Baby boomers had Superman and Batman; kids today have Spiderman and Harry Potter, fictional characters who have been inspiring children through comics and film for years. And they’re…
A Necklace of Souls is a fantasy novel by a New Zealand author, R.L. Stedman. You can find out more about her at http://rlstedman.com This is a story…
Annie Bell’s Baking Bible is a beautiful, heavy book spilling over with glossy pictures of carefully catalogued baking treats.
Granny Chic: Crafy Recipes and Inspiration for the Handmade Home is an inspiring little book that will have you itching for your sewing machine and thinking of projects. Think Make…
The TV3 Derby Day (Saturday 2nd March) at Ellerslie Racecourse is sure to be a great family day out for all ages. Picnics, barbeques with family and friends,…
Marathons of the World explores 50 marathons of the world, each with honest descriptions and tales. It is so well done that it serves as both a travel book…
Jack is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem – in a few months he’s going to die. That is unless he finds the seven magic loculi which…
With Children’s Day just around the corner on in New Zealand, we thought you might appreciate some awesome ideas on how to celebrate this special day with your…
Inspire and entertain your kids with fun with letters, numbers, colours, shapes, music and science. Smart Crazy! encourages children to start exploring the world with more than 70 fun…
My adventures with the Nokia 920 continue and I used the phone quite extensively while away on holiday as we were away from our normal phones and Internet…
When March rolls around, you’ll be able to buy the much-awaited Guide Biscuits again. But even though these irresistible vanilla biscuits are mouth-wateringly tasty, deliciously crunchy and put…
A big and brightly coloured picture book about the ladybirds’ hunt for the perfect house—led by a tenacious yet clueless real estate agent. The Great House Hunt is another beautiful…
The new school year is here, so it’s time to make sure the kids are focused and ready to start their learning on a positive note. Packing kids’ lunch…
Nokia has recently released its first Windows 8 OS phone and I’ve had the good fortune to try out the Nokia Lumia 920. It’s a bit bigger than…
Bendon has just launched a new range of underwear for boys aged 2 to 16, called Bendon Boy. Combining style and comfort with quality and affordable value for…
I get lots of questions about toilet training children and with some children, it can be a really challenging business. Recently, I received this email from a desperate…
Anton and Luke are competitive. They do battle over everything. Anton and the Battle tells the tale of one of their encounters.
Back to school can be an expensive time of year and we’ve got a great ‘Back to School’ pack from The Warehouse to giveaway. The pack is worth…
I often get questions about helping children through their parents’ separation and I recently received this question: Even when the parents are on the same page and are…
Get out of the Rut Putting your kid’s lunchbox together can be boring. It involves ticking off a mundane checklist as you quickly fling items in: sandwich -…
My big fear in 2012 was procrastination. I went back to University after a 30 year break with a sneaking suspicion that I would spend the year cleaning…
So you survived Christmas, you’ve seen in another new year and now you’re gearing up for the onslaught of spending more money to get your kids ready to…
Wow! Its 2013 already! We got through 2012 unscathed and the world did not end, again, as predicted. 2012 was a busy year in the technology space. The…
I saw this on a craft blog and LOVED it so I had to share it! This would be great for in mum’s handbag, in the car or…
How often in separation do children end up changing schools? How do you go about finding the right school? What do you do when you have very little…
Hi everyone, Cecilia Robinson here with a few more tips on easing the transition back to school. I hope you have all had a fantastic summer break. Funny…
Looking for some great family entertainment this Easter? The CocaCola Easter Show is back and we’ve got a family pass (RRP $50) to give away to one lucky…
There’s no hiding the fact that we live in a busy world, and so often mass-produced items become the norm. But this year, the Craft & Quilt Fair…
Pipimoomoo loves her jeans. Until her friend lends her a skirt. And then Pipimoomoo is desperate for a skirt of her own. Luckily, she has an awesome mum…
Here’s something for the many Dora the Explorer fans out there! We have ten fabulous packs to give away from our friends at Nick Jr. Each pack has…
You can win the Ultimate Sun Protection kit for the entire family from Neutrogena – the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Skincare Brand! Stay sunsmart in the later months of…
That’s not my…Pony, Train, Robot etc – Touch and feel book for babies
With kindergarten and school back this month, support your child’s learning and go in the draw to win Sport in Art’s rugby-themed learning tools. New Zealand artist Austin…
Combining exercise with family activities has many benefits, and not just to our waistlines and fitness levels. Active kids eat better, sleep better and think better and so…
Start the school year with one of two Microsoft wireless mobile mice, designed by international artists Johnny Wan and Mike Perry! Useful for work and study on the…
Head back to school in style this year with the fun new range of colourful Jotz stationery from Whitcoulls! The fairies range is perfect for young ladies, boys…
Danny’s Real Pita Bread Company has been making fresh and healthy pita breads since 1988 using only 100% natural ingredients. Their breads are made from individual balls of…
