Hartley's Crocodile Park

Crocodiles of all shapes and sizes were lurking in the water between the reeds and hiding in shadows as we ate a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and 'dinosaur' burgers which in actual fact were crocodile burgers...

Where were we you ask? Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Stunning Port Douglas in Top North Queensland. In the last few days of our most recent trip to Queensland we took Amelie to experience crocodiles, snakes and other less dangerous Australian wildlife. I must say she was fearless. Running to be the first of the line to pet the giant snakes and spending almost an hour with the baby crocodiles.

She referred to the kangaroos as her friends and insisted on returning to them. I feel so blessed that I was lucky enough to be taken there on an adventure with my parents. She was really able to get up close and personal with the animals. She could see what they felt like, how they reacted to her and how they live in their natural environments. It is so much more of a learning experience than going to the zoo. Getting to see the crocodiles leap out of the water, nestling her head in to the soft fur of a kangaroo, running her hands over the scaly slithery skin of a giant snake all the while listening to the calls of native Australian birds and breathing in the fresh smell of Eucalyptus from the Gum trees in the surrounding rainforest. What a way to stimulate the senses and get in touch with nature.

I honestly give this place a 10 out of 10. (This has never happend before on this blog!)

The food in Lillies restaurant on site was excellent. There were ample highchairs for the little ones. We were able to hire a good quality stroller for the day for only €5 which could be picked up and dropped of at the entrance and exit so was no hassle whatsoever.  The changing facilities were also immaculate. The staff really made the day.

We love the commitment Hartley's have to the environment, they are a conservation park who are committed to conserving crocodile populations in Australia, they re-vegetate and work in harmony with the World Heritage forest that borders the park. They provide a natural sanctuary for many of Australia's rarer flora and fauna species. Hartleys are accredited for providing Eco Tourism and we just love that!

From the second we arrived and purchased our tickets we felt so welcome. We were greeted by smiling staff and that is all we saw all day. The people that work here obviously love their jobs. In particular we loved Wade the park ranger who was working on our boat tour. He had kids himself and was really having the craic with the small children on our tour. This is really a great action packed day for the whole family but also set in such a relaxing and stunning part of Australia that it is easy to find time to relax in between all of the animal encounters.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located just off the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti. You can enjoy a spectacular scenic drive between Cairns and Port Douglas, 40 minutes north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas. If you are visiting Top North Queensland this place is a must!

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Halloween!

There are so many things to be excited about for Halloween this year. For the first time we decorated our house and Amelie was delighted informing our neighbour not to be scared and the giant spider on our door was 'only p'tend.'

She will have a fancy dress party in creche and we will also go trick or treating for the first time. In Australia Halloween is not a big holiday so this year I am looking forward to getting involved in the Irish hype of it all... Amelie has a big box of fancy dress clothes so it will be interesting to see what she actually dresses up as, so far she is insisting on being a bumble bee... cute!

On the 28th we will head out to Kilruddery House in Wicklow for a great day of pumpkin carving, scarecrow making and Halloween fun. Pop over to their web-site if you are interested.

On the 26th I will go with the girls from college to see 'Jason and the Argonauts' in the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire and again we will dress in fancy dress and really enjoy the Halloween spirit.

On the 31st pop on over to the Promenade Cafe between 6pm and 8pm for FREE Halloween Portrait Shoot & FREE High Resolution Image from BosPhotography.


Hoping this post give you some ideas of fun events to get along to this Halloween.

More posts to come soon.

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

One for the diary...

 

Hi Everyone,

If you are pregnant or already a Mum this one is for you... The Yummy Mummy Market is a great place to find some great quality new and second hand clothing, toys and equipment. I have picked up a few bargains at a previous market in Bray. The Mums who have stalls there seem to have the cutest clothing and all see stuff that is in really good condition. The markets are always held indoors so no chance of being rained out.

If you want a peak at some of the stock available follow the Yummy Mummy Market on Facebook and keep up to date with the sock lists prior to each event or check out their website for more info.

