Sponsored Post: A spontaneous drive to Palm Beach and a chance to win a $2,000 travel voucher!

We're very spoilt living in Sydney's North as there are just so many stunning drives to go on, and all literally right on our door step.  Actually the whole of Australia is like one undiscovered gem full of amazing drives just waiting for us to jump in the car and explore them.  We just need a few more weeks of holidays thrown into the year and we'll be sorted.

When Shell Australia and Digital Parents approached to me write about my most favourite drive, the first one that popped into my head was the drive from our home, along the coast to Palm Beach.  It's only about a 20 minute drive from where I live or just over an hour if you're coming from centre of Sydney.  The road pretty much hugs the coastline the whole way there and the views are just spectacular.  There are quite a few look out points to stop at along the way, where you can just sit and soak up the view.  I think you can see as far as Manly from one them.  When we have visitors over from the UK who are just with us for a short time, this is always the drive I take them on. Also if you're a bit of sticky-beak like me there are also some AMAZING house to look at along the way too.  Some of them are so high up in the cliffs that you have to get a lift to the front door!!  The kids are totally fascinated by them and I can only just imagine the view they must have.

We often do this drive on the weekend and spent a lazy day wondering around beautiful Palm Beach.  The Sunday markets are so much fun and almost right on the water's edge too.  There are also some of the BEST cafe's I've ever been too, with my all time favourite being the Boat House. You can sit on the deck, surrounded by the water and watch the sea planes fly in and out, while enjoying a coffee or lunch.  The best part is that the kids just want to swim and play on the beach and you can actually watch them do it without moving from your table!!  No wonder I LOVE it there.

Last weekend I planned for us all to drive up there for the afternoon, so I could take some photos for this post and enjoy some detox friendly coconut water (served in a real coconut! - and yep I'm still detoxing) but guess what???????  IT RAINED!!!! And rained and rained and rained and rained!!!  So there went that idea and I was left to watch Frozen for the millionth time!

On Wednesday afternoon, completely unplanned and on a whim, I grabbed the kids from school and we headed up to Palm Beach.  It's not something I would normally do on a school day but it was SO much fun!!  I told them we were taking a little road-trip so mummy could take some photos and there would be a big, fat ice-cream in it for them when we got there.  No even a single whinge!!

We had so much fun, cranking up the radio and singing at the top of our voices and playing "blueberry and Spoto!"  Not a stitch of homework was done (oops!) but there were smiles all round!  And the views...........they just never get old. Ever!

I don't often do spontaneity like I did that afternoon but I really really should!!

Here's the sponsored bit and I promise it's worth it so don't stop reading yet!  Shell Australia have launched this fabulous new website called LoVe Drives where you can upload a story, pictures or information about your favourite drive in Australia.  Once it's uploaded anyone can have a read of it, and hopefully you will inspire them to drive somewhere new with some great tips for exploring a place they haven't yet visited.  The other part (which I think is particularly awesome) is that you can use LoVe Drives to plot your route if you are planning a road trip.  That way you can get all the information that other people have already uploaded about your exact road trip, meaning that you won't miss anything exciting on your journey.  You will be in the 'know if you know what I mean!'  I am so going to use this for our upcoming camping trip next week. We have a 7 hour drive to get there and as I have never been south of Sydney before I want to see EVERYTHING that's cool!!  You can use this tool for a day trip, a sneaky city escape or even a long road trip across Australia.

So all you have to do is create, explore (or explore, create) and GET DRIVING!  To make it even more exciting Shell Australia are giving away a $100 fuel voucher to the best 3 three drives uploaded each week (with a total of 18 to giveaway).  The promotion will end at 4pm AEST on 28th April 2014.  At the end of the promotion the 4 best drives will each receive a $2,000 travel voucher!! (these 4 drives do not have to been from the weekly fuel voucher winners, they could be anyone!).  How exciting!!!  You can find all the details and terms and conditions HERE.

This is seriously NOT TO BE MISSED and as we're just about to head into the Easter school holidays there is no excuse not to get driving - even if it's just for the weekend.  Oh and if you're heading South of Sydney please upload your drive and pics and let me know so I can check it out.

