Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

10 Questions To Ring In The New Year

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

I saw this great post over on Maxabella’s blog on 10 questions rather than resolutions for the new year, so I thought I would similar do the questions for my new year’s post. I’m rubbish at resolutions anyway.

1. What word do you think best summed up 2014?
Change. The whole year was a chaotic mess really, with a family health emergency bringing us back to Australia at the end of January and prompting our move back in June. We basically spent the entire year deciding to move, preparing to move, moving and then settling into Sydney again. Epic and not fun.

2. What did you do for the first time this year?
I had a blog post go viral, and several pieces published in the Huffington Post. I also tried new kinds of exercise, like antigravity yoga and booty barre, and bought my first bike!

I also took my blogging in a different direction. My previous focus, Brunch With My Baby, ended, and all the writers went their separate ways. I merged my old content from BWMB with my old personal blog, A Kiss Goodnight, and created this new site, Adventure, Baby!, to be home to all of my travel, parenting and food blog posts from now on.

3. What is one thing that happened that will have lasting consequences?
Making the decision to move back to Australia, for sure. I was nowhere near ready to leave New York (and I still miss it like mad!), but it was the right decision for our family at this time of our lives. The decision effected not just Alec and myself, but Cheese, too. She’s changed from growing up as a little New Yorker to life as an Aussie kid. It’s been a really positive change for Cheese in particular. Her relationship with my parents has blossomed, whereas previously she didn’t know them very well, and she’s super attached to them now as a result. She is also loving the beach, learning to swim and wants to ride her scooter everywhere. Thanks to the Australian climate, she can play outside every day, too. No hibernation for six months of the year!

4. Was there anything you wish you’d done differently? Why? How?
I let a situation get out of control that I wish I hadn’t. I took the path of least resistance thinking it would all turn out ok, and in the end, it was an absolute disaster. In future, I’ll have difficult conversations when they need to when a problem is still small, instead of hoping for the best and letting issues escalate to the point of no return.

5. Do you have a favourite moment from the year? What made it special?
Christmas day with my family. After being away for a few years I really missed spending Christmas with my parents in their home. I also didn’t think I would get the chance to spend a Christmas with my dad again after his health issues, so it was special in a lot of ways. Cheese was old enough to take over a few family traditions, too, like decorating my mum’s Christmas cake and the gingerbread house.

6. What lessons has 2014 taught you about yourself? About others?
I generally am the kind of person who hates upsetting others, and will go along with what people I care about want if it doesn’t effect me much to do so. I tend to put the needs of others before myself. This year I learned the hard way that this is not the path to my own happiness, and that I really need to speak up more for myself and what is important to me.

I also learned that you can’t change people’s minds, either. No matter now rational or logical I might think what I’m saying is, if the person I’m speaking to has a differing opinion, I’m better to state my feelings and then let it go. Differing opinions are ok – they don’t make my thoughts wrong, or the other person’s right or wrong, they just are what they are.

7. How will the lessons from this past year change the way you approach the new year?
Being upfront and honest about my feelings, even if it’s hard. Making better, smarter decisions.

8. What do you most want to do in 2015?
I want to regain a sense of purpose for myself. I’ve focused a lot on Cheese’s needs in the past 3.5 years, and now it’s time to balance her needs with my own. I hope to start a small business, grow my blog and continue freelancing.

I also want to travel again for pleasure. We have a big trip including Europe planned for mid year that I hope will come about.

9. What do you most want to change about yourself? The world?
I want to yell less. I’m quick to anger and snap easily, particularly at Alec and Cheese. I’m really working on this trait this year, hoping to improve it.

I would love to effect people on a bigger scale – and I hope that I can do this through my blogging and freelance writing. As an introvert, I find it hard to be 100% open and honest and leave myself vulnerable in my writing, but this is how I reach the most people and help them feel like someone else is going through the same thing. So being braver and putting myself out there in a more honest and open way is another goal.

10. What one word do you hope will sum up what you hope to achieve in 2015?
Peace. Mostly I’m aiming for inner peace. To change what I personally can, to do the best I can, and then to try and be at peace with the outcome. Letting go of the past, coming to terms with things that have made me sad but that I can’t do anything about, and moving towards a happy future.

What are your goals for 2015?

