Sunday Night at the {Movies Hop}: #JamesBond in Octopussy

If the title has you thinking that you're having a deja-vu moment, you are.

We watched Octopussy during our James Bond Movie Marathon in October 2011.

And, I had no intention of watching it for a third time but...

Baby Organic Joy Has The Perfect Gifts for Mother's Day!

When it comes to Mother's Day and gift giving in general, it's always nice to give something that the receiver can use.

This year, on May 12, give the Mother in your life something from their bucket list because,

Baby Organic Joy has Moms Needs Covered!

Baby Organic Joy has hundreds of baby items to choose from including bedding, carriers, clothing, diapers, teething, skin care, pregnancy, breast feeding, toys and feeding.

But, they're not only about Baby.

Even though The Kids are three and a half, there are many products for them such as pre-school items, grooming and bathing needs. There really is something for every Mother.

BabyOrganicJoy.ca is an online organic baby store based in Toronto, Canada. Our goal is to provide certified organic baby products or those baby products made with organic ingredients available in the market today.

At BabyOrganicJoy.ca, we have one of the largest online collections of organic baby products in Canada. For those baby products that are not available in organic form in the market, we chose the next best... Natural. Natural baby products are equally health beneficial because of the removal of various harmful chemicals.

Too much to choose from? If you're shopping for a new Mother, here are some items that she'll surely appreciate receiving.

Pickle Peas Bibs Keep Baby Dry and Stylish {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 5/11

Drool. Slobber. Dribble.

Whatever you call it, changing your baby for the 10th time in as many hours isn't fun.

What if you could embrace your baby's natural inclination and have them looking stylish at the same time?

You can with Pickle Peas Snap on Bibs!

Pickle Peas was started in 2012 by a mother of three who knows what drooling babies (and their parents) need. Pickle Peas offers interchangeable snap-on bibs that coordinate with a variety of different outfits including long/short sleeved onesies, long sleeved shirts and rompers. The company also has a commitment to sustainability:

Pickle Peas is proud to make a positive impact on the environment with earth-friendly fabric that's 100% organic cotton and through the use of low impact dyes, nickel-free snaps and recycled shipping materials.

For review, we received the long sleeve bodysuit with two interchangeable bibs in size 3-6 months. I loved how soft the fabric was and am sure it will get even softer with wear. The washable applique bibs are flexible (not rigid as I had expected!) and include a waterproof layer to keep the shirt (and baby) dry.

The colours were vibrant and definitely from a more "hip" palette than many of the baby clothes out there. While being cute is important, being comfortable and dry counts for even more. Turns out, Pickle Peas scored 100% on both these factors. Just ask my two month old daughter ;)

Speaking of which, as you can see, the sizing chart is right on because she weighs 11lbs and it's still a bit large for her.

I like the fact that she can't pull off her bib and I don't need to worry about her yanking on her neck. The snaps were a bit stiff at first but with use are becoming easier to open and close.

The variety of design options on the website covers all the bases, and Pickle Peas is open to suggestions for future designs, should you have any. With International shipping (including tracking), and $4 Flat Rate shipping within the USA, anyone can access this cool new clothing system.

Pickle Peas – Dribble Duds for Little Hipsters.
Cool. Innovative. Comfy. Cute.

Connect with Pickle Peas via their Website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Enter to Win Your Own Pickle Peas Set!

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} 4/25

Another week has come and gone.

Around here, it was filled with snow, rain and sunshine. A real mixed bag.

Speaking of which, want to make some new friends?

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

1. I don't know about you but since starting this Hop, my BlogLovin referrals have moved up into the Top 10.

2. Want to Co-Host? Leave a comment below and I'll get in touch with you.

3. When you're all done, click on this white heart right here --> and select "Follow". See how easy that was! Effective immediately, all your favourite blogs, including Journeys of The Zoo will be delivered to your inbox. Note that there are a bunch of customizations like frequency of emails that you can set.

4. Have no idea what I'm talking about? No worries, Fabulous Blogging has given you step by step instructions.

5. Just one Rule. In the "URL" field, please put a link to your direct BlogLovin profile. Mine is: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4064788/journeys-of-the-zoo

6. Note. I follow back and in order for this to be successful, I hope that you will too.

7. Please Spread The Word. Tweet

The original linky has been removed.
Visit the current BlogLovin Hop Linky to link up.

  Besos, The Zoo

MISSING: Have you Seen This Teddy Bear? {WW}

Anyone Seen Teddy?

