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Saturday 30 May 2015

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream + GIVEAWAY tickets


DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM
A Celebration of Royal Proportions!
COMING TO MELBOURNE 2-6 JULY, 2015  
Tickets on sale NOW!

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream comes to Melbourne from 2-6 July, 2015 and will be the ultimate princess experience, taking audiences on a journey to fulfil their dreams.  Bringing two of Disney’s modern day princess stories Tangled and, The Princess and the Frog and two most beloved fairytales Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderellathis action packed skating spectacle is a classic meets contemporary celebration of 75 years of Disney Princess stories. Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream opens its National Tour in Perth on 5th June and travels to Adelaide, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney until 12th July.


Laugh at Disney's hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love. Watch as fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. And boogie to the beat of the bayou in a magical, musical journey that celebrates the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
Australian audiences will experience the beauty, sparkle, and adventure when Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream comes to a city near you!



2015 National Tour Dates
Perth - Perth Arena                                                                    5 - 7 June                  (Fri - Sun)
Adelaide - Adelaide Entertainment Centre                       12 - 14 June             (Fri - Sun)
Newcastle - Newcastle Entertainment Centre                 19 - 21 June             (Fri - Sun)
Brisbane - Brisbane Entertainment Centre                        27 - 29 June             (Sat - Mon)
Melbourne - Hisense Arena, Melbourne                          2 - 6 July                   (Thurs - Mon)
Sydney - Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park            8 - 12 July                 (Wed - Sun)


Purchase tickets from Ticketek: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice
Tickets start from just $29.50.  Additional discounts apply on select performances. Credit card and transaction fees may also apply. 


We have tickets to giveaway to 2x lucky winners. 4 tickets per winner.
When/Where: Friday 3rd July, 2:30 performance at Hisense Area, Melbourne.

Simple entry form via rafflecopter below. 
The more tasks you complete the higher chance of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends: Wesnesday 17th of June at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Thursday 18th of June.
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur. 


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Disney On Ice. I will be receiving tickets to the show above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Monday 25 May 2015

Car Trips and Home Dance Parties with Niah & ABC For Kids

Being a Mum means things change drastically in your life.
One thing that changes as they get older is they start to control the car music. You'll be cautious of what stations you will tune into because of their chat discussions and language or your little one will find a favorite TV show that brings out a soundtrack or musical sing-a-long CD in which our case the favorite is The Wiggles.

Everyday for about the last year we have been listening to The Wiggles and sometimes even Mummy me will forget there is no Niah in the car and have it playing autonomously and then realize I know all the words and being having a little sing-a-long karaoke session on my own in the car.

We were sent 4 selected titles to be able to finally change over current CD of The Wiggles which has been on repeat for too long to even count.



Celebrating their national tour a CD and DVD was released to get the party going. 
With songs that will make the little ones rock out in the car or having a dance party at home.
With special guests Lou Diamond Phillips, David Campbell and Robert Rakete taking feature in selected songs.

Niah usually relates her music from the TV in which she hasn't seen these ones on the DVD yet so it was a bit of a 'press' situation with her to find a song she could boogie out too. 
Niah will say 'press' when she wants the song skipped - but we did end up finding love in Riding My Bike as we always make jokes about Mummy going to the gym and riding the bikes whilst she goes into care. 



We all love our Aussie songs and this CD was a great one to be able to enjoy with the kids and provide a somewhat educational CD to them that allows them to get to know some Aussie animals. 
Definitely a high energy jump around here and there, stomping here and stomping there. 
This CD made for a bundle of laughs to be had whilst we danced around to this one. 



This one was Mumma's favorite to dance around the house with Niah with. Only because it played all those old school songs that we all know and used to dance to at the blue light discos at school. 
Everyone knows the songs and everyone knows the dance steps... well Niah is a little young at the moment but bring on the days when Mum can bust the moves out with Niah following along. 
Songs like Gangnam Style, Grease Melody, YMCA, Macarena are just some of the titles on this CD that we would all know. 


Happy Kids - RRP $14.99

Another CD that has all the old favorites that kids enjoy listening too. A sing-a-long boogie CD that has titles like I'm a Believer, Zip A Dee Doo Dah, Come On Get Happy and more.
It's the hits that have appeared in many kids movies that they get to know and that would be great to have at kids parties for any games. 


