Wednesday 31 July 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Digger's Day Out





(Digger is the Class Mascot and he goes home with the Student of the week - we took part in National Tree Day, Digger was Dog tired  )





 I'm taking part in the City to Surf 14km run  as Gold Charity Runner , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia too. I've pledged to raise $1000  - every $ 10 counts ;) - 11/08/13
please sponsor me here  

Tuesday 30 July 2013

The Dash

I'm not talking about

the first morning dash to the toilet

the dash to find the school library books

the dash to find car keys (or my phone)

the dash to the school bus (and the dash to be first on the bus)

the dash to the clothesline when your hear spits of rain on the roof

the dash to rescue the cat , after Mr 7.2 leaves the back door open, and the dog is chasing her through our old quarters, fur is flying, the cat is spitting and trying to scratch me, everything is tumbling and the dog nips you (this was yesterday)

I could go on ....I'm just so dashing !

No, I want to share this special poem The Dash . Please take the 2 mins to listen to the author recite it.




I recited this poem at my father's funeral service 8yrs ago and was overcome by its perfect truth.
Though I often need reminding to slow down and to think more about things I’d like to change !


This week we said goodbye to someone special. His blood flows on, through my husband and my children's veins. I am thankful for all he did for us.

His dash  30.7.1927- 28.7.2013

He saw a lot of changes in almost 86yrs.
I know my FIL would have laughed about the dog chasing the cat.




I'm glad my boys got to know him, well, because my own Dad passed away 10 months before they were born.
  
Life is too deep for words, so don't try to describe it, just live it. -C.S. Lewis
How will you spend your dash ?  
Are there things you’d like to change?






He loved Slim.
It's his birthday today. I'll bake him a cupcake and eat it for him.




A special dash - if you would like to help me !

I'm taking part in the City to Surf 14km run  as Gold Charity Runner , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia too. I've pledged to raise $1000 ,and I need sponsors - every $ 10 counts ;) -
 sponsor me here  

Monday 29 July 2013

The Lone Ranger rides again ~ {Giveaway}

As soon as The Lone Ranger appeared on the back cover of the April- June Lego club mag - my boys wanted to meet him and his horse, Silver.

They knew he was a good guy. I knew he was haw't.

The Lone Ranger was a fictional masked character: ex-Texas Ranger who, with his Indian friend Tonto, fights injustice in the American Old West. He became an enduring icon of American culture.
Credit

The Lone Ranger would shout, "Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!" As the white stallion galloped off someone would ask, "Who was that masked man, anyway?"

I said wait till your birthday ...they got Ninjago, Chima , & Creations, everything but The Lone Ranger sets released in June.



They were very excited a few days after their birthday when I was asked to review.
Comanche Camp $39.99
Journey to the Comanche Camp with the Lone Ranger and Tonto! Visit Red Knee in the teepee with removable canopy and campfire. Check out the weapon rack then jump in the canoe and go fishing. Watch out for the scorpions as they launch a surprise attack from the rocky outcrop with the attack function! 
 The boys were right into it, sorting Lego into bowls.

I love watching them play co-operatively !

I didn't get to capture the Scorpion catapult...fun times.
Three new Mini- Figures was a big bonus in their eyes , plus a canoe and teepee.
I shed a tear when I noticed Silver was missing from this set. Joel said "Don't worry Mum , he's in another set " and provided him with new wheels ...
a ride in Ninjago (whatever) , then later a shiny green motorbike for a faster getaway !


Tell me what the Lone Ranger's next adventure should be ...the 3 funniest or most creative entries will win ...

Terms and Conditions.
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are three  LEGO Comanche Camp ($39.99 RRP each)as above.
4. Entries - Open 29/7/2013 - Close 11.59pm 12/8/2013 AEST. CLOSED The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. The Prize is not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged or delayed in transit.
 
7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .


Disclaimer:  I was provided with one
LEGO Comanche Camp to review and for the purpose of hosting this giveaway and adding to the arsenal of weapons my children use to torture me. 
No financial payment was received.All opinions are my own and my childrens.


