The post Real Mums Put The New Mountain Buggy Swift To The Test appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Buying a pram is a tough decision.
Odds are you will have this for years to come. Well that is the plan anyway. Unfortunately for a lot of new parents they don’t know what to look for when purchasing a pram so they buy the wrong one which ultimately leads to them replacing it sooner and costing them more money.
For the past month a few mums and I have been using the new Mountain Buggy Swift thanks to a Babyology. We shared our thoughts over there >> you can read them here but I also wanted to share a more in depth review with you. With my fourth baby now 7 months old, I have used my fair share of prams/strollers so I know what I like and what I don’t.

More often than not it is the little things that make a big difference in whether or not a pram will be ideal for you and your family’s activities.

This pram glides over any surface. Being so compact I had my doubts that it would be smooth but if you are on road, pavement, dirt or grass, you will not be disappointed in the versatility. I have used this on walks around the shop, while running and on simple trips like taking the kids to the park and its maneuverability cannot be faulted. With 10” air-filled tyres you are ready for all on and off road adventures.

This compact Mountain Buggy weighs only 9.1kg so you will not have any issues getting it in and out of the car. The width is great at 58cm, don’t be fooled into thinking the seat will be smaller as a result because it is a full size seat incorporated into a compacted design. The handlebar height is variable from 66-98cm which is perfect for me as I am 5’3 (maybe 5’4 on a tall day).
The Mountain Buggy Swift on its own is front facing and allows recline from completely flat to upright, making it ideal for newborns through to toddlers. The recline is simple to use and can be adjusted to meet your exact preferred angle.

If you add the Carrycot plus accessory, it offers a few more options. One is similar to a bassinet for newborns and comes with a wind cover so your bub is fully protected from the elements. My seven month old fits in the bassinet carrycot so don’t stress on whether they will be able to use for long, it offers space without being too bulky. If your child wakes when moved from pram to bed or when visiting friends and family, you will be pleased to know that this easily unclips and has a handle so you can remove it from the pram and place down next to you.

Alternatively, you can use the Carrycot plus as a parent facing pram. By swapping the fabrics on the frame you completely change the seat. If your baby suffers from reflux then you will love this option because it can be easily adjusted from lie-flat mode to incline mode, ensuring your baby can be at the optimal angle. Swapping between front facing and carrycot options are as easy as changing the fabrics and adding the attachment pieces to the frame. It takes less than 5 minutes to go from the newborn carrycot to the front facing option.

You will look like a mother (or father) on a mission with this bad boy. The compact design offers a sleek but tough appearance. The fabrics are durable, tough and designed to take everything a baby and toddler can dish out. The designers of this pram obviously have kids because they have thought of everything!
All fabrics can be removed and washed in addition to a separate removable and reversible liner so your pram can always look its best, regardless which seating option you are using.

There are so many safety features on this pram so I will just share my favourites. First of all, the handbrake – it is conveniently located and so easy to use. It can be found on the right hand side of the handles and only requires you to turn the switch to lock. It is easy enough to turn but hard enough that you can’t accidentally unlock it.
The five point safety harness – while many prams have these; they can often be a real pain to click in, particularly when your child starts the ‘I don’t want to sit in the pram, arching of the back’ stage. The Mountain Buggy Swift features a five point harness that can be clipped in one at a time so there is no struggling to hold pieces together while wrestling your child to click it. It also only requires one push to release them all at once. No more struggling or fussing. It is so unbelievably easy!
The sun canopy has a flick out mesh sun visor that offers a UPF 50+ rating so your baby is also protected from the sun.

