All Things Kids-

Giveaway Tickets to "Motherhood the Musical" (round 2)

2011-06-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

What about a night out with a friend on us? Off to see the hit“Motherhood the Musical”.. - This musical has received acclaim in the USA and in Melbourne, Australia for its candid and humorous insight into motherhood.

We have 5 double passes to give away!!

So what do you need to do? you might be wondering what we could be wanting in exchange? An essay perhaps, a photo comp, some other hoop jumping affair.. NO! – this is a mothers day competition- we don’t want to make more work for you…

So how do you enter then? We figured as mums you are already busy enough.. so here is the deal… Firstly you do need to be a fan of Brisbane Kids on facebook- http://www.facebook.com/brisbanekids. Then- all you need to do is tell 11 people about brisbanekids.com.au. That’s right just 11 other mums- tell them verbally, or better still share our facebook page via facebook- When you have done that- comment on this blog with your name and email address and you go in the random draw.

The Honour System WHAT? You might be asking.. how can we monitor this? what about cheaters? This is crazy?? Well firstly, we are a little bit crazy- BUT we believe in mums & we consider you all to be members of our wonderful community.. called Brisbane & we believe in your honesty and integrity & we trust that you will do the right thing.

Help us, help other mums and tell them all about the No1 site in Brisbane for Kids- and tell them about our facebook page so all mums can benefit.

When does it close You have until Friday the 10th June at 7pm to tell at least 11 people- but we would love you tell more-- and we ask you to tell them mainly about our facebook page- because that helps us tell people about our website. Go crazy- We believe in you. We will accept a comment on this blog up until Friday the 10th June at 7pm, within the hour following we will announce the randomly chosen winners.

The lucky 5 winners will each win a double pass to go along to see Sue Fabisch’s “Motherhood the Musical” on Tuesday June 14 at 2pm at the Twelfth Night Theatre

Yes it is that easy.

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Only 1 entry per mum

Judges decision is final
entrants must be a 'liker' of the Brisbane Kids Facebook page to be eligible- http;//www.facebook.com/brisbanekids
This competition is being administered by Brisbane Kids Creative ABN 87278036550

Tickets to be

1. "This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Brisbane Kids Creative and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for the purposes of selecting a random winner using random.org

2. In the promotion's rules:

1. A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.

2. Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Your entry automatically releases facebook from any responsibility or connection to this giveaway

Tickets are only for a showing on Tuesday June 14 at 2pm- to be picked up from the Twelfth Night Theatre by mentioning the word 'Brisbane Kids' . They are not transferable to other days nor able to refunded.

Kimochis

2011-05-23T02:46:00.000-07:00

Kimochis

We love Kimochis because they are the present that helps a Brisbane Kid to express their emotions. With a range of Kimochis and mini emotions to choose from, each cuddly toy comes with a pouch to hold their feelings. We love that Brisbane Kids will feel more compelled to talk about how they are feeling and that parents may feel more comfortable in asking. We know that Brisbane Kids cant be happy all the time, but we hope a Kimochi will help them to explain why they arent, so mum and dad can help them get their smile back.

You can find them at http://www.treasuresforlittlepeople.com.au

The Rolobox

2011-05-15T13:38:00.003-07:00

The Rolobox

Give a Brisbane Kid a present and they will play with the box..

Give a Brisbane Kid a rolobox and they will create a machine, car, bus or truck from the box.

A rolobox is possibly the best invention since a carboard box and is a reusable set of wheels and brackets that can be attached to any cardboard box turning it into a bus or car or anything with wheels! works on all sizes of cardboard boxes.. Encourage the imagination, drive the creativity... We love it! You will find the rolobox for only $12.95 stocked at Fairy Monsters http://www.fairymonsters.com.au

Giveaway Tickets to "Motherhood the Musical"

2011-05-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

What about a night out with a friend on us? Off to see the hit “Motherhood the Musical”.. - This musical has received acclaim in the USA and in Melbourne, Australia for its candid and humorous insight into motherhood.

We have 5 double passes to give away!!

Help us, help other mums and tell them all about the No1 site in Brisbane for Kids- and tell them about our facebook page so all mums can benefit.

When does it close You have until Saturday 7^th May at 6pm to tell at least 11 people- but we would love you tell more-- and we ask you to tell them mainly about our facebook page- because that helps us tell people about our website. Go crazy- We believe in you. We will accept a comment on this blog up until Saturday 7^th of May at 6pm when we will announce the randomly chosen winners.

The lucky 5 winners will each win a double pass to go along to see Sue Fabisch’s “Motherhood the Musical” on Thursday May 26^th at 7.30pm at the Twelfth Night Theatre

Yes it is that easy.

And if you don’t win- don’t despair because we have organised a discount code for all Brisbane Kids fans on the brochure you will fine on the homepage at http://www.brisbanekids.com.au

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Only 1 entry per mum

Tickets to be

2. In the promotion's rules:

1. A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.

2. Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Your entry automatically releases facebook from any responsibility or connection to this giveaway

Tickets are only for a showing on Thursday the 26th May at 7.30 pm- to be picked up from the Twelfth Night Theatre by mentioning the word 'Brisbane Kids' . They are not transferable to other days nor able to refunded.

Giimmo Night Lights

2011-04-25T04:05:00.000-07:00

Giimmo Night Lights

This weeks Brisbane Kids Star of the Week comes care of the soft glow of the Giimmo Night Light. Also known as Ikaboo Lights they are the Animal Friends with a glowing rainbow heart!

Giimmo’s bathe their environment with all the colours of the rainbow with adjustable and magnetic arms so you can move your giimmo friend around. This is a perfect gift for the Brisbane Kid needing to unwind after a day of activity and fun. You can find it at the childrens boutique, Bambino Pronto http://www.bambinipronto.com.au

Mother Knows Best- TV safety strap

2011-04-18T21:04:00.001-07:00

Mother Knows Best

This weeks Brisbane Kids Star of the Week has been chosen because we believe that it can save lives. A simple strap system that attaches your TV to your furniture for $22.95 is all that it takes- Here is one we found- Babydan Anti Tip TV Straps.. they sell themselves http://www.motherknowsbest.com.au

Zoobies for Brisbane Kids

2011-04-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Zoobies

This weeks Brisbane Kids Star of the Week has been chosen because we have always been a huge fan of Zoobies BUT now they are being made into some of our favourite characters. Basically what you are looking at is a lovely plush toy with a comforting blanket inserted. It means that your Brisbane Kids can be cuddled in the day time and warm and snuggly in the night time. You will find them at the Brisbane based online retailer Babies Favourite Things. http://www.babiesfavouritethings.com.

Tom's First Haircut- By a Moose (The Magic Moose)

2011-04-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

So- Yes.. I am one of those mums whose boys gets regularly confused for being girls, because of their lovely long hair, not to mention the beautiful Amber teething beads that protect them from teething pain.

Their haircuts to date have consisted of one "Aunty cut" on my eldest and then my meagre attempts to cut with old kitchen scissors on the deck of our house..

My little 19mth old Tom was becoming at risk of being unable to see through his golden fringe.. I decided that it was time for a first haircut-

So, Tom and I paid a visit to the Moose.

The Magic Moose is a Kids Hairdresser at Mango Hill- They also do some dad haircuts- but their main business is kids.. I like that.. It means they welcome the chaos..I am also aware their success rate is over 95% (that is success of completing a haircut) which gave me a lot of encouragement. Let me tell you why The Magic Moose is made for Kids.

The whole thing is run by a Moose..funny.. but there is actually a moose costume around there somewhere...
They have a fully functional, stocked train table.
They have a huge plasma within the area with the train table.
Every single chair has its own little plasma with a choice of a couple of different kids movies
They have staff that understand kids don't enjoy haircuts and they are OK with it.. I like that.
Their staff are happy, smiling and encouraging.
There is a lollypop waiting for when the job is done
AND- for first haircuts they have a fabulous certificate for a big effort with a momento of hair for further memories!

I was super impressed- the price for my little monkeys first haircut? $13- check their website because the prices alter slightly depending on when and what age..

So because we love the Moose so much and because they heart us- They have offered us the following deal- FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2011- Mention BrisbaneKids (thats right- you gotta say our name)- They will give a Cut N Cookie for $13!!- Thats right.. a haircut.. and a lovely cookie fresh from the bakery next door for $13! This is for a pre-school cut only- before 3pm Monday- Friday-

So if you.. like me.. have been waiting.. and your trendy boy hair is getting a bit too long OR it is simply time for a haircut- then I recommend you give The Magic Moose at Mango Hill a go.

shop 1b mango hill centre "behind the mango hill tavern" Anzac Avenue , Mango Hill, Brisbane, Australia 4509
http://www.magicmoose.com.au

Two Little Boys- Inspiring Notebooks

2011-03-28T04:00:00.001-07:00

Two Little Boys

This weeks Star of the Week was chosen because we were looking for something that would inspire a Brisbane Kid to be the best they could. We wanted them to feel like they could achieve anything, that their future is bright and limitless. Thats when we came across these journals and here are a couple of examples. You can find them at www.larkmade.com.au

Balloon Balls

2011-03-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

Balloon Balls

This weeks star of the week has been chosen because it is ideal as a gift or simply a great addition to your own toy collection. Balloon Balls are designed to house a standard sized balloon creating a soft ball that offers hours of fun. It also assists with early motor skill development, later ball handlings skills and even with a baby’s early hand eye coordination. Offering boys and girls balls, baby balls and even footballs, there really is a balloon ball for all types of kids. I like them because my kids can play with them in the house without fear of breakages, and if the balloon happens to burst, a new balloon is waiting to take its place. http://www.balloonballs.com.au

Poss and Wom- Unique Australian Designs

2011-03-13T20:24:00.001-07:00

Poss and Wom

The Star of the Week for this week is the delightful creations that are
Poss & Wom. Truly Australian, unique and stylish- handmade, one of a kind stationery and nursery art. This art is quite humbling in its ability to capture the essence of the Australian culture in a contemporary and enchanting way. We are in love with Poss and Wom! http://www.possandwom.com

Crayon Rocks

2011-03-10T03:22:00.000-08:00

Crayon Rocks

The Star of the Week for this week is from EmporioBambini.com.au

(so much cool stuff at this store) but we fell in love with their Crayon

Rocks- 16 colours- all natural mineral powders- designed to strengthen

tiny muscles- large wide and thin strokes <blissful creating for little

people> http://www.emporiobambini.com.au

The Ultimate Wish List for Fairy Loving Girls and Mums

2011-03-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

If I had a little girl I imagine that she would have love of all things fairy. This is a wish list for her.

Enchanted Walls- I would imagine her room would be filled with different fairy things like these wall decals from Anima Causa

Her walls would have a fairy door so ofcourse the fairy's could enter at will. I love the idea of putting them on trees as well, see these creations from My Little Fairy Door.

We would create a fairy garden and it would have amongst other things a fairy circle of mushrooms like these I found at Flights of Fancy

I would get her the "50 Fairy things to make and Do" which is a wonderful activity book with cards that inspire fairy type creations. I would also stock Enid Blytons The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, Lady Coddingtons Pressed Flower Book and All things Tinkerbell.

I would convince my husband or maybe my mother in law that she would need a pair of fairy shoes.. (I cant put pics of this up- but check out these custom fairy shoes from Zazzle)
She could have tea with the fairies with these lovely tiny tea sets from Enchanted Gifts

And check out this slection of lovely fairy figurines from Garden Fairy

And have her turned into a fairy with lovely photo alterations from Fairy Me by Tarja
Also some lighting like these lovely dragon fly lights from Easy Gift. They also have a range of Angel Fairy lights.

