Archives for November 2013

Do you like coffee?

29/11/2013 By All Mum Said Leave a Comment

I’m a coffee lover and in all honesty most days don’t really start until I’ve had a least one cup of jolt. I will often make what feels like 50 coffees a day; I only ever get to drink a few of them though as I get busy and it goes cold or I get side tracked and forget to drink it. But regardless how much or little I drink – I love it! I am always on the lookout for new flavours and brands to try and change things up occasionally. So when I received an email asking if I wanted to give the Carte Noire a go I instantly opted yes. You may have seen the ads on TV; the fire and ice roasting. Being a unique blend of Arabica-rich instant coffee and finely milled beans I was interested to see if this coffee was as good as they claim.

As far as instant coffee goes I’ve definitely tasted worse. The roasting process that is used captures the flavours and aromas which creates the Carte Noire taste. The process is done under the watchful eyes of the skilled roasters; and just like ice instantly extinguishes fire, the roasting of the coffee beans are instantly stopped by a shower of cold water. This contrast between hot and cold contributes to the making of its premium quality coffee.

I do have to say though that the while it doesn’t have that burnt taste that is well known to instant coffees Carte Noire isn’t a very strong coffee either. In order to get the same strength as my regular coffee (also an instant variety) I need to use 2 teaspoons of the Carte Noire. Saying that though the flavour is nice and silky and the aroma is definitely appealing. It’s worth considering if you want to try something new. CARTE NOIRE is available in Coles, Woolworths and leading Independent supermarkets.

Disclaimer: I received 1x jar of coffee to try for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

What Lurks Beneath?

29/11/2013 By All Mum Said Leave a Comment

What Lurks Beneath: 3 Germs Currently Invading Your Kitchen

Our kitchens are an oasis of gastronomic possibilities, witnessing many of our trials, arguments, quiet breakdowns, pondering and failed experiments. They store memories of our lives in their cupboards and drawers, providing a sounding board for our first dessert triumphs or the completion of a 15 minute meal (though it beats me how anyone but Mr Oliver can cook those dishes so quickly), though for all of that, the humble kitchen is still subject to a host of harmful germs. As humanity develops antidotes and disinfectants for absolutely everything, it’s still best to wipe down your bench tops, wash the dishes and dispose of garbage, lest you create a plundering ground for these three bacteria surprises.

It may look clean but germs could be lurking

E. Coli

You may have heard of E.Coli (or as its mother calls it, eschericha coli), it’s a usually beneficial bacteria alive and kicking butt in the gut of many a mammal, including humans, preventing pathogens from infecting your intestine and assisting in the factory production of Vitamine K2. It sounds like a friendly, happy fellow, no? Ordinarily, you have nothing to fear from the e. coli family, though every unit has a black sheep and the strain O157:H7 (we know him as food poisoning) can have a butt kicking effect on anybody who is unlucky enough to ingest him. There are a few less common distance cousins to worry about, but we’ll focus on the H7 strain for now. Adults and older teenagers can usually shake off the effects of food poisoning completely in five to seven days, by drinking lots of water, eating unobtrusive meals and sleeping a lot; kids and the elderly are a different story, their immune systems are a bit weaker, so keep a close eye on them.

Kill germs on hands, work space and utensils

Salmonella

Almost everybody has enjoyed a run-in with the Salmonella strain at least once in their lives; associated with food poisoning (seems to be popular with the pathogenic crowd), salmonella attacks the elderly, young adults, children, adults, everyone really, though the extremity of its symptoms often relies on your current health status. After one recovers from the physical fun that isn’t salmonella (fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, cramps, fever and headache), the bacteria can still hang around for a matter of weeks in human waste, so rigorous hand-washing after using the toilet is a must. So how does one get salmonella? Chowing down on uncooked eggs, eating raw or badly cooked poultry, dishing out cross contaminated food, petting infected animals or touching hands with someone who doesn’t believe in post-bathroom washing. Salmonella can hang out anywhere really, from your counter tops and utensils, to deep within your dish washer; run the water giant through an empty cycle and clear out any unfriendliness before loading it up again.

