Month: December 2017

Giveaway – Australian Shakespeare Company! Win tickets to Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland or Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies in Melbourne

| Kidding Around Australia

We have teamed up with the Australian Shakespeare Company to give 3 lucky families tickets to go and see Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland or Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies in Melbourne.

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We absolutely LOVE these shows, so much so, that they have become a tradition for the Kidding Around Australia family!

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I can’t tell you how much we LOVE the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Wind in the Willows! This is a must do for the school holidays! For over 90 minutes, you will be entertained by all of the classic characters – Mr. Toad, Ratty, Weasel, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, Polly and the Head Chief Rabbit at the Royal Botanic Gardens as you watch them bring to life Kenneth Grahame’s famous tale about life on the riverbank.  The children (and let’s face it, most parents) are transformed into rabbits by the Head Chief Rabbit with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose and have a wonderful outdoor adventure!

If you would like to see what we thought or our top tips for the show, then click HERE and HERE!

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Alice in Wonderland comes to life in the beautiful surrounds of Rippon Lea House and Gardens this Summer holidays, and all the crazy characters will be there! You can join Alice as she goes down the rabbit hole and follows the White Rabbit into the entertaining
and magical world of Wonderland. She’ll get taller and smaller, dance with the Dodo, talk with a Caterpillar, sneeze with the Duchess, have tea with the Mad Hatter, and keep her head from the Queen of Hearts.

This captivating promenade-style children’s production will keep your whole family enthralled and delighted. With acrobatics, singing, dancing, and riddles and rhymes, there’s lots of fun participation for the kids. Even the adults have to turn into cards and march behind the Queen of Hearts – or it’s off with their heads!

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Children aged between 3-8 will love to follow Tinkerbell and her friends the Dream Fairies, from a Midsummer Night’s Dream, as she searches for her wings at the Athenaeum Theatre 2, in Melbourne’s CBD.

Together with Tinkerbell, the cheeky Mustardseed (who entices the most laughter from the young audience), fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb, sweet Peasblossom and little Dewdropcreate a flurry of fun and encourage all of the little fairies and elves to help them as they sing, dance and do some pretty impressive acrobatics before heading off on a special adventure to ‘Bubble Land’.

If you would like to see what we thought or our top tips for the show, then click HERE!

GIVEAWAY

We are giving away a family pass (2A+2C) to each show! Please make sure you are able to attend on the date listed below:

Wind in the Willows – Friday 29 December, 6pm. Online info here: http://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/willows/

Alice in Wonderland – Sunday 14 January, 11am. Online info here: http://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/alice-in-wonderland/

Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies – Tuesday 9 January, 11am. Online info here: http://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/tinkerbell-and-the-dream-fairies/

SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO NOW?

FIRSTLY, MAKE SURE YOU LIKE AND FOLLOW KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THAT WE DO!

TO ENTER:

1 ✅ Enter your details in the form below and tell us which show you would like to see!

2 ✅ Enter also on Facebook and Instagram for bonus entries.

Competition ends 26 December, 2017 (8pm AEST). The winner will be chosen by random draw and announced on this post.

(IF YOU CAN’T SEE THE FORM, IT MAY BE THAT IT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY YOUR EMAIL SO CLICK ON THE WEBSITE!)

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

MORE INFORMATION

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

MELBOURNE SEASON:
22 December, 2017 – 28 January, 2018
Tues – Sun, 10am and 6pm (times vary – please see booking link for full details)
Tickets: $25 – $110 (please see booking link for full details)
Bookings: 03 8676 7511 and online at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/willows/
Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne – F Gate (enter via F Gate, near the Shrine of
Remembrance: Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra)
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

SYDNEY SEASON:
5 – 28 January, 2018
Tues – Sun, 10:30am and 6pm (times vary – please see booking link for full details)
Tickets: $25 – $110 (please see booking link for full details)
Bookings: 03 8676 7511 and online at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/willows/
Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney (enter the gardens through any gate and make your way to the Harbour side of the Main Pond)
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

9 – 28 January, 2018
Tues – Sun, 11am and Thurs and Fri, 6pm
Tickets: $25 (children under 12 months free), $90 Family (4 people). $20 and $80 Family
Bookings: 03 8676 7511 and online at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/alice-in-wonderland/
Venue: Ripponlea House and Gardens – 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick (entry via main gate on Hotham St)
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

TINKERBELL AND THE DREAM FAIRIES

MELBOURNE SEASON
2 – 28 January, 2018
Tues 11am, Wed – Sat, 11am and 2pm
Tickets: $20 each (children under 12 months free), $80 Family (4 people), $15.90/$55.90
Bookings: 03 8676 7511 and online at
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/tinkerbell-and- the-dream- fairies/
or via TICKETEK
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre 2 – 188 Collins Street, Melbourne.
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

