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.
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...
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.
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.
I 
Canada.
1. Porcelain Bead Bracelet Earring Set from Jaya at The Jewel Street
I don’t wear a lot of jewellery (Eric, check here for spelling accuracy); one ring and a pair of earrings. I have a few other pieces that I pull out for special occasions but nothing like this. Especially because it’s my one and only "set". I can definitely see myself wearing it in my day-to-day casual wear (is there anything else?) but could also wear it for a formal dinner out.
When I first tried to put the bracelet on, I kept trying to twist the clasp (open) until I realized that it's attached with a magnet. Neat! I'd never seen that before (I don’t get out much). It feels so strong that I have little doubt that I'll ever lose it. I find no difference in weight to my bracelets with clasp fittings (they’re both lightweight).
I can safely say that I'm glad that someone who shall remain nameless (you know who you are...) no longer has their ears pierced or else this set would no longer be in my possession. In addition, I’ve recently lost my "go to" pair of earrings so these have taken up the role nicely.
Seeing as Jaya has a great sense of humour, I thought that I'd ask her a couple questions.
One: What is/was your favourite piece in your collection?
I like everything I create. Can a mother answer who's your favorite child (smile)? My mom is the greatest inspiration for me. She's a very strong hearted lady. In my childhood, she looked like an ordinary mom to me. But as I grew up and particularly after my marriage, am seeing something great in her. I see this necklace as very simple but it portrays a bold and confident attitude.Two: What item is your best seller?
My earrings sell the best. My customers love these green turquoise ones. They say that they’re fun and unique.Three: What is your favourite Zoo animal?
Can I pick 2? I like the Zebra and Giraffe for their patterns.Four: A "normal" person has 32 permanent teeth. How many do you have?
I have 30 as I had two removed and had to wear braces for three years (when I was 12).
If my review and Jaya's interview don't convince you to check out her Etsy Shop, then how about the fact that she sent along a lovely handwritten card and you know what I think about that!
As you mentioned Jaya, we’ll have to get together for a coffee when I’m in Toronto.
2. Pwark from Louis a.k.a. TiWi (the caretaker of all things "Pwark")
Let me start out by saying that The Professor almost didn’t come to live with us. You see, Louis sent me a Facebook message on March 27 and I didn’t see it until April 15. "Normally", you have from 24-72 hours to respond or you forfeit your prize. But, Louis is no "normal guy" nor are his creatures!
So, who is "The Professor" you ask. Well, the latest addition to The Zoo. In keeping with the French(ish) theme (he’s actually Belgian) we named him with this guy in mind. It's like he was made.for.me. All my favourite colours; oranges, yellows with a retro vibe.
Opening up the package (the cool creature on the front was such a nice touch) was like getting a birthday present on my birthday (hey, it WAS my birthday). Out fell handfuls of stickers, a screened fly jean patch and TWO Pwarks (apparently The Professor, formally known as Pwark #444 was too afraid to travel alone so he brought his friend "Skwid"). Note that the only thing that I won was the Pwark so all the extra’s were such a nice surprise.
Want your own Professor (well he’s a one-of-a-kind but there are many other special ones to choose from), check out Louis's Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pwark) and his Website (http://www.pwarkland.com/) for other unique and creative items (much more than just creatures)!
We look forward to creating many more adventures with the latest member of The Zoo.
In keeping with the Canadian theme of this post, Louis has kindly translated his review into French (Canada’s other official language).
Merci Louis! (that would be French for thank you).
Le PWARK de Louis, a.k.a TiWi ( le créateur de l'univers "PWARK!")
Pour commencer, je dois dire que Le Professeur a bien failli ne pas venir habiter avec nous. En effet, Louis m'a envoyé un message sur Facebook le 27 Mars et je ne l'ai vu que le 15 Avril. Habituellement, vous avez de 24 a 72 heures pour répondre ou vous ne pouvez réclamer votre prix. Mais, Louis n'est pas un gars ordinaire, tout comme ses créatures!
