Outdoor Activities for Kids with a Side of Nature {#Humor}

Spring is finally here.

Which is a good thing considering it's almost Summer.

No matter, we're embracing the good weather and enjoying every last minute of it.

In doing so, The Kids have started to incorporate more of nature in their everyday play. No more swing sets or tricycles for these guys.

Knowing that many of you enjoy the outdoors as much as we do, I thought that I'd share some activities that The Kids have been creating all on their own.

The best part, they require minimal materials, don't cost any money and they all come naturally to three-year olds.

Win, win, win!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} May 30

Since last Thursday...

Nanna went home. Poppa arrived.

My garden is sprouting up all over the place and the frost warning is gone so that I can plant my cherry tomatoes.

The furnace is still on and it's almost June. No matter because today is ...

The BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

Link up and make some new friends below!

Happiness is Coming to Bed and Finding This {WW}

What Makes You Happy?

TweetHappiness is...

  Besos, The Zoo

Eco-Friendly Stationery from Night Owl Paper Goods [Review]

Cute little owls with their big eyes make my heart smile.

Seeing the face of others when they receive beautiful stationery makes me smile.

What if someone put the two together, threw in some handmade love and added a giveaway as a bonus.

Look no further because this post is full of smiles,

Thanks to Night Owl Paper Goods!

Smile #1: The Little Details. Customized fabric bags where the location states "Birmingham, OWLabama", owl stickers, and colourful matching envelopes. Here's a bit more information about the people behind the details;

With a passion for fine craftsmanship, detail and the environment, Alan Henderson and Jennifer Tatham went out on a limb to start a stationery company devoted to creating handmade letterpress cards and eco-chic wooden goodies.

The duo finds inspiration in the versatile works of Swedish and American folk artists, British haberdashers, as well as the cute critters and colossal colors that Mother Nature provides daily.

I'm a list maker. In turn, I have tons of little, ugly pads of paper everywhere. They're the flimsy kind so the pages often get torn off. Only the important pages. They've even been known to get eaten by the "shuffle of papers gremlins" that are on my desk. That's a disaster of the past with

Smile #2: The Journal and matching notebook.

The journal measures 7.5x5.5", contains a sturdy 5/8" wire spiral binding, lined paper-double sided and has a cover made of wood! Like all their products, it's eco-friendly as it's made from sustainably harvested wood. I love that the wood grain is visible as it adds to the folksy nature of the designs and makes the colours pop. From now on, my lists are styling at the top of the pile.

Smile #3: A Wooden Card? Have you ever received one because I haven't. The closest I've come is one made of cardstock so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Even when they arrived, I thought, they're so thin, they'll probably snap in two. As you can see from the picture, like the journal cover, they're really flexible. Even when The Kids got a hold of them, they didn't break. And the wood felt so smooth.

They offer pre-existing greeting cards for a variety of occasions such as; birthdays, anniversaries and thank yous. If you don't see something in your style, create your own for as little as only $4 (depends on quantity)!

I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of these products and pleased to see that they were made in North America. I am very excited to hand deliver the first one.

Connect with Night Owl Paper Goods!

Website | Facebook | Twitter.

Tweet Share this Eco-friendly and Folksy company!

This post originally included a giveaway. It has since ended and the confirmed winner was Beth R.

Disclosure: Journeys of The Zoo received a copy of this product(s) that enabled us to complete this review.

  Besos, The Zoo

All-Inclusive Weekly Linky for #Giveaways up to June 4

Interested in Winning great Giveaways?

Have some that you want to Promote?

Located on Planet Earth?

You've come to the right place and are welcome at...

Journeys of The Zoo
Giveaway Linky!

Contesters. Bloggers will be adding their giveaways to the linky throughout the week so be sure to come back often and check for new opportunities.

Don't forget to enter all the other giveaways posted to our jam packed Facebook Giveaway Wall. Note that a link is also provided in the left hand column over there <-------

Bloggers. This linky receives daily promotion via The Zoo's social media links. Be sure to also add all your giveaways to our Facebook Giveaway Wall. NO LIMITS! Please post end dates.

Good Luck!

TweetTWEET THIS and PROMOTE YOUR GIVEAWAY!

What it's Like to Raise Multiples: The Decision {Triplets}

People often ask me what it's like to have Triplets.

Kind of a broad question.

Where to start?

From the beginning I guess.

