Ambition’s Not An Awful Word Giveaway

Ambition’s Not An Awful Word is a funny children's book written by the author Zack Zage.  Zack uses himself as the boy in the story that is starting grade four.  
This story starts conversation of "who I want to be when I grow up" and "what I want to do".  The rhyming words add to the fun of reading this story.  My daughter liked the references of places and people in the sentences that she was able to infer and remember from other conversations.  
Ambition is one of the most important trait that we should encourage in our children, so they can explore different things they like from a young age.  As the book says, ambition is the beginning of everything we accomplish in life.

The beautiful illustrations done by Adam Watkins sparks curiosity in children and opens conversations.  Children will laugh at the pictures and even think about it.  The pictures go in hand with the written words.  
We liked the detail in the pictures and the drawings of the characters.  I got lots of questions from my 3 1/2 year old about the pictures i.e. "how come the lady looks so different with big teeth," "why is the boy's eyes so big."

Although this book is intended for children over the age of 6, my little one loved listening to this story and appreciated the pictures and flipped through the book several times.  
I like the layout of the book, in which Zack says his ambition in one side and the reality of real life on the other side.  The meanings of unusual words, people mentioned in the story are in the glossary; parents and older children will appreciate this.  Adults will enjoy reading this book as well.

The book ends beautifully as Zack's mother says the moon left a message that "It's OK to dream."
This book is available in stores and amazon.
Giveaway
If you would like to win this fabulous book, please leave a comment on this post and enter through the rafflecopter below.  Giveaway is open to people in Canada and US, ends on September 15th.
Update: The winner is Jessica Mueck

"Dream it! Believe it! Work hard for it! Achieve it!"

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Making Ginger Ale from Artisan Soda Workshop book and PC products

The Artisan Soda workshop has 70 syrup recipes to make flavourful fizzy homemade sodas.  With this book, we can make our own combination of refreshing sodas at home and avoid canned carbonations.  The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow to make fruit, herb and spiced bubbly drinks.  

I like the bit of history given in the beginning of the book about carbonated drinks.  Carbonated drinks were originally produced because of medicinal benefits.  Coca cola made in 1886, derived from coca leaves and kola nuts.  Pepsi cola came 12 years after coca cola, which is made with pepsin and kola nuts.  The cans and bottles replaced the traditional soda fountains in the 1920s.

When making sodas at home we can cut down on the amount of sugar and use fresh fruit without artificial flavour.  We can also use sugar alternatives such as coconut palm sugar.  The suggested syrups can be used in pancakes, French toasts, oatmeal, ice cream, smoothie or in a salad dressing combined with oil and vinegar. I also used the syrup to make spicy hot tea.

The taste and flavours of the carbonated drinks made at home will not be the same as the ones sold in the store and it is a little bit more work than opening a can :) but it is worth it because mass produced store-bought soda has chemicals, high fructose and corn syrup.
The appendix in the end of the book has recipes separated by seasons, which is helpful to pick one and get started.

If you have a soda stream, you can use it to make carbonated water then add syrup and flavour to it.  We can also control the amount of carbon dioxide that we put with this type of machine.     
I used the carbonated natural spring water from PC to make this ginger ale.  I made half of the ginger syrup recipe from the book.

2 cups of water
6" of fresh ginger root thinly sliced
3/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp ground ginger

Bring the water, sliced or grated fresh ginger and sugar to a boil in high heat.  Add the ginger powder to the syrup and let it simmer in medium heat for about 10 minutes until the syrup is half the amount you started with.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh and let it cool.  Add 3 tbsp or more syrup to taste into 1 cup of cold seltzer or carbonated water and serve.  The syrup can be kept in the fridge for unto 5 days in a container.

President Choice also has a few new products just in time for back to school.  We all need some pre-prepared options for the busy days.  Here is a highlight of some of the products.

