Kit-Kat Studio - Melbourne Central

After the hit of the first Kit-Kat Studio in Sydney which sold over 25,000 Kit-Kat's, Melbourne Central has just become the home of the first Melbourne pop-up concept store: Kit-Kat Studio over the Christmas period but also in celebration of their 80th birthday. You can celebrate with them by creating your own flavoured Kit-Kat. Choose up to three (3) ingredients for a personalized chocolate fix to suit your taste buds. The doors opened on November 24th, 2015 and will remain open until January 17th, 2016.

We picked up two (2) of the super edition pre-made ones as we unfortunately didn't know about the time wait on custom making your own creation Kit-Kat's and were a little time poor, but we will return soon to ensure we get to at least make our own taste buds drool at perfection.

Our selections were the Anna Polyviou Creation which was made in honour of Polyviou's hometown (Melbourne). (Anna Polyviou, known as the Punk Princess of Pastry)

Anna Polyviou Creation is splattered with pink across the front. Pretzel pieces, marshmallows and caramel popcorn on the back. The big winner for us!

Second pick was out of pure beauty that laid before your eyes. The white Kit-Kat with raspberry, rose and hibiscus.

The Kit-Kat Studio is open from 10am daily to 7pm (Sat-Wed) or till 9pm (Thurs-Fri), located at the ground level underneath the escalators you are greeted with all glass windows where you can feast your eyes on pre-made creations or a row of iPads to make your own, as well as see the chocolatier's at work through the back glass.
An orderly fashion with line queues off to the side of the concept store and a store person to greet you and explain what you will need to do in order to create your own Kit-Kat is attendant at the door.

Custom made 'Create your Breaks' will cost you $14 for eight (8) fingers where you can select from 17 different ingredients or you can pick up limited edition pre-made four (4) fingers Kit-Kat's for $6.
Customising your own Kit-Kat will take roughly between 1.5-3hrs wait, best to stop here first and then head off to shop a storm in the huge complex before coming back to pick up your creation.

Santa's Magical Kingdom - Opening Night EVENT

For a few years now we have been luckily invited to attend along such a beautiful night put together by Santa's Magical Kingdom. This is a not to be missed event for us each year.
It's the wonderland of all things magical for children and has everything that goes along with Christmas.

Opening night for media and family/friends was on Friday 20th November for a 6pm start.
Mummy had finished work just after 5, went to pick up the little darling Niah from daycare, put on the good clothes to meet Santa and off we headed. Little did we know it was going to take us over 2 hours to get to somewhere that would normally take us 45 minutes to an hour. Friday night traffic was on this particular day was insane, four toddler tantrums filled with tears of having enough of being in the car was not going to down our night. We knew that once we hit our destination that it would be all worth it.

This year I was most excited as Niah is growing up so fast and this was the first year you can tell the changes of Niah understanding what is going on. Niah has also developed a major love for Santa, in which when we see Santa at the shops, we will have to make a pit stop to see him.

As soon as you walk into the big white tops you are greeted with Christmas music, Christmas lights and an abundance of Christmas themed activities for the family to enjoy as well as providing many joyous rides to share smiles and laughter with your loved ones.
In this case we were able to experience Santa's Magical Kingdom 2015 with my blogging bestie Alix from Fabu Fit Mum and her family - including her darling Levi.

Activities for you to enjoy were:

Story telling with Mrs. Claus in which you could also write your letters to Santa.

Niah meet Mrs. Claus and was super happy to show off her new dress that was the perfect fit for the occasion. Niah then was able to chat with Mummy about what she might like for Christmas and post the list into the mail box provided.

A wonderland with snow (bubbles) coming down with two princesses to greet you. 

This was a big winner for the kids - as you can see Niah and Levi had a ball playing in the fake snow and covering themselves and us parents in the snow too. 

Decorating your own baubles and the rest remained as carnival rides and sideshows. 

The baubles were printed with a Christmas picture that the children can color in as their own personalized bauble to hang off the family Christmas tree.

Niah was super proud of her bauble and was carrying it around as a bracelet - very proud of her work.

As well as Decorating your own gingerbread with sweet treaties and Santa photos behind Santa's house doors.

At 8pm it was show time for the circus where Santa greeted everyone on the main stage and would sit on his chair watching the circus acts with all of us.
We were shown four different main acts during show time that was just enough for the kids to keep entertained and still for.

The stand out for us was Ramon on the highwire. Ramon always amazes us when he is so high up walking the highwire but this time he did it over the top of the audience which had us in amazement.

This year we headed up onto the Ferris Wheel before we left and were able to enjoy the city lights from a view.

Santa's Magical Kingdom will cost you $140 for a family pass (2 adults and 2 children).
Inclusive of this price is all your activities, rides and the circus show. Sideshow, food and other extra goods such as books, light up wavers, show-bags etc come at your own expense.
$140 may seem like a lot but once you work out how much you would spend going to such things like this and were to pay individually you would be equaling the same if not much more in costs.

