Happy Ella After
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  • Home
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    • Christmas
    • Family
    • Becoming a new Mum
    • memories
    • Great Finds
    • Milestones
    • Motherhood Mayhem
    • Motherhood Magic
    • Surviving Parenting
    • Working mum
    • Pregnancy
    • Birthday Ideas
    • grief
  • Categories
    • Prepped for Prep
      • The rookie school Mum
      • Literacy
      • Prep Transition
      • Apps
      • Number Doctors: Getting started with maths before school
      • Prepped for Prep: Schools these days
      • The Do’s and Dont’s of being a school parent
      • Enrolling in school? Surely not yet!
    • Stuff we love
      • Birthday Ideas
      • Small Business Stories
      • DIY
      • Recipes
      • Product Review
    • Places we love
      • Melbourne with kids
      • Ballarat
      • Hawaii
      • Queensland
      • Merlin Annual Pass
    • Fashion we love
      • Women’s fashion
      • Kids Fashion
    • Interiors we love
      • Kids Interiors
      • Renovation
  • Work with me
  • About
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Happy Ella After

ChristmasChristmas Unisex Gift Guide

Day 8: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Micro Scooter

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Christmas Unisex Gift GuideLiteracyPrep TransitionPrepped for Prep

Day 7: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: My Pen Pals writing and maths kits

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Christmas Unisex Gift GuideStuff we love

Day 6: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: All about Today Calendar

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Christmas Unisex Gift GuideStuff we loveToys

Day 5: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Geomag cubes

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    Motherhood

    Getting my house COVID clean with Fantastic Services

    May 26, 2020
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  • Motherhood

    KidsCo Activity Kits – saving parents (and kids) one kit at a time

    May 24, 2020

    You may or may not have heard of the awesome company KidsCo. In the last couple of years, they’ve basically solved a heaps of working…

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  • Motherhood

    Fresh and Clean with Fantastic Services

    October 7, 2019

    *It should be noted that in writing this review, Fantastic Services provided myself with a three hour cleaning service with two cleaners. Whilst I did…

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  • MotherhoodMotherhood MagicWorking mum

    An open letter to those with children starting school this year…

    January 24, 2019

    Dear new school Mum or Dad This time last year, I was you. I was in the throws of getting my daughter ready for her…

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  • FamilyWorking mum

    Getting Christmas sorted: Babysits

    December 14, 2018

    Christmas is indeed a time for family, except that is, when you are parents and you need your children to be minded so you can…

    Read more
  • ChristmasChristmas Unisex Gift Guide

    Day 8: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Micro Scooter

    November 25, 2018

    For our final day of our 8 days of Christmas Unisex Gift ideas, we share one of our all time favourites in Micro Scooters. Micro…

    Read more
  • Christmas Unisex Gift GuideLiteracyPrep TransitionPrepped for Prep

    Day 7: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: My Pen Pals writing and maths kits

    November 24, 2018

    In keeping with my educational theme of the last few days, today’s feature is very close to my teaching heart. My Pen Pals is a…

    Read more
  • Christmas Unisex Gift GuideStuff we love

    Day 6: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: All about Today Calendar

    November 23, 2018

    Today’s profile is simply one of the best everyday educational products you can have in your home for your children. Stocked by the beautiful Little…

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  • Christmas Unisex Gift GuideStuff we loveToys

    Day 5: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Geomag cubes

    November 22, 2018

    Today we share a toy that I’ve only discovered recently. They are cool, really cool! Geomag cubes are not your everyday blocks. You see, they…

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  • Christmas Unisex Gift Guide

    Day 4: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Smiggle

    November 21, 2018

    Smiggle has to be the one place that is every child’s dream. If you are a Primary Teacher like me, you will know that over…

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  • Christmas Unisex Gift GuideCompetitionsGiveaways

    Day 3: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Tiger Tribe

    November 20, 2018

    There is something about getting a little box of goodness. A box that opens up to reveal treasures and trinkets. This instantly reminds me of…

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  • Christmas Unisex Gift GuideGiveaways

    Day 2: Unisex Gift Guide: My Creative Box

    November 19, 2018

    It’s Day 2! Today we are sharing one of my favourite ever small business stories. Inspiring little minds  and  providing opportunities for children to explore,…

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  • ChristmasChristmas Unisex Gift GuideGiveawaysSmall Business StoriesStuff we loveToys

