When I was invited to be a part of the ‘Save Your Friend’s Skin’ campaign I immediately said yes. After all, my grandmother had skin cancers, as did my father. On top of that my mother, my sister and myself have all had moles removed before they potentially became issues at a later point in time. So you can see why I think this is an important message that needs to be sent out. I’ve even blogged before about when Adam and I went on a skin check ‘date‘.

Here’s some additional information that might surprise you:

1. There are two different kinds of sun rays which can cause our skin serious skin damage – UVA and UVB.
2. As much as a short walk from the train to work is enough to cause incidental sun exposure.
3. More than 47% of Australian women rate dry skin as the number one skin concern, while less than 40% use a body lotion daily.
4. One of the major causes of dry skin for Australian women is UVA damage from incidental sun exposure.
5. UVA ray strength remains much the same all year round – causing constant dryness and ageing.
6. UVA rays can cause premature ageing, wrinkling of the skin and indirectly contribute to skin cancer formation while UVB rays can cause skin to burn.
7. Lack of sun protection is dangerous – skin cancers now account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.

Are You Taking Enough Care Of Your Skin? (+ Competition) is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

We ventured down to Adventure Park at the beginning of last week. The kids had already begun pestering us to go there thanks to the television ad campaign going on at the moment, so you can imagine their delight when – just this once – I was able to say, “We ARE going!” Their excitement levels boiled over so much that we were bombarded with the ‘Are we there yet?’ questions from the Western Ring Road. The day was cool and breezy, not that it bothered anyone else really, except me, who likes swimming water the way I like my bath water: calm and warm.

Once we were shown into the park we were escorted over to our private cabanas for the day. Here’s Keira getting into the appropriate mood:

The cabanas (8 in total) are $59.95 to hire for the day. In our case they were good – my mother accompanied us on the day and as she wasn’t feeling well it was nice to think she could relax in relative privacy (and shade). The cabanas only hold 6 people in total, so big groups take note. If we were going by ourselves, we’d probably just arrive early to make sure we could nab some picnic tables or recliner lounges, but it’s nice to know there’s options.

We sat by Bonito’s Bay, a waterplay area for children, right next to the aqua racer slide, which Adam and Riley promptly ran to, just after this was taken:

Keira particularly enjoyed the lazy river, as you can see. Once the sun came out in the afternoon I even went on it. Note our body language: she relaxed, me perched on the side of the ring as to get the least wet!

There’s plenty of ‘dry’ activities to do too. Like mini golf, where Riley successfully managed to land his ball in the lake, or canoeing…

… or a jump on a jumping pillow (adults and children are both allowed)

There are 21 rides in all: here’s where you can see them. I did go on one ‘big’ ride in the end, the fast tube slides. Here’s a shot of me coming out. The water inside the tube was lovely and warm (no breeze to cut through you) but once you got outside again… brrr!

All up, the day was marvellous and the kids now are pestering us to go back. The park itself was very clean and there were always plenty of lifeguards around watching the water. I would like to commend the customer service of one particular girl, a teenager, who took my order for lunch and was so genuinely chatty and friendly it was lovely. Ticket prices are on the high side, but that could be balanced out by bringing as much food and drink inside as possible. Still, for larger families, it would be a factor in determining whether to go or not. Being forewarned about budgeting helps – more information about prices is here.

But what also helps is if you can get tickets for free – and I’m happy to be able to give you that chance! I have on offer two x summer fun passes valued at $74.99 and are valid all the way up to April 29th 2012. Further terms and conditions regarding the summer pass can be found here.

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment saying why you’d like to win the pass and what sorts of rides you’d look forward to riding on. You need to enter a valid, regularly checked email address and be an Australian resident. Out of the comments, the two judged best for creativity/skill will win a pass each. The competition ends at 5pm Friday January 13th.

Good luck! If you have any questions, just ask.

Our day was made possible by the invitation of Porter Novelli and Adventure Park and I’d like to thank them both. Opinions – as ever – are my own.

