Saturday 28 September 2013

"Up there Cazaly"

Today we are in the heart of AFL country. I confess I know nothing about AFL , though I do find the antics entertaining.

We MAY even watch Hawthorn and Fremantle take to the MCG in the grand final.

I am showing my age but I remember the AFL catchphrase " Up there Cazaly " as a teenager.

It was such a funny song though I doubt I knew the right words, mostly the chorus.

The original cry "Up there Cazaly" was was even used by Aussie troops in WWII.

I didn't know "Up There Cazaly" was an Australian rules football catchphrase inspired by early 20th century St Kilda and South Melbourne's Roy Cazaly.

The expression became the basis of a song recorded and composed by The Two Man Band (Mike Brady & Peter Sullivan). He is making a come back today.

Do you remember ?

I can't embed the link via my iPad so here is the link.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E3TBPgXrPLc



Friday 27 September 2013

I wish I had my own Barista {Giveaway}

I was recently invited to sample Hudsons Coffee’s newly launched Barista’s Choice Blend . It has been designed to be a bold cup of coffee with big, intense flavour. Barista’s Choice Blend has been in development for the past six months.




As I don't own a fancy coffee machine (a good pod system none the less) I had to wait till I visited my Mother to try the pre-ground bag I received with her espresso machine.

I'm only an occasional coffee drinker (for health reasons) and this was a delicious treat and taste sensation. Mum loved it too.

The introduction of the second blend to the menu gives customers the same quality coffee they can rely on from Hudsons Coffee, but now with a choice of intensity.

Barista's choice has richer and more intense flavours were influenced by the evolving tastes of Australian coffee drinkers .

"The blend is made up of a mix of three specialty Arabica beans sourced from the high altitudes of Ethiopia and Brazil, combined with the quality Kaapi Royale Robusta bean from India The blend is intense in taste with earthy flavours and caramel undertones The inclusion of the Kaapi Royale Robusta bean, gives the blend its earthy flavour as well as an intense", traditional coffee taste "

Barista’s Choice Blend is available by the cup at nearly 70 conveniently located Hudsons Coffee stores around Australia. A lot of stores are situated in major hospital cafés too , no more dreadful hospital coffee.








Take it home in 50g pre-ground bags, RRP $2.90 1kg whole beans, which can be ground on request, RRP $46

On route to our holiday rendezvous with friends, to travel the Great Ocean Road, I bribed my husband to detour off the freeway by-pass to stop in at Albury's Hudsons Coffee.




I had a $10 voucher and I wanted to taste how a real barista makes Hudson's coffee.




We were not disappointed , they even had free babychinnos for the small fry and a display of delicious looking baked goods and sandwiches etc.




Alas, as we had the caravan parked out the front in a busy main street so it was takeaway for us.




Lisa Feeley, a Hudsons Coffee expert , shared these top tips on how to make great coffee at home.

Buy small portions of coffee as you would fruit and vegetables. Although people often forget, coffee is a fresh product and does have a short shelf life
Store your coffee in a cool place and in an airtight container away from other strong smelling foods

For milk coffees it’s important not to have the temperature too hot. Aim instead for around 60 – 65ºC

Use the right quantity of coffee to water in your brewing, regardless of whether you enjoy your coffee weak or strong. To make coffee stronger, add less milk, or to make it weaker, add more milk.

Lastly, make time to enjoy your coffee experience and savour the moment!

I have a little giveaway for two readers to win a 50gm Barista's choice pack, $10 Hudsons voucher to enjoy coffee in store and a lovely keep cup -

Tell me your prefect coffee moment in 25 words or less ?
I have two packs to giveaway.




Australian residents only.
Answers judged most creative win.
Closes 9th October, 2013.

Thursday 26 September 2013

Let the Battle begin with Battroborg

Toy Review

Undoubtedly these new Motion Controlled Battling Robots are set to become summer's hottest toy - coveted by everyone in the family.

A heroic battle awaits this September, with the launch of TOMY’s latest high performance toy

Battroborg are advanced, motion controlled battling robots.  My boys had awesome fun (so did my hubby and I). They appeal to kids big and small.


Now, I am quite happy for my boys to engage in physical combat fueled by their own fists ...albeit without any Blood & bruises blows or touching each other .

The Battroborg robots are motion equipped with a wireless remote that puts you in control of the action.



{Technically I am challenged when it comes to making videos - but check out the dance moves ...)
Launch your Battroborg in battle boot camp to master the art of rivalry, taking on training drones or switch into auto drone mode where you can battle against a self-activated Battroborg for up to two minutes. In addition to the one-on-one gauntlet battle, Battroborg’s advanced radio technology allows up to 20 robots to fight it out at the one time in a Battle Royal.