And light her room with this awesome Fairy Solar Light also from Enchanted gifts

Finally what is a fairy without a costume and there is so much to choose from! Whether it is a lovely Tutu like these from Giggles and Tantrums. Or a fairy suit with the works- wands and wings from Fairy Magic at Byron Bay. OR these Alex and Charli Butterfly Winged Singlets

So there you go..well not really I had a continuing list.. and some far our ideas that apart from being costly almost might seem a bit weird. It's a start. For now I will settle with trucks and jungles until that little girl comes along.

xxNgaire

Treacher Creatures

2011-02-28T01:55:00.001-08:00

Treacher Creatures!

One of a kind sock creatures and fleece animals- The most gorgeous, whimsical creatures you could hope to grace the birthday of a Brisbane Kid. We wont say more except you must check these creations out- they are just enchanted http://www.treachercreatures.com

SAKitToMe

2011-02-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Dinosaur SAKitToMe bag

This weeks Star of the Week has been chosen in view of all the mums out there searching for cool library bags, SO we found this at Just Us Kids Online. Made from polyester, this bag is sturdy and comes with its own attached pouch, with an attached key ring! Use it for everything, tree motifs on white background at the back and on the pouch. Teach your child to be environmentally friendly with this versatile bag! Size approx: 47cm x 40cm- its just $12 http://www.justuskids.com.au

Little Night Delights

2011-02-13T03:06:00.000-08:00

Little Night Delights

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Pretty lights, Night lights, Garden lights, Decorating lights and Chain Lights.. all sorts of lovely lights.... Little Night Delights really is about delighting in the darkness! The less we say the better, because their website and HUGE array of lights (and the great pricing) will speak for themselves. Perfect to soothe a baby, quieten a toddler or create wonder in a child- head to their website now http://www.littlenightdelights.com.au/

Health and Fitness Myths for Mums and Dads

2011-02-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

8 Health and Fitness Myths BUSTED!

1. Sit ups or crunches WON’T get rid of your belly flat.
There is no such thing as targeting specific areas for fat loss. The only thing you’ll do is potentially build strength in the areas you’re working

2. Low fat doesn’t always mean better for you.
Make sure you check the sugar content on the nutrition label as often the fat taken out is replaced by SUGAR. Try to stick under 15g/100g of sugar.

3. The fat burning program on the treadmill WON’T help you lose more weight.

Don’t be seduced. The lower intensity (heart rate) might mean you burn more fat but overall you burn far less calories than if you worked harder for the same time. Since we’re about burning more calories than you consume, it makes sense to work a little harder.

4. Eating less isn’t always best for weight loss
Our bodies need fuel to function and be their best, but cutting out essential nutrients can put your body into ‘starvation mode’. As soon as you eat any extra calories your body holds onto them tight, stalling your weight loss!

5. Pain doesn’t equal gain.
I’m not talking the “good pain” from exercise but when your physically hurt or injured chances are you’re overdoing it. Get some rest or try some gentle alternatives until you’re feeling right again.

6. Eat every 2.5- 3 hours
Smaller meals, more regularly helps keep your blood sugar and energy levels nice and stable (and you’re less likely to binge too).

7. Ladies, weight training WON’T make you bulk up.
Generally, women don’t have enough testosterone to get big bulky muscles. On the up, weight training strengthens our bones and helps our body burn more calories at rest!

8. You can regain your body after having kids (but it does take work!)
While our time may be more pressed, with a little forward thinking and planning we all have the ability to regain (most, if not a lot of) our pre pregnancy body. By all means accept that there will be some changes, but with some sensible eating and regular exercise, you can make it happen. Make some time for YOU!

Katie Hoenig is a Women’s Fitness Specialist with an interest in helping Mums get their spark back after kids.

To find out more, check out THRIVE! Fitness on facebook, 0401178616 or www.thrivefitness.com.au for info.

The Sun Jar

2011-02-06T04:18:00.001-08:00

The Sun Jar

Your Brisbane Kid is going to love this! This is truly so amazing we had to share it with you. It is a Jar that captures the rays of the sun during the day and releases the energy throughout the night with a soft orange glow. Perfect as a night light and to scare away any monsters under the bed. No Batteries and No Cords. You can find this and more cool stuff at http://www.madaboutscience.com.au/

Savoury Category

2011-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Savoury Category will win a $40 Silva Bella Voucher- see our prize post for details- Here are the Entries-

Sausage Rolls (Susan)

"Sausage rolls rock. They always go down a treat and I've yet to meet a kid who turns one away.

MAKES 36

INGREDIENTS

500g chicken thigh or breast fillet, pulverised in the food processor

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 medium brown onion, grated

1 medium carrot, grated

1 medium zucchini, grated

1 cob of corn, kernels cut off the cob

1 egg, beaten lightly

1/3 cup stale breadcrumbs or almond meal

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3 sheets ready rolled puff-pastry

1 egg, beaten lightly, extra

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°. Line baking trays with baking paper.

2. Combine mince, garlic, onion, carrot, beans, corn, egg, breadcrumbs and sauce in large bowl.

3. Cut pastry sheets in half lengthways. Place equal amounts of chicken mixture lengthways along centre of each pastry piece; roll each pastry piece, from one wide edge, to enclose filling. Cut each roll in six pieces.

4. Place, seam side down, on trays, brush with extra egg. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through.

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Muckamoley (Grant)

1 ripe Avocado
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
Sweet Chilli Sauce to tast (I use about 1 teaspoon)
1 tblsp lemon juice

Peel and mash avocado, add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with nachos, tortillas, taco etc. My three year old loves it but can’t pronouce guacamole, so muckamoley it will always be for me!

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Hidden Vegie Fritters (Monique)

All you need it loads of yummy vegies all grated if you can, can of corn, cup of grated cheese and pancake shake mix. mix it all up and using a dessert spoon shallow fry or deepfry little balls until brown. A great treat for lunches thats packed full of vegies,for a healthy alt. you can also cook spoons on nonstick pan.

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Magic Muffins (Kristina)Ingredients
2 1/2 cups self raising flour
1medium carrot, grated
1medium zucchini, grated
2 small cans of corn kernels drained
1 cup grated tasty cheese
2 eggs
1 cup milk
125g butter, melted and cooled

PRocess
1- preheat oven to 200C or 180C fan
Brush 12 large muffin cups lightly with oil.
Sift flour into a large bowl and add carrot, zucchini, corn and cheese. Stir to combine and make a well in centre
2- Whick eggs, milk and butter in a jug. Add to bowl and fold until just combined. Do not overbeat
3- spoon mixture into prepared tins. Bake for 20 mins until risen and golden brown. leave to cool in tin for 5 mins, then move to cooling rack.

For the smaller appetite I also use patty tins, beautiful with a lite cream cheese spread or butter on them when they are still warm.

MAgic as they sneak the veges in and kids think they are getting cupcakes :)

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Keesh - The No-Fuss No-Base Versatile Quiche (Elle)

Easy to make – Serves Family of 2 Adults & 2 childrenPreparation time – approx. 10-15 minutes;
Cooking Time – Allow 1 ½ – 1 ¾ hrs cooking time
Utensils:
• Food Processor or Blender (See notes* if you don’t have one)
• Large Mixing bowl & Mixing spoon
• Quiche Pan/Cake Tin(s)/ Oven Proof Baking Dish
Ingredients:
• 1 pkt SAO biscuits (or any dry cracker biscuits 0 great way to use up those that are not past their use-by, but are getting a bit stale)
• 2-3 cups Left over veges (cooked or raw) – eg. Carrot, potato, broccoli, cauliflower, capsicum any combination of these or any fresh, frozen or tinned vegetables you have on hand.
• Favourite Meat – diced, 4-8 slices or about 3-400g – eg. Ham, bacon, chicken, silverside
• 2 cups milk
• 1/8 cup cream (optional)
• 1-2 onions
• 1-2 cloves garlic (optional to taste)
• 8-10 Eggs
• 500g pkt grated cheese See notes if you have block/sliced cheese (Reserve a little of this for sprinkling on the top – about a handful is usually enough)
• 1 large tin Corn Kernels (optional)
• 6-8 thin slices of tomato – for garnish (optional)
• Butter/Margarine or “Cooking Spray” for greasing the tin/pan
Method:
• Using a Food Processor or Blender, crush the biscuits finely and place into large bowl.
• In the Food Processor or Blender*, then add all meat/s, veges, onions, garlic (if desired) and process – roughly finished is fine, but for fussy eaters, go for a finer finish. Add into the bowl with the cracker crumbs.
• In the Food Processor/Blender*, mix together eggs, milk and cream. Add to the cracker and meat/vege mix.
• Add Tin of Corn Kernels – including liquid (if desired) and Grated Cheese (except the reserved amount.
• Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
• Grease Quiche Pan, and pour in mixture.
• Bake in a moderate oven (180-200oC) For 1 ½ hours – {pre-heat the oven if you remember, but I usually don’t, so I just pop it in the cold oven and let it cook – might just take an extra couple of minutes}
• After 45 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with reserved grated cheese and place tomato slices across the top. Return to oven for remaining time.
• The quiche is cooked when golden brown, the surface is not runny or wobbly. A knife can be inserted into the centre and comes out “clean”. If the quiche is not quite firm at the completion of the cooking time, return to the oven for another 5 – 15 minutes.
*Notes:
This is a great recipe to tempt “fussy” eaters to have their veges, because they are disguised amongst the other ingredients, but still have the nutritional value.
It is also a great recipe for 8-12 year olds to help with, as it is very “forgiving” if a bit less or bit extra in the ingredients occurs.
It is also fabulous for the “end-of-week” when there’s nothing left in the fridge – it uses up all those “bits”, so nothing gets wasted.
If you do not have a Blender/Food Processer,
• crush the crackers by placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin, or base of a mug to crush them. It is easier to do this in a few stages, rather than all at once.
• The meat/veges can be chopped or diced.
• Whisk the Egg/Milk/Cream mixture using an egg whisk or Fork.
This is also a useful recipe for a savoury slice. Bake in a Biscuit Tray, and slice into “fingers” to serve. Instead of tomato slices across the top, divide each slice into 6, and arrange so there is a “wedge” on each finger.
Asparagus spears are also effective to garnish the top with.
I have been cooking this for my family for nearly 20 years, and it never fails to please. My “Brisbane Kids” are now 13 and 19 years old, and they always line up for seconds!! I now have to bake a triple batch to feed the hungry tribe (we have extras who live with us also).
This recipe can also be cooked successfully in a microwave – but doesn’t have the “golden appearance” at the finish. I find it best on 70% power. About 15-20 minutes (give or take), but check it after 10 minutes, then check every 5 minutes until done.
This also freezes quite well, so makes a good stand-by for a last-minute meal later on too.
Serve:
Eat by itself, or with your favourite salad items.
Delicious with Halved cherry tomatoes, Alfalfa or Snow Pea Sprouts and grated fresh beetroot.
Can also be eaten cold, which is terrific for a summer picnic.

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Ham, Mushroom and Tomato Quiche (or whatever ingredients you like – works great with spinach and mushroom) (Louise)
6 eggs
1 large tub of extra light sour cream (if you need more or the eggs are small add some light milk)
diced shallots, ham, mushrooms, tomatoes
salt and pepper (to taste)
mixed herbs (to taste)
frozen pastry (puff pastry is lighter although it is traditionally made with shortcrust pastry however I find this a very heavy pastry)

Preheat oven to 160
Spray quiche or pie tray with oil or rub with butter
Line tray with thawed pastry ensure to cover entire tray and join all sections
With a fork punch air holes in the pastry (don’t be shy it should look spotted when you are done)
With electric beater or food processor mix the eggs and sour cream, salt, pepper and herbs (make sure there is lots of bubbles)
Pour the mixture into the pastry
Add diced shallots, ham, mushrooms, tomatoes
Cook in oven for 60mins (it is cooked this long on the low temperature to ensure the bottom of pastry cooks)

Great to eat with a fresh salad or have cold the next day after.

