PeriCoach Review – Kidding Around Essentials

November 16, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

This post is sponsored by PeriCoach

We have spoken about PeriCoach before on the blog and each time we discuss pelvic floor health we have an overwhelming response from women reaching out and talking about this very important issue.

I’m always a little nervous bringing up the subject because this is predominantly a travel, parenting and lifestyle blog but what I have come to learn is that if women are constantly worried about their weak pelvic floor, then they are not going to enjoy Kidding Around with their family.

And we can’t have that.

I’m actually very lucky and have pretty good pelvic floor muscles even though I never do any exercises to maintain them. I know many of you are not as fortunate, which makes me embarrassed that I am taking my health for granted when things can (and do) change over time.

The thing is we all know that we should be doing our pelvic floor exercises but how many of us actually do them as often as we should and in the correct way?

This is why I am interested in the PeriCoach system. It’s like having a personal trainer for your pelvic floor, providing feedback on your session and motivation to get those exercises done (it will even give you a reminder if you forget)!

The PeriCoach system is not a gimmick. It’s an Australian medical device – developed with support from a clinical advisory board of specialists in urogynaecology, gynaecology and pelvic physiotherapy and is manufactured in Australia. It has attracted a lot of interest from clinicians who work with patients with weak pelvic floor muscles or sexual dysfunction.

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The actual PeriCoach device contains sensors that (after being calibrated to your body) measure the strength of your pelvic floor contractions. It then connects via bluetooth to an Apple or Android app on your phone. This data helps you to keep track of your progress and if you need help or advice, you can share your “workouts” with a healthcare professional that is registered and working with PeriCoach.

If you need to work in conjunction with a healthcare professional you can use the Find a Clinician page on the PeriCoach website to help you locate a health professional who has tested and is recommending the device. You will definitely find someone near you – I was surprised at how many professionals there are! Or you might like to do what I did and get your system online and start working out immediately.

The sessions themselves are short (just two minutes) and you start at the beginner level and work your way up from there. The exercises are easy, the app will tell you when to squeeze and when to relax and you can do it lying down or standing up. I’ve been using it for just over a month and my muscles are stronger!

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So, if you are like me and you have been avoiding starting a pelvic floor exercise routine, then the time to take your health seriously is now!

MORE INFORMATION

The PeriCoach is $229 at the moment which is a saving of more than 20% off RRP! PLUS if you use our discount code you will save another 10%!

Our discount code for you to receive 10% off is KAAPC16

The PeriCoach is available online or through your pelvic health specialist. Once you’ve purchased the device, you can download the smartphone app and set up your device. For more discussion about PeriCoach, head to the PeriCoach Facebook page.

Trick or Treat Halloween Balloons!

October 29, 2016October 29, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

Our Trick or Treat Halloween Balloons are a fun and easy-to-prepare activity that will have the entire family in fits of giggles!

What You Need

Balloons
Black permanent marker
Green paper (to make leaves – optional)
Various treats (we used wrapped lollies and chocolates)
Jelly (we watered it down so it was runny. You could also use slime but that’s hard to get out of hair!)
Toothpick or nail scissors for popping the balloon

To Construct

Select your balloons! We used orange balloons to represent pumpkins and placed either treats or jelly in each balloon.

Next, blow up the balloon and tie a knot in the end.

Finally, it’s time to get creative! We drew some to look like jack-o-lanterns and some that were ‘scary’!

Add some green leaves cut out of paper, if you wish!

Note: Make sure you make an even amount of trick and treat balloons.

To Play

Taking it in turns, hold a balloon above each players head and pop the balloon! Take your time to create some suspense…

Note: It’s really important that the person who is playing has no idea what is in their balloon. That will make their reactions hilarious! There’s nothing like the threat of jelly all over your head to make you cringe!

More trick or treat tips can be found on the Carnival Cruise Tips blog post HERE.

Take a look at their Halloween Trick or Treat video filmed onboard Carnival Spirit, in their very own candy lolly shop Cherry on Top. Delicious!

Happy Halloween!

#kiddingaroundaustralia #carnivalhalloween #carnivalspirit

ICE BALL SMASH – A Smashing Halloween Activity

October 28, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

ICE BALL SMASH

HOW TO CREATE AN ICE BALL FOR SOME SMASHING FUN!