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by ABC 4 kids. I received the above title CD's as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Back to Work with Jeanswest [Fashion Post]


As you might have read recently on my blog this Mumma has returned to work and it was time to get decked out in new threads for work. All the things I used to wear to work prior to having Niah didn't fit me anymore and were undated pieces of clothing that weren't for this seasons weather.

I went into Jeanswest a few weeks ago to get some jeans and was actually really surprised at the clothing range other than jeans that were in store. There was pieces that I thought yeah, I would wear that to work and this is how it become so I teamed up with Jeanswest to shot some of there clothing in a back to work post.




Long Sleeve Top: Luna LS Zip Front Top $59.99

This would have to be my favorite combo from the Jeanswest items I had. Putting on all of these made me feel so comfortable and happy with where my body has gotten to now through my weight loss.

Cyndi Double Zip Ponte Blazer - Available in sizes XXS to XL in colors black and biscuit (as pictured above). A stunning fit that cuts in at the right area of the waist but being a loose material blend of made from 68% viscose 27% nylon 5% elastane.
The blazer is one of the most comfiest blazers I have ever put on. Usually a blazer is very narrow fitting and will make you feel tight and like the shoulders are going Gaga like on you but the Cyndi Double Zip Ponte Blazer is a very loose and flattering blazer that would be for comfortable on any body shape. The sides of the blazer come in as almost tear drop like, adding some uniqueness by the cut as well as having the double zips on both sides.

Luna LS Zip Front Top - Available in sizes 6 to 16 in coconut white color. Made from 100% viscose voile. A snug fit on the chest for me with this top but that is what I most prefer in my shirts as I do have a larger chest in which if the clothing does not sit fitted then it will drape from my chest, making me look larger than I am. The shirt is made with a dropped hem at the back for extra length to cover the bottom. Double pockets sitting on chest area. Adjustable clip up arm length to be able to change into a 3/4 top.

Aja Curve Embracer Skinny 7/8 Jeans - Available in sizes 6 to 16. Zippers on both sides of the ankles which I find to give a more fitted fit on the legs. I like my jeans to be tight around my legs especially around the ankles where they will give you the ankle skimming profile. The color of the jeans I would describe to be a washed out black on the thigh area with the kind of two toning grey black going on. Two zippers on the right hip and one zipper on the left hand side - these were fake zippers but added style to the jeans. I found these jeans to be snug fitting to my body and I really loved the design of these ones.





Long Sleeve Top: Flavia Mixed Fabric Shirt $59.99

Courtney Sleveless Fur Gilet - Available in sizes XXS to XL in colors black marle and biscuit marle (as pictured). A blend of 85% Arcylic, 15% Wool making up for a warm and soft vest. Added length to the back keeping that bottom warm. Single clip button near the waist area. Perfect for over the top of shirts on mid warm days. Very light to wear and snugly warm.

Flavia Mixed Fabric Shirt - Available in sizes 6 to 16 in colors coconut (white) and night blue.
A very delicate soft shirt made from 100% viscose. Two (2) sorts of paneling on this shirt with on the shoulders having a more clear see through area. Button up collarless shirt with adjustable clip together sleeves to make your shirt into a 3/4 style.

Viv Curve Embracer Skinny 7/8 Jeans - Available in sizes 6 to 16. Jeanswest have amazingly comfortable jeans that cater to any body shape. These particular jeans are in the curve embracer range which is more flattering fitted jeans catered to the curvy woman like myself. Zips at the back of the jeans which add a little something extra detail wise and look nice. 

www.jeanswest.com.au

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Jeanswest. I was able to keep a few item pieces as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Winter Warmers with Emerson clothing [Fashion Post]


The colder weather is approaching well should I say has arrived early for us in Melbourne. We have been experiencing the bone shattering Antarctic like weather since early May in my opinion.

Emerson are a clothing line which you have come across before but if you haven't then you will find them in Big W stores. Emerson runs through all genders and ages for clothing. Affordable and stylish.
I don't own very many pieces of clothing that have been brought from boutique like specialty stores because I find that I can get what I'm looking for from stores like Big W that are at a more affordable price range and keep the extra dollars I save on their clothing to purchase several more pieces of clothing.




 Emerson Waterfall Cardigan $15 Available in size S to XL
Emerson White Shirt $29
Emerson Long Leggings $9 Available from size 6 to 18.
Emerson Ballet Studded Flats $19
TOTAL OUTFIT PRICE: $62 

Emerson Waterfall Cardigan - This is an item that you want one in every color. Light, stretchy, stylish and comfortable. It marks everything we look for in clothing I say. 
I wear this cardigan into work as well because it just has that class to it as well. 