Listeria

Considered one of the more serious pathogenic bacteria, listeria causes a bit of hysteria on the hospital floor, due to its invasive nature and truly debilitating effects. Also known as Listeria Monocytogenes, the infection is potentially very harmful, especially to pregnant mothers who run the chance of passing the illness onto their babies in-vitro. Though infection is rare next to e.coli and salmonella, listeria is everywhere in the world, surviving in harsh environments; by chance contamination of food stuffs are humans usually infected. Symptoms don’t pop up straight away, biding their time over a period of time, occasionally only appearing after a couple of months of hibernation; when it does hit, you’ll wish it hadn’t. It’s a hammer throw of fever, child, headaches, stiffness, light sensitivity, confusion, drowsiness, aches and pains, nausea and diarrhoea, and once infected, you’ll have to stay in hospital for a while to get rid of it, hooked up to an IV.
Have I inspired your to give your kitchen a good going over with a bottle of disinfectant and a fresh cloth? Good. Don’t forget to clean out your helpful devices too, that’s a rule that can be followed in all of your rooms from your Kitchens’ dishwasher to your laundries’ washing machine and make sure your fridge is the coldest it can be without freezing its contents.

HUGE Christmas Review & Giveaway 2013

28/11/2013 By All Mum Said 227 Comments

So Christmas has made its way back around again (too fast I might add) and due to the popularity of the HUGE Christmas Giveaway Mad Mummas ran last year I have decided to do it again. Lucky you!! There are some wonderful businesses returning again and some exciting new ones joining us that have donated some absolutely amazing prizes. I will be sharing my thoughts and findings on each product and then you will have the chance to win them for yourself. With a total of 49 prizes and overall prize pool value just shy of $2400; this is one giveaway you won’t want to miss!!

Tommee Tippee Moimee 4-in-1 Digital Thermometer

Every home that has children should have a good quality thermometer. Tommee Tippee Moimee is another brand I trust and use; they cater to most things baby – bottles, dummies, breast pads, nipple shields, thermometers, nightlights and the list goes on. The 4-in-1 Digital Thermometer is quick and precise (can be used on the forehead or ear), it has a fever indicator that flashes red while a green flash is shown for regular temperatures which is quite handy. It also has a memory recall of 10 temperature readings so you can accurately monitor their fever. The large display makes it easy to read and as an added bonus while it is in standby mode it displays the clock and nursery/room temperature. If you have a baby, are expecting or just know someone that does consider this amazing product. WIN – 1 of 5 Tommee Tippee Moimee 4-in-1 Digital Thermometers. RRP $89.95 each. Total Prize pool $449.75

Tommee Tippee Feeding Pack & toy

I have talked about the Tommee Tippee feeding range previously on the blog which means I obviously us their products. There is a large selection of items to suit your little ones feeding needs. They have bowls, cups, fresh feeders, bottles, etc.; one of the things I love is that majority of the bowls come the lids making them useful when on the move as well. The fresh feeder is great when you want your little one to start trying fruit or not so smooth foods without the concern they’ll choke. It’s also great fro when they’re teething. Then there are the range of toys – did you know they did toys? Well they do – the squeaky hammer is a great one for both boys and girls – my daughter has a green one and loves it! WIN – 1 of 5 Tommee Tippee Feeding Packs valued at $32.65 each & squeaky hammer RRP $4.65 each. (Each pack contains 1x fist solids bowl, 1x stickee bowl, 1x fresh feeder) & squeaky hammer. Total $37.30 each (Winners can ask for preferred colours but it cannot be guaranteed) Total Prize pool $186.50

