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

 ♥

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.

 ♥

Zen Giveaway ~ Cadbury Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit

What can I say ?  just when I thought they couldn't create a more interesting and unexpected flavour combination. Cadbury surprised me . A few weeks ago I was sent the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit to sample !

First - my Zen Chocolate Thoughts

1. “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”
   ― Linda Grayson
2. “Without pain, how could we know joy?' This is an old argument in the field of thinking about suffering and its stupidity and lack of sophistication could be plumbed for centuries but suffice it to say that the existence of broccoli does not, in any way, affect the taste of chocolate.” {I still love broccoli}
   ― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars  
3. “Strength is the capacity to break a Hershey bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces.” {Tried - too weak}
   ― Judith Viorst, Love & Guilt & The Meaning Of Life, Etc  
4. “Can I come back and see you sometime?"
   "Long as you bring me some chocolate," Gramma said, and smiled. "I'm partial to chocolate."
   "Gramma, you're diabetic."
   "I'm old, girl. Gonna die of something. Might as well be chocolate.”
   ― Rachel Caine, The Dead Girls' Dance  
5. “May your life be filled, as mine has been, with love and laughter; and remember, when things are rough all you need is ... Chocolate.”
   ― Geraldine Solon, Chocolicious 

Once we broke open the block , we devoured it ...[seriously a resealable package ]- within , thickly wrapped in smooth and creamy Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, were velvety - melt in your mouth peanut drops- to get tastebuds tingling, as delightfully as the retro and oh-so-scrumptious banana candy pieces , colliding with a hearty crunch of choc biscuit.

We shared it with family and friends. Some liked it and some commented on the strong banana flavour. It is apparently peanut butter in the drops and the biscuit crunch though not new is still delicious too.

 I wasn't so much a fan of Peanut, Toffee Crisp and Biscuit variation myself , none the less  I enjoyed the Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit but not as much with the Jelly Popping Candy Beanies !!!

I love all types of Cadbury chocolate. My favourite is still the recently added variation Marvellous Creations Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows. I was sent a bag of actual raspberry chips in June and they are like jaw breaking toffee mmm so good.

For more information head to www.joyville.com.au 

To celebrate that the new Marvellous Creation Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit is here to stay I have a marvelous giveaway !


FIVE prize packs each with 4 x 290g blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit !

What do you think ? 

What is your favourite - to enter tell me who you would share your Cadbury with ? 

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 5 packs of 4 chocolate blocks as above. (5 winners in total)
4. Entries open 22/8/13 - close 3/9/13. 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 Cadbury Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit. to review & for the purpose of hosting this giveaway and adding to my post running fuel. 
No financial payment was received.All opinions are my own.



  ♥

Seat Kids Safe ~ {Giveaway} child car restraints

Giveaway brought to you by NRMA Insurance & Kidsafe Australia -Safety Campaign  -

This is NOT a Child Car restraint review !

Baby Car seats / child car restraints haven’t changed too much since we brought our eldest, adopted son, home as a 13 month old in 1994. We bought the best money could buy for our precious son and the baby shop fitted it.

The laws were not so strict about toddlers and preschoolers, but I was. I think our son was still in the same 5 point harness car seat till he started school at 5 yrs , then he went into a booster. I would not let friends take him for play dates unless they had a child restraint. When I worked we had a child restraint seat for each car.

The laws governing child car restraint have changed a few times over the last few years . While 90% people are aware of the current National laws for keeping 0-7 yr old restrained , their child car restraint seat may be, unintentionally, incorrectly fitted (Yes, some ignore it anyway) .

Last year , 70% of child car restraints inspected by Kidsafe needed an adjustment. I find it hard to believe and shocking that figure is so high. Four months ago we attended a professional check of car seats organised by our local council . We were surprised that we needed to remove the car seat retainer/locking clip. A Locking Clip normally helps ensure proper and effective car seat retention but wasn’t required in our case.

Making sure child restraints are exactly right can be tricky for parents to determine, so why not let Kidsafe do this for you, for free.

Dec 2007

One guy (a local car restraint professional) also said we didn’t need to bother with the restraints after they turned seven (a month ago). I am keeping them restrained as my twins are at only at 10%  (115cm) & 25% (118cm) height percentiles for their age - no where near the recommended 145cm. It is far safer and no trouble to keep them in correctly fitted child restraints, in my opinion.

I have had friends begrudge the money paying for car seat safety checks , even when it is for the safety of their kids. As well as grumbling about paying for new seats after a minor accident. 

A good friend works as a nurse in a busy Sydney Children’s hospital, Accident and Emergency, she was very vocal speaking OUT to our playgroup mums when she heard people talking about putting siblings 'out' of child restraints for a new baby and into booster seats or a seat belt. Tragically, she had seen children lose their lives due to incorrectly fitted seats or an absence of car safety restraints.

