Friday 31 January 2014

It's on my Facebook page , I figured you knew !

 #thingsIKnow


How is it the last day of January?
February is going to be crazy , it's the first time I will be away from my precious boys for more than a few days...up to 10 days, maybe more.

I'm leaving them in the hands of my Mum, they will be fine. She was a mum at 18yrs (+10months) and I turned out 'fabulously'  survived.

My first big adventure is my first time Dragon Boat Paddling in Chinese New Year Regatta held at Cockle Bay, City of Sydney’s Dragon Boat Races .I am paddling in the Cancer survivor's team boat with other paddlers from Combined Western Region.
Witness the spirit and power of the dragon come alive in Sydney as 12-metre long boats, large enough to seat up to 20 paddlers, battle it out to the beating of drums. Each boat has an ornately carved dragon’s head at the bow and a tail at the stern, while the hull is painted with dragon scales and the paddles represent the claws.



Dragons Abreast members provide a “face” for the breast cancer statistics whilst spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing.

High on our list of priorities is having fun, trying new things, meeting interesting people and being involved in a challenging, physical activity whilst promoting breast cancer awareness.



Credit - DBNSW Photo Album -

I love rainbows ...
The truth ...just crazy random thoughts and worries about my surgery on February 12th  ...you know I don't know where to start.On the bright side.
.

 

What's on in February for you ?


 

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Wordless Wednesday ~ Is year 2 ready for you 2




This is their first year in separate classes. I know I am going to cry when I put them on the bus ...

Linking up with "smile" Finding Myself Young
 

Back-to-School Baking and SunRice Mini Bites {Giveaway}

This post contains a product review and giveaway for SunRice Mini Bites.

So, chances were good that I was finally going to bake today.
 
While it is surprising cooler in the Sunshine State - well, by our standards anyway Brisbane (and Sydney) will be in the high 20's while the southernmost states will be 36 ° +, worse off is Adelaide which will hit 41 ° !

I planned to bake some back-to-school treats for days ...




if you follow me on instagram - I did it
Weetbix slice
Coconut honey Oat bars

This morning I was housebound from 8:30am -12 waiting for NBN (Internet) guy to assess our place - hopefully so I can increase my broadband limit from 8G to 100G without extra $. He didn't arrive , so I called and somehow hubby had his wires crossed -it's tomorrow.

Brilliant.
The kids wanted to catch the bus anyway.
I wanted to meet Joel's teacher. I know Sam's gorgeous teacher.

I have 4 lovely lads here , all talking at once and playing couch Superheros. Oh dear, me.
Thank goodness they went to the secret hideout, with snacks...for 5 mins.
Fair is fair. Their grandmother had the four (her grandsons and my two) of them yesterday afternoon till this morning.

Though my mum is the cake baking Queen and no doubt will create lots of sweet baked treats for my boys while minding them, when I'm in hospital - they love savory items too.

Normally, they have 2 pieces fruit, 1 savory item and another. I struggle with finding affordable, yummy and healthy lunchbox snacks. I'd rather they didn't eat chips and they are only a rare treat.


Last week, while on holiday, we road tested SunRice Mini bites. They loved them, they were already big fans of thin rice/corn cakes - plain flavour , with a scrap of butter or Vegemite.

SunRice Wholegrain Mini Bites are delicious small, brown rice cakes, a perfect bite-size snack for hungry boys who want to stuff them in quick, so they can run off and play. Packed full of whole grains, seasoned with natural flavours, mini bites contain less fat than regular potato chips – a win when packing lunches for school.




Mini Bites are available in three flavours: Spooky Original, Devilish Chicken and Creepy Cheese. Devilish Chicken was their favourite. I was surprised how many were in the packet. Enough for two kids easy if you wanted to split them.


 My boys devoured them and instantly asked me to buy more. I doubt they will share.

