Christmas

Soldier Christmas Care Package

By mandy on July 1, 2017

Soldier Christmas Care Packages are a great way to say thank you to our brave soldiers during the festive season. It’s nice to show our appreciation for all the hard work they do for our country, particularly during a time when they are away from their loved ones.

15230675_677792565709521_485804767516326947_n

I know it’s super odd for me to share this here in July, I’m just trying to move a lot of posts here from my Facebook page, but you can send one of these packages anytime, not just at Christmas time, although Christmas in July is totally a thing.

Last year instead of advent calendars for the kids, we have been teaching them to give, and sent a care package to an Aussie soldier who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones.

The kids picked items they would like to send (and I picked a few practical ones too) and it’s a nice way to thank those serving. The things we take for granted are more than likely so greatly appreciated when they are so far from home.

We just had to add a card to this gift and we posted it the following morning.

After a huge response to the Soldier Christmas care package over on my Facebook page, I wrote this little poem you can print for free and add to your parcel if you wish. A huge thank you to the lovely Chloe from fourteen 92 productions who has so kindly designed the A5 size printable, she is just too clever and it’s even more adorable than what I had envisioned.

Just save the image, print and …you’re good to go!

If you would like to send a care package to a digger this year, you have until the 7th of December. Postage is free, you just pay for the box and it must weigh no more than 2kg’s.

You can also add a little treat for the explosive detection dogs, I just completely forgot. A tennis ball and small box of dog biscuits will definitely be included this Christmas.

For more information including the address, cut off dates and a full list of items that both can and can’t be included, click here!

Mandy
Xxx

Vietnamese Pork Rolls

By mandy on July 31, 2016

Vietnamese Pork rolls can be found in many bakeries across Australia, and they are one of my all time favourites. Every bakery you visit will make them differently and have a variety of different filling options, but one thing I’ve learnt over the years is how easy they are to replicate at home for a fraction of the cost.

Vietnamese pork rolls are my go to for picnics as I can chop the salad and store in containers, pack sliced pork and a bottle of soy and grab the rolls from the bakery on the way to the park, and have a lovely lunch option to enjoy in the sunshine. They are also popular at our house for weekend lunches at home, and also a quick and easy dinner in the summertime when it’s far too hot to turn the oven on. If you cook a roast pork they are a great way to use up the leftovers too, we always enjoy these after Christmas when there’s an abundance of roast meat. If you don’t eat pork, you can always substitute for roast or BBQ chicken).

A few years ago we served these as a ‘DIY build your own’ for a birthday party lunch option and they were a huge hit. Great for summer and park parties, and very convenient as you can chop everything prior to the party starting so you aren’t tied to the kitchen for the duration of the celebrations.

This is my version of them, and whilst not authentic, they are equally delicious. You can add or omit anything you please to suit you and your family.

What you’ll need –

Fresh crusty long rolls from your local bakery

Sliced Roast pork (I have purchased mine from the supermarket deli)

Mayonnaise

Grated carrot

Iceberg lettuce

Sliced tomato

Sliced cucumber

Fresh coriander

Sliced Shallots (Spring onions)

Soy Sauce (I use Lee Kum Kee brand)

Optional – Traditionally they are served with Liver pate, sliced onions and fresh chilli etc, so you can certainly add these if you like, mine are just a little more kid/family friendly for our tastebuds.

13884293_10210161202406143_1516385769_n

How to prepare –

There is no right or wrong way to assemble these, I just slice through the roll, add mayo then lettuce, carrot, cucumber and tomato and a drizzle of soy. I then add the pork, spring onions and coriander and add another drizzle of soy sauce.

13662508_10210161202526146_1640674339_o

13872534_10210161269247814_250765061_n

Mandy

xxx

Lunch Box – Christmas Gifts

By mandy on December 15, 2015

If you are a little stumped for practical Christmas gifts and stocking fillers that aren’t sugar filled and are built to last, Lunch Box goodies make for wonderful presents.

Whilst some people collect shoes or handbags, I like to collect lunch boxes and bento goodies, and I buy them as gifts, as I know they will be well used and appreciated.
Fun lunches are perfect to entice even the fussiest of kids to eat their food, and The Bento Buzz have everything you need to create fun and healthy lunches.

