Thursday 31 May 2012

{Giveaway} Up, up, up and away and Sydney Tower Eye & Skywalk Experience

It's good to be home after being in Sydney for 2 days. I had a lovely time staying with my friend.


Tuesday, the plane bound for Sydney was delayed almost 1.5hrs by in bound flight .Fortunately the event I was attending was on Wednesday.

I love seeing the Sydney Tower Eye on the horizon when I visit. It has been a Sydney icon for many years now. I'm so excited to offer a giveaway for you to experience the exhilaration too. The giveaway is at the bottom of the post.

Just as I arrived at the Airport for departure the school called to say Sam was in sick bay with red eyes.They were worried he was intent rubbing and scratching them out and blinking continuously.

My eyes puddled and I felt a choking silence in my throat.
I took a deep breath and told my DH.
DH and I said a quick goodbye and off he went to collect him . He was on his way to Drs anyway if there was a problem. He was ok in the end , it wasn't anything to worry about.

I don't do leaving my babies well especially if they are unwell.

I was frantically covering all bases before I left that morning . I left dinner, half prepared, for the Boys; the dog's dinner ; paid a few bills and went through the 'drill' ... Swimming is at 4pm, decide about school disco Wednesday 5pm and pick me up Thursday 12pm.

DH was a little concerned I only had a one way ticket ; -) because I'd only printed one boarding pass.

Being in Sydney - also made me think about running the City to Surf . It was on hold last week due to a hacking cough, sinus and cold. I still walked every day instead. Monday night I ran 6km non stop and another 6km Tuesday morning before I had to leave...then I was rushing and stressed.

I missed my treadmill yesterday - it's a love -hate thing. I get through each session by focusing on my fundraising goal for World Vision.I am very grateful for my supporters so far.

Being I am a slow runner and it isn't so much a race I intend on running. I just want to last the distance and I have about 10wks until race day. I know I'm getting fitter and stronger , a little faster each week too.

Making slow gains each week, as I plant my big feet firmly and grasp the rails of my treadmill , is all that matters.


Back to Sydney Tower Eye - See our photos from the day here

{ GIVEAWAY - }

 

1 x Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children* to Sydney Skywalk Experience -entry via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Closes 14th June
You need to book your experience with Sydney Tower Eye and be aware of Skywalk FAQ..

IMPORTANT: Please note that Child ages for SKYWALK are 8 - 15. For legal reasons, children under the age of 8 are not permitted on SKYWALK. ALL children participating in SKYWALK must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or over. Children under 8 can go up to the Observation deck and into 4D cinema.


Good luck.


Winner is : Rin

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ There are no birds in last year's nest


"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - Henry Van Dyke






Friday 25 May 2012

{Giveaway} Sony Playstation 3 ~ Sorcery Prize bundle (win One of Two)

Are you ready ?

... to embrace the world of magic and wizardry as PlayStation® brings to life  Sorcery™, the newest addition to the PlayStation®Move motion controller software line-up.

The game appeals to those who like the magic and fantasy genre overlapping a little with real science.



As seen in this video hosted by Steven Mould, a BBC children’s TV presenter and scientist that briefly explains the way in which science was integrated with the game. This video is based on ‘The Ice Spell’



As the young apprentice, Finn, get ready to be transported into a world of magic and wonder Sorcery, the all new action-adventure fantasy game available only on the PlayStation 3 (PS3).

Fledgling apprentice Finn , who must use his newly acquired magic skills, travels deep into the heart of the Faerie Kingdom. Along the way, Finn must master the various types of magic - arcane, earth, ice, fire, wind, and lightning - in order to stay alive, and to become truly deserving of bearing the title sorcerer.

The Nightmare Queen has broken the ancient pact with mankind and threatens to cover the land in eternal night. As a young sorcerer’s apprentice, it is up to the player to master the arcane arts and fight back the foul creatures of this magical realm. Sorcery puts the power in the players’ hands using the PlayStation Move motion controller and letting them conjure and command powerful magic as they brave the dark world of the Faerie Kingdoms.


Players undertake quests throughout Faerie Kingdom, rescue kidnapped children, recover ancient knowledge from the City of the Drowned and aid the local townsfolk. There is even a magical cat Erline to help Finn.

Players will encounter a multitude of enemies on the journey , solve ingenious puzzles, learn powerful spells, and craft strange potions with the in-game alchemy system. With over eight spells that can be used in various combinations and countless items to discover and collect, Sorcery immerses players in a unique fantasy adventure like never before.