Battroborg Battle Arena comes with two 10cm robots, two nunchaku controllers, battle arena and training drones (RRP $99.95) or alternatively add to the Battroborg family and collect all 8 robots with single player packs (RRP$49.95).

If the kids are up for an extra challenge ? Battroborg’s Trainer app for iPhone and Android is also available for free download, allowing serious competitors to get in a few extra training hours on the go.

Send your robots to the app ‘Boot Camp’ where Borg trainers can learns strategic battle tips and tricks within a simulated arena and take on an opponent once prepared.

Battroborg is available at Toys R’ Us from September 2013, and in Big W, Target, Myer, Toyworld  from October 2013.

www.battroborg.com

Disclaimer: We received a Battroborg Battle Arena for review purposes {no financial payment}. All opinions are my own and video unscripted !

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Wordless Wednesday - Peace !

Twin one, twin too!  A Rare photo :) nowadays

Close to the heart we will always be, Together from the start - my brother & me.




 

Saturday 21 September 2013

Conquer The Basher

This morning I was awake at stupid o clock to go for a run with my local women's running group.

I am a reluctant hill runner.

The loop was about 7km, including the infamous



I drive this hill often. I thought ...it's not that bad.

"It's a hill. Get over it."

I was wrong.

"If the hill has its own name, then it's probably a pretty tough hill."
- Marty Stern

Why should I bother ?

"Running hills breaks up your rhythm and forces your muscles to adapt to different stresses. The result? You become a stronger runner."
-Eamonn Coughlin

I joined the runners half way along , after we reached the ascent even they were puffed and had walked a little . I ran all the way - albeit slower than they did.

We ran on to where they had started. Two ladies wanted to reach 10km (as the loop was only 7km) they ran back where we had come from for 1.5km and then turned around. I continued on to run down the Basher.

Sweet .

"If you never attempt the ascent, you'll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side."
-Author unknown



Tomorrow I can't wait to run across 9km Sydney Harbour Bridge in Blackmores Sydney Running Festival . I've climbed it, walked across it, crossed it by train , overhead by plane (and in 4 seater one too) , travelled under it by ferry and tall ship.




"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."
-Sir Edmund Hillary

I never thought I be getting up early to go running a year or so ago. Let along push myself and I'm loving it.

Yesterday was a stressful day and lots of things didn't go to plan. Running this morning helped me reassess the big picture and it motivates me to never give up.

Life is good.

What has been inspiring you lately ?

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia - Family Camp

Sam was chosen to bring home 'Buddy' the Bear from camp. Buddy is traveling Australia visiting children with NF.Joel is with class mascot , Digger !
On the weekend we participated in Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia - {Neurofibromatosis} NF Family Camp. It was the first camp we've attended.


We got to try Archery, Kayaking , Canoeing 

Peace Sign.

Joel with my cousin's 3 children and 2 others.

Even the Kookaburras were friendly...I could have reached out to touch him/her.

Putt Putt Mini Golf...Joel was class' student of the week so Digger the Dog came to camp with us.

We had a great time. I am so grateful to have met other people with NF and their families.We are all working to raise awareness and fund a cure.




 

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Adventures in Zambezia - {Giveaway}

Now we are coming thankfully to the end  of term 3 - I can hardly believe it  - my babies are already talking excitedly how they will soon be in Year 2 and turning eight (seriously it is n 91/2 months , they can't wait).

Keeping children amused through the school holidays can be challenging. When traveling I like to download colouring-in sheets and activities for the trip.

I have free

Adventures in Zambezia Activity Packs‏ for you to download and 3 DVD's to give away !
Released on DVD & Blu Ray just in time for the school holidays September 19th - is the animated Adventures in Zambezia.  



.

Adventures of Zambezia is set in the beautiful backdrop of South Africa and follows a young and spirited falcon named Kai as he adventures beyond the nest and into Zambezia, a fabulous bird metropolis. With spectacular animation and a dynamic group of characters voiced by an all-star cast, it is a charming story of growth, adventure and acceptance.






 To win a DVD tell me your favourite way to keep kids amused on school holidays ?

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 will be 3 winners -

4. Entries - Open 17/9/2013 - Close 11.59pm 22/9/2013 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. 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 .


