Saturday, May 14, 2011

Connecting the Dots: Bobs and Lolo CD Review and Giveaway!


There's nothing that makes my heart melt more than seeing my two year old sing and dance along to catchy tunes and really enjoy being a kid!  Ever notice how toddlers can just rock it out to a tune and not feel self-conscious or worry about looking silly? They just start dancing whenever they hear music. It's beautiful! I often wonder at what point in our lives do we lose that part of us and become aware of what others think?

I secretly hope my daughter never loses that freedom of being able to dance like no one is watching or even cares. I know that she may one day become self-conscious and not want to dance in front of anyone, but for now I just want her to enjoy it.

What Little One does enjoy tremendously is Bobs & Lolo's music.  The fun, peppy, talented singing duo had my daughter hooked upon hearing "Raindrop Pop" for the first time.

Who are Bobs & Lolo?

They're 2010 Juno nominees, Robyn Hardy (Bobs) and Lorraine Pond (Lolo). The musical pair are dedicated to helping children connect the natural world with music, movement, fun, and make-believe. Their songs are fun and at the same time, they teach children how to care about themselves, others, and the planet they live on.

When Little One listens to Bobs & Lolo, she learns about nature, animals, family, friends, and the world around her. In essence, she really is learning how to "connect the dots". She's only two years old, but is starting to make connections.

Each song on their newest CD shows that "connections exist between different things".  Little One's  favourite song on Bobs & Lolo's newest CD is "Family Tree".  She immediately made the connection that her family consists of parents, grandparents, etc. She was naming off members of our family. It was so cute.

I just think it's adorable seeing her react to the music. The wide-eyed expressions, the smiles, giggles, and squeals...There's something so special about seeing how kids react to music. Priceless.

Little One loves dancing to "Tick Tock" and grabs our hands so we can dance with her. I cannot tell you how many times we've listened to Connecting the Dots! The moment I opened our package from Bobs & Lolo, Little One wanted to tear the CD open!

Connecting the Dots  will be released into retail stores on May 17, 2011. Make sure to buy your copy of the CD!

Having said this, we do have something special for one lucky blog reader!  Bobs & Lolo have given us a copy of their new CD (it hasn't even hit the stores yet!) along with some cool Bobs & Lolo stickers and an autographed Bobs & Lolo photograph!

WIN IT!
Just tell us why you would like to win a copy of Bobs & Lolo's newest CD! (1 entry)

Additional entries:
* "Like" Bobs & Lolo on Facebook, and tell them I sent you! (1 entry)

* Follow Bobs & Lolo and chancesmommy (that's me!) on Twitter and tweet the contest! (5 entries)
"I want to win @BobsandLolo's newest CD on @chancesmommy's blog!
* "Like" Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Facebook.  
(1 entry)

* Follow Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on GFC. 
(1 entry)

* Follow Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Networked Blogs.  
(1 entry)

* Grab my blog button and send me the link so I know where you posted it.
(1 entry)


Make sure to leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the winner. Also, please leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH entry.  Ends May 20, 2011.
Disclosure - I received a Bobs & Lolo package (Bobs & Lolo literature, stickers, Connecting the Dots CD, and autographed photo of Bobs & Lolo) to facilitate this review. All the thoughts and opinions on this blog are my own. Bobs & Lolo have also included a Bobs & Lolo package for the winner of this giveaway.

Winners!


Thank you to everyone who entered some of this month's giveaways. Winners have been chosen for our StyleKid.ca giveaway and our MomCentral/Bank of Montreal RONA gift card giveaway.

Random.org chose lucky #55 and #7! Congratulations to...
Snow said... 55
twitter follower of Style kid and chancesmommy Tweet (1) http://twitter.com/spdls0215/status/64199219312996353

and

freeshopper said... 7
We already have some energy efficient appliances, but would like to eventually have an energy efficient furnace.
Winners, please check your e-mail! You will be contacted about your prizes this week! 

