Book Review: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

A Pop-Up Book

By Charles Dickens, Chuck Fischer 



A Christmas Carol has been retold by many, and remade into many movies but this book is yet another great way to enjoy a classic tale.

Review: This book is the greatest detailed pop-up book I have seen! There are only 6 pages that pop-up but the pictures are very detailed and just beautiful. I have found this book to be for older children maybe ages 6-8 and up. My children loved looking at the pictures but to read the book it was abit too much for them to sit through right now at their ages. Each pop-up page has a little book tucked into the page, five in total for the story. Just like it's own little chapter. This makes it a very neat feature of the book. There is also a little book at the beginning about the life of Charles Dickens along with the credits for the book. I love the story A Christmas Carol and this is a great addition to anyones library that loves this classic tale. I am looking forward to when my children will be able to sit and listen to the tale and take in the beauty of the pictures and enjoy the tale.  

Where to Buy: Amazon.ca $22.57

How to Connect: Visit Chuck Fischer website.

~*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachetter Book Group and Anna Balasi for review purposes. All opinions on my blog are that of my own.*~

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Winner!

The winner has been chosen for The Family Dinner giveaway using Random.org. The winner is................

Comment #20

Mom vs. the boys said...

my favourite part is when my husband walks through the door to join us, it's a long day for us and hubster doesn't always make it home.

Congratulations! Please contact me within 48 hrs with your mailing information. Thanks everyone for following Canadian Coupon Mom and entering my giveaway. Watch for more reviews and giveaways coming soon!

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Another Free Coffee

This time around it's at McDonald's. From now til November 28th McDonald's is offering free coffee all day! I'm starting to see a trend in fast food and Free Coffees. Enjoy!

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Jr. Kindergaten

This school year is the start of my oldest going to school. My youngest will go next fall. He is in a French immersion junior kindergarten. Leading up to the school year I was very nervous he would not like it and have it be a huge adjustment. Crying and fighting every day he had to go (right now he goes alternates all day and every second Friday). I would like everyone to know I was totally wrong and my son LOVES school and homework!! He gets very excited about his school days. The day before he goes to school we make his lunch, he helps out either with picking everything out and taking it out of the fridge or putting lids on everything. He asks almost daily if tomorrow is a school day even on the weekends. He also gets very upset if he thinks he has homework to do and he hasn't finished it. They get one letter a week to practice and color a picture with the letter.

Parker doesn't get a report card in JK but they get an evaluation to let parents and teachers know where the children are at. They look at 5 different skills, In-class Distractibility, Verbal Fluency, Interest and Particapation, Letter identification and Printing skills. My son did really will in the first three getting all 4's! (it's on a scale 1-5 and 5 being very good). The french teacher even mentioned that she will ask Parker to participate in the SK work or help get stuff ready. I think its soo great that he loves to help and interact in class. I was the total opposite as I was toooooo shy!

Parker age 4 and 1/2

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Wordless Wednesday November 17th, 2010

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Book Review: Simple Times (Crafts for poor people)

SIMPLE TIMES: Crafts for Poor People
By Amy Sedaris

From the Publisher: America's most delightfully unconventional hostess and the bestselling author of I Like You delivers a new book that will forever change the world of crafting. According to Amy Sedaris, it's often been said that ugly people craft and attractive people have sex. In her new book, SIMPLE TIMES, she sets the record straight. Demonstrating that crafting is one of life's more pleasurable and constructive leisure activities, Sedaris shows that anyone with a couple of hours to kill and access to pipe cleaners can join the elite society of crafters.

You will discover how to make popular crafts, such as: crab-claw roach clips, tinfoil balls, and crepe-paper moccasins, and learn how to: get inspired (Spend time at a Renaissance Fair; Buy fruit, let it get old, and see what shapes it turns into); remember which kind of glue to use with which material (Tacky with Furry, Gummy with Gritty, Paste with Prickly, and always Gloppy with Sandy); create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents (sawdust fires, feather asphyxia, pine cone lodged in throat); and cook your own edible crafts, from a Crafty Candle Salad to Sugar Skulls, and many more recipes.

PLUS whole chapters full of more crafting ideas (Pompom Ringworms! Seashell Toilet Seat Covers!) that will inspire you to create your own hastily constructed obscure d'arts; and much, much more!

Review: 

This book is definitely an adults eyes only book. There are no nude pictures but there are pictures that will have the kids wondering or asking questions depending on the age. There are also some very nasty wound pictures. Simple Times reminds me a lot of 70's crafts and knick knacks. I found it more of a fun read then a craft book but as I say that I also found a few crafts I do want to try. One I want to try with the children for Christmas its the marshmallow stars (use toothpicks with glue and glitter and poke the marshmallows with them to make stars). Another is tin can characters and the great crafts with popsicle sticks. Loads of fun for the kids one afternoon. I will post the crafts as we do them.

