.@TeddyOutReady: August 2014

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Summer Memories We Never Forget #KinderMom

Venice

Summer is almost over and Teddy's Junior Kindergarten starts soon. This summer we had so many opportunities to be outside, have fun on a playground, take rides and slides at parks, enjoy splash pads during hot days even though we did not have so many. While we slowed down with classes and training, leaving only music and soccer camp to fill our beautiful summer days.

I came to the point that I do not remember our summer without flying somewhere. And this year was no exception. With our family travel adventures I think we already used to airport lines, planes and cities we never been before but so eager to explore. Our trip to Italy brought us new experience and knowledge we never forget. Great time spent in four Italian cities - Rome, Pisa, Florence and Venice. Fabulous architectures, art treasures, food, traditions and history were on our impressive list and we had a chance to learn about.

Gallery Rome

We followed the adventures of "Roman Holiday" heroes and visited the most amazing places in Rome including the Colosseum, Vatican Museum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and more. Then were climbed Pisa leaning tower, enjoyed the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, took a Venice gondola ride and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Teddy was very excited to be in Italy watching everything around with curiosity of a kid. While having fabulous holidays we did not even notice how our Teddy grew up, became more knowledgeable, serious and responsible. Time goes on and I think every parent at the end of the summer see how their kid changed, pants become short and shoes are small.
Roman Forum

Kinder chocolate has always been somewhat significant in our kid’s life. It is a reward for a good behavior, a treat, fun time partner, a gift, perfect distraction during little summer accidents, lovely toy and cheerful mood! I am often surprised how Teddy can find Kinder chocolate almost in any stores we visited during our travels (I think even with his eyes closed).

Exciting News from Kinder Canada

Share your summer smiles with KINDER® in their new “photo-strip” app started recently on Kinder® Canada’s Facebook Page – it’s a fun and interactive way for parents to capture and share moments of joy in a playful way. Once you’re a KINDER® Fan, follow just a few simple steps:

1: Fan KINDER® on Facebook
2: Start your photo-strip
3: Upload your photos
4: Choose a fancy KINDER® frame
5: Choose a filter (make yourself look silly)
6: Save & share

Kinder Canada

Break a Guinness World Record with Kinder

Plus Kinder is attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the most people unwrapping chocolate together this Saturday, August 30. Visit Kinder at the CNE's Bandshell Stadium at 10:30a.m. as we all make KINDER® history! See you there!

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, August 27, 2014

Treehouse Big Day Out Festival in Toronto

The first annual Treehouse "Big Day Out" festival presented by  Sunwing.ca, is taking place September 13 and September 14 at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto. With two ticketed events each day, this festival features must-see performances by The Wiggles – the number one children's entertainment group , Max & Ruby and award-winning Canadian children's music duo Splash’N Boots. Toronto kids and families are invited to spend a can’t-miss weekend of rockin’ fun! Hosted by Treehouse, Canada's #1 specialty channel for preschoolers, the weekend-long event is jam-packed with exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Treehouse Big Day Out

Treehouse Big Day Out will offer two separate ticketed events each day – a morning show from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and an afternoon show from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This special event also will be televised on Treehouse on Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

In addition to the performances, the festival will host an array of fun-filled family activities, including:
  • Meet and greet photo opportunities from Sunwing.ca with favourite Treehouse characters, including Franklin the Turtle, Mike the Knight, Peppa Pig and Elmo 
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre building station 
  • Amazing animals from the Toronto Zoo 
  • Souvenir "Wiggle-fied" videos from HP 
  • Nelvana Digital app play station 
  • Face-painting from Treehouse Kids Supplements 
  • FREE kids' haircuts and styling from Melonhead 
  • Play-Doh Play Centre 
  • My Little Pony/Equestria Girls Interactive Area 
  • …and many more! 
To add to the excitement, Sunwing.ca is hosting a special sweepstakes that runs until September 15, for a family of four to win a trip to the luxurious and family-friendly Royalton Punta Cana Resort and Casino in the Dominican Republic. Parents can visit http://www.sunwing.ca/bigdayout/ to enter the contest or stop by the Sunwing booth at the Treehouse Big Day Out festival to enter and learn more about other exciting giveaways and coupons.