Snow, you have won a $50 gift certificate for StyleKid.ca and Freeshopper, you have won a $50 RONA gift card!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Divine.ca Home Bakery Bundle Giveaway


This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dr. Oetker for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The first time I heard of Dr. Oetker products was over a decade ago, when a friend of mine was on a diet.  She looked fabulous.  She was working out at the gym every day, eating healthy and delicious meals, and since she was a chocoholic, she always had a delectable dessert to finish off her meals.  When she told me of her "guilt-free" pleasures (aka Dr. Oetker's chocolate mousse or lava cakes!), I was intrigued.

I decided to look into this Dr. Oetker and his "amazing" products.

I was shocked to discover that the always-a-party-pleaser Lemon Meringue Pie that one of my aunts had been making ever since I was a kid was made with Dr. Oetker's Shirriff Lemon Pie Filling!  The decadent Creme Brulee my friend's mother made on special occasions? Also from Dr. Oetker!

What surprised me the most was that before Hubby and I were wed, his "go to" meal was none other than Dr. Oetker's pizza!  To this day, if I'm ever out of town, guess what Hubby has for supper 9 times out of 10? That's right. Pizza.

When I checked out the Dr.Oetker website, I was surprised to see the variety of products they have out. We were also given a coupon for a FREE Panebello Pizza or any variety.  I chose the Vegetables and Goat Cheese. I love how the crust was just like artisan bread from my favourite bakery. I'm not a big fan of pizza dough/crust (unlike my husband, who just loves bread of any kind!).  This pizza crust was just the right thickness and texture. It was not too heavy or dense, and the toppings were delicious.  Bright cherry tomatoes, red peppers, onions, pesto, and goat cheese! What's not to love? It was a hit with even our 2 year old!

  Do you purchase Dr. Oetker products? If so, tell me why you love them!

Want another reason to love Dr. Oetker?

WIN 1 of 5 $500 Home Bakery Bundles!

Just enter online at  Divine.ca Home Bakery Bundle Giveaway.

Each prize pack is valued at $500 and includes:

* 8 coupons (for 2 of each of the new Dr. Oetker Panebello Pizza varieties): Vegetables & Goat Cheese, Country Pepperoni, Classic Canadian and Bruschetta

* 1 Breville Toaster Oven

* 1 Pair of Dr. Oetker Oven Mitts

* 1 Dr. Oetker Pizza Cutter

* 1 Williams-Sonoma Pizza Peel

**Contest open only to Canadian Residents. Contest ends on June 13, 2011.**

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Things My Toddler Taught Me


Toddlers have the funniest dreams!  The first words out of Little One's mouth when she woke up this morning were, "Chicken! Chicken, please!!!"

Toddlers can communicate effectively with  minimal words. "Bird fly sky" means "Birds fly in the sky" or "The bird is flying in the sky".

Toddlers are capable of demonstrating a tremendous amount of love.  The sweetest thing I've ever witnessed is Little One hugging and kissing her Grandpa and saying, "I love you, Grampy!"

Toddlers just have to dance whenever they hear music. It's absolutely beautiful how they have no inhibitions. I wonder at what point in our lives we become self-conscious and worry about what others will think if we just start rockin' it out whenever we hear a catchy tune?

Toddlers amaze me.

 
Thursday, May 05, 2011

Oh, Mother!


No one ever warned me that being a mother could be so wonderful, exciting, emotional, fulfilling, fun...and exhausting, draining, frustrating all at the same time.

I was giving Little One a bath and halfway through her bath, she said, "Mama! Poo poo! Poo poo, Mama!"
The thing with Little One is that she always says "poo poo". Most of the time, I rush her to the toilet, sit her on the porcelain throne, and nothing comes out. Today, I just told her "It's okay,  honey. You don't really need to go, do you?"

She went on playing in the bath, singing and chatting away. Then she handed something to me and said, "Poo poo, Mama!"  Sure enough, in her tiny hand was a...piece of poop! I was so disgusted, I nearly vomited in the tub! I quickly drained the tub and got toilet paper to pick up the little logs that were floating in the water. I tried very hard to act with composure, not wanting to project my fears/disgusts/phobias/dislikes on my impressionable child. I tried to act like it was no big deal and that poop really didn't gross me out to the point where I want to vomit. I calmly told Little One that when she feels like she needs to "go", to let me know and I would bring her to the toilet. I told her that we do not poop in the bathtub.

