Wishing all of you a very happy Christmas and a very blessed New Year!
May you shine and sparkle in all you do!
Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are Back!
Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are Back For a Limited Time, Includes a New Timon and Pumbaa Bonus Feature
Available March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital.
Synopsis:
The king of animated films reigns in this final chapter of The Lion King trilogy, now breathtakingly beautiful for the first time in a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack! Experience the power of “Upendi”—which means “love”—as Kiara, Simba’s strong-willed daughter, seeks adventure away from her father’s watchful gaze. Timon and Pumbaa can do only so much to protect her, especially when she encounters an intriguing rival, Kovu, a cub who is being groomed to lead Scar’s pride.
As Kiara and Kovu search for their proper places in the great “Circle Of Life,” they discover that it may be their destiny to reunite their prides andbring peace to the Pride Lands.
Featuring the original all-star voice cast, breathtaking animation and enchanting songs, Kiara and Kovu’s adventure thrills audiences of all ages as the glorious “Circle Of Life” continues for a new generation.
Suggested Retail Prices:
2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99
Winners! Winners!
Zonderkidz - Bree Janke
Littlest Angel DVD- Maria
Chloe's closet DVD
Crayola - angela m
ebags - Alison O'Sullivan
Emailing you right away! Please reply asap so that your prize can be shipped at the earliest. Hope you are all busy and excited about the holidays!
I am so excited and trying not to get absorbed too much into gifts and food so that I can take the time to really thank God for sending His son to be born in this world. It is the reason for the season.
Let's keep the joyful spirit alive not just during Christmas but all through the year!
Christmas Gift Guide: Hasbro's Easy Bake Ultimate Oven
Product Features
- No more light bulbs needed! Use the included mixes, pans and other goodies to whip up cake and cookie batter.
- Follow the directions to bake them inside the oven. The included recipe booklet has even more yummy ideas
- The included recipe booklet has even more yummy ideas and recipes that are just the icing on the cake!
- The classic oven has been updated to be light bulb-free and comes with yummy mixes and pans for cooking up all kinds of sweet treats!
- Comes with baking pan, cupcake pan, pan pusher, chocolate chip cookie mix, red velvet cake mix, pink frosting mix, rainbow sugar crystals package, paper cupcake wraps and recipe booklet.
I bake with my son often and he enjoys stirring, decorating and relishes his treats when they are done. So I wanted to try this Easy Bake Ultimate Oven with him as it was kind of cute and looks like a fun oven.
When it arrived, he saw the pink box and dropped his most favorite phrase - "Oh, this is for girls. See this is pink, boys do not play with pink". Arrgghhhhh. I have heard more than enough of his anti-pink statements that he picked up from daycare from his friends. He picks the pink marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal and hands them over to me " Mommy, you eat all the pink". Dude, it is OK. Pink or green oven - they bake the same stuff. Nothing would convince him.Hasbro, can you please come up with a different coloured Easy Bake Ultimate oven so that little boys can bake too? And some fun car shaped cookie moulds would be a great addition too.
I told him that I was going to bake some chocolate cupcakes, chocolate cookies and .."WHAT?" he interrupted "What did you say mommy? Chocolate ?"
"Ahemmm. Chocolate. They are going to look and taste yummy in my tummy.And I am going to eat ALL of them."
By now, he was so tense that he wasn't going to get any of the treats! LOL. "But, it is not good for your health. You have to SHARE with me. Mommies have to share the cookies with children".
Alright."Do you want to help me?" "OK". He sounded convinced. Oh, the magic that chocolate can do.
We baked some treats and it was a fun experience to bake in a little colourful oven.The treats are fairly small sized and not really meant to fill a hungry stomach.It takes a little while to enjoy the baked goodies given the time and what you get at the end of it. The mixes that come with it are tasty but if you can mix a tiny batch of ingredients by yourself, that would work too. This oven doesn't open in the front like a real oven. It is a bit different. You use the opening provided at the sides. The Easy Bake Oven is more of a toy oven and if you want to spend some time with your kids, this will help!