Coco Chocolate High Tea: Sydney’s Best High Teas

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

Chocolate high tea! These magical words popped up in my Instagram feed one day and I was sold. Coco Chocolate, on Sydney’s Middle Head, produces handmade, high quality organic chocolate. Basically they sell “real chocolate”, so the good stuff with high cacao content and all of the all of the expensive & delicious cacao butter and real vanilla. Coco Chocolate is gluten free and all dark chocolate is vegan, so they basically cater for all dietary requirements too.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

While you can shop at Coco Chocolate’s Kirribili store, their Middle Head location is where the chocolate magic happens. All of the chocolate is made here, and if you’d like to try your hand at making chocolate yourself, you can take a class here at The Sydney Chocolate School. If eating chocolate is more your thing, then book yourself in to the Middle Head location for a decadent chocolate high tea.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

The chocolate high tea at Coco Chocolate is unlike any other high tea you will experience. Located on the balcony and grassed forecourt outside The Sydney Chocolate School, it’s an informal and also intimate affair. The harbour view is sensational, and the atmosphere relaxing (just watch out for hungry magpies!).

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

There are several types of high tea to choose from – we chose the Coco Classic High Tea ($40pp). It included: tea or coffee, shot of hot chocolate, chocolate pistachio shortbread, florentines, scones with jam & cream, melting moments, chocolate selection, flourless orange cakes, chocolate cakes with berry & cream.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

You can upgrade to a Coco Classic Sparkling High Tea for an extra $10, which includes all the above, plus a class of bubbles, or the Coco Moet Chandon High Tea for an extra $20, which includes Moet Chandon Champagne by the glass, tea or coffee, shot of hot chocolate, cucumber sandwiches, salmon & dill sandwiches, scones with jam & cream, chocolate selection, flourless orange cakes, chocolate cakes with berry & cream, vanilla cake with fresh cream & seasonal berry, chocolate strawberries.

Kids are also welcome at this high tea venue, and can enjoy their own Coco Children’s High Tea ($28pp). It includes a mini chocolate milk shake or apple juice, handmade sausage roll, handmade large freckle, chocolate Alice in Wonderland cupcake, and a cookie.

If you’re after a high tea but aren’t the biggest chocolate fan (ummm, then we can’t be friends) you have the option of a Coco Cream Tea ($15pp), which includes scones with a selection of jams & freshly whipped cream & tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

For this high tea extravaganza, I enlisted my dear friend Violet Lily (no, not her real name). We had an extremely relaxing, pleasant high tea experience, sitting under our own umbrella watching the boats sail by. Our host was friendly and informative too – she happily answered all of our many chocolate questions.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

The high tea was made to order, so the tea is by booking only – no walk ins. Everything was fresh and beautifully made. Our favourite part was the chocolate on top – no surprise considering we were at a chocolate shop. The chocolate selection included a variety of Coco Chocolate’s speciality choccies. It was wonderful to sample so many different chocolates from the Coco range, including one with coconut that was my favourite, and the ginger in dark chocolate that Violet Lily loved.

Coco Chocolate High Tea via christineknight.me

If you’re a chocoholic, then this is the high tea for you.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: No – a few steps.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Coco Chocolate High Tea
Past Burnt Orange and HMAS Penguin
at Chowder Bay Rd turnoff
Building 21
1110 Middle Head Road
Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: (02) 9960 6540 or (02) 9960 5848 to book
Email info@cocochocolate.com.au
Prices: $$$
Hours: Open by appointment only
Get Directions

New Year’s Eve: Sydney 2014

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

This New Year’s Eve was a bit special for our little family. On every previous one, we’ve either stayed in and watched half a movie until we fell asleep (the one right after Cheese was born), or hired a babysitter so we could go out for a few hours.

This year, however, we were invited over a friend’s house to watch the 9pm fireworks, WITH THE CHEESE. Unprecedented. Also, until this year, I would have considered it a disastrous idea. The Cheese is a terrible sleeper, as I’ve been saying since she was born. We never let her stay up late as it results in an extremely tired and cranky child the next day – making it not worth the night out.

I desperately wanted to join the party we were invited to however, and we managed to make it work by getting Cheese to take a very late afternoon nap in the car – something I usually avoid at all costs since it means her bedtime gets pushed back a few hours.

