At this moment, The Zoo is on Day Four (and the final day) of our "Annual Roadtrip to Chiapas Mexico". I have no problem documenting our journey before it happens because although some things are dynamic, some things never change. Besides, after 13 trips (!!!), we could do this in our sleep (and might have a few times).
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Creative Ways to Get your Kids to Eat with Funbites.
Every toddler goes through stages of not wanting to eat.
Whether they are feeling under the weather, a little cranky, or asserting their independence.
Regardless, no parent wants to battle with their children over food.
That's why Funbites is such a great tool to get kids engaged in food preparation in a fun and exciting way.
The bonus, they actually want to eat it!
Every Sunday, my friend Rene and her daughter come over for pancakes. The kids look forward to it all week. Since the Funbites arrived on Friday, I thought that we could have a little fun with our breakfast.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Enjoy the Nutty Flavour of Almond Fresh #giveaway, CAN, 12/27
When I was at ShesConnected 2012, I learned a lot of things. One of them being, I love Almond Fresh beverages!
While there I was fortunate enough to sample a bunch of their flavours and left with a few packs of their "Almond on the Go" Original product.
Almond Fresh is one of the products offered by Earth's Own Food Company Inc, a Canadian company based in British Columbia.
A healthly althernative to cow's milk, it has a real nutty taste and all the benefits of nutrient dense real California almonds! Almond Fresh is a source of nine essential vitamins and minerals, including Calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. It's Dairy, Wheat and Gluten Free.
Being a creature of habit, I chose the Original flavour. I like that there's only 60 calories per serving but it tastes like there's so much more! Or try; vanilla, unsweetened, coconut or, just in time for the holidays "Noel Nog"! At only 100 calories a cup, it won't break your weight watching goals.
The true test for this household, what happens when it's added to coffee? I'm happy to announce that Almond Fresh doesn't curdle and the added bonus, it tastes like I'm drinking one of those specialty javas at a fraction of the price!
I liked that it had a fridge life of six weeks, although it wasn't necessary because I can drink a 1.89L container in less than one week. Yum!
As for the samples, they never made it home. It wasn't my fault as they come in convenient serving size tetrapaks and taste as good at room temperature as cold.
Try some for yourself and connect with Almond Fresh via their Website and Facebook.
Win $20 in Almond Fresh Vouchers Below!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
So Good Soy Beverages, A Healthy Alternative $50 #giveaway, CAN, 12/26
In my early twenties, I was a fake vegetarian. While I loved a glass of cold milk and knew of the important nutrients it contained, I wasn't convinced that I needed all the "extras", specifically, calories and fat.
My beverage of choice back then... So Good.
So Good is a Canadian company whose beverages are a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy milk. Fortified with 15 essential nutrients, a 250 mL serving of So Good contains as much calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 as a cup of dairy milk.
To this day, I'm still a fan for all the same reasons and some. The calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugars are all lower (compared to the 2% milk that we purchase). Thankfully I don't have to worry about any of these numbers (yet) but I really enjoy the taste and find that it quenches my thirst. With only 8g of sugar per serving, I don't feel like my sugars are spiking (I'm hypoglycemic) yet it tastes like a light-weight milkshake treat.
Original is my favourite flavour, but there are choices such as; Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Original and No Sugar added. In addition, many flavours have low-fat and Omega DHA options. There really is something for everyone's taste buds and/or requirements.
"Nothing else tastes So Good!"
So Good Fortified Soy Beverages display the Health CheckTM logo as they meet the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's established nutrient criteria. Being a label reader, I searched some of the ingredients that I didn't recognize and learned that Tricalcium Phosphate occurs naturally in cow's milk.
So Good is not only useful as a beverage but also as a recipe substitute.
Uncle Eric had us over for a going away dinner/the kids birthday so I baked a cake. I decided to replace the milk with So Good and it came out as moist as ever.