Online availability seems hard and prices are unreasonable. So check out your local Walmart, Zellers or Toys R Us for the best deal.
Disclaimer: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation
was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.
Winners of giveaway ended on 12/15!
Congratulations winners!
Free Spirit Book Set - Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
Libre Tea Mug - Maegan Morin
Patch Products - Michelle Bainbridge
Ozeri Kitchen Scale - Anne-Marie T
Turon Wheels - Karla Sceviour
August Wendell - Tasha W
Zonderkidz Book - Tara Elias
Heelys - Amy C
YBike Extreme -Tirza @ Canadian Mommy Giveaways
Emailing you now!
Great Christmas gifts from Zonderkidz! ( R+G) 12/21 ( US/CAN)
Find it on Amazon.ca for $14.46.
Inspired by Meyer's adult book, The Power of Simple Prayer, EVERY WHICH WAY TO PRAY is set against the colorful backdrop of Everyday Zoo, home to a comical cast of animal characters who interact and explore life lessons together in their fun-filled community.
With the help of a quirky pelican named Pouch, the zoo's sheepish librarian, Miss Bimble, and Sarge, a bear police officer, the Hippo children and readers discover that prayer is simply talking to God as a friend. And, it should be the easiest thing we do each day.
I have been blessed with many of Joyce Meyer's books and was so excited to read this to my son. At first I thought maybe at 3.5 yrs old, he won't get the message that there is no one way to pray. I use no prayer books and encourage him to tell God what's on his heart. But he was very attracted to the pictures in the book and asked me to read it to him often.
We were out for a walk one day and he peeped from his stroller and asked, "Mommy, can I pray now?" . I said "Of course, baby, you can." I was definitely curious to hear what he would pray about as this was quite a strange question from him when we were on the road. This is how it went " Jesus, please dry the milk I spilt on the chair I ate my oatmeal". OK! "See mommy, I prayed here on the road, in my stroller". I had no idea about the milk spilling act..LOL. As soon as we got home, which was around 5 hrs later, he went to check the cushion where he has spilled his milk. "Look mommy, Jesus dried it! He DID it!"
Thanks Joyce, your book has made my son believe in prayer at such a young age!
If you want to teach your child about praying, get this book! If my son can understand the message and apply it in his life, older children will absorb more details from this book.
Synopsis:
The Beginner’s Bible Book of Prayers is a great way to teach preschool age children to pray while introducing them to Scripture. Each prayer is accompanied by a suggested Bible verse to read and a character from the Bible with whom they can relate.
The Beginner’s Bible Book of Prayers is a great way to teach preschool age children to pray while introducing them to Scripture. Each prayer is accompanied by a suggested Bible verse to read and a character from the Bible with whom they can relate.
This is a very simple way to relate to scriptures and prayer. It is a nice board book and very colorful! Simple in words and illustrations, when read repeatedly children will understand how the stories relate to the scripture. We have been just reading the stories and relating it with the pictures. Enjoyable in many ways!
Thanks to Zonderkidz, one lucky reader will have the chance to win a copy of the above 2 books!
Christmas Gift Guide extended till 12/15!
I am pleased to announce that I am extending the Christmas Gift Guide event till Dec 15, 2011! I have more reviews / giveaways to publish and the giveaways for the Christmas Gift Guide will end on Dec 15 or 18, 2011. Winners will be able to receive their prizes just on time before Christmas.
Enjoy the giveaway ride!
Walt Disney Studios SWITCHED AT BIRTH: VOLUME 1 on DVD! ( R+G) 12/ 27 ( US/CAN)
From the studio that brought you “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” comes a groundbreaking new drama about the upheaval that two teen girls experience when they discover that they were accidentally switched at birth.
Bay Kennish (Marano), a talented graffiti artist with an edgy streak, grew up in a wealthy family with happily married parents and an older brother. Daphne Vasquez (Leclerc), an athletic teenager who lost her hearing at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. When the girls’ worlds collide, family bonds are tested, new romances are sparked, and they start to learn that it’s who they are inside that matters, not where they grew up. Relive the girls’ journey and catch up before the premiere with
“Switched At Birth: Volume 1.” Including all 10 episodes plus exclusive collectible iPod skins, this two-disc set is a must-own for every fan!