She woke, refreshed and ready to party, at around 5pm. Perfect timing.

Our wonderful friends have an apartment that has a great view of Sydney Harbour, so fireworks at their house is a truly generous invitation.

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

We had a lovely time pre-fireworks eating, drinking and chatting, and then eating more and more, while the Cheese busied herself making friends with all of the adults at the party. By the end of the night, they were all her new best friend, and had seen her perform “Oh Mister Sun” about a hundred times, and enjoyed a ballet recital too.

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

When it came time for fireworks, Cheese was excited, and was amazed at what she was seeing in the night sky (something she rarely sees actually, since we’re always home before dark).

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

#NYE #Sydney #NYE2014 via christineknight.me

While we were home and in bed by 10pm, it was our first New Year’s Eve actually doing something as a family, making it a really wonderful and special night for us all.

I hope you had an equally memorable night with your loved ones. I’d love to know how you celebrated, too.

Happy New Year, let’s see what 2015 brings with it!

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort & Spa: Queensland’s Best Kid-Friendly Hotels

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When you have a three year old, your holidays are a little different than they were pre-kid. My needs in accommodation, for instance, have changed significantly. What I now look for is a fantastic pool, close proximity to the beach if we’re on the coast, a suite of some kind so we can close the door to our sleeping child after we put her to bed and watch some TV together while we eat, breakfast included and friendly, considerate staff. The last one obviously is pure luck. The others, I discovered through extensive research, were all features of the Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort & Spa.

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As members of the Entertainment Book, we were able to get a great deal on a 1-bedroom Executive Suite. It included a king sized bed (we asked for a rollaway bed for Cheese), 1.5 bathrooms, a corner ocean view, complimentary valet parking and access to the Elandra Retreat Club where we were treated to a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, and wine and hors d’oeuvres in the evenings.

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First impressions of the Surfers Paradise Marriot – it’s a large hotel, only one or two blocks from the beach, but also right on a lagoon, so it’s basically surrounded by water on all sides. The pool is a huge drawcard for families, probably because they have not just one pool, but two. One is a saltwater pool that has live tropical fish in it and a waterfall feature. Guests can swim among the fish – BYO snorkel or buy one at the hotel. The salt water pool is fantastic because it had a large shallow area, perfect for little kids who can’t swim yet to be able to splash and play confidently in the water.

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Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Every morning at 9:30am, guests can meet poolside to watch staff feed the tropical fish. Guests with snorkels can watch from the water as the fish gather in big clumps for their morning feed.

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

The second pool is chlorinated and runs in a long, winding shape. One end features a grotto with spa – you can enter it through another waterfall. This pool also has a current that sweeps swimmers in a loop – a lot of fun for kids in floatation devices to get swept around the pool with zero effort.

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, via christineknight.me

Older kids will enjoy the water slide feature, too.

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, Queensland via christineknight.me

Our room was fantastic. The view from the living room, bedroom and even bathroom was spectacular.

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The bedroom and living areas were well furnished in an elegant, minimal fashion. The bathroom was spectacularly big and featured a massive spa bath with a killer view. The bed was comfortable, pillows a little on the soft side for us, and the only bad thing I can say about the facilities was that while most of the bathroom had been renovated, the shower was a bit old and could have done with a refurbish. The living room included a little kitchenette area which was great for preparing basic meals for Cheese. A little fridge, sink and tea/coffee-making facilities – no toaster though.

Since Cheese is an uber picky eater, most nights we would return to the hotel and make her a simple dinner like a sandwich and fruit, and then, after she was put to bed, either order room service or local takeaway. The hotel was great with providing us with extra plates and cutlery to make her meals each day.

The inclusion of the Elandra Retreat Club access turned out to be one of the best parts of our stay. A lot of the guests who also had access to the club also had kids, so each morning we would arrive at breakfast and Cheese would disappear to play with other children while we ate. The food was a simple buffet, all fresh, including breads and spreads, warm pastries, bagels, meats, yoghurt and fruit, plus hot dishes like eggs, tomatoes and hash browns. Two staff members were usually on duty each morning – usually the same two – and they were just the sweetest people we could have possibly hoped for. The staff were always so kind and considerate, and really enjoyed engaging with the kids. As a result, breakfast every day was a really fun experience.