  Closed - Winners Val C Ron Rose Judith M

Friday 13 September 2013

Zucchini Bread with Pineapple & Almond {Recipe}

I am the only one in my family who eats zucchini...until now.
Zucchini Bread with Pineapple & Almonds
I was invited to take part in a Ready! Steady! Cook! style challenge using new Woolworths Select Canned fruit. I was excited when my mystery box arrived.

I had already seen and purchased 'Select' canned fruit . I was impressed the fruit is picked and packed in Australia to support Australian fruit growers and farmers.

I had a few ideas  something different . tasty . quick . easy ! I Google'd, as you do ...The boys love pineapple.

My husband does not like main meals with fruit ...pity - I love Apricot Chicken.





The original recipe is reported to be from a 1974 Sunset magazine - and I found it on Simply recipes 
and adapted it to suit.

It has the addition of delicious tropical Australian pineapple in the mix.
It’s a very fragrant and sweet , plus quick and easy loaf to whip up ...not quite a bread in my opinion.

Ingredients
  • 3 cups Woolworths Organic plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons bicarb soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (which I  missed - oops it didn't appear to affect it)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 free range 'Select' eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar (I used castor sugar but I'm keen to try brown sugar)
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 to 3 cups coarsely grated zucchini ( I used 2 zucchinis - extra cup zucchini yields a moister loaf.)
  • 1 can 440gm crushed Woolworths select pineapple, drained (don't blitz slices -trust me ! They have crushed in the range too but I only had slices on hand and it was too late.)
  • 1 cup flaked Woolworths Select almonds (1 cup chopped walnuts was optional in the original recipe)
  • 1 cup raisins (optional - I used WW Natural sultanas instead)
Makes 2 loaves: 50 - 55 minutes {and six cupcakes in my house.}
Preparation time - 15 mins 

I could hardly wait the fragrant spices were warming up my taste buds within minutes. The batter was good too.

Method:

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line 2 loaf tins - mine were 20cm x 10cm & 24cm x 10cm
2.


2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Grab your mixer and beat eggs on medium speed for one minute.

4. Add the sugar and beat for one more minute, then add the oil and vanilla to mixture. Beat until thick and foamy.

5.Using a spatula or spoon, stir in the zucchini and pineapple.


This is what I need next time !
Add dry ingredients,1/3 at a time, into the egg, oil wet mix . Fold /stir gently after each addition. Add the sultanas and almonds, gently blend.
5. Divide the batter into two loaf pans {and six muffins if you like - I filled muffins before I added Almonds so they could be taken to school - Sam my VERY fussy eater ate 2 no questions asked, no lies told}. 

6. Bake for 50-55 minutes - set your timer - after 15 mins sprinkle flaked almonds over the top. Bake until your skewer comes out clean and tops are golden. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. They smell divine.  Turn loaves out onto wire racks if you can resist to cool thoroughly .

This is first loaf /bread I've made in my new oven so I'm still learning. My cake was quite moist because I added 3 cups Zucchini{loosely packed}.


Yes, I ate one (PS: Muffins took 15mins or so to cook)

Grown in Victoria's Goulburn Valley and regions throughout Queensland, Woolworths Select Australian Canned Fruit is picked at its prime to ensure optimum freshness and maximum
flavour.

It means you and your family can enjoy the natural goodness of Woolworths Select Australian Canned Fruit all year round.

Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives - it is 100% True Blue Fruit. I refuse to buy imported fruit on principle.

Pick up Select Australian Canned Fruit from your local Woolworths today.

RRP for most 400-440gm canned fruit is $1.89- $1.99 , 800gm is $3.15

Disclaimer : I was sent a pack of Woolworths Select and other ingredients, plus a voucher to buy additional   items, to create any recipe of my choice ! All opinions are my own.

Linking up With Some Grace #FYBF

 

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Let fun take flight , The sky is the limit !

Kites for Kids Day -  local kids made and decorated their own kites $2 each - Awareness Day for Early Childhood Intervention Australia


A glorious day.




Kites for Kids Day is a national celebration day promoting the sky's the limit for hopes and aspirations for young children and their families(with Early Intervention).
 

Tuesday 10 September 2013

World Suicide Prevention Day ~ Remembering G

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day . I'm thinking of those who battle mental illness and their families ; especially thinking of my cousin G  (1965 ~ 1990)

Twenty three years ago my vibrant , boisterous and funny cousin G , committed suicide at 24yrs. G was only a year or so older than me. It stunned and shattered me. He was my mate. It was out of the blue or so it seemed

G had spent some time living with our family and we thought we knew him well (or so NOT !). No one really knew he suffered depression.

He had a new job, a partner who was expecting his first child (we think) and he was due to receive compensation payout for a back injury. A painful one. Then he was gone. G had his life on track, everything to live for after a period of being unsettled and having tough luck.

