Back to school fun!

Going back to school (or starting for the first time!) can be scary, exciting, boring..... we thought it should be something special and have come up with some fun things to get into the spirit of another year of learning stuff and goofing off with friends. BFF xx

1. 'Piggy goes to rabbit's party' messenger bag by Mee A Bee
2. Space dream snack box by Sigg
3. Robot pencils by Kaper Kidz
4. Skull storm 600ml drink bottle by Sigg
5. 'Give me five!' reward chart by Tiptoe
6. Flower hair ties by Papoose
7. Flip-a-flap game by Red Bunyip
8. Besties puppy markers by Micador
9. Space dream bag & bottle set by Sigg
10. Swap pocket mirrors in Purple by Lark
11. Giant pencil by Kaper Kidz
12. Centipede cm round ruler by Red Bunyip
13. 'Rainbow week' first calendar for school by Tiptoe
14. Flower shoe pouch by Sigg
15. Dog trinket storybook keyrings by Lark

All these products are still on sale until Sunday! Hooray for School and Kinder!

My Chai is now 5

Chai celebrated her 5th birthday on Saturday. I'm amazed at how the time has passed, as she is my first born. We had a lovely party at home, which I will share more of when I gather more photos from people who smartly captured every detail of the day.
Chai chose a PINK and PURPLE theme for her party (as they're her fave colours.... well pink has been since the moment she could choose for herself and purple is a recent addition. Amazed she has allowed purple in to her life, so strong is her love for pink!).

Chai, I love you and am so happy you chose me to be your mummy in this life. I will strive to be there for you when you want me to and to let you be your free spirit the rest of the time. Um, sorry I yell at you sometimes..... but I will continue to make you peanut butter sandwiches with the crust cut off, cut into a moon.... so long as you ask for them. xxx

It's "Music with Mat" time!

Well we finally have done it!
You can now buy lesson vouchers, at bpab, with the most talented Mat (musically speaking) you'll ever know! He comes highly recommended by many happy students who now thrash out their versions of favourite songs, make up and record their own music, got into the school band 'cos they passed their music exam, wowed the one they've been trying to get the attention of but have been unsuccessful up until now, able to keep a beat and little ones who make their mummas blush with pride.
Hey, I know all this, because I've been watching for many years now! Yep, he's my Mat.
Anyway, here's the spiel:

"Every child is born a genius" -Albert Einstein

Guitar, Piano, Bass and basic Drum Lessons

Do you have a budding Mozart or Hendrix at home?
Have you ever wished you could play music?
Well achieve your dreams, tap into your creative side and enjoy the challenge of learning an instrument.

Learn to play for fun: From the basics to your favourite tune.
Or for the more advanced: AMEB exams, sight reading, theory, song writing, and a wide variety of styles- Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Flamenco, Pop, Funk, Country, etc...

All welcome from Beginners to Advanced.

Age is no barrier, no one is too young or old to learn.

Professional tuition by Mat Creedon from the home studio in North Balwyn, Victoria.
Mat Creedon, is a fully qualified guitar teacher, who has an Advanced Diploma in Jazz/Classical/Popular guitar. He has 19 years teaching experience and currently composes music for films and for his band "The Ribbon Device".

Instrument fees are $25 for 1/2 hour lesson.
Buy a lesson voucher as a gift or for yourself.
Multiple lesson vouchers also available ($23 per lesson in this case). Select from the drop down menu.
When you buy a voucher, you or the person who we send it to will receive the voucher with all the information you need to redeem it. (Basically you'll get to talk to Mat and work out what instrument is to be taught, which time and day for your lesson and anything else you wish to know. He really is a lovely guy!)

Ages 4+

Not in Melbourne?
Skype lessons coming soon! Yay!!

We are having a SALE!

Big discounts on your favourites and a chance to try some new stuff below normal price!
Sale on for the month of January or until stock sells out.
No coupon codes please.
Enjoy!

Rainbow Comfort Packs have gone out to kids this Christmas

Lots of shots of packs, chaos of packing, Lama doing quality control, art packs, presents ready to go!

After 3 days of working solidly (with some help) late last week, a courier came by yesterday and picked up about 20 boxes of packs and wrapped presents to take to K Mart head office in Vic. so they can be distributed to children in need this Christmas, via the Wishing Tree!
It was the best plan ever, I mean could you imagine 160 packs and 55 wrapped presents being stuffed under the Wishing Tree in Victoria Gardens, Richmond??
I ran out of fabric bags near the end and decided to wrap some up instead. Basically all that was left were TONNES of colouring books, pencil cases, pencils, textas and crayons..... so we wrapped them up as mini art packs.
That's ALL the donations now gone. It's a brilliant way to finish this chapter of this project and hope lots of kids (of all ages) will love getting something special from all of you.
I won't be 'closing' the project up for ever, but will take a break for now and when it does get going again, it will be better organised and the focus will be on kids that need some comfort in general. (And we'll definitely look into warehouse space too!)

Thanks for your help and support this year! It was a full on year for many people everywhere.
It was awesome to be able to offer help in our unique way, I hope you feel the same.
Have a lovely, relaxed Christmas and New Year. Be safe too.
Monica x

C2C - 1 more sleep to go! Eeek!

Okay! If you are one of the minority who has nothing left to do tonight.....

Spend it with the family or loved ones, be it partner, children, parents, siblings or friends.

And go see some crazy Christmas lights!!
Down in Ivanhoe (if you are in Melbourne) there is a street that plays host to those who have nothing better to do (or are on something and don't mind the crowds...). We've been a couple of times and after each time of almost loosing our minds to chaos, we vow never to visit again. Then we forget and think 'Hey, how about going to Ivanhoe?' It truly is an amazing site and you'll either love it and plan to do it to your own house next year, or you hate it and seek the calm of your own plain front door sensor light.

If the weather is good....
Hit the pavement and explore the streets in your own neighbourhood. There are bound to be some great sites to behold. (We've already done this and stumbled across some interesting yards! Go Balwyn North!!)

If the weather is so/so...
Jump in the car and drive around looking into front windows of houses for those beautiful flashing Christmas tree lights. Drive around the Yarra Bend Boulevard (Kew boathouse area) and stop at the city view bit to see what's going on over the city.

Have a brilliant Christmas tomorrow!
I wish you happiness, safety and the ability to laugh until your stomach hurts and tears of joy stream from your eyes, but not wet yourself or spray mulled wine out your nose!

Enjoy yourself and thanks for indulging me for the past month!
Monica @ bpab xx

C2C - 2 more sleeps to go! Woo Hoo!!

Something to do tomorrow (the 24th): so you can plan today...

Treat the kids (or yourself or the whole family!) to something special under their pillow.
It will be easy anyway to get everyone into bed tomorrow night (especially for those who believe Santa is dropping by)... but just in case, put a surprise for them to discover.

* new pj's would be fantastic!
* a Christmas story book to read together
* (for older kids) a glow stick to hang near by
* a cuddly something (no, not a puppy! Try a stuffed Christmas character... and not a noisy one either.)