Earth Matters

Earth Matters – an encyclopedia of ecology

Published at DK

About the book

With a biome-by-biome structure that mirrors Mother Nature’s own design, Earth Matters is a celebration of our fragile Earth, a warning to protect it, and an inspiring source book full of ideas for making a positive change.

My Thoughts

If you have a child interesting in ecology – the plants and animals sharing the planet with us, you need to get this book.

This book is a good introduction on how we can take care of our planet which support so many life forms around the world… After all it takes one person to make a difference.  If  you start doing your share of taking care of your neighbourhood, others will follow.  Pollution is doing damages to our environment and every day many species of animals are struggling to survive.

Learning more about the various environments and its inhabitants can make a difference in how people reacts.   Earth matters will do just that.   It will transport you around the world in the different habitats, show you the animals living there, explain the issues for the habitat,  present the various ecosystems,  and identify for you what can be done to help this area. 

The book is packed with beautiful pictures taken all around the world, numerous information about the various ecosystems and the habitats found all around the world as well as interesting suggestions on how to get involved in helping to protect our planet.  

While reading information in the book, I discovered that back in 1905 no one lived in the area where Las Vegas is located.   in 2005, more than 1,796,380 people lived there.   The information about the possible problem of water in the city is very interesting.   Las Vegas apparently uses 307 gallons of water per person per day.  That’s  1, 165 liters…   If you consider the pools, fountains, water-based shows as well as personal used, water will become an expensive resources for the city in the desert.

The book is divided in various sections: introduction on various terminology and life on earth, polar regions, temperate forests, deserts, grasslands, tropical forests, mountains freshwater, oceans, and helping the earth. 

If you want to learn more how you can help protect the planet and how we are damaging it, Earth matters will give you a bird eye view of the ecology around the world.

Earth Matters is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Frog Dissection

Frog Dissection app

Created by Emantras Inc.

Every year, at our homeschool conference, a company gives away a frog for dissection.   Personally I think this is totally cool but many moms don’t enjoy winning this item and reluctantly select it. 

Recently, I discovered a wonderful app that will permit your homeschool kids to learn about dissection and discover the interesting organs in a frog without having the mess to clean and the handling of a dead frog in your house.   The app is Frog Dissection and it is packed with interesting information on top of the dissection ability.

The images in this app are very realistic and 3D .    The dissection activity is guided with a step by step voice over which help you to proceed to the experiment.   Once the dissection is completed, you get the opportunity of learning more about the various organs in a frog.   The app allows you to turn the organ in a 360 degree to observe it on various angles.   

I always was fascinated with biology.   My 2nd son likes animals a lot and he was the first one to use this app.   He wanted to do the dissection by himself while following the  instructions. 

The app also contains information about frogs, some videos showing how frogs jumps, catch flies and sing, a quiz on frogs and their organs as well as an anatomical comparison of humans with frogs.   Needless to say, this app is packed with information that will make a wonderful science lesson for your kids. 

Check out this little video on the app.

Honestly, I am impressed with the quality and the information found in this app.    I am recommending it to every homeschoolers who don’t want to handle the real live dissection. 

In conclusion, I hope that the creators behind the Frog Dissection app will consider coming up with other apps like this.   For example, items I would love to be able to dissect would be: mussels, sheep heart, grasshopper, bird, pig,…  I could come with numerous ideas to spice up the biology lessons.  

Frog Dissection is available for the iPad for the price of 3.99$ which is a very good investment for your biology lesson. 

Disclaimer: I received the app for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

LOOK NOW

Look Now – The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics
Published at DK

About the Book

Look Now is a spellbinding picture of our world and its people conveyed through infographics. The five exciting chapters-Earth, People, Power, Industry, and Connections-examine the physical world and different spheres of human activity, and present facts, figures, graphics, illustrations, and photographs in a way that tells the interconnected stories of the modern world.
Half encyclopaedia, half almanac, and 100% awesome, the book delivers the information with a stunning array of graphic and visual tools that encourage the reader not only to understand the world we live in, but to see it in a brand new light.

My Thoughts

Did you know that there are 31,000 McDonald’s restaurants employing 1.5 million people, a population that’s bigger than 51 countries of the world?