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Easy Peezy Sausage Rolls (Holly)

1 small onion and carrot grated
500g sausage mince
1 cup fresh wholmeal or multigrain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
puff pasty (about 3 sheets)
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees or 180 for fan forced.
2. Place onion, carrot, mince, breadcrumbs, herbs, sauce and egg into a bowl and mix well.
3. Lay pastry sheets flat and cut each in half length ways.
4. Take a portion of mince, shape into a log and place on pastry sheet. Brush the edge with egg and roll to enclose filling.
5. Slice accordingly (you can make party size or large) and make small slits in the top of each to allow steam to escape.
6. Place onto trays and brush with egg yolk.
7. Bake for 30 mins or until golden brown.

Makes approx 25-30 party sausage rolls. Takes 30-45mins. Suitable to freeze.

I cheat by doing the carrot, onion and breadcrumbs in the blender. I usually use Italian Herbs in a tube from the fridge section at the supermarket :)

You can also sneak other veggies into these delicious sausage rolls!

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Friday Night Fritatta! with chicken, spinach & fetta (Amanda)

8 Eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups spiral pasta
1 cup of chopped BBQ chook (skin off)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup of semi-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 handful of washed baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup finely grated tasty cheese
Handful of crumbled fetta cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling water until tender. Drain well.
In a bowl combine chicken, semi-dried tomato, onion, tasty cheese and spinach leaves.
Wash and drain pasta and add to the mixture. Pour in the eggs and fold ingredients into each other.
Transfer to frypan/oven proof dish, and use a spoon to smooth out the top of the mixture.
Cumble the fetta over the top.
Cook over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, until set underneath. Atlernatively, you can bake at 180 degrees for 15 minutes as well.
Then place the pan under a preheated grill for about 10 minutes, until the top is set and golden. Test the top of the frittata with a fork to make sure the egg is fully cooked. Cool slightly, then slide out onto a board.
Serve cut into wedges – the whole family (especially the kids!) love it – clean plates every time :-)
Beautiful with a salad!

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Yummy Egg Rolls (Aleksandra)

this is great, easy & absolute favourite among my family & friends.Kids love them too. Can be made a day ahead & kept in the fridge. Here we go;
Beat 5 eggs, add 4 table spoons of milk, 1 table spoon of floor, half a tea spoon salt & 100 grams of any grated cheese. Mix it well. In large frying pan heat table spoon of butter, add egg mixture and cook omllette on both sides. Let it cool. Now you can make different filings depending on your likes & available ingredients. i’ll share few that i always use for parties:
1. spread egg cake with mild mustard, sprinkle with parmezan, sliced ham and sliced cheese.
2. Spread egg cake with cream cheese, add diced bacon and fried mushrooms
3. Spread egg cake with tomato sauce, sprinkle with oregano, add your favourite pizza toppings

roll omlette and wrap tight in aluminium foil. Keep in the fridge untill needed. Cut into slices, serve and enjoy!!!!
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Easy Cheesy Drop Scones (Sarah)

1 lrg cup tasty cheese
1/2 cup plain flour
2 tsps baking powder
1 egg

Mix ingredients together and then add enough milk to make tacky (slightly wet and sticky). Spoon small (or large for lunch box size) spoonfuls onto a tray and bake at 200 C for 5min.

Add bacon/ham/onion/corn – anything you like – for added yummy.

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Sweet Corn, Capsicum and Bacon Tarts (Tara)

1 cob of sweet corn
1/2 medium capsicum
4 rashes of short cut bacon
1 tbs plain flour
1/2 cup cream

2-3 sheets ready made shortcrust pastry.

Step 1. Preheat oven to medium heat.
Step 2. Line muffin tin with pastry
Step 3. Cook pastry
Step 4. Strip corn off the cob and dice capsicum and bacon.
Step 5. Pan fry with a knot of butter
Step 6. Cook through then add the flour.
Step 7. Stir through cream.
Step 8. Fill pasty shells and enjoy

Dinner Category

2011-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Winner of the Dinner Category will win a Bus Scroll of their choice courtesy of Mia and Ollie. See the Prize post for details-

Tomato, potato and mushroom bake. (Reenee)

3 large potatoes

one tomato diced into small pieces
about 10 mushrooms sliced/diced
2 cups milk
1 cup grated cheese for sauce and 1 cup for the top.
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour

to make sauce melt butter in a pan and then add flour.
cook for a short time and then add some of the milk.
then add rest of milk and whisk/stir till hot then add in a cup of cheese.
mix till sauce thickens slightly.

cut up potatoes, tomato and mushroom and put in a baking dish.
pour sauce over the top and then top with remaining grated cheese.

cook in a 180 degree oven for up to an hour or till potatoes are tender.

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Plum Jam Lamb (Jacki)

2 teaspoons of Garlic paste

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon of soy sauce

400g of finely diced lamb

¼ cup of plum jam

Coat a pan with cooking spray, heat and fry the lamb and garlic until the lamb is tender.

Add the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.

Add the Jam and stir-fry until melted.

Serve with rice.

Serves 4.

Variations – also tastes good with added vegetables, such as finely diced carrots and broccoli.

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Nat's Rainbow Nachos (Nat)

Ingredients

230gr Mission plain Tortilla strips (or any plain corn chips you like)

1 can baked beans (any variety)

Approx 200 gr grated cheese

1 avocado, mashed

1 carrot grated

8 snow peas, finely sliced

1 tomato, diced,

1/2 fresh beetroot, grated (or chopped tinned beetroot)

finely diced cucumber

Method

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a large ovenproof tray with baking paper.

In a bowl, mash baked beans.

Make individual piles of corn chips on your tray (according to number of servings)

Top with baked bean mash and sprinkle with cheese.

Place in oven for 5 to 10 mins until cheese is melted and all is heated through (my kids like crunchy brown bits around the edges)

Slide onto serving plates. Top with a spoonful of avocado, then other salad ingredients.

Enjoy !

This quantity makes enough for 2 adults and 2 hungry kids, adjust quantities to suit your own family.

Chop and change the salad ingredients to suit your own tastes too.

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Tomato and lentil Spaghetti Bolognese (Kristina)

Serves 6-8

250g of lean pork & veal mince

250g Lean Lamb Mince

1 can of lentils

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of whole tomatoes

half a small capsicum, red & green, diced

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 onion, diced

1 - 2 tsp of crushed garlic

1 large carrot, grated

1 large zucchini, grated

10 mushrooms, diced

1 tbsp of capers

1 anchovy, smoothed into sauce

half an lemon, juice

salt & peper to taste

fresh herbs: basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, 1 hand full of each, roughly chopped

or dried herbs: 1 tsp of each

oil for cooking

Spaghetti

100 g Fresh Ricotta

1. Heat pan with oil, add onion and garlic until soft

2. Add mince, brown

3. Add carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, capsicums

4. Add tins of tomatoes, lentils and tomato paste stir until bubbling, then simmer

5. Add lemon juice, capers, anchovy, herbs, salt & pepper

6. Put water in a saucepan with enough water to cook pasta

7. When water is boiling, add salt, then pasta

8. Keep stirring pasta for 2 minutes. This helps it from sticking together

9. Stir sauce every now then to stop from sticking on the bottom

10. Once pasta is cooked, use tongs to pick the spaghetti up from the saucepan and put in the sauce pan.

11. Stir altogether

12. Serve

13. Top each with fresh ricotta and any fresh herbs remaining

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Creamy Pesto & Pasta Marinara (Anita)

Ingredients
1/2kg meat - diced chicken, seafood marinara mix (usually $10kg from Woolies) or anything that your family likes.
Nice pasta - I like egg pasta :D
1 tub cream
1tsp pesto
1tsp garlic
Pinch salt & pepper
I also like to add sundried tomato, spinich, pine nuts, and proscuito to mine and hubbys meals.

Brown meat whilst cooking pasta.
Add cream, garlic & pesto.
Add cooked pasta, serve to kids topped with parmesan cheese.
Then add parents faves and enjoy the silence of everyone with their mouths full. :D

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Pork Wonton and Noodle Soup- (Anita)

Finely chop 1 shallot and place into a bowl. Add 250g pork mince, 1/4 tspn chinese mixed spice, 1 tspn soy sauce & 1/2 tspn seseme oil. Mix to combine. Place wonton wrappers on a flat surface and put a tspn of the pork mince into the centre. Brush the edges with water and bring together pinching to form a pouch.
In large saucepan bring 2 large stock cubes, 1/4 cup soy sauce and 8 cups of water to the boil. Add 450 g pack of hokkien noodles. When loosened transfer noodles to serving bowls. Add wantons, 4 green prawns, 2 cups of brocolli florrets, and 1 ribbon sliced carrot to the stock. Simmer for 5 mins until prawns change colour. Add 1 finely chopped red chilli (skip this if the kids dont like it) and 1 finely chopped shallot. Stir to combine then spoon into the serving bowls over the top of the waiting noodles.
Serves 4

Easy Kid Friendly Sang Chow Boy (Nicole)

INGREDIENTS

500g lean beef mince
1 iceberg lettuce
1/2 red capsicum diced
1/2 onion diced
1 carrot diced
1 tbs peanut oil
1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1 tin chopped water chestnuts

NOTE: All of these measurements are approximations. Use as little or as much of each sauce as suited to your personal taste.

METHOD
Heat the oil in a frypan on a medium to high heat.
Add the onion and mince.
Once browned, throw in the diced vegetables, water chestnuts and sauces and stir through regularly.

I use beef mince, as we are more accustomed to this taste, but the traditional version of this recipe uses more complicated asian flavours with pork or chicken mince.

While the mince mixture is cooking, separate the lettuce leaves, preserving their cup like shape. This is easiest done by removing the core first. Wash carefully and place on a paper towel or tea towel to dry.

Once the meat is cooked through and the veges are softened (usually after about 15 – 20 minutes), place mixture into a medium sized serving bowl.

Place the lettuce leaves in another bowl or divide between family members.

This recipe will feed 2 adults and 2 children. We sit around the table and pass the lettuce cups and meat mixture around. Fill the lettuce cups with mince and roll into a parcel to eat.

Yum!!

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Creamy Chicken Pie (Bernadette)

preheat oven to 180

filling
500g chicken mince
4 rashers bacon
1/2 carrot diced
4 shallots- diced
1/2 cup peas and corn
handful of coriander- diced
1 egg- lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic
handful of grated cheese

combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix.
Heat a fry pan and cook until mince is browned.

Make the sauce

2 table spoons of butter
3/4 cup plain flour
1 cup of milk

melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan add 3/4 cup of plain flour and stir gradually add a cup of milk stirring continuously so that there are no lumps and until sauce thickens. Then add to mince mixture.

Pie shell

2 sheets of puff pastry

place 1 sheet on the base of the pie dish, fill with the mince mixture and place the other sheet over the top.
Remember to pierce the centre of the pie to allow the steam to escape. Brush with a little beaten egg and milk.

cook for approx 30-40 mins or until golden.

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Chicken Spinach Surprise (Leesa)

The surprise is that it always has chicken and spinach and ‘whatever else’ we have in the fridge ~ you never know what will be in it this week !

(For four)

Ingredients:
- spaghetti / pasta or rice for four (this works equally well with any of these)
- 6 x chicken thighs roughly chopped
- 1 x can condensed chicken soup (or 2 x chicken soup for one-type sachets)
- 200g of spinach (we use leftover baby spinach from salads OR the frozen spinach cubes work really well too)
- 1 small pkt dried parmesan cheese (you can use fresh, but dried works perfectly)
- salt for pasta/rice
- PLUS you can add any or all of the following:
- mushrooms chopped
- peas
- any green veges like brocolli, peas etc. (frozen are fine)

METHOD:
- make pasta or rice as usual
- cook chopped chicken in a little oil until just browned
- add condensed soup and half-3/4 cup of water (or if using dried soups, just make up both with half to 3/4 cup of water)
- stir in with chicken
- turn heat down at this point
- stir in spinach and other veges
- stir in half of the cheese (my family likes extra, so you can add more to taste)

Cook for about 5 minutes on low.

