Spring: Please Come Soon!

Spring: Please Come Soon!

It's been a long, cold, icy, winter here in Canada, so Spring: Please Come Soon!  Just 21 days until Spring (March 20th, 2014), and I'm counting the days until I can wear capris and cute little shoes!  

Reflecting back on this winter, I've worn a parka, snow pants, deep winter boots, a hat, scarf, and gloves each and every day.  These past few weeks, I've worn triple layers of gloves!  Needless to say, I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring on March 20th! 

Are you also waiting for the warmer weather to arrive?  Will you be happy to kiss the snow shovel goodbye until the next winter?

Kinder Surprise Egg 2013 & 2014 Toy Collections! Is YOUR Collection Complete?

Check Below for the 2014 Kinder Surprise Egg 2014 Classic Toy Collection!

As a #KinderMom (Brand Ambassador for Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs), I know how important the toys inside the eggs are to kids and collectors worldwide!  Previously I wrote about the Kinder Surprise Egg Marvel Heroes & Disney Princess 2013 Toy Collection, and I've had people from all around the world check on SnyMed.com to see if their collection is complete!

So, in a similar vein, here are the late 2013 and 2014 Kinder Surprise Egg toy collections (up until February 2014)!  Check below to see which Kinder toys you have, and which Kinder toys you need to complete your collection!  

2014 Kinder Surprise Egg Classic Toy Collection

The 2014 Kinder Surprise Egg Classic Toy Collection includes African Animals (ie: Cheetah), New Aniballoons, Buggy, Decorations (like "Spirograph"), Fancy Pinball, Flying Jelly, Puzzle, Formula Speedy Racecar, Optical Effect (ie: 3D Glasses), Merry Twister 3D, Monster Jam 4x4 car, Quad car, Stencils, Shuttle C, Ninja Twister, and Dragster Volcano.

2014 Kinder Surprise Egg Pink Classic Toy Collection

The 2014 Kinder Surprise Egg Pink Classic Toy Collection includes African Animals (ie: Cheetah), "My Doll", Decorations (like "Spirograph"), Flower Rings, Jumping Rabbits, Puzzle, Flocked Puppies, Story Jewel Bracelet, Magic Mirror, Stencils & Fortune Pets.

2013 Kinder Surprise Egg Disney Monsters University Toy Collection

The 2013 Kinder Surprise Egg Monsters University Toy Collection included Sulley, Art, Mike, Don and Squishy.

2013 Kinder Surprise Egg Holiday Toy Collection

The 2013 Kinder Surprise Egg Holiday Toy Collection included a Christmas Tree, Husky Dog on Sled, Kinderino (Kinder Egg Mascot) and Ornaments, Kinderino with Gifts, Penguin on Snowflake, Reindeer with Wrapped Kinder Egg Present, Santa Claus with a Christmas Tree Snowglobe, and a Squirrel with Acorns.

Do you collect Kinder Surprise Egg toys?  If yes, how many years have you been collecting, which country are you from, and what toys do you need to complete your collection?  Do you enjoy eating chocolate Kinder Surprise Eggs?

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation on DVD March 4th & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (East Meets West) on DVD March 4th!

♫Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!♫ If the TMNT theme song has just pumped you up, maybe it's time to add Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (East Meets West) to your DVD collection! It comes to stores on March 4th, 2014, and contains the first 7 episodes of the hit live-action series!

DVD Synopsis:

"Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are four genetically mutated turtles who have grown into human-sized, ninja-powered crime-fighters living in the sewers of New York City. Under the tutelage of Master Splinter, these teens have spent years fighting their nemesis, Shredder, and his evil army. But the turtles’ world is about to change when the newest TMNT foe: Dragon Lord, arrives on scene! Luckily for them, help is on the way with the arrival of a new female ninja turtle, Venus De Milo!"

Check out the VIDEO below to get a feel for Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation!

Episode Guide:

East Meets West, Part 1

East Meets West, Part 2

East Meets West, Part 3

East Meets West, Part 4

East Meets West, Part 5

The Staff Of Bu-ki

Silver And Gold

CONTEST (~OVER~)

WINNERS: Janice D & Andrea A

WIN 1 of 2 Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (East Meets West) DVDs from SnyMed.com!  Contest open to Canada & USA, and ends on Monday April 14th, 2014.

How to Enter
Leave a COMMENT below stating if you've ever heard of the Ninja Turtles OR who you'd like to WIN this prize for.  Then, use the entry form below to enter.  GOOD LUCK!

Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee on DVD Feb 25 & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee On DVD Feb 25!

I've talked before about how my middle child used to be obsessed with Bumblebee from Transformers!  He had Bumblebee clothing, toys, and even a Bumblebee birthday party when he turned 3-years old!  I remember how I used to scramble to find my son Bumblebee t-shirts, pajamas and swimsuits so he could surround himself with his favourite character!