Then, my tiny two year old looked at me with that "But, I did tell you I needed to poop!" look. It was at that moment that I knew that this wouldn't be the first time in my years of motherhood that Little One would catch me in a moment of  I-have-absolutely-no-idea-what-I'm-doing-but-I'm-hoping-that-you-still-think-I'm-the-best-thing-on-the-planet-and-can-do-no-wrong.

The truth is, I actually don't know what I'm doing half of the time and am just winging it. I'm hoping my daughter turns out to be a well-adjusted, self-confident, happy, healthy person...despite the fact that her mom really has no clue, doesn't know everything, doesn't always act accordingly,  and lets "instinct" control the way things go.

*sigh* Parenting! It sometimes seems like kids should come with a manual.

Latest Little One-isms:
"Grampy, whaaa aaah you doing?"
"Grampy, look at me!"
"Elbow hurting!"
"Foot hurting!"
"Tummy hurting!"
"Baby inside" (pointing at her belly)
"Poo poo in potty"
"I naked"
"I annna go outside"
"Come on now, Mama"
"Sleep, turtle, night night stars" (she wants her Twilight Turtle on before bed so she can fall asleep looking at the stars)
"I annna go Grampy and Lola's house"
"I annna talk Kenny computer"
"DVD, please"
"Dora treat, please"
"Money, please"
"Chloe, cat whikkerz"
"Bird, fly, sky"
"Kenny's house!"
"I love you, Mama"


The last phrase is just music to my ears. It kind of makes the poop stories not seem that bad. I just want to hug and kiss her forever and never let her go. I love her so much.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Posterjack.ca Review and Something Special for my Readers!


Photographs capture our special moments, our everyday moments, and everything in between. Photos help demonstrate snippets of our lives and share them with those we love. In essence, photos give us something we can keep for posterity.

 It seems that these days, almost everyone has got a digital camera. Uploading photos has become so easy that even my mom is a pro at it! In fact, she's now even better than I am when it comes to all things computer related!

With the birth of Little One, I've been just a little trigger happy when it comes to snapping photos of her. I just don't want to miss anything! I don't want to miss a single moment and want to capture everything! It was perfect timing when I was approached to write a review for Posterjack.ca! I usually just upload my pics onto the [insert name of large membership store  here] website and they're printed in 24 hours. I just pick them up when I go to [insert large membership store here] since I usually need a few "bulk" items from there anyway. The quality and convenience are satisfactory at the place I usually go to.
This said, I was extremely excited when Posterjack.ca offered me a product to review.  Posterjack is an online photo printing company that turns your photos into beautiful artwork!

Here are just some of the wonderful home decor ideas Posterjack has for decorating the rooms in your house:


How about these neat ideas?

Peel N’ Stick poster - You can take the most adorable photo of your child and turn it into something you can stick anywhere. This special peel n' stick poster can be used on flat wall surfaces in your house and it won't damage your walls or lose its adhesiveness. What a really neat idea! I was debating for a long time whether this should be the product that I choose to review. I like the idea of being able to peel and stick a photo. You can move the photo to a different wall or room and not ruin your paint job or leave nail holes in walls!

 Frame it - I was also contemplating this option. I love the idea of  an enlarged, framed family photo. Posterjack.ca has a selection of sizes for framed photos that starts from 8 x 12 inches to 24 x 32 inches. They arrive ready to hang! I think that I'll be getting these for Little One's grandparents next Christmas! Who doesn't love an enlarged, framed family photo?

Scan and Canvas your kids and/or their Art Work -Posterjack.ca offers a wide variety of sizes such as double-width, panorama, square, and poster size. You can even put your children’s artwork on canvas! Simply scan their masterpiece and upload the jpeg. Yet another tempting idea! Can you see why it took me almost two days to decide which product I'd like to review?! I love them all!

I ended up selecting Frameless Mounting. Sturdy hardboard, brilliant finish, UV-resistant and ready to hang, makes this option very attractive to me. It was a toss up between this and the Gallery Wrapped Canvas.

I am really pleased with how the photo turned out. The quality is really great! I uploaded one of my favourite photos of Little One (taken at her 1st Birthday/Cake Smash Session by the wonderful and talented duo at PhotoCaptiva). I selected which product I wanted and which size I wanted. Presto! So easy!

