tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13261952729737840102024-03-13T11:21:32.496+10:00I'm ReneeWelcome to the chaos.
I'm a Gold Coast mumma to two boys and a love for family, celebrating, shopping and changing the World.
Stay tuned for adventures of the GC kind.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-47285995931639690142018-02-27T10:16:00.000+10:002018-02-27T10:16:01.867+10:00Goal Setting - the 2018 edition<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZg_AW0US5xx32yolQlm8plT9c8HMV-u0P-easEpkLV1I8RqXxfuUi6QglFKrOkInSgcba90SBM2Yq8I4fKWXUUHLcs7nW3rpLDf3XU_eb2ilqOqy_bpCAPfwd6RMCdsC1IR3465S7c8B/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZg_AW0US5xx32yolQlm8plT9c8HMV-u0P-easEpkLV1I8RqXxfuUi6QglFKrOkInSgcba90SBM2Yq8I4fKWXUUHLcs7nW3rpLDf3XU_eb2ilqOqy_bpCAPfwd6RMCdsC1IR3465S7c8B/s320/IMG_2429.jpg" width="320" /></a>Not to be confused with new year resolutions (bit late for those) , I took a long hard look at myself and the life I lived in 2017 and I've set myself a pretty big list of goals to achieve in 2018. I wanted to share them here so it makes me feel more accountable and so I can track them as the year goes on.<br />
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2018 is a huge year for us as a family because E started prep - I know, PREP! And this means we are going to have more to juggle, more to organise so I really want to be the best possible mum I can this year and get the most out of the journey ahead for us all.<br />
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Stay tuned, its a long one:<br />
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<b>Personal</b><br />
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Pray more and worry less - I don't want to waste minutes and hours on things that may never happen so I'm going let go of the outcomes I can't control and not waste my time.<br />
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Say yes and be slow to anger - I notice when we are all rushing and so busy and especially during the last part of the year when we are all tired out, I'm quick to shoot things down because they just seem too hard or like too much effort or I snap instead of pausing to gain patience. Is it really the end of the world if we leave the washing on Saturday's to go to the beach instead or if the boys stay up an extra 5 minutes for a dance party?<br />
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Less phone/social media time - one I'm sure we all relate to. My phone time got especially excessive in Oct/Nov when the Queensland election campaign was called. In fairness, it was my job to be on and available 24/7 but once it was over, I found it hard to break the habit and put my phone down. This year I'm going to save as much of the screen time as possible till when the boys are sleeping and only allow myself a short time at night without encroaching on time to catch-up with S.<br />
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Beauty time - I rarely spent anytime in 2017 painting my nails or having mini spa sessions with face masks and treatments. This year instead of spending time on my phone, I'm going to spend time on me and my skin - I'm not getting any younger so its probably a good idea.<br />
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Reading - I love to read and devour books by my favourite authors in one sitting (I read Gone with the Wind in 6 hours as a teen) but this year I think I managed 2 books in 12 months. I find reading so relaxing and therapeutic so I need to make time for it. This year I'm going to read at least 1 book per month and I'll do a post on a few I've picked so far for my list.<br />
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Blogging - I love blogging but I've kind of lost my mojo as its become such a big business industry now and I'm guilty of comparing myself to those who blog as a job ... this is purely a fun creative outlet for me but I often don't hit publish on a post because I feel like my photos aren't right or slick enough etc. I need to push those thoughts away and remind myself that I do this for me ... and because I like interacting with like-minded people out there.<br />
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Holidays - After 2 overseas trips with the boys in 2 years, I really want to do more with them. Yes they are exhausting but I want to make memories and show them the world while they are young (and actually want to holiday with us). Time goes way too fast and I don't want to miss the opportunities to see different places through their eyes.<br />
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<b>House</b><br />
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Finances - organise our finances better to make sure they are working at their best for us and our needs. A quick search found we can very easily get a significantly better rate on our mortgage so I'm going to spend some time checking all of our services and products to get the best deals and save money.<br />
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Backyard - as far as house goes, there are a million small (and big) jobs to do but this year we want to landscape our backyard now S has almost cleared it to a blank canvas. But in even bigger (and more exciting) goals, we want to put a pool in over Winter. I've already started getting quotes and fingers crossed we can get the go ahead in April.<br />
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<b>Health & Fitness</b><br />
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Drink more water - I really do need to remind myself of this because when I do, I feel so much better. I've started drinking 1 litre first thing in the morning for around 2 weeks now and I'm already noticing a difference in my skin as well as feeling less bloated.<br />
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Eat more whole foods - we eat quite well (the boys eat extremely well) but S and I don't eat as many whole foods as I think we need to. We both love vegetables and salads but are guilty of not eating much fruit despite chopping up mountains of it a day for the boys. <strike>We</strike> I also want to eat more pulse and legume based meals, simply because I don't particularly like the taste of red meat for the most part, its cheaper and better for us.<br />
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Go to bed earlier - I'm a night owl, I could sit up till 1am watching tv or on social media most nights and then get up at 6:30/7am and function. It does take its toll eventually though and it does affect my motivation, attitude and all round well-being.<br />
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Exercise - it makes me happier and I feel better, stronger and more confident. Its hard to motivate somedays but I'm aiming for a minimum or 4 workouts a week - a combination of walking/running and Kayla Itsines Sweat workouts.<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-86987830198092446132017-05-24T09:27:00.004+10:002018-02-26T14:59:57.654+10:00Shop Shop Shopping<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/shopping/set?.embedder=7700190&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=221787833" target="_blank"><img alt="Shopping" border="0" height="513" src="https://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=Ge5evEPW8rQplqolTjcz1Q&id=mpUEXH075xGpSpnC_Tr9yw&size=c600x513" title="Shopping" width="600" /></a></div>
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Some random recent purchases to share with you:<br />
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bonds active wear, specifically <a href="https://www.bonds.com.au/active-running-short-cwvqi-2cj.html" target="_blank">these</a> shorts and <a href="https://www.bonds.com.au/micro-full-legging-cwwai-2cj.html" target="_blank">these</a> leggings. The print is 'Osaka Bloom' and anything named after one of my favourite places in the whole world will suck me in everytime. (Now I just need a baby girl to buy the <a href="https://www.bonds.com.au/zip-wondersuit-bzbva-8bf.html" target="_blank">Kyoto Garden</a> print romper for so I can match her with the pj pants).</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Alo motorcycle leggings - I haven't actually bought these yet as I'm trying to find somewhere that is reasonably priced and that will ship to Australia. Love the knee detail and mesh patches.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/au/p/womens_category/shirtsandtops/blouses/asymmetrical-striped-ruffle-top/f8928?sale=true&srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=%2A2nGiS3mv0Y-r0%2A8349LNkOH4zC6EYYkGw" target="_blank">J Crew asymmetrical ruffle top</a> - sold out now. I saw this on Instagram on Jessica from <a href="http://www.garvinandco.com/" target="_blank">Garvin & Co</a> and couldn't pass up ruffles, stripes and peplum in one top. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Another blogger buy, I saw this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-tie-sleeve-sweatshirt-regular-petite/4504563" target="_blank">Halogen Tie Sleeve jumper</a> on Rachel of <a href="http://pinkpeonies.com/" target="_blank">Pink Peonies</a> and loved the tie up detail to the sleeves plus the colour. Its also not too thick so perfect for our mild Winter.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Accessories ... I need some news scarves and I'm loving alice bands for a simple rushing to work hairstyle.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My <a href="https://shop.misterzimi.com/collections/dresses" target="_blank">Mister Zimi</a> obsession continues with these gorgeous print dresses and the blue print bathers I bought on sale for our cruise in a few months. I'm planning to have the dress sleeves shortened to above elbow length like the River cut which they are no longer selling as I'll get more wear. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Omg <a href="https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/clothing/pants/60209177/Print-Bi-Stretch-Legging.html" target="_blank">these</a> pants! Do yourself a favour and buy them! Thick fabric and a textured print mean they sit like formal/work dress pants but the stretch and the elastic waist mean you feel like you're wearing leggings. Trust me, you'll thank me for adding these to your winter wardrobe.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I have been waiting at least a year for <a href="https://www.target.com.au/p/soft-tencel-jogger-skirt-chambray/59296683" target="_blank">this</a> skirt to come back in stock. My sister bought one last year and lives in it on the weekends and I'm always jealous as its the perfect length, fabric and style to be a staple in my mum casual rotation. I finally spotted it online and at just $29, I'm considering buying a backup.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I finally got an Apple watch. I wasn't sold on them or fitbits when they first debuted on the scene but after seeing one in action up close recently and how easy they make quick communication, the activity tracker and playing music etc, I wanted one and I'm loving it so far.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">New shoes, I'm always needing new work shoes and <a href="https://www.novoshoes.com.au/pumps/?shoe=julie_9340218446711" target="_blank">these</a> were 40% off in the click frenzy sale. I love the tie ruffled feature that keeps them from being too boring.</li>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-60092714457099476102017-05-17T13:11:00.003+10:002017-05-17T13:40:49.202+10:00Best things to do in Fujikyu / Mount Fuji / Lake Kawaguchiko with children<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZr20n7wxX64dcrdwTDJF7md2i-amVXElQc-XPHZYLOHRbzjoJS5A_-hmfqKchZfBiswvD4o-T7889OUKCCR0yzukicRRbNP4ZW4bjR5Y8kg_LSwGumxj_rabulx6fMGlOAvRKgD2VU_Y/s1600/17799241_10154834488406077_5966098272551283449_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZr20n7wxX64dcrdwTDJF7md2i-amVXElQc-XPHZYLOHRbzjoJS5A_-hmfqKchZfBiswvD4o-T7889OUKCCR0yzukicRRbNP4ZW4bjR5Y8kg_LSwGumxj_rabulx6fMGlOAvRKgD2VU_Y/s320/17799241_10154834488406077_5966098272551283449_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our two previous trips to Japan, we ran out of time to actually get out to Lake Kawaguchiko and/or Hakone for even a day trip so when planning this time, it was a priority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">S had been desperate on both our last visits to go to <a href="https://www.fujiq.jp/en/" target="_blank">Fuji-Q Highland theme park</a>, <span style="text-align: center;">Japan's most famous amusement park at the foot of Mount Fuji.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> W</span>hen we found out it had a connecting <a href="https://www.fujiq.jp/thomas/" target="_blank">Thomasland</a> - Thomas the Tank engine theme park - it was a no brainer to head to Lake Kawaguchiko for at least an overnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Further research showed up that Lake Kawaguchiko celebrated Koyo, <a href="http://en.kawaguchiko.net/event-en/fujikawaguchiko-momiji-festival/" target="_blank">the autumn leaves festival</a>, with nightly illuminations and markets so we decided to plan 2 nights, 2.5 days in the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For accommodation, we wanted something comfortable with easy access from the Highway Bus that was close to Fuji Q and local amenities. We chose <a href="http://www.highlandresort.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Highland Resort Hotel & Spa</a> which was a bit of a splurge but offered plenty of extras like direct early theme park admission, free access to the <a href="http://www.highlandresort.co.jp/english/hotsprings/" target="_blank">Fujiyama onsen</a> and was one of the highway Bus stations.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak7g1weY8kvqRfton_3_Z5uF9QSVsQwtbSC7MOUWWTfDrBNkLFcyfbJRUXBZUQybuFjBPEeiVozvC74LHwGzzdtpjtgtmo3dn6lllAdbBqH27vm3u-nocrTzo9TtmQGzLY32hh9Pe5p6x/s1600/17523402_10154834478261077_8323751149496103782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak7g1weY8kvqRfton_3_Z5uF9QSVsQwtbSC7MOUWWTfDrBNkLFcyfbJRUXBZUQybuFjBPEeiVozvC74LHwGzzdtpjtgtmo3dn6lllAdbBqH27vm3u-nocrTzo9TtmQGzLY32hh9Pe5p6x/s320/17523402_10154834478261077_8323751149496103782_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed in a family suite that was well appointed with separate bedroom and lounge area with televisiosn in each room - perfect for naptime and bedtime so we could still sit up and have a nightcap and watch local tv without disturbing the boys. It was on the fifth floor looked straight out to Mount Fuji and thanks to clear weather, we were greeted with the most spectacular scenery every morning, all day and afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The staff at the hotel were very helpful although spoke minimal english. It was a little hard to book through there website so I ended us phoning the hotel in Japan from Australia and arranging to send an email with our booking request and details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We didn't eat at the hotel, instead buying snacks and drinks from the Don Quixote supermarket across the road, eating at a delicious Japanese restaurant up the street a short walk and McDonalds for the boys just a little bit further up from the Japanese restaurant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We pre-booked our Highway Bus tickets from Shinjuku leaving mid-morning. The trip was around 1.5 hours and C slept the whole way thankfully. We were able to bring snacks and meals onboard also so pack lunch and drinks. It was a nice drive with some beautiful scenery once clear of Tokyo, especially with the changing leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived before check in at the hotel so dropped off our bags and caught a taxi to <a href="http://www.sylvans.jp/en/access.html" target="_blank">Sylvans Microbrewery and Restaurant</a>. The restaurant had finished its official lunch serving but happily accommodated us at a table in the back glassed room looking out on the gardens. We ordered the best hot chips I've ever had and each tried a different specialty beer. I really enjoyed the Weizen fruity beer. We didn't have much time here as we had a booking for the afternoon but had we had longer, the boys would have enjoyed running in the gardens and even checking out <a href="http://www.subaruland.jp/en/play/" target="_blank">Fuji Subaru land</a>, a small theme play park where you can rent or take dogs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVjHzr9xfM4W-S03t4Xucm42fPwQMs9CR4lCEkBYnH19znKC7zlplUFqBBfZkYE1iO1783Wb1ftrC762H0gOxo9OMl8DdSmLEEcSfkHpRWb0WOgnHPKIjJ3ZnFzxSOt38YmXNP6_7MJtI/s1600/17626483_10154834492581077_8998959591410148647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVjHzr9xfM4W-S03t4Xucm42fPwQMs9CR4lCEkBYnH19znKC7zlplUFqBBfZkYE1iO1783Wb1ftrC762H0gOxo9OMl8DdSmLEEcSfkHpRWb0WOgnHPKIjJ3ZnFzxSOt38YmXNP6_7MJtI/s320/17626483_10154834492581077_8998959591410148647_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After our snack and beers, we ordered a taxi via the front desk to take us to<a href="http://www.kainokaiun.jp/sakagurakengaku_osirase.html" target="_blank"> Ide Sake Brewery</a>, a 300 year old family owned operation I stumbled across on Trip Advisor. We made the booking via email which was quick and simple and I cannot recommend this experience highly enough, even with children. It was just so is<span style="background-color: white;"> excellent value as you get to sample 3 sakes and are provided a souvenir glass and Fuji postcards along with the tour. </span><span style="background-color: white;">You are also invited to view the owner's home (outer) and beautiful 300+year old gardens which the boys loved and the owner encouraged them to explore.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A MUST DO!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely get a taxi there and have the Japanese address to show the driver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we finished at Ide Sake, we asked the owner to order us a taxi and set off back to the hotel. Once back at the hotel, we showered, rugged up for the cold and took a walk down the main street outside the hotel for something to eat. We dined at a beautiful Japanese restaurant not far from the hotel by foot with traditional seating and small private dining rooms. Beautiful food and reasonably priced. The boys at McDonalds just a little further up and enjoyed a play with local children on the indoor playground. After everyone was fed, we spent at least an hour browsing in Don Quixote and stocked up on drinks for us to try and treats/snacks for the boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We planned for the theme parks on our full day there and as Fuji Q Highlands is famous for rollercoasters, the plan was for me to take the boys to Thomasland for the morning while S got his fix. Of course nothing goes to plan and I was up from 4am vomiting and feeling like death. I was still determined to persevere with our day's plan though and we set off to the hotel's private entrance with our passes to the park via </span><a href="https://www.fujiq.jp/en/attraction/lisagas.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a super cute themed village with cafes, a </span>carousel<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and small shops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately the day was freezing and drizzly and the park was almost deserted which I expect was due to most of the rides being closed until the weather improved for safety reasons. I took the boys into Thomasland and they were so excited to look around. I wasn't feeling any better so we went and browsed the Thomas shop for a while which was warm and dry and I was able to sit for a bit and the boys could play with displays set up for that purpose. Once I felt up to it, we headed out into the park and went on a few rides, all very small tame Thomas rides but the boys loved them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started feeling even worse if at all possible by now so we set off for the main park to find S. Thankfully we found him fairly quickly and I had him watch the boys as I was still vomiting but had nothing left to bring up (gross & TMI sorry). He took the boys on a few more Thomas rides while I sat in the cold trying to feel better. Once the boys had their fill I took them back up to the hotel for rest/naps and as the coasters were starting to open, S planned to spend the afternoon riding them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He met us back at the hotel late afternoon where thankfully I felt a little less deathly after a good nap thanks to C falling asleep for 3 hours and E being a total saint and sitting next to me on the bed watching TV quietly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had planned to visit </span>Fujiyama onsen for the afternoon as it was also connected to the hotel via a long corridor. Best part for mums of boys? Its segregated bathing and while mums can still take young boys, I convinced S it was better/appropriate they go with him.<br />