Good Luck!

*This post was sponsored by Shell Australia and The Digital Parents Group.  I have been paid to write it however the Palm Beach drive story, all the images and opinions are my own.

Digital Parents Blog Carnival - The February 2014 Edition!

I'm so exited to be hosting the Digital Parents Blog Carnival this month - so much so that putting it together has been pushed right to the very top of my to-do list (which is very long, and often never ending believe me!).

I've been linking up and joining in the fun for quite a few months now, but this is the fist time I'm actually hosting it.  For those of you lovely readers who are not bloggers, the carnival is something that happens every month where a whole bunch of fabulous bloggers submit their month favourite or popular post that month.  It's a total WIN WIN for everyone:  Bloggers get to meet other bloggers (which is awesome) and get more exposure to their blogs and for readers, well you just get to kick back, relax, grab a cuppa or a glass of wine (I know which I'd choose) and enjoy all the fabulous posts that I've I'm about to list for you.

Over and out (and of course thanks for having me)

Tucker Tuesday! Sticky Apricot Roast Chicken by Becci Sundberg at Becci's Domestic Bliss
Roast Chicken is a fave in our house. One way to change it up is the make my yummy Sticky Apricot Roast Chicken. Makes the most yummiest gravy too!

You can also follow Becci on Facebook. 

How to cook turkey in an esky by Danya at Danya Banya
I'll show you how to cook the most tender turkey you've ever tasted with your Esky, so you can impress your friends with your mad MacGyver cooking skills at your next dinner party.

You can also follow Danya on Facebook and Twitter.

Simple Pleasures by Rachel at The Mid 30's Life
Top 5 simple, and I suspect unoriginal, pleasures.

You can also follow Rachel on Facebook and Twitter. 

He'll Aways Be My Baby by Eva Lewis at The Multitasking Mummy
Our children grow up much too quickly and in this post, I talk about the emotions I had when our 2 year old son reached yet another milestone.

You can also follow Eva on Facebook and Twitter.

Berryripe Slice by Madison at Sweet Natured Kitchen
No-bake, healthy, easy, berry and chocolate slice.

You can also follow Madison on Facebook and Twitter.

How To Baste A Quilt by Tonya at A Crafty Mummy
Before you quilt a quilt, you have to baste it - and this is the quickest easiest way I have found to do it.

You can also follow Tonya on Facebook and Twitter 

One hour and forty-eight minutes that I will never get back by Georgia at Parental Parody
So I timed how long it took my son to choke/whine/swallow his way through a meal. One hour and forty eight minutes. For a meal that he scoffed, enjoyed and asked for more just a week earlier. I think he's messing with me.

You can also follow Georgia on Facebook and Twitter

My Friend Sue by Nicky Way at Nickywaywrites
Whether it's a week or a few years, Sue and I always seem to pick up where we left off, that's what's awesome with good friends.

You can also follow Nicky on Facebook and Twitter 

Remembering These Things by Dida Sundet at Adventures in Jedi
An open letter to my son about some of the things I never want to forget.

You can also follow Dida on Facebook.

It's not good enough. We need to do more. by Alison Hallworth at Talking Frankly
The information is there if you want to know

You can also follow Alison on Facebook and Twitter. 

Valentines Day in the Dadrites House by Alex Finlayson at Dadrites
Valentines Day just isn't the same when you have kids is it? This is the story of a failed attempt at being romantic.

You can also follow Alex on Facebook and Twitter.

Starry Collage Art for Toddlers by Essie at The Crowned Finch
Not for the glitter-averse! but this is a fun art activity that's great for toddlers with developing fine motor skills. twinkle twinkle!

You can also follow Essie on Facebook and Twitter.

Borderline: My Story by Tegan Churchill at Musings of the Misguided
The story of my life with Borderline Personality Disorder.

You can also follow Tegan on Facebook and Twitter.

Resilience by Kathy at Yinyangmother
Resilience is one of the most important things we can teach our kids. We want to protect them, but in helping them push through anxieties, we help them grow.

You can also follow Kathy on Facebook and Twitter.