#IAMSSoGood Doggie Jam is a Must Attend Concert! {#Giveaway} CAN 6/01

Reina and Phoenix love Iams and so do I.

Especially their sense of social responsibility and recognition that our pets are valued and cherished family members that deserve the best both physically and artistically.

Artistically? Absolutely!

On June 8, Iams is celebrating the real love between people and pets at Canada's first ever concert for dogs. The Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam will bring together as many as 5,000 dogs and their owners to celebrate real love at an event to remember.

The repertoire consists of a 43-piece classical orchestra performing classical "dog" inspired music. This event is sure to delight pets and owners alike. One not to be missed!

Excited for the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam Concert.

Event Details
Date and Time:	Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 4-8pm.
City:	Toronto, Ontario
Location:	Echo Beach, 999 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3L3
Cost and Tickets:	Available from Ticketmaster.

Connect with Iams on Facebook, Twitter and by following the concert Twitter hashtag #IAMSSoGood.

Be sure to Tell Your Friends about this Must Attend Event! Tweet

Really want to go? Try your luck at Freda's Voice as she's also hosting the giveaway.

Enter to Win Concert Tickets and Iams Dog Food Below!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} May 23

And I thought last week was busy.

On Friday, Uncle Andrew and Kevin arrived. They left on Monday.

On Tuesday, Nanna arrived. Poppa will be here next week.

Apparently, May is short on vacancies at The Zoo.

But, that's neither here nor there because today is Thursday and that means...

The BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

Link up and make some new friends below!

Lil’ Alice Delivers Stylish and Quality Totes and Bags {#Review}

Quality Craftsmanship, Stylish, Colourful and Fun!

Those are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Lil' Alice.

That and "Kid in a Candy Shop" because that's what I felt like when I started looking around her Etsy Shop. Just you wait.

All-Inclusive Weekly #Giveaway Linky up to May 28

Does this logo look familiar?

Since June 2012, every Tuesday, I've been opening up my Facebook Wall for my peers to post their Canadian Friendly Giveaways.

I even post a link in my Giveaway section <------ over there. Or you can click here.

That won't change. What will is that I'm also going to be hosting a weekly...

Journeys of The Zoo
Giveaway Linky!

From now on, every Tuesday, you are welcome to stop by my Facebook Page and come here to post your giveaways and/or enter some yourself.

The best part, EVERYONE IS INCLUDED. One linky for giveaways open to Canadians and another for those not open to Canadians. Please post end dates.

Link up and Good Luck!

TweetTWEET THIS and PROMOTE YOUR GIVEAWAY!

Are you Quirkier than The Zoo? {Top Ten}

It's 11:28pm.

Ed and I are making dinner.

Or should I say breakfast.

Peanut butter, jam and cheese sandwiches.

A fairly regular occurrence around here. The time, not the cuisine.

Seeing as I'm so very busy at the computer, I ask Ed to butter my bread for me. He gives me the eye roll.

It made me laugh and got me to thinking.

I've been meaning to but haven't done a Random Fact Friday post in a long while and there are a few million things that you don't know about me.

And perhaps wish you didn't.

Regardless, given my generous nature, if just one of you leaves this post feeling like you're not the only one that does "that", than my mission is accomplished.

Top Ten Things that Make Me Quirky

All-Natural @LitterGetter Keeps Odours Away {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 5/30

Aries The Cat turned 17-years old last month. That's around 3,789,324 human years.

While she hasn't had issues with not using her litter box, since we moved it, we now notice the smell.

When I heard about this product that states it helps keep your house odour-free and litter train cats, I wanted to tell you about it.

Litter Getter "The All Natural Litter Training Solution".

What is Litter Getter? Litter Getter is an all-natural mixture of herbs and plant extracts designed to bring problem cats back to the litter box and assist in training kittens.

It keeps the house smelling better by neutralizing ammonia-related odor by the inclusion of a yaccu extract. It also clumps with the cat litter making cleanup easier and is not harmful to people or pets.

The product looks and smells exactly as it should... a natural mixture of herbs. A pleasant tinge of sweetness was also present. I started with a fresh and full box of clumping litter and mixed in the recommended 1/4 bottle dose of Litter Getter (1/8 of the bottle for maintenance).

Four days later, and it still didn't smell bad. Yes, I put my head in her litter box. No, I didn't clean it for four days.

This fresh smell is exactly what we were going for as her litter box is in a high traffic area (the bathroom). It also appears to have kept down some of the dust that used to be floating around. Seeing as Ed has a lot of allergies, this is a great added benefit.

Just as I was putting her litter box in it's place, she started to use it so I had to run for my camera. Then I ran out of battery power stopped it to protect her modesty.

As you can see, she didn't hesitate or have any problems with using her new environment. That's great considering cats can sometimes be resistant to change.

Based on the recommended dosage, the bottle should last several months. Even longer if I clean it out regularly like I normally do.

Connect with Litter Getter via Website and Twitter.

Enter to Win Litter Getter for Your Cat!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} May 16

Time flies when you're having fun.

Said someone I don't know.

And they sure were right because it's Thursday again!

I guess that's what happens when you spend all your time picking dandelions.

No matter, I love Thursday's because along with this day comes...

The BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

Flower, Foe or Wine. What Do You See? {WW}

The Zoo sees a FOE!

Wordless Wednesday Tweet

  Besos, The Zoo

Win Tickets to the #Ottawa Children's Festival {#Giveaway}, CAN, 5/26

The Ottawa Mommy Club is pleased to host the Ottawa International Children's Festival Giveaway!

With fabulous co-hosts Canadian Blog House, Shannon's View from Here, Journeys of the Zoo and Tales of Mommyhood.

At three years old, The Kids are still a bit too young for any of the programming, however, for kids five and over, it's jam packed with excitement with many performances in both official languages and you have a chance to experience a taste of it for yourself and,

Win tickets (4) to "Where The Wild Things Are" on Thursday, May 30 @ 7:00 pm.

The Ottawa International Children's Festival (OICF), the largest children’s festival in Ontario, is gearing up to celebrate its 28th year in the Capital, May 28-June 2, 2013 at Lebreton Flats Park and Canadian War Museum sites.

Each year the OICF proudly presents some of the finest visual and performance arts programming for young audiences. Thousands of area children, families and businesses come together to celebrate and take part in live performing arts that serves to surround young people with excellence in the arts community and to promote creativity, boundless imaginations and individual expression in children of all ages.

This year, the Festival proudly presents the finest visual and performance arts programming for young audiences.

Counties Shaped Like Stars, by Ottawa's Mi Casa Theatre, is making its debut at The Ottawa Children's Festival with a whimsical theatrical production featuring characters Gwendolyn Magnificent and Bartholomew Spectacular, as told through a tin-can telephone. The show has received race reviews and five-star designations from audience members and critics alike, performing across Canada and as far south as New Mexico.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 9:30 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Thursday, May 30 @ 10:00 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Friday, May 31 @ 9:30 am and 12:30 pm – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 1:00 pm – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 10:00 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)

The high-energy, Quebec-based Evolution of BBoying by Ottawa’s Mi Casa Theatre, featuring local choreographer/dancer Yvon ‘Crazy Smooth’ Soglo, explores street dance tradition in a modern performance setting. This show brings together 10 of Canada’s most talented dancers and performers in a piece that evokes the essential nature of street dance.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 1:00 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Thursday, May 30 @ 9:15 am and 11:00 am - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Friday, May 31 @ 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 9:30 am and 12:00 pm – Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)

Denmark’s A Sonatina, by Gruppe 38 Europe’s oldest artistic creative, is a hysterical theatrical version of Little Red Riding Hood, featuring an un-cooperative live chicken and a newly laid egg. Highly original and tremendously imaginative, this performance is sure to be an audience favourite.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 9:30 am and 12:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Friday, May 31 @ 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 10:00 am and 12:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 10:00 am - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)

The award-winning adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are is back by popular demand.

It is a whimsical, joyful piece of participatory theatre that will delight one and all.

Kim Selody brings our favourite characters to life in this Dora-nominated production. Get your tickets soon, this one sells out fast!

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Thursday, May 30 @ 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm – Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 2:30 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)

Ghosts and Ladders, featuring acrobats and musicians combining music, movement and poetry. This show originating from Quebec, has audience members transported to an imaginative, engrossing world that won’t soon be forgotten.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Saturday, June 1 @ 1:00 pm – Tent 1 LeBreton Flats Park (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 11:00 am and 2:15 pm - Tent 1 LeBreton Flats Park (English)

Please refer to the Festival’s activities schedule for more activities.

Tickets for the Festival are $12.50 per person, or you can choose your three favourite shows by purchasing a 3-Show Package (any 3 shows) for $30.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased through the festival office by calling 613-241-0999, by visiting the office at 294 Albert Street, Suite 602, Ottawa (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), through the Festival website or on-site at Lebreton Flats Park, between May 28 and June 2. These shows usually sell out, so please call early to avoid disappointment! For more information about the schedule or ticket information please visit the website at www.ottawachildrensfestival.ca or call (613) 241-0999.

Connect the with the Ottawa Childrens Festival via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Enter to WIN 4 Tickets Below!

An Order of Maple Syrup with a Side of Bribery {Humor}

Maple Syrup season has come and gone.

But not without a visit to a Sugar Shack, tapping our trees for sap and getting caught up in all the bribery associated with liquid gold.

Bribery?

More on that in a minute and yes, it involves my neighbour "Mike".

Mother's Day Should be Every Day or At Least Once a Month.

Mother's Day should be every day.

Or every Sunday.

At the very least, once a month.

And it has nothing to do with the presents.

Although they don't hurt.

Bonfires, Giveaways and Humour with Spicy Hobo Greeting Cards {Update}

Another week. Gone by in a flash.

The Zoo took advantage of the warm weather and got some work done outside.

We also created three posts introducing you to some great companies (make this one four!) and offering you giveaways so that you can experience them yourselves. You're welcome.

Without further ado, here is The Zoo's week in review (including the Drivel).

Make Your Kids Birthday Party Special with The Loot Bag Lady! [Review]

When I was a kid, a party wasn't a party without loot bags filled with comic books, popeye cigarettes, jaw breakers and a plethora of other sweets.

To say that things have changed since then would be an understatement.

Nowadays, Parents want to educate and inspire. Teeth rotting sugar highs need not apply. In high demand...

Unique and Creative Loot Bags from The Loot Bag Lady!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} May 9

I love Thursdays!

In fact, I love every day except maybe Monday. Poor Monday, always getting a bad rap.

I'm sure if it had a choice it would change places with Thursday in a heartbeat.

Speaking of Thursday, today's the day to...

Link up to the BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

Breathe Better with LightAir Air Purifier {#Giveaway}, WW, 5/24

All members of The Zoo are afflicted with "the allergic".

Spring time is especially bad because we're all stuck inside together and it's too cold to open the windows.

That's why I jumped at the chance to share this giveaway Hosted by Gator Mommy Reviews and Sponsored by LightAir.

Your lungs deserve a chance to win a...

LightAir IonFlow 50 Surface Air Purifier Giveaway!

LightAir produces innovative air purifiers with style. The air purifiers utilize IonFlow technology and CellFlow technology to improve air quality. They are filter-free, silent and energy saving. LightAir's IonFlow 50 Surface is a table or floor air purifier.

Read Gator Mommy Review's LightAir IonFlow 50 Surface Review for more information.

In checking out their website, I found some interesting articles such as this one on "Premature births are 30% higher in cities" and "Prenatal Pollution Exposure Dangerous for Children with Asthma". While neither of these issues effect(ed) The Kids, it makes me sad that there is yet another thing that Mother's and Families need to be worried about.

Connect with LightAir via their Website and Facebook.

Enter to Win Below!

Personalized Gifts with Piczzle Picture Puzzles {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 5/21

The Kids love puzzles.

LOVE.

Seeing a three-years old reaction to having their picture on a puzzle really is hilarious. Think Thomas the Tank Engine.

But the puzzles aren't only a kids toy...

Piczzle Photo Puzzles Make Wonderful Memories!

For our review, I chose a basic design, medium sized cardboard picture puzzle with 48 pieces. There were ten piece size options ranging from 6-3,000 pieces! A puzzle for all ages.

The puzzles are constructed of a premium grade cardboard that has been laminated with a glossy finish. Piczzle's cardboard puzzles are precision press cut so that all pieces will be perfectly separated from one another. They are printed using an advanced digital printing technique that results in sharp, multicolored prints that achieve real-life Puzzle pictures.

As for the picture, I selected the same one from last years Christmas cards because I liked it. I didn't give any consideration to whether or not it would make a good puzzle for three year olds. Fortunately, there was some variance in colouring (although there was a lot of grey and flesh colours) and didn't prove too difficult for the kids. If you're planning on getting a puzzle as a keepsake then this is not an issue.

The final design step was to select the text. While they clearly state that "...for optimal results; font, color, size and position of your personal puzzle text will be determined by our professional graphic designers", I wish that I could have picked the font as I'm not big on italics. However, I was fine with the colour, size and position and it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the puzzle at all.

