March Break Fun: Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Frosting Fun Bakery set

This week I will be sharing some fun March Break ideas from Hasbro Canada. My daughter loves Play-Doh and couldn't wait to open up the Sweet Shoppe Frosting Fun Bakery set.

This is a great set for the lil bakers in the family. It is a easy and fun way for kids to play with their food! If you ask my daughter what her favorite thing to do is, she will answer with "baking cupcakes". This set comes with everything you would need to have some Play-Doh baking fun over the March Break holidays. It includes a 2-piece extruder, shelf, tray, cake stand, turntable, display dome, 4 cake cutters, 4 extruder tips, cupcake liner, cake server, plate, plastic knife, fork, 2 two-ounce cans of Play-Doh modeling compound and 2 two-ounce cans of Play-Doh Plus compound. It does require adult assembly but guess what? no batteries required!

The kids can make a cake then decorate it with beautiful flowers, stars and swirls! This set is recommend for children 3+. Check out the Hasbro Canada website for more information and where to buy.

Our thoughts: Play-Doh is always a huge hit with my kids especially with my daughter. This set was especially a hit as it is all about baking and that is one of her favorite activities. This set was super easy to put together and A got started with baking a cake right away! She spent at least 2 hours playing with it after opening it. She loves the Play-Doh plus as it is easy to push through the piping tube to make frosting. She also loves the cutters. There are tons of molds, frosting tips, cutters to be super creative with. 

A great March break activity!  

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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New Knitting Project - Web Hat

Today I want to share more updates on my knitting journey. I have decided to jump right into making a hat. Yes, I know it is almost spring but there is still time and well I can always wear it in the fall. I can also wear it during the colder mornings when out on walks with Molly. 

I know I am jumping right from making dishcloths and one cowl right into a non-basic beanie but I am determined to learn to read a pattern and not feel overwhelmed by it. 

Here is the hat I choose:

Source Ravelry Pattern by Natalia Kolasa

This pattern involves counting stitches as I go and changing needles a couple times. Now that I know how to cast on, purl, knit, increase, decrease and bind off, I figure I can do this. The thing that scares me is counting the knit and purls while on the same round and also the task of switching needles. 

I went into one of the Wool stores in the city after work the other day and picked up needles and wool. It is a HUGE store and I can't wait to go back and have more time to just browse around. I was also a really good girl and went in with the pattern on my phone and got only what I needed to make it. I didn't buy everything I liked. 

I decided on a nice chunky deep brown with colored flecks. I figure this will be a forgiving color if I mess up a stitch here or there, the first time through the pattern.

Check out the patter for the Web hat by Natalia Kolasa on Ravelry. You will need to sign up for an account but it is quick and free. There are tons of patterns available lots for free and some that you can buy. 

I will be posting pictures as I go on Instagram. If you would like to follow me you can find me as Canadiancouponmom. I also post pictures of my kids, pets and food. I will post my finished work as soon as it is done on the blog! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Pinke Pie Party DVD Review

I wanted to apologize to my Canadian readers if you went out to Walmart after I posted about the Walmart release on January 28th, 2013. I found out just recently that the Canadian release will be April 16th, 2013. Sorry for any inconvenience. 

This DVD includes five party episodes from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series which is currently airing on The Hub TV network. 

Episodes included in this DVD: 
Feeling Pinkie Keen
Party for One
Baby Cakes  
A Friend in Deed
Too Many Pinkie Pies

There is also a bonus Sing-along that my daughter loves and can pretty much sing every word from memory!  Also there is a Party Activity Kit which you can open on your computer and print off.  "A" likes to play with her ponies or sit on the couch with them all when watching the dvd and loves all the songs. I think she has memorized most of the episodes.  When I asked A what her favorite part of the dvd was, guess what she said? "All of it of course mommy". Then preceded to tell me all about the episodes and played the song for both of us to sing.

My daughter was so excited to see what arrived in the mail when she got home from school. She didn't even have time for our daily "how was your day?" conversation. She run right to the living room and popped in the DVD. Which was on repeat I think for the next 3 days straight. 

