Friday 30 November 2012

Have I told you lately - Things I know



I have a lot of worries right but I know it won't change things by pouring out my fears.

I haven't found support in a real life breast cancer support group as I did when my daughter was born still.

I spoke briefly to a counselor the other day , not much in private so I was guarded.

Right now , I feel so anxious as I struggle to believe that things will be okay.

The self doubt and worry over my future , my husband and childrens' health .

My family, friends and faith are there for me but still I struggle. I can't explain it. I don't have anyone really close anymore.



I found this poem again the other day - I know these words have held up when I am feeling low.



To Believe

To believe is to know that every day
is a new
beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen,
and dreams really do come
true.
To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,
To know the
wonder of a stardust sky
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.
To believe
is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
The innocence of a child's
eyes
and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings we
learn to love.
To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies
within us.
When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.
To
believe is to know we are not alone,
That life is a gift and this is our time
to cherish it.
To believe is to know that wonderful surprises
are just
waiting to happen,
And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
If only
we believe.
Author Unknown
This song...



(yes, I am old sop for an aging raspy rocker)

How do you balance 'worry' with living a life well ... do you plan for the future or live for today ?


Things I Know with SMOM



Thursday 29 November 2012

Thankful for Smooth Sailing

We have had such a busy 5 months since my Breast cancer diagnosis. I quickly learned that I need to lower my expectations for plans that I make as a family (and especially myself) to keep things sailing smoothly.

Today , I am thankful for family time and the opportunities blogging gives me.
 

Sunday, we were invited to  'pirate' cruise on Sydney Harbour.


 It was a very warm day and we finished up in the Aquarium (with naughty hot buttered popcorn) for the screening of Ice Age 4: Continental Drift - which was released on Blu-Ray 3D & 2D and DVD yesterday.
 

My boys were so happy about this gig.

In this chapter - Ice age 4 returns with — Manny , the 'grouchy' mammoth (Ray Romano), Diego the soft-hearted sabre-tooth tiger (Denis Leary) and Sid the loveable sloth (John Leguizamo) — who get cast adrift on an iceberg, with Sid’s senile granny , and Shira, a feline love interest for Diego (Jennifer Lopez).

The rugged crew encounter big waves,  a bad band of pirates and treacherous sirens before being reunited with Manny’s family. It’s happy and colour-ful to boot. The music videos at the end will get you into the groove , singing and dancing with the herd.

Scrat , the prehistoric -saber-toothed squirrel is revealed as party responsible for continental drift with some interesting twists.

Thankfully, we sailed on a calm harbour ... with friendly pirates.


Ice age 4 will make a perfect stocking filler this Christmas. It is available for download on Digital HD from iTunes. Also, there is even an Ice Age Village app available for all your i devices and Androids - smartphones and tablets.

Recently, we were sent the Superstar -Popcorn maker for microwave, by Starmaid and the boys love it - not that we tested it to the limit - 12.5cups of popcorn in 2 1/2 mins. They love popcorn and I love how much healthier it is being air popped and where you adjust the seasoning for taste & health.
perfect for afternoon snack or anytime -2 1/2 mins = 12.5 cups

I love family movies that 'adults' can get into as well . Friday night we often take the pressure off of the week's stress with a fun movie and popcorn. The boys have decided we are watching Ice age 4 this Friday night with more popcorn. It is our bonding time as we cuddle up connect as a family and sit close (but not so still - they need to work on that)
 
How do you keep your family sailing smoothly through troubled waters ? 

PS: - Have you entered to win Playstation3 console and Wonderbook-Book of Spells $399.90

  

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ Just Harbour Cruisin'




Southern Swan -


Can you guess which boat we sailed on ?
 Which one would you like to cruise the harbour upon ?



“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain
 

Tuesday 27 November 2012

PlayStation Wonderbook™ – Book of Spells {Giveaway}


Just in time for Christmas I have a very special giveaway - 

PS3 12GB - AUD$299.95
Wonderbook Move Bundle - AUS$99.95 RRP


Wonderbook is the latest innovation from Sony Entertainment's Playstation experience.