The Marble Jar Rewards System For Kids (that works!) by Robyn at Mrs D plus 3
A brilliant way of rewarding children for good behaviour as way as discipline and teaching them to save - all rolled into one system!!

You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter too.

The Healthy Lunchbox Guide by Nikki Boswell at The Kids Menu
The Healthy Lunchbox Guide is the ultimate tool for creating healthy, delicious lunchboxes for children of all ages, including healthy snack options, a 5 day lunchbox planner and over 10 healthy recipes.

You can also follow Nikki on Facebook and Twitter.

Strengthening your Core with Barbie by Pamela Talaue at Thyroid Living
Many women suffer lower back pain after having children and this is often due to forgetting to use our core muscles. Here are some exercises to help strengthen your core muscles.

You can also follow Pamela on Facebook and Twitter. 

I don't want to live an ordinary life by Kimberley at Melbourne Mum
I want to live an extraordinary life—I don’t feel like I was meant to be average. Last week I had a tantrum about it. I will probably do so again.

You can also follow Kimberely on Facebook and Twitter.

Lizard Island gets a visit from Mamma Jake by Karen Morley at the Morley Report
A mother's job never really ends does it.

Last October my son Jake left home to work on Lizard Island. Now I am not sure if you know much about Lizard Island butttt it's where all the celebrities holiday and is very very special!

So it was my Mother's Duty that I needed to go and pay that boy of mine a visit. Of course it was def to see him and had nothing to do with wanting to stay somewhere glamorous! Honest......

You can also follow Karen on Facebook and Twitter.

Towels & Gym Bag Storage Ideas by Lisa at No Excuses!
There is never enough room in those shower cubicles, therefore bringing extra hooks to hang over the door or side walls of the shower cubicle is another way to use the small space to its full potential. Those tiny ledges or seats are not big enough, therefore using the hooks keeps towels from falling on the floor and clothing up away from the splashing of the shower area.

I empty what I need out of my bag first, push it as far as I can towards the doorway and drape my already half wet swimming towel over the edge of my bag to use as a floor mat and the dryer end of the towel is used as a cover.

You can also follow Lisa on Facebook and Twitter.

Blackberry & Orange Frangipane Tart by Tara at Gluten Free Hart
The most delicious tart you will EVER eat and it's GLUTEN FREE!

You can also follow Tara on Facebook and Twitter.

How being a Primary School Teacher can destroy your self-esteem by Michelle Weaver at Pinky Pointer
We teachers are sometimes ill-prepared for the comments flung at us by the students!

You can also follow Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.

My First Date by Emily at You Learn Something New Every Day
My first date wasn't even mine! How does that work? IT DOESN'T. It's. Just. Plain. Awkward.

You can also follow Emily on Facebook and Twitter.

M&M Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookies by Lucy Mathieson at Bake Play Smile
Chocolate Chip Cookies that are absolutely loaded with M&Ms! Perfect for even the biggest chocoholic ever!!! :-)

You can also follow Lucy on Facebook and Twitter.

That's ALOT of Cow - 45 kilos to be exact! by Elise Ellabban at Mummy Hearts Money
Making the monthly grocery budget go that much further by purchasing beef in bulk. The nitty gritty breakdown, exactly what do you get?

You can also follow Elise on Facebook and Twitter.

Family Fun in Sydney for $10 or less by Linda Anderson at Mums On The Go
When a large coffee sets you back $4 it seems inconceivable that you could have fun in Sydney for $10 or less, especially with children to entertain. With a little planning and creativity ... you can!

You can also follow Linda on Facebook and Twitter.

Goodbye, So long, Farewell by Rhianna at A Parenting Life
Saying goodbye is never easy, even when it is something you have regularly had to do. Sometimes it is harder than ever before

You can also follow Rhianna on Facebook and Twitter.

Gripping Too Tight (and other nonsense) by Sophie at The Mother Load Australia
A little post about the surprising personality traits that are revealed in ourselves when we become a parent.

You can also follow Sophie on Facebook and Twitter. 