Ample parking resides around the Caulfield Racecourse on the main street and surrounding car parks around the outskirts of the racecourse. Located only about 10-15 minutes from the city and a close distance (across the road practically) from the train station.

www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Santa's Magical Kingdom. I received complimentary tickets to Santa's Magical Kingdom in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Kids Business - Bloggers Brunch November 2015 - EVENT

Kids Business always put on a phenomenal event that brings together bloggers predominately Mummy Bloggers with brands. This event for me is something that I have grown to majorly appreciate. Kids Business get a lot of brands that I don't think I could have ever gained collaborations with, without the help of their events.
If I was to ever have to miss an event hosted by Kids Business I am always kicking myself as I just know that so many valuable relationships come from their events, just like when I missed the Bloggers BBQ earlier in the year as I was in Samoa. I don't know whether I had a better end of the stick being over in Samoa, a tropical paradise or not though haha.

This time around we were back at Encore in St Kilda. A gorgeous and very spacious venue that allows for a big gathering. I love going to events because I can catch up with my blogger friends who you don't often see very much - special mention to one of my blogging besties Alix from Fabu Fit Mum who we were able to spend the day networking with brands together and became a little mini babysitter for me when I needed her.  Brands in attendance were:

Jura 

A Swiss coffee machine brand. I actually have trialed them before and had them at a Bloggers United AU event just recently in Sydney. At both events I was able to sip on their delicious fresh coffee. I mostly love that you are using fresh coffee beans and the big winner was the fresh milk, no powder - thank goodness for that.

LiceTec 

I had heard of this brand before but never used them. I guess I never really needed them for such a long time. I used to work in childcare a few years back and what treat my hair constantly with cream or serum applications. LiceTec have just launched an amazing product that is ultimately like a vacuum on a hair brush. This product was super impress and the video displays they had to show how much lice can be vacuumed up was astonishing. It will certainly be a product I will be looking into should those pesky lice visit.

Medela 

Everyone knows Medela, well should know Medela if you are a parent. Medela was a brand that the only one recommended to be as a new Mother. I went out and purchased the Swing Breast Pump and was really skeptical of the price tag that come with it, $220 for something that is going to squeeze my boobs and milk me like cow, what the heck? But it was very much worth it. An automatic machine that helped me be able to express much easier and encourage milk flow consistently. This time seeing Medela I was able to hear about their constant breastfeeding research and their charity involvement, which was refreshing to hear as they are a brand who care.

Kambrook 

Kambrook I have known for a long time. My family home was filled with products from them as they do the job and are at an extremely affordable price point. Kambrook showed us a few of their new products launched with main aim at the BlitzPro Blender. After hearing about this product it's on the Christmas list. I have a huge multi-function kitchen tool that blends but it's not convenient for when I want to make the morning smoothies or whip up some quick protein balls.

Lite n Easy 

A few years back I was on Lite n Easy for the convenience of work. I only ordered them for lunch meals and would occasionally have one as a back up should I not have dinner or be working back late at work. The convenience to eat healthy and stay on track with your diet is what Lite n Easy provide. I'm keen to revisit their meals and see whats on their menus now.

ASG 

ASG have been at many Kids Business brunches before but I never stopped to chat with them. Why? I didn't think they were applicable to me. This time around I made an effort to have a chat with them; Niah is 2.5 years old now and I'm already starting to think about the stresses of education fees. I hear some yearly education fees and think wow, you send them to school on my yearly wage. Having something like ASG which would work like a super fund or a non touchable bank account that is their for education is brilliant. I am looking forward to being able to hopefully share more with you as well as learn more myself an  in depth look.

Nude Food Movers 

The perfect products for transporting food to school, work or a day out. Environmentally we are more conscious about the rubbish consumption and how we can illuminate wastage, also mentioning most schools are implementing the no rubbish lunches where you need to back a lunchbox with reusable items should food need to be stored. Nude Food Movers are a great brand who assist with transporting food too and from with a re-useable manner - they even have funky banana covers so you don't have to get a bruised banana.

Infasecure 

Your children's comfort and safety is always a high priority and Infasecure are a reputable brand that has never let me down. I have two items in my household that we really can not thank Infasecure enough for in terms of the long wearing time their products can cater for. Niah's first high chair that we purchased was an Infasecure one that is multi-functioning and could turn into a table and chair set, a piece that grows with her. We were then introduced to the car seats in which we knew completely blew all over what we currently had.
Infasecure introduced us to their new product 'Arlo'; a pram that is one single attachment but will cater to the whole time your child needs to be in a pram. It's one of those products that as a Mum you stand their going wow, that's really easy and convenient.