Book of Spells  for PS3™ is the first title for Wonderbook. Master 20 spells from the world of Harry Potter™



We were invited to see Wonderbook first hand 2 months ago.Though my boys mostly watched other children playing, they could see themselves in the 'story' too. It was magical indeed as you step right into the augmented reality world.

They loved having a play with the magic wand but are perhaps too young to play this title alone. I
admit as a Harry Potter reader I was intrigued. JK Rowling has even written new original content.

Interactive reading, dueling, spell casting or the Pensieve...you decide !

Bring wizardry to life in your living room with Wonderbook™: Book of Spells for PS3™



[The press release explains it more precisely than I can ...]

Book of Spells comes to life as you read, allowing you to cast spells with your PlayStation®Move Motion Controller which becomes your own magic wand.

Wonderbook™ is the latest way to inspire children’s imaginations and give them a whole new way to interact with stories old and new. Bringing the tales to life, right in their hands, the Wonderbook is the newest evolution in storytelling, taking children of all ages into new worlds of adventure and excitement.

Just like a student at Hogwarts - embark on a fantastic journey to read and learn the secrets of wizardry and the art of spell-casting.

J.K. Rowling said “Wonderbook: Book of Spells is the closest a Muggle can come to a real spellbook I've loved working with Sony’s creative team to bring my spells, and some of the history behind them, to life. This is an extraordinary device that offers a reading experience like no other.




Book of Spells provides students with a safe environment in which to read, discover, learn and practise spells they already know and love, such as Incendio, Wingardium Leviosa and Expelliarmus, as well as discover mischievous notes and spells scribbled into the margins by previous Hogwarts students.

J.K. Rowling has written a conundrum to lead you through the experience, providing insight into what makes a successful witch or wizard, and inviting fans to journey through the book and unlock new tales at the end of each chapter rewarding students for their successful spell-casting.

Wonderbook puts you at the heart of the action using augmented reality technology via PlayStation®Eye to transform the world around you.

In the works are new titles including Walking with Dinosaurs from the BBC, an exciting partnership with Disney and a quirky new detective title, Diggs Nightcrawler.

Wonderbook looks set for a great future as a powerful storytelling vehicle and tool for the imagination.



What magical ability do you desire or what spell / potion would you create if you were Hogwart's student ?

This is a game of skill. Each valid entry will be judged based on creativity, humour or originality.
Though in the spirit of good, clean, fun answers can be humourous , practical or fantasy or whatever ?

Time travel ?  Ability to turn on and off rain ? Mute potion for my your children

Terms and Conditions: 
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.

2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There is one prize -  Total value - $399.95


PS3 12GB - AUD$299.95
Wonderbook Move Bundle - AUS$99.95 RRP

{Wonderbook™: Book of Spells for PS3™
Master 20 spells from the world of Harry Potter(TM)}.


 4. Entries - Open 27/11/2012 - Close 11.59pm  12/12//2012 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winner has 5 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. 
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
7. Additional entries if you share on FB or twitter but you must leave a second valid entry answering the question - Also, please leave how you shared the post in the comment.

8.Subscribe to my blog HERE to receive MLDB updates
9. Follow via Facebook or Google Friend Connect on the sidebar >>>>
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own , I was not paid though we received a copy of Wonderbook

win free stuff

Winner: John & Faith !

I would choose the Oculus Reparo spell. As a mum with 3 kids who wear glasses (one of them two!) this would be a total life (and wallet) changer!


 

Monday 26 November 2012

Come monday, it'll be all right ...

Today marks half way through my second round of my weekly chemotherapy - Paclitaxil 6/12 down . I am relieved to be without too many side effects. Mondays just come around so quickly. Five weeks in the blink of an eye.

I'm also 2/17 through Herceptin (a targeted treatment just for women with HER2 - positive breast cancer- biopsy revealed abnormally high levels of the HER2 gene or protein) . I have Herceptin, as an IV infusion every 3 weeks (on the same day as chemo 3 weekly at the moment -eventually just alone until October 2013)

Thankfully so far while I still suffer fatigue and have problems sleeping, I have great support in that my husband will get up first and start getting the boys ready for school - they leave at .7:50am for the bus.

All in all this chemo is a bit easier to tolerate with an awful backache a few days (though it might be the Herceptin) , slight finger tingling and occasional nausea.

