TRACKS:: Review and Reader Giveaway

We don't get out much. But when we do, we try and see a movie. 

I saw the trailers for 'Tracks' a while back, but a shortage in babysitter supply meant we just never got there. 

Matt and I got to watch it on Friday night, tucked up in bed together (I know, so old, so fogey). It was well worth the wait. 

Starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver (my favourite!) and based on the story of Australian woman Robyn Davidson who set off on a nine month journey crossing the Australian desert, with only camels for company. 

The scenery and cinematography is completely breathtaking, the characters compelling. 

Directed by John Curran (The King's Speech) it's a story that will  have you glued to your screen, laughing, crying - and in complete awe. Mia plays the role beautifully, and Adam Driver - well I could never hate him. He's beautiful, gentle and intelligent as photographer Rick Smolan. 

Put in short, it's an inspiration to cram as much into your life, to believe you can, and to do it - even when there are doubters. 

To celebrate 'Tracks' going to DVD I've got three copies of the DVD and the book to giveaway to three lucky winners (each pack RRP $54.99). 

To enter all you have to do is tell me what's the most brave adventure you've ever taken on. And ensure I can easily contact you.

Entries close Friday 4th July at 5pm. 

Miffy the Movie:: Instagram Giveaway (A Quickie)

Who doesn't love Dick Bruna's iconic Miffy? That's right - no one! I grew up on it, you grew up on it, we all grew up on it.

And my smalls still love Miffy.

Tiny has even combined Hello Kitty with Miffy - and now it's Hello Miffy.

Now almost 60 years after Dick Bruna first drew Miffy, I am delighted to be giving away a family pass to see Miffy the Movie.

Miffy the Movie in cinemas May 11-15

How to win? Head over to my Instagram (@pottymouthmama) feed and leave a comment. I'll pick the winner at random and have the invite sent out ASAP! GO!

Terms and conditions:
- Competition on Instagram - please leave a comment on the Miffy post
- Entries open from Wednesday 8th May - closes Thursday 9th May at 3pm

Possum Magic Turns 30:: A Giveaway

I grew up on a diet of Possum Magic and Vegemite sandwiches. I used to lie on the spare bed, in the sunshine, and read books. Book after book after book. 

Idyllic really. 

Possum Magic was always a favourite. Mem Fox, one of Australia's best-loved authors, created Grandma Poss and little Hush way back in 1983. Can you believe it? 

It's one of those iconic reads that has been part of many generations lives. I love reading it to my own smalls, it's such a beautiful story.

To celebrate this literary milestone, courtesy of Scholastic Australia, I've got three copies of the deluxe clothbound hardbook to giveaway (valued at $29.99 each). 

To enter all you have to do is comment on this post and tell me what your favourite sandwich is. 

- One entry per person
- Please, please, please ensure you leave your email address, if I can't contact you, I can't send you your prize. 
- Entries are open from Tuesday 23rd April and close midnight 29th April 2013. 
- Open to Australian residents only (sorry!)

Yo Mama! An Interview with Beci Orpin

I've renamed Beci Orpin - Beci Awesome.

Matt and I spent a joyful afternoon together, lying on the bed (don't get any ideas), reading her new book 'Find and Keep'. It's full to overflowing with colour, inspiration, and pure joy. I keep it by my bedside because as soon as I look at it, it buoys me. It's like happiness in print.

I've long been an avid fan of Beci Awesome. Since her Princess Tina days, when I'd avidly await her new releases, to recently when I met her at a flower bombing class at The School and rushed over to her and introduced myself (I am SUCH a nerd burger). I was so thrilled to be breathing in the same air as her. In a non-creepy way.

Beci is one of those rare creatures that constantly creates - and wins with her colourful and enchanting ways - plus she's super humble. And to add to that she has an equally awesome sister, Emily.

So without further ado, let's get down to why we're here - let's talk hear from the woman herself.

PMM: Beci Orpin.

Beci Orpin: YES hello!

In your book 'Find and Keep' you thank your parents for encouraging a creative childhood. Tell us about what growing up in the Orpin household was like.

