.@TeddyOutReady: April 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Enjoy Healthy Family Dinner at Extreme Pita #shop #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. 

Extreme Pita Front

Family Dinner out is one of the most enjoyable time together. It is nice to take some time off  home cooking and enjoy family gathering without worrying about the meal preparation. With our grandfather who came to visit us recently, we are excited to spend more time together. Our recent family dinner out was dedicated to his arrival and opening our fishing season.

Extreme Pita Stand Extreme Pita Order Extreme Pita Tray

We were offered to visit Extreme Pita restaurant and share our dining experience there thanks to #CollectiveBias. First thing to mention, the number of restaurant locations impresses and we could easily find one close to us. We decided to visit one in Vaughan. With three adults and one kid Extreme Pita was a good choice. Second, we liked the selection of healthy and fresh menu items for our dinner. With our family age range from toddler to senior we were happy to find in Extreme Pita something for everyone. The restaurant’s pocket style pita bread can be used to create different varieties of items like wraps, pizzas or sandwiches. It was great to learn that Extreme Pita offers 6 Health Check items on their menu and you can see the Nutritional Guide hanging on the wall in addition to Allergen & Gluten Awareness Guide.

Extreme Pita Family Dinner Teddy at Extreme Pita Extreme Pita Pizza

We ordered Chicken Souvlaki Pita for Grandfather, BBQ4U Pita for Teddy and Philly Steak & Gyro freestyle Pitas for mom and dad. We also could not miss an opportunity to try flatbaked pitas which looked like pizzas. And our choices became Pepperoni Extreme which was Teddy’s choice and Extreme Classic. We were eager to try different items from the menu and Grill Chicken Caesar salad was definitely added to our order. As for beverage there we found a selection of juices, pop and water. I’d rather prefer hot drinks for dinner though.

Extreme Pita Ready Extreme Pita Wall

I like that you can manage what goes into your pitta from tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms to cheese and pepper, everything fresh. Same comes with bread choices – take white one or whole wheat. The pita wrapping needs a special attention as it comes with special plastic set to reduce the mess which is great when eating out with kids. Extreme Pita prices are really affordable saying that you can get a healthy and tasty pita for only $8. Amazing thing after having a dinner at the restaurant we did not have any aftertaste or feel overeaten. Everyone was happy to have a great food and nice family dinner together. We are definitely coming back to Extreme Pita again in the near future. Happy Dinner Time!

Extreme Pita Family Shot
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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Our Easter Weekend: Niagara Falls, Egg Hunt and Fishing - Wordless Wednesday

I am very happy that we decided to spend our Easter weekend at Niagara Falls, though it was cool for April.

Niagara Falls Easter Hunt Bunny Easter Hunt
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Disney Million Dollar Arm Toronto Screening Giveaway

Million Dollar Arm

Walt Disney Pictures’ drama "Million Dollar Arm", based on a true story, where sports agent JB Bernstein (played by Jon Hamm) finds that business has changed and things aren’t going well for his career. In a last ditch effort to save his livelihood he concocts a scheme to find baseball’s next great pitching ace.

Hoping to find a young cricket pitcher he can turn into a major league baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a reality show competition called "The Million Dollar Arm". With the help of cantankerous but eagle-eyed retired baseball scout Ray Poitevint (Alan Arkin), he discovers Dinesh (played by Madhur Mittal from "Slumdog Millionaire") and Rinku (played by Suraj Sharma from "Life of Pi"), two 18-year-old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a passion for throwing a fastball.

Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home to America to train. While the Americans are definitely out of their element in India, the boys, who have never left their rural villages, are equally challenged when they come to the States. As the boys learn the finer points of baseball, JB, with the help of his charming friend Brenda (Lake Bell), learns valuable life lessons about teamwork, commitment and what it means to be a family.

