50 Shades of Blokes - GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! CONGRATULATIONS EFFIE! Stay tuned everyone! There's another opportunity to win this trilogy coming up! 

Guest Post by the husband - Steve East

One day, as I was walking through a department store, I came across a display of that book which it seems every lady, sister, mother, grandmother and Aunty twice removed have been reading, Fifty Shades of Grey.  I was a little curious so I decided to pick it up, open to a random page and have a quick read.  Well...what I read was like something from the Scout’s Handbook of Knot Tying... and they weren't using ropes. I put it back down and haven’t given it much thought since.

Until now... 

The other day Ange handed me a book and asked me to review it for her Blog.  She told me that it was the bloke’s version of '50 shades' titled Fifty Shelves of Grey.  I knew I was onto something good when I read the author’s (L.O.L James, of course!) thank you at the beginning.  When someone thanks The Todd from TV show Scrubs, who is the inventor of the 'I’d Double Her Entendre High Five', you know exactly what you’re going to get.

The ‘story’ revolves around two characters; Christina Grey- a well to do home owner whose place has fallen into quite a state of disrepair; and Dave Woode, the Handyman whom Christina has hired to fix her, sorry, the house up.

I read each page with that naughty schoolboy grin and every so often I couldn’t help but release a hearty chuckle as the lonely Christina endeavoured time and time again to seduce the ever helpful and innocent Dave using the language she thinks he might understand- good ol’ DIY jargon.  Needless to say there are many jokes referring to fixing up her plumbing and working on her backdoor and as such this book may not be up everyone’s alley.  But if you like a good double entendre about screws, butts and hot wax then this book could be your perfect Christmas gift.

What’s more it’s slim so that it can fit neatly in an inside pocket of a tool bag. No, I really mean an actual tool bag.

Just like the original this parody has spawned two sequels: Fifty Spades of Grey  for those who enjoy getting a little dirty in the garden; and Fifty Shades of Grass for the sporty bloke who knows the importance of having good ball handling skills.

Fifty Shelves of Grey is perfect for the bloke on the go.  Including an interruption or two, I had it finished in about 45 minutes.  You don’t have to worry about unimportant things such as character or plot development.  Each page is an episode unto itself and the characters are set in stone.  Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t have a thorough knowledge of the DIY language, Dave is quite a patient teacher, just ask Ms. Grey.

Fifty Shades- Erotica for classy blokes.  Enjoy!

The books are available online at www.bigskypublishing.com.au (or any online bookstores), nationally in department and bookstores, Ebooks online on amazon and Ibookstores.

You can also check out the author chatting with Kochie recently on Sunrise

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/31104005/fifty-shelves-of-grey/

GIVEAWAY: Want to WIN this Trilogy for your man?? Well, my husband has requested that you do the following:

LIKE School of Mum and Fifty Shades of Blokes (and check out Big Sky Publishing)

SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter using the buttons below. Tagging helps!
COMMENT: In 50 words or less share a time where your partner just didn't 'get it' (Keep it clean(ish) though folks) Make SURE YOU LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you if you win.

The person who has completed all of the above and has the most creative answer will win!

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on the Blog ONLY.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close 9pm 16th November, 2012
* Winner has 3 days to respond before another is chosen.

12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS - Touch Magic Rockin' Guitar

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA! And thanks to everyone who entered! Plenty more opportunity during this Christmas Extravaganza so check it out!

We have been so lucky to try out the Touch Magic Rockin' Guitar by Leapfrog. After the success we have had with Scout the LapPup (he comes with us everywhere!) and the Alphabet Learning Bus, Tom was more than happy to get rockin' with this guitar!

I love the technology that LeapFrog are taking on board here. The guitar is a smooth surface, and every touch, or swipe brings the toy to life in one way or another.

The guitar has 10 built in songs, including popular ones like "If you're happy and you know it" and the "ABC" song. If you 'strum' the guitar really fast it increases the speed of the singing. So cute! Tom was rocking back and forth to the music and having a blast.

It encourages roleplay and who wouldn't love a bit of rockin' and rollin? Even the hubby couldn't resist whipping out his Ramones t-shirt and getting a bit rock n' roll...

And it gives you some applause too so total satisfaction there!