    Day 1: Christmas Unisex Gift Guide: Magformers

    November 18, 2018

    I’m so excited to this year be launching my unisex gift guide for Christmas. Gift Guides are everywhere, but what if you actually want to…

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  • Local LegendProduct ReviewSmall Business StoriesStuff we love

    Kids ride on cars this Christmas

    October 24, 2018

    This year I’m focussing on sharing unisex gifts for children. Gifts that can be given to either girls or boys, that both can enjoy. Even…

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  • HolidaysPlaces we love

    Enjoying Noosa with kids

    October 21, 2018

    A few weeks ago we arrived home from a lovely couple of weeks up North. We spent one week in Noosa, and one down at…

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  • FamilyHolidaysMelbourne with kidsPlaces to visit with kidsPlaces we love

    Taking kids to the snow, and actually having a good time!

    September 20, 2018

    I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a beach person. Dan loves the beach too, but his heart is at the snow. We’ve really tried…

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  • Melbourne with kidsMotherhoodPlaces we love

    Melbourne family stay-cation with Somerset

    September 5, 2018

    Last weekend, we were thrilled to be invited into the city to spend a night at Somerset on Elizabeth. Residing on the corner of Elizabeth…

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  • Product Review

    Toy Review: Scruff-a-Luv Pets

    August 23, 2018

    My children adore animals. Before we had children, we already had a child (sort of) in our dog Lloyd. One of the best things about…

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  • CompetitionsGreat FindsProduct ReviewStuff we love

    Win Real Kids, Real Play by Jack & Lus

    August 16, 2018

    Every now and again, a product comes along that is so good, you wonder where the hell it has been your whole life? ‘Real Kids,…

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  • Family

    Two years today

    August 9, 2018

    Two years today. Two years since we lost our beautiful Dad. Truly, I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it’s been two whole years since…

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  • FamilyProduct ReviewStuff we love

    Capturing memories with Canvas Champ

    August 6, 2018

    I’m someone who treasures photos and take loads of them. I’ve always been that person who can relied upon to have my camera, or more…

    Read more
  • CompetitionsMelbourne with kidsPlaces to visit with kids

    Real Madrid World of Football Ticket Giveaway

    July 30, 2018

    Today I had some quality time with Huddy and we headed to the Melbourne Museum to check out all of the fuss that is the…

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  • AppsCompetitionsProduct ReviewReviews

    Product Review: Leapfrog Ultimate Tablet

    July 27, 2018

    You’ll know that I’m a teacher, and a Mum. I’m passionate about exploring how technology can enhance student learning, so when I was asked to…

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  • Melbourne with kidsPlaces we love

    Use your Merlin Annual Pass to visit the Lego Under Water Quest

    July 12, 2018

    Last week we took advantage of our Merlin Annual Pass and headed to the Lego Discovery Centre at Chadstone to check it out! Amongst the…

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  • CompetitionsGiveawaysProduct Review

    Don’t miss out on becoming a Darrell Lea taste tester!

    July 10, 2018

    Last week I shared the awesome news that Darrell Lea, our Aussie favourite,  has just released Rippers – a jelly confectionery product with 25% less sugar. Darrell…

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  • HolidaysPlaces we love

    Family winter wonder escape in Ballarat

    July 8, 2018

    This weekend, we packed up our car with every change of clothes possible, headed up the Western Freeway to our favourite family winter destination, Ballarat. …

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  • Melbourne with kidsPlaces to visit with kids

    School Holiday Fun: Marvel Avengers Station

    June 28, 2018

    Looking for something to do with the kids these school holidays in Melbourne? If you’ve got little (or big) kids that adore super heroes, then…

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  • Motherhood

    You little Ripper Darrell Lea

    June 25, 2018

    Lollies. They get me every time. Whilst I’m not a big cake fan, and to be honest, my children are also not partial to a…

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  • FamilyPlaces we love

    Super School Holidays with a Merlin Annual Pass

    June 23, 2018

    If you follow along, you’ll know that we are proud ambassadors to Merlin Entertainment, and their awesome Annual Merlin Passes. If you are like us…

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  • Local LegendPrep TransitionPrepped for PrepSmall Business StoriesTop Posts

    Number Doctors: Getting started with maths before school

    June 18, 2018

    Maths. If someone asked you ‘are you good at maths?’, what would you say? Chances are, if you were good at it, you loved it.…

