Tuesday 24 December 2013

Modern families and off to the shops I go !!! + { Giveaway }


Here we are less than 13hrs till Christmas day and I still haven't finished my shopping.
Please tell me I'm not the only one.

On the eve of 23rd Day of Christmas we had one chucking cherub , my True love took care of the output. The cherub seems better this morning.

Thankfully. I've got a lot to do.

I wanted to buy a new copy of ELF - so far unsuccessfully. 

It's too late to shop online but I have been fast and furiously searching for ideas this morning for last minute gifts.I was thankful also be gifted a range of DVD's from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

We have wrapped most of the presents for the three children . 

So I'm winning , normally we are still wrapping at midnight on Christmas Eve...Christmas Eve Eve was much nicer. I had to put a sign so the drummer boys didn't get excited in the morning.
Twin One still came in at 6am and said  


"Santa has been."



He knows it is tomorrow and has been counting down the days.
  
I hope they aren't disappointed - Twin one wants a robot Santa, iPad and a lolly machine. (uh oh) 
Twin two iPad, Lego marvel superheros game (double uh oh)


My Husband is the hardest to buy for - I am hoping he likes these new TV sitcom releases, in his still empty stocking and a few others.



HOW I met your MOTHER [season8] ! I know we missed a season or two - it still leaves us in stitches of laughter. I can't believe it is coming to an end.

MODERN FAMILY is a culturally defining series. Season 4 sees the 'families' give an honest and hilarious look into the sometimes warm and twisted embrace of the modern family.

I read some statistics from a poll - it said mums were more likely to communicate with kids by text and social media than Dads - it's the only way I keep tabs in touch with my eldest son ... he rings his Dad regularly (every few days for a chat and to give me a message if other devices fail)

"Mum, can you put $20 in my account ?"

"Mum ?"

"Mum ????"

"Mum , please Mum" 

"I beg you ???????"

I wasn't ignoring him, I just hadn't been on the internet and my phone was on silent.

If he can't get me by texting my phone- he uses Facebook.

Repeatedly.

At a last resort he calls his Dad, to ask him, to tell me, to check Facebook or my phone.

I am undecided if digital communication brings and keeps families together . It does enable us to communicate anytime and anywhere. Yet, it is sad to see so many people so disengaged when attending family events or dinner that they can't leave their electronic devices alone.

The Little Drummers don't do this yet except for the TV.

My boys are going to be kept busy watching Home Alone Series . We have Diary of a Whimpy kid 1,2, & 3 too. The boys love family movie time, popcorn and sitting on top of us and digging in elbows  close.
 





Almost too big for Christmas jammies.


 
X-MEN collection is sure to give my 20yr old hours of entertainment ! No where near me , though Hugh does make my heart flutter.

You can search for these titles and more based on your budget in 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Christmas Gift finder www.foxgiftfinder.com.au

So easy to use 5 clicks < under 10secs.

Since is Christmas Eve - I have Season2 Homeland to give away and a few extra mystery items.

Leave a comment telling me your favourite Christmas movie.


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.
Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option. 
3.There will be 1 winner -
4. Entries - Open 24/12/2013 - Close 11.59pm 7/1/14 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winner has 3 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.


Disclosure: I was gifted a range of Blu/DVD's with no expectation to write a post , no financial payment was received. All opinions are my own and I did find the gift finder a great tool to use.

Closed -  winner notified.

 

Sunday 22 December 2013

Finding my groove again with Reggae , Shaggy and Cash

I love this song and not just because of the sentiment and my blog's name.

It is a simple message – those of us who don’t have much in the way of material possessions can still contribute to life.

Johnny Cash's 'soul' version is very special.



Something simple , can be something wonderful. The least among us can still be counted and matter immensely.

Now this 'Shaggy' reggae ? version is sure to put the rap & tap spirit back into Christmas. I am slowly finding my groove after a big year.