I couldn't resist now I am going to have the theme music in my head all day - William Tell Overture.


WINNERS -

E Fuller

Noddy

Sheryl M  

Thursday 25 July 2013

Get Outside and Grow ~ National Tree Day {$100 Giveaway}


 The theme for 2013 National Tree Day is “Get Outside and Grow”.

That was as far as I let him go

I went all the way to the top.

Little trees are fun too.


Recent research commissioned by Planet Ark for National Tree Day shows that people's ideas of what it means to be Australian do not necessarily align with our lifestyle.

The startling research shows that the laid-back outdoor culture we pride ourselves on is being eroded as Aussie backyards are shrinking, we're working longer hours and kids are playing on-screen rather than outside.
For every hour we spend outside, we spend over seven hours in front of screens watching television or on the Internet. Approximately 1 in 3 people spend less than 18 minutes per day doing outdoor recreational activities, which is about the same amount of time it takes to hang out a load of washing.  

This startles me. How can we not care ?


National Tree Day (Sunday 28th July) and Schools Tree Day (tomorrow)  provide all Australians with an opportunity to do something positive for the environment and reconnect with nature.

It is Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event. Giving the opportunity for kids and their families can get outside and have fun while doing something positive for the environment with their local community. 

I've participated in National Tree day many times. I remember when my eldest son was a cub scout at 8 -9 yrs old spending the day planting trees in the grounds of our local sports field. We did a few years.

This year Toyota-sponsored the Planet Ark research report Missing Trees – The Inside Story of an Outdoor Nation.


Shrinking backyards, longer working hours, decreased outdoor recreation time (including sports) and fewer visits to National Parks have been identified as the key drivers for this trend and present some fairly alarming facts:
•    Only 37% of respondents played in a backyard or park in the past month
•    Over 1 in 4 children have never climbed a tree or tended a vegetable garden
•    For every hour spent on outdoor recreation we spend over seven hours in front of screens watching television or accessing the internet ( yes I am Guilty) 

This shift comes at the expense of a range of health and wellbeing benefits stemming from childhood contact with nature.

Planet Ark and Toyota see these figures as a call to action for individuals, families and schools to reconnect with nature through the backyard, playground and parks. Find an event close to you on the website .

To support Toyota’s 14th year of National Tree Day sponsorship I have a $100 Bunnings Voucher to giveaway

Let's start a conversation about the importance of ‘Get outside and grow’.

Tell me about your veggie patch / backyard project or instagram or Facebook your Tree day activities with the hashtag #NATIONALTREEDAY and leave a link here in the comments

The most creative or original entry will win $100 Bunnings voucher.
Australian entries only.
Closes 12/8/13CLOSED


Schools Tree Day – Friday 26th July
National Tree Day – Sunday 28th July



http://planetark.org/
http://treeday.planetark.org/

  Winner is Jim B.


 

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Class Captain

Boy Class Captain Term 3


(So happy on Thursday but sadly he lost the badge Monday -hoping it turns up or we buy a new one)

Sorry I've been MIA - we have been packing up and moving 50m to our new home . Not far but still a daunting , emotionally and physically exhausting task . We had to move Internet/Phone and Slow combustion wood fire too.


I'm taking part in the City to Surf 14km run  as Gold Charity Runner , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia too. I've pledged to raise $1000 ,and I need sponsors - every $ 10 counts ;) -
 sponsor me here  

Friday 19 July 2013

Master Chocolate Cupcake Class ~ RedBalloon

Brought to you by RedBalloon & Digital Parents Collective 
Everybody loves cupcakes !

As promised my cupcakes ...they didn't last long
I've always wanted to learn the tricks of masters in the baking trade, decorating techniques and to gain hands on experience. Learning something new should be pleasurable.

I told you I'd invited my mum to come along with me to this RedBalloon experience. My hubby was traveling down to Sydney that day as he was busy getting our new home ready without the 'small' and wifely distractions. Since it was my birthday the next day. Mum graciously minded my little drummers and I took my friend.

It was my turn to explore my inner chef , spending two and a half, fun, hours with a specialist CHEF.
Chef told us he'd worked for Gordon Ramsey and was once Jamie Oliver's boss.