Happy Baby First Taste Feeding Set

This set is fantastic for your little one from about 4+ months or when they first start eating and will remain handy for years to come. The Happy Baby First Tastes Feeding Set contains 1x Click ‘n’ Go Bowl Set, 3x Snack Pots, 1x First Cup and 10x Disposable Bibs. My daughter loves the cup because it is easy to hold and drink; the position of the handles and angle of the cup makes it perfect for little ones to use. The spoon in the Click ‘n’ Go Bowl is great as well because it has a super soft tip and changes colour if the food is too hot. Overall this set is great for use at home and on the move as everything can be put into portions and taken with you which is another reason the disposable bibs are so handy. Stick some in your bag, nappy bag or pram for those feeds on the go. WIN – 1 of 5 Happy Baby First Tastes Feeding Sets & 10 pack of disposable bibs. RRP $33.50 each. Total Prize pool $167.50

My Best Friend is a Bag – Hillary Tote

I LOVE these gorgeous bags! The quality is absolutely amazing and all the bags at My Best Friend is a Bag are designed to fit your life, your style and your requirements (just like a best friend would). The Hillary Tote is the perfect all-rounder for women on the go. It is built for those who like to carry a lot in their handbags; who doesn’t though? Working women can safely fit and store their laptops in the 15” padded laptop sleeve, mums can fit their babies stuff, jet-setters can use it as a weekender or overnight bag plus fit everything else you want or need to take with you on a day to day basis. I love that there are pockets inside to help keep things a bit organised as well as one of my favourite features of My Best Friend is a Bag product range (that every bag should have) is a hook/clip for your keys so you never have to worry about losing them or go searching for them at the bottom of your bag. Hillary is durable, lightweight and absolutely gorgeous! She will be by your side on every occasion looking glamorous. WIN – 1x Hillary Tote (colour selected at random). RRP $165.00

SKN Complex DNA 3 Step Anti-Aging system

Aging is one of those things that happen to us all but we don’t have to settle with those wrinkles that pave their way across our faces. We can look after our skin and do whatever we can to delay the aging the process. Using SKN Complex is a great way to start and with their DNA 3 Step Anti-Aging system your skin will be nourished and left feeling fresh. The cleanser gently exfoliates your skin and removes all the dead skin and toxins from the day leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Gently pat the toner on your face and with a cotton pad and it results in a gorgeously hydrated glow. The toner also helps to tighten pores in the skin which gives step 3 a better result. The second I put on DNA Youth Span (step 3) my skin felt revitalised and silky smooth. I love the way my skin looks and feels after just 1 week of using the 3 step system from SKN Complex. A little bit goes a long way so it will last quite a while. This is my new favourite skin care routine. WIN – 1x SKN Complex DNA 3 Step Anti-Aging system. RRP $127.00

2 KOOL 4 SKOOL

You all know I have a HUGE obsession with stationary and even more so now that I have kids in school. I may be a little protective of my office supplies especially when I sense the boys nearing them. This is because they never seem to be returned to my desk and always find their way to the homework drawer stash. No longer! 2 KOOL 4 SKOOL has just what the kids want (and need) for everything school related. Whether it be book covers that not only look great but also save us parents hours of wasted time by not have to wrap or contact each and every book or pencils, crayons, erasers, pencil cases to LEGO earphones, USBs, bags and even scratch & sniff labels. They have it all! If you have kids in school next year then I recommend having a look on the website for your back to school goodies. WIN – 1x Prize Pack as shown above. Winner can choose boy or girl theme. RRP $100.00

Allen & Unwin – Happy Eva After by Chris Harrison

This book is engaging, witty and entertaining. It’s about an ordinary man, an English teacher (Sebastian) who is happily married or would like to believe he is happily married to his wife Sarah. She has realised that her biological clock is on the countdown and wants to start a family however Sabastian finds he sees more of the dog than his workaholic wife. As a result of Sarah being absent from Sebastians daily life there seems to a lack of communication between the couple and this becomes evident when he spends more time deciphering crosswords, talking to his dog and helping students with the English language. When the attractive new Czech student Eva arrives his life is suddenly changed as he finds himself in a sordid suburban tangle after his feverish imagination has led to him believe and misinterpret a situation. Happy Eva After is a seriously funny novel about a man, a marriage and a mysterious woman. WIN – 1 of 3 copies of Happy Eva After. RRP $29.99. Total prize pool $89.97