We had experienced traditional Japanese bathing before but I was still a little intimidated getting naked with strangers in a foreign country so I booked a full body 60 minute massage first and honestly, it was amazing. Firm but relaxing enough to send me almost off to sleep, it definitely helped me to feel better and ready to relax and bathe.<br />
The female bathing offered indoor and outdoor bathing and it was beautiful to sit in the hot baths outside in the freezing cold watching the sky get dark. I spent about 90 minutes bathing before showering with all the provided amenities and met the boys back at the room so we could get a taxi to Lake Kawaguchiko and the autumn illuminations.<br />
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We arrived on dark and walked through the illuminations which were so beautiful. It was busy with tourists and locals alike, all stopping to take the best photo. Unfortunately due to the drizzly weather, by the time we had walked through the illuminations, the food stalls and markets had started to close up. We found a small area with an open fire, a makeshift bar and food stand so sat for a drink and S sampled some local food.<br />
Once finished, we bought some fruit from a local growers stand for the boys (the biggest and absolute best pears we have ever had) and set about trying to find some transport back to the hotel amongst the rapidly disappearing crowds. We ended up walking 100m to a small bed and breakfast and asked the manager/owner if he could phone us a taxi. As is typical with Japanese hospitality, we received a warm welcome, an invitation in to sit and enjoy a refreshment. He even pulled some toys out for the boys while we waited.<br />
Once the taxi came, we headed back to the hotel and bed after a very full day.<br />
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With the Highway Bus booked for 1pm, we wanted to make the most of our last day so caught a taxi early to downtown Lake Kawaguchiko and the <a href="http://www.kachikachiyama-ropeway.com/en/" target="_blank">Mount Kachi Kachi ropeway</a>. Lucky we did as we were there 30 mins before opening and the line was already at a 30 minute wait with the line behind us rapidly filling - by the time we had been up and down, the line was easily a 90+ minute wait.<br />
I actually managed to get in a bit of trouble while lining up... there was an amazing display of strawberries and bananas and pears and the boys hadn't had as much fresh fruit as they were used to since we arrived so I grabbed a punnet of strawbs, some bananas and pears to buy, handed over the money requested and got back to S and our place in line. S asked how much it had cost and when I told him, it registered to us both I had just spent about $70 on 4 bananas, a punnet of strawberries and 3 pears. I was so embarrassed but S took them back to the grower and requested a refund due to my conversion ignorance. Luckily the grower was very kind and accommodating.<br />
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Moving on, we bought the joint ropeway romance boat ticket.<br />
We were crammed into the little gondolier like sardines - try to get to the sides of the car to at least see the view as in the middle, you won't see anything.<br />
It was a quick ride to the top and once up there, you can see why its so popular. A magnificent 360deg view that takes in Mount Fuji and the Lake. We were lucky to have a crystal clear day so got to see the area at its very best.<br />
There is a shrine to bunnies, a small refreshment and souvenir shops, restrooms and vending machines all available at the top. There is also a walk/hike you can do but with the boys and our limited time, we didn't do this.<br />
We spent about 60-90 mins at the top looking around and having a snack before heading back down the mountain and over to the lake for our romance boat ride.<br />
The departure point was opposite the ropeway entrance and maybe 150m to the left. We were lucky that there was a boat just leaving so jumped on that.<br />
There was good seating and a mix of indoor and outdoor points so we sat outside the boys and enjoyed a relaxing cruise around the lake with views of Fuji and the Autumn leaves.<br />
I definitely recommend this entire experience, it was beautiful and enjoyable for us all.<br />
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Once finished on the boat, we walked down the main street, bought a few souvenirs in the many tourist shops - Fuji apple kitkats anyone? We ate a light lunch from the local Family Mart - cheese chicken nuggets for the boys, fresh sushi for S and a pizza wrap for me all for under $10.<br />
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We caught a taxi back to the hotel, pickup up our bags from reception and went to wait at the bus station next door. To the boys absolute delight, the bus back to Shinjuku was the Thomas themed bus!<br />
The trip back was an uneventful one where C slept again (winning) and we enjoyed the scenery all the way back to Shinjuku.<br />
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We loved this part of our trip and I would definitely recommend it with or without children. There is so much to do and see, so much we didn't have time for including Ice Caves and shrines. It was a great experience for the boys with a good mix of fun and sightseeing thanks to the theme park and onsen.<br />
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Side note: We usually use local transport, buses/metro/trains but we used a lot of taxis during this part of the trip as the area and attractions were quite spread out. It was definitely the most expensive option but the easiest with the boys for us.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-54954588307086582372017-05-05T13:33:00.001+10:002017-05-05T13:33:30.194+10:00Holiday Goals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aQ3mjjBcCfhya6ujDHshK5PWZkdivBxf10jQ9XvnRd2L_rVxsN-syGLYzkdLilybkHAXI-eD4RdxiVnBD6_v-ljekYzNDFttck2BOBL8sqTAgJZwGzyNUeu8Xkp3Cw7fksWkMsu5Cfar/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aQ3mjjBcCfhya6ujDHshK5PWZkdivBxf10jQ9XvnRd2L_rVxsN-syGLYzkdLilybkHAXI-eD4RdxiVnBD6_v-ljekYzNDFttck2BOBL8sqTAgJZwGzyNUeu8Xkp3Cw7fksWkMsu5Cfar/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /></a>After our Tokyo area, Japan family holiday last year, it really woke me up to how much I miss travelling (<strike>we</strike> I haven't been overseas since E was born in 2012) and what a short time with have with our boys to see other parts of the World through their eyes and make those precious memories.<br />
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While there were plenty of exhausting and tricky moments, the experiences we shared and the sights we saw were that much more memorable for having the boys with us. We saw sights we've seen on past trips to Japan that seemed so much different with E & C by our sides exclaiming and pointing ... a simple metro trip had us engaging with Japanese commuters as our boys engaged with their young children - lots of smiles and nodding.<br />
Godzilla over the buildings in Shinjuku was the biggest deal and incited long tales from Ethan about dinosaurs living in Japan hiding among the tall buildings ... magic. The boys also got to make new friends with some of our old Japanese friends and I loved watching them learn from the different customs and mannerisms.<br />
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The trip put a few things into perspective for us. We bought a renovator house 2 and a bit years ago that needs a lot of work. We've done a lot of work and continue to, think new bathroom and laundry, painting, landscaping ... but it needs a new kitchen, I hate the tiles and we want a new patio just to name a few items. It all adds up to money and all our spare $$$ go into its improvement.<br />
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While we want to continue to tackle the items we can do ourselves or with family like painting and gardening and odd jobs, for the next few years, we want to save whatever we can not to replace the kitchen etc but to spend on travelling with our boys and making more of these magical memories for our family to share. We won't appreciate a kitchen in 30 years time as much as we will be grateful for these experiences.<br />
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We have a Pacific Seas cruise booked for August this year and I am looking forward to the relaxing family break that is cruising. I'm also excited for us to get a very small taste of Island life with the cruise taking in Noumea, Vanuatu and Lifou. We plan on skipping the shore tours and spending some time exploring with the other family we are travelling with as S and I have visited these places previously. A great chance for the boys to get a very small glimpse of the culture and lifestyle that is so different to their own.<br />
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Beyond our cruise, I think the boys will be old enough to venture a little further afield (read we are more game to fly with them) and we are in the process of locking down a trip to America in 2019 - June/July or September. My parents would like our whole family to spend a week in Hawaii for my dad's 60th and we figure you can't go to the USA and not visit Disneyland! So the plan is to tack a week on to Hawaii either before or after with my siblings and our families to go to DL. And not just for the children ... S is possibly more excited as Star Wars land/world is scheduled for opening in 2019. I visited DL almost 10 years ago, its still one of my favourite trips ever and I can't wait to share the Disney magic with my little and greater family.<br />
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We are also busy planning another trip back to Japan - our fourth, the boys second. Its just too amazing a destination not to visit over and over with so much to see and do each time. We have been 3 times and there is still so much we haven't even done yet and the beauty of the people and the scenery just keeps calling us back. Plus Jetstar offers such good flights and deals that its a cheaper holiday than going most places in Australia.<br />
We would love to visit in Nov 2018 although it may be a little close finance wise to our USA trip so I am looking at April 2020 too - just before the Olympics.<br />
As the boys will be a little older, we want to take them South this time down to Osaka and take in the historic areas of Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Fukuoka - a seaside town I only recently discovered but am committed to visiting as its one of the most stunning places I've ever seen in print.<br />
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We also want to do some short visits to Sydney and Melbourne and probably another 7 day cruise somewhere in the next three to four years ... ambitious and expensive but pushing our renovations back for these experiences will be well worth it in the long run and we can't wait to get adventuring with our boys.<br />
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Any great family friendly places we should get on our 5 year plan list?<br />
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-78792129429543145722017-04-20T09:41:00.000+10:002017-04-20T09:41:09.221+10:00The Working Mumma - mornings<i>This is my story and my thoughts alone. There is no judgement or censure on others choices, my motto where parenting is concerned, do what works for your family.</i><br />
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Like many mothers nowadays, I work full time and for a variety of reasons. I love my job, it stimulates and balances me allowing me to be present and in the moment for my boys when I am with them. Financially it allows us a small amount of freedom to have holidays, renovate our home (slowly), buy treats and pay for private schooling. I also love that it sets a good example for our boys and shows them how capable women are and can be in and out of the home.<br />
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But ... my goodness, everyday is a juggle and at least two mornings a week are scheduled to the minute with a random sleep in or slight deviation from the schedule sending the whole first half of the day into meltdown. Like this morning when CB decided to have a sleep-in after partying till 10pm ... of course today S had an 8am meeting, I had a media issue present and both boys had to get to kinder & daycare. Luckily E was a Saint (for a change) and even tried to help me by getting his brother dressed while I showered - think left arm and head through the neck hole, no pull-up and one shoe.<br />
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We are so lucky in that one day a week, the boys go to my mums, one day a week to my mother in laws and S is home every Friday with them but those 2 mornings rushing to make lunches, bags packed, get everyone fed and cleaned up and dressed and the kitchen clean and the washing hung out is just frantic - I'm dreading 5 days once they start school and I can't just drop C off in undies, one shoe and a backpack crammed with cutlery rather than face another epic battle about the necessity of clothes.<br />
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True story, this week I had to drop E at kindergarten without shoes as I asked him repeatedly to put them on and he told me they were in the car. Cue to us being on the highway and him calling out that nope, they weren't in the car grrrr. Lucky they actually encourage bare feet and the pavement wasn't too hot for the walk to his classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3eVEqPOWGtjud9Dct0TV2uJ0eEql8S67LmJHOjL0EaXbFUCDs1YuVY9Um4t18qDSCgFg-WClTT15IS9wuaLDeqJXCd5ZvY3xkcx2desU8jWMiVkHJcbYr33DFznl-UDPYhordJIArJe/s1600/42257714-1-sz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S3eVEqPOWGtjud9Dct0TV2uJ0eEql8S67LmJHOjL0EaXbFUCDs1YuVY9Um4t18qDSCgFg-WClTT15IS9wuaLDeqJXCd5ZvY3xkcx2desU8jWMiVkHJcbYr33DFznl-UDPYhordJIArJe/s320/42257714-1-sz.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of our major keys to morning organisation are the tall <a href="http://www.kmart.com.au/product/locker-tall-white/779802?gclid=CJ-wntT1uNICFYVjvAodj1cFlQ" target="_blank">Kmart lockers</a> I bought last year. If you don't have them, go and get them!<br />
S was skeptical when I bought them home but after 1 week, he was sold and the boys even love them as much as we do.<br />
The boys each have a locker and we use them as follows:<br />
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Top Shelf<br />
- lunchboxes, hats, cooler bags<br />
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Middle shelf<br />
- school bag, sleeping gear<br />
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Bottom shelf<br />
- shoes<br />
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On the outside we use magnets to stick newsletters, their artworks and awards.<br />
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These are a serious organisational game changer as S knows where everything is at all times (instead of asking me every 2 seconds), the boys are learning responsibility as we encourage them to put their shoes and bags away each afternoon and for me, its all contained behind a closed door. Everyone's happy, and organised!<br />
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Right now, drop offs and pickups are probably the biggest juggle and we will be in all new territory once again next year when E starts school.<br />
At the moment, I work 8am to 4pm with some flexibility from a fantastic boss while S works 9 till 5:30pm. Both of us work around 30 mins from home.<br />
CB goes to long daycare near home while E does 8:30-2:30pm on a 5 day fortnight about 15 mins out of the way so we have a mixed schedule of pick ups and drop offs that currently involve me, S, my dad and my in-laws.<br />
I am not looking forward to figuring out how the heck we are going to schedule next year but that's a job for October (I like to plan ahead).<br />
<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-92037423984574779612017-04-12T11:03:00.000+10:002017-04-12T11:03:02.243+10:00Travelling with children - Travel must haves!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Finally catching up on my posts from last November that I started writing but never finished or published.<br />
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These are a few of the items we traveled with to Japan that I couldn't live without.<br />
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1. The boys had a full luggage allowance but given they weren't going to be lugging around their own luggage, it seemed crazy to take 4 suitcases, 4 carryons and the pram in its wheel bag to Japan.<br />
Instead, we borrowed these amazing huge duffle bags from my sister that she got in the US. They are on wheels and zip down into a small flat square that fit in our suitcases.<br />