Even Uncle Eric, the consummate sceptic couldn't tell the difference!
Want to try some for yourself?
Today's your lucky day because you have TWO chances to win So Good products.
Win $50 in So Good Vouchers Below!
or enter the So Good Life Shots Shuffle and be one of five people to win So Good Products. Enter monthly.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Happy 3rd Birthday to My Litter & Nipissing Checklist-36 Months.
I don't think that I've ever posted about their birth story. I'll save that for another time. I'll just say that if anyone ever tells you that "you'll know when you're in labour", don't believe them. Not for a minute.
Artemis is very happy that it's her birthday today. Then again, it's been her birthday for several weeks now.
Today she just happens to be right (1 in 365 chance).
By the time you're reading this, we've winterized our house, loaded up Bucephalus and are on our way to Toronto.
We will spend the next four days at Nanna's place. Thursday night is reserved for our annual Christmas/Birthday Party with Uncle Fred and the Abeulos. Early Saturday morning, we will leave on our 5,000km drive to Southern Mexico.
Fun times!
For the past two years, I've been documenting the kids progress in comparison to the Nipissing Development Milestone Checklist. Check out 12 Months, 15 Months, 18 Months, 24 Months, and 30 months.
I hope that all this information will be relevant to my upcoming memoirs and/or enable me to prove to the kids that I actually paid attention. If not, the Grandparents love to read it. It's boring. You've been warned.
Here's how they're doing in general and in comparison to the Nipissing District Developmental Checklist for 36 months.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Dear Secret Santa, Thanks for NOT giving me Toilet Paper.
Have you ever participated in a "Secret Santa Exchange"?
If not, a bunch of people put their name into a hat, you pull out someones name and you buy them a gift.
My Canadian Blogger Friends coordinated an exchange this year and I took part. I'm always up for a surprise.
The Deal. Less than $10, mailed by December 3 and any special notes (I didn't put any).
It's so much fun seeing what everyone else got and people going crazy trying to figure out who their Secret Santa is.
There were a few times that I thought, "Wow, they got that and I got this...".
It reminded me of Christmas 1992 and 1993 when I was "The It".
Friday, December 7, 2012
Patch Buddies Knapsack & Friend {#Giveaway}, US/CAN, 12/16
This giveaway is unlike any others because it is the first one where...
Journeys of The Zoo is co-hosting!
Your hosts, S.O.S. Mom and Real Momma are Moms to young kids and on the lookout for creative and unique products. Bubele's Patch Buddies met their requirements so they wanted to share them with you!
I hadn't heard of Bubele's Patch Buddies before, however, they are a well rooted family business that's been around since 2007. Their mission is to give people toys that bring joy and closeness to families. From their family to yours, Bubele's Patch Buddies has your back.
Their Patch Buddies product is an innovative, colourful and custom backpack with a built in home for a plush toy. The best part, you can pick and choose from 14 different buddies and 5 different backpacks.
If The Zoo wins, we'll get the red/brown backpack with the Panda buddy because that is Alexander's "zoo animal". The kids are really into animals right now so they would be happy with any of the choices.
Patch Buddies are ideal for; travel as there is just enough room for a few toys, snacks and of course their buddy, sleepovers and as gifts.
Can't pick just one? Don't! At only $14.99, you can afford to gift one for every occasion.
Connect with Bubele's Patch Buddies via their Website, Facebook and Twitter.
WIN Your Own Patch Buddies!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Taste for the Senses with The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles Cookbook
You don't have to be a cook to appreciate all the time and effort that Rinku Bhattacharya has put into her latest cookbook "The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles".
As I mentioned in my previous post, there is so much more to the book such as personal stories and tons of colourful pictures to whet your appetite.
Since I'm not the best cook, I solicited the assistance of my good friend Rene and we made a meal of it.
Well, she cooked, I ate.
On the menu, Chicken with Black Pepper and Fenugreek.
