Kidding Around … Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games

It’s been 20 years since Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance burst onto the world stage and we were lucky enough to be given tickets to Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games and the show had me shaking my head in amazement.

LOTD Logo New

The basic story of the show sees the Dark Lord threatening the Lord of the Dance with his robotic “army”. The beginning of the show is set in a fantasyland of waterfalls and unicorns (where all is pure and white) until the Dark Lord wreaks destruction with fire (real feel it on your face fire!), breaking the magic flute of Little Spirit and stealing the Lord of the Dance’s belt. The Lord of the Dance then sets out to get it back! To find out how it ends… well, you’ll just have to go and see it!

 Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

The show stars stiletto-wearing violinists Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly, Rachel O’Connor singing and Erin-Kate McIlravey performing contortionist maneuvers that would be at home at Cirque du Soleil.

Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly
Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly Photo: Supplied

The performers I came to see were the 34 Irish dancers that  the Lord of the Dance is famous for and they were BRILLIANT! Individually, the lead performers (“Lord of the Dance” Morgan Comer, “Dark Lord” Tom Cunningham and Andrea Kren) are impressive but when the entire company are together they are AMAZING!

A scene from Lord Of The Dance, Dangerous Games by Michael Flatley @ London Palladium (Opening 2-09-14) ©Tristram Kenton 08/14 (3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: tristram@tristramkenton.com
A scene from Lord Of The Dance, Dangerous Games by Michael Flatley @ London Palladium
(Opening 2-09-14)
©Tristram Kenton 08/14
(3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: tristram@tristramkenton.com

I have no idea how it all comes together – however, I can only assume it is hours and hours (and hours!) of rehearsal and I am sure some blood, sweat and tears. The dancers feet move at lightning speed in tap shoes and specially designed lace-up ballet shoes. There is disagreement in our house as to whether the tap beats were pre-recorded or not – I suspect a little of both. The costumes range from Feis dresses with traditional Irish embroidery, to shirtless men and women in bras and barely-there-clothes –  a point that divided attendees as to whether it was necessary.

 Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

Michael Flatley (who retired in July, appears via a pre-recorded video at the beginning and end of the show) “lives” on in Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games – I just would have loved to have seen him perform live!

MORE INFORMATION

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is at State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 4 October 2015.

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is created, directed and choreographed by Michael Flatley and is produced in Australia by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Base Entertainment Asia.

WEBSITE www.lordofthedance.com 

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MichaelFlatleysLordoftheDance

SEASON DETAILS

MELBOURNE

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 4 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or artscentremelbourne.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

CANBERRA

Venue: Canberra Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 6 October – Sunday 11 Oct 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 730pm, Saturday 2pm & 730pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Canberra Theatre Centre 02 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 02 6275 2727

BRISBANE

Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC

Dates: Tuesday 13 October – Friday 16 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday & Friday 8pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: QPAC 136 246 or qpac.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on (07) 3840 7466

GOLD COAST

Venue: Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 18 October 2015

Times:  Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Prices: From $79.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 364 001

SYDNEY

Venue: Capitol Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 20 October – Sunday 25 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday – Friday 8pm,

Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 3pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278


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Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Kidding Around … Melbourne Star

MS2We have wanted to go to the Melbourne Star for such a long time, and now that we have finally experienced it, I don’t know why we waited so long! It’s fantastic!

When we were discussing going, my thoughts always led back to “Do I REALLY want to be stuck with two kids for 30 minutes with no way of getting out?” My answer to that question is always Um, NO!! Ever the optimist, I thought “How bad can it be?” and off we went.

Driving to the Melbourne Star we crossed our fingers that the rain held off, although we really shouldn’t have worried as the cabins are heated and air-conditioned. On our approach, we were excitedly pointing out the “Big Wheel” when Alegría states matter-of-factly “I don’t like heights, remember.” With little more than a “You’ll be right” we didn’t give that statement much more thought…

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We arrived, and of course “Andrea” Georgina’s childhood doll (who is enjoying a second chance at life through Alegría) had to come too. We parked both Isaac and Andrea’s prams in the pram bay and made our way through the interesting facts about Melbourne and onto our cabin.