Yamaha 

Unfortunately I didn't get around to chatting with this brand but I was advised they were showing their home entertainment system to bloggers. I will be in chats with them shortly so I'm sure you will hear more about them soon.

Cobs Popcorn 

This stand was where my little one spent all her time. If she ever went missing, this was where she was. Niah has always been a major fan of popcorn, which suits me as I'm more then happy for her to be snacking on popcorn rather than chocolate, chips and lollies.
Cobs introduced to us their new gourmet indulge range which saw popcorn been taken to the next level for a sweet tooth addict, flavors included Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn or Dark Chocolate dipped caramel popcorn. Are you salivating yet? I highly recommend the Milk Chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn, exquisite!

Along with those fabulous brands we were feeling a little star struck with a visit from Adriano Zumbo and Lah Lah in which we had to snap the memories.
Lah Lah preformed live for us in which Niah has always been a big fan so this was just a beautiful moment to have been there to meet with and watch.

Each event Kids Business run they sponsor a charity in which this time Life's Little Treasures Foundation Australia was in sponsorship for;
Life's Little Treasures Foundation is Australia's leading charity dedicated to providing information, support and understanding to the parents of babies born premature or sick.

Around the world hundreds of societies, associations, professionals and individuals will mark the 5th annual World Prematurity Day on November 17th. In honour of the 76 premature births per day in Australia alone, Life's Little Treasures Foundation and major supporter Medela will release an infographic and an album at the Bloggers Brunch with 76 real stories and confronting images that raise awareness of the courage, trauma and life changing experiences of families who have encountered premature births. World Prematurity Day is a chance for everyone to learn more about the causes and implications of premature birth. 

#76borntoosoon.

www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au.

Thank you once again Kids Business for the opportunity to come along, I'm already refreshing the inbox like no tomorrow for the next one.

If you are a blogger and you are not registered to attend Kids Business events then check them out to register. 

This event by Kids Business even made it to the NEWS! Check the segment here. 

www.kidsbusiness.com.au

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Kids Business. I was invited along to attend the Bloggers Brunch where I was gifted several goodie bags from the brands.  I received no payment in exchange for this feature and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Several photos have been provided with permission for use in this post.

#MUMLIFE Tuesday's - We identified a problem in our relationship... [PERSONAL]

Having a newborn child creates many emotions and when I say many I mean at times you can be feeling fine, excited but then at other times you can feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Having those feelings are okay to have and are completely normal. We are all individuals and experience things differently to one another, but in the highest part we are not alone and you need to do what works for you.
Yes you can have many other voices who will tell you that this is the way, this is what you should do, you shouldn't do this or that... but at the end of the day if you find something that works for you then you should be sticking to it.

Whatever gets the job done right, like for example when I do my fortnightly shopping my 2.5 year old daughter Niah will come with me. Now, Niah isn't always happy to go into the trolley seats and without fail I'm the Mum who is juggling the toddler on the hip whilst steering that trolley hard around the corners to not hit anything. In order to do my shop in the minimal time possible and without tantrums I open things in the shop so she can snack on to keep her occupied and still in the trolley seat so out comes the phone as well with videos for Niah to watch.
I read so many articles about is it alright to allow your kids to eat shop items before paying, or should you be allowing your child to use technology at a young age... Well yes you can have your opinions and say all this scientific research jargon to me but I'm going to do WHAT WORKS FOR ME.

I wanted to share my story with you so you can see that each case is different.
I have never been an anxious person, I never felt worried over much but now as a Mother I worry and stress over everything. I take something so small and make it ten times as worse in my head.
Reading more into the symptoms of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression I discovered that what my partner had was this. Diagnosed with depression once before he knew the signs and would tell me he felt like he was getting depressed again.

I can honestly tell you, I wouldn't have been his best support. I didn't understand depression properly and would tell him it's all in his head and that if something was really wrong that he should go see someone then. I wasn't doing this because I didn't care about him, I was doing this because I was preoccupied with having just had a newborn. The moment I had waited for my whole life was now reality and I was abandoning my relationship, neglecting my partner who needed as much equal attention to be with my daughter.

My partner would always tell me that we should have a break and be able to go out together once in a while just the two of us, but I would tell him that I didn't become a parent just to hand off the baby to the grandparents for the night.
Still to this we find it a problem with not spending enough time just with one another, it's a constant work in progress for us as life just has us caught up with other things.

I took little notice to what was going on with my partner and he was luckily a very strong person who was able to seek professional help himself. He saw his local GP who prescribed him medication and referred him onto a psychologist. My partner would attend sessions on a regular basis and was on medication for a few months.
During this time the psychologist was giving him 'homework' to do and ways to help improve our relationship. We went through a real rough patch during this time which I won't go into as I do not wish to share the events that occurred but I can say that things are much, much better now.