On February 25th, Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee comes to DVD!  Bumblebee is a robot that can transform, or change into a yellow mustang car!  He is an "Autobot", a good guy, who works to help humans and to fight against "Decepticons"--robot bad guys.

"Bumblebee is a dedicated warrior and a scout who serves as part of the elite squad lead by Optimus Prime. Though he may be one of the smallest and youngest of the Transformers, don’t let that fool you. Time and time again, this Autobot proves that he has the bravery to fight for what is right and the tenacity to throw himself into action to battle against his opponents no matter where they appear."  This DVD features a collection of four of Bumblebee's best adventures!

See a VIDEO clip from Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee DVD below!  If you love what you see, Ultimate Bumblebee can be purchased in Wal-Mart stores starting February 25th, 2014!

Episode Guide:

1. Masters and Students
2. Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
3. Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
4. Deadlock

Is your child or grandchild also crazy about Bumblebee?  Then click on the images, below, to download and print out Bumblebee colouring sheets!

Click Bumblebee Image to Download & Print Out Coloring Sheets!

Click Bumblebee Image to Download & Print Out Coloring Sheets!

CONTEST (~OVER~)

WINNERS: Kathy D & Michelle H

WIN 1 of 2 Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee DVDs from SnyMed.com!  Contest open to Canada & the US, and ends on Monday, April 14th, 2014.

How to Enter:

Leave a COMMENT below if your child or grandchild likes Transformers, robots, or vehicles OR state who you'd love to WIN this DVD for.  Then, use the entry form below to enter the contest.  GOOD LUCK!

Power Rangers Super Megaforce Now In Its 21st Season!

The Latest Power Rangers Swag

If you visit my blog regularly, you'll know that I regularly feature the Power Rangers.  From a giveaway for a Power Rangers Zeo DVD, to my impressions of the Power Rangers Monopoly game, to Power Rangers Halloween costumes.  I've also reviewed a Power Rangers scooter, talked about Saban Brands who owns Power Rangers, and I've had contests giving away a Power Rangers costume and an autographed Power Rangers poster.  Oh, and the entire family dressed up as Power Rangers for Halloween one year--and made a cool Power Rangers Halloween VIDEO!

Saban’s Power Rangers Super Megaforce--the 21st season of the iconic Power Rangers series--premiered this past February 15th, on Nickelodeon!  The Power Rangers franchise remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys' live-action series on television.  The show will air regularly on Saturdays at 12:00pm ET/PT; encores are Saturdays from 8:00-9:00pm ET (starting February 22nd) on Nicktoons.

"At the very end of the last season, the Power Rangers defeated the Warstar villains. Now, in Power Rangers Super Megaforce, Prince Vekar arrives with his massive alien Armada to conquer the earth. With the help of their supernatural guardian, Gosei, the Power Rangers are given special morphers and keys that allow them to morph into Super Megaforce Rangers! Using these keys, they also have the amazing new ability to morph into any team of Legendary Rangers from the past, gaining access to their incredible powers, weapons, Zords and Megazords."

Power Rangers Deluxe Legendary Morpher

Check out the Power Rangers Deluxe Legendary Morpher, that my kids were glad to receive from our friends at Saban Brands in honour of the launch of Power Rangers Super Megaforce!  Just insert keys to activate light and sounds, and the device recognizes Rangers from 20 different Power Rangers seasons.  There are also 60 keys available, and combinations unlock additional phrases.  The Power Rangers Deluxe Legendary Morpher includes 2 Ranger keys.  Ages 4+.  Retails for $34.99 at Toys R Us and Target.

As a Saban Brandbassador, the kids also received some fun Power Rangers Megaforce Valentine's Day cards, a Power Rangers Air Walkers balloon (which my middle child will have inflated for his upcoming birthday party), and some stickers and tattoos!

Follow Power Rangers on Social Media!

Power Rangers on Facebook

Power Rangers on Twitter

Power Rangers on YouTube

Power Rangers on Instagram

Power Rangers Website

Does your child or grandchild have a favourite superhero?  Have they ever watch a Power Rangers show before?

Kellogg's Latest Breakfast & Snack Line-Up & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

Kellogg's Special K Chocolatey Red Berries

I previously wrote about how I lost 70 lbs in just 1 year, and I can attest that anyone can do it--you just have to be motivated and consistent.  Some of my earlier stumbling blocks were overeating, eating the wrong foods, not portioning out my food correctly, and being inactive.  Did I know how to eat properly and nutritiously?  Yes.  But did I not want to "give up" my lifestyle of eating whatever--and whenever--I chose to eat.  Not at all.  

I had to make a conscious decision to improve my diet and physical activity--for the betterment of myself, and my family's health.  Do I regret my decision to eat better and get regular exercise?  Not for one moment.

