Interactive Musical Storybook and Newspaper App for children

This new interactive musical storybook app Mibblio for iPad will be enjoyed by children as they learn to read, sing, learn and play music all at the same time.  

PressReader App to read newspapers from all over the world

The feature where we can zoom in

If you enjoy reading global news from newspapers published in other countries, then this PressReader app will benefit you.  

List of different newspapers from different countries and language

There are over 2300 newspaper from 96 countries in 54 languages on PressReader that we can access on our favourite mobile device.  This app is perfect for travellers, parents and everyone who is interested in staying up-to-date with current news.  I like this eco-friendly method of reading newspapers without blotting our fingers with newspaper ink :) 

Colourful and clear

There are great choices and content in the app that enhances the user's reading experience as we can benefit from its...

• Horizontal reading steam.
• Flip pages like when we are reading like reading real newspapers.
• setup an automatic subscriptions to our favourite titles so we get the latest current newspapers.
• Sorting the publication by country, language, favourites or the ones that were recently ordered.
• Panning and zooming articles and photos and viewing it in stunning clarity.
• Listening to publications using on-demand audio.
• Sharing articles by email, Twitter and Facebook.
• and many other features.

This app has been nominated for the Best App Ever Award for iOS.  They have many subscription packages, check out the site for more details.

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A Guide to Learn Windows 8

Everyone is talking about the new Windows 8 so I wanted to learn a little more about it as I like keeping myself current with new technology no matter how rapidly it is changing :) This book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows 8 by Paul McFedries has helped me to understand and learn about Windows 8.

Learning from a book is always more detailed, especially when it is a book like the Complete Idiot's Guide where all the details are explained and nothing is left out.  As the author says, Windows is simple and easy to use only once you know how to use it.  Therefore we must learn it first.  
When we first start using Windows 8 without the visual hints and prompts it is quite hard to figure it out.  The book is organized into 4 parts; getting to know, having fun, getting things done and customizing, maintaining and troubleshooting Windows 8.  

After learning from this book and practicing I feel comfortable using Windows 8.
I like the fresh features of Windows 8.  The built-in and other apps that can be download through the Windows store is very useful.  I find having apps such as the travel, weather, music, Netflix, Skype, Evernote, Dropbox apps in the start screen makes it easy to navigate and use.  Once we learn and start using Windows 8, we are sure to appreciate all its features.   

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Fun digital books that children will enjoy cuddling to

These fun digital books have professional narration, background audio and enlarged artwork for each scene that children will enjoy.  Young children will like touching the pictures on iOS devices to see individual words being highlighted and read.

Dr. Seuss's Hunches in Bunches digital book shows us that it's easy to become overwhelmed by advice when we haven't made up our own mind. Sometimes the best plan is to trust our own hunches and disregard the vocal bunch of Hunches clamouring for attention.  The nonsense and cleverly crafted message in Hunches in Bunches is similar to Dr. Seuss's many other classic picture books.  My son enjoyed the fun to read rhymes and thought it was cool to read the silly words and started laughing.

The "Record and Share" feature in the book will be really enjoyed as it lets readers record their own voice and share the recording with family, friends and teachers.  

Just Shopping With Mom is about Little Critter going shopping with his family that turns into an eventful day.  While at the grocery store, his little sister becomes upset when she can't buy candy, cake, dolls, toys and many other things.  She makes a big mess by pulling items off of the shelf and then gets lost in the store. 

Little Critter's patience pays off when mom finds a fun way to end the day.  Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories address major issues of growing up that both children and parents will enjoy reading and talking about.  

The Berenstain Bears Hug and Make Up is about the whole Bear family waking up grouchy one morning and the mood in the house is not happy.  We will find many things that happen in the story that we can easily relate to :) 

By the end of the day, the Bear family learns that sometimes laughter is all it takes to hug and make up.  

This book is recommended for children age 4 to 8.  Reading this book as made it even more exciting for us to experience watching the Berenstain bears on stage in March.

Your little ones and you will enjoy cuddling up and reading this book, The Kissing Hand.  Chester Raccoon does not want to go school, so to help ease Chester's fears, his mother shares a family secret called The Kissing Hand.  This gives Chester Raccoon reassurance of her love that he can have any time when his world feels a little scary.  

This book is a children's classic that is useful to parents and children especially at times of separation.  

My children enjoyed reading and talking about this book with me.  We agreed that we would remember the kissing hand when we are all out and about in our worlds exploring and learning, and know that our loved ones are always close to us.  
These colourful digital picture books can be read over and over as children learn to read.

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Kanex Sydnee keeps our mobile devices tidy & charged

Kanex Sydnee helps my family and I stay organized with our mobile devices by keeping them in one place and most importantly charged!  Like many families in North America we too have ended up with a few mobile devices and own more than one per person.  Charging the iPads, iPods and phones have caused us to face a big clutter zone everyday when everything needs to be charged.