I really liked how Amy Sedaris used herself throughout the whole book to show the crafts etc. Simple Times is defiantly a book to use to make unusual crafts and even gifts or gag gifts. If you have a twisted sense of humour this is a great read, if you are easily offended please do not read this book. With Christmas just around the corner this would make a great Christmas present (for your ugly family and friends!) :)

Where to Buy: Visit Amazon.ca $20.05 or Chapters.ca $21.11

How to Connect: Visit Amy Sedaris to learn more about about Amy, her books and where to keep in touch with Amy.

~*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachetter Book Group and Anna Balasi for review purposes. All opinions on my blog are that of my own.*~

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Book Review: Why? Because We Still Like You

From the Publisher:

This book will tell the behind-the-scenes story of how The Mickey Mouse Club paved the way for all that came after, from its humble beginnings as a marketing ploy, through its short but mesmerizing run, to the numerous resurrections that made it one of television's first true cult hits--all through the recollections of those regular kids-turned-stars who made it a phenomenon. It will reveal, for the first time ever, the untold stories of Annette, Darlene, Cubby and Karen, Bobbie and the rest of the beloved cast.

Review: I really wish I could give this a better review. I just found it very hard to read since it didn't seem to be a book you can put down for a few days and come back to. I found I had a hard time remembering who is who and what is going on. At the beginning of the book the author introduces the mouseketeers, jumping from one to another. I would love to sit down and give this book another try over a weekend or when I am on vacation and may have more time to get through the whole book. I would definitely say if you were a mouseketeer fan do pick it up at the library and give it a try. It just might have been me and not the book. I will be passing along my copy to my mother who was a fan of Walt Disney's Mouseketeers.

Where to Buy: Amazon.ca $12.40 for softcover or Chapters.ca $19.99 hardcover.

Where to Connect: Visit Jennifer Armstrong's Website, connect on Facebook - Jennifer Armstrong or Why? Because We Still Like You

~*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachetter Book Group and Anna Balasi for review purposes. All opinions on my blog are that of my own.*~

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Review: Norah Jones' ...Featuring

...Featuring is Norah Jones' new album. It is a star-studded collection of the multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy Award winning singer's musical collaborations from 2001 to 2010.

This album includes cameos, collaborations and duets with such legends as Willie Nelson, Ray Charles and Dolly Parton, along with icons from the 21st Century like OutKast! This is a must have album for any Norah Jones fan. 

…Featuring will be released November 16.  Preorder your copy today!

Norah Jones: “A lot of the people on this record are people I've worshiped since I was a kid, and some of them are younger and more my contemporaries,” says Norah. “Even though the musicians are so varied, the vibe of the songs makes sense when we put them all together.” 

...Featuring Track Listing:

1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo  
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward

Review:

I have always loved Norah Jones’ soft voice and relaxing music. When I took a look at the other artists who worked with her on this album, I was very excited to get a chance to review it. I really enjoy all types of music so to find a wide array of artists on one album is very exciting as it is not common. The day my review copy came in I wasn't having the best day. My kids and I were playing play-doh as the delivery man drove passed the house. We all decided he wasn't stopping but in a couple minutes he turned around and rang the doorbell. Right away I stuck it in the CD player as we continued with our play-doh. My mood changed right from the first track. The music is so relaxing but fun. Norah's voice and music makes this a great candle light dinner type album. I don't think I can even pick out a favorite since they are all great. One song that does stand out in my mind as I write this is - Baby its cold outside with Willie Nelson. Very fun and a great version. This one just gets me in the Christmas mood. This would make a great Christmas gift for any Norah Jones fan for sure!

How to Connect: Check out Norah Jones and also her YouTube video you can also check out Norah Jones on Facebook 

**I was given a free product to review on my blog. This review is my personal opinion by participating in this review through One2One Network I have been entered to win a gift card.**

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Cheerios Milestones Party

When you are a parent you really notice the "milestones" in your child's life. From discovering finger foods, crawling, saying their first words, entering school and so much more. My son had a lot milestones in his first year as he was born with torticollis (tight muscle in his neck so he couldn't hold his head straight) he went to physio every week from 1 month until he was 8 months old. We were not sure what to expect but as he hit each "baby" milestone it helped improve the muscle along with the physio. Another great milestone, starting junior kindergarten! Such a big boy walking in line to enter the school, not even a tear in his eye! He also just got a great report from his teachers but in his french and english class.

Cheerios has always been a part of special moments like these. Commemorate your little one’s milestones with Cheerios! Mom Central is proud to announce the Cheerios Milestones contest. You could see your little one featured on a special edition Cheerios Box and possibly even win $10,000 towards an RESP from TD Canada Trust!