We always planned to use them coming home - plan was to stuff all excess luggage and shopping in the pram wheel bag then at the airport, put it into these bags and the pram in its bag at check in so we didn't have more to juggle for long. This worked exactly as I imagined but we also used one of these bags to take our requirements for the 2 nights at Fuji and the 3 nights at Disney so we could avoid big suitcases.<br />
These are just amazing and so convenient.<br />
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2. With my total dedication to organisation, packing cubes were a logical choice for our suitcases. E and I shared a suitcase and S and C shared one so to keep things organised, I bought us each a set of packing cubes in a different colour. From there, I went slightly overboard (I do not regret this at all), and packed the boys an entire outfit for each day in a large Ikea ziplock bag including socks and singlets/thermals. I packed 4 extra days worth of outfits for C (so 14 total) and 12 days for E. This was the best timesaver each morning when we were trying to get out the door to start exploring, especially for E as he could just grab a bag and dress himself. It also made packing for our short trips a breeze as I just threw the number of days and a spare in the duffle and was done.<br />
The ziplocks also were a spacesaver as I could squeeze out the air and layer.<br />
I definitely overpacked as we had a laundry in our apartment and also a laundromat at Disneyland but I really didn't know what to expect so better safe than sorry in my opinion.<br />
I only bought cheap cube sets from eBay as I wasn't sure if they would be worth it but having used them, I'll invest in some good qualities ones for our next big OS trip.<br />
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3. The cutest ever <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/kids-travel-journal-resfeber" target="_blank">Kikki K children's travel journal</a>. I fell in love with this as soon as I saw it and bought one for E and another to store for a future family trip. I love the idea of recording their knowledge of where they are travelling to as well as their thoughts and experiences while travelling. Such a great keepsake to look back on when they are older.<br />
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4. A Trunki. Before we left, I started to get worried about how we would juggle the boys and all our luggage through the airport and trains/train stations. I had heard of Trunki's so did some research and decided they would be the solution to our problem.The boys absolutely loved riding them around, they were something to play on in the quieter parts of the airport, something to sit on in Customs queues and freed up our hands getting through terminals.<br />
Lightweight, they are able to be carryon luggage and we just clipped them onto our luggage and tugged the boys along with us ... or they tugged them along themselves - meaning we didn't have then complaining about it being too heavy to carry.<br />
As they were carryon, I filled them up with a pair of pjs, the boys' coats, a change of clothes, a book, some small toys and extra snacks to cover us for anything unexpected.<br />
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5. I debated about the necessity of a carrier as obviously CB is long out of the Baby Bjorn but everything I knew already and read about Japan with children recommended one. I looked into carriers for toddlers and obviously didn't want to spend a fortune but figured it could be handy to have one so I bought a Manducca. Lightweight and easy to pack, it easily carried the weight of both boys for medium periods of time. I found it alot more comfortable than S did. E loved it and went it a few times comfortably, C on the other hand didn't like being restricted and only went in it 5 times max - 2 times under extreme protest.<br />
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6. I am a total Bugaboo disciple ... I had a Cameleon with E, upgraded to a Donkey when CB came along and with Japan in mind and then booked, downsized to a Bee and comfort board. Best investment ever! I weighed up getting a Yoyo or similar but in the end, couldn't go past the addition of the comfort board for E.<br />
Having a good quality pram over an umbrella stroller meant that CB could comfortably nap (or E on occasion) while we were on the go instead of heading back to the apartment and it came in handy most days for this. The comfort board also meant that we didn't have E getting tired out from walking and from a safety aspect, it was great to have them both contained from getting lost in a crowd.<br />
The Bee has a decent basket which was handy for storing coats, snacks, water bottles etc, is lightweight, a big factor as Tokyo is not pram friendly and S had to carry it up a million flights of stairs, and it also folds in half easily and quickly.<br />
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7. Uniqlo puffer jackets. A must for all the family if you're traveling to cold climates. With low temperatures predicted for Fuji and Tokyo while we were there, I worried about keeping the boys warm and not being used to freezing weather, I wasn't sure how they would cope with heavy layers and big coats.<br />
Uniqlo jackets are ultra light, they weigh next to nothing so the don't inhibit movement and you forget you're even wearing one. I got the boys one each and a vest and they lived in them. They found them easy to put on, not bulky, warm but not hot and at night, they wore their vests over their jackets.<br />
Bonus, they're waterproof too.<br />
I got one also,the longer line one and like the boys, lived in it.<br />
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And of course, snacks, lots and lots and lots of snacks!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvKdx4psb_ATDPyjUkm5XhUOwdeNME3cLthDyQ4jV_t0ZOkkv1w_L6mnTBLKKRwiaCNi4Ntv1kV0IkH39kqDcHXSna1JHFflbI6xbmnmKX7ttCjtWayeGCawK8TRUUxaCaQuITHCi5tOs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvKdx4psb_ATDPyjUkm5XhUOwdeNME3cLthDyQ4jV_t0ZOkkv1w_L6mnTBLKKRwiaCNi4Ntv1kV0IkH39kqDcHXSna1JHFflbI6xbmnmKX7ttCjtWayeGCawK8TRUUxaCaQuITHCi5tOs/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="179" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We started out in the morning heading to <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_002.html" target="_blank">Yoyogi Park</a> and the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html" target="_blank">Meiji Shrine </a>via metro. I had planned this adventure for a Saturday having read it was the best day to see the young and old who congregate in and around the park, dressed up and at play.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking into the T</span>orii gate up to Meiji Shrine was amazing. It was hard to believe inside this thick tranquil forest, we were still standing within the World's busiest most populated city. It was silent and peaceful and even the boys spoke in hushed tones realising this place was special... admittedly though, they loved the open space and did do some running on the gravel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a stroke of luck, I hadn't realised when planning, that day, was part of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San" target="_blank">Shichi-Go-San festival </a>, <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;">a traditional </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_passage" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Rite of passage">rite of passage</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"> and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Festival">festival</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"> day in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Japan">Japan</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"> for three- and seven-year-old </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Girl">girls</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"> and three- and five-year-old </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boy" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Boy">boys</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;">, held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend which was the Saturday we were there s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;">o we were lucky enough to see the children being brought to Temple in their beautiful traditional</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"> dress for blessings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The children were completely adorable, very excited and their costumes stunning. I managed to snap some photos of the outfits but avoided faces as it didn't seem appropriate given the ages and special occasion.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Our boys loved watching the Japanese children and thought the girls looked 'so pretty'. Their highlight was completing the bowing and clapping ritual before throwing money into the Emperor's Shrine and they helped me write down our family wishes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Just when we were about to leave, as if the experience could get better, a wedding procession came through the grounds and we got to witness (behind a small low fence) the ceremony. E especially was full of curiosity and questions about the clothes and rituals.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Just when we were about to leave, as if the experience could get better, a wedding procession came through the grounds and we got to witness (behind a small low fence) the ceremony. E especially was full of curiosity and questions about the clothes and rituals.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaClnclWyArVp_SNrrCP78eECepObFIH4KwJDQOX7PJisd1AlycksF1fX70MSJWvtmPqfD8TlZdc5EbnGH1jIw51sGBcVcUNzRVyZ-WinEg-fUhfExEVuTE7WNT_N52zDMcjoZpi4PtJ8O/s1600/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaClnclWyArVp_SNrrCP78eECepObFIH4KwJDQOX7PJisd1AlycksF1fX70MSJWvtmPqfD8TlZdc5EbnGH1jIw51sGBcVcUNzRVyZ-WinEg-fUhfExEVuTE7WNT_N52zDMcjoZpi4PtJ8O/s320/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi631Bw5aBXrV6r6syZGyMgZIa0dZZL5Xi_rUiBjorn_1g8q4DqLvLRac3wssafKEEtqYLsEoCWCr-4FtKAg6kqtueb2Y6mjdAniw_wACz0iG8L6PpxhNhPtsz9GdOhkRoyi4C4k02YK8Mt/s1600/unnamed+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi631Bw5aBXrV6r6syZGyMgZIa0dZZL5Xi_rUiBjorn_1g8q4DqLvLRac3wssafKEEtqYLsEoCWCr-4FtKAg6kqtueb2Y6mjdAniw_wACz0iG8L6PpxhNhPtsz9GdOhkRoyi4C4k02YK8Mt/s320/unnamed+%25282%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2x4DIoQtBgAtJ5asHq6BmhZ53GOKD5zQj1KdjnfX9NNO6Kn_HTVbuEIv0hO-s0-hH_LsUKqzdX9emrdsvRvq_gQ-U09ZE8TOKV3G-NxTalOHpRJr1S79arsA2G1vlIbggwXwUc8vIiIu/s1600/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2x4DIoQtBgAtJ5asHq6BmhZ53GOKD5zQj1KdjnfX9NNO6Kn_HTVbuEIv0hO-s0-hH_LsUKqzdX9emrdsvRvq_gQ-U09ZE8TOKV3G-NxTalOHpRJr1S79arsA2G1vlIbggwXwUc8vIiIu/s320/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTvAWiS2h4SOsMZfuJUWF7xHdU9hdCUAAEb2eYphSuAIb-K0LbyVKsuttD6fUGzCoQ8w3SJfoIPgZ1nh7V1up5Jsu2WsOcWJpfu7_ZRp1qzPoEqxfYmwemBX9LM8exE4L3JTxEQvsH03N/s1600/IMG_3612+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTvAWiS2h4SOsMZfuJUWF7xHdU9hdCUAAEb2eYphSuAIb-K0LbyVKsuttD6fUGzCoQ8w3SJfoIPgZ1nh7V1up5Jsu2WsOcWJpfu7_ZRp1qzPoEqxfYmwemBX9LM8exE4L3JTxEQvsH03N/s320/IMG_3612+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would definitely recommend Yoyogi Park on any day for children, if only for them to have space to burn some energy. I would also say Meiji Shrine is a must and suggest a Saturday so you can get the most of the traditional experience.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We had decided on <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html" target="_blank">Harajuku </a>next so took the short walk to Takeshita Dori from the park and shrine. The pram was a bit tricky down Takeshita Dori just because of the volume of people in such a narrow space but we managed without too much fuss - although had to leave the pram outside if we went into any shops.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1uaXHnuvK0R7X5D8Xh-wLKGhRHmNK2-TpdiXALJ2jbCMSOoQQdLUxtouI7pPaR7axXAewDgYFO6tXNgjl14FV7XP-RCyyj_3Vum2clxBLsrRWBanXM3P7trL1OxCI1m5l8oHGngjU-Ec/s1600/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1uaXHnuvK0R7X5D8Xh-wLKGhRHmNK2-TpdiXALJ2jbCMSOoQQdLUxtouI7pPaR7axXAewDgYFO6tXNgjl14FV7XP-RCyyj_3Vum2clxBLsrRWBanXM3P7trL1OxCI1m5l8oHGngjU-Ec/s200/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvMXFiuEFGk5KVYr8I_60Wd7nofoSr9rakr4TbnV7psVGrWeTjxeMgejXGKooVquX12zJVjy3vRebp9Ae4qf0kZRaBMKSE2D42C_EC_xztoKOwHBwXRBKSlclcvb18S6Q1-HeSzxa7Ytx/s1600/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvMXFiuEFGk5KVYr8I_60Wd7nofoSr9rakr4TbnV7psVGrWeTjxeMgejXGKooVquX12zJVjy3vRebp9Ae4qf0kZRaBMKSE2D42C_EC_xztoKOwHBwXRBKSlclcvb18S6Q1-HeSzxa7Ytx/s200/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">S had promised to take the boys to an animal cafe before we went home and we quickly came across a combination Cat Owl cafe right on Takeshita Dori. Not being a cat person, I was happy to sit this one out and let S take the boys while I went souvenir shopping. We agreed to meet back at the entrance in 45 minutes so I headed up the street to the huge Daiso to pick up some inexpensive gifts to take home for the boys' friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think the Daiso was 4 or 5 floors and 45 minutes passed quickly ... definitely worth visiting for small souvenirs like rising sun ninja headbands, erasers shaped like sushi, pretty glass Chrsitmas decorations, stickers and stationery, bento box bits & bobs etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I met the boys back at the cafe and they were on a huge high having had a great time with the cats. S filled me in that he just had to pay an entry fee for himself and buy the boys each a juice drink. He said the place was very clean and the cats were pretty relaxed and happy to be patted but moved away to their hidey holes or up high when they had had enough.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbBSeJsNYpMBSMOjUfKAyGQlg3B_37zO9TGHRkXQ_-jveUOy8_0hKBTfASaPPlTqAXbMKBca-TVQ-pNP_jBeQEZ5NzUuZBMx8PQ2-kpzIpXZFUPZQajFUuSN7ZJ9uuTT-rhQvYVWSmWrK/s1600/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbBSeJsNYpMBSMOjUfKAyGQlg3B_37zO9TGHRkXQ_-jveUOy8_0hKBTfASaPPlTqAXbMKBca-TVQ-pNP_jBeQEZ5NzUuZBMx8PQ2-kpzIpXZFUPZQajFUuSN7ZJ9uuTT-rhQvYVWSmWrK/s320/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random place we stopped for a beer & cheeseburgers in a laneway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next up was <a href="https://www.kiddyland.co.jp/en/stores.html" target="_blank">Kiddy Land</a> toy store, a short walk from Takeshita Dori - be warned, to cross the street in the midsection to get to the store, you need to use the pedestrian overpass and there are only stairs. We all enjoyed browsing the toy store, they had great Disney and Star Wars sections and the prices were mid to high range. We bought a few things here for the boys including Toy Story cars and merchandise for C and Star Wars cutlery and Pokemon figures for E. We also bought our nieces some beautiful little Japanese mini dolls and spent a lot of time browsing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We wanted to see the <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/attractions/shibuya-crossing/a/poi-sig/396831/356817" target="_blank">Shibuya crossing</a> again and I wanted to check out the Disney Store there so as it was late afternoon and starting to get dark , we set off by foot. We walked, it wasn't a long journey and we wanted C would nap in the pram, but I'd recommend taking the metro otherwise for convenience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Disney Store was easy to find with ts themed entrance but be warned, its cramped and very busy with a narrow winding staircase and a ticket booth on the top floor where you can purchase tickets to Disneyland but the line is long and snakes around the floor.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybKbtsMAvk_UpneMaYPXA5Ib62sAZ8qwwDVj-hzOhYWwyxlXI-1zwpR371Y3U2Qjz3OUbWI363Vn1ffo467FRfzhAEQ2kIGx9Un1uBdhJ0Yo54RiJ0YM6gS9FCuTdg9lnb-ao9-Tmzxog/s1600/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybKbtsMAvk_UpneMaYPXA5Ib62sAZ8qwwDVj-hzOhYWwyxlXI-1zwpR371Y3U2Qjz3OUbWI363Vn1ffo467FRfzhAEQ2kIGx9Un1uBdhJ0Yo54RiJ0YM6gS9FCuTdg9lnb-ao9-Tmzxog/s200/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I honestly found the Disney Store really disappointing as I was looking for Princess items for my nieces (dress-ups and dolls) and costumes and toys for the boys but there were no costumes at all, only a few dolls - Tinkerbell and Alice - and little in the way of toys. There was a whole floor of jewelry though. E and I left with only a handful of things and nothing that was actually on my list (or his).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also managed to catch the busy rush of the Shibuya Crossing at dusk and it was crazy chaos but honestly, E wasn't at all interested so its not something I'd bother specifically seeing kids unless you're in the area for other sites..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our last day in Tokyo before flying out in the evening, we set off from Shinjuku to Ikeburo and the Sunshine City mall, specifically to visit the Pokemon Store and the rooftop aquarium.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ikeburo was bustling with crowds and was a maze underground of metro and trains ... super easy to get lost. We actually couldn't pinpoint the mall as it is set back from the main area and looks like an office building from the outside. We ended up running out of time after spending too long looking for it so had to give the aquarium a miss. We did stop in at the Pokemon store and E spent ages with the crowds looking at stuffed Pokemon toys. I would recommend coming back here but allow yourself more than a few hours so you can see the aquarium and other attractions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is so much I haven't included now that I read back so if you have any questions on places to visit with children in Tokyo, please leave a comment ... I love Japan and love to share our amazing experiences there with anyone and everyone - Everyone has to visit Japan!</span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-66120060192676399182017-02-07T10:54:00.002+10:002017-02-07T10:54:11.906+10:00Snapshot 4.7 and 2.8<div style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: lato, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px; letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRVPuDCrVs4r1_OAk6lAHxZovwaX5hzl1lBmv13l6Ul-OmfeFpmXidUq1EmGtsohjmYd5GV_C5oOLyZIczy-we2ALIxLEb-B8LektZUWJ2kCcW_hsFsRfRzmYP64ipaeMRF4kSScySwBf/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRVPuDCrVs4r1_OAk6lAHxZovwaX5hzl1lBmv13l6Ul-OmfeFpmXidUq1EmGtsohjmYd5GV_C5oOLyZIczy-we2ALIxLEb-B8LektZUWJ2kCcW_hsFsRfRzmYP64ipaeMRF4kSScySwBf/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">A quick snapshot of these two crazies right now ...</span><br />
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ethan at 4 years 7 months</b></div>
