Saturday, April 28, 2012

Free Blogger Sign-Up Opp.

This is a blogger only opportunity!! 




Bloggers get to sign up their facebook page for free and then there is a low cost if you are looking at signing up any other link!

Click HERE to sign up!


Want a chance to #WIN $500??

Who doesn't want a chance to win $500.00??? Check out how you get a chance below!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for new giveaways? Look no further!!!




Looking for Giveaways that are for your Country?  I found a cool site that has giveaways that are worldwide and you can even find ones that are only open for your Country!  If you have not checked out Contest Chest, now you can!

Good Luck!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Green Friday- Simple ways to be GREENER one week at a time!!!

Since I have had kids I have to say I care A LOT more about the future then I did when I was younger!  Outside of my mommy/blogging world I have the privilege to work for a very GREEN company and I have learned so much thanks to them!

Paying it forward every week I am going to share some simple green tips that each of us can do to make the world a better place AND also save you some money in the long run!

Green around the home:

 When searching for your next computer search for a LCD flat screen monitor rather then a traditional CRT-  Why you may ask?  They use less energy!  Remember to recycle your old monitor!

Green around the office: 

Do you have plants in your home or office?  If the answer is no then get to shopping this weekend.  Did you know that plants can greatly increase the quality of indoor air; which means healthier environment for all!  Don't have money for new plants?  Why not trim off a part of a friends plant or family members existing one. You can add it to a glass of water and watch it sprout overtime.  Once it has sprouted enough you can then transport to dirt!

Green Everyday Living:

Almost everyone has a cell phone and we spend a lot of time talking, texting and playing games.  Why not make you time on your cell beneficial for all.  There is software out there for your cell phones that can help you track and reduce your carbon footprint.  Now isn't that rewarding?  Check out some of these apps here!

What do you do to make your world a little bit greener?

Come back next week for some more tips!







Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Winning Wednesday!- Be part of the Princess Revolution


Happy National Princess week!  

In celebration of this wonderful week and for all of those princesses out there I have a great giveaway for you!

On the weekend I told you that I would have an rocking CD giveaway for all of you Princess lovers out there and that time has come.

Be sure to check out my post about Moey's Music Party.  The Princess Revolution CD is one that you will need to buy for all of those little princesses in your life.  My girls and I adore it and love dancing around the house to it! 

Be sure to head on over to Moey's Music Party's website and check out all their CD's and enter below for your chance to win a copy of their latest CD Princess Revolution!




Throwback Thursday Tune-Wow these are 20 years old!

Man do the years fly by!  Check out some of these hits from 1992! Wow hard to believe these songs are 20 years old. Some I love...some I wonder why I did back then.  :-)


Did you have a favorite song in 1992?? Check out some top songs 20 years ago!



Sunday, April 22, 2012

Be part of the Princess Revolution!






Okay, Can I say I absolutely ADORE being a mom to two wonderful princesses!!  I was never really a girly, girl...Well, to be honest I am not now either.  However, having two little girls that are princess obsessed this had me be a Princess in training with them.  I just wish that when I was the age my girls are I had someone as cool and fun as Moey!  I remember when growing up if someone called you a princess, it was not a good thing.  Though I do find today's princesses are different and so is the word itself. This is all thanks to artists like Melissa Levis aka the lead singer of Moey's Music Party.

Moey's Music Party is a NYC based award-winning children's entertainer and will be releasing their new 15-track CD, Princess Revolution.  You can get your own copy starting on April 24th during the first National Princess Week.  The CD is available for SRP $13.98 for CD and $9.99 for download.