Rene picked this one for several reasons; all of us like chicken, it was "kid-friendly" and most of the ingredients are things that she regularly has on hand except for fenugreek.
Unfortunately, when it came time to purchase all the ingredients, we were at a loss for fenugreek leaves.
Fortunately, we had the seeds and it gave me a chance to help out by using Rene's oft-forgotten mortar and pestle set. It made her happy.
Since we both live in the suburbs, we don't have the variety of the big city. Next time I'm in the city, I'll be sure to stop by "Little India" and pick up a bunch of ingredients.
Did I mention that the dogs ate the whole cloves (literally)? We tried to get some from the neighbours but they were out (what ever happened to asking for sugar!?). In turn, we had to be creative and used ground ones instead. See how versatile Rene and the recipe are!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Baby Organic Joy: Shop Canada's Online Organic Baby Store.
Tiz the Season.
People are busy stringing garland, decorating their Christmas Trees and stressing out trying to find the perfect present for that special someone.
Can you relate?
Journeys of The Zoo is excited to introduce you to a Canadian online organic baby stores called "Baby Organic Joy".
Baby Organic Joy doesn't just claim to be organic. They are a proud member of Canada's Organic Trade Association and Green Business Association. The goal of their company is to provide certified organic baby products or those baby products made with organic ingredients available in the market today, at reasonable prices.
Talk about affordable! They have a wide array of gift ideas for under $10 such as; stroller toys, rattles and crinkle books. Baby toys from MiYim, Begin Again Dinosaur Puzzle and the Safari Animal blocks are a few of our favourites.
Hello Zoo!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Kids Gift Pack Giveaway $135, 4 Prizes, US/CAN, 12/25
Four prizes + one winner = BIG WIN!
1. Complete Child Development Program ($87).
While I am not personally familiar with this system, my good friend Laura has begun the program with her six-year old daughter and posted some
positive things on her blog.
What I do know is that they're a Canadian company and their website claims that their program builds strong self-esteem and confidence. Considering the fact that they have a 30-day, No risk, Money back guarantee, you can't go wrong.
Connect with Complete Child Development Program via their Website.
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2. Standard and Deluxe Kit from Little Jots ($21).
This product from Little Jots should look familiar because I just posted a review on it yesterday.
A couple of things that I didn't mention (I had to leave something to surprize) was that the Standard Pack is crazy affordable at only $5.95.
Not only that but it functions as a "refill" for the Deluxe Kit. It also comes in it's own sealed cardboard box and is even shrink wrapped. Did I mention that all the kits come with free shipping!?
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3. Funbites, Choice of cubes or hearts ($12)
Do you have a picky eater? If so, you should give this product a try. At the very least, you'll have cute shaped canteloupes...
You can use it on almost any food, such as; fruit, grilled cheese, and pancakes. It even made it on The Zoo's Holiday Guide.
Be sure to watch out for The Zoo's review of this versatile and fun for the whole family product.
Connect with Funbites on their Website: http://www.funbites.com, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FunBites and Twitter: https://twitter.com/funbites.
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4. Copy-Kids DVD ($20)
If you're still having problems with getting your kid to eat certain foods then we still have you covered with Copy-Kids Eat your Fruits and Vegetables DVD. The Zoo has had such success with this product and I can't say enough great things about it!
Connect with Copy-Kids via Website/YouTube: http://copy-kids.com/, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CopyKids and Twitter: https://twitter.com/CopyKids
Now's Your Chance to WIN!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Write Your Child a Hug this Holiday with Little Jots.
Holidays are a time for giving and letting those you care about know how much they mean to you. This year, give thanks and show your love every day with Little Jots!
Little Jots is a Canadian online company whose slogan: "Write your child a hug™ and create memories to last a lifetime" is very fitting given their product.
While the idea of personal or lunchbox notes is nothing new, their goal is to send positive messages to kids. Being a Mom herself, Maria put a lot of time and effort into researching, developing, reviewing and refining the hugs. She even solicited feedback from child development specialists. Nothing little about that!