Did you know that 2,425 cell phones are lost in the U.K. by accidentally flushing them down the toilet, 160 more are chewed by pet dogs in 1 day?

Did you know that a teenager will take up to 48 minutes per day to groom himself/herself?

Did you know that a ripe cocoa pod is about the size of a pineapple?

Did you know that only fungu-certified chefs are allowed to prepare the puffer fish as a meal?

Did you know that you could turn man’s best friend into a girl’s best friend by converting a pet’s ashes into a diamond?

I bet you didn’t.   Look Now is packed with fun and interesting facts like these about the world around us.  This book can become an interesting  reference book while doing research or just for the fun of reading it to learn more.

My oldest son is the one who is the most interested in this book.   His interest in the world around him is very interesting.  I could catch him flipping through the pages and then get excited about some tidbit of information that he had just read.   He would immediately want to share it with everyone else in the family.   *grin*  

Even I would pick up the book at the end of the day to read a page or two.    It is very interesting what you can learn in it.    I was particularly surprised of the comparison of the size of the fast-food meals in 1989 versus 2009.   WoW!   Seeing the size of that burger I wonder how an adult can eat through it.    Unbelievable!  No wonder there are weight issues these days…  Another interesting page was about manners around the world.  Fro example, while reading this page we learned that Japanese think that it is barbaric to blow your nose in public and even worse to keep a used tissue in your pocket.  Personally, I dislike hearing someone sniffing all the time.

The information contained in this book is divided in various sections: Earth, People, Power, Industry, Connections, as well as Reference.  Keep in mind that some of the information presented in this book is based on information presented in school materials (like for example the age of the planet).    I personally teach both views to my kids so that they know what to expect when they talk with others or when they would go back to school.    Nevertheless the information found in this book is so interesting that I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them.   

Watch a little video presenting the Look Now book. 

Look Now is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pirose Scarf

Reno Rose is a design company based in Jacksonville, Fla. with a special focus on fashion innovations for women and families. Founded in 2009, Reno Rose is owned by Rino and Nathan Greenwood, new parents, a dynamic husband and wife duo, and newfound entrepreneurs.

About the product

Pirose – a Stylish and innovative scarf with endless fashion potential.

Inspired by the grace of a ballerina and the movement of pirouettes, Pirose is a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind, multi-way scarf with endless fashion potential.

Wrap it like a scarf, use it to keep warm at dinner or accessorize for a black tie affair. 

From casual to classy, Pirose will transform any outfit to fabulous in a snap!

Why modern women wear Pirose

• Soft florals, geometric prints and bold colors effortlessly tie an outfit together
• Transitions an outfit from day to night with more than 12 ways to wear
• Bias cut flatters all body shapes
• Easily tucks into purse, attache and suitcase
• Airy and breathable material adds style and warmth without weighing down an outfit

SIZING

Graceful, elegant, feminine and beautiful, Pirose flatters every body type. Each scarf is available in three lengths - Small, Medium and Large - but it has nothing to do with American Standard sizing! Fashion is all about proportion - the key is to find the best size Pirose for your wardrobe, and the right one for you might not match your normal clothing size. If you are petite or fuller figured, we recommend size Small or Medium to draw attention upward, which will elongate and flatter your figure. If you are tall, we recommend a Large. 

Choosing the right size depends not only on your figure but also on the look you wish to achieve with this versatile fashion accessory. A Small size lends a subtle accent, while a Large size offers a more dramatic effect.

My Thoughts

  I received the Gabrielle model (see image on the side).    What I particularly like about the Pirose Fashion scarf is the flexibility in how you can wear it.    It is very versatile and can be worn in many ways depending of your mood, your style or what you wear.  

The material is very light and remind me of the delicate wings of a butterfly.    The best part is that you receive the scarf in a little bag that you can carry with you if you decide to remove the scarf at some point during an evening under the stars. 

The adaptable item will be a wonderful addition for your wardrobe.   And you can get a variety of them by getting different colors!

Right now, in my area, it is still winter time.   I see this beautiful scarf to  be more useful for the Spring, Summer time for me.    With the winter coats to put over it, I don’t see myself wearing such an item on my shoulders.   Nevertheless, I love the scarf and plan to use it when the nice weather comes.