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The sweetest little boy still, he can be very sensitive and is unbelievably dramatic - a slight bump comes with endless Oscar winning theatrics.<br />
He is full of compliments and answers, 'mumma you smell so beautiful today' and 'did you know all the dinosaurs died after a volcano erupted and lava covered them all'.<br />
He loves to tell me 'take care polar bear' and 'stay sweet karapeet (parakeet)" as I leave for work.<br />
His memory blows my mind - and a little terrifying if I'm honest, I'm wondering what on earth will come back to bite me from months ago on a daily basis.</div>
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He still loves dinosaurs and Star Wars, has upgraded to Lego from Duplo and is completely hooked on playing Pokemon Go with daddy thanks to Uncle J.<br />
He has also discovered Transformers Rescuebots and is a big fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.<br />
E loves to set up 'worlds' in the yard or house using his toys and whatever is on hand from boxes to small tables and cushions or doonas - the latest is Jurassic World for his dinosaurs.<br />
He loves to have friends over to play and as the weather is so hot, he wants to slip'n slide every afternoon.<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">Favourite foods are still homemade pizza, pasta and simple meals like crumbed chicken and veg. Still a sugar fiend, he loves chocolate milkshakes and chocolate but requests a huge green smoothie and a boiled egg for breakfast every day.</span></div>
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He loves to watch Pokemon, Transformers RescueBots, Star Wars (the original 3) and Lego Super Heroes.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">He still loves his kindergarten, is learning so much and is very much a perfectionist with a keen desire to win - we did have a kindy Olympics incident where he didn't want to compete in case he didn't win ... a little too much of mummy in that incident for my liking.</span></div>
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px; letter-spacing: 0.945px;">With the kindest thoughtful nature, he h</span><span style="color: #303030; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5px; letter-spacing: 0.945px;">as a big circle of friends at kindy and among our friends' children and is teh sweetest big brother, always trying to talk C down from his ledge of meltdown territory 'come on bubba, calm down, give me a cuddle, its ok' to which C usually responds to with a screech and a flailing arm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">He also says he's never travelling on an airplane again because he doesn't want to be sick like in Japan - we both have some scarring from that incident I think.</span></div>
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Thankfully I still get to choose his clothes.</div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Charles aka Chuck aka Charley Bear at 2 years 8 months</b></div>
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Much like the last snapshot, C, who now calls himself 'Chuck', is still m<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">y wild one. A total tornado with a head made of solid stone. He terrifies and frustrates me on a daily basis with little regard for consequences and spatial awareness.</span></div>
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He's also taken to following up his terrifying feats with a falsely contrite 'sorry mum' and giving me a pat - hard to get cross then.<br />
He is yet to meet a dress up he doesn't love and is especially hooked on Star Wars, often dressing up in a Darth Vader cape and mask and light saber to walk down the hall doing the 'wooo shhh' sound effects to mimic Vader's breathing - hilarious!<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">He wants to 'help' with everything and I've found the easiest way to get dinner done is by giving him a bowl, a small measuring cup of water and one of rice to add and stir - it buys me at least 5 minutes.</span><br />
My 'Chuck' has the cheekiest smiliest little grin and still begs tummy tickles every night.<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">New favourites to watch are the Toy Story series - he runs around the house calling 'to infinity and beyond' (funny as E always wanted to be Woody) - and Star Wars which completely mesmerises him - he knows every character at 2 years old and can give a running commentary on the middle 3. Its either those or Hey Dugee - I think I prefer Star Wars.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px;">Very independent, he insists on doing everything himself and as a result, has almost mastered dressing himself without any assistance.</span></div>
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He seems to have hit a fussy stage with food and will only eat pasta, yoghurt, pureed apples, whole apples and watermelon but he loves a green juice in the mornings and smearing peanut butter on bread - himself of course <span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">.</span></div>
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I still get lots of 'Goooo waaaayyy' if he doesn't get what he wants but lots of kisses and snuggles at wakeups and bedtime.</div>
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He is starting to playact with Lego and E's Star Wars figures and generally wants to do anything E is doing<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">He is obsessed with swimming, loves lessons and tells us to go away before launching himself off the edge - and sinking like as tone. He's actually doing pretty well swimming independently with his abilities growing every week thanks to his no fear attitude.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">This kid pushes me to the absolute limit and brings me back again with just a smile.</span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-18902398525087568212017-02-06T10:03:00.002+10:002017-03-06T11:00:42.035+10:00Meals we are loving right nowQuick and easy being very much the key in our menu planning of course, it became a bit dull and uninspiring for awhile so in the interests of getting motivated to cook again, I hit up Pinterest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZB0XVJPjefC378kG6MVZoFpsz3W7jkrI1hGADaJcD8yBq7w4SKtN_Pc0eq9nG9p054C8_c22AQpJA3YhfBWYDMlxQj-J1gBO2RT82uQbMZxAyZqfn3Ork8ZETDHKvVqTR9ruMd3dlxE1/s1600/unnamed+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZB0XVJPjefC378kG6MVZoFpsz3W7jkrI1hGADaJcD8yBq7w4SKtN_Pc0eq9nG9p054C8_c22AQpJA3YhfBWYDMlxQj-J1gBO2RT82uQbMZxAyZqfn3Ork8ZETDHKvVqTR9ruMd3dlxE1/s320/unnamed+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have something like 67 boards with a hundred pins each including a quite comprehensive 'Ready Steady Cook' board of recipes that I've never actually cooked from so I decided to start giving them ago.<br />
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One of my absolute favourites so far would have to be the <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/mushroom-gnocchi-with-arugula-and-walnut-pesto" target="_blank">mushroom, rocket and walnut pesto pan fried gnocchi</a>. Completely delicious and pretty simple too thanks to the Thermi.<br />
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I also tried out this <a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2015/08/slow-cooker-mongolian-beef/" target="_blank">Mongolian slow cooker beef </a>served with fried rice. It was super easy and tasty plus handy for leftovers for lunches.<br />
Ideal for a Sunday dinner as you can set it and forget.<br />
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Not from Pinterest but double wrap tacos with homemade slow cooker Mexican shredded beef are back on regular rotation. S and I are Mexican food fiends and are back to embracing Taco Tuesdays - although sometimes with fajitas, enchiladas and crispy chicken burritos for variety. The double wrap is definitely my favourite of all though.</div>
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Our other favourite Mexican this month is a slap up burrito x chimichanga concoction involving a burrito kit, 1 chicken breast, a red capsicum, 1 red onion and a can of corn drained and all stirfried before being wrapped in little parcels with some sour cream, salsa and cheese and baked until golden - amazing as leftovers for lunch too.<br />
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Also not from Pinterest, just good old Taste.com.au is this delicious and super simple <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/38088/quick+san+choy+bow" target="_blank">San Choy Bow</a> recipe. The boys aren't fans but Scott and I are having this weekly as its so fresh and tasty with minimal effort - I do cheat and use my Thermi to chop the ingredients finely but I cook it all up in the wok.<br />
You can also cook it without garlic and it still tastes great - my mum can't eat garlic (crazy I know) so we tried it without when she was over. And dry roasted chopped cashews work over peanuts if that's all you have on hand.<br />
I also recommend going heavy on the soy and oyster sauces and a sprinkle of Maggi Seasoning sauce to finish it off.</div>
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And this one takes the cake for ultimate quick easy lazy dinners! Lemon herb chicken wraps. I just buy the Coles lemon herb chicken tenderloin skewers, bbq them and throw them on some pita bread or wraps with tzatziki, baby spinach, tomato and sliced cucumber.<br />
Perfect for the current heatwave - or when your kids are still up at 8:30pm.<br />
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Any quick easy recipes you're loving?</div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-86149699508064011162017-01-23T16:08:00.001+10:002017-01-24T12:24:32.819+10:00Loving Wishing Sold - Confessions of a Shopaholic<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wishlist/set?.embedder=7700190&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=215420137" target="_blank"><img alt="WISHLIST" border="0" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=ubsQ28BILCzzYrKVGNh1Rg&id=ROv-LjLh5hGMOmNXtfvecw&size=c600x484" height="484" title="WISHLIST" width="600" /></a></div>
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In between the 'Things to do in Tokyo with children part 2', I thought I would share my latest loving, wishing, sold installment - don't tell S ...</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.yannika.com.au/" target="_blank">Yannika</a> (and Mister Zimi) dresses. I came across these recently thanks to a friend's recommendation and I'm hooked! Such an easy style of dress to wear and so comfortable! Loving the bright colours and patterns and I'm a huge fan of the dropped back hem. Warning, the Yannika dresses run short and do shrink a little in the wash so size up whereas the Zimi dresses are pretty true to size I've found.</div>
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2. <a href="http://misterzimi.com/" target="_blank">Mister Zimi Swim</a>. I love their dresses and thanks to my beloved J Crew one piece needing to be binned last week and Zimi's their recent Australia Day sale, I snapped up these Bora Bora bathers after umming and ahing for awhile. I was initially put off by the style as I thought they wouldn't be suitable for a D cup chest until I actually read the description and discovered they have a built in shelf bra. They haven't arrived yet but I'm hoping they will be here in time for our pool day on Australia Day.</div>
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3. Monogram anything and everything, give me all the monogrammed accessories! I need a decent phone cover so really this is a necessity and I will no doubt pull the trigger and buy it in the next week or so. Loving the navy with blind initials from <a href="https://www.thedailyedited.com/women/phone-cases" target="_blank">The Daily Edited</a>.</div>
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4. And still on the monogram love, how gorgeous are these key rings from <a href="http://www.neueblvd.com.au/collections/monogram/key-rings" target="_blank">Neue Blvd</a>! Planning to buy one for a girlfriend for her birthday (ideal for the person who has everything) and I'm pretty sure there will also be one in the order for me as the tassel one I have from Country Road has seen better days.</div>
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5. <a href="https://australia.lilybod.com/collections/activewear/products/leggings-piper-pink-lemonade?variant=17606530567" target="_blank">Lilybod pink lemonade tights </a> are definitely my next purchase... after I stick to my treadmill commitment for a few more weeks to make them worthwhile. My sister swears by Lilybod tights for comfort and no bunching/rising. Helps they have some cute prints/styles too.</div>
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6. <a href="https://zarlakkids.com.au/products/miann-co-kids-navy-grey-panelled-pouf-beanbag" target="_blank">Miann & Co grey cross hatch foot pouf </a>(bean bag). I love the style and versatility of these poufs and have been wanting one for awhile to use in our lounge room as both a foot pouf and for the boys to sit on. They are huge - it comfortably holds both boys. The grey cross hatch one I bought was half price and is sold out but they still have a navy/grey or blush/grey option.</div>
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7. <a href="http://www.stateofescape.com/collections/escape/products/escape-bag-navy" target="_blank">State of Escape</a> neoprene bag. I've been on the lookout for a 'mum bag' after doing a huge clearout of my heavy leather Oroton bags that just don't get used anymore with my entourage of two little boys. A few friends have bought and love them and SSG's (Sydney Shop Girl) bag comparison <a href="http://www.sydneyshopgirl.com/2016/04/the-80-bag-totes-i-own-head-to-head.html" target="_blank">here</a> really sold me on its practicality. I like the look of the navy and grey and am planning a self gift of it soon - stay tuned.</div>
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8. More monogram ... this pouch is everything! I bought it in the limited peony pink with blind initials from The Daily Edited for myself for Christmas and haven't looked back since ditching a huge wallet for it. I love I can grab it out of my bag on the go and it holds cards, cash, phone, car key, pen and lipstick. Perfect for kindy drop off and quick errands when I don't need to lug everything else with me.</div>
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9. Neue Blvd again. These <a href="http://www.neueblvd.com.au/collections/tableware/products/celebrate-4" target="_blank">Celebrate white glasses</a> are on my homewares list ... once the laundry is done - could be waiting awhile.</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-66410373183562566832017-01-18T11:43:00.001+10:002017-01-18T11:43:13.443+10:00Best things to do with children in Tokyo part 1.I'm a researcher and a planner... it makes me feel comfortable and safe ha.<br />
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I spent hours - and hours and days and weeks - on researching and planning our trip to Japan in November. So much so I even had a display folder crammed with itineraries, directions, shortlists of food and restaurants for every occasion - teppanyaki, tempura, sushi, korean bbq, burgers and everything in between - and of course, the best things to do and see with children.<br />
S laughed at the folder but he found it pretty handy while we were there - so who had the last laugh ;)<br />
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So to recap, we arrived in Tokyo on a Thursday night, traveled by highway bus to Fuji-kyu and Lake Kawaguchiko for two nights, back to Shinjuku for 1 night then Tokyo Disneyland for 3 nights before back to Shinjuku for our last 3 nights.<br />
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While in Tokyo, I wanted to keep the travel minimal for the boys' sake so unlike last time when it was just S and I and we flitted from place to place via metro, unconcerned about times and the number of trains, I actually grouped attractions together and planned our days around neighbouring suburbs. This worked for the most part and the efficiency of the Tokyo rail network was a Godsend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VZJJsInKX1m7yfnI2JTCkZvADXS_QNshuMcbuXrFy5vRH-gh95GzOmIXwnOqIXMmXrK3rRdlGp0VNeSA4_isMp7vS4b9-NjEADCdLBckQSentn4o9SlaYevVbLtpYKU6wBLU0K6XCHvi/s1600/15109608_10153867525210940_6623980589173792483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VZJJsInKX1m7yfnI2JTCkZvADXS_QNshuMcbuXrFy5vRH-gh95GzOmIXwnOqIXMmXrK3rRdlGp0VNeSA4_isMp7vS4b9-NjEADCdLBckQSentn4o9SlaYevVbLtpYKU6wBLU0K6XCHvi/s200/15109608_10153867525210940_6623980589173792483_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Our first day in Tokyo was only a few hours in the morning before we headed to Fuji-kyu so we made the most of our apartment surroundings and took a short walk to the T<a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011_tocho.html" target="_blank">okyo Metropolitan Building observation deck</a>. S and I had visited it previously so knew it to be a good observation deck to show our friend who was traveling with us - his first time in Japan. We also thought it would be fun for the boys to see the City sprawled out before them.<br />
Entry is free and we were there just before the 9:30am opening on a Friday morning and managed to be first in line. The queue quickly grew at 9:30am and there was a fair wait when we left.<br />
Having visited at dusk previously, it was a beautiful crystal clear sight first thing in the morning and we even spied Mount Fuji afar. The boys enjoyed seeing the tall building all around and E (age 4.5) particularly enjoyed us pointing out landmarks and funny buildings.<br />
We probably spent about 30 minutes here and that was more than enough.<br />
Given it is free, I'd say its a must do with or without children, just try to keep them away from the giftshop/souvenir stand.<br />
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After a few days out at the Fuji lakes, we arrived back in Shinjuku on Sunday afternoon, ready to start exploring Tokyo. We spent the afternoon around Shinjuku just taking in the atmosphere and the neon lights before catching the metro to Roppongi.<br />
It was dark early and by the time we got to Roppongi at around 5pm, night had fallen so we walked towards Tokyo Tower to show the boys it all lit up. We didn't want to go up the Tower as we had done so on a previous trip and were planning to visit the Sky Tree the following day.<br />
We grabbed dinner at the very safe TGIFridays as we all felt like burgers and salads after some adventurous eating and the boys were desperate for a milkshake - which proved impossible to get anywhere other than an American eatery.<br />
After dinner, we had a look around at the Winter Illuminations and elaborate Christmas decorations which E really enjoyed - C fell asleep in the pram.<br />