Fortunately, we rarely changed vehicles and still own the same car we bought the twins home in. Every time you remove seats or change cars you are advised to have them checked. When the twins were born we also purchased the best available at the time for 0-4 yrs (Given we also wanted them to last as long as safely possible). 

Sept 2011

We've had their child restraint seats professionally checked a few times over the years .The local hospital provided a free service 2-3 times a year to have a professional check car restraints. It was reassuring to drive away with the certainty that my children were seated safe. It took less than 10 mins a seat, for peace of mind for parents or carers .

Simple mistakes such as having the restraint at the incorrect height or a twisted harness may lead to a child being injured. When I was asked Tuesday for my assistance, in the form of a post, to help promote child safety when traveling in cars I was keen to participate.

A team working with NRMA Insurance and Kidsafe Australia have offered free restraint checking days in QLD and NSW . Encourage your friends and get the word out. Their goal is to educate parents and carers through these free restraint checking days.

They need your help in spreading the word to help keep children safe on our roads. Tell your family and friends to help spread the message about these important events to other parents and carers.

Parents can have their child restraints professionally checked and adjusted to make sure their children are seated safely – in just minutes and for free. 

GIVEAWAY

As part of the campaign I have Two child car restraints (rated three stars and above on the Australian Standards Restraint rating site: crep.com.au), as prizes to give away to my readership base:

• 1x 6 months – 4 years rearward/forward facing restraint (Safety 1st) 
• 1x 4 years – 7 years forward facing restraint (Infa-Secure) 

The seats will be delivered to the competition winners (one prize/one seat per winner)

Enter by leaving a comment telling me  ...

How do you keep children happy in the car ?

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 two winners - one seat per winner , please indicate in comments which seat you would prefer.
4. Entries - Open 8/8/2013 - Close 11.59pm 22/8/2013 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 .

All opinions are my own.

The more parents who get their restraints professionally checked, the safer our children will be.

Winners : Katie P -  4 years – 7 years forward facing restraint (Infa-Secure)
Jody - Six Little Hearts  - 6 months – 4 years rearward/forward facing restraint (Safety 1st) 

Wellness and Chasing your dreams {Giveaway ~ RedBalloon for Mother's day}

This post is sponsored by Wellwoman and Digital Parents Collective

Many of life's great issues receive the same treatment .We size up the situation, we sift through evidence, weigh things in the balance and respond to the change in circumstances as best we can.

When you think about cancer and what you would do if you had to face that trauma - burying your head in the sand isn't very productive.

The inevitable question we ask is how do I stay well - physically , emotionally and financially ? Without question , after getting through my initial treatment , financial security has been one of our biggest concerns since my breast cancer diagnosis.

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems but there were many out of pocket costs and if you want your choice of surgeon you can expect to pay more.

Then how do you cope with the financial burden of maintaining your lifestyle,  ensuring your home life runs smoothly without too much disruption. It isn't easy to dismiss the little things like childcare, getting the kids to school, preparing meals - let alone the bigger issues like the mortgage or paying the rent.

Wellwoman, by AIG Direct, is a newly launched cancer insurance product in Australia for women aged 18- 69yrs - to assist in maintaining a woman's lifestyle as she focuses her energies on recovery.

When you are diagnosed with any of the seven cancers specific to women - Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Cervical cancer, Cancer of the uterus, vagina, vulva or fallopian tubes. Wellwoman - cover pays a one-off, lump sum payment of between $25,000 and $45,000 after a confirmed diagnosis, Subject to the exclusions and conditions in the policy. Of course if you have already had cancer then this may not be for you. 

Wellwoman insurance is designed as a one off measure of support should a woman face a female specific cancer diagnosis and is not intended to replace health or life insurance.

This leaves you to focus on your treatment and recovery ; things that matter most - steadiness and stability.The payment can be used for anything you choose e.g. a holiday or mortgage repayments or for you to chase your dreams.

My next favouite quote at moment ...unknown author , my photo !

 I am ready to chase my dream again and put my energy into my most important goals . I have the determination to focus on wellness and happiness . I need to put some other goals on hold for now ...like running a half marathon.

For now, I've picked a few goals and I'm focusing on those that make me feel a well woman like ...exercising, feeling sand between my toes and even enjoying a massage !

RedBalloon

Now I get to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Day Spa treatment from RedBalloon – a One Hour Full body and Mind Massage (valued at $110 - available in Australia nationally). Just in time for Mother's Day.

Tell me what makes you feel like a well woman ?

Click here to see the full terms and conditions of this giveaway - the closing date of my giveaway has been extended until  14th May 11.59pm.