In other news Mary & Joseph are getting closer to the stable



I found this the other day after the boys left for the school bus. I bet they are wondering WT ? how do we get the donkey to climb up there.

PS: In case I forget the baby is in the top of the bathroom cabinet ...

How are you spending Christmas ?

.

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cookie Christmas Tree - Starting to taste like Christmas

Year 1 Class Party.

5 Stars ...and a little circle cutter .Tree not shown.

Chocolate Brownie Trees - I kept these ...just need to add coloured button baubles and a candy cane trunk


The photo quality isn't the finest - My hands were covered in cookie dough & icing, my kitchen was covered in flour and sugar and dough too - so I couldn't get out my DSLR - only my iPad so I could wipe off my sticky paw prints.
Are you a messy cook ?

 

Sunday 15 December 2013

A rude 7am wakeup and Frozen { Giveaway }


When your seven year old son wakes you before 7am on a Sunday morning - the first opportunity you've had to sleep in a long time - and whispers "Mum , what is the password to buy games [itunes] ?"

Do you reach out and wrap your hands around his neck for the iThing and sign in to make him go away ?

Still, it took me 3 tries to get it right.

To be fair he had been asking me for days and it was a free game !

Inspired by Disney's upcoming animated adventure in cinemas Boxing Day Frozen - I have a lovely giveaway today - that might interest the girls a bit more than boys.


Isn't Anna lovely.


The best thing of all, the game is FREE to download! ...just don't leave it till Sunday morning at 7am.

I had a play and it looks like jeweled Candy crush.My boys are hooked on the game already.








Inspired by the movie, "Frozen Free Fall" has players joining Elsa, Anna and other characters on a journey through the Frozen landscape to match and solve 75 icy puzzles.

To save the kingdom of Arendelle from an eternal winter, players will enter an epic puzzle-matching adventure in Frozen Free Fall, the new free-to-play mobile game from Disney Interactive.
 As players progress through the game, they will unlock new challenges and characters, each with their own special abilities. In Frozen Free FallAnna's torch will allow players to burn up an entire row of crystals, while Elsa's glacier power-up can make all of the same color crystals magically disappear!  

·     Players will slide ice crystals to match three or more while trying to complete challenging objectives.Progress through the story to unlock and play with additional characters like Hans and Pabbie.
·    Each character has his/her own special abilities to help players complete puzzles―from Anna's torch to Elsa's glacier powers to Hans' sword slashing abilities.
Frozen Free Fall is now available for free at the App Store and will be available soon for Android devices too.

To celebrate the release I have this generous Giveaway - 2 full prize packs for 2 readers and 3rd prize without the family pass.


  • Disney Frozen Princess Anna dolls ($29.95 each)
  • Sticker Sets ($9.95 each)
  • Frozen Watches ($19.95 each)
  • In season family passes to see the film ($80 each) 
  • Disney Frozen Die cut classic book 
  • Disney Frozen Book of the Film
  • Disney Frozen Book of Secrets

    To enter - Tell me a secret ...anything at all ?



    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.
    Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option. 
    3.There will be 3 winners -
    4. Entries - Open 15/12/2013 - Close 11.59pm 22/12/13 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 3 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.

    PS - *Yes, there are in app purchases - the game tells you right up and advises you to lock the ability to buy them if you choose.I locked them till I play.


    Current Giveaways

    Whole Kids {Giveaway} and packing lunchboxes with love 3 x $60

    Win Battroborg Motion Controlled Robots Battling Arena RRP $99.95  
     
    Win World Industries Skate Gear

    Win new release One Direction -Reaching for the Stars - The Next Chapter x 3


     

    Saturday 14 December 2013

    Whole Kids {Giveaway} and packing lunchboxes with love.


    Recently, we sent a generous sample of Whole Kids range of 22 certified organic, additive-free, allergen-friendly snack foods.

    Parents can breathe easy knowing that they are giving their child real food that doesn’t contain any nasties.