Million Dollar Arm

The movie is coming to theaters in May and thanks to Walt Disney Pictures, we are happy to offer our readers a giveaway to win passes to Toronto advanced screening. Here are the details:

Disney "Million Dollar Arm" Screening, Toronto

Wednesday, May 14th
7:00pm
 Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can attend the Toronto screening on May 14th. The giveaway is for passes only and does not include any transportation.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Friday, April 18, 2014

Off the Edge of the Map by Michael Rank - 11 Greatest Explorers in History

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 
One of the most exciting things for travellers is to learn about other countries, places and continents. How do you feel when unknown lands waiting for you to be found? What makes people to leave their places and go far away for something new and never seen before? The reasons can be many and different from country expansions, trades to love of adventures, religious beliefs or personal growth. What unites all the famous explorers who went beyond their abilities to find new regions, learn new cultures, food and overcome severe weather conditions? The answers can be found in Michael Rank’s book “Off the Edge of the Map: Marco Polo, Captain Cook, and 9 Other Travelers and Explorers That Pushed the Boundaries of the Known World Review”. I have to note this one is the second book of Michael Rank I read and it was very interesting to read from the beginning to the end.

Off the Edge of the Map

While it was exciting to learn more about the explorers I already know like Marco Polo, Captain James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan, adventures of Admiral Ming Zheng He or Rabban Bar Sauma were breathtaking. These are the stories of people whose exploring nature or personality brought so many benefits to their countries and to the history of travelers overall.

Off the Edge

It was interesting to find out that no matter what centuries the explorers went on adventures there were, definitely, lots of common features which unite them all: they stand on the unknown and dangerous path to find something fascinating, being at the same time humans with own habits, weaknesses and preferences.

Take a look at “Off the Edge of the Map: Marco Polo, Captain Cook, and 9 Other Travelers and Explorers That Pushed the Boundaries of the Known World Review” and probably, it will inspire you to become an explorer of nowadays, there are still so many things to learn about this 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, April 17, 2014

The Ultimate Mother's Day Giveaway US

Welcome to The Ultimate Mother's Day Giveaway!
MdayBanner

Every year we are looking forward to to this amazing day, the day filled with appreciation and love. Mother's Day is a special time to celebrate the important women in our lives. Whether it is your mom, grandma, mother-in-law or a friend, they each hold a special place in our hearts. Life of a Southern Mom and Sweet Southern Lovin have teamed up with an amazing group of sponsors, co-hosts and blogger friends to give one lucky lady a chance to win this fabulous giveaway. 

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Monday, April 14, 2014

Cinco De Mayo Party Accessories Review from Privateislandparty.com

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
 photo Two-Pack Fiesta Glitter Maracas

I think everyone loves parties especially kids. Only a few days left till Cinco de Mayo and I know it is going to a very busy celebration even here in Toronto.

And what a celebration without party accessories, which make every party so much fun. We were lucky to receive Cinco De Mayo Items from PrivateIslandParty.com. Two colors Maracas, green and yellow, which Teddy likes the most and continues making lots of noise these days. He dances with them, sing songs and count numbers just to have some fun. Next party item is Incognito Mustaches Glasses which do not make much difference the usual glasses, except they have the plastic mustache attached to the frames by a thin metal chain. While one size fits all, Teddy looks like a grown-up man and I tell him that he reminds me Super Mario. When we play, I usually say that I cannot recognize this male with moustaches in front of me and ask to introduce himself.

Mexican Flag

Mexican flag will be great for Cinco De Mayo party and we are looking forward to a fabulous celebration with our Mexican friends. Even after the party the flag will definitely find the use, especially with upcoming FIFA World Cup 2014.

Finger Lights

The last items 4-Pack Finger Lights are keeping our boy busy for long time, even now before the upcoming party Teddy is having fun playing with them. The set is for both hands, eight lights in total so this helps Teddy making different shapes on the wall and play with lights. I hope it will be warmer in May so Teddy will have more chances to use finger lights while parting outside. Overall I can say that PrivateIslandParty.com has a good selection of party supplies for any occasion including Cinco de Mayo, just check them out, and they are affordable too. Happy Cinco de Mayo to all of my friends!

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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Saturday, April 12, 2014

Getting Ready for Egg-stra Special Easter Hunt #KinderMom

Teddy Easter Hunt

Easter is one of the most exciting holidays during spring time. When I was a child I was looking forward to have an egg hunt with neighbours. When my little one was born, we continue our Easter traditions every year, and it is always so much fun. Two years ago we had a little bunny came to visit us in our backyard, it was such an amazing coincidence to see a bunny during Easter Sunday morning. Since that time my boy was totally convinced that Easter Bunny comes to visit everyone. Last year we decided to celebrate Easter in Paris. While we did not prepare much for the egg hunt, I think that Easter Bunny did it for us. I remember while Teddy was asleep after a long flight at the Charles de Gaulle airport, he was given so many chocolate eggs (by airport workers) that when he woke up and saw all those colorful eggs we told him that the Easter Bunny came to visit him. It was Teddy’s Parisian style Easter egg hunt.