Not only was it easy to upload and order online with Posterjack.ca, but the service I received was incredible. I goofed on my order and e-mailed Posterjack. They promptly replied to my e-mail and made the appropriate corrections, and my order arrived sooner than I had anticipated.

What I am the most pleased with (apart from the quality of the product) is that Posterjack.ca is a CANADIAN company!  In the past, I've ordered photo prints online but my sources were all U.S. based companies. It is so great to have a Canadian photo printing company to order through! No currency exchange, no customs issues with shipping across the border...It really is simple.

I know I will definitely use Posterjack.ca for my future photo printing needs. It's a great way to liven up a kid's room. What kid wouldn't love a great big poster of himself/herself? How fun is that? Or how about giving Grandma and Grandpa an enlarged family pic? The options are endless.

Posterjack.ca has generously offered to give my readers 20% off on their photo printing orders! Just enter the code: "Manitoulin" upon checkout!  Offer valid until May 22, 2011.

 






Disclosure - I was given a $50 voucher by Posterjack.ca to facilitate this review. All the thoughts and opinions on this blog are my own.  

*Photos used for this post are property of Posterjack.ca, except for the photo of Little One.

BornFree Wishes You a Happy Mother's Day!


With all the craziness of the past few days (our student for the past 8 months has left, two new students have joined us, Little One has been exceptionally busy, calving season is upon us, we have a broken vein in our water system...), I totally forgot that this weekend is Mother's Day!

For the past few years, I've been hosting Mother's Day dinner at our farm. We invite my parents, my in-laws, my aunt and uncle (who are on the Island every Mother's Day for fishing), and we usually have students and friends over. I cook up a big meal, bake a cake, and go all out. It is EXHAUSTING!

Need a break? I know I do! Good news for you guys. BornFree Canada is offering one of their very lucky Facebook fans an incredible Mother's Day prize! In celebration of Mother's Day, how would you like to be crowned Queen for a Day?

The lucky winner will receive:

-Housekeeping Services for one day (local cleaner will be contacted)
- BornFree Prize pack with products from our Eco Friendly line

Total Value: $150
Just share your favorite photo featuring you and your child. You can post this photo on the BornFree Facebook Fan page or email it to moms@newbornfree.com. Be sure to include text as to why this photo is so special.
Share this contest with your friends – when you tag “BornFree Canada” in your status update sharing this link, you’ll receive a bonus entry.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Style Kid: Review and Giveaway!


My two year old just started saying "I love shopping" last week.  I was in shock, but for some reason, everyone seems to think that she learned that phrase from me!
I'm always on the look out for cool, unique, interesting, functional, practical, eco-friendly, safe products for my toddler, so when I was asked to review a product of my choosing from StyleKid.ca, I was really excited. The only problem was which item I would choose!
StyleKid.ca is a super cool, super fun retailer for all things baby and kid. Shopping online for some of the greatest baby and kid items could not be easier! They carry many well-known and trusted brand names and everything from baby carriers to toys, accessories, and kids' room decor!

I had a very difficult time deciding which item to review.  The Zoo Packs from Skip*Hop caught  my eye, as I was looking for a backpack for Little One. I needed something sturdy, well-made, durable, big enough to carry the things she needs while out and about, yet small enough to not tip her over!  Little One is a tiny toddler, so finding a bag small enough for her to carry is a challenge.
 I chose the Penguin Zoo Pack by Skip*Hop for her. Actually, she chose it! I wanted to get her the owl, but she kept saying "Pingu! Pingu!" while she sat on my lap, checking out StyleKid.ca with me!

I think it is safe to say that we made the right decision. Little One absolutely LOVES her backpack and refuses to take it off. She even slept with it last night! 

It's roomy enough to carry her books, sippy cup, snacks, and other items, but small enough that she can carry it with ease. She's so tiny, that almost every other kid bag makes her topple over!  We are both very pleased with the backpack and would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

-BPA-Free, Phthalate-free, PVC Free
-Roomy main compartment
-Insulated pouch for snacks
-Adjustable mesh bottle pocket
-Padded, adjustable comfy straps
-Write-on nametag inside
-Easy to clean lining
-10" width x 4" depth x 11.5" height


She looks like such a big girl in this pic :( She put her rain boots, hat and backpack on, and  headed for the door. She told me, "I shopping, Mama! See you!" She looks like she's almost ready for school in this photo!