All attending kids will also receive a 60-page festival program full of activities and colouring pages for even more BIG fun at home! Tickets for Treehouse Big Day Out may be purchased at Ticketmaster. Additional information about the event can be found at http://www.treehousetv.com/big-day-out.

We have exciting news too, one lucky Teddy Out Ready reader is going to win a 4-pack of tickets to the Sunday, September 14 morning event. For your chance, simply fill the Rafflecopter form below and Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Deluxe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael Costume Review #TMNT

With recent release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, kids easily find their heroes and want to be the ones, copy their styles and moves during role-plays and definitely are happy to dress up. Just to give our little one a chance to be one of his favorite characters from Ninja Turtles, we got him Mutant Ninja Turtles Deluxe Raphael Costume.

Turtle Ninja Costume Front Raphael Costume Front

This time we ordered for Teddy small size costume for kids ages from 3 to 4. His Ninja Turtle outfit features a jumpsuit with attached belt and a padded turtle chest. The belt needs to be tied on the back. The design on cuffs and bottom of jumpsuits matches, adding that the costume has shoe covers with elastic band and Velcro closure. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are truly superheroes and use their turtle art and battle skills to fight bad guys and help everyone in need. In their dangerous life they need to have protective gear like elbow pads and knee pads. Teddy’s Raphael costume besides protective pads also has turtle shell which needs to be filled with something to give it a 3D look.

Turtle Costume Raphael Costume Back

We stuffed it with a little pillow to achieve the desirable effect. The shell needs to be attached to the costume using two Velcro fasteners. And the final touch brings a plastic mask also with elastic band to fit the kid’s head. I am glad that Teddy has chosen to dress up as Raphael among other Ninja Turtles, as I consider Raphael the most responsible one while Teddy think he has the best martial arts skills. While we can state that Teddy has his costume for Halloween, he already started wearing it when watching TMNT shows and videos or attending entertainment parks. I can say that the costume fits Teddy perfectly, he is skinny but tall. All the accessories we have are really fun to wear. Only the mask Teddy tends to take off when play outside, because he cannot climb with it or take slides.

Even when we take off the mask all kids and adults still notices and comments about his Raphael Turtle Ninja costume. Who does not familiar with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? For more information about this costume and many other for kids and adults Click Here.

Turtle Ninja Costume Raphael Costume
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Saturday, August 23, 2014

Fresh Fruit Vinegars by Mangé #fruitvinegars


Fresh Fruit Vinegars by Mangé

When thinking about vinegars I would never have thought it could be so delicious and find wider usage along with salads and marinades. Recently I had an opportunity to try Mangé’s fruit vinegars – Mango and White Peach. They are made using fruits that has been picked at its peak, puréed and preserved in vinegar. The process allows the vinegar to capture the essence of each fruit’s natural flavor, creating a nice burst of fruitful flavor that can be added to any salad, appetizer, entrée, dessert or cocktail. Good to know that Mangé’s furuit vinegars are all natural and made without preservatives or synthetic dyes. Eleven flavors are now available on the market - Blackberry, Blood Orange, Cherry, Fig, Green Apple, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pear, Raspberry, Red Pepper and White Peach. Mangé web site has lots of recipes for using fruit vinegars in salads, BBQ, seafood dishes and cocktails. Check them out for inspiration, may be you come up with a new recipe.

Health Peach Bellini

We decided to try White Peach in Health Peach Bellini recipe adding some champagne. I think fruit vinegars bring lovely and tender taste same as you feel when you eat fresh fruits. It was quite unusual to have vinegar in our cocktails but I think it was quite an experience. White Peach vinegar is a fancy flavour which enriches Bellini with somewhat gentle and subtle.

 If you like fresh fruit taste you can add fruit vinegars to salads. We tried fruit vinegar in ours and liked that true fruit taste Mango flavour brought. As said the founder of Mangé Christopher Spivak - “Most people think that if you’ve tried one vinegar, you’ve tried them all – I certainly felt that way, that was until I traveled to France and experienced a real fresh fruit vinegar. At that moment, I knew there was an undeniable difference between fresh fruit vinegar and every other vinegar on the market.” And it is difficult not to agree with that.

