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Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Vividwireless - Wireless Internet REVIEW



Technology these days is relied on so much that I ask you this question… ‘If the internet was to stop tonight as you go to sleep and you wake up tomorrow with no connection to the social media world, no more online phone directories from a search, no more sending e-mails back and too for business purposes, how would you cope?’ or better still ‘would you cope?’

Most of us would have an internet line at home that allows us to run off wifi and it can become a busy little hotline working overtime when everyone gets home and is doing their daily social media scrolls, video watching, online gaming, blogging to name only just a handful of things.
In my household there are 4 adults and a child. All adults are in there 20’s so we are in the prime of using social media.
At any given day this is what usually happens over our internet connection:
  • Adult 1 – Computer; online games, video watching, downloading and social media as well as having a phone using social media.
  • Adult 2 – Laptop; blogging – uploading, social media as well as a phone using social media.
  • Adult 3 – TV; internet streaming through Netflix as well as a phone for social media.
  • Adult 4 – Xbox; online gaming, Netflix streaming and a phone for social media, video watching and live radio.
  • Child – iPad; video watching.
As you will have gathered, we are internet hungry. Without having a plan that allows us to have something unlimited we would be forever in debt of going over and having to buy extra data because I know the household depends on the internet that much that we couldn’t live a day without it.

What annoys me the most is the constant running of Ethernet cords through the house connecting to each of the adults who game online. Sometimes it feels like we have that many users connected to the internet that it just can’t handle us.


Vividwireless have changed the game when it comes to internet and those cords everywhere. Vividwireless require no phone line connection AT ALL, they provide you with up to 10 mbps download and 1 mbps uploading!
So… if there is no cord’s then how does it work? Well, you will be getting 4G LTE internet access with a wifi connection.

For our household the plans that come with an internet provider need to have the option of unlimited otherwise the heavy duty use of internet we require will just not cut it.  Vividwireless have a range of plans starting from $29 a month up to $89 a month for unlimited.

Who even needs to pay for a phone line now to be connected up just to get internet? Not Vividwireless that’s for sure.  
No need to wait either for ages to have a tech come around to install it all.. the setup process of Vividwireless is so super easy that I could direct my little Niah to get it all turned on for me. Simply plug the Vividwireless modem into power and wait till all those pretty bright lights come on and then you are roaring to go, ready to go within minutes to start browsing the web.
I’m not much of a tech savvy person so for me this was a really big plus to not have to read a million directions of instructions, call a technician to guide me or wait for a technician to come and install.
I have very little patience when it comes to those sorts of pesky things so I can really tell you now that it was a pure moment of #winning.
The only thing you will be required to do though is self-active the modem. 


The modem itself is a stylish little thing. Nothing massive and un-pretty that doesn’t go with the home décor being that it is white – it is a timeless easily hid or put out modem.
Should you wish to use cords you can connect four (4) ethernet cords into the back of the modem for that extra direct usage hit.

You can take the modem anywhere with you, so long as the address is within Vividwireless' coverage area being that it is portable you can take it with you where ever you go… on holidays, to work, the gym.. where ever you like as that’s the simplicity of the modem. No cords, no fuss - simply plug in and play. It’s almost like having a running mobile data hotspot connection as it can literally come anywhere with you until charging is needed.


How do you feel about Vividwireless now that I have told you all their stellar features? Keen to try the Vividwireless out for yourself?
You can purchase these directly from Vividwireless on the call centre: 1300 327 837, visit their website or pick a modem up from Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. The modem costs $199 if you are on a no-lock in contract, $0 upfront payment if you take on a 24 month contract.
Ensure you visit here to check that connection is available at your primary place of living.




Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Vividwireless and Kids Business. I was supplied a free month trial of the Vividwireless internet as media in exchange for its promotion here. I received monetary payment for this review/feature and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. 

Sunday, 3 July 2016

Sovereign Hill - Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights


Sovereign Hill, the living muesum in which transports you back to experiencing a life of the 1800s; has always been a much loved place of mine and to experience Christmas in July at one of my favourite tourism places has just topped the cake of it all.

Each June/July school holidays Sovereign Hill has been taking part in festivity activities to help celebrate a Christmas in July this year there was something extraordinary added to the festivities which is now presented as Winter Wonderlights; running from June 25th until July 24th.
There is no exact words that could ever describe to you how amazing the experience was of being in an atmosphere where life and time almost stops in front of you.


You are there with hundreds of other people, families of young and old come together, friends or partners who are all just tranced in this magical time when the make-believe snow goes off four times daily at 11:45am, 1:40pm, 3:45pm and 6pm on Main Street of Sovereign Hill.


I took a step back whilst holding my Niah in my arms and watched her as she had the most gorgeous smile on her face and eyes full of enjoyment as she was putting her hands into the arm to feel the snow the palms of her hands. I then looked around at every other person surrounding me to see the expressions of joy. I sound so cliché like but you could see pure happiness on everyones face, nothing else in the world was on my mind except for how I was just in love with where I was and to be enjoying the moment with my loved ones. Once we had come back to reality, we spotted St. Nicholas (Santa) wondering around with Mrs. Claus.


The main attraction falls when the daylight stops and when darkness falls at approx. 5:45pm, this is where you will see Winter Wonderlights appear. Main Street of Sovereign Hill will be lit up like Melbourne on White Night. The buildings will illuminate with bold colour, projecting the true self of the buildings facades but will also show phenomenal displays of festive decor that moves along on the buildings all happening whilst Christmas Carols or beautiful soft festive music is sounding in the background. Speedwell Street and Golden Point Road are covered in 'Santa lights or Fairy lights' whichever you may call them, outlining the schools and cottages.

 

We almost weren't going to stay for the Winter Wonderlights as I thought to myself being that Niah is only 2.5years old and it would fall into a period of where I would normally be getting her having dinner and then heading to bed soon after but I am sooooo glad we stayed. I had the most incredible time and only wish that I could have been able to take advantage of the two days for one offer they have where you can come back the next day for free as experiencing once hasn't got me content, I think I'll just move into one of the cottages there so I can experience it every night.


Other activities of the normal for Sovereign Hill run throughout the day where you can pan for gold, go on an underground mine tour, watch the handmade hard boiled lollies being made, see gold being poured which will make a $175,000 bar of gold, eat traditional made baked goods, try bowling the original way, make your own special candle via the candle dipping, watch soldiers fire off their muskets, take a wander through the cottages and schools set up as if you were back from the 1800s and many more things to enjoy. Read more about Sovereign Hill at my previous visit here.


Sovereign Hill's Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights is very much worth the drive out to Ballarat. A family pass will cost you $139 which caters for 2 adults and up to 4 children. With experiences and a list of things to do that are endless you can easily spend a good day out during these school holidays here.




Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Sovereign Hill media agency. I received complimentary entry passes to Sovereign Hill 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, 30 June 2016

The Aviary - Watergardens Town Centre + GIVEAWAY


Are you in the Melbourne area and looking for something to do these school holidays with the kids that won't cost a fortune and you can go to the one place to get all the groceries done, maybe shop for some new winter threads and allow the kids to  have a fun shopping experience?

Well coming in this weekend from the 2nd of July, Watergardens in Sydenham will transformed into a paradise of natural beauty and bird life with its very own aviary. 
REAL LIVE birds, with exotic birds I tell you. On your shopping trip you will be able to see parrots, cockatoos and owls soar and dive in breathtaking shows, delight in the colourful plumes of exotic birds and learn all about our feathered friends from specialised handlers. This will be a truly spectacular and unique event that will captivate of any age onlooking. 


Not only can you watch bird shows and see live birds, there will be an array of acitivies of course focused around birds for the kids to participate in, which include: Bird Activity Craft Centres, Community bird displays and TeePee talks about the birds.

All activities are FREE and will run daily from Saturday 2nd July - Sunday 10th July.
The Aviary display will be open during centre hours.
Live Bird Shows will be on daily at 11am & 1pm.
Activity Centres will run from 11am until 2pm daily - Opposite Pumpkin Patch.
TeePee Talks will be on daily from 12pm & 2pm at the Atrium.


To celebrate with Watergardens Town Centre for their school holiday activities with The Aviary - we have a very special Bird Prize Pack valued at $50 to giveaway to a reader. 



Enter below via the Gleam form.

Giveaway ends: Monday 11th July at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Tuesday 12th July, 2016.
Winners will be contacted via email and will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.

@watergardenstc
#theaviary #watergardenstc




Disclosure: This post is has been made in collaboration with Watergardens media agency. I received  the opportunity to run a giveaway in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. 

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Crayola Color Alive REVIEW

Crayola has been around for many, many years and is a fond memory of my childhood and what I would use when getting all artist with my drawings whilst being a kid.
The innovation of all the new market products that have been released from Crayola just grab you at how they come up with these ideas. They keep the experiences lasting longer whilst a new notch to it.


Recently we were sent out Crayola's new Color Alive products in which you are able to have a normal everyday coloring book that you would color in as per normal once again but then once you have completed your color in this is where 'Color Alive' happens.



Alongside with the Crayola Color Alive color in books you will need to download their app from your app store (Downloadable from iOS, Windows and Android). Once your color in has been completed you then enter into the app you will need to make your selection of which color in book you are working from, in which you will then place the camera onto the color in page - scanning the image and then seeing where 'Color Alive' comes into play.

Either of two things can be done once you have scanned your image:
- Special effects - Parts of your creation will start glowing, twinkling, flashing or moving about on the screen.
- 4D - See your creation come alive from the book page in a full 360 degree angle with audio sound back from the characters happen in front of your eyes.




The 4D view was our personal favorite with lots of laughs shared and eyes gazing at what was happening, even us 'big kids' where entertained for quite some time.


Every custom you have made to the color in which show, whether you wanted Elsa from Frozen to have a pink dress rather than a blue one you can make this happen through Crayola Color Alive.

Crayola Color Alive books retail for an inexpensive price of $7.99 each, the app is free to download and you will have hours of entertainment with 16 pages to be colored in till your child's heart is content in each book.
Each book comes with a set of 7 crayons each (other crayons can be used as well) inclusive of a special crayon to each book which is a new color to Crayola unlocking virtual effects.


Crayola Color Alive would be the perfect kids entertainment on any day even though car trips where you will be on the road for a while.
There are four books in the Crayola Color Alive range and sure to be something to please everyone from Enchanted Forest, Marvel Avengers, Disney Frozen and Mythical Creatures.



Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Nuffnang and Crayola.  I received the above pictured the range of Color Alive books as above mentioned 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, 23 June 2016

Monster Jam Monster Trucks are returning to Australian soil + GIVEAWAY

OK... I'll tell you right now I am a big tom boy when it comes to monster trucks and I have no idea why I really do love them so much.
Actually, I think it was because of my younger brother when were together he would always want to watch or play monster trucks and I would easily do so over the barbie dolls.
I recall Mum taking us to see monster trucks when they had it at The Royal Melbourne Show and then they stopped appearing there and that was a sad time.

BUT... Prepare yourselves as Monster Jam is coming back to Australian soil where they will be doing donuts and racing around making your jaw drop or holding your breathe for their stunts.

Last year when Monster Jam was here in Melbourne I sadly wasn't able to attend as I was away, but this year I'm sticking around for it and have it locked in the diary already. However, I did get to hear them on my trip up to Sydney which I was staying around the road from them and could hear them as well as see them on display in their party. The sounds of them excites me.

The show will feature four competitions in which the Monster Jam drivers will be competing for as well which will see them go head to head by stunts.

 

The 2016 lineup will see a number of fan favorite Monster Jam trucks including; Grave Digger, Monster Mutt Dalmatian and Max-D. They'll also be bringing their newbie friends around with them; Alien Invasion, Pirates Curse and El Toro Loco.

These Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that weigh over 5,500kgs each- that's the weight of leg pressing 80kgs for 15 reps by about 4.5 sets IN ONE!
The acceleration of the Monster Jam trucks can go from 0-100kph in under 3 seconds. They fly through the air covering up to 50m in a single leap (14 cars wide distance)  and up to 12m skywards.
Monster Jam saw three out of the four states sell out, now this year they will stopping by in Adelaide, which will see a fifth state added to the tour.


Monster Jam trucks kick off their tour from October 1st:

October 1st - QSAC, Brisbane
October 8th - AAMI Park, Melbourne (2 shows)
October 15th - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
October 22nd - ANZ Stadium, Sydney
October 29th - Domain Stadium, Perth (2 shows)

Tickets are very affordably priced with prices starting from $28 (other fees may apply).
Get in early though as 170,000 tickets were sold nationwide last year and three of the four shows sold out.

Party in the Pits anyone? You or your little one's can get up close and personal with the Monster Jam trucks as well as meeting the superstar drivers. Each city will be hosting one of these parties.


We have been very fortunate to have some giveaway tickets on hand for TWO lucky prize packs (valued at $358 each) for families or groups of friends (4 tickets per pack) to see the show on October 8th in Melbourne at 7pm.

Prize packs:
4 x Tickets to the show are valued at approx $250
4x Pit Passes are valued at $60 (pre-show experience) ** Pit Passes valid for pre-experience of 2pm show. 
1 x Merch bag valued at approximately $48
Monster Jam merchandise bag consists of: MJ yearbook, MJ ear muffs and a truck.  

Want a chance to win these tickets? All you have to do is enter via the gleam form below.

Giveaway ends: Monday 11th July at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Tuesday 12th July, 2016.
Winners will be contacted via email and will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.


Disclosure: This post is has been made in collaboration with Monster Jam media agency. I will be receiving tickets myself to a show as media in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

** Updated information regarding pit passes 27-6-16 as per information coming to attention via media agency.
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