I’m counting down now…it’s only about 5 more days until the term break starts and I am RAPT! Yes, strange but true, that I AM looking forward to this much needed break. It has been such a long term, for both the kids and myself, and from the tantrums I get from Master 5 after school each day; I can tell, he’s had enough.

To keep you entertained – or rather your KIDS entertained during these school holidays, I’ve got two things up for grabs:

• Handy Manny Movie Night DVD

• A box of 10 Vegemite Flavoured Chips from Smiths Chips

Handy Manny Movie Night

Master 5 is a huge fan of Handy Manny, so yesterday, after his friend’s birthday party, he was glad to come home and chill to the Handy Manny Movie Night DVD. There are I 6 different episodes on this DVD and all with the movie and entertainment theme. In the first one “Movie Night”, we get to see the tools – well more like Rusty, showing his true talent – being a comedian! Who would have thought! The other episodes were just as entertaining and what I really love about the Handy Manny series is how he and the tools teaches the kids about working together; about working as a team. In this DVD is also a bonus episode: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’s Mickey’s Big Job. Master 5 loved the fact that there were so many episodes to keep him entertained, because we all know that at times, they just need to chill out and what better way than to watch something educational.

Smith's Chips - Vegemite Flavour

Now on to these Vegemite flavoured chips I’m giving away. I’ve never been a fan of Vegemite, and neither are my kids. We in fact absolutely cannot stand the taste. But, I have tried their Vegemite Cheesybite and LOVED that. So when I was approached to trial the vegemite chips, I was a little bit apprehensive – hmmm…vegemite, now how would this work? But being the ever so adventurous person I am I thought, let’s give it a try. The kids were a little bit “iffy” too. We got the packets, opened them up….I had the first try, then Miss 9…we both…LOVED IT! I guess it’s the subtle taste that doesn’t go up my nose that made us love it. No idea what, but they sure tasted yummy. Then came Miss 8′s (the fussy eater)turn. She made a face and said, “I won’t like it, I hate Vegemite”. Then she took a little bite…looked at me…made a face…and then said, “Umm..can I have some more?” I had to laugh, because I knew if I liked it so would she! Yes, it was a hit. Smith’s Chips – you’ve done it again.

How to Enter

So for my dear readers, how can you go into the draw to win these two amazing gifts? Simply leave a comment, stating the best holiday activity you can recommend. For extra entries, tweet this giveaway and state in the comments section that you have tweeted AND an extra entry, share this on facebook and again, saying on the comments section that you have done so. The winner will be picked at random on the 3rd October 2011 (yes, holidays will nearly be over but, you can enjoy this during the weekend too). If the winner does not respond within a week, a new winner will be picked.

Good luck everyone!


*I was given complimentary review copy of the DVD and packets of Vegemite Flavoured Smith’s Chips for review in accordance with our Disclosure Policy.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express soundtrack & DVD

The second instalment of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD and soundtrack is now here. This time, join Mickey and his friends on a magical train ride up to the mountains to help Professor Von Drake collect his new invention – Easy Freezy Snow – snow that never melts! In the first episode, your child will learn about basic shapes and colours as well as, patterns. Follow the team as the ride up the mountain, whilst singing the Choo Choo song. My 5 and 7 year old were laughing and kept on telling the team to stop singing, as they found out each time they sang, the team encounters a problem. A problem that can only be solved by using the Mouskertools of course!

In the second episode, your child gets to learn about more shapes and how to tell the time. Join them in travelling up the train tracks to pick up their other friends to join in their snow party. There’s also some simple counting involved in this episode.

With bonus episodes featuring Willie the Giant, in Mickey’s Big Job, children learn about sizes, looking at lists and counting. Handy Manny is another bonus in this fabulous DVD, this time, we see him and his tools spending the night at his grandfather’s – Abuelito.

The soundtrack this time I think is much better than the first one. The songs are catchier and the CD starts with the theme song, followed by the Mouskedoer song, as featured in the DVD. Learn to count with Mickey in Mickey’s countdown, which is great for those who are just learning their numbers, also fantastic for children learning to count by 10s and even backwards! Some catchy tunes include Donald Went a Courtin’, Your Library, Oh where, Oh where has my little dog gone and much more. With some familiar tunes, especially Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in reggae mode, I think your child and YOU will enjoy this fabulous soundtrack.

Want a chance to enjoy both the DVD and soundtrack? Simply leave a comment stating your favourite children’s song. Yours, not your child’s. It could be from your childhood. Entries close on the 14th February 2011, 5pm AEDT.

This give away is now closed. The winning number chosen at random by random.org is comment number 1. Congratulations Judith! You’ve won the DVD and soundtrack.

We recently came back from Sydney and Canberra for a family holiday. Drove up from Melbourne all the way to Sydney and on the way back we stopped over in Canberra for a night. Travelling with children, in a car can either be a horrifying experience or a good one, it all depends on the “equipment” you bring along on these long trips. For us, we know what keeps them at bay – FOOD! Yes, food! So we stocked up on snacks for them while driving up and down. They also each brought along the toys, games and writing materials they could easily use. Their favourite music CD was also a bonus. Now, this can be pretty annoying if listened to repeatedly, so make sure you strike a deal with them to have YOUR turn in the choice of music too! Lastly, a DVD player or even your lap top with their favourite DVD. This is excellent when they do become bored towards the middle part of the trip.

So, what are your tips on surviving the school holidays? Share with us, be it on travelling, while home or even outdoors and go into the chance to win a gift voucher worth $70 for your child! Either share with us under the comments section below or email us at contact@justuskids.com.au with the subject heading “Competition”.