A few of my favourites messages are; You are a bright star in my day and Your hugs fill my heart. With 20 different messages to to choose from, there's sure to be a perfect hug for every person in your life. If not, you can create your own messages.
The Deluxe pack is on sale right now for only $11.95 and includes;
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Sadieloohoo Is a Humourous Gal: Feature & Linky {Canadian}
I'm Miss December. I'm Miss December at Journeys of The Zoo!
Those were the first words written by Connie from SadieLooHoo when she agreed to be Journeys of The Zoo "I Am Canadian" Feature for December. She really needs to get out more.
Connie made my smile hurt with her funny and smart post and I'm sure she'll have you laughing too. I hope that you will show her your support by reading and commenting.
Here's what she had to share...
Ok, I may be being a little dramatic! I have to say, this is my very first "Guest Post" ever. I read through other guest posts wondering what I should be "sharing" with everyone. I read the November guest post from My Life After Kids and I thought......oh my gosh, Miss November is incredible!! She is like the fall foliage here in Ontario. She is that rare magenta leaf that clings to the tree for all to see and marvel at.
Then I think to myself......I'm Miss December......who is she? Is she the wisp of cold air making the house drafty? Or, is she like the fun and joy of a present under the tree? So, I wondered and pondered all this. Alas, I must stop pondering, wondering and in essence......delaying! Sarah told me I had to be quick in putting this post together......I had three days to get this written and now I only have two. Save to draft while I ponder some more.
Friday, November 30, 2012
The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles Cookbook Giveaway, WW, 12/12
Winter has set in.
When that happens The Zoo hungers for a taste of something exotic, something filled with spice and wonder. It makes the sub-zero temperatures and shovelling that awaits us melt away.
In turn, I couldn't have been more excited to see my copy of "The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles" cookbook in my mailbox!
This book is more than just a cookbook. It takes you on a journey into the life of a Bengali kitchen, the tools and spice blends used, and the different cooking methods that make Bengali cuisine unique.
The author, Rinku Bhattacharya has added a touching glimpse into her life by sharing tidbits from her own history including a photo of her late father. The book's dedication; to the past, present and future really resonates with me.
With additional excerpts within each chapter such as "Widowhood and Influences on Bengali Cooking" and "Fishing for Love" you will always have something extra to read about while the inviting aromas fill your home with warmth.
There are so many great receipes that I've just touched the surface. The ones I have perused have me intrigued for sure. With over 20 recipes in the Rice and Bread chapter alone (over 180 recipes in the book overall), there are sure to be many to choose from.
I'm looking forward to cooking up something delicious in the coming days, which I'll share with all of you. Just the photos and story, not the food, unfortunately! In the meantime,
Enter to WIN a copy of Your Own!
What's Under The Zoo’s Non-Existent Christmas Tree?
It's been a while since we told you what's in The Zoo's mailbox. Seeing as Christmas is only three-ish weeks away, we thought we'd share with you some of the unique and affordable gifts ideas for Mom and Kids that we've found.
Before we go any farther, I should let you know that Journeys of The Zoo doesn't actually have a Christmas tree. Well, we do but it's in a box in the basement and it hasn't seen the light of day since I took it down March 23, 2003 in preparation for my move. Up until that point, it had been a permanent fixture in my living room since November 2000.
Yes, you read that correctly.
I was known as "The lady with the Christmas tree". I would turn the lights on every quarter December, March, June, September and the neighbours would come over for a chat.
If you're surprized then you need to read my blog more.
Here are some of the goodies that will be under our tree, if we had one.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Not on #Facebook? See What You've Been Missing #humor
In case you didn't know,
not everyone is on Facebook.
Gasp.
Impossible.
Say it isn't so.
The next thing you know, I'll be telling you that Santa Claus doesn't exist.
