Being Bolshoi in the Bay

I'm excited that tonight's performance of the Bolshoi Ballet in Brisbane will be shown as a live simulcast at Hervey Bay's Seafront Oval. And best of all, it's free!

Image used courtesy of Qpac - the Queensland Performing
Arts Centre, where the ballet is being performed.

I've seen a number of opera and ballet live simulcasts in London before, with picnic and blanket in prime position outside my old office in Canary Wharf. Getting the opportunity to see Russia's elite perform Le Corsaire along with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra is a great opportunity. The Bolshoi haven't been to Australia in almost 20 years and Le Corsaire has never been performed in Australia before. Having access to events like these is definitely a SilverLining on my relocation!

I'll be bringing my Mum (aka Bubba, one of the Grandparentals) to see the Bolshoi's largest and most expensive ballets, from the comfort of a blanket and chairs, while we sip on some wine and nibble on a picnic. Why not bring your own and come join us?!

Date:  Today, 4th June 2013
Time:  Live coverage from 7:00pm, performance starts at 7:30pm
Venue: Seafront Oval, corner of Main Street and The Esplanade, Pialba
Cost:  FREE!

Cheers, KangaRue :)

Fun & funky bibs (review & competition)

I had become disappointed with the bibs of a leading baby brand, that had stained with just a few uses, so had been looking to get Pickle some new, more durable, but still comfortable bibs.  Luckily, I stumbled upon Bibisili on Twitter.

Not only were these bibs functional with crumb-catchers, but the designs are just gorgeous.  On ordering my Pickle's first two, I discovered the silicone is also soft to the touch and he loves to wear them.  He delights in the comments he gets when wearing them, and his friends have even asked to borrow them!

Coupled with the bibs being eco-friendly and lead, BPA and phthalates free, there are now 13 adorable designs.  And quite frankly, I just love them.  They've been put through some workouts... scrolling through my photos of Pickle, I realise just how many there are of him eating(!), yet there's not a mark to be seen on them.

Bibisili is celebrating its 1st birthday this week, and to celebrate, they are giving away bibs for three lucky Little Ones.  Enter via the Rafflecopter tool below, there are multiple ways to enter and increase your chances.  But if you can't wait you can get 20% off orders until 10th December, using the discount code BIRTHDAY.

Disclaimer:  While Pickle has been gifted with two of the bibs in the new designs, my enthusiasm and words are my own, as were my earlier purchases.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free Range Kids Challenge

Pickle and I were enjoying the sunshine in the local square earlier today; it's become a regular spot for a picnic lunch.  Inevitably at some point, Pickle makes a beeline for the water feature where lots of kids splash about in the very shallow water. 

Normally I'd keep Pickle in his nappy, but I'd paid-forward a nappy to a lady in the library earlier in the day, and having just changed Pickle's nappy, the one he was wearing was the only clean one on us.  He'd already done a massive poo earlier, so I knew this wouldn't be a problem (though it surprised me when he got out of the water to do a wee).

Pickle and I in the top section of the
water "fountain" a couple of weeks ago.

He was happily playing and splashing about for around half an hour.  Then a woman approached asking who his mother was.  She said that a "pedo" was watching him from across the other side of the fountain (it's in two parts and is quite long).  I immediately bundled Pickle up, moved into the terraced square to dress him and jump on a bus home.

I scanned the area, but couldn't see anyone obvious.  I don't see every man on his own as a threat, so it would have helped if the suspect looked like a movie villan, but no luck. 

I was definitely shaken, but as I headed home, I started to reflect.  Was I rash?  Of course I wanted to protect Pickle, that will always be my priority.  But should I have asked who the suspect was and reported him to someone?  Should I have queried the word of a stranger, who may have had her own agenda?  Growing up in Australia, I wouldn't think twice about Pickle being naked on the beach or around water in general, but perhaps I should be more conservative in the UK? 

Bringing up a Free Range Kid is to keep them safe by knowing their individual limits (which will obviously be more relevant as he gets older).  And I'm aware that there are less incidences of abuse these days, despite what sensationalistic media reports would have us think - and most abuse is by those known to the family.  However, I think I did the right thing in the moment.  I'll still go to the square and let Pickle splash about, but will make sure to take a spare nappy or swim nappy with me.  I probably give it a couple of days too.  I'll still let him walk around, smiling and waving at everyone (like I could stop that if I tried!).  Pickle is an independent soul, to quash his spirit would be a travesty.  But I can't say that today doesn't have me a little freaked.

Would love to know if you have any advice or experience to offer?

28/366 - Watching Ducks

I discovered the existence of Maryon Wilson Park by accident when I took Pickle to the playground last week.  It's across the road from the playground, and is more of a wood than a park, though it has cleared areas that will be great for picnics when summer comes.  But most importantly there are animals!  Goats, sheep, peacocks, a pig, a herd of deer... and ducks.  Quacking, flapping, swimming ducks!

28/366

Pickle slept through our first sojourn to the park, but on our second try, I strapped on the Moby, bundled us both under the wrap and jumped on the bus. I snapped this shot of us just as the ducks made a ruckus that grabbed Pickle's attention. 

Cheers, KangaRue :)