Here is a quick clip from the movie! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above dvd for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo & Easy Bake Coven Book Tour/Giveaway!

Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo

One simple revelation about her past turns Selene Warren’s life upside down. Determined not to let her elf half ruin her future, she fights for the love she’s found at Cheney’s side, despite her increasing doubts about the bond they share. However, when her studio burns down, a new enemy emerges and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. To save one of her friends from a gruesome death, she must expose who she was and put more than just her life on the line.

Her only hope is deciphering her past in time to save them all, but the more she learns, the less she can trust anyone.

Pre-Order Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo on Amazon.

 

Easy Bake Coven

For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated. A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible. This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.  

Purchase Easy Bake Coven on Amazon.
 

About Author Liz Schulte

Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more. When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.

Follow Liz Schulte: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Prize: Gift Basket
Fill out the form below to Enter!This is a US only giveaway, sorry my Canadian readers.
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New on DVD: Wreck-It Ralph Blu-ray 3D/DVD Combo Pack

^{Are you looking for a new family movie to watch other the March break? Wreck-It Ralph is out today! If you didn't get a chance to check this fabulous movie out at the theater you will want to pick it up for the whole family to enjoy!
 
Movie summary:  Wreck-It Ralph takes viewers on a hilarious journey.  For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up with some unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman).    The film is directed by Emmy-winner Rich Moore.}  

^{The Blu-ray 3D/DVD packs are available in a 4 pack which includes a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + a digital copy. The 2 pack includes a Blu-ray & DVD disc.
Bonus features Includes:}

• ^{Bit by Bit: Creating the Worlds of “Wreck-It Ralph” – Fans of the film will get a look at five new worlds created for “Wreck-It Ralph.” The short takes viewers into Game Central Station with the artists who brought Sugar Rush, Hero’s Duty and Fix It Felix Jr. to life.}
• ^{Alternate & Deleted Scenes – Four separate scenes are highlighted with an introduction and optional audio commentary from director Rich Moore.}
• ^{Video Game Commercials – Viewers can check out the commercials created for the video games featured in the film - Fix It Felix Jr., Sugar Rush, Hero’s Duty and Fix It Felix Hammer.} 
• “Paperman” – This animated short film played in theaters before “Wreck It Ralph.” It tells the story of a young man in an office who sees the girl of his dreams in a skyscraper window across the street. But how can he get her attention?

^{Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Materials
Includes:}

• ^{Disney Intermission: The Gamer’s Guide to “Wreck-It-Ralph” – When the film is paused, host Chris Hardwick appears on screen to guide viewers through a series of 10 video segments offering an inside look at the many video game references, Disney references and other hidden surprises featured in the film.} 

<sup>Our Thoughts: This is another great family film by Disney! I love when the whole family can sit down to a movie and enjoy it without the adults feeling like it is just a kids film. This movie included arcade games that my husband and I played when we were kids. There were funny jokes that both adults and kids could enjoy. It was a very funny movie!

The movie starts off with Ralph not wanting to be a bad guy anymore (he is at a Bad Guy anonymous meeting with other game bad guys! haha) Ralph wants to win a medal and feel accepted by his game peers instead of being lonely and feeling like an outcast. How is Ralph going to do this? Well of course jump into another game (Hero Duty) and win a medal! Ralph never believes he will end up in Sugar Rush and help Vanellope regain her game back from a nasty game guy from the past. It is a great adventure.

This is definatley a gamers movie but even non-gamers can enjoy it. My daughter isn't huge into video games but she loved the movie as much as my video gaming son. Both of the kids came away from the movie with different likes and both got the message about the bullies in the movie and being nice to each other. They both felt sad for Ralph and Vanellope as they are the outcasts in their own games. They loved that Fix-it Felix and the Hero Duty lady (can't think of her name) fell in love and got married. 

The bonus features were a lot of fun to watch with deleted scenes and added bonuses, shorts. The kids have watched them over and over again. The arcade commercials made for each game was also a great idea. I really enjoyed watching the bonus features with the kids as once the movie is over you still have other ways to see the characters you love in the movie and learn more about them and the movie. 

