.@TeddyOutReady: June 2014

Friday, June 27, 2014

Incredible How TELUS Says Thank You to Their Customers #ActsOfCaring

As customers we all love brands which appreciate our time and money. We love when companies can be easily reached and understand our needs, ready to change the rules or give a little bit extra only because we are their customers. When a company puts customers first and goes far and beyond to provide great service, this spreads immediately across the media; shared with family, friends and the community.

Glad to see that TELUS puts so much effort to build good relationships with their customers and make them stronger. I have seen many customer appreciation campaigns during my career but I am very impressed with TELUS Grand Gestures initiative. You definitely would love to check this video to know what TELUS prepared for one of their customers, and the most amazing thing it can be anyone of us, you or me at her place.


For more videos, check fabulous TELUS YouTube channel and subscribe to know what TELUS brings to our communities.

While it was easy to simply text “Thank you” or shoot an e-mail, TELUS decided to do it in person. The company arranged a big surprise to Ramona to thank her for being such a loyal customer for almost 20 years. Her dream to ride on an aerial plane came true, thanks to TELUS.

This video made me cry and feel happy at the same time. Thinking of how I would spend my Dream Day, I was more than excited to meet Canadian Olympic Hockey Team with some training and games involved. And I had a strange feeling that it will happen one day, TELUS showed that wishes come true.

Ramona’s surprise was just the beginning of what TELUS prepared for their customers. The company Care-a-Van team is rolling into town this week with a host of events and activities that will be taking place all week long to specially thank TELUS local customers and the Guelph community.
  • TELUS is literally performing everyday acts of caring all over the Guelph community throughout the week. As part of this, they are donating $5 to the Guelph Children's Foundation for every use of #ActsOfCaring. 
  • They are going door to door to the homes of TELUS top 100 customers to thank them personally with a care package - a small token of appreciation. 
  • TELUS is hosting a free BBQ lunch for top 1000 customers and their families at the local TELUS store.
The company will be presenting a cheque to the Guelph Children's Foundation in the amount of $5000 - in response to all the uses of #ActsOfCaring. Member of TELUS Board of Directors, Donald Woodley will join the celebration to present the cheque.

After seeing how TELUS gives back to the community, how you would like to be recognized by a company? If you have a chance to choose your dream day, what it would be? Whatever it is, even the craziest one, please share, I would love to know!

Disclosure: I am part of the TELUS Grand Gestures Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Nail Cones Stickers for Perfect Polish

Mother’s life is pretty busy and things like manicure and pedicure are often considered a luxury. I like nail polish and often can’t resist buying new bottle. Anything related to manicure always catch my eye, so I could not skip new product called Nail Cones.
Nail Cones

These cute cones protect your skin around nails when you apply nail polish. There are different sizes to fit your fingers. You need to put a nail cone under your nail and apply tips around the nail. Then after polishing nails, remove cones. The tricky part is that cones do not need to be straight, but rounded to cover the skin around nails. While you can find only one pattern to use I am looking forward to adding more varieties of nail cones. I am sure our little girls will be very happy to have these cones on birthday parties, girls’ gatherings or holidays like Halloween or Christmas.

I like how easy you can get mess-free pretty nails using Nail Cones stickers. I know how my nieces can be so, but next time when we gather again everything is going to be different, because I take my nail cones to impress our little princesses.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Live Colors for Kids App #livecolors


Live Colour

It is amazing to see how technology enhances kids’ creativity, and among the wide selection of application it is great to find the ones designed for preschoolers.

Live Colors for Kids is coloring app for young children to play with colours and draw pictures simply with fingers. There are two selections, first is coloring exiting pictures from a cute cow and a ladybug to balloons and sails; second one is drawing own pictures using basic colors with option to mix and create other new ones in the palette. The app design is very catchy and kids-friendly: cute characters, lovely animals and nice music.

Live Colour App

Teddy likes using this app to draw different figures, letters and numbers. He also likes creating different characters from his favorite cartoons. It is interesting to see how he applies his skills learnt at 4Cats art classes, color mixing and shapes. One of the exciting features for Teddy is moving objects, when he color a picture other objects are moving around, for example clouds are floating, butterfly is flying making the whole picture look alive. All drawings can be saved at the gallery and shared via social media.