 KEY FEATURES

A REAL MAGIC WAND – Use the PlayStation Move motion controller as your magic wand.Cast extraordinary magic spells, brew enchanted elixirs, solve ingenious puzzles, and defeat the forces of darkness!

The PlayStation Move motion controller mirrors your actual movements in-game.

 UNIQUE COMBO SYSTEM – 

The gesture-based casting system lets you chain together basic spells into powerful combos. Freeze and shatter your enemies, electrocute them with lightning called down from the heavens, or incinerate them in a lethal firestorm! So you can switch spells with a specific gesture, no need for buttons or menus.

DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTER – 

Collect magic items, learn new spells, and concoct upgrade potions, to turn your humble apprentice into an unstoppable magic force! Sorcery has a deep alchemy system containing over 50 potions to discover . An unending search for ingredients & powerful recipes.

A LUSH AND VARIED WORLD – 

Explore five unique realms, each with their own enemies and challenges. Descend into the kingdom of the dead to battle the Banshee and the Restless Dead warriors, venture into the endless stair where vicious bogies are wreaking havoc, brave the faerie forest, raid the Slumbering Palace to free Lord Fey, the Faerie King, and much more! Immerse your apprentice in an ancient mystical world with unique realms to explore based on Irish mythology.


The good news is I have two of these ultimate Sorcery packs valued at up to $550 RRP* to giveaway. It was just released yesterday 24th May.

Each bundled pack includes :
- 1 x PlayStation 3 console
- 1 x Sorcery game
- 1 x PlayStation Move starter pack (includes PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera)
- 1 x PlayStation Navigation motion controller


*Please note prize value may be subject to change

The winners will be chosen for humour , creative and original content -  

What magical ability would you desire or what spell or potion you would conjure if you were a sorcerer’s apprentice ? 

They can be silly , practical or fantasy or whatever  ??

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




Please complete the entry form ONCE and leave your comments in comment box below .



Closes 11th June 11.59pm AEST.
Optional entries if you
Like this post (see below)
Like My Little Drummer Boys
Tweet the giveaway tagging @mylittledrummer
Share on FB tagging My Little Drummer Boys

I'm feeling generous so you can enter once a day if you like as long as it's a new answer - spell,  magical ability, rhyme or potion etc...


Disclaimer:  I already own a Playstation 3 (thanks to a previous giveaway) .  I received the Sorcery game, PlayStation Move starter pack (includes PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera) and PlayStation Navigation motion controller to try the game myself. No financial payment was received.


Today is my 5th birthday blogoversary  - so as a present to my readers - I had to start this awesome giveaway today. I'll have to properly test out the game with my nephews and teenage son. The target age is 8 - 13 yr olds but in my opnion it will have a wider appeal - even I'm really keen to play ... just like Harry Potter series being the Childrens' books that I read before my teenager. I was also the Queen of Pokemon battles on his Gameboy.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Thankful for Choices and warm hugs



I've noticed a lot of people are struggling right now physically and emotionally with their purpose in life, self esteem ~ regarding weight and health issues, relationships and even their blogs.

Some days the sheer weight of the number of choices before us exhausts us .With to do lists as long as {insert your own} -the Harbour Bridge- is it any wonder we give ourselves a hard time.

My mind is buzzing with all the things I have (yes really need) to organise , people to see or annoy or email , or wrangling the kids and school stuff -  that I can't engage the present except for intently checking Facebook updates and emails.

We are burdened with such high expectations that we feel unfulfilled and frustrated.

I find it personally hard to silence my inner critic, to quiet the noise in my head and just go with the flow. If I can't keep up I feel a failure.

I worry about the future and our plans for it , I worry about things that may never happen and I forget to live in the moment.

I ask myself how do I find a balance ?

I know having less choices would be easier but putting things in perspective I have a rich life. Sure I have past regrets about bad choices and bad experiences and I can't change these.

“There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It's up to you to decide what to do with them.”
Jim Valvano




I'm  still letting go of ~ the preconceived ideas about how things are meant to be; the things I can't change and  bridges I don't have to cross. 


I can make better choices ...

I'll focus on practical steps to stay as organised as I can be (plenty of blogs to help me there) ...

I'll focus on my running , getting fitter and stronger...step by step.

I'll find a sense of purpose by engaging in activities or creative pursuits that interest or inspire me...crochet a granny square or make a quilt ...some day.

I'll connect with like minded people and I'll breath deeply .If things don't go my way I try again .. tomorrow or the next or reassess plan B.

I'm making a start today !


