~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Wordless Wednesday ~ Kittens
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Quest for the Crystal Mickey DVD Review & Giveaway (US/CA)
Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seat belt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!”
There’s no time to lose after greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever! Can the world’s most extraordinary hero "Kansas City Mickey," get the magical statue back in time? Only with help from young viewers at home…and the right Mouseketools can Mickey journey across the Sandy Desert, brave the Rushing River and make his way through the Hidden Jungle. But watch out for Pete’s trickiest traps!
What did we think of the DVD? This was a great DVD to pop in over the weekend as it ended up being a on and off rainy day. The kids loved the songs and calling upon the Toolies. They got right into the video while I was cooking and I could hear them singing along and calling out answers. They have been humming and singing the songs from the DVD since they watched it. Never fails when Mickey and Friends are on the tube.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Something Old Made New + Cheerios Giveaway! (Canada only)
When I didn't have the space or much time to do bigger items I started making new clothes and bags from old clothes. Making t-shirts into tank tops, vests, or skirts. I really miss playing around with so many great ideas. I have recently pinned a few items I want to try and thought I would share them with you.
So many great inspirations over on the Pinterest boards. I am not really sure where to start. I love the idea of scrapbook paper on the kitty litter bins as they make awesome containers. We use one as a small recycle bin inside and they are great for pet food. Just don't leave one outside with birdseed in it as the squirrels can chew through it, not that we learned this from experience or anything.
What have you done to something old to make it new? I would love to hear all about it, leave a comment below!
General Mills is also making something old into something new. Their Honey Nut Cheerios has had a little makeover and boy is it tasty! They have added the perfect medley of crispy oat flakes and delicious nut clutters. This is a delightful and fun change to my breakfast. You will start seeing the new cereal in stores on June 24th.
Want to try the new Honey Nut Cheerios Hearty Oat Crunch? General Mills is offering 25 boxes to Genuine Jenn readers who fill out the form.
Don't worry if you don't get a box from the form just head over to Life Made Delicious Facebook page for your chance to get a coupon for a free box of Honey Nut Cheerios Hearty Oat Crunch or Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight that can be redeem on July 16th,2013. The coupons are only available from June 3-25 (while supplies last). Also there will be another coupon available to redeem on July 23rd for either Nature Valley, Fibre 1 bars, Golden Grahams or Cinnamon Toast Crunch treats.
Don't forget to "Like" Life Made Delicious on Facebook and Follow on Pinterest and Twitter @LifeMadeDelish Hashtag #HNCHeartyOatCrunch
~*Disclaimer: I am participating in the Honey Nut Cheerios Hearty Oat Crunch Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills, and received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.*~
Peanut Butter Inspired Breakfast for Dinner
It is usually hard to get our whole family together for breakfast so we usually have breakfast for dinner. This time we did a peanut butter breakfast for dinner using a couple of the new Kraft peanut butters - Banana Granola Peanut and Peanut Butter with Honey.
We made a Banana Granola Stuff French Toast and enjoyed a bowl of yogurt. This was a super tasty breakfast for dinner. The whole family enjoyed the subtle flavor of bananas with a nice crunch from the granola and peanuts. Nothing like a maple dripping french toast with melted peanut butter in between. My husbands comment was "I will never think of french toast the same again, regular french toast is dead to me". HAHA but I totally agree I don't think french toast will ever be the same in our house.
During the week the kids and I found ourselves enjoying some great peanut butter inspired snacks after school. We tried the new peanut butter with honey in a nice vanilla Greek yogurt (Peanut Butter with Honey Yogurt). This is my newest addiction with peanut butter. It makes a great snack or breakfast as I am not a big breakfast eater during the week. It is super quick and easy to make and adds some dairy and protein to my mornings. A bowl of yogurt with a tablespoon full of peanut butter with honey. Okay I lied I put in almost two tablespoons but I LOVE peanut butter that much.