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Hilarious! Even dolly prams are not allowed on board!
There are so many interesting facts regarding Melbourne that adorn the walls! Perfect for visitors.
There are so many interesting facts regarding Melbourne that adorn the walls! Perfect for visitors.

The cabin’s don’t actually stop as you step on board (although they can if need be) and we were surprised as to how big the cabins are. 20 adults can fit comfortably and there is a bench seat in the middle for resting or little girls who don’t like heights. Yes, it turns out Alegría doesn’t like heights after all. Parents. Of. The Year.

This little man was fascinated!
This little man was fascinated!

Georgina Says

Isaac loved it and was free to move around – and as we were in the cabin by ourselves we weren’t worried about the kids at all. I get notoriously motion sick and the movement was so smooth that I didn’t get sick! Woo Hoo!

The 21 Melbourne Star cabins effortlessly glide through the air reaching a height of 120 metres – or the equivalent of a 40 story building. From our cabin, we had a 360-degree view and could see all of Melbourne’s landmarks and the surrounding areas.

 

With on board commentary, we did our best pointing out all of the interesting places and when we were stumped we used the map provided (with a clever compass that you line up with the ceiling of cabin) to identify points of interest. 

Can you see the (Port Melbourne) beach?
Can you see the (Port Melbourne) beach?

Tim Says

The Melbourne Star is close to Docklands and Harbour Town’s restaurants, public toilets and is easily accessible with a pram. Make sure you take your valuables with you on board though as you do have to leave your pram at the entrance.

We are so glad that we went, and you’ll be pleased to know that Alegría got brave towards the end of the flight!

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And was it as bad as I had imagined? No. It was not bad, not bad at all!

Why not treat the family to a nice day out on Father’s Day, 2015 and head to Melbourne Star where Dads will fly for $1! For more details click HERE

*We were guests of Melbourne Star, however our opinion’s are authentically our own.

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times:

10am – 10pm daily.  Last flight departs at 9.30pm, ticket purchases for the final flight of the evening must be made by 9.15pm.

1pm – 10pm Christmas Day (December 25) and Anzac Day (April 25).

Operational hours are subject to weather conditions and may be changed without notice.

Location: 

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
101 Waterfront Way
Docklands, Melbourne Vic. 3008
T: 61 3 8688 9688 (please press 5 to speak with a member of our Guest Relations Team)
E: contactus@melbournestar.com

Cost:

Admission
Pricing
Single
Flight
Day & Night Flight*

(Previously known as the Encore Ticket)

Adult $34.00 $45.00
Child (5 – 15 Years) $20.00 $29.00
Children (up to 4 Years) Free Free
Family (1 Adult & 2 Children) $60.00 $90.00
Family (2 Adults & 1 Child) $72.00 $99.00
Family – Additional Children $16.00 $24.00
Seniors / Concession $30.00 $41.00
Adult Groups (Min. of 10) $28.00 $36.00
Child Groups (Min. of 10) $16.00 $27.00
Annual Pass $79.00 per person

Website: www.melbournestar.com

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

 

 

Kidding Around at the … Hi-5 House of Dreams Concert

Everyone knows by now that we L.O.V.E Hi-5 in the Kidding Around Australia house! Alegría has been a fan for years and now we have another massive Hi-5 fan in Isaac – he has been dancing around the house shouting “Hi-5” for days!

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We were lucking enough to be invited to the Hi-5 presents House of Dreams last Saturday at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. The theme of the show is “Dreams”, with Chats (played by Jessica Harm) using magic to help Hugh (who replaced Stevie, who has hurt his foot), Dayen, Ainsley, Mary and Tanika explore and experience their favourite dreams.