"Princess Revolution! is a girl-power concept album that celebrates the exuberant, can-do spirit inherent in all girls. It builds on the success of Moey’s Music Party’s CD/DVD 2011 release, Happily Ever Moey! A Fairy Tale Lark in Central Park (winner of Parents' Choice, NAPPA, Kids First, and Creative Child awards, and named a Top 10 product at Toy Fair 2012).  Princess Revolution! includes modern musical re-tellings of classic fairy tales, such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “Snow White.”  The original songs promote confidence, leadership, and joyful self-expression. "

I have to say at the first listen my girls adored the CD.  The case caught their eyes right away and it went straight on.  Really anything that is adorable and pink like this CD case will be loved by any girl under age 8.  Honestly, I am WAY over that age and I loved it as well.  Then you will not believe the songs when you hear them.  They are not your traditional princess songs in anyway.  They are fun, feminine and empowering!  They definitely can make you proud to be a princess!  I do not want to give that much away as I truly believe all princesses should get a CD like this for their own!  I really do love the lyrics in Moey's songs!

Head on over and get yourself the CD for the princess in your life and you can even get a FREE download of one of Moey's great songs at CDBaby.

Do not forget that the CD will be available on April 24th for you to purchase and be sure to stop by my blog again on April 25th for Winning Wednesday.  In honor of National Princess Week one lucky reader will get the chance to enter to win their own copy of Princess Revolution.



IT’S TIME FOR FUN WITH DISNEY JUNIOR’S NEW SERIES TICKETY TOC





Disney Junior is celebrating the new animated adventure-filled series Tickety Toc with a special weeklong marathon from April 23-27 with premiere episodes airing daily at 5:30 p.m. ET.



Taking place in an old clock shop, the series follows twins Tommy and Tallulah and their remarkable friends as they learn to work together to keep the Tickety Toc Clock chiming each hour. The group lives within the clock in an extraordinary wooden world where it’s always a challenge to ensure things run smoothly.



The episodes featured in this week’s premiere marathon include:

·         Monday, April 23: “Bake a Cake Time”
When Madame Au Lait is called away, Tommy and Tallulah try to bake a cake themselves. They don’t follow the recipe and rush to get the cake under control before Chime Time.

·         Tuesday, April 24: “Help a Friend Time”
Tommy and Tallulah are determined to help as many friends as they can before Chime Time. When they don’t take the time to listen to their friends needs before helping them, they cause a whole heap of trouble.

·         Wednesday, April 25: “Jammy Sandwich Time”
Madame Au Lait is cleaning the clockhouse, so Tommy and Tallulah eat their jammy sandwiches in their room. When some jam is spilt on a blanket, Tommy and Tallulah try to clean it without telling Madame Au Lait.

·         Thursday, April 26: “Flying Time”
Tommy and Tallulah try to help Chikidee fly around town on a giant paper airplane. The group gets sidetracked and rush to make it back for Chime Time.

·         Friday, April 27: “Fruity Trifle Time”
Madame Au Lait wants to make the twins’ famous Fruity Trifle, so Tommy and Tallulah take over some of her chores in the mean time. Using too much polish on the floors of the clockhouse makes for a challenge to get upstairs for Chime Time.



To get better acquainted with Tommy, Tallulah and the rest of the characters from Tickety Toc in advance of the premiere, please visit press.astral.com/disneyjunior for series information and DisneyJunior.ca for fun activities. Select episodes from Tickety Toc’s premiere week will be available on Disney Junior OnDemand beginning Friday, April 27.



Tickety Toc will air in its regular time slot, weekends at noon and 5:30 p.m. ET, starting Saturday, April 28.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

FAMILY IS ON THE CASE WITH A WHODUNIT? NIGHT OF PREMIERES ON APRIL 27


My kids and I love watching Family Channel.  It was a hit when I was younger and it still is currently.  It is a great place to go an watch age appropriate television and not have to worry about what your children witll see.  On Friday, April 27 beginning at 5 p.m. ET/PT. Featuring new episodes of hit series including Jessie, Shake It Up, Austin & Ally and A.N.T. Farm, the mystery-themed line-up will have everyone asking one question: Whodunit? 



It kicks off at 5 p.m. ET/PT with a puzzling episode of Phineas and Ferb. When Candace’s treasured Mary McGuffin doll gets inadvertently sold in a family garage sale, Phineas and Ferb set out to help track it down.