Edit: Competition has now closed. Thank you for participating! Winners will be contacted shortly.

Adventure Park Victoria (+ Giveaway) is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

Monday 21st November marks the launch of OMO’s ‘Play with Purpose’ initiative. As part of this campaign they will be releasing twelve videos that offer a variety of ideas for how your family can come together in play.

Below is one of my favourite examples, dramatising the history and stories of your family by way of miniature theatre.

You can actively participate as well. OMO invites families to make your own ‘Play with Purpose’ video to share on the OMO Facebook page once the launch begins. If you need a little help they are creating their own customised interface which allows entrants to insert text and add a soundtrack. If you do enter, remember you will receive a free pair of overalls (while in stock– 500 overalls available) and the most voted for entry at the end of each week of the four week campaign will star in the 2012 official ‘Play with Purpose’ video.

Even better folks, to spread goodwill about this initiative OMO have a competition you can enter here at Miscellaneous Mum: a twelve month supply of OMO PODS. All you have to do is leave a comment saying what play idea you would use to make an interesting ‘Play with Purpose’ video. From these comments I will select the idea I think would be best.

Terms of Entry

• Competition will stay open until 5pm, Friday 9th December.
• Open to Australian residents only, one entry per person.
• Please leave an active email address when you leave your comment.
• If contact cannot be made with winner 48 hours after, I reserve the right to select an alternate winner.
• Winner will be determined by skill/creativity.

These rules are different to my typical random number generator giveaways. This is because the nature of the regulations surrounding these kinds of competitions are trickier than I first realised and I just want to do things properly. I hope it doesn’t dissuade anyone from entering. Good luck!

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Edited to add: The competition has now closed. Thanks for entering!

‘Play with Purpose’ Initiative + Competition is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

This week is going to be quite a busy one around here – for reasons that will later be apparent – but first I wanted to share with you guys a nice way to kick it off: that is, a chance to win 2 x $50 vouchers to be used at www.groupon.com.au

They have also kindly given me credit to use at my leisure, but I will be saving mine until something compatible comes up to coincide with my Living List. So stay tuned!

As many of you might know, $100 can go a long way at Groupon and the rules of entering this competition are simple:

1) You must be an Australian resident.

2) You must leave a comment saying what item or experience you hope to perhaps use your voucher on if you win. (Take a look at their website to get an idea of what they’ve had on offer in the past if you like.)

3) One entry only.

4) This competition will close at 12pm (midday AEDST) Monday 24th October.

5) If I do not hear back from the winner once I contact them by email after 48 hours I reserve the right to re-draw a winner.

6) The winner will be determined by a random number generator.

Pretty simple, isn’t it? Good luck!

Any questions, please email/contact or shoot me a tweet. Thanks!

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Competition has now closed.

Edited to add: Congratulations to Kylie, lucky number 7 was what the random number generator gave me! Enjoy!

Groupon Australia Voucher Competition is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

The last time I had a professional do my makeup was for my author photographs I had done at the beginning of 2008 for the promotional materials I had made up for Surprise!

However, they turned out so badly (read: bright and not suited to my skin tone) I converted them to black and white to see if that helped, but the contrasts/shadows were possibly even worse. I ended up scrapping the lot of them.

I was so embarrassed I didn’t even blog about it. Yes, they were THAT BAD.

Today was different, for today I have a Revlon Makeover Experience. My lovely makeup artist Nicole took her time and explained every step in the process. I was chosen for today’s experience because I fall into the age category the new Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream is aimed for: the thirty-something woman who wants to take anti-aging preventative measures (this is what Nicole told me). This foundation has a broad spectrum SPF 20 (excellent – I refuse to put anything on my face without some sort of sunscreen) and is designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles – of which I have plenty.

I took the above photo on my phone in the car coming home this afternoon, while the sun was still out. I’m really happy with how my makeup came out. I finally found a lip colour that suited me other than the plum shade I’ve been buying for years!