I have a little trouble concentrating but the memory loss , and the mental cloudiness that is chemo brain is frustrating. I adapt by using notes/lists and I am OCD about checking things.

I am doing more things and I walk 30 - 45mins every day even if the folding piles up ;).We live simply with few expectations and are a free-range habitat for dust bunnies. The dust bunnies are easy to look after, as pets go dust bunnies eat very little (the kids and dead bugs keep them fed) and they are ever so quiet. 

To say I still feel less than unattractive is an understatement , my hair is growing back slowly now. Though it seems a slightly different colour now.

Saturday, whilst in Sydney, my lovely mobile breast prosthesis lady, Lily - from Lily Bliss to you, came to deliver my new boobs, I bought a new bra , cami singlet top and swimsuit. My confidence is returning (...I'll show one day -just too tired to get the camera out).

My little ones are coping really well and are a constant distraction ...albeit unwelcome some days but others they pull me up when I'm sitting down and make me laugh always.


Sunday 25 November 2012

On infertility

Reminiscing makes me feel very emotional.

It's been 7 years to the day that we got a Beta 400+ ; two pink lines and a BFP.

If you have experienced infertility you will know what I mean.

It was just over a year after our 'firstborn', a daughter, was stillborn; mourning that 1st anniversary along with the passing of my much loved Father.

After 15 years (of not relaxing) we were pregnant (2nd time around) and we quietly celebrated.

All we had for certain was a little bit of hope as we held tight to a pee stick and waited for that phone call ; we had reason to rejoice (and watch my online forum friends send fairy dust confetti into the air... they were the first to know)

Even though we had been blessed with our adopted son (@13.5 months), the yearning to extend our little family was ever present. The deep desire to snuggle and nurse a newborn of our own creation was intense.

On our 2nd IVF cycle; 3rd Embryo transfer we got lucky.

After 15 long years I dared to dream ; again.

"The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be...because of all I may become I will close my eyes and leap!” ~Mary Anne Radmacher

Of course you know our story had a happy ending.

The infertility video Empty Arms still makes me teary and incredibly grateful.

http://www.tearsandhope.com/emptyarms_video.htmlp

Saturday 24 November 2012

Finding your Christmas Spirit

So how do we get into the Christmas Spirit ?

1. Head over to Pinterest stat if you want to find some Christmas spirit - 1000's + of ideas here for everyone. Focus on simple activities and ideas to keep it low key or really get inspired to go overboard. 
2. Get down on the floor and see through the eyes of a young child. Kids bubble over with anticipation , excitement and wonder about Christmas.Spend a day with a young child reading Christmas stories, watching Christmas DVD's or watching Christmas carols on you tube... maybe a little of their excitement and Christmas magic will rub off on you.

3. Start a new family tradition - see no 1 or Google it. Look for a fun activity that will be low-stress(and easy on the budget) ...not something you'll dread because of the hassle. We are doing the Elf on a Shelf again this year (Larissa has some great ideas). Trade it for a tradition you no longer enjoy.

4. Step away from  the stress. Take a few hours or even a day for yourself. Back away from craziness of the season. Get your hair cut (not me - maybe I'll go buy a new hat) , give yourself a facial , switch off your computer and go for a walk, smell the roses, visit a beach and play Christmas carols .Say no to new demands and/or delegate or postpone some activities. 

5. Remember you have choices about the commercialism of the season . It isn't about having the most decorations and the best gifts under a magnificent tree. We can't even find our artificial Christmas tree but we will go out today and cut one from the paddocks or bunch together some sticks in the shape of star .

6. Lastly make someone else happy - donate a new unwrapped toy and place it under any giving or charity tree ...

What is your family Christmas tradition or key Christmas ?

linking up with Tina 
 

Friday 23 November 2012

In the Dark of Night

Nothing comes without a price , so they say ...I try to take nothing for granted.

To be grateful for the simple things.

Mum is cooking us lasagna for dinner ...that will be devoured quickly in appreciation as soon as we arrive.

Grateful for ~

Fumes from the Dencorub ...after hubby rubs my back tonight to ease the aching . He is not so attracted to menthol.