Pros
Compact – Requires very little boot space.
Hand brake – Convenient placement and easy to use.
Seating options – Multiple options from birth to four years (20kg max).
Folding – Convenient one hand folding with built in frame lock.
Cons
Drink holder – Great for a drink bottle but I personally would prefer a drink holder that stays upright so I can place my coffee/smoothie, keys, etc. without worry it will spill or I will lose my belongings.
Folding – Unfortunately when you have the Carrycot attached you have to remove it before folding. This is easy enough to do but takes up a bit more space in the boot when separate.
I love this pram! The features they have incorporated into such a compact stroller is amazing and if you can afford it ($699), it is money well spent because you will have it until your child outgrows it.
Disclosure: I received the Mountain Buggy Swift for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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]]>The post Busy Week, Hectic Schedule #MummyMondays appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The weeks seem to be rolling into themselves lately. Can you believe we are in June already?
Oh it’s also my daughters birthday on Saturday, how can she be turning 3 already? I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant with her! Crazy how fast this year is going.
In all my spare time between work, the kids, present shopping, school excursions and everything else that life has thrown my way; I have not had time to write a real post for #MummyMondays this week. Instead I will be sharing some of my favourite link ups from last week.

Kerrie from Travels with mum shares her top 5 tips for when things don’t quite go to plan when travelling with kids. It is real, honest and I love following her adventures!
Check out her post!

With so many changes happening in life and pregnancy pushing emotions to the limits, Shari asks if you got overly emotional when you were pregnant.
Pop over and check out everything that has been happening for her and her family!
I really love this idea. Tory has shared her favourite things from May and they were pouring in this month!
Congrats on selling your house. Make sure you check out all the greatness of May!

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post The Best Things To Do In Brisbane With Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
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Whether you are local to Brisbane or visiting on holiday, you want the kids to experience everything the sunny city has to offer.
Children of all ages will be entertained, amused and high on life with these fun activities in Brisbane!
Aquativity is an interactive water-play park that features educational aspects and highlights the importance of environmental, urban and indigenous elements that are affiliated with the river.
Designed to encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy quality time together, the park offers BBQ’s, picnic areas and parking.
Located in South Brisbane, the Aquativity is open on weekends and school holidays from 10am – 5pm.
Location: Stanley Street Plaza. South Bank Visitor Centre.
Cost: Free Entry
Pack a picnic and enjoy a cheap and cheerful day with the family!

Do Australian animals get you and your children excited? The Lone Pine Sanctuary is the perfect day out! Famous for their experiences, you can enjoy cuddling koalas, feeding kangaroos, close up animal encounters and so much more that you will not see at your run of the mill zoo.
Located only 12km from the city centre, you do not have to go far to feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The nature, animals and setting will take you to a calm and peaceful sanctuary while the children can learn and rediscover the simple things in life.
Opening hours: 7 days a week – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.
Cost: Adult: $36, Child: $22 (under 3 is free), Family (2x adults & 3x children): $85.
You can learn more about the Koala Sanctuary here.

With so much for the entire family to see and experience the Sciencentre is filled with fun, education and 100% hands-on experiences!
With exhibitions changing frequently, you will always be surprised with what you will find. From electricity shows, creative labs, body zone, action stations and much more, you will never be bored. While most of the activities here are for those a little older (I’d say 7 and up), there are still fun things for toddlers and little ones to do and enjoy as well.
Location: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, within the South Bank Cultural Precinct in South Brisbane.
Opening Hours: Open daily. 9.30 am – 5.00 pm.
Cost: Adult: $14.50, Child (3-15) (must be accompanied by an adult 18+) $11.50, Family: (2 Adults/Concessions & up to 4 Children) $44.50.
For information on current and upcoming exhibitions check out Brisbane Sciencentre here.

Treetop Challenge – ages 7 and up
Adventure, thrill-seeking and much more!
With six courses that spread among 10 acres of natural bushland, you and the kids can take on rope and climbing challenges. Hang from the trees, swing like Tarzan, balance on suspended bridges and let the thrill-seeker enjoy the rush in this exhilarating yet safe experience.Offering more than just the treetop challenge, you can also: camp, walk, hike, abseil and horse ride.
Location: Cedar Creek Falls Road, Corner of Tamborine Mountain Road, North Tamborine.
For more information on requirements, opening hours and costs, click here to visit the website!

