Last week saw me running around like a headless chook, trying to organise things for the family before I embarked on what I would call a whirlwind weekend. It all began on Thursday night, where all the fun began, the Digital Parents Conference Pre-Conference Drinks. Then followed by the Digital Parents Conference itself, that took all of my Friday. Like all conferences, the highlight of course was meeting my online friends. That connection I thought was the best part of any blogging conference. Then we had another event on Saturday, the Bloggers BBQ hosted by Kids Business. This time, the event was held over at the Powerhouse Function Centre in Albert Park, just across the road from The Sebel Hotel, where the Digital Parents Conference was held. Smart choice in my opinion.
It was an event where the whole family can attend and my family was just Miss 10 and Master 6, as Mr. C decided to back out at the last minute, and so I thought Miss 8 can go with him instead. Besides being greeted by a lovely lady at the entrance, I was also given a rose – love it when there are special touches like these. The brands that were showcasing their wares were:
- Target
- McCormick
- Britz
- Cottees
- Crayola
- Ellas Kitchen
- Fressure Foods
- Lenards
- Nad’s
- Hotmail
L-R: Anya with Miss 10 at the Ella's Kitchen corner with their face painted thanks to Britz
That's me with Anorina from Samelia's Mum - Finally got to meet her in person!!
Needless to say, food was the main draw card of the day, with the team from McCormick showcasing the latest in spices – I’m so far loving their Grill Mates Classic BBQ spice mix. I’ve used them in a few dishes, even though it’s more meant for seasoning your meat for the BBQ. But hey, it’s a spice mix and I think that’s the beauty of it – you can use it in most recipes! The team also prepared a delicious bite sized kofta for us to try.
The Lenards team had a whole BBQ set up, with delicious kebabs and Miss 10′s favourite that day – the chicken on a stick! Miss 10 actually stood in front of the stand waiting for the next batch to be ready. Thank goodness I wasn’t any where near her to witness that!.
Clockwise from left: Target stylist sharing her tips, Avocado from Fressure Foods, the "Free Flow Open Bar" from Cottees
Fressure Foods was introducing some deliciously freshly packaged Avocado Spread. There were 3 flavours to choose from – Avocado, Mild Guacamole and Spicy Guacamole. I did ask the representative why would anyone choose to buy packaged avocado instead of the fresh ones that were available. Besides being able to get fresh avocado within reach that is already ripen for you, it also lasts a lot longer than the fruit itself. There is a preservative in there – salt. Yes, that’s it – salt, and only a pinch. I think this would be perfect to bring along when you go camping, by keeping it in your ice box. Convenient and dare I say, DELICIOUS!!
Clockwise from the top: Crayola, Ella's Kitchen, McCormick NEW Stir Fry Sachet, Cottees jug, Matrix Hair Care products
The kids went straight up to Crayola to check out the products they had and were given a bag each of their goodies. And boy were they great goodies! There was also a table where they could use the different Crayola products, to keep those little hands busy!
I skipped Ella’s Kitchen, thinking they were food for babies. Well, was I wrong, because Miss 10 went up with Anya from The Diary of Joni & Anya to check them out. Miss 10 had the “Oh So Creamy Chicken Sweetcorn and Mash”. Yes, it is designed for babies – food made from organically natural ingredients in convenient pouches – but Miss 10 surprisingly loved the taste. They also have some “Smoothie Fruit”, which Kate from Picklebums suggested would make great lunch box ideas! Yes! Why didn’t I think of that! Also, she suggested using those as toppings for ice creams or yoghurt. Again – great ideas! What I was also thinking was that the foods in their Stage 2 ranges would make awesome lunch box meals too. Or for when you’re on the go – yes even for those with much older kids. It’s quick, nutritious and actually delicious. I tried The Yellow One – bananas, mangoes, apricots, and apples – don’t laugh, because it actually tasted pretty good!
Products from Nad's
Then there was Nad’s , that specialises in hair removal. If you’ve read my other blog, you would know that I’m not one to wax. I run from that. Noooo…but, the lady convinced me this was different. It wasn’t as painful as the normal wax because they use all natural ingredients like molasses, lemon juice, honey and vinegar. Hmm..interesting, but how does that reduce the pain – no idea. Anyway I thought I’d give their Facial Wand a try for my eyebrows, and also took with me their Hair Removal Gel & Cream to try out at home. Stay tuned for a review on that on Baubles, Bubbles & Bags Style File.
Finally, Target, the main sponsor of the event. I was intrigued by what the stylist had to share with us on the day. Some great tips that I will share with you on the styling blog. She shared tips on layering, dressing for your shape, which I thought is a really important aspect to dressing well and other hints on using one set of items and styling them in a myriad of ways – all from Target’s Winter collection.
I thought the highlight for my kids was what I call the “Free Flow Open Bar”. What’s that you ask? It’s the Cottees stand of course! They had different flavours all mixed beautifully for you to try in those free flow dispensers! The kids had a ball hanging out at that station, filling up different combinations. They did learn a thing or two from the interactive Cottees thing that was on t.v (I have no idea what it was but Master 6 seemed to have enjoyed it!). And there were dancing, games and entertainment for the kids from the team at Cottees too!
All in all, the kids had a ball, entertaining themselves with the activities that were there, keeping most of us bloggers free to roam and learn more about the brands that were there. Thanks Kids Business for a really fun afternoon.