Each cupcake is made from scratch ,baked fresh every day.

I was promised at the end I would be able to trot home with a box of my own delicious cupcakes and pretend I was a domestic goddess !

We were presented with gorgeous new aprons (which we took home) and after an OH &S run through we started baking ...well mixing , creaming butter and sugar (pre-measured for us) , shared in groups of two (1 x 3). The kitchen was small considering the number of us.

Chef joked he was going to cheat as he showed us their commercial machines that produce over 3000 cupcakes a night ...he was stirring us (no pun intended) because we kept on mixing by hand.
He explained they sourced the highest quality ingredients including free range eggs, creamy butter, the world's best vanilla and Belgian chocolate. 

He shared a few secrets like making sure the sugar was fully dissolved into the buttery mixture , and to speed it up we started adding egg mix * yolks broken and slightly mixed prior to the addition to creamed butter and sugar - in small quantities at a time - or else - you get cat vomit - when egg and butter mixture separates !

The 2 ladies beside had cat vomit because they added too much egg ; Chef to the rescue - he beat the xxxx of it and saved the day.


Then we tasted tested the Belgian chocolate bits in milk, white and dark , very exquisite morsels and very moreish. Chef encouraged it, and forced us to keep nibbling away as we added Dutch cocoa, plain flour and rising agents, milk and the melted chocolate mix. The batter was flying everywhere ...and then we gratefully licked every beater clean.

As the group was large, we were starting to get behind so Chef waved us off downstairs and added 'our' batters to the shiny, foil cupcake papers (another keen participant stayed to help). 

He used what I would call an ice-cream scoop to dollop even scoops of chocolate batter into the foils. I was very surprised to hear they only needed to be cooked at 120 ° c.

Add and smartie and it's always a winner...no matter what at 3!

No more mountainous cupcakes for me or my boys.
Credit - Chicago Metallic

Pausing for a light refreshment break midway, we went back downstairs to eat delicious finger sandwiches, a macaron and chat over a cold drink - some had alcoholic bubbles, others premium juice or sodas. As soon as the timers dinged, it was back to work in the kitchen. I was expecting a cupcake ...*sob*

Even in the large ovens the cupcakes trays were turned halfway.

Our Chef (a Pom) gave us a demonstration of various cupcake decorating techniques...including the Queen's p o o ! The room erupted in girl'ish giggles and I sure my lads would have loved me to try that one.
Can you guess which one ?
 

While 'our' cupcakes cooled we started decorating some Chef's team had prepared earlier. We had a lot of fun with our Chef. He was very creative and helpful.

Guess who did the washing up...NOT ME !

The downside was that the class (17) was larger than what was advertised (14). Chef was extremely entertaining and very funny. He knew it was a large class and apologized for it being quite tight on space. The space just was not really suited to 17 enthusiastic decorators when it came time to decorating, (the mixing was shared so that wasn't too squishy). Everyone was happy enough, jovial and we politely took turns. Thankfully, we had a little extra time to finish off our gourmet creations.

I would love to try another class. Overall, I would recommend this to my friends, it was really a lot of fun and yum. It was better to have a friend along , though we had 3 singles in our group.

 
Chau's
Mine may not have been as glamourous as some talented ladies in our group - but I will be working on it.


(my friend's)


My boys' birthday was the week before and I only had to add a chocolate Lego mini-figure for outstanding acclaim.
PS - Hubby cooked these in our new oven , first time it was even used .They were not mountainous because I reckon he had the temp low ...unknowingly.

(Note - the download cord to my other camera is missing - we are in the midst of moving - so I only have my iPad pics)



 

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Keep Calm and eat a cupcake or 2 or 3


I did not bake or decorate these but I'll show you mine tomorrow ...It was my awesome RedBalloon experience







PS - I'm taking part in the City to Surf 14km run  as Gold Charity Runner , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia too. I've pledged to raise $1000 ,and I need sponsors - every $ 10 counts ;) - sponsor me here




 

Monday 15 July 2013

Teetotalling Non-alcoholic Shloer hamper {giveaway}

 Giveaway
I was not paid to host this amazing giveaway of a Hamper valued at $365 or to write this post, I was gifted 4 bottles of Shloer : sparkling juice drink , to review.