Dreambaby Retractable Gate

There are often times that require a safety gate to be used in the home especially when there are little ones on the move. We have a few stairs in our home and a bub who is starting to roll her way around; this is would be cause for concern if I didn’t have a safety gate in place. The retractable gate is fantastic for fitting both narrow and wider openings (up to 140cm). I love how easy this is to open, you can do it with just one hand and because it winds back into itself it is a great space-saver as well. I am impressed by the durability of the mesh used for the new black Dreambaby retractable gate and that this particular gate doesn’t create a tripping hazard. Being suitable for use indoors or outdoors it is perfect for every home. WIN – 1x Dreambaby Black retractable gate. RRP $89.95

Finlee & Me

Finlee & Me is an online store that has really catered to the needs of babies, kids and mums. If you’re after something soft and cuddly, something for your super hero, night light, educational or even a breastfeeding cover; they have it! The Snugglie is great for little ones because it has more than one use. It is brightly coloured and has a range of different textures which are fantastic for getting bubs attention, the ribbons are also good for smoothing gums when teething and the blanket to help keep drool to a minimum. It also has a dummy holder on it (I don’t use it for a dummy though, I hook a link through it so I can attach it to the pram and it won’t get lost). So very soft to snuggle. Another favourite of mine is for the toddler-preschool age which is the Drawing Set. It is very convenient to slip into your handbag when going out to appointments, car rides, etc. so your little one stays occupied. This gorgeous fabric wallet comes with a set of crayons and includes a notebook as well. Everything a budding little artist needs. For the older kids Finlee & Me have amazing A-Z Flash Cards & Wooden Blocks which are great for hungry little minds. These are a wonderful tool for those creative kids who are interested in building and design. This pack contains 26 colourful, sturdy and illustrated alphabet cards and 36 hardwood blocks so they can read, learn and build with just one time-less toy that’s packaged in a handy ready-to-go box. WIN – 1 of 3 Prizes. 1x Snugglie RRP $19.95 or 1x Drawing Set RRP $19.95 or 1x A-Z Flash Cards & Wooden Blocks RRP $49.95. Total prize pool $89.85

Air Hogs Hover Assault Eject

I have previously reviewed this product (you can read it here) and I can tell you that this would be on the top of most boys wish list for Christmas; I’m sure girls would love them too. My boys love the Air Hogs range and have many of them already and because I know that they are a lot of fun I have also gotten (well Santa has made) my boys the Hover Assault. Young or old they are a crowd pleaser – my husband has as much fun as the kids do with these. You can purchase these at Toys ‘R’ Us, Big W, Toyworld and Target. WIN – 1x Air Hogs Hover Assault Eject. RRP $75.00

Jujo Baby Zig-zag Jacquard Blanket

I have shared Jujo Baby products with you in past (like the shwrap) and for good reason. The quality and softness of their products are just amazing. The Zig-zag Jacquard blanket is made from 100% super soft cotton making it lightweight and ideal for the pram, cot or even when out and about. The size of the blanket is approx. 85x95cm which makes it large enough to be versatile and still small enough to carry around. The fibres are 100% natural making it a great choice for your baby or toddler and their soft sensitive skin. When I am buying anything material especially for a baby/kids it must be machine washable and this blanket ticks that criteria as well. WIN – 1x Jujo Baby Zig-zag Jacquard Blanket. Winner can choose between colours: cobalt blue and coral pink. RRP $64.95