  Besos, The Zoo

Are you Hard to Shop for? Create a Birthday Bucket List.

It was my birthday recently. Happens every year. Believe it or not. I’m getting older.

Normally birthdays don't phase me much (although 30 was pretty tough) but this year, I realize that I look my age... If I'm lucky.

Wow Mom, You Look Old! P.S. Happy Birthday

I'm not a materialistic person. I'd give away most everything that I have. And did just that in 2005.

However, over the years, I've created an unwritten "Birthday Bucket List". I mean some things money just can't buy (See #11). So, in case you think I'm hard to shop for, I've made it really easy for you.

My Birthday Bucket List...

Sunday Night at the {Movies Hop}: Hyde Park on Hudson

American History is not one of my strong subjects.

Make that All History.

But when Ed found this movie that was a Comedy/Period piece. We were sure that it was a marriage made in heaven.

Hold that thought.

Besides the fact that it was the only movie to rent.

This Weeks Sunday Night at the Movies: Hyde Park on Hudson.

Cash in on Spring $115 {#Giveaway} WW, 4/29

Do you know what today is?

April 22.

The end of Nanna's five-day visit.

The birthday of Shayna over at Mommy Outside the Box?

If you guessed any of these, you're right!

Unfortunately, you don't win a giveaway prize for knowing that.

You may remember last Fall when my Canadian peers and I hosted a whopping $120US Cash Giveaway.

Well, we're at it again and this time up for grabs is...

Cash,
Moola,
Dinero,
Money,
Loot,
Bread,
Pesos,
Dough,
Coinage,
Tender,
Simoleans... (Ed's contribution in case you couldn't guess)

You get my drift. Without further ado...

Enter the $115 Cash Giveaway Below!

Around Here We Eat Caviar with a Spoon {Drivel}

Another week has come and gone.

Speaking of which, who ever decided that Sunday was the first day of the week?

I don't know about you but it really messes things up for me. Monday should be the first day of the week. Just saying.

Here's The Zoo's Weekly Drivel for April 8...

SUNDAY: Visit to a Maple Sugar Shack in Quebec. Post coming this week.

MONDAY: Issued our first Weekly "Sunday Night at the Movies". Hoping that you'll link up your movie this Monday.

Kids Can Play in Puddles with @Stonzwear Rain Bootz! {Review}

Spring is such a busy time.

Flowers are in Bloom. Gardens are being planted. It rains everyday.

I'm not big on the last one but this year, The Kids get to play in puddles and I get piece of mind that,

Their Feet will be Dry with Stonz Rain Bootz!

A Canadian company based in Vancouver, Stonz Wear Inc. got it's start when Owner Lisa discovered that finding warm footwear for her young kids was near impossible. Her only option, wrapping scarves around her 5-month old sons' legs to keep him warm.

After meeting another mom who had made a boot that looked a lot like a fleece-lined chalk bag for her child. Lisa instantly knew these booties could fill a need in the market. And the rest they say is history.

There is no such thing as bad weather; only inappropriate clothing ~ Lisa

Our review of their creatively named, Stonz Rain Bootz came at the perfect time. The rain boots that we'd bought for Artemis had just torn where an appliqué flower was "applied". The 2" tear at the bottom of the boot left them unusable. She'd only worn them a handful of times.

Choosing a colour was tough, especially when you have such vibrant colours to choose from. I chose the neutral colour charcoal so that The Kids could share.

The sizing chart was just right. Of course I ordered a size too big (what Mother doesn't) and the size 8's were roomy but didn't inhibit Max's ability to get around and jump in rain puddles!

The treads are wide and deep, perfect for walking on muddy gravel roads as well as slippery wet grass. Living in the country, we have lots of both at this time of year.

While these 100% Natural Rubber Boots also have an appliqué, it is at the top of the boot and doesn't appear to use the same adhesive technique as "the other company". They are lined with a soft cottony lining and the insole is removeable. Great if you need to dry them out or if your kids have orthotics.

Speaking of which, their Original Booties have received several awards, including a "Seal of Approval" from the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association who were impressed by the construction and warranty of the products.

The integrity of a company is a major factor in how I spend my hard earned money.

Right from the beginning, Stonz Wear was upfront that while they were a Canadian company, the boots were not Made in Canada. They wanted to use 100% Natural Rubber, and avoid using PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde and lead and they couldn't find a suitable producer here in Canada. I appreciated that they provided me with this information.

Even so, rest assured Stonz Wear Inc. is 100% Canadian.

Stonz Wear is a perfect fit for The Zoo!

Want to know more about this great Canadian company? Connect with Stonz Wear via Website, Facebook, Twitter and informative videos on YouTube.

Journeys of The Zoo received a copy of this product that enabled us to complete this review.

  Besos, The Zoo

Letter to My Biological Mother {Adoption}

It's been 41 years since the first and last time that we set eyes on each other. I don't remember anything about that event. I'm sure you do.

Every year, on the day of my birth, I think about you... about being adopted.

All day.

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} 4/18

Today is Thursday.

You know what that means!

Time to say good-bye to Google Reader and make some new friends by linking up to this weeks...

BlogLovin Hop
at Journeys of The Zoo!

If you're interested in co-hosting this linky, please email me (journeys of the zoo at hotmail dot com). I love meeting new people.

Have no idea what I'm talking about? No worries, Fabulous Blogging has given you step by step instructions.
When you're all done, click on this white heart right here --> and select "Follow". See how easy that was!

Effective immediately, all your favourite blogs, including Journeys of The Zoo will be delivered to your inbox. Note that there are a bunch of customizations like frequency of emails that you can set.

Just one Rule. In the "URL" field, please put a link to your direct BlogLovin profile. Mine is: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4064788/journeys-of-the-zoo

Note. I follow back and in order for this to be successful, I hope that you will too.

Please Spread The Word. Tweet

Be sure to stop by every week to find some great new blogs!

The original linky has been removed.
Visit the current BlogLovin Hop Linky to link up.

  Besos, The Zoo

Organizing Deckchairs on The Titanic? {WW}

Can You Spot the Differences?

(Click on the photos to make them larger)

Don't ask what happened to the surplus...

  Besos, The Zoo

You Are My Sunshine Mothers Day Hop {Giveaway}, US/CAN, 5/12

It's been a while since I participated in a Giveaway Hop.

However, this one was too special to pass up.

A big thanks to the host Rude Mom for giving me the opportunity to participate in this years,

You are My Sunshine Mother's Day Blog Hop!

And now a word from Rude Mom about how the hop got it's name.

I decided to name the hop "You Are My Sunshine" because my son D.J., who as you all know has autism, sings that song to me daily when he gives me hugs...what better why to say I love you than to have your 12 year old son singing that song to you daily. He is one of my reason for living and he makes me proud to be his mother. I know there are moms out there who don't have that anymore for some reason or another, but that doesn't mean that on Mother's Day they shouldn't be remembered. Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs on this planet and comes with absolutely no pay, except the unconditional love of a child. We want to say thank you to all of the mothers out there by throwing the best Mother's Day Hop you have ever seen!

It's time to kick-off the Mother’s Day Blog Hop! Join me and my blogging friends for a bunch amazing giveaways for our mommy readers! Moms have a very hard job and if we are only going to get 1 day a year to celebrate then we are going to do it big!

You Let Me Know You Love Me

You let me know you love me
In so many different ways.
You make me feel important
With encouragement and praise.

You're always there when I need you
To comfort and to care.
I know I'm in your thoughts;
Your love follows me everywhere.

Thank you for all you've done
And given so generously.
I love you, my wonderful mother;
You're a heaven-sent blessing to me.

Journeys of The Zoo is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to Baby Bunz and Co.

While a lot of their stuff is geared towards items for a Mothers young child, I found a few items such as a Natural Sea Sponge and Aromatherapy and Massage Book that are just for Mom.

This is one thing that Mom doesn't have to share. But we know she will ;).

Enter to WIN a $25 GC Below!

Sunday Night at the {Movies}: Mermaids, A Comedy?

It's been a long time since Ed and I were in a movie theatre together.

Think 2008.

Even so, that doesn't mean that we haven't seen any movies together.

Back in October 2011, we had a month long, James Bond Movie Marathon.

Since that time, we've been (trying to) watch a movie every weekend.

Seeing as VHS tapes are only 4 for $1, we get the opportunity to see some real classics at a fraction of the price.

Yes, I said VHS tapes. Don't even pretend that you're surprised.

This weeks Sunday Night at the Movies: Mermaids.

The Week in Review with Some Fairies Thrown In {Drivel}

Last week was a busy week.

We met up with some Fairies, edited a paper and hosted a ton of giveaways to name a few.

Never a dull moment at The Zoo.

And now for The Zoo's Week in Review...

Enrich Your Babies Playtime with Tiny Love Products {#Giveaway}, US/CAN, 4/27

During the kids first year, there were several items that I couldn't live without; my breast pump, soothers and educational ways to keep them stimulated such as their Tiny Love Noah's Ark Play Mat.

While it didn't have fancy sounds (like the one you can win below!), it served it's purpose in providing me with some much needed time to myself and them some time to snuggle.

If have a baby yourself or know someone that is pregnant, they will definitely appreciate receiving any of the Tiny Love Products.

Show Them You Care by Gifting them Tiny Love Products.

About the company: Tiny Love is a multi-award winning toy and baby company founded in 1991. They focus on creating toys and accessories to promote and maximize baby's development from birth to 12 months.  Their products are in more than 50 countries around the world. They strive for innovation and originality. Tiny Love has a team of experts in child developments that guides their creative team in inventing new products. Quality & Safety are at the top of their list of priorities and all products meet the most rigorous safety standards.

A few months ago, we reviewed Tiny Love's My Nature Pals Stroll. The versatility, ease of use & quality of this amazing toy made us fall in love with Tiny Love. We knew when we were told we would be getting the Gymini Super Deluxe - Lights & Music to review that Tiny Love wasn't going to disappoint. And we were right. This is an amazing activity gym that any baby would be happy to have. It's recommend for babies ages 0-12 months, so you clearly get your money's worth this this activity center that will last a long time.

It came in a very flat box that shows just how great this is for storage or traveling.. When you aren't using it, the Gymini can easily be folded up so its not in the way by securing the two snaps on the bottom. It literally took me 3 seconds to unsnap and pop the Gymini up to instantly have an activity mat for Baby Skibbles to play on.

Not only is it a great activity center, but it actually plays music and lights up.  It was easy to unscrew the back of the battery compartment, insert batteries (not included), and replace the cover.  There are two different settings for music - classical Mozart and nursery tunes.  Whenever you push on the pink flowers on the mat, music will play and the flowers light up! The first time Baby Skibbles noticed the light she looked up at me and smiled.

There are various textures throughout the mat, aiding in the sensory development of my daughter, which I love.  The elephant's ear actually makes a crinkle noise, while the butterfly and flowers are a raise silk material, the same material that the gym is made from.  The mane of the zebra and tail of the giraffe are made from a corduroy.

There is a large mirror in one corner that builds language, communication and self-image skills as your baby continues to develop.

Baby Skibbles LOVES when you sit her in front of the mirror OR when she rolls over and find herself. She just lays there looking and smiling. It's one of the cutest things I've seen her do so far.

The following five hanging toys are included with the Gymini Deluxe:

• a plush hanging monkey with springy legs to pull on,
• plush bird that spins/hangs from the ring it's attached on that also has crinkly wings,
• a plush elephant that doubles as a jitter pull toy,
• a hard rattle that has beads to spin,
• a plush giraffe that also is a rattle.

The padded mat also comes apart to be machine washable! Tiny Love really has gone above and beyond to make sure that your baby is developing well. Literally the only con I have is that it doesn't come with batteries (only because I am horrible at making sure we have extras in the house).

We love our Gymini Deluxe Lights & Sounds!

BUY IT: You can view this and other Gyminis by Tiny Love plus the rest of their product line or purchase yours today by clicking HERE.

Enter to Win a Tiny Love Gymini Below!

Kids Get Clean and Have Fun with Pampers Kandoo {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 4/26

Cleanliness is an important concept to teach our children.

Seeing as The Zoo has two potty training toddlers, good old-fashioned hand washing is a regular theme around here.

That's why we were pleased to add some Pampers Kandoo products to our hygiene regimen. The bonus, you have the chance to win some for yourself below.

Be Clean and Have Fun with Pampers Kandoo Products!

Pampers Kandoo Line of Kid Friendly products includes; Handsoap, Shampoo, Body Wash and Hand Sanitizer. All are specifically designed to help children get clean on their own.

They're made with natural ingredients to promote healthy skin and hair and mild formulas with no sulfates, parabens or phthalates.

The pumps have great scents that make kids want to get clean and the Unique bottles are designed to be fun and easy to use.

Since the kids were born, The Zoo has been using Pampers products. We believe that the brand works hard to support their customers by providing quality, well-tested products with the added bonus of fun.

Did you know that their website provides great tips and ideas for keeping our kids clean, as well as printables like progress charts and colouring pages to keep them engaged? If you're anything like me, you can use all the help you can get!

The first item was reviewed was the Magic Melon Foaming Hand Soap and it was a big hit with the kids and me.

Max loved the smell and that it was bright green.

I liked how the colouring helped me to ensure that soap was getting into all those nooks and crannies.