Clouds Sun
Right now this app is free to download on iTunes, helping a lot, to make parents lives easier during summer vacation time.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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The LEGO® Movie on Blu-ray Giveaway


The LEGO® Movie, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller is an original 3D computer animated story that follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO mini figure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously under- prepared.

Chris Pratt (Moneyball) stars as the voice of Emmet. Will Ferrell (The Campaign) stars as the voice of his primary adversary, President Business, an erudite, anal-retentive CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life; while Liam Neeson (Taken) voices the president's powerful henchman, known as Bad Cop, who will stop at nothing to catch Emmet.

Starring as Emmet's fellow travelers are Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), as Vitruvius, an old mystic; Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games, Emmy nominee for 30 Rock), as tough-as-nails Lucy, who mistakes Emmet for the savior of the world and guides him on his quest; Will Arnett (Emmy nominee, 30 Rock), as the mysterious Batman, a LEGO minifigure with whom Lucy shares a history; Nick Offerman (NBC's Parks and Recreation) as a craggy, swaggering pirate, obsessed with revenge on President Business; and Alison Brie (Community) as a sweet, loveable member of the team, with a powerful secret.

We did not have a chance to see the movie when it opened in theaters across Canada, but excited that The Lego Movie arrived on Blu-ray June 17th. Expect it to become the family classic.

Another great news for our readers, we have a copy of The Lego Movie on Blu-ray to giveaway. Create a mini 6 second LEGO GIF Video! Feel free to get creative! All videos instantly get posted to YouTube for everybody to enjoy! The giveaway is open to Canadian & US residents only and ends June 28,2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Each household is only eligible to win The Lego Movie Blu-Ray via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
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Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer Giveaway Event

 photo Fun-House-Bouncer-Giveaway_zps18fc1af3.jpg
This summer do not miss an opportunity to participate in Fun House Bouncer Event!
Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8 
Grand Prize: Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer 
Event dates: 7/11 - 7/24 
Giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents. 
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Friday, June 20, 2014

Perfect for Day to Day Use Gerber Compact Scout #swordsoftheeast


Gerber Compact Scout

Camping and fishing season is getting stronger every day. After long winter here in Canada and the end of the school year make all outdoor adventures more than welcome. And no matter if you are experienced or new to exploring the outdoor world you always need the good quality gear to survive. Knives are not the easiest tool to find with wide selection of products on the market but you can never go wrong with portable Gerber knives great for any outdoor adventures. I ensure that our guys are very thankful to Swords of the East for sending Gerber Survival Compact Scout knife after having few fishing trips. First this knife is light weight and fits easily a pocket, for our trips when our grandfather has his fishing gear to carry with him and walk for few miles, Gerber knife is the best choice. And even for short day trips to the lake, camping or picnicking, it is great to have little Gerber knife handy from cutting branches for campfire to vegetables for your dinner. Here are some technical features of the knife:
  • Overall Length: 5.8’’ 
  • Closed Length: 3.3’’ 
  • Blade Length: 2.5’’ 
  • Weight: 0.94 oz. 
Gerber Compact Scout Fishing Gerber Compact Scout

You can see how compact the knife is, but it also very sharp. I like that the handle is indented for better grip. Talking about the history of Gerber knives, Pete Gerber was the first knife creator to realize the benefits of using all-synthetic materials in the handle. He along with knife designer Blackie Collins aimed to deliver lightweight performance that had not been seen before back at 1980. And I think they created great selection of portable knives everyone likes and we say thank you every time we use ours.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Find the Freedom to Be You #DependFitFlex

Bladder control issues can be very difficult to talk about when it is related to someone in your family. We experienced so much rejection and unwillingness to discuss the topic with our grandfather at the beginning. How come successful man with brilliant career and always an example to co-workers, family and friends can have this embarrassing condition? It is the situation when you are offering help to someone in need but that person is uncomfortable even to talk about. Sounds familiar?

There are many reasons for bladder control problems especially when we talk about seniors, from reduced muscle strength, an enlarged prostate, stroke, complications from surgery to radiation treatment. Our grandfather is leading an active lifestyle; he travels a lot, goes fishing and camping even during winter time.
Depend

No one knows and remembers when our grandfather’s bladder issues started; it appeared slowly and came to the point when it could not be a secret any more, mostly for family members because we live all together.