If you are looking for more tasty ideas visit Kraft Canada's website, Facebook page, or Pinterest. Don't forget to follow @Kraft_Canada on Twitter!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Kraft Canada. We received a gift basket to enjoy these new products. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Wordless Wednesday ~ Biking
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Genuine Jenn Shop
Right now I am working on a shawl called Azzu and another called Frozen Leaves. Azzu needs 4 stitch markers to show you the spine of your shawl and the edges. The Frozen Leaves needs tons between each new leaf. When knitting in the round it is great to put a stitch marker at the "beginning or end" of your round. If you have a friend that knits or you knit please check out my new shop! They make great gifts for your knitting friends.
I am also hoping to expand my shop later on to include a variety of items that are handmade by me but I wanted to start with my new stitch markers. Keep a look out for hair clips, knitted headbands and more.
I have added a couple sets but will be adding much more over the coming months. I will also be taking custom orders, please email me with your request.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam Giveaway and Video!
The Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam will take place this June 8! You are invited to bring your furry friends and join as many as 5,000 dogs and pet lovers for a classical music concert where a 42 piece orchestra will perform music created specifically for canine hearing.
Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam will be a one of a kind event that is guaranteed fun for everyone in your family!
Event details:
When:
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Echo Beach
999 Lakeshore Blvd. West.
To
celebrate and showcase the unique bond passionate pet owners have with
their pooches, Iams has created a short video that captures the loving
relationships between four owners and their dogs.
Iams SO GOOD! Giveaway!
Our friends at Iams is providing a SO GOOD! giveaway valued at over $60 to one lucky Genuine Jenn reader. This prize pack will include the following:
- Family pack of four tickets to the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam in Toronto
- Two product vouchers to try the new Iams SO GOOD! dog food
To enter to win fill in the rafflecopter form below!
Tickets for the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam are available through Ticketmaster.Visit Iams on Facebook and Follow Iams on Twitter: @Iams Use the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam hashtag on Twitter: #IAMSSoGood
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Iams. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Real Moms Dish: Bests for Babies
Hello! Please allow me to introduce myself and tell how excited I am to have the opportunity to write for Genuine Jenn! It has always been a goal of mine to write about something other then my day job, and now becoming a recent mother has opened my eyes to new and incredible feelings of love, knowledge of products and an overall understanding and appreciate for any mother, no matter where you live within the world.
I am going to use this opportunity to share some insite from mother’s around the globe, what makes their children happy, products they cannot live without, experiences that have taught them about the good and the bad and bridge the gap while connecting the dots between the working mom to the homemaker mom to the single mom.
A little about myself, I recently turned 33 years old and am the mother to my daughter, Zoe Hudson. Born January 21 girl who grew up wanting to be a mother. I always wanted to help animals, take them in, nurse them to health, own a farm, run a rescue group, etc. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I did not grow up around babies. My sister is 31 years old now and for the longest time was the youngest person in my family. (Fun fact: Zoe was only the 2 diaper I ever changed and the 3 years old and met my niece, born to my husband’s sister (who happened to be the first baby I ever changed and 2 Call me a later bloomer if you will, but from the moment I held Bella Rose and the tears of love streamed down my face, I knew what was next on my wish list, that was a baby!
I have always been a career-oriented person. I founded and operate an entertainment public relations and digital marketing agency out of New York City. This company has been my baby since 2007 and I have had the entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember. I used to make and sell key chains on the crabbing pier growing up and treated that like a business, and I was only 6 years old. That being said, having my daughter has taken me from a 100+ hour workweek to a measly 25+hour workweek as we enter the 4 but boy is her love strong. I have a very supportive husband who allows me the freedom to call the shots when it comes to who will watch Zoe, but he also has his hands full producing his first feature film. So as you can see, the person who I was and the person who I am now has the same exterior, but my interior has changed dramatically. I am here to share my story and my knowledge with you and I encourage you to share as well.
Below is a list from a few friends who live in America, myself included. Two opinions from Mom’s, one in NYC and one in LA.