Kellogg's Special K Chocolatey Red Berries Cereal
Kellogg's Canada has come out with the new product line, with many products that can help you eat moderately and control your portion.  One such product is Kellogg's Special K: Chocolatey Red Berries cereal.  To me, this is identical to their Special K: Red Berries cereal, with just a few small pieces of chocolate added.  The cereal also smells like heavenly chocolate--and you get a head rush just from opening the box!  My kids and I love this tasty cereal, and it goes very light on the chocolate (I found 3 small pieces of chocolate in my portion).

One 3/4 cup (28g) of Chocolatey Red Berries cereal with 1/2 cup of skim milk is only 150 calories!  Yes, eat berries and chocolate for breakfast and still stay on track with healthy eating!  Of course, it goes without saying that eating 2 bowls of the cereal will run you 300 calories, so moderation is key.      

Kellogg's Special K Cracker Chips

For only 80 calories, you can snack on 18 Special K Cracker Chips and feel like you;ve eaten potato chips!  I like the salt and vinegar variety, and I actually count out 18 Cracker Chips so I can be sure that I've eaten the correct portion.  These are addictive, so do portion yourself out and you will be able to treat yourself on subsequent days!

Special K Pastry Crisps

If portion control is key, try Special K Pastry Crisps in Cookies & Creme or Chocolatey Caramel flavours!  These tasty snacks are individually wrapped and contain 2 crisps, which total 100 calories.  This is the perfect way to treat yourself, but know when to say "when"!

WIN the Latest Kellogg's Products Shown in this Photo!
Flavours may be different than shown.

CONTEST! (~OVER~)

WINNER: Angela M.

WIN the Kellogg's products that are shown in the photo above: Special K Chocolatey Red Berries cereal, Kellogg's Special K Cracker Chips, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Fruit Crunch Bars (2 boxes), Special K Pastry Crisps (2 boxes), Special K Protein Morning Shakes (4 Bottles)!  Contest open to Canada and ends Friday April 11th, 2014.

How to Enter:

Leave a COMMENT below stating which new Kellogg's product you'd love to try the most OR which one you've already tried.  Then, use the entry form below to enter the contest.  GOOD LUCK!

Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground on DVD March 4th & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground on DVD March 4th!

If you have a 6- to 10-year old boy (or girl who loves weapons, action and fighting), do check out Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground, coming to DVD on March 4th!  Slugterra is an animated science-fiction comedy/adventure set deep underground, with cool little slugs that can be collected, trained and dueled.  If your child is big on the Pokemon series, movies or creatures, then Slugterra should also hold his or her interest.  The Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground DVD contains 5 episodes and bonus features.

Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground DVD Synopsis:

In this Slugterra collection, join hero Eli Shane, his gang of "slugslingers", and his best slug pal Burpy on their epic adventures. Together they foil a mad scientist, go head-to-head with an Ice Ogre, and locate a fabled treasure.   Join in the fun as Eli and the rest of Shane Gang get ready to "slug" it out!

Watch a sneak peek of Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground, in the VIDEO below!

Episode Guide:

1. Snowdance
2. Inheritance
3. A Distant Shore
4. The Journey Home
5. Roboslugs

Bonus Features:

Drawing Your Own Slugs!

Slugisodes

CONTEST (~OVER~)

WINNERS: Florence C & Anthony B

WIN 1 of 2 copies of Slugterra: Heroes of the Underground on DVD!  Contest open to Canada and the US, and ends on Thursday April 10th, 2014.

How to Enter:
Leave a COMMENT below stating if your child or grandchild likes cartoons or animated shows OR let me know who you'd like to win this DVD for.  Then, use the entry form below to enter.  GOOD LUCK!

Easy Bulls Eyes Recipe - Quick Breakfast Ideas!

Make Bull's Eyes in About 3 Minutes!

As a mom who is always short of time in the mornings, I like to find quick and satisfying breakfasts that I can serve to the kids in a pinch.  In the wintertime, if I am able to serve the kids a hot breakfast a few times per week, I feel that I'm really starting their day off right.  As timescales go, toast is fast, hot cereal somewhere in the middle, and pancakes even longer.  However, Bulls Eyes (toast with eggs cooked into the middle) is faster than hot cereal, but a bit longer than toast.  

I have fond memories of my dad making my brother and I Bulls Eyes for breakfast; we loved it!  Here's my 3 minute recipe for Bulls Eyes, below!  

Cut a Hole Just Larger Than 1" x 1" in the Bread for Bulls Eyes!

Jenna's Easy Bull's Eyes Recipe!

Takes about 3 minutes.  Yields 2 portions.

Ingredients
2 pieces of bread (I used Dempster's Zero bread)

2 eggs

1 pat of butter

Optional: salt, pepper or spices
Optional: seasonal fruit

1.Add butter to frying pan on medium heat until melted and pan evenly coated.