• PC shelf stable milk packets are safe to send in the lunch bags or to take on the go.  It can also be stored in the cupboard instead of the fridge.
• Individual cheese portions made with 100% Canadian milk makes a healthy smart snack.
• Peanut free individually wrapped snacks such as carrot cakes, chocolate chip bars, brownies and decadent chocolate chip mini bar make delicious snacks for anytime of the day and to send for school snacks.  
• PC honey chipotle kettle cooked almonds is a lovely snack for those who like smoky flavour. 
• The sour jelly beans are chewy treats for everyone who enjoys sour fruit flavour.  
• PC also has pita crackers and flavoured chips that are delicious for snack time.

This picture goes to black and white event hosted at tomato blues.

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Calligraphy and making cards

The art of writing is fascinating and truly a blessing. I have always admired calligraphy, even as a child. My uncle does beautiful calligraphy, and I thank him for showing me the beauty of calligraphy.

I have spent some time trying to learn calligraphy and picked up a variety of books to learn this skill.  I found The Complete Idiot's guide to Calligraphy very helpful.  It is detailed and has all the information we need. This book is organized in a simple, easy to read/ understand way.  The book has lots of tips and helpful practice pages.  I like the 1,2,3 arrows that direct us to which way we should move the pen.

We can put the skills we learn from this book to make beautiful artwork, cards and use it in many other creative projects. The book shows how we can incorporate calligraphy into our projects such as making bookmarks, wedding invitations and attaching tassels with embroidery thread etc.  To learn calligraphy we don't need to have artistic talents or good handwriting, we just need practice.  

People have spent time learning and using this skill of calligraphy in ancient art of gold embossing, illumination, bookmaking, handwriting etc...  The book mentions about the art of Japanese calligraphy or Shodo and about scrolls where the calligraphers write quickly without altering or touching the letters afterwards.   The Japanese symbols are adapted from the 4th century Chinese writing Kanji, {which means characters from China} uses a brush technique.  In Japan and many other cultures calligraphy is about mind, spirit and technique.

I used the formal italic script to write in this card, which is not joined like cursive.

A few things about Calligraphy that I learned from the book

• Calligraphy comes from the Greek word Kallos, which means beautiful and Graphein meaning to write.  
• The writing in calligraphy is slightly slanted to eliminate the need to constantly lift the pen nib.
• Writing on a slanted board without hunching over helps to form this writing.
• To start off, we can use 2mm wide carpenter pencil. Keep the eye and paper 10" apart.  Sit straight with the feet on the ground.  Hold the pen normally 1/2" from the end of the pen.  The nib should point in the same direction and should be in a 50 degree angle from the writing surface.  If it comfortable for you then it is better to keep the little finger extended for stability.
• When framing calligraphy choose simple frames that have wide margin space.

Learning how to use the tools correctly is important to do this craft well. The book explains how to use the nib, the type of inks and paper.  

• Felt tip pens are not as good, but I used a pen I got from Walmart which was for calligraphy. The book suggests using flexible nibs for easy strokes and acid free paper.  
• Don't use paper that becomes yellow fast i.e. newspaper has lots of acid.  Good papers have a watermark when it is held to light.  If the paper is too slippery rub it with a soft eraser.

The books suggests for us to keep our calligraphic work simple, uncluttered and eye-catching.  There are tips on how we can make our own pens using bamboo canes, dried stem, possible sticks, foam felt, make up sponge or quill with feather.  It also explains how to make rubber stamps using plastic erasers to emboss or deboss letters. There is information on how we can cut out 3D decorations. Details about drawing with double pencils, using gold paint to fill between the lines and adding ribbons to scrolls.  

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Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a colourfully illustrated book for children.  The vibrant pictures and beautifully written rhyming sentences will keep children entertained as they learn about colours, culture and common words of objects used by Muslims.  This book will keep children inquisitive as they learn about familiar things they may have seen, heard or have i.e. hijab (head scarf worn by Muslim women), dates, henna etc...