Well, it's true (the part about Facebook).
In fact, I'm pretty sure that I know all of the eight non-Facebookers (verb?) and that they follow this blog. No, they don't follow via Twitter either. I'll go easy on you and leave that for another post.
Here's what they've been missing...
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Buy, Sell & Earn Rewards on GC Giveaway @CardSwap, CAN, 12/11
I don't know about you but I'm not hard to buy for.
Everyone else, well, that's another story.
When in doubt, I buy gift cards. The list of companies are endless and you can't go wrong.
Well you could, until CardSwap came along.
Read all about my experience and enter the giveaway for one of two $25 store credits!
CardSwap is rewarding Canadians with gift cards and cash back savings on everyday purchases -- dining, shopping, grocery, and even gas. And CardSwap is still Canada's #1 site to buy gift cards and sell gift cards. You can buy gift cards and earn rewards redeemable for gift cards, or sell us your unused gift cards for up to 92% of the face value in cash. As Canada's #1 gift card exchange, we have created Canada's largest and fastest growing market place for gift cards.
Why I Buy From CardSwap.
- Convenience. I don't have to leave the house and with two three-year olds, that's saying a lot. As well as many of the stores that I want to buy gift cards from aren't in my town and would require me to drive at least one hour to get there.
- Ease of Use and Support. It only took me a few minutes to register, select and purchase the card. I had one question about whether the card's expire (they don't) and was able to contact the company via online form or live chat.
- 100% Guarantee. CardSwap guarantees that your card will have the correct value and mine did!
- Speed. If you're a procrasinator (like someone I know), you need the gift to arrive, FAST. I ordered mine on Tuesday evening and it was in my mailbox on Friday. Very Impressive.
- Wish List. If you don't see the card you want, add it to your wish list and CardSwap will let you know when one becomes available.
- Free Stuff. Such as shipping, an extra $10 (the next time I sell cards with them, minimum amount required) and my favourite, I personally earn rewards for buying something that I would anyways.
Their website made it very clear that if you want to gift someone a NEW card then you'll need to go into the store and buy one. All of their cards have been in the possession of others. However, the one I got, you'd hardly know.
For this one purchase alone, I earned 600 SwapPoints (equal to $6) towards my next purchase. With tons of different denominations and companies to choose from such as; Loblaws, Canadian Tire, Esso, Tim Hortons, and Walmart you can't go wrong with CardSwap!
Connect with CardSwap via their Website, Facebook or Twitter.
Win One of TWO $25 CardSwap Credits!
Monday, November 26, 2012
MGA Entertainment Prize Pack $250 #holidayshowcase US/CAN, 12/09
If you're familiar with the saying, "The Girls with a Passion for Fashion" and "Sew Magical, Sew Cute" then you're going to love this giveaway from MGA Entertainment!
MGA Entertainment is leading the revolution in family entertainment with brands and products that are sure to be on your kids wish list.
Big names such as: Little Tikes, Action Adventures, Novi Stars, Bratz and Lalaloopsy (as quote above).
If you have kids but aren't familiar with these brands, you'd best start taking notes because they're all the rage. Note that I don't know anything about them either but I'm taking my own advice.
There are enough toys here to share with the whole neighbourhood or perhaps to donate to a child in need. Don't miss out on this great chance to,
Win a Toy Prize Pack totalling over $250!
$40 GC and Kindle Fire from @DelightfullyInc, US/CAN, 12/17
The Zoo loves to read and has a library of over 2,000 books.
With all the travelling we do and the limited van space, there's usually only enough room for me to bring a book or two.
Definitely not enough.
It makes sense for me to have a Kindle Fire. It's on my Christmas Wish List and I even own some ebooks.
Except, I don't have one. Yet.
No, Ed is not being negligent. The deal that I've made with myself is that I have to win one. Note to self, change your mind.
Now's My Our Chance!