I was given the opportunity from Mom Central Canada to host an intimate Cheerios Milestones Sponsored Get-together in my home with my Mom friends. Mom Central Canada provided me with a Get-together kit that included everything I would need to host a fun and entertaining get-together.

The children were pumped for this get-together for weeks. On Friday they were counting the days to the party and telling everyone they are having a Cheerios Party! When Sunday rolled around that was the first thing out of my sons mouth, "Its our Cheerios party today! YAY!!"

I had my morning coffee while cleaning the kitchen and then preparing a yummy snack recipe I found on the Cheerios website called Cinnamon-Popcorn Snack we made the Cinnamon Oat version. We also mixed another container with ABC pretzels, animal cookies (both Presidents Choice) and cheerios together for a nice little snack.

Shortly after 1pm our guests arrived ready to play! We had some free play time and then snack time. The kids sat down and looked at the snacks and jumped right in! They loved them both. Lots of talking about the ABC pretzels and the different popcorn and raisins.

After snack time it was time to get creative. We all moved into our craft room were the kids each got a Cheerio container filled with Cheerios to craft with.

My daughter (who is 3 years old) spent two hours crafting and using the Cheerios play book!

Thanks Mom Central Canada and Cheerios for the great afternoon! The kids had great things to say about the party, the best was "the party was awesome!"

~*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary get-together kit from Mom Central Canada (mom testing panel) to host a party and review. All opinions on my blog are that of my own.*~

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Looking for Canadian Blogs

I am looking to have a page on my blog that is geared towards Canadian Giveaways blogs and Coupon sites. If you would like to have a link on my blog please add it to the Linky below or email with your URL at foreverhealthyaloe at hotmail com
Each month (for now I hope to make it weekly or bi-weekly) I would like to have a Featured Blog or Guest post. It's a great way to get your blog and giveaways noticed and help other Canadians save or win :)

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Free Burger King Coffee

For the month of November every Friday Burger King is giving away a medium coffee during breakfast hours only!
They are serving SEATTLE'S BEST COFFEE .

Visit Burger King Canada

 

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Review and Giveaway: The Family Dinner

THE FAMILY DINNER
By: Laurie David, Kirstin Uhrenholdt

From the Publisher: The producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David's new mission is to help America's overwhelmed families sit down to a Family Dinner, and she provides all the reasons, recipes and fun tools to do so.

Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.

Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.

Review: Family dinners are my all time favorite part of the day. Sadly I am missing that due to work evenings Monday to Fridays for the time being. This book is more of a book about bringing family together than a cookbook but it also has some very yummy easy recipes. We haven't been able to try a lot yet but we did try out the Little Chocolate Pies on page 209. I didn't have puff pastry but I used the Phyillo pastry and they tasted very yummy! The recipe was easy to follow and fun to make. My son helped me out. They are really hard to stop at just one lovely chocolate morsel.

The Family Dinner is sectioned off very well so it is very easy to find what you are looking for. One great section is on conversation starters. Family dinner for me is all about enjoying the food and finding out how the day was, what's on their mind or what is going on during the week. I am hoping to get back into family dinners within the next year before my children get too old. I find it right now as a great place to work on learning to count, recognize shapes, colors, tastes and talk about anything they are thinking about.

The author talks about if you can not have every night together choose a night or a breakfast when everyone can relax and enjoy time together talking. This book also features a green section on composting and growing your own spices and produce.

Next up on my list of recipes to try is Pea Nutty Noodles, Homemade Challah and Nanna's Happy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

This is an all around great book to add to your collection or just in time for a Christmas present! Mommy approved with two thumbs up!

Where to buy: You can find The Family Dinner at Chapters.ca or at Amazon.ca 

WIN IT: One lucky reader will have the chance to win a copy of The Family Dinner. Please enter the mandatory entry before any other entries can be counted.

Mandatory Enter: Tell me what your favorite part of family dinner is - 1 entry.

Extra Entries:

Please put one comment for each entry, example Follow me on twitter is 2 seperate comments. Thanks!

1. Follow Canadian Coupon Mom on Twitter (2 entries) and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day) Make sure to add @couponmomcanada in the tweet. Thanks!

You can use: Enter2Win a copy of The Family Dinner http://canadiancouponmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-and-giveaway-family-dinner.html @couponmomcanada

2. Fan of Coupon Mom Canada on Facebook (2 entries)

3.Follow Canadian Coupon Mom through Google Friends Connect (right side of page)- (1 entry)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and place your link in your comment. (5 entries)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada. This giveaway ends on November 20th, 2010 at Midnight EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org on November 21st, 2010 and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck! Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail.

~*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachetter Book Group, Anna Balasi and The Product Review Place for review purposes. All opinions on my blog are that of my own.*~

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