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The show was interactive with the kids helping Chats to catch dreams so that she could make them come true! With a little help from a huge dream catcher, the stage was transformed into magical worlds such as the jungle, under the sea, outer space and the wild west with the help of a computer-animated backdrop. The costumes were amazing and the props (including spinning beds) had the children transfixed!

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As you would expect from Hi-5, the show was high energy and they sang all the catchy Hi-5 songs we’ve grown to love, including Alegría’s all-time favourite Some kind of wonderful“.

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The show is split into two x 35 minute acts with a 20 minute intermission separating them – perfect for a snack and a trip to the bathroom.

The kids loved House of Dreams, it was fun, energetic and ended with bubbles… always a crowd pleaser!

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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR

The Hi-5 House of Dreams tour gives audiences an invitation to the most exciting “slumber party” ever! There’s not much sleeping but lots of singing and dancing and adventure when our favourite puppet Chats takes control of the Hi-5’s dreams and makes their dreams come true!

Using Chats’ Magic Dream Catcher audiences will travel through jungles, fairy grottos, underwater coral gardens, the Wild West, and even outer space!! This interactive and energetic show will have audiences totally immersed in the world of dreams.

Hi-5 House of Dreams is a whimsical trip into a fantasy adventure where you can catch your favourite Hi-5 songs – Underwater Discovery, Move your Body, It’s a Party and Living in a Rainbow and plenty of new songs with the Hi-5 gang – Stevie, Mary, Tanika, Ainsley and Dayen.

Hi-5
Source: Supplied

2015 National Tour Dates

Sydney – Big Top, Luna Park 28 June (Sunday)

Brisbane – Royal International Convention Centre 1 July  (Wednesday)

Melbourne – Palais Theatre 4 July  (Saturday)

Sydney – Concourse Theatre, Chatswood  7-8 July (Tues-Wed)

Perth – Regal Theatre 14-15 July (Tues-Wed)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

For more info on the show please visit http://lifeliketouring.com/hi-5 or www.hi-5world.com

Disclaimer: We were sent tickets to the show for review. We did not receive any cash payment. As always our opinions are honest and our own.

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

 

Competition Time… Win Tickets to the Gruffalo’s Child – Live On Stage, Melbourne

With many thanks to CDP presents Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of

The Gruffalo’s Child

WE HAVE 8 TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY! Win tickets to Gruffalo's Child

 Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books,

THE GRUFFALO IS RETURNING TO MELBOURNE – WITH HIS CHILD!

After sell-out seasons of its predecessor nation-wide, the team behind “The Gruffalo” return with the charming sequel based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s world wide best seller, playing at the National Theatre, St Kilda from 14-19 July 2015.

The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should

Ever set foot in the deep dark wood…

But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

The Gruffalo’s Child brings this much loved book to life on stage, using physical theatre, music and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 4 and up and their adults.

This best selling production, which has wowed audiences around the world, returns to Melbourne for one week only after a sold out premiere season in 2012.

Critics have raved about The Gruffalo’s Child:

winningly played (Sydney Morning Herald)

can’t fail to please (Brisbane Courier Mail)

…this brave little offspring of the Gruffalo captures the young audience and keeps it entranced…. (Stage Whispers)

TO ENTER FILL OUT YOUR DETAILS AND ANSWER A SIMPLE QUESTION!

*If you can’t see the form, go to our website. Some email and mobile devices don’t support our software.

GOOD LUCK!

Open to Victorian residents only. Entries close July 10, 2015 at 12pm AEST. Winners will be announced on this website shortly thereafter.

MORE INFORMATION

The Gruffalo’s Child – Live on Stage

National Theatre, St Kilda

14-19 July 2015

Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au

More information: www.cdp.com.au

Tickets from $26. Group Discounts available

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD IS ALSO PLAYING IN OTHER REGIONS OF VICTORIA AND AUSTRALIA!

