I love making shortbread and lately have been giving my newly created biscuits as gifts. Rather than make the traditional shortbread, I wanted to do something different.
Why not add freshly squeezed orange juice and zest to the shortbread?
I visisted Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Marketto stock up on Valencia oranges to make my zesty orange shortbread. Todarello’s have a great array of fresh produce to choose from and it is my one stop place to get quality ingredients.
Yummy Valencia oranges at Todarello’s Katoomba
I used the recipe from the McKenzies Rice Flour box, but with an added twist of orange juice and orange zest.
The Valencia oranges are so juicy and sweet
INGREDIENTS
225g plain flour, sifted
115g McKenzie’s Rice Flour
115g caster sugar
1 pinch salt
225g butter, at room temperature
Juice of 2 fresh Valencia oranges
Zest of 2 Valencia oranges
Very orangy shortbread dough ready to roll out and create duck shortbread
METHOD
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C or 356 F.
Step 1: Combine flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, add melted butter, add the juice of 2 Valencia oranges as well as the zest of 2 oranges (TIP: grate the zest first and then juice the oranges). Mix ingredients into a dough.
Step 2: Roll the dough onto a floured surface, make sure you have flour ready for the rolling pin, as well to help with the cookie cutters. Carefully roll to desired thickness and using a cookie cutter, shape into whatever shape takes your fancy. I used many different shapes, stars, a duck, a dog, and also the number 7.
Step 3: Place onto a tray lined with baking paper, prick with a fork, or add any decoration that you wish before the cookies go into the oven. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool before moving from the tray (If you move too quickly after coming out of the oven the biscuit can fall to bits – it needs more time to cool and harden).
Dog shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread ready to go in the ovenThe baking paper where the dog shaped zesty orange shortbread wasSuper cute zesty orange shortbread about to go into the ovenThe baking paper where all the ducks were
Don’t the little shortbread ducks look cute
The zesty orange shortbread dough with a number 7 cookie cutter
Zesty Orange Shortbread 7’s for a little person’s 7th Birthday!
Number 7 shortbread waiting to go into the oven
All cooked and ready to eat!
Number 7 Zesty Orange Shortbread cooked and ready to eatCute duck Zesty Orange Shortbread all cooked
The shortbread tasted delicious and the zest added a nice texture and added to the flavour too.
The star-shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread
POST FEAST REVIEW
Shortbread is yummy but zesty orange shortbread really is wonderful. The added tang of the Valencia oranges really gave it something special.
Zesty Orange Shortbread with some orange zest for decoration – I need one now with my cup of tea
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?
Adding fresh Valencia orange juice and zest to shortbread was a great idea, it was very tasty. I would definitely make this again. For the next batch, I want to make it even more orangy and also add dark chocolate to create a jaffa shortbread.
The star shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread looking very yummy. I want one right now!
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If you’ve got a LEGO-mad kid (or you are the LEGO-mad one), this is the ultimate school-holiday adventure. We cannot wait to go and experience RELICS: A New World Rises with our family!
Created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS turns ordinary objects into extraordinary LEGO worlds. Imagine:
🔹 A fridge transformed into a cryogenic health resort 🔹 A typewriter running a bustling newspaper empire 🔹 A Volkswagen Beetle powering a futuristic energy revolution
Every build is packed with Minifigure mischief, playful storytelling, and tiny details that will have you looking twice… and smiling every time.
See It Before 26 January
This isn’t just another exhibition—RELICS closes on 26 January 2026, so now’s the time to plan your visit. With strong crowds expected over the school holidays, book early to make sure you don’t miss out!
RELICS Highlights
14 massive displays combining vintage objects with LEGO creations
Interactive LEGO build zone—create your own miniature worlds
Custom scavenger hunts for kids and adults alike
A futuristic story set in 2130, where LEGO societies rise from the remains of a human-free world
More to Explore at the Australian Museum
The fun doesn’t stop with RELICS! Over the summer holidays, the museum is also hosting two free spectacular photographic exhibitions:
Unfinished Business– the stories of 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disabilities across Australia
Plus, visitors can explore the stunning permanent galleries: Dinosaurs, Minerals, Birds of Australia, and award-winning First Nations galleries including Garrigarrang, Wansolmoana, and the Burra play space.
A Story in Every Brick
Jackson and Alex have poured years into this passion project, giving every Minifigure its own story. The result? A playful, imaginative, and surprisingly thoughtful world you’ll get lost in—together as a family.
Don’t Miss Out
We cannot wait to explore RELICS with our family—and you shouldn’t miss it either. Bring your kids, bring your inner LEGO fan, and get ready to be amazed!
What: RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition Open now — closes 26 January 2026 Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW Exhibition Tickets: Adult: $29.00, Concession: $25.00, Child 4-15: $19.00, Child 0-3: Free
The Australian Museum offers free general admission and is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December). Tickets for RELICS are available now at australian.museum – strong demand is expected for the summer holidays. Gift cards for the exhibition are also available via the AM website.
I know I’m a little late to the party for ADHD Awareness Month, but as a mum to a little boy with ADHD, this isn’t just a month for me — it’s every single day. 💛
My son’s ADHD isn’t something I want to “fix” — it’s something I celebrate. It gives him creativity, energy, and an imagination that sees the world differently. I honestly believe it’s his superpower. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. ADHD comes with challenges that many families know all too well — navigating school systems, finding the right support, and trying to explain what “neurodivergent” really means to people who don’t live it every day.
So, even if Awareness Month is technically over, the conversation never should be. That’s why I’m excited to share some incredible voices and resources that are doing powerful things in the ADHD community — from parents, coaches, and educators to those living this journey firsthand.
💬 Meet Some Inspiring ADHD Advocates
👩🔬 Jane McFadden from ADHD Mums Jane is an Aussie mum, neuroscientist, and autism/ADHD assessor with lived experience as an AuDHD parent. Through her podcast and content, she:
👩👦 Susan Hughes – Certified ADHD Parenting Coach Susan’s story is one so many parents can relate to. After her own child was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, she couldn’t find the support she needed — so she built it herself. Now, she’s helping parents support their kids their wayand embrace the now.
🧠 Dr Lou Brown from Thriving with ADHD Lou brings research, real-life experience, and compassion to her ADHD parenting programs. Her work focuses on acceptance, realistic optimism, and mental health recovery rather than “fixing behaviour.” It’s parenting with empathy and understanding — and it’s changing lives.
💜 Vivian Dunstan – ADHD Support Australia Vivian’s organisation provides monthly online talks, guidance, and a thriving sense of community. From parenting strategies to supporting children at school, ADHD Support Australia is all about person-centered support and connection.
🌈 The Divergent Edge Founded by Dani Bultitude, this initiative bridges the gap between traditional therapy and the needs of neurodivergent people. After her own ADHD diagnosis, Dani created a space for therapeutic coaching that truly understands what it means to think differently.