In my eyes our relationship had to have all those things occur for myself to be able to see how damaging I was to our relationship. Till this day we are still working on things but we are in a better place with both one another and in our lives.

Whilst in sharing my story with you please don't misunderstand this for that we are not happy with our lives as parents. We both adore our daughter very much and wouldn't want our lives without her.

This week (15th November to 21st November) marks Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) awareness week. This morning I got up super early and traveled into the city where PANDA set up this unique pop up lounge room for us in the middle of Bourke St Mall, Melbourne for us to gather in a close knit group consisting of CEO of PANDA - Terri Smith, Fellow Bloggers Clare from Checks and Spots as well as Renee from About A Bugg and two other inspiring women Kellie from Mindfulness 4 Mothers & Melanie who have experienced life with Perinatal Anxiety and Depression.
Each story was different. Triggers and worries were different and to how they come to find out that they had Perinatal Anxiety and Depression was different.Being able to attend an event with PANDA made me open my eyes to how much support is out there.

PANDA is a support line that offers a voice and ear on the other side of the phone. They will talk to you for as long as you need and provide assistance in many ways that could help in those hard times.

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression is not just a found in women, it can be found in men too and can be just like what happened in our household.

Parenting isn't all black and white. It's not as easy as sometimes it may look or sound.
Wherever you are, Whoever you are and What ever you do just know that you are not alone.

www.panda.org.au

www.facebook.com/PANDAadmin

#bePNDAaware

PANDA can be phoned on 1300 726 306 from 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by PANDA. I was invited along to attend the event in the City to chat with PANDA. I received no payment in exchange for this feature and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

#MUMLIFE Tuesday's - I never intended to go back to work fulltime

I'm a bit delayed for this week but that's what a Mum life can do to you, if you are not organised and backed up with preparation then sometimes you are thrown out of whack.

We've had an eventful past week that has really taken us around the bends in regards to normal routine. Some bad news and then some good news but it's all happening for us and to top it off we have Christmas coming soon.

Something major that has impacted my life has been returning to work which you might have read my personal posts before on the blog where I talked about how I was going in the return to work.
I have been at work for 8 months now, wow! I actually just counted that out on my fingers and was gobsmacked at how long I have been back at work.
I applied for a job close to home and was put on for a temporary casual assignment of working 4 days which then turned into working 5 or 6 days at a time but then we have finally gotten back to stability in my days which have seen me to have been working from Thursday round to Monday, both days of the weekend unfortunately but you got to do what you go to do right.

I never intended to go back to work full time. If I had it my way I would be a full time stay at home Mummy but my personal situation doesn't need that right now. We only have the one little darling who needs stimulation and to be around other children so we enrolled Niah into daycare which as I've posted before was the best thing I did for my child.
When I started applying for jobs it was to only work part time so I could spend time with Niah still but then my work was taking me elsewhere and fortunately enough I could juggle it all and my life allowed it to work with me too.

Coming into the next few weeks I will be working the Monday to Friday 9-5 once again, I will once again be a full time permanent employee. I will get my weekends back which I know now will be more cherished than when I didn't have a child.
For the future plans this is the right decision.

How did you go returning to work? Did you have a situation like mine?

Miffy GIVEAWAY

For nearly 50 years the world has been in love with Dick Bruna's Miffy.
Whether you¹re young or old, Miffy¹s classic style and looks have made it hard to resist her charms.

I haven't been around for 50 years but I know I have loved Miffy since I was young. Back probably 20 years ago would have been when I fell in love with Miffy. 

I recall watching her on TV and trying to name my pets Miffy. Even up to my older years when I had a cat at the age of 19 I wanted to call her Miffy but unfortunately my partner at the time wasn't so keen on Miffy so we went with Mitsy, still reminded me of Miffy though.  

Miffy is a beloved character that you can enjoy with your children now as she is a timeless one.

I have teamed up with the Annabel Trends team for a special giveaway of a Miffy prize pack. Christmas is coming up so this could be a prize to stash under the tree and consider it a done deal for the lucky receiver to enjoy or maybe you want this for yourself because hey we can enjoy these in the comfort of our own home with no judgement.. who wouldn't want a Miffy toothbrush right?

NJT Blogger is giving away a Miffy prize pack valued at $110. 

The prize pack consists of: 1x Large Miffy Money Box, 1x Medium Miffy money box, 2x Miffy toothbrushes, 2x Miffy photo clip holders , 3x Miffy bag tags /key chains. 

For your chance to win please enter via the rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway closes: 7th December, 2015 at midnight.

Winners announced: 8th December, 2015.

Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw may occur.
Open to Australian residents only sorry. 

@annabeltrends

www.annabeltrends.com

#annabeltrends

#miffy

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Annabel Trends. I have collaborated with Annabel Trends for this special giveaway to one lucky reader. I received no payment in exchange for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.