Bendigo

The Capital
22 July 2015
Bookings: www.thecapital.com.au or Phone 03 5434 6100

Shepparton

Riverlinks
23 July 2015
Bookings: www.riverlinksvenues.com.au or Phone 03 5832 9511

Wodonga

The Cube Wodonga
24 July 2015
Bookings: www.thecubewodonga.com.au or Phone 02 6022 9311

OTHER DATES IN OTHER STATES!

NSW

Penrith

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
10 – 11 July 2015
Bookings: www.jspac.com.au or Phone 02 4723 7600

Nowra

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
27 – 28 July 2015
Bookings: www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au or Phone 1300 788 503

Sutherland

Sutherland Entertainment Centre
29 July 2015
Bookings: www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au or Phone 02 9521 8888

WA

Perth

State Theatre Centre of WA
30 June – 5 July 2015
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au or Phone 132 849

 

Kidding Around.. The Melbourne Museum

IMG_7974Our visits to the Melbourne Museum all follow a well worn path! We get our tickets, take a quick look at the display directly behind the counter and head straight out to the Forest Gallery. We look for fish and turtles, go under the waterfall and then make our way past the frogs to the bushfire memorial.

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We then go down the ramp, back indoors, past the whale skeleton and into the “Dinosaur Museum” or the Dinosaur Walk, located in the Science and Life Gallery.

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The Dinosaur Walk exhibition at Melbourne Museum brings dinosaurs and other ancient animals to life. This is where the kids can look at a range of amazing skeletons – combine them with ideas from science or let their imagination run wild!

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Do you feel small, Isaac?
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For a little girl with a big thirst for knowledge, the Melbourne Museum is HEAVEN!

From here, we continue on to the animals, in the Evolution Gallery, which is a taxidermist’s dream! They have very cool interactive screens which you can point at an animal to find out what it is and all about it. There are also giant information touch screens that give information. Did you know that the Tasmanian Tiger was actually a relative of the wombat? You can see it if you look closely at the one on display. They have the same nose!

Point, click and get information on hundred's of animals!
Point, click and get information on hundred’s of animals!
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Giant touch screens are at the perfect height for small fingers!

Alegría Says

I love the butterflies. I love all the pretty colours and learning how they grow. I also love the dinosaur bones, they are huge!

We then have a look at all of the bugs and butterflies and have a quick look at the semi-precious gems.

Poor Isaac, he needed a lift to see the ants!
Poor Isaac, he needed a lift to see the ants!
Why should the kids have all the fun?
Why should the kids have all the fun?

That usually takes us about an hour and then we go to the Children’s Gallery and Children’s Garden. This room is specifically designed for children aged 3 – 10, however both Alegría and Isaac have enjoyed it from a much younger age.

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Sometimes, you just want to re-enact a scene from “Finding Nemo”!!
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Looking at Larvae!

There are both indoor and outdoor activities covering a range of topics. Whether your children like puppets, building blocks, puzzles, animals, animals and more animals, lego, old-school games like hopscotch, quoits, jump rope, stilts, or running off all their energy they will find something to keep them occupied for at least an hour!

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Maybe this will help me reach the dinosaurs!

Georgina Says

There is a café onsite, however, you could pack a few sandwiches and go out to the playground for a picnic. We learned first hand you can’t eat in the Galleries – oops! Really should take notice of the signs! The playground is at the opposite end of the Museum to the Children’s Gallery – up near the café.

We love the Melbourne Museum. It is a fantastic place to spend a few hours (or longer if you don’t have to take naps into consideration), it’s perfect for all weather conditions and for those on a budget!

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The Melbourne Museum have plenty of Children’s programs running, more information can be found here. You can plan your own path using the Melbourne Museum map (PDF, 81 Kb) which shows the location of the main exhibition galleries and facilities.