How sad it was I did not receive this Hamper - full of Shloer and Simon Johnson gourmet goodies worth $365 !

For health reasons I have given up drinking wine. Medically it's my choice to be a teetotaller 
or not , I've had 2 x 1/2 glasses in 10 months.

I drink mostly 'under the sink filtered water' for refreshment (and copious amounts of white tea and green tea), sometimes plain soda or mineral water and a lemon wedge; rarely soft drink due to added sugar I don't need.

Shloer is made from  crisp white and aromatic red grapes, blended with the purest water to create a unique tasting sparkling juice drink. Not unlike wine produced from premium quality grapes, though it doesn't taste like the wine I prefer to drink.

As it boasts no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings, Shloer is an alternative to alcohol and apparently the drink of choice for many expectant and new mums. I can't vouch for that claim.

I do know it's nice to enjoy a 'light fizz' drink of something other than water with my hubby, to unwind. I miss da' vino though Shloer doesn't really taste like wine , I can pretend.

I juice my own fruit and vegie juices but it's not the same in a wine glass..., green foamy and with floaters or cloudy beetroot red.

I enjoyed the Shloer Red Grape, chilled - with pleasant fruity flavours , though I found it a bit sweet it was refreshing. I am too used to plain water. My children liked it immensely.

The Shloer White Grape flavour was my preference. I liked it more with a little carbonated water to reduce the sweetness too.

I think I'd enjoy using Shloer more as the base for  non-alcoholic cocktails and add a zing and zestiness with other mixers.


I didn't even know it has a rich heritage stretching almost 80 years, still based on the original recipe by Professor Jules Shloer of Switzerland!

To win - the amazing Hamper and try sparkling Shloer for yourself

Tell me your favourite mocktail  recipe and/or where you would drink Shloer  - 
I need a bit more variety to keep up with my drinking mates and stay fashionable.

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There is one prize -Hamper valued at $365 as above. [The exact products may vary.]
4. Entries - Open 15/7/2013 - Close 11.59pm 29/7/2013 AEST. Closed The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
 
7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .


WINNER : Kate

Friday 12 July 2013

Some like it hot ~ {$100 Bunnings Giveaway}

We are now so close to moving into our new home, less than 50m from our current temporary dwelling.It will happen in the next week ...it's been 18 long months.

When we lived in Sydney my husband's pride and joy was HIS lush, green turf lawn.


"The grass is always greener on the other side, until you jump the fence and see the weeds up close."
- Albert Grashuis 
Shortly after we moved into our suburban home about 8 yrs ago Hubby got a bobcat guy to totally removed the top layer of the entire backyard - to get rid of the weeds as nothing else was working... or so he told me ! I just wanted rid of the tears bindii with toddlers !!

Though we could have just sprayed and keep killing them, we had a time issue with little boys who loved the outdoors.

We have a few native grasses and lots of weeds here. Hubby has to be content with slashing the long grass. It was very zen for him to mow the lawn in Sydney.


On the farm we are looking forward to planning and establishing the turf / lawn for the 'backyard' and landscaping over the next few months.

It is quite a mess at the moment because we had to dig holes and trenches for the septic and pipes. We have a fenced backyard for the dogs in our temporary home and will do a new one shortly. [We have to fence the cows out and stop them eating our garden or damaging our the tank lids].

The old water tank is being relocated too.

We need to keep the dust down and dirt/mud out of our new home too- with busy boys who forget to remove shoes.

I was offered a consultation with a local Turf Australia grower and it was perfect timing.

Winter can also be a good time to consider a complete lawn replacement and can see it established and thriving by spring. If you are considering a lawn makeover, make sure you get a professional consultation to consider factors such as climate, usage and budget.

Most turf retailers can help households choose the right grass variety for their requirements - they can lay it or tell you the best practices for laying it yourself and maintaining it.