    There are many ways to pack love and smiles into a lunchbox and feeding them healthy food is just one way.

    Credit check out these ideas.


    The Whole Kids range of organic corn chips, popcorn, sultanas, fruit bars and juice is GMO free with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, allergens, synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and is packaged in FSA accredited BPA-free packaging.


    Developed in consultation with more than 300 parents, as well as dieticians at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, the products meet the new guidelines for products distributed through hospitals.

    My boys enjoyed the snacks over  two-three weeks and gave them the stamp of approval -

    Their website has healthy lunchbox ideas too.


    "You're the best Mummy !"  { haha Music to my ears}

    " Can you buy these again MUM ?"

    " MUM Are there any more corn chips ?"

    "Did you go shopping MUM - I like that yummy popcorn for recess ?"

    "Mum, I gave some to my friend, he likes them too - can I take him a packet " {Sultana and Apricots snacks}




    Whole Kids Organic Corn Chips have a big cheesy taste made from all-natural seasoning without any nature-identical flavours. The deliciously crunchy corn chips are made with organic wholegrain stone ground corn and organic non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.

    Whole Kids Organic Popcorn is air-popped to help retain the corn’s fibre.
    Whole Kids Organic Sultanas and Apricots are a combination of naturally sun-ripened sultanas and apricots that are free from sulphites, typically added to apricots during processing to retain their orange colour.
    Whole Kids Organic Fruit Bars are based on three organic fruit combinations that are oven baked (not fried) in a nut-free bakery.

    Whole Kids Organic Frooshie fruit smoothies are available in six different flavours based on real organic fruit mixed with organic vegies, honey, wholegrain quinoa and rice flakes, with no added sugar.{ These were the least favourite only because the boys prefer whole fruit}
    Whole Kids Organic Juice range is based on Australian certified organic apples, mixed with blackcurrant, and pear, to create three flavour combinations that kids will love.

    I try not to add too many packaged foods to my kids' lunchboxes but some days when I check FB for too long you are in a hurry - it makes for less screaming- mine- and hassles and everyone gets out the door on time. I trust the Whole Kids brand and I know the snacks won't be wasted and nor my money.

    Plus - I don't have to give them coins for canteen and it saves tears when they inevitably lose said coins.
    Every.
    Time.
    Almost , one or the brother does.

    It's enough that they lose lunchboxes, or someone else takes them home.Though lovely , when the mum sends me this note back !

    I didn't even notice.
    I found Pinterest has hundreds of ideas to pack a little more love in their lunchboxes.

    Whole Kids products can be found online, Thomas Dux, IGA Supermarkets, Caltex, BP, 7-Eleven, school canteens and hospitals, or by calling 1300 099 744.

    You can also Win 1 of 3 Whole Kids Packs containing everything in the range - valued at $60 each.

    For your chance to win - tell me what you have or would write on a lunchbox note to your child - a picture, a joke, a compliment ?



    Terms and Conditions.  
    1.Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter via Rafflecopter.
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    2.Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, - the funnier the better - not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into. Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option.  
    3..There will be 3 winners - Each winner will receive a package approx RRP $60.

    4. Entries - Open 14/12/2013 - Close 11.59pm 30/12/13 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winner has 3 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.

    9. Enter any or all of my current giveaways.


    Current Giveaways 


    Win Battroborg Motion Controlled Robots Battling Arena RRP $99.95  
     
    Win World Industries Skate Gear

    Win new release One Direction -Reaching for the Stars - The Next Chapter x 3

     
     


     
     

    Friday 13 December 2013

    Battroborg Motion Controlled Robots {Giveaway}

    Tomy Motion Controlled Battling Robots from Battroborg are one of OUR favourite toys.

    Set to become summer's hottest toy - coveted by everyone in the family - because I love to throw a fist or two...kidding !

    When we received these I thought the novelty would wear off  - it hasn't . TOMY’s latest high performance toy, launched in September, has been flying off the shelves.

