Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts

May 25, 2012

Kidorable review and giveaway




Kidorable has adorable rainwear for children; I haven't seen cute products like this anywhere.  The children and parents will enjoy their unique, creative, fabulous collection of products.  We like the quality and cuteness of these affordable Kidorable products.


The stitching and the detailed design on the products show good quality.  My son is a big dinosaur fan and knows a lot about dinosaurs, he even scares us by making different dinosaur sounds :)  My little dinosaur came alive with these super cute dinosaur coat and boots.  He loved the pockets, pictures, spikes, the colour and everything about it.  He couldn't stay still with this on :)


Children will want to have these rain gear on them even when there isn't any rain.  I had to convince my son that there will be plenty of opportunities for him to wear the coat when it is raining.


Kidorable has a lovely selection of themed rain coats and rain boots for all the different fans such as pirates, dragon knight, dinosaur, fireman, frog, space hero for boys and ballerina, butterfly, fairy, lady bug, lotus flower, lucky cat and mermaid for girls.  The coats are made out of PVC and have comfortable polymer lining.  The sizes are from 1T to 6x.  The size chart of the site is detailed, which will help us get the correct size.  The coats also come with free hangers that are unique, wooden, lightweight and cute.





The rain/ mud boots made with natural rubber are really soft and pliable, which is comfortable for growing feet.  The sole of the boots have a good grip and it is easy to clean.  My children and I like the details throughout the boots such as the dinosaur face, eyes, teeth, spikes, texture, design and the attractive realistic colours.  
Kidorable carries boot sizes from size 5 to youth size 2 that come up to mid calf. If your children are like mine; then you know that they can't avoid puddles/mud so rain boots are a good investment.  These cute comfortable boots will make children want to wear it without complaining :)


As a parent, you will love seeing your cuties in the Kidorable rain coats and boots.  Anyone seeing your children with these kidorable products will compliment how good it looks.




My daughter loves the selection they have for the girls, she wanted this ballerina umbrella and was really excited when she got it.  It isn't just an umbrella; the details and design will bring out the ballerina in the little ones.  We love every part of this 100% nylon umbrella; the pictures, colours, the shape, the cute ribbon on top and the unique comfortable handle.  The umbrella is a good size that is big enough to protect them from the rain.  It would also be good to have when it is sunny.  My ballet queen is trying to find every opportunity to use it; she is out with it in rain and shine.





Kidorable has impressively made their products functional and cute.  The products are shipped to anywhere in the world and can easily be purchased online.  
Any child receiving these products will enjoy it.  Parents will appreciate the affordable prices and will be happy to see how cute their children look in these.


Giveaway
Kidorable has lots of umbrella designs.  If you want to win one of their umbrellas, please leave a comment saying which design of umbrella your little one will like to win.  
The giveaway is open to people in USA and Canada till June 5th.  
Please follow Kidorable on twitter and Facebook to get special discounts/deals.
With a purchase of $20 worth of products they are giving away a free umbrella to delight children around the world.
Please follow my twitter and Facebook so I can announce the winner and contact you.
Update: The winner is Cheryl

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May 9, 2012

Hasbro Nerf super soakers

I am glad the weather is getting warmer and we are spending a lot more time outdoors.  Water play is always a fun activity for children and adults especially during warm weather.  These Nerf super soakers from Hasbro are adventurous and fun for everyone.  


The Hasbro Nerf super soakers look sleek and have a strong design.  I like the choice of colours they have used for the soakers.  These soakers are meant for anyone over the age of 6 years so use your own discretion if you want young children to play with it.  Use only tap water and don't aim at eyes or face to avoid injury.  Don't submerge the soakers into the water.