Also available is the Pirose for nursing for my friends who are expecting or just had a baby!    The scarves  are available directly from the website for the price of 35$ US.

Check it out for yourself!

 

You can find Reno Rose on facebook and twitter.

Disclosure: This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Reno Rose Inc. for this review.

365 Project–Day 54

I am participating in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting an image a day, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

 

The faces a kid make when they don’t know you are shotting…. 

365 Project–Day 53

I am participating in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting an image a day, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

On his 7th birthday (this is today!) Dominic got picked to demonstrated the electric static when your hair are short…

I figure a series of pictures would be apprepriate for today…  I love the sport option on my camera!!!!!

 

Happy 7th birthday Dominic!

 

Today is my 2nd son birthday – he is turning 7 years old.  Time flies I tell you.  

In honour of him, I have made this smilebox presentation.

Enjoy!

This free slideshow personalized with Smilebox

 

Have a wonderful day Dominic!   I love you.  mom xo

MOST

MOST – Deluxe Edition DVD

About movie

33 minutes shot film directed by Bobby Garabedian

MOST, the Czech word for “The Bridge”, is a fitting title for this 21st-century parable about a loving father, his young son, and the fateful day when they attempt to head off an impending rail disaster.  Hundreds of passengers aboard an oncoming steam train are completely unaware of the danger that looms as they head toward an open drawbridge.   As a desperate young woman witnesses an act of mercy beyond imagination, her life is changed forever – as are the lives of all who see this film.  Both heart wrenching and glorious, MOST vividly portrays the greatest offering of love, sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness known to man.

WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/mostthemovie

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c67NF3I55ew

Our Thoughts

We are not strangers to this movie – actually part of the movie.  Why?  Well a couple of years ago, the pastor of the church we were attending had shown a clip from it.   The most disturbing part of the movie but oh so touching and moving.    And seeing it again has once again changed our way of thinking about a lot of things. 

I personally don’t think of my kids the same way anymore.   Anything could happen anytime.   Literally.    Life is full of unexpected events that could shake you like you wouldn’t believe.  This movie reminded us to enjoy our children while we can.    It is also a wonderful allegory of the famous John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

The movie will definitively touch anyone to the core.  Nobody can’t feel unaffected after seeing it.   Nobody.  After watching it, we decided to watch the extended ending as well as the bonus scenes and we think that these should have been included in the movie.    One particular scene helped us to understand the story a bit more.

The amazing thing about that movie is that it is apparently based on a true story.

There is an old story about a man by the name of John Griffith, who lived in Oklahoma in 1929. He had lost all he had in the stock market crash. He moved to Mississippi where he took a job as bridge operator for a railroad trestle. In 1937 he was involved in a horrible accident. One day his 8 year-old son, Greg, spent the day with his Dad at work. The boy poked around the office and asked dozens of questions - just like little boys do. The bridge was over a river and whenever a ship came John had to open the bridge to allow the ships to pass. The day the boy was there with his father a ship was coming so John opened up the draw bridge. After a moment or two he realized his son wasn’t in the office and as he looked around, to his horror, John saw his son climbing around on the gears of the draw bridge. He hurried outside to rescue his son but just then he heard a fast approaching passenger train, the Memphis Express, filled with 400 people. He yelled to his son, but the noise of the now clearing ship and the oncoming train made it impossible for the boy to hear him. All of a sudden John Griffith realized his horrible dilemma. If he took the time to rescue his son the train would crash killing all aboard, but if he closed the bridge, the boy we be crushed in the gears. John would sacrifice his son. He made the horrible decision, pulled the lever and closed the bridge. It is said, as the train went by John could see the faces of the passengers, some reading, some even waving, all of them oblivious to the sacrifice that had just been made for them.

The deluxe edition includes MOST a 33 minutes film, the making of MOST a 32 minutes feature, bonus scenes, extended ending, and introduction & commentary of Luis Palau and a study guide.  Note that the language is in Czech but numerous subtitles are available.

Watch a preview of MOST

GREAT NEWS!

One of my readers can win a copy of MOST.

To participate, watch the preview and tell me the color of the handle that the little is trying to pull up .  This entry is mandatory.   Don’t forget to include your email address in the comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1) Subscribe to my feed on the left side of this blog and let me know about it.