The Bento Buzz have a brilliant range of products, they offer same day shipping on all orders placed before 2pm which is fantastic, and Peta knows the ins and outs of all the products she stocks, so her knowledge is super helpful if you aren’t sure which items will best suit your needs.

Sponsored post – The Bento Buzz sponsor my blog, but I only ever write my own personal preferences, recommendations and opinions. I am not paid to write positive reviews on any brands or specific items, I simply share what I love.

I know I’ve shared this in previous posts, but this is the rule I follow for buying Christmas gifts. Lunch boxes, insulated lunch bags, drink bottles and bento goodies can fall under two of these categories, so they really do make for wonderful gifts. I have put together my top picks of lunch related items available from the Bento Buzz that would be perfect under the tree this Christmas.

Today we have received our Bentgo Kids lunch box from The Bento Buzz, and to say I am excited to try it out would be a massive understatement. It has Rubber seals that make it both air tight and leak-proof which is a must for me when buying a lunch box for Miss 10. The clasps are super easy to open and close making it perfect for children of all ages, and I love you can feel it sealing and you can hear the air being forced out when closing the lid, so you know the food is going to stay fresh inside this beauty. I think these would make a wonderful ‘Something they need’ or ‘something for school’ gift, and they are available in 3 colours and retail for $39.95 and you can view them here.

12386516_10208294161051276_1363215922_n

They also stock the super popular Go Green Lunch box sets, which are perfect for older children or kids who aren’t quite satisfied with a smaller Yumbox sized lunch. The set includes the lunch and an insulated lunch bag in a variety of prints.

12388065_10208295111915047_58578920_n

I feel like I’ve saved the best for last with the gorgeous Apple & Mint insulated lunch bags.
They are not only the prettiest insulated lunch bags ever, but in my opinion the best quality on the market too. They stay cold for up to 8 hours and feature there own cooling panel that is hidden away from the food. They are also a breeze to clean which is a win win.

12395513_10208295161756293_1103003724_n
For stocking fillers, smaller lunch tools are ideal, and due to their fun level, they can entice the kids to be involved in helping prepare their lunches, which in our case, encourages them to eat the food if they have helped make it.
You could add these items to a stocking, or wrap up a group of items and pop them under the tree.

Sandwich Cutters and punches are well loved in our home. We have all four of these pictured, and they are used nearly every day. They are so quick and easy to use and with very little effort they make a humble sandwich fun.

12395147_10208295186196904_1153646305_n Egg Moulds
They are quick and easy and encourage my kids to eat more eggs.

12380285_10208295236718167_569384571_n

Food Picks
We have so much fun with food picks and they can quickly add fun and colour to a lunch. The hats and bows would have to be my all time favourite and we love to make cucumber people and egg men. There are so many gorgeous ones to choose from.

12395604_10208295252598564_1353664928_n

Plate Sets
It doesn’t all have to be about the lunch box either, we use the Boon plates and the Dinner Winner plates and they are brilliant. A few of my girlfriends swear by the taco trucks, so they are on my ever growing list of things I need…

12380172_10208295331480536_549980156_n

Juice In The Box
These are going in to my cart asap as I think they are genius. I have had an upset daughter right through primary school as I have rarely allowed her to take store bought poppers/juice boxes due to the sugar content, but these look fantastic. They are reusable and cant pop or squirt when a school bag is squished like regular poppers. They are BPA free (I’ve done my homework) and they come in pink, blue, green and orange.

12387977_10208295283239330_2004040785_n

I hope this has given you a few ideas, and I wish I could list all of my favourites, but the post would be as long as Santa’s naughty list.

If you want to take a peek at the website, you will find Fuel lunch boxes, snack cups, food dividers, sushi goodies and much much more.

Merry Christmas

Mandy
xxx

Christmas gifts for Tweens & Teens

By mandy on November 25, 2015

Buying Christmas gifts for children in this age bracket is extremely difficult (and expensive), so I’m sharing what our daughter Harmony will be receiving this year, plus a list of gifts suitable for kids aged 9+

Yesterday I wrote a post on my almost 3 year old sons gift list ( you can read it here), but I try and follow the same gift guide rule for Miss 10.

Our Daughter is 10 turning 11 in January, and she is somewhat easy to buy for. She still loves her dolls, but also loves technology, and has a love for clothing, fashion and accessories of late. She loves dancing, sport, reading and anything crafty so here are 8 gifts that will be under the tree for her this year.