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, August 19, 2014

Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg - Children's Book Review

Teddy loves reading and children’s books, especially when they are colorful and have interesting content. Our new book we had a chance to read is Terry Treetop and the lost Egg written by Tali Carmi. Intended for kids age 2- 6 it is a story about a boy Terry Treetop who is very good at climbing trees and overall, quite adventurous kid. Once he goes camping with his parents and finds a lost egg. Being a responsible child and with understanding that every egg needs to have home, Terry decides to bring it back to its mother.

 photo TerryTreetop_zpsa33ac2a6.jpg

While trying to find which animal lost its egg Terry meets lots of them on the island. Looking among turtle, chicken and other animals, if Terry finds the egg’s home and its mom who lost it? During his Island journey Terry also learns how animals care about their eggs, how they hatch and interact with parents. It was great read for Teddy as he watched how our little budgies appeared, hatched and became grown birds in a month period. This story only enhanced Teddy’s knowledge about nature, eggs and how little baby animals appear and grow. I also like how responsible and dedicated Terry Treetop in this story showing other kids that they have to take care of the animals. If they decide to help, they have to bring it to the final point and do not stop in the middle and give up their search.

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, August 16, 2014

Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto

Black Creek Pioneer Village

It is important for small children to understand that we can live without fridge, microwave and  computers. Our grand-grandparents didn’t have electricity and tap water and lived a simple life, but most importantly, they enjoy every moment of it.

Fortunately, we have a large heritage museum in Toronto - Black Creek Pioneer Village. The village is a recreation of life in 19th-century Ontario and gives an idea how rural Ontario have looked in the 19th century. The time and progress are moving so fast and make possible today something that 20 years ago you could not imagine even in the wildest dream. In Black Creek Pioneer Village we can go 200 years back in time and see the difference between then and now. We didn’t know what Teddy’s reaction would be, but knew for sure that it was going to be a lot of fun.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

With over 35 restored heritage buildings everyone can find something special to learn about or become a part of it. Teddy helped to make a flower on a huge water-powered grist mill. He learned that it is possible to make flour from wheat grains by hand – you just need work hard and grind the grains between two stones, a lower, stationary stone and an upper, a mobile hand-stone.

There are more than 10 different trade buildings. Weaver shop with a big hand-operated loom, blacksmith and gunsmith shops caught Teddy’s attention more than others.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Teddy didn’t want to stay long time at the dentist office where “doctor” explained how teeth were extracted two centuries ago and what tools were used for it. Even I flinched a little - the only anesthetic that time was alcohol. Teddy’s favorite was kid’s discovery building with a lot of activities and man-power grandchildren of different devices that we are using these days. A manual washing machine was very clever invention. Teddy still remembers natural components to dye fabric in different colors and wants to try it at home.

Black Creek Pioneer Village Black Creek Pioneer Village Black Creek Pioneer Village

At the end of the day we left Black Creek Pioneer Village with thoughts that life 200 years ago was as interested as it is today and in 200 yeas someone will explore our time and surprised how we could survive without space traveling and universal kitchen processor that can cook anything – you just load icook file, ingredients and voilà!

Black Creek Pioneer Village Black Creek Pioneer Village Black Creek Pioneer Village
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Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer Giveaway CAN/US

 photo Fun-House-Bouncer-Giveaway_zps18fc1af3.jpg

Summer is showing last warm signs but kids still full of excitement and adventurous mood. Bouncers bring favotite fun activities for children, even adults take courage to have some extra jumps with kids. Today we welcome you to Fun House Bouncer Sweepstakes sponsored by: LittleTikes.com and organized by: Mom to Bed by 8. Please take a moment to read Mom to Bed by 8's Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer review and see how a boring summer day can be changed in less than 5 minutes!