Right now I am thankful for the warm hugs of my cherubs, though I have to ask them to not touch my face - because they have 'boy germs' a hacking cough and the green curtains are down in Tissue town.

We have all been unwell this week and they are home from school again today. My husband has also been away for work. It's tough solo parenting and my admiration for single parents is beyond measure.

Many mothers are better at caring for their children (and even friends in need) than ourselves. When our cherubs are hurting or unwell we wrap our arms around them, soothe their worries or injuries , say kind words and nurture them.

It is time we choose to nurture the child inside you ourselves - how about metaphorically giving yourself a warm hug ...say something good about yourself and challenge the inner critic !

Most things will pass , "this too will pass" is my favourite mantra !.

Go gently and make good choices - for you !

? credit unknown - I feel like doing this today except it is raining ...yay for filling water tanks.
So what is good about you (make a new list) ?
If you draw a blank phone a friend...


Wednesday 23 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cookie & the Three Little Pigs

"Cookie !"was up for auction @ Local Show


@ Local Show






Have you entered to win $50 Paypal cash  ?


I Prefer

A special word to Blogger authors about the CAPTCHA’s / new word verification tools that appear when you try to comment on a post ?  

Lately they are all but impossible to read with two blurry words and they are extremely difficult on mobile devices and with auto-correct. You may be losing comments because commenters don't like the extra time and the multiple attempts it requires. 

Blogger has great spam filters.

Some Bloggers don’t even know they have word verification activated because blog authors don't see it when they comment on their own blogs, so please double-check if you are unsure.
Here is how to turn it off .


                               

Sunday 20 May 2012

The Hunger Games ~ totally Pinworthy

So it seems totally wrong to post about running and health , after chocolate, but lets run with it anyway.

I find it challenging to run outside, on the road,due to my hearing impairment . I worry about not hearing cars approaching. I mainly stick to the treadmill. I love the treadmill workout programs I found via pinterest.

My right sided peripheral vision is impaired so I have to be careful too - not to run into low tree branches.

As well , the farm has uneven dirt tracks and it's dusty at the moment from a lack of rain .

There is a paved track to the zoo I plan to try in the coming weeks.




Last week I ran 8km in secs under an hr and I'm working up to 9-10km this week. It isn't easy but I know can do it. I've been inspired by Naomi @Seven Cherubs all the way.

The 14km City to Surf ,with Team World Vision, run is August 12th .So far I've raised $275 of my $1000 goal.





Source: fitsugar.com via Kirsty on Pinterest

This is my training focus this week - mixing up my treadmill workouts so it feels like I am running outside.


Because it is really about the food

Source: greatist.com via Trish on Pinterest


Inspiration for the week



 
 

Saturday 19 May 2012

{Giveaway} The Question is irrelevant ...Saturday by the numbers & Cadbury marvellous creations

... Chocolate is always the most reasonable answer .

These are not

 4  ~ number of cups of tea I've had while reconciling the teen's unauthorized use of my toll pass for 5 months -His personal ~ $87.06  and work related trips ~ $774.15!

Can you guess the number of trips to the bathroom ?

 7 ~ the number of times I tried to unzip a certain file before I Google'd how to do the right way

1 1/4 ~ pieces of burnt fruit toast I ate whilst doing it

602 ~ the number times I told my five years olds be shush up or close the 2 exterior doors ~ maybe less politely after 499 ...

39 ~  the no of things on my to do list this weekend

8 ~ the number of kms I am going to run later today.

 3 ~ Yes, I was sent 3 x family size Cadbury's new 'Marvellous Creations' range - Peanut Toffee Cookie , Jelly popping Candy beanies and Jelly Crunchy Bits



to be precise and a rather purple apron.

 
Marvellous Creations is the first Cadbury Dairy Milk product to be delivered from the magical and mythical land of Joyville !

Let's say I can't stop at one piece of the newest addition to my long list of favourite chocolate options.
One that combines quirky and unusual flavours to produce a unique taste sensation. My favourite is the deliciously new tongue-tingling Jelly Popping Candy beanies.

I may be watching my bottom waist-line, but if I'm honest, I really don't care some days .I'll sweat run it off eventually !

If you have too little in the way of willpower I warn you to steer clear ! The other family friendly


'joyville' option - if you want to limit yourself to just a couple of marvelously shaped pieces (be equally warned they aren't littlesquares and they aren't even sized pieces) -is to share with your chocoholic spouse , kids or even friends.


The kids love the ad ...