Stay connected with Samsung Galaxy Ace II x smartphone

TELUS has launched the Samsung Galaxy Ace II x smartphone just in time for the holidays.  This is a perfect starter device for teens, tweens and parents who want to stay connected with family and friends.   It has a stylish, slim design that I like :)  This phone is modeled after the Samsung Galaxy SIII and is lightweight and has a comfortable grip that fits wonderfully in the hand. 

The phone has got some lovely features such as:
The 4.0 screen is a brilliant display where the images pop out to show clarity, which I think is a perfect size to watch videos, movies and play games when we are in the go especially during the holidays.  We can access social media, use other apps, download books and more through the Google play store.
The 4GB memory is expandable to 32GB with a micro SD card that can store lots of data and pictures.  This phone has a 5MP camera that has a LED flash, I wasn't too happy about the quality of the pictures.
The speaker on the phone is pretty good; it is loud and great for listening to music.
I like the swipe down quick settings menu that gives us access to all the most frequently used controls.  
I like the battery life as it lasts for an entire day with normal use; browsing with data, talking and texting.
This phone is great overall, I would recommend a case as it may be slippery.

At TELUS, the price is at $29/ 3 year term with a minimum $50 monthly rate plan.
There are no activation fees because TELUS has got rid of these fees on their smartphones.
Unlimited talk and family share plans for new and renewing customers.
If you are thinking of getting a family member or friend a phone to stay connected then check out the Samsung Galaxy Ace IIX smartphone.

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Nokia Lumia 610

 
The Nokia Lumia 610 is a sleek stylish smartphone that would be a good first device for young users.  This compact touch screen phone has a 3.7” display screen.  It is powered by the Windows 7.5 operating system.  
This phone is simple to use, the icon has images and words that make it clear what it is for, so first time users can easily figure out how to use it without reading the manual :)  

I enjoyed the styled interface, theme setting i.e. dark/light background and the panel of colours that we can choose for the accent.    
The phone includes features such as 

• Built in Microsoft Office that allows to edit word documents on the go.
• Access to apps, xbox live games, amazon, twitter, foursquare etc
• Built-in 5.0 MP back camera with LED flash

It is comfortable to hold and has a slightly rounded shape in the edges.  

I like the feature of snapping pictures without going to the app by just pressing the button on the side.  The camera takes decent pictures, however I wasn't very pleased with the quality of pictures and video when it is shared via email as it seemed a little washed out.  

While playing games, I didn't find it as smooth as other smartphones in the market.  

I liked the navigation interface, the calendar, messaging, email, web browsing and watching videos on the phone.  We can get needed support and information on the Nokia site i.e. how to setup the many features that the phone offers.
This Nokia Lumia 610 makes a lovely phone just in time for back to school.  If you are interested there are lots of payment plans available at Telus.

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Buoy tags: Labels for Apple Cables

Cables are the hardest to organize, especially when it comes to Apple cables which looks similar.  These Buoy tags are a solution to this problem.  It clears the clutter and helps us keep the cables neat and tidy.  It also helps us identify what the cables are for and whom it belongs to.

In a family where many members own similar Apple products, these cable tags help avoid arguments and confusion on who the cable belongs to.  And these tags are definitely helping us :)  
These cables would be good in schools and offices to help identify and protect the cables from getting lost.


The package comes with a set of pre-printed letters and colour swatches that can be placed into the clear plastic part of the tag.  We can also customize and personalize our own letters and colours using the these templates.





There are two small pieces of plastic that snap together to hold the cable.  It is pretty simple and comes with clear instructions on how to place the tags.  We select the initials or colour swatches we prefer then place it face down in the transparent portion of the tag.  Then we place the cable on the red part of the tag and snap the transparent part of the tag over it with the cable in-between the tags.  
We can move the tags after placing to any position we like.  There is a video on the Buoy Tag site to show how the tags work.  I would prefer if there were more than 3 tags in a pack.  These Apple cable tags are available to purchase online. 


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Movies: Previews, activities and upcoming giveaways

Tooth Fairy 2 is coming to Blu-ray and DVD today, March 6th.

Check out this cute activity sheet, the children will enjoy this (click on the image to make it big and print).

Here are 5 top film fairies :) ...

Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2 (2004)

Tinker Bell in Hook (1991)

Crysta in FernGully: The last rainforest (1992)

Mandy in Ella Enchanted (2004)

The Descendants is coming to DVD and Blu-ray Disc combo pack on March 13th. The story is based on Kaui Hart Hemmings novel. The movie is directed by Alexander Payne and has been nominated for 5 Academy Awards and the winner of the Best Adapted Screenplay. 

The author Kaui Hart Hemmings will have a chat on GoodReads on March 13th, and you would be able to win DVD/book bundles.

The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD will be available on March 20th.