1. Apple Ipod –
Purcahsed from Big W

I think she is still too young for a phone so this was the compromise.

2. EOS Lip Balm
Bulk pack purchased from Costco

3. Disney – The Descendants DVD
Purchased from Target

4. Beach bag and new towel
Purchased from Bed bath n table here

5. Wooden bead kit
Purchased from Aldi

6. Clothing
Purchased from Target, David Jones and BIG W

7. Cubebot
Purchased from Peters of Kensington here

8. Dork Diaries Books
Purchased from BIG W

I have also bought her gel pens and name labels for school, a few beauty products and a little cross body bag.

Here are my top 20 picks for Tweens and Teens –
1. Instax camera
2. Photography bundle. Camera, pin board or nice frames for their room to add all their snaps too.
3. Gift vouchers
4. Clothing
5. Books or a Kindle
6. Ipad or tablet
7. Phone or Ipod (depending on their age)
8. Experience vouchers – Rock climbing, Bowling, Luna Park etc
9. Money to have a shopping trip and they can buy what they like
10. Beach or pool hamper. Add a new towel, beach bag, swimmers etc
11. Movie hamper. You could add movie tickets or a few new release DVD’s, microwave popcorn, a few chocolate bars and snacks.
12. Sporting goods
13. Magazine subscription
14. Tickets to an upcoming sporting event, concert or festival
15. A bedroom make-over or new items to spruce up their cave lol
16. Lego
17. Accessories – Hat, bag, sunglasses etc
18. Jewellery
19. Beauty products
20. A keepsake or something handmade for their room

I think the best approach if you’re really stuck for gift ideas is to have a chat to the kids and see if there is anything in particular they are interested in.
If they have mentioned they would like a study space or a place to relax, another option is to get your DIY on and create something for them, or you could even do it together. Gift the materials for Christmas, and then during the holidays you can work on assembling and decorating.
You could paint a desk, buy a nice lamp, shelving and stationery etc and create a great study area on a budget.
For girls, a large canopy adorned with fairy lights hanging in one corner of their room would be a lovely place to relax, read a book or more than likely chat on the phone to their friends lol. Add lots of cushions and a nice rug and I’m sure they will love it.

I hope this post has been somewhat helpful and given you a few ideas.

Merry Christmas

Mandy
xxx

What’s under the tree for Mr almost 3

By mandy on November 24, 2015

I can’t quite believe Christmas is only a few weeks away, so I thought I should hurry up and write this post lol
Quite a few followers on my Facebook page have asked what gifts we are buying for our children this year, so this post is for you. (I will write a separate post for Miss 10’s gift list).

Harlan will be turning 3 in February, and he is a very active little boy. He loves craft, imaginative play, anything to do with cooking and playtime in his kitchen. He also loves to be outdoors, he loves cars, trucks and planes, and his favourite thing to do is scare Mummy by racing up and down the hallway and our driveway on anything with wheels.

We buy the majority of our toys from Discount Toy Co and have done so for years. They have a fantastic range of good quality toys, they stock the best brands and they are super competitive with their prices. Discount Toy Co are located in Hornsby Sydney but they also offer lay-by and $8.95 flat rate shipping in Australia which is fantastic.

We always opt for quality over quantity which is just a personal preference, and I generally buy wooden toys as they are built to last and stand up to the rough and tumble that comes with little boys.
Here is the general gift guide I follow each year.

Here are Harlan’s Christmas gifts –

1. Le Toy Van – Village Hospital Set
Purchased from Discount Toy Co Click here
letv473

2. Le Toy Van – Blender Set
Purchased from Discount Toy Co link here

3. Automoblox – Mini Emergency 3 pack
Purchased from Discount Toy Co Link here

4. Le Toy Van – Honeybake Tea Set
Purcahsed from Discount Toy Co Link here

5. Tegu – Future Circuit racer
From Educational Experience link here

6. The Day the Crayons Came Home book –
Purchased from Big W

7. Hape – Great Big Digger
Purchased from Discount Toy Co link here

8. Wheely Bug Bee Large
Purchased from Discount Toy Co here
(These Wheely bugs come in both a small and large size and they also have a lady beetle, Cow, Mouse, Tiger and pig.

I have also bought him a few items of clothing, a new beach towel, labels for pre-school next year, a puzzle and a small football.