Italian Lesson: The Language of Coffee by Lizzy Allan at the Muddle-Headed Mumma
Ever wondered how a cappuccino, a macchiato, an espresso or an affogato got their name? Look no further! (lesson # 4 in The Italian Lessons series on my blog).

You can also follow Lizzy on Twitter. 

Separating Mum from Teacher by Melissa Puli at Two Little Humans and Me
Being a Mum is great reward. Being a teacher is fulfilling. What happens when it's time to separate the two.

You can also follow Melissa on Facebook and Twitter.

The Masturbation Conversation by Michelle Lewson at They Call Me Mummy
"Masturbation. This word strikes fear in the heart of most parents. It’s the kryptonite of the parenting fraternity. When most parents look at their children, the last thing they want to think about is that they – gulp – masturbate."

A hilarious story about my evolved parenting backfiring in the most...ahem... entertaining way.

You can also follow Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.

Why sleeping beside a turkey would be comfier than sleeping beside my one year old by Muvva at Blogging and Mum-ing - A Parental Odyssey
Ah! The joys of co-sleeping with a wriggly toddler! This post describes our morning ritual....

You can also follow Muvva on Facebook.

Life Changing Career Shift: What would you do? by Carolyn Tate at Champagne Cartel
I was lucky enough to have one of those fork-in-the-road moments where I had to choose between my freelance career and the perfect job for me.

You can also follow Carolyn on Facebook and Twitter. 

FREE St Patricks Envelope Label Printable by Sarah Preston at TOMFO - Get organised and do more of what you love
Inspired by St Patricks day, this FREE printable features a 4 leaf clover and there's a cute staying on the back too! Simply print out the labels, then cut and glue wrapping around an envelope. A great way to encourage letter writing with the kids and make someones day too!

You can also follow Sarah on Facebook and Twitter.

I'm a part of it too..... by Janet Rogers at Mum The Photographer
We all madly snap photos of our kids ... but how often do we actually make a record of us being a part of it all too? This year I have a plan to be in photos with my children more!

You can also follow Janet on Facebook.

No-one can do it all.  You Have to make a Choice by Belinda Lechford at Life With Your Kids
No-one can do it all - we have to choose which are the best things for us to do at this season of our life.

You can also follow Belinda on Facebook and Twitter.

Unintentionally Intentional by Stephanie at Stephsjoy 
Life is too short, choosing the life we want to live rather than let the business of life take the lead.

You can also follow Stephanie on Twitter.

The Best Free Online Learning Sites by Tanya at Flood-Proof Mum
Discover some of the best sites to find free online courses.

You can also follow Tanya on Facebook.

How to be charming & accept a compliment with grace by Denise Mooney at On Writing, Publishing and Freelancing
It’s never been one of my strengths, accepting compliments. When I was younger things could get decidedly awkward. I might mutter a thank you while averting my gaze. Or even worse, ignore or reject it altogether. I wish I could go back in time and give myself a slap across the chops for being so rude.

You can also follow Denise on Facebook and Twitter.

Well that's it from me.  Thanks again to all the fabulous bloggers who submitted posts.  I'm really excited to say that I have discovered half a dozen new blogs to follow just from hosting.

If you didn't find something good to read or make you laugh in this bunch of brilliance then I might just eat my hat!!

xxxxxxxxxxx

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The WETPATCH Car Seat Protector Review

A couple of local Sydney Northern Beaches families (who just happen to be lovely friends of mine) have come up with this fantastic idea of protecting your car seat from........well just about EVERYTHING!!  With 7 kids and 9 surfers between them, they needed something to protect their seats (and their bottoms) from getting a WET PATCH!  The idea was first hatched in 2012 when the dads got fed up of jumping in the the car from an early morning surf (still with wetsuit or swimmers on - for time saving purposes of course), rushing home for a quick shower and then discovering (on arrival at work) that they had a 'wet patch' on their nice clean work trousers from a damp car seat!!  Not a good look really as I'm sure you can imagine!

Image source: WETPATCH

So the WETPATCH Carseat Protector was born!  Once the idea took hold, they realised that you can use the WETPATCH Car Seat Protector for just about anything.  It has a unique Dry Seat technology that keeps your car seat clean and dry at all times, and it couldn't be easier to use.