 

 

Here are the details of the next two markets:

 

 

The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Newlands Cross on the 22nd of April

 

The Osprey Hotel Naas on the 29th of April

 

 

Hope to see you there at the next one!

 

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

 

xxx

Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Walking down to the People’s Park last weekend, I noticed a bit of construction and I was reminded that I need to do this blog. I was so upset to hear that the Christmas Markets in The Dublin Docklands was cancelled this year but that disappointment was quickly replaced when I realised that Dun Laoghaire was going to be transformed into a winter wonderland full of fun and excitement this Christmas.

Kicking off on the10th December Santa will arrive by Harley Davidson’s and the first ever Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival will begin with a fire works display. The construction I referred to is that of an Ice Rink, yes that is right our very own Ice Rink! There will be German styled Christmas markets, Children’s Entertainers, Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Train, and even a live nativity.

I am really excited that the Christmas fun is coming to me this year and I will not have to venture far from home to experience some Christmas magic. I have been thinking about how lucky I am to live in such a great little community and I am going to do my best to keep my Christmas shopping local and support local businesses, many of which have closed down or seem to be struggling. I really do love Dun Laoghaire and I am so impressed that the council are providing such a great event for us this festive season.

For more information pop over to http://www.dlrevents.ie/

I hope to see you there, gammy Christmas jumpers and all.

 

Happy Festive Season Everyone

xxx

P.S.  I recently did a 'Mama Loves' post on this years Christmas decorating... enjoy x

 

Win VIP tickets to the Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival.

Win VIP tickets to the Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival.

Simply follow our blog or 'like' our  face book page and leave us a comment with your favourite food, too easy!

My favourite food is my Uncle Dale’s Blueberry Muffins; he even gave me his secret recipe so I can make them here in Ireland too. Yum!

We have 12 passes and 6 lucky winners will win 2 tickets each!

The Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival will be held in the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire from the 25^th to the 28^th August from 12noon to 10pm daily, with food, music , fashion and family fun.

The line-up of Chefs is nothing short of dazzling and has my taste buds dancing already! Amongst the list are chefs from Dalkey’s Guinea Pig restaurant and Dun Laoghaire’s Alexis restaurant both of which are personal favourites. Celebrity Chef's will be giving demonstrations and holding workshops throughout the weekend.

Saturday the 27^th of August is when you want to look your best as there will be Taste Fest undercover judges searching for the best dressed. Hmm what to wear?

Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th of August from 12noon to 4pm will be family fun days at the festival. There will be tasty menu items prepared just for them, face painting, bubble blowing and Coca-Cola sports stacking performances.  The first 50 children through the gates will receive a special festival goodie bag.

All weekend there will be some brilliant musical performances so be sure to check out the schedule for the line up so you don’t miss a thing. I am most looking forward to the blues rock and soul of Grainne Duffy which promises ‘to leave festival goers begging for more.’

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.tasteandmusic.com

Don't forget to enter our competition We have 12 passes and 6 lucky winners will win 2 tickets each!

Simply follow our blog or 'like' our  face book page and leave us a comment with your favourite food, too easy!

The VIP winners will be picked on Wednesday 23nd August, plenty of time to plan your festival outfit.

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Airfield Farm Dundrum, Take 2

Amelie and her little mate Hugo and the Mummies had a fabulous day out at Airfield Farm in Dundrum. I have blogged about the farm before but thought I would do another in case anyone missed it. Airfield Farm is an amazing day out for children of all ages. The spring and summer is the best time to go as the baby animals are being born. We saw new born piglets and calves yesterday.  In my opinion it is the best value for money activity to do with your babies and children in Dublin, Adults are €6, children €3 and babies are free.  Hugo pointing at the cows and saying bot-bot was just brilliant it is so important that these little guys understand that chickens lay the eggs and that milk comes from cows and goats. 

We packed a picnic and spread out a rug in the magical gardens under the shade of some very hugs and old trees. You really forget that you are two minutes from Dundrum shopping Centre and a half hour from home; it is so relaxing and earthy that you never want to leave!