Emerson White Shirt - Two different materials in which the bottom of this long sleeve shirt has like a meshy see through material that gives added length and looks best when tucked up a little as pictured.
The material is very light and you can see through in which a singlet can be popped underneath should you choose. 

Emerson Long Leggings Who doesn't love wearing leggings? Well there is actually a properly quite a few out there but for me these have always been my comfort babies. Emerson have the cheapest and most affordable leggings out. Well fitted and super comfortable. 

Emerson Ballet Studded Flats - An all occasion pair of shoes that allows to be dressed up and down. 
A point at the end of them which is perfectly fine on the feet and doesn't feel like your feet are being squashed into a triangle like some other pointed shoes I have in my wardrobe. 




Emerson Pointelle Pullover $20 Available in sizes S to XL
Emerson Long Leggings $9 Available from size 6 to 18.
Emerson Ankle Boots $9 
TOTAL OUTFIT PRICE: $48

Emerson Pointelle Pullover - I wasn't 100% sure on getting this piece as I'm not really a big color person when it comes to clothes as I'm used to hiding away in my dark colors but I really loved this color when I saw this pullover and thought let's go try it on and see how it looks on me, I was surprised when I tried it on and that I could actually wear something like this and feel comfortable.
A loose knit material that is light - best put over the top of a singlet as it does go see through, through the knit.

Emerson Long Leggings - As above - one of my favorite wardrobe must have items!

Emerson Ankle Boots - These really got me shocked with a $9 price tag. Hello bargain!! Super comfortable and cute on the feet. The back of them has a low cut which goes down to the top of the ankle and allows for all size ankles to fit in nicely. Available in a royal blue, black and beige (as pictured) color. 


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Emerson by Big W. I received a gift voucher to purchase clothing pieces as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Saturday 16 May 2015

Le Uaina Beach Resort, Samoa


On our second trip to Samoa for this year we wanted to try up some other hotels and we only learnt of how close Le Uaina Beach Resort was to our family village when we visited earlier in the year.

Le Uaina Beach Resort is located in Faleapuna, Samoa. 35 mins from the airport and just in the next village from my families hometown, Lufilufi.
With three different rooms to choose from - Beach front view, Ocean front view or Garden view.
A restaurant and pool on site. With the local 'milkbar' shop just opposite the resort.


 BEACH FRONT VIEW ROOM

On our first two nights stay we stayed in the beach front room which is a little villa on it's own located only a few metres to the open ocean. In the beach front room you are presented with a double bed and a single bed with your own ensuite. The shower was the best thing ever - it was massive and really was a 'family sized' shower. You could shower all the kids at once and yourself after coming from the beach or pools which were only a few short steps away.

When we returned back to the hotel (we were staying between different hotels and families houses depending upon what we were doing on our day to day basis) we stayed at the Garden view not by choose but because they had a little muck up on the bookings and overbooked unfortunately so we couldn't go straight into the Ocean front room.


GARDEN VIEW ROOM

The garden view room presented you with a double bed that was not the comfortable of beds at all and I honestly wouldn't recommend staying in the garden view rooms unless you are on a budget and only in there for one night. The garden view does also feature an ensuite as well.


OCEAN FRONT VIEW ROOM


The next night we moved into the Ocean front room which was simply a more stunning and secluded little hut to be in. It had that real calming feeling towards it allowing you to really relax and take in the beautiful sights of the Samoa ocean front.
The Ocean front room was pretty much the same as a Beach front room but you are just in a even closer location to the ocean and are in a more private area.

Each room offers air conditioning as well as a fan for extra comfort from the hot and humid Samoan weather and an LCD TV in each room.



Le Uaina's onsite restaurant allows you to dine in front of the water, catching the cool breeze come night time under a beautiful big talie tree in the middle of the deck, keep cool indoors with there indoor dining or order room service and eat from your rooms.


A selection of meals are available which high recommendations from us being the Pizza and Spaghetti Marinara washed down with Samoa's own beer - Vailima.


A buffet breakfast is included in your room price which you can stop into the restaurant to eat or ask for it to be delivered to your room. A selection of fresh juices, fruits, cereals and toasts are for your choosing.

Le Uaina don't just stop there, they offer you all the attractions tour guidance that you need with taking you to all those must see spots or activities to do.