If you’re on your own ADHD journey — whether you’re a parent, educator, or adult navigating it yourself — Twinkl has some incredible free resources to support you:
ADHD isn’t about being “too much” — it’s about being uniquely wired for creativity, curiosity, and courage. Awareness isn’t a one-month thing. It’s a daily celebration of our differences, our challenges, and the beautiful ways our minds work.
So here’s to the dreamers, the wigglers, the talkers, and the kids (and adults) who can’t sit still because their ideas are too big to stay put. 💫
If you have a little one with ADHD, know this: you’re not alone. Their spark isn’t something to dim — it’s something to fuel.
At Twinkl we have such a wide range of resources for all. One thing we focus on is pregnancy and newborns, and in this blog we will be looking at some of Twinkl’s top breastfeeding resources. We’d love you to share these with friends, family and anyone who you think could need them.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Guide
Our benefits of breastfeeding guide takes a look at how breastfeeding can be positive for both the baby and the mother. It’s a resource to gain information for yourself or for services to use to share with growing families in their care. Using this guide allows the parent to make the informed choice on what they feel is best for themselves and their baby.
Breastfeeding Q&A
This useful guide,written by a qualified midwife, helps give you further education and knowledge surrounding breastfeeding. With information including; mixed feeding, mental health and breastfeeding, how often to breastfeed and help with using a breast pump, you will feel fully prepared and ready for your breastfeeding journey.
How Can I Support Someone Who Is Breastfeeding
This resource comes from a different perspective in that it helps you to learn more about supporting a breastfeeding person. It is, again, written by a qualified midwife with knowledge and information that will help you. It involves; becoming knowledgeable about breastfeeding, supporting with giving expressed milk, and helping with other breastfeeding related tasks.
Q&A with a Midwife
The final resource to share is another q&a with a qualified midwifebut is a little wider in the topics. It includes answers to the most asked questions by new parents. The topics include; breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, baby poo and low mood. Once you’ve finished the q&a, we hope you will have a deeper understanding of what to expect as a new parent and how to deal with some of the issues and challenges that may arise.
Thanks so much for reading our guest blog post here. If you’d like to learn more about Twinkl, please visit us here. We’d love to have you!
Got a Pokémon superfan in your life? Someone whose love for those pocket monsters knows no bounds, whether they’re a kid or a kid-at-heart adult?
Imagine their eyes lighting up like a Pikachu’s cheeks when they lay eyes on a Poké Ball cake! 🎂🌟 Have you ever thought about surprising them with this epic creation for their upcoming birthday bash? Trust me, it’s bound to be a hit among Pokémon trainers of all ages!
ϞϞ૮(๑⚈ ․̫ ⚈๑)ა
Oh, let me tell you about my energetic Pokémon enthusiast! My little guy adores everything about Pokémon, especially collecting those coveted cards. So, when his birthday rolled around, there was no surprise when he demanded a Pokémon-themed cake.
Now, I pondered for a moment, scratching my head (figuratively, of course!), and then it hit me like a Pikachu’s Thunderbolt – a Poké Ball cake!
It seemed like the perfect solution to grant my kiddo’s birthday wish, and hey, who doesn’t love a challenge that involves edible artistry? Keen to see the finished cake, scroll down to the bottom of this post or watch the Instagram Reel on this post to get an idea of how it was created.
2 vanilla cake mixes (I made it easy for myself and used vanilla cake mixes – if you want to make your own from scratch that is fine too. You can create a chocolate cake if you would rather. Mine was vanilla due to the birthday boy not liking chocolate).
Butter/oil (I find that oil mixes better, I used vegetable oil but you can use olive oil)
Lemon juice from 1 lemon and zest from the lemon
1 Egg white from a very large egg – for the white icing
2 cups of icing sugar
Half a teaspoon of water (for the icing)
Red and Black gel colouring for the icing (this makes more vivid and stronger colours)
Lollies for the centre of the cake (I used snakes and other gummies, you can have M&M’s if you wish or say skittles – the bright colours would look amazing).
NOTE: The centre of the cake was cut out to add lollies to the middle of it. Looks a bit worse here but will soon be covered over with icing and also an Oreo Cookie.
The Poké Ball cake is half decorated. The white icing looks amazing so far.
Ϟ(๑• .̫ •๑)∩
Pre-heat oven to 180°C or 356°F
Method
Making the cakes
1. Grease 2 round cake pans
2. Mix the cake mix and follow the instructions on the packet. My only changes are that I add oil instead of butter as well as fresh lemon juice and rind from a fresh lemon.
3. Cook for around 30 minutes or until the cake is golden and when you put in a knife it is all cooked through.
4. Allow cakes to cool a little before getting them out of the tins
Nearly complete adding the red icing to the Poké Ball cake
Making the white icing/royal icing
Add 2 cups of soft icing sugar, 1 egg white and half a teaspoon of water to a bowl. Mix well or use a beater to make it more fluffy looking.
If you need to you can add more water
Also for flavour you can add some vanilla essence or a little lemon juice – I decided to just leave mine plain.
Decorating the Poké Ball cake
Make the bottom of the cake white
Make the middle a thick black line
Make the top of the cake red
In the middle of the black line place the Oreo Cookie with the icing side up. If the icing isn’t as you liked it you can add some white icing to the cookie to make sure that it looks correct.
The Poké Ball cake is finished and ready for the Pokémon birthday party
If you are planning a Pokémonparty you will need the below items:
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Kids love being outdoors and I find that if kids don’t get the outdoor time they are hard to deal with.
How about searching for painted rocks at your local parks? Or other parks?
WEAR OLD CLOTHES AS THE PAINT MIGHT NOT WASH OUT
How to create your very own painted rocks
Rocks are essential to have, you can either find wild rocks that live in your garden or park, or you can buy smooth rocks from a craft shop (otherwise known as captured rocks). We used wild rocks that were living in our garden.
Acrylic paint in bright colours.
Sharpie pens – we used the metallic ones to add a nice shimmer and due to the twins wanting to do a space theme this looked great with their space and galaxy rocks.
Paint brushes.
Container with water to wash out paint brushes.
Baking paper to put rocks on to ensure they don’t stick to paper (You don’t want your kid to go to hours of trouble to then have paper stick to the wet paint on their rock)
Waterbased Sealer – Use Mod Podge as this is ideal for rocks. I couldn’t get any and the one I used was not perfect and some of the colour of the paint came off. Once dry was okay.
WARNING KIDS WILL GET MESSY AND NEED A SHOWER/BATH AFTERWARDS.
Check out Facebook for a Rock Group in your area, they are all over Australia so you will be sure to find one.
Online you can get clues for where to find your next rocks.
Get the whole family involved and enjoy the outdoors.
Have fun and let me know what you create, send your photos to my Facebook Page
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Wouldn’t it be nice if mum was able to put her feet up and relax with a Feeney’s G & Tea.
