We all need help with this, all the time. I’m getting this all down in print to help myself as much as anyone else! Over 68 parent years (that’s kids aged 22, 20, 13 and 13!), screen time has been one of the hardest things to manage. What’s reasonable? What just isn’t? Here’s what I’ve […]

Ah, the joys of good food and a glass of wine…  no shopping,no cooking and no washing up.   And no babysitter when you can take the kids along too. Do you know the seven Fratelli Fresh restaurants found in Alexandria, Potts Point, Walsh Bay, Sydney city centre and now Crows Nest too? The Fratelli […]

Now look, I have to be honest with you here and say that I would never pay full price for a jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour. Never, ever, not on your nellie.  Just far too expensive. The regular costs for the Thunder Jet 30 minute ride we did are: Adults: $60 Kids: $40 (4 […]

Book Week is upon us, it’s from 17th – 23rd August this year. And the kids need a costume! Ok, OK, I know that the idea of Book Week is to create your own costume… ideally made by the kids from fabrics woven by hand. But, for all the hopeless mums like myself, there’s always […]

My old uni pal Rosie has travelled all over this little planet of ours, she’s always been a zoologist on a mission. Rosie’s job is director of the Tropical Biology Association. Now Rosie doesn’t post on Facebook or use Twitter, but she does send ‘Tweetless Tweets’  by carrier pigeon email to her friends. Here’s her […]

Fantastic family events which require a paid ticket. Picnic Under The Stars – Astronomy In The Garden When: Friday 10 May, 5.30pm – 8pm Where: Lakeside Lawn, The Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan Enjoy the Gardens under a starry night sky! In collaboration with the Macarthur Astronomical Society, we will show you the stars. Join […]

We’re always keen for a pizza and all too often they come from one not-very-authentic Hut. So an invite to visit the The Italian Bar Pizza on Willoughby’s High Street was RSVP-ed in double quick time. The Italian Bar Pizza is a bright and open trattoria, set in the midst of the High Street foodie […]

If you’re looking for a really family-friendly North Shore restaurant for a lunch or dinner with kids, here’s the list you need. These restaurants are not only kid-friendly, they’re also a bit special, in great locations and with excellent grub. Note this list for when you are looking for a restaurant for a family occasion […]

In just a minute, let me show you how gorgeous Clovelly Beach and Rock Pool is, and why it’s a firm family favourite for Sydneysiders. Just click below! You can read all the details you need to plan a trip to Clovelly on these posts: Clovelly Beach and Rock Pool for Kids Seasalt Cafe at […]

Did you know that Dendy Newtown hosts Reel Bubs sessions each Wednesday and Thursday at 10am? Low level lights are on during the film, and sound levels are adjusted to suit babies, toddlers and their parents and careres. Strollers must be left in the foyer. You are welcome to take a baby capsule into the […]

Here’s a visual feast for anyone who grew up in the UK. In Scotland we called them ‘sweetie shops,’ and our grannies bought sweeties from them for us. My granny always had a supply of treacle toffees for all occasions.  I had missed those treacle toffees for many years! Have you ever tried this soft Edinburgh […]

Oh happy days! I do just love getting away from home.  Love leaving and then adore getting back. As a single young slapper I zoomed all over the place, most exotic perhaps was the scuba diving off Zanzibar.  Since I had the kids, I’ve found that a trip across town can be equally challenging. These […]

Hello! Here’s a post about where we slept and ate in Canberra. And even more crucially, where we found Canberra’s best ice cream! Let’s get straight into it…. Three friends had let me know about Frugii as soon as they heard we were heading to Canberra. This small cafe has a big reputation, and has […]

* Born and brought up in Scotland * My name is Seana Smith, Seana is pronounced ‘Sean-a’. It’s an Irish spelling and I was named after a little West Highland Terrier dog. * Studied Latin, Greek and Old and Mediaeval Engligh at Wadham College, University of Oxford * Have lived for a year in Italy, […]