Review

I Spy with My Little Eye; is a game that has been used by parents for generations and while it can help wile away the hours on a long car trip or entertain a testy toddler in a doctor’s surgery, it is also a great reminder to us as parents to think about our children’s ability to see clearly. It’s a startling fact is that 1 in 5 children have undetected eye problems and these can be nearly impossible to spot without an eye test.  Children are remarkably resilient and without the knowledge that they should be able to see any other way,they will cope in many other ways. Maybe they hold their book a little closer (or farther away) from their face thannormal, maybe they tilt their head when looking at the television or squint.  Theycould cover one eye when watching a movie on an ipad, or complain of headaches ordry eyes.  The fact is that there are so many subtle signs, that they are easy to miss.But the way not to miss them, is to get their eyes tested by a professionaloptometrist who can asses not only their vision but their overall eye health. At National Pharmacies Optical, they believe that all children should have the brightest outlook on life so they have now introduced FREE glasses for children 12 years and over with a family membership.  That means you can book an appointment at any of their 21 optical stores and your child can have an extensive eye exam and if they do detect a problem that can be corrected with glasses – thoseglasses and the lenses are completely free. So next time you’re asked to play eye spy as you’re driving down the road, consider how your child may be spying; the world and consider putting your mind at rest with a simple, no cost eye exam at National Pharmacies Optical. A Family Membership with National Pharmacies is a great way for all the family to receive more benefits, more often. In addition to free glasses for children under 12, there are also great benefits on skincare, fragrance and health items. Outside of the store, the MemberPlus program gives you access to activities and offers from great South Australian companies. There are 21 Optical Stores Across SA, Book An Eye Test Today! NORTH  ModburyNorthpark SOUTH BlackwoodChristies BeachCumberland ParkGlenelgMarionVictor Harbor EAST AdelaideGlenungaMardenMt BarkerNewtonNorwood WEST FindonHenley BeachMile EndWest Lakes For more information or to become a member:2020by2020.com.au@nationalpharmacies Meaghan Coles Photography  KIDDO Feature in partnership with National Pharmacies

When you’re a parent there are kids shows that are barely tolerated and some that are truly loved. Sarah and Duck has always been a family favourite, so when we heard about the live show coming to town we were expecting good things. LIVE REVIEW – Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday When you’re a parent there are kids shows that are barely tolerated and some that are truly loved. Sarah and Duck has always been a family favourite, so when we heard about the live show coming to town we were expecting good things. The live show is beautifully and accurately adapted from the popular BAFTA award winning CBeebies animation, which airs on ABC Kids.A delightful cast of 5 puppeteers seamlessly appeared and disappeared out of your consciousness and embody the characters, script and storyline to a tea. The set design is colourful, creative, cleverly crafted and the ever changing set kept the audience engaged, from the opening song to the closing finale. The costumes voice-overs and characters are beautifully bought to life on stage in the spacious Dunston Play House, and are an accurate representation of the animation. Sarah, Duck and Narrator are joined on stage by what seems like the entire cast. The Ribbon Sisters, John, Cake, Flamingo, Scarf Lady, Bag and the Shallots all join in to throw, sweet old scarf lady a ’Big Top Soiree Birthday Doo”, which sees them all come together with their own party tricks that range from tightrope walking to a spectacular Duck cannonball. There was plenty of dry sarcasm for the parents and a few adorable bum wiggles, bubbles and audience participation for the kids. If you love the animation the “Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Live Show” is a must see and is equally as enjoyable for little people and big people!***** QUACKS Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival CentreUntil 20 Jan 2019Duration 60 minsTickets: $24.90 – $29.90adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

REVIEW: Sir Scallywag & the Golden Underpants: Family Concert If ever I was going to be enticed into accompanying my two six-year-old children to an afternoon with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, it would be when there are bum jokes involved. I’m sorry, but that’s just how we roll. A rainy afternoon in June was the perfect opportunity to go on a whimsical adventure with composer/presenter Paul Rissman and the ASO, as a part of the 2018 Festival of Learning. Based on the book Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants by Giles Andreae and Korky Paul, the interactive storytelling experience with accompanying music and projected images, told the story of the bravest Knight in the kingdom, six-year-old Sir Scallywag. Courageous young Scallywag was tasked to outwit a wicked giant who had stolen the King’s underpants, which just happened to be made of solid gold; all within the respectable time limitation set by a benevolent King, of one single, solitary hour. Internationally acclaimed Paul Rissmann, accompanied by vocalist Rachel Bruerville, was the perfect storyteller; engaging and witty, he had the children in the palm of his hand. There were wide eyes and cheeky grins dotted throughout the packed Grainger Studio, with children of all ages enthralled by the story and completely enraptured by the accompanying music from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Naturally, a peel of guffaws echoed through the room each and every time the word “bottom” was used! At the conclusion of the show, many of the musicians from the Orchestra took the time to meet with children and show them their instruments, at which point I learnt the hard way that saying “that’s a good-looking oboe” sounds really dirty when I say it. [Will I never learn??] This was definitely a worthy introduction to an orchestral performance for the kids and the overarching message of the story, that being small never stopped anyone from being courageous and clever, well received by adults and children alike. Paul Rissmann – Composer & PresenterGraham Abbott – ConductorRachel Bruerville – Vocalist @the_aso @eeniemeeniemineymum