2) Like Canadianladybug Reviews! on facebook and tell me about it.

3) Like MOST on facebook and tell me about it.

3) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! on twitter and like me you twitter name.

4) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! with Google Friends on the left side of this blog and tell me about it.

5) Tweet about this contest and give me the link about it.   (One entry per day!)

6) Blog about this contest and give me you link (3 entries) – Give me your link and enter three times in the comment section.

Don’t forget to include your email for each steps.   No email means I will have to pick someone else.    I need to be able to contact you if you win!   Random.org will be use to determine the winner.  You will have 24 hours to contact me and give me your mailing address so I can send it to my contact at Fly Propeller which in turn will ship the DVD to you!

Open to Canadians and US residents ONLY.

Deadline:  March 20, 2011 (to celebrate my birthday and SPRING day!).

Disclosure of Material Connection:   I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

365 Project–Day 52

I am participating in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting an image a day, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

R2D2 Cake

Left Behind Games Sweepstakes

Left Behind games is having a sweepstakes on their  Facebook page.

Simply go to http://www.facebook.com/leftbehindgames or http://www.lbgames.com/Sweepstakes.html . 

GRAND PRIZE   Apple iPad 16 GB valued to 499$

2nd prixe   300$  Visa gift card

3rd prize  150$ Visa Gift Card

The drawing will be held on March 22, 2011 at 3:30PM PST.

No purchase necessary to enter.

Must be 18 years or older.

Must reside within the 48 contiguous US states.

Good luck!

365 Project–Day 51

I am participating in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting an image a day, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

 

It’s tricky to learn to cut…

365 Project–day 50

I am participating in the 2011 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting an image a day, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun!

 

Early geography lesson

Moon Dough Magic Zoo

Moon Dough Magic ZooBy SpinMaster
About the product
Bring your Moon Dough Creations to life with the Moon Dough Magic Zoo play set.  Please Moon Dough into the Zoo gate, turn the handle and a real walking zoo friend pops out through the Zoo gates!   Comes with three animals friends: a gorilla, bear and penguin and fence mould to create and play in your very own Magic Zoo.  And because Moon Dough never dries out, you can play with it again and again!   Soft, light, wheat-free and non –drying, Moon Dough is out of this world!

Our Thoughts
I was familiar with the Moon Sand but I have now discovered the wonderful world of Moon Dough.   This interesting dough can be mouldable but at the same time it will never dries out like another product that we know… 

The texture is quite interesting, makes me think of dried ice cream in a way.   It is soft and light at the same time.   But you have the flexibility of using mould and create interesting shapes.

The Moon Dough Magic Zoo will encourage your child to create a bear, a penguin or an ape out of Moon Dough and then have them walk around with the special contractions included in the set.  

The kids had a blast playing with it.   Each of them thought the texture of the dough was weird and interesting at the same time.    Personally I find it less messy that another famous dough that we see in stores.

Nevertheless, the kids had fun playing with it and creating creatures from the zoo.   It would have been nice to have more walking thingy so that more animals could walk away from the “mould factory”…    We also discovered that it is better not to put too much dough in the mould so that it can open properly to let the animal walk around when you have finished to crank the factory.  

The Moon Dough Magic Zoo is perfect for 3 years old since my own daughter was able to do it after a little bit of instructions.



Even my older son got involved and decided to play a bit with his younger siblings.  



As you can see everyone is enjoying the Moon Dough Magic Zoo.



Here’s an example of what the animals look like when walking around.



My only disappointment was there was no storing container for the Moon Dough included in this package.   I think I would have preferred to get our Moon Dough in containers instead of plastic bags…   Now I have to take some of our plastic containers for food to store the white, orange and purple dough. 
Moon Dough Magic Zoo is available at your favourite toy store.

Disclaimer: Thanks to SpinMaster for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Plain Wisdom

Plain Wisdom – An Invitation into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women
Written by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud
Published at Waterbrook Multnomah

About the book

Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.
Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God. 
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship.  You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.
Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

Who is Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud?

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. She is the author of The Bridge of Peace, The Hope of Refuge, and The Sound of Sleigh Bells.
Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, their three sons, and two amazing daughters-in-law.