The glossary in the end of the book elaborates and explains the terms used in the book, so it is easy for us to explain to our children.  
i.e.  Ramadan is a holy month where Muslims fast, give prescribed charity, do extra prayers.  
Eid is an Islamic holiday that comes after Ramadan or happens in the month of pilgrimage to Mecca.

This colourful book is a wonderful addition to the home, school or community library that all children from all faiths will enjoy.  It is available online, amazon and at bookstores.  Here is a preview of the book on google.

Children are more curious than adults and like learning about different things.  As parents, it is our duty to broaden our children's knowledge, give them educated answers so judgemental ideas aren't passed to future generations.

Although the world is full of different cultures, there are lots of stereotypes, ignorance and racial/cultural/religious discrimination.  Yes this still exists even in a place like Canada that has become a nation made mostly by immigrants.
Teaching our children about other cultures and making them aware is a social responsibility.

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Lemon preserve and jam jar kit

Lemons are cheaper in the summer, so it is a good time to take advantage of this and make lemon preserve to use off-season.

This lemon preserve will come handy in cooking i.e. chicken or to add into other pickles.  For this basic lemon preserve recipe you will  need...

unbruised clean Meyer lemons

coarse sea salt or kosher salt (not table salt)

Trim the top and bottom of the lemon to keep it flat.  Then cut the lemons into quarters vertically up to 3/4 way (the lemon should not split so don't slice it all the way).

Stuff the lemon with salt and pack it into a clean jar.  Cover the lemons with its own juice, when you press the lemons into the jar it will produce its own juice.  You might have to add fresh juice of 1/2 lemon if need be.

Let it sit for 3 weeks or more in a cool dark place.  I usually keep them for longer before opening the container.  Over time the lemons will reduce and become soft. 

As soon as the lemons are soft it is ready to be used.  Once you open the container store in the fridge for up to 6 months or more.  

If the lemons are not fully submerged in its own juice then a white film will appear.  If this happens just remove it with a spoon or lightly wash it off and use.

If you wish when packing the lemons to preserve you can add whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon stick, peppercorns or cloves.

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I used the creative Jam Jar kit from Cath Kidston Ltd to decorate preserve containers.  
This kit has 20 jar toppers in 5 different patterns, 8 sticker sheets, elastic strings and 6 easy delicious recipes.  
The kit is useful in decorating our homemade preserves, before giving it as gifts to family and friends.
The Cath Kidston Jam Jar kit is available online, bookstores and amazon.

The Natural Soap Chef

I have always wondered how soap is made from scratch.  I haven't made or seen anyone making soap at home, so when I got the opportunity to review The Natural Soap Chef I became really curious and thought this would be my chance to test making soap at home.  
From the time I had got this book, I have been trying to get the main ingredient Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide.  I looked for it at Michaels, which doesn't carry it.  Every time I went to the hardware store I forgot about buying Lye, so I went ahead and read the whole book to prepare myself before making soap.  

The author of the book has done lots of research and made a variety of soap before she wrote this detailed book.  
There are different ways to make soap, such as buying a pre-made soap base, shredding it and then adding our own colour, fragrance and exfoliant before remaking it.  The book doesn't cover this method as the author uses the cold-processed approach to make soap.  

The recipes to make soap are given in small batches to prevent waste and for us to use extreme caution when making soap.  
Her instructions are detailed, which will definitely be helpful in the process of making soap at home.  If you are interested in this craft, I recommend that you read the whole book before making the soap from scratch.  
The book is written in a personal friendly manner.  The recipes in the book are separated into beginners, coffee tea & stout, goat's milk coconut milk & puree and recipes to impress.  Some recipes for the soap include rosemary olive oil soap, almond cookie soap etc...  The presentation and packaging chapter has neat ways to package homemade soaps.  The pictures in the book make it very inviting for us to try our hands at making soap.