The trees themselves provided about an hour’s entertainment for the kids, climbing, sliding and hiding abound the huge roots that protrude from the ground. We spent a good bit of time searching for Koalas in the giant Eucalypt trees that made me super home sick and smelt beautiful. We collected a huge pile of leaves from the old gum tree and Amelie has had some fun creating masterpieces with nature and re-used materials. 

Amelie and Hugo found some little mud puddles, and we though, what’s the harm? Well it seems the harm is that some of these mud puddles were shin deep and both babies ended up covered in mud from head to toe, but their giggles and smiles were worth it. As I always say a messy baby is a baby who has had a lot of fun!

At the farm in the old farm house/mansion there is a lovely café, called Overends. We posted a review on Overends a while back so pop over and have a read. As we took a picnic this time we didn’t eat here but a take away latte really hit the spot. 

On the last Saturday of every month the Vintage and Craft markets is held at Airfield. Admission to the market is free but we suggest you do what we did yesterday… completely tire the babies out so they have a nap in the buggies then you are free to have a browse of the markets. There are some lovely stalls at the market. My favourites; Jewellery by Emma she does some stunning sliver work with that hammered effect, it’s my favourite (Dal if you are reading hint hint) and Our Little BowTique, they have some of the most unique and oh so pretty baby bows and boutique clothing.

 The Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Live music events for the whole family...

‘PLAY’ Music Festival for all the Family at The Ark

Share your love for live music with your children. From 20^th July through 21^st August The Ark is holding afternoon concerts each weekend. This is a perfect opportunity to expose your children to the wonderful world of live music and experience something a little different.

The lineup of artists includes Size2Shoes, fiddle player Zoe Conway and Julie Freeny, who is behind the song Impossibly Beautiful and was described by Hot Press as a “pop genius” The concerts are €10 and concessions are available. The Ark is a wonderful venue for children and families to explore and even if you don’t make one of the concerts the Jetsetting Babies recommend that you pop down for a visit soon.

Julie Freeny

For more information visit the www.theark.ie

Be sure to check out our events page so you don’t miss a thing this summer in Dublin or London

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

Xxx

If you go out in the woods today you're in for a big surprise...

Hi Everyone,

We recently posted about the National Play Day in Merrion Square, but now I am torn as it will clash with the annual Teddy Bears Picnic in Blackrock Park.

There will be a Teddy Bear Dr. To attend to any sick Teddies, a DJ, face painting, bouncy castles and a ‘make and do tent,’ I would be expecting a great day as the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council really know how to put on a great family event. We had a fun day last year even if Amelie was a little small for any of the activities. For more information visit  www.dlrevents.ie 

Amelie at last year's Teddy Bears Picnic

Wherever you end up and whatever you do with your families this weekend we hope that you have fun and good times. If you are looking for ideas be sure to pop over to our events page you just might find some inspiration...

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Free Play Day in Merrion Square 3rd July

On Sunday 3^rd July Dublin City Council presents their annual Free Play Day in Merrion Square Park.

We got a sneak peak of the fun and activities on offer at the Street Performers World Championships last weekend.

The event runs from 2pm – 5pm and promises to be ‘an event with a difference – it’s all about ordinary basic play that children love. No expense, fancy equipment and no sitting an watching other people doing things, the event is about active fun that everyone can join in on’

Amelie really enjoyed the arts and crafts activities and I watched as she glittered, glued and painted her masterpieces which she then gave to her daddy on Fathers Day. Don’t dress your children in their Sunday best for this family event… they will get messy!

The volunteers helping with he event were just lovely and made every child feel welcome… we wouldn’t miss this event for the world, so who is coming?

Guinness Book of World Recodrs, Here we come!

The Jetsetting Babies will be joining hundreds maybe even thousand of others this year and getting a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records to support the charity Africa Aware. We will all dress as Wally's and a very high crane will take an very high resolution photo to create the first ever Where's Wally live photo to be taken. All the proceeds raised from the sale of Wally costumes will go to keeping the Street Performers World Championships here in Dublin and to the worthy charity Africa Aware. Africa Aware brings much needed assistance to orphans whose parents have died of AIDS and to abandon children all over Africa.