The fact that the bottle is shaped like a frog just adds to the fun!

The other item we reviewed was the Flushable Kandoo wipes. We are hesitant to flush anything other than the "basics" (i.e. organic materials) down the toilet as we are on a septic system. Normally, we have to research the products compatibility and it's a real hassle. It was nice to see that the packaging specified "septic-safe".

They were moistened with lotion which made them soft to the touch. I can see these being a great transition between regular wipes and toilet paper. I plan on using them as a reward for a successful bathroom visit. The stories they'll tell...

Win a Boogie Wipes and Pampers Kandoo Prize Pack!

Want to know more? Be sure to connect with Pampers Kandoo via Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Link Up to The Zoo's Weekly BlogLovin {#BlogHop} 4/11

In case you haven't heard, Google is discontinuing Google Reader. In the very near future, you'll no longer be able to view your favourite Blogger Blogs. That's a bit of a tongue twister.

Have no fear, BlogLovin and The Zoo are Here!

Have no idea what I'm talking about? No worries, Fabulous Blogging has given you step by step instructions.
When you're all done, click on this white heart right here --> and select "Follow". See how easy that was!

Effective immediately, all your favourite blogs, including Journeys of The Zoo will be delivered to your inbox. Note that there are a bunch of customizations like frequency of emails that you can set.

Just one Rule. In the "URL" field, please put a link to your direct BlogLovin profile. Mine is: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4064788/journeys-of-the-zoo

Note. I follow back and in order for this to be successful, I hope that you will too.

Please Spread The Word. Tweet

Be sure to stop by every week to find some great new blogs!

And Now for the BlogLovin Hop!

The original linky has been removed.
Visit the current BlogLovin Hop Linky to link up.

  Besos, The Zoo

Boogie Wipes makes Sore Noses a Thing of the Past {#Giveaway}, US/CAN, 4/26

Anyone with a Toddler is no stranger to endless colds and other ailments.

Seeing as The Zoo has twice the nose-cleaning to do, we were excited to try Boogie Wipes, 'Gentle Saline Wipes for Stuffy Noses'.

Boogie Wipes. Snot your Average Wipes!

Do you Believe in Fairy HobMothers? I Do!

For the past few months, I've been telling myself that Fairies, Unicorns and Leprechauns were figments of other peoples imaginations.

Seeing as we know the latter two exist, I couldn't kid myself any longer.

I had to come to terms with the fact that Fairies exist...

Just not in my world.

And then it happened...

Child Have Chewing Issues? Try @Chewelry {Giveaway} US/CAN, 4/22

Artemis has always put things in her mouth.

If I was referring to her thumb or soother, I wouldn't be writing this post.

Unfortunately, I'm talking about leaded balls and peso coins (oops, did I forget to mention that?)


Perhaps it's because she was a preemie or bottle-fed (I pumped).

Whatever the reason, I was eager to try KidCompanions "Chewelry" product and see if,

A Chewelry a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.

KidCompanions Chewelry was designed by Pierrette d’Entremont, a jeweller and Accredited Jewelry Professional. The product was initially designed with her daughter in mind, however, it's also intended for adults.

Both Pierrette and her middle child have Tourette Syndrome and share some associated conditions like sensory issues, anxiety challenges and ASD traits. Her daughter was also born prematurely at 30-weeks gestation.

The product is made and assembled in Canada in a medical grade clean room facility. They are CE marked, sourced in North America and BPA, phthalate, lead, pcv and latex free.

With two shapes to choose from and tons of colours, I chose correctly in selecting a pink, heart shaped one for Artemis.

She loves it and often wears her multi-purpose "jewelry" around her neck. Especially if it colour coordinates.

Whenever I find her putting something else in her mouth, I remind her to use her "chew toy" and she starts chomping on it right away.

It was temporarily misplaced and I noticed that she chewed on other things more often (or maybe I just noticed more). I was equally stressed as I really feel like this product is a healthier and safer way for her to deal with her chewing issues. Having it be wash and wear also makes my life easier.

As for Max, he took a couple of chews and went back to playing with his trains.

You can see his tiny teeth impressions in the picture.

It wasn't that he didn't like it, more that he was busy and doesn't have the same chewing issues as Artemis.

After reading an article on their blog about Who Can Benefit from Using KidCompanions Chewelry? I'm going to reintroduce it to him this week in the hopes that it can help with his transition away from his soother.

Note that the product is not recommended for individuals under three years.

Connect with KidCompanions via Website, Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Enter to Win a Chewelry Below.