It is super simple to make and also delicious. Mum will thank you.
What do you need to make this fabulous drink?
40ml Feeney’s Irish Cream
10ml Bloom Gin
2 dashes of Orange Bitters
5ml Caramel Syrup
35ml Camomile Tea
Ice for the drink
Cocktail Shaker, measurements for ingredients, cocktail strainer.
Martini glass
Garnishes: I chose a strawberry and some nutmeg to sprinkle on top. It also would be yummy with shaved dark chocolate and strawberry too!
Click the image to download Feeney’s G&Tea Recipe. Make it for Mum today!
Method:
Add all ingredients into the cocktail shaker. Make sure that you add the ice.
Shake hard for 10 seconds.
After you have mixed all the ingredients in the cocktail shaker pour into a martini glass with your cocktail strainer.
Garnish and enjoy!
Making my glass of Feeney’s G & Tea. I was really looking forward to having a sip while relaxing on the lounge.
I shook the cocktail shaker and mixed all ingredients around for a good solid 10 seconds, or maybe more. I wanted to make sure that they were all chilled with the ice.
The finished product. My Feeney’s G & Tea! It does look very yummy. At this stage, I was very keen to test it out.
Normally I look a bit more put together but it was a long day and I needed a drink. I thought that this is like every mum out there. I was ready with my comfortable clothes on to sit on the lounge and relax with a nice drink just for me!
I thought the drink was a nice twist on a classic and one that I will love to have again. It was very tasty and just what I needed to help me relax and forget about my busy day.
A HUGE thank you to Feeney’s for sending me this amazing gift box. It was great to test out Feeney’s G & Tea. This new take on the G & T is a great addition to my favourite drinks.
Give this fabulous drink a go. You will love it, your mum will love it!
The lovely gift box from Feeney’s. It was a wonderful surprise to receive all the needed things to make the Feeney’s G & Tea Cocktail. Thanks so much, Feeney’s for this lovely gift pack.
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I may have missed Earth Day this year, but honestly, shouldn’t every day be Earth Day? We need to make caring for our planet a daily priority, not just reserve it for one day a year. Every day is a chance to reflect on how we can protect the environment, reduce our carbon footprint, and safeguard the ecosystems we depend on.
Dr. Seuss, in his timeless classic The Lorax, was way ahead of his time. Long before the world truly started to focus on environmental concerns, Seuss was telling us to pay attention to our planet and take responsibility. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” These words ring truer now than ever before. Seuss’s charming and heartfelt story reminds us that if we continue to ignore the environment, we’ll only have ourselves to blame.
In a world that’s increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, we can’t afford to wait for Earth Day every year to reflect on our actions. The Lorax teaches us that it’s up to each of us to make a difference—every day.
So, while I may have missed Earth Day this year, I’m choosing to act every day as though it’s Earth Day.
Will you join me? 🌎💚
And speaking of The Lorax, have you explored the amazing eco-friendly activities from Twinkl? Dive into a world of Lorax fun and learning with their collection of eco-conscious worksheets and activities, perfect for teaching kids about environmental responsibility.
Why not get started with their beautifully illustrated Lorax Colouring Sheets? Kids can bring the Lorax and the Truffula Forest to life with colour! These iconic illustrations are sure to spark creativity and improve fine motor skills. Or, get crafty by making your very own Truffula Tree—what a fun way to bring Seuss’s world into the home!
Additionally, Twinkl’s Lorax Earth Day Writing Activity prompts kids to reflect on their impact on the environment. Through guided questions, they’ll explore ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids the importance of Earth Day while helping them develop important writing and critical thinking skills.
No matter which activity you choose, we’re sure you and your little learners will have fun while caring for the earth! 🌍
Autism Awareness Month isn’t just a date on the calendar for me—it’s personal. With a child on the spectrum, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding and acceptance can shape their world. The more we educate ourselves and those around us, the more we can create spaces where neurodivergent kids feel valued, included, and supported.
One of the best ways to make a difference is by starting conversations early. That’s why I love Twinkl’s Autism Awareness Week PowerPoint—it’s a fantastic way to introduce autism in a way that kids can relate to. It clears up misconceptions with a true or false discussion, helps children understand how autism affects communication, routines, and interactions, and encourages empathy.
Autism Strengths Poster from Twinkl
Here are some great resources to spark those conversations:
Autism Strengths Poster– It’s about unique strengths too! This poster highlights the incredible abilities and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the world, from deep focus and creativity to strong problem-solving skills. A great resource to help children understand and appreciate neurodiversity.
Twinklhas thousands of resources for teachers and parents to help kids learn about autism in a meaningful way. Awareness is just the first step—acceptance and inclusion are what truly make a difference.
So, whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who wants to help make the world a little kinder, take the time to start the conversation. It means more than you know.
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Hey parents, teachers, and little learners! 🌟 Are you ready to sprinkle some educational magic into this year’s back-to-school routine? 🚀✨ Look no further than Twinkl – your ultimate partner in making learning a joyous adventure! 🌈🎒
1️⃣ Whiz-Bang Resources: Twinkl’s got a backpack full of resources for every grade, subject, and learning style. From vibrant worksheets to interactive games, they’ve got the golden ticket to engage young minds!
2️⃣ Teachers’ Pet (Literally!): Calling all teachers – Twinkl is your classroom companion! With lesson plans, activity packs, and vibrant displays, you’ll be the superhero of the school year.
3️⃣ Parent Power-Up: Mums and Dads, get ready to be your child’s learning hero! Twinkl offers at-home activities, printables, and fun games – making homework a breeze and bonding time a blast.
4️⃣ A+ Variety: Whether your little one is a math whiz, a budding artist, or a future scientist, Twinkl caters to all interests. Learning has never been this diverse and delightful!
Navigate the Hub like a Pro! 🧭
📖 Storyland Corner: Dive into the magical world of storytelling with Twinkl’s enchanting tales. Perfect for bedtime or an afternoon escape!
🧠 Brainy Buddies: Meet the Brainy Buddies – your child’s animated study companions! They make learning fun and keep boredom at bay.
🎨 Arty Avenue: Unleash your child’s creativity on Arty Avenue! From crafts to colouring, this is the perfect spot for little Picassos.
🎤 Show and Tell Square: Time to showcase those new skills! Share your child’s accomplishments in the Show and Tell Square and watch the applause roll in.
Grab everything you need at the Twinkl Back to School Hub
📢 Extra! Extra! Read All About It! 📰
Twinkl is not just a platform; it’s a community! Share your back-to-school adventures, discoveries, and triumphs on social media using #TwinklBackToSchool. Let’s create a buzz of positivity, inspiration, and support as we embark on this exciting academic journey together! 🌈🚀
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the back-to-school extravaganza with Twinkl and let the learning festivities begin! 🎊👩🏫📏 #TwinklMagic #BackToSchoolJoy
Perfect resources for parents and teachers – all at the Twinkl back to school hub
Ready to sprinkle some educational pixie dust into your teaching and parenting routines?