Alex, advised us to encourage the weeds to grow and then spray them to kill them. We may need to do it a few times. Alex gave us a few tips on best grasses for HOT full sun and his recommendations. I'll leave that decision up to my husband. It gets very hot during central west summers.

My husband relished tending the lawns and refused to palm the job off to the teen because he just didn't cut it right. 

Warm season grasses such as soft leafed Buffalos, Kikuyu and Couches are used in many temperate and subtropical regions within Australia and they require a few basic maintenance rules or “tips” be followed during winter, particularly if they are being grown in the southern parts of Australia.
“Cold weather conditions and minimal daylight during winter can really affect your lawn, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of the winter months and get your lawn prepped and ready for spring,” - John Keleher, award winning turf grower and president of Turf Australia.

How often should you water established lawn during winter ?
  
Many of us overlook the need for watering our lawns when the hot weather passes, though it still requires watering in winter. Cutting your summer watering down by half in winter is a reasonable guide.

How do you treat weeds in Winter ?
It’s normal for lawn growth to slow during winter, sometimes making it easier for winter weeds to take over. There are many selective weed control options that won’t harm your lawn but will help keep it clean of the weeds. Always remember to treat them small and get them all, and of course follow the manufacturer’s label when applying.
 
Other Winter Tips ?
Raise your cutting height slightly. Longer leaf blades catch more light, and will also protect the roots from frost damage and foot traffic. Try to limit traffic in shaded areas as lawns don't recover as quickly in winter.
What about Fertilisers ?


Fertilising your lawn in autumn is great preparation for the winter months. If you missed this timing, a light fertilizing in early winter containing a balanced nutrient mix is still recommended.

Otherwise application is recommended every 6 weeks or so from October to March (follow pack directions and water it in well).
 

Last week I took my boys to the Botanical gardens to soak up a little Winter sunshine and guess what we found.


They had patches of turf on display, I only had my iPad so the photos were not clear.

Turf retailers also advise on lawn care programs - how much or how little fertiliser it needs, how to fix brown patches, how to fill in gaps and weeding, etc.

On with the giveaway - 
I have one $100 Bunnings Gift Voucher to giveaway with thanks to Impact Communications and Turf Australia. Plus a few Lawn Care books.
Have fun planning a garden make-over, so your lawn is always ready for a BBQ with family and friends !
Tell me in the comments what is your dream backyard or what you would do with the $100 ? 

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There is are 3 prizes as above. 1 x $100 gift voucher and 2 x Lawn Care books.



4. Entries - Open 12/7/2013 - Close 11.59pm 26/7/2013 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
 
7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .

Disclaimer:
Turf Australia provided me a free consultation as part of Turf Australia campaign and I received a gift card too. All opinions are my own. 

Find out more about Turf Australia here 
 

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Having a Wild time and Wild imaginations with Dr Seuss

*waves*  *whistles*
Where have we I been ? 
In Sydney for medical appointments and lots of fun.

Friday ~ Free invitation to ART OF DR SEUSS AT Queen Victoria Building - Sydney - Pop up gallery , Jumbo and Interactive games, story time and kids craft plus crazy art of Dr Seuss.(we went back Saturday too)

Friday 5th July to Sunday 14th July between 10am-3pm - Free unless you purchase Artwork ;)-we loved
Cat In The Hat

Fun for all, no matter  how small (or big)





Saturday ~ Invited guests of Wildlife Sydney
I love the Tunnel entrance for kids - Wildlife Sydney - And with opportunities to get up close with animals as varied as lizards and pythons
 The boys unleashed their inner animal detective at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo'snew WILD Discovery Zone! 

With hands-on experiments, curious crafts and behind-the-scenes animal encounters, this new zone will inspire children to investigate the mysteries of wild Australia.

This experience invites kids of all ages to put on a lab coat and explore. With a host of alternating activities on offer, children will have the chance to touch Australian animal artifacts like crocodile skin and echidna bones, participate in kid-friendly craft activities, and get a closer look at what makes Australian animals unique through microscopes and x-rays. 

The croc skin looks like bubble wrap.

'Princess' is actually a boy