In the evenings, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, the Elandra Retreat Club held a kind of drinks hour, with complimentary wine and snacks. While I was concerned initially that this wouldn’t be the best idea to take a rambunctious 3-year-old to, it turned out that all the families came and had a drink while their kids downed the cheese, crackers and fruit each night. It was a pretty chilled out affair, and the club had a great layout that meant adults who wanted a bit more adult time rather than toddler time could sit far enough away that they could admire the view and enjoy a drink in peace.

During the day, when we weren’t swimming we headed on down to the main area in Surfers Paradise (a 10-15 minute walk) to grab lunch or took a trip to one of the nearby theme parks for a change of scene. The location was perfect for an extended stay on the Gold Coast.

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To sum up, our stay at the Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort & Spa was just about perfect. We had such a wonderful, relaxing and fun time, and can’t wait to return for another Queensland stay.

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort, via christineknight.me

Surfers Paradise Marriot Resort & Spa
158 Ferny Avenue
Surfers Paradise QLD
Phone: (07) 5592 9800
Get Directions

Christmas Day with the family 2014

We had a really special Christmas this year for a few reasons. Firstly, Cheese is now the right age to “get” Christmas, so she’d been getting more and more excited over the past few weeks, building up to a fever pitch on Christmas Eve. She’d run into no less than five Santas over December, who, this year, was a celebrity spotting rather than a scary weird looking person when Cheese realised he was going to give her presents.

It was also the first Christmas we’ve spent back in Sydney since Cheese was only four months old. As fun as it was celebrating in Hawaii and New York, spending it in Sydney at my childhood home, with all of my family traditions passing down to Cheese, was really special.

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas Eve – can you tell that Santa came?

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas morning.

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

My mum’s brother and his partner joined us for Christmas lunch this year. Due to my uncle’s ill health we rarely see him, and it was the first time he’d met Alec and also Cheese. It was a really wonderful lunch – simple and full of laughter and great conversation.

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

My parents had a wonderful day with Cheese. Seeing the big smiles on their faces really made this whole move worthwhile. After the big scare in January when I thought I’d never get another Christmas with my dad again, it was doubly special this year to have the chance for one more (and hopefully many more!) Christmases with Dad.

Christmas in Sydney via christineknight.me

Merry Christmas to and from my loves. I hope your Christmas was equally joyful with your friends and family.

Christmas in Sydney 2014

This year is a special Christmas – it’s our first back in Sydney since Cheese’s first, when she was only four months old, and it’s also the first one where she’s really “gotten” Christmas and is excited by Santa, reindeers, Christmas trees and carols. We’ve had a really fun few weeks checking out all of the Christmas cheer around the city, including our favourites below.

Christmas in Sydney 2014 via christineknight.me

The Queen Victoria Building is always beautiful at Christmas. The Giant Swarovski tree in the centre is just spectacular, with 144,000 glorious Swarovski crystal ornaments and 60,000 twinkling lights. I really love that on each floor of the building you get to see a different part of the tree.

Christmas In Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas In Sydney via christineknight.me

Christmas 2014 via christineknight.me

On the very top floor is where Santa holds court at Christmas. The QVB Santa is popular, so we got in early this year to avoid queues. He’s the happiest Santa I’ve ever seen, and I also really liked his helpers, who made Cheese laugh and feel comfortable enough to go and sit with Santa on her own for the first time since she was a tiny baby.

Christmas In Sydney via christineknight.me

The bottom of the Swarovski tree is basically made of lights. It’s a magnet for small kids and selfie-takers alike. This is actually a really sentimental spot for me and Alec from our own dating history, many Christmases ago now.

Christmas in Sydney 2014 via christineknight.me

Nearby in Pitt Street mall is the Lego Christmas tree – built entirely of Lego bricks. It features a surfing Santa, very appropriate for an Australian Christmas.

Christmas In Sydney via christineknight.me

For the first time this Christmas, I took Cheese to join friends at a Christmas evening concert in Hyde Park. I wasn’t sure how she’d go with the late night, but she had a fantastic time at the concert, watching the kids’ performers like High 5 singing Christmas songs, making a craft Christmas tree, and dancing with her little friend.