The Touch Magic Guitar is geared to ages 3 years + and that's definitely where it would be most beneficial. However, at 12 months old, Tom is still enjoying it by learning that different buttons do different things and of course, rocking to the music! He will grow into being able to understand the prompts given to him like "Touch the song button to play a song, then start strumming the guitar"

Let's face it...the kid looks like a budding rockstar already!

GIVEAWAY: Want to win this awesome rockin' guitar by LeapFrog?

LIKE School of Mum

SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter using the buttons below. Tagging helps!
COMMENT: In 25 words or less tell us who in your family would benefit from the Touch Magic Rockin Guitar. Make SURE YOU LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you if you win.

The person who has completed all of the above and has the most creative answer will win!

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on the Blog ONLY.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close 9pm 14th November, 2012
* Winner has 3 days to respond before another is chosen.



A Modern Woman's Guide to a Natural and Empowering Birth

This giveaway has ended! The winner is Jessie Hay! Congratulations! Thanks to those who entered and stay tuned for future giveaways. :-)

When I was pregnant, I did not read one book about birth. I read so many books about pregnancy and what was happening to my body and just kind of figured that the birth would be covered by my obstetrician and pre-natal classes.

Such a bad decision to make. After all the horror stories I kept hearing (why do women love to tell those?) and fear that I may give birth on the side of the road instead of at the hospital which was an hour and a half away, my fear for giving birth was huge. It was big as it was, without all that other stuff over my head.

This book is a fantastic read. I was a bit sceptical at first. But I came at it from a person who has now 'been there' and it really made me reflect on what I WANT for my next birth. My obstetrician, who was amazing, had convinced me that I didn't need a birth plan and that it's those that have them, who end up needing every intervention under the sun and end up so disappointed.

I wasn't disappointed with my birth, but I wish I had asked the questions "Why are you breaking my waters when the birth is going just fine?" and "Do I HAVE to be induced because I had a spike in blood pressure?"

This book is real. It doesn't tell you that everything will definitely be smooth sailing or that it will just be some beautiful, pain free experience. But it does tell you that birth is empowering. That you should explore your options. And that yes, modern science is amazing. But remember, it is your body and you have the right to make choices.

A Modern Woman's Guide to a Natural and Empowering birth is a collection of inspiring birth stories, expert tips and practical insights to help you overcome your birth fears and reclaim the fact that you have the power!

GIVEAWAY: Want to win a copy of this book for yourself or someone you know? Too easy! Just:

LIKE School of Mum and A Modern Woman's Guide to A Natural Empowering Birth
SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter using the buttons below. Tagging helps!
COMMENT: In approximately 25 words, describe birth in an empowering, positive way. Make SURE YOU LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you if you win.

The person who has completed all of the above and has the most creative, empowering answer will win!

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on the Blog ONLY.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close 9pm 13th November, 2012
* Winner has 3 days to respond before another is chosen.

Oh My Giddy Aunt - Engraved Puzzle Link (GIVEAWAY)

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! THE WINNER IS SHANNONANDANNE. Congratulations! And thanks to those who entered. Please check your email Shannonandanne!

Sometimes you come across a business that you just know is very special. All the products are gorgeous, the items are well priced and the customer service is excellent.

I can honestly tell you that this has been my experience of Oh My Giddy Aunt. I recently wrote a business profile about the lovely lady who started it all, Chief Aunt Nikki here.

When Nikki told me she would like to give away a puzzle piece to a lucky School of Mum reader I thought this was going to fit me PERFECTLY! I've been hinting at my husband for ages that I would love to have a wearable item that represents us, as a family. I was originally thinking a pendant like this...

But when I saw the puzzle piece I thought that was so pretty and I already have a necklace I wear all the time that means a lot to me. Within a couple of emails Nikki had organised to have a bracelet with two puzzle pieces, engraved and attached sent out to me.

The delivery was fast. Express in fact. I had expected to wait a while considering it was being engraved. But within 3 days it was here!

The wrapping and packaging was stunning. It made me all the more excited to see the quality of the product inside.

And it did not disappoint. Beautiful, shiny, sterling silver and perfect engraving. I can't wait to add symbols to it that mean something to myself and my family.

Oh My Giddy Aunt specialises in commemorative pieces. Here's a few of my favourites!

Want to win an engraved puzzle piece? It's easy but the Giveaway is only open until 9pm tomorrow so get in quick!