Well actually I grew up across two different households for most of the time, as my parents got divorced when I was three and my sister (this is her) was one. We used to live with my mum during the week and spend weekends at dad's house. We lived in a commune with my mum for a while and that was super fun. She was all feminist theory and no TV and whole foods, but my dad let us occasionally eat junk food and Hubba Bubba and hire as many beta videos as we wanted. I think it was a good balance. In between both of them they read us lots of books, took us to lots of different classes (classical ballet, jazz ballet, flute, improv theatre, basket weaving, judo) and took us on fun holidays and outings. And of course they always encouraged us to do stuff, rather than sit on the couch.I think that was a biggie in how we both turned out.

 
You have two sons - how do you manage to keep active boys active, and your professional life thriving?

Honestly it's a constant struggle, but i have i've learnt a few tricks with boys (might apply to all kids but I have only had boys so I'm not sure) - keep them fed and take them out for a run - just like a puppy. My boys also thrive if you are able to give them one on one attention - which can be hard when you work from home and are an obsessive compulsive email-checker. But I find if I do the one-on-one thing, whether it be a bit of Lego building or reading books or drawing or talking about their day then that keeps them happy. I have also learnt that it's unfair to expect them to amuse themselves while I work. Neither of us ends up happy doing that. So I hang out with them when they get home from school and until after dinner and bed is done, and then go back to work when they sleep.

It was hard going to develop this kind of working routine for a while but now I am quite used to it, and even look forward to my night time sessions - it's really quiet and free from distractions. It almost disguises itself as "me time"! And it won't be like that forever. In the not-too-distant future they will be thinking I am completely uncool, so I'm going to lap up their demanding-ness while it's still happening.


Colour is so much a part of the Beci Orpin we know and love. Does it apply to all facets of your life?

YES for sure. Even without me noticing I find myself obsessing over what colour plates should go on that green table cloth, or an arrangement of scraps of colour paper on my desk. It can be quiet distracting really.


What's your favourite part of your job?

Without wanting to sound too sucky - almost every part. I do really like the beginnings of projects, getting all the bits together and experimenting. Subsequently I can suck at finishing things. I get it done eventually though. And variety. I like that I get to work on lots of different things.


And the best part of your day?

After we drop the kids off, Raph and I usually get coffee together. Even if it's just take-away we can talk in the car (his work is just around the corner). We are so busy independently, and Raph often works nights and weekends, and goes to bed early, so it can be hard to see each other aside from the daily routine. So coffee feels like a nice treat. I feel lucky we get to do things like that.

Do your children love creating too?

Ari definitely has the drawing gene - he creates literally hundreds of drawings without any prompting from me, or he is always asking to do painting or make something. Tyke is a bit older now (almost 10) and interested in different things - but he is creative in other ways - like writing stories, and of course Lego/minecraft creations. His mind is far more technical than mine will ever be.


How do you re-charge your batteries? What's time out look like for you?

I do have to work a lot so my "me" time has to be pretty well planned. I see a personal trainer once a week and have been doing that for almost three years - I never thought I would love exercise as much as I do! So much that this year i'm also doing bootcamp with some school mums! But the ultimate me time is riding my bike - I love it because it can fit into my day - I can ride to meetings and it feels like a bit of meditation on the way. We also go on a family holiday every year. That has become a pretty important ritual to us all now.


Juggling work and parenting is a crazy, crazy thing. What's your best tip to share?

YES IT IS. There are no tricks - it's hard work that's for sure. My tip is allocate kid time and working time and try not to overlap the both. As I said I try and hang out with my kids when they get home, and if I can't or need to go somewhere at night I tell them in advance so they don't get bummed out too much when I can't be there. Routine is kind of important to us - especially Monday to Friday - knowing what is going on in advance makes everything easier for everyone. Being organised is good too - but actually we are pretty crap at that. I can see how it would make our working/kid life much easier though. Getting organised is deinftely on my "to do" list.


What's coming up next for Beci Orpin?