If you are a new parent, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even if you just have a special little one in your life, I highly recommend checking out StyleKid.ca! I spent hours scouring their website, as I have a zillion baby showers to attend in the next few months! I know babies are born all year round, but for some reason, Spring seems to be Baby Shower Season!

GOOD NEWS!!! StyleKid.ca is giving one of my readers a $50 gift certificate for their store!


WIN!
To enter, you must go over to StyleKid.ca and check out their site, come back here and leave me a comment telling me which item(s) you would choose if you won the gift certificate! 
(1 entry)

Additional entries:
 * Follow StyleKid and chancesmommy (me!) on Twitter. Say hi to StyleKid and let them know I sent  you and/or Tweet the giveaway using the following or similar:

"I want to #WIN a $50 @stylekid GC on @chancesmommy's blog! "  
(5 entries)

* "Like" StyleKid on Facebook and tell them that I sent you! Show 'em some luv!  
(1 entry)

* "Like" Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Facebook.  
(1 entry)

* Follow Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on GFC. 
(1 entry)

* Follow Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Networked Blogs.  
(1 entry)

* Grab my blog button and send me the link so I know where you posted it.
(1 entry)


Make sure to leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the winner. Also, please leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH entry.


Giveaway open to Canadian residents. Ends May 13, 2011 (Fri).
Disclosure - I was given the Skip*Hop Penguin Zoo Pack from StyleKid.ca to facilitate this review. The thoughts and opinions on this blog are my own.


Friday, April 29, 2011

Congrats!


The winner for our Simply on Board giveaway has been chosen via Random.org.
 
Congratulations to 
 
Janelle said... 6
I left a comment on your facebook page about why I'd like to win!Janelle Kxj****** at hotmail dot com
 Please check your inbox this week! I'll be e-mailing  you re: your prize from Simply on Board!







Thank you to everyone who entered. Not a winner? Don't fret! We've got more giveaways for you!


StyleKid $50 gift certificate - Ends May 13, 2011
RONA $50 gift certificate - Ends May 15, 2011

Who Knew That It Could Feel So Good


...to brush one's teeth?

Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and daily oral care is something we do to prevent tooth decay, and maintain a healthy smile. Did you know 72% of Canadians think that an unattractive smile or poor oral hygiene equal a barrier to professional success? 5% of people say that they have experienced discrimination because of their smile.

"National Oral Health Month this April, Crest and Oral-B reveal the 2011 Crest and Oral-B Great Canadian Smile Survey with new insights on how Canadians perceive oral care, smile attractiveness and what it means to have a healthy smile".  I realize I am  just under the wire here, since today is the last day of April, but I wanted to share this with you.  Did you even know that April is National Oral Health Month? 

In the 2011 Crest and Oral-B Great Canadian Smile Survey, survey respondents were asked what the most important factor was in determining the attractiveness of others.  33% said that the smile was the most important. A close second were eyes at 30% and physical fitness ranked third with 18%.

When asked what my biggest oral health concern, I worry about gum disease and fighting gingivitis. I don't know why, but it's just something I'm really paranoid about. I diligently brush my toddler's teeth, especially since she  now has a full set of teeth! Though we brush in the morning and before bed, I know we should be brushing and flossing after meals as well. This is something I'm going to work on.
I was given a customized oral care package from Crest and Oral-B for sharing what my biggest oral health concern was.
I was given Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health mouthwash, and an Oral B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush.

I have to say that I never knew brushing my teeth could feel so good. The soft bristles are gentle on teeth and gums and the pressure sensor stops pulsations when you are brushing too hard. It removes 2x more plaque than a manual toothbrush. My teeth and mouth feel as clean as if just left the dentist's office.


What’s your top oral health concern? Are you worried about gum disease and/or treating gingivitis? Do you want to whiten up your smile? Or, is fighting plaque and tarter build-up your main concern?

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About the Blog Author


City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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