Norton 360 Multi-Device provides comprehensive protection for up to 5 devices in one straightforward security solution, which protects you on the various devices you use, so you can…
Homegrown in Auckland, luxurious Simunovich Olive Estate skincare products are just the answer for sun-kissed summer skin. The Simunovich family tradition is not only built on olive oils…
Designed by artist Tricia Reilly-Matthew, the new Li’l Ones Series 2 500pc puzzle collection from Holdson tries to reflect the sense of wonderment, innocence and simplicity in childhood…
What’s really important to you? Could someone tell by looking in your diary or on your household calendar? Do you spend time on what you think is most…
I thought I would share how I manage our meals in our house. It’s not really that special or unique but I find it creates much less stress…
The years leading up to school strongly influence your child’s attitudes and abilities towards reading. A home where stories are treasured and shared and where books are at…
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is one of the largest fun runs in the world, and it happens every year on Auckland’s waterfront. A gentle 8.4km on…
Kinect Nat Geo TV blends world-renowned Nat Geo WILD TV show episodes with Kinect for Xbox 360, transporting kids and their families around the world, expanding knowledge and…
With Kinect Sesame Street TV, children are invited to experience the world of Sesame Street alongside their favorite characters such as Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster and Elmo…
All babies have their own unique and precious personality determined both by genetics and the environment they are born into. Because of this, children react differently to separation…
We’ve got an exciting last-minute opportunity for those who will be in Auckland this coming weekend! This Saturday 12th January is a great family day out at Ellerslie…
A reader recently wrote asking help with getting children out of bed in the morning… here’s how to do it!
A European product which are compostable and biodegradable. They are a better choice should you want to use a disposable nappy than other brands as they are better…
LA’BONIC Natural Sun Block is an organic sunblock with no nasties (chemical free) that is SPF30.
Naty Nappies, eco brand using eco materials: 100% chlorine free Based on biodegradable materials Biodegradable back sheet film based on corn 100% GMO free 100% biodegradable high loft
A glimpse into a bygone era, ‘A Woman’s Place’ presents a collection of sometimes adorable, sometimes outrageous, often thought-provoking snippets from the media of the 1940s, 50s and…
I was fortunate to be chosen to review the Nature Babycare Diapers.
Kids are often itching to get out and about in the school holidays, and sometimes they have a list of places they want to go before the school term…
As Christmas comes closer, I’ve been thinking about things that I can do with my children to celebrate the Christmas season. Here are three easy ideas that you can…
We’ve got the most amazing family adventure giveaway from one of Queenstown’s best adventure companies. Family Adventures rafts the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River, Queenstown. Their trip…
Become a superspy in Cars, save the day as a robot in Toy Story, adventure through Paris as a clever rat in Ratatouille, stop the Omnidroid as a…
New to the Mountain Buggy Family, the peppy™ is a brilliant car capsule for little bubbas. This capsule is designed for birth – 13kg so will last your…
One of my favourite things to do is try new buggies. A bit sad, I know, but I use my buggy a lot and I’m fascinated by how…
Family Adventures is the perfect name for this activity. An adventure for the whole family (3 years and up) into Skippers, Queenstown and out again. Snacks, gentle splashing…
We love getting creative in our family and I believe it is extremely important for children to be able to use their minds and imagination to explore different…
Wreck-It Ralph is Disney’s latest masterpiece – a CG animated tale set within the world of arcade video games. Wreck-It Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly), the villain…
Yippppeeee!! Enjoy the thrill and fun of NZ’s favourite theme park. Drop 18 storeys on the Fear Fall, drop and twist on the Power Surge or go for…
Here’s a fantastic prize for the whole family – the Kelly Tarlton’s annual pass (worth $245) gives you as many visits as you like to Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE…
With Christmas fast approaching, we are always on the look out for unique gift ideas. Well, Snapfish has this covered! Snapfish by HP not only allows you to…
Mountain Buggy’s first infant car seat – the Peppy- is a fuss free, slim fit capsule. It’s safety certified for NZ to European standard ECE 44/04 and is compatible…
Sophie Gray is a bit of a legend around here and you’ll probably know her brand – Destitute Gourmet. With a focus on delicious food that is both…
The Mokopuna Cocoono Light is the perfect solution when out and about in warmer weather and can be used in bed, buggy or car seat. The merino fibre…
Party, party, party! At this time of year, sometimes it feels like you just spend the whole time partying! And what better way to celebrate than with a…
Christmas is a foodie time of year and Cake Stuff is a foodie kind of place! If you love baking, you’ll love this amazing pack filled with fabulous…
There’s nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket…
Little Penguins (that is actually their correct name) or blue penguins as we commonly know them, have to be one of life’s treasures. Unfortunately, something most of us…
The Chalktrail brings the joy of riding a bike or scooter together with the fun of decorating the neighbourhood streets and sidewalks with bright and colourful chalk. It’s…
Lives We Leave Behind is a novel by Maxine Alterio about New Zealand nurses in World War I.