Remove and strain pasta/rice when cooked.

Place pasta/rice in a large bowl and pour chicken and spinach over the top

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and serve.

(Pepper optional)

We put the bowl in the middle of the table and everyone helps themselves.

It is a GREAT family meal, and you can vary it to your taste with more or less veges, or a different mix.

Highly recommended by 5 kids and hubby (and me too!)

Thanks much !
Leesa
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Mexican Chicken Bake (Catherine)
Serves 4

2 cups cooked rice
300g tin red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
Garden Gourmet Coriander (squeeze size dependent on taste)
1 Tb oil
1 BBQ chicken
jar salsa or taco sauce
2 cups grated cheese (approx)
sour cream & corn chips to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180c. Grease baking dish. Cook rice and drain
2. Combine beans, rice and coriander in prepared dish. Lightly press mixture into dish so it is flat.
3. Remove chicken meat from carcass and mix with salsa.
4. Layer chicken over the rice, sprinkle with cheese to lightly cover chicken.
5. Bake 35 – 40 minutes or until cheese is golden – remove foil for last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve with sour cream and corn chips and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.

Note: This is a great one to prepare in the morning and put in the oven when you get home. I normally buy the biggest size BBQchicken and find I can reserve enough chicken meat to do another meal and there is still ample meat for this meal.

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Butter Chicken (Meat) or Paneer Butter Masala (vegetarian) (Sheree)

500g chicken (pre cooked brown) or if vegetarian
2 1/2 cups paneer (cottagte cheese) cubes browned

To be ground to a paste
2 mid size onions, chopped
25 mm. (1") piece of ginger or 3 tsp ginger paste
6 to 7 cloves garlic or 3 tbs garlic paste
2 tbsp broken cashewnuts

Other ingredients

1 tsp chilli powder
1 tin leggos tomato puree
1 tsp cumin seeds powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cream
1 cup green peas
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
salt to taste
sugar to taste

Method

1. Heat the oil and butter in a pan, add the ground paste and cook till it is light brown in colour.
2. Add the chilli powder and tomato purée and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the cumin seed powder, garam masala and ½ cup of water and cook for some time till the oil separates from the masala.
5. Add the peas, honey, milk, cream, chicken/paneer and salt and allow it to come to a boil.
6. Serve hot with rice and naan bread

All ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or why not be adventurous and head to your local indian grocery store.

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Roast Veg and Meat Lasagne (Geraldine)

500g lean beef mince
1 med sweet potato
1 med size piece pumpkin
1 carrott
100g frozen sliced beans
100g frozen peas
100g finely chopped frozen spinach (or use fresh spinach and whiz it in the food processor)
1 zucchini
1 – 1/2 tins tomato soup
1 – 1/2 tins diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
2 – 3 packets lasagne sheets
1 2 cloves garlic

CHEESE SAUCE
150g grated cheddar cheese
2 – 3 tablespoons corn flour
300ml or so of milk

Directions:

Slice the sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot and zucchini. Spread out in a baking tray and drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil. Bake in the oven for approx 20 – 30 mins until soft and nice and roasty looking. Meanwhile, brown the garlic and mince meat in a large pot or wok, and add 1 can each of the tomato soup and tinned tomatoes. Add the tomato paste if desired. Defrost the spinach in the microwave and add to the pot, along with the frozen peas and beans. When the roast veggies are ready, throw them in the pot also, and add more tomatoes and soup if necessary to make the meat sauce fairly runny.

THE CHEESE SAUCE

Put the corn flour and milk into a large microwaveable jug and mix until the corn flour is all mixed in. Add the cheese and stir some more. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 mins then stir. Continue to microwave for 1 min at a time, stopping to stir in between. If the mixture gets too thick, add some more milk and stir until a smooth consistency.

PREPARING

Place a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish, followed by a layer of cheese sauce. Place a layer of the lasagne sheets on the top and repeat the meat sauce and cheese sauce. Keep going until you reach the top of run out of sauce, finish the top with the cheese sauce. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 mins or until the lasagne sheets are soft and a knife goes through them easily. If you want to brown the top a little more, place under the grill for 5 – 10 mins at the end.

This is my families favourite – Miss 4 and Master 2 devour it every time. It’s a great way to get veggies into fussy kids and the spinach is a good source of calcium and iron – but you can hardly taste it. I always make a big batch and freeze it. If you have left over meat sauce, freeze in portions and use as a pasta sauce – YUM! You can use whatever veggies you like, but these are the ones we use. Enjoy!

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Sweet Category

2011-02-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Sweet Category will win a Bath Pack from Sniff This Natural Bath and Skin Care see our prize post for details- Here are the Entries

Oma's Oliebollen

This recipe has been passed down from mygrandmothers mother to my 5 yr old, 5 generations
cute little dutch dounuts, round in size great for childrens lunches , makes 20-30 +, easy freeze.

1 tsp sugar
2 small packets of (instant) dry yeast
4 cups flour (400 g)
1/4 cup sugar (50 g)
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
Bottle of Beer... dont worry the alch dosnt remain.
cup of WARM water if needed to add water to make batter correct

ADD SUGAR, YEAST AND BEER INTO BOWL, STIR LIGHTLY, LET SIT FOR 5 MIN.

THEN ONCE ACTIVATED ADD IN FLOUR , 2 EGGS, STIR THREW TO MAKE A THICK PANCAKE LIKE BATTER.

IF TO THICK ADD WARM WATER, TO THIN ADD MORE FLOUR, ITS A HARDY BATTER DONT BE SCARED OF MESSING IT UP.

LET SIT FOR 2-3 HOURS TO PUFF UP MORE THAN DOUBLE

HEAT OIL 180 DG

USING A SPOON SIZE AMOUNT OF BATTER DROP IT INTO THE OIL

COOK TILL GOLDEN

PLACE ON AB PAPER

ONCE 1/2 COOLED U CAN HAVE THEM WITH SPRINKLED ICING SUGAR

STORE IN CONTAINER TO FREEEZE.

FANTASTIC QUICK KIDS SNACK

U CAN ASS RAISINS ALSO INTO THEM, EVEN GRATED APPLE.

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Easy Creamy Fudge

(4 different variations - basic, cookies and cream, choc macadamia and almond).

Basic fudge

226g of cream cheese (softened)

4 cups of soft icing sugar

340g white chocolate (melted)

* For cookies and cream fudge add 3/4 packet of smashed Oreo biscuits at step 3

* For almond fudge add 3/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds at step 3

* For choc macadamia fudge add 2 tbspns of cocoa and 3/4 cup of toasted macadamia nuts (shelled).

Method

1.Place into mixer your package of cream cheese and mix till it softens.

2. Gradually add the icing sugar and beat well so it's all combined before adding more.

3. Stir in the melted chocolate*

4. Pour into a greased container and chill in the fridge for approx 1 hour 5. Cut into squares

(store in refrigerator for up to one week).

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Watermelon Slushy (Susan)

slushies are generally a hit with little ones, particularly those exceptionally colourful ones with odd flavours. Ever wondered how they did that? With a truck load of chemicals and of course sugar. No wonder kids freak out after having one. What I'm proposing is still slushy, but with none of those nasties (or alcohol). We enjoyed this over the weekend, especially in the cool of the afternoon.

WATERMELON SLUSHY

INGREDIENTS

2kg of chopped melon (about 1 large melon)

250g strawberries, hulled

1/4 cup agave nectar

METHOD

1. Combine the watermelon, strawberries and agave nectar in a bowl. Put the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a shallow metal tray. Cover with plastic and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture begins to freeze.

3. Return to blender and blend quickly to break up the ice.

4. Pour into glasses, and decorate with cocktail umbrella!

TIP: What you don't use can be frozen. When you're ready to use it again, just blend.

You could also use fresh raspberries.

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Homemade Ice cream (Tara)

1 tin condensed milk

600ml cream

Dash of Vanilla essence

1 egg white (optional)

Step 1: beat condensed milk and cream until well mixed (hand mixer ok, mix master better)

Step 2 (optional): beat egg white and fold into mixture.

Step 3: put in freezer overnight

Tip: leave to thaw for a few minutes before serving. Will be quit hard but getting extra air into the mixture helps. The egg white helps with this.

Can add almost anything to make different flavours but be careful with the moisture in fruit can make it icy.

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Simple Oatmeal

time: about 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 c. water
½ c. rolled oats
dash of salt
¼ c. applesauce
pinch of cinnamon
2 tsp. brown sugar
Utensils:

cooking pot
measuring cups and spoons
stove (you’ll need help from your adult assistant)
mixing spoon
serving bowl
Directions:

Pour the water, oats, and salt into a medium-size pot on the stovetop.
Heat the mixture until it boils, then turn the heat to low.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the applesauce and cinnamon.
Cook on low heat and continue to stir the mixture for 5 minutes.
Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
Allow the oatmeal to cool for a minute before digging in.
Serves: 1

Serving size: 1 bowl

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
390 calories
13 g protein
6 g fat
74 g carbohydrate
9 g fiber
0 mg cholesterol
302 mg sodium
64 mg calcium
4.3 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used

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Pavlova drops with peaches & cream

2 egg whites
1/2 cup castor sugar
Food colouring

3 peaches, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Whipped cream (or cream in a can)

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar. Add a few drops of food colouring if desired.
Line a baking tray with baking paper and sprinkle with corn flour (will ensure a non-stick surface). Using a teaspoon, dollop mixture onto prepared tray.
Bake in a slow oven (approx 120 degrees) for about an hour and a half (keep an eye on them as may not need that long). Once cooked, turn off oven and leave door open to allow pavlova drops to cool slowly.

In a small saucepan/frypan, melt butter and sugar together. Add peach slices and cook until warm through and soft. The sugar & butter will make a yummy sauce (add more sugar & butter if you want more sauce).

Place pavlova drops in individual bowls. Spoon over caramelised peaches & sauce. Top with whipped cream and serve.

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Hedgehog Slice (Naomi)

500 gms Marie Biscuits
250 gms Butter
1 tin Condensed Milk
1/4 cup Cocoa (or to taste)

(crushed nuts can also be added… whatever your family likes best)

Crumble biscuits into a large bowl.

Melt butter, add condensed milk and cocoa powder. Stir over low heat until melted and combined.

Pour melted mixture into the crushed biscuits and mix until thoroughly combined.

Firmly press the mix into a flat bottomed dish and refrigerate until set.

Slice can be topped off with melted chocolate, icing or any other topping that you wish. Then cut into pieces and serve

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Treacle Pudding (Leanne)

Ingredients:
130grms Margarine
130grms Sugar
130grms Self Raising Flour
4 tbsn Golden Syrup
1 large egg
Milk

Cream margarine and sugar.
Beat in egg.
Fold in flour.
Add enough milk to make a fairly thick batter.
Grease a china pudding bowl.
Put 4 tablespoons golden syrup in bottom of bowl.
Pour batter on top.
Cover bowl with alfoil and lower into boiling saucepan of water so it reaches half way up bowl.
Wait for water to return to boil then turn down to a good simmer.
Cook for approx 2 hours.
Remove bowl from saucepan, remove foil and upend onto plate.
Serve hot with extra golden syrup, ice cream or custard.

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Easy Russian Fudge (Melissa)

3 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
125g butter, cubed
1/2 tin condensed milk
2 Tbsp golden syrup
1 tsp vanilla essence

Method

Place first 5 ingredients in large microwave proof bowl. Cook for 15mins on high in microwave. Stir mixture every 2 mins. Add vanilla essence and beat with electric mixer for 4 – 5 minutes. Pour into greased tin. Leave to cool, then set in fridge. Enjoy!