Bosch IXO tool

We seem to be doing a fair bit of DIY at our place lately and something small, portable and lightweight like the Bosch IXO is ideal. It is so easy to use that even the kids could use it and as a result of its soft grip it doesn’t hurt your hands while using it. The IXO cordless screwdriver has a 3.6V Lithium-ion battery, weighs a mere 300g and yet is still powerful enough to get the job done. Make yourself or your DIY partner happy this Christmas with Bosch. WIN – 1x Bosch IXO. RRP $64.50

At Aunty Moggs Sock Monkey

I will start by saying that these sock monkeys are made with love and attention to detail. I have purchased 2 of these in the past for my boys for Christmas and was thrilled when At Aunty Moggs wanted to be part of this giveaway. The handmade monkeys are created from good quality socks and a wide variety of colours and patterns. The range doesn’t stop at just monkeys though; you will find ponies, reindeer and elephants too. WIN – 1 of 2 sock monkeys. 45cm tall. Pattern randomly chosen out of the 2 above. RRP $30.00 ea. Total prize pool $60.00

Trunki

When travelling with little people Trunki has your back. It is such a fun and exciting way for your little jet setter to get organised and excited whilst still being practical and ready for adventures. My boys had these when they were little and would use them even when we weren’t travelling. They would fill them up with all their favourite toys and ride along on their Trunki animal. It’s so much more than a travel bag for kids – it’s an animal, a car, a safe place for their treasured possessions and most importantly it’s a lot of fun! There are 9 different characters available (including the new Gruffalo) so there is definitely something to suit the little tot in your life. Trunki ride on suitcases are strong and durable yet very lightweight and easy to move. It can be used a few different ways – kids can ride it, parents can tow the kids on it or it can be used as a shoulder bag. Let your kids travel in style this holiday with a Trunki. Pack, Sit-on & Ride. WIN – 1x Trunki ride on suitcase. (Tiger) RRP $59.95

Love To INVENTA Sleep Bag™

Having a baby in the house again has required me to revisit all the products I thought I knew and I have discovered that in the 4 year gap between my last two babies so much has changed. My eyes have been opened to some incredible advances that are being used to make and improve many products; including baby sleeping bags. This Love To INVENTA Sleep Bag by Love To Dream in particular has many very handy features; some of which I never thought I’d see or think of for that matter. Firstly I want to say that this is very easy to put on bub and doesn’t require much effort as the studs and zip make it a simple process. The zip goes from the bottom and right up to the side so it makes nappy changes during the night seamless and it has the seatbelt slots making it easy access for travelling. The fabric used to make the lining in the Love To INVENTA Sleep Bag is breathable bamboo so it’s extremely soft on bubs skin and allows stretch for extra comfort. The Longa Shorta™ feature is great as well; it lets you adjust the length of the bag to suit your growing baby avoiding unnecessary loose fabric. My favourite thing about this sleep bag that really puts it above the rest and makes it really stand out is the Genius Cooling System™. It is a simple zip to open and close that helps you to moderate your baby’s temperature without waking them. It’s equivalent to having 1 leg in 1 leg out for adults – perfect body regulating! To check out how the Love To INVENTA Sleep Bag works go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVJZS3K3Ilk. WIN – 1x Love To INVENTA Sleep Bag (0.5 Tog) by Love To Dream. Winner can choose preferred size and colour. RRP $59.95

Cabbage Patch Kids – 30^th Anniversary

We have all seen and heard of Cabbage Patch Kids and chances are you’ve had one of your own, well they are now celebrating their 30^th Anniversary! I had one as a child and loved him more than anything – his name was Fabian. Today there are 12 different themes available but each ‘kid’ is one of kind; cowboys, princesses, fairies, soccer players and many more to fit into your family. I love that they still have the trade mark tattoo on the bum. CPK is still unique, fun and different but has also been modernised; they have personality, spunk and are just waiting for someone to love and adopt them. WIN – 1x Cabbage Patch Kid (randomly selected) RRP $59.00