What’s even better?

I’m excited to be able to offer a reader a chance to win a similar experience: a Revlon Age Defying makeover and night out of your choice worth $250!

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment saying in 25 words or less, “What are the main benefits of the new Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup and why are you excited?” (Tip: you might need to go back and read my post if you skipped it!)

Entries will close at 6pm on Thursday 25th August. Please read this for the complete Terms and Conditions.

Good Luck!

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It’s been a big birthday week – thanks to you all for helping me celebrate! I’ve had to go back on my Meniere’s medication, however, so I might be quiet over these next few days while it sorts itself out.

Have a lovely weekend xx

Edited: The competition is now closed. The ultimate winner of the competition will be notified in due course. Good luck!

Revlon Makeover – Mine, And Possibly Yours (Competition) is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

Today is my fifth blogging birthday.

Yes it’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I decided to give this thing called blogging a go. I joined Blogspot just as Google was finishing its takeover (some of y’all might remember its ‘Beta’ period. Ah, memories). Communities have risen – and fallen. Some bloggers have come and gone.

Hell, I even remember when Gmail invites were gold.

I’ve seen lots of debates and knock-down-and-drag-out fighting; trolling; jealousies. I’ve seen burnout. I’ve seen success. I’ve seen strength and I’ve seen love.

My own journey has had its ups and downs. I’ve been thinking about what posts have stood out in retrospect. In the early days, The ‘Dear Me’ Project taught me the power of memes, 13 signs that someone you know may have a eating disorder showed me the value of list posts.

There’s been weird moments too, like talking about my book while standing at my father’s graveside.

Ultimately I feel that the posts which have longer lives have been the ones when I’ve been completely honest and willing to be vulnerable: like confessing my anxieties about mothering a daughter or when I discuss those awful, lost few months of 2006 or Cities and Light at Night.

I’d like to thank everyone, past and present, for reading, commenting, and some of you – lucky me – I call friend.

I wonder what the next five years will bring?

xxx

To show my thanks, I’m giving away a $100 voucher from the Sydney Writers’ Centre. It’s not valid for manuscript assessments, mentoring, or overseas writing trips but you can use it to go towards one of their many workshops or courses, many of which may be done by correspondence or online.

I will be closing the competition at 5pm on Thursday 25th August.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment saying what you think you’d use the voucher on if you won it. Go here and have a look at what’s on offer! In Melbourne too!

Thanks again!

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And last, had he lived, today would’ve been my father’s 62nd birthday. My love to him, ever.

Edited: The competition has now closed. I’ll let the winner know via email. Thank you!

Celebrating 5 years blogging: a $100 voucher to the Sydney Writers Centre (giveaway) is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

Jeans for Genes Day raises money for genetic research at the Children’s Medical Research Institute and is coming up very soon on Friday 5th August. In order to spread awareness for the day, I have been asked by Ogilvy 360 Digital Influence to mention some of the following ways you might like to get involved.

You could:

• Use the “Patch Your Jeans” Facebook App: Create your own denim patch using the ‘Patch Your Jeans’ app and share it with Miscellaneous Mum readers – we’ve also attached our own patch specially made for you! To check out the app, visit the Jeans for Genes Facebook page.

• Become a Fundraising Genie: Organise a fundraising activity at your home, office, school or community on Jeans for Genes Day.  It could be as simple as asking your group to wear jeans on Jeans for Genes Day and make a donation.  To get a free Genie Kit, visit the website to register.

• Wear Denim on 5 August and Share Your Pic: Remember to wear denim on 5 August, share it on Facebook and tag “Jeans for Genes Australia” in the photo so it can be shared with supporters of the campaign!

I also have the pleasure to be able to offer one ‘Jeans for Genes Day Prize Pack’ which contains a $250 Jeanswest gift card, official Jeans for Genes t-shirts and gear, and two movie tickets.