Vous vous demandez surement qui est "Le Professeur". Bien, c'est le petit dernier addicion au Zoo. Dans le but de garder son nom dans un thème français (il est Belge) nous l'avons nommé "Professor Calculus" en tête.
[See pictures above]
N'est-il pas adorable (un visage que seul une mère peut aimer!?). C'est comme s'il était fait spécialement pour moi. Toutes mes couleurs favorites; orange, jaune avec un accent rétro.
En ouvrant le colis (la créature sur le dessus est un joli ajout) ce fut comme un cadeau de fête (en plein jour de ma fête). Il en est tombé plein d'autocollants, une pièce de jean avec une mouche sérigraphiée dessus et DEUX PWARK! (il paraitrait que Le Professeur, a l'origine PWARK #444 était effrayé a l'idée de voyager seul, donc il est accompagné de son ami "Skwid"). A noter que le prix était seulement le PWARK, donc tous les petits extras étaient des surprises.
Vous voulez votre propre Professeur ( bien qu'il soit unique, il y en a plein d'autres que vous pouvez adopter), visitez la page Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pwark) ou le site internet (http://www.pwarkland.com/) pour les autres items uniques et disjonctés (beaucoup plus que seulement des créatures)!
On espère faire plein d'aventures avec le dernier membre du Zoo.
Pour conserver l'aspect Canadien de ce billet, Louis a gentiment traduit la critique en Français (la seconde langue officielle du Canada).
Thanks Louis! [That would be anglais for merci]
3. Split Pack from Loveable Labels
I did it! All my time wasted hard work paid off. I finally won my coveted prize; a Loveable Labels Split Pack. I know, I need to get out more.
This time (versus the last time), I got personalized stickers in each of the kids names. Besides blankie and teddy, I think that this is the first thing that they don’t need to share. Ed and I have no problem with them sharing (it’s an important concept of our parenting style) but seriously, our poor kids.
I love that each pack (name) comes in their own booklet with tabs. Talk about sleek. They’ve thought of everything and even provide instructions. Not because they're difficult to install (they're stickers for Pete's sake, poor Pete) but to ensure that you get the maximum stickability (new word!?). I for one appreciated (and read) them.
Max's real name (yes, Max is only his super secret spy name) is kind of long (10 characters) but I was pleased to see that it didn't look squished at all. However, I already knew that because you can preview your order!
My one minor issue with the split pack is that it isn’t really ideal if you have to split the pack with a boy and girl. I chose the "Nature Lovers" design and I find it a bit girly for Max. Not so much in the colours but in the designs (flowers and butterflies, not that we aren't an equal opportunity family over here, Max wears his fair share of tutus). Next time (and trust me, there will be one), I'll choose their Licorice Twist design with a frog icon. Or even better, maybe I’ll ask them if they could use our "Z" icon.
So just to clarify, I've updated my goals. Now it isn't to win a Loveable Labels Pack but to win TWO Loveable Labels packs. Want your own pack? Check out their site at www.lovablelabels.ca and support Canadian!
4. Jewellery from Made by Lin Lin Lindsay creates beautiful handmade pieces from her studio in Vancouver. Not sure if it's the fresh air, or being surrounded by beauty (love the ocean and forests) but she sure knows about colour! I was fortunate enough to have my choice (of colours) of three pairs of earrings and a ring. The ring is adjustable (brass) but it just slipped on my ring finger like that.
5. Herringbone Pants from Hugh Fielding
Let me introduce you to the cutest (capri) pants. Well actually, they aren’t supposed to be capri pants but Hugh Fielding had already sent their prize (pants sized for an 11 month old) to the giveaway hosts so I couldn’t get them in Max’s size. No worries, they’re big enough in the girth so Max has been wearing them as capri pants.
Note that this picture is from their website. I still need to add a picture of Max wearing them!
They have this label on the inside that looks "personalized" (it's earthy looking and worn, not a bad thing, just the way it is) and so Ed keeps telling Max that he’s wearing "Hugh Fielding's" pants. Tee, hee.
Love the stripes around the waist and cuffs. The cuff length is 3" and I would have turned them up more but it was creased (I just need to iron it) and didn’t want to make the picture even worse, considering I take such bad pictures negatively affect the creative integrity of the photo. A.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. Looking forward to warmer weather so he can wear them outside.
Hugh Fielding has great stuff for your home and kids. Be sure to check out their shop.
6. P-Touch Scrapbooking Labeller from Brother Canada
Seriously, how lucky can a girl get (rhetorical question)? This week, this labeller showed up at my doorstep (see comment about UPS guy below for additional details).
As I mentioned, recently I’ve been bitten by the crafting bug. In turn, I'd borrowed Ed’s Brother Labeller (for men) but he took it back because I was using up too much of his labels because he needed to use it. I don't need to worry about Ed borrowing mine because it came in a pretty "your husband will never steal your labeller from you" pink. The package included a handy carrying case, instructions, batteries (seriously, who provides batteries anymore, BONUS!) and TWO packs of labels (amongst other important things but I don't want to cut into my labelling time by mentioning them, refer to the links I provided for more details).
The installation of the batteries and tape was really easy (especially because I followed the instructions, yes, I'm like that). I immediately started to label everything items of importance. Needless to say, I'm really excited to finish up my craftroom revamp.
The only problem I had was that I broke one of the (plastic) clasps on the box and now it won't close. They have a "one year brother labeling machine limited warranty" so I'll give them a call and let you know what happens. Speaking of which, brother is so efficient that my package came with a personalized letter (love those!) to be used as a "proof of purchase" (which was necessary for me to register my labeler online, which I did and was so easy that it took me less than 2 minutes to do!).
7. Family Four Pack to Chimpanzee the Movie (Disney) Believe it or not, I have been entering giveaways for prizes that I have no intention of using (quell the laughter please). This was one such prize. While entering, I thought, Grey, Drey and Nanna who live in Toronto (I do not) could use it but when the time came (and I'd actually won), it turned out that my Aunt Bib was getting married on that day and so they couldn't attend. Plan B: my cousin Heidi. Luckily, she totally rearranged her life and cancelled her plans in order to attend the advanced screening. Here's what she had to say.
Thank you so much for this opportunity for a family outing. No popcorn tales, I snuck in Girl Guide cookies, fruit snacks and granola bars. No drinks though, that would be wrong. The movie was great, Jeffrey (seven year old boy) had seen trailers for it the week before and was asking to see it. He and Cameron watched the whole thing. Stephanie (five-year old girl) only lasted 45 minutes. It showed a chimpanzee family live in the wild, play, sleep, gather food highlighting the challenges and rewards of the search and success of opening a nut. They all had names and an important role in the family. I love the way Oscar stayed so close to mom until he was strong enough to explore on his own.
As for the drink comment, that is "Classic Heidi"!
8. One Year Subscription to EcoParent.ca
Last but not least, the first ever edition of EcoParent magazine arrived and even the feel of it tells me that this magazine is special
It feels extra durable (kind of like tyvek) but still the nice feel of a paper magazine that you're used to. It feels this way because it's been printed on "Canadian-made Enviro100 Satin 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper compared to a typical 100% recycled paper. In turn it saved; 53,000L of water, 963kg of water, 3,217 kg of CO2 (the average emission of one car for a whole year), 12 kg NOx (37 days worth of a large truck's emissions) and 22GJ (101,259 60W lightbulbs for one hour). Who knew that there were differences in recycled paper!
In flipping through, it appears that the magazine is regionalized (the address sticker for mine references Smith Falls) and there are local (provincial and national) advertisements one of which is from "A Mother's Touch" which I love (and have done business with).
Know someone that has everything but wants to make a difference? By giving them a subscription to this magazine you're helping the environment, supporting Canadian and learning about the world around you. I'm looking forward to catching some time to read.
1. Splash N' Boots ~ Act Two DVD
There's no secret that the big purple dinosaur reigned supreme (past tense) in this house (not so in these people's homes). But there might just be a new Sheriff in town (as far as I'm concerned). Who am I talking about you ask? Well, the trio of "Splash N’ Boots", herein referred to as "Splash", "Boots" and their dog "Lily".
As part of my extracurricular activities, I won their latest DVD, "Act Two".
Initially, I was under the impression that I had won a Children's DVD. However, I started to question what this DVD was all about after reading the cover. You see, it kept mentioning how "hilarious" it was so I thought that it must be a comedy (for adults) because what kid's movies are called hilarious and have a warning that it "May cause laughing..."? Turns out I was right on both fronts (Once I thought that I was wrong...).
This was the "funniest, made my smile hurt and left me laughing through my tears" kid’s movie I have ever seen or even thought existed. Yes, it was that funny. It could have been because I watched it on my new 47" LED TV (had to get that in somehow, smile) but most likely it was because (just like the cover says) it was...
I'm not sure what age their intended audience is but I'm pretty sure that it’s older than two. Don't get me wrong, the kids were stuck to the TV like two drooling dogs to a bone but I know that they didn't get most of the humour. Like the Chinley's and Fruit Explosion skits which are absolutely brilliant. I'm pretty sure that all the songs are their own and they fit the skits perfectly (as opposed to the skits fitting the songs). A really creative pair.
No matter, Artemis spent the entire time looking for scenes with Lily the Dog, herein referred to as "My Dog" and Max loved all the music especially the scene where a young boy (maybe 5 or 6, I'm not good with ages) was playing the drums like a pro. I'm sure that in no time at all they'll be yelling "Shish Kabob" and singing/dancing to the music.
By my estimate, the movie was around one hour long which is just perfect because right around the 55 minute mark was when the kids were done. The last skit, "Fransico Fransico" had me scratching my head. Not in a bad way just in a "what were they going for" way as the skit is all about toilets. So, in order to be true to my readership and integrity (I can totally be bought, smile), I sent them an email asking just that.
This morning, I received the following reply from Splash...
"...Really appreciate you posting the review on your blog (which I was really enjoying this morning). We are 100% independent (no labels, distribution, financial backing etc. so word of mouth has been our fuel since we started full-time 7 years ago.
Now to answer your question. We were also wondering what we were going for after we saw the final cut of the Toilet Skit. HA. The idea came from listening to my nephew talk about his latest obsession/new funny word "Toilets". From there we came up with a concept of what it would look like to put toilets in different rooms of the house. As random of an idea as it was it seemed to somehow fit the "Saturday Night Live for Kids" vibe this DVD had taken. Hope that sheds some light on the situation :)
Thanks again! Send us your address and we will send you Act 1. (Be warned this was made 4 years ago with zero budget and mostly filmed in my dad's chicken barn).
Hope you can catch a show sometime :)"
Splash hit the nail on the head when he wrote "Saturday Night Live for Kids Vibe". Couldn’t have said it better myself. For the sake of integrity (again, I can totally be bought), I should mention that in my email to them, I might have totally begged mentioned that I would like to have Act One. Chicken barn + Splash N' Boots = More Awesomeness! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I haven’t been this excited since I found that FPC for Nordica Cottage Cheese (Google it, I think that it’s still available). I need to get out more.
In closing, in my opinion, this is exactly what the Children’s movie scene needs. The icing on the cake is that they’re Canadian (from Toronto).
Canada. 2. Zaida Baby First Keepsake
Now, if you are related and/or know me and are planning on having a child, act surprised when I give this to you. Or, try not to look disappointed when I hand you a Geranium. Allergic to flowers? All is not lost because you or someone who loves you (more than me, smile) can buy you one of these.
When I opened the envelope, it was evident (even from the packaging) that Zaida Baby cared; about their product and their clients. The keepsake came in a protective bubble envelope and was wrapped in red tissue paper, with a white satin ribbon and customized "Zaida Baby" sticker. It also came with an overview handout. A really formal presentation.
An excerpt from their website under "15 Reasons to Love My First Keepsake" reads, "It's one-of-a-kind! Zaida Baby - My First Keepsake is in a class of its own! It is the first baby book to include a storybook for your belly. The first 95 pages of this keepsake begin your journey of positive pregnancy."