Another crazy year - just how I like it. I'm working on one or two new books (can't say what or with whom just yet), and I have an exhibition planned for April with the amazing Kat Macleod, and a few other exhibitions later in the year too. Raph and I are also working on a new project for him - an exciting one which should launch in June. I'm trying to squeeze in bit more blogging, but most likely I will be wasting time on Instagram, Pinterest and Etsy instead. And then of course freelance work and my other usual follies.

In my dreams we will renovate our house this year - we even have the plans drawn up - but I think we will be too busy with everything else. So I might have to blow all our budget on a HUGE 40th birthday party (or series of parties). Yes that birthday is happening for me this year too! At first I was scared of it, but now I'm all BRING ON THE 40! Can't wait!

• Beci's book 'Find and Keep' is published by Hardie Grant and available in good bookstores or here.
• Check out Beci's website here and her blog here
• Raph runs Melbourne-based Taco Truck. Follow on Facebook (I do, and I don't even live there, I'm just living vicariously).

Want even more good news? The very good folk at Hardie Grant - together with Beci are kindly giving away three very awesome copies of 'Find and Keep'. 

To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post, and tell me why you need 'Find and Keep' in your life. 


Terms and conditions: 
- Open to Australian residents only.  
- Entries are open from Monday 4th March - closing Sunday 10th March 2013 at midnight. Three winners will be announced on Monday 11th March.
- One entry per person
- If you have trouble leaving a comment on my blog, please try a different browser. If problems persist, please let me know.
- You must leave your email address on your comment. I'm not Sherlock Holmes.


This is the sixth interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

images courtesy of Beci's website and via Save the Children website.

Beat The Back To School Blues: LEGO The Hobbit

As we all know, the Doctor is completely addicted to LEGO. Sadly, there's no known cure. Which is fine for him - and for us, because pretty soon he'll have so many LEGO blocks he can build us a house and won't have to live in this tissue box anymore. He's currently saving up for... Even more LEGO. 

The Doctor was asked to roadtest some of the LEGO The Hobbit range - and it gets two thumbs up. Well that's if he could tear himself away from constructing it - it's kept him busy, and been a little challenging, but he loves it. 

It's got a good level of detail, plenty of pieces to keep him busy, and a good level for him (he's 7.5). He is looking forward to collect the lot. And then promptly (fingers crossed) make a hut (that's a bit taller) like the one Bilbo lives in, except with a bit more space for me to live in. Ok. I can dream. 

Anyway, you can dream too - because - drum roll puh-lease:

LEGO is giving two lucky people the chance to win a LEGO The Hobbit prize pack each one valued at $69.98. Each pack consists of Riddles for the Ring and LEGO Games The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey!

LEGO Games: The Hobbit™: An Unexpected Journey RRP $49.99

In the iconic Shire town of Hobbiton, the Dwarves are gathering ready for the quest to regain their gold, but 10 of them have gotten lost in Hobbiton. Gandalf, Gloin, Fili and Kili must find the other 10 Dwarves before the journey can begin. Aim of the game: find the most missing Dwarves using memory and a bit of luck!

Riddles for The Ring RRP $19.99 

On the shores of an underground lake beneath the Misty Mountains, Bilbo Baggins™, armed with Sting, discovers a magic ring that was recently lost by the creature Gollum™. Use the reveal function to take the golden Ring! But beware – only Gollum, aboard his boat of Goblin skin and bones, knows the way out. Can our Hobbit hero solve the riddles asked by Gollum and escape to freedom with the Ring before Gollum realises it’s gone? Includes 2 minifigures; Gollum and Bilbo Baggins.

If you'd like to enter - it's super simple, please leave a comment below telling me what's your PRECIOUS?



Terms & Conditions:
Entries are open from Friday 8th February until midnight Thursday 14th February. 
Winners will be announced Friday 15th February. 
Competition only open to Australian residents (sorry!). 