One Honney – Copacabana

I have only recently discovered this website as well and love it! You may remember on facebook a couple of weeks ago I asked which jumpsuit everyone preferred; well I ended up purchasing a handful of dresses and a couple of jumpsuits as well. They are absolutely gorgeous and made with great quality fabrics. The Copacabana is one of the jumpsuits I have been rocking around in lately and I LOVE IT!! It is so comfortable and easy to move around in as well as being cool enough for the hot days we’ve been having. My favourite thing about the Copacabana is that it hides my post baby jelly belly without looking frumpy; which is never a bad thing! All the outfits on the One Honney website are absolutely beautiful and scream fun. WIN – 1x Copacabana Jumpsuit. RRP $55.00

Babybjorn Potty Chair

The inevitable time in a toddlers life when they begin potty training is one that is both exciting and dreadful. It’s great they growing up and learning new things but with that comes the possibility of a lot of mess and uncertainty for parents whether to use a potty or try and train straight on the toilet. We all know every child is different so what works for one might not work for another and toilet training is no different. If you are in the market for a potty the Babybjorn Potty Seat is a great option. It is very strong, durable and has a high back support for when they like to take their time. The chair has a removable inner potty making as easy to keep clean – remove, empty and clean. One of my favourite things about this particular potty chair is that it has a high splash guard in order to minimise mess. I trust Babybjorn as a brand and use many of their products with my daughter so when the time comes for her to be toilet trained I will definitely be using this Potty Chair. WIN – 1x Babybjorn Potty Chair (grey in colour) RRP $54.95

Life! Live it up

I have shared my thoughts previously on some of the Life! products and I am so pleased to share with you all that they have now expanded their range to include POP Lounge which is made with expanding foam. It looks and sounds awesome. It comes vacuum packed in a box so when you want to use it you simply unpack, let it expand for 48 hours (this allows the compressed and shredded foam to expand) and then relax on your new comfortable lounger. The other new addition is the Tinny; a cooler with retro soul. With the capacity to hold up to 24 cans (17Ltr) and retain ice for up to 36 hours makes this ideal for barbeques, small camping trips, car rides, sporting events and even Christmas Day. These 2 new items are the perfect gift for those that are hard to buy for or who want something a little different but still great quality. WIN – 1x $50 Life! Gift Voucher

Flutterbye Fairy

I remember these from when my sister was little (well something similar to it) and they were so much fun. They have evolved so much since then though. I love the simplicity of these flying fairies and the enchantment that they bring to young girls (and boys). These are like the girl equivalent of Air Hogs remote control helicopters with a twist. Yes they are pretty, glittery little fairies that mystify by magically flying above your hand but the magic doesn’t end there; with the movement of your hand you can guide where she flies. WIN – 1x Flutterbye Fairy (chosen at random) RRP $49.95

Hunting For Ladybugs Handmade Items

This woman is a genius! You may remember me asking on facebook if anyone makes fabric notebook covers because I wanted to get some for my boys teachers for Christmas; Hunting For Ladybugs came to the rescue and made me 3 absolutely gorgeous ones at a very reasonably price! So when she submitted her details for this Christmas giveaway I was thrilled to see that her skills didn’t stop at notebook covers and branched out to include pencil cases, Christmas stockings, outfits, bags and even vanity bags. There is much more but I’d be here all day. The large vanity/toiletry bags are built with not only love and attention to detail; it’s also great quality that you can’t often find in stores. It is lined with cotton and made with thick fabric and plastic exterior allowing you to flip inside out and wash it or just give a quick wipe-over. They are about 20cm x 30cm x 15cm deep making them ideal for makeup or family toiletries on weekends away. WIN – 1x Large Vintage Caravan Vanity/Toiletry Bag. RRP $45.00

Dimples & Whispers

I actually stumbled across this website whilst searching for something else and there are the most adorable things to be found at Dimples & Whispers. Whether you are in the market for soft cuddly toys and teddies, blankets, baby bath products, candles or newborn packs they have it! There are some wonderful and trusted brands available making this a go to online store. One of my favourite products on their website is the wonderfully soft and cuddly FlatoutBear Baby. These are absolutely adorable and because they are so small they are great for little hands. These 18cm x 16cm bear are made from 100% Australian Sheepskin and are only 4cm thick making it a very flat bear. If you have little ones or are looking for a unique baby gift then this is it! WIN – 1x FlatoutBear Baby (colour chosen at random) RRP $44.00

Maud N Lil Organic Cotton Toys

I love that there are great quality, soft and organic toys for babies and children at affordable prices. Maud N Lil have got such a wonderful range that there is really something to suit every budget without sacrificing excellence. My 5 month old is absolutely loving her Ears Stick Rattle; she munches on the floppy ears and lets them tickle her face as she shakes it she gets excited by the rattle sound. I will add that it isn’t one of those really loud and annoying rattles, it is nice soft noise but still loud enough that bub enjoys hearing it. At 14cm long it is perfect for little hands. We have also welcomed Ears Bunny Comforter into home with open arms. So soft to touch and has the ability to hold a dummy, link or similar in his paw for safe keeping. At 30cm long, Ears is a cross between a blanky and a plush toy making him extra special to cuddle. I cannot emphasise enough how soft and beautiful these are! Not that they need to be praised anymore but these come in a gorgeous gift box and are machine washable for when they’ve been loved that little bit too much. WIN – 1x Ears Stick Rattle RRP $14.95 & 1x Ears Bunny Comforter RRP $23.95. Total prize $38.90

Lexi and Lily

Lexi and Lily is a place where you will find great quality kids wear, décor, nursery goods, storage items and so much more. Some of the products are absolutely gorgeous, some are wonderfully practical (while still looking beautiful) and others are just a lot of fun. There are the most adorable personalised cushions, night lights and even stuff for mum. If you’re after something a little unique check out Lexi and Lily. WIN – 1x $30 Gift Voucher.

Partylite with Renee

If you are like me and love candles well it might be worth checking out Partylite with Renee. She has got a huge range of candles, giftware and everything smelly (in a good way) that you could want. If you like getting into the Christmas spirit she has you covered there as well! Partylite often runs giveaways and offers discounts so everyone can enjoy a little pleasantness in their day. WIN – 1x $30 Gift Voucher.

Kawaii Crush Doll

The Kawaii Crush dolls take cuteness to next level for every little girl (kawaii actually means cute in Japanese). These dolls have gorgeous long hair that is just waiting to styled and designed; with clips and headbands the possibilities are endless. Each doll has a different colour hair to suit every little miss. Suitable for ages 4+ this would make a great gift for Christmas. WIN – 1x Kawaii Crush large doll (selected at random) RRP $22.99

Infinity Blue Necklace

I have only recently discovered this business and have been nothing but impressed. There is a large range of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, accessories and much more so there is something to suit every style. Infinity Blue not only has a great variety of products, they are extremely affordable so everyone can enjoy them. I love being able to swap and change my jewellery (necklaces mostly) to suit my outfits so when I came across Infinity Blue and saw the gorgeous owl pendant necklace I knew it had to be added to my collection. WIN – 1 of 3 Owl Pendant Necklaces. RRP $7.00 each. Total prize pool $21.00

Chill Factor

This is such a great idea for Summer! When it’s hot outside and you want that nice icy cold drink to cool you down this will hit the spot. The Chill Factor Slushy Maker is fantastic for adults and kids alike because it is reusable (when you’ve finished using it you clean it and put it back into the freezer) and you can use your favourite cold drink to make a slushy; it doesn’t matter if it’s soft drink, water, juice, milk or something more grown up, it ices up them all. Simply pour in your drink and squeeze the Chill Factor for a couple of minutes and you’ve just made yourself a nice icy slushy! These can be found in Big W in a range of colours. WIN – 1x Chill Factor RRP $14.95 (Colour chosen at random)