Miriam Flaud is an Old Order Amish woman who has lived within one of the most structured societies in the United States. She is the co-author of Plain Wisdom with New York Times best-selling author, Cindy Woodsmall. She’s experienced the abundant joys of that lifestyle as well as troubled times. She and her husband have six children and five grandchildren.

My Thoughts

This book is almost an answer to prayers in a way.   I absolutely love Amish novels but sometimes I wonder how much truth is there in these.   Are they really based on how the Amish's live?  

Plain Wisdom gives me glimpse of life in a Amish family – a real one on top of that.    I loved reading the stories of Miriam and Cindy and how in a way being a woman is no different whether you are in the Old Order or if you live in the World.  We have emotions, struggles, joy and tears.   We are similar in a way.   To be honest, I think I am a little bit jealous of Cindy for having a friendship with Miriam.   Part of me would love to experience this and develop such a friendship with a woman from whom I am sure I can learn much about being peaceful and more connected with God.  

Reading this book is an eye opener and a blessing.   The stories made me smile and I got tears in my eyes at times.    I also saw the enormous community existing in the Amish community – together and even with the English.   I also appreciate the numerous recipes that Miriam has included in the book.    I will definitively make some of them and I think the first one I will do will be the Overnight Blueberry French Toast.   It sounds so yummy and delicious.   Lip smacking if you ask me. 

I think I will go back to this book on a yearly basis to give me a perspective on my own life while reading about an Amish home.  

I am forever grateful for the fact that Cindy and Miriam decided to team up together to write this wonderful book.   I enjoy it very much and I know that whoever likes reading Amish novels will enjoy it too!

Plain Wisdom is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Imagining me

Imagining Me
Picture It Picture Books

About the book
The one and only book series that children illustrate themselves. We write the stories and leave out the illustrations, giving children a chance to set their imaginations free. Our books focus on the environment, social responsibility, positive human interaction and creativity.

The most important part about Picture It Picture Books is that they don’t have any pictures.  We give our readers the opportunity to illustrate their very own books.  By visualizing the images to a story as it unfolds and then committing those images to paper, readers engage with our texts in a meaningful, physical way.  This increases reading comprehension and encourages readers to apply what they’ve learned to their own lives.

Picture It Picture Books:  Drawing on your imagination.

Our Thoughts
We received a Picture It Picture Books as part of a product testing via Mom Central Canada.    Having received only one book titled Imagining Me, I decided to put it in the hands of my artistic child – Dominic then age 6 1/2.

Dominic immediately went to work on his book.   He loved the fact that it permits him to be creative and draw according to what the text said.   

Each page of the book contains some writing describing what has to be drawn.    For  younger children and for struggling readers you might have to read the text  for them. The page is big enough to add as much details as the child desire.   Honestly I think this is a very creative way to encourage the child to explore drawing and use their imagination.    Part of me almost wish I would have thought about it…  *grin*

Below are the pictures where he has drawn more details.   Some other pages have less characters/details so I didn’t post them here.   Dominic still has one page to work on but he hasn’t been inspired to do it just yet.

 
Dominic pictured himself with his blond hair, blue eyes, and glasses.


The whole family together.   Everyone is illustrated here!

 
Dominic loves food…  So he drew a bunch of his favourite food on the first page.   Let’s just say that there isn’t many food that he doesn’t like. 


Dominic loves to play in the pool after the swimming lessons with his friend, Parker.

 
On a desert island, Dominic brought his little sister, Jasmine with him!


All my kids love to do science….   He was very creative to show the experiments bubbling here!

 
On this page, he decided to illustrate our family going to the zoo but dad is taking the picture.


This illustration picture Dominic fighting the Roger Roger robots in a Star Wars Clone Wars Scene…

Needless to say, Dominic loved doing his Imagining Me book.   The other three kids were a bit disappointed not to have one too! 

There are a variety of titles available: “My Alphabet”, “Imagining Me”, “One,Deux,Three”, “Goodnight Dreams”, “Captain Zane”, and “The Moon Story”.  All books are in English except for the number one which also has the French included.   Eventually, I would like to see a similar product in French or at least see these books being translated…

The Picture it Picture Books are available at Chapters/Indigo for the price of 7.59$ for members.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Picture It Picture Books and Mom Central Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not in any obligation to post a review and was not monetarily compensated. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way, shape or form.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.