Clean sheets on the Bed...is there anything as delicious as a freshly made bed when you are exhausted . Hopefully sleep will creep into bed with me.
.
Propping my own fluffy pillow under my head and snuggling under the covers ...as long as it's not hot - else the fan will be whirr'ing !

Bubbling with anticipation ...we've got a lot planned this weekend and the weather forecast is promising.

Knowing, in the dark of night when I close my eyes (or rather when insomnia bites) I'm not alone ...he is by my side,always loving me through this.


I'm especially grateful for the prayers of many ... Believing in God "doesn’t automatically make Cancer go away, exempt you from pain and sickness, or exclude you from any of the other unpleasant things that go with this disease. What it does do is cause you to have hope, security, and peace that can come only from knowing God and trusting in him."

What are you grateful for today ?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday 22 November 2012

Let's do Bloggers Brunch

Two weeks ago I was fortunate to attend The Kids Business bloggers brunch, organised by Christie Nicholas to connect bloggers and brands in a fun way.

I enjoy Blogger Brunches because I like bringing my readers new products (and giveaways) and especially the chance to catch up with other bloggers.

The Brands on display were some of my favourites too.

Spotlight - my craft bones may be a little creaky but I was immediately attracted to the Christmas bunting and craft ideas - easy for someone like me - a rusty novice . Spotlight is very easy on the pocket with gift their ideas too. Spotlight is the adult version a kid in a candy shop. I loved the printed ready to sew panels for Christmas.
 Credit: Kid's Business Flickr

The Philadelphia stand - provided lunch and baked treats and was totally delicious. Their new Philly cream for Thai green curry and Cream for Pasta in Tomato & Italian Herbs has featured in my weekly meal plans with approval from the fussiest little drummer. It will be especially good to have on hand when I've have 15 mins to get dinner on the table.

Credit: Kid's Business Flickr

 The Philly Cadbury chocolate cream cheese frosting will make me my little drummers happy when I open it ... shh unless I don't tell them.

Nad’s – hair removal experts - THE joy of every woman's life - now you might think what could they do for me - being bald and less hirsute now ! Argh - did I mention my chin hair was the first to re-grow.

The lovely team at Nad's took care of that for me in a whip with Natural Hair Removal Gel!
Despite losing most of my body hair (yes down there too) my leg and underarm grew a little and is starting to re grow. Once my eyebrows re-grow properly I'm keen to try the Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper..
The argument is still out on armpit hair in public.

Ask Lori_RRSAHM about her nose hair removal experience - my husband is refusing to be the guniea pig. Nad’s is a family-owned business at the end of the day - Sue Ismiel , the founder , popped in .



Credit: Kid's Business Flickr & me- Sony Xperia phone

Brown Sugar - I quietly tried on  that jacket which matched perfectly my watermelon ? coloured 3/4 pants ...it was a great fit and look but I didn't move quick enough and they had packed up. I'm still considering it. I couldn't get my foot in the dressing rooms.They had some lovely pieces and were very popular judging by the excited squee'ing' - though probably a bit out of my normal budget. They have an online store and real stores across Australia.

Rust-Oleum –I'm very keen to try their new blackboard and whiteboard spray and paints - they will make rustic labels for my country kitchen. The silver and gold glitter sprays will be great for Christmas crafts I will hopefully get to make...flexing my creaky bones takes a bit of effort.  Apparently you can even make-over a kitchen with their spray paint.

Beville’s Jewellers – their gorgeous range of personalised gift ideas for  teenagers to grandma's is ticking off my Christmas list for my nieces with unique names.I have my eye on a exquisite piece for myself with all my children's names on it.

Kambrook – they had on display a new brilliant a pressure cooker I am coveting. My boys love the cake pop maker we were gifted .It was a hard choice not to walk away with the Limited edition - Ice-Age icecream maker. I love ice-cream but it's not about me :).







Dyson – demonstrated their shiny new cordless vacuum - it would be perfect if I had carpet ! Amazing sucking power and portability - I am a little envious of those who do have carpet. The Dyson toy vacuum is going to a good cause - to start the kids enjoying vacuuming early.

The Bloggers Brunch isn't all shop talk brands -  three guest speakers spoke , inspired and entertained us, between tweets, on the theme for this brunch “Greatness through Gratitude

Rosemary Lee – cancer survivor and founder / CEO of Stars With Heart (being renamed to Big C Support), a charity that helps people with cancer understand and organise their finances. Very sorely needed in my experience.