Onwards to the Tantalising I mean ...  GIVEAWAY

You've GOT TO get your lips hands on this !  and five of you can win three family size blocks
plus a rather Marvellously ' purple ' Marvellous ~ Creations apron of your own.
Since Marvellous Creations is the first Cadbury Dairy Milk product to be delivered from the magical and mythical land of Joyville ...

To enter  leave a comment below this post  in verse, telling me why chocolate brings you joy ?  :-) 

Be it a poem, a limerick, Haiku or a silly rhyme or whatever if you are challenged and really just want to win - remember it's a family blog too.

Crunchy, Chewy, Brown
Heavenly sweetness taste
No more once eaten

Alexandria Rios
- haiku example

The 5 comments that interest me or make my hubby laugh the most will win! 
Australian resident /addresses only .
I'm feeling generous so you can enter once a day if you like as long as it's a new comment or rhyme or whatever .
Extra entries if you tweet or Facebook tagging My Little Drummer Boys and leaving a creative comment.
Closes Wednesday 30th May 2012.
Winners will be contacted by email and announced on this post.



The lucky winners are

ellierock

A farmer's Wife

Reta








{Disclosure: I received a 3 x family blocks of Cadbury Marvelous Creations and an apron - I assume it was to share with my family ;) - . I am sure she didn't think I'd eat it all myself - I was not compensated financially for this post. Opinions expressed in this post are all my own.}
 

Thursday 17 May 2012

A little loose change goes a long way

Donate it to a good cause.

 

Giveaway winners ~ Ikea, Lion King & Lego


Ikea ~



M- Martin


Lion King 2 & 3


Lynette
Nat @ Nat Natterings



Lego Vehicles 



Anne -





Stay tuned for Lego Games Winners -



Have you entered my Current giveaways

Happy Feet 2 


Enter to win $50 paypal credit thanks to eBay

 

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday ~ Flashdance

Sydney Tower Eye attracts 80 percent of all lightning strikes in the Sydney area ... In 1998, the addition of a lightning rod to the top of spire extended the tower's overall height to 309 m

Hailstorm

I visited Sydney Eye Tower last Saturday - An Exhilarting Experience and sans lightening thank God !
Photo credit unknown was sent to my MIL in 2008 by friend who passed away ~ Hailstorm was the image title.

Have you entered to win $50 Paypal cash giveaway ?

Slow down some ....you are making me run

Lately as well as running on the treadmill, I've been running round in circles in my mind . Yes , life is a whirlwind despite a few extra hours in my day since the twins have caught the school bus 6-7 times a week.

I've ticked a few things off my list ....next will be to post the comp winners. I promise. Most have been contacted except for two peeps.

Finally our 2011 tax is submitted and the accountant will lodge them tonight ...talk about cutting it fine . The deadline is May 15th ...hours to spare ! What do you think about deadlines ?

I flew to Sydney for the first time last Thursday . A 1hr5min flight sure beats 5-6hrs driving. Though I had to leave home at 5:15am for 6:30am flight . I could well have driven for the 11am start . Flying was relaxing save for the adrenalin rush of the take off and landing. I am an anxious flyer.

I returned to the 'Mothership' gratefully for the weekend. My mum is awesome . She cooked me delicious dinners, made me cups of tea, did my washing and even poached eggs. Though, she can talk backwards , underwater and upside down . It was nice leaving the mess behind at home with hub and the twins. (They arrived late Friday night)

 I know too much mess in our home feels like a mountain and creates
stress when we run late and can't find important things, the chequebook or even the twins school gear. When the drawers are empty and the clean laundry is piled high waiting in baskets or on our bed to be folded by the good faeries tempers flare. I did it last night anyway.

Incidentally, I discovered this morning one of our 2-3 ? cheque books is 8 yrs old , recent cheques include the Teen's (almost 19) PRIMARY school expenses and a few blank stubs ( hub) still 12 cheques /50 remain. I only write cheques to the school mostly. I figure this one was MIA for a bit.

Not that these things are important in the bigger picture but the chaos that reigns would have us snip and snap constantly ... I hate it when I can't find a chequebook or clean underwear .


Without some organisation life would be harder , getting basic things done
helps minimise the mountains in our lives but a little dust won't hurt (don't look under my bed) or in the corners.
I love these like little snippets of wisdom mostly from Regina Black and I few I found elsewhere.




riends are treasures and so are the warm comments that have uplifted my spirit.


Don't even ask about my positive affirmations ...
My apologies for the layout I'm using my iPad via blogpress and it's all borked.