2.In the center of bread slices, take a butter knife and cut out a square hole just a bit larger than 1" x 1".  Keep cut out pieces.

3.Add both slices of bread side by side--including cut out square pieces--into frying pan.  Cut out pieces should not be placed back inside the bread.

How to Make Bull's Eyes Recipe!

4.Crack one egg at a time, carefully pouring the egg's contents into the cut out square in the bread.  Add one egg per slice of bread.

5.Cook eggs for about 90 seconds, or until egg whites begin turning white, then flip and cook other side.  Cook for an additional 30-60 seconds, depending if you would like the egg yolk runny (30 seconds) or firm (60 seconds).

6.Optional: salt, pepper and spices to taste.  (I used basil in the photo, above.)  For added nutrition, serve seasonal fruit. 

How to Make Bull's Eyes in Only 3 Minutes!

Are you interested in cutting down on the amount of sugar and fat in your diet from bread?  Then do give Dempster's Zero bread a try, which is the same bread I featured in this recipe.  It has no added sugar, no added fat and is a 100% whole wheat bread.  Use Dempster's Zero bread in sandwiches or as part of your favourite recipes--it only contains 0g of sugars, and 1g of fat!

Have you seen Dempster's Zero romantic YouTube video?  It's actually pretty hysterical!  See the VIDEO here, and you can even "star" on the cover of your own romance novel and share it with your circle!

Look for Dempster's Zero Bread in the Bakery Department!

Nutritional Information Dempster's Zero Bread

Follow Dempster's on Social Media!

Dempster's on Facebook

Dempster's on Twitter

Have you recently had Bull's Eyes for breakfast?  How do you usually take your bread or toast (ie: butter, honey, peanut butter, jam, jelly, etc)?

Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match Comes to DVD April 8 & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match On DVD April 8th!

I wrote about the Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinx DVD late last year, and it brought me back to my childhood when Pound Puppies stuffed animals could be "adopted" from the toy store.  I fondly remember my little cousin carrying around her Pound Puppy with its sad-looking and drooping ears.  There was a nice corduroy feel to the toy, and it had a nice weight to it, almost like a "real" puppy.  For fans old or new, Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match is coming to DVD on April 8th, 2014!

Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match DVD Synopsis

Lucky, Cookie, Niblet, Strudel and Squirt continue on their mission to find the perfect person for every puppy!  In A Perfect Match, the Pound Puppies come to the rescue when an “un-matchable puppy” finally finds his match, and then loses him!  Also, they assist a bashful pup on a Scouts camping trip, help a furless pup boost his self-esteem, and investigate why a paper girl’s deliveries are always late!  

The DVD features 5 tail-wagging adventures, and is the winner of the 2012 Humanitas Prize in Children’s Animation.  The Pound Puppies television series currently airs on The Hub in the U.S. and YTV in Canada. 

Episode Guide:

The Yipper Caper 

Working K-9 to 5 

Hello Kitten 

Beauty is Only Fur Deep

CONTEST (~OVER~)

WINNERS: Jeannie L & Amy L

WIN 1 of 2 Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match DVDs from SnyMed.com!  Contest open to Canada & the USA, and ends Tuesday April 8th, 2014.

How to Enter

Leave a COMMENT below describing a pet in your life that you love (or have loved) very much OR state if you've ever heard of Pound Puppies.  Yes, I read each and every one of your comments with thanks!  Then, use the entry form below to enter.  GOOD LUCK!

Disney's The Jungle Book Is Now on Bluray/DVD - Go Ape!

The Jungle Book is Now on Blu-Ray DVD!

Did you hear that Disney's 1967 classic The Jungle Book is now available on Blu-Ray/DVD Diamond Edition?  Sing along and enjoy the tale inspired by Rudyard Kipling's book of the same name!  See Mowgli the boy adopted by animals, fun-loving Baloo the bear, Bagheera the learned old panther, King Louie the wild orangutan, scheming Shere Khan the Bengal tiger, and crafty Kaa the python!

Original The Jungle Book Concept Art

The Jungle Book Movie Synopsis:

Baby Mowgli is found in the Indian jungles by Bagheera, a black panther.  She quickly takes him to a mother wolf, who raises him along with her newborn cubs for the first 10 years of his life.  

But the tranquility is shattered when the wolf tribe learns that Shere Khan, a man-eating tiger has returned to the jungle.  It is then that Mowgli must be taken to the human village for his own safety and protection.  Bagheera the panther promises to escort him back--although Mowgli wants to live in the jungle forever.

On their travels back to the village, what ensues is Mowgli getting hypnotized by Kaa the python and almost eaten!  Luckily, Bagheera sees what has happened and saves Mowgli's life.  Mowgli then attempts to join an elephant patrol led by Colonel Hathi and his wife Winifred.  Mowgli is left on his own, and meets happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear--who promises to raise Mowgli as his son, and not to take him back to the human village.     