They are slightly smaller than a 'Jatz' type cracker.
They are the perfect size for adult appetizers or lunch too - I spread a little tuna, cherry tomato or avocado or cream cheese on mine.

Available in the Woolworths’ health food aisle, they have high wholegrain content and nutritional value which makes Mini bites National Healthy School Canteen Amber compliant .

I have 3 x 8 packs , one of each variety to giveaway.


To enter tell me your favourite lunchbox or afternoon snack ?

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 separate comment) for each extra entry option. 
3.There will be 1 winner-
4. Entries - Open 28/1/2014 - Close 11.59pm 11/2/14 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.



 I purchased my own Mini Bites. All view and opinions are my own , and do not necessarily reflect the views of SunRice.
 
Linking up with Essentially Jess #IBOT
 

Monday 27 January 2014

Kicking Back to school and an update on me.

Back-to-school is in full swing here with one day to go - for us. No more kicking back and barefoot summer days.
 

Some friends and cousins still have another week on holidays. They are mostly excited about returning to their friends school . I've been so busy, So much to say, no time to blog.


Ok I admit it - Incessant arguing over Lego Batman Superheros on PS3 - whatever. Over. IT. The melee is driving me batty (pun not intended).

We had a lovely week away in Forster (with no PS3) , then it was back to reality Saturday.

I'm in a slump.Post holiday stress, and a whole heap of other mundane stuff as well as facing complicated surgery to remove a tumour (plexiform neurofibromoma) - in my left thigh in 2 weeks. Otherwise, health wise I am doing well.

It's very close to my femoral artery and femoral nerves; the tumours grow on/along nerves - I have an expert surgeon (same Surgeon as for my mastectomy and Hubby's tumour). I have great faith in his skills [I fully appreciate I'm paying well for his knowledge,experience and expertise] that I will not be left with any deficits, apart from the numbness down my inner shin which is already present.It causes shooting pain at times.

A local surgeon declined the surgery and advised there was no-one else suitable in our large country town. I'm glad he was honest.

I may be in hospital for up to a week, in Sydney. Meanwhile my boys will be at home 350kms+ away , so they can go to school. It was a tough decision not to have them with us.Family members will mind them. I've never been apart from them so long.

Even tougher is 2 months of NO running to recover. I am hoping for less.

I digress , we've been still getting ready for the big day - slowly, school supplies have been purchased - ? grey socks are in scant supply ? - though we have shiny new school shoes thanks to Betts Kids.

While people complain about cost of sending kids back to school your child's feet have to last them a long time. Betts Kids Shoes are always fitted for comfort and support for growing feet! Children are in those shoes for at least seven hours at a time [mine for eight + ]

They need to have something supportive and comfortable, sometimes that means replacing them when they wear or grow out - before the school year ends.

I am relieved they had SO many different styles to suit my boys and their unique feet. Finding the right fit was easy with Airflex range.

Betts set us off on the right foot.



The staff at Rouse Hill were so friendly and patient. The boys (not just mine) couldn't sit still were boisterous and excited.



Sam has longer , narrow feet , an E fitting and tends to kick his toes due to low muscle tone - he trips sometimes and scuffs his shoes, plus likes to kick balls at lunchtime . His shoes have a specially moulded  toe section. They’re rugged and made to last.

They feature Airflex's Protect-a-Toe technology, the outsole toe wrap on these shoes provides scuff protection and durability, plus comfort. The insocks of these shoes are also padded to continue the tradition of Airflex comfort for your child and these shoes are also orthotic friendly. I am getting Sam assessed for orthotics soon.






Girls have just as many choices too.

Joel is 1/2 size smaller , but, with a wide G fitting - a 1/2 size difference is difficult to notice when I am rushing them out the door so thankfully Joel's are a different style. he often complains that off the rack shoes are tight. It is 'easy as' now to tell their shoes apart . The kindergarten shoe dramas were a nightmare !
Energy Pod System Technology, providing extra shock absorption in the heel where it's needed most. Plus, this pair is stitched all the way around for ultimate protection and durability.