Tornado strike water clip holds 300ml water and aims 6 m. Our favourite part of this soaker is that when we shoot the water it spins through its special spinning barrel.  This tornado strike doesn't require batteries because we have to pump to blast water.  The detachable stock can be adjusted depending on the persons reach.  It has a tactical rail that is compatible with other super soakers.  I wish the water clips hold more than 300ml of water.  However, we can buy more water clips separately to quickly reload so we can have fun without stopping to refill the water :) The water clips attach to our belts so it is convenient during playtime.
Electrostorm blaster super soaker aims up to 7.5 meters. This motorized full auto soaker doesn't require pumping, just pull the trigger and start soaking.  This small soaker holds 76 ml of water so we had to practice aiming at the target correctly when needed so we aren't wasting time filling it up and missing the action.  It needs a little practice and patience to aim and wait for the correct time/ opportunity to start soaking the target :) The only downside is that it needs 4 batteries and a philips cross head screwdriver, which is not included in the package.


Lightning storm blaster holds 1L of water and aims a distance of 7.6 meters.  This powerful soaker requires 4 batteries.  This motorized super soaker is fully automatic no pumping required just pull the trigger to soak.  The water clips from the tornado strike can be put in place of the drum.  It has a detachable stock that enhances accuracy when blasting.  The blast shield is a lovely feature that blocks incoming water from other shooters.  It also has a tactical rail. The soaker comes with instructions.

There are many other soakers such as hydro cannon, scatter blast, point break and microbursts. The super soakers are available at superstores, Toys R Us, Zellers and Walmart. The weather is getting warmer so get yourself one of these Hasbro Nerf soakers and start having fun with friends and family outdoors.

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April 12, 2012

Planting with Pefferlaw Peat Products

pefferlaw peat products
Pefferlaw Peat product Inc. is a Canadian owned and operated company since 1954. Since 1999 the Prust family has acquired it. Pefferlaw products have OCPP logo because they are 100% organic certified.

The research done by University of Guelph growth trials for 14 weeks have proven Pefferlaw products such as organic hanging basket, planter mix, organic 3-way mix to have equal or surpassed the performance of the best-known national brands.

All Pefferlaw brand organic soils are safe, natural, and free of additives, clay and by products. The hanging basket planter mix is lighter than traditional soil mixes; it doesn't strain the hanging containers and retains moisture longer. They have used peat humus and spaghnum peat fibre. Their 3-way organic mix contains peat humus, peat fibre and composted barnyard manure, which has nutrients that improve aeration and increases water-holding capacity.

Here are some interesting statistics...

24% Canadians grow produce in their garden because of the economy
44% online survey respondents were health conscious, as they are concerned about eating produce from their garden grown in non-organic soil
32% Canadians (1 in 3) believe organic foods are more nutritious than non-organic foods
67% survey respondents said they would use certified organic soils in their garden

I also tried a small experiment planting these coriander seeds indoor using Pefferlaw soil. I found the rate of the plant growing was healthier and faster compared to the time I put seeds using regular garden soil.

Due to my experiment and proven data from University of Guelph's growth trials, I second the opinion of Peter Prust, the president of the company when he said that the exercise done by the University "... proves that it is possible to grow healthy, sustainable, bountiful plants without artificial additives..."
plant
I think it is simple and affordable to plant safely at home and even those without any garden space can grow a small plant i.e. like this herb plant grown indoors by a windowsill.
Container gardening is totally for everyone even those without the 'green-thumb' and all those who are busy for gardening.

As a parent, I believe it teaches children a lot when we do a little bit of gardening i.e. just putting a few seeds into a pot and seeing it grow teaches these curious minds to question and learn many skills. So having soil that you know will work gives all of us confidence that we can do it.
plant
Pefferlaw Peat Products Inc. has participated in successfully restoring a local bog that involved draining and replanting which has now become a habitat for migratory birds. This habitat is protected and has banned hunting on this bog site. Pefferlaw has also supported youth growing projects by hosting Brock 4H Junior achievement day for the past 2 years.
bog
pictures of the bog
Pefferlaw currently has 10 products in their organic line such as top soil, black earth, 3-way mix, compost, cattle/sheep manure, hanging basket planter mix, premium potting mix, potting soil, and planting seeding mix.
If you are into landscape and gardening check out all the other fabulous products they have. These affordable products are sold at these retailers and garden centres in Ontario.