Even in this day of search engines and symptom finders, there is probably still a place for the family first aid manual. Emergency!: Family First Aid is bound…
Have you ever bought a gift and then realised it was better suited for a younger child or it was too ‘old’ for the child? Perhaps you bought…
Albert Einstein said “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a…
Welcome to our new series, investigating the latest fitness trends and giving you the inside information on how they suit you. At the moment there are outdoor group…
I’m sure there will be lots of us with a Mobile product on our Christmas lists this year and as the uptake increases, the prices come down.
During this busy time of year, many of us forget the importance of maintaining our health and well-being. At a time when it’s essential to take care of…
I love Christmas – although I do still find it strange to celebrate it at the height of summer! Being Swedish, I am used to a white Christmas…
A timely article inspired by my daughter who turns 6 tomorrow. The years are going by fast, but very early on I started thinking about traditions and celebrations…
“When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses” – Joyce Brothers. So you’re thinking of going on a family holiday – what a great…
Routine is a key part of our lives. We all follow some sort of schedule so day-to-day functions are taken care of. But maintaining some sort of routine…
For people who suffer from Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis, summer can turn into a nightmare. If you suffer from a pollen allergy you’ll know all about what a…
For me, the idea of family celebrations brings forward warm feelings of fun and love as I have two wonderful families to enjoy our differences with. I that…
My article is late this time. Rochelle sent me an email last week and wondered if I was going to be able to get something to her. I…
Thank you for the opportunity to review these! We loved them! The CalciYum Poptops are still the great tasting CalciYum milk but now in a convenient pop top…
A collection of stories and poems written by a stunning line up of New Zealand authors, for children of all ages. Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Michael King, Tessa…
Anchor CalciYum Dairy Snack is a great snack and comes in different flavours and has 40% of your daily calcium in it
New Zealanders have revealed their favourite children’s books in the Whitcoulls Kids’ Top 50 of 2012-13. The list was compiled from thousands of votes made by families across…
Christmas is a great time for treats and our friends at Kiwi Gift Solutions have a fabulous selection of gift hampers with treats for everyone. We’ve got a…
Korora Gifts, a gorgeous online gift boutique delivers gift baskets and stunning Christmas hampers to friends and family throughout New Zealand and have a fabulous Christmas Pudding Gift…
iQ Toys has New Zealand’s most awesome collection of toys and we’ve got an amazing $150 eGift voucher to give away so that you can choose some…
Everyone needs a great game to play at Christmas and thanks to our good friends at Holdson, we’ve got an amazing pack of games that includes: Find 5…
NW is the latest novel from Zadie Smith, author of Autograph Man, White Teeth and On Beauty.
With Christmas fast approaching, we are always on the look out for unique gift ideas. Well, Snapfish has this covered! Snapfish by HP not only allows you to…
The National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier has just opened Penguin Cove – a new home for Little Penguins. Their new enclosure has been designed to replicate…
Oliver Jeffers has put out yet another gorgeously illustrated and rather whimsical picture book. If you haven’t discovered his books already, go check out “Stuck” and “How to…