I am preparing a few special surprises for the boys' first days at school and when I am in hospital.

Now - is the time to get the cameras ready to capture the special occasion - here are a  few we did today.

 


You can also buy Betts School Shoes online




This year, Betts are donating $5 from every Airflex school shoe purchased online to So They Can.

The team at So They Can does a great job investing in communities in severe need, focusing on education and social business and helping the people become self sufficient.

Learn more about So They Can and the fantastic work they do here: http://bit.ly/1eTUGnz

Are you ready for Back to School ?
Betts Kids Facebook.
Check Betts Kids resources page too.
 

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sea of umbrellas






Everywhere the eye could see was a sea of the almost the same umbrellas .

PS Posting is difficult I have no wifi access for my laptop on holidays ;) at the moment.


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Wordless Wednesday ~ Words to live by !



In honour of a few families I knwo doing it tough right now.


Sorry if I missed visiting you last week, I had a lot going on - double visits in order today.
 

Natural , Sleeping Beauty 10 top tips to better sleep ~ ReDormin.

If you came looking for a sleeping beauty - sorry to disappoint.

Did you know - on average you spend 36% of your life asleep - that is a whopping 32yrs asleep if you live to 90.

I try not to think of it as time wasted like Thomas Edison did “regarding sleep as a waste of time, ‘a heritage from our cave days,’ ...is it no coinicidenece he invented the light-bulb which changed sleeping patterns for eternity.

Did you sleep well last night ?
Me ?
So - So.
Honestly , I am my own worse enermy because I go to bed late.
I admit I have poor sleep habits.

 
I exercise late (because I am time poor during the day and it's cooler at night)

Caffeine (I drink lots of tea)
I'm addicted to my iPad and one dozen last check of Facebook.
Blood'y Mozzies eat me alive too.
Men'opause symptoms (from Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer)
Worry...

Though I am in a vulnerable group having experienced significant and stressful life changes and medical issues over the last 2 yrs. I can do more to regulate external factors (light, sound and temperature).

Identifying the causes of poor sleep is fundamental to restoring natural sleep patterns.

Studies show women are twice as likely to suffer poor sleeping compared to men, despite the fact we consider it more important than men. Good sleep means increased concentration and better decision-making.

A month ago I was invited to a Sleep for Health event , to learn about ReDormin and naturally better sleep. The highlight being a night in the very swish , boutique QT hotel.


Except I can't remember which one was If you eat this you will die !

We were lead on a very enlightening tour of the medicinal plants found in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Flordis's herbal medicine expert, Nick Burgess gave us a few tips...especially the deadly herbs - what not to eat. I've got a new respect for natural remedies.

It was truly fascinating seeing everyday plants and their follage/flowers that are used to make some of the best known natural remedies and poisons.


Over afternoon tea in the QT, we Mrs Woog , Caz (The Truth about Mummy) , Baby Mac and I , had a chat with sleep psychologist Dr Melinda Jackson, about the importance of sleep for good health .

Melinda discussed the many factors that influence sleep. healthy sleep patterns and shared her expert advice on how to achieve better sleep. It didn't surprise me I was doing it wrong.

Busy mums (is there any other ?) regularly experience missed and broken sleep - not entirely due to 'sleepless' kiddos but combinations of life, family / work inbalance and damn straight work overload.
I wish I had answers for mums who want to sleep but can't because of babies or zombie toddlers who thrive on no sleep.

We know it effects our general health and well-being but we still have trouble managing routines and rituals that improve sleep. A quality night's sleep props up your physical health and keeps mental illness at bay. 

Bloggers asked their readers to submit questions and shared natural sleep remedies and how they work.
I didn't dare light the candle they gave us. It took me about 10-15mins to work out how to turn off the funky coloured lights

The event was sponsored by Flordis 'ReDormin', which has been shown in clinical studies to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake refreshed. Especially for the relief of insomnia. Frequently asked questions are answered on the website.

Concluding with a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, we were bid goodnight & sweet dreams before heading to our rooms ... I went to top floor GYM to exercise off my dinner because it was 4-5 days before my Half marathon. Bad sleep move.

ReDormin works by re-setting the two main bio-rhythmic cycles which control sleep patterns.
ReDormin acts in a similar way to melatonin, by signalling the end of the day to the brain and reducing body core temperature. At the same time, it activates adenosine receptors in the brain (and so works in the opposite way to caffeine) to produce a sedative effect.
Together these two actions reduce the time to get to sleep and reduce wakefulness during the sleep cycle.
Clinical studies show significant improvements in sleep patterns, and 4 out of 5 people awoke refreshed the next morning within 2 weeks of taking ReDormin.
 
ReDormin tablets contain a unique formulation (Ze 91019), made up of specific extracts of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)and Hops (Humulus lupulus). ReDormin has been clinically proven, it is the exact product that has been used in numerous clinical trials.See more at: Flordis
After, trying ReDormin I agree that it has helped my sleep patterns. I completed a 2 week sleep diary and apart from a rude awakening at 3am by a selfish , young room-mate in the backpackers hostel (she turned the light then banged around for 10mins) and worry I'd sleep through the alarm and miss my race start ; then a night in my friend's too soft, spare bed (without my favourite pillow), - I think I slept better overall.

I still wake overnight to use the bathroom (maybe because I drink too much tea and water while exercising late)

More commitment on my part is required. My husband frequently complains I disrupt his sleep by coming to bed late, then he can't return to sleep and I feel bad about that . (He also says the toilet roll holder rattling wakes him. He bought it !)

Since because I said so the Sleep event - my husband has installed our new vertical drapes to reduce early morning light coming in through the glass sliding door (opposite our bed), a wall fan and now new air-conditioner (the latter being his own idea to save us both getting too hot & sweaty to sleep). We recently purchased a new mattress too.

Sadly ,I've slipped into bad habits over Christmas / New year without the pressure of the school routine and my recreational & exercise routine (Dragon boat paddling and running club) .

This week I'm easing between the sheets with the following 10 top tips for better sleep. It is a great PDF.

"Take sleep seriously," says Russell Foster. "The importance of sleep isn't some crystal-waving nonsense." Good sleep reduces mood swings, stress, levels of anger and impulsiveness.

Did you sleep well last night ?

If you like TED talk - watch this video about Neuroscience of sleep too by Russell Foster . I put it here so I can find it again.

Linking up with #IBOT Essentially Jess
 

Friday 10 January 2014

Lego Legends of Chima { Giveaway } ~ The real reason we buy Lego

It's been a while hasn't it.

Christmas and New Year had me playing with my boys instead of online...well some of the time.Being a feasting sloth also featured highly.

We built Lego City Cargo Terminal, Rescue Helicopter and then racing the Legends of Chima. Lego building is a lovely way - for me - to bond and connect. (no pun intended with them and their interests)

My boys like to fight over play Lego their own way. Yes - the only wrong way to play with LEGO is the way that leaves pieces out for me to step on when barefoot or make me frantically move the vacuum cleaner in the opposite direction to miss Lego.

I suggested to my boys we re-build all our Lego City collection and they cried no - because they have build their own vehicles,

Joel's Base

' BASES ' , buildings and display their mini figures collections- (Superman and Darth Varder are now friends too)



So this Christmas - It went like this - 

Step 1: Buy Santa brings LEGO

Step 2: Rip Open all the boxes and carefully tip the numbered packets into separate containers.
(this was after Christmas but illustrates the point)

Step 3: Toss aside Carefully place the instruction manuals in right order.

Step 4: Retreat to your corner  - commence build !

Christmas Day.