MORE INFORMATION

Location: Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens, Victoria, Australia

Days and Times: Open daily, 10am – 5pm (Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day)

Phone: 13 11 02

Cost: Adult $12, concessions & children free

Website: http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

 

Kidding Around at the … Bloggers BBQ

kids business

Last Saturday, we attended our very first event as Kidding Around Australia! We were all very excited and counted down the days! Kids Business presented the Bloggers BBQ that was held at The Park, Melbourne.

The Park was a great venue for the event, the room was the perfect size for the brands and the attendees, with the chandeliers giving the room an all over opulent feel. We were lucky enough to get parking right at the front door for $2.50 all day, which was fantastic because just 10 minutes into the event we had to go back to the car to off-load some of our goodies!

Photo credit: Kids Business
Photo credit: Kids Business

Georgina Says

The event was an opportunity for brands and bloggers to get together in a family friendly environment. I am sure many long lasting relationships were forged at the Bloggers BBQ and we can’t wait to showcase some of the products and services provided by the brands we met.

Giaan Rooney (Channel 7 presenter, Olympic athlete and fellow parent) was the MC and did such a great job capturing everyone’s attention in a loud and excited room. She mingled with everyone and was happy to take photos with anyone who asked. Georgina and Giaan bonded over shared parenting experiences whilst Tim told Alegría all about her athletic achievements! Isaac was just happy to play in the ballpit whilst all this was going on.

Giaan and Georgina talking all things parenting!
Giaan and Georgina talking all things parenting! Photo credit: Kids Business

The Bloggers BBQ was a great way to connect with the brands participating on the day as well as support Camp Quality. For those of you who don’t know, Camp Quality is a charity that creates a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. Giaan presented a cheque for $500 to Camp Quality on the day. More information can be found at www.campquality.org.au

Giaan and Christie present a cheque for $500 to Camp Quality. Photo credit: Kids Business
Giaan and Christie present a cheque for $500 to Camp Quality. Photo credit: Kids Business

Brand Highlights and Information

Cocobella Kids: Cocobella, the makers of Australia’s leading coconut water brand, have created a new healthy option to help keep those little monkeys hydrated. It contains around 40% less sugar than leading kids fruit juices and Isaac loved it! www.cocobellakids.com.au

Dyson: Dyson showcased their latest bladeless fan the Dyson Cool. It is up to 75% quieter than the previous generation, portable and easy to use.  The child and pet friendly technology is quiet and powerful. We are already big fans (get it … fans … Dyson … hilarious!) www.dyson.com.au

Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan: Annie Sloan developed Chalk Paint™ over 20 years ago. She called her paint Chalk Paint™ because of  the velvety, matt finish it produces. There is an impressive colour range and it allows both children and adults to enjoy decorative painting. Alegría is a painting enthusiast and loved this product! www.anniesloan.com

Life Like Touring presents the Octonauts Live! Operation Reef ShieldCaptain Barnacles and his crew are starring in Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield which is being presented by Life Like Touring. If you have Octonauts fans in your house, it opens in Melbourne this February before touring the rest of Australia. Tickets are selling quickly and we can’t wait to see the show! www.lifeliketouring.com

ASG: Australian Scholarships Group believe all children deserve equal access to education regardless of wealth, status and capability. They have a range of products, information and resources available for all children up to post-secondary education on their website. www.asg.com.au

Steggles: Steggles’ new range Just Eat It (is available in Woolworths from late January).The range of pre-cooked chicken and turkey products can be used for quick dinners, snacks and on-the-road meals. www.steggles.com.au

Passage Foods: The Passage Foods range consists of ready-to-prepare meals that make it easy for you to enjoy international cuisines. Tim loved the twice cooked pork belly (cooked using their Asian Master Stock)! www.passagefoods.com

Celebrate Health: The Celebrate Health range is gluten free, low fructose, dairy free, peanut free, soy free with no preservatives. It is 100% natural and contains no common allergens. Georgina and Isaac loved the Moroccan Quinoa Salad (using their Moroccan Quinoa).  www.celebratehealth.com.au