Depending on when you plan on travelling, it is a good idea to book your family accommodation in advance. Particularly during peak seasons.
It is advised that you also read the recent reviews on the hotel you are considering as often the images and details listed can be outdated. The last thing you want is to pay money for a gorgeous hotel and arrive at a dump. Brisbane accommodation can easily be reserved by using a bulk hotel website, this allows you to compare rooms, prices and availability without having to search individually.

There is no shortage of family fun in Brisbane, make your visit everything it can be and more.
This is an S1 POST.

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post Is there a typical Australian family? appeared first on All Mum Said.
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Is there a typical Australian family?
Families can vary greatly in all respect, so when it comes to the typical Australian family, it’s surprising to see that we probably have a lot more in common than not. Real Insurance’s survey of 1,000 Australians found that views on manners and gifts are some of the things that unite us, while holidays and parenting are some of the areas that don’t.
Money, dream homes, and cars
The majority of Australians (70%) admit to comparing their houses to others’ houses, and cars are another possession where Aussies tend to feel the pressure to keep up. However, only one in ten think they compare themselves more than they should, and most Aussies only occasionally compare or never compare themselves to others materially. Around one in five said they drove luxurious cars while their homes are average or shabby.
Only one-quarter of Aussies said they are living in their dream home, while another quarter said their current house is the best they could do. Aussies prefer contemporary-designed homes, farm houses away from the city, or traditionally designed and centrally located homes over McMansions in the suburbs or apartments.
When it comes to pocket money, Aussie parents are paying out $1.4 billion to their children (half of those aged under 20 and living at home) every year, or $16 on average each week. Of those between 16 and 20 years old and living at home, around 10% pay board. One-third of those aged 20 or more and living at home pay board.

The holidays
As far as holidays are concerned, one-fifth of Aussies said Christmas is just a nice time to get away from work, while one-fifth said it was a chore, stressful, full of consumerism, and associated with family tensions. Nearly a half (46.5%) said going away is important for keeping the family together and around 20% said they prefer to holiday without the kids. Another 20% said holidays are overrated and expensive.
Children and Aussie family dynamics
Most Australians do want to have kids, with just one in five Australians saying they don’t plan to have any kids. Women are more likely to want more than four kids, and around half want to have two kids, while one-quarter said they want to have three or more.
As for popularity, mums are most likely to be the most popular family members, followed by female partners or wives, and then male partners or husbands. Brothers are the most likely to be the least popular family member, followed by sisters and cousins.

Values
Surprisingly, the survey found that values tend to align very well across the different generations, with family health, personal health, and relationship with partner being the most important regardless of generation.
Parental aspirations for kids
Aussie parents tend to aspire to uniqueness (66%) over popularity (34%) on behalf of their children, and 88% of parents said being healthy was more important than being attractive. 77% of parents said they’d want their child to be happy over smart if only one of the two qualities were allowed.
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post Life Gets Busy & Nothing Gets Done {Mummy Mondays} appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>This week has been a busy one but nothing in particular has gotten done. I came down with the flu but had to keep going.
Life just doesn’t stop sometimes. This is why it is important to take a minute and smell the roses whenever you can.

In addition to being flat out and run off my feet, my sister is here visiting – YAY! I have not seen here since bub was born 6 months ago. So this is a very welcomed visit and I am so happy to see her.
I plan on taking the next few days to relax (as much as possible with 4 kids) and catch up on reading the blog posts that I have missed, including the links everyone shared last week as I am yet to get pay you all a visit. For this I am very sorry but I promise I will pop by and this weeks round and last weeks for some comment love.

I will also be scheduling each and every link that is shared in the #MummyMondays link up on All Mum Said facebook page. If you don’t already follow please check it out here – www.facebook.com/allmumsaid.
As a result of being so busy, sick and everything else; I don’t have a great deal to share with you today.
So instead, I would love for you all to tell me below what you have gotten up to this week!