I actually really wish we had the equipment to watch the 3D disc. Maybe someday soon! I think this would be a great movie in 3D. Disney has come out with another great movie that I am sure will be a classic in our house. The kids watched it 3 times over the weekend and my husband also really enjoyed it. 

My daughter walked around for about a week telling everyone a joke "why did the hero flush the toilet?" "because it was his DUTY!" Then she would break into hysterical laughter!   

A great 5 star movie!</sup> 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Book Review: Heaven Scent by Virginia Alison

Book summary: Fate has her wicked way in this compelling trilogy set in modern day Texas. Encompassing strong family bonds within a powerful, yet light hearted romantic saga, from the first lost note and missed telephone call Evan and Ginny fight against the odds to find their own little piece of heaven. Seemingly influenced by an old arrowhead and the sweet scent of jasmine, their lives swirl within a whirlwind of laughter and heartbreak as they rush headlong towards their destiny.

Virginia Alison - Author Bio:

Born in Bournemouth, England, Virginia’s gypsy heritage led her to a rather unusual childhood. Her father worked within the oil industry and she spent much of her younger years traveling. Schooled in several countries until the age of eight, and fluent in several languages, on attending boarding school in the UK, she found delight in the extensive ‘English’ library, and her love of reading was born. From there the traveling continued, around the UK, Wales and then finally finishing in Canada, where she attended, and graduated from St John High school in New Brunswick. Her love of the English language was due partly to the inspiration of her English Tutor.

An Oxford Don, he despaired of the American/English idioms, and as she was the only English student in the school, found her a delight to teach.Spending another year in working in Canada, life then returned her to England and on to the remote Shetland Isles for three years.
 
Following her return to the UK, she threw herself into floristry for fifteen years, and her artistic talents took another turn when she picked up a pen for the first time to write her first dragon fantasy novel. It took another ten years and the passing of her artistic father, to discover her talent for painting. Setting out on a new path, she now paints celebrity portraits to raise money for charities.

Through Facebook in 2010 she met a friend who encouraged her to take up writing again, shortly after this inspiration which rekindled her spiritual beliefs, she met her (writing collaborator and co-conspirator) Keith David. They now combine their sensual words drawn from the depths of their souls, to captivate the imagination, and entice the reader to discover their innermost desires.

Connect: Website or on Facebook

Purchase Heaven Scent - Heaven Re-Scent -  Heaven Scented -  or the whole Heaven Scent Trilogy

My Thoughts: This was a different read for myself as I don't usually read western type books. With that said I did enjoy the story. It is a bit of a fairytale type of love, something you wouldn't think would really happen in real life. I am sure it has but not the typical boy meets girl but a nice fantasy read. Evan and Ginny met in a bar one night when Ginny was passing through Evans town. They had a one night stand and then realized they couldn't live without each other. This is a very sexual book with a lot of sex scenes either with the two in dreams, together or by themselves. If you don't like the erotica type this book wouldn't be for you. 

The author tells the story by jumping back and forth between Ginny and Evan, she does this in a way that I didn't get lost and it really flowed together. I love how the arrowhead and jasmine scent are a big part of the storyline. Throughout the story we follow Evan and Ginny as they try to find each other with really not knowing anything about one another and then to try and make a relationship work. Some parts of the story I don't like how Evan is very demanding and controlling but I do like his character of the sexy cowboy.  I also like Ginny. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Reading Addiction Blog Tour. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Fetish Box: What Escapes (#2) by Nicole Camden

ADD TO GOODREADS

Mary is surprised by the deep feelings that follow in the wake of her first sexual encounter, but fascination with her lover John doesn’t dim her desire for the unapologetically lusty Irish bar-owner, Max. Feeding one hunger has unleashed other needs, and Mary wants to experience everything her new life has to offer.

But Mary’s dark desires aren’t the only ones swirling in the depths of The Fetish Box, and violence erupts amid the passion. When one of the men is attacked and the people at The Box put in danger, Mary realizes that some desires are more dangerous than others…

Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle for $3.50.