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Peanut Butter Bikkies (Lisa)

1 Cup Crunchy Peanut Better
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 egg

Combine ingredients. Make 12-13 teaspoonful-sized balls on a baking tray lined with paper. bake at 180 degrees for 8 mins. Allow to cool. Gobble all up before Daddy gets home!! : )

Signature Dish Compeition- Prizes

2011-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

3 Categories 3 First Prizes-

Dinner Category

1 x Bus Scroll from Mia and Ollie

Sweet Category

1 Bath Pack from Sniff This Natural Bath and Skin Care

Savoury Category

1 x Silva Bella Voucher for $40

Wild Card

1 x fairy door from my little fairy door

So get voting - head to the category pages within this blog OR for the wild card draw head to www.facebook.com/brisbanekids For voters to qualify they need to be FANS of brisbanekids.com.au

The Grass Bottle Drying Rack- Boon

2011-01-31T05:40:00.001-08:00

Grass Bottle Drying Rack

This is super cool and a bit decadent, but if us mums added up all the bitti bits of plastic we had lost over the years it would well exceed the cost of this awesome Boon creation.

Dishwasher safe, 2 piece, easy to clean - BPA< Phthalate & PVC free.

Head to Moochie Moo where we found it for more of the coolest kids stuff

and head to Cool Kidz Boon for more awesome Boon Creations.

Osprey House for Brisbane Kids

2011-01-26T01:47:00.000-08:00

Blog post for Brisbane Kids by Renee Veldman-Tentori of Professional Parents

Osprey House is an environmental centre in Griffin (north of Brisbane, not far from North Lakes) run by the Moreton Bay Regional Council. It’s a perfect adventure outing for families with children of all ages – and best of all, it’s free.
Open to the public all week from 10am to 4pm, it’s named after the resident Ospreys who live high up on a pole in the carpark. Look out for the nest when you arrive and though you can’t get a close look, you can see videos from the “OspreyCam” on the website!

Their great website (built by some of the enthusiastic volunteers) www.ospreyhouse.asn.au is a great resource before and even after your visit with extensive information, photos and videos.
There is plenty to do at Osprey House – you can bring a picnic or BBQ, go birdwatching, look for some of the local resident wildlife (koalas, possums and more) and participate in lots of learning activities for kids of all ages such as plaque rubbing along the “Yali Moyum” (Tell the message) trail.

Here is a video blog of our visit

Our little family (Sophia is 3 and a half and Isabella 1 and a half) have been 4 times now over the last few months. All of us thoroughly enjoy it and discover something new each time.
Brisbane Kids & Professional Parents are planning a future group visit here so let us know if you’re interested.

Our guest blogger Renee Veldman-Tentori is owner of two businesses. The first is Professional Parents (http://www.professionalparents.com.au) which is a business offering support, assistance, group activities, workshops and consultation with parents in business. Her second business Zestee is a Boutique Marketing Consulting Business which provides small business with the skills, ideas and support they need to succeed (http://www.zestee.com.au).

For all the details of this wonderful destination head to http://www.brisbanekids.com.au to the "Great Outdoors Page"

The day the floods came to Laidley and Destroyed our Kindergarten

2011-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

An Account of The Flooding in Laidley-
By Guest Blogger Heidi
I was asked to write a blog, and the first question I asked was "HOW?".. some may find that funny, but truthfully I had no idea. One thing I did have an idea about was that I needed to do something to help our small community that feels like we have been forgotten about along with other small communities in the area! One thing for sure is that the community has all pitched in to help each other, and made a real impact on our hearts! I was a bit worried about writing this blog and the emotions it brings, but thought it was for the best, I was asked by Brisbanekids.com.au after numerous conversations via email and facebook when I on behalf of Laidley C&K Kindergarten, sought help from them to get the word out about my plight!

The Flood

Everything below this water level would have been destroyed

What am I talking about? The floods that hit Laidley on the 11th January 2011, a day that many thought would never happen again! The day that turned a small country town into a town with a new found river through the middle of it and the outskirts, wreaking chaos on many peoples lives and taking anything in it's path! Living out of the town, and being isolated for almost a week in the area of Lockrose, worrying about friends up the road who had been isolated since BEFORE Toowoomba even hit from the Friday prior, with the Toowoomba floods making ours worse too. I relied on Facebook sites to keep me up to date with the outside world, yet apart from hearing Laidley residents were getting evacuated had no idea how bad it was until I got a text from the President of the Laidley Kindergarten committee asking for help to clean up as the kindergarten was hit pretty bad!

That still did not prepare me for what I was going to encounter. The first day contacted I was still isolated by flood waters and road closures, so was unable to help! The following day with my kids in tow headed into Laidley to see what I could do. It was just unbelievable and extremely emotional driving from my house into Laidley, there were water tanks lining the roads, a huge concrete tank coming to rest on the edge of the road, fences, sign posts down, from my place all the way into Laidley, still as I turned the corner into the street I had no idea. Already there was a skip bin, FULL of items from inside the kindergarten, helpers everywhere assisting with the clean up. The town literally looked like a war had hit, the town was brown, flood effected houses had items out the front of their house, business unable to open, and cleaning up.... The kindergarten was the same, the gardens were a shadow of their former selves, mud replaced out lawns, and that same smell of slushy mud was covering everything

The floods hit the small town of Laidley, and the communities only C&K Kinergarten was inundated with water, fences were knocked down, and the building was damaged, gardens were lost, inside the fridge got knocked down, and many years of supplies were gone, destroyed, to name a few things, we lost books, computer, craft supplies, paper, we had to rip the flooring up and bin it, so the floor boards could dry out, we lost 3 airconditioning units. a shed, and many toys, dolls, reading chair, the list of loss could go on! It was devastating to see a Kindergarten run on limited funding that relies primarily on fundraising, be knocked off it's feet like this by the floods!

The Recovery

Mud on Everything

Everyone in the community has been effected by this, this is a place where many locals have sent their children over the years, families where they have 3 or more children who have passed through it over time, and a community that assists us with the fundraising! And the kids have lost what they have been looking forward to and counting down the days until it was their turn! But many homes were effected by these same floods, which makes it even harder as a community to overcome the devastation!

The day I seen the disaster at hand I set to helping them get on their feet the only way I knew how, and that was to approach people via Facebook, the new way to get the word out, I posted on 3 walls, and had people spread the word, and so many donations! We have been blessed by so many generous people buying things, and going through their things to donate! We needed to replace just about everything, around 70% of our stuff was destroyed, and people are really getting behind us to make that happen!

We are now looking forward to the future, new direction for the Kindergarten, the sunshine after the storm, this is a place we need to rebuild to give the children who have heard stories, seen things, been effected by the floods, some normality in their lives. They need something to look forward to again! As a temporary measure, for the sake of the children, the program is being started at the Laidley State District school, who's principal kindly offered their hall for the Kindergarten to start the program while the repairs are done on the kindergarten! We are so grateful for the wonderful donations and support from the community, Toowoomba, Brisbane, and even Ballina, people all over Australia are sending in donations to one little community kindergarten! It has been overwhelming!

The Future
While the kids that were there last year, including my son, head off to school this year and a new bunch of kids join the history of the Laidley C&K Kindergarten, they can stand proud in what has come from such a sad day in our history, stand proud to be an Australian with such great people involved in getting the kindy ready for them to start the new year, even if they can't head straight to the Kindergarten building, it will be all the more exciting when the time comes to reopen the building! The committee who spent last year fundraising and making important decisions about the Kindergarten, volunteering their time to be a part of the kindergarten, are now selflessly helping rebuild it, awaiting a new lot of parents to take over our positions, all the while we stick in there and rebuild the kindergarten to help the new families start a fresh, and hope they never have to go through what we have. My daughter is set to attend in 2 years time, and we all have faith that this has only made the kindergarten stronger!

Star of the Week- Mr Owl Money Bank

2011-01-16T20:32:00.001-08:00

Mr Owl Money Bank

Honestly this is the coolest money bank you can ever hope to buy for your Brisbane Kid. It comes in three colours Turquoise, Black and Orange. Designed by KG design, your Brisbane Kids can save their pocket money and then take off the head to empty. It is made from squishy silicon, meaning your brisbane kids wont be able to break it either! 15cm high- You can buy it for only $19.95 from Baby goes Retro -What a perfect birthday present

Do and Donts of Donating for Charity

2011-01-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Today I went and gave several bags of goods to a charity drop off point in aid of the floods in QLD. When I arrived I was asked what was in the bags, "were they of good quality?".. Upon asking why they were asking, I was told that they had found everything from very old, used underwear to babies clothes with vomit on it.
This prompted me to write the following about how to donate the right way.

1- Firstly- Welldone- Its great that you have made the decision to donate. Not everyone has cash and donating goods is a great way to still be able to give. I have been just amazed at the incredible generosity of all Brisbane and Australian people and have literally being brought to tears of happiness over some of the comments I have read through the facebook page for www.brisbanekids.com.au. Everyone should be so very proud of themselves, and their fellow Australians, I know I am.

2- Maybe you are going out to buy new things- think necessities, toothbrushes, sanitary items, nappies, thongs, underwear- things people prefer and need new

3- Before you donate- ask yourself- If you were handed this item would it make you feel better about your current situation? - the phrase "beggers cant be choosers' isnt appropriate- I prefer - "do unto others"- your old, used underwear is not something you should do to others.

4- Bag the items- dont drop them off and hand a pile over- the drop off centres arent equipped to deal with it.

5. Label bags/boxes if you can- when you drop off be aware someone will have to sort through the goods- most probably a volunteer- make it easy for them- label according to toys/clothing/and even better- ages and sex- at the very least bag the articles.

6. If the clothes have been packed for a while (ie old kids clothes- consider if you can wash them- I personally did not do this, and after speaking to the volunteers, wish that I had.. why didnt it occur to me- these people dont have washing machines! lack of sleep perhaps on my behalf)

7- Ask the drop off centre if they will need help sorting- they will most likely.

8- Get your kids involved- this is a great opportunity for them to begin the understanding of charity.

9- Think about the donation of dog and cat food- there are animals suffering too- package appropriately

10- Think about things to donate that are needed but not mentioned often such as stationery for kids about to start school or insect repellant

Finally- dont be afraid to just give to charity stores- I am amazed how much great (even still labelled) clothing I had in my home- It should not have taken a flood to have brought about my donation.

Share Enjoy and Give your Brisbane Kid a Big Hug

xxNgaire and the BrisbaneKids Team

The Gypsy Chandelier

2011-01-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Gypsy Chandelier

If you were a little girl and you could design the bedroom of your dreams..what would you ask for? Ministyle have delivered the answer with this Gypsy Chandelier that we believe sets the scene for wonder and imagination. To light a bedroom or a kids bathroom, or secretly our own bedrooms (sorry husband).. We love them- and we know your Brisbane Kid will too.
It has 5 arms with bold coloured crystals sure to light up any room and any Brisbane Princess. You can find them at online boutique Ministyle

New Years Resolutions for Kids

2011-01-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Ever since starting my business www.brisbanekids.com.au life has got busy and busier. I also study and help my husbands business and have all sorts of family commitments, so hectic is often a reasonable adjective for my life. While on holidays in beach land this summer I decided that I needed to become a bit more grounded..

I am an absolute goal maker- New years, New Moons, I need to no excuse to pull out a random notebook and write some goals to complete. Long, short, medium, spiritual, health, money etc.. I have them all and I DO reckon goals work. So this new years I decided on top of my goals I would also write parent specific goals . I ignored the mantra ‘new years resolutions don’t work’ and decided I would make them work- so here they are.

