This month we’re reviewing the Skwirk online schooling program,
with SingleMum’s own Miss Six taking it for a test drive…

When I first sat down at the computer with my Kindergarten-student daughter to have an introductory look at Skwirk, I had allowed myself some time to help guide her until she felt she was able to navigate it herself – so much for that plan. I was immediately rendered redundant by her squealing “I want to do it myself Mummy, it’s easy!” whilst mugging the computer mouse – another “Skwirker” was born. Wandering off to make myself a consoling mummy-isn’t-entirely-useless-really coffee, I then strayed back to quietly observe just what it was that had her so hooked from the get-go…

In our case with Kinder, the main menu offered the expected Reading and Maths, but also Human Society and It’s Environment and Science too – just as they do at school. Once your child clicks the subject that they like, they are offered a more detailed selection of different topics, which in turn offer options such as “Read Along” (a colourful article-type page with lots of bright cartoon illustrations), an “Animation” (a short cartoon clip) or a game.

Big, easy to read and click buttons make the usability of this program a real winner for the computer-beginner…

with logical, easy-to-follow step by step progression through the subjects, and an encouraging “everybody wins in the end” philosophy for the games and puzzles.
Certainly for the Kindy kids one of the major draw-cards would have to be Skwirk’s cute “Animations” – short tutorials cunningly disguised as cartoons, complete with wacky sounds that engage and entertain. The clever “carrot and stick” format has each Animation ending with the reward of a fun game to play – again with it’s own lesson built in – a double bonus!

Protect your baby from supermarket trolley germs…

With several recent studies finding supermarket shopping trolleys a major haven for nasty bacteria, including the dreaded E. coli, it’s no wonder that so many Mums are turning to trolley baby seat covers as the clean shoppers choice to protect their precious bubs from harm. This month we reviewed one of the best-known and trusted Australian shopping trolley baby seat cover brands – No More Nasties Trolley Seat Covers.

You can tell just by looking at their baby trolley covers, that No More Nasties know their stuff – and so they should. No More Nasties have specialised in making superior supermarket trolley covers for Australian babies for over ten years. These are not your average mass-produced, poor-quality trolley covers either. No More Nasties produce high-quality products, with expert design and workmanship – and happily, more than reasonable prices!

No More Nasties insist on using high quality fabric for their trolley covers – and plenty of it. No More Nasties trolley covers generously extend right over all trolley seat surfaces, including the worst area for germs – the trolley handle. Baby is protected from supermarket trolley germs in a safe, comfortable and hygienic environment – and so is safe from any nasties, just like the brand name says!

Apart from using the best quality fabrics, No More Nasties also happen to offer the coolest range of cover designs around too – you’ll be like a kid in a candy shop when selecting your design – from Geishas to cow spots, the brightly coloured patterns will delight your baby and make you look ultra-chic in the supermarket queue!

“The trolley cover comfort factor has to be one of the stand-out features of this shopping trolley cover…”
The trolley cover comfort factor has to be one of the stand-out features of this trolley cover. Baby is kept cosy and comfortable with the most thickly padded covers around – a generous 250gram wadding offers baby a super-comfy seat and ride. There’s no need to worry about the cover coming astray either, with firm snap closures – when you put your cover on it stays on!

Custom design your trolley cover!

The No More Nasties team understand that not everyone’s needs are they same, so they also offer a range of baby trolley seat cover options. You can get a basic trolley seat cover, which is the same great shape, quality fabric and full wadding, but without the extras – the back pocket, pillow and toy loop. This way, you don’t get what you don’t need – or it may just be that you wish to purchase something a little cheaper.

No More Nasties baby products also encompass a range of beautiful pram liners made with the same quality and attention to detail. There is a universal liner that fits all prams – or you can custom order one to fit your exact pram.