The puzzle arrived standard delivery within six business days and was packaged in it's own "personalized puzzle box".

Not only did that add to the cool factor but it proved very functional as Artemis referenced the picture on the box many times to find out where a piece went.

The picture I took shows that the not all the pieces lay completely flat on the top (they do on the bottom), however, my picture is exaggerated as you can hardly feel the raise with your hand. The thickness of each piece is measurable (1/16"), the cuts are clean and when compared to the original, the picture of the original on a cardboard puzzle is an excellent reproduction.

The kids have tons of cardboard puzzles that are already peeling, warped or broken before they're even out of the box. What a waste of money. While I understand that "the others" don't cost $14.95, I think that these puzzles are worth their value not only for the quality but the fact that you can't put a price on Grandma Joy's face when she receives such a unique gift.

Personalize Your Gift with Piczzle Photo Puzzles!

Connect with Piczzle Photo Puzzles on Facebook and Piczzle Photo Puzzles on YouTube.

Win a Piczzle Puzzle for Yourself Below!

Sunday Night at the {Movies Hop}: #StarWars #maythe4thbewithyou

Does the phrase; "Luke, I am your Father" said with a deep airy voice have any meaning to you?

What about the names Han Solo, Princess Leia, or R2-D2?

If not, I don't know what to say besides WOW and read on.

In honour of Star Wars Day on May 4 and all our Warsie Followers, we dedicate this weeks Sunday Night at the Movies to the Star Wars trilogy.

A New Hope: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

International Bereaved Mother's Day. You Have Been Chosen {Loss}

Want to join a club that has a life-time membership, no financial fee, does not discriminate and has you rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous?

Sounds too good to be true or something out of Rumpelstilskin?

Pretty close except this is no fairy tale and admission is the life of your child.

Use Your Words: Writing Guide for Moms {#Giveaway}, US/CAN 5/24

I've always been a bit envious of the "artsy" types.

I figured that painting, dance, and writing skills came naturally...

To Others.

Now I know better.

There are others out there willing and able to guide us on our journey to creativity.

Kate Hopper is one of these people, and I am happy to have discovered her!

A Resource to Help you Document Your Experiences.

Kate Hopper is an award-winning writer, teacher, editor, and mother, among other things. She writes primarily about the many sides of motherhood, and when she began in this direction found that some people did not take her writing seriously because of the subject matter. Her solution was to create a place in the world for women to give creative expression to their own motherhood experiences.

In her book "Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers" Kate teaches some great techniques to help us document our journeys in ways that will capture the moments and give depth to the subject at hand.

Use Your Words is a book for both beginning mother writers and more advanced writers who want to improve their writing ability as they process the gritty, mundane, often-funny, and sometimes heartbreaking nature of parenthood.

The book layout is ideal for me. I really enjoyed reading the excerpts in each chapter, which were followed by specific exercises for the reader to follow. The writing exercises were easy to understand and although some of them were difficult for me personally to complete, others were really valuable. The chapters ranged from 10-20 pages, a perfect length for a busy Mother with little "me" time.

Turn the phrase on yourself - "Use Your Words!"

I am not yet ready to share the pieces I have written (perhaps in a future post?) but I am excited to continue on with the exploration and expression of my own journey. This book will continue to be a resource for me as I document the ever-changing landscape that is parenthood.

If you like what you read, Kate has kindly offered to giveaway a copy to one of you! But wait, there's more. Kate is working on another book "Ready for Air" about prematurity due out October 1. Stay tuned to Journeys of The Zoo for more information.

You can order Kate's book "Use Your Words" off her Website (it's also available as an audiobook) and connect with her via Her Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Win a Copy of "Use Your Words" below!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} 5/02

This is only the third week that I've been running this linky and last week we had over 50 people link up!

If you were one of them, thank you very much. I hope that you had a chance to make some new friends.

Want to make some more?

Link up to the BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

Mama Bear Haven on Becoming a Mother at 41 with Linky {Canadian}

Journeys of The Zoo's "I Am Canadian" Feature for May is...

Mama Bear Haven!

While I wasn't in my 40's when I had The Kids, I was 37 so I can definitely relate to the physical aches and pains that Tammy experienced. Please take the time to read Tammy's story and show your support by leaving a comment below about,

The Struggles of Becoming a Mother at 41.