Monday, December 17, 2012

Gifts for us Mummy's



Boys, Dads, partners and significant others,

Please take note.
Us mummy’s really do appreciate the effort you go to in choosing us lovely Christmas presents like the Pajamas, slippers, tea cups, electrical appliances or box of chocolates from Coles. We really do… BUT…
IF you really want to thank us this year think about something along these lines:

2 Words = DAY SPA
Give mum a little pamper session for her to have all by herself or with a girlfriend.

A DAY OFF!
Mums love their kids and will do absolutely anything for them but really, we can all do with a day to ourselves. Take the kids out for the day and leave mum alone to read a book or have a sleep.

A CLEANER
If you really want to help mum out, pre pay for a cleaner to come and clean the house. This will give mum some time out to spend with you guys and you get a lovely shiny clean house at the end. Win/Win

BABYSITTING
Organise a babysitter to come for a couple of hours one afternoon each week to help out with the kids. Don’t make mum arrange it. You do it for her. The fact that you will go to the effort to call and book a babysitter is worth 100000 boxes of chocolates. Trust me!!!

DATE NIGHTS
Make a little gift box with 12 envelopes. Put $20 in each one and write a suggestion on the front for a date. You will have one ready for each month of the year. Now this really is a gift that will keep giving all year long.

WEEKEND AWAY
If you are able to, organise a weekend away for just the 2 of you. Get the Grandparents to have the kids for the weekend, book a hotel or campsite (whatever your budget allows) and spends 2 full days together doing things you love or doing absolutely nothing. My favourite is ordering room service, snuggling up in bed and watching as many movies as I can in 24 hours… Bliss!

COOK A MEAL and clean up after
Make a deal with your wife that if possible one night a week or month it’s Daddy’s night to cook. You organise with the kids what you want to eat, buy all the ingredients and prepare a family meal. Make sure it doesn’t make more work for mummy though. And yes, make sure you and the kids clean the kitchen after so mummy has a whole night off.

These little steps to help really really really make a difference and mean the world to us mummy’s. We don’t need another pair of slippers and the cupboard is full of coffee mugs saying worlds best mum.
The gifts that keep on giving all year long and the ones that provide us with your time are truly the best Christmas gifts.


So Daddy’s I hope you have taken note.
I write this from experience. Trust me. You will be Husband of the year if you do only one of the above.
And always remember: Happy Wife = Happy Life

Merry Christmas

Xxx
Amanda

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Presents for little boys

I'm back...

Ok so gifts for little boys:


1.  Water Activities

Paddle pools, sand buckets, containers and strainers. My son goes crazy for anything 'water' focused. Check out Kids Central for this great activity table. 



2. Cars, trucks, trains and planes

Wooden, plastic, metal or a mix. Boys aren't too fussy on the build as long as it's strong and will withstand the 2 year old pressure test. Have a variety of sizes and shapes - big, small, long... This will captivate them for longer!





3. LEGO/Duplo and Blocks

Isn't Lego just the best invention ever!!! Everyone loves Lego, regardless of age and gender. My hubby and daughter love building things together. And my son LOVES LOVES LOVES to knock it all down. There is something in a boys DNA that ensure 'destruction' is always first on their minds when it comes to Lego. 
Blocks are also great for building and knocking over. It can also be a great pack up game if your little one loves the sound of blocks crashing in the bucket.


kidstuff.com.au                                   playgroundprincess.com.au


4. Wrapping paper and cardboard boxes

Now I know this one seems a bit silly, but how many times have we heard our parents say it... Keep a few boxes aside this Chrissy and let the kids make cubby's with them. Hours of entertainment right there.





5. Keys, phones, TV remotes and computer keyboards

It's an oldie but a goodie. Most good toy shops will sell plastic key sets and TV remotes with sound effects and jingles. These are great stocking fillers. Old computer keyboards are great too. Just make sure you cut the cord off and all the keys are still secure to avoid a choking hazard. My Son goes berserk on 'his' keyboard at my feet when I am busy trying to work. It's a great distraction tool too.




6. Christmas Outfit, shoes and Christmas PJs

Boys always seem to miss out when it comes to clothes. Thank goodness for some lovely Aussie handmade Facebook businesses. Check out some gorgeous and handsome little outfits for boys. They are all just too cute.
My kids always get a new set of PJ's in their Santa Sack. It's a great tradition that began with my mum.




7. Craft

It's never too early to introduce craft to your children. Just start off small. Play dough (home made or bought), crayons, whiteboard markers and a white board, and chalk are all great little things to get you going. If you want a bit more you can try finger paints and stamps, or even shaving cream and food colouring. 





8. Trike, bike, car...

Anything with wheels, that can be sat on, that has a steering wheel and moves will be a winner hands down. Here are a couple of my tried and tested picks.
Fisher Price




9. Little People Farm Yard

This activity is a favourite of mine. It's all about imaginative play for both boys and girls. The pieces aren't too small and it's very easy to set up and pack away.

10. Puzzles 

Start with wooden puzzles as they are the easiest to put together and the hardest to break. Simple puzzles like this one are great.



11. Whatever his brother or sister is getting...

This seems to be a trend in our house. And I'm still not sure how to avoid it. Any suggestions???




I hope this list inspires you this Christmas. If nothing else other then a laugh and a flash back to your own childhood at Christmas time.

xxx

Amanda

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Rise & Shine. It's competition time!!!





MWWAH are running a HUGE Christmas competition and I am lucky enough to be involved!!!

Follow the link and enter via the rafflecopter form at the bottom. Simple as that. Check out the very long list of prizes on offer.

This is just a few of what you could win this Christmas!!!





What would you love to win this Christmas?

xx
Amanda