This was a great treat for us as we do not watch a lot of television at home. But when we get to watch series like these that are so close to reality, we get glued to the screen. We watched it continuously through the weekend as each episode gets only more thrilling with new twists and turns.
This was a fresh perspective on something that is more likely to happen as a mistake. It made me think "What if I had been switched at birth?!" But wait, I do resemble my parents a lot. Bay Kennish always thought she was so different from her parents and she knew something was not right. It starts with a blood test and the story progresses interestingly from there on. The best part of this was the whole story is so natural and the decisions the families make are so close to what would happen in reality. It was almost like a real life story.Can't wait to see what happens next!
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 USD & $27.49 CAD
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios, one lucky reader will have the chance to win a copy of “Switched At Birth: Volume 1.”
PBS Kids Dinosaur Train: T-Rex Tales on DVD!
Kids can learn fun and fascinating new facts about the dinosaurs while traveling through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. “Dinosaur Train” embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills. Perfectly timed to the holiday gift-giving season, the DINOSAUR TRAIN: T-REX TALES DVD includes a bonus holiday episode, interactive games, coloring pages, Dr. Scott’s Segments and a reference guide for parents.
Since I introduced my son to Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family, he is so fascinated with dinosaurs. You can only imagine how excited he was to watch these adorable characters come to life on screen. High quality video and sound make it an excellent choice for the whole family to watch. This is a great theme for preschoolers to watch and know about. Learning the names of the dinosaurs has been a good exercise for the tongue! He even asked why dinosaurs have such long names? Now that's a good question!
Runtime: Approximately 115 minutes
SRP: $12.99 U.S.; $13.99 Canada
SRP: $12.99 U.S.; $13.99 Canada
Disclaimer: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.
Christmas favorites from Hallmark ( R+G) 12/20 ( CAN)
I "heart" greeting cards. The cute ones, simple ones, musical ones, blank ones, big and small. I have liked some cards so much that I did not give them to anybody. I collect them sometimes! I would go crazy like a kid in a candy shop when I go to a Hallmark store - they have it all. They are the best.
Hallmark doesn't stop with just nice, pretty cards. They have stuff that will make my son want it all!
Like this Interactive Storybook that we got last year. He loved it so much that he wanted to take it to the ER with him when he was sick. Along came Jingle and the book and we had a little time reading with our interactive friend Jingle, until an explosion of , lets just say "stuff" came out of my son's mouth and landed all on poor Jingle. Unfortunately Jingle could not come home with us that day and he has been missed much!
But Jingle the Husky Pup and his really sweet storybook is back this Christmas! For a valued price of $29.95, you can get this adorable pup who is ready to bark and interact when you read to him. Best buddy ever for my son!
After our experience with Jingle - the interactive buddy, my son has started to like books that interact with him. With the recordable storybook, he has been having fun and his love for reading is brimming over! You can save $10 when you buy any of the above books before Dec 24, 2011. It will be a great gift for children.
OMG, this has been so much of fun! This mike can sound normal and at the press of the button it can make your voice sound like an elf! It comes with lyrics and pre recorded instrumental so you can sing along. This is great to take to an Christmas party and get everyone singing with you.That's the spirit of Christmas! for $14.95, this Merry-Okee is loads of fun!
This is no ordinary hat! It is the Rockin' Talkin Santa Hat! At the press of a button, the hanging part of the hat dances and can put everyone in a holiday mood. I LOVE it! Recently I photographed a toddler and wore this hat while I took pictures and he gazed at the hat and laughed so hard! Great pictures with beautiful smiles. It is a great tool for a photographer to keep the attention of a child. Retails for $19.95 ( usually $24.95)
This sweet bear can not only record a message but is all set to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill children. A portion of the proceeds will support Make-A-Wish- Canada, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill children. It retails for $24.95. My son is sending an adorable message for his favorite baby in church and Make-A-Wish Recordable Bear is going to deliver it!