Please let us know where you are from and answer the questions below so we can have an understanding of your city.
I look forward to more writing
Talk soon,
Dayna
Name: Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers
Child's name: Zoe Hudson
Child's age: 4 Months
Where you live: Stuyvesant Town, Lower East Side, NYC
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: The grass within Stuy Town, it is only open to residents, but it is a lovely place to spend a few hours and meet new mommies!
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: We enjoy any local pizza joint, Nicoletta on 11 avenue and 12
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: It has to be the space combined with having to take the stroller everywhere…even in the rain!
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Fisher Price Cradle Swing: - Wubbanub Giraffe Binky - Swiss Army backpack diaper bag
Name: Julia Boone
Child's name: Arrow Alexander
Child's age: 14 weeks
Where you live: Downtown Los Angeles
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: Grand Park
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: We eat at all LA Mendocino Farms quite often, there's always room for the stroller or car seat and when he's a bit older he can draw with chalk on their kids wall
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: Traffic is crazy, so we're always dodging traffic whenever possible. We prefer hanging with him rather then sticking him by himself in the back.
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Bugaboo Cameleon3 Stroller, all black special edition of course - BabyBjorn Baby Carrier, Active - Fischer-Price Discover 'n Grow Kick and Play Piano Gym... and books!
Name: Caroline Wilson
Child's name: Saoirse Pepper
Child's age: 5 months
Where you live: Gramercy Park, NYC
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: MoMA
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: Bluebell Café
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: Space!
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Diapers, formula and bottles. Although this is probably regarding the non-essentials, so I’ll go with Dr. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Moby Wrap, and the Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat.
I am going to use this opportunity to share some insite from mother’s around the globe, what makes their children happy, products they cannot live without, experiences that have taught them about the good and the bad and bridge the gap while connecting the dots between the working mom to the homemaker mom to the single mom.
A little about myself, I recently turned 33 years old and am the mother to my daughter, Zoe Hudson. Born January 21 girl who grew up wanting to be a mother. I always wanted to help animals, take them in, nurse them to health, own a farm, run a rescue group, etc. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I did not grow up around babies. My sister is 31 years old now and for the longest time was the youngest person in my family. (Fun fact: Zoe was only the 2 diaper I ever changed and the 3 years old and met my niece, born to my husband’s sister (who happened to be the first baby I ever changed and 2 Call me a later bloomer if you will, but from the moment I held Bella Rose and the tears of love streamed down my face, I knew what was next on my wish list, that was a baby!
I have always been a career-oriented person. I founded and operate an entertainment public relations and digital marketing agency out of New York City. This company has been my baby since 2007 and I have had the entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember. I used to make and sell key chains on the crabbing pier growing up and treated that like a business, and I was only 6 years old. That being said, having my daughter has taken me from a 100+ hour workweek to a measly 25+hour workweek as we enter the 4 but boy is her love strong. I have a very supportive husband who allows me the freedom to call the shots when it comes to who will watch Zoe, but he also has his hands full producing his first feature film. So as you can see, the person who I was and the person who I am now has the same exterior, but my interior has changed dramatically. I am here to share my story and my knowledge with you and I encourage you to share as well.
Below is a list from a few friends who live in America, myself included. Two opinions from Mom’s, one in NYC and one in LA.
Please let us know where you are from and answer the questions below so we can have an understanding of your city.
I look forward to more writing
Talk soon,
Dayna
Name: Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers
Child's name: Zoe Hudson
Child's age: 4 Months
Where you live: Stuyvesant Town, Lower East Side, NYC
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: The grass within Stuy Town, it is only open to residents, but it is a lovely place to spend a few hours and meet new mommies!
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: We enjoy any local pizza joint, Nicoletta on 11 avenue and 12
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: It has to be the space combined with having to take the stroller everywhere…even in the rain!