I hope this helps if you are stuck with gift ideas for the little man in your life.

Mandy
xxx

Christmas Eve Box – 25 Ideas

By mandy on November 23, 2015

Creating a Christmas eve box for the kids is so much fun and has quickly become tradition in our house.

If you aren’t familiar with this idea, you fill a box with a variety of items and give it to your children on Christmas Eve. A new pair of pj’s, a movie and a snack, or whatever your heart desires.
We like to include items they can make, watch, wear etc which provides lots of fun and keeps them entertained.
A lot of Mums are now gifting these boxes on the 1st of December so the little ones can get more use out of their goodies which is a lovely idea too.

Here’s how to create one –
Start with a box or basket or whatever you have on hand. Gift boxes and wooden crates work well too.
You can either create one for each child or make one big box for the kids to share and enjoy together.
I generally add items the kids can use throughout the day and night on Christmas eve, and it’s also a sanity saver as I’m generally cooking all day in preparation for our big Christmas lunch with the family, so it’s great for keeping the kids entertained too.
You can add a gift tag to the box or a note, decorate it with stickers, washi tape or ribbon, and have fun with it. The box I have used is quite deep so I filled it with shredded paper prior to filling with goodies.

I’ve compiled a list of things of things you might like to add to your Christmas eve box.

25 Ideas –
1. Christmas pyjamas
2. Pj’s or an outfit for the kids teddy or dolly
3. Christmas movie
4. Book
5. A notepad and Christmas pen
6. A letter to Santa kit
7. Reindeer food for the kids to sprinkle on the lawn
8. Santa key
9. Popcorn
10. Cup, mug or drink bottle
11. Ingredients for hot chocolate
12. Marshmallows
13. Jar of dry cookie ingredients or a kit from the supermarket.
14.Cookie cutter
15. Cookie decorations
16. Sweet treat to enjoy with the movie
17. Plush toy
18. Bubble bath & bath crayons
19. Christmas Sonny Angel
20. Ornament for the tree
21. Colouring book and crayons
22. Christmas puzzle
23. Craft Activity
24. Christmas stamps
25. A letter from Elf on the shelf. You could write or type a letter from your Elf thanking the children for their good behaviour and for having him/her in your home over Christmas.

We have found that size 0000 baby clothing fits teddy well, and I found this little singlet in Best & Less for Master 2’s bear.

Have fun, get creative and watch the kids light up when you hand them this box of fun.

Merry Christmas

Mandy
xxx

Christmas Angels

By mandy on November 22, 2015

Christmas craft with the kids would have to be one of my favourite parts of the festive season. There is nothing more beautiful than a home adorned with pretty little treasures made with love by children, so it was time to start decorating our house.
My Daughter and I have enjoyed a morning of craft making Christmas Angels from Cupcake liners/patty pans and other goodies we have in our art cart.

Here’s what you will need to make these –
Cupcake liners
White paper or cardboard cut or punched into a circle
Markers to draw the faces
Pipe cleaners to make a halo
Craft glue or sticky tape and scissors
paddle pop sticks

We also added buttons, but you could add glitter, little sequins or stars, or whatever you have on hand.

To make –
Fold your patty pan in half and then in half again and glue it toward the top of the paddle pop stick leaving enough room for the face. Trace a circle onto your cardboard, cut out and draw a face and glue overlapping the patty pan case. Cut another liner into quarters and use two and glue on the back to create the wings. We made little halo’s from pipe cleaners and glued to the back of the paddle pop stick. So very easy yet super cute.

You could also use these as gift tags for presents or the kids could use them for imaginative play or in a puppet show.
If you don’t use the paddle pop sticks you can staple each angel onto a piece or ribbon or twine or hang by the halo to make a beautiful garland for the window.

Happy Christmas crafting

Mandy
xxx

Our Christmas Book Tradition

By mandy on November 16, 2015

Two of our favourite things come together here, Christmas and books.

We have a collection of Christmas books that only come out for the festive season, and we keep them in a basket by the tree. Every night the kids like to select a book and we read it together.
Each year I buy a few new books to add to the collection, and it has quickly become tradition and one I hope my children carry on with their children down the track.

I shared an image on my Facebook page and many wanted to know our favourite books, so I’ve compiled a list of our top five.