But Baloo is outwitted by a renegade of monkeys, and Mowgli is kidnapped!  The monkeys take Mowgli to their orangutan leader, King Louie.  Mowgli is again promised he can stay in the jungle if he tells King Louie how to make fire.  Bagheera the panther reappears and explains to Mowgli that as long as Shere Khan roams free, he will never be safe in the jungle.  Baloo concurs, but Mowgli runs away because of his broken promise to raise him in the jungle.

Baloo the Bear & King Louie Go "Ape"

A search patrol is quickly put together by Bagheera to find Mowgli, as Baloo searches on foot.  Colonel Hathi the elephant and his herd help out, but Shere Khan the tiger has overheard Bagheera and Hathi's conversation!  Shere Khan now makes it his mission to hunt and eat Mowgli!  So the plot thickens!

Shere Khan the Man-Eating Tiger Hunts Mowgli the Boy

Once again Mowgli encounters Kaa the python, who hypnotizes Mowgli again with the intention of eating him.  Shere Khan unknowingly intervenes in Kaa's business, and Mowgli once again escapes from Kaa--and also Shere Khan.  

Next, Mowgli meets a group of friendly vultures who agree to be his friends.  However, Shere Khan appears and scares off the vultures--and goes head-to-head with poor Mowgli.  Luckily, Baloo the bear races to Mowgli's rescue--but the bear is hurt.  The vultures stir things up by swooping down on Share Khan and causing a distraction.  Mowgli thinks fast and ties flaming branches (caused by a lightning storm) to Shere Khan's tail.  Shere Khan runs off in terror, as fire is his only fear.

Baloo the Bear, Mowgli the Boy, and Bagheera the Panther 

Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther take Mowgli to the outskirts of the human village, although Mowgli still does not want to go.  However, Mowgli quickly changes his mind when he sees a beautiful young village girl doing errands by the river.  The girl notices Mowgli and likes him too, so Mowgli happily follows her into the human village.  Once Mowgli has chosen to remain in the human village, Bagheera and Baloo head back to the jungle, feeling happy that Mowgli is now safe among the humans.

The Jungle Book Merchandise at The Disney Store!

Disney's The Jungle Book is now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and available in stores everywhere!  It is a great family film about friendship and the ties that make us a family, and features wonderful music that the kids will go "ape" over!  If you are a die-hard fan of The Jungle Book, I even spied some great licenced merchandise from The Disney Store like stuffed animals, pajamas, shirts, water bottles and small collectible toys!

Watch a movie clip of The Jungle Book, below!  Song is "The Bear Necessities".  (VIDEO)

Have you ever seen Disney's The Jungle Book?  Do you think that your kids or grandkids would love to watch this classic Disney movie with you?

La Roche-Posay Lipikar for Eczema in Babies, Kids & Adults & CONTEST!

My Son's Winter Eczema

As a Canadian, I'm used to the winter and have learned to tolerate the snow.  It's just the cold, dry weather that has me counting the days until spring--and wishing that I could wear my pink flip flops instead of winter boots.  This year has been no exception with frigid temperatures, an ice storm, and half of worldwide groundhogs predicting a late spring.  I'm proudly Canadian, but this weather is especially taking a toll on my family's skin.   

This winter I've noticed that my 4-year old son has had consistent winter eczema on his hands and face. I try to eliminate it by using regular hand lotion, but it never seems to go away and always pops up elsewhere. I've also noticed that my daughter has red, raw hands, even though she wears a wool glove layer underneath her mittens. Luckily the eczema never gets much worse than you see in the above photo, and the kids do not complain of pain thankfully--but it is itchy.  

To my best knowledge, eczema does not run in the either my or husband's family--and yet two of the five kids have winter eczema.

La Roche-Posay Lipid-Replenishing Balm
For Babies, Children & Adults

With one month left to go in winter, I have just tried La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP: Lipid-Replenishing Body Balm on the kids.  The body reads "Anti-Irritation, Anti-Scratching" formula, with a quickly absorbed texture.  The lotion is "fragrance-free and paraben-free, and formulated for extreme dryness and atopy-prone skin".  It can be used by babies, children and adults and comes in a pump, so very easy to apply.

 La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP
Treating Winter Eczema

I will be trying out La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP for the remainder of the winter, to try to combat the kids' eczema.  It would be fantastic to bid farewell to their seasonal red, raw and itchy skin--and would bring tremendous relief to the kids.

100 Families Program

Have you heard of La Roche-Posay's "100 Families Program", which launched in 2011?  The program helps 100 families each year across Canada who are affected by eczema.  These 100 families are given access to additional resources and products from La Roche-Posay's famed Lipikar line, which "has long been recognized as an essential step in the treatment of eczema".  Get more information about the 100 Families Program HERE.