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Fisher Price Cradle Swing: - Wubbanub Giraffe Binky - Swiss Army backpack diaper bag
Name: Julia Boone
Child's name: Arrow Alexander
Child's age: 14 weeks
Where you live: Downtown Los Angeles
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: Grand Park
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: We eat at all LA Mendocino Farms quite often, there's always room for the stroller or car seat and when he's a bit older he can draw with chalk on their kids wall
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: Traffic is crazy, so we're always dodging traffic whenever possible. We prefer hanging with him rather then sticking him by himself in the back.
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Bugaboo Cameleon3 Stroller, all black special edition of course - BabyBjorn Baby Carrier, Active - Fischer-Price Discover 'n Grow Kick and Play Piano Gym... and books!
Child's name: Saoirse Pepper
Child's age: 5 months
Where you live: Gramercy Park, NYC
Best place within your city to visit to unwind with your child: MoMA
Best baby friendly restaurant in your city: Bluebell Café
Biggest challenge raising your child in your city: Space!
Top 3 baby products you have that you cannot live without: Diapers, formula and bottles. Although this is probably regarding the non-essentials, so I’ll go with Dr. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Moby Wrap, and the Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat.
Five Ways to Enjoy Canada Day
Today we have a guest post by Peter Able is a freelance content writer from
Toronto. He specialized in art, travel and entertainment. His passions
in life include, art, photography and mango sorbet.
There is no day quite like Canada’s Birthday. My childhood experiences of Canada Day evokes colourful memories; literally “colourful” memories. Colour seemed to have been everywhere, from the carnivals, festivals and parades to the fireworks, and air shows. The purpose of a national holiday is to not only bring the nation together, but also one’s family. Towering high above all of my emotions looking back on past Canada Days, was the feeling of happiness throughout my family – whether we’d been embroiled in arguments the night before or not. From childhood, to being the father of my own family in adulthood, this tradition has continued and still proves to be true. Here are five things for a family to do on Canada Day.
Granville Island
It is only most fitting that Canada Day is spent at an infamous Canadian landmark. Granville Island is just this, boasting a plethora of theatres, restaurants, shops and of course, the Granville Island Public Market.
It is practically the complete family day trip destination. On Canada Day, the Island celebrates by
putting on nothing short of a show. As a frequent visitor of the Granville Parade in my childhood, Canadian pancake breakfasts (I greedily always ordered two, only to struggle to finish one), performers and live music were enjoyed by the whole family during the Granville Island Canada Day parade.
Kingston’s Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour
There are many reasons that make spending Canada Day 2013 in Ontario’s Kingston the ideal
choice. Firstly, let us speak on the Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour that will take place there
this Canada Day. Featuring hand woven and quilted items, pottery, woodworking, decorative stone
work, decorative painting, watercolour paintings and oil and acrylic, this workshop tour is both great
fun and a fantastic place to leave with a gorgeous piece of pottery for your home.
As it is open from 10am to 5pm, you can afterwards hop along to a drum circle at Ben’s Pub at 105
Clergy Street, which will take every Sunday from Canada Day until October 15
Kingston hotels can be found online for those looking to spend their Canada Day weekend there.
An Exclusive Family Occasion
Here’s a secret: some of the most memorable family days, are those spent exclusively amongst the
family. A barbeque in the garden, the television on in the front room and one’s family occupying the
whole house; a good few of my past Canada Day experiences involved such simple but cozy affairs.
However you and your family like to have fun, celebrating Canada Day indoors can be the best way
to do it.
Canada Wonderland
Ok, nothing spells out family activities more than theme parks. Furthermore, nothing spells out family fun more than fireworks. Put the two together and you get one of those childhood experiences that stick in your head through old age.
At around 10pm every Canada Day, Canada Wonderland puts on a spectacular fireworks display
(unless the weather doesn’t permit it).
Toronto Ribfest
Who here eats meat and doesn’t like ribs? Food is the way to everyone’s heart and no special day
would be complete without a special meal.