The Street Performers World Championship will be held in Merrion Square in Dublin between the 16th &19th of June. There are also events to be held in Cork &Port Laoise. There will be fun for the whole family from 12 - 7:30pm daily. For parents I recommend avoiding the massive weekends crowds and getting in on the Thursday or Friday. The line up for the event along with timetables and information on the world record attempt can be viewed at http://www.spwc.ie/.

I am most looking forward to seeing the Australian renowned street performer and Former World Record holder The Space Cowboy who makes me flinch so much it is amazing I even see his show. Also this year I am looking forward to seeing Lindsay Benner who's show promises to 'fashion a tale of love, longing and juggling from an excessively large and vivid mind' and is promised to be fun for the whole family, that what we love! From memory last year the food stands sold some really good organic burgers and tasty treats that you would happily share with your little ones but it is best if you pack a picnic and come prepared

Amelie at last years SPWC we took Amelie on the Thursday and while there were a few schools to contend with the crowds we small enough for us to soak up a bit of sun and really enjoy the day, a highlight for us was seeing a quick change act, it was brilliant. 

Hope that you all pop in to Merrion Square and enjoy this amazing family event.

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Imaginosity Children's Museum

Hi Everyone,

Firstly we would like to extend our thanks to all the mothers out there that recommended we visit Imaginosity Children's Museum with our families. We had some very fun days out there and now we want to pass it on to mothers everywhere! While the weather has been lovely lately and we have been spending most of our time out doors, this is Dublin and we all know we need something up our sleeve for those rainy days. I know where I will be the next time it clouds over and Amelie is dying to get out of the house. I really find Amelie is so much happier and most importantly sleeps so much better if she has been out and about running around and getting exhausted. Imaginosty is ideal for this full of activities and fun for children of all ages.

Imaginosity is a wonderful, non-for-profit children's 'creative space.' The museum, or more appropriately called Imaginosity is set over three floors and incorporates so many different aspects of life in to one big play area for children to get creative, use their imaginations and learn. There are so many different real life sets, complete with dress ups and props that it has almost to be seen to be believed. A supermarket, diner, building site, movie set, dolls house city and even a doctors surgery are amongst the different areas for the children to explore.

The cafe/restaurant attached is a great escape for parents to grab a quick coffee or snack while the children play. If you can eat before you go as the food was the only let down of the day. While the portions were large the food did not seem as fresh as it could be and I found my roast vegetable pannini very oily. While the portions were huge we were not overly impressed. The cakes and buns looked great though and there coffee was grand.




Imaginosity can suit babies, toddlers and children of all ages. I think my husband and I were having just as much fun as Amelie. I have been told that it can get very busy. We went mid week and while there were 80 school children booked in and tearing around while we were there the place is plenty big enough to cope with such large numbers. Tara visited with Andrew and Dylan on a Sunday afternoon and found it a really quiet time to pop in. On each floor there is a designated baby and toddler area for small children under the ages of two which the older children are not allowed to go. Amelie marvelled at the live fish swimming before her eyes, enjoyed planting vegetables in the garden and picking apples from the fruit tree. She also loved cooking up a storm in the kitchen area of one of baby and toddler areas. Tara said Dylan's favourite was the building site and he just loved playing with the bricks.

For more ideas and a listing of up and coming events for familes visit our Events Page

Visit the webiste for bookings and more information www.imaginosity.ie

Here are some phot's of us and the babies having a great  time on our visitis to imaginosity...

Mad Hatter's Tea Party and a fun filled Easter weekend!

Hello Everyone,

The weekend is here and what stunning weather we have had, here's to hoping it last the Easter weekend and we can all soak up a little but of sunshine before it is over. Tara was just texting me asking me for ideas on what to do over the weekend. We have planned on getting the families together for a picnic and Easter egg hunt on Saturday I am really excited about that it is rare enough we can get the husbands and babies and ourselves all in the same place. I had a peak at our events page and was reminded that this Sunday is the Mad Hatters Tea Party in Mount Merrion.