Our recent blog post, ‘5 Reasons Why You Need Twinkl Membership,’ is your golden ticket to a world of delightful learning adventures! Picture this: a hub filled with vibrant lesson plans, engaging activities, and a community of fellow learners and educators cheering you on. With a Twinkl membership, say goodbye to educational woes and hello to an enchanting journey where teaching and learning become a joyous collaboration. Dive into the post, grab your popcorn, and discover why Twinkl is the secret ingredient for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary milestones in your academic adventure! 🚀📚
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During the last few years, there have been many articles talking about burnout. You could be burnt out due to your job, family, kids, and other commitments that you have in your life.
It could be as simple as you are exhausted from constantly working, the years you have homeschooled the kids and tried to keep the house and your family’s lives going when there were no jobs and you are fast running out of money and stressing out about how you will all survive. Due to all this, you have no cash to go away, no cash to do anything for you, and the time that you had available from work has been depleted due to kids, being sick with covid, and other issues.
No wonder you and I are over everything, annoyed at having to keep all the balls in the air and never able to get a break. No wonder we are all on the verge of burnout or going through it currently.
Basically, a 3-month vacation on an island would be the thing to help me finally relax and reset, what about you?
What is a ‘To Don’t’ List?
I read online today about making ‘to don’t’ lists, instead of a to-do list you make a list of things you don’t want to do ever again! The idea is to free yourself from things you hate, don’t want to do, or feel that the things you have been doing are draining you or taking away from what you really want to be doing. Basically, a list to learn to embrace saying no and work on what you would like to do.
I have heard of pushing back and saying no, as well as not feeling bad about saying no. However, I have not heard of a ‘to-don’t’ list.
Personally, I have a few things to add to my don’t do list. What about you? What would you want to put on your don’t do list?
What are the things that will make my ‘to don’t’ list
Just so you know you cannot put all things on the list that you don’t want to do. Yep, I wish I could. However, there are certain things that need to still be done, like cooking, cleaning, the laundry, all things to do with the kids, and loads more.
Even though you cannot put all the items that you dread on your don’t ever do list there are some things that you can put a stop to. Once you decide not to do certain things you will be happier, freer and allow you to win back some of your time.
So with that in mind here are some of mine:
Say no work that doesn’t progress my goals
Don’t let everyone else have free time and not me – give myself time out to do things for me
Block out your time at work to spend some time doing online courses to improve my work life
Say no to organising things for others when they don’t do the return for you.
Are you now excited to make your own ‘to don’t’ list?
Buying gifts for twins or triplets or more is more loaded than you would think. Yep, whatever you do seems wrong, so you need to make the best choice possible.
Do you purchase something for the kids to share?
Do you get the same thing for each child and be done with it?
Or do you grab something similar for each kid?
Or get the same item but in a different colour?
These decisions are fraught and ones that I take super seriously.I spend what feels like hours at shops contemplating what would be best, and what would the outcome be? Yes, I fret over it and then sometimes have gotten it so wrong, so I wanted to share what I have done and hope it helps you with your purchases.
As a mother to twins, this has been my dilemma since they were born. My twins are nearly fifteen now, but this present buying issue hasn’t gone away, although due to their age, they understand why we purchased one of something compared to having a tantrum demanding they have the same game or toy too!
I recently attended an eight-year-old twins birthday party and when purchasing their present I was faced with the same question, how will this impact the kids and also the parents? When the twins were little many people just gave the girls a present to share for their birthday…and this created so much chaos and drama.
“I don’t want to share with her!”
“It’s mine, not hers!”
“Why won’t she let me have a go? “Why does my sister get a present and I don’t!”
“Why do we have to share this and why can’t I have my own!”
“I have a birthday too and deserve a gift not just my sister!”
“I want what the same thing as she has!
Why didn’t I get the same present?”
Many of the above comments are yelled at me so hence the exclamation mark at the end of all the comments. Many times, one kid would take a gift that the other really loved and claim it as their own. Yep, and then enters more disaster with the cherished gift everyone wants.
We made sure to give our girls individual gifts for their birthday, however, if there was a big item like a huge toy that can indeed be shared or if it is a game we only purchased one of these. I did however have many things that we had two off, yes, we had two of many toys, items, books, trinkets and more. It was just easier and made the house much more peaceful.
So, with the knowledge of what a pain in the arse it is to be on the receiving end of getting shared gifts or just one present for two kids I made sure that each girl at the birthday party had a gift for just them. I did give them the same things and wanted to get each kid something different, but I do know that this can backfire big time, crazy but true.
I’ve previously given my girls something different each, however, there would be one kid who would favour one of the gifts and then there would be a fight for that particular item and the realisation that I should have just purchased two of these products as it would have fixed the horrible annoyance that ended up happening…. Fighting over the one favoured and chosen object. I of course thought I was doing the right thing. Choosing something that would mean it is different from their sisters, shows more of their personality and interests and helps them be more of an individual….NO it didn’t get translated as any of this, all that got noticed is that mummy didn’t get me one of the toys that my sister has, and the other kid wishes she had.
So with that in mind, I did get the eight-year-old twins the same things…. I did feel bad, but knowing what I knew, I thought it was for the best. I did feel bad as I did want to get something completely different but as a parent that has dealt with the fallout of presents for twins, I knew this was a loaded issue. One that I hope I have helped the parents of the twins avoid the negative impacts of gifts to kids who are multiples.
I explained to the mum of the eight-year-old twins that I got them the same things to avoid arguments. She was thankful and I said I was sorry that it might not be that exciting, but I told her that I know what it is like as I have first-hand experience with my twins and appreciate the complexity of the present buying dilemma.
Here’s my gift-buying guide for twins or triplets:
If you know they like to do the same things make sure to give each kid the same things; for example, If they like art, include paper, pens, paints, brushes and oil pastels to ensure there are no arguments. My twins always argued about who had what colours and paintbrushes.
If they have a favourite colour make sure to use the colours for each kid for their gifts. My kids loved purple and blue, (sometimes red) I used these colours to make sure that I had special items just for them, a new pair of pants or a top, hat or even a blanket. It doesn’t matter what it is, the difference in colour makes it more special.
Make sure you give each kid a gift of their own. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just something for each kid to open on their special day. Just because they are born on the same day doesn’t mean they should always get one gift.
You can give bigger ticket items as shared gifts, for example, a giant LEGO set, a game, or say a toy, a trampoline or a cubby house. Many things you don’t need two of.
When they are younger it is so important to have many duplicate items but as they get older you will find that each kid will want things the other siblings don’t like, work with your kid’s interests.
Are you a parent to multiples? How have you dealt with the present issue? Have you faced the same issues?
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Last Wednesday we were privileged to attend the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA. I remember when I was younger going to Cirque du Soleil shows with my mum and my sister, they were so magical and I wanted to share this with my children. One thing that is good about Cirque du Soleil is that it is a circus without animals.