If you are looking for a great activity that the kids can help prepare and then expel some energy on, this one is for you!

As Halloween is fast approaching, we added a spooky dimension to our ice balls however you could use what ever small toy you like!

For this activity, you will need to prepare the balloons the night before as it needs 10+ hours to freeze.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Balloons
Small toys (we used rubber spiders, but you could use marbles, pom poms, shells, pebbles or beads – depending on your theme)
Water
Hammer
Food colouring (optional)

MAKING THE ICE BALL

Let the kids choose their favourite coloured balloons and gently push the toy inside. Once it’s almost there, if you blow the balloon up it should fall to the bottom! If you are adding food colouring then add a few drops now.

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Fill the balloon with water (you might need to help the kids by putting the balloon on the tap and holding it in place). Fill it slowly and don’t make it too big (we found out the hard way!). Remove it from the tap, let the excess air out and tie off the balloon. Then place it into your freezer (we tried different positions but didn’t notice much of a difference in the end product).

Leave to freeze overnight.

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When your kids are ready for a smashing time, take the balloon out of the freezer and cut the balloon off the ice.

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It’s time to head outside!

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THE ICE BALL SMASH

Find a spot on the grass and let the fun begin!

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Obviously, you have to supervise your kids and help the little ones use the hammer to avoid accidents – but you knew that!

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The Ice Ball Smash is a great activity that can be customised any way you like! In fact, you could add a wrapped chocolate (frozen mini Mars Bar anyone?) – now that would be the perfect trick and treat combination!

More trick or treat tips can be found on the Carnival Cruise Tips blog post HERE.

Take a look at their Halloween Trick or Treat video filmed onboard Carnival Spirit, in their very own candy lolly shop Cherry on Top. Yummo!

Happy Halloween!

#kiddingaroundaustralia #carnivalhalloween #carnivalspirit

Halloween Cake -An unBOOlievable Recipe!

October 22, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

Our unBOOlievable Halloween Cake is the ultimate centrepiece for your next Halloween party! Although this cake will steal the show, it’s really not that difficult to make. The cake itself is a two-layer mud cake, and the decorations are easy to make with the kids!

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INGREDIENTS

2 x mud cakes or chocolate cakes (you can make your own or buy them pre-made)

Orange frosting

DECORATIONS

Lindt Eye Balls

Ingredients: White Lindt Chocolate Balls, Red, Black and Green Writing Icing

Directions: Make squiggly lines from a centre point of the chocolate ball. Make a small circle of icing for the iris and a black pupil.

Pretzel Monsters

Ingredients: Pretzels, white and milk chocolate buttons, green M&M’s and black writing icing

Directions: Melt chocolate via instructions on the packet (be careful it burns easily). Dip pretzels into the chocolate and let set. With a little melted chocolate stick M&M’s to the pretzel for eyes and add a dot of icing to each one for pupils. You can also add scary mouths with the icing as well!

Kit Kat Fingers

Ingredients: Kit Kat (we used mint swirl), almonds and icing.

Directions: Break/cut Kit Kat’s into fingers and with some icing stick some almond fingernails on! Easy!

Tim Tam Tombstones

Ingredients: Tim Tams and Writing Icing

Directions: Using the writing icing, write RIP or draw crosses onto the end of a Tim Tam. You can draw just about anything that you wish!

Cherry Ripe Gates / Gravestones

Ingredients: Cherry Ripe and Cherry Ripe Bites

Directions: Cut the end of each Cherry Ripe on an angle (make sure you cut it from different corners so you don’t end up with everything on the same angle).

Various Lollies and Candy

We used Darrell Lea BB’s Chocolate Mint and Orange Balls, Reece Mixers, Nutella & GO! and Mini Oreos.

TO DECORATE

This is where you get to let your creative side take over! Start with pouring the orange frosting over the cake. You could then add some chocolate (ice magic or similar) drips down the side. Then place the bigger pieces on the cake and layer the decorations, finishing off with the little bits and pieces!

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If, after all your hard work, you need a drink (or two) then the Carnival Cruise Tips blog has some Chilling Halloween Cocktails for you to try and for more decor inspiration then check out their Decorations To Die For (well not really die, but you know what we mean!!).