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April 8, 2012

Maple syrup festival

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival from March 3rd to April 9th is a wonderful experience to learn all about the fabulous Maple syrup. It is a fun, educational experience for the whole family. The experience at Kortright is a little different from the one at Bruce's Mills, although both places will teach the same knowledge about the making the syrup. They have wonderful entertainment for the children, free wagon rides, family activities, free sampling etc...

Bruce's Mill conservation area is smaller compared to Kortright, but there are lots of educational signs. Perfect to take young children and to push the stroller etc... Parking is free with the tickets, located off Highway 404. It is a lovely place to have a stroll, learn about maple syrup, look for some birds, take some pictures and have a picnic :) They have horse rides, pancakes, feeding farm animals and food for sale. They had guided tours explaining everything and a very friendly wagon ride in which children were excited to sit in the front and hold the rein.
Fun wagon ride, pony ride, feeding pets
Trail
Making of the syrup Pioneer and Current method
Educational
Birdwatching

We went Kortright last year for the festival. It was a different setting, larger location lots to do as well. There are many adventurous paths to hike and lots of fun entertainment. Take a look at the pictures of our experience at Kortright last year.
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March 26, 2012

Sonsi clothing and accessories

We all like making fashion statements in some way or another and size shouldn't be a barrier. Sonsi is an online shopping and social destination that has clothing for plus size women. It is an award winning easy, fast, personalized shopping experience that sells all types of clothing. Women can determine their shape without measurements and customize it online. Sonsi has a variety of style and over 300 brands.

Follow Sonsi on Facebook and twitter to find fashionable clothing for all seasons. Their products are shipped International so start shopping from anywhere in the world :)
If you want to win a similar package of Sonsi products (accessories, clothing and jewelry), leave a comment on this post.
Updated: The giveaway winner is comment #6

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March 23, 2012

Springfest experience and origami butterflies



Springfest was held indoors at Downsview park during the March break; we liked that it was indoors because of the chilly weather. There were free face painting, origami workshops, music and clowns. They also had carnival games and food.

The tickets could have been a little cheaper because mostly it was bouncy houses and 3 rides. The fest was for children age 2 to 10, and my children did enjoy it very much.
Overall it was a fun indoor carnival for the family.


We learned how to make origami at the SpringFest. It was our first time with origami and we were able to follow the steps to make these butterflies. Here is a tutorial I found on the web, it was similar to this except for the last 3 steps.
On the 7th step on this linked tutorial where the circles are we were told to fold it in a little bit, then squeeze the paper a little bit to make the butterflies.


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March 18, 2012

Start a tradition with games

1/4 cup popcorn
1 tbsp maple syrup

Put the popcorn in a brown paper bag, fold the top of the bag, about 2" on the top. Microwave it for 2 minutes. Put the popcorn in a bowl and toss with maple syrup. Be careful popcorn maybe hot. This would be a lovely homemade snack to have with children... when you are having a family fun night or day :)

Hasbro has a variety of games for our preschoolers i.e. Memory game, Candy land, Chutes and Ladders, Hungry hungry hippos. All these games encourage taking turns, sharing, following rules; which are all important skills for preschoolers and young children to learn so they can be ready for school.

The Memory game is a matching puzzle game with 72 vibrant picture cards. Candy land is another fun game for children over 3 years. It has coloured cards and fun pictures that the children will love. The players have to go through fun destinations like mountains full of chocolate and get to the castle first to win this game.

Chutes and ladder is similar to the traditional snakes and ladders; instead of the dice there is a spin wheel with 6 numbers. It is easier for young children to look and start counting and learn their numbers up to 100. It too has lovely illustrations on the board.