About Cirque du Soleil?
In the early 1980s, a group of performers led by Gilles Ste-Croix showcased their talent on the streets of Baie-Saint-Paul, a picturesque village along the St. Laurent River near Quebec City. Initially known as Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul (The Stiltwalkers of Baie-Saint-Paul), this group became the foundation for what would later evolve into Cirque du Soleil. Learn more about the history of Cirque du Soleil on their website.
What is LUZIA About?
LUZIA is often described as a “waking dream of Mexico.” It takes audiences on a journey through vibrant landscapes. The show also features surreal settings and awe-inspiring acrobatics. The show includes everything from a cascading waterfall to jaw-dropping aerial acts. Each element is designed to transport you to a world where dreams meet reality.
The Running Woman – Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
Discover the Magic: About Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
The show opens with a man (who is the clown of the show) falling from the sky, hinting at a daring leap from a plane. The roar of an engine fills the air as a powerful wind sweeps across the stage, sucking up his backpack and belongings, sending them straight to the top of the tent. Amid the chaos, he humorously deploys a tiny umbrella, somehow managing to land safely on the stage—a moment that earns plenty of laughs from the audience.
The clown turns the key and starts the show. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
As he regains his footing, he notices a massive key embedded in the stage. Curious, he looks around for its owner but finds no one. Turning the key unleashes a thunderous noise, setting off a chain reaction of movements and events that start the show.
Among his possessions is an empty metal water bottle, symbolising his desperate need for water. This quest becomes a recurring theme, cleverly interwoven into both the narrative and comedic skits throughout the show.
The show was broken into different acts and in between each act the man who is searching for water came along and did a skit or two to allow the other performers to set up for another performance.
Water displayed mesmerizing images. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
During the performances you were not sure where to look, there was so much amazing things going on, dance, acrobatics and just stunning costumes to look at, not to mention the amazing sets!
The LUZIA performance was a captivating display of acrobatics and stunning visuals, with one scene in particular reminding my children of a moment from the Madagascar 3 film. The act combining hoop diving with two giant treadmills was striking, as the acrobats leaped through hoops with remarkable precision, much like the scene in Madagascar where the circus tiger interacts with small hoops. The performers, balancing on the moving treadmills, effortlessly jumped through hoops in a variety of daring ways—sometimes feet first, sometimes backwards, and even leapfrogging over each other. It was a mesmerizing combination of agility and speed, creating the illusion that they were defying gravity, just like the acrobats in the movie performing with such ease and fluidity.
The Cyr Wheel and Trapeze act was equally mesmerizing. The performers danced through large, majestic hoops while a trapeze artist executed daring flips and aerial moves. The acrobat balancing on one heel, suspended in mid-air, was a particularly striking moment, adding a dreamlike quality to the performance.
Performers ready to jump through hoops and did it all on a treadmill. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
The performers who jumped through the hoops were fantastic. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
The Football Dance was another standout, with the performers skillfully manipulating soccer balls with their feet and heads. Their ability to bounce, roll, and spin the balls using only their bodies created a seamless and fluid performance, almost making the soccer balls appear as if they were floating in mid-air.
In the Aerial Straps act, the performer emerged from a cenote, interacting with a life-size jaguar puppet in a beautiful display of strength and grace. The performer rotated above the water, creating an ethereal moment that felt like they were gliding through space.
The Hand Balancing act was another remarkable highlight, where the artist balanced on flexible canes, gradually building the structure to an impressive height. The strength and control required to perform these feats was astounding, leaving the audience in awe as the artist maintained such challenging poses.
Hand balancing done in retro style. It was a tribute to Mexican cinema of the 1920’s. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
As for the Beach Clown scene, my youngest had the most amusing reaction when the clown finally found water in a pool, only for it to suddenly disappear. With wide eyes, they yelled, “How did that happen!” It was such a funny and unexpected moment, bringing a lighthearted touch to the show.
Hand Balancing looks so easy but this lifeguard was up 6 meters high. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
During one of the clown’s search for water, the water was actually flowing from behind him, and one kid from the audience yelled out, “It’s behind you!” The whole audience erupted in laughter at the perfect timing of the moment. The clown, ever so quick-witted, turned around and exaggerated his surprise with a playful expression, as if realizing it for the first time. He then comically gestured with his face and hands, giving the impression that he was pretending to be oblivious to the water behind him, as if asking, “Do you think I’m silly?” It was such a funny, spontaneous moment that had everyone in stitches, making it one of the highlights of the show! There was a hilarious moment with a poor man who kept trying to reach the water to fill up his bottle, but just as he got close, the water would stop flowing. As you might have guessed, the water would magically start flowing again… but only when he was nowhere near it! His attempts to outsmart the situation were absolutely priceless, as he would dash to a new spot, only for the water to follow him in the most unexpected way. His growing frustration and clever antics had the entire audience in stitches, making it one of the funniest parts of the show.
One of the most impressive moments in LUZIA was when an acrobat performed an aerial act where she was suspended solely by her hair. It was truly awe-inspiring to watch. I can’t even begin to imagine how strong and controlled you would have to be to pull off such a feat. The precision and power needed to balance in mid-air by just her hair were mind-blowing, and it left the entire audience in complete amazement. It was one of those moments that made you truly appreciate the incredible strength and discipline of the performers. Plus, how strong her hair must be to support her.
You Have to Go to Believe How Amazing It Is!
LUZIA is truly a must-see.
The show leaves you speechless, as you can’t help but stare in awe at the incredible talent of the performers. From the breathtaking acrobatics to the magical, otherworldly atmosphere, it’s an experience that transports you to a completely different realm. You find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, watching these amazing people perform fantastical tricks, each one more mesmerizing than the last. It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after the final curtain call.
CYR WHEEL AND TRAPEZE Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
This magnificent trapeze artist performs a series of original figures, sometimes hanging only by one heel. The performance culminates in the rain. Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
The Entertainment Quarter is located at 122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2010 (next to the Sydney Cricket Ground).
If you would like a map or other help about the venue then click here to learn more about The Entertainment Quarter.
Before the show, the kids and I had our photos taken.This time here is the whole family
A huge thank you to Cirque du Soleil for the tickets to LUZIA! It was an incredible night that left both the kids and adults in awe. The show was absolutely stunning, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to experience it together as a family. It’s a memory we’ll cherish for a long time!
Oh, I nearly forgot, I grabbed t-shirts for the kids and myself—here’s a look at mine and one of theirs.
I thought this was so fun had to get it for the youngest.
This shirt made me smile so it won me over immediately. Yes, I do my own stunts.
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Hey diddle diddle, it’s that time of year! World Nursery Rhyme Week is finally near! From November 11th to the 15th, get set— There’s fun and learning you won’t forget!