LIKE School of Mum and Oh My Giddy Aunt
SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter using the buttons below. Tagging helps!
COMMENT: In approximately 25 words tell us what puzzle pieces would make up your story? MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you if you win.

The person who has completed all of the above and has the most creative answer will win!

Stay tuned for tomorrow night's giveaway as part of the 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza - Katrina Zaslavsky's Book - A Modern Woman's Guide to A Natural and Empowering Birth. Have you subscribed to have the Blog sent to your inbox? It's the safest way to ensure you don't miss out! Sign up on the sidebar to your right.

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on the Blog ONLY.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close 9pm 12th November, 2012
* Winner has 3 days to respond before another is chosen.

N.O! - NO!

I'm a primary school teacher. I can pull 30 kids into line all at once if I wanted to (on a good day) but I seriously have no idea how to deal with this...

I'm on some strange quest to avoid the word 'no'. I'm so paranoid if I keep saying 'no' it's going to backfire and all I'll hear is 'no, no, no, no!' when the little guy decides to build up his vocabulary. But you can't reason with a no-longer-a-baby-now-a-toddler can you? I can't say "No, but you can have..." or "No, but how about we...?" So what is there to say or do? Here is the choice I made:

I let him play with it. He was having way too much fun. What's a roll of toilet paper anyway?


Do you find yourself saying 'no' every 5 seconds? What's the alternative for a little being?

Shameless Plug/Beg: Don't forget about the School of Mum 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza starts Monday. Here's what you can do to make sure you don't miss out! Bloggers - please help me spread the word! I'll put your button on my blog and return the favour by sharing when you have giveaways...pretty please?

Linked up for FYBF - At With Some Grace!

The easiest way to be a winner!

With exactly one week to go until School of Mum’s biggest Giveaway EVER, I thought it would be worth revealing a little bit more and giving you some hints to help you win, win, win!

Introducing....

The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza (that’s a mouthful!) starts on Monday. Every day for 12 days there will be something reviewed and given away on the Blog, and let me tell you, the last day is MASSIVE. You will not want to miss out. You will only have 24 hours to enter! So what’s the best way to make this part of your daily ritual for 12 days and increase your chances of winning something special for yourself, your children or for someone else?

Here’s two ways you can make it easy for you!

SIGN UP!

Email: Sign up to have the Blog sent straight to your email inbox. It’s easy. All you need to do is scroll down the right hand side of the Blog until you see a box like pictured below. Follow the instructions and within minutes, it’s done! Then everyday all you will need to do is check your email and get entering!

Facebook/Twitter: Like School of Mum on Facebook or Twitter if you haven’t already. ‘Liking’ on Facebook isn’t enough these days as Facebook doesn’t put things on your newsfeed unless you tell it to do so! So make sure you hover over the “Liked” button and click “show in news feed”

If you’ve done either or both of the things above, you’re already off to a head start. And entering on the day will be easy too. I know how busy people are and it can be off-putting when you need to do a million things to enter a competition.

The Magic of LeapFrog's Touch Learning Bus (+Giveaway!)

This giveaway has ended! Thanks so much to those who entered! The winners are...

Yvette Bowyer

Soninicole

Congratulations! Please contact me via Facebook or email ladies! If you missed out don't forget the exciting 12 days of Christmas Giveaways starts THIS Monday 12/11!

*The winners were chosen using random.org and screenshots saved.

I am seriously getting addicted to LeapFrog’s products. When they come to the door I’m like the giddy kid who is just about to open a Christmas present – EVERY TIME.

The first toys we had come to us were the LapPup and the Musical Counting Pal. The LapPup is growing to be Mr.T’s favourite toy and I continue to discover new things that are so great about it. He pushes the buttons and rocks back and forth to the music. It is so light and compact, Scout the Pup now comes with us everywhere!

The new Touch Magic range by LeapFrog is so darn clever. I couldn’t wait to see Mr.T have a play as well as do some of my own investigating as to the educational benefits of the range.

And so came the Touch Magic Learning Bus! I loved seeing Mr.T’s face as he had his first play with it...

What I love most

** I love how beautifully flat it is – no chunky buttons that are hard to press or push down on. The entire toy is slim too, which makes it so easy to take anywhere.

** The touch technology is fantastic! It incorporates the latest technology at such a great price (RRP $39.95). Perfect if you want your little ones to get engaged without the use of your precious and expensive Ipad or Iphone. The size of it makes it perfect for little fingers to touch the right spots too.