Image source: WETPATCH

I was more than happy to give it a try when I was asked to review it, and I'll even admit to being pleasantly surprised by just how much I've used it in the last week - and I'm not even a surfer!!

Here are the best ways I've used my WETPATCH Car Seat Protector over the last couple of week!

1. Sitting on the beach watching the kids do Nippers Training.  It was a bit of a miserable afternoon and the sand was still wet from the early morning rain, so I put my WETPATCH under my towel and kept my both the towel and my bottom dry!
2. Master J went to a camping birthday party last weekend and for those of you living in Sydney you might remember that it POURED with rain (and yes I was very grateful that it was not me camping!!).  He was very bedraggled and covered in mud when I picked him on Sunday morning.  Thank goodness for the WETPATCH - the car was still clean as a whistle when I got home - even though Master J was not!!
3. I've put the WETPATCH underneath the baby carseat to stop it from leaving indentations in the leather.  Very handy if I do say so myself.
4. I also used it to take Master J home from Nippers.  He jumps straight from the beach shower (got to get rid of the sand first) into the car - so there was no need to bother about packing a whole change of clothes and of course the seat stayed dry!!
5. I'm sure Mr D will be using it to after his early morning surfs too, but after having a small operation on his wrist recently he hasn't been able to surf just yet - but watch this space!

If you had a WETPACH Car Seat Protector in your car what would you use it for??

The team at WETPATCH are kindly offering to giveaway a FREE WETPACH Car Seat Protector (worth $70) to whoever comes up with the best answer.  Enter your details below for your chance to win.  This offer is available to Australian Residents ONLY.

For more information, check out their website WETPATCH

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*Disclaimer:  I have not been paid to write this review however I was gifted the WETPATCH car seat protector used in my photographs.  All images and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.

Please don't say cheese! A Review on how to take the best photographs of your kids PLUS a Giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I joined a bunch of fabulous Northern Beaches bloggers to do a photography course on the beach.  This was no ordinary photography course - it was one run by the lovely Robyn from Please don't say cheese and her objective is to teach parents how to take better photographs of their kids using their OWN cameras.

When I first met Robyn, at local business networking session, I jumped at the chance to do her course.  I absolutely love taking photos and might have a teeny weeny reputation for being a bit snap happy.  I think it drives my kids mad - although they can occasionally be very obliging and just humour their mum!  Most of the time I have to be so quick to get any decent shots of them in action.  It frustrates me so much when I don't have the camera on the right setting and I 'miss' that amazing moment!  It's even more frustrating when I capture that 'moment' only to discover that it's out of focus or blurry!!!

This photo of me was taken by Carolyn at Desire Empire

Ever since I've had my iphone 5 I have to admit that I take the majority of my photos with that, as the camera on it is pretty awesome (for a phone).  It's so handy because I pretty much ALWAYS have it with me.  Carrying around (or remembering to carry around) my big DSLR camera is such a pain sometimes that I don't use it nearly as much as I should.  When I do use it, I then regret not using it more often!!  One of the reasons I don't use it nearly as much as I should is because I don't actually know how to use it properly (other than on Auto!!).  I know this is a shameful thing to admit, but according to Robyn from Please don't say cheese, I am not the only one!!!

Robyn's course is 3 hours long and she takes you out 'on location' somewhere along Sydney's Northern Beaches.  We were at Dee Why Beach for ours.  She likes to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to make the most of the 'golden hour of light', which she explains is the BEST light for taking photographs.

She taught us (using our own camera's) how to use aperture and shutter speed, how to get the best action shots and close ups and how to get that lovely 'blury' background, amongst other things. She also gave us SO many little useful tips that I would never have thought of.  Now all that's left for me to do it practice, practice, practice!!!!

Robyn also offers some great editing advice, tips and help once you have the done the course to help you make those photos you've taken even more amazing!!  She will taylor this advice to whichever editing package you currently use, so there is no need to go out an buy one.

Me in 'action' (by Carolyn again) taking close up photos of the flowers.