Le Uaina are definitely a resort that's affordable, comfortable and offer fabulous customer service. When we asked, we received and they were more then willing to be at your service.

Le Uaina - we will be back. We highly recommend considering a spot to Le Uaina should you ever visit Samoa.

Friday 8 May 2015

Australia's First Bridal Fashion Week


Australia’s wedding industry body, Wedding and Events of Australia (WEOA) is proud to launch the inaugural Australian Bridal Fashion Week (ABFW) in Sydney on June 5-7th, 2015 at the Australian Technology Park.

It's what we all dream about as little girls, we play games and mimic getting married or we get the dolls out and make them marry one another or in my siblings and I case we married our favourite condiments at the dinner table one time. Oh the things we do as kids.

Having that perfect wedding dress can stress you out with having to go from store to store and then you can panic thinking you'll never find the right one. Well, why not try something new and visit a fashion show that displays a gorgeous array of bridal dresses?


A wedding gown is one of the most important dresses a woman will ever wear. It will live on for generations, in our memory and in photographs. For the first time ABFW is giving brides a front row seat to embark on this unforgettable journey, to pick the perfect couture gown.

Top tier local and international bridal designers are given the runway and exhibitor’s a showcase to launch their new collections. There will be 15 shows on an incredible 40-meter catwalk.


Between runway shows attendee’s will have the opportunity to view the designs from a range of prestigious and emerging brands including bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, men’s suiting, footwear, headpieces, accessories, jewellery and juniors fashion. Industry retailers and buyers will also benefit from speaking directly with Australian couturiers.

And, just when you thought the VIP treatment was over, guests can sit back and relax with a glass of bubbles in the champagne bar, unwind in the Four Points by Sheraton lounge, or get that much needed beauty fix in the pamper room featuring the FABY nail bar, lashes and Harlotte cosmetics make up touch ups. ABFW’s pamper room will operate by a gold coin donation to ABFW’s preferred charity, the National Breast Cancer Association.

ABFW is an annual event taking place every June, for all details and to secure your VIP ticket head to the website below.



Baby Bumkins Baby Wipes [REVIEW]


All us Mummies know how critical baby wipes are in our lives when children are blessed into our lives. They become that essential that you freak out if you leave them behind and are completely lost without them.

Baby Wipes become our sticky finger wipes, our dirty mouth's wipes, our face washers, our table cleaners from texta drawings and of course the beloved bottom wipes. This Mummy has also been known to wipe up the placements after dinner with a baby wipe, scrub messy spots off the floor and take her makeup off with baby wipes. 
The uses that you can do with baby wipes are limitless literally. 

When I first became a Mum I wanted to try out all the brands that were on the market so I knew what worked best for me, I have gone through some horrendous wipes that would rip as they were coming out of the packaging because they were so thin! We definitely don't want to get the dreaded poo fingers if the wipes aren't durable enough to just be pulled out of the package that's for sure. 


Baby Bumkins is a brand that I have never come across before being kindly sent them to review. 
First off I was inlove with the name, doesn't it just scream cuteness to you? Well it does for me anyways haha.

Baby Bumkins comes in two different variety with one being lightly fragrance and the other fragrance free. Niah does have a little sensitivity to products which unfortunately she inherited from myself being so sensitive to certain products so I was skeptical on using the fragranced ones on her bottom but there wasn't a red reaction mark at all to be had which I am pleased to have seen. 

Baby Bumkins can be purchased in individual lots with 80 wipes per pack (RRP $3.99) measuring out at 190mm x 180mm so they are decent in sizing. A little clip close lid to lock in the freshness and keep those wipes wet. Alternatively you can purchase a value pack with contains 3 x 80 pack wipes (RRP $9.99).


Baby Bumkins are very soft and thick - exactly how we want them. These wipes are some tough ones, no doubt about that. Very durable and hard to rip. 
I did find that the fragranced wipes were more of a fluffy textured feel over the fragrance free wipes though. The fragranced wipes are a light scent that leaves a fresh clean scent for a short amount of time on the skin. 

Created with care, all ingredients are dermatologically tested, pH balanced and moisturised with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for added softness and protection with every nappy change. 
Not only was this helping my little one's bottom by being so gently and nourishing on her skin but it was looking after my hands too so they are not constantly drying out from being so used to have moisture contact. 