**It has two types of volume control and the switch is on the back away from the child’s reach.

**It does so much – With more than 40 touch spots that respond in different ways depending on which of the 3 learning modes is selected. This is not a toy that a child will get bored with!

** I love the way it scaffolds the child’s learning by asking the question in a different way if the answer is incorrect and it doesn’t use words like “That’s not right” or “try again” but rather, it asks in a different way and then when the child does get it right, it repeats the correct answer, reinforcing it in the child’s mind. Too clever!

The Touch Magic Learning Bus is aimed at 2 years+. My little man still loved touching the interface and rocking to the music (his latest trick) and he is listening to it when it plays the alphabet song and repeats letters and sounds. All which will help his learning! But I think it would be more perfectly suited for the age it is aimed for. It won’t be long before Mr.T is gaining so much from the magic that is the Touch Magic Learning Bus.

I loved the Touch Magic Learning Bus so much that Leapfrog is giving TWO away to School of Mum readers! Entering is Easy!

1. Go to Leapfrog and follow the 'shop by toy links' then COMMENT below – Tell us some of your favourite LeapFrog products you find.

2. LIKE School of Mum 

3. SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter with your friends – By Clicking Share below and either Facebook or Twitter. It helps if you tag School of Mum in your entry.

Too easy! The winner will be someone who has done all of the above and will be randomly chosen! So get entering. Christmas is just around the corner!

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on School of Mum’s Blog only due to Facebook restrictions.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close midnight 8th^h November, 2012
* Winner has 5 days to respond before another is chosen. 

* The product will be posted by LeapFrog and is not the responsibility of School of Mum

Lullaby Creations - Personalised Santa Sack Giveaway!

This giveaway has ended! Congratulations to Narelle Rock! Thank-you to all those who entered and thanks to Lullaby Creations for such a fantastic giveaway!

**The winner was chosen using random.org and a screenshot saved.

I love representing small businesses and I’ve been lucky enough to work with Renee at Lullaby Creations.

Lullaby Creations provides gorgeous, handmade décor for a child’s room or nursery, including coordinating sets like this:

Love the uniqueness of her products!

Renee has a child with a disability and found herself in a position where she needed to earn an income that allowed her the flexibility to be at home and care for her little one. She is clearly a natural talent when it comes to sewing and has also studied Art and Graphic design. She put all of this together to create her business.

I was given the opportunity to try out one of Renee’s favourite current creations – A personalised Santa Sack! (and there’s one to giveaway!) The thing I noticed straight away is the quality of fabric. It seemed so thick and durable. This is not one of those cheap sacks that will wear over time, or rip after a few uses of bulky material. It’s built to last!

 

And Renee tells me it’s not just the sacks that are of high quality. She uses a polyester wadding with all quilts and the wadding is thermally bonded to hold its shape without the use of chemicals and adhesives and treated with Ultra-Fresh for lasting protection against bacteria, dust mites, fungi, mildew and odour. The paint she uses is non toxic and any creatures are double stitched for extra strength and safety. Check out her page for more gorgeous creations. I couldn't do the Santa Sack justice and fill it up but check out how awesome they look!

You can find Renee at the Williamstown Craft Market on the third Sunday of every month and also occasionally at the Gisborne Market in Victoria. You can also of course find her on Facebook as well.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

One lucky person could WIN their own personalised Santa Sack – pictured here. All you need to do is:

1. COMMENT below – Tell us what letter you would have Lullaby Creations put on your sack and don’t forget to include your name and email.

2. LIKE School of Mum and Lullaby Creations

3. SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter with your friends – By Clicking Share below and either Facebook or Twitter. It helps if you tag us in your entry too.

Too easy! The winner will be someone who has done all of the above and will be randomly chosen! So get entering. Christmas is just around the corner!

Here’s the fine print:
* Entry is open to Australian folk only (sorry!)
* Winner will be posted on School of Mum’s Blog only due to Facebook restrictions.
* One entry per person
* A valid email must be provided in the comment so we can contact you if you are a winner.
* Entries close midnight 24^th October, 2012
* Winner has 5 days to respond before another is chosen. 

* The Santa Sack will be posted by Lullaby Creations and is not the responsibility of School of Mum