Babymel Grace Review - WIN A Stunning Nappy Bag Plus an Exclusive Discount Offer! #SLHFeaturedThursdays

One of the best purchases a new mum can make, is a decent nappy bag that will stand the rigours of motherhood. Most of us are well aware that many baby change bags on the market can be priced on the steep side. Some are outright crippling in the cost department. You don't have to spend a fortune however, to find a bag that fits the purpose of the role and fulfils your own desire to look good and feel great.

It is very important to look good and feel great as a mum, even if you are totally not feeling it! A good bag can help you to at least give the impression that you're succeeding and with that, lift your spirits on those rough days we all know.

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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Recipe - Make Your Own Delicious Chocolate Spread Just Like Nutella!

There are not too many people who do not like chocolate hazelnut spreads like Nutella!

I guestimate a tub of choc spread is probably on the shopping list of most Australians each week. With six children who constantly snack, I have to say, we consume a giant tub of Nutella, probably every 10 days or so. (Probably more like weekly!) Whether it's in a sandwich, on toast or straight from the tub on a spoon, no-one will disagree, chocolate spread is a divine bit of goodness to consume at any time of the day. (I'm speaking from experience here!)

While I love the store-bought varieties of chocolate spread that are available in increasing numbers, the foodie in me craves a wholesome homemade variety for my fussy adult taste-buds. (Kids love this spread too by the way.) Truth is, making your own chocolate hazelnut spread is dead-easy. It takes all of 20 minutes and all you need is an oven to roast your hazelnuts and a decent blender or a Thermo appliance.

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Smiggle Review and Giveaway! - Back to School in Style #SLHFeaturedThursdays

Is there anyone alive who does not like a good fossick in a Smiggle store?

As a family, we're wholly addicted to the Smiggle line. We cannot pass a store without a visit. Often it's myself attempting to disguise the greatest excitement, followed closely by the kids. Smiggle is an uber-cool place to visit at any time of the year but with the school term about to commence, it's also a fab place to pick up many of your kids' stationery and back to school needs.

Forget the plain, the boring and the dull practical suggestions on those bland school requirement lists. Smiggle has everything your kids need for school, but with colour, fun and a perpetual interest factor built-in to the mix.

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Smash Lunchboxes Review - Moving Food in Cool Ways! A Back to School Special...

 

We interrupt your school holiday fun to discuss the dreaded back-to-school needs. (I know, I know, profuse apologies.) The thought of another eleven or so months of school-day drudgery is almost too much to bear as the sun beams down on us pyjama-clad peeps on vacation.

 

It's currently 11.30am and this family are all dressed in our jammies. No apologies there. We've basically been jammified for the last four blissful weeks. Long may it last! This mama just ain't getting dressed!

 

So tell me, how are your school preparations going? Are you as organised as me? Truthfully, there's not a lot of truth at all to that last question. Generally speaking, I am still organising my back-to-school needs in term three of any particular year. 

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Ella the Elephant and Tree Fu Tom - Brand New Releases for Kids and A Giveaway! #SLHFeaturedThursdays

I will readily admit, on any weekday during the school term, my toddler daughter likes to watch a good dose of preschool television! Like all parents with younger kids at home, it's my rare opportunity to regain some control over the mess that I never seem to get on top of, while the older kids are out.

There's so much my little girl loves on TV during these times and you can bet I am thankful for that!
One of her absolute faves is the delightful Ella the Elephant show.

No doubt you've heard the sweet little tune that accompanies this show, twinkling in the background of your own home as you too, do your grown-up work (if you're also home-based). Little Ella has a cutesy voice and jingle and an even cuter collection of little elephant friends that accompany her on some fun adventures for kids.

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Ways to Keep Cool in Summer...

*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Brivis.

How wonderful are the summer months?! My family adore the warmer weather and not just because it also accompanies six long weeks of relaxed holiday fun together. (Though that does play a huge part, it's true!) Summer has that delicious feel and scent that makes just about everyone feel energised and motivated. I could live in this season permanently.

It's full-steam ahead in our home during the warmer months. Sometimes that's unfortunate! Even on the hottest of days, the kids can seem immune to the fury of the heat and be a handful. That fact can be so frustrating for us adults, who are definitely feeling the discomfort and bother of the heat.

Children seem to excel at finding ways to cool down and use the heat to their advantage. From wading pools to beach visits and icy poles, here are some of the ways our family beats the heat in the summer time.

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Tassal Quick and Healthy Tasmanian Salmon Review - Meals On The Go

*This product talk post is brought to you by Nuffnang and Tassal.

Well, here we are again at the very beginning of yet another brand new year.

Just about everywhere you look right now, there are new year's resolutions plastered proudly. They're on billboards, social media and spouting from nearly every acquaintance you meet. Personally, I am waiting patiently for it all to die-down so that I can ease myself into another normal year without the insane pressure of something to strive for, beyond just getting through the everyday!

I tend to steer clear of resolutions altogether.

Rather than make huge promises to myself each January, I prefer to keep my head level and just do what I can. Maybe it's the mum of six in me that's talking here, but as I said, it's happy-land for me to live in the now. That's not about to change for this mama, no matter what the month!

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Moose Toys Review #SLHFeaturedThursdays

If you're a parent to kids of a certain age - little schoolies, then you'll be fairly familiar with the brand Moose when it comes to great playthings.

For as long as I've been a mama, Moose toys have been at the pinnacle of desirable must-haves for my own kids over the years. Whenever there was a cult toy on the market that was big news in the school yard, you can bet 9 times out of 10, the Moose toy label was behind the fervour. This fact led me to make up my own slogan for this brand long ago...

Moose is cool at school!

If you're looking to make an impression when it comes to choosing gifts for kids of all ages, or just wanting some time out from the pressure of bored children these holidays, then look for the Moose line.

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Spiced Fruit and Nut Loaf - Easy Bake Recipe

In the lead-up to the festive season, I was gifted a beautiful surprise hamper of spices in the post from McCormick. Inside my gorgeous parcel, was a large supply of every imaginable festive spice and a few delicious goodies to nibble too. Huge thanks to McCormick for this delightful treat!

I am a festive baker. I really enjoy baking at this time of year, either alone or with the kidlets. Some years I am all about doing everything from scratch and others, (like this one just gone), I have less time to get things done and rely on bakeries to fill my family's needs.

Once my hamper of seasonal spices arrived however, I knew I would have to make a thing (or six!) with my new spice range. Never a problem. There are always things baking around here and inspiration is always being sought for new bakes.

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