And of course there is the brilliantly innovative No More Nasties nappy wallet. Nappy wallets free you from having to lug your nappy bag along on those short trips out – which makes them great for those quick trips to the shops. Nappy wallets hold 2-3 nappies, a pack of travel wipes and even some nappy sack bags – perfect!

It’s easy to see why No More Nasties Trolley Covers are so popular…

Their quality, style and functionality are in a class of their own. If you’re after the best baby trolley cover, get a No More Nasties Baby Trolley Cover – it’s destined to become your baby’s new trolley mate!

To view the No More Nasties range of gorgeous patterns and themes and choose the perfect trolley cover for your bub, you can visit the No More Nasties Trolley Seat Covers website here

No More Nasties are also on Facebook! Read a multitude of delighted customer’s testimonials, and join their thousands of followers on Facebook here

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This month we’re reviewing ABC Reading Eggs – “Where Kids Learn to Read”, with SingleMum’s own Miss Four taking them for a test run…

If you are thinking about trying the ABC Reading Eggs program with your pre-schooler or, even kindergarten or 1st class/grade school child, then prepare to lose your computer – because the kids will be lining up to get onto the Reading Eggs website as often as you’ll let them!

ABC Reading Eggs is a fantastic learning program for young children. It consists of an interactive website and supporting book packs – for both reading and writing (sold separately).

Each reading book pack includes 10 books, a poster and sticker sheet, parent guide and a FREE 14-day subscription to www.readingeggs.com Optional Activity Books further reinforce letters and words, cleverly merging them into fun activities and puzzles – the kids don’t even know they’re learning how to write their letters! The only draw-back with the book packs is that they can be a little steeply priced, and are rarely discounted or on special. Many parents suggest that the program can be successfully used without purchasing the supporting book packs, however, if you’re on a tight budget.

Miss Four frequently repeated lessons simply to view the characters singing and dancing at the end, which often resulted in delighted shrieks of laughter. Another incentive to complete her lessons was the ABC Reading Eggs reward system golden eggs, which could then be used to “purchase” Reading Egg online games in the “Arcade” area of the site.

There is a marked difference in her motivation to read too. Whilst previously Miss Four was a little intimidated by sounding out words, now she happily attempts to spell and sound out different words throughout the day. Reading Eggs have definitely given her a reading-confidence boost.

In summary…

The ABC Reading Eggs program for us, has been and still is very successful. The website is highly educational, yet very entertaining for young children, and the website support products that come in the packs integrate well with the lessons.

The Reading Eggs books are colourful and engaging, and with the optional Alphabet Flashcards and Activity books that encourage children to write the letters they’ve just learned, the complete package is a fun way for the littlies to develop a real love of learning – and that is something that every child can benefit from.

Australian Single Mum ABC Reading Eggs discount tips

The ABC Reading Eggs books are often available from Ebay cheaply. You can view an Ebay search for Reading Eggs here

ABC Reading Eggs program discounts can be found around the internet. Search for “ABC Reading Eggs discount codes” and search for bargain shopper websites. You should be able to extend your initial free trial sign-up at the ABC Reading Eggs website by several weeks.

I received a Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover this week for our single parent family to take for a test-run – this is one handy little accessory for your iPad!

Setup is a breeze – seamless Bluetooth pairing means you’re able to use the keyboard straight-away with minimum fuss. And there’s no worries about being caught unawares with a flat keyboard either, as the battery charge to power the keyboard unit lasts an impressive 6 months – that’s not-too-shabby in the world of rechargeable batteries!

Aesthetically this keyboard is very pleasing – a mirror image iPad aluminum backing, the two components of iPad and Keyboard fit neatly, securely together thanks to a magnetic clip to make a “clam shell” that protects your fragile iPad screen but doesn’t compromise the slim-line look. Never fear if you have a white iPad either, as there is a Logitech Keyboard Cover to match.