Toronto Ribfest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke is a massive festival in Centennial Park, with
an array of different foods and of course, ribs! From rides and live music, to carnival games and
fireworks, Ribfest is one of the key places to be on Canada Day. The best bit about it (other than the
ribs) is that is runs for an extended weekend!
Granville Island
It is only most fitting that Canada Day is spent at an infamous Canadian landmark. Granville Island is just this, boasting a plethora of theatres, restaurants, shops and of course, the Granville Island Public Market.
It is practically the complete family day trip destination. On Canada Day, the Island celebrates by
putting on nothing short of a show. As a frequent visitor of the Granville Parade in my childhood, Canadian pancake breakfasts (I greedily always ordered two, only to struggle to finish one), performers and live music were enjoyed by the whole family during the Granville Island Canada Day parade.
Kingston’s Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour
There are many reasons that make spending Canada Day 2013 in Ontario’s Kingston the ideal
choice. Firstly, let us speak on the Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour that will take place there
this Canada Day. Featuring hand woven and quilted items, pottery, woodworking, decorative stone
work, decorative painting, watercolour paintings and oil and acrylic, this workshop tour is both great
fun and a fantastic place to leave with a gorgeous piece of pottery for your home.
As it is open from 10am to 5pm, you can afterwards hop along to a drum circle at Ben’s Pub at 105
Clergy Street, which will take every Sunday from Canada Day until October 15
Kingston hotels can be found online for those looking to spend their Canada Day weekend there.
An Exclusive Family Occasion
Here’s a secret: some of the most memorable family days, are those spent exclusively amongst the
family. A barbeque in the garden, the television on in the front room and one’s family occupying the
whole house; a good few of my past Canada Day experiences involved such simple but cozy affairs.
However you and your family like to have fun, celebrating Canada Day indoors can be the best way
to do it.
Canada Wonderland
Ok, nothing spells out family activities more than theme parks. Furthermore, nothing spells out family fun more than fireworks. Put the two together and you get one of those childhood experiences that stick in your head through old age.
(unless the weather doesn’t permit it).
Toronto Ribfest
Who here eats meat and doesn’t like ribs? Food is the way to everyone’s heart and no special day
would be complete without a special meal.
Toronto Ribfest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke is a massive festival in Centennial Park, with
an array of different foods and of course, ribs! From rides and live music, to carnival games and
fireworks, Ribfest is one of the key places to be on Canada Day. The best bit about it (other than the
ribs) is that is runs for an extended weekend!
Wordless Wednesday - A New Tenant
Look who we have above our garage light, a Momma Robin
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Time to Dust Off the Bike
I also thought it may be good for Molly to get more exercise by running beside me as the kids and I bike around the neighborhood. Molly can go for long walks, we usually walk 4-5km and still can have tons of energy at the end of it. I am not a runner but I love to bike and thought this would be another great idea to get back into shape after the winter.
I dug out the bike from deep in the dark basement and pulled it outside to see the light of day. The tires were beyond flat and had to be pumped. I decided to take it down to the community rink to test drive around the parking lot. Remember people I haven't been on a bike in almost 7 years! All was going well until my break didn't seem to come off after I used it. I got off the bike to see what was wrong and my tire had a HUGE bulge and then POP! There went the tube in the tire. I figured after such a long time sitting it would have some problems, maybe need some oiling but I never have seen a blown bike tire.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
New on DVD - Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup Giveaway (US/CA)
A great Disney Jr tv show for preschoolers "Doc McStuffins" tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse
clinic. Assisting Doc
at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including:
Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her cuddly best friend lamb;
Hallie, a jolly and
caring hippo
nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups
at the clinic. Whether it's a case of loose stitching, low batteries
or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc
and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting
to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.
This DVD includes the following episodes:
This DVD includes the following episodes:
1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder
2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!
3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night
4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath
5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit
Win! Enter to win a copy of Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Checkup! It is super easy to enter fill in the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents, it will close on June 3rd at 11:59pm EST. Good Luck!
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above dvd for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