I am glad that he was smart enough to talk to our grandmother and his doctor to find the right solutions to his bladder issues, including Depend® Underwear. It was very important to start the conversation about bladder problems, and thanks to publications on Depend web site, our grandfather learnt much more about it. He also recommends everyone who has problem with bladder control to watch Depend videos on-line. They feature the stories of real people with bladder control issues and how they managed to overcome them.


With Depend Fit-Flex our grandfather found the confidence and freedom to go where he wants to go, spend week-ends outside and catch his “golden” fish. No one even notices that he wears Depend® Underwear every day. Without it he would not be able to spend the whole day at the lake fishing,  taking a historical trip across the city or play with grandchildren.

Depend Fit Flex

Here are some helpful tips for changing on the go, great for everyone who follows active lifestyle:
  • Carry a Spare. Make a backpack or messenger bag part of your on-the-go look and keep a few other personal items inside (glasses, phone case, jacket, etc) so it makes sense if anyone asks why you're carrying it. Use this bag to carry a change into a public restroom and carry it out to the wastebasket. 
  • Keep plastic bags on hand for disposal. Get the darker grey kind to mask what's inside if you need to toss it out in public. 
  • Keep a bag full of essentials in your trunk. 
  • Wear cargo pants and/or a bulky jacket with an elastic waistband that zips. These clothing items offer a handy way to get from your trunk to a public restroom or from your seat on the plane to the restroom. 
  • If you're wearing Depend® for Men take advantage of the fact that these products are the same size as your wallet, making it easy to put into your pocket and then take into a restroom. 
  • Set a schedule for regular changes 
  • Locate bathrooms ahead of time—especially in places you visit frequently. Planning ahead makes all the difference. 
  • Stock up on Depend® Underwear so upon returning from daily trip or overseas adventures you always have extra packs at home 
  • If you do not like buying Depend® Underwear in store, ask your family member to do it or do it on-line, easy and stress –free 

Life is too short to suffer, break the stigma and change your life filled of embarrassment to the life full of adventures.

Disclosure: I am part of the Depend® Fit-Flex Blogger Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.
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Monday, June 16, 2014

Beautify Your Leather Goods with Chamberlain's Leather Milk

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1

Great quality leather products require proper care no matter if they are small like belts or big like leather furniture. Refresh and enhance natural leather look cannot be better done with Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1. This leather care is a combination of rich, natural leather conditioners and gentle leather cleaner. You can clean and refresh your leather items as often as you want because you cannot go wrong with high quality natural leather care which does not give temporary treatment but rather make your products look nicer and more beautiful. I even say that Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1 is nourishment to leather products, no matter if they are new or worn already, proper care never hurts.

Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1

My favorite use is for our leather shoes and leather jackets. Here is the one example what I apply Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1 to - my leather boots I bought in Texas this year. The boots are handmade and pretty expensive, that I never wear them on rainy or snowy day. And I definitely want to use the best care I can find for leather goods and I ensure Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1 is one of them. Because of natural ingredients my leather products only benefit from using this Chamberlain's conditioner. Plus it does not have irritating and strong smell. And finally, Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1 does not leave any oily spots on clothes after using.Try it for yourself and start milking your leather today!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Sunday, June 15, 2014

KidCoder Computer Science Course: Web Design

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
KidCoder
I remember the time when Web design projects were given to the staff with a strong technical background but nowadays it is amazing to see how even kids can create fabulous web sites with various navigation features, graphics and animation. Being an IT myself and learning continuously various systems I appreciate any good find in courses even if they are intended for kids or teens.

KidCoder and TeenCoder computer science courses teach 4th-12th grade student how to create their own websites, video games, and apps. For my review I’ve chosen KidCoder: Beginning Web Design (4th-12th grades) which includes HTML and CSS lessons. Kids learn step by step how to create simple Web pages, add some graphics and extra features like lists and buttons. There are also some chapters how to link and navigate pages, formatting and a page structure.

While I am pretty much familiar with HTML and CSS I like that the course has well designed lessons so every kid can learn web programming fast. When I started to teach my kid not even web but just basic computer skills I stuck at the point where to start from, what to teach even though I knew everything.