CONTEST (CANADA)

Kids 12 years and under (who are living with eczema) can enter to WIN 1 of 5 skin care prize packs (grand prize also consists of a $100 gift card to an arts and craft store)!  Just download/print contest form, have your child draw a picture of their "itch-free day" on the contet (between the dotted lines please), and upload your child’s drawing before March 2nd, 2014.  See Rules & Regulations here.  GOOD LUCK!

Enter La Roche-Posay's Itch-Free Day Drawing Contest HERE!

Follow La Roche-Posay on Social Media!
La Roche-Posay on Facebook
La Roche-Posay on Twitter

Do you, your kids or grandkids suffer from eczema or another skin condition?  Have you found an effective way to treat the problem?

Try iögo Zip In Your Child's Lunch Bag & CONTEST!

Which  iögo Zip Flavour Would YOU Choose?

Last month my family was invited to a fun, art-inspired workshop hosted by iögo Zip in Toronto!  It was a great opportunity for my kids to learn how to draw their own comics from published, Canadian comic artist Jo Rioux!  In addition, we parents were taught new ideas for packing brain-fuelling lunches from iögo dietitian, Jonathan Fontaine.

iögo was also promoting their iögo Zip "Go Bubble Crazy" contest, which I will discuss a bit more below!

Jo Rioux Shows How to Create Cartoons;
My Son Draws a Comic Strip

Jo Rioux began the session by showing the kids how she creates her own cartoons, including images and text to accompany the comic strip.  Jo's cartoons appear on the iögo Zip yogurt tubes, so the kids were very impressed to meet a famous cartoonist!  Next, Jo encouraged the kids to draw their very own comic strips.  My kids took great care drawing their own cartoons and colouring them.  iögo was very generous to provide all children in attendance with their very own loaded art supplies box.

Dietitian Jonathan Fontaine Shakes Up Lunch
with Brain-Food Dense Options!

As the kids were busy with their cartoons, I listened intently to iögo's dietitian Jonathan Fontaine as he discussed easy, brain-food-dense meals for kid's lunches that can stimulate creativity and learning throughout the day.  Some of Jonathan's creations included a homemade soup with noodles (that can be added to the soup at school), tuna fish with rye bread sticks, and a mini egg "muffin" omelette which can be loaded with tons of veggies in a muffin tin!  Each and every one of Jonathan's meal suggestions included fruit, veggies and iögo Zip yogurt tubes.

I was so impressed by Jonathan's lunch ideas, that I went home and tried to replicate his mini egg muffin omelettes made in muffin tins, shown above.  You can use your child's favourite veggies in this recipe.  Bake these the night before and you'll have an easy lunch the next day--just add fruit and/or additional veggies as a snack and an iögo Zip yogurt tube to the lunch bag!

Mini Egg "Muffin" Omelettes for School Lunches!

Mini Egg "Muffin" Omelettes for School! 

Yields 12 mini egg "muffin" omelettes (Serve 2 in your child's lunch)

Bake time: 15-20 minutes.

Preheat oven: 350° F

Ingredients

1 dozen eggs

1 zucchini, grated (or your child's favourite veggies)

12 x 1" cubes of cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1.Crack all eggs in large mixing bowl, and pour in milk.  Beat together.

2.Add grated zucchini (or your favourite veggies) to egg/milk mixture and mix together.

3.Pour into muffin tins and drop 1 piece of cheddar cheese into each muffin compartment.

4.Bake at 350° F for 15-20 minutes, checking until "muffins" are firm.

iögo Zip is Delicious!
It also contains calcium and vitamins D & B12

iögo Zip Nutrition Facts

My kids have enjoyed iögo drinkable yogurt for over a year, so they were delighted to try iögo Zip drinkable yogurt tubes.  iögo Zip come in flavours like strawberry, pineapple-cherry and raspberry, strawberry-banana and blueberry, and strawberry-melon (limited edition). My kids really enjoyed iögo Zip as a snack, and--all moderation aside--did make more than one trip back to the iögo Zip table for more samples!  They also enjoyed seeing Jo Rioux's very own comic strips on the individual tubes of iögo Zip, which were fun to read and share.

Aside from being a portable dairy product, iögo Zip does not contain gelatin, preservatives, or any artificial colours or flavours. Along with calcium and vitamins (D and B12), iögo Zip contains one-third of the recommended daily serving of milk and alternatives from the Canadian food Guide.  And of special interest, its recipe has been carefully crafted so that it tastes great both cold and frozen.  Yes, freeze iögo Zip and your child will think you have sent a frozen yogurt treat in his or her lunch bag! 

What's in the iögo Zip Swag Bag?

The kids were excited to take home their own iögo Zip goody bags, including packages of the yogurt tubes and an awesome iögo healthy recipe cookbook!  Woot!  Needless to say, I knew what I'd be putting in the kid's lunches as a snack that week--iögo Zip!