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The following day was Monday and our day started with a small earthquake around 6am - E was fascinated and I thankfully kept my cool.<br />
Our local friend we met on our previous travels met us at our apartment to guide us on a day of exploring Sumida, Asakusa and more.<br />
First stop was <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064.html" target="_blank">Sky Tree Town</a> in Sumida and the boys were amazed at how tall the Sky Tree Tower was. We decided S and our friends would go up to the observation deck given wait times, cost and the fact the boys were much more interested in running around the Christmas 'village' set up outside the entrance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFDw1EWfGhhheX2gTNfSqCI5JG1XioSybfNHDfx6qN358RVKU-0lJObtBuBkBPV9ffAyf-lgyuXfjqMKDhPI29qG2WlMcCj8prxOFiVASOP_UXn1DRQOgYwKT4VQpmzI-l_CtjYzsLUef/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFDw1EWfGhhheX2gTNfSqCI5JG1XioSybfNHDfx6qN358RVKU-0lJObtBuBkBPV9ffAyf-lgyuXfjqMKDhPI29qG2WlMcCj8prxOFiVASOP_UXn1DRQOgYwKT4VQpmzI-l_CtjYzsLUef/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="180" /></a>So while we waited, the boys and I played at the entrance which was actually a large rooftop area with gardens and seating, before heading into the shopping complex which featured E's highlight, a dedicated Pokemon store!<br />
It was packed with foreigners frantically grabbing merchandise and filling up carts with stuffed toys and really wasn't that big but the boys happily spent about 45 minutes browsing and exclaiming over the characters.<br />
I then took them over to the Sky Tree lobby and our exploring lead us to an Asahi shop that featured a toy and character section and the boys just loved browsing and exclaiming over everything they saw.<br />
There was plenty to do around the Sky Tree complex if you decide not to take children up to the observation deck or if one of you is going and the other needs to entertain them.<br />
We had planned to take them to the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064_aquarium.html" target="_blank">aquarium</a> but we really ran out of time after our browsing.<br />
Note (there is a McDonalds near the Asahi shop if your kids are as fussy as mine).<br />
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Once S and our friends came down, we walked over to Asakusa - maybe a 25 minute walk over the bridge. It was a pleasant walk and we passed a great looking playground and park just over the bridge on the Asakusa side that we would have stopped at if C wasn't already asleep in the pram.<br />
We entered at <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html" target="_blank">Sensoji Temple</a> and took the boys straight to the incense where its believed you will gain wisdom from wafting the smoke over you - here's hoping.<br />
C was still asleep and the area was teeming with tourists and locals alike (late afternoon) so E went with the big boys up into the Temple while I waited below. He loved the small rituals involved, like the money offering and of course seeing the carved Gods and Buddhas everywhere.<br />
We took a walk around the gardens and shrines and E had fun throwing money in the ponds filled with huge Koi.<br />
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We strolled the Nakamise shopping street which was filled with kitschy tourist souvenirs before we found a wonderful tiny little place offering just pan fried gyoza and karage chicken so we sat for awhile feasting on delicious food and drinking beer.<br />
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After eating our fill, we headed towards Shin-Nakamise shopping street where our Japanese friend arranged for the boys to enjoy a traditional game played in Summer by local children for a small fee.<br />
It involved using rice paper nets to catch as many goldfish as possible from a small pool with extra points for catching the black fish and put them in your bowl filled with water. The nets broke easily so the idea was to be gentle and delicate and once the game was up, the goldfish were put back in the pond. They played for around 25 minutes and the proprietor was very friendly and helpful (but spoke no English).<br />
The boys absolutely loved this game and still talk about it.<br />
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S was desperate to visit <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3039.html" target="_blank">Tokyo Dome City</a> so we decided to do that on the way back to Shinjuku despite it being around 5pm and dark.<br />
Not great on a cold wet night, I think this would be fun to take children to during the day with Sega World, amusement park rides and a shopping centre. Easily accessible by metro and with lots of food options and restaurants (Japanese and American).<br />
We didn't go on anything as most of the rides were closed due to the rain but the rollercoaster looked fun.<br />
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On Tuesday we were due to set out for three nights at Disneyland - and I was more than a little excited! We had booked 3 nights at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel so I will dedicate a whole post to this part of the trip.<br />
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After 3 nights at Tokyo Disneyland, it was time to leave the happiest place on earth and return to reality. We got back to Shinjuku around 10:30am on the Friday morning and set out to look around Shinjuku and find a burger place to eat at. We were determined to find one we had eaten at in a back street on our last visit and after a lot of walking, spotting Godzilla peering at us over a building (much to Es delight) and a walk through the amazing Takayama department store basement foodhall, we finally found it - <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g1066457-d1663278-Reviews-J_S_BURGERS_CAFE_Shinjuku-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html" target="_blank">JS Burgers</a>. A great pitstop with kids as they loved the fries and there was a salad bar included with some cold pasta salads the boys enjoyed.<br />
After eating our fill, we caught the metro to Ginza with a promise to the boys of visiting a big big toy store. We arrived and strolled up the streets taking in the sights of Tokyo's answer to Fifth Ave and Rodeo Drive. There wasn't much chance for browsing with the boys in tow so we pretty much headed straight to <a href="http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/guide_en.html" target="_blank">Hakuhinkan Toy Park</a>. If you get stuck, head to the Tourist Information and they will give you a map with it clearly marked.<br />
As one of the biggest toy stores in Tokyo, we adults were a little underwhelmed simply because the entrance seemed to be for a discount store and while there were some greats toys, different toys and fun displays on offer, the 5 floors are small and cramped - although well laid out by genre/age.<br />
The boys however were in heaven and I'm sure we spent at least an hour and a half there browsing and playing.<br />
We headed back to Shinjuku late afternoon so S could take E to play in a Sega World - E loved the skill testers and the games - while I took C back to rest, play and shower ahead of dinner.<br />
Our local friend met us around 6pma nd we set off for dinner at a well-known Yakiniku Japanese BBQ he had booked. <a href="http://www.jojoen.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">JoJoen</a> was a highlight for us all with the grown-ups loving the food (I stuck to the sirloin type pieces while S was more adventurous with tongue and offal) and the boys loving 'helping' us cook the food at the table. It kept them entertained and occupied the entire time.<br />
The restaurant itself was beautiful, high up on the 9th floor with private tables and typical amazing Japanese service. The boys were each bought their own child friendly bowl, cutlery and bib and were made most welcome for dinner.<br />
We went with ordering individual plates of meat and vegetables off the menu as most of the sets included offal which I refused to have.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1AbMuod3pKkNRwXIQjl-EoSZ6mvQPbhe2C38Ickqxzg8o3Ofs2DTKqNM9n0kMVZWjHodFywhdwDpJs9utkNFjpuqPPRw94Edf6Uu2OBrk1pvQjHg-AcfCgxnXgN6l-d01bxyuAfZVB5I/s1600/unnamed+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1AbMuod3pKkNRwXIQjl-EoSZ6mvQPbhe2C38Ickqxzg8o3Ofs2DTKqNM9n0kMVZWjHodFywhdwDpJs9utkNFjpuqPPRw94Edf6Uu2OBrk1pvQjHg-AcfCgxnXgN6l-d01bxyuAfZVB5I/s200/unnamed+%252813%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
It is on the higher end price was but entirely worth it - this is definitely on the list for a family or date meal on any future visits.<br />
We finished up our night in Shinjuku on the skill testers where our friend won (paid through the nose) for a Ted for CB - that traveled home with us and now sleeps in CBs cot and is affectionately known as 'Club Elaine' which is CBs pronunciation of 'Clubber Lang' (as per the Ted movie).<br />
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I'll continue with part 2 in another post...Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-52974082463851929562016-12-09T12:30:00.003+10:002016-12-09T12:30:27.145+10:00Flying with Children: the reality (hint, we all survived)<br />
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... well, barely.<br />
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The flight there was the worst I'd say. We departed at 10:30am and landed after 8-9 hours in Narita just outside Tokyo at 6:30pm with a one hour time difference.<br />
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We got to the airport early (I would always do this with children so you have plenty of time for any surprises) and spent lots of time walking around exploring, watching the planes land and take off etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdobb7b7KTpKfwbn6fU44W_V26ot0tBFBEKmXaYmNxWhNa4q9csd7ji63fhjwob2HGIQsLUGNc4WqwxBW3xczVIDJ_JEoQ9-IUiEjyYChFc-o4JF63PVpfwnjMIU6GhXq9IKLsBmPnn6nN/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdobb7b7KTpKfwbn6fU44W_V26ot0tBFBEKmXaYmNxWhNa4q9csd7ji63fhjwob2HGIQsLUGNc4WqwxBW3xczVIDJ_JEoQ9-IUiEjyYChFc-o4JF63PVpfwnjMIU6GhXq9IKLsBmPnn6nN/s200/IMG_2467.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8TA1ftYHyb9LzrrJLImJkuyiPW6o7pUSpAFSv7vpZBZGmhm6LOfmda8WgkN0WBqJDQuJkKlKgJNSDDmaunWMV_UjYEm5VK6eLZWpZ0TWRK697jTNnmWCEJThufTvf-wQoD7iJFuEEEFh/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8TA1ftYHyb9LzrrJLImJkuyiPW6o7pUSpAFSv7vpZBZGmhm6LOfmda8WgkN0WBqJDQuJkKlKgJNSDDmaunWMV_UjYEm5VK6eLZWpZ0TWRK697jTNnmWCEJThufTvf-wQoD7iJFuEEEFh/s200/IMG_2463.JPG" width="112" /></a>We boarded the plane among the last which I definitely recommend as you still spend awhile on the tarmac once the plane doors are closed.</div>
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For the 4 of us, we got lucky with two of us to a row of 3 seats and the other 2 directly behind in a row of 3 seats.</div>
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The first two hours started so well and lulled me into a false sense of security. Everyone was happy, excited and entertained. Around the two hour mark though, CB lost all patience, was fed up with being confined and my food and entertainment distractions were buying a ten minute window at best. </div>
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There was lots of climbing back and forth between seats, starting movies only to refuse them 5 minutes in and just general irritable behaviour.</div>
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We tried to set him up for sleep with his familiar blankie and bunny and lots of cuddles but he wasn't having a bar of it. </div>
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That's when the fun began. Tantrums, squealing and all out screaming. We tried ignoring, coaxing, bribing and I resorted to crying myself. </div>
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After 2 hours of hell, he finally closed his eyes and we had respite for a whole 90 minutes ... I prayed for 120 but that 90 mins at least was bliss.</div>
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The remaining 3 hours followed much the same as those prior to sleep until he suddenly found his better spirits on descent and became Mr Charming Chatterbox to all around.</div>
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E on the other hand was a total delight, completely entertained by all the tricks in my carryon and happily watched movies etc until the last hour when he was clearly exhausted from refusing to nap and became whingy. Of course tiredness got the better of him and he fell asleep during the descent and needed to be woken upon landing meaning he was sooky and tired all through customs and getting our bags which wasn't fun.</div>
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Once we landed, we cleared customs easily and upon grabbing our bags, unpacked the pram and set E up in it where he went straight to sleep again while CB rode the skateboard and gave us running commentary on the sights.</div>
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We had decided to catch the Narita Express into Tokyo having used it before so we found the ticket machine and platform easily and with little fuss, were Tokyo bound.</div>
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As E was still asleep in the pram, S and I took turns remaining with him in the luggage hold area and it was during S supervision that disaster struck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlCIoBdxfGs0L8UVaRZvW3sZGPgMjktor97rMoDusyXmGJnZbLa2ojrwNsaLvL2voRwlykQofesGNh66vzecsbU4XTlUzLkjegpgJrWSmrYk9hsJKEc7uEzLI0GPJ15ga9-3dOLgyCFDB/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlCIoBdxfGs0L8UVaRZvW3sZGPgMjktor97rMoDusyXmGJnZbLa2ojrwNsaLvL2voRwlykQofesGNh66vzecsbU4XTlUzLkjegpgJrWSmrYk9hsJKEc7uEzLI0GPJ15ga9-3dOLgyCFDB/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" width="240" /></a>All was quiet and fine (and the train wasn't busy thankfully) when I looked up in time to see E sit up in the pram ... and vomit, EVERYWHERE. All over himself, the pram, the floor ... and he just kept going. </div>
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I jumped up leaving CB with his godfather who was traveling with us. S grabbed E and held him while I sacrificed my scarf throwing it over the worst of the mess on the floor and pulled out the wipes and plastic bags I had in my carryon. </div>
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Poor E was pale, exhausted and upset so S concentrated on him while I spent the trip into Tokyo scrubbing the floor and pram of vomit - fun times and not quite how I envisaged our holiday starting.</div>
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S had to take back all his questioning of why I took so many packs of wipes and plastic bags in my carryon after that experience.</div>
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We were lucky having been to Shinjuku before that we navigated the enormous station easily and caught a cab to our accommodation where our Japanese friend met us. He had already checked in for us, turned on the heating and made sure all the services were in order.</div>
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Poor E had one more vomit so I got the boys in the bath asap, threw on a load of washing (thank goodness we did Air BNB so had a machine) and got them to bed - it was still 11pm by that time and CB was all bright eyed and bushy tailed.</div>
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They both slept well thankfully and E was fine by morning much to our relief.<br />
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The flight home was an overnight one, leaving at 8:30pm and arriving home at 6:30am.<br />
This is the one that had me worrying the most because the good thing about day flights is that people don't NEED to sleep apart from to kill time so if your children do act up, its really not the end of the world. A screaming toddler at 3am on the other hand is hideous for everyone.<br />
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We set off for the airport early and lucky we did as check in and immigration/screening took forever ... we had just 30 minutes before our plane boarded by the time we got to the gate.<br />
At the gate, we changed the boys into pjs (Bonds zippies are ideal for travelling) and encouraged the boys to run around and pretend to be different animals, do little jump skip hop obstacle courses etc - anything to tire them out.<br />
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Again, we waited to board last and I highly recommend this if you are flying with kids - minimise your time on that plane!<br />
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Once seated, things looked grim for the flight ahead with CB ... he was overtired and not happy to be on the plane. He spent the first 90 minutes carrying on and pushing boundaries while E watched a movie. Then suddenly, he took himself to the floor, grabbed his bunny and blankie, and WENT TO SLEEP! I couldn't believe it. E was out too and while I tried to rest, even managing a few fitful hours, every time one of them moved, I stopped breathing, terrified they would wake.<br />
I finally relaxed when there was an hour and a half till landing - I realised we were going to make it unscathed without everyone on the flight hating us.<br />
As it was, the boys slept right up until we were making the descent, so 45 minutes before landing. I seriously couldn't believe how lucky I was, a dream come true.<br />
The flight home was a breeze, especially compared to the trip there.<br />
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<i>What worked from my carry-on</i><br />
If you've been following along, I packed a pretty extensive carry-on and there were a few things that worked really well with the boys.<br />
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<ul>
<li>triangular crayons (they don't roll off the table) and small colouring books</li>
<li>snacks, lots and lots of snacks ... try to go easy on the sugary ones but the biggest hits were Shapes biscuits, mini Oreos, pre-cooked Barilla tortellini, blueberries/grapes/strawbs/mandarin segments, le snacs, fruit cereal bars, yoghurt squeezies (frozen prior) and lollipops for take-off and landing</li>
<li>mini Star Wars micro machine playset - kept E busy for hours</li>
<li>Blind bags - Thomas mini's, The Good Dinosaur, Mash-Ems ... I had a few of these and they definitely entertained </li>
<li>Blankie & bunny - both boys used these as comforters </li>
<li>Large ziplock bags and 2 packs of wipes - story above, enough said</li>
<li>Ipads, wireless hardrive and kids headphones - we loaded the hardrive up with the boys shows and movies plus a few they haven't seen </li>
<li>plasticine - CB loved this stuff and spent a good ten minutes at a time playing with it</li>