🎉 What’s the Buzz About? 🎉 Nursery rhymes aren’t just a sing-song delight, They’re the building blocks for kids, that’s right! Phonics, counting, spelling—oh my! These rhymes help little minds soar high. From “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” To the “Wheels on the Bus,” anything goes!
🌟 Join the Rhyme A Day Challenge! 🌟 Five rhymes, five days—such a treat! With songs and games that can’t be beat. Twinkl’sgot you covered, from crafts to play, Download your resources and brighten your day! Make puppets for “Hickory Dickory Dock,” Or sing along and watch the clock tick-tock. You can create, explore, and even pretend, With Twinkl’s ideas, the fun never ends!
✨ Why Nursery Rhymes? ✨ Not just for toddlers—they’re for everyone, From parents to teachers, let’s join the fun! Kids learn while singing, dancing, and playing, It’s magic in action, there’s no delaying! Language and numbers come to life, Nursery rhymes cut through learning strife.
So, how will you celebrate? Don’t miss a beat— With Twinkl’s resources, your week’s complete! 🎨
From the moment you realise you are going to be a mum until your child is getting dressed all by themselves,Australian bananas are the ideal addition to both your diets. Accredited Practising Dietitian, Glenn Cardwell provides 20 reasons why:
Cavendish Bananas
Pregnant & New Mums
Pregnancy is the time to pamper your body and understand the impact of your eating – especially since you are dining for two. One way to give your diet a pinch of powerful production is to add nature’s non-stop energy snack, bananas.
Circular Flour-less White Chocolate Cake with Orange Blossom and Banana
Bananas are excellent when you are expecting because they not only contain essential nutrients for the healthy growth of your bundle of joy, but they are also good for managing morning sickness and constipation that sometimes come with having a baby on board.
Relieving Your Heaving
Thankfully, morning sickness usually only lasts the first trimester but that doesn’t make it fun (however if you are like me pregnancy makes you sick all the time. Bananas have been helping me feel better for breakfast now that I’m in my 3rd trimester.) Eating dry crackers, toast or a piece of fruit like a banana in the morning before you get out of bed, and having small snacks frequently through the day can help as it keeps the stomach from being empty, which can make you feel unwell. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods can sometimes help ease nausea as well.
Reduce Constipation
As the muscles in the intestine lose some of their tone during pregnancy, foods pass more slowly through the gut. The pressure of the baby on the mother’s intestines can also slow down the passage of food and waste, resulting in constipation. The solution is copious amounts of fibre, which bananas provide aplenty, fluids and physical activity. Although the banana is an obvious choice to boost your fibre intake, other fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals and legumes are good options.
Energy to Burn
Bananas are an excellent source of carbohydrate energy in the form of natural sugars and starch. It’s no wonder they call it nature’s non-stop energy snack.
Protect Against Spinal Cord Defects
Folate is vital in the development of a baby’s spinal cord in the womb. It is so critical that the vitamin is recommended to women considering pregnancy. An overwhelming body of evidence has linked folate deficiency in early pregnancy to increased risk of neural tube defects, most commonly known as spina bifida, in infants. One banana will provide about 10 per cent of your folate needs each day.
Form Strong Gums
Extra Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required for forming new blood vessels, skin, gums, and other tissues, and even bones. One or two bananas each day will provide valuable vitamin C, as will other fruit, fruit juice and salad vegetables.
Banana and Coconut Milk Pops
Absorb Your Iron
In order for a healthy amount of oxygen to reach your baby via the placenta, your body (and your blood) needs about 50 per cent more iron than usual. Although a banana provides only a little iron, its vitamin C greatly helps with iron absorption from other foods. Iron supplements (usually with folate) are commonly recommended during pregnancy.
Strengthen Bones and Teeth
Calcium is required for strong bones and teeth, and in nerve and muscle growth, both for mum and baby. An extra 300mg of calcium is required for pregnant teenagers as they are still growing as well as nourishing the baby. The perfect way to bump up calcium intake is to regularly drink smoothies – simply blend a banana with a cup of high calcium milk.
Help Babies Grow
Extra protein is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support the growth of the baby, and the production of breast milk. This is easily achieved by adding a delicious banana smoothie (a medium banana and 200mL of milk) to your daily diet.
Boost Your B6
Uniquely, bananas are one of the richest fruit sources for vitamin B6. This powerful vitamin is important for cardiovascular, digestive, immune, muscular, and nervous system function. New or expecting mothers’ daily need for it increases by almost 50 per cent, making bananas a great solution.
Square Flour-less White Chocolate Slice with Orange Blossom and Banana
Baby’s First Food
After six months, your baby’s exclusive exposure to the bottle or the boob is coming to an end. Their digestive system is now ready for solid food. Here are a few reasons why Australian Bananas make the ideal first food:
Essential Nutrients
Bananas are soft, easy for an infant to tackle, and rich with essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and natural sugars for energy.
Half a medium banana will give an infant:
Folate: 33 per cent of their daily needs
Magnesium: 25 per cent of their daily needs
Vitamin B6: 50 per cent of their daily needs
Familiar Consistency
Mash a banana with breast milk or formula when introducing solids. It is more likely to be accepted quickly as a new food.
Made For Tiny Hands
The banana is the ideal finger food. It can be nibbled, chewed, sucked and squished. Give your child a small amount at a time.
LadyFinger Bananas
Easing Teething
During teething, a cool or frozen banana can help relieve the pain of a tooth coming through.
Nature’s Long-Lasting Energy Snack For Toddlers
Australian bananas make the ideal snack for toddlers. Whether they are just starting to walk or speaking in sentences, children at this age need one fruit serve each day. This might be a medium banana, or half a banana and half of another fruit. While bananas are very popular with young children, it is also important to introduce them to other fruits, especially once they start getting teeth towards the end of their first year of life.
Great Source of Carbohydrates for Energy
To fuel the activity of a toddler, they need carbohydrates at each meal. Bananas are an excellent source of the nutrient in the form of natural sugars and starch.
Protein for Growth
Normal growth needs protein to help produce new cells. A small banana smoothie (150 mL milk and a half banana) as a snack or meal is an excellent source of both protein and calcium.
Vitamin B6 for Blood Health
This vitamin is needed for making red blood cells, and carrying nerve impulses. A small banana will provide about one third of their B6 needs for the day.
Banana Guacamole for Kids
Folate for Growth and Brain Health
The B vitamin folate is needed for proper growth and development. Half a banana will give a toddler about 15 per cent of their folate needs each day.
Fibre for Digestive Health
Bananas are a great-tasting source of fibre, so even a small serving a day for a young child will help keep them regular.
Convenience
Toddlers only want to eat when they are hungry, and they may not want to finish everything on their plate, making snacks like bananas so convenient. You can simply cut them in two and save half in the refrigerator in plastic wrap for later.
Glenn Cardwell is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with 35 years in clinical and public health nutrition, including 10 years as consultant dietitian to the National Heart Foundation, five years at the Children’s Hospital in Sydney, and was a major player in establishing the WA School Canteen Association in 1994.