Enter the  iögo Zip Contest to WIN Digital Tablets &/or Gift Cards!

CONTEST (CANADA)

But before we left the fantastic iögo Zip workshop, the kids wanted to enter the fun iögo Zip "Go Bubble Crazy" contest!  Prizes include digital tablets valued at $750 and/or gift cards valued at $250!  My oldest son so badly wanted to win his own tablet!  

To enter, kids 15 years old and younger simply create a comic strip from an existing picture and caption bank.  Help your child fill out his or her contact information and submit the entry.  To complete the process, click the e-mail that asks for your consent for your child to enter the contest.  Contest runs until Friday February 28th, 2014 at 23:59:59 EST.  GOOD LUCK!  See contest Rules & Regulations here.

Enter The iögo Zip Contest HERE! 

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iögo Contest

Have you or your child ever tried iögo Zip or any of iögo's other dairy products?  How does your child most enjoy eating his or her yogurt?

Barbie The Pearl Princess Advance Movie Screening! On Bluray/DVD March 11 & CONTEST (~OVER~)!

Barbie: The Pearl Princess Comes to Bluray/DVD on March 11th!

If you have a big Barbie fan in your household, there's excellent news: Barbie: The Pearl Princess is coming to Bluray/DVD combo pack on March 11th!  (Insert hysterical scream from my daughter!)  My daughter is the proud owner of the Barbie Dreamhouse from Mattel, attended the advance screening of Barbie & the Pink Shoes last February, and she and I harmonize with one another to all the music from Barbie and the Diamond Castle movie.  So yes, Barbie is epic in my household.

Barbie Advance Screening Movie Tickets!

If you have a little princess who loves Barbie and you live in or near Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Hamilton, Halifax, Langley, Calgary or Edmonton, then here is your chance to receive up to 4 FREE advance movie screening tickets to see Barbie: The Pearl Princess on Saturday March 8th, 2014!

You're Invited to Barbie: The Pearl Princess Advance Screening!

To receive movie tickets for Barbie: The Pearl Princess premiere screening, just sign up for a Barbie My Dreams account HERE!  To receive your advance screening movie passes: build your own The Pearl Princess DreamBoard by posting items to the board. Once you post an item on your DreamBoard you will be eligible to receive FREE tickets (while quantities last) on Saturday March 8th at select theatre locations across Canada!!!  (Insert another hysterical scream from my daughter!)

Toronto Screening Only: Audience members who attend are encouraged to dress up in their fave pink outfit, pearls or Barbie style and share it across social media using the #PrincessLumina hashtag to be entered to win a Pearl Princess prize pack on-site!  (My daughter is so there, and right now planning how to pull off all 3 looks together!) 

 Barbie (Lumina) & Kuda the Seahorse

PRIZES! To bring the celebration to life, Mattel is giving away an exclusive Barbie The Pearl Princess prize pack complete with the new dolls, pearls and hair accessories – everything you need to create gorgeous mermaid hairstyles! (Insert even another hysterical scream from my daughter, and the ensuing begging for Barbie toys and swag that follows!) 

To stay up-to-date on Barbie ocean adventures use the #PrincessLumina hashtag on Facebook and Twitter!

Barbie The Pearl Princess Movie Synopsis:

"In Barbie The Pearl Princess, Barbie stars as Lumina, a mermaid whose biggest dream is of being a princess. Lumina has magical powers that change the colour of pearls and make them dance and glow! Bubbly and creative Lumina finds herself working in a mermaid salon customizing fabulous hairstyles for fellow mer-people. Lumina and her best friend Kuda, a pink seahorse, embark on an adventure to a majestic mer-kingdom. There, she uses her powers to help her friends prepare for the Royal Ball. Lumina then discovers that her magical pearls are the key to unlocking her true destiny and ultimately saving the kingdom." 

Check Out these Awesome Mermaids from Barbie: The Pearl Princess!

Dolls & Accessories!

Girls can re-create their favourite scenes from the underwater Barbie adventure with their own tiaras, hair bands and pearl necklaces to create their own pearl power. 

Barbie Stars As Lumina In Barbie: The Pearl Princess Movie!

Barbie Lumina Doll - From the all new Barbie The Pearl Princess movie, Barbie stars as Lumina, a beautiful mermaid princess with a magical power over pearls. On an exciting journey to the Mermaid Kingdom, she experiences a dramatic transformation into a true princess when she attends the royal ball under the sea. Girls can recreate that thrilling moment with this doll, who changes her look with the press of a button. Her gorgeous pearl necklace hides the mechanism - push and her outfit transforms from mermaid to mermaid princess. Plus, her hair changes color in water, with pink streaks appearing and disappearing!  Retails $26.99. 

Barbie Lumina Doll Quickly Changes Outfits
Her Hair Turns Pink in Water!