While you'll have to wait for the arrival of your child to see pictures of the journal (because I don’t want to ruin the surprise), I can tell you that I'm really excited to gift it to one of you!
I don't know what it is with me and winning contests from Canadian hosts (I won yet another one yesterday) but Zaida Baby is Canadian (Burlington, Ontario). Did I mention that...
In my obsession flare for entering contests, I've focused on a few areas in which I'd like to win. 1. A Tablet/Kindle Fire/Kindle, 2. All Things Kids, 3. Crafty Things, 4. Stationery (more on that below) and 5. Labels. Thinking of birthday gifts (I know you all are), feel free to pick something from the above list. Note that Staples is having a 20% off sale on tablets right now. In case you were wondering… But seriously, don’t buy me one because I'm.going.to.win.one.all.by.myself.with.no.help.if.it.takes.me.two.years.
Where was I?
If I’m anything like my mother, I like to be organized and labels fit the bill. What warms the cockles of my heart even more is Personalized Labels.
Yep, you guessed it, I won a Two Name Pack of personalized labels from LeeLee Labels.
What's great about this pack is that they split the order (54 labels per name in three different sizes) and let you have two names. How great is that!? The order process was really easy. You got to pick the font, background design, colour and if you wanted an icon or not. Even those not so computer savvy people could figure it out. We chose "The Zoo" and "The [My Last Name]'s" as we think that we’ll get the most use out of them this summer.
While they had tons of icons to choose from, and might have been able to accommodate me and/or even provided the service (I didn’t ask), I would have liked to have used my own "Zoo" logo. 
The packaging is also worth mentioning. Ed and I were talking about all the uses for the clear plastic protective sleeve (that the labels came in) and their cardstock advertising in the front which can double as a bookmark (probably their intention as it has writing on the back). I always appreciate companies that try to “Reduce, Reuse or Recycle” their products, especially packaging which is an necessary evil.
Not to be fooled by false advertising (smile), I went around finding things to label and trying to test out their "claim" that the labels are Dishwasher, Laundry and Waterproof/UV resistant. After running their sippy cups through (on the top shelf of our new dishwasher), it appears that all is still in order. I’ll have to test their UV claim this summer (although I know that you don’t need sun to be affected by UV rays, you do need to venture outside to stick said labels to something and the weather has been less than stellar). Regardless, they have my seal of approval.
I’m looking forward to the next time (one has to think positively) when I’ll get some with each of the kid’s names on it.
4. Set of Four Notecards from Hans My Hedgehog
And last but not least (for this post anyways), I managed to add to my stationery obsession stash with this four pack from Hans My Hedgehog.
The notecards had a long piece of white ribbon (tied in a bow) attached to them so as to keep the personalized notecard contained (more on that later). Of course I kept the ribbon for my craft stash.
The drawings were more detailed and "alive" than I remembered seeing in her Etsy shop. I originally thought that they were on white cardstock with yellow envelopes and wouldn’t have still had a rave review but it turns out that the notecards are mounted on yellow cardstock (I love yellow). It really makes them popout.
But let’s forget about the notecards for a minute because it’s also about the envelopes. As you can see from the picture (I don’t do them justice), they too have drawings on them. Let’s just say that if you receive an empty envelope, you won’t be disappointed.
It was really nice to receive a personalized, handwritten note from Jessica (on the beautiful kangaroo card). The kind of special touch that makes a company stand out.
I have a few people that I will be sending “thank you/you rock” notes to and I’m sending these. When all this beauty has been shared with others, I’ll definitely be checking out her "Zoo" themed ones.
If you’re looking for something with the "Wow" factor, check out her shop at: Hans My Hedgehog
Besos, The Zoo
We spent Friday night at Finnerty's.
It was the first time that the kids visited since they were little babies (probably 6 months old).
They were really well behaved (and didn't get us kicked out). They enjoyed playing with the kids toys (that friends bought them), eating chips and climbing all over everyone.
There was only one little problem because I forgot the diaper bag (read: soothers and diapers) at home. The soothers weren't needed but the diapers were...
On Saturday night, after the kids went to bed, Ed and I had a dinner to remember (or not, that's why we took pictures).
It started out with appetizers.
Russian Caviar, Russian Smoked Salmon (cut straight off the fish), Spicy Hungarian Sausage (also from our favourite Russian Deli that we've been going to for 10 years and was originally recommended by a Hungarian work colleague of mine at Nortel), Kalamata olives and Raspberries.
The only thing that would have made it perfect was a few slices of Cambazola cheese. Note that I actually went to the store especially for it but forgot as it wasn't on my list.
For dinner we had Rack of Lamb, basmati rice and beet greens (from the garden) with fresh ginger.
Besides the fact that we like good food, the reason for the fancy-schmancy meal was because Ed has been saving something for a rainy day and we decided that today (while lovely out and no sign of rain) was the perfect day.
Tonight, we drank Ed's bottle of 1996 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA. Here is what the winemaker had to say;
This bottle was supposed to be drunk from 1998 to 2006 (we didn't know this). Regardless, we loved it. We would both like to try a bottle of 2007 or 2008, which have received high reviews (92). The only problem is that the LCBO sells the 2008 for $99.95.
We have several other bottles that we've been saving. One is a bottle of 1999 (something or other, red) that we bought in France in 2001 and a couple more that are around 10 years old.
The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, with its attractive garnet colour, releases scents of plum, cedar, and vanilla. Mild, smooth flavours of red currants and plums build on the palate and linger through the long finish. Mid-palate, hints of chocolate and mint emerge. The predominant characteristics of this wine are its overall roundness and lingering aftertaste.
I'm not sure whether it was the wine (the older a wine gets, the higher the sugars) but shortly after the start of Octopussy (#13 in the series), I fell asleep.
I've seen this movie before. I saw it in the movie theatre in 1983 (at age 11). I went there on a triple "date" with Peter Smythe, Mike White/Jenny Mullins and Amanda Smith/Toby Morrison. Eleven sounds so young but I can remember feeling "so mature" at the time.
Ed stuck it out and gave it a rating of "8". I will need to watch the movie again this week (while Ed is away).
On Sunday we watched "A View to a Kill" (1985) which is #14 in the series. I had not seen it before. It was really good. It was almost up there with my favourites but something (I’m not sure what) was missing. The sound track (by Duran Duran) was really catchy. I rated it an "8" and so did Ed.
Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
In July, Aries had an altercation behind the BBQ and got an eye infection. Well, the antibiotics never made the infection completely go away. That's because a side effect (of the infection) caused her eyelids to turn in. Therefore, the hair on her eyelids was scratching her cornea and constantly infecting her eyes. So, today, Aries had entropion eye surgery.
In the morning, Eric (and Sandra) kindly drove Aries to the vet in Ogdensburg. They were going to mail a package and offered to save Ed a trip. On the way home, Ed conquered Thanksgiving traffic (I didn't think that it would be that bad but he had to wait 1.5 hours at the bridge), and Aries was still walking off the effects of the anesthetic (she was falling all over the place). Her eyelids look worse after the surgery. A small price to pay for some more quality time with our 16-year-old cat.
Yes, this is the best picture of the lot.
The next movie in the marathon is "The Living Daylights" (1987), the first of Timothy Daltons (two) movies. However, Ed leaves for San Diego tomorrow (on business) so we won't watch it until Saturday night (probably).
Today (Tuesday) was another beautiful day. The alarm went off at 4:45am. By 6:45am, I had dropped Ed off at the airport and was back at home in bed for another hour (before the kids woke up). Eric came and walked the dogs (thanks for always looking after them Eric!). Nanna (who arrived yesterday) and The Zoo went for a long walk. Afterwards, we tried to get every ounce out of the good weather and we played on the jungle gym until the sun set and it got cold quickly.
Oh, I almsot forgot (well, actually I DID forget but the power of the internet lets me go back and update my post before you even noticed, maybe I didn't forget at all...). The kids turned 22 months old today! Where has the time gone (that's a rhetorical question as I do actually know where it's gone).
Here are some pictures of our day.
Besos, The Zoo