Easter Hunt

This year we are going to travel again, but lucky to get Kinder Easter Egg Hunt kit. The Kinder selection impresses with varieties of products for Easter: colorful eggs, chocolate and toys. I will take an Easter Hunt bag for Teddy with and we are ready to have a fabulous egg hunt. Expect it to be on open air with some fishing involved, full sunshine and the clouds away.

Kinder Easter

I am so happy to share that Kinder has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network and will be providing 12 baskets to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Kinder will be donating another $25,000 to help support this non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America.

Kinder Canada is also giving their Facebook fans a chance to win amazing Easter basket kit. Today is the last day to be that one lucky winner. Happy Easter, everyone!!!

Egg Hunt

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Our Adventures in San Antonio Day 2: Children's Museum, Buckhorn Saloon, Texas Ranger Museum and Spurs vs Mavericks

Texas Museum Outfit

Our second day in San Antonio was rainy and we decided to spend it inside - visiting museums and a basketball game. We heard a lot about famous San Antonio Children's Museum dedicated to children ages 0-10 years. The museum's exhibits and programs are focused on early childhood learning. Teddy spent first half a day playing and learning the creative arts and sciences. Teddy liked being a pilot on a plane, then became an world explorer traveling from one continent to another. Next there was another section where he played piano, board games, built the bricks. Shopping in a huge kids grocery store was definitely fun.

 photo San Antonio Childrens Museum Plane  San Antonio Childrens Museum Ted  photo San Antonio Childrens Museum

After that we decided have a lunch in the Buckhorn Saloon across the street. There are lots and lots of stuffed animal heads and bodies there and it is a home for the Buckhorn Museum and the Texas Ranger Museum. The Texas Ranger Museum houses hundreds of Texas Ranger artefacts including revolvers, automatic handguns, sawed off shotguns, badges and photographs.

Buckhorn Salon Cafe Texas Museum of Rangers Horse Texas Museum Moose

The highlight of the Texas Ranger Museum is Ranger Town, a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century. Teddy explored this western town complete with a replica Buckhorn Saloon, a working jail cell and a blacksmith shop.

Texas Museum Car

Teddy was afraid to get inside the jail cell, but was exited to see the Bonnie and Clyde exhibit – especially the couple’s famous getaway car - a vintage ‘34 Ford V8 Deluxe, with dozens bullet holes.

 photo Texas Museum of Rangers greeting Texas Museum of Rangers  photo Texas Museum of Rangers Chair Texas Museum of Rangers Tavern

The Buckhorn Museum is adjacent to the Texas Ranger Museum and features over 520 species of wildlife from all over the world, including fish from the seven seas, animals from every continent and strange animal oddities which have been collected for over 100 years. Teddy explored curiously all animals and liked to be able to come close to them.

Texas Museum of Rangers Teddy Texas Museum of Rangers Map TexasMuseumDino Texas Museum Bison

The end of the day we spent in AT&T Center where we watch NBA game between two Texas teams: San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. It was a very exiting experience for us. AT&T Center was packed with Spurs fans and they cheered so laud and passionate that it is no wonder that team is first in Western conference. It was a great performance and shows during breaks and time went so fast. As per game - Spurs won with 22 advantage points and made the audience happy.

San Antonio Spurs

We hope that Spurs get title this year, if they can overcome Raptors in finals, of course☺. Teddy was exhausted and fell asleep in the taxi. It was a cold rainy day but well spent I can say. Sunshine and warm weather waited for us next morning.

This post is a part of the series of our travel adventures in San Antonio, Texas in January 2014. The other post from this series can be found here: 
Our Adventures at San Antonio Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa #HR_HillCountry
Our Adventures in San Antonio, Texas - Day 1
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Sunday, April 6, 2014

A Wonderful Day To Smile And To Dare E-Book for Kids Ages 3–8 Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
A Wonderful Day To Smile And To Dare

All kids experience some fears, real or imaginative, they are always present in children’s lives. While some fears probably good ones like talking to the strangers or stepping into dangerous location, w,e as parents, want to teach our kids to overcome childhood fears. I know that our kids are afraid of dark rooms and think there are some monsters hiding under a bed, or some sounds remind them villains. For these situations we found amazing book A Wonderful Day To Smile And To Dare.