This will be my first Mad Hatter's Tea Party. I have not been to one before but have always had a blast at event put on by the Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council. Amongst others I have attended the Teddy Bears Picnic and Kick Start are stand out fav's!

It seems that in Deer Park on Easter Sunday there will be a rabbit, not the Easter bunny but in fact the white rabbit that showed Alice the way to wonderland. The park will come alive with characters from the magical story we all know so well. There will be make and do activities for the little ones, a 'Hat Walk' and storytelling too. If the weather holds out you know where Amelie and I will be this Sunday.

So dig out your craziest, zaniest, silliest hats and those Alice in Wonderland costumes and make your way to Deer Park the Easter Sunday. The Mad Hatter Tea Party is a free event running from 1pm to 5pm at Deer Park, Mount Merrion. The website promises a load of fun so pop over if you would like more information www.dlrevents.ie Oh and please don't forget the sun cream for you and your babies.

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!

Hello Everyone, how was your weekend? So I have to ask where have I been? I only just discovered that the Pregnancy and Baby Fair is on next month in the RDS... I am so glad I realised it is in the diary and we will not be missing it.

It promises entertainment for the whole family, great discounts and special offers from exhibitors, expert advice from Ireland's leading professionals in maternity, paediatrics and baby products and demonstrations from the top providers in the marketplace

EarthMother will be there and we know how much we love the eco-conscious products they make available to mothers all over Ireland and the fair will support some very worthwhile charities including Make A Wish and Breastway! Checkout the website for more info and your chance to win free tickets to the fair. http://pregnancyandbabyfair.com/competitions/

Coming Soon... a review or two of the restaurants and cafes close to te RDS so you knw where to go after a busy day at the fair!

Stick it in your diaries Mummies and we hope to see you there.

9th & 10th April 2011

10am -6pm Daily

RDS Dublin

xxx

Contribute Form

Every day spent with your children should be filled with happiness and excitement. We want to help! Whether you are staying close to home or venturing to the far and exotic corners of the world we want to help you know where you can eat, play and explore with children of all ages without having to worry where you will change your little one, whether you will have enough room to park your twin buggies or if there is going to be healthy nutritious food for you to feed you family.

 

Help Tara, Angi and the Jetsetting Babies help mothers from all corners of the globe explore the world without worry. Do you have a great restaurant, café, playground or event you have shared with your families? Want to share your experiences with other Mums so they can have as much fun as you did? Fill in the details below and e-mail it back to us.


We will post a review on our blog with everything you send us. We will include a photo that you provide with your children and your name at the top of the blog to give you the recognition you deserve for providing us with the information. (If you wish to remain anonymous that is fine also). Copy the form below or drop us an e-mail at jetsettingbabies@gmail.com and we will send you a copy in word format. Try to fill in all the questions but if you don’t have all the answers no need to worry just leave it blank.

 

ABOUT YOU
Name:
Your Children’s Names and Ages
Blog/Website
E-Mail:

REVIEW INFORMATION
Venue/Event/Activity name:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-Mail:
Web-site:
Opening Hours:
Are there highchairs available? If yes how many?	Y	N
Are there changing facilities?	Y	N
Is there a children’s menu?	Y	N
Is there ample space to park prams/buggies/strollers?	Y	N
Rate the service out of 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent	1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10
Rate the food out of 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent	1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10

Tell us a little about your experience:

(Feel free to include anything you liked or disliked about any aspect of your experience?)

Please attach some photos for us to include in the blog (Optional) Please, don’t forget to attach a photo of yourself with your child/ren so we can give you the credit)

All information given above will be used in a blog at http://jetsettingbabies.blogspot.com if you do not wish this information to be published on this site do not fill in the field.

Want to see an example of how your contribution might look on our blog visit:

Review #14 - Suzy Wongs House of Yum, Nashville Tennessee

We can't wait to hear from you!

Love The Yummy Mummies & The Jetsetting Babies

xxx