If you'd like to know more about this course and more about Robyn and her photography background, then you can contact her at Please Don't Say Cheese.  I think it would make a fabulous Christmas gift if you have a new camera or, if like me, you just LOVE taking photos and could do with a bit of expert advice.

Robyn has come up with a great idea for a giveaway for you.  She would like to offer 3 lucky Mrs D plus 3 readers the opportunity to do this course with me, sometime in the New Year!!  YAY - I get to do it again and get the chance to meet some of you!  Unfortunately due to logistical reasons, this giveaway is only available to Sydney based readers - but never fear, if you don't live in Sydney you can download Robyn's top 10 tips for taking better photos right HERE for FREE!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was not paid to write this review however I did not pay to attend the course.  All opinions are my own and all the photos I have used were taken and edited by me, unless otherwise stated.  The camera I used was a Canon EOS DSLR and the editing package I used was Pic Monkey.

You can also follow Mrs D plus 3 on facebook - twitter - instagram - Pinterest or sign up to my newsletter

Photobox! Review and a beautiful canvas giveaway

I have always loved photos!  Although I'm no expert behind the lens, I do just LOVE capturing 'moments', especially of the kids.  There is something so special about looking back at old photos and remembering those (often forgotten) moments.  The kids love it too and often ask to look at our wedding photos or their baby pictures.  Even though everything is digital these days I still love to have actual prints. I have frames up all over our house and I don't think you can every have too many.

I started using Photobox to do all my prints quite a few years ago now, when I was still living in England, and I just love how easy their website is to use.  Once you sign up and create an account you can then upload your photos straight from your computer to their website.  You can even organise them into albums to make them easier to work with.  The uploading is really simple and doesn't take long at all.  Once your photos are uploaded there is just so many things you can do with them - and it's actually quite fun :)

I've used photobox to do all my printing and there are loads reasons why I love them and will always go back.

• They are so reasonably priced, with standard prints from $0.15 each and enlargements from $0.49 each.
• The quality and the colours are always fantastic.  I have never once been disappointed.  If a photo is not going to come out perfectly then the photobox website will give you a little sad face next to that  image.  If you click on it, it will tell the reason - which is most often that the image is not big enough for the size print you're after.  I love that they give you this warning so you don't waste your money on a print that isn't going to be perfect.
• You can order your prints from the comfort of your home and don't have to sit in the shop trying your best to concentrate on what you're doing, while keeping an eye on the kids (who in my case keep disappearing down the toy isle).
• Delivery is quick and efficient and never takes longer than a few days.

The other thing I have often used photobox for are their photo books, canvas prints and photo calendars.  They are so easy to make and there are just so many options you can choose from too. I made a photo book for both my parents and my in-laws after they visited us here in Sydney for the first time last year.  They were so beautiful and personal and made such a wonderful reminder of their holiday with the grandkids.  I actually wish I'd got one made for me too.

I also make up a photo calendar for my mother in-law every year for Christmas as it makes her so happy and she loves it.  Photobox are brilliant for Christmas (or birthday) gifts, especially if you have family abroad.  I often order from the Photobox UK site when I'm sending something to my mum as it means I only pay the local postage, which saves me the stupendous cost of overseas postage (which is often more than the item you're posting).

COMPETITION TIME :)

Every time I walk into the kids playroom this beautiful canvas makes me smile.  I love it x

With Christmas rapidly approaching the lovely team at Photobox have agreed to let me run a little competition.  YAY!!  The prize is a gorgeous classic 50.8cm by 40.6cm canvas print of your favourite photo.  The competition is open to Mrs D plus 3 readers in both Australia and the UK. All you have to do to enter is follow me on Instagram at mrsdbplus3, upload the picture you would like to have printed on canvas and hashtag it #mrsdcanvas.  Good luck.  The winner will be announced on instagram on 1st December.

Don't forget if you sign up to photobox now you will get 40 FREE prints!!!  Perfect if you want to do an framing for Christmas gifts.

*Disclaimer:  I have not been paid to write this review although I was gifted the beautiful canvas print on the image above.  All options and photos are my own.