GEELONG SEASON
29 December 2017
11am and 2pm
Tickets: $20 each (children under 12 months free), $80 Family (4 people), $15.90/$55.90
Bookings: 03 8676 7511 and online at
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/tinkerbell-and- the-dream- fairies/
or via TICKETEK
Venue: Geelong Botanic Gardens
www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

#ShakespeareAustralia #ASCWillows #ASCAlice #ASCFairies #DreamFairies

Portable North Pole 2017 and Magic Pass Giveaway

| Kidding Around Australia

Have you heard of the Portable North Pole 2017? Its a fun website and app that lets you create highly personalized video and phone messages that are delivered directly from Santa in just a few minutes to be viewed (or heard) on the web, your smartphone or tablet.

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The video and calls are personalised so that Santa greets children by name (or nickname if your child has a unique name) and shows their picture. Alegria and Isaac were in shock at first, and then loved it!

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“Mum, can we watch it again!!!!!!” “Do you think Santa will send us another message?” “How does Santa know my nickname?” (The answer to that one was … He sees you when you’re sleeping …)

Alegria had to watch the video 3 times, to let it all sink in! She couldn’t believe that Santa knew she was 7 years old and in school. She is very happy to know that Santa has picked out some great presents for her!

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Isaac is super excited that he is currently on the nice list and on track for some special presents from Santa. He loved seeing how the big book worked and is happy with the photo choice that Santa has included! Apparently, he really LOVES those shoes!!

If you would like to see Isaac’s video, head to our Facebook page!

HOW IT WORKS

By visiting www.portablenorthpole.com, I created personalised messages for both Alegria and Isaac. I had to use a nickname for Alegria and for Isaac had to change the pronunciation as it was the American pronunciation of eye-zik instead of eye-zac.

I then entered details such as name, age, class and uploaded a photograph. Depending on the video you choose, you can also add the gift your child is hoping for. It was quick and simple! I was then able to access it on my phone via the app ( I only let the kids in the special children’s area – which they think is fantastic) and download it in high definition onto my computer.

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It is also via that app that the kids were able to add different filters to their photos and I was able to record them watching their videos.

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Santa speaks in four different languages – English, French, Spanish and Italian and there are quite a few package options including free videos (which last for around a minute), options for groups so that kids, such as childcare and preschool groups, enjoy Santa’s greeting together and there are no limits – make as many as you want!

PACKAGES (AU$)

• FREE: 4 unique, customizable videos (Christmas videos for kids, grownups and groups, plus one for Birthdays)
• Single Premium Video ($4.49): Choose from among 6 Premium videos.
• Video Pass ($12.99): Unlimited Premium videos, Reaction Recorder (mobile app only), Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.
• Magic Pass ($17.99): Unlimited Premium videos and calls, Reaction Recorder (mobile apps only), HD video downloads and 5 weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day. Also includes Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.
• Upgrade from Video to Magic Pass ($5.99)

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Another great aspect is that Portable North Pole donates 5% of all online sales proceeds to children’s hospitals around the world. Since 2012, PNP has donated over $300,000.

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SPECIAL OFFER

For a limited time, Kidding Around Australia readers get 20% off Magic Pass. Simply go to this link (hyperlink: https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS03&promocode=PNP7BLG20 ) create your account and the discount will be automatically applied.

COMPETITION TIME

To share the joy of Christmas, we have 2 x Magic Passes ($17.99) to giveaway to 2 of our readers. The Magic Pass is your all access pass to: Unlimited Premium videos and calls, Reaction Recorder (mobile apps only), HD video downloads and 5 weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day. Also includes Christmas Eve and Birthday videos.

To Enter: Fill out this form and tell us what PNP feature you are looking forward to sharing with your children!

We would love you to share this post with your friends!

Competition closes: 18/12/2017 at 8pm.

MORE INFORMATION

Simply visit www.portablenorthpole.com or download the mobile app on iOS and Android – Remember there are free clips available!

#PNPSanta  portablenorthpole.com

Facebook.com/PNPSanta, Instagram.com/PNPSanta, Youtube.com/PNPSanta, Pinterest.com/PNPSanta, Twitter.com/PNPSanta, Twitter.com/PNPElf

Travelling with Pets – Our 5 Top Tips! Win a Years Supply of Bravecto!

| Kidding Around Australia
Sponsored by Bravecto®

If you are like us, you are becoming so busy with end of year parties, school commitments, planning for Christmas and organising a much-needed break for your family that you could easily forget protecting your furry family members!