One of the best things about this great iPad accessory is that it serves as a handy rest for your iPad. The iPad simply pops into the magnetic groove to free your hands up whilst you type your emails or scroll through your Facebook Page. The keyboard rest holds the iPad securely – I was able to pick the iPad up and still have the keyboard slotted in place, yet it was easy to detach when I was finished with it.

The iPad rest was also a great feature to extend the use of the iPad to keep the kids entertained – something every parent can use now and then! The girls thought it was great that they could use the iPad to watch a movie, share an e-Book or play games together.

1 x girl’s SwimZip Swimsuit Prize: So cute “Ruffle Me Pretty” swimsuit. UV 50+ protection. Full zipper down the front. Sizes 6 months – 4T
Does your little lady love to dance around? SwimZip’s Ruffle Me Pretty swimmer is the perfect way to let her dance and jump through the water princess style! Part of SwimZip’s award winning swimmer line.
Value: $28.90 AU

To be in the running to one of these gorgeous SwimZip swimsuits, simply tell us in 25 words or less which swimsuit you would like (the boy or girl swimsuit), and why – it’s that easy!

The best two entries will WIN a SwimZip Swimsuit!

Competition open to adults 18 years and over. Limit of one prize per household. Competition ends at 11pm, 28 November 2012. Please read the full Competition Terms & Conditions here prior to entry

This competition is now closed

And the lucky winners are…

R. Ballantyne, WA
C. Lee, NSW

Congratulations winning mums!

Not a winner this time? Keep an eye out for more exciting SingleMum.com.au competitions here!

A bit of a disappointment…the Dyson DC54 Animal Pro

SingleMum.com.au reviews Dyson’s latest top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner…

Dyson have a great reputation in vacuum cleaners for a reason – they suck like a jet-engine, which is terrific for clean-freaks like myself. I owned a Dyson for many years, and although there were a few small issues (the turbo head died in five minutes, for example – apparently this was a common fault), overall it was a great vacuum cleaner. Guaranteed never to lose suction, that’s certainly true for long periods with Dysons, which is a-okay with me. However four years of family vacuuming later, my old faithful Dyson was becoming tired, and it was time for an upgrade.

With such longevity, it seemed good economics to me to buy the newest and best Dyson home-vacuum available, so without many questions I purchased a Dyson DC54 Animal large vacuum cleaner. At $900, it wasn’t cheap, but keeping in mind how long-lived and reliable they are, hopefully it would be just as worth it as the last model had been for me. This model was named “Animal”, and I hoped that this related to it’s ability to suck like a crazed elephant. Later I read the instruction book and realised it meant it was supposed to suck up animal hair – well, okay, that’s good too – we have a long-haired dog and cat.

I was eager to see how Dyson had improved what was already a great vacuum cleaner. It was easy to assemble and fire up, and away we went. The suction did not disappoint – possibly it would suck paint off the walls. Some elderly folk may even find it unusable, it sucks so hard, but this is what I love – hurrah!

No matter how meticulously and regularly you empty what is a very small allowance and narrow area for dust (are they kidding?), it jams up the side of the thing. I have been trialling / using this machine for four months and still not managed to empty the Dyson C54 without having to poke up the sides of the receptacle with sticks or my fingers trying to dislodge dust and dirt – piece by piece, dust cloud by dust cloud it comes out – usually all over my face. Yes, you can hit another awkward button and take the chamber cover completely off – another cloud of dust later, you splutter your way through scraping it all out and then the onerous task of getting it back on. Then it’s off to the shower with me. I dread emptying this vacuum cleaner, and it must be done at least once or twice a week with our busy family household.

Sorry Dyson, this vacuum cleaner is great at sucking up dust for short periods, but not much else, and is a mother’s and father’s nightmare to maintain. I wouldn’t recommend this model to other mums, I’m afraid. Hopefully Dyson will take feedback on board and improve the layout on the next model, but really, they should have got these integral vacuuming features right by now – it’s not all about the engineering Dyson, it’s also about the machine’s application as it applies to mums!