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  • MotherhoodTop Posts

    Fireman Hudson turns 4

    May 20, 2018

    A couple of weeks ago, our Hudson (aka Huntsman as a couple of his mates call him) turned four. Four years old! Given that his…

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  • FamilymemoriesMotherhoodSchool

    From the Great Grand Daughter of an ANZAC

    April 24, 2018

    ANZAC Day means a great deal to me and my family.  My Great Grandfather, James Chadwick was an ANZAC who went to Gallipoli. My Father,…

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  • Fashion we loveMotherhoodTop PostsWomen's fashion

    Feather & Noise celebrating women

    April 19, 2018

    If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I was pretty chuffed, excited, flattered to be asked to be part of last week’s Feather and…

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  • Motherhood

    The rookie school Mum

    February 22, 2018

    Well, it’s been almost four weeks of Ella being at school, and myself being a rookie school Mum and I pleased to report we are…

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  • Motherhood

    Be a Valentine with Flowers for Everyone!

    February 5, 2018

    Valentines Day is next week people! Next Week!! Whether you love the day or not…..one thing is for sure….everyone loves love. One of the best…

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  • Motherhood MayhemPrep TransitionPrepped for PrepTop Posts

    To our Ella, on the night before you start school.

    January 31, 2018

    To our dearest Ella As much as I want to hold your hand, tightly in mine and keep you young forever, tomorrow I will let…

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  • Motherhood

    Starting school essentials: for kids and their parents

    January 25, 2018

    Every year for as long as I can remember, the phrase ‘back to school’ has meant the setting up of classrooms, getting everything ready for…

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  • Local LegendSmall Business Stories

    Local Legend: Tracy from Love my Pantry

    January 24, 2018

    Pantries. They are the centre of our homes. Whether you’ve got a small pantry cupboard, or a large butler’s space….if you are like me then…

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  • Fashion we love

    Reliving my 80s childhood with the Looney Tunes & Cotton on Kids

    January 19, 2018

    Growing up as a kid in the 1980s was so much fun. I have so many memories of racing home from school, turning the telly…

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  • CompetitionsSchool

    Smiggle Giveaway: Back to school with the Smiggle Squad

    January 11, 2018

    This time of year is always about back to school. This year, in our house…it’s about starting school! As a teacher, I’ve witnessed the rise…

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  • Holidays

    From blunder to bliss: How to have a ball in Bali with seven kids in tow!

    January 9, 2018

    Bali. It’s a destination synonymous with Australia. Many say that you’re not a true Aussie unless you’ve been to Bali! A few days ago we returned home…

    Read more
  • Christmas

    Last minute Christmas cramming: unisex gifts for any child

    December 21, 2017

    Ok peeps. We’re officially in count down mode. Five days until Christmas. This time of year I think that there are two types of people.…

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  • NETFLIX

    Netflix Originals: What’s the deal?

    December 3, 2017

    If you’ve got Netflix, you’ve probably seen more and more Netflix Originals popping up in your menus. However do you know what these ‘originals’ are…

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  • ChristmasCompetitions

    Living Like Lulu: Doll Accessories GIVEAWAY

    November 30, 2017

    Dolls, dolls, dolls. Growing up I was obsessed with them. There is something about dressing up dolls, doing their hair, changing their outfits. For some…

    Read more
  • Competitions

    GIVEAWAY: Win tickets to the Australian Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty Story Time

    November 6, 2017

    To be a ballerina. Whether you are five, fifteen, thirty-five or eighty five. Those of us who have grown up dancing, twirling, stretching and practicing…

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  • Motherhood

    Christmas Toy Review #2 & Giveaway!: Leap Frog Sweet Treats Cafe and Scoop & Learn Icecream Cart

    November 3, 2017

    This Christmas, I’m thinking laterally and looking for toys that give me bang for my buck. Two for one. Killing two birds with one stone…

    Read more
  • Kids Fashion

    Introducing Disney Originals 2 Sleepwear – Exclusively at Big W

    October 30, 2017

    We all know that the sheer range of divine clothing for little girls is abundant and amazing. It should be no surprise then, that the…

    Read more
  • Competitions

    GIVEAWAY: Peppa Pig Nappy Pants available @ Big W

    October 29, 2017

    Just when we thought we couldn’t love (or live) with the great Peppa Pig any more, they have gone and released their very own Napppies.…

    Read more
  • Christmas

    Christmas Toy Review #1: VTech Toys

    October 27, 2017

    In the cray cray lead up to Christmas, I’ve decided to hire my own children and put them to work, reviewing some amazing toys to…

    Read more
  • GiveawaysHolidaysPlaces we love

    Blissful Bellarine Getaway Giveaway!