Hungry hungry hippos is a toy game for children over 4 years of age or older because it has small marble sized balls. A maximum of 4 players get to press and collect has many marbles they can with their hippo. Children will have lots of fun pressing and collecting the marble with their colourful hippos.

Take the time to have fun with these Hasbro board games as a family and create lasting memories.

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March 17, 2012

Stylish hat: Fit to flick

Fit to flick is a cute hat that allows the ponytail, braid or bun to come through the stitched slit in the hat. It is a fashionable, functional hat that is comfortable. The hat keeps the ears warm and air will not go into the head. We can wear the hairball, which will not come out when the hat is removed.
The difference between Fit to flick and the traditional hat is that when traditional hats are removed it makes the hair look messy and often leaves a bend by the nape. Check out the variety of hats that is available and order it online. Girls and ladies will definitely want to wear this stylish hat :)

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March 5, 2012

Springfest ticket giveaway


3rd annual Toronto Springfest will be at the Downsview park on March 12, 13 and 14.

If you want to win $50 worth of tickets for 2 children (admission and unlimited ride bracelets) and 2 adults (admission to the event) leave a comment with your email on this post by March 8th.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Free parking


Lots of attractions, shows and indoor rides for children age 2 to 10.
Midway rides, inflatable jumping castles, slides, fun game zone, pre school play area, interactive games and prizes for all ages.
They will also have venders, characters, face painting, video arcade, food, drinks and lots more.
Live theatre shows will start at 10:30 and 2:30.
See you there.

Updated The giveaway winner is Sadaf.

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February 7, 2012

Stained vase craft and Kinder® contest to win $500

The Family day long weekend and the March break is just around the corner. I am planning on spending some quality time during the day with the children making crafts and food. I am also looking forward to relax, stay close to home and visit local attractions like the Ontario Science Centre :)

January 12, 2012

Cupcake flowers and nutella cupcake



To make these fun cupcake flowers you will need...

different size coloured cupcake liners *
paper cut for leaves in an oval shape
paper cut for stems in a rectangle shape
marker
glue
scissors

* If you only have white cupcake liners you can decorate and colour it.

Let the children stick the leaves anyway they like on the stem. Attach the cupcake liners onto the top of the stem. They can decorate and draw to put details with markers.

Here is a recipe to make Nutella cupcakes in 10 minutes with only 4 ingredients


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January 2, 2012

Paper bag puppet



This paper bag puppet creates lots of imaginary play and conversation, so make it and put on a play.


You will need...
1 paper bag for each puppet
leftover cloth and felt material
glue
scissors

Let children use their imagination and have fun decorating any way they want. 
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November 9, 2011

Dahlia flowers to decorate



Dahlias last the longest and can be picked till autumn, these flowers are beautiful for decoration.

Dahlia 2011

Dahlias are annually planted. These plants need lots of care and pruning which is worth the effort.
There are so many varieties of colours and shapes of these tuberous plant. Dahlia's attract earwigs which a problem, so tap the flowers carefully before bringing it indoors.


Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Ball dahlia red 2010

Pink dahlia 2010

Red pompom like dahlias known as Aurora's kiss.
Dahlias are worth the hard work of tending as they give blooms throughout Summer and Autumn.

Sunset pink dahlias 2009

Variety of dahlias 2009

Dinner plate dahlia bigger than an adults hand 2008

Thomas Edison dahlia bigger than an adults hand 2008

Dahlia tubers

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April 10, 2011

Crocus flower


Crocus sign of Spring picture from the garden, these flowers were photographed on our visit to Riverdale farm.

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April 3, 2011

Painting clay pots


Simple way to brighten up your home and garden by painting clay pots using acrylic paint.

You will need...

clay pots
painting brushes
acrylic paint
palette
newspaper to lay on the table

Using the materials start painting. Can sketch the ideas on a paper or use your imagination and paint.

This activity is for any age. Paint brushes can be substituted with sponge and other materials around the house such as putting paint on a leaf and making prints on the pots.

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