Happy Halloween!

#kiddingaroundaustralia #carnivalhalloween #carnivalspirit

Spooktastic Seas Blood Orange Ship Jelly (Jello) Cup Halloween Recipe

October 9, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

Are you hosting a Halloween themed party and want to create an easy menu item with your kids? Then these fun BLOOD ORANGE JELLY (JELLO) CUPS are the perfect way to get creative in the kitchen!

Follow our easy recipe to whip up these spooktastic ship cups in minutes!

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Spooktastic Seas Blood Orange Ship Jelly Cup Halloween Recipe

Ingredients

1 box of blue jelly (we used Aeroplane Jelly in Blue Heaven flavour)
1 Blood orange or ruby grapefruit (any citrus fruit will work -but we like the red colour!)Lollipops (or suckers)

Other Items

Plastic cups
Long / short toothpicks
Card stock or stickers

making-jelly

Instructions

Prepare the jelly following the instructions on the box and pour into small clear cups or glasses, filling the cups almost to the top. Let this set in the refrigerator for AT LEAST 4 hours.

To Decorate

Once the jelly has set, cut the blood orange into wedges. If you are using grapefruit or mandarins then you will need to peel your fruit and separate into segments.

We inserted a toothpick into the bottom of our lollipop and then pushed this though our blood orange wedge and then into the middle of our jelly cups.

Note: If you are making a sail instead of using a lollipop then stick a triangular “sail” to a toothpick “mast” and then insert this into the fruit and jelly.

These Spooktastic Seas Blood Orange Ship Jelly Cups are simple to make and perfect for your Halloween celebrations!

With nothing left to do but enjoy your jelly cups, you may want to plan some other tasty treats to dish out when the mini monsters come knocking.

A perfect place to start is https://cruisetips.carnival.com.au/carnival-fun/halloween/tricks-for-baking-the-tastiest-halloween-treats/ for tasty Halloween treats which are guaranteed to make your guests howl with delight!

Happy Halloween!

#kiddingaroundaustralia #carnivalhalloween #carnivalspirit

Competition Time! WIN with Bravecto® and protect your dog from paralysis ticks and fleas!

October 4, 2016December 23, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

This post is sponsored by Bravecto

Picture this.

We were on our way to an appointment at our local vet for a check-up, vaccination and some holiday advice for Duke (our dog) and Ginger (our cat). Duke, who is always the best behaved in our family, is sitting nicely in the back seat between Alegría and Isaac and (of course) I couldn’t find the cat carrier so I have Ginger sitting on my lap whilst Tim is driving. It’s not ideal, I know!

Ah, the things we do for our furry family members! Our annual trip to the vet must mean one thing. It’s a time when I’d like to remind you to think about protecting your dog from paralysis ticks and fleas.

Media veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren has issued a strong warning to Aussie dog owners – protect your dog against paralysis ticks or be prepared for the consequences. Dr Katrina has seen the devastating effects of paralysis ticks first hand and is appealing to all dog owners to proactively talk to a local vet about paralysis ticks now, to avoid heartache later.

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. In order to protect Duke, 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. If you want to read more about Bravecto® or see Duke demonstrating how easy it is to administer, click HERE!

We want your dog to be protected too, so that’s why we are giving away 20 packs of Bravecto®! Yes, that’s right, 20 packs for 20 winners!

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?”

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Terms & Conditions 1. Entry is open to Australian residents only who are aged 18 years and over and only one entry per household is permitted. By entering this competition, you agree to subscribe to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already subscribed. Your privacy is protected and you can unsubscribe at any time. By entering this competition, you are also agreeing to all other terms and conditions. 2. Entries open on 04/10/2016 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 15/10/2016. 3. This is a game of skill not a game of chance. Entries not filling in all the required fields and answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, by a non-involved party. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 4. To enter the competition, entrants must fill in all fields of the form above and agree to supply Kidding Around Australia with their postal address so that the prize can be mailed to them. 5. Twenty (20) winners will be selected and receive a pack of Bravecto (1 chew). Total prize pool valued at up to $1200 (depending on the weight of the dog). 6. The winners will be drawn within 48hrs of the closing date and the winning entries will be announced on this website. The prize will be posted to the address supplied to Kidding Around Australia via email. Kidding Around Australia will not be held responsible if the address supplied is incorrect or for any side effects caused by Bravecto in your dog. Please seek your veterinarian’s advice before administering the product to your pet.