<li>The fruit pouches - a must! Flying can play with bowel movements and I think these really helped the boys (take a few to have once at your destination also - CB really needed them).</li>
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-68361698248982424552016-11-07T12:57:00.003+10:002016-11-07T12:57:40.346+10:00Travelling with Children - Japan - The Carry On<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">We are just over a week out and the scariest part of traveling with children? The flight of course. The fact that you're trapped with nowhere to escape or take your child for time out if it all goes to hell and they meltdown - pretty much guaranteed with CB.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px; line-height: 16.4067px;">I have no concerns for flying with E, with the ipad, snacks and a few surprise new Star Wars toys, I won't hear a peep from him. C on the other hand ... he's two, a typical two year old with short attention span and is completely egocentric expecting his demands be met instantly or pay the price for his dissatisfaction.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px; line-height: 16.4067px;">Needless to say, I have researched the heck out of flying with children for tips, tricks and advice. The key seems to be preparing for the worst, accepting that the flight part will eventually end no matter how bad things get and a properly stocked carry-on could be the difference in at least 20 minutes of peace.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px; line-height: 16.4067px;">I'm going to let them pack their own little Skip Hop backpacks with a few treasurers (nothing too precious for fear of loss) and based on the boys' likes, ages and the trip, my Carry-On(s) is going to look something like this:</span></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Mini fishing
magnetic game - I played this as a child and bought 2 off ebay for $3 - it should buy a good 15 mins</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Pipe cleaners
for craft - they take up no space and the boys have never used them before</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Wrapped toys from the dollar shops - maybe mashems or blind bags or cars</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Star Wars
micromachines playset for E - it will be a surprise and should keep him occupied for at least an hour (I got a Storm Trooper head set for $7 on clearance down from $35 and have stashed it for the flight)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Thomas mini
trains - maybe ... they take up no room and are fun to zoom around</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Mini puzzles - E loves a good puzzle so I might surprise him with 2 different mini ones - they cost all of $2 so can be given away or tossed if need be</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Snap/fish/memory
cards/</span>Magnetic tanagrams/Mini Guess Who game</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Plasticine &
mini cutters - C loves playdough so this could be a lifesaver</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Crayola colour
wonder books - no mess, I love love love these sets!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Smiggle triangle
crayons - because triangular crayons don't roll (great tip from fellow mums)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Busy book/quiet
book - we have a few of these but they are bulky so might not make the cut</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Ziploc bags - for everything, dirty clothes, snacks, toys, rubbish, you name it (Ikea do great ziplock bags and one box comes with 2 sizes of bag)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Pullups for C & a change mat & a p</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">ack of wipes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Uniqlo parkas (fold down to nothing &
change of clothes which will likely be PJs for once we land and clear customs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Both ipads
loaded with games and movies - S has discovered a hard drive with bluetooth capability so we will just fill this with their favourite TV shows and movies </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Headphones x2</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Country Road blankets - they have both had their CR blankets since birth and I figure they're perfect for travelling being small, lightweight and something familiar from home</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Drink bottles of course </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Child nurofen - goes without saying</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Snacks – fruit
pouches, tiny teddies, gummy bears, pre-cooked cheese tortellini, shapes
biscuits, skittles/m&ms, baked beans, cereal fruit/muesli bars, strawberries,
mandarins, yoghurt buttons, pretzels, frozen yoghurt squeezies, dry Star Wars
cereal, cup noodles and Star Wars lollypops for take off and landing (you cant have too much food I figure)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #474747; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">All stashed in a Skip Hop wheel suitcase.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFFeQyF_ytGWB9FSVgfDmSu3gRtvNrffo4wfGL0lv_3gypsnGmUWDoR0zLGc7Mtj6I6cZTTGjo-3NOkghXSWdb0L4w3PrjTQfbKMRPMom8aD2OIKoRHUvKZbFyLmV9aAByf3Z7Tkkyoz/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFFeQyF_ytGWB9FSVgfDmSu3gRtvNrffo4wfGL0lv_3gypsnGmUWDoR0zLGc7Mtj6I6cZTTGjo-3NOkghXSWdb0L4w3PrjTQfbKMRPMom8aD2OIKoRHUvKZbFyLmV9aAByf3Z7Tkkyoz/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I considered packing a small new Lego set for E but as a friend pointed out, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">it won't be much fun looking for tiny pieces that get dropped/pulled off etc - clever friend I have.</span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-73780093476024142012016-10-01T09:13:00.002+10:002016-10-01T09:14:52.040+10:00Travelling with children - Tokyo Disneyland Resort - part 2, still planning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1waNv-h1sitEwnsVGAgWKFaiZonjVP07XqG5M-TgvSJdnk2caASwkbFoVpgP0lgeY0zyo8Y0yfqtqEGxJSwE-4IEywG2L9X0FOHDNAh4RzgEEXBM98MkxHNNg8FjcqgLnDDMG9gfzqTl2/s1600/thumb_IMG_3117_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1waNv-h1sitEwnsVGAgWKFaiZonjVP07XqG5M-TgvSJdnk2caASwkbFoVpgP0lgeY0zyo8Y0yfqtqEGxJSwE-4IEywG2L9X0FOHDNAh4RzgEEXBM98MkxHNNg8FjcqgLnDDMG9gfzqTl2/s320/thumb_IMG_3117_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a>Following on from my post about our family trip to Tokyo later this year, I thought I'd update on the planning involved with a visit to <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/" target="_blank">Tokyo Disneyland</a> including booking hotels. Turns out there is quite a lot to it all and I'm really glad I started researching early.<br />
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S and I visited DisneySea on our last trip and absolutely loved it. Its the only park of its kind in the world and amongst Disney park fanatics, its widely touted as the best Disney park in the World even. Like most of our last trip, we really did just wing it including showing up at DisneySea on the day, buying a ticket and having a great (long) day at the park. It seems we really benefited from dumb-luck in this instance as any visit to Tokyo Disney should be meticulously planned ... the park often reaches capacity and you cannot buy tickets to enter (plus busy in TDR is not even close to anything you've seen elsewhere). I've read that a quiet day at TDR is among the busiest you will see at other Disney parks around the World.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXs-nXN5RmhDiHltjH5WG2gwsE-krey4ItNnD6C9a88tb-gypdNlAwVpyneVkctMcyZ57FL5_aHk6H2PfJjGeqJMOtQE0yNz9eeKYhCZxBMmLxklVS06non2IEr2kLRLoDvpnkpqfTlci/s1600/thumb_IMG_3039_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXs-nXN5RmhDiHltjH5WG2gwsE-krey4ItNnD6C9a88tb-gypdNlAwVpyneVkctMcyZ57FL5_aHk6H2PfJjGeqJMOtQE0yNz9eeKYhCZxBMmLxklVS06non2IEr2kLRLoDvpnkpqfTlci/s320/thumb_IMG_3039_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
So with our flights booked and dates locked in, I researched the best recommended days within our visit to go to TDR. Weekdays of course being the best for minimising crowds and midweek days better still than Mondays and Fridays. <strike>We</strike> I decided we would go with Tuesday Wednesday Thursday to ensure we maximise our days there with the boys and 3 days will give us a day at each park plus a 3rd day to split between the 2 - park hopper passes are not typical at TDR and I believe are only available to TDR hotel guests and as part of a 3 day pass.<br />
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Once I had confirmed the days to go to TDR, my attention turned to hotels. We had already decided staying at one of the 3 TDR hotels would make the most sense for us despite the exorbitant prices. It just makes sense with young children for ease and is our major holiday splurge to indulge all four us. Being so close/onsite will definitely make life easier for S and I if one or both of the boys needs a nap or some downtime, we get early access to both parks to beat the queues and snag our fastpasses, guaranteed park access regardless of capacity and my personal favourite, anything we purchase anywhere in the park can be sent straight back to our room ... no having to lug around our gifts and souvenirs for the day or make a frantic dash to the gift shops before the park closes - winning right!<br />
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While we would have loved to stay at the <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/dhm/" target="_blank">MiraCosta</a> after seeing it on our past adventure, it was a <strike>little</strike> lot more expensive to stay at on the parkside and that would be our only benefit compared to the <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/tdh/index.html?_ga=1.92328986.629220056.1460685958" target="_blank">Tokyo Disneyland Hotel</a> - so we could watch the night show.<br />
We ruled out <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/dah/index.html?_ga=1.61863979.629220056.1460685958" target="_blank">Disney Ambassador</a> for being just slightly further out given we have 2 children to juggle and that left TDH. Still expensive (starting at $500 per night) it was slightly cheaper than the MiraCosta and we went with a <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/tdh/room/index.html" target="_blank">deluxe room</a> as we will be spending 3 nights there and wanted the boys to have a little extra room to play and move during our downtime. Plus I hear TDH has the best gift shop - again, priorities.<br />
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I've found accommodation doesn't become available in Japan typically until 6 months out so was anxiously waiting to book our Disney nights after making the final decision on where to stay. To be honest, I was terrified the hotel would book out in minutes given the 3 hotels have about 700 rooms each and operate at 95% occupancy all year round - they are never discounted. So finally our week opened up just last week and while I was only an hour late booking from the open window, the cheapest rooms had already entirely sold out at TDH - which is why we went with the deluxe. If we couldn't get the lowest price, then there was only $100 difference between the next two levels on offer and the extra space made sense.<br />
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I was more than a little excited to finalise this booking - think squealing like a little kid and high 5'ing myself- and so very relieved. But now I have months to wait before the guest priority booking window opens to secure shows, character meals and reservations for other Disney park events.<br />
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If you are considering visiting Tokyo Disney Resort, do your research early and book as soon as you can.<br />
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Accommodation done and dusted for Disney, next up, itinerary planning, Shinjuku and Fujikyu accommodation, packing lists and preparation for flying with children still to come - bet you can't wait.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv207v5BhYkEnhighlDlCrJaiGMggS37aeeIINomVBETNhNFa7u8bjFNSX4Slv7SgJxyFv4tT93eTHYf01c3kQ2HuyxKM8Bpiwxxa00kF17EP0fjaqQJZZ_VbTnp8AyvV0EHo7RSSxs2Bo/s1600/tokyo-disneyland-hotel-inside-duy-phan-photography-400x267%25402x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv207v5BhYkEnhighlDlCrJaiGMggS37aeeIINomVBETNhNFa7u8bjFNSX4Slv7SgJxyFv4tT93eTHYf01c3kQ2HuyxKM8Bpiwxxa00kF17EP0fjaqQJZZ_VbTnp8AyvV0EHo7RSSxs2Bo/s320/tokyo-disneyland-hotel-inside-duy-phan-photography-400x267%25402x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-10942664745106488312016-09-23T10:58:00.003+10:002016-09-23T10:58:22.826+10:00Spring Bucket List <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZQtM96njB8hWKBbrbuVpheADAe1QGoDg8PeKBhzBxUmkXFgv-g60BrU4bsnyLRh0JYodpwKIOO-1RQPN9y3pKzfnwD1KIO5O0TV1l6mR5JtJN6S6b9turYlDvq_e4ZOItAxKEcKHAuqU/s1600/44ddfa00-e1f3-466d-82a0-0b076bf2156f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZQtM96njB8hWKBbrbuVpheADAe1QGoDg8PeKBhzBxUmkXFgv-g60BrU4bsnyLRh0JYodpwKIOO-1RQPN9y3pKzfnwD1KIO5O0TV1l6mR5JtJN6S6b9turYlDvq_e4ZOItAxKEcKHAuqU/s320/44ddfa00-e1f3-466d-82a0-0b076bf2156f.jpg" width="240" /></a>Spring is pretty much the best time of the year on the Gold Coast, the weather is beautiful and clear without being too hot and humid so its the perfect time to get out and about.<br />
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We're almost a month down for Spring and we're away for 2 weeks in November so I'm not leaving myself much time to complete a Spring bucket list but here goes nothing:<br />
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1. Get to the beach - to swim, to play and just enjoy it. We live only 15 mins from some of the World's best beaches but we just don't seem to get there much. Not sure if the sand puts me off - through the car, the house and every crevice in between, or the amount of gear we have to lug along or if its just the thought of chasing a screeching CB across hot sand trying to apply sunscreen. Anyway, we need to get to the beach.<br />
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2. Halloween. We've never really done anything to celebrate the holiday/season/whatever it is but I do love (obsessed with) the movie, Hocus Pocus, and the boys love a good dressup so I want to try and get a couple of girlfriends and their children (and husbands - to watch the kids) together for a Halloween party. A good excuse to actually make some of the <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/reneeaw/drinks/" target="_blank">grown up drinks</a> I keep pinning on Pinterest - for the adults only of course.<br />
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3. Spring clean! It wouldn't be a Spring bucket list without this one. I'm talking architraves, skirting boards, windows including screens and tracks, wardrobe culls, the roof and guttering, wash the lounge covers, replace the lounge room curtains and sort out our garage which has become a dumping ground for the masses of trucks and ride ons the boys have accumulated.<br />
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4. Seaworld. We have passes to all the theme parks, we just never seem to make it to Seaworld despite it being a favourite. Probably because its a total PITA to get to thanks to nightmarish traffic conditions around the area. That aside, its on the list and we need to get there as the boys love seeing the Ninja Turtles and the marine animals.<br />
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5. Buy fresh flowers weekly to enjoy more often - no need for a special occasion.<br />
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6. Picnics, lots of picnics and fish and chips in the park at dusk.<br />
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7. BBQs with friends. We love to entertain, we just have to be better at actually organising events.<br />
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8. Fly a kite. We've never done this with the boys - although we must have intended to as we have 2 kites floating around somewhere.<br />
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9. Go to an outdoor movie / open air cinema. There are a few locally so I'll have to find a date and get on it.<br />
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10. Feed the ducks - but first I'll need to find a pond with ducks ... or maybe not, they're aggressive creatures and scare me - maybe I can find a pond and send S with the boys?<br />
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11. Plant a vegetable garden ... might be one to assign to the green thumb father in law as I'm not known for my ability to keep plants living. I'm an accomplished plant murderer sadly, I even killed a succulent in less than 2 weeks - still trying to figure out how.<br />
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12. Bubbles, ice blocks and water play in the yard - the boys favourite things.<br />
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13. Camp out in the yard with the boys. E would love this adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ldiWwtuLoBZOq66ODV0gmR_7a0Mwd-DJ_fC70LSU-nW7lIx64kvWsB7Qj0O989c1o2-h_ay6_QN4HYVw75cGfeivmuCcml6Gdx5-XbpqPKGErFQutJYaTsFcaL21b8_BDmDH400koZZb/s1600/12928386_10153845197601077_6017097592551844505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ldiWwtuLoBZOq66ODV0gmR_7a0Mwd-DJ_fC70LSU-nW7lIx64kvWsB7Qj0O989c1o2-h_ay6_QN4HYVw75cGfeivmuCcml6Gdx5-XbpqPKGErFQutJYaTsFcaL21b8_BDmDH400koZZb/s320/12928386_10153845197601077_6017097592551844505_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>14. Take as many pictures as I can, and especially of the boys and I - I want photos they can look back on that actually have me in them.<br />
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15. Go on local adventures to new places - farms, new places to eat, find different parks, places to swim.<br />
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Wish us/me luck!<br />
<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-37640188710995192992016-07-21T09:04:00.000+10:002016-07-21T09:04:01.225+10:00I confess...<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: pacifico; font-size: 42px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21.56px;">My ongoing confessions to a not so perfect life:</span></h3>
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I live for wine o'clock aka 5 o'clock for non-mummas. Pouring that glass right before getting the boys in the bath makes everything seem so much easier. Although, I rarely get to drink it until the boys are bathed dressed and watching bedtime shows ... but its just having it there that I find reassuring.</div>
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I used to wash my hair daily. Then I had kids. Its a slippery slope and now I'm down to once a week, sometimes twice if I have something on for work. Gross I know.<br />