Some fine print:

• To be eligible to enter, please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts about the campaign.
• For one additional entry you may tweet ‘Have entered @miscmum giveaway for @jeansforgenesau – further details here [http://bit.ly/NLfih]‘ and come back and tell me in another comment.
• Competition will be open until midday 27th July so the prize has enough time to reach the winner as it is being posted.
• Open to Australian residents only.
• Please leave an active email account. I reserve the right to re-draw if contact cannot be made within 48 hours.

Naturally, I’ll be wearing denim on Friday 5th August. Pictures will follow – hope perhaps to see some of yours!

Edit: Competition has now closed. Thank you all to those who entered. I’ll contact the winner shortly. Good luck!

Jeans for Genes Day – Spreading the Word + Giveaway is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

Aussie folk, don’t forget you’ve got until 5pm this afternoon (Friday) to enter my competition to win a Cars 2 movie family pass.

My mother is staying with us for a little while during these school holidays to see the kids and help me out while I try to get some work matters in order. This was the initial understanding, of course, but guess what I’ve used the time for so far?

Napping.

It’s been terrific.

That will come to an end when I do finally manage to shift my butt into gear. One of the other jobs on the list is to go through our food porn stack again and do some major culling.

This? This is NOTHING PEOPLE. You should see the rest…

Have a lovely weekend x

One Last Thing Before I Sign Off For The Weekend is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

It’s July, it’s cold, so it must be getting close to Christmas.

Wait, stay with me here.

I know that doesn’t sound right, but it sure resembles a little of how I’m feeling. School is about to start second semester, the ball gets rolling again, I get wrapped up in stuff, and before I know it I’m panicking because the presents aren’t bought. Do you do the same thing? Hold me, I love you.

Yet!

Not only are Big W holding their spectacular toy sale (see also here) at the moment, but you can buy online too. And with their generosity I can help. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, family friend, or just a big kid yourself I have $100 worth of Big W vouchers to giveaway for use on their online store. Shopping without the car parking headaches!

Here is some fine print:

It’s Toy Sale Time Of Year. I Can Help. (Giveaway) is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday

This post has been sponsored by Nuffnang.

I need only say the word ‘movies’ and you can guarantee there will be a puff of dirt and as it settles you will find my son and husband already strapped into the car, ready to roll.

Keira, as I’ve mentioned before, is somewhat more reluctant – especially when it comes to seeing a film she doesn’t know anything about.

Last Sunday was different.

Not the part about having enthusiastic gentlemen, that was the same, but Keira was excited to go and see Cars 2. She’s seen the first Cars movie, knew the characters, knew the oeuvre (so to speak) and felt content she was in for a pleasant experience.

And she was right.

Cars 2 is slick and visually splendid – but fans of Lightning McQueen might need fair warning: this isn’t ‘his’ movie. No, hero honours goes to his best friend, Mater, who is responsible for saving the day and carrying the plot. But don’t be worried, there are still plenty of races and action with Lightning McQueen in centre stage to keep everyone happy.

I particularly enjoyed the voice overs of the new characters, particularly that of Michael Caine who plays Finn McMissile, a secret agent. On that point: the spy subplot brings with it action and a fair bit of gunplay, more than I was expecting. “That makes this one cooler than the first,” Adam said, stating his case. “Makes it like a Bond film.”

What was your favourite part? I asked the kids.

All of it, they answered in unison.

Plus, it’s in 3D. That’s always a plus in their book.

And the Toy Story short film, Hawaiian Vacation, at the beginning was fantastic. (It did show me that I need to see Toy Story 3!)

Cars 2 is a definite school holiday movie option.

What’s even better is I have two family passes to give away. Simply leave a comment before 5pm on July 8th as to why you’d like the chance to see Cars 2. Winning entries will be judged (not by me) on creativity. Read the terms and conditions for more information.

Open to Australian residents only, sorry!

Good luck!

Update: The competition has now closed.

Cars 2 Movie Review and Competition is a post from: Miscellaneous Mum - Trying to find the objective correlative, everyday