At 5:30 p.m. ET/PT, Family presents a new episode of Austin & Ally. In “Burglaries & Boobytraps,” Ally and Trish come up with a plan to catch the culprit burglarizing stores in the local mall. When the evidence points to Austin, they’re forced to confront both him and Dez.



The investigation is underway when Gabe and PJ mistakenly believe that Mrs. Dabney has killed her husband in a mysterious episode of Good Luck Charlie at 6 p.m. ET/PT.



The mysteries continue at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on Shake It Up with the new episode, “Whodunit Up.” Cece, Rocky, Gunther and Tinka work together to unmask the phantom threatening to shut down “Shake It Up, Chicago!”





In a new episode of Jessie, titled “Glue Dunnit?” at 7 p.m. ET/PT, Jessie is tasked with ungluing Mrs. Chesterfield’s hands from her head while Ravi must uncover who switched Mrs. Chesterfield’s hair gel with glue.


At 8 p.m. ET/PT, it’s time to examine the evidence in A.N.T. Farm’s newest episode, “body of evidANTs.” Olive discovers that her pet robot is no longer functioning and has suspicious screwdriver scratch marks on its back. When a screwdriver is found in Chyna’s locker, Chyna suspects she has been framed and vows to find the real culprit.



Viewers seeking more intrigue can tune into Disney XD on Saturday, April 28 where the Whodunit? marathon continues at 5 p.m. ET with new episodes of Lab Rats and Fish Hooks.

If your looking for some great after dinner entertainment then be sure to check out Family Channel and grab some popcorn and have a great evening in with your children!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday #50Bookpledge style

What are you reading?

Winning Wednesday!! Viking Sandal Giveaway Tour #Canada

One lucky Canadian is going to win themselves a pair Viking sandals (the value is $64.99).









 The shoes are totally adorable!  If you have not had a chance be sure to head on over to their website and check out all of their fun and fresh sandal designs!  Your feet will definitely thank you and ask what they have done to be treated so well!! The great news is you could be the lucky one their own pair of shoes.  Be sure to check out the details below and enter.




 Open to Canada only, excluding Quebec. Contest closes on April 23rd at 12:01am.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Eggplant Parmesan

Like many other people when a new year comes along I say this will be the year that I eat better and try to loose those extra pounds.  Then it seems warmer weather comes and I really kick my butt into gear.  As reality sinks in it is going to be short and tank-top weather soon!

I have been trying out the 17 Day Diet and I have had to introduce a lot of new variety of foods into our supper table and Eggplant has been one of the new foods I have been cooking.  Yes, I have had Eggplant before, but I have never really known how to cook it.  My kids love cheese and I thought this would be a great recipe to try.  I made mine a little different and it looked more like french fries, but honestly no matter how you prepare it still tastes awesome.  Even my kids and husband liked it!

Be sure to check out the 17 Day Diet Recipes online or in your 17 Day Diet book!




Eggplant Parmesan

1 large eggplant, peeled
4 egg whites
Fat-free Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder, to taste
1 cup of low-carb marinara sauce


Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut into ¼ inch slices. In a shallow dish, beat egg whites and 4 tablespoons of water until foamy. Dip eggplant slices into egg whites, then into fat-free Parmesan cheese, pressing cheese into eggplant. Place eggplant on prepared baking sheet that has been sprayed with vegetable spray and sprinkle with garlic powder. Spray vegetable cooking spray over eggplant slices. Back 30 minutes at 400 degrees, turning eggplant over after 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with 1 cup of low-carb marinara sauce. Bake for 20 minutes, or until eggplant is piping hot and sauce is bubbly. Makes 2 large servings.

Enjoy!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Take advantage of this FREE Mystery Thriller!

If your a book reader and looking for a new book to dive into this weekend, be sure to check out this free offer that is only good through this Friday, lucky April the 13th.