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I'm cheap, (or spoilt by my hairdresser) but as much as I love my hair (despite irregular washing), I bring myself to pay a fortune on having it done. My hairdresser was away recently and I had an event where I needed an updo. I rang around and after the cheapest quote of $75 for a high ponytail, I had my sis research pinterest and fumble something together - she did a pretty great job. Note: my HD charges me $30 for any kind of updo! I know, ridiculously cheap, see why I can't spend more than $50.<br />
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I'm a plant killer. Like can't even keep basil alive plant killer. I'm determined to change this though and was recently convinced to by a real Fiddle Leaf Fig for indoors (instead of the plastic one I was leaning towards). One week in and its still alive - babysteps.<br />
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C still needs to be bounced to sleep some nights in his Baby Bjorn bouncer (thank goodness they are long). Do I like, no. Does it get him to sleep with minimal fuss, yes. Choose your battles I say.<br />
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The boys have developed an obsession with 2 minute noodles. I know they are not a well-rounded wholesome meal but meh, I had them many a night for dinner (by choice) growing up so I let them too. </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But you know what? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a really great mumma to E and C and a really great wife to S.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm not perfect but they don't need perfect, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">they just need me, imperfections and all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What are your confessions to a less than perfect life ...</span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-20715244468753003062016-05-31T14:10:00.003+10:002016-05-31T14:10:45.677+10:00I confess ...<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: 42px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "molengo"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21.56px;">My ongoing confessions to a not so perfect life:</span></h3>
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I'm sad that my husband no longer has a regular sports night or boys night to go to every week. I know most wives prefer the extra set of hands for dinner bath bed but I would love my own company one night a week to watch trashy tv and eat popcorn for dinner once the boys are in bed.</div>
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I am doing an exercise program run by the Bachie, Sam Wood. I never watched The Bachelor but some girlfriends got me on to his 28 exercise program and I'm loving it ... but I haven't shared the Bachie connection to it with anyone yet. </div>
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I bribe<span style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">E to eat all the fruit in his lunchboxes by adding just 3 </span><a href="https://www.woolworths.com.au/Shop/Browse/confectionery-snacks-drinks/sweets-lollies-licorice?name=allen-s-jelly-tots-lollies&productId=894133" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4;" target="_blank">Allens Jelly Tots</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4;"> to the treat compartment. If he doesn't eat all his fruit, no lollies the next day. Let me tell you, those teeny tiny jellies are prime negotiating tools. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoFK1iqp6yz1FfurlIzAYCw6yjRb9d1ExAyGutyLHdF9EtBhGSI2-yMXXOLJ1s-a14aOM2FKm3gE_JjhoVMvHhqHxdaBKJd_gEBZAbTQBbITS70gWU6Ykv87Z5pcdGCSmx-MV_OqhmkbL/s1600/232323232-fp93232-uqcshlukaxroqdfv36%253B44-nu%253D449%253B-949-633-WSNRCG%253D36%253B%253B32-4%253B433-nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoFK1iqp6yz1FfurlIzAYCw6yjRb9d1ExAyGutyLHdF9EtBhGSI2-yMXXOLJ1s-a14aOM2FKm3gE_JjhoVMvHhqHxdaBKJd_gEBZAbTQBbITS70gWU6Ykv87Z5pcdGCSmx-MV_OqhmkbL/s320/232323232-fp93232-uqcshlukaxroqdfv36%253B44-nu%253D449%253B-949-633-WSNRCG%253D36%253B%253B32-4%253B433-nu0mrj.jpg" width="319" /></a>I'm over the washing grind. Sort, wash, dry, fold, put away. Especially as S doesn't even bother putting his clean clothes away... its all he has to do in the process but no, they sit in a neat folded pile in front of his side of the wardrobe for weeks until they end up back in the wash. So I've taken a stand and while it is killing my OCD, I'm leaving them there. Oh, and I'm not even turning his clothes in the right way before folding. Its my petty protest.<br />
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My car is a tip at the moment. Wrappers, odd shoes (mine and the boys), drink bottles, paper, random <strike>happymeal</strike> (shhhh) toys, bags of things to donate or take to kindy/mums/sisters, sand/crumbs everywhere and not to mention the outside could use a clean too.</div>
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My littlest kid spent 4 mins in time out this morning in his cot. He is out of control crazy hysterical lately and S had to leave early for work today. After 15 mins of him screaming at my feet or attacking his brother while I was getting ready, I put him in the cot in time out. Every 5 mins or less I went in and was told 'go way, out!' so I went on with my makeup etc.<br />
When it came time to change him including nappy, he fought me tooth and nail and was deposited with much relief (by me) at his grandmother's in a nappy, long sleeve tee and nothing else. I admit, I gave up this morning and needed my mama to come to the rescue - which she did thankfully.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But you know what? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a really great mumma to E and C and a really great wife to S.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm not perfect but they don't need perfect, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">they just need me, imperfections and all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What are your confessions to a less than perfect life ...</span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-68172091271950013522016-05-19T12:57:00.002+10:002016-05-19T12:57:56.623+10:00Traveling with Children - Tokyo, Japan - part 1, The Planning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUmMyA5-NAkTcWDXz-riuAxI5y_4DjLRfpg4SczkCqhKEBwNx2kkV0jp3Owe8m8dL__DtKESmHRn5Jj63yEqi353THuLrfbEiyHR7NQ5wKM0-oEQR1b9pVMwKldWN8cDeyvXCowdTjAnV/s1600/13174150_10153899857321077_7831169335136071014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUmMyA5-NAkTcWDXz-riuAxI5y_4DjLRfpg4SczkCqhKEBwNx2kkV0jp3Owe8m8dL__DtKESmHRn5Jj63yEqi353THuLrfbEiyHR7NQ5wKM0-oEQR1b9pVMwKldWN8cDeyvXCowdTjAnV/s320/13174150_10153899857321077_7831169335136071014_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Japan is possibly S and my favourite place in the whole World together. We have both traveled, S far more extensively than I having grown up a British citizen and Air Force brat, but there is something magical and mystical and oh so fun about Japan. We spent our honeymoon there, complete with the biggest earthquake ever felt and we traveled back again 6 months after the EQ to finish said honeymoon that was cut short.<br />
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I've dreamed of heading back ever since our last visit but 2 children under 4, a mortgage, renovations, work etc and the timing (and finances) was just never right. Until a few weeks ago when Jetstar had one of their amazing flight sales. I saw the advertisement and ran some dates for fun. When the results returned that the 4 of us could fly to Tokyo return for under $1,600 incl. baggage, I text S and it went a little some thing like 'Ummmm how much do we have to spare right now? Japan for 4 of us $1,566' complete with shocked emoji and a screenshot of my summary.<br />
We went back and forth with dates for a few texts and then he sent the magic words, 'Just do it' ... I may have cried happy tears.<br />
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We always said Japan would be a perfect place to holiday with children, even when we were there honeymooning and now we are actually going. We are both so excited at the prospect of making some unforgettable memories with our boys and to be sharing our love of this beautiful country with them.<br />
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Of course I now can't think of anything else and have gone into overdrive with my planning ... we also filled E in on the excitement and I'm not sure now if he or I will last the 6 months till we go, especially after we also mentioned the magic word 'Disneyland'. I've had to make a countdown calendar for the poor kid to cross off daily with pictures of airplanes, Disney, Mt Fuji etc on the days of our travel.<br />
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I'm having so much fun researching a family holiday and have learnt so much more about Japan that we never even came across on our previous trips. I've already worked out a basic itinerary (that includes 3 days at Disney of course) and have lists a mile long of things to do and places to see. The only painful part is booking accommodation at the moment as you can't book more than 6 months out for most places in Japan so I'm watching the calendar carefully so we can lock in some of the high demand places asap - the main one being Tokyo Disneyland Hotel which is prohibitively expensive but we think a worthy splurge for our convenience and to make our visit truly memorable for the whole family.<br />
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My only concern for this trip is the flight with C. I know E will be a dream with the ipad and few activities and books but C on the other hand is a wild one. He hates being restrained, is rarely quiet and has a very short attention span. I won't lie here, I've considered upgrading myself and leaving S up back with the two boys - but that's probably not the best way to start a family holiday. I guess the best I can do is just immerse myself in planning and hope he settles down in the next 6 months like everyone keeps promising me he will.<br />
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So, any tips or trips for packing for Tokyo Winter, flying with children, travelling with children and specifically Disney & Tokyo with children? I'll take anything.<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-84332479041635882132016-05-18T11:45:00.000+10:002016-05-18T11:45:17.099+10:00Wish list<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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My current wish list looks something like this...<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wish_list/set?.embedder=7700190&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=192252222" target="_blank"><img alt="Wish list" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3CrpK772HPvKXRcmlEAGA/cid/192252222/id/THrATk-f5RGQFswAE83bcg/size/c600x569.jpg" height="569" title="Wish list" width="600" /></a></div>
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1. New sheets for our bed ... nothing beats fresh linen in a high thread count.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/mayfair-collection/the-mayfair-boxer-pajama?ProductID=288799&CatalogueType=OLS" target="_blank">Victoria's Secret Mayfair pjs</a> are my all-time favourite pajamas and I love the swiss dot flamingo print.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.cradlerock.com.au/what-s-new/inflatable-swan-gold/w1/i1820539_1000990/" target="_blank">Inflatable gold swan</a> for Summer - even though its now Winter.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.artisbrush.com/" target="_blank">Artis makeup brush set</a> . I've only just discovered these and I NEED them in my life. Now to justify the price.<br />
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5. Prada sunglasses - I have a pair in tortoise shell and am in need of some basic black.<br />
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6. A new Oroton wallet. I love Oroton for their quality. I buy a new one every 2-3 years and love the size of their zip arounds for everyday use.<br />
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7. Beauty Blender sponge. Its a cult I hear and once you try it, you will never use anything else for makeup application.<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.scholl.com.au/home/foot-care/hard-skin/hard-skin/velvet-smooth-express-pedi-with-diamond-crystals/?gclid=CNC49JHU3cwCFU9xvAodyCYJrg" target="_blank">Scholl Velvet Smooth</a> Foot File. My feet are so dry and nothing I do seems to help that so I want to give this a go.<br />
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9. Glasshouse Rendezvous candle. I may have already added this one to my extensive collection.<br />
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10. Rag & Bone black Newbury boots. Late to the party on these but my Winter wardrobe needs them - or a good dupe.<br />
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-90425003065725547452016-05-16T13:17:00.002+10:002016-05-16T13:17:42.830+10:00A snapshot <div style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px; letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
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It seems a lifetime ago that I was documenting every week of my first pregnancy then every month of Es life. Cue second pregnancy and the posts were slightly less regular and monthly B2 updates virtually nonexistent. </div>
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I loved reading similar posts by fellow bloggers so much and I loved documenting the little details I would have all but forgotten in the whirlwind that is #mumlife with two little boys.</div>
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This is a teeny tiny snapshot of the boys right now ...<br />
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ethan at 3 years 11 months</b></div>
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A beautiful little soul, E is already such a gentleman. Kind, so so so empathetic and intuitive, he makes my heart melt almost everytime he opens his mouth. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">He wants to know everything, has endless questions about the World and his imagination is magical. 'Tell me about the birds mama, all the birds' as he pulls up a seat next to me and looks expectant. And he remembers everything!</span></div>
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He loves puzzles, monster trucks, dinosaurs and building creations with Duplo. Much to daddy's delight, he is also obsessed with Star Wars and knows all the characters ... he also walks around the house humming the theme music.</div>
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He is always going on an adventure complete with 'accessories' and appropriate dress-up.</div>
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He loves to read, snuggle and kisses me through the front windscreen when I leave for work in the mornings, telling me to be good.</div>
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His vocabulary blows my mind, I don't know where he learns so many big words and he always uses them in context.</div>
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His favourite foods are homemade pizza, lasagne and 'bisotto' (my homemade risotto), milkshakes and chocolate - he's a sugar fiend which makes us laugh as S and I can take or leave chocolate and sweets.</div>
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He loves to watch Dino Dan, Peter Pan (Disney), Star Wars (the original 3) and Curious George.</div>
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He still lets me choose his clothes but mostly insists on dressing himself.</div>
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He loves kindergarten, has a big circle of friends and beautiful manners.</div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Charles aka Chuck aka Charley Bear at 2 years old</b></div>
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My wild one, self named 'Yuck and 'Yarles. He is a tornado and then some. I am constantly walking into rooms to finding him standing on stools or leaping off the armchair calling 'watch out'. Danger baby, this kid climbs anything he can and has no fear.</div>
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He loves stomping around in S' basketball shoes or my heels or careening around corners with his 'bubba' in the toy stroller.</div>
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He is funny, so so funny and he knows it with the cheekiest brightest grin I'm sure I've ever seen. </div>
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He is a snuggly boy, always launching himself into my arms calling 'cuddle, cuddle' and loves resting back on me, pulling up his top and saying 'muuuumeee tickle tickle 'nummy' (tickle his tummy).</div>
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He loves watching The Wiggles, Teletubbies (for the Sun baby) and In the Night Garden - he points at the TV in the morning calling 'Wiggles, Piggle, I watch'.</div>
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He is fiercely independent and everything is 'I will do it' including dressing himself.</div>
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Lasagne, 'yoclat (chocolate), strawberries <span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">& cake are all favourites to eat.</span></div>
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I hear 'Goooo waaaayyy' alot if he doesn't get what he wants </div>
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He loves to play with animal figures, his Chewbacca plush and is obsessed with real life birds and g<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">eckos.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.945px; line-height: 22.95px;">Constantly keeping us guessing and on our toes, he can have me at my wit's end before giving me a smile that has me thinking he's the cutest kid I've ever seen.</span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-67840214372263994162016-03-01T11:08:00.000+10:002016-03-01T10:55:45.227+10:00Master bedroom renovating <div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/master_bedroom/set?.embedder=7700190&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=187540689" target="_blank"><img alt="Master bedroom" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/nytDH5HfN6wwAY7W1zcYgg/cid/187540689/id/-h_BI5K55RGOTEuvtfvecw/size/c600x524.jpg" height="524" title="Master bedroom" width="600" /></a></div>
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It feels like the World's slowest master bedroom renovation ever but in fairness, we've only been in our house for 12 months and there has been many more important tasks to tackle given we can comfortably sleep in the spare bedroom ... I'm looking at you spackled paint halls and '80's archways to name just a few projects. But finally our master has crept almost to the top of the 'to do' list and we are making (slow) progress. </div>