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post Sydney Sailboat: Ready For Adventure! DVD giveaway {Mummy Mondays} appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Today I have a great little giveaway for those with young children.
Sydney Sailboat will be known to many of you thanks to ABC Kids and while you may be tired of their very catchy tune, your child probably loves it! Mine does.
Thanks to Roadshow, I have got 5x copies of the brand new film – Sydney Sailboat: Ready for Adventure. Your preschooler will be your biggest fan if you score them one of these DVDs.

Synopsis
Sail away to a world of fun and adventure with Sydney Sailboat and his nautical friends!
Sydney Sailboat and Zip the Water Taxi learn how to ride the waves of life alongside their fleet of friends in the bustling Bubble Bath Bay. Each episode has a new and exciting adventure, with important lessons about teamwork, friendship, cooperation and problem solving.
Release date: May 4. RRP: $14.95. Rating: G

5x WINNERS
Each prize includes: 1x Sydney Sailboat: Ready for adventure.

**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.

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post A night alone with my husband …. #MummyMondays appeared first on All Mum Said.
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A night alone with my husband? With four kids, that is a distant memory. I can barely even remember what it is like to be honest.
Up until recently it had been well over a year since the kids had gone and stayed elsewhere for the night. With their grandparents living only an hour and half away this was a little saddening but more for them than us. *We do not expect anyone else to look after our children, they are our responsibility.

Over the most recent school holidays however the older three had a sleepover at grandma and grandpas house so my husband and I only had bub. How were we going to spend our night? It had been so long since it was just us or this close to just us anyway, that we were stumped on what to do. We could go out for dinner, see a movie, do all the things we once loved to do or we could do something else.
Knowing that we could go and dine out when the kids were at school, we thought we would do something else. Camping it was! The kids didn’t leave until late afternoon so we had to get our shit together, quick! We packed up the ute and set off on our adventure into the Watagans National Park.

With the sun fading fast we were racing the clock, at a safe speed of course! We got the fire started just as all light had gone. We set up the tent by torch and fire light. Thankfully we opted for a smaller tent that was easy to set up as it was only the three of us. We had set up camp in a matter of 30 minutes and were sitting back enjoying a drink and just enjoying each other’s company. We talked, we laughed and we reconnected.

I’m sure many will not understand why we chose to camp instead of staying in a fancy shmancy hotel, the truth is, we love the outdoors. We love enjoying nature and all its beauty, to actually see the stars and be able to do it as a family (or in this case, alone). It was a fantastic night and I hope we can have more like them.

Relationships need that time to reconnect, particularly when you have children.
When was the last time you had a night like this? How did you spend it?

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post 5 Easy Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Winter appeared first on All Mum Said.
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Keeping your family safe in the car is incredibly important all year long, however, winter presents some particularly challenging conditions that we need to prepare for.
Have you ever considered the importance of taking your car for a service before winter comes around?Are your tyres in top condition and up to the task of dealing with freak storms and poor road conditions?

All cars require regular maintenance in order to ensure that occupants are safe. We have shared some items below which may require attention before the weather turns cold and miserable.