As much as soap making sounds exiting and fun, the main ingredient Lye is a dangerous hazardous substance to work with.  This chemical can cause burns, scarring and blindness.  It is also fatal if swallowed, so it must be used with extreme caution.  After reading the hazard part I have made up my mind to pass on making my own soap, despite the creative aspect involved in making soap at home.  It would be very hard for me to use gloves, goggles and work in a safe area as I tend to always put things in my hands and my children will want to participate (because it sounds fun).  To have this type of ingredient at home will cause a lot of stress :)
Reading this book has made me become more aware of the ingredients that go into soaps and a whole new respect to soap makers :) 

If you would like to take a look at this book it is available at bookstores, online and amazon.  If you have any questions ask the author here. 
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It's raining fish and spiders

It's Raining Fish and Spiders is a fun, informative exploration of the wonderful world of weather by meteorologist Bill Evans.  The book is good for children over 7 years, although I found it is helpful to answer all the curious questions of younger children.  The collection of facts, stories, experiments and explanations in the book is a good teaching tool for the kids.  

This video will give a good insight to the book. The book covers everything from tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning, kinds of snowflakes and many more. 
I liked reading the weather myths, stories and facts to my kids, and learned a lot of interesting things I didn't know before.  
The book includes some experiments and links to websites that have cool experiments, so we can try at home without expensive equipment. The author has used entertaining funny titles that will make everyone want to read. 
I liked the research, facts, charts, tables, illustrations and photographs (not coloured).  The author has given precautions on what we should do in a situation i.e. when there is an earthquake, tsunami, tornado etc (God forbid). 


Did you know...

• that no two snowflakes look a like, each one is unique.  Snowflakes are made from pure simple ice crystals.  In cold weather or winter when it rains it is called sleet not hail.  
• The lowest temperature recorded on the planet was -89.2C in Antarctica.  It gets slightly more rainfall than the Sahara desert.  Despite the snow and ice, Antarctica is the largest desert on Earth.
• When a tornado passes over a lake or small body of water it can sweep up objects of all shapes and sizes and drop it off some distance away; that is the reason the book was named It's raining fish and spiders.

This educational entertaining book is sold on amazon and bookstores.
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My Art book Animals and artwork with foil

My Art book: Animals is full of special, easy to follow art projects.  The projects are inspired by a variety of famous masterpieces.  Animals were the inspiration of the artwork that was done by these artists. 

The step-by-step instructions in the book help us to make our own artwork.  We can add our own creative flair, discuss, discover and interpret the techniques the artists have used.

Here is a project from the book that we added our own creativity to.  The book has a project on tin tortoise, which is inspired by the wooden rhino.

Making an engraved painting with tin foil

foil tray preferably one without any markings

masking tape

scissors

tracing paper

pens

wooden skewers

paint

brush

Find an image you like and trace the outline of it.

Cut the foil tray to a slightly bigger size than the traced image.

Tape the tracing paper over the cut foil.

Using a different colour pen press firmly and draw over the outline of the picture.  

Then using another colour pen draw details.  Check every now and again without moving the foil out of place to see if the prints are visible on the foil.

Once the drawing part is done.  Colour the outside with paint.  I painted a smooth thick layer in black.  My daughter painted the background with the paintbrush in a sponge painting technique using green.

The finished artwork can be displayed or can be placed has a shiny cover for a binder or notebook.

There were instructions on how to draw animals with charcoal, making stencils with household goods, paper collage using different tones of colour, making wire sculptures using garden wires and pliers and many more projects.  The glossary in the book explains the meanings of art techniques and art media.  

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I See Me: My very own pirate tale review and giveaway

When I handed this book I see me: My very own pirate tale book to my preschool son and told him this book is especially for him, he was excited.  As I started to read the dedication, he became really excited and surprised because the book had his name.  

Drifter ballistic lugz shoes

My husband tested these good looking pair of Drifter ballistic lugz shoes for men. He felt that the shoes were lightweight and stylish so it can be worn to a variety of places. The cushioned insole, padded tongue and collar of the shoes make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This tough and durable boots have a unique nylon upper part that keeps the boots strong and breathable.