You can also follow Mrs D plus 3 on facebook - twitter - instagram - Pinterest or sign up to my newsletter

My Little Table Designs Review and Christmas Giveaway

I'm so excited to write this review as the brains behind this gorgeous company is a really great and lovely friend of mine. Amanda stared My Little Table Designs about 12 months ago and we met one day at a market on Sydney's Northern Beaches where she was selling her beautiful little table cloths.  We got chatting, we hit it off and have been friends ever since - with lots of absolutely essential wine brainstorming evenings and play-dates with the kids (not at the same time of course).

A little Bit about My Little Table Designs

Amanda is a mum of two, a primary school teacher and business owner, so as you can image, she has her hands pretty full. She is also one of the smiliest, bubbliest and most passionate people you could ever meet.

She is most passionate about children and their learning experiences through play.  Since becoming a mum she realised how difficult it is to find activities for children that are FUN and EDUCATIONAL as well as providing a great platform for play between mums (and dads) and their children.

Amanda is also a sewer and she started out by making the cutest table cloths for little girls to play pretend 'high tea'.  She soon discovered that just by 'setting up' a table (or the floor) with a brightly coloured tablecloth, kids were drawn to it and wanted to 'play' almost anything.  This gave her the idea to branch out further into children's 'play' and so she stared to both import and create beautiful toys and crafts for kids to create themselves.  Every toy is 'unfinished' and within each pack is everything a child needs to 'finish' or 'create' that toy - which they can then play with or treasure.  They also create a platform for kids imaginations to go wild, which is one of the best forms of early learning.  You can find out more about Amanda and My little Table on her website and Facebook page.

This month (November) Amanda has set up a little POP UP SHOP on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where mums can both pop in and do some christmas shopping, as well as enjoy a cup of tea or glass of bubbles and a good chat.  Amanda is on hand to answer any questions you might have and she has also organised a whole bunch of fantastic workshops for christmas, including:

• Cake Decorating where you will learn how to cover and decorate a cake using fondant and create your very own cute little angel to go on top.  This workshop is run by the lovely Sunny from So Sensational Cakes.
• Mini Mind Spa's where mums can come and learn how to 'play' with their kids, delivered by expert coach for mums Dina Cooper at Hoogi.
• A kids Photography workshop where parents can get tips on how to take better photos of their kids using their own cameras.  This workshop is run by the lovely Robyn from Please don't Say Cheese.
• A range of mummy craft workshops including making christmas cards, advent calendars and teacher appreciation gifts.  These will be run by Amanda herself.

Be sure to book as there are only limited spaces available.  

Click here for a full timetable of events and details of how to book

My Little Table Pop Up Shop is located on 900 Pittwater Road, Dee Why and is open from the 11th to 27th November

I popped into the shop the other day and it was just fabulous!!  I had actually just intended to show my support and maybe purchase a thing or two and I ended up doing ALMOST ALL OF MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING for the kids!!!  How awesome is that???  I can't tell you how great it feels to have made a big dent in my shopping.  Christmas shopping can be quite a daunting task and getting organised ahead of time is just amazing - more time to enjoy the festivities.   I'm actually starting to feel really Christmassy already and super excited to see the kids faces on christmas morning.

My Little Table Designs stocks gifts from:
- Le Toy Van
- Seeding
- Eebo
- Purple Cow
- Mud Puppy
As well as craft packs, gifts and table cloths that Amanda has made.  Prices range from $2 up to $120, with the average price being around $30.  All items cater for boys and girls who love to play ranging from age 2 to 12.

I think one of my most favourite things was the pizza box craft packs.  Amanda has created a whole range of 'ready to go' craft packs for kids and parents to get creative.  Everything you need is packed away in a plain card pizza box and all you have to add is a little imagination.  Amanda says that as parents we usually and instinctually go for box sets that are all beautifully presented, but kids are the opposite.  They see those as 'finished products' where there is nothing left for them to do. By putting the kits into plain pizza boxes the kids can't wait to get stuck in and make something from their own imagination.  All three of my kids LOVED their boxes and made beautiful stain glass christmas window pieces out of a simple sheet of sticky contact and lots of sparkly bits and bobs.  Happy kids and happy me (especially as there was very little mess).