Winter brings unpredictable weather and road conditions so it is important that you do everything you can to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition!
For further tips on vehicle safety and maintenance, contact your nearest VicRoads centre in store or online.
Is you car in a well maintained condition or does it require some attention?
This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post Kill Head Lice Fast With This Proven Formula appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Let the head scratching commence because I’m talking about nits today. Arrrgggghh I know, my head is itching just thinking about the pesky little critters.
Anyway this post was supposed to be a review on the new Euky Bear Blitz Nitz Mousse however after months of holding off writing this in case my kids caught the jumpy little suckers, they still haven’t (touch wood) so I am going to tell you about the products they offer instead.
I never knew that Euky Bear offered a range of nit products before I received the mousse to review. I knew they did eucalyptus rub (like baby Vicks) and we have used that since our first child was a baby. Cannot fault that product at all so I was intrigued to try this product and see if it offered the same great quality.
This is Euky Bears hero product has a new and improved formula that kills head lice and eggs in 5 minutes! That is the fastest treatment on the market and to sweeten the deal it is natural and clinically proven to work.
*This product comes with a free re-useable shower cap.
This mousse is a new addition to the range. It kills head lice and eggs in 10 minutes using natural essential oils and is clinically proven to work. The thing I love about mousse treatments is that there is no mess, no dripping and easy to handle.
Sticking to their theme, the mousse smells like eucalyptus. It isn’t overbearing or nostril burning, it is a pleasant change from the chemically smells many nit treatments produce. This is no surprise when you learn that it is made from natural ingredients – eucalyptus oil, lemon eucalyptus and tea tree oil.
You can purchase this on the Euky Bear website (find link below) for only $14.95 each or if purchasing 2 or more you save 20%.
*This product comes with a free re-useable shower cap.
Another new addition to the Blitz Nitz range, the spray and go offers a daily protection for your child from head lice. If your child is unfortunate enough to have one of these critters jump on for a ride throughout the day, the spray will kill the head lice while on the go.
We are big believers in preventative spray because since we started using it 2 years ago, the kids have only had head lice infestations 2 or 3 times. Before using it, they would get them almost monthly. It was dreadful. We figured we had nothing to lose by trying and will never go without again!

The Blitz Nitz range offers a complete head lice control program that consists of 3 easy steps.
1. Detect and remove – The Detective range is ideal for this.
2. Solve it – Use one of the three products mentioned above.
3. Rinse & maintain – The shampoo offers additional protection for those head lice and eggs that slipped through cracks.
*Products are suitable for children over 2 years of age.
As an added bonus for parents Euky Bear understand that you don’t have hours to spend waiting for head lice solutions to work which is why they created their fast acting products. They have also taken children into consideration and have produced a fun app to keep them entertained while you perform searches and applications. Oh and it’s FREE!

For more information on the Euky Bear Blitz Nitz range visit the website here.

3x WINNERS
Prize Includes: 1x Euky Bear Blitz Nitz Mousse. RRP $14.95. Total prize pool $44.85.

**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.
This is an S1 POST.

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!
Please read the linky guidelines –
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]]>The post Tocal Field Days 2016 + Ticket Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>If you are local to the Hunter Valley, then there is no doubt you have heard of the famous Tocal Field Days.
No? Well it is a exhibition for farming and agriculture (hobby farmers included) but it is also so much more than that. It highlights local produce, the latest and greatest innovations as well as some fantastic demonstrations. It is held in the Tocal College grounds, which has just celebrated 50 years and this year Tocal Field Days will be sharing the joy!

After the devastating weather last year causing the Tocal Field Days to be cancelled for the first time in 33 years, it is going to be back bigger and better this year.
A few of the great demonstrations, features and displays mentioned previously include:
Cattle Dog demonstrations
Billy Boiling Competition
Ute Muster (Sunday)
Bake or Burn
Tocal Horse Course display
Talent at Tocal
Courses
Quad Bike Safety

When we went to the last one, the kids had the best time (so did my husband and father in law). With so much to see and do there is definitely something to keep everyone entertained. With options from learning about new equipment, to seeing how the old chuggers worked; it was definitely an education.
For those who are looking to make purchases, there are as you would expect some great show prices from vendors and suppliers so it is definitely worth popping down and checking out. We are in the market for a new chainsaw so that is our goal this year at the Tocal Field Days.

Concerned about whether it is appropriate for kids? Don’t be. It is a day for families and community. Children are definitely considered when planning the days and offer: rides, free crafts, entertainment, piglet races and much more.

If you want something to do this weekend or just want to get out of the house, pop down and check out the Tocal Field Days. – April 29, 30 and May 1.
Ticket Prices
Adult $18 / Senior $13
Children (5 – 16 years) $1
For more information visit Tocal Field Days website.

2x WINNERS!
Each prize includes: 2x Adult tickets. RRP $36.00. Total prize pool: $72.00

**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.
The post Tocal Field Days 2016 + Ticket Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
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