The lessons are very detailed and intended for kids without overwhelming with strong technical terminology. I think every chils would love to take these courses and learn some hand-on experience, so upon finishing they will be able to have their own web site, they can show the world.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Temporary Mustache Tattoo with StacheTATS The Pencil

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  
Continue our French topic it is nice to add some unique style with original temporary mustache tattoos: “I’m bold, I’m hilarious, and I’m lovable”.  Try out the Pencil, the top selling set of mustache tattoos, to show off your distinguished elegance and originality.

ted

The tattoos are made in USA with eco-friendly ingredients that doctors and mothers approved to use for the skin. Waterproof, sweat proof, and beveridge proof, StacheTATS are the best fake mustaches you'll ever wear. Great for both kids and adults; can be used for any occasion, parties, performances and other hilarious adventures.

Moustache

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Allons Danser! Learn French via Songs and Dance

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
It was amazing to see how kids learn everything fast though we do not teach them that. Last year we visited Paris and our uncle in Montreal, and Teddy learnt so many things, started speaking French a little and was able to distinguish French from other languages. He was like absorbing what he saw and heard. Music and dancing Teddy is what really good at, so when I was offered to review Allons Danser (Let’s dance!) music songs CD, it was an opportunity we could not miss.

Allons Danser

Allons Danser! is an amazing collection of songs performed by French artists Marie-Louise Desage and Didier Prossaird. Teddy was happy to recognize French words he already knew. We like that every song has new words and phrases to learn like numbers in “Un, Deux et Trois”, parts of the body “La Tête, Les Épaules”, fingers in “Les Doigts” and many others. The songs are so catchy and inviting that Teddy can not resist dancing every time we load the CD. Marie-Louise has such a wonderful voice that we all fell in love with the songs. Even more exciting is that Teddy can play “Le Vieux MacDonald” himself on the piano and sing too, kind of mix of English and French words, though he is only four.

Allons Danser! is such an amazing resource for learning French via songs, my little one is getting ready to join his French Immersion program in two years. And I am sure his uncle and cousin will be impressed next time we visit them in Montreal.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Blast Zone Magic Castle Bouncer Giveaway US

What a summer without a jumping castle, kids are always happy to have some fun. We are teaming up with some of the BEST blogs on the web to bring you this AWESOME giveaway! We are giving away a bounce house! Blast Zone has sponsored this giveaway, and they want YOU to win!
blast zone

How fun will this be for summer?!  Grand Prize: Blast Zone Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is our most popular bounce house. This bigger, improved version of the classic Blast Zone castle blows up in seconds, and holds up to 3 kids or 300 pounds of little party-hoppers. The “Safe Slope” Slide provides safe, easy access, and the surrounding netting and Velcro entrance will keep kids safe while they bounce and have a blast. The extra-durable commercial vinyl floor, and reinforced seams add extra bouncing life.
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Sunday, June 8, 2014

Feel Better, Lose Weight with Garcinia Cambogia Advanced and Slender Cleanse Advanced System

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  
Summer is already here and we are having huge plans ahead for going out more, enjoying sunny weather, beaches, camping and fishing. Talking about being ready for summer I already lost a decent amount of weight and continue working to reach my goal. During I my weight loss journey the offer to try Garcinia/Cleanse Weight Loss System was just on time and was exactly what I really needed - cleanse your body, lose weight and feel better.

Summer

I received Garcinia Cambogia Advanced and Slender Cleanse Advanced to test. I really liked the idea that this system brings not only weight loss but also other health benefits for people suffering with acne, bloating, mood swings and other conditions. Garcinia Cambogia Advanced contains 60% HCA(hydroxycitric acid) and free from any fillers, binders and artificial ingredients. The suggested use is twice a day. Slender Cleanse Advanced has Cascara Sagrada and Cape Aloe as its ingredients, and should be taken on occasional basis (twice a day 30 minutes before meals) and no more than 7 consecutive days  as it is intended to clean the body of toxins and helps to lose weight fast.
Garcinia Cambogia System
I have been taking Garcinia Cambogia Advanced and Slender Cleanse Advanced over a week and the results showed up very fast. I  usually like trying the dietary supplements for better health and my attitude is very positive same as my belief that I get desirable results. I am pretty realistic that I cannot lose lots of weight all at once, but with Garcinia/Cleanse Weight Loss System I got visible results in a week period which is fabulous, plus I get energy boost and no more bloating and uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. This System is not only about weight loss, it is about being healthy, feel more energetic and active what we all definitely need these hot and busy summer days.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Thursday, June 5, 2014