Christmas In Sydney via christineknight.me

We’ve been such Christmas nomads for the past few years, with Christmases in Hawaii and New York, that it’s really nice to be back home with our family and friends this year.

Family Travel Essentials: Making Travel With Kids Easier

I was asked recently when we started travelling with Cheese. I didn’t think we’d travelled much with her, since she was such a tough baby and crazy active toddler, but when I added up the trips we’d done, it turns out our little lady is a pretty experienced world traveller already. In her three short years she’s flown from Sydney to New York three times, and has also been on trips to Hawaii, San Francisco, Canada and Mexico. Huh. Guess we travel more than I’d thought.

We’ve been on so many big long flights now that I feel like I’ve got travel with a little one down to a fine art – as much as that’s possible. While there will always be times when they won’t nap on the plane, or they’re bored and have a meltdown (and don’t get me started on the jetlag), travel with a little kid has gotten less stressful with the right tools. I’m sharing them below in case you’d like to try them too.

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Kids’ Suitcase
We acquired an insanely cute Sunny Trunki kids’ suitcase for Cheese before our recent Queensland trip. The Trunki is a hand-luggage sized ride-on suitcase that is the perfect size to pack with everything you might need to entertain a kid on a flight.

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Made from lightweight, durable plastic, the Trunki has a removable shoulder strap and can be used in three ways: The kid pulls it along themselves, then when said kid gets tired they can ride on it while you pull them along, and, finally, when it’s time to board the plane, the shoulder strap clips onto both sides so it can be thrown over your shoulder. While Trunkis are easy to find in the US, in Australia, you can get them from David Jones. Seriously, this ride-on suitcase made our last trip so much easier.

Smiggle backpack - travel essentials via christineknight.me

Carry-on luggage
I take a backpack that does double duty as a day bag when we’re out and about on our trips. I’m currently using a really cute backpack from Smiggle that has a laptop sleeve in the back, two pouches on either side for mine and Cheese’s water bottles and a front pocket where I shove anything needed urgently, like nappies, wipes, change mat.

UppaBaby G-Luxe - travel essentials via christineknight.me

Umbrella stroller
We still take the stroller with us as we walk a lot and if we don’t take it, someone always ends up carrying the Cheese. We love our stroller, the UppaBaby G-Luxe. We bought it in the US, but they’re also available in Australia. The G-Luxe is the lightest reclining stroller in its class (Cheese will still occasionally nap in it!). It’s so light that I can easily collapse it and carry it over one shoulder when I’m navigating public transport and chasing Cheese at the same time. I always check the stroller at check-in, and try to get one of the big plastic protectors for it from the flight desk so it doesn’t come out the other end totally destroyed.

Ergo baby Carrier - travel essentials via christineknight.me

Baby carrier
I can still carry Cheese on my back in the Ergo (avail in the US and Australia), so I throw it in if we’re traveling somewhere that’s going to involve a lot of walking and isn’t stroller friendly.

aden + anais Dream Blanket - travel essentials via christineknight.me

Flight necessities
For long flights in particular, several changes of clothing (something about flying makes babies especially poop A LOT), and as many nappies as you can squeeze in if you’re child still needs them. I used to pack lots of fruit pouches and I still pack lots of snacks and a sandwich. Staff on the flight will give you plenty more snacks and also refill milk bottles as requested. I always take one of Cheese’s old muslin swaddles (it still doubles as a shade from the sun and a light blanket) and her favourite blanket and lovie that she still sleeps with to help her nap on planes. The blanket Cheese is attached to is an old aden + anais Dream Blanket (available in the US and Australia) that is made from the same breathable muslin as their swaddles – it washes up really well and adds just the right level of warmth needed.

Magic Clips - travel essentials via christineknight.me

To amuse the kid
I always bring the iPad stocked with new games, movies and TV episodes and kids’ headphones (if we forget them, we use Alec’s wireless headphones in a pinch). I also throw in a few new toys like stickers, a magnetic travel kit, small colouring book, crayons, and figurines (Cheese’s favourites). I whip out anything new in moments of meltdowns. Her absolute favourite toy right now is her set of princess magic clips. They occupy her for literally an hour at a time, so we always bring them on flights and to cafes too.

What do you find makes travel with kids easier?