Mission: To turn store-bought sponge cakes into a stunning wedding centrepiece.
Challenge accepted!
Armed with creativity, a vision, and a few store-bought sponge cakes from Woolworths, I ventured into the world of cakeovers to craft a delightful masterpiece fit for a dreamy wedding. Plus, with the help of gorgeous fresh flowers from Fine Flowers in Katoomba, the transformation was truly enchanting.
What is a “cakeover”?
A “cakeover” is a playful term used to describe the process of transforming an existing or store-bought cake into a more elaborate or personalized creation through decoration, embellishments, or alterations. Think of it as a cake makeover.
It involves taking a pre-made or basic cake and enhancing its appearance or flavour to suit a specific occasion or personal preferences better.
Cakeovers are often chosen for various reasons, such as time constraints, budget considerations, or simply to showcase creativity by customising a store-bought cake to suit a particular celebration, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion.
The Quest for Cake Perfection
Step 1: Cake Acquisition A trip to my local Woolworths store presented an array of sponge cake options. Opting for simplicity, I chose plain sponge cakes – the perfect blank canvas for my cakeover project.
Step 2: Visionary Designs Inspiration struck as I envisioned a multi-tiered cake exuding elegance. With a touch of whimsy in mind, fresh flowers were to be the pièce de résistance. The flowers allowed for a touch of colour and made the cake look so pretty.
Step 3: Assembly Time Stacking the sponge cakes, I sandwiched them with layers of luscious cream and fresh Panama passionfruit from Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market. The passionfruit gave a great flavour and added a summer feel to the wedding cake.
Passionfruit added to the whipped creamStarting to layer the cakes with the cream between each layerThe whipped cream with passionfruit looks so deliciousCut Panama Passionfruit ready for the whipped creamAll the Panama Passionfruit at Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Market
Creating the white icing
Mix the below ingredients in a bowl. You can mix with a fork or a mixer to ensure you get fluffy icing.
2 cups of icing sugar
2 egg whites
A few drops of lemon juice
A teaspoon of vanilla essence
Once all cakes are staked then ice all the cake as smoothly as you can. Use a scraper to have the icing on the cake look smooth and if you have parts of the sponge cake showing that is fine, this will allow you to have the naked cake look. If you don’t want the naked cake look make sure to cover the cake with the white icing and smooth it out with the scraper. If you want a wavy pattern, you can have a scraper that will do that too.
The scrapers I used for my cakeover wedding cake.
Step 4: The Flourishing Finish Here’s where the magic truly unfolded. Fresh blooms from Fine Flowers in Katoomba were carefully placed atop the cake tiers, infusing vibrant colours and natural beauty into the creation. The flowers were added with paper straws to make sure the stem wasn’t put into the cake. The flowers would then be easily removed to allow the cake to be cut for serving.
I put the flowers on one side of the top of the cake and then on an angle to have some flowers on the bottom of the cake. This allowed more decoration for the top of the cake if needed. I also added a gold “love” cake topper.
Flowers were put in paper straws to then add to the cake
Fine Flowers Katoomba There is always such stunning blooms at Fine Flowers Katoomba
I adore visiting Fine Flowers in Katoomba. They always have stunning flowers that put a smile on my face.
Pretty Teasel Seed headsLove the purple gerbrasStunning white chrysanthemums and rosesCarnations look fantastic and the purple are my favourite!I love the blue irisAll the different flowers at Fine Flowers Katoomba
The Splendor of Cakeovers
Personal Touches Though the base was store-bought, the personalised touch came through the decorations. The flowers’ choice, arrangement, and overall design spoke volumes about the couple’s style and taste.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance By utilising ready-made cakes, the focus shifted from baking stress to creative embellishment, ensuring a stunning outcome without breaking the bank.
Time-Efficient Elegance Crafting a cakeover was a swift process, perfect for those in need of a last-minute, yet spectacular, dessert for a special occasion like a wedding.
Lessons Learned & Tips Shared
Be Resourceful: Embrace store-bought items as a canvas for your creativity. A little transformation can yield exceptional results.
Freshness is Key: Utilise fresh flowers or edible decorations for an instant upgrade to the cake’s aesthetics.
Keep it Simple: Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. Focus on a few key elements for a striking overall effect.
Practice Patience: Attention to detail is crucial. Take your time arranging the decorations to achieve the desired look.
Conclusion
With a stroke of creativity and a sprinkle of resourcefulness, a store-bought sponge cake evolved into a mesmerizing wedding centerpiece. The cakeover journey not only showcased the potential of simple elements but also highlighted the beauty of personalisation and affordability in crafting a memorable dessert. So, whether it’s a wedding or any special occasion, remember, a store-bought cake can be the perfect canvas for your cakeover dreams!
So what are the costs associated with creating a cakeover wedding cake?
It might not surprise you that a cakeover will really save you money and still create a yummy and fantastic-looking cake for your special day.
You will see from the table below that creating a wedding cake from an existing cake is the cheaper option.
A simple search online found that if you had a cake that had four tiers and above you would generally pay between $420 – $650.
2 x Woolworths Double Unfilled Sponge 460g
$12.00 ($6 each)
Icing
$2.50
Flowers
$13.00
Cream
$2.80
2 egg whites
$1.25 (based on 6 eggs that cost $3.75)
Panama passionfruit
$4.60 ($2.30 each)
Icing scraper
$4.40 (VIP Spotlight price)
Love cake topper decoration
$11.20 (VIP Spotlight price)
Total:
$51.75
The stunning cakeover wedding cake is decorated and ready for the cake topper
If you already had eggs, icing, the icing scraper or didn’t want the love cake topper decoration (all of this would take $19.35 off the amount above) the new cost of the cake would be: $32.40
As you see, you can make the cake cheaper if you wish.
The flowers make this cake look so pretty
“Pink chrysanthemums represent longevity, attraction, and romance, making them a great choice for a first date or a new love. In general, chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity, and joy.”
The cakeover wedding cake is all decorated and ready for the big event
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This post was originally published on December 19, 2023
So, 1st Blackheath Scouts had a movie night at the Scout hall, and we needed a solid data projector to show the movie. We’ve used a very old Epson projector in the past, but this time, we got our hands on the brand-new LUMOS AURO v2 Home Cinema projector. Big shoutout to LUMOS for letting us try out their latest model. Spoiler alert: It was a game-changer.
Unboxing and Setup
The kit arrived in two boxes: one for the stand and one for the projector. Setting up the stand was a piece of cake – join the two poles, attach the base plate, and top it off with the 360-degree ball head. It took less than five minutes, and voila! A rock-solid stand ready for action.
Unboxing the LUMOS AURO v2 was like opening a present. Inside, there was the projector, a remote control, a power cable, and an HDMI cable. The only thing missing? Two AAA batteries for the remote. No biggie, though.