My father received a phone call one morning to ask him to identify G's body. I know not how or why my Dad was the one. It was devastating. It profoundly affected my Dad for a long time.  I honesty don't know the exact details (who talks about this kind of thing ) ... G hung himself in bushland not far from where he lived , near where my Dad worked too.

I remember my husband telling me, he answered the phone call. After rivers of tears , I searched through all my wedding photos and my wedding video (taken 3 months before) to watch G, to see why we had missed whatever. I saw nothing but his smiling face. 


For a long time I grieved G. I couldn't begin to understand the fact that he hadn't asked for help. There was more to it. I long, even now, to find where I packed my photos and see his face again.

I wished G was had known he could ask for help , 23yrs ago there was still a lot of stigma attached to mental illness and depression. It was very much Chin up mate , have a another beer . Harden up.

Nobody knew. He told no-one he was struggling .

I am so thankful attitudes have shifted and organisations exist to help those who suffer depression. The stigma is not such a burden or is it ?
 

There is no shame in speaking out about depression . The more we talk the more others understand. Being honest allows others to not feel so alone, if they face the same issues and are feeling ashamed or unsure . The problem lies when people want to keep it a secret and attach blame or interfere in unhelpful ways.The attitudes need to shift.

Let's keep talking. It is a day to reduce stigma, raise awareness & remember loved ones struggling or lost #WSPD

Remember you never have to solve problems on your own. There is strength in asking for help. Call a friend, chat online, or ring a stranger.


Remember, depression is an illness, not a weakness and effective treatments are available. It's important to seek help early and with the right treatment most people recover. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression talk to a doctor or another health professional today. If we talk about depression and work together we can make a difference.

Steve Andrews

 If you're thinking about harming yourself or ending your life call


Lifeline Crisis Support | 13 11 14 (24/7)
Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia | 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
SANE Australia Helpline | 1800 18 7263
Veteran's Line | 1800 011 046
ADF All Hours Line | 1800 628 036
DV Counselling Line | 1800 737 732

Linking up with Essentially Jess #IBOT
 

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Wordless Wednesday : You can't win them all ...


"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last.  You can say, 'I have finished.'  There is a lot of satisfaction in that." 
     --Fred Lebow


....I came in the middle for my age & gender - just saying !



 
                                           

 

Tuesday 3 September 2013

I'm making myself unstoppable

Ready, set , step !

I'm slow blogging at the moment , sure I'm still busy moving < 50m and settling into our new home. I am also moving more than I ever have before.

Sunday, I lined up with 500-600 others to complete the 10km Cheetah Chase in the Dubbo Stampede. My time was just over 63mins. I am happy with that, I finished about half way for my age group, gender and just over half across all 550 finishers in 10km.

I saw a group of women wearing the same running top. I asked one lady who they were . I searched the Facebook group and joined it. I'm already in Kate's  #OperationMove Facebook group - they are my online running support group. A wealth of information sharing too.


Just now I think I've found my real life running 'tribe'. I joined them at 6.15am this morning, though today was a meander through a bush track as they were recovering from the Stampede. Thursday 6.15am will be a serious run and training.

Yes, a 5.45am start for me (2 days a week minimum) - I haven't seen a sunrise in a while ...well I have but unintentionally , unless I was waiting to catch a plane or train.I can't believe I'm committing to such early starts and running.

BY virtue of such early starts I'll be going to bed earlier , which should make my Man happy ...except if I wake him when I leave early . More sleep has to be good for me.

I'll also have to be more organised for school ...as we don't finish till 7am and then I have to drive 15-20mins home (Hub is with them anyway to get the started)

I'd like to do Half Marathon at The Sussan Women's Fun Run in December for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

credit
Dragon boating is also on my agenda, quite popular for women recovering from Breast Cancer and very good for fitness. I hope to be paddling regattas one day.

In other news the Drummer boys are stepping up too for the Step-a-thon  2 – 8 Sept . We have been walking to school bus stop in morning (leaving at 7.45am) and walking home. Plus another 2-3km paddock walk. They were quite impressed we found a dead cow yesterday *sob* I'll miss you #4.

Why are we stepping up ?

Today the health of children is challenged by issues such as cancer, allergies, diabetes and depression. Researchers at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute are working towards finding preventions and treatments to these, and hundreds of other rare and common childhood illnesses, so that future generations of kids are healthy.
If you would like to sponsor them $5 -$10
Sam
Joel


He isn't so happy walking to the front gate LOL