Berry Island was one of our favourite places to play and explore when our family lived down in North Sydney. But it didn’t ever make it into my book Sydney For Under Fives because it was just a bit dangerous. There was no fence between the kids play equipment and the waters of Sydney […]

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a fantastic place to visit during school holidays with entry level bushwalking trails. Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW 2075 Phone: 02 9424 0353 Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden website Follow KWG on Facebook here Opening hours: 8am – 5pm Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and […]

I’m off to Scotland next week again, last trip was a very quick one in January. My mum needs help and this time I’m going for four weeks and taking Mr11 with me.  It’s going to be like this for a while. We don’t know when our next proper family holiday will be, but it’s […]

Here’s a guest post from my friend Carolyn Darragh of Desire Empire. Caro lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and today she reviews a local pub which has a long tradition of being a great spot for families. Take it away, Carolyn. The Newport Arms Hotel is a well established Northern Beaches institution and has been […]

The last days of winter aren’t looking too bad in Sydney. And there’s a boogie boarder hopping into that water right there. But the water’s a bit nippy for myself and the kids still. But here’s to spring and getting into that water for some serious splashing! Are you longing for a summertime swim at […]

The playground beside the restaurant. Today’s post comes from Take Charge Now blogger Rebecca Thompson. She and the family have been cycling around the Eastern Suburbs finest park, Centennial Parklands. Take it away Rebecca. Centennial Park Bike Tracks and Playgrounds Review If you are looking for family fun with the added bonus of health and […]

Does everyone in Sydney know everything about Lollipops Playlands already? Just in case there are some new mums and dads who haven’t heard of these meccas for our minors, here’s some info with my top five good points and five drawbacks too. There are 14 Lollipops Playlands throughout Australia, with five in Sydney. Each is […]

This Ketti handbag was my first ever purchase, padded and with a firm base. The company is closing up now – so sad! Are you a mum who loves to take photographs and uses a real camera not just your phone? Of course, you are! There are loads of us who need to lug about […]

 Shots taken on a beautiful bright winter’s day. But here’s to summer, and laps at Dee Why rock pool, followed by a coffee. Bliss! View Larger Map Are you longing to get down to the beach again this summer?

Forgive me! Oh forgive me, do! I have already posted twice about Balmoral Beach, and now even more photos are forthcoming. I just can’t resist showing them. This beach has so many heavenly places for families, you could spend days and days at its many different areas then scome back for more. And summer and […]

It’s time for me to get a bit of a grip eating-wise as I have been doing too much comfort eating lately.  Recent emotional pressures is have reduced and I am back at the gym and lifting weights. Time to eat well and that means increasing the protein and eating smarter carbs. Kellogg Australia recently sent me […]

Do you ever read a recipe and just know you have to make it straight away? This one was like that. Super, super healthy and sounded outrageously delicious… and it is. No butter, no sugar… just wholesome bananas, honey, nuts and spices. My teenagers love this. The wee twins would still go for the not-so-healthy […]

When I first read this recipe, I snorted aloud with laughter. It seemed such a daft idea that I just had to try it. Beetroot in a smoothie – such nonsense  But then we love our chocolate and beetroot cake, so why not? Breakfast Beetroot and Banana Smoothie SERVES: 2 -4 225g can of whole […]

Must do a post entitled ‘A Kids’ Guide to Sydney’s Best Rock Pools.’   Little Manly Cove would definitely get a big mention, we saw crabs and sea anemones and all sorts. Plus a swim, jumps into the water, ice blocks, a coffee from the cafe.  Heaven. The twins didn’t even fight much in the […]