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 #drkatrina

Homedics AR120AU Electrostatic Air Cleaner Review

September 19, 2016November 3, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

Living in Australia, away from any capital city makes me take clean, fresh air for granted. When Homedics told me about their Homedics AR120AU Electrostatic Air Cleaner, I was interested in learning more. I don’t know about you, but I am more often concerned about what we eat and drink rather than the air we breathe.

We have a mild asthma sufferer in our family and Duke likes to sleep in our front room so I thought I would trial the Homedics AR120AU Electrostatic Air Cleaner and see how it works.

The Homedics AR120AU Electrostatic Air Cleaner with Nano Coil technology is said to be the most innovative and effective air cleaning technology Homedics is offering.

Features :

World’s most advanced air cleaning system
Removes 99% of airborne contaminants like allergens, smoke, pollen, dust and germs
5 times better than HEPA in cleaning microscopic particles down to 0.05 microns in size
Reduces airborne viruses and bacteria
7 times more cleaning surface than comparable HEPA towers
Weighs 50% less than comparable HEPA towers
Uses only 25 watts of power – 50% less than comparable HEPA towers
LED backlit control panel
Triple filtration and elimination process
Cleanable, replaceable filter lasts up to 18 months
120 CADR – Clean Air Delivery Rate

What We Thought:

The unit is easy to use and comes with a remote control (and auto-timer). It’s light weight, but rather large so it stands out in the room. It’s not quiet on the higher settings. You definitely couldn’t sleep with it on turbo, but on low it’s fine.

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Amazingly, it eliminated the smell of Duke in the room and for that fact alone it is worth the purchase price. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Please note: We were given a Homedics AR120AU Electrostatic Air Cleaner for review, however our opinions are our own.

MORE INFORMATION

RRP $299 AUD

Website http://www.homedics.com.au/health/air-purifier/air-cleaner-electrostatic.html

Kidding Around … with professional surfer and current world number one Tyler Wright!

August 26, 2016August 26, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

We are in full planning mode for our holiday to the unspoilt Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast next month!

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Whilst we are researching surfing hot spots, delicious eateries and adventurous activities to do while in region (that are suitable for the kids!), we thought we would have a chat to professional surfer (she’s the current world number one) and Shoalhaven local, Tyler Wright to get all the inside info.

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Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Tyler! Can you tell us a bit about your home region of the Shoalhaven?

The Shoalhaven region is simply beautiful and untouched. There’s so many amazing beaches that are family friendly and perfect for hanging out with friends. My family and I pretty much surfed at any spot we could find that had a good swell all year- round, and there’s a beach for everyone whether you’re learning to surf or have been surfing for years. The region is also full of great people, restaurants and incredible wildlife. It’s got it all really!

You travel all over the world as a professional surfer, do you have any tips for travelling?

I’ve learnt the best tip for travelling is to have an open mindset. You’ll always love the experience of travelling a lot more if you’re open to seeing new things and experiences, you won’t come away disappointed. Also don’t forget to take a good set of headphones and a jumper. They always come in handy, especially for plane and car rides!

What is your fondest memory of growing up in the Shoalhaven?

I would have to say travelling through the whole region on the weekend or day trips with my family, surfing and exploring. The sun, the salt, the surf and the memories made with my family made my childhood the best I could possibly ask for. My family and our adventures have shaped the person I am today and I definitely wouldn’t be in this career either if it wasn’t for my childhood in the Shoalhaven. I couldn’t sit still knowing there were surfing spots and beaches needing to be explored!

Do you have any must-do family activities that we could do when we visit Shoalhaven?

If you haven’t learnt to surf before, the Shoalhaven is perfect for that. The beaches are so beautiful and fresh, perfect for kids and adults and the locals are really friendly and always open for a chat. There’s some really good family walks and rock pools as well, so many wonderful places to explore with lots of secret beaches. You could pick almost any spot up or down the coast from Culburra even right down to Bawley Point and you won’t be disappointed.