Delightfully a new virtual gift-wrap service has teamed up with Happy Mothering and Green Moms Media to bring you a giveaway for a Kindle Fire and $40 Amazon Gift Card. Just in time for Christmas!
During the Holiday season, there are tons of gifts given online for music, gift cards, subscriptions, e-books and pretty much anything. If you're anything like me, you've sent at least one online gift and likely will again before Christmas.
With Delightfully, you can create a special "unwrapping" moment for any gift occasion for friends and family who can't spend the holidays with you in person. You can check out an example of the Delightfully gift-wrap on their website. At only $3, it's a very nice way to personalize the otherwise impersonal online gift! Say goodbye to wasteful paper and tape and say hello to this, eco-friendly gift wrap alternative.
To thank you for taking the time to consider their virtual gift-wrapping service, Delightfully is offering you a chance to win a Kindle Fire and $40 Amazon.com gift card!
The Kindle Fire is thin, light and durable. It features:
- 1.2GHz processor and 1GB of RAM
- 8GB on-device storage with free unlimited cloud storage for all your Amazon content
- Apps such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo!, HBO GO and Pandora
- Ultra-fast web browsing over built-in WiFi
- Kindle FreeTime: A free, personalized tablet experience just for kids that allows you to set daily screen limits and give access to appropriate content for each child
Enter to Win with Delightfully!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Create Family Memories with Products from Elephoto.
My love for all things personalized and Canadian are well documented. So, you can imagine my excitement when I won a $50 gift certificate from Elephoto!
Two favourites in One with Elephoto!
Elephoto is a Canadian service that "takes your digital photos and turns them into magical keepsakes". They offer canvas and poster prints, photo books, calendars and photo cards. I was already familiar with the company, even before I won, however, I was fortunate enough to get a chance to meet with two of their Social Media contacts at the ShesConnected conference.
Seeing as the holidays are just around the corner, this came at the perfect time. For me, the hardest part was deciding what product(s) to get. After wavering between calendars and photo cards, I decided on the latter. I figured that everyone knew what came after January but having a picture of my child in their mailbox...
Priceless!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Save Money & Gain Peace of Mind with @CAASCO Travel Insurance.
If you drive a vehicle and live in Ontario then you've heard of CAA Roadside Assistance. If you've travelled outside Canada for business or pleasure then you've purchased CAA Travel Insurance. Right?
Until last week, we didn't know that CAA provided this service. Given all the travelling that Journeys of The Zoo does and considering we have two trips planned for this month, we found out just in the nick of time!
First up, a business trip for Ed to San Diego. I normally purchase our personal and business travel insurance online with a Major Canadian Bank but this time I thought; "It can't hurt to compare prices. A quote costs me nothing".
The CAA Travel Insurance website was easy to find (you'd be surprized) and within minutes I had my quote.
I was both shocked and excited.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Out of This World with Space Chums Kids CD, US/CAN, 12/05
In case you're unaware, Journeys of The Zoo loves music. The kids definitely inherited that trait from Ed.
I was excited to hear about Space Chums latest CD, "Blast Off" as their website describes it as a chance to "rock the stratosphere with crazy, catchy and hilarious songs about their adventures in space and the wonders of discovering planet earth".
Out of This World!
If you're sensing an intergalatic theme then you're right. The three stars are Space Ninja Linda, Disco Cosmonaut Nikolai, GalactoFashionista Gussy and their sidekick Bleep Bloop. Not only do they have space outfits but also stickers and cut-out characters to complete the package.
With all new music, the first run through for Artemis had her standing still and listening. The only movement I saw for 21-minutes was her carassing her new stickers. Max enjoyed the short but catchy cosmic vibed tunes. "Beeble Bop" was especially repetitive and got both of them involved.
Want to hear for yourself? See them in action in this video and,
Blast into the atmosphere
with Space Chums!
Copies of the CD or MP3 can be purchased from CDBaby and you can connect with Space Chums via their Landing Site (Website) and Spacebook (Facebook).