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The master itself is a huge job as it needs a new wardrobe built in and fitted, walls prepped and painted and all new flooring... so not quite your five minute fix.</div>
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In happy news for me, our wardrobe is nearing its final stages and I am literally itching to get <strike>my</strike> our things sorted, culled and neatly put away, seasonal/colour/style coded of course. I <strike>played a big role in</strike> decided on the fit out design and we are making the most of the space with two columns of shelves/drawers, two sections of double hanging, one section of long hanging and another column of shelves plus the bulkhead shelf that runs the length... one day I'll have a walk-in again but until then, this should work.</div>
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The whole room will be painted natural white and it already gets lots of natural light (so I'll be getting some plantation shutters in as soon as possible as both a feature and to block the light when necessary) and the flooring we are still debating. We would like to do the whole house in ash coloured wood grain planks when we do the kitchen renovation however my cousin is a carpet layer and can do the room for us in charcoal carpet now for next to nothing. I'm tempted to just go with this as the rest of the flooring is still a way off. </div>
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We bought a new grey upholstered king size bed with gas lift and underneath storage - perfect hiding spot for Christmas presents and space bags of Winter gear - and I would like to find either a vivid colourful piece of art to hang above the bed, that or a long picture ledge that I can change up as often as I like.</div>
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I haven't decided on bedsides yet but I think I want side tables over drawers as I find they tend to accumulate junk. I love the Freedom spaghetti tables but of course they are from many seasons ago so hopefully they bring out something similar again soon.</div>
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For lighting, I'd love a chandelier but a fan really is a necessity on the Gold Coast so down lights it is but I had the bright idea we should hang pendants over the bedsides rather than bother with lamps taking up space (and of course bought them straight away). It looks like they aren't going to work though thanks to the ideal bed positioning and location of the air conditioning uni :(</div>
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I have the small desk pictured to use a dressing table with a ghost chair under the wall mounted TV but I'm still questioning whether we should go with a tall boy instead. I guess it will ultimately depend on how much I cram into the wardrobe when its finished.</div>
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I'll post pics when it is actually completed (trust me, its a war zone right now).</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-54559175184882606562015-12-11T11:03:00.001+10:002015-12-11T11:03:17.776+10:00My Christmas Playlist<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tECkbIeo5jKSp3PkSW5b_5HzHM4MgQIZBL8oljsq3v9vATBLPccKzBmC8FH39IGBkTh1uVBSQZtRUKV2KHJnzmTw_VGuMAn-neeD1-RVZzLlOZ4ZlVRNcQO3bJqyZeZXaB9IO34kVXEr/s1600/elf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tECkbIeo5jKSp3PkSW5b_5HzHM4MgQIZBL8oljsq3v9vATBLPccKzBmC8FH39IGBkTh1uVBSQZtRUKV2KHJnzmTw_VGuMAn-neeD1-RVZzLlOZ4ZlVRNcQO3bJqyZeZXaB9IO34kVXEr/s200/elf+1.jpg" width="196" /></a>This is the playlist I have had going since well before the 1st December ... when the boys aren't giving the classic Disney Carols a workout (think old favourites like Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, 12 days of Christmas, Frosty the Snowman and Sleigh Ride complete with Scrooge McDuck).<br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Christmas (Baby please come home) - Human Nature</b></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Its Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - Michael Buble</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Grown Up Christmas List - Mark Vincent or Kelly Clarkson</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">O Holy Night - Marina Prior or Mariah Carey</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">All I Want for Christmas is You - Michael Buble</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Carol of the Bells - Carol of the Bell's (Kids Choir)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Do You Hear What I Hear - Carrie Underwood</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Jingle Bell Rock - Glee Cast</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">White Christmas - Bing Crosby</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Baby It's Cold Outside - Idina Menzel & Michael Buble</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Winter Wonderland - Snoop Dogg & Anna Kendrick</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Frosty the Snowman - Nat 'King' Cole</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1Ok9eK3ZQQeoFVnUv_pNMqNirQ5OC4tNRpQekrNLBuV_3c82U6kR79EDSFTgO7umiZIEOyN9qShi2OVXeqd77djXQxFoDp-HcdIKtbq0vYCRstVxxprCN2EO5iiXZ3xhI2s7R66tdS6q/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1Ok9eK3ZQQeoFVnUv_pNMqNirQ5OC4tNRpQekrNLBuV_3c82U6kR79EDSFTgO7umiZIEOyN9qShi2OVXeqd77djXQxFoDp-HcdIKtbq0vYCRstVxxprCN2EO5iiXZ3xhI2s7R66tdS6q/s200/elf.jpg" width="200" /></a>I have to say though, its a little incongruous driving to work listening to Winter Wonderland with the sun blazing and 30+ degree temperatures. Doesn't quite have the same effect as snow falling and cozy fireplaces, still its CHRISTMAS!</div>
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There are so many old and new Christmas albums to choose from now and I love buying a new one each year. What are your favourite carols and or albums?Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-78430512921187285512015-11-30T12:13:00.002+10:002015-11-30T12:13:18.886+10:00Elf on the Shelf - the adventures of Buddy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52Ou912CLIeydd5X1-IDmZpkRGOs8Syfh11lPlMD4EyQgkYshYlKWfsc-l3rLFBJfQtofEH-2qhpvtA-EWd0RkNQcM6JcSt5U9Ia0Rrl6MYw6chZqs8YvjQIeNezT5aQg9cRppKKI3IJH/s1600/10351076_10152754626301077_1204539421191115446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52Ou912CLIeydd5X1-IDmZpkRGOs8Syfh11lPlMD4EyQgkYshYlKWfsc-l3rLFBJfQtofEH-2qhpvtA-EWd0RkNQcM6JcSt5U9Ia0Rrl6MYw6chZqs8YvjQIeNezT5aQg9cRppKKI3IJH/s200/10351076_10152754626301077_1204539421191115446_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Buddy, totally original right? But S loves Will Ferrell and the movie Elf so my suggestion of Twinkle got overridden pretty quickly.<br />
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We introduced Buddy last year when E was just 2 and lets just say, it was a good idea to start while he was young and not really all over it because it taught us we'd better lift our game for this year and make sure we're on the ball... panicked Elf placement while the other distracts the children is not going to cut it this year.<br />
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With this in mind, I've decided to get prepared, did some research and have come up with a list of placements and gimmicks for our Elf along with a purpose.<br />
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We love Christmas, like really really love Christmas - our tree has been up since the 8th of November! But the things we love most are the cheer, the giving and the spirit of the season more so than the presents and its really important to S and I that we teach the boys about this.<br />
We want our boys to have a strong social conscience and be aware that while they are very blessed to be spoilt by those around them and want for nothing, others aren't so lucky and its important for them to do what they can to help others, especially at Christmastime.<br />
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We have a wooden Advent calendar of little boxes and a hanging fabric one so my plan this year is have Buddy make a big arrival and with him he'll bring a list of tasks for the boys to complete each day of December.<br />
Once they complete Buddy's task, they can check the stocking and see if he's left a treat - a sticker, matchbox car, chocolate elf etc.<br />
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The tasks we have this year are:<br />
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<li>Choose a Christmas book to give to the Wishing Tree</li>
<li>Bake and deliver treats to the local Police Station to thank them for looking after us</li>
<li>Leave a thank you card and gift to the garbage man for collecting our rubbish each week and always smiling and waving</li>
<li>Choose a gift for a little boy and for a daddy to leave at the Kmart Wishing Tree</li>
<li>Christmas cards for kindy friends</li>
<li>Bake and deliver treats to the local Ambulance station to thank them for looking after us</li>
<li>Choose 5 toys and books to donate to charity </li>
<li>Choose and give gifts and thank you cards to kindy teachers for educating us</li>
<li>Visit Santa and have a family photo taken</li>
<li>Attend Christmas Carols with family</li>
<li>Make a donation of food/blankets & toys to the local RSPCA</li>
<li>Make & decorate a gingerbread house</li>
<li>Write a letter to Santa</li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-d498418f-561c-7b22-cffe-0e2f932b6b47"><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go to the park and pick up any rubbish to help keep our environment clean</span></span></li>
<li>Light candles and talk about great grandparents</li>
<li>Choose and take some non perishable food items to a local Christmas food drive</li>
<li>Make a list of 3 kind things to do for others before Christmas Day</li>
<li>Say good morning to everyone we see and wish them well</li>
<li>Visit local Christmas light displays</li>
<li>Leave a candy cane on 5 cars at the shopping centre</li>
<li>Give swimming coach a thank you letter and small gift</li>
<li>Take a cold drink to someone working in the hot sun</li>
<li>Donate some money box money to a charity at the shops</li>
<li>Buy a bunch of flowers and give them out to make people smile</li>
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And for Buddy's morning arrivals from the North Pole so far we have:<br />
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<li>Decorate the boys' rooms with tinsel, swinging from the end of one piece in Cs room</li>
<li>Riding in Mack Truck with snowman drink cups for the boys (from Kmart - $3 each)</li>
<li>Sleepover with the Ninja Turtles in Es socks</li>
<li>Swinging from the Christmas decorations</li>
<li>Popping out of the Christmas stocking that hangs on Es bedroom door - spoilt first child has 2 stockings</li>
<li>In the fridge drinking from the boys' milk</li>
<li>Riding a reindeer (decoration) on the shelf</li>
<li>In the Christmas lolly jar</li>
<li>Being eaten by a toy shark</li>
<li>Riding the boys' toy train with the animals</li>
<li>Camping out in the mini teepee with the Dino Train crew</li>
<li>Taking selfies with the Toy Story camera & Toy Story crew</li>
<li>Making a snow angel with 100s & 1000s</li>
<li>Reading a book in Cs reading corner</li>
<li>Colouring in a colour book with crayons</li>
<li>Flying with Toothless the dragon</li>
<li>Tea party/picnic with Olaf</li>
<li>With a rolled up Christmas scavenger hunt for E</li>
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and I have to come up with a few more in the coming days. Any ideas or suggestions?<ol>
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What are some of your Christmas traditions and how do you balance receiving with giving at this time of year?</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-68257497302552938842015-11-25T10:45:00.001+10:002015-11-25T10:46:29.521+10:00Confessions of a shopaholic<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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I know Christmas is only around the corner and I shouldn't be shopping for myself at all but I've had some great buys lately and they're all pretty basic staple pieces or necessities that I got for a steal - still, don't tell my husband.</div>
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Rag & Bone boyfriend jeans - I'm obsessed with Rag & Bone denim lately and these jeans are a great cut, so flattering and great for the weekends with a tee or singlet. I've worn them almost constantly since getting them.</div>
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Roxy rash vest - its so important to be sun safe and as we will be spending alot of time in the water over Summer, this is a necessity. Also, no one wants me flashing them over our Summer beach holiday but I fear C's grabby little hands will ensure everyone cops an eye full if I brave a bikini and hello, my dad and brothers will likely be there too! Looking after my skin and modesty in one swoop - plus it was only $30 shipped.</div>
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Sheike Truth or Dare dress - I've had my eye on this dress forever. Its really versatile for night and day wear and I love that its demure enough for work events but not frumpy. Its also flattering with the folding around the middle and split length. An ebay score for under $50 NWT, its already marked for a cocktail party tonight and a dinner coming up early December. Loving that its not black too!</div>
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Lilly Loves soft Aztec shorts - only $15 with a stretchy waist! Get to it on the Target website now. Available in black, an orange print and a blue print, throw on a tee or singlet and its the perfect wear for casual Summer days. </div>
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Target stripe swim bottoms - to go with the aforementioned rash vest. These were only $10 so even if I only get one Summer out of them, I won't be disappointed. I just can't justify the $80+ I used to spend on bikini bottoms (and the $120 on a top) anymore - I guess that's growing up (and having a mortgage).</div>
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Target 3/4 harem pants - again, a bargain at $15, these are a necessity. I have wanted and needed something comfy to pull on at home after work when its too early for pjs and I don't relish grubby little fingers all over my work wear.</div>
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Witchery split hem tee - the Witchery spliced and split hem tees and singlets are amongst my favourite basics lately and while I'm sure I'll live to regret the white with 2 little boys, there was a hole in my wardrobe for this (no doubt caused by the said grubby little fingers).</div>
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Aztec Rose one piece - for the same reason I bought the rash vest, I'm hoping these will help me keep my dignity intact while swimming with my littlest boy and his grabby hands. They were only $34 shipped from Surf Stitch and the sheer panels make it a little more fun than a standard black suit.</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326195272973784010.post-47125896604762855332015-11-19T10:58:00.001+10:002015-11-20T10:17:32.421+10:00Gift Guide for Educators<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/kindy_gifts/set?.embedder=7700190&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=182540315" target="_blank"><img alt="Kindy Gifts" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/yLG77pJHNOCAVWmNPHvA/cid/182540315/id/8L6-lViO5RGGdJ9pGqFJRg/size/c600x468.jpg" height="468" title="Kindy Gifts" width="600" /></a></div>
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I love gift giving - you've heard me say it a million times - and my boys' daycare educators definitely deserve a special gift (and a million dollars) to say thank you for the care and patience they take.<br />
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We take them morning tea for World Teacher's Day and Lindt chocolates for Easter and while I know they get paid to look after and teach the boys, I think it takes a special person to work with children. I don't think money in their field is a big draw card given the low industry rate so at Christmas we like to give them something that shows how much we appreciate their efforts and dedication to our children.</div>
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This year we have 5 educators to buy for which is a big jump from 2 last year so I've had to curb my spending somewhat and be at least a little sensible with budgeting.<br />
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In previous years I've found movie gift cards and coffee shop gift vouchers are very appreciated - Es first daycare centre was a short walk from the local Zarraffas so it was pretty much the perfect gift. In my experience (and personal survey of teacher friends), wine and chocolates are also always appreciated - even if they don't like it personally, I'm told they're glad to always have a stock on hand in their home for entertaining and the like (re-gifting I'm guessing he he).<br />
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If I'm not giving vouchers though, I try to buy things that I would like to receive and that are a little different to what everyone else might give (so they don't end up with 6 coffee mugs).<br />
Last year E gave his educators a small giftpack each that I made up featuring Chapstick Christmas ornament tin, Glasshouse Christmas mini candle and Lush Joy to the World giftpack.<br />
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I was planning to do something similar again this year when my colleague alerted me to the T2 Click Frenzy sale ... Triple Treat packs complete with mesh strainer for $10 and the Chill Sets for only $30! I grabbed 2 Chill Sets for the littlest boy's carers - after the year they've had with him (think hours of screaming initially then moving on to biting ... and now a perfect angel that adores his carers), they have more than earnt a splurge and I picked up 3 packs of Triple Treat for Es carers. I'll also add some Lindt Christmas chocolates - because its not a present without chocolates right?<br />
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So that's another off my Christmas list ... just in-laws to go and I'm actually done. And I need to admit, that makes me sad. Unlike everyone else, I love Christmas shopping, its probably why I start so early and am finished well before December but I still hit the shops in the weeks leading up for the atmosphere and craziness - I can't resist and of course I end up buying another stack of gifts for everyone.<br />
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What are your go to teacher/carer gifts?</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931801696274235098noreply@blogger.com0