Why Tiny Loves LEGO Friends:: A Giveaway

Tiny has a little star chart. Every time she does something ace, she gets a star. When she gets 10 stars, she gets a reward. Tiny gets so darn excited about her star chart, it's hard to kerb her enthusiasm! So last week, when she reached 10 stars, it coincided with our day together. 

I took Tiny to the shop to choose what her reward would be. Sounds scary, but Tiny is pretty conservative when choosing something she likes, and she had already told me she wanted something from LEGO Friends. And so it was, on that particular Girls Day that Tiny chose Stephanie's Outdoor Bakery. 

We came home and sat on the couch and put it together, Tiny's getting really good at LEGO under the watchful eye of the LEGO afficionado, the Doctor. What a little whizz. 

Tiny is mad about LEGO Friends - and loves mixing the regular LEGO pieces to add extra bits and pieces. She's grown quite a collection - however she's currently missing Stephanie's hair *gasp*. And they are all kept together in MY Tupperware. Grrr. But heck. At least their hair is secure.

So dear reader, it's with excitement that I let you in on a little secret. I have five LEGO Friends prize packs to giveaway. How's that timing just before Christmas?!

Each prize pack includes:
- 1 x Andrea's Bunny House (RRP $15.99) - this is SUPER cute, we can recreate our bunny fun without the fear of being bitten - hooray!
- 1 x Mia's Bedroom (RRP $15.99) - what girl doesn't want her own drum kit - I love this and Mia even has a tidy room - way to go Mia!
Each pack is valued at $32. 

To enter, all you have to do is perform a triple backflip from pike position, a quadruple somersault mid-air, and finish off with a great big belly flop - and then a drum solo. 

Or you could comment on this post and tell me if you were a LEGO Friend, how would you keep your hair on? 


Terms & conditions:
- There are five prize packs for five winners - each valued at $32. Total prize pool is $160.
- All winners MUST be contactable via email. If I can not contact you, I can not send you the prize. Funny that. I will announce via my blog and Facebook. I do not have ESP. 
- Open to Australian residents only (sorry dudes)
- Competition is open from Wednesday 21st November at 6:59am until Tuesday 27th November at 11:59am. 

*  This is not a sponsored post. It's just a very nice collab to say thank you to my awesome readers, from PMM and LEGO.

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. Winners to be announced on Thursday 29th November. Thank you!

Tech Review:: Sony XperiaGo - A Review and Giveaway

Have you ever dropped your phone in the toilet? Nope. Me neither. But did you know that 40%* of women have at some stage? And if you haven't dropped your phone in the toilet, has your toddler every done some wayward experiments that involved your phone, a tub of water, and a few minutes without your attention? Hmm. Then I have the phone for you. Hello Sony!

The Sony Xperia is a neat compact unit that not only looks sleek - it can be submerged in up to one metre of water for up to 30 minutes. Plus it might look super chic - but it's got some ruggedly good traits (check out this video these crazy Germans created for vigorous phone testing - wish I understood German). Those people at Sony are smart cookies. 

I've often had, how shall we say, mishaps with a wayward cup of coffee and my phone. One of my friends recently lost her phone (bless its soul) to less than a metre of water whilst she was getting out of a kayak. Ouch.  If she'd had the Sony Xperia Go, she need not have shed a tear. 

Having been using this phone for the past month, I can confidently say, it's easy to use, and ideal for the multi-tasking parent, adventure seeker or the accident prone. Yes. That's me. This is one phone that can take a bit of a beating. Oddly enough, the texture of the phone is a little ... rough - however I think this is a good thing, because it's not prone to slipping and sliding out of your grip like other phones. 

So many times when I've been juggling dinner or bathtime I have had damp fingers and tried to use a different phone - only to realise it won't detect my finger. The Sony Xperia has scratch resistant mineral glass and a wet finger tracker - good news for me while I madly multi-task.

As a blogger, a working-mum and a mad keen social media addict, this phone makes it easy to access everything I need - and it has a 5 megapixel camera. SWEET! Battery life is pretty decent too. 

It's also a really nice size - small enough to hold comfortably in your hand (it's 9.8mm thin), with a screen large enough for a good, clear image. 

