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Archives for January 2016

American Ultra & Good Kill Review + Giveaway

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Good Kill Review

Good Kill is exhilarating and thought provoking. A fighter pilot turned drone pilot fights the Taliban via remote control and begins to wonder whether he is doing the right thing. Is this a war that is never going to end? Is he making things worse?

Roadshow Synopsis: In the shadowy world of drone warfare, combat unfolds like a video game – only with real lives at stake. After six tours of duty, Air Force pilot Tom Egan (Ethan Hawke) yearns to get back into the cockpit of a real plane, but he now fights the Taliban from an air-conditioned box in the Las Vegas desert. When he and his crew start taking orders directly from the CIA, and the stakes are raised, Egan’s nerves – and his relationship with his wife (January Jones) – begin to unravel. Revealing the psychological toll drone pilots endure as they are forced to witness the aftermath of their fight against insurgents.

RRP: $29.95     Rated: M     Released: December 2015

American Ultra Review

American Ultra is one of those movies that you want to keep watching just to see what happens. While the movie itself wasn’t amazing, it definitely wasn’t bad. I found it to be quite funny and would watch again! It is about a stoner who unbeknownst to him is actually a government agent trained to be a killing machine; labelled a liability, he has been targeted and they want him dead. Unfortunately for them, he is too well trained (and too high to comprehend what is going on) that the CIA are finding it hard to kill him.

Roadshow synopsis: Small-town stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) spends most of his time getting high and writing a graphic novel. What Mike doesn’t know is that he was trained by the CIA to be a lethal killing machine. When the agency targets him for termination, his former handler activates his latent skills, turning the mild-mannered slacker into a deadly weapon. Now, the utterly surprised Mike must use his new found abilities to save himself and his girlfriend from getting smoked.

RRP: $39.95     Rated: MA15+     Released: 6th January 2016

Prize Includes: 1x Good Kill DVD. RRP $29.95.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
6. All entries will be signed up to our newsletter, if you do not wish to sign up to our newsletter please advise us via email.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received a copy of these dvds for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

Pretend Play For Kids – Brio Red Stove and More

By 3 Comments

Most little girls have the dream of being a mum, feeding their baby and dressing up pretty. Actually no scrap that. A lot of toddlers, boys and girls, love pretend play.

I have written about why pretend play is vital for children previously on the blog, you should read it!

Brio Red Stove Review

I know so many boys that enjoy playing ‘mums and dads’ just as much girls do. They look after their baby, go to work and even cook ‘dinner’ for their family. My son used to pretend he was a dad all the time, he also had a passion for cooking and he mimicked my husband and I every chance he got. (We are both chefs).

My 2 year old daughter has recently discovered her love for food and ‘cooking’. She fills up containers and uses utensils to make her creations but longed for a kitchen that was small enough for her to reach without the use of a chair.

This wish of hers came true when the most adorable Brio red stove was set up to surprise her when she arrived home from child care. She squealed with joy and has barely played with anything else since.

The Brio red stove comes flat packed but seriously only takes a couple of minutes to put together and requires only 2 screws! It was so easy to build.

The stove features a classic look and inspires role play in children. Offering a realistic appearance for children; the oven door opens, the regulator moves and the buttons turn with a clicking sound.

The stove top and oven is large enough that your child can put a few pots, small cupcake tray or as my daughter has proven – a fair chunk of her toy box inside!

I love the size of this Brio stove and oven because it isn’t overly large like the standard ones you see. This is more compact and perfect for toddlers and those with limited space in their homes. Approx. measurements: 51cm H x 30cm D x 41cm W.

At $75 the Brio stove is well built, sturdy and will see you through numerous children. You can view more about the Brio red stove or find your local stockist by clicking here.

Brio Motion Wobbler

Finding fun toys for babies that are durable and safe are hard to find. Especially if you want something affordable!

The Brio motion wobbler is fantastic and will have your baby engaged with its bright colours and the sound that is made each time the toy wobbles. Don’t be alarmed though at the thought of noise, this toy is quiet and offers only a gentle sound as the yellow ball taps the sides of the wobbler.

Another benefit is that it requires no batteries! The Brio motion wobbler is an educational infant toy that has been designed to help develop baby’s senses.

The Brio Toddler Wobbler retails for a low $12.95 which is fantastic given the amazing quality of this toy. Click here to see more information or find you local stockist.

Both of these products are Brio and after seeing the stove and motion wobbler shown above, I am surprised that I had never heard of the brand before now. They offer amazing products that are designed with a child’s best interest at heart and the quality cannot be faulted.

I am so glad parents have the option of trustworthy children and baby products like these. Childsmart provides parents a one stop shop for educational, fun and great quality products, check them out on their website, facebook and instagram.

Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own or that of my children.

Back To School With Smiggle + Giveaway

By 62 Comments

When you hit the shops for back to school everything is the same old. It all looks the same as it did last year with minor variances and no kid wants to have the exact same gear as half the kids in their class.

Smiggle have once again changed things up and offered some cool back to school stuff! From books and bags to cutlery and drink bottles, the bright colours and patterns draw the eye and say how cool am I?! The Smiggle school bags are fantastic quality; my 6 year old had one last year and it lasted all year and still looks in near new condition! I was surprised as usually the boys backpacks last 6 months if we are lucky before we need to replace them. The Smiggle ones are definitely worth the money!

Then you of course have accessories, Smiggle pencil cases and holiday fun to look forward to. The latest release of pencil cases and accessories are funky and certain to have your kids start the year with a grin from ear to ear!

Good news for parents that we have got some to give to a lucky parent for their children.  

Prize includes: 1 x Spinning Top Marker $3.50 (pink), 1 x Pocket Smiggle Pencil Case (purple), 1 x Open Wide Media Pouch $15.95 (purple), 1 x Pocket Calculator $12.95 (purple).

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

Cheap Online Shopping Australia + $250 Crazy Sales Giveaway

By 136 Comments

Cheap Online Shopping Australia

It’s time to get money savvy. Bargain hunt, research and save yourself some cash!
You have worked long hours and don’t want your hard earned dollars going down the drain. These days everyone is doing it tough and is trying to get the most bang for their bucks. Cheap online shopping in Australia makes it possible!

Save time and money

Shopping online allows customers to compare, shop and save at the click of a button. No more going from shop to shop, trying to find a parking space and then comparing prices. Online shopping in Australia is convenient and easy!

Many online stores like Crazy Sales offer almost every category of item you could possibly want. They have everything from sporting goods to bedding. Their outdoor & leisure equipment has bargain swimming pools, sunshades and awnings, tents, BBQ pits, lighting and so much more. This not only has the essentials your family needs to go camping or to enjoy the Summer sun, you can do it at affordable prices!

 

Parents are typically always on the lookout for babies and kids toys they can put away for Christmas and birthdays. This is especially the case when they are a bargain-basement price and a sale too good to pass up. Bikes, trikes and wooden kitchens are always a winner. No child will turn down a water table, pogo stick or a cubby house and parents won’t turn down a bargain!

New Year’s brings resolutions; many that won’t be kept and will generally cost you money. Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars buying the best instruments you can (because you plan on becoming the next big thing!), start with something more affordable and if you stick with it, then go big. Crazy Sales has heaps of instruments and accessories at hugely discounted prices!

Sport and fitness is another area that people seems to spend thousands on. Exercise and health is fantastic but it doesn’t have to cost obscene amounts. You can now get fit at home with fantastically priced sporting equipment such as home gyms, cross trainers and even trampolines. If poor quality is a concern; read the reviews by previous customers on the product you are looking at to put your mind at ease.

Be smart with your money! Don’t waste it on overpriced products when you have cheap online shopping in Australia available to you.

Prize Includes: $250 Crazy Sales voucher.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:
(1). Entries open to Australian Residents only.
(2). Comments on blog and shares via social media are required.
(3). This is a contest of creativity, the most creative entry will be chosen as the winner by the blogger. Judges decision is final.
(4). Prize costs will be borne by Crazy Sales, however Crazy Sales will take no responsibility for the package once it has been shipped.
(5). Winners are required to photos of the prize and share them on social media with a link to the product page.
(6). Commenting on the relative post announced on CrazySale Facebook page is also eligible to enter.
(7). NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I joined forces with Crazy Sales to bring you this giveaway. All opinions are my own.

5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour

By 3 Comments

5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour

Guest post by Simone Emery from Play with Food.

My favourite tool to have in my parenting arsenal is a good afternoon tea. A good afternoon tea sets the kids up for a decent window of opportunity to be productive without the “I’m bored” and “I’m hungry” complaints during the witching hour*.

*Actually, let’s be honest it should read hours. Next to afternoon tea is having something ready to occupy the youngsters. (Unless homework is in the picture for you and that is causing a whole lot of other “fun” at your place.)

Here are 5 foodie ideas to get through the afternoon that don’t require too much preparation. You should have most of the ingredients / resources on hand.

Play with food

1. Vegie Painting

Using some vegetables, try painting (or drawing around) them onto paper. You can make an edible paint by mixing a teaspoon of yoghurt with a drop of food colouring. Vegetables that make good brushes include asparagus, broccoli, rosemary stalks and carrot tops. Or you can cut a potato into two and make circle / oval stamps.

2. Grouping and Counting with Vegie Scraps

This is great if you have potato / carrot / sweet potato or the outer leaves of a leek available. Have the children tear them into pieces and then line them up in order from smallest to biggest. Or put them in groups of similar size pieces. Then they can tally up the number of pieces they have sorted out.

3. Mystery Sensory Challenge

In a shoe box, place some dry rolled oats and some small mystery fruits and vegetables for the children to find and determine what they are just by feeling them. This works well for small items like apricots, plums, cherries, beans, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. You could use shredded paper, dry rice or dry pasta to surround the mystery foods too.

4. Bubble Painting

In a small beach bucket over a messy mat or outside, place some detergent, food colouring and water. Put some paper over the bucket and poke a straw through it. The child then has to blow OUT to make bubbles that will reach up and colour the paper.

5. Food Sculptures

A great way to use their imagination and also to make some use of your scraps again too. With toothpicks, get them to try and make things like a car, digger, castle or dog out of food items. This can be simply done on a placemat on the floor beside you while you are making dinner.

Simone, from Play with Food, has plenty of tips to help you master your family mealtimes, especially with fussy eaters. She always aims to delight the taste buds and imagination of children with food.

How do you incorporate food into play? Tell me in the comments. 

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