Check out the selection of Lugz shoes for men, as these trendy and stylish urban footwear are built for the street. The foxing tape looks decorative in the shoes. The shoes have a lug sole, which will not slip.

You can comfortably insert orthotics, if you wear one.

Giveaway:

If you would like to win a pair of these Drifter ballistic lugz shoes, in your size please leave a comment on this post. The giveaway is open to readers in US and ends on August 5th.

Follow Lugz on twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with deals and new trends.

Follow me on twitter and Facebook so I can contact you if you are the winner.
Update: The winner is sophieandmomma

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Reading with children

As parents we can help our children read without tears by making reading a part of their everyday life and fun.  It is important to talk and discuss with children about what they read by asking related questions, to see if they have comprehended what they read or listened to.
Reading something fun everyday with the children brings lots of satisfaction that will become good memories.  Choose a book like this 365 Animal stories and rhymes or another book from the 365 stories and enjoy with your little ones.  This book has a variety of reading media such as folk stories, exciting long and short stories and poetry that will keep children entertained.  My children enjoyed listening to many of the stories and want to listen to some of them over and over.
I liked reading it with my children and was happy to see some stories I remember listening to as a child from my grandmas and mom.  

Another note on reading: Every summer Toronto Public library has a reading program that encourages children to have fun and read.  They provide posters and stickers free of charge; so do join this fun learning program.


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Arizona way out west wacky

My children enjoy fascinating stories about interesting places and this book, Arizona way out west wacky or AZWOWW was really fun for them.  The book is full of geography, history, nature and cultural stories.  This book is appealing for children and adults.    
My children enjoyed colouring the book, reading about the fun facts and all the lovely activities in the book.  To keep children entertained the book has facts, recipes, activities etc.
This book is available on Amazon and at Five Star Publication.
If you are in the state of Arizona and you would like the author's to attend your school, conventions or bookstores then checkout the site.  They are also on Facebook.

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On My Honor Girl Scouts

Shannon Henry Kleiber, the author of the book On My Honor wrote this novel like biography, which I enjoyed reading and learned many things.  After reading the book, I do Honor the Girls Scouts and its concept more.  Many of us have heard of, seen or been part of Girl Scouts, but we know little of how girl scouts came to exist.  The author has written lots of stories, funny incidents and information about Juliette Gordon Low, the leader and founder of Girl Scouts.  


The author, Shannon is the Girl Scouts leader of her daughter's troop.  She wrote this book because of her curiosity to find out about Daisy; the person that started this "sisterhood" or "girl guides".  Shannon found out lots of interesting things about Daisy from many sources and wrote this book to bring light to this leader.  


Juliette Gordon Low, well known as Daisy started the Girl Scouts determined to teach young girls and women to self rely.  Daisy was inspired by the Boy Scouts that was formed and led by Robert Borden Powell.  Daisy has influenced many thousands of young girls and women for hundreds of years.  Her wisdom has helped many women to become leaders.  


Over the years Girl Scouts have gone through lots of controversies and changes.  The famous Girl Scout cookies changed their ingredients to make it more healthy, the packaging has become more environmentally friendly as they use paperboard.  
The principles of Girl Guides have been debated if it is religious or not religious.  Daisy wanted to make sure the principles and way of life was being taught by family, friends and community and not by the Girl Scout leaders because everyone from all walks of life is accepted to be part of Girl Scouts.
The famous Girls Scouts badges show accomplishment as the girls learn the skill such as cooking, ironing, swimming etc and earn the badges.

I enjoyed learning many things and started to think of strategies that are important to me as a parent. 

Sharron shares her research of lots of funny jokes, stories and incidents that happen in Daisy's life.  Sharron also shares her experience as a mother and talks about challenges such as technology and how it has impacted the decisions we make.  Some points I learned from the book that I like to share are below.