I’d like to take a moment to remind you to think about protecting your dog from paralysis ticks and fleas especially as you may be travelling with your beloved pooch.

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To help you, we have put together our top 5 tips for travelling with your pets:

  1. PROTECT YOUR PET – Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, that they are fully wormed (including heartworm) and have been treated with Bravecto® for protection from paralysis ticks and fleas.

TIP #1: Make sure you take a copy of their vaccination certificates with you, vet notes if your dog has a medical condition and prescriptions / medication for the length of the trip.

  1. FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Dogs like familiarity so take an adequate supply of their regular food to reduce the risk of stress. We always take Duke’s food bowl although I am sure he’d eat out of any bowl without a problem!

 TIP #2: Limit food before long trips – you don’t want spew in your car!

  1. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME – Make sure your pet is microchipped and your details are current so that your dog can be returned to you if they get lost.

TIP #3: We always write our number on the inside of Duke’s collar as well as having a name tag just in case the tag falls off.

  1. HOME IS WHERE YOU LAY YOUR HEAD – Take your dog’s bedding with you. They are always more comfortable in their own beds with familiar smells and it gives them a ‘safe’ place to go to when they want some alone time.
  1. LEAD THE WAY – Don’t forget your dog’s lead and a longer rope for when you are at camp if you think your dog will wander off.

TIP #4: Pack an old tent peg and a hammer to secure your rope.

Australia’s paralysis tick season runs from about September to March – the time when adult female ticks are most abundant, although this can vary region to region.

Duke the cocker spaniel

It’s because of this that Australia’s leading emergency veterinarians have an urgent warning message for dog owners – they want you to protect your dog against paralysis ticks or be prepared for the consequences.

Director and Veterinary Specialist at The Animal Emergency Service in Queensland, Dr Rob Webster said “Tick paralysis is a preventable disease. When we lose dogs, a terrible outcome for all involved, we are losing dogs that could have been saved by administering a long-lasting paralysis tick treatment. Once the paralysis from a tick bite has taken hold, even the very best we can do using tick anti-serum and supportive care is going to save 8 out of 10 patients. This leaves a large number of dog owners in the dreadful position where they essentially watch their dog die from a preventable disease.”

As you know, we use Bravecto® (which is the only oral chew to deliver 3 months flea and 4 months paralysis tick protection for dogs in a single dose) for our Duke. If you want to read more about Bravecto® or see Duke demonstrating how easy it is to administer, click HERE!

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We want your dog to be protected too, and since it’s the season of giving, we are giving 5 lucky readers the chance to win a year’s Bravecto® (4 packs per winner)!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO WIN?

Well, like us on FACEBOOK (and INSTAGRAM if you have it!) to keep up to date with all that we do – plus like BRAVECTO® ON FACEBOOK  and INSTAGRAM because their pages are full of interesting information and cute photos!

TO ENTER:

FILL IN THE FOLLOWING ENTRY FORM AND ANSWER THE QUESTION “IN 25 WORDS OR LESS, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR DOG?”

ENTRIES CLOSE DECEMBER 22, 2017 at 9pm AEST. Please note, that the prize will be posted out in January. Please be patient as everyone returns to work after the Christmas break.

1. ENTRY IS OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY WHO ARE AGED 18 YEARS AND OVER AND ONLY ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD IS PERMITTED.
2. ENTRIES OPEN ON 13/12/2017 AND CLOSE AT 9PM AEST ON 22/12/2017.
3. THIS COMPETITION IS A GAME OF SKILL AND CHANCE PLAYS NO PART IN DETERMINING THE WINNERS.
4. TO ENTER THE COMPETITION, ENTRANTS MUST FILL IN ALL FIELDS OF THE FORM ABOVE.
5. FIVE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED AND RECEIVE A YEARS’ SUPPLY OF BRAVECTO (4 PACKS) VALUED AT UP TO $250 (DEPENDING ON THE WEIGHT OF THE DOG).
6. THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.
7. THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN WITHIN 48HRS OF THE CLOSING DATE AND THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THIS WEBSITE. THE PRIZE WILL BE POSTED TO THE ADDRESS SUPPLIED AT THE TIME OF ENTRY IN JANUARY 2018. THE PROMOTER WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF THE ADDRESS SUPPLIED IS INCORRECT.

MORE INFORMATION
Bravecto is available at leading vet clinics, pet stores and online pet retailers across Australia.

For the latest news and information about Bravecto visit: www.bravecto.com.au www.facebook.com/Bravecto-AU

www.instagram.com/bravectoau

#bravecto #dogs #paralysisticks #fleas

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