But that's not all, Space Chums wants you blast into hyper-fun with their stellar band so they're giving away a copy of their CD and a T-shirt!
Enter the Galactic Giveaway below...
Over $125 in Free Products & Coupons Giveaway, CAN, 11/29
It's that time again at Journeys of The Zoo.
The time where we get together all our coupons that we haven't had a chance to use and give them away!
We love coupon giveaways because it reminds us of our very first giveaway!
This coupon prize pack will include SIX FPC's. One from Dempsters (we don't eat White Bread) and five from Wholly Guacamole.
Yes, we love avocados.
Yes, we love salsa.
No, we can not get these products where we live.
I have spoken with the Manager at both stores (Independent and Food Basics) and hope that they get some in soon.
Regardless, that won't happen by December 31, 2012.
Yes, I could get Ed to try and find me some in the "Big City" but he's busy.
Our loss is your gain.
I'm also including four buy one get one free (bogo) and almost $90 in coupons from companies such as; French's, Barilla, Hershey's, Speed Stick, Tenderflake, Colgate, Crest, Europe's Best, V8, Woolite, Purcell, Pedigree, Nestea, Scrubbing Bubbles, IronKids Vitamins, Air Wick, Lysol, Garnier and tons more!
Like the last time, I will continue to add coupons as I receive them. If you live in the GTA, I will also send along a coupon book that I received with hundreds of dollars in savings!
The coupons are valid in Canada Only and do not expire before December 31, 2012. Some until May 2013.
Win over $125 in FPCs and Coupons!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
VH Sauce Dinner and Family Excitement [Review]
VH is hosting an "Excite Your Dinner Blog Tour" event and Journeys of The Zoo has been selected to participate.
It's like they knew that VH Sauces were just what The Zoo needed to spice things up in the kitchen department and that kids can never have enough educational and creative toys.
Fun and excitement for the Whole Family!
After opening up the package and doing a little dance, I got right down to business. I checked the labels. Ed has an allergy to nuts and I like to know what I'm feeding my family. If I can't pronounce it and/or don't understand why it's there then I'm not eating it. All three of the sauces passed my test.
Next up, I needed to find a recipe. While I consider myself an okay cook, I'm not one of those people that can throw something together from whatever's in the fridge without some guidance. It's like VH knew because they include a recipe and cooking instructions on the back of each of their sauces.
I followed the recipe except I replaced the broccoli for red peppers so that meant some extra liquid. In turn, I let the sauce cook longer to thicken up a bit. The kids ate it up so I'll be stocking up on this!
Saturday night was another special meal which included Beef Back Rib Stirfry with Korean BBQ and Soya Sauce.
This is one of VH's new sauces so I hadn't had it before. However, from reading the label, I knew I'd love it. It's description is "tangy asian sauce with hints of sesame and ginger". Even the kids like tangy (I like to call it taste) and we put sesame seeds and ginger in everything. This dinner gives "lick the platter clean" a whole new meaning. Like the previous night, no leftovers for lunch.
I could see myself putting the Korean BBQ sauce on salads and hamburgers so I stopped by VH's Facebook site, and was pleased to see that they had tons of great recipe ideas.
Be sure to check out all the possibilities for yourself!
A big thanks to Older Mommy Still Yummy for nominating us for this event. We're pleased to announce that we are passing the torch on to Elizabeth at Frugal Mom Eh! and can't wait for her to impress with her cooking skills.
Connect with VH on Facebook or Twitter and...
Enter to WIN a $25 VH Sauce Prize Pack!
Monday, November 19, 2012
@Iams #Home4TheHolidays Pet Adoption Drive: How to Help.
Five out of eight members of Journeys of The Zoo are adopted.
While my story has a happy beginning, Reina was found starved (almost) to death and Phoenix had his throat cut. Fighters need to win...
