Last week we managed to take off for the day and enjoy a fantastic visit to the Toronto Zoo! We HAD to take advantage of the PC Penguin Cracker deal before it expired(free kids admission with UPC!)! Oh and of course go see the new penguin exhibit!!
Here are some of the animals that I LOVE the best! :)
*so sweet, she kept tucking and untucking herself and a baby with the blanket*
*Meerkats! are just plain awesome! and we love the show 'Meerkat Manor'!*
* Love how this young giraffe is looking right at me! *
*Squee! Cute African Penguins! that are also known as 'jackass penguins' because of the braying noise that they make! (it was on a sign at the zoo). we didn't hear them make the noise :( *
*incase you don't know, this is a Capybera..but we were calling the one on the left a 'crappybera' that day because he had horrible nasty diarrhea! EWWW *
*Justin beiber ALPACA!!!*
* Prairie Dogs!!! *squee!!!* Which instantly made me picture them going 'Sharon!...SHARON!'..if you have NO idea what the heck I am talking about then you REALLY need to check out the video below! :)
(it's from a BBC commercial, and safe for children)
Hope that you enjoyed my trip to the zoo as much as we did! :)
When I got the opportunity email for reviewing Young Love by Mat Kearney, I was absolutely overjoyed! I was familiar with his music and couldn't wait to get my hands on his new cd. 'Closer to Love' is always an instantly turned up song on the radio for me, so i couldn't wait to see what was next for him!
The day I got the cd in the mail I was just heading out in my car, i squealed and popped it in the cd player! The first two tracks are my absolute FAVOURITE. 'Hey Mama' is the currently released single that you'd hear on the radio, and i have no doubt that 'Ships in the Night' will be the next one. They are just so awesome and catchy!! The WHOLE cd is absolutely brilliant! I also LOVE that i can play it in the car with my kiddos and we can have a car dance party and not worry about questionable lyrics!
Kearney's songs have appeared on the following television series: 30 Rock, Dirty Sexy Money, Kyle XY, The Unit, Without A Trace, Laguna Beach, The Hills, Bones, Jericho, Friday Night Lights, Wildfire, What About Brian, South Beach, 8th & Ocean, One Tree Hill, Scrubs, The Closer, NCIS, Life Unexpected, Grey's Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries. His song "Runaway" is featured on the Soul Surfer movie soundtrack. (source-wikipedia)
The album Young Love is available now on iTunes, Amazon and stores near you! The album debuted on iTunes as #1!
Mat Kearney is on on tour this fall and you can check out his tour dates to see if he’s going to be stopping by a city near you! He'll be stopping by Toronto in November and I'm really hoping that Mr.OHM will snag me some tix for my birthday!
Disclosure: I received a copy of Mat Kearney’s cd Young Love for free in exchange for my honest review thanks to One2One Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own. You may or may not enjoy it as much as we all did!
Synopsis: Everything can change in an instant ... and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else. Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man. Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school. Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate. Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.
About The Movie: The Grace Card is the first movie from Memphis-based Graceworks Pictures in conjunction with Calvary Pictures. Inspired by and modeled after Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry that created Fireproof, this faith-based film brings together Church and Hollywood—Memphis' Calvary Church working alongside veteran screenwriter Howard A. Klausner (Space Cowboys) and award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. (Grandpa George). Graceworks is the vision of Dr. David Evans, an optometrist in Memphis, who directed and serves as the executive producer of THE GRACE CARD. Calvary Pictures is a ministry of Calvary, a Church of the Nazarene led by Pastor Lynn Holmes in Cordova, Tenn.
My Thoughts:
I was excited when given the opportunity to review 'The Grace Card'. I've really come to love and enjoy Christian-based movies. I know that they are generally very family friendly, and tend to leave me with a good feeling after watching. I normally watch the Christian movies that i get to review with a good friend but this time i watched it with my man because i know he loves books and movies that involve cops. I think that it was a little 'tame' for his liking but it did hold his interest..as for me? I absolutely enjoyed it! It's rated PG-13 for a bit of violence(though i'd still consider it ok for my 10 yr old to watch) and don't forget to have the kleenexes nearby! I was in tears twice!
*** WINNER is comment #12 - LORIAG!! CONGRATS!! ***
WIN IT! ONE lucky reader will win their very own copy of The Grace Card dvd. Open to Can/US. Ends Sept 04 @ 9pm EST. Winner will be contacted via email and have 24 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Good luck!
Mandatory Entry: Follow me with GFC, and leave me a comment telling me why you want to win!
Optional Entries:
Like 'Home of OHM' on Facebook (+1)
Follow me @orangeheromama on Twitter (+1)
Like 'The Grace Card' on Facebook (+1)
Follow @gracecardmovie on Twitter (+1)
Grab my button and put it on your blog! (+5)
Blog about this giveaway (+3)
Share this giveaway on facebook (+2)
Tweet about this giveaway (up to 2x daily, at least 2 hrs apart)
" Win a copy of The Grace Card @gracecardmovie with @orangeheromama, CAN/US, ends 09/04, http://tinyurl.com/3j9t9fv "
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Here's our extremely tiny froglet..to give you perspective he's approximately 1/2 the size of the eraser on the end of a pencil. Yes, THAT tiny. I really really hope that he's gonna make it. He was the only surviving tadpole :(
Recently I had the chance to review the fun and educational childrens DVD series 'Wisharoo Park'. Now to add to the rapidly growing Wisharoo Park frenzy, they're teaming up with dancewear leader Capezio to host the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park. This was a very well received promotion in our house because Orangie is currently taking a ballet class, so LOVED the review kit that we were sent!!
So what is the Duckle Dance? It’s a little bit of ballet, a little bit of tap, and a whole lot of whatever you want it to be but, most importantly, its moving and grooving family fun for all! Check it out yourself by viewing the Duckle Dance promotional video at www.WisharooPark.com/duckledance! Don’t let the smooth moves and solid steps by the video’s dancers intimidate though as they are trained pros!
(Orangie loves this video starting at the 1 minute mark!)
Once captured on video parents can enter their child’s performance in the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park for a chance to win the special prizes 1 of 20 Wisharoo/Capezio prizepacks, and/or 1 of 5 $500 dance scholarships provided by Capezio and Wisharoo Park. * To enter parents simply upload the video to their facebook or YouTube account, and then visitwww.wisharoopark.com/duckledance where they submit the facebook or YouTube video link as part of the easy entry process. Sweepstakes end Sept 01, 2011.
One lucky reader (open to Can/US) will have a chance to win a great dancing gift pack (retail value over $100!) that includes:
* One Pair Capezio Daisy ballet Shoes
* One Pair Capezio Jr. Tyette Tap Shoes
* One Limited Edition Do the Duckle Commemorative T-Shirt
* One Capezio Logo Drawstring Backpack
* One Wisharoo Park 2-Disc 13 Episode DVD Set
* Six Wisharoo Park Wish Star finger puppets
Mandatory Entry
Follow my blog via GFC, and tell me why you want to win this!
Tweet this giveaway (up to 3x daily, at least 2 hours apart)
" #Win a Capezio/Wisharoo park prizepack (retails over $100!) with @orangeheromama! CAN/US. Ends Sept 02 @ 9pm EST. http://tinyurl.com/42qbxjl "
Blog about this giveaway (+5, pls leave 5 comments and leave a link pls)
Enter a video of your child Doing the Duckle on your youtube account or facebook (+10!!, don't forget to link it here!)
Add my button to your blog (+5, let me know where to find it!)
Share about this giveaway on facebook (+2)
Contest is open to Canada/US. Ends Sept. 2, 2011. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or new winner will be chosen.
* I received the Duckle Dance prize kit pictured above for free in exchange for my review/promotion. Thanks so much to Wisharoo Park and Capezio!
Wisharoo Park is dedicated to promoting positive self-image and self-esteem in preschool age children. It was originally introduced by airing as a children’s TV series on PBS stations across the country and is now rolling out as a dynamic multimedia program which includes the interactive website WisharooPark.com, DVDs and more! . Unique among preschool programs, Wisharoo Park is designed to help children age 3 – 6 recognize and appreciate their individuality. With its groundbreaking technology-based curriculum, Wisharoo Park helps children discover and understand their personal strengths and put them on the road to developing greater self-esteem. The Wisharoopark.com enchanting online community stars a whimsical cast of loveable animated, puppet and human characters who are featured in games, videos, music and more! Each week exciting new activities and content are added that are sure to keep parents and their kids coming back again and again. Wisharoo Park is proud to partner with Capezio. Dedicated to the art of dance since 1887, Capezio revolutionized the dance world with dancewear and footwear products for every dancer from beginner to professional. Capezio operates retail stores carrying the full lines of all Capezio/Ballet Maker Inc. brands in New York City and several major cities nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.capeziodance.com/.
Hey faithful readers!
I am REALLY sorry that i have been slacking off so much lately. Summer sure has been crazy! But the kids go back in 1 week and i'm here to apologize and offer up a flash giveaway! You could win a $20 amazon.COM(not .ca) giftcode!
Mandatory Entry:
You MUST follow via Google Friend Connect AND leave a comment here telling me if you've been having a crazy summer too(or not)! Make sure you leave your email so you can be contacted if you win. +1
Tweet this Giveaway (+1 up to 3x daily 2hr apart) use this tweet:
” RT Enter to win a $20 Amazon.com giftcode from @orangeheromama ends 08/31 8pm EST http://tinyurl.com/3v3hxdx ”
Post about this Giveaway on your own blog +5 (leave 5 comments)
(leave a link to your post)
Grab my button and place it on your blog +3(leave 3 comments)
(leave a link so I can find it)
Giveaway ends 8pm EST on Aug 31, 2011. The winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Once notified, the winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. I will then email the winner the Gift Code.
I'll keep it simple. Today i'm one car from a local mommy forum that is heading off to Goderich jammed FULL of donations/supplies for the tornado victims. I've seen the photos and videos but i have absolutely no idea what i'm in for when i actually get there. I've been there many times this summer, it was our new go-to place for a day away. It's going to be absolutely heartbreaking :(
* this is just my trunk, the backseat wasn't full enough at the time to snap a pic! *
Recently we bought a bike rack for our car, because our neighbourhood isn't exactly 'learning to bike' friendly for Orangie(there are lots of streets/laneways/etc for her to fall off!)
So yesterday we finally loaded it all up and went to a fantastic local park where there are lots of good FLAT paths for her to get used to it all. It was a fantastic time! We stopped to visit the ducks and geese, and the girls had fun trying to use the water-fountain while on their bikes. "ooh! a drive-thru fountain mom" lol. Silly kids.
So yay, we had an awesome time and i KNOW we'll be doing that again soon....just hopefully by then my tush isn't so uncomfortable! i swear it has to be bruised! *blush*
Wisharoo Park is dedicated to promoting positive self-image and self-esteem in preschool age children. It was originally introduced by airing as a children’s TV series on PBS stations across the country and is now rolling out as a dynamic multimedia program which includes the interactive website WisharooPark.com, DVDs and more! .
Unique among preschool programs, Wisharoo Park is designed to help children age 3 – 6 recognize and appreciate their individuality. With its groundbreaking technology-based curriculum, Wisharoo Park helps children discover and understand their personal strengths and put them on the road to developing greater self-esteem. The Wisharoopark.com enchanting online community stars a whimsical cast of loveable animated, puppet and human characters who are featured in games, videos, music and more! Each week exciting new activities and content are added that are sure to keep parents and their kids coming back again and again.
My thoughts:
My review pack had a set of 6 wish stars and a 2 dvd set. The girls immediately wanted to play with the stars(as they were cute little finger puppets!). When i put on the dvd, my 10 yr old had absolutely no interest in it so i was worried that she would sway Orangie's(6 yr DD) opinion, so I sent her to go do her own thing so Orangie could watch the dvd. Even though she is at the very end of the target audience, she was still very interested in watching. Her favourite part is when Monkey B plays the piano, as she takes piano lessons. And amazingly when i asked her what the dvd was about 2 weeks after viewing it she was able to re-tell it to me! She obviously enjoyed!
You can connect with Wisharoo on their website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on YouTube. If you "like" Wisharoo Park on Facebook, you will get three free songs (a $2.97 value)!
There will be SIX lucky winners! Three Grand Prize packages each consisting of one Wisharoo Park DVD and six WishStars (a $40 value each), plus Three Runner-up Prizes each consisting of three sets of six Wish Star finger puppets (a $20 value each).
Mandatory Entry(must be done FIRST): Follow me with Google Friend Connect and leave your google name in a comment(or tell me if you already do!)(please leave your email address so i can contact you if you win)
Bonus Entries: 1. Follow me on Twitter(please leave your twitter name in comment)
2. Follow me on Facebook(please leave your facebook first name and last initial in comment)
3. Like Wisharoo Park on Facebook(please leave facebook first name and last initial in comment)(don't forget if you 'like' you get 3 free songs!)
4. Follow Wisharoo Park on Twitter(please leave your twitter name in comment)
5. Tweet the following: "I entered to #win the @wisharoopark #Giveaway @orangeheromama http://tinyurl.com/3lac3bh Can/US, ends 08/15th 8pm EST!" (can tweet up to 4x/day/min.1hr apart)(leave the tweet URL in comment)
7. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page! (2 entries/2 comments/1x per day)(leave status URL in comment)
8. Grab my button and put it on your blog! (tell me where to find it!) (3 entries/3 comments)
* Winners will be chosen by random.org after giveaway closes 08/15 8pm EST, they will be notified by email and have 48hrs to confirm. Play fairly! Good luck!
*I received my review pack for free from the PR company in exchange for my honest review!*
Yesterday morning i got the AMAZING news that i had won tickets to go see the last date on the NKOTBSB(New Kids on the Block/Back Street Boys) tour! This was especially cool news for me because NKOTB was the first concert i went to 'back in the day'!
Last night was an absolutely AWESOME experience! It was SO LOUD and high energy! And one of the special guests was none other than Glee's Matthew Morrison! SWOON!
Here are some shots of this 4 hr crazy experience!(sorry, they were taken from my BlackBerry because my Canon didn't have batteries and there was no way i was taking my new DSLR! sigh)
Tonight we were off on a quick roadtrip out of town for another fun family game night...only i was surprised to find that J had a gift for me!
She'd won a cool stamp set, but because it was a double, she gave it to me! It's a fantastically cute Penny Black set called 'Fun in the Sun'. I am VERY eager to use it, and it's cuteness might be just what i need to get back into Craftymama mode! Check it out:
And here is an example i found on the Penny Black website, of what you could do with it! *squee* (can't you picture her with some Orangie hair?!)
Synopsis:Like most families, the Millers have their challenges. Simon’s (Loren Dean) frequent business trips have created some distance between him and the rest of the family, leaving Meredith (Robyn Lively) stretched and struggling to keep things together. Daughter Sarah, an 18-year-old honor student, has recently gotten herself into trouble at school while son Kevin, 15, struggles to engage with anything outside of a video game…
But these issues all prove to be trivial when Simon goes missing. Sensing something is not right, the family frantically searches Simon’s office for information. Discovery of a stash of passports, all with Simon’s picture but each with a different alias, reveals that their father has been keeping more than a few secrets. In a frantic phone call, Simon urges the family not to tell anyone of his disappearance, not even the authorities, right before the line goes dead. Who is Simon Miller? And what exactly has he gotten himself – and now his family – into?
Shocked, scared and unsure if they can even trust the dad they thought they knew, the three embark on their own international mission to get him back. With Meredith’s sharp instincts, Sarah’s foreign language skills and Kevin’s natural techgenius, they try to unravel the mystery behind his disappearance. It’s a heartpounding family thriller that tests the limits to which families will fight for each other.
My Thoughts:
I invited a friend over to watch the movie with me. She watched the last Family Movie Night Movie with me too! Gotta say that these movies sure don't dissappoint! It was a nice change to have it be from the Action/Adventure genre, and at a couple parts it was rather suspenseful!
We LOVED that the language is VERY family oriented. There wasn't a single word/line/etc that was even questionable! I know that both my 6 and 10 year old could watch this and it would be appropriate and still highly entertaining.
I found the characters believable and highly likeable, the story is GREAT, and i love the bond that the family shows throughout the movie. (I will warn you that there is a gun showed, but no actual shooting or killing)
I look forward to watching this movie again tonight and getting my family's opinion on it!
Who Is Simon Miller? is on NBC, Saturday, August 6 at 8pm ET/7pm CT. You don't want to miss it!
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Recently i was offered the opportunity to review the newest album by Robert Pierre, I'm All In. I jumped at the opportunity because i'm a fan of contemporary Christian music. I wasn't familiar with Robert, but I checked him out on Amazon and loved what i'd heard!
For Robert, I’m All In is more than the name of his third studio album, due July 26 from thinkaboutit records. It has become Robert’s life motto as he responds to God’s calling to live fully committed to Him. In addition to writing and recording I’m All In and playing on a summer tour, Robert also leads regular Sunday morning worship at his 800-member Orlando, FL church. And he’s done it all as a high school senior. “All of the songs have something to do with things I was going through my senior year,” Robert said of I’m All In, “preparing to say goodbye to friends and not really knowing what would come next, but finding comfort and peace in the Lord’s plan for my life. The Bible talks about how the eyes of the Lord are searching to and fro throughout the earth, searching for someone whose heart is wholly His, someone He can strongly support. This CD is me saying, ‘I’m all in.’” Creating I’m All In was a powerfully personal experience for Robert, who teamed with veteran songwriter Jason Ingram (Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real, Bebo Norman) and legendary producer Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman) on the album. The result is a collection of songs that enthusiastically and energetically worship God while wrestling with what it means to be a Christian in a world full of difficulty and joy, anxiety and excitement.
When I finally received the cd in the mail, I immediately went to play it! I was instantly impressed! The first song sucks you in with it's poppy beats, exciting you and making you want to dance and sing along. The whole cd is just fantastic. There isn't a single song that i'm not a fan of! It's great driving music. It's great for when you're cooking or doing the dishes. I know that my kids are gonna love it too! I'm so glad that I had this opportunity! Now I just need to get myself some more of his cds! If they're anything like this one I already know I'm gonna LOVE them!
** GIVEAWAY CLOSED! **OR...I have ONE copy of Robert Pierre's, I'm All In, to giveaway!
Open to Can/US. Ends Aug 09th at 8pm est!
Mandatory Entry: Follow me with GFC or RSS(tell me how you do!)
Optional Entries:
* Follow me on twitter @orangeheromama (leave your twitter name in comment)
* 'Like' my facebook fan page! (leave your facebook name and initial in comment)
* “Like” Robert Pierre on Facebook (please leave your facebook name in comment)
* Follow @Robert_Pierre on twitter! (please leave your twitter name in comment)
* Tweet the following!(include link in comment). "#Win a copy of @robert_pierre new album 'I'm All In' with @orangeheromama! ends 08/09 http://tinyurl.com/3sm8mv3 #giveaway" (1x per day)
* grab my button for your blog! *counts 3 entries(3 comments)!!* (tell me where to find it)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Aren't they absolutely fantastic?! They really are TEENY. They are approximately 1/2 the size of normal gummybears(maybe even smaller!), and double the price, but oh so frickin tasty!!
They come in flavours like pineapple, pink grapefruit, green apple, blue raspberry, lime, etc etc.
and i am absolutely OBSESSED with them!!
(in fact, i am so ridiculously obsessed with them, that when i was at the bulk store picking more up, i totally flaked out when i bumped into a fellow local blogger buddy that all i could spit out was the 'hi! how are ya?' small talk. *sigh*)
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