The Tiger Who Came To Tea: Sydney’s Best Shows For Kids

The Tiger Who Came To Tea via christineknight.me

Growing up, The Tiger Who Came To Tea was a favourite book of mine. It’s such a fun concept, a tiger knocking on a door and asking to stay for tea, to a family who, while a bit surprised, don’t seem as surprised as you or I might be at a talking tiger appearing at their door and devouring not them, but their cake, sandwiches and tea. Utterly ridiculous and completely charming. Written by Judith Kerr in 1968, the book is still relevant today, as shown by the enduring success of the book, and current success of this stage show.

Several months back, I was at the Sydney Opera House with Cheese and friends at one of their Babies Proms. As we left the theatre, we were amazed to see a huge tiger (note: man dressed as tiger, not ACTUAL tiger) sitting down at a fancy high tea and having his photo taken. Turned out these shots were press pics for the new The Tiger Who Came To Tea show, which opened last week.

The girls wanted to have their photo taken with the tiger, hence the opening photo, and today we finally saw The Tiger Who Came To Tea show live.

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As in the book, the show invites us into the lives of Sophie and her family, as they are faced with an unexpected, mayhem-inducing tea guest. The show closely follows the book, with some added details that give a bit more background into Sophie and her families’ lives. Fun songs break up the dialogue, and there is a delightfully silly dance number in the middle of the show that has the audience on their feet, brandishing their tiger claws and swishing their imaginary tails.

Another great interactive moment comes towards the end of the show, with an easy sing-a-long. The producers of the show have really done a fantastic job to create the perfect show for their target audience (kids aged 3-5-ish). The run time of 50 minutes was perfect for short attention spans, too.

Our group of two three-year-olds and one five-year-old thoroughly enjoyed the show. The wiggly three-year-olds were so mesmerised by the tiger and rest of the performance that they forgot to be wiggley, and the five-year-old laughed constantly at the physical humour (perfect casting too!).

The Tiger Who Came To Tea via christineknight.me

If you’re in Sydney next week with little kids, take them to see The Tiger That Came To Tea. Our discerning mini-theatre goers give it several very enthusiastic thumbs up.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea via christineknight.me

The Tiger Who Came To Tea is showing at the Sydney Opera House until December 28. Recommended for children aged 3+.

Toilet Training Battles With The Oricom Intelligent Potty (& GIVEAWAY!)

Oricom Intelligent Potty review via christineknight.me

Potty training in our house has been a battlefield. In the one corner, a very stubborn toddler. In the other, two very weary parents who are tired of cleaning poop up off the floor.

After six long months of trying various methods to toilet train Cheese, I met the Oricom folks at a blogging event, where, after hearing our toileting woes, I was offered one of their Oricom Intelligent Potties to try.

Honest moment: I previously thought all those fancy potties with all the bells and whistles were a waste of money. I just couldn’t see how sounds and lights and princesses were needed to get a child to do their business on a toilet. I was at breaking point though and willing to try absolutely anything to help us win the potty training war.

Oricom Intelligent Potty review via christineknight.me

And here’s the moment where I eat my words as my toddler falls for the fancy Intelligent Potty by Oricom. She calls it her “magic potty” and for the first time since we started this toilet training debacle, she is actually keen to use a potty.

Now, you may ask, what about this potty is so “magical” (or “intelligent”)? Basically, the Intelligent Potty is designed to keep toddlers stimulated, interested and curious. It has an ergonomic design that is comfortable for toddlers to sit on (the arm rests are great), and also for parents to clean up afterwards (everyone wins!).

The potty also has a pre-recordable sound module where you press he record button and record your personalised message (maximum 6 seconds). You can change the recording as many times as you like. My message went something like this: “Yay! Good girl, you went to the toilet!”.

When your kid sits on the potty and starts to go, they hear hear the sound of running water after 2 seconds, which encourages them to keep on going. When they’re finished and stands up, they will then hear your personalised message, followed by a child’s classic tune (10 different songs to choose from, like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star).

So yes, fancy and MAGICAL. And it’s WORKING.

Product details:

Available in Menthol (IP100MT) and Stone (IP100ST) colours.