COMPETITION TIME 

These stocking filler packs are fantastic and they come so beautifully packed too.

Now for the exciting part!!!!!!!!!!!  Amanda has offered to giveaway a stocking filler gift pack to one lucky Mrs D plus 3 reader for Christmas.  The stocking filler gift packs can be catered for a boy or a girl (or gender neutral) and they contain EVERYTHING you need to fill your child's stocking!!

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So if you live on the Northern Beaches do pop in and visit My Little Table's Shop, and don't worry if you're too far away, she has everything available to purchase online.

So how is everyone doing with their Christmas shopping??  Have you started yet or are you one to leave everything to the last minute??

*Disclaimer:  I have not been paid to write this review, I did it because I wanted to and I would hate for anyone to miss out on all these cool things because they didn't know about it.  All photos and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.  The Giveaway is only available to Australian residents (sorry).

The Kidstore Launch plus a $100 GIVEAWAY. Trendy, affordable & adorable kids clothes in Australia.

A couple of weeks ago the kids and I were invited to the launch of the Kidstore and of course we said YES!!  It was held on the last day of the school holidays so I had all three kids with me for this one.  Master J was not particularly impressed about being taken away from watching the big ships sailing into Sydney harbour for the Fleet Review to go and have his photograph taken. However, once we got there it took about a spit second for him to realise that actually this was going to be a lot of fun! (I did tell him it would be, but he never listen to me!!).

From the minute we walked into the studio I just knew that this was going to be a great brand to work with.  You know when you just know!! (and it had nothing to do with the cupcakes or the delicious lolly bar).

The kids were absolutely spoilt rotten and were gifted the cutest little outfits to model amongst giant cardboard dolls.  I was amazed at how much Master J loved his photo shoot and THAT bright yellow shirt......... it didn't come off for the next three days!!!  He later told me that he looked like a really cool teenager!. Miss H loved her dress too (especially as it was a twirly one) and she did look as cute a button in it.  The bright colours and the quality of the fabric was so gorgeous that several people have since commented and asked where I got it from.  Miss L was a bit more tricky to catch on camera as she was only doing what SHE wanted to do and NOT what anyone else told her to do!! But she also looked cute as a button (if I do say so myself!!)

The whole team at the Kidstore were just wonderful.  They genuinely LOVE their brand and what they do and it really is 'all about the kids.'  While the lovely Sianna enthusiastically took me though the new range of kids clothes, the rest of the team took the time to sit and chat to my kids (over cupcakes and lemonade of course).  Master J later told me that "those ladies were so nice mummy".

The Kidstore is Australia's newest kids clothing label and their first store was opened in 2012. They now have 15 stores across the county with my nearest being Warringah Mall (Sydney's Northern Beaches).  They are actually owned by the same company that owns the more well known brand Best & Less.

The clothes are right on trend, fabulously soft and the colours are just gorgeous!  All of their ranges encourage kids to just be themselves, mix and match, and to have fun with their clothes. There was even a t-shirt called the 'butt crack bear!" which Master J though was hilarious!! (typical boys humour!  You see.......they get it!!). 

There gorgeous new dress up range is out now too and ready just in time for Halloween. 

"Spots DO go with stripes!"

The prices are around mid range with items ranging from $10 up to $60, so totally affordable and the quality will most definitely last.

The lovely team at the Kidstore have given me a $100 gift voucher to give away to one of you lovely readers.  This is an AWESOME price as shopping in a Kidstore is so much fun. They are bright and colourful and there is even a playroom!!!!  All you have to do is fill in the box below anytime between now and Sunday 27th October for your chance to win.  I also have another $100 Gift Voucher currently up for grabs over on my Facebook Page which will end on Friday 17th October.

Don't forget to check out their website too.  Not only can you order anything online (which I love) but there are some really cute downloadable stories and activities for the kids.

What's your favourite kids clothing range?

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*Disclosure:  I have not been paid to write this review however my kids were gifted the outfits that they wore at the photo shoot.   I was more than happy to review the Kidstore as they are a genuinely awesome brand with such lovely people working behind them.  All opinions are my own.  The giveaway is only open to Australian residents.