After talking to Tyler, we really can’t wait to visit the Shoalhaven region and we look forward to sharing our journey with you! We have planned something to do that none of us have done before … can you guess what it might be?

MORE INFORMATION

shoalhaven.com.au/surf #surfshoalhaven #unspoilt

5 Must Do Beach Experiences in Western Australia

August 25, 2016 | Kidding Around Australia

Guest Post by Jayde Ferguson

WA is renowned for being home to some of the world’s best beaches. Lined with coastal wonders for almost anyone to enjoy, it’s easy to see why the west is Australia’s hot-spot to visit, live in and explore. If you love getting out in the open and chasing the summer sun along WA’s stunning coast line, then these beach experiences are a must.

From snorkelling and fishing adventures to exploring beaches and bays in the FWD, WA is home to a jaw-dropping 12,000 kilometres of seaside spots. That’s more pristine beaches than any other state in Australia! Whether you’re visiting WA for your next holiday or you’re a local looking for a new beach experience to encounter, here’s our top picks to explore:

1. A Bottlenose Dolphin Encounter

Located a 9-hour drive north of Perth City, Monkey Mia in Shark Bay offers a haven for marine life with friendly dolphins to visit. The Monkey Mia bottlenose dolphin experience involves a rare and famous opportunity to get up close and personal with these interesting creatures. Whilst you won’t be able to touch them or swim with them (to ensure they’re not harmed) you will have the opportunity to watch feeding times and if you’re lucky, get picked to feed them with the ranger!

The bottlenose dolphins you’ll get to see are wild and have been coming to the bay making friends with the local fishers since the 1960’s. And with a dolphin attendance rate of 99%, you’ll almost always get to see a few of them in their natural habitat; although number and visiting times can vary from day to day. Great for the whole family to enjoy or anyone interested in learning about the dolphins’ behaviour and biology.

2. Skydiving Extravaganza with a Beach Landing

They say that taking the plunge through skydiving is one of the best ways to get a natural adrenalin rush. Skydiving extravaganzas offer a change of scenery and a completely different view to experience. Proven to boost physical and mental rejuvenation, it’s definitely an activity that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

If you’re up for a fun challenge or it’s something you’re already addicted too, take skydiving to the next level with a beach landing. Rottnest Island have started beach skydives which gives the perfect excuse to spend the day over there exploring too. Plunging over WA’s coastline with a bird’s eye view of the stunning beaches and bays is ultimately the best way to experience the adventure at full speed.

3. Elope to Cable Beach

As a world famous beach, Broome’s Cable coastline is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets and beach experiences. It’s a big part of the Kimberley and Broome history and those that have ventured to the outback for it will agree the beach is WA’s little slice of paradise – great for any wedding proposal

4. Snorkel at One of the World’s Best Beaches

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Aside from Cable Beach, Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay and Esperance’s Lucky Bay are rated as some of the world’s best beaches. So if you haven’t ventured out to explore these idyllic oases’ then you’re missing out! Amongst the top 20 beaches worldwide, Turquoise Bay is a popular drift snorkel spot protected by a reef with the most colourful coral and marine life to witness. If you’re not a confident snorkeler though, there’s plenty of water dipping and relaxation to experience on the side.

Lucky Bay just a 40-minute drive from Esperance is another hot-spot beach experience. Take the FWD to get all the coastal goodies and soak up the crystal blue waters for your own stunning oasis. Head to the bay between July and October for whale watching opportunities as they migrate over too. Whilst most beach lovers will find it hard to leave this secluded bay, there’s heaps of other great adventures in the area too like wildlife-rich walking tracks and designated camp grounds to spend a few nights under the stars.

5. Lancelin Sand Dunes

Located just an hour and a half drive out of Perth City, Lancelin is Perth’s desert like spot for those that haven’t been to a desert. You can hire sand boards when you’re there too, just make sure to bring a pair of goggles and comfy clothing for the adventure. If you have access to dirt bikes, you’ll want to bring those along too!

Author Bio: This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Skydive Geronimo – Perth’s premium skydiving company with Drop Zones on Rottnest Island and in Busselton. You can catch her on Google+.