1. What do you wish for –By Anna Walker and Jane Goodwin.
This is our most recent purchase and it’s a beautiful book, perfect for children of all ages.

kisses –By Ruthie May
Count my Christmas kisses – By Ruthie May and illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie.

Christmas Wombat – By Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.

An Aussie night before Christmas – By Yvonne Morrison and Kilmeny Niland

A very Marley Christmas – By John Grogan and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey.

This is a beautiful book and particularly special as our cheeky dog is also named Marley.

I am also on the hunt for The Jolly Christmas Postman to add to our collection this year.

If your children are very little or you have recently welcome your first bub and would like to start a Christmas book collection, I also highly recommend the ‘That’s not my’ variety of books. They are brilliant and we have quite the collection and there are a few Christmas books available in their range.

There are also many different ways to encourage reading over the Christmas period and I have also seen where parents wrap up 25 books, and starting on the 1st of December the children unwrap one book per night to read which is lovely.

Merry Christmas and Happy reading
Mandy
xxx

Potato Salad Recipe

By mandy on November 1, 2015

This Potato salad recipe is a family favourite.
At the risk of sounding like a total self love’o, it’s truly the only recipe you’ll need and a huge hit with all our family and friends. I am often asked to bring this along to BBQ’s and picnics and we enjoy it every year on Christmas day with a variety of seafood and cold meat.

Here’s what you’ll need –

(I make a big batch as it lasts a few days in the fridge stored in an airtight container and gets better each day, but just halve the recipe if you want to make a smaller amount).

2 kilos of potatoes
6 boiled eggs, each egg cut into quarters
250g diced shortcut bacon
2 stalks of green spring onions, finely sliced
1 cup of whole egg mayonnaise (I use Zoosh).
150ml light cream
1 teaspoon of Vegta stock
1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard
Salt & black pepper

Method –
Wash your potatoes well and cut them into 2cm cubes. I leave the skin on but you can remove it if you like. Place the potatoes in a large pot, add salt and cover with cold water and boil until tender but not too soft.
Drain the water, place the potatoes in a colander, rinse in cold water and set aside to cool slightly.
Fry off you bacon and set aside.
In a bowl mix together the mayonnaise, cream, Vegeta, mustard, and pepper.
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, add them back to the pot and stir through the mayo mix, spring onions and bacon and stir until the potatoes are evenly coated. Gently mix through the eggs and store in the fridge until cold before serving. This salad gets better as it chills and the flavours infuse, so it’s the perfect recipe to make a day ahead.

Mandy
xxx

Aussie S’mores

By mandy on October 27, 2015

Aussie S’mores because the Americans can’t have all the fun right!

I know it’s hard to find Graham crackers that are traditionally used for S’mores here in Australia, so I came up with an alternative that works just as well.

We made these about 8 years ago for New Years Eve and they were such a hit and I should really make them more often.
They are oven, BBQ, microwave and camping friendly so no matter the occasion, whip up a batch of these and your family will love you long time.

Here’s what you’ll need –
Arnott’s Shredded Wheatmeal biscuits. We have also used Weaton’s in the past and they work just as well, in fact any digestive type of bickie should be fine.
Cadbury Fury Friends chocolates, broken in half
Marshmallows

12063865_10208012288684643_894147809407623496_n

To make in the oven.
Place one biscuit on a lined baking tray and add half a Fury friend and one marshmallow and bake at 150c Fan forced for 8-10 minutes or until the marshmallow has risen and slightly golden on top. (I was ambitious when taking photos today by adding 3 marshmallows and although it was messy, its worth it), such a rebel lol, but I do recommend only adding one.
Carefully remove from the oven, place another biscuit on top and press down gently to adhere and this will evenly spread the mallow. Allow to cool slightly for children and dig in.

To make on the BBQ we have made them the same way and just closed the range hood.
For camping or a fire pit at home, toast your marshmallows over the fire and then sandwich together with the chocolate and biscuits for gooey delicious goodness.
To make in the microwave, add the chocolate to one biscuit and cook for 10 seconds. Then add your mallow and cook for another 10 seconds and then sandwich with another biscuit. (Each microwave will be different so just play around with the times until you find what’s right for yours).

Get creative and experiment with whatever your heart desires. Over the years we have added peanut butter which is divine, Rolo chocolates and sliced Mars bars.
Enjoy

Mandy
xxx

<< Older Posts