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Monday, October 31, 2011

The MAM Peaceful Nights Facebook Contest

Here's your chance to win various cool prizes from MAM Baby. The MAM Peaceful Nights contest runs through November 7, 2011. Winners will be determined by the amount of votes received between now and 12:00 A.M. (EST) November 7th, 2011!

Prizes:

Gold Prize: 15 MAM Night Pacifier Packs (30 pacifiers total)
Silver Prize: 10 MAM Night Pacifier Packs (20 pacifiers)
Bronze Prize: 5 MAM Night Pacifier Packs (10 pacifiers)
4th-20th Place Prizes: 1 MAM Night Pacifier Pack (2 pacifiers)

MAM Night pacifiers are available for purchase from Loblaw's and Babies 'R Us in 0-6 mo. size and 6+ size

To enter, visit MAMCanada Facebook Page and upload a photo of your baby sleeping peacefully.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the company or PR firm to share. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Brandon at his Friend's Birthday Party

Brandon attended his friend and classmate Nicole's birthday party over the weekend. It was Nicole's 3rd birthday (just over a month younger than Brandon). This was my friend's daughter. I've known him for over 10 years now. We went over to their house early to help set up banners and balloons. Brandon seemed to have a lot of fun with the new things he saw. Other friends came later, so we didn't get a chance to meet them because we didn't stay for dinner. Here's just a few pics to share...


Brandon playing with the puzzle book and also the kitchen set


Brandon and Nicole sharing toys



I had to roll my eyes everytime Brandon makes a funny face whenever I ask him to smile at the camera. He does it on purpose.

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Book Review & Giveaway: Little Athletes Big Leaders

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review the book,Little Athletes, Big Leaders - Effective Sports Parenting by Bruce Beaton. I opened the first page and Bruce had autographed it to me. That was really nice of him.

Book Description:

You can teach your child to succeed in every venture they ever attempt, and ensure they maximize their athletic potential, and create and maintain a long term loving relationship with your child, and have an absolute blast during your sport parenting years!

Break free from the belief that youth sport is about either "winning" or "fairness".

The truth is, the youth sport experience is really about teaching "mastery," it's about individual and collective goal setting, it's about developing interpersonal skills (which are the #1 predictor of leadership effectiveness), it's about learning from mentors, it's about controlling what you can and letting the rest go, and it's about action… and not action once in a while… it's about action every day!

About Bruce:

Bruce played his first ever football game at the age of twenty and went on to an outstanding academic and athletic experience at Acadia University (BA (hon) MA) and a 13 year professional football career in the CFL and XFL. Bruce experienced a combination of strategic objectives and team dynamics from every perspective, as a contributing, engaged member of terrible, disenchanted, miserable teams and engaged, productive championship teams.

Bruce was a struggling player then an all star player and a team leader at every level of football. He played on teams that didn’t win a game for months and he won three league championships late in his career. Bruce is truly an expert on the subject of leadership and competitive greatness.

MY VIEWS:

Our family is a bit of a sports fan, especially my husband. He plays hockey and hope our little guy, Brandon, would follow him in this sport as well. I believe Bruce is a really dedicated football player and father. This book he put together is really well-written with everything you know about raising your child to become successful in achieving their goals. It's really great that he shares with us his experience and his advices. It provided me a lot of inspiration.

I like how at the end of each chapter, Bruce includes a list of "Action Steps" which I thought was really useful. My favorite part of one of the chapters is Building Your Child's Mental Toughness and Resolve.




{WHERE TO BUY}

The book is available for purchase in paperback format or Kindle edition through Amazon.com




{Giveaway: WIN IT}


One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to WIN their own copy of Bruce Beaton's book, Little Athletes Big Leaders. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canada (ends November 30, 2011).




{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}







Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review. Thanks to Bruce Beaton. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Finger Licking Good

Brandon loves chicken drumsticks, so we gave him a whole piece with some ketchup for dipping. He got both his hands all greasy, but he's enjoying it like he's eating ice-cream.









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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Halloween Fair at Frog Hollow Neighborhood House

It was a fun-filled family event at Frog Hollow. The weather somewhat held up, but still cloudy and wet on the ground. There was a pumpkin patch that Brandon and his classmates from preschool already experienced the day before as their field trip. Each child picked out a pumpkin to bring home. Brandon picked out an interesting one. Unfortunately, it was already starting to rot after a few days. Lucky for us, I've already bought one and it's still pretty good. We haven't carved it yet, but maybe we'll do that in the next couple days.

Here's a few photos I've taken at the Halloween Fair. Sorry, the quality of the photos didn't turn out perfect. Brandon most enjoyed the popcorn that his daddy bought.








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Monday, October 17, 2011

Allan Candy Company “Not So Tricky Halloween”

Halloween is just around the corner and this is a fun day for the kids (and adults). Our Halloween traditions include dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns out of pumpkins, visiting haunted attractions, and handing out treats to kids.  We're not too crazy about decorating our place, but we like it simple by placing carved pumpkins on the window sill. What is YOUR Halloween tradition? How do you and your family get ready for the big night?

This year, little Brandon will be dressed up as one of his favorite character, Transformer BumbleBee. I will be dressing up as a fairy because I bought the wings last year when it was on sale (but never wore it). We would go to the mall again and go trick-or-treating between store-to-store. We'd probably go house-to-house in our neighborhood in the evening after and grab more goodies! :) One of my favorite candies are from Allan Candy Company. They have a wide variety of fruity flavored gummies.



Allan Candy Halloween treats are all made in Canada and are peanut free.  Allan Candy Company makes Halloween that much sweeter, and less tricky. These individually wrapped candies available are the Intense Jubes & Jellies, Chewy Rascalz, and the Fruit Buddies.

Allan Intense Jubes & Jellies – delivering an intense sour flavor and a soft & chewy bite.

Allan Chewy Rascalz – these childhood favourites will keep your taste buds happy! Packed in one bag, and of course, peanut free – you’ll find Big Foot, Sour Big Foot, Green Thumbs and Hot Lips!

Allan Fruit Buddies - offering a variety of fruit flavoured candies that are also peanut free! Indulge in 5 great fruit flavours: Sour Watermelon Slices, Peach Slices, Sour Cherry Slices, Tangy Wild Strawberries and Sour Grape Slices.



Sounds yummy, doesn't it? I got to try out a sample of each of them. Of course, Brandon loves them all. Everytime he eats any type of candy or gummy, I'd gotta brush his teeth afterwards. I left him a few and told him that we will share the rest with the "trick-or-treaters." You’ll find these selections at key retailers, including Wal-Mart and Loblaws.

Have a fun and safe Halloween, everyone!  Don't forget to check the candies before consuming them!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Allan Candy Company program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.


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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Kidorable's Pumpkin Caving Contest



Halloween is just around the corner. Are you and your children excited to get creative and carve pumpkins this Halloween? Kidorable is having a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Pumpkins Come and Pumpkins Go, but A Jack-O-Lantern steals the show! Carve, Chisel, or Shape your best pumpkin. One lucky fan will win a full Kidorable ensemble of their choice.

It’s easy — just email a picture of a child you love with the pumpkin they carved to contest@kidorable.com. Whoever gets the most votes wins.

Kidorable is accepting entries from October 17 through Monday, October 31, 2011. Then voting will continue through November 7 at 2pm when they announce the winner.

Thousands of children buy their ensembles to make great Halloween costumes, too. And don’t forget, it can be a little chilly (as well as rainy) on Oct 31st so add matching knitwear to complete the look.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the company or PR firm to share. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dannon Danimals "Rally for Recess" Plus a Giveaway


Schools nationwide are cutting recess time due to limited resources, which can impede on your children’s physical development. In the past twenty years, children have lost an average of 8 hours of recess a week and some schools no longer provide play time for students.

According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, the lack of playtime is a national crisis leading to a growing epidemic; childhood obesity.

Government and public health agencies recommend children engage in at 60 minutes of mild to strenuous activity each day. iv To help rally moms and kids around this cause, Dannon® Danimals®, nutritious on-the-go dairy drinks and low-fat yogurts containing calcium for kids, is launching a national initiative called “Rally for Recess”.
Advertisement


“Rally for Recess” is designed to create healthy competition, pitting school against school! Five schools have the opportunity to win new playground equipment and an all-day recess celebration. Danimals is committed to childhood health and wellness, which starts with good nutrition and an active lifestyle. Through February 8, 2012 purchasers can find codes on Danimals packaging to enter and register. The top five schools in each of the categories with the most codes registered wins!

{GIVEAWAY}
 

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to WIN a branded soccer ball with a branded drawstring bag. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canada (ends November 12, 2011).  Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.


Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...

Click here if the Rafflecopter below does not load or if it is not the correct entry form.








Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the company or PR firm to share. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Wordless Wednesday: Mini Rides at Lansdowne Mall

Little Brandon enjoying the mini amusement park rides at Lansdowne Mall this past weekend.






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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Disney Cars Lightning McQueen Lego and Hide 'N Play Tent



I finally have a review and pictures on Brandon's birthday gifts from his uncle Ken. We received a big Toys-R-Us parcel in the mail with Brandon's name on it and then that's when I figured who it was from. We opened it together and it was Brandon's favorite character. We received the Lighting McQueen Lego Duplo and the Cars - The Movie: Hide 'N Play Tent. He loves it and he says, "Thank-you, Uncle Ken!"

Disney Cars Lightning McQueen Lego Duplo

It was a coincidence that Brandon started playing Lego toys at home, but this new one is the Duplo (bigger pieces for the little toddlers).

Description: Includes Lightning McQueen race car, cactus and checkered race flag. It provides a bit of imagination and creativity of the Duplo pieces. Brandon likes to stack up the square blocks to make Lighting McQueen look like a really high monster car.  There aren't a lot of pieces to play with though.







Disney Cars Movie Lightning McQueen Playtent/Playhut

We have a similar playtent/playhut, which has the plastic colored balls. This playtent is nice and it is lightweight. The bottom is opened, so it is a bit flimsy, unlike our ball tent. The material is non-woven fabric. I was expecting it would be better quality. When it opens, it's quite big. Brandon had fun hiding in it and he even pretends he's camping and putting some of his toys inside. He even likes to play with it upside down where the top is opened.

It has a Patented Twist N Fold technology allows for instant set-up and easy storage. I had trouble understanding the instructions on how to fold it back in its original state to go back into the box. It drove me nuts trying to fold it back, so I went to check videos on YouTube to see how others did it. We don't have a lot of space in the house, so I put it away for a little bit. I occasionally rotate his toys so Brandon doesn't get bored easily.





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Sunday, October 9, 2011

It was a nice sunny weekend (Thanksgiving long weekend in Canada), but it was chilly outside. Daddy took little Brandon to see the miniature trains and aboard the train rides at Confederation Park in Burnaby, BC. We started going last year when a friend told me about it. Kids love it and it only costs $2 per person.

There was another kid's birthday party going on there. It was pretty neat.






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