Step 5: Knock Lego on the Floor; under the table, under the lounge ; LEGO, start looking for the missing pieces ...find pieces from last week.

Step 6: Document the Completion. Play !



Joel made the Helicopter completely with no assistance. Only Superman can save the day ...he is from another set . The boys also independently made the H helicopter landing pad.


Step 7: Children make modifications ...while I step on stray Lego and commence - hopping and cursing (at children).

Step 8: 2hrs later ... I accidentally vacuum up a stray LEGO piece.

Step 9: Encourage husband to dig through the vacuum cleaner bag searching for that piece (and others) while watching over his shoulder and holding a tissue to my nose , to make he doesn't miss a tiny piece .

Step 10 : Suggest listing Lego on eBay...we'll make a fortune.

Okay,  I'm kidding - my boys and I enjoy hours of play with Lego and they play it together - everyday !

Their recent favourite collection has been


LEGO Legends of Chima is a tale of animal warrior tribes, who live in the magical land of Chima. Build your minifigure using LEGO bricks, Race against the other animal tribes and battle it out to WIN the powerful CHI with the LEGO Legends of Chima Speedorz. 

They knew all the tribes and powers ! I just like to see them race.

The boys were so excited when these arrived to review.

The standout features are it's animal-centric ; and there are various accessories and their own unique Speedorz , which gives more scoop for imaginative play (with collectable playing cards) and physical play.

 'Speedorz' - come come with a ripcord (launcher) which is used to rev them up and get them racing and leaping across toes the room .


Speedorz move pretty fast once they get going and it was so hard to capture the action on video. A flat surface (floor not carpet) works best (of course they disappear under the couch and sometimes 'crumple' but it was a lot of fun).

LEGO® Legends of Chima ™ - Speedorz™  the awesome LEGO Legends of Chima Speedorz collection:

Sky Joust $29.99
Fly high into the Chima eagle territory for a Sky Joust battle and compete for 12 CHI! Attach Rawzom and Eris onto their Speedorz and pull the ripcord. Fly up the ramps and grab the CHI perched high on the peak! Attach the power-upz and take the battle to the next level! Set includes 2 minifigures with assorted weapons, 2 Speedorz, 2 ripcords, 4 weapons, 2 power-upz, 12 CHI and 10 game cards. Put your timing and accuracy to the test with this lightning-fast game for 2 players. 

Royal Roost $22.99
Test your Speedorz accuracy in the Lion tribe’s territory with the Royal Roost challenge! Go after the Lion tribe’s CHI hidden in the nest perched high on the castle column! Attach Lagravis onto the lion Speedor and pull the ripcord to crash into the column and bring the CHI toppling to the ground! Attach the power-up for even more Speedor stability! Includes minifigure, 2 weapons, Speedor, ripcord, power-up, 6 CHI and 5 game cards. Put your skills of accuracy and timing to the test with this game for 1 or more players!

Whirling Vines $22.99
Race through the overgrown jungles of Chima to win the CHI in the Whirling Vines Speedorz challenge! Attach Gorzan onto the gorilla Speedor and pull the ripcord! As you speed through the jungle, dodge the whirling vines of the deadly carnivorous plant and survive its sharp fangs to get through the gate to the CHI! Attach the power-up for even more stability or leave a slippery banana-skin obstacle for your opponents! Includes minifigure, 2 weapons, Speedor, ripcord, power-up, 6 CHI and 5 game cards. Put your skills of accuracy and timing to the test with this game for 1 or more players!


The three sets are valued at $75.97, and I have 3 x sets /packs to giveaway

Leave a comment answering ...........

 The real reason I buy Lego is _____________________________________ ?

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 separate comment) for each extra entry option. 
3.There will be 3 winners-
4. Entries - Open 10/1/2014 - Close 11.59pm 24/1/14 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 3 x Lego Chima Speedorz - no financial payment was received. All opinions are my own.

Congratulations to Carmen J, Vicky F and Kylie B