The good news for you friends? I have one of the sleek  Sony XperiaGo handsets to giveaway. Valued at $379 - that's a sweet deal. 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post answering this question: 
If you only had one last phone call, who would you ring?


* I may have made these statistics up. 

top image via daily euphemisms
product images courtesy of Sony

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER ANNOUNCED TONIGHT (20th November).

Terms & Conditions:
- Open to Australian residents only (sorry peeps)
- The prize is 1 x Sony Xperia Go handset valued at $379. 
- Giveaway opens on Tuesday 13th November 7am - and closes on Monday 19th November at 11:59pm
- The judges decision is final. No haggling. No squabbling.
- The winner must be contactable via email - and will be contacted on Tuesday 20th November. After this time the winner will have 5 days to claim the prize otherwise it will be re-drawn.
Disclosure: I received a Sony XperiaGo handset for review. This post is not sponsored. I liked the phone, I wanted to share, and they wanted to give one away. And I love you. And sharing is caring. So here we are. That's how we got here.

Powerhouse Museum Meets Sydney Water:: A (Quick) Giveaway

This is a sponsored post
Right now (until November 6) there's an interactive exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum showcasing five new , tap™ bottle designs that were created by artists in collaboration with Sydney Water.

It looks like a fun exhibit, and one that's really hands on. In my book, they're the best kind, when I get to participate and have fun - while learning. Win:Win. Plus it's showcasing the work of local artists - and that in itself is ace.

To get more people drinking tap water, tap™ invited the community to help design their new bottle. Participants were asked to use their bottle designs to show why sustainability is important to them.

From the submissions, the five most popular were selected, as voted by the tap™ Facebook community. These as going in to production as a limited edition series of 2000, and given away to the public via a fortnightly Tappyhour competition on the tap™ Twitter page. The competition is running until Christmas. 

If you'd like to check out the exhibition - I've got 5 double passes + 10 bottles to give away. 

This means that you can visit the exhibition AND be more sustainable by drinking tap water and not buying plastic bottles. It's Win:Win:Win. 

If you'd like to enter, please leave a comment below telling me what's your favourite thing about water.  Think big. Extra points for creativity.

I'll announce the winners on Monday morning at 9am. Tickets will be sent out on Monday night in an overnight bag so I can get you to the altar Powerhouse Museum on time to check out the exhibition before it closes. 

Terms & conditions:

- Entries are open from Friday 2nd November, 8pm until Sunday 4th November, 11:59pm

- Open only to NSW residents (unless you're in town visiting, then by all means enter)

- You must be contactable via email

- There will be five winners. Each winner will receive a double pass to the Powerhouse Museum and two of the limited edition tap bottles. 

Offspring: A Giveaway Peeps!

Since you've been sitting on the couch mourning the end of Offspring, yet still riding high on the fact that Nina and Patrick are making babies - beautiful, beautiful babies, the time is nigh to host a giveaway.

I know. What could ever pull you out of the doldrums? What could ever wield such power?

An Offspring giveaway of course.

That's what.

One lucky winner will receive:

Offspring: Season 1   
Offspring: Season 2
Offspring: Season 3  
Offspring: Season 3 - Soundtrack

A grand prize value of $149.85    

I can feel a girls night coming on!                 

How to enter?

All you have to do is jump through some flaming hoops, juggle knives, throw flaming darts at your beautiful assistant, and then do a quadruple backflip in pike position.

Or alternatively - you could follow my blog, like me on Facebook, if you're on Twitter - hook me up, and you can come pin with me on Pinterest. Whatever floats your boat.

BUT above all - you must comment on this post - and tell me if you're Team Patrick or Team Chris? And why?

And just in case you've never seen Offspring (who ARE you?!) here's a clip:


-----------------------------------------------
The Nitty Gritty:
Competition only open to Australian residents (sorry ladies).
Entries open Thursday 16th August, 2012.
Entries close Wednesday 22nd August 2012 at 11:59pm.
The judges decision is final.
You must be contactable via email.

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED.