Around the World with Little Passports
Around the World with Little Passports
Inspire Your Child to Learn About the World
**Disclosure: Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation for any clicks**
Little Passports is your child’s ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a new country every month.
I kept seeing images for Little Passports pop up on my Facebook feed and it always intrigued me. So, when I was asked to review it, I jumped on board!
I have always been interested in geography and world travel. When we were kids, our kitchen wallpaper was a giant map. When I was older, I lived in Japan for several years and travelled a lot of the world!
Now, I want to instill that love of adventure, travel and geography in our children.
How it Works:
Subscribe and follow Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the world. Those with American roots can also sign up for a USA subscription as well.
Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.
The First Month:
When you start the journey, you will receive a suitcase and passport from Sam and Sofia. Decorate the suitcase with the accompanying stickers and fill out the questions in the passport.
We talked about what countries my husband and I have visited and what countries they would like to visit. Then, we found them on the map!
Monthly Packages:
Watch as your children race to the mailbox every month to learn about Sam and Sofia’s latest destinations. Monthly packages arrive filled with lots of goodies and access to online games and activities.
Little Passports is recommended for ages 5 to 10 years old. It can also be purchased as a gift for someone! This is a great classroom, homeschool, or enrichment resource!
This is all available for as little as $10 a month. See here for subscription details.
GREAT deal on now!
For a limited-time offer of 15% off on all new Little Passports subscriptions! This 3 day promotion will run Monday, July 28th through Wednesday, July 30th.
The adventures of Sam and Sofia will be sure to keep kids busy while inspiring them to learn about this beautiful world we live in and now your kids can travel the globe for less! For 3 days only, get 15% off on all new Little Passports subscriptions with code: COOL15.
Let your kids have fun while gearing up for the new school year with Little Passports!
Enjoy your adventures!
Remove Hair with #Veet
VEET Natural Inspirations– For Smoother Skin!
One of the thing I remember as teenagers and starting to shave our legs was the number of people (including myself) who had nicks and cuts from razors. I remember one girl with a gouge all the way up the front of her leg!
Then there was Nair. Remember that? It was pink, and it stunk to high heaven, and it didn’t work.
Those days are over!
Here’s what the product says: Introducing VEET Natural Inspirations Hair Removal Cream! Veet® Natural Inspirations Hair Removal Cream provides long-lasting smoothness for up to two times longer than shaving, working close to the root on short, stubborn hair. Formulated with natural grape seed oil for sensitive skin and natural avocado oil for normal to dry skin, leaving skin beautifully moisturized and touchably soft.
So I tested the VEET Natural Inspirations Hair Removal Cream!
I should mention that I have very sensitive skin and will easily break into hives at the first sign of a new product. So, when I got a tube of Veet Natural Inspirations Hair Removal Cream, I was cautious.
I read the product information. It is made for sensitive skin and is enriched with grape seed oil and avocado oil. I was hopeful.
The directions said to leave the product on your legs (patted on, not rubbed in) for 5-10 minutes. There was no strong odour, either! I set the egg timer, sat on the edge of the tub, and enjoyed a few minutes of peace and quiet reading my book.
Upon the buzz, I gently tested a patch, as per the directions, by rubbing it off. Lo and behold – it worked! I rinsed my legs and they were smooth. They did not react to the product!
Best of all, there were no nicks and cuts, and my legs didn’t dry out from using soap and a razor!
We Tested the Veet Natural Inspirations Sugar Wax:
Here’s what the package says: Veet® Natural Inspirations Sugar Wax leaves skin beautifully moisturized, silky smooth and stubble free for up to 28 days. Formulated with 100 per cent naturally sourced ingredients, the Sensitive Formula is enriched with argan oil and contains sugar cane, water and potato starch.
Also available in a Normal & Dry Skin variation, this formula is enriched with essential oils known for their moisturizing properties, including natural vanilla oil.
To test this product, I enlisted the help of my sister, Sharon. Here’s what she had to say:
I loved this product.
Reasons:
– The list of ingredients is all stuff I recognize, so it is nice to know I am not coating myself in toxins.
– Comes with a handy spatula which is good for stirring, but also tells you very clearly if the wax is too hot to use with a big “NO!” No mistaking the results of this test.
– Strips are reusable. Just wash and dry. Hooray for less waste!
I heated up the wax in the microwave a little too long. But that was OK as it gave me time to run to the drivethru and get a McFlurry while I waited for the wax to cool. Nothing like a nice cold ice-cream while waxing. It was very easy to apply. I only did my right leg so I could compare it to my left leg which I shaved.
Of course it hurt a bit, but waxing does. I love how the instructions tell you to BE BRAVE!
One week later I have shaved my left leg three times, and I am still waiting for the waxed-off hair to reappear. I might be waiting a while.
The downside is that I had to put aside a good chunk of time to get this done. Not easy when looking after two little kids during the day and stuff to get done in the evenings after they go to bed. But it does cut down on how long it takes me to shower in the morning. Nice to have silky smooth legs!
Overall:
We really enjoyed using this product, and will continue to use it – especially for the rest of the summer! I especially would recommend it to teenaged girls who are just starting out and learning to shave their legs! Avoid all those problems that we had when we were younger!
Learn more about VEET at their website!
Now, it’s your chance to win with Veet!
With warmer weather upon us, women are eager to wear their favourite skirts, tanks and shorts. And, you can do this with Veet!
This season’s hottest accessory – silky, smooth skin – is easy to achieve right at home with new Veet Natural Inspirations, a complete collection of wax and cream hair removal products made with up to 100% naturally sourced ingredients (available in Normal & Dry as well as sensitive formulas).
Veet wants to prepare you with a giveaway that includes the entire Veet Natural Inspirations line valued at approximately $100.
Featured in the giveaway:
• VEET Sugar Wax, the first sugar jar wax introduced in the company’s history, formulated with 100% naturally sourced ingredients
• VEET Facial Wax Strips, formulated with 95% naturally sourced ingredients such as pine resin and shea butter, designed to easily and effectively remove unwanted facial hair for up to 28 days
• VEET Wax Strips for legs and body, the 95% naturally sourced formula with aloe leave skin stubble free for up to 28 days, removing even short, stubborn hair
• VEET Facial Cream Kit, an easy to apply cream enriched with natural grape seed oil
• VEET Hair Removal Cream, enriched with grape seed oil and avocado oil
Enter daily until August 8! For an extra ballot, leave a comment about some of your shaving experiences!
Chicken Wine Casserole
Chicken Wine Casserole
If you are one of those unfortunate people to have leftover wine in your fridge that you don’t know what to do with, here’s an easy recipe to try.
Into your slow cooker (or, try in a big frying pan on your stove) mix the following:
4-6 chicken breasts
½ Cup of white wine
1 Can of Campbells cream of mushroom soup
1 Can of sliced mushrooms
Sprinkle of dried thyme
Cook for six hours on high, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve with rice or noodles.
Serves 4-6 people.
Experiments with #RealFruit Gummies
Experiments with Dare #REALFRUIT Gummies
“If I can find a gluten-free snack that both of my kids will eat, I will buy them all up!”
That’s what my sister-in law said to me when I told her that I had some new gluten-free snacks from Dare for her kids to try. Of course, I had to twist their arms to get them to help me test candy!
The Product:
Dare Foods recently launched Dare Candy Co. #REALFRUIT Berries and #REALFRUIT Chews, which are made with real fruit juice, natural fruit flavours, no added colours, and contain no gluten, making them a great choice for guilt-free snacking.
#REALFRUIT Berries are also gelatin-free offering a tasty alternative for those looking to avoid animal gelatin in their diet. #REALFRUIT Chews are individually wrapped making them the perfect on-the-go snack.
Best of all, I think, they are Canadian!
The Testers:
The Gluten-Free Children:
“The problem is that my oldest daughter won’t eat the gluten-free snacks. She hates them. It’s hard to find something for both of them to eat.”
My niece Lahrin, 2.5 years old has been gluten intolerant for over a year. I knew she would be the perfect one to help me test these new snacks.
“Wheat?” she asks looking up with her angelic face. She knows she needs to ask before eating anything.
“No wheat,” I said. She smiled from ear to ear with elation!
I gave her the candy and she immediately said, “ONE!” meaning she wanted one more! This went on for the rest of the evening. She was sold.
The real test would be Isla, 4. I gave her the #REALFRUIT gummie and she loved it! She couldn’t tell it was a gluten-free snack, and didn’t care. She just wanted more candy!
I also gave some to my niece Madeline, 2, who started doing the sign language for “more” and saying “more candy, please!”
The kids loved the #REALFRUIT gummies! By far, their favourite was the berry medley, and the least, the chews. But, they were all a big hit!
The Vegan:
When I saw that the #REALFRUIT berries did not contain gelatin, I contacted my vegan friend, Jon, to ask him if he’d like to taste-test some candy. He of course obliged.
Having gone vegan over a year ago, Jon hadn’t had candy in a long time.
“They reminded me of my childhood and Swedish Berries. I give them two thumbs up!” Jon has now found a new snack food!
The boys:
Then, I let my boys loose on the candy. We prepared a science experiment to do with the #REALFRUIT gummies. As a comparison, I bought some no-name gummies.
Ever since they did the nutrition lesson with me using Oasis Juice, they have been really interested in calories. The first thing they did was check the calorie count. They were surprised to see that both packages had 130 calories, however, for the no-name candies, that was for 4 candies, while with the #REALFRUIT, it was for 8! Definitely a healthier choice!