1. Three books for each child each day… I am pretty habitual with reading- BUT I admit I am fond of the younger one falling asleep before I get to reading him his book.. poor Tom. Part B of this resolution is no more skipping pages when I read.. I don’t do it often BUT as book lengths increase.. 3 books per child has become a long long process and I have skipped through Winter in the Winner the Pooh Seasons Book nmore than once- instead I am going to make more time for reading which will mean less tv.. less dishes (who cares about the tv & dishes anyway)

2. Start a pocket money system Every Friday the boys and I are going to do some gardening, and as payment I will give them some coins to put in their money box. Obviously Tom, almost 2 wont do much of anything,, but I swear he knows more than he is letting on. Right now our 3 yr old pilfers money from all around the house and stashes it in his money box, so I think it is time for him to learn that money doesnt grow in the couch.

3. Bake something healthyish every week. I say healthyish because really isn’t chocolate good for you? Well every week I am going to find something YUM and bake it for the boys- I will blog these if they are any good - feel free to submit your recipes.

4. Visit one playground per week This sounds like a lot, but we sort of do this now- I just want to commit to it. It simply means getting outside, getting the boys physical and working on their gross motor skills. It is so easy to stay home and not go but NO MORE

5. Allocate a hardcore authentic art & craft hour a week I say hardcore cause I do a fair bit of craft now, bits here, bits there BUT I admit I steer them towards chalk and watercolour and away from the big juice jugs sized craft paints- (what was I thinking when I bought them- I was 8 month pregnant with my first, and really didn’t get why I wouldnt want to paint EVERY day) – I figure one hour per week of absolute mess will be ok in my life.. I hope. In addition I am going to try and find ways to make the art authentic- paint old pots to put plants in, make wrapping paper.. Give their art some value.

6. Hug more Yell Less I want to be remembered as a loving mother not a yelling one, so am going to try reaaaaaallly hard to care less about the little things. To try and see that my 3yr old has great thought behind his decision to jump into a puddle with his best clothes on.. From his perspective why wouldn’t you? I am introducing ‘group hugs’ effective immediately.

7. Visit the library at least once a month. We used to go once a week, but my seriously hyperactive 3 yr old has made these more of an activity I prefer to do in moderation- not to say he doesn’t love it. We play on the kids computer, borrow books, look at books and then finish with a ride on the swings outside. I am a major advocate of kids being introduced to libraries early. I think kids should be aware of the community around them and know how to access them. If you haven’t been to you local library before- GO! Its free, they often have heaps of kids activities and it promotes early literacy- which means you are setting your kids up for success.

8. Do the ‘what I am grateful for I got this from a mum who is on facebook- I cant remember who or I would give credit- But I have begun asking prior to my kids going to sleep ‘what are you grateful for today? what did you like? what are you happy that happened”..Its obvious how this activity breeds love and compassion into the hearts of anyone.. I LOVE IT

9. Try to stress less about the mess I have two boys under 3- keeping my house clean SUX. There is no solution- I am going to attempt to declutter but that’s all I can really do.. I am just going to focus on keeping my sink clean and the sliding door glass clean.. the rest can wait til I get rich and hire a cleaner.

10. Find three ways each day to tell my kids that something about them is wonderful I think I do this naturally, maybe.. but I want to make sure I am taking the time to care about their little differences.. ie “Jack I think you are so special to know the name of every dinosaur in the world- how amazing!!”.. This is a bit lame I agree but not unrealistic- and Jack would be stoked I thought him knowing this was cool… Really - I think it is also about me trying to be sure that I am being careful with what I say more, aware off the impact my words can have. … I had a friend and her daughters over last week, one a beautiful 9 year old girl, and I said something I really think I shouldnt have..It was only something small but still made me feel awful! A bit like I imagine telling a kid that Santa isnt real. It made me aware, that as a mum of littlies we still continue to talk without being too guarded, and I became aware that I really need to practice 'adult' speech before my 3 yr old is nine.. and repeats me at school AH!

So no.. the goals arent necessarily SMART all the way, but they are attainable, realistic and somewhat specific- so that will do me for now... AND yes.. I probably do need less goals and to just relax, be patient and take it easy.. and I will try that too.. Actually- that was one of MY new years resolutions anyway.

xxNgaire

Star of the Week- Bubbly Bath- Sniff this from Chantal

2011-01-03T01:32:00.000-08:00

Bubbly Bath~

It isn’t any secret that mums prefer natural products that are easy on the skin and charming on the nose to use on their Brisbane Kids. So it isn’t any wonder that I was drawn to the promise of a Bubble Bath that promised me the following achievements.

Paraben and Sulphate Free
99.5% from naturally derived ingredients
Pure 100% essential Oils
High Quality Ingredients
DEA, TEA and MEA free
And it Bubbles!!

In addition, the lovely Bubbly Bath varieties are made and designed by a Brisbane Mum who offers a range of products through the “Sniff this! From Chantal” brand. Best of all.. the Bubbly Bath actually Makes Bubbles!! which is generally lacking in most natural ..so called bubble baths. Made in three delicious flavours, Watermelon and Pineapple, 4 Fruits and Banana and Berries, this is a treat for you and for your Brisbane Kids. You can buy from her directly Via her Facebook Store or locally at Burpengary. www.facebook.com/sniff.this.from.chantal

Bus Rolls By Holly and Eddie

2010-12-26T23:54:00.001-08:00

These delightful Bus Scrolls from online store Holly&Eddie are the perfect New Years gift or baby shower present. They sell different types, in different colours, frame and unframed.

We love anything that inspires kids to live out their dreams and be the best they can be and we believe these bus scrolls can do just that.

Merry Christmas from the Brisbane Kids Family

2010-12-23T03:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Brisbane Mums, Dads and Carers

This is a repeat of our newsletter for those that arent subscribers. We simply want to thank you for all your support, your emails, your input and your encouragement. Brisbane Kids has come a long way in the last 6 months.

We have reinvented ourselves. From our creation 4 years ago, to our remodel 6 months ago, we are now becoming recognised as the site for Kids in Brisbane. Infact there are a number of media outlets who now use us a resource in their articles.
We went from 0 to almost 2400 friends on facebook in less than 6 months. This is incredible growth for a brand that is targeted to a local city and to an almost singular demographic
We now list over 300 activities and other adventures you can do with Kids in Brisbane.
We have created an incedibly popular blog whose readership and following surprised even us. BananaHeadKids was created on a whim, its name chosen because all kids are monkey bum bananaheads.
We have become known for our value and as a genuine promotional platform. We sincerely want our child friendly businesses to succeed, so that we succeed. We have built many genuine relationships with some of the best child friendly businesses in Brisbane.
We also continue to seek original quality ideas and information, manually entering everything ourselves, refusing to surrender to the copy-paste syndrome. Our team is made up of stay at home mums and a dad who do this because we really really want to :)

So thats where we have come from. So where to from here.. Well not to give too much away, but we have some big plans. That said, we dont want to lose our local feel or ever lose site of our vision. We are committed to making you happy by giving you ideas to make the most of Brisbane with your kids. We will never lose sight of that.

So thanks for reading the rambling.. if you got this far.. and thank you again for your support. From all the team ,we wish you a safe Christmas full of love and laughter and a New Year where all your dreams come true.

xxxNgaire & the Team at http://www.brisbanekids.com.au

Cuckoo for Coco

2010-12-20T01:56:00.001-08:00

Cuckoo for Coco is a childrens boutique that takes handmade to a whole new level. They stock the most divine kids’ accessories like hairpieces, mobiles, decor and other delightful one off pieces.

Our personal favourites are their cuddly character creations that are lovingly given names like Lulu, Lily & Ava. You will find them on lots of different handmade focussed websites like madeit.com

GOMA- for Kids- 21st Century Art Exhibition in Brisbane- A Must SEE

2010-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

21st Century Art at the Gallery of Modern Art is an exhibition especially for families & kids- I expected it to be good- but I was not prepared time-wise for how much there was and how kid friendly it was. It is a little hard to navigate and find everyone but I think the adventure is half the fun- my only advice is, if you can take two adults do- it would make it easier for everyone.

Firstly Goma opens at 10am- we arrived a little early and had breakfast and watched the world go by, no loss, infact the whole area around GOMA makes my kids excited.

The Slide

When we got inside our first stop was obviously the slide- because the exit of the slides are right there as you enter. You need to be 1.1 metres to have a go- sadly not within my sons height range. However, even watching it was thrilling- honestly- my 3 year old stood at the exit in anticipation watching them down.

The Bird Room

This is a room full of coathangers suspended from the ceiling and real live birds- AMAZING

The Balloon Room

I went in here by myself with a toddler and carrying an 18mth old- it was exciting to me, and them, hard to describe, my advice- go here first so you can be in there by yourself. (this is not a kids display- but was totally kid friendly)

The Lego table

Think a 20metre table all white lego and half built buildings- an interactive display- my son is a lego maniac- I thought he was going to bust a foofoo valve when he saw it.

The Ribbon Wall

A Wall of ribbons with wishes that you can take and put around your wrist or write your own and the artist will consider putting it on the list next year- My son chose “ I want to see dinosaurs”

DIY bird making

Tables of craft stuff to make birds that are being suspended from the ceiling

Alien Induction

I didn’t do this one- BUT it was about answering questions and being inducted into an alien race, I spoke to some girls who did and they said it was hilarious- for older kids

The Elephant and animals

See for yourself. My son was a little disturbed by the ‘dead elephant’- but it was still magnificent

Animal Computers

Windows of animals and interactive games to have kids guess animals. My 3yr old loved it

On top of this there were various drawing and craft areas throughout, grassed alcoves and displays that while not necessarily designed for kids, thrilled my none the less.

You can park underneath for $15 all day- it is free to enter and participate, and my advice is get there at 10am- skip the slide and do all the other things first- if you can get away with it. I managed to complete it in 2 hours but we were rushing- I had no idea how great this would be. My recommendation is to GO..GO ..did i say GO!!!!- make a day of it- spend the morning at GOMA- and the afternoon at the State Library Kids section, the Museum, South Bank or a CITY CAT ride- Well done GOMA.

***oh- i didnt mention i forgot the pool- i didnt get to see it because it had sprung a leak BUT apparently you can walk on its water- sounds amazing!***

(all photos on this blog remain the property of Brisbane Kids Creative and http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/ - They are not permitted to be copied without permission)

The Birthday Room- Shopping for the Kids

2010-12-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift? You need to check out the birthday room. This Australian website, which is only 4 weeks old caters for every type of kid and classifies according to exactly that! Well priced, incredible variety and unique gifts that you are unlikely to find in massive department stores. You can also find them on facebook under the Birthday Room. So many Melissa and Doug puzzles to choose from!!

http://www.birthdayroom.com.au/

The Coolest Dollhouses, for boys.. and girls

2010-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

My to be 4 year old son loves role play and all things pretend. We were at a friends place the other day and he had a great time playing with his dinosaurs on a girls dollhouse. Granted it mostly consisted of dinosaurs throwing each other down the stairs, but there was also some great relationship building between the dinosaurs. So that’s when I decided I would like to get a dollhouse.
(Now I know, sexist smshmexist blah blah blah.. but truly my boy would prefer a castle to a barbie house- right or wrong- please dont judge me)

MY husband initially freaked, but being a builder, I responded with a suggestion he could build an elaborate castle. Needless to say, after not much interest in that direction- I began the hunt. This blog is about what I found.

To ensure balance I have also included a couple of cool girly ones. Can I just say.. they aren’t cheap, and I for one am not necessarily into expensive presents- BUT this could be something a whole family could go in on, like a trampoline. (Mmmm trampoline or dollhouse.. not a qn to ask my husband)

So this is the first one I came across- You can find this at Bubba Bling- and its made by Kid Kraft (as are a lot of the coolest toys)

Totally Boy Friendly

Then we have the farm themes- You can find them at Metro Mum. Farms appeal because obviously there a lot of animal obsessed boys out there, and this is a way to extend on their play.

This one made by Maxim

Then we have these scandanavian designed treehouses which are just CRAZY amazing

This one from Metro Mum- made by Plan Toys

There are also kits you can get- on ebay (where I found this one) but you can them from all sorts of places-

http://wooden-dollhouse.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

There are also guides online about how to build and choose the perfect dollhouse- One example of this is a blog that goes through step by step about how to select the size, the type - step by step- here is one of their end results-

And the pretty picture perfect dollhouses (if I have a girl someday- I am so getting one)

You can get this one at Urban Harmony Coorparoo

Then- and this is awesome- the (if I won lotto sort of house)

You can get this one from Thinking Toys at Samford

And finally - and maybe the best - The Rocket. It comes with a working elevator, space vehicles, aliens, glow in the dark moon bits AWESOME!!!

This is another KidKraft creation- found this one on ebay -awesome :)

There is a whole crazy world out there of dollhouses and the crazy accessories that come with them.
My advice is if you want a dollhouse- google- cool boys/ or cool girls dollhouses and search under images only- it saves you a lot of time and shows you the best. Also check Ebay because there are heaps available on their as well.
Finally.. dont be afraid of buying a boy a dollhouse- they open up so many opportunities for relationship role plays, talking about feelings and throwing dinosaurs down the stairs.

Have a great school holiday beginning
xxNgaire

http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/

Make your own Bon Bons with Be a Fun Mum

2010-12-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Okay..so this blog came about because I wanted to make my own bon bons- because I hate the fact that you go thru all the fanfare of pulling a bonbon - it even gives you an explosion- and then you get some silly throw away plastic nonsense, and that makes me sad.
My craft abilities.. are in infancy, so I consulted another mum expert- Kelly from Be a Fun Mum. She is best known for her world famous blog- check it out and you will see why its so popular- its real, funny, sad, practical, helpful and joyful. She provides a new appreciation of motherhood- and I love her blog. We hope this will be the beginning of some very
cool guest blogging in the future- xxngaire

So over to Kelly>

Say goodbye to tacky plastic Bon Bon favours. Making your own Bon Bons is easy. Like really easy. And I’m not just saying that. Let me show you how.

You will need:

Craft knife

Craft Board

Tape

Bon Bon Rolls (or use an empty paper towel roll)

Cracker String (available from Spotlight)

Ribbon

Favours of choice

Joke Template

Scrapbooking 12” 150 gsm paper (each sheet makes 2 bon-bons)

Make you own party hats if desired. Tutorial here.

Instructions:

1. Turn the paper wrong side up and lay the roll in the middle. Draw a line either side of the roll.

2. Draw another line each side 4cm apart from the original line.

3. Using a craft knife and board, cut lines, approximately 1 cm apart between the lines. This DOES not have to be perfect.

4. As you can see from the picture (4), my lines are rough.

5. Fill roll with favours and place tape over the end to ensure the contents don’t fall out.

6. Place cracker along the roll.

7. Wrap paper around roll and fasten with tape.

8. Tie a ribbon around each end.

9. Done!

Kelly Burstow writes at Be A Fun Mum. The Be A Fun Mum Blog is all about reclaiming the joy of motherhood in a fast-paced world. It’s about loving the little moments which are like pieces of a puzzle, together creating a beautiful masterpiece. Kelly lives in Queensland with her husband, four children and far too many guinea pigs.

Apple Carrot and Cinnamon Muffins or Loaf by Cheeky Cookies

2010-12-02T03:10:00.000-08:00

We love food- and so every so often we decided to post some yummy recipes to enjoy and share with your kids.
This one is SUPER SUPER healthy- and we have been assured by their creator Cheeky Cookies- that even the fussiest kid will eat them.. Well if you read my fussy kids post you would know.. I am looking for anything healthy to pass that fussy test..
Anyway give it a shot- let us know how it turns out..

Apple Carrot and Cinnamon Muffins or loaf.
Yields 12 large muffins or 24 mini muffins or one loaf.

Equipment:
1 large bowl
1 teaspoon
1 mixing spoon
1 cup
1 quarter cup ( or a measuring cup with many measurements )
1 large Muffin tin
Paty Pans (optional)

Ingredients:
3 small apples (can be any colour) skin on and diced
2 small carrots skin on grated
1 tsp of Cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 Cups plain flour
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs

Method:

1. Pre heat oven to 180c. line muffin tray with patty pans or grease with cooking spray. If making a loaf line a loaf pan with baking paper and grease the sides of the pan.

2.Wash and cut apples into 12ths by cutting in to 1/4's and then cutting the 1/4's into 3rds. cut away core and dice chunky.
Wash and crate carrots. leave apples and carrots to the side.

2.Measure the flour and sugar add to the large mixing bowl. Then add the Cinnamon the baking powder and salt. stir.

3. Measure and add the milk, oil and eggs to the flour mixture.
Stir the mixture until smooth.

4. Add the apples and Carrot to the mixture and stir through until just combined.

5. Spoon mixture into paty pans or greased muffin tin till just under the rim. If making a loaf pour into lined and greased loaf tin.

6.Bake in the oven at 180c for 25 minutes or until golden for Muffins.
Loaf: bake at 180c for 45 minutes or until golden.

7. remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

8. Delicious served warm or cold, excellent for a quick snack or brekky on the go. Best eaten within 2 days after baking.
Enjoy.

Rumbletums Organic Baby and Toddler Food in Brisbane

2010-11-30T00:44:00.001-08:00

Rumbletums Organic Baby & Toddler Food

Scrumptious organic baby food- in Brisbane- hard to believe!! Well it is true.. and we have personally sampled their food and give it 2 big thumbs up, for taste, packaging and goodness.
Cooked by hand, from scratch, using only the best, freshest organic ingredients, then snap frozen. With a 12 month shelf life – freeze until you need! Some examples of their meals include Organic Moroccan lamb and quinoa, Organic beef and potato as well as straight purees for the younger babies of the world. In addition they offer snack foods like yoghurt covered sultanas, organic dried banana and they even offer a base sauce- their famous Hush Hush tomato sauce. Mix the sauce with pastas, rice, or use it to form a base of a meal- it is delicious!!
It is simply about convenience without any sacrifice on quality. For many two parent working families this is the solution you may have been searching for. For stay at home mums, this could be the sanity you are after- a night off. They deliver to your door and also feature at many markets throughout Brisbane, including this weekends Mummy tree Markets at Morningside on Sunday.

Geckos Family Entertainment Centre- Browns Plains

2010-11-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

Geckos Family Entertainment Centre at Browns Plains is an activity hub like no other. We thought it best to review it on our blog so that you can truly understand all they have to offer.

3 Storey Themed play structure
A play structure that encourages parent participation
A toddler area with Slide

A lasertronics play area
Use strategy to weave around the laser beams
Played in a fully themed area with fog and music

Lasertronics

Balltronics
Similar to lasertronics but you need to avoid the foam balls that come rocketing out from various directions

Lasertag Area
Chase and be chased with laser guns

Black light Mini Golf
2 nine hole themed mini golf courses- black lit for mood

Entry prices include access to the play structure, and you can buy a games card to try out all the other cool games on offer. They also offer a ‘shop and drop’ service where, for a fee you can drop off your kids for up to 2hrs (need to be toilet trained) and have them babysat by a blue carded staff member. They also have really affordable party packages- no mess, no fuss and heaps of fun.

So – that’s the logistics and you can see why we decided to review it in addition to advertising them on our website brisbane kids- but instead of giving you our opinion we thought we would relay the review of one very happy customer

Wow what a morning we have just had. I just wanted to congratulate you on

this wonderful play center. My children had soooo much fun and are asking

when we can go back. Your center has the most amazing set up, there is

something there for everyone. And to top off a great play area you have

the most caring staff I have come across. My son hurt himself quite badly

and we were looked after so well and he felt so at ease with the lady that

came to give him first aid. I will be recommending you to all my friends

as well as posting on Facebook about our wonderful time. This is the best

presented, cleanest, best value for money and friendliest child focused

center I have ever come across. I can't wait to book my sons 4th Birthday

party there.

Congratulations on a fantastic business.

Kind Regards

Sarah

So there you go, dont take our word for it- go along and check it out- let them know we sent you- BrisbaneKids.

Confessions of a Fussy Eater

2010-11-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

So I have a fussy eater.

I often hear mums say that, but mostly I find kids just have likes and dislikes..

I think mine truly is a fussy eater.... I say it like a confession because I feel in society, our parenting is often judged by the food our kids eat, and mine eats virtually nothing. Master 3 is strong willed, super intelligent (according to his equally intelligent and modest mother) and stubborn to a point where bribery is something he does rather than something that is done to him.

Before I confess- know this- his little brother eats everything- and I am wholesome to a fault, veggies, wholegrains, free range, organic blah blah blah..(there.. I feel better now)

So here is his diet..

Sakatas- classic bbq only (sometimes kruskets)

Cheese, grated and kraft singles (to go on the sakatas)

Toast

Vegemite

Apple in a blue moon

Watermelon (to the extreme- will eat a qtr of a watermelon to himself easily in a sitting)

Popcorn

Hundreds and thousands

Meat ONLY when taken from a meatlovers dominos pizza. Now you might say- “well make healthy pizzas”- and we have tried, we have made them, gone to pizza capers, saved the box, even reheated.. BUT it would seem it needs to be dropped off fresh, in the box, with the whole fan fair that comes from the awesome take away pizza experience.

You might wonder why I include 100’s and 1000’s and it is simply because it is part of his every day diet. After several days of not eating anything, I made the mistake of bribing him with toast, vegemite and 100 and 1000’s and he ate it. So now I buy the no colour/flavor blah blah version, add it to his vegemite on toast and that is his breakfast.

How we got here

Not really sure to be honest, one day he ate raw capsicum, the next he wouldn’t eat chicken. He went to daycare for a couple of days for about 3 months, and was never the same again- a cop out? Perhaps, but that is how it seemed to have happened.

Is it his stubborn personality?

Is it the fact our kitchen table is often our work table with brisbanekids and our building business and sometimes we just don’t have time for dinner round the table? Master 1.5 seems just fine, so I come to think, it is just something that just happens to some kids.

What we have tried

Starvation- doesn’t work. Point blank, tried.. I hear you say ..really? really??? YES!! and I think because he will eat toast that becomes the deal breaker- so I buy bread fortified with everything
Try food 10x- we have done it with tons of different foods- he just grows more anxious every night
Just put a tiny miniscule piece of something on his plate every night- he simply ignores it or throws it off
Get him to kiss it- he will kiss it until the cows come home- infact he thinks kissing a piece of sausage is hilarious- he just won’t lick it or eat it.
Serve it on a stick- (this was in some random book, and no it didn’t work)
Take him to a psychologist- NO HELP- she did invite me back by myself though to confront my own inner child
Take him to a pediatrician- she was lovely- commended master 3 on his puzzle making ability and then suggested we make him eat milo, lots and lots of milo, for the iron. According to her- he will get over it.. 1 year on we have an appt in a couple of weeks for an update, and no he wont eat milo (BUT I can sneak an iron supplement into cordial)- and he loves ovaltenies
We started saying “you need food to grow big and strong like daddy’.. it has become a family mantra. BUT it has also resulted in master 3 asking me to stop feeding master 1.5 any food so he doesn’t grow big and strong like daddy
A dietician- she suggested everything above.

SO we are we are. Today he eats little, but he grows well, and has a mighty amount of energy and a good sized belly. I know his body will extract more than I believe is possible, even the tiny amount of protein from the horrible dominos meat pizza. I relish in the occasional apple, and should start growing watermelon.

The poor love has come to realise that he is missing out on something good, and has begin to talk about food and touch it and wonder perhaps what it might taste like. BUT, that is a long way from trying food.. or changing his ways. I look forward to the day when I make a hot dinner and he enjoys it, My approach now is to stress less and hope the stories are right- he will grow out of it J

Any tips/encouragement are well appreciated- best leave your judgement aside.

xxngaire

Gardening for Kids

2010-11-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

SITE OF THE WEEK

Gardening for Kids

♦For the little gardener in your BrisbaneKid♦

The perfect outdoor activity for Brisbane kids. Active work, in the sunshine, in the fresh air- Gardening! This clever WAHM has built a business around it- seed kits, worm farms, tools, wind sox- in colours to inspire any child. You dont need a lot of space, just a bit of time- this would make the perfect Christmas present for any Brisbane Kid.

The Actual Non Spill Sippy Cup

2010-11-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Generally I steer away from baby product reviews unless I am a million percent sure that they are going to do what they say. So I when I say I have found a non drip kids cup, excuse me while I try not to flinch. BUT I HAVE!

I was at the fabulous Mummy Tree Markets at Morningside (who brisbanekids.com.au sponsor) when I came across “Stoked for life”. This particular stall were displaying some colourful looking drink flasks, nothing that I thought I needed. However, as I wandered past I heard the words uttered “100% spill proof”.. I stopped dead in my tracks, turned around suspiciously while thinking to myself ‘whatever!’

Why so Cynical?

I have two crazy boys, and trust me I have tried everything!- If they are non spill I generally find that they come with other flaws.

The main flaw i find with the "non spill" claim is that kids have to suck so hard on the nozzle, that they end up biting the plastic off the nozzle and within three months the plastic is damaged and flaking off.
My other criticism is that other non spill ones require a twisting action which makes it too easy for children to operate and flows too easily and ends up in the back seat of my car.
Finally, I find that you often can’t tell by looking if many of the twist top ones are closed and I have lost a total of three mobiles to "non spill" sippy type cups that put you into a false sense of handbag security.
They come with a lid. – Lets be honest- the lid concept is good, but once it comes off it spills-…so is that really non spill?

Taking the plunge

Against my better judgement I bought a stoked bottle that day- why? I am not really sure. I was generally excited about the markets that day, and not having kids with me, so I was a pretty easy target. I did however, refrain from buying more than one, with the ladies reassuring me that they would be at the next markets and that it’s only $3 postage on their website anyway. If you want to buy one online go here

The Verdict

Their site says they are age appropriate for 4+ but my three year old needed NO coaching what so ever. These aren’t likely for kids under 2, but I expect you could train one if you really wanted too. However, for kids that can push a button it works!! and I am in love!

They are 100% spill proof care of some AUTOSEAL® technology. They have a simple button to push and rather than sucking the child simply receives the drink into their mouth. I repeat.. no sucking required.
Better still, the second they take their finger off the nozzle the flask becomes non spill again.
I like the clear plastic option too, because I can see how much liquid is left, and a cordial ratio if that is what the drink is.
You can also buy bigger ones which is what I am going to do, so when you go on picnics you can deliver a non spill experience to lots of kids at once. They also sell insulated mugs.. so everything is covered.
Best of all the one I bought which held 410ml was only $12.95. Way cheaper than I would have expected, cheaper than many department store type offerings and is really quite sad considering what I have spent so far. They are all bpa, pva blah blah free, ergonomic, dishwasher proof blah blah FANTASTIC!

Take my word for it or not (I totally understand if you dont- nor would I), but if you want a non spill option, this could be the answer.

I am still searching for a non spill solution for kids under 2 (who don’t like sucking)- let us know so we can buy, try and share, because too many mobiles, wallets and bags are ruined.. well in my life anyway.

xxNgaire

(The next Mummy Tree Markets are on November 28th at Morningside)

2010-11-08T03:25:00.000-08:00

My Little Hero Designs

For the superhero in every BrisbaneKid

Once again, we have found a WAHM (Work at Home Mum) who has managed to create something that has the potential to uncover imagination and wonder in every Brisbane Kid.

Encouraging play that involves make-believe is essential in helping to raise curious, healthy and happy little people. My Little Hero Designs comes to the rescue with Capes, masks and arm bands, so that every BrisbaneKid can be a superhero. All capes are fully reversible and made using satin and eco-felt.

Top 50 Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids- as written by a Christmas fanatic

2010-11-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ok- so if you know me- you know I am a Christmas fantatic, it seems to get a little worse every year. I love it I Love it I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!! And I do tend to get a little over excited > So much so I pledge to limit my Christmas craziness to just the month of December- but I see no harm in a little Christmas List to get the XMAS hearts a-racing

Top 50 kids presents for Christmas (in my eyes)- guaranteed not to be OVER with tomorrow- I have tried not to be too plastic and cater for every age. Now I know its early and I will repost closer to XMAS but I am a firm believer that planning early for the big day is the best way to make it the BEST DAY OF ALL!!

1. A tent or a teepee (sorry very partial to teepees)- but a $20 tent from Kmart will work just as well it just may not look as lovely

2. An easel or simply a $10 roll of paper from IKEA with some paints and textas

3. DUPLO- great for multi age families as you avoid the choking hazard- and if you can go to a discount outlet you get them SO much cheaper-

4. Puzzles, lots and lots of puzzles. Again discount places are best for this.

5. Tennis Ball on a stick- about $20- and hours of fun- plus they often come with a soccer ball attached to a string so that you fix it to a branch on a tree

6. A jumping castle.. and you are thinking WHAT?? But according to a friend you can get them off ebay from as little as $150- which is a lot- but if all the relatives put it, it might save the purchase of lots of “plasticky” toys that are played with once and discarded tomorrow. I guarantee there will be hours of fun- it wont last forever but atleast til they are over it—which leads me to the next option which is a trampoline- lots of fun and will last forever. BUT kids can get sick of trampolines.

7. A microscope/telescope/binoculars- depends on the age as to which will work better but what kid doesn’t like to look at a beetle in 100x or see the rings of Saturn.

8. Musical instruments- they don’t have to be expensive- a cheap keyboard, a recorder or xylophone- music makes the soul sing and studies show it may make your bubba smarter

9. “Star” night light- I got one of these off ebay for about $20- is rotates and stars shine brightly and orbit over the childrens’ celing.

10. Ribbon Wands- need I say more- hours of fun in the backyard (check our pinwheels and pearls for a range of ribbon wands for boys and girls)

11. Books, more books and more books. Pick them to suit the kid and they will LOVE it. Dinosaurs, fairies whatever.

12. Playdough- sure you can make it yourself- and package it prettily or buy it from the shops- There is even gluten free and essential oil infused playdough you can get from Aromaplay

13. Cooking gear- even before masterchef came around this was a cool gift. An apron, some cookie cutters and some outrageous sprinkle varieties and you are onto a winner

14. A doll house- and they needn’t be expensive- chk the classified for second hand ones

15. Corn popper- trust me- despite the plastic appearance the classic corn popper will go the distance

16. Blocks- you can never have to many, too many different sizes, colours or shapes

17. Monopoly, Chess, snakes and ladders, cluedo, twister, snap cards etc etc- buy the classics- one a year and by the time they can really compete you will have a collection

18. A kite- so underrated, but this is a great toy for hours of free fun in the outdoors

19. Skates- at your own risk BUT awesome if you have a skating rink nearby

20. Dress up clothes, nothing specific, but a tub of plastic beads, some cheap wigs and capes- stear clear of the superheroes- they date quickly

21. Balls, Lots of Balls, especially massive Yoga sized ones

22. A Slinky- hilarious

23. Monkey Barrels- plastic! BUT classically awesome- hours of fun

24. Yo-yo great for 6+ kids

25. Ceiling glow in the dark stars- I hear you cringing- but honestly it’s a ceiling,… it can be repainted..

26. A Zoobie- if you don’t know what one is WHERE have you been!! They are a bit more common now- BUT its basically a stuffed animal with a blanket attached- which doesn’t sound glamorous- BUT when you see the ELEPHANT one u just melt- good for a bubba!

27. Marbles.. ah a boy and his marbles

28. AN abacus- great for bubba turned toddlers

29. Magna Doodle- great for the car- and no mess

30. Water paints- this is an extension from No 2- BUT water colour paints deserve their own spot- little mess and great results

31. Walkie Talkies

32. A toolset- plastic and then real for the older child- Bunnings does a great range of real tools for kids

33. YardGames- go to their website- you will be glad you found them- the coolest games- in MASSIVE sizes that you can play in your backyard

34. A blow up swimming pool (ok not the coolest present to get, but still will provide hours of fun- even if you have a full size pool)

35. Model trains- I know expensive huh? But if you look online or in the classified there are always ones second hand for sale

36. A tutu- because I honestly believe every little girl needs a tutu (I don’t have girls)

37. A skipping rope- buy a little one- but buy a big one too so when they have friends over they can all play

38. This is for the older child- and don’t hate me- but a good friend of mine suggested to me that her 9 yr old would want most in the world is cash. $10 or $20. Just so she can go into a store of her choice and buy what she wants- don’t underestimate it. (I personally prefer the gift- but maybe you could buy a pretty purse or wallet to go with it)

39. An obvious one- but a bike, scooter or skateboard- chances are you don’t have one of them,… - this could be an easy crowd pleaser

40. Fishing Gear- kmart/target etc all sell great kid versions

41. Magnetic Fishing Game- there are heaps of these everywhere- Great for motor control and FUN

42. A tunnel because tunnels are cool- my son even sleep in his (when I let him)

43. For older kids Any science set

44. For older kids again model making- painting sets- check out this cool 'find the fossil' model set and the smile it brings to a 3 yr old

45. Personalised gifts- books, cups anything with their name

46. Magazine Subscriptions- obviously for the older kids- but buy a copy to put in the present- I know some science crazy boys who would love a kids science subscription and some fairy crazy girls who would love a little girl magazine

47. A snow globe- seriously they are cool- mainly for older kids.. great collection item- buy a new one every year

48. A Jolly Jumper- head to the toys r us website if you don’t know what one is, and from experience it DOES matter which one you get AND there are plenty that sell second hand

49. A shopping trolley and some money- great for prewalkers- but great for preschoolers- set up shop in your own home

50. Hula Hoops!!!

So there you go- sure there are heaps more- and a whole world of fandangled electronic whizzbangy things I havent even mentioned but this could get you started

Happy Christmas thoughts

xxxxx Ngaire

Crazy Lego Creations

2010-10-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

The crazy world of lego- For Brisbane Kids and Well Beyond

Lego has come a LONG way from the days of bricks and slabs- even though I still think that’s the best way to start a Lego collection. As my boys get older my Lego interest is growing and this is what I have discovered- There is a whole CRAZY world of lego maniacs- Check this out

1. You can furnish a real room or a house with lego

Source thru: aplaceforeverything-store

Or perhaps you would prefer a Kitchen Bench

Designers Simon Pillard and Phillippe Rosetti

2. Serious Lego Art- for Serious Money

By Nathan Sawaya

Andrew Lipson

3. Hilarious Lego Creations

mocpages.com

4. Or check out the winner of the 2007 Lego Building Competition

Awesome Lego Imagination

5. Videos about tons of stuff, acted out by lego men- Here is one on starwars and christmas- pg rated- darth vader gets a bit crazy

Seriously I could have gone on forever, clothing, wii controls, cakes, games basically a whole entire universe of lego men are out there-- STILL my favourites will always be the green slab, a few bricks, a roof, some flowers and some shutters :)-

Have a great week

Ngaire @ http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/

& http://www.goldcoastkids.com.au/

(Just note that the blog here written is not endorsed or supported by lego BUT that all the images within do contain the trademarked lego products and all distribution and promotion is only possible through genuine Lego fields. We have done our best to attribute all creative ownership but in know way suggest that the lego itself is anything but the property of lego)