Mister Minit Christmas Keepsakes

If you’re looking for something a little bit special for your childs teacher, for the kids to give to grandma or grandpa, maybe it’s your baby’s first Christmas and you want a special memento to remember it by than Mister Minit has it covered. They have great quality keepsakes that are available in glitter, pewter and brass and come with free engraving. WIN – 1x Mister Minit Christmas Keepsake (chosen at random) RRP $10.00

Perfect Kids Party Shop Cupcake Combo Packs

Do you have a party coming up? Well Perfect Kids Party Shop have all your supplies covered; regardless whether you want plates, napkins, party bags, invitations, party games or even Christmas stock they have it and all at budget friendly prices. I have talked about Perfect Party Kids Shop previously on the blog and with Christmas so close we thought it was fitting to share with you some of the Christmas Cupcake Combo Packs that are on the website. They come in 2 exciting styles – Secret Santa and Woodland Friends. Both are as cute as the other. Each combo pack contains 24 Wilton cupcake cases and matching picks. Get in the spirit of Christmas and get your bake on with these fun packs. WIN – 2x Cupcake Combo Packs (1x Secret Santa & 1x Woodland Friends) RRP $4.95 each. Total Prize $9.90

To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below. Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part. Australian residents only! Sorry everyone else. **The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!**

NB: I cannot guarantee all prizes will be delivered prior to Christmas.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all the business, brands and PR companies that have generously donated such wonderful products for review and giveaway. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!!

Water Wipes Review + GIVEAWAY

27/11/2013 By All Mum Said 35 Comments

You may have come across Water Wipes before whether it be in a store or online but I had never heard of them until a couple of weeks ago. I received an email asking if I was interested in trying and I’ll be honest I was sceptical but hopeful. I say sceptical because when you hear of baby wipes that are 99.9% water quality doesn’t exactly come mind. I envisioned paper thin wipes that fingers poke holes in whilst wiping bub clean.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing quality of the Water Wipes. They are thick, extra soft and non-greasy. They are actually thicker than the well-known brand of wipes I have used for each of my babies. These wipes are the world’s most pure wipes made from only 99.9% water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract and absolutely nothing else. These are absolutely wonderful for babies of all ages especially those with sensitive skin as they are non-irritating and ultra-mild. I love these natural wipes and will be definitely be purchasing more of them. They are available at your local Coles and Bi-Lo for $6.99. If you would like to try some enter the giveaway below.

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GOOD LUCK!

Looking for something plush this Christmas?

18/11/2013 By All Mum Said Leave a Comment

I have previously mentioned on the blog how shows from my childhood are making a comeback and I am now watching my children enjoy the same TV shows. Everything from Power Rangers and Smurfs to Ninja Turtles. As a child Ninja Turtles was one of my absolute favourite shows. Seriously how could it not be? They were awesome! Which is why I’m pretty excited by a toy that is out just in time for Christmas. The heroes in a half shell have gotten a makeover and have combined forces with Pillow Pet to create a wonderful snuggly pillow Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. They are available in all 4 turtles; Dontallelo (Purple), Leonardo (Blue), Raphael (Red) and Michaelangelo (Orange). As you can see my daughter loves the Leonardo pillow pet and will more than likely fight her big brother for it who is getting it for Christmas. It is so soft and cuddly though so I don’t blame her for loving it. You can find them at BIG W, Target, Toys R Us, Toyworld and online at www.mypillowpet.com.au. Cowabunga Dudes!

Something for the littlies? Well how about some gorgeous plush bumblebees from the ABC kids show The Hive. For those who haven’t heard of it – The Hive is focused on real life situations that happen every day like being friendly, spending time with family, playing and discovering the world. There are 4 of these cute and cuddly characters available; Barnabee, Buzzbee, Rubee and Postman Spider. I love how they are brightly coloured and each have their own little personality about them. You can find them in Myer, Toyworld and ABC stores with pricing starting at $9.99. There’s a Buzz Buzz Buzz in the hive!

Disclaimer: I received a pillow pet and 2x plush bees to write this review. No money was exchanged.