Supremely Sleek Wheels Mum of 3, Vy, is the perfect candidate to review Volvo’s premium XC60 T5. With little ones who love playing sport, she knows what to look for in a family car. Her top priorities are safety, spaciousness and design. Vy heard that the Volvo XC60 SUV won Wheels Magazine’s ‘Car of The Year’ for 2018 so she wanted to judge for herself. Find out what Vy thought about Volvo’s award winning SUV after she took it for a test drive with the family for the weekend! VOLVO XC60 T5 Inscription in Pine Grey SAFETY: The new XC60 is claimed to be not only the safest Volvo ever, but perhaps the safest car on sale today. We were amazed that Volvo has developed a collision avoidance system that allows the XC60 to steer itself away from oncoming traffic, should you drift onto the wrong side of the road. That’s even on top of a City Safety system that can detect and brake for pedestrians and animals. FEEL: Acceleration is quick, smooth and crisp, which makes overtaking a breeze and an easy drive with sleeping kids in the back. I also noticed that when Comfort mode was selected, the steering became almost as light as a feather. As well as a luxurious heating system, the leather seats also have a cooling function. That made driving home from the beach even more refreshing! DESIGN: The spacious electric boot holds 505 litres worth of goods. We managed to fit the kid’s bikes and all of our tennis gear in. One of my favourite functions was the park assist pilot. Almost effortlessly the car reverse paralleled by itself! We were lost for words, while we watched the XC60 perform this action from a Birdseye view on the touchscreen, 9-inch high-resolution centre display. OVERALL VERDICT: The XC60 T5 Inscription wins my vote. The car is beautifully crafted and the Scandinavian design goes hand in hand with the most intelligently designed car I’ve ever driven. Safety is crucial to me. Volvo’s safety systems made me feel utterly at ease whilst driving. I love the fact that the car has collision avoidance technology between 50-100km/h.On top of all of its practical features, the Inscription model is super luxurious and sophisticated. I would choose this model as opposed to other sports options. A wonderful car deserving of its Car of the Year 2018 Award! 10 Family Friendly Features ANCAP SAFETY RATING 5 COLLISION AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY PARK ASSIST – REAR AND FRONT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) KEYLESS ENTRY 360° CAMERA BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING – FOUR-ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION 12.3’’ DIGITAL DRIVER DISPLAY To test drive or to find out more information about The Volvo XC60 contact Solitaire Volvo (08) 7007 022546-52 GLEN OSMOND ROAD,PARKSIDE SA 5063 SOLITAIREVOLVO.COM.AU Photography by Meaghan Coles 

A Playful Patch Take a quick drive up the freeway to the beautiful leafy suburb of Stirling and you’ll find Patch Kitchen & Garden. Its owner, Ben Barnett first laid eyes on the site in 2013. “I was looking for something that suited what I liked, which was quality food and a place I could come with or without my child, and if I did come with my child there was something that could help me entertain him,” he says. With good quality, wholesome food at the forefront, Ben set out to open a café with all that and more by welcoming our little people with open arms. Patch is by no means a ‘play cafe’, but it definitely goes above and beyond to cater for kids.“The idea is it’s for adults, it just happens to have a whole lot of amazing stuff to help you entertain your kids,” Ben says. There is a whole front room of chalk boards, toys and books to keep little hands busy. In the back garden is where the real fun happens, with a veggie patch, chicken coop, and a fenced off play space with a huge cubby house and sand pit, for all the running, jumping, playing and climbing our little ones can muster. During the school holidays, Patch upped the entertainment with a Summer Kids Club, and that return for term holidays so keep a watch on its Facebook page for updates. The program hosted children of all ages in engaging activities of arts, crafts and yoga. Parents can then enjoy a coffee and a meal catching up with friends in the café or garden. “It’s an hour and a half of you time really for parents,” Ben says. The food at Patch is definitely another big draw card. The seasonal menu focuses on healthy options mixed in with our favourite treats. In 2016 Patch won the inaugural ‘Premier’s Commendation Award for Healthy Choices for Kids’, so no need to worry about what to feed the little ones here. The produce is always fresh, seasonal and local, the staff even make use of the herbs and vegetables grown in their very own garden. Patch also caters for gluten free, vegan and allergy friendly options. Patch really is a place for everyone. If you find yourself with a few hours without the kids, bring your laptop and your to do list, and enjoy a decent cup of coffee and some peace and quiet in the front room. Or grab your girlfriends and share a bottle of local Adelaide Hills wine. Patch even has you sorted for a romantic night out with your partner with ‘dinners after dark’ every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Patch also uses its space to host a range of events like a petanque and paella night out in the garden, Sunday afternoon gourmet barbeques, and wine-tasting dinners. You can even host your own functions and events at Patch, from birthday parties of all ages, christenings, to corporate lunches. Photography by nicklawrencephoto.com  @patchkitchenandgardenwww.patchkitchen.com.auwww.facebook.com/patchkitchenandgarden 8339 8087143 Mt Barker Rd, StirlingMonday, Wednesday to Sunday 8:30 am to 3 pm | Thursday to Saturday from 6 pm