Setting up the projector was just as easy. I attached it to the ball head adapter on the stand, plugged in the power cable, and switched it on. That’s it. Simple as that.
Projection Magic
I initially placed the projector in the middle of the Scout hall, thinking I needed some distance to fit the screen I had set up. Boy, was I wrong! The image filled the entire back wall of the hall, which is 9m wide and 3m high. Next time, I’m bringing a bigger screen to take full advantage of this beast’s capabilities. It can project up to a massive 200-inch screen if you have the space!
Once I adjusted the projector’s distance to the screen, it went into an auto-focus routine that left me in awe. In just a few seconds, the image was pin-sharp. Super impressive.
Testing and Performance
The LUMOS AURO v2 is Wi-Fi enabled, so I quickly connected it to my phone’s personal hotspot. Streaming YouTube videos was a breeze, and the preloaded officially certified apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and more) worked flawlessly. Just log in, and you’re good to go.
The image resolution is top-notch – super sharp, with vibrant colours and great contrast. Even with the hall lights on, the brightness was incredible. A quick peek at the manual revealed why: 1080p native resolution and 6000 lumens. No wonder it was so bright!
The audio was equally impressive. Despite its compact size, the AURO v2 pumped out loud, clear sound with decent bass. Its certified Dolby Audio Dual (2) Speaker system had rich, strong bass and immersive sound. It was more than enough for a home cinema setup, though I added extra speakers in the large Scout hall to combat the inevitable Scout chatter and popcorn fights.
Next, I tested a film loaded onto a USB stick. Again, the AURO v2 didn’t disappoint. The image quality, colour vibrance, and contrast depth were superb. The Scouts started arriving, popcorn was popped, bean bags were prepped, and we were ready to roll.
The remote control was a pleasant surprise too. Easy to navigate in the dark and worked all the way from the back of the hall. A big win in my book.
Additional Features and User Experience
The projector’s user interface was a breeze to navigate. Everything was intuitive and easy to find, with no confusing menus. The remote control was just right – no unnecessary buttons, making it easy to use even in the dark.
The AURO v2 was silent during operation, a delightful contrast to the noisy old Epson. And it stayed cool throughout the movie, just lukewarm at the end, so we could pack it away immediately without waiting for it to cool down.
One standout feature was the automatic keystone and focus adjustment. Move the projector, and it quickly and accurately adjusted itself. Super handy and very impressive.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the LUMOS AURO v2 Home Cinema projector is an impressive piece of kit. The build quality is solid, the image and sound quality are mind-blowing, and it’s incredibly easy to use. At $498, it’s a steal compared to other projectors that cost three times as much. The Scouts loved the viewing experience, and so did I. It’s five stars from me.
Top marks, LUMOS. You’ve got a winner here.
Grab A Discount
If interested, you may use the promo code “MUMTPO25OFF” for a special -$25 off any purchase during website checkout.
Hey there, adventurous parents and young explorers! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Gobi Desert. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wander through this unique landscape, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey of discovery!
It’s diorama time at school for grade 3, and everyone is off-creating their own dioramas. My little boy chose the Gobi Desert for his project, but the possibilities are endless for your diorama.
You might decide to explore the lush, vibrant ecosystems of a rainforest, the vast, open grasslands of the savanna, or another unique desert environment from around the world, like the Sahara or the Mojave. Each habitat offers its own fascinating plants, animals, and landscapes, allowing you to tailor your project to whatever environment captures your imagination the most. It doesn’t feel that long ago that my girls were doing this same project. Thanks to a homework project, it has sparked an interest in the habitat of the Gobi Desert.
What is the Gobi Desert? The Gobi Desert is a vast, arid region in Asia, covering parts of northern and northwestern China, and southern Mongolia. It’s renowned for its extreme temperatures, from scorching hot summers to freezing winters, making it a challenging yet captivating environment to explore.
Plants and Animals of the Gobi Desert
Plants: Despite its harsh conditions, the Gobi Desert is home to resilient plant life such as saxaul trees, which have deep roots to find underground water, and various types of grasses and shrubs adapted to sparse rainfall.
Animals: Some of the most iconic inhabitants include the Bactrian camel, known for its ability to survive on sparse vegetation and store fat in its hump for energy; the Gobi bear, a rare and endangered species adapted to cold desert conditions; and the jerboa, a small hopping rodent that has adapted to the desert’s sandy terrain.
Soil and Geography The Gobi Desert features a vast expanse of gravel plains, rocky mountains, and sand dunes. Its soil is often sandy and nutrient-poor, contributing to the challenging conditions for plant growth.
Additional Resources and Activities For more fun and learning about the Gobi Desert, check out these resources:
Gobi Desert Colouring Page: Get creative with a Gobi Desert-themed colouring page. Twinkl have all sorts of fabulous resources to add to your diorama.
Creating Your Gobi Desert Diorama
Now, let’s bring the Gobi Desert to life with a fun and creative 3D diorama!
Materials Needed:
Shoebox or any small box as your diorama base
Sand or craft sand for the desert floor
Small pebbles or rocks
Artificial plants like desert grasses
Plastic animal figurines (camels, bears, jerboas)
Paint and brushes (optional, for coloring the backdrop)
Glue, scissors, and tape
I found images of animals and plants from the Gobi Dessert and cut them out to stick into the diorama. On the back we listed what is in the diorama and suggested for people to see if they can find them.
Steps to Create:
Create your backdrop: We used the Gobi Desert Colouring page from Twinkl to give our diorama a nice sense of place. It allowed all the animals and plants to look at home in the Gobi Desert habitat.
Prepare the Base: Line the inside of your shoebox with sand to create the desert floor. Add small pebbles and rocks to mimic the rocky terrain.
Add Vegetation: Place your artificial plants strategically around the diorama. Saxaul trees can be represented with small twigs or painted craft sticks.
Include Animals: Position your animal figurines in their natural habitats. The Bactrian camel might be wandering across the sand, while a Gobi bear rests near a rocky outcrop.
Decorate: Use paint to create a backdrop for your diorama if desired. You can paint distant mountains or a clear blue sky to enhance the desert atmosphere.
Final Touches: Once everything is in place, secure all items with glue or tape to ensure they stay put.
Let the Adventure Begin! Voila! Your Gobi Desert diorama is ready to amaze and inspire. Take a moment to admire your creation and imagine the stories that unfold in this harsh yet beautiful desert landscape.
Whether you’re a parent guiding your child through this project or a young explorer eager to learn more about the world, creating dioramas like this is a fantastic way to blend education with creativity.
Explore more desert environments like the Sahara or the Australian Outback with Twinkl’s desert resources, or venture into lush rainforests and expansive savannahs for more exciting diorama ideas!
Ready for your next adventure? Share your diorama creations with us in the comments below!
P.S. Need more ideas on building dioramas? Check out Twinkl’s tips!
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Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard
