Peter Nimble - reviewed by Hero!

"A magical adventure for fans of the Brothers Grimm and Lemony Snicket"..and for this reason I requested this book to review for my 11 yr old daughter, 'Hero'. She's an avid reader of the magical, mysterious, fantasy, etc, and has read the entire Lemony series. I knew this would be perfect for her!



Transcript: This is the story of Peter Nimble. A small, blind, friendless orphan who also happens to be the greatest thief who ever lived. One day Peter steals a mysterious treasure that sets him on a journey beyond farthest seas, across endless deserts to a lost kingdom in need of a hero, in an adventure that can only be called … fantastic.

About the Book:
Overflowing with wit and invention, Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is the beguiling tale of a ten-year-old blind orphan who has been schooled in a life of thievery by his brutal master, Mr. Seamus. One fateful afternoon, as he's picking the pockets of townspeople enraptured by a travelling haberdasher, he "discovers" (steals) a box of magical eyes. When he tries on the first pair, he is instantly transported to the island at the top of the world, where he meets the maker of the eyes, Professor Cake. The Professor gives Peter a choice: travel to the mysterious Vanished Kingdom and try to rescue a people in need ... or return back to his master and a life of crime. Peter chooses wisely, and together with Sir Tode, a knight errant who has been turned into a rather unfortunate combination of human, horse and cat by a grumpy witch, he embarks on an unforgettable adventure in a book destined to become a classic.

About the Author:
Jonathan Auxier was raised in Canada and obtained his MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, a lecturer in Victorian children's literature. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes in his first novel.




Hero's Thoughts: (very condensed due to her spoilers! also keep in mind she just turned 11!)
I really enjoyed Peter Nimble. I liked how it was funny and magical, and how all the characters played an important part in Peter's journey. My favourite character was Peter, because he is smart, and even though he did some bad things in the beginning, he ends up doing the right things and making good choices in the end.

She says it's definitely a 5/5!


* Thankyou to Penguin Group Canada for giving us an advanced copy of this book in exchange for our honest review. *

Jeremy Riddle 'Furious' -review/giveaway

PRESS RELEASE:


Vineyard Worship artist and worship leader Jeremy Riddle has announced the release of his new studio album entitled, Furious. The album is set for release on September 20 via NewDay Distribution.


Riddle began production on the album nearly a year ago with Dove Award winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, David Crowder Band) at the helm. Cash’s contribution forms the backbone of the album which also features production from Bobby Hartry, a long time Riddle collaborator. The project follows Prepare The Way: Live, an album recorded in front of a live audience in Corpus Christi, Tex., earlier this year from Vineyard.


Riddle describes Furious saying, “It’s hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ’s love – the depth and width of it. Furious doesn’t work outside of the context of love; we tend to translate the word as angry, but I see it as a super-powerful force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe."


Four years on the road as a touring worship leader eventually took its toll on Jeremy, so in January 2011, the former jr. high youth pastor came on staff as worship community pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. Working under pastors Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy facilitates a worship community of over 200 people within the church.


“My wife (Katie) and I have always had a heart to serve the local church and never wanted to do the full-time travel thing for very long, so it felt like a good time to transition into something different,” Jeremy says. “I’ve developed such an appreciation for the fruit that has been sowed from my life – personally and artistically – by being part of a local community.”


Consequently, several of the tracks on Furious are also featured on Be Lifted High, the most recent album from Bethel Church.


“These songs are a reflection of being part of something bigger than just me,” Jeremy says. “Through some significant growth in understanding and living out humility from a very independent place, I’ve shifted into a place where I can’t even claim this record is completely inspired by me. There are so many elements of the album that could never have flowed from me had I not been connected to people walking out life with me.”

My Thoughts:

I was excited to review this cd, as i am a fan of contemporary Christian music. And while this isn't my favourite cd, I do like it, and  it does have it's own special place in my music rotation. I like to play it while i'm in the kitchen and i'm looking for heartfelt, relaxing, yet uplifting music, or it's also fantastic when i need peace to get work done. I find it's perfect as background music. Jeremy has a beautiful, smooth, soothing voice that speaks to my heart. My favourites are 'Acquitted', 'Glory to the Lamb', and 'Furious'.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vineyard-Music/18257532074

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/vineyardmusic

Website: http://www.vineyardmusic.com/vm/

and don't forget the GIVEAWAY!! One lucky reader will win their own copy of Jeremy Riddle's 'Furious' cd! Enter on the Rafflecopter below! (if it's not there reload or click on 'read more')

"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."

another awesome tv show i miss..

So last time I told you all about how i absolutely LOVED 'Dharma & Greg' back in the day..
Well a couple twitterpals were talking the other day about '2 guys, a girl, and pizza place', and I couldn't believe that i'd forgotten about that show! Seriously, Ryan Reynolds is a god! I watched it from beginning to end, 1998-2001.
So last night i looked it up to find that unfortunately it's not available on dvd(please please please bring it out, like dharma and greg!!!)..but a LOT of episodes can be found on youtube..So the mr and I watched a couple shows last night...and i CANNOT believe that Nathan Fillion(Castle, Dr Horrible, Firefly/Sanctuary) was on 60 of 81 episodes!! I absolutely adore the guy!!

Anywho..here's a couple clips that i thought were funny..enjoy..





So..were any of you avid watchers of this show too???

Wordless Wednesday - First Concert for Orangie

 * I took Orangie to see her first concert on Monday night...here are a couple shots that i took on my blackberry from the upper bowl of the arena. Any guesses as to who it is?? *

It's Selena Gomez!

I bought the tix for Hero's birthday(turned 11 on the 20th), but it was an awesome bonding experience for 'us girls'. I also realized that day that i'd taken Hero to see Hilary Duff just a few days before she turned 7(her first real concert), and I was taking Orangie to see Selena just a couple weeks after she turned 7. So both girls went to their first concerts at the same age! Anywho..we had an AMAZING time!!

So, when did you take your kid/s to their first concert? Who was it?

Green Works Challenge - giveaway!

Ooh! Have I got exciting news!!

Green Works has asked me to host an amazing giveaway on my blog for my fellow CANADIAN readers!

The winner will have a  professional cleaning service come give their home a 3 hour eco-friendly clean with Green Works products, and when they're done, the entire line of products are theirs to enjoy! LOVE IT!!



My thoughts? I absolutely LOVE Green Works products! I've been using them since they first hit the shelves! I love the fresh scent. I love the thorough clean they do. I love that i feel safe letting my kids help out or even just be nearby when i am cleaning.

You only want what's best for your family-and we do, too. That's why Green Works® cleaning products are made from high-quality ingredients that are at least 95% naturally derived.

Green Works products:

•Are made with plant- and mineral-based cleaning ingredients.
•Come from biodegradable ingredients that are naturally derived
•Are not tested on animals.
•Use environmentally sustainable packaging whenever possible.
•Are acknowledged by the Natural Products Association, the Sierra Club and the EPA’s Design for the Environment program.

You can also check out this website for more information and reviews on Green Works products.

To Enter (using Rafflecopter): Leave a blog comment sharing why you want to try Green Works, or if you already do, what you like about them, or what keeps you loyal to the brand?

* I was offered the 3 hour cleaning service and green works products in exchange for hosting this giveaway. These are my opinions. I was not influenced in any way. Your opinion may differ. *

Squinkies Boys!

I recently had the pleasure of an unexpected delivery show up at my door. When i opened it up i was VERY excited to see a box jammed full of the new line of Squinkies Boys! It didn't matter that i only have girls here, I knew that they'd LOVE these ones just like the 'girlie' ones!

So, what fun was in the box? It was awesome. It contained the a couple packs of the squinkies boys, a pack of Marvel Universe, a Cars 2 pack,  and a Hot Wheels pack! I thought that we were obsessed with the Cars characters before? Try shrinking them down to a super adorable squishy rubber character that would fit on the end of your pencil! I rest my case!

Also in the box was The Squinkies Skull Cavern Dispenser! This was a big hit, because they found it held much more than 20 squinkies! They also made a game up using it and the battle dice game from the other packs, and it entertained them for well over an HOUR. It was fantastic!

"Go deep inside the wickedness of the Skull Cavern Dispenser! Load up to 20 Squinkies in the top, insert magic Squinkies coin (or nickel or dime) and turn the dial for a Squinkies surprize! Opens to reveal two top-secret thrones to display your Squinkies power! Comes with 6 exclusive Squinkies."

My review pack also contained 4 packs of the new Squinkies Rides.

The one pictured is 'Low Ride'. But my eldest daughter especially liked the Xtreme Ride half-pipe complete with mini 'skater-dudes'.

 

"Take your Squinkies for a ride, then stash and stow your bubbles inside!

Squinkies Rides are mini-dispensers shaped like vehicles that have places to display and interact with your Squinkies."





BUY them:  Squinkies Boys can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, and Amazon.
FOLLOW them:  on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. There's even a Squinkie Blog!




* I was sent a surprize sample box for free in hopes that I would review it on my blog. You have received my honest opinion. Your opinion may differ. *

Wordless Wednesday - Stratford Date!

 *  i absolutely love the strip of photos from the theatre, above this section! *

* got to sneak away for a day trip with the mr yesterday! so we took off to Stratford, where you can't help but have a good time. It's so picturesque. We love to wander the shops, and just explore. I wish i had taken more pics though! (like in the cheese shoppe, or the toy shoppes, or 10 Thousand Villages!), and i also wish i hadn't eaten my mintie from Chocolate Barr's all in one sitting! (i have none left, boo) *

Strap*Happy Camera Straps

When I got my DSLR a couple months ago, there was no question, I wanted a pretty strap to go with it!

I wanted it to be colourful, well made, and I wanted it to reflect who i am.

When i found Strap*Happy, i knew that i was done looking! She had the perfect strap for me! She was Canadian(Vancouver), and she had a strap that was multiple shades of orange (for OrangeHeroMama), the patterns were fantastic, and they looked VERY well made!

( mine is the middle one! )

I have nothing but great things to say about Martha, she was a pleasure to work with, always prompt to email me back, and the strap made it from Vancouver BC to SW Ontario in a week, if not less! It was packaged with care, and you could see the love that went in making the strap.

This is me out at a recent event, caught wearing my Strap*Happy! It's been around my neck now for many different events/happenings and just everyday life, and it's never failed to get commented on, appreciated, etc. Glad you sent me those business cards Martha because they've been requested!

You can find Martha/Strap*Happy on the worldwideweb on her website, at her Etsy shop, or on facebook!

* I received my awesome camera strap from Strap*Happy in exchange for my honest review. I honestly and truly LOVE my strap, and if i didn't i wouldn't wear it everywhere i tote my camera! *

Mastermind Toys Grand Opening Weekend!

I had such a great time checking out Mastermind Toys a couples weeks back that I had to go back yesterday for their Grand Opening Weekend!

Here are the highlights of my morning there yesterday:

1. I was greeted at the door by a cheerful Clyde(store manager) handing me a 25% off coupon(valid Sat/Sun, for one regular priced item). I didn't use it yesterday, but am going back this morning to use it!

2. Loot Bag 'Buffet' - this was amazing! kids were handed a bag and were allowed to pick 2 favourites to take home! (my daughters each got Room-a-Rangs and wooden Thomas trains for the collection)

3. The giant lego creations on display! The was a Lego Fireman, and a Toy Story Woody. (love woody!, i love that movie, and he was right at the front door wearing the Mastermind Apron!)

4. Giant Thomas balloon sculpture. I can't even begin to describe how awesome this thing is! It's humongous! The weather sure wasn't cooperating for this (RAINY and WINDY) so it was on display in the back storage room, but it'll be moved outside as soon as it's possible.

5. KiwiKraze was there handing out sample dishes of their wonderful fantastical frozen yogurt! (if you follow me on facebook and twitter, you'll know how much i LOVE kiwikraze!)

6. Sir Topham Hat was in the house, posing for pics with the kids...and me!

7. this is an amazing one..there were SO many kids in the store, and only ONCE did i see a toy sitting abandoned on the floor. ONCE. Kudos to the super efficient staff!

8. oh, and here's another amazing one..the lineup to checkout was massive(but only took approx 20 mins) and i only heard a couple of complainers. I think the positive energy in the store really helped. Happiness was EVERYWHERE!!

I highly recommend if you're in the London area, you go to Mastermind Toys TODAY (open 11-5) and check it out! (685 Fanshawe Park Rd W)



do i live under a rock?

So the mr and i decided to skip town yesterday and finally make use of the tickets i won for the IMAX theatre(since we don't have one, we had to go to the next closest one..ancaster/hamilton).
And now here is where i bashfully admit that i obviously don't get out much because the chairs in the theatre absolutely blew my mind! they were leather-look, super squishy/comfy, and they RECLINED!! I have never in my 31 years been to such a wonderful movie theatre in my life. These magnificent seats ALMOST justified the $16 price PER ticket! (oh..we saw Real Steel btw, and i absolutely LOVED the movie! it was amazing!)

So now, you tell me, am i completely living under a rock that i am not aware of these beautiful seats? Does your theatre have them?

Reunion Island Coffee WINNERS!

And the three lucky winners are:

comment 054  - darkkrystal
comment 244  - ~April~
comment 137  - tabithapye


Winners Confirmed! woohoo!
I am going to send you out emails right now, you have 48 hours to confirm, or i pick another winner!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Wordless Wednesday - relaxing, and an ouchie!

* It was a rough day today(started with a not so wonderful chat w Orangies teacher this a.m), and frankly i crawled into bed at 7pm, here's my relaxing supplies...book, nailpolish(gunmetal and razz, need to decide!), my laptop, and a Milka Marzipan bar! oh! and i forgot the Bath&BodyWorks Coconut Passionfruit lotion! *

* and this is my ouchie on my wrist. Some kind of reaction happened and this pic doesn't do justice to it. It's RED, raised, and angry looking and itchy as heck! It looks like i burned it! (there are also a bunch of scattered bumps around my wrist too) Metal allergies run in my family, but i've worn this watch for months and no issues.(it's stainless steel and says nickel allergy free) *

* and this is my pretty watch that i very much miss wearing :(  *

Happy Thanksgiving from me!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to wish all my fellow Canadian readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you enjoy this short 1 minute Thanksgiving video from my favourite characters: Hoops & Yoyo! (incase you have no idea who they are, they're Hallmark characters and I absolutely LOVE them!)




** PS..i have 3 great giveaways going on right now(links are top right sidebar)! I HIGHLY recommend entering the Reunion Island Coffee one. Such a great company, and great coffee! **

The Shunning - review/giveaway

About the Movie:
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she’s adopted. The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling “The Heritage of Lancaster County” book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.


BEVERLY LEWIS - Author of "The Shunning"

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.
Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

My Thoughts:I was very eager to review this dvd because i'd seen the preview while watching The Grace Card, and it looked very interesting! As per usual when i got the dvd i arranged my girls night to watch it. Neither of us were familiar with the book the movie was based on, but we both very much enjoyed the movie. The acting was fantastic, and the characters and storyline had us absolutely captivated! The only downside we found was the ending, we felt it left us hanging, but we later found out that the book was first in a series so maybe there'll be a sequel?
 

Want to win a copy of The Shunning? The pr company has set one copy of the dvd aside for one of my readers! Just enter in the Rafflecopter below!
 

Ginny Owens - review/giveaway!

A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three. A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career. Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.

In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

I was very eager to review this cd, as i am trying to build up my Christian/worship music collection. I'd heard a few good things, but i wasn't familiar with Ginny Owens' music. The second i pressed play on this one i was instantly tapping my toes. Her voice is beautiful, and the whole cd is rather fantastic! It has a very nice blue-sy jazzy feel to it, with hints of other genres thrown in for good measure. I have to say that i enjoy the ENTIRE cd, but some faves are 'Before You Fly', 'Joined at the Heart', 'The Song', 'Lay It Down', and 'Get In I’m Driving'. It's been promoted to an 'in-car' cd for me because i know that it's family friendly music, and EVERYONE loves it in my family!
I recommend this cd to anyone who wants some fantastic Christian music in their life!

In fact you can WIN the cd right here! The pr company has set aside a cd for one of my readers!

Just enter below in the Rafflecopter!(this is my first time using it!!)

Mastermind Toys!

Last weekend I had the chance to take my girls to check out the new Mastermind Toys here in London! It's located just west of Wonderland on Fanshawe Park Road, where Toy Shoppe of London used to be. No worries though! Clyde(store manager) is still there! (but he no longer wears the train engineer suit, boo).

Incase you're not familiar with Mastermind Toys...
Celebrating its 27th year in operation, Toronto-based Mastermind Toys was founded in 1984 by brothers Andy and Jonathan Levy. Mastermind is Canada's largest and most successful privately-owned, specialty toy retailer with 11 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Both in-store and online, Mastermind carries over 10,000 educational and fun toys, books, games, puzzles and software offering exceptional service and complimentary gift wrap.

We had heard SOOOO many good things about Mastermind, so we were very eager to check it out! We were definitely NOT disappointed! It's AMAZING in there! One of my all-time favourite movies EVER is Mr.Magoriums Wonder Emporium, so I love to find toy stores where children are encouraged to play, touch, and enjoy! And the second you open the door, you see that is A-OK here! It's so friendly, bright and cheerful, with kites hanging from ceiling and stations throughout where kids are happily playing! The staff greet you at the door, and offer their assistance with a friendly smile! Another 'hello' is called out from the cashier. You know you're welcome there! 

There is also something pretty special/magical about Clyde too! He's so playful himself and has that *twinkle* in his eye. He was truly enthusiastic about showing me that the BIG stuffed lion could indeed hold up to 200 pounds!

The 7000 sq ft store is open concept, so it's easy to know where your kiddos are and yet still be able to look at things yourself. The shelves are very well laid out, the aisles are WIDE(stroller-friendly!), and the stock is at eye level (aka kid level). There are also informative section names that are highly visable(you can see them from the other side of the store!), so everything is VERY easy to find!

(my eldest daughter easily found her favourite section: the books! and there was even a cute little chair for her to sit in!)

( and my younger daughter found her favourite section when she walked in the door....WEBKINZ! )

Another item worth noting, is that there are 2 large and colourful family washrooms, with change stations in them. The taps are fantastic, you push them down and they stay on for 1 minute (which Clyde joked was perfect for reminding his employees how long they need to wash their hands for! lol).

The checkout counter is also the perfect height for little child aged shoppers to see their items being packaged up, and i love that the cashiers are more than happy to chat it up with their little guests!

 (and don't forget to ask about that free gift-wrap service if needed!)

Thanks so much to Clyde(store manager), and Micheal (assistant manager) for making our first visit a fantastic time! We will certainly be back! :)

Be sure to check out Mastermind Toys out ONLINE! While there sign up for E-Updates(offers, promotions/contests)! They can also be found on Facebook, and Twitter!

* i was offered a $25 gift card to go check out Mastermind Toys and give my honest review! *

Wordless Wednesday! finally meeting!

* SCCTO was a place a finally got to meet so many of my online friends. Here's me and @GGirlGGreen - i love this girl! she's awesome! :) I also love that she managed to capture @KarmicEvolution's twitter fascinator in the shot!(whale and birds to the right, lol) *

A Peek at SCCTO

This past thursday and friday i had the honour and priviledge of being an attendee at She's Connected Conference 2011. It was such an eye-opening experience! I met so many of the bloggers and twitterpals that I chat with on a daily basis. Here's a peek into my experience (warning: some shots were taken w my blackberry):

* my very own twitter handle shirt! *

* it's starting!! *

* a shot of the room during a break *

* the lovely Christine Cushing signing her cookbook for me! She even tweeted me later saying it was nice to meet me! *

* the large wedge of cheese that @kidsumers and @mommymomentblog and I 'stole' at the dinner session..also in the shot is the wonderful Molson 67 sour drink..YUM! *

* Red carpet set up outside TownShoes for the after party! *

* TownShoes after party before it got BUSY! Check out the insane red stiletto on the STLTO wine bar! *

* Party Time! - 2 levels of noisy, wonderful fun! *