The Experiment:
To learn about the properties of gelatin that holds the candies together, we prepared four solutions: water, salt water, vinegar and water with baking soda.
Before starting, we measured the length of each gummie, and then weighed it on the kitchen scale. We put one of both candies in the solutions and waited.
After about 8 hours, we checked on the gummies.
We talked about the properties of gelatin. Gelatin absorbs water but does not cause it to dissolve. So the water makes the gummies swell.
This is exactly what happened. Both the #REALFRUIT and no-name gummies expanded and weighed significantly more.
On the other hand, the gummies in the vinegar almost completely broke down. Vinegar breaks down the gelatin.
We also included a #REALFRUIT berry in each of the solutions. Because these gummies contain no gelatin, they remained virtually unchanged (but a bit slimier) in all the solutions.
What a great experiment!
Next time I would try solutions of hot water versus cold water, and alcohol.
The Details:
#REALFRUIT TM Berries
“Soft and chewy bite-sized berries made with real fruit and no artificial colours or flavours”
• Made with real raspberry juice
• No artificial colours or flavours
• Gluten-free
• Gelatin-free
• Peanut-free
• Fat-free
• Saturated fat-free
• Trans fat-free
• Cholesterol-free
• Low sodium
Availability: Major grocery, drug and mass merchandise stores across Canada
Average suggested retail price: $2.49 per bag
#REALFRUIT TM Chews
“Soft and chewy individually wrapped fruit chews made with real fruit juice”
• 5 delicious flavours: strawberry, cherry, raspberry, orange & lemon
• Made with real fruit juice
• No artificial colours or flavours
• Gluten-free
• Easy to open wrappers
Availability: Major grocery, drug and mass merchandise stores across Canada
Average suggested retail price: $2.49 per bag
Visit www.facebook.com/DareCandyCo for more information and FUN promotions!
The Yoga Barn
There’s a New Barn in Town
Guest post by Lia Glover
Should you sense a warm breeze coming from the general direction of Upper Dyke, it’s not your imagination. Things are pretty hot in the small community thanks to a new addition called, The Yoga Barn.
The Yoga Barn is the Valley’s one and only hot yoga studio.
A gutsy endeavor created by Valley resident and long-time yoga instructor, Jenny Sinclair, the Yoga Barn sits on the property Sinclair shares with her husband, Dr. Mike Sinclair and their four young boys.
Sinclair and I are sitting crossed-legged (she doing so effortlessly) in the light-filled studio that features 26 infrared heat panels, cork flooring and calming blue walls when I ask her how all this came about. Was wine involved? Sinclair laughs and talks about how last summer, she and Mike were enjoying a quiet evening relaxing outside and marveled over what an eye-sore the old barn was.
But Sinclair, who has a soft-spot for old things couldn’t bear the thought of tearing it down. That’s when Mike suggested they do something “really cool” with it, “like build a yoga studio!” Sinclair is quick to add that her husband of 11 years is always supportive, always encouraging her to do what she loves, “It was so busy the first few days I opened, Mike was even directing traffic on our front lawn.” laughs Sinclair.
But if there was one question which worried Sinclair it was will the people come? There are a number of yoga studios in the Valley and Sinclair was justifiably nervous about creating a facility without knowing what the public reaction would be. But her belief in the benefits of yoga and the convenience of having a studio in her own backyard was something she felt so strongly about, she knew it was time to share it with others.
It turns out she had nothing to be worried about. “I was shocked, says Sinclair “the first time I introduced the Yoga Barn idea was on facebook. “I got 1,000 likes in three weeks!” The excitement from family was contagious. Her sister Maggie Milne has designed and created the Yoga Barn’s logo, while her mom, Sue spent hours on a stunning rug-hooking piece. Their support, along with that of friends and strangers alike was reassuring and made the many long hours of designing, planning, and bringing life back to the beloved old barn all worth it.
Given that this it the Valley’s only hot yoga studio I asked what makes hot yoga, hot. The heat comes from the infrared cedar heat panels (infrared meaning just below red light rays) which Sinclair ordered from a small family-run business in British Columbia. There are 26 panels in all and when combined with the moving, breathing bodies in the studio, things heat up pretty quick starting at 90 degrees and rising to 110 degrees.
Through all this, Sinclair has been busy juggling motherhood and all the day-to-day tasks and extra-curricular activities that go along with raising four boys but admits it is a bit hectic right now and at some point she will find her ebb and flow. Her boys have noticed a shift in mom’s time but are also quite excited about the increased traffic at their house. Her eldest, Mac asked her if she was going to be famous.
One thing is for sure, she is definitely in this for the long haul but she remembers a time when she wasn’t so keen on the discipline.
Sinclair took her first yoga class in University but admits that back then she was more of a runner and weight trainer and wasn’t ready for in her early 20’s to understand the benefits of yoga, nor the compassion of caring for it through yoga. That came with age and injuries. She tried it again when she was pregnant with Mac and found it highly unusual to be in downward dog with her belly falling beneath her but she kept at it, finding it a gentle way to stay fit and with each pregnancy knew that she had found something special.
Always keen to learn, Sinclair was asked to teach yoga at Abs-O-Lute Fitness but first she needed to attend a Can Pro Fit weekend training session in Toronto. She remembers how, with Mike’s encouragement, they, along with their four boys Mac, now 9, Sam, 8, Jesse, 6 and Amos, her baby 4 found themselves boarding a plane where she spent the weekend honing her skills, while Mike was taking the kids to see some big city sights. Sinclair recalls feeling “blissed out”at the end of the day while an exhausted Mike was waiting in the parking lot, kids is various stages of dress ready to see their Mom.
Today, Sinclair has 200 hours of Certified Yoga Training in Vinyasa-style yoga and is currently working on her 500 hour Yoga Teacher Teacher Training certificate.
When I asked what yoga means to her she is enthusiastic, “Yoga has become a lifestyle to me. It is not just an outer body thing as was the focus in my 20’s. I try to use yoga in every part of my day, from the way I speak to my kids and my husband to how I stay present in what is going on in my life. Yoga has taught me that each day is special and we are lucky to have each and every moment! Each breathe allows the next and so on.”
Mother Nature may be taking her sweet time bringing us some heat but Sinclair has it down pat and it looks like there will be many sun salutations in her backyard for a long time to come.
If you are interested in learning more about hot yoga or taking classes at the yoga barn, please visit, www.theyogabarn.ca.
Lia Glover is a married mom of two (sometimes feels like more) boys living in Port Williams having moved from Toronto almost 9 years ago (it only took 5 years to adjust!). She is interested in writing about people who make a difference.
Win with the Yoga Barn!
The Yoga Barn is located conveniently just outside of the town of Kentville, Nova Scotia near Blueberry Acres. We are the first hot yoga studio in the Annapolis Valley.
Instructor Jenny Gunn Sinclair, offers a variety of classes – some of which are hot yoga, and some are not! There is yoga for newbies, power classes, flow classes, yin classes and more!
Enter to win an 8-class punch card (valued at $90). This card is good for the whole year!
Enter daily by clicking on the banner below until the draw date of July 31, 2014
Want an extra ballot? Leave a comment on the blog below to tell us about your yoga experiences!
The Spark by John Kenny
The Spark by John Kenny
“Excuse me. I see you like to read adventure stories. I am an author!”
This is how the conversation started in the long security lineup in the Ottawa airport. I was standing there reading a Lee Child novel as the line inched forward.
This is how our conversation began.
Kenny explained to me that he was a firefighter in Toronto and had also written his first book called The Spark. After telling him that I had done some book blogging for Penguin and Nimbus publishing, he offered to mail me a copy of his book to check out for myself.
The Spark is an adventure-mystery story about a Toronto firefighter named Donny Robertson. He had been fighting a fire where his captain had been killed. Although it was ruled accidental, Robertson doesn’t believe it was. There is more to it than meets the eye. Robertson decides to take it upon himself to figure out the mystery and find out what really happened in that fire. However, the closer he gets to the truth, the more his life becomes endangered!
I found The Spark riveting. It held my attention all the way through, and I kept wanting to read what would happen next. The action was fast-paced, and the dialogue and descriptions to the point.
Throughout the book there is a detailed mention of a few fires that Robertson and his crew fight. From the description it is obvious that the author knows what he is talking about, but not so much that those not in that field can’t understand. There was a great mix of technical language and easy descriptions.
When I am enjoying reading a book, I always hold out till the end in hopes that there will be a satisfactory ending and not ruin my reading experience. This book had a satisfactory ending and everything wrapped up logically, although maybe not what you expect! I shall say no more!
For a first time novel, The Spark is a fantastic read! I highly recommend picking up a copy of it to read this summer! I look forward to reading what else Kenny writes in the future!
Again, I asked my mom to read the book. Here’s what she said: I enjoyed this story about fire fighting. I haven’t read a lot in this are so I found it enLIGHTening.
The protagonist Donny Robertson was spared while his captain was killed while fighting a fire together. He doesn’t believe that the fire was accidental and tries to find out what happened. This, of course, starts all sorts of repercussions.
The story flows along quickly and the suspense builds up like a fire before it explodes. There are several side plots which keep the readers interested and it comes to a conclusion that is unexpected but believable. I would like to have seen more character development for some of the other characters involved in the story.
The story is worth a read and I would read another by the same author. Great for a quick read.
It’s times like these that you realize you were supposed to meet a certain person in time!
Happy reading!