Toni Powell – founder of the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge. Toni shared a lot of wonderful quotes in her story

Ellen Briggs – a very entertaining Mullumbimby 'hippie' also a mum of twin boys and comedian.

Any blogger can register their interest in attending future Bloggers Brunch . I had a great time thanks Christie.

Disclaimer: I was not obligated to blog about this event.  I did receive some exceptional goodies but they in no way influenced my opinion.


.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ Salted Caramel Macarons


Salted Caramel Macarons -mmm
My Secret - Create Magic at Home with Adriano Zumbo -
On my 1st attempt here - about half of the 40 were ok ; )


 I am totally a novice transparent - the rejects wonky ones -still tasted good !
(The packet makes 20 paired Macarons or they 30 )

Perhaps I should have read the instructions and watched the Video Instructions first but I had no internet access where I had to go to bake at the inlaws neighbours who live 5km across the creek & paddocks.
My temporary oven is useless tiny and not fan forced.
Stay tuned for a giveaway of all 4 packs ! .

Please visit other W W' ers and if you could at least visit the other 4 blogs that happen to be linking up in the same row as you ?

 

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Quirky, green stocking fillers for kids this Christmas {giveaway}

My boys were excited Little gardeners yesterday when we potted out our Mr Fothergill’s Mini Sunflowers in 1500mL pot and little Windowsill Pot  - Lolly Plant (Stevia).

It is a fun green activity that will keep the kids and their green thumbs busy . I just hope their thumbs are greener than mine and they leave the dirt outside.


The Windowsill Pot varieties include Lolly Plant (Stevia), which is a healthy alternative to sugar that is three hundred times sweeter, Lemonade Plant (Lemon Balm), Mini Strawberry (Alpine Strawberry) and Mini Tomato. There will make perfect stocking fillers -  at $3.95 each they are a bargain and come complete with soil pellet and seed - ready to go.

1500ml pots
It comes with Jiffy soil pellets, seeds and easy recipe ideas for kids such as strawberry jelly and frozen berry smoothies to teach children healthy living. The boys thought is was magic how when we added the water to the pellet - then the dirt grew inside the pot.


The Little Gardeners range also include the larger (1500mL) Grow & Create Pots. The boys loved  the brightly coloured [reusable] plant pot, and the sticker sheets for them to personalise their own mini garden in a pot. The external packaging is also an activity sheet with games, quizzes and colouring in.

Grow & Create products include Flower Power, with edible flowers like Pansies and Nasturtiums, Tickling Mimosa, an intriguing plant that responds to touch, Mini Sunflowers and Mini Tomato.

You will find these cool green kids’ products in the gardening aisles of Bunnings, Kmart and independent garden retailers .

I know they will be a great way to keep my boys occupied at home during the school holidays. We have ideas to plant more vegetables in our big 'recycled' tractor tyres. The electric fence is keeping the cows away now.


Gardening with kids of any age is a lot of  fun. Plus projects are an educational opportunity guaranteed to keep kids busy and learning about Mother Nature.


For growing tips and other new ideas for your Little gardener's new flourishing garden, visit the new website: www.mrfothergills.com.au or Facebook page

I have two sets of each range as shown above to giveaway {But not the living plant}. Each prize is valued at approx. $55

To enter leave a comment what you would like to grow in your garden and why ?




This is a game of skill. Each valid entry will be judged based on creativity or originality.

Terms and Conditions: 
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter. There are some restrictions for WA & TA on 2 of the Create & Grow.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are two winners - each will win a prize pack similar to image -
4. Entries - Open 20/11/2012 - Close 11.59pm  4/12/2012 AEST. The winner(s) will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winner has 5 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. 
6. Prizes sent out will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
7. Additional entries if you share on FB or twitter but you must leave a second valid entry answering the question. Also, please leave how you shared the post in the comment.
8.Optional entries to subscribe to my blog HERE to receive MLDB updates
9. Follow via Facebook or Google Friend Connect on the sidebar >>>>

Giveaway closed - Winners 

N Rowe 
Jo Clarke

 

Monday 19 November 2012

Starlight bringing wishes to life.