Postscript – We sent our review to Dyson for feedback – they replied:

“We wouldn’t anticipate frequent blockages in normal use, but as with any vacuum, picking up items such as hair pins and toy parts could cause increase the risk of a blockage. DC54 hasn’t been designed or tested for this purpose, and for this reason we would advise against using your vacuum to pick these up…”

So on that note, I’ll leave it to Aussie mums and dads to decide what really is reasonable to expect a vacuum to vacuum in normal household use – as for our household? Well, I’m afraid we’re still paying the price for buying this top-of-the-line model Dyson.

What vacuum cleaner are you using right now – do you like it? Comment below!

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https://singlemum.com.au/product-reviews/child-product-reviews/the-hamper-emporium/ https://singlemum.com.au/product-reviews/child-product-reviews/the-hamper-emporium/#respond Sun, 20 Apr 2014 04:51:42 +0000 https://singlemum.com.au/?p=585 The Hamper Emporium “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gift hamper SingleMum.com.au Product Reviews | 20 April 2014 Share All mums should be spoiled on Mother’s Day and we’ve found the perfect gift to spoil her rotten! What mum doesn’t love receiving a self-indulgent present on Mother’s Day? That’s why a luxury hamper is the perfect … Continue reading “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gift hamper →

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The Hamper Emporium

“The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gift hamper

SingleMum.com.au Product Reviews | 20 April 2014

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All mums should be spoiled on Mother’s Day

and we’ve found the perfect gift to spoil her rotten!

What mum doesn’t love receiving a self-indulgent present on Mother’s Day? That’s why a luxury hamper is the perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day – so with Mother’s Day in mind, we’re reviewing The Hamper Emporium’s “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gourmet gift hamper…

This week we were sent “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers”, a gorgeous hamper from the renown The Hamper Emporium.

Upon viewing this beautiful hamper, the first thing that comes to mind is that whilst it would be a wonderful gift for a variety of occasions, it would make a perfect Mother’s Day gift. This sweet-tooth hamper would surprise and delight any lucky Mum!

Everything about “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gift hamper screams quality…
From the keepsake gift-box to the incredibly indulgent delights contained within, this is a gift to spoil and indulge someone special.

The “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” is the perfect combination of affordability meets decadent luxury. It holds the most mouth-watering array of goodies you’re ever likely to come across in one parcel. Unusual, scrumptious fudges, luscious cup cakes, boutique toffees, delicate biscuits, hand-crafted chocolates and much more – it’s a real feast of delicacies that are the epitome of indulgence! Happily, each generous serving holds plenty to share around!

A detailed look inside the “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” reveals a treasure trove of indulgent treats…

English maple fudge
Butlers truffles and pralines
Butlers creamy toffees
Butlers vanilla fudge
Butlers dark chocolate salt caramels
Butlers chocolate fudge
Butlers real hot chocolate drink
Venezuelan white chocolate
Vanilla Comoro decaffeinated black tea pyramid sachets
Australian Fardoulis cookies and cream chocolate truffles
French Maison Fossier palmier pastries
French Maison Fossier almoond macarons
French Maison Pink Biscuits (Biscuits Roses)

With free shipping, “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” arrives enclosed within a well-insulated outer delivery box, to ensure that its contents are well-protected.

The keepsake hamper gift box inside is a sophisticated black, wrapped with a gold satin ribbon to hold a free personalised gift card.

The magnetically sealed box flips open to reveal the enticing sweet treats laid out within – just as beautifully presented as they look in our photos.

Delivery time following your online-order is fast too – just 1-4 days, depending on the delivery location.

This hamper truly is a sumptuous collection of sweet treats, and is sure to be a hit with young and old.

A The Hamper Emporium “The Sweetest of Gift Hampers” gift hamper is priced at just $149 with free shipping and an optional free standard or Mother’s Day personalised card. Order online for Mother’s Day now at The Hamper Emporium website here.
All prices are correct as of April 2015

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