I do recommend these wipes and think they are of good value buy when it compares to others out there. Drop by IGA Supermarkets where you will find these on their shelves. 
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Nuffnang and Baby Bumkins. I received Baby Bumkins products as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Thursday 7 May 2015

Getting Healthy & Fit whilst being a Mum [Wellness Post]


I get asked all the time how I manage to do all the things I do whilst being a Mum all the time and the main one is fitness, how do I keep up with it.
Well here's some tips that will hopefully help you out. 

Training and Working Out -


SIGN UP TO A 24/7 GYM
You need to have flexibility. You can't always commit to a certain time slot. Allow yourself to have the freedom to go whenever you feel like it or can fit it in. 

SIGN UP TO A GYM THAT PROVIDES CHILDCARE
Before I was working I would use this practically on a daily basis. You can book your kids into childcare for a childcare session whilst you go and train. Then you schedule that into your diary and make it a set appointment. 
Not only is this a win for you but the kids are getting to socialize with others children and get out of the same environment to play with other toys they may not have or do something different. 
This is the reason I am with Fernwood - because they offer childcare.

SIGN UP TO A WOMAN ONLY GYM
If you are feeling self conscious being a Mummy who may want to lose some weight then sign to a woman's only gym where there is like minded mum's like yourself who want to achieve the same thing. 

SIGN UP TO A GYM WITH A BUDDY
This is the most motivating and encouraging thing you can do. Having someone to train with can be the best thing ever as you have someone their to watch and support your efforts. You can go together and train together, giving one another that extra push needed.  

GYM AT NIGHT TIME
When those darling cherubs are in sleepy time land, get the other half or someone to watch the darlings so you can head out to the gym that's if of course they go to bed at a reasonable time if you have a gym membership to a gym that closes of a night but most gyms around now will be 24/7.

GYM EARLY MORNINGS
If you're the stay at home Mum and the partner goes to work then why not get up, go to the gym and be back before he has to leave? Training in the morning is a good way to kick start that metabolism, set you up for a good day and release all those happy endorphin's first thing for you. 


GET OUTDOORS
Fresh air is the best thing you can do for yourself. Get outdoors - the kids will love you for this and you can burn off that extra energy of theirs before bed time. 
Get the kids on the bikes, scooters or put them in the pusher and go for a walk, jog or run. 
Even if you take the kids to the park, run around them in a circle covering the parameter of the park.

TAKE UP A FUN CLASS 
Who says just gym is the only place you can work on your fitness. 
Join a dance class, martial arts class, zumba class or even pole dancing like I have just started up. All these sorts of classes will get you moving and the more you move the more you burn.

ADVENTURE AROUND
Take the family out to explore your local surroundings or your state with attractions that you will have to do something active to get there.
Visit a nature park, zoo, mountain etc where you will be walking around a lot. 

TAKE UP THE CHILDCARE HOURS
Start the day earlier and pop the kids in an hour earlier so you can go to the gym before work. I understand after work maybe hard if you have to travel from work to the childcare but if you're local then why not visit gym straight after work and then pick them up before the centre closes?

Eating and Meals - 

PLAN AHEAD 
Meal plan. Every week I will write out a meal plan of what meals we will be having. It doesn't have to be on the set days as I just write out the amount of meal numbers we need and then cook them as a please. 

DON'T STOP ON AN EMPTY TUMMY
Those bellies will rumble and take over that shopping trolley forcing you to pop those extra treaties into the trolley that aren't needed. Ensure you have had your meal/snack before you go in. 

ONLINE SHOP 
If you can't control what goes into the shopping trolley with the kids and possibly the temptation taking over you, then online shop. Have that list beside you and cart just what you need. 
The joy of it all is having it delivered to your door as well. Won't need to have the kids running around the shop, filling the trolley with goodies or load and unload the car with shopping. 

KEEP THE CUPBOARDS CLEAN
Take all that bad stuff and give it away to the neighbours, family or a shelter possibly (or bin it).
If you seriously want to get your diet on track then don't allow temptation to be in front of you for when that moment of weakness comes along. 

CHOOSE THE HEALTHIER OPTIONS
You don't have to just eat like a rabbit with salads when you want to be committed to your healthy eating. You can still have those pastas but use wholemeal, make your own sauce and portion control. 


KNOW THE BENEFITS 
Research and understand what foods are used for and what they do to your body. 
Find out the equivalents of foods - how much calories does that bag of chips have and what can healthier food give me for that bag of chips? 

There is so many more ways and tips out there that can help you get active and achieve that body image you see in your head. I'm happy to answer any questions you have if you have a specific one. 
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