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Knitted phone and Ipod cover

Cast on 20 sts using 3 1/2mm needles and work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Row 1 K4, P12, K4

Row 2 P4, K5, P2, K5, P4

Row 3 K4, P4, RT, LT, P4, K4

Row 4 P4, K4, P4, K4, P4

Row 5 K4, P3, RT, K2, LT, P3, K4

Row 6 P4, K3, P6, K3, P4

Row 7 K4, P2, RT, K4, LT, P2, K4

Row 8 P4, K2, P8, K2, P4

Row 9 K4, P1, RT, K6, LT, P1, K4

Row 10 P4, K1, P10, K1, P4

Row 11 K4, P1, K3, RT, LT, K3, P1, K4

Row 12 P4, K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, P4

Row 13 K4, P1, LT, PT, P2, LT, PT, P1, K4

Row 14 P4, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, P4

Row 15 K4, P2, RT, P4, LT, P2, K4

Row 16 P4, K12, P4

Repeat these 16 rows four times or to fit. Work 4 rows in garter stitch and cast off.

Pattern is from Simply knitting magazine.

LT: Left twist

take the right hand needle behind the first st on the left hand needle and knit the second st, then knit the first st, slip both sts off the needle.

RT: Right twist

take the right hand needle in front of the first st on the left hand needle and knit the second st, then knit the first st, slip both sts off the needle.

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Nano bridge battle habitat set

We enjoy playing with the Hexbug nano bridge battle habitat set. My children love all types of toys, specially "tech" toys, hence Hexbug toy was well received.

These are innovative toys, which allow children to use their imagination, become creative and inventive when creating bug habitats and playing with the nano bugs. I like the choice of colours they have used in this kit.

The set is very cool, as you can build different unique habitats. Although it is easy for children to assemble the habitats, it is a little difficult for children to remove the pieces on their own. It would be better if the edges are little bit more rounded, so it won't have sharp edges that will prick the fingers or be stepped on. Even adults will enjoy building different habitats :)

Nano bugs are entertaining to watch. These critters vibrate giving a tickly feeling, my children love this as they were using it to tickle each other. The bugs have an on/off button on the bottom. These micro robotic creatures have tiny rubber legs that act like real bugs.

These attractive toys are good for the whole family to play together or to allow children to be entertained for hours on their own. My daughter and son were immediately drawn to Hexbug and enjoy it. They are eager to collect all the variety of bugs and habitats. Hexbugs would be perfect as gifts for boys, girls or adults as it is an entertaining toy :)

Updated: The watch sized batteries on the bugs don't last very long and needs to be replaced often.

Received a kit to review. All opinion and rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2011. Please Ask First

Camelina oil, Cheesy egg scramble and giveaway

Camelina oil is from an oilseed that originated in Northern Europe and Central Asia. It was commonly used for culinary in Europe till mid 1940. This ancient grain which is very healthy for us faded away in the 16th century because it was difficult to make margarine out of it, as it has high levels of unsaturated fat.

The crop is produced and cold pressed in Midale, South east Sasketchewan. It is used in spreads, dips, marinades and dressings. As Camelina oil has a smoke point of 475F it is suitable for frying, grilling and sautéing. It has a lovely light, earthy aroma. The taste is unique and has a light flavour of asparagus. The shelf life of the oil is 1 to 1 1/2 years. It can optionally be refrigerated as the oil doesn't congeal in cooler temperatures.

It has high levels of omega 3, Vitamin E antioxidant, balanced fatty acid omega 6 and omega 9. Omega is important for transporting oxygen and helps the body and skin to strengthen and lowers cholesterol.

A small group of farmers joined Three farmers to produce Camelina oil. They want to connect with the consumers. This ensures quality while making the consumers become better aware of where the food is coming from. I like this feature as I believe it is important for us and our children to be knowledgeable about what we are consuming.

Each bottle is traced with a QR code which can be scanned with smart phones, or checked online. This tells the farmer and location of where the bottle was processed.

If you want to "rediscover" this ancient grain which is healthy and beneficial check it out online and in these speciality stores.

This simple preparation of cheesy egg scramble can be served as a side dish with any meal or used as fillings for bread and buns.

Cheesy egg scramble

1 tbsp camelina oil

3 eggs

1/2 cup of paneer or mozzarella cheese* grated

2 tbsp onion

2 tbsp tomato

1/2 tsp cumin seeds crushed

1/2 tsp red chillie flakes

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp coriander leaves

*Paneer is an Indian cheese. It can be substituted with mozzarella or any preferred cheese.

Mix eggs, cheese, onion tomato, cumin seeds, red chillie and salt.

Heat oil and add the mixture. When the egg is cooking mix it to break it up. Cook until the mixture is not runny. Make sure it doesn't burn as this cooks fast, the scramble needs to be moist.

Add the coriander leaves. Remove from heat and serve as a side for anytime of the day.

Thank you Canpressco for introducing us to this oil. If you like to win one please leave a comment. Let me know how you would you this oil :)

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