Kids can get their wiggles out with the ultra-fun Little Tikes State Fair Fun House Bouncer. This circus-themed set features lion, clown and dog silhouettes on the outside. A convenient exterior storage pocket offers a place to leave shoes. Three distinct areas, including a slide and ball toss area, provide plenty of room for play. High walls keep children within the unit as they jump, for reliable safety.
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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Improve Memory, Focus and Concentration with Excelerol #BestBrainPill

Before trying Excelerol I was pretty much skeptical about all the benefits it claims to bring to your brains and body. I considered it as another energy booster supplement. After taking it for few weeks I can tell you that it is one of the best brain products I ever tried. Being 100% vegetarian Excelerol capsules help to improve your memory, concentration and alertness. No matter if you work on a special project or need to concentrate on certain subjects, Excelerol is here to help. This non-precription supplement has citicoline and phosphatidylserine as its ingredients. Excelerol helps your brain work effectively and follow your intentions to focus on something important or need more attention.
Excelerol

I found Excelerol effective in two situations, first one when I need to concentrate on certain work projects which need all your attention and creativity and, second one when I need to take care of kids and seniors which require much focus and alertness, especially when we are driving a car, playing outside or travelling. The pills tastes like mint and do not irritate my stomach which is great for overall health. I also like it is not addictive and I can stop and start using it when I need it. Though the price of Excelerol is not very cheap, around CAD $150.00 I think that it is worth every penny. Plus it often comes on sale and the company offers bonus packs.

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, August 11, 2014

Our Adventures at African Lion Safari

Since 1969 African Lion Safari is one of the most interesting destination to visit, with educational and recreational programs and shows. It is an opportunity to get close and learn more about different exotic birds and animals. Last year we visited African Lion Safari and we had such an amazing day. After that during cold winter days we played African Lion Safari game using the safari map and imagine how we browse through Game Reserves and watch the shows.
Elephant Swim

This year we were more than excited to visit African Lion Safari again. Going in the middle of the week was a good choice, to skip the crowds at this popular Hamilton attraction. We started with Elephant Swim watching how elephants having fun in the refreshing water of Recreation Lake. There were elephants of different ages making water fountains and playing like little children. Hot days require having more water fun and entertaining the safari audience at the same time.

Game Reserves

Next, we took a Safari bus driving through the large Game Reserves (did not risk to drive in own vehicle). I like the guided tour the safari offers, plus the bus is very convenient with wide windows to see all the animals and take great pictures. The length of the bus tour is around 30 minutes. It was interesting to see lions relaxing on a hot day, herds of zebras and giraffes, cheetahs, baboons, white rhinos, ostriches and watusis. Animals freely moves around and sometimes decide to sit on visitors’ cars. When animals came near the bus it was truly amazing to see them very close, like zebra’s lovely stripes or giraffe’s spots, everything is so real and created by the nature.

Parrot Paradise

Exciting shows were on our agenda, and first one was Parrot Paradise with various colorful birds presenting their skills from catching a snake to sorting the rings. Since we went to celebrate birthday that day it was nice to hear how one parrot was singing “Happy Bithday”, “Oh Canada!” and imitated other funny phrases. Second show was Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration with hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and falcons. The birds introduced flying abilities; their big wings and strong catches help showing amazing things. The last show we had a chance to watch was Elephant Round-Up, it is Teddy’s favorite one. This performance is not only showing elephants strength and creativity, it is kindly funny and interactive. Elephants play with a ball, show artistic skills and very friendly. After each show everyone has a chance to get very close with participating animals and take photos, which is great, our little one was so excited to see birds and elephants that close.
Elephant Round-Up

For children loving water fun Misumu Bay Wet Play is a paradise splash pad. Teddy was so excited running, jumping, taking water slides and having fun. Little fountains invite to run through, huge tumble baskets pour on you, be ready to climb on top and then go down on one of the slides.
Misumu Bay Wet Play
After Misumu Bay Wet Play we headed to have lunch at Mombasa Market Restaurant with pizza, salads and dining. There are different places to eat at African Lion Safari and everyone can find something to their taste from funnel cakes to BBQ, burgers and chicken nuggets. Kid’s lunch box is very cute and practical too, can be used later to pack food for children.

Next two attractions waited for us that day, they are not long to take, around 15 min, but truly enjoyable: "African Queen" boat tour along around Water Safari Lake where we had a chance to see lemurs (Madagascar movie came to our minds right away), a stork and a pelican. And another one was “Nature Boy” Scenic Railway ride, which was really fun. Even though we did not see many animals during our journey, the train itself (a miniature replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam engine) deserves some attention. At the end of the busy safari day Teddy expressed some interest to play on Jungle Playground with slides, climbers and jungle cars. Kid’s energy never ends on a playground.

While summer is coming to the end, there is still time to visit African Lion Safari and have a wild day filled with real adventures.
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