C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
The safety arrangements never hurt especially when it comes to Web. So many times we had kind of “accidents” when talking via Skype, Google+ and other video applications when we did not want the camera to be activated and show our side, especially when we do not want to mix our business communication with personal. My little one also clicks on some buttons which activate a web camera by mistake, for example when talking to his grandparents or playing video games. These days some applications activate web cameras automatically so for these and other situations it is good to have C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0. It is designed easily cover your camera with a simple shift, same way to open the camera back. It goes well with all laptops, computers, monitors, Smart TV’s, PS4, Xbox Kinect, and some External Web cameras but for my case we put it on our laptop.

 photo WebCam_zpsb2dae4f5.jpg

C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0 is super thin, only 1mm thick so laptops are able to shut with ease, and 1.5” in length and 5” in height. The cover made of high-grade plastic, so it is quite durable. To apply it just remove double sided tape and stick the cover to the device. It is made to open and close without harming the camera lens. Very useful little gadget, and looks cute too. I usually have my camera cover in closed condition by default. If you like to get for yourself, C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0 is available at the following stores: C-SLIDE, eBay, Amazon, Open Sky, and Etsy. Plus C-SLIDE generously offers one lucky reader to win C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0. For your chance please fill the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only and ends June 10, 2014. Good Luck!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dr. Carey Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  
Having a baby is such a wonderful event in every family. Baby’s first months are usually very challenging no matter if you are a new or an experienced parent. While there are lots of books and materials distributed in hospitals written about baby’s first year, this book you would love to have handy through baby’s first months. Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide is a great source of information for first year of baby care. It is precise and introduces only relevant information related to infants care. The book covers various topics from baby development to the most common medical problems. With over 120 pictures this guide helps to know you much child better, understand the major developmental stages and issues. With my first baby I used to panic and rush to the hospital every time I saw something unusual and strange like those acne I was sure need to be treated or baby poop changed the color.
Dr Carey Baby Care

New parents usually do not have much time reading thick books, that’s why it very helpful to have this guide handy to refer to if there any question appears; sometimes one picture speaks in thousand words. I also like that the book has simple descriptions without overwhelming with difficult medical terms. The guide also includes Notes section after each chapter to record your thoughts and Baby’s Milestones.
Baby

I recommend this book every new parent, after reading I feel more confident even though I am not new to baby care and I wish I had this guide before, my life would be much easier. Good news, Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide generously offers one paper copy to one lucky Teddy Out Ready reader. For your chance simply fill the Rafflecopter form below and Good Luck! The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only and ends June 10, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Monday, June 2, 2014

If you were me and lived in... Australia by Carole P. Roman

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
If you were me and lived in Australia

If you like to learn more about other cultures and countries with your kids, Carole P. Roman books are one of the best sources of information especially for young kids from three to eight. Recently we had an opportunity to review a book If you were me and lived in... Australia, where the author introduces different aspects of living in Australia. Starting from history and geographical location, the story goes further telling readers about biggest cities in the country.

It was interesting to learn about the most popular girls and boys names, where Teddy noted that Sophie is very popular name in Canada too (he already met lots of girls at school with the name Sophie). The book also tells us how children call mom and dad in Australia, a little bit different than in North America. As for food and family activities, it was fabulous to discover vegemite sandwiches, and how daddies prepare roast meat on the barbie for dinner. Kids love playing cricket even in January outside. The most popular attraction in Australia to explore is the Great Barrier, I think it would be nice to visit this largest reef in the world and see the colorful sea world around it. Every country had its own special day like we have Canada Day, Aussies (nick name for Australians) also celebrates Australia Day at the end of January. I am sure it is one of the most wonderful days of the year filled with events, parades and activities.

We were very excited to read this book, especially my little one who also received an Australian flag in addition to the publication. While Teddy did not understand years and historical events since he is only four, now he definitely can tell so many interesting facts about Australia and show where it is located on a globe.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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