Wayne Gretsky Keepsake Ornament - $24.99. A great gift for hockey fans! Although a bit pricey for an ornament, a hockey lover will treasure it more than me.
Hallmark has great stuff for the season and do not forget their cards collection for your loved ones. I am thrilled with the variety Hallmark has to offer and it would be wonderful if Hallmark had an online store so that I can shop from home sometimes too.
Now on to the favorite part..GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Hallmark, one lucky Canadian reader will have the chance to win the Rockin' Talkin Santa Hat.
Just leave a comment on your favorite Hallmark product! Browse their website here: Hallmark
Do not forget to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.
Do not forget to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.
Disclaimer: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.
Christmas Gift Guide: Crayola Dry Erase Books ( R+G) 12/18 ( CAN only)
The Crayola Dry Erase Explore Numbers & Counting Activity Tablet makes learning an absolute galaxy of fun! Youngsters will love exploring outer space as they learn to write numbers from 0 to 20. The entertaining activities help kindergarten-age students develop important hand-eye coordination, motor skills and creative thinking while fostering early math skills. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
This set aimed at children who are just learning to write can be a source of lot of fun and learning. It comes with a set of dry erase markers and a small easy erase cloth.
The presentation of the numbers and the way to write them is well illustrated with arrows. It will help children to know where to start and where to make a turn. There are also pictures with dots for connection and as a kid, I used to love connection dots!
My son is too young to be interested in this as he is just learning his alphabets and sight words. But it will be a great stocking stuffer for kindergarten children!
It retails for CAD 5.28.
Thanks to Crayola, one lucky Canadian reader will have the chance to win a Crayola Glow Book !
Christmas Gift Guide: La Vie en Rose 12/18 ( R + $50 GC Giveaway) ( CAN only)
Let's go to La Vie en Rose...
As the holiday season gets closer, I find myself checking off gifts for my loved ones. Now, some time to pamper myself! La Vie en Rose sent me a set of soft and warm pyjamas that has made me feel all snuggly this cold, cold season. Just what I need!
It is a flannel pyjama set that provides ample warmth and it is such a delight to sleep in! Even better is to stay in them all day and laze around home with a book and a hot cup of cocoa.
And, don't worry if you have been naughty this year..La Vie En Rose has some nice gifts for you too!
Remember to stop by La Vie en Rose to grab some of the cutest pyjamas in fun colors while they are on sale.
When you buy this Pj Set for $34.95,
you can buy another Pj Set for 50% of $34.95.
These will make great gifts for girl friends and I know my mom will love these too.
Thanks to La Vie en Rose, one lucky Canadian reader will have the chance to win a $50 GC to spend at La Vie en Rose.
Christmas Gift Guide: TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS PLAYSKOOL HEROES Fire Station Prime
Disaster strikes and FIRE STATION PRIME springs into action! The RESCUE BOTS roll out ready for any rescue adventure that may come their way. The station’s super-advanced computer allows OPTIMUS PRIME to command the RESCUE BOTS from the farthest reaches of the galaxy!
My son has been into fire trucks, firemen, ambulance or anything related to an emergency and trying to save. Of late he has also been talking a lot of something called "octamus". For long, I thought it was some imaginary toy that he and his friends from daycare invented for themselves. Seems like mommy needs some lessons on toy characters to keep up with my little man..
When I received this Transformers Rescue Bots PLAYSKOOL Heroes Fire Station Prime, I realized who "octamus" was! It was OPTIMUS..duuh! me! This is such a perfect combination of fun for someone like my little boy who is into fire trucks and also fascinated with robots like Transformers.
I secretly reviewed it (sshhh... it was fun too!) as this one is going under the tree for Christmas morning! I know his eyes are going to be brighter than the lights on the tree when he sees this.