 

Today, I wanted to mention the work of Starlight Children’s Foundation for seriously ill children across the country. My dear friend Tiffany {from Three Ring Circus 's} , daughter Ivy received a Starlight wish last year. Starlight also helps ease the 'trauma' during Ivy's frequent  hospitalisations.

Ivy is the face of the 2012 Starlight Christmas campaign please read Tiff's beautiful story with photos.

Sandy the Sea Turtle PILLOW PET, was designed by Chloe who was diagnosed with Herpes Encephalitis, commonly known as ‘cold sores on the brain at 20 months old.

Following a family trip to the Great Barrier Reef provided by Starlight Chloe was inspired to submit a drawing of a sea turtle. Funtastic used Chloe’s design to create this very special PILLOW in honour of Starlight.

It is that time of year when everyone is thinking of Christmas wishes and Pillow Pets , a very popular children's toy - will make an ideal travel pal, naptime buddy and all-round snuggly friend. It will also help Starlight fundraising.




Available now at Toys R Us $5 from every sale @ $19.95ea of the Sandy the Sea Turtle PILLOW PET will go directly to Starlight to help in their work .

Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO, Louise Baxter says, “The sad reality is that every
minute of every day a child is admitted to hospital in Australia, but with the help of
supporters like Funtastic, Starlight can continue to deliver our programs in all major paediatric hospitals across Australia.”
I'm hoping to donate one I was sent to our local Children's ward for a child with a serious illness.
 

Sunday 18 November 2012

My week ~ Instagram # 5 and Mission Complete

It's been a long weekend  de-cluttering and ridding the Casa de shed of 100 pieces of clutter , 99% of it toy or kid related. It's been on my to do list for months but I just haven't had the energy or inclination to be truthful.


Yes , poor Elmo (x 2) went in the bag too # FMSphotoaday
Drink # FMSphotoaday
Bake at Home with Zumbo ...*sigh* it didn't happen today despite my plans # FMSphotoaday (Man-made)
Last thing I bought # FMSphotoaday

The 100 things -just a portion shown here - it happened this weekend # FMSphotoaday
Where I slept # FMSphotoaday 
View out my dirty kitchen window # FMSphotoaday
Little cabin on the prairie is now clad

I've still got another 100 of non toy detritus - to be fair - I plan to do over the next week.

In other Instagram news - I got a big surprise {hardly surprising perhaps} - scrolling through Instagram ... I knew the teenage devils were always up to no good when I heard them laughing with my toddlers.


Linking up with Tina

Saturday 17 November 2012

Got your back for Christmas

I've been caught in a spiral of despair because of the all the amazing Christmas things and ideas on Pinterest and elsewhere.

At least one of my problems is solved - if I can pull it off - a cute idea from Jessica @The BlueBasket. I think hubby will love this home-made gift.


Full tutorial is here
 Jessica has some amazing and cute ideas.


I'm loving this idea  -  healthy and delicious too - instructions here 

I got the idea from here
The boys love playing with sticks . I hope I can bribe them (as you do)to find me enough to try this.



White Chocolate Marshmallow Snowman Pops might work as the bribe...I might try it with cakepops too.

Right now I have to get back to my 100 things challenge - to toss or giveaway(with drop off Monday) 100 items today. Once we sort the toys - I putting up this poster.



It is a very slow process with the boys helping .Hubby is blissfully off working on our little cabin on the prairie.

Do you de-clutter the toys and excess stuff prior to Christmas ?
Do you find it as hard as I do to get rid of stuff when sentimentality gets in the way ?

PS : Just a reminder to please check my current giveaways- the links are in side bar on top right- save yourself some Christmas shopping and more $ in your pocket.

Linking up with Tina's Christmas


 

Friday 16 November 2012

Unleashing the Giants ~ Skylanders {Giveaway}

Start an all new adventure with Skylanders Giants, the sequel to the hit Skylanders Spyro's Adventure!

It's a magical merging of the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toys with “brains”. If you are a parent ,especially of boys aged 5yrs and up - you will know what I am talking about because everyone is talking about the Skylander's franchise.