That's why I'm honoured to be a part of Iams Family of Bloggers promoting awareness of the Home 4 The Holidays initiative.
Did you know that this is Iams 14th year focussing on raising awareness of pet adoption and ensuring proper nutrition for more homeless pets? This year, they will once again work in conjunction with founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and more than 4,000 animal organizations Worldwide to encourage pet adoption.
As part of this initiative, seven million pets have been adopted Worldwide with over 1.2 milllion during last years holiday campaign. The program which runs from Oct. 1, 2012 through Jan. 2, 2013 has already donated 486,734 meals to rescues and shelters. Their goal... 5 million meals! Iams is putting their money where their mouth is and,
Now it's your turn!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Happy National Adoption Day Hop! November 17, 2012
Everyone has a story to tell and Journeys of The Zoo has shared a few about adoption.
Recently, I connected with Britt from Yellow Umbrella because my friend is raising money for adoption and she wanted to help.
We got to talking and it turns out that we're both adopted and guess what...
Today is National Adoption Day!
In honour of that, we decided to host a blog hop that would allow others to share their experiences and know that they are not alone. Some of them may have happy endings and others not. Please take the time to visit the blogs listed in the linky at the bottom of this post and show them your support.
My story for today is about Acceptance.
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My parents were given 48-hours notice that I would be coming home.
As first-time parents, to say that they were not prepared would be an understatement. Did I mention that they were told on a Friday evening and those were the days when you couldn't shop on Sunday's.
Once I'd arrived, they called My Nanna and Grandad (Nanna's parents) to tell them the good news and invite them over for my first visit.
My parents couldn't contain their excitement. Surely my grandparents were as happy as them, right?
While they knew about my parents application for adoption, My Nanna was surprized that she'd been given so little notice. In not so many words, she wasn't ready for me yet. The jury is still out on whether she ever would have been ready.
Then, there was a mutiny of sorts.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Outset Media What? $250 Game Pack #holidayshowcase US/CAN, 12/02
Remember how I told you about how Ed was just chalk full of useless information?
Well, I've found the perfect use for all that knowledge with board games for the whole family from Outset Media.
Outset Media has been around since 1996 and is 100% Canadian! Not only that but much of their product is manufactured in Canada and the USA.
I'm the type of consumer that votes with their wallet and that fact makes me really happy and proud.
When I visited their website, a bunch of games jumped out at me and after watching some of their brilliant YouTube videos, I know what I'm taking over to my neighbours for Christmas; Canadian Trivia Family Edition.
Not only because I'd love to learn even more about Canada but because I think that I could actually get a few questions right for once.
Make sure you don't have any milk in your mouth while watching this video. It hurts when it comes out your nose.
So, how many did you get right?
I dare you to check out some of their other games like; American Trivia Family Edition, What? party game, Professor Noggin's, What Bird Am I? and Cobble Hill Puzzles. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Connect with Outset Media on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget to enter to,
Win a $250 Outset Media Prize Pack!
iPod Touch 16GB 4th Gen. #Giveaway $199, US/CAN, 12/17
Thank you for joining us for the iPod Touch Giveaway event, hosted by Happy Mothering and Green Moms Media and sponsored by LampsUSA.com
If you're looking for new home lighting, check out LampsUSA.com. They have been selling quality discount lighting online since 1998 and in brick and mortar stores since 1994. They guarantee the lowest price on everything they sell and offer free shipping on orders over $79! Plus you pay no tax if you're outside of California or Wisconsin!
About LampsUSA
They offer 30,000+ lamps and lighting fixtures at prices up to 90% off, including:
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Famous Brand Lamps | Dillan Bronze Elephant Set Lamp
Check out some of LampsUSA.com's most popular products.Murray Feiss Trinity 5 Pendant Chandelier Astral Bronze
Grandrich Lamps | Full Spectrum EZ Reader Desk Lamp Energy Star
And now for the iPod Touch Giveaway!
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