High back support encourages correct posture and sitting position

Side support prevents slippage

Rounded edges to eliminate pinching

$ 89.95 RRP

Oricom Intelligent Potty review via christineknight.me

GIVEAWAY

The kind people at Oricom are offering Adventure, Baby! readers the chance to win their very own Oricom Intelligent Potty valued at $89.95.

Entry is open to Australian mailing addresses only. Enter view the Rafflecopter widget below. The winning entry will be chosen based on the creativity of the blog comment.

The competition opens 12:01am Thursday December 17, to 11:59pm Wednesday December 24, 2014.

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Fashion High Tea at Sheraton On The Park: Sydney’s Best High Teas

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

I have an obsession with high tea. The combination of a fluffy scone, the perfect egg sandwich and tiny cakes and chocolates makes me go weak at the knees. I am forever in search for the best high teas no matter which city I’m living in.

I had a bit of a high tea hiatus for a while when Cheese was very small, but now I’m able to take a bit of time for myself here and here, I’m back on the high tea trail. Given how little time I get to spend pampering myself these days, taking the time for a leisurely high tea is now an extra special occasion.

After taking Cheese solo for a week and a half while Alec was on a work trip, I was desperate for a relaxing day with an equally exhausted friend. With our husbands watching the kids, we slipped into the elegant Sheraton On The Park and indulged ourselves for a few hours with the Sheraton’s famous Fashion High Tea.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

The Sheraton holds its high teas in The Gallery Tea Lounge – an elegant, quiet space overlooking the park. You can choose from the Fashion High Tea or the high tea buffet – both are an equally good choice. On this occasion we had the Fashion High Tea because I’m a sucker for the gorgeous fashion-themed desserts that are served exclusively as part of this high tea.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

An important part of the high tea experience is exceptional service, and this is where the Sheraton shines. My dear friend and I sank our weary limbs into the plush arm chairs and were waited on by the efficient and friendly staff.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

After our glasses of sparkling wine landed in our hands, the three-tiered masterpiece quickly arrived next: top tier desserts, middle tier sandwiches and wraps, and bottom tier scones. Note: I’m vegetarian, so the sandwiches were altered for my servings.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

I always start with sandwiches when attacking a high tea. Mine were egg mayonaise and cress on white bread, pumpkin, goat cheese and sun dried tomato wrap and a vegetable wrap. The non-vegetarian options were smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese on rye bread, chicken sweetcorn and dijon mustard on multigrain bread, and smoked ham, swiss cheese, grain mustard and alfalfa sprouts on a mini croissants.

The sandwiches were perfect. Fluffy bread, light and fresh fillings. Yum.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

Next, scones. This high tea includes one plain and one raisin scone per person, served with strawberry jam and pure double cream. Also on this platter is warm asparagus and onion quiches.

The scones are freshly baked, and the jam a sweet punch of flavour. The mini quiche is a great mouthful of savoury pastry that makes a great break between the scones and dessert platter.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

Last stop: Desserts. This plate includes lemon rind cheese cupcakes, truffle chocolate heels, strawberry cream purse and bonnet berry cake.

Also included is a choice of La Maison Du The French handcrafted tea, penelope sach organic herbal tea, vittoria espresso coffee or hot chocolate made with Lindt chocolate.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

We chose from the penelope sach herbal tea range: berry for me (a rich warm and invigorating red wine tea minus the alcohol, scented with hawthorn berry, elder berry & juniper berry) and triple e for my friend (a sweet, tangy liquorice energy booster, scented with liquorice root, peppermint and fennel).

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

The tea pots were a generous size, giving us over three cups of tea each. Extremely delicious teas, that smelled divine and tasted just as good as their description. The teas were served with delicious butter cookies – a lovely touch.

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea via christineknight.me

I had a wonderful high tea at the Sheraton. It was everything this mum needed for a relaxing afternoon with a friend. A quiet space, friendly service, absolutely delicious food, not to mention great company to share it with. A highly recommended high tea for a special occasion, or just because you need a bit of RNR.

The Fashion High Tea Stand
Includes one coffee or tea per person.
$89 for two
Sparkling Tea Stand
Includes two glasses of Domain Chandon Brut.
$109 for two

The Fashion High Tea is served daily 11:30am.  

Sheraton On The Park Fashion High Tea
161 Elizabeth Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9286 6000
Prices: $$$
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Thank you to Sheraton On The Park for hosting us.