My boys are huge Skylander fans .The GIANTS have been top of their Christmas wish list since we attended a SONY entertainment event a few weeks ago. I'm the Mother of the year at the moment - except I won't let them take the GIANT to news day.

 Skylanders Giants™  are available across all gaming platforms /consoles [PlayStation 3Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, , Xbox 360]- the characters themselves interchange or cross between any console. The characters also remember their up graded powers at home or away visiting friends.

Players lead a team of heroic Skylanders in an all new adventure to save their world .Portal Masters journey through new areas of Skylands, encountering new enemies, solving fun puzzles, overcoming different hazards and obstacles, and finding a variety of collectable rewards and treasure.


Skylanders Giants launches sixteen new characters  (Eight super-sized Giants with powers to matchs & Eight new regular sized Skylanders) into the magic of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure.

The new LightCore™ Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players’ transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power.

The new Skylanders Giants Starter pack - which comes with the new game, three characters (including One giant) is complete with a new portal of power which requires no batteries .It simply plugs into your game console. My boys love that the new portal changes colour.

Our pack arrived when Sam was in hospital -


For returning players it isn't necessary to purchase a new portal - but the GIANTS are not retro compatible with the original gaming CD. Owners of the original game and portal can simply purchase the portal owners pack which comes with the new game CD for your gaming console and a new Giant character.


(They also have HOT collectible trading cards, that tell you all about the Giants’ stats and powers, plus stickers and a poster to add to the delight of my boys , plus a secret code to unlock the same character in mobile [iPad ] games like Skylanders Cloud Patrol.

However , while the new GIANT's and characters are only compatible with new gaming CD - The team of existing Skylanders have forward Compatibility: All of the beloved characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure are 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, each of their abilities and upgrades intact. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure characters can even increase their level cap from Level 10 to Level 15 in Skylanders Giants!



FAST  FACTS & KEY  FEATURES:
* Giants: More than twice the size of regular Skylanders, the Giants use their colossal scale and power to battle enemies, solve unique puzzles, and interact in the game world like never before!

* LightCore Skylanders: Amplifying the real-world magic of bringing toys to life, Skylanders Giants introduces the LightCore Skylanders that light-up in the game world and in the real world as players’ transport them into Skylands using the Portal of Power. LightCore Skylanders feature additional in-game benefits, and require no batteries!
* Brand New Skylanders: New Skylanders join the adventure in Skylanders Giants each equipped with their own unique personality, powers, and abilities that kids are sure to love!
* Series 2 Skylanders: Fan-favorite Skylanders from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure return in an all new way in Skylanders Giants! Each Series 2 Skylander features an all new “Wow Pow” upgrade power, as well as the choice of more than one upgrade path! Fans can even play with their Series 2 Skylanders in Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure!

 * Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and additional gameplay options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that encourage players to collect and level-up every character.
Follow http://www.twitter.com/skylandersgame as well as
https://www.facebook.com/SkylandersGame for all of the latest Skylanders  adventures.

Now onto the Giveaway,  thanks to Activision and just in time for Christmas ~ three winners will each receive the following items [or similar]. 
1 x Skylander Giant single character [not 100% sure it will be Bouncer]
1 x Light-Core single character 
1 x Battle Pack [Chop Chop, Dragonfire Cannon which unlocks a new combat arena and Shroom Boom]

In 100 words or less what would your super power be if you were a Skylander or what world would you like to be teleported to ?  
...anything rules - creative answers and use of imagination




This is a game of skill. Each valid entry will be judged based on creativity, humour or originality.

Terms and Conditions: 
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question in 100 words or less will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There are three winners - each will win a prize pack similar to image - though it may not be the exactly the same characters. 
4. Entries - Open 16/11/2012 - Close 11.59pm  3011/2012 AEST. The winner(s) will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winner has 5 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. 
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
7. Additional entries if you share on FB or twitter but you must leave a second valid entry answering the question in 100 words or less. Also, please leave how you shared the post in the comment.
8.Subscribe to my blog HERE to receive MLDB updates
9. Follow via Facebook or Google Friend Connect on the sidebar >>>>


Disclaimer: All opinions are my own , I was not paid though my children (I)  received free a copy of the Skylanders Giants starter pack to review. 

Winners :  
Manda Richards
Annaleis Topham
M David
 



win free stuff