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GREETINGS FROM DOWN UNDER

Well, it has been an amazing treat to be able to fulfill my first New Years’ monthly goal: January, for me, was all about connecting again with my husband and kids...and since we have been traveling and seeing adventures we wouldn’t normally fit into our schedule, I think I have succeeded. I told you I wasn’t going to make my New Year's goals hard.

I have to share some of the most amazing moments of my life with you. We have spent the last 3 weeks on the North Island of New Zealand and our fourth and final week has brought us to the Land of OZ as the locals call it; Australia for us Canadians. When we left Canada I took a photo to show our friends we had been experiencing -40 degree weather. When we landed in Melbourne on Friday, it was +45 degrees...steaming hot!

Our first two days in Phillip Island was the most amazing. We spent a morning at the Koala Conservation Centre, searching with our heads tilted far back and our eyes glued to the tree tops for any sight of Koalas. Our son, tired of walking, took to the “pram” and enjoyed the ride. After a bit of time, Lucas said, “I want to stop here!” I asked him why he wanted to stop, “To look at the Koala Bears!” he replied. Having not seen any yet, I asked him to show us; he got out of the pram and walked over to a tree and pointed, “Right here, Mom!” and there were the cutest Momma and Baby Koala Bears, right below eye level! Go figure.

Check out the photos and website at www. Penguins.org.au where you can check out the bushland we walked.

The afternoon was spent walking around the Nobbies centre and a very amazing interactive marine attraction. They have miles of boardwalks to roam and amongst the hills are baby penguins that are molting and not ready to go to the sea quite yet. And a coastline that is filled with seals, seagulls and a stunning blowhole. I had to share this baby with you and you can adopt your own penguin or become a penguin pal at www. Penguinfoundation.org.au

Following this we spent the night waiting with many others for what they call the “Penguin Parade” which I saw with my parents over 30 years ago. When darkness fell, the penguins come in from the ocean to their burrows and babies for the night; it is truly a sight to see and they have made the evening like going to a drive-in for the spectators. One thing they strictly enforce is "no photos"...so you just need to put it on your “must-see” in a lifetime list...take my word for it.

I got a chance to do something I never dreamed of doing, walking amongst hundreds of Kangaroos and hand-feeding those that hopped to us. We stopped at Phillip Island Wildlife Park and were astonished at the demeanor of the different species of Kangaroos and Wallabies that followed us, played and allowed us to feed and pet them. Even when a group would approach us, there was never an issue of pushing or shoving to get us to feed them...it was truly amazing and it will be on the all-time-favourites list for months to come. Check them out at www.piwildlifepark.com.au

We have a few days to go before returning to a routine and getting life back to normal, but I will have lots to share with you in the months to come. In the meantime we have found some of the greatest valentines gifts for your kids that you might want to check out.

We are coming to Chapters, Indigo and Coles near you: Over the next 6 weeks I will be visiting Chapters stores in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer with a very fun event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check at your local Chapters for a date and time as well as our website for “Birthday Parties in a Box”...Have I got some cool, economical home-fun birthday party ideas to share with you. Be sure to bring your Mom-friends with you.

G'Day Mate,

Kimberly

Valentine's...in More Ways than One

Ok, I have to be honest with you...caught up in the rush of the daily grind, Valentine's Day sneaks up on me and sometimes it's more of a chore than a joy to bake cupcakes and write cards for my kids' classrooms.

This year, I'm planning ahead and have found a few unique ways to make Valentine's Day more interesting and meaningful for myself, my kids...and for others.

I hope these ideas inspire you too...

My Little Shaker
Teach your little one to share love and kindness on Valentines' Day...and everyday. The canister is filled with twelve sticks, each one bearing a suggestion of how to be kind to the world around you. Kids can shake the jar until one pops out, and be inspired by their personal message. Available in Edmonton at Princess and the Pea.

The Valentine Peace Project
Create a new expression of Valentine's Day.
Instead of giving Valentine's cards on February 14, Federico Hewson of Amsterdam hands out flowers with messages of peace attached to them, poems by kids who write what's in their hearts.

You don't have to live in the Netherlands to be a part of this innovative campaign...you can simply share: "What does Peace mean to you?" Submit a poem. Forward a video.

Or, do something creative in your own neighborhood - touch someone's heart - make something beautiful. Give it away on February 14.

Be a part of the Valentine Peace Project in your own unique way...in your community...or contact us to be involved. To find out more, and to celebrate what connects all of us - poetry, peace and, of course, love - go to valentinepeaceproject.org

A New Twist on Love Hearts
A new twist on the holiday candy classic that will stand the test of time! Give your sweethearts this timeless gift -- one side of the heart reads “Be mine,” the other “I’m yours.”

Purchasing this gift from TheHungerSite.com buys food for the hungry. This site provides a feel-good way to help promote awareness and prevent hunger deaths every day — through easy and quick online activities such as sending an e-card, remembering to click (you click and sponsors pay for cups of food), and shopping at the online store.

"Do Little Girls Love Pretty-Princess-Hair?!"

Bugalug is proud to introduce Pony Loops, now available in 6 new Valentine's prints...we know you will find a favourite or two! OR, get your Princess one of two Valentines Cards...each card is handmade and adorned with a special barrette of your choice, making a very unique Valentine's gift. Pictured above is the classic Heart barrette (online only). Visit the website and order your Valentine's goodies today!

Don't Forget our Four-legged Sweethearts

Your gift will keep on giving! For any purchases made for your furry, four-legged friends between January 21 and February 14, Grand River Toy Company will donate 5% of sales to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Of course, the 5% applies to gifts for your kids as well. How about, for the more-daring science-lover in your family, the "Heaving Heart". Learn all about hearts! Make a heart that pumps blood, find your pulse rate and discover what’s in your blood and other facts. Order now to receive before Valentine's Day.

Give Back to the Earth Too
Give a new little girl an environmentally friendly footprint with a Blush Organic Baby Bunch and everything is beautiful! Each Bunch includes: one bib, one t-shirt, one hat, one pair of socks and a onesie, gathered into a sensitive bouquet of baby clothes perfect for a baby girl. All clothing is super-soft 100% organic undyed and unbleached cotton and generously sized for babies 0-6 months, or up to 16 lbs. The clothing “buds” are encircled in dusty rose and peach rosebuds and leaves crafted of wood and recycled paper; recycle them yet again to create a lasting keepsake bouquet. Available in Edmonton at Princess and the Pea.

Happy Valentine's Day...
Sweet Cards for Even Sweeter Kids
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, one final idea to help cut down spending oodles of money for kids' cards: Your kids can color their own! Kaboose.com

These free printable Valentines also come in color:
* These adorable puppies are great for pet fans
* Bee someone's Valentine!
* A deer card for your dear
* A whale-y cute Valentine card

Happy Printing!

Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe
Mom, Fun Finder, Publisher