    Battroborg are advanced, motion controlled battling robots.  My boys have awesome fun (so do my hubby and I). They appeal to kids big or 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’s Trainer app for iPhone and Android is also available for free download for  kids up for an extra challenge, 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 , Big W, Target, Myer, Toyworld.

    I have one Battroborg Battle Arena to giveaway - included are two 10cm robots, two nunchaku controllers, battle arena and training drones (RRP $99.95)

    PS :You can add to your Battroborg family at anytime and collect all 8 robots with single player packs (RRP$49.95).



    www.battroborg.com


    Terms and Conditions.  
    1.Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter via Rafflecopter.



    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    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. Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option.  
    3.There will be 1 winner - One Batroborg Battle Arena $99.95

    4. Entries - Open 13/12/2013 - Close 11.59pm 22/12/13 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winner has 3 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: We received a Battroborg Battle Arena for review purposes in September and  we ,love dit so much we asked for one to giveaway {no financial payment}. All opinions are my own and video unscripted !

     I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
     

    Wednesday 11 December 2013

    Wordless Wednesday ~ Adrenalin , Sweat & Bling




    It was lovely to give real High Fives to Operation Move crew too.
    http://sussanwomensfunrun2013.gofundraise.com.au/page/TrishT




    Current Giveaways
    Win Lego Technic Monster Truck x 3

    Win World Industries Skate Gear  

    Win new release One Direction -Reaching for the Stars - The Next Chapter x 3

    I went PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm ran my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) there is still time to - sponsor me here
     

    Tuesday 10 December 2013

    World Industries ~ Concrete Commitment {Boys Skate Gear Giveaway}


    S 
    ummer is here to stay ...my little skate dudes couldn't wait to test out their style in World Industries skate gear .
    So we headed to our local skate park. The two have just hit size 7 in some gear and are leveling up to the serious BIG Boy brands - especially World Industries.



     


     Check out these World Industries threads you should be putting on your skater's Christmas list.









    Skate gear professionals started World Industries in 1987 and it remains a fashion icon for boys and men. Just in time for summer , they have a new line of skate gear for boys on the go with their kick-butt boards or mad scooters.




    As a child I didn't mind getting new clothes for Christmas and I love to surprise my boys with fashionable , affordable clothes. Lets face it , they grow out of them so quickly.
    This is concrete commitment - the reason I choose dark colours !






    My fearless duo love their new threads and have been asking for new skateboards...I am making them wait for the new skateboards - till  Christmas - like 2020.

    Just no fear.

    The adrenaline starts pumping ...mine not theirs.

    My oldest son , now 20, was a huge World Industries fan - one year he begged me for a pair of wide legged, extra baggy relaxed fitting jeans because they had a chain hanging from one side pocket and he HAD to have them. All his friends did (well one I saw). World Industries has certainly been a fashion icon in our house for over 12 yrs.

    DS20 had a skateboard branded with World Industries too...shoes ? He said it gave him a mad style !

    Did I tell you my hubby built DS20 a basic half pipe in our backyard ?. The neighbour at the rear corner hated it.

    This photo was the best I could find at 11pm.

    The Little drummers loved the afternoon at the Skate park - till the wheels fell off , oops I mean Joel fell off the board and grazed his knee.

    Good grief .Tears (almost mine) followed, followed by him back tracking to the car for sensitive cleansing wipes. 

     


    [Then he took the helmet off and just kicked back and tricked for the camera..I do enforce the helmet rule]

    Don't miss Out - now in Target !









    Terms and Conditions.  
    1.Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter via Rafflecopter
    a Rafflecopter giveaway  

    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. Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option.  
    3.There will be 1 winner - choice of one shirt & one shorts from World Industry range boys size 7-16 while stocks last. 4. Entries - Open 11/12/2013 - Close 11.59pm 20/12/13 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 3 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.

    Disclosure : We were sent a World Industries T-shirt and shorts for each boy - the shorts were not my first choice but the boys love them.