My thoughts: This is the second book of three in this series. I reviewed the first book in February. Please take a look at what I thought of part #1. This book picks up right where the first book leaves off. Mary and John enjoy a night of learning. The Fetish Box gets broken into and Max and another girl who works there both got hurt during the break in. Max and John both think it may have something to do with a clients husband, later someone breaks in a trashes Mary's house. Mary is learning about a fetish party they are holding in a month. This book also moved quite fast only a few days after Mary arrives in Florida all this happens. The relationship between Mary and John start to get more involved also. I really enjoyed this book. 

I give this book also a 3.5 out of 5 stars just because of the fact that I feel it would be better as a whole book or each book a little longer and not leave on such a hanger.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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My Special K Customized Fitness/Meal Plan

Are you looking for a place where you can keep track of your meal plans and fitness goals?

MySpecialK.ca is a motivating resource that will help you feel your best everyday and also help with weight management. It is an online program that offers personalized meal and fitness plans along with information on food, fitness, fashion and beauty. Look for personalized articles and tools designed to help keep you positive and on track while maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle.

It is quick, easy and free, just head over to MySpecialK.ca and fill in some of your goals and customize your plan in minutes. 

If you are also wanting to add a nice new workout tank top to your wardrobe check out specially marked Special K products for codes to redeem. You can get a lovely red New Balance Tank top free with these codes. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Kellogg's. I received Special K products in exchange for this post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Strawberry Shortcake Live Tour Review

Wednesday evening despite the weather the kids, my mom and I ended up driving into the city (which is about an hour drive for us) to see the Strawberry Shortcake Live Tour being put on by Koba Entertainment. It took us just about an hour and a half and we arrived just minutes before the show started.

Summary of the show: 

"Strawberry Shortcake and her best friends debut in Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat! This musical adventure takes the audience to the whimsical land of Berry Bitty City where the whole town is buzzing with anticipation for the Glitzy Glaze Talent Show! Follow Strawberry Shortcake and the rest of the girls as they each prepare for their moment in the spotlight.

Hold on to your hats because that is not all! For the first time ever, Koba Entertainment is bringing together the iconic sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake and the wackiest siblings on television, the Doodlebops, in one spectacular show!"

Our thoughts: My kids were super excited to head into the big city for a live production of the Doodlebops and Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. My daughter is the Strawberry Shortcake fan! With the horrible snow storm there were lots of people late but the show started right on time, we were lucky we got there in enough time to sit down and take off our coats! The opening act were the Doodlebops and they came out in very bright colors along with some great interaction for the children. The kids of all ages go right into the song and actions. My son who is almost 7 loved it but his only complaint? The Doodlebops were not on long enough. I would have to agree, I know they were the opening act but they had 15 minutes.

Next up Strawberry Shortcake and her friends! This is where all the little girls got excited. The gang had some bright and big costumes along with very simple stage design but nothing to distract from the actors. Strawberry Shortcake and her friends are trying to each figure out what they want to do in the talent show, some of the girls decide to do things the other girls are good at but soon realize they are not that great at themselves. I love that these shows all have some sort of lesson involved. March to your Berry own Beat! My daughter is a great example of this. She is very artistic and doesn't mind expressing it in clothes or drawings. She really does March to her Berry own Beat.  

The one thing I didn't like but this is my own preference is the little wands that are sold. They would be great if they didn't flash as this was distracting and also could be a health issue. Overall? We all enjoyed ourselves and look forward to seeing another live show again in the near future! Koba Entertainment puts on great kids shows, we have been to a couple live theater productions and a few different shows that are put on in the malls. 

 
Don't forget to check out the tour page to see if Strawberry Shortcake and her friends will be coming near you!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Koba Entertainment. We received complimentary tickets to the show for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Wreck-It Ralph Craft Projects!

Are you looking for a fun project to do this weekend with the kids? In anticipation for Wreck-It Ralph to be released on DVD next Tuesday March 6th (Watch for our review on Tuesday!) check out these great 8-bit stencils and other activities by clicking the image above. This will load a pdf file of activities! 