This toy is designed for 3 yrs and up who will love the two-in one feature of fire-station and OPTIMUS Prime, in one toy! The fire engine when viewed at the bottom has a transformers robot figure. CODY BURNS easily slides down to handle an emergency. The lights and sounds are a bonus point - which kid doesn't love this feature?! The play set can easily be closed and stored away. There is also a handle for carrying it.LOVE the colors as it looks like a fire station and also suits the personality of the robots.
It has a storybook too which I know my son is going to love! It comes with batteries for the action to start instantly. Mommy thinks this a dream toy for a 3 yr old! All his wildest dreams in a package :)
Disclaimer: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.
Christmas Gift Guide: eBags (R+G) 12/18 (US/CAN)
Packing Cubes - 3pc Set- $23.99
Product Features:
- Corded double zipper pulls make opening/closing simple and fast
- Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation
- Interior seams fully finished for durability
- Soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics
- Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
- Small cube dimensions: 11" x 6.75" x 3"
- Medium cube dimensions: 13.75" x 9.75" x 3"
- Large cube dimensions: 17.5" x 12.75" x 3.25"
Visiting a sunny destination during the cold winter is something we love doing. When you travel with a little one, you are left with very little space for yourself. I was quite thrilled when I got these packing cubes for review. Their uses are limitless. I can easily pack my son's clothes, toys separately with these cubes. All the used clothes can also be easily stored away in these cubes without getting them mixed with unused clothes.
I could pack 2 jeans in the biggest cube. How much can be stuffed also depends on the type of material. Cotton shirts/blouses can be neatly ironed and the biggest cube will take maybe 6 of them. The medium cube can be used to carry socks, ties and other small items. The smallest cube is best fit for toiletries or the little toys that your child wants to carry and keep them safe without loosing.
Undoubtedly, they are great for travel. They also come with a mesh covering and a handle, that makes it even more utile! So when they stay home, which they are for now I have put them into some use. They are storing socks for 3 different people who are always looking for socks everyday!
If you want your life more organized, you must give these packing cubes a try! Click here to see the other bright colors: http://bit.ly/vSjI8g
The Packing Cubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes from the three-piece featured here to another assorted three piece, only slimmer as well as three piece sets in one size (small, med, large). Click on the image for more colours and varieties.
Gift it!
If you have family or friends who love travel, these cubes will make a great Christmas gift. Know someone who will benefit from a little organizing? Let them have the gift of trying these packing cubes!
Win it!
If you have family or friends who love travel, these cubes will make a great Christmas gift. Know someone who will benefit from a little organizing? Let them have the gift of trying these packing cubes!
Win it!
Thanks to eBags, one lucky reader will have the chance to win Packing Cubes - 3pc Set, right here!
Winners of the giveaway ended of 12/4!
Leapfrog - Pam
Fiesta Hostess Set- Jodi Trudel
Uncommon Goods - Heather Avery
Kidorable - Erin Wilson
Congratulations! Will be emailing you soon-please check spam mail so that you do not miss my email.
Wintery Delight from NCircle: Chloe's Closet DVD ( R+G) 12/18 ( US/CAN)
Chloe’s Winter Wonderland
Meet Chloe, an adorable little girl with a great big imagination! Chloe discovers magical new worlds while playing dress-up. With each new costume she tries on, she goes on a fantastical journey with her best friends! Join them as they visit the land of ice and snow and embark on an anything-can-happen winter wonderland adventure!
Run Time: Approx. 35 minutes
SRP: $9.99 each
My son enjoyed this DVD as much as any girl would have. When I first saw it, I thought my boy would would hand it right back to me and say "Pink DVD is for girls". Anyways, I hid the cover and just played it and told him that we were going to watch a new DVD. "Who's that little girl?" he asked. "Her name is Chloe and she goes on magical adventures from her closet when she takes out different costumes and wears them". "Oooh, MAGICAL ?! " he exclaimed. He loved the stories especially the "Ice Skater".What better time than snow-clad winter to see how much fun you can have this cold season!
Great stocking stuffer for this Christmas!
One lucky reader will have the chance to win Chloe's Winter Wonderland DVD right here on my blog!