Closer to Nature: Closer to Nature is an internationally renowned baby products manufacturer, offering baby bottles, breast pumps, sippy cups, baby monitors and more. They introduced their new advanced comfort® range of bottles and teats at the Bloggers BBQ. www.closertonaturebaby.com.au

AVG: AVG are passionate about online security. They aim to protect families from online predators, viruses and hackers on all of your computers, mobile phones and tablets. www.avg.com

Inner Health Plus: The Inner Health range is suitable for the whole family; even infants as young as three months can take Inner Health for Kids to help put the balance back into digestive health, maintain immune health and improve general well being. The Inner Health range is only available from Pharmacies and Health Food stores. www.innerhealth.com.au  

Bizzibrains- Bizzibrain’s first children’s book app  I imagine is available on the Apple App Store now: https://itunes.apple.com/app/i-im The app is designed to help kids transition to school, kinder, pre-school or wherever they go to learn. It was released on January 7th this year and is already featured in iTunes Best New Apps. It looks great! www.bizzibrains.com

We had such a great time, if you are a blogger and would like to be invited to the next event please contact Kids Business ! Thank you to Christie and the team – it was such a great day!

MORE INFORMATION

Bloggers BBQ (VIC) 17th January
Hosted by Kids Business Communications
Saturday, 17 January 2015 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (AEDT)
The Park Melbourne (formerly “The Powerhouse”), 36 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC 3206  |

Kidding Around with … Bay and River Cruises

Alegría loves going on adventures with Tim and she was especially excited to go on train, boat and car adventure! They were also joined by “Payno” who just happens to be one of Alegría and Isaac’s most favourite people – so it was guaranteed to be a great day!

Firstly, Georgina and Isaac (who didn’t go on the adventure because of Isaac’s nap time – and we don’t mess with the little man’s nap time!) drove the three adventurers to the train station in the CAR. However, there was a problem on the line, so instead of taking the train into the city they had to take a BUS replacement for half of the journey. So added to the modes of transport list was Bus – Bonus!

They then caught the TRAIN into the city and walked across Princes Bridge (which is on the corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Rd in Melbourne) to Birth 1 Southgate Promenade to board Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Yarra Shuttle 1”. The Yarra Shuttle 1 is an ultra-low passenger ferry (yes, we are aware we referred to it as a BOAT, please don’t send us hate mail!) which seats 36 people in the open air level and 36 in the enclosed cabin (although that would be squashy!).

What a great view of the city!
What a great view of the city!

The ferry stops at 7 locations (upon request) including Crown Casino / SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf / Polly Woodside, Yarra Edge, Scienceworks and Williamstown.

The Polly Woodside
The Polly Woodside and Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre
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Alegría and Payno admiring the view

ALEGRIA SAYS

I saw the containers that go overseas. I really loved going on the ferry!

Alegría, Tim and Payno decided to do the full journey down the Yarra River from Southgate around Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. From there you can have a picnic in the park at Nelsons Place, grab an ice-cream and walk up Gem Pier to admire the boats, ships and yachts. Other options include a visit to the farmers market (which operates on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 9am – 1pm), playing in the playground or taking a short walk to the Williamstown Beach.

Disembarking in Williamstown
Disembarking in Williamstown and saying goodbye to our Captain

TIM SAYS

The Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Williamstown Ferries” is a really handy, stress free way to get from the city to the beach. If you sit in the enclosed area you will be with the Captain. Our Captain was really informative and welcomed questions from passengers. He explained the history of local landmarks, docks and the city and gave information about the Yarra River. 

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MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Everyday from 10.30am – 5.30pm except Christmas Day

Location: Gem Pier Williamstown and Birth 1 Southgate

Cost: Adult $28 return or $18 one-way. Ages 4-14 is half price. Under 4 is free

Website: http://www.bayandrivercruises.com.au/ferry.html

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