• We need to help out our children to become independent, even if it means they will be messy.
• Guiding the children will help, not lecturing them.
• Connecting with the community and begin part of it; seeing beyond people, being eco friendly.
• Looking at how things are done in the past, adapting to the present and learning the skills from previous generations.
• Knowing we aren't perfect, and that we all have different strengths.
• Recognizing people are different and accepting that it is good to be different.
• Teaching children to be themselves and explaining that if we are all alike it is not a good thing.
• Becoming self reliant, learning gardening, cooking, needlework that will keep us calm, appreciate nature and become pioneers.
• Financial security by saving money to take care of ourselves.  
• Being physically strong by taking care of our health, eating a balance diet and water, getting involved in sports and being active.  
• Becoming strong emotionally by helping ourselves.  
• Helping those who are poor, less fortunate, sick, the animals and loving all living things.
• Recognitions by saying Thank you is more appreciated than financial compensation.  Contributing our time, thoughts, talent is helpful and valuable.

On January 1917 Borden Powell mentioned in his letter to Daisy agreeing, that the girls are mothers of the future who will influence our future generations.  

Shannon mentions the Whip it 2009 movie, which is about Girl Scouts and I am planning to watch it.

Everyone should know the Girl Scout's law; this is from Shannon's book:

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and storing, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

The book is available at Indigo chapters, amazon and bookstores.

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Gardening book and gloves

With the gardening season starting, it would be a good time to get ready with the right tools.  Having a guidebook is a good start before starting to garden and plan. 

The Canadian Gardener's Guide is a useful book for beginners and experts.  It has all the detailed information that we need to know about gardening. It covers topics such as maintenance, diseases, weeds, pests, pruning and caring during off-season. The 435 page handbook edited by Lorraine Johnson has all the details with colourful pictures. It is easy to follow and understand.   

Some of the topics that the book covers:

• Gardening basics for beginners i.e. tools, jargon.
• Shows how to select and garden plants, trees, vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers in appropriate zones.
• Expert guidance to plant care.
• Large areas and small areas i.e. information on styles, layouts, designs.  
• Step-by-step instructions on how to build fence, pathway, patio and other landscaping ideas.
• Detailed information about specific flowers such as roses, dahlias, clematis, sunflowers, tropical, perennials, fruit and trees.  
• About specific herbs, fruit trees and plants.

This book has been very useful for us.  It has kept us excited about planning the garden and getting things ready.  I have learned lot of tips from this book about gardening and DIY projects for the backyard. 

An important tool that we all need to have during gardening is a pair of good quality gloves.  This gauntlet style Dig it high five is an extended version of the original Dig it handwear glove.  It protects the fingers, palm and hand almost up to the elbow.  The cuffs that is extended by 5" is useful for robust work like landscaping, pruning, tending roses, berry picking etc.

I have used this pair of Dig it high five to prepare the garden and clean out the garage.  It felt very comfortable and flexible so I had it on for long periods of time.  The lightweight, breathable, pliable fabric was helpful with all the tasks that I needed to do, so there was no need to remove it each time.  It is easy to wash by hand and air-dry the gloves.  

The protective cushions inside the glove cared for my fingernails and tips.  The cuffs protected my hand from scrapes and bruises.  

Dig it high five is made from environmentally friendly recycled material.  Dig it high five comes in four different sizes S, M, L and XL.  This fabulous Dig it handwear and high five gloves are sold online and in stores in UK, USA and Canada i.e. home depot. 

Gardening has lots of benefits, so we should all try to learn about doing gardening correctly and benefit from these types of books.  After doing all the hard work I also want to feel good.  In the past years, as much as I love doing gardening I didn't like looking at the fingertips getting damaged even after wearing gloves.  I had to take extra care with all types of creams and lotions.  Ever since I have used the Dig it gloves I felt good and didn't have to worry about the fingernails.

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