Teddy A Wonderful Day To Smile And To Dare

It is a story about a brave girl who one day decided that everything has to be wonderful. She greets the day with smile and do not fear anything. There are several monsters around want to ruin her day but she beat all of them with a smile and a brave heart. She is not scared and finds that while monsters look so scary first they are finally can leave you forever if you only dare. And see that these monsters are not so horrifying at all. Only with your smile and you can make them run away so they never come back.

 It is such a wonderful book every kid would love to read. Colorful illustrations and a cute girl make the read interesting and fun. The girl not only shows how to beat the monsters and overcome fears but also encourages to do the same other kids. We were very excited to read this book learning how overcome our fears too.

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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Pamper Yourself with Incredible Güd Products from Burt's Bees

 Gud products

I can definitely say that Güd products saved me during gloomy days we had this winter and first month of spring. I love winter and cold weather but the lack of sunshine makes me feel really depressive. It was really excited that Güd offered me to choose flavours I like in the Güd collection and generously sent me two hair care and two body care products. Being Burt's Bees new line, Güd carries all the benefits of natural personal care products.

Gud Floral Cherrynova

For hair I had chosen Floral Cherrynova filled with cherry blossom and almond milk. I can tell you that amazing cherry flavor takes you on adventures, reminding you a cherry blossom orchard or a bowl of fresh cherries. You can instantly feel natural products when you try them. It looked like  Cherrynova shampoo and my hair are created for each other. Next step Floral Cherrynova conditioner which makes my hair smooth and soft.

The body care products I received included Pearanormal Activity body wash and body lotion. They clean your body and smell so good, making the bath experience pleasant and fun. While I usually prefer scent free skin care because of irritations, this time Pear and Acai Berry scents were very welcome. I think Güd products are very different from what I used before. Their scents are truly like a music to your nose, somewhat exciting you dream about. If you take a look at different Güd products you can see how colorful their packaging is, bright, cheerful, inviting and never boring.

Güd products are sweet and fabulous combinations of treats to your eyes, nose and skin. They nourish you in all “directions” – look at colorful packaging, smell favorite scents and treat your body with natural ingredients to delight and inspire.
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Thursday, April 3, 2014

Woody Toy Story Costume for Teddy

Woody Disney

Costumes for kids are always in high demand, no matter if holidays like Halloween or New Year are already behind. Birthdays, celebrations, day care performances and shows, especially Disney ones which come in Toronto every year with new programs and new characters. And as Teddy is a huge fan of Disney stories and loves Disney movies we decided to get him Woody Toy Story Costume, knowing that Toy Story part is included in the Disney performance. This March Break Teddy was very happy to be Woody, this brave and adventurous cowboy.

Woody Costume

The costume includes a jumpsuit and a hat. The jumpsuit has fasteners on the back to make sure it perfectly fits kid’s body. The top of the outfit is plaid yellow with a cow print vest. While we had a red bandana for the neck, we got it for Teddy in Texas, it was not necessary because this piece is already added as a part of the jumpsuit. The bottom of Woody’s cowboy costume consists of blue pants, giant silver belt and a gun(even as a decor) what every sheriff has to have. What a Woody without his famous cowboy hat which brings the final touch to the costume. We like that this costume suits Teddy perfectly; we did not need to hem the pants and roll the sleeves. I remember when we first received this Woody costume, Teddy was so happy to wear it and did not want to take it off till going to bed. He was so happy to be Woody even for a while, going on his own adventures, finding real friends and playing Teddy Woody Toy Story.

Woody Toy Story Costume

Teddy was wearing the costume to Disney: Let’s Party show and was so excited to watch Toy Story part, where Woody was skating with his friends. While the Disney Party is over we still have many more to come ahead, so we keep this Woody costume handy because this sheriff decided to stay a leader of the toys for longer time: "I'd like to join your posse, boys, but first I'm gonna sing a little song."
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