    Head on over to Life , Love and Hiccups- Sonia is giving away some gear too

    I'm went PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm ran my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
     

    Monday 9 December 2013

    Monday Memories ~ David Bowie , Bing Crosby and Vienna Boys Choir sing Little Drummer Boy

    This is one clip I don't remember seeing. the extraordinary and spunky - young Mr Bing Crosby ! Just kidding - it's the glam-rock singer , David Bowie of Space Oddity fame (late 60s).

    David has continued to be a major figure in the world of popular music for over four decades. He is a psychedelic and unique performer ...very cute looking here ! I love his voice.



     

    The Little Drummer Boy - Gift of Love 1968

    In 1968, Rankin-Bass produced a stop motion animated Christmas television special based on The Little Drummer Boy. The film names the drummer boy Aaron and expands the song's storyline to include events before the birth of Jesus. It stars the voices of Greer Garson as "Our Storyteller" and Jose Ferrer as Ben Haramad;


    I am delighted to have found the original clip from the movie Little Drummer Boy. I remember little 'Aaron' carrying his injured lamb , and always crying. It is a profound Christmas memory, like Frosty the Snowman !

    I didn't know remember that the Vienna Boys Choir sing this title song. Of course by the end , the little lamb and Aaron are healed.

    The message of the giving of a simple gift is something I want to focus on. There is too much emphasis on the round, jolly man in red suit who sneaks into our house while we sleep...

    I still expose my children to a 'commercialized' Christmas with all the trimmings , in moderation.


    How are your Christmas plans coming along ?




    I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
     

    Friday 6 December 2013

    The Croods ~ Roar & Snore !


    Everyone knows how much we love a road trip - 10weeks on the road to Western Australia was our best adventure yet.


    It was 2yrs ago ...must be time to go again.

    Then we came home in late November and packed up our house for a tree change -another amazing adventure.

    Released on DVD December 4th , The Croods tells the story of the world's first family road trip and moving to new digs.


    The Crood family headed by patriarch , Grug (Nick Cage), must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory when their cave is destroyed. In search of a new home,  it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) .

    With Guy's help the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive - each other. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the family discovers an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures -- and their outlook is changed forever.

    The Croods will definitely improve your mood ! The imaginative and out-of-the-box prehistoric animals will have the kids guessing. It's fast paced cartoon animation with new world adventure.

    Throw in - Eep ( Emma stone - teenage daughter) - " shoes " with a reminder teenage obstinacy and foolhardiness takes you places you never dreamed about ...and a few Mother-in-law jokes and you have fun for everyone.

    THE CROODS promises to bring the whole family together “from 4 to 104” (Sam Rubin, KTLA)

    With Christmas around the corner and the sleigh speeding to a screeching halt in 3 weeks - it's the perfect treat for kids of all ages. From creators of the "Madagascar" franchise and "How to train your dragon" -Dreamwork's never disappoints !

    To celebrate the release by 20th Century Fox we got to experience a night at TARONGA'S Roar & Snore...roaming the zoo at night and then early in the morning. Getting up close and personal to the Big Cats and Giraffes.




    Roar and snore involves camping in safari tents, a sumptuous roast feast, drinks in the main tent and up-close animal encounters: 'Wake the next morning to glorious sunshine, the roar of a lion or an elephant trumpeting as you prepare to experience the zoo before the crowds.

    It's was an awe inspiring experience, and there is a definite synergy between the outdoors life and close proximity to animals (as featured in the movie) and the experience at Taronga Zoo.

    Bring the whole family into the vibrant and amazing world of The Croods - available now on Blu-ray and DVD. It will make a great stocking filler.

    We can't wait to sit down and watch the movie again. I think it will extend the experience of our Roar & Snore.

    Like The Croods on Facebook

    Disclosure: We were guests of Roar & Snore courtesy of Frank PR. No financial payment was received.

     I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here