I grew into my skin in the usual way! I was always a chubby little thing growing up, with plump little cheeks. At about 12 I was using any chemical I could find to burn off spots, throughout my late teens and early twenties I pretty much used Vodka Redbull to hydrate and then I had kids… hence I am paying for it now!

What I particularly love about Kiss Ready, aside from the fact that the products give me gorgeous silky, glowing skin, is that Louella makes all the products by hand and fills them with love with every turn of her hands. Using packaging made mostly from glass and recycled or recyclable materials to leave as little footprint on Mother Earth as possible means so much to me. I want great quality products, but most of all I want to know that they have been lovingly made, using natural ingredients and they will leave as little impact on the planet as possible.

Rich in Omega 3 and 6, exceptionally high in vitamins and minerals, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, discover how chia-enriched skincare can benefit the skin and bring unexpected luxury to self care.

Liv’s Favourite 3 Products ***I love them all BTW

This Light Chia Face Oil is soothing and seriously hydrating, plus it smells divine. I wear this under make up and it doesn’t feel oily at all. If my skin is feeling like it needs a boost at night time, I stick a little on before I go to bed and know that whilst I’m dreaming, it’s working it’s magic. Good Morning Goddess!! $40

I am so in love with this sparkly, heavenly creation, that takes me straight from pork sausage to Bondi Babe! No streaks, no fake tan stench, just sparkly goddess bronze in a couple of drops! I use this as a bronzer on my face (over or under makeup), on my arms, legs and décolletage. Anything that’s showing gets a hit of gold, and I then spend the day strutting around like a friggin’ super model! Just watch me! BUY THIS GLOWING DAWN BODY OIL! $48

I am no stranger to the ‘Puffy Eye’ and this Bright Eyes Eye Cream has been a game changer for me. I pop this on before bed, and lay in all it’s plant based glory as the tired lines and puff fade away. Like seriously, why would you not?? Nourishing, hydrating and a total winner for tired mamas! Price -$40

You can read more about the Australian grown, cold pressed chia oil here.

So there it is!

I have only touched on the surface of Kiss Ready, there are so many wonderful products and even a Self Care Box that you can subscribe to so that you can enjoy a range of goodies from Louella’s collection.

If you love your skin, if you want to treat your body and your mind to some really good, natural skincare (*yes you do) give yourself a big hug and choose Kiss Ready!

Liv xx

I was gifted products from Kiss Ready for a review, however, I have used them before, and will be using them again. The words in this article are my own & honest opinion as always. Pricing is correct on publishing, but may be subject to change.

Glowing skin is always in!