    October 11, 2017

    This last weekend we travelled down to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Not quite two hours from Melbourne, it was the perfect spot to getaway on…

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  • Motherhood

    A little day out at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival

    October 3, 2017

    Spring has well and truly sprung in Selvin! Yesterday, we had one of those glorious spring days as we headed to the Dandenong Ranges to…

    Read more
  • Competitions

    Peppa Pig Giveaway

    September 27, 2017

    After her cinema debut earlier this year, the world’s most famous and loved pig, Peppa Pig is back! PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CINEMA EXPERIENCE: PEPPA’S AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY will be available to…

    Read more
  • Product ReviewStuff we love

    Book Review: ‘The Birthday Thief’ by Wonderbly

    September 26, 2017

    You’ve surely heard of the ever popular ‘Lost my name’ series of books, where your child can star in their very own story, in search…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    Silvers Circus Ticket Giveaway

    September 18, 2017

    ROLL UP ROLL UP SILVERS CIRCUS IS HEADING TO MARIBYRNONG! with all your favourite acts and more!!…….. Established in 1976, Silvers Circus provides world class family…

    Read more
  • NETFLIX

    My favourite bingeworthy shows on Netflix

    September 17, 2017

    If you are anything like me, then you rarely get the chance to have the entire house to yourself. When you do, there always seems…

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  • Motherhood

    Hood Mamma Edit Coolness

    September 14, 2017

    You may or may not have recently seen the amazing collaboration shoot that we did with Motherhood Melbourne recently. An amazing idea that celebrate all…

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  • MotherhoodSchool

    The Do’s and Dont’s of being a school parent

    September 11, 2017

    In the coming weeks, children and their parents everywhere across Australia will be visiting their new schools in preparation for Prep Transition. Whether you live…

    Read more
  • CompetitionsGiveaways

    Pop Up Globe Theatre Ticket Giveaway

    September 7, 2017

    Have you heard? A full-scale temporary working replica of one of the greatest theatres in history, the second Globe, will soon pop-up right next door…

    Read more
  • Holidays

    Hawaii with Kids Part 2: Aulani Disney Resort

    August 27, 2017

    I was so thrilled to receive such positive feedback last week following my epic post about travelling to Hawaii with kids. I really hope it…

    Read more
  • HolidaysTop Posts

    How to have an amazing holiday in Hawaii, with kids.

    August 22, 2017

    Last week we left the sunny beaches of Hawaii and after what felt like an eternity, landed in cold old Melbourne. It was an amazing,…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    Pocket Money: Give, spend, save.

    August 16, 2017

    Pocket money. Recently, Ella has started asking us if she can have pocket money. It’s something that some kids grow up with, and others don’t. It’s…

    Read more
  • Family

    One year on

    August 9, 2017

    Today is a day that a year ago, I couldn’t imagine coming. A year ago today, we lost our darling Dad. Suddenly. The pendulum swung,…

    Read more
  • NETFLIX

    Choose your own adventure! Netflix Interactive Stories (and a little giveaway to boot)

    July 21, 2017

    Just when you thought Netflix couldn’t be more awesome: they launch their new Interactive Stories. If you’ve ever been at school, you would be familiar…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    Hypoxi: The Verdict

    July 18, 2017

    If you’ve been following along lately, you will know that I’ve been trialling Hypoxi. No, this isn’t another ‘eye roll’ sponsored post that seemingly promotes…

    Read more
  • Product ReviewStuff we love

    Skate like Wonder Woman: DC Super Hero Girls Skateboard

    July 16, 2017

    As a child, I loved riding skateboards. It’s one of those things that knows no boundaries. Whether you are a girl or a boy, old…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    KProduct Review: Custom by Bobux

    July 13, 2017

    Aw my gawd. These were the words that spilled our of my daughter’s mouth when she saw the new shoes before her eyes. Custom by…

    Read more
  • Local LegendMotherhoodSmall Business Stories

    Local Legend: Lou from Honey and Co Club

    July 5, 2017

    God knows I love stuff that helps Mums stay sane. What I love even more is stuff that keeps kids engaged and occupied, using their…

    Read more
  • FamilyMotherhoodPlaces we love

    Celebrating Winter in beautiful Ballarat

    July 3, 2017

    This weekend we escaped the city and headed to beautiful Ballarat. Known for none other than being the gold epicentre of Victoria, the region has…

    Read more
  • AppsMotherhoodPrepped for PrepProduct Review

    Product Review: Wantu App

    June 25, 2017

    As you know, I’m always, always on the look out for great products that are pitched at families dealing with young kids. In my house…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    Prepped for Prep: Schools these days

    June 16, 2017

    Schools are not the same places they used to be. For many, school has not been a place that they have visited since they left…

    Read more
  • MotherhoodPrepped for Prep

    Prepped for Prep – Preparing parents for school, again.