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Book Review - Hannah's Voice by Robb Grindstaff

Book Summary:

When six-year-old Hannah's brutal honesty is mistaken for lying, she stops speaking. Her family, her community, and eventually, the entire nation struggle to find meaning in her silence.

School officials suspect abuse. Church members are divided—either she has a message from God or is possessed by a demon. Social workers interrupt an exorcism to wrest Hannah away from her momma, who has a tenuous grip on sanity. Hidden in protective foster care for twelve years, she loses all contact with her mother and remains mute by choice.

When Hannah leaves foster care at age eighteen to search for Momma, a national debate rages over her silence. A religious movement awaits her prophecy and celebrates her return. An anarchist group, Voices for the Voiceless, cites Hannah as its inspiration. The nation comes unhinged and the conflict spills into the streets when presidential candidates chime in with their opinions on Hannah—patriotic visionary or dangerous radical. A remnant still believes she is evil and seeks to dispatch her from this world.

Hannah stands at the intersection of anarchists and fundamentalists, between power politics and an FBI investigation. All she wants is to find her momma, a little peace and quiet, and maybe some pancakes. 

One word would put an end to the chaos if Hannah can only find her voice.

Short Excerpt: 
I hopped off her lap and ran to the bathroom to brush my teeth again, and brushed the devil out of them this time. 

I crawled back into her lap, curled my lips up to show her how white and shiny they were, and exhaled my minty fresh breath for her to smell. 

Her blue eyes sparkled behind her glasses like the biggest jewels in a treasure chest. "Oh lovely, what lovely teeth you have. You have your father's teeth." 

I didn't have my father's teeth. His were still in his mouth, his lips closed tight over them. I'd kissed him goodnight last year at the church. Momma said he was going to sleep and would wake up with Jesus and the angels.
 
I didn't even have all of my own teeth. The two top front ones were gone, along with one on the bottom, so brushing the few I had left didn't take long. But I scrubbed them three times a day to make sure they were shiny and clean when I kissed Momma goodnight. 

Follow Robb Grindstaff - Website, Facebook, Twitter: @RobbWriter or On Evolved Publishing 

My thoughts: 
Hannah isn't your average six year old, she can read and spell ahead of her class. Hannah also doesn't like to be asked three or four times the same question but her mom will ask her over and over again even though she has answered already. When there is an accident at school Hannah is asked what she knows and tells the school what she remembers but there is another girl that says Hannah was involved. As Hannah was asked many times the same questions she decides to stop talking. From there things spiral, the school thinks she is being mistreated at home, the church divides and thinks she is either taken my a devil or has a message from God. 

The whole story is told from Hannah's point of view and when she stops talking we hear her inner voice. She really is a smart little girl but makes a big mistake to stop talking. I really liked Hannah's character.  Hannah lives in a foster home for 10 years before she is moved into another home and really all Hannah has been praying for is her Momma and some of her pancakes.  This story really makes you think about how people jump to conclusions and how real this story line could be. There is a lot of religious aspects in this novel and how Hannah's vision from God had turned her mute. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of RABT Blog Tours. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Crimson Flames Book Tour, Giveaway & Party!

Crimson Flames

Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?

Add Crimson Flames to your GoodReads Shelf.  

Purchase Crimson Flames on Amazon.

About Author Ashley Robertson

Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, and loves writing about anything paranormal. She also composes poems and songs, though she learned long ago she doesn't have a singing voice. When she isn't writing you'll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, and drinking fine red wines and gourmet coffees from her Nespresso machine.

Follow Ashley Robertson Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

This tour will start March 1, 2013.

Please also join the Crimson Flames Release Day Party on March 1st.
Gift bundle #1 - A signed paperback - Matching custom bookmark from the bookswag shop - Matching custom charm bracelet from the bookswag shop - Buxom lip gloss (bare escentuals)

Gift bundle #2 - A signed paperback - Matching custom bookmark from the book swag shop - eye shadow—Stila / Rockin' In Rio Travel Palette - Sephora sampler pack (picture not included)
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