Source: Amazon.com
 "Enzo Lee, 37, a burned out reporter, has forsaken investigative reporting on the East Coast to churn out feature fluff in San Francisco. He likes his North Beach apartment, steps away from his Chinatown roots. Running, tai chi, great food, women who are attracted to his exotic looks. Life is good. Then, Lee is ordered to cover the unexplained deaths of a local judge and prosecutor. Intrigued by the connection, and the judge’s attractive niece, Sarah Armstrong, Lee begins to uncover a bioterrorism scandal whose perpetrators - including government officials and Silicon Valley titans - will kill to conceal. When Lee and Sarah become targets, the question becomes whether the pair can evade their hunters and piece together the story before their time runs out. Project Moses is set in San Francisco, New York and Silicon Valley. By a Pulitzer Prize-winnng author."

All you need to do to get your free book is, just go to the Project Moses smashwords page via the link below,select the type of ebook download you want, and insert the coupon code to discount the price 100%!!!


http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/125947

Code: TS77J 

Happy Reading!


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

After the Minestrone soup I made was such a hit I had to try one of my go to soups in the Slow Cooker as well.  I make chicken soup quite a bit in our house.  I am always trying new recipes, but it is always from scratch with the chicken bones.  I have to say I loved having the option to still make it homemade, but omit the whole cooking of the bones.  I have to say that is my least favourite part of making the soup.  Having small children I worry that I'll miss a bone and they will swallow it.  No, this has never happened to myself or anyone I know, but I am a mom and thats what we do...worry.  I personally decided to leave out the noodles as the last time I made the Minestrone soup I knew I would have quite a bit of leftovers.  I had found the noodles had absorbed so much of the broth once stored so I wanted to ensure I would have as much broth as possible!  The soup was another hit in our house and I will definitely be trying this again!



Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 in cubes1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped 
5 cups water
1 Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Starter
1 cup uncooked medium egg noodles (optional)

In skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and then add chicken and cook until brown.  Then the chicken can be placed into the slow cooker and add vegetables as chopped.  Combine the seasoning mix with water and one mixed well add to slow cooker.  Stir all of the ingredients together.  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.  If adding the noodles then can be added at the end of the above cooking time and cook for 10 minutes more on High until noodles are tender.



Enjoy!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Save on a UK Cottage Holiday


The days are getting longer now, and every so often there is a faint glimmer of warm sun. If you’re anything like me then this is starting to put you in a summer type of mood, and what does summer mean? Holidays! If you haven’t started planning for family summer holiday then why not consider taking a cottage holiday in the UK? Too expensive you say? Let me give you some tips to make a UK holiday affordable.

Flights are one of the biggest costs on a family holiday, but there are some ways to save on airfare. Try to be flexible with the dates that you wish to travel – changing your departure and arrival by just one day can sometimes make a huge difference in cost. Also, consider flying mid week as this tends to be less expensive then the popular weekend days. One final tip is to consider a charter company, like A Canadian Affair or Thomas Cook. Though you may not get all of the modern conveniences in the cabin with a charter, like seat back screens and gourmet meals, you will make savings and you can always bring a few sandwiches along!

The next biggest cost to you will be accommodation. Don’t be fooled into thinking that hotels are the only way to go. A popular holiday accommodation option in the UK is to rent a self catering holiday cottage, which is both economical and great for families. With a holiday cottage you will get more space than any hotel room could offer, and you’ll be able to make your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen. To make even more savings you can look for last minute cottages online, like www.sykescottages.co.uk. Here you’ll find a great range of holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland all at reasonable prices.

One last way to make some savings on your holiday is to book activities in advance online. Lots of attractions offer great discounts for doing nothing more than reserving your tickets online, and this also often lets you bypass the long ticket line-up. It’s a win, win really! Just do some research in advance and check out the websites, you never know what savings you’ll find!


Photo attribution: http://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cornwall-Tintagel/Coachmans-982.html

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Winning Wednesday! Chimpanzee Tickets for GTA, Vancouver and Calgary


With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, when we truly slow down and enjoy the natural treasures around us you realize how fortunate and blessed we are to live among many of Earth's true beauties.  We may not be able to afford to visit all of these wonders in the world, but we can afford to go to the theaters with the ones that we love.  This is where technology brings Earth's wonders to us and we get to come together as a community.

On April 20th, just in time for Earth Day, Disneynature is taking moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with the release of CHIMPANZEE, a new true-life adventure that introduces us to the adorable young chimp named Oscar and his chimpanzee family.  Featuring Disneynature’s signature breathtaking, never-before-seen footage, CHIMPANZEE showcases the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.

Walt Disney Studios Canada has been gracious to all 3 of my fans to take their families to the movie. 

What is available to be won is:

1 family pass for 4 to see CHIMPANZEE for Toronto, 1 family pass for 4 for Vancouver and 1 family pass for 4 for Calgary.

Location and Showtimes:

TORONTO
Saturday, April 14th
10:00 am
SilverCity Yorkdale

CALGARY
Saturday, April 14th  
10:00 am
Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

VANCOUVER
Saturday, April 14th  
10:30 am
Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas

If you would like an opportunity to win a family pack for your city enter below!


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

New Wow Wow Wubbzy DVD in stores TODAY


If your looking at ideas for the Easter Baskets, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’s newest DVD, “A Wuzzleburg Tale” from Anchor Bay Entertainment releases on April 3..Yes thats TODAY!!!

"Throughout the six charming adventures in “A Wuzzleburg Tale,” Wubbzy and his best pals, Walden, Widget and Daizy, encounter different fairytale characters, situations and challenges that all lead to social skills-building fun!  Preschoolers will travel through the Enchanted Grove with Wubbzy and Daizy as they search for a pickleberry bush for Widget in “Once Upon A Wubbzy”; solve the big mystery of why Wubbzy’s closest friends go missing on his birthday in “The Big Birthday Mystery” and try on a whole new size with Wubbzy and Daizy as they shrink themselves down with Widget’s Shrinky Dinky 3000 in “Welcome To The Dollhouse.”

My girls are huge fans of the show and for under $15.00 your children too can enjoy these fun episodes over and over again!

Plus until April 10th, 2012 you can vote for your favourite episode out of twelve.  The episode  that wins the most votes will be compiled in a Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! "Fans' Choice" DVD that will be available in stores nationwide later this year!  Visit the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wwwubbzy to vote!!








Disclosure: I was in no way compensated for this post!!

Tasty Tuesday:Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Recently when shopping I had a coupon for Clubhouse slow cooker seasoning so I thought I would try the Minestrone.  I personally have never made Minestrone soup no matter if it was in the slow cooker or not.  I have to say this was also the first time I have made any kind of soup in my slow cooker.  I do use it often, but usually for other types of meals.  Clearly, I was excited to try this out and see how good it really would be and how simple.



I have to say this soup was a hit.  It made tons and I had enough for a few different meals.  It was so easy to make and tasted like it took a lot of work, but really the hardest part was chopping up the vegetables, which really was quite simple.  I would definitely make this again for my family.  Next time though I will probably omit the noodles as I found when I kept it for leftovers the noodles soaked up so much of the broth.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup


1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup  celery, chopped
1 cup  carrots, chopped
1 398 mL diced tomatoes with juice
1 540 mL kidney beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup uncooked baby pasta shells (optional)


Place vegetables, tomatoes and kidney beans in slow cooker.  Then combine the seasoning mix and water. Pour over items already in the slow cooker. Stir together and the cover.  Cook on high for about 4 hours or Low for about 8 hours.  If you are adding the noodles they can be added one the above cooking time has past.  Stir in the noodles and cover.  They will cook until tender which will be about 10 minutes longer on high.

Enjoy!!

 

Disclosure: I was in no way compensated for this post. Views are 100% my own.

You CAN make a difference!



I was notified of this great movie coming out AND a great way where all my friends and readers can make a difference so I wanted to share this with each and everyone of you!  It does not take much time at all and you truly make a difference!


On April 20th, just in time for Earth Day, Disneynature is taking moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with the release of CHIMPANZEE, a new true-life adventure that introduces us to the adorable young chimp named Oscar and his chimpanzee family.  Featuring Disneynature’s signature breathtaking, never-before-seen footage, CHIMPANZEE showcases the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. 

In celebration of the film’s release, Disneynature has joined forces with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada for a “See CHIMPANZEE, Save Chimpanzees” program where for every moviegoer who sees the film on opening week, a donation will be made to JGI Canada to help protect chimpanzees and their habitats, now and into the future.

In the spirit of the film, Walt Disney is launching a “’Like’ Us, Save Chimps” program on their Walt Disney Studios Canada Facebook page today – and your help is needed!

If they can reach 22,000 “likes” on Facebook (facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosCanada) by Sunday, April 22nd – Earth Day, we will adopt two orphaned chimpanzees through the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s Chimp Guardian Program.  Our two certificates of adoption will later be shared with their fans on their Facebook wall.

How you can help:
STEP 1:

“Like” Walt Disney Studios Canada’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/WaltDisneyStudiosCanada.

STEP 2:
“Share” the post on their page about the “’Like’ Us, Save Chimps” campaign.

For more information about JGI’s Chimp Guardian Program, please visit: http://jgi.blackbaudondemand.com/page.aspx?pid=364

Stay tuned for the giveaway for Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary!

Disclosure:  I was in no way compensated for this post. 

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Elfishki and The Giant Cake iPad Interactive Children's Book Review





I was so excited at Christmas when I received an iPad as a gift.  I am not Apple obsessed in any means, but I love reading and was wanting an e-reader and I heard this would be great no matter if I was reading Kindle or Kobo books.  Then something happened.  I ended up checking out the app store and I got hooked.  I was amazed by the quality of games and then before you know it, something that was for me all of a sudden was a hit with my two children.  So rather then fight it, I figured if they were going to be playing on it I was going to make sure they were going to be learning while on it!

If you have an iPad you will know that not all apps are created equally.  Some applications I find have poor visuals and after a while my children are bored with it.  If I am going to be spending money on an application I want to make sure I am getting my moneys worth.  My children are 3 and 5 and although they are very close in age, they do need to be stimulated in different ways.  My youngest does not read yet and my eldest is advanced in reading so both of them have different requirements.  When the opportunity came for me to check out this Interactive iPad book for kids ages 5-9, I thought I would take advantage and see what my girls thought of it! 
  


Elfishki and The Giant Cake is an interactive book that allows children to read the book on their own or have it read to them by a clear and energetic voice.  The scenes in the story are interactive as well.  My girls loved being able to touch the scenes in between the story being read and having the screen respond back to the touch of the fingers.  I also loved the fact that there are question within the book so that children do have to pay attention and it allows them to be involved and make guesses about how they think the story will continue.  I do not know about your children, but my girls love asking questions while they read and this gave them chances to think about something that they may not have originally.  If that was not enough there is as well and interactive game that they can decorate any way that they wish.  I loved watching them create their own masterpieces with this.  They really put thought into how they were decorating.  Below is a brief description about this great app and video.

"Once upon a time, on the beautiful Rainbow Island in the middle of the Sparkling Sea lived magical little people called Elfishki.

Some of them could fly like butterflies and some could swim like mermaids. They shared the island with animals who could speak and trees who did not talk, but understood everything. All in all, this was a place where miracles happened every day.

Elfizz was an owner of a gloomy restaurant named Chest of Ghosts where the staff was eager to please ghosts. On the opposite side of the square was a bakery, Gingerbread Nook, run by a pretty plump Elfishki lady called Maggie. The two were at odds with each other until one day they had to work side by side..."


If your looking for a new app for your children head on over to Apple's app store and check out all of  their available interactive books.