    June 9, 2017

    Parenting. It is the hardest job in the world. Whilst it can bring us endless amounts of joy and happiness, it can also bring out…

    Read more
  • ReviewsStuff we love

    Product Review: Kingdom of You from Lostmy.name

    June 2, 2017

    Chances are, that if you are a parent of small children then you read a lot of books. There IS nothing better than spending time…

    Read more
  • AppsPrep Transition

    App Review: ABCmouse

    May 26, 2017

    One of the most commonly asked questions I get from parents and friends is about the apps we use at school to help children in…

    Read more
  • Local LegendSmall Business Stories

    Local Legend: Sam from The Empathy Gift Co

    May 22, 2017

    Tonight’s post is one that is very close to my heart. For those of you who know me either online and real life, you’d know that…

    Read more
  • Motherhood

    Life’s a stage with Netflix

    May 17, 2017

    I’ve always been an avid lover of the theatre. There is something about heading to a show and just losing yourself for a couple of…

    Read more
  • CompetitionsStuff we love

    Superhero Sleepwear with Warner Bros & Best and Less

    May 11, 2017

    Winter is coming and we all know that this means time to rug up and battle the cold. Nothing is better than putting on a…

    Read more
  • Local LegendMotherhoodSmall Business Stories

    Local Legend: Issy from Seriously Milestones

    May 11, 2017

    Motherhood. Magic, Mayhem, Milestones. Some milestones are well known – first steps, first tooth, first sleep through the night. Then there are the milestones that…

    Read more
  • NETFLIX

    What’s new on Netflix: Disney Classics

    April 29, 2017

    With winter fast approaching, our days of playing and spending time outdoors are becoming a distant memory. Parks and pools are replaced with indoor cubbies…

    Read more
  • Local LegendMotherhoodStuff we love

    Local Legend: Tamara from Nit Clips

    April 28, 2017

    Nits. Nothing worse. As a child, I had them. Several times. Living in a household of four kids under six years old meant that if…

    Read more
  • CompetitionsFamilyGiveaways

    Review & Giveaway: Itchy Baby Co

    April 20, 2017

    *Please note that whilst this is a sponsored post, all opinions and findings are my own. If you have a child that suffers from allergies…

    Read more
  • Places we loveReviews

    Out & About: The Brickman Experience @ Melbourne Museum

    April 15, 2017

    Lego is one of those toys that transcends generations. Whether you are 75, 35 or 5, chances are you’ve played with lego at some stage in…

    Read more
  • Easter

    Egg-cellent Easter: cute craft ideas for kids

    April 12, 2017

    With Easter rapidly approaching this weekend, we are also in the midst of school holidays. That can only mean one thing. Bored kids! With the…

    Read more
  • Local Legend

    Local Legend: Polly from Piccolo & Peony

    March 31, 2017

    Flowers. We all love to give them, and squeal with delight when we receive them. Finding a great florist is a little bit like trying…

    Read more
  • Reviews

    Fast & Healthy Mid Week Meals

    March 30, 2017

     This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers but all thoughts and opinions including meal suggestions are my own. I’ve always been someone who has been super busy.…

    Read more
  • Birthday Ideas

    And then she was five.

    March 23, 2017

    Somehow, a few weeks ago, our Ella turned five. Five years old. In some ways it seems like a small number. However in my eyes,…

    Read more
  • Familymemories

    Losing Dad, finding Hope

    September 1, 2016

    Three weeks on from losing our beautiful Dad, things are really only now becoming real. He really did pass away. Suddenly. He really isn’t coming…

    Read more
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Welcome!

I'm a Mum, a Primary Teacher, Blogger and Print Designer of NAME IT Prints. This blog is dedicated to sharing the mayhem, the milestones, the magic of Motherhood! Welcome!

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