Barbie  Tiara, Pearls & Hairbrush - Girls can play out scenes from the latest underwater Barbie adventure with their own tiaras, hair brush and pearl necklaces to create their own pearl power!  Retails $20.00.

Barbie: The Pearl Princess Accessories:
Tiara, Pearls & Hairbrush!

CONTEST (~OVER~)

WINNER: Laurie B.

WIN a Barbie prize pack from SnyMed.com consisting of a new Barbie The Pearl Princess Doll and a Barbie Accessory Pack (Tiara, Pearls and Hairbrush)!  Prize pack may be different than shown or described.  Contest open to Canada & ends on Thursday March 13th, 2013.

How to Enter:
Leave a COMMENT below stating if your daughter or your granddaughter loves Barbie, OR if she would love to see the new Barbie: The Pearl Princess movie.  Then, use the entry form below to enter the contest.  Why comment?  If your entry has been done incorrectly, commenting allows me to give you the benefit of the doubt.  GOOD LUCK!

What We Learned at Uncle Ben's Cook and Learn Event & CONTEST!

The Kids in an Uncle Ben's Video with Amanda Riva

This past weekend my family attended "Ben's Beginners" Cook and Learn event in Toronto, hosted by Uncle Ben's Canada.  The kids had the opportunity to help cook two recipes that used Uncle Ben's rice, created by professional chef Amanda Riva of The Hot Plate.    

Snacking Heart Healthy

When the kids arrived at the Ben's Beginners Cook and Learn event, they first enjoyed healthy snacks of veggies in pots of hummus or ranch dressing.  What a great idea to serve kid's hors d'oeuvres in individual jars with the dip placed inside!  It's easy to recreate this snack by using baby food jars: just fill the bottom of the jars with hummus or another healthy dip, and thinly slice veggies like cucumbers, celery, carrots, peppers, zucchini, broccoli or cauliflower--and stand the veggies up in dip.

Chefs Hats & Aprons for the Kids

Dressed for the Kitchen & Ready to Cook!

Next, the kids got suited up right away in chef's hats and aprons, and were pretty excited to get started cooking with Amanda Riva in the kitchen!  Needless to say, there was more than sufficient enthusiasm in the room among the children!

My Kids Love to Help Out in the Kitchen

Each of my children had a chance to help out Amanda in the kitchen, and learn how to prepare one of her fantastic recipes.  Seeing fresh, nutritious food being prepared by a professional chef, reinforced my own teachings to my kids about the importance of healthy eating. 

Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia Recipe!

The first dish that the kids created with Amanda's help and supervision, was Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia fish on a bed of Uncle Ben's rice!  My kids took turns grating the block of parmesan cheese, and my mouth was watering as I watched them create this healthful and delicious dish!

Hoisin Beef With Vegetables Recipe

The second recipe that the kid's created, was Amanda's Hoisin Beef With Vegetables recipe on a bed of Uncle Ben's rice.  I liked that Amanda's recipe prominently featured snap peas, carrots and red peppers, again emphasizing the importance of vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet.  (See beneath for the finished recipe.)  

Amanda and My Kids With The Completed Recipes

When the fish and beef dishes were finished, the kids were impatient to sink their teeth into their own creations.  Okay, I admit that my husband and I were also pacing the room waiting to sample this fine cuisine!  The aroma in the room was sweet candy to our noses!

Bon Appetit - Now We Eat!

Amanda's Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia and Hoisin Beef With Vegetables on Uncle Ben's rice was incredible!  I was very pleased with the amount of nutrition and flavour that was in the meal, and my kids ate their dinner with gusto!  Needless to say, we "licked our platters clean"! 

There's Never Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen!

I'm really lacking quick fish dishes, so I'd definitely cook Amanda's Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia on Uncle Ben's rice again in the future.  Frankly, the dish was so simple to replicate and I'm crazy for parmesan cheese paired with parsley, oregano, and paprika!  My kids were also great helps to Amanda, and I know that they would be able to help me with this recipe at home too.

Once Amanda's recipe is published on Uncle Ben's website, I'll be sure to link to it here.

CONTEST (CANADA)

Enter Uncle Ben's Canada "Ben's Beginners" Facebook contest!  You could win 1 of 3 grand prizes of $20,000 ($15,000 cheque for a family vacation, and $5000 to your child's school for healthy initiatives)!  Secondary prize is a trip to Toronto for 4 (2 adults, 2 children) to a "Celebrity Chef Experience" with Corbin Tomaszeski. Simply prepare 1 of 36 of the featured recipes using Uncle Ben's rice, snap a photo (including the Uncle Ben's product that was used), and provide a photo description.  GOOD LUCK!

ENTER Uncle Ben's Canada Contest HERE

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Uncle Ben's Canada on Facebook
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Which recipe would you like to try the most, Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia or Hoisin Beef with Vegetables?  What is your absolutely favourite recipe to create with rice, either as a main or a side?