Trust and Blessings

I have been neglecting this blog for the past few months.   I guess in a way I needed to take a break of some sort.  

Yesterday I felt I needed to reconnect with it.

Why?

To simply share my thoughts on trust.

TRUST.

I am learning to trust the Lord more and more lately with many aspects of my life.

My mom for example.   Not an easy relationship for various reasons that I won’t explain here.   But all I need to say is that no matter what I love her.    She’s my mom after all.  

My family.  Well I can’t go into details here but the last few months has been a whirlwind of emotions/events.   It’s not finished yet.   Slowly we see a light in the tunnel and it feels good.   For a while we had no clue what God was doing but I think we start to see a plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD.”

This Scripture is following me a lot lately.

My upcoming trip. For the first time in my life, I will board a plane alone to attend a training week with one of the most wonderful healing ministry that I know – Living Waters.  I’m a bit anxious about it though I know the Bible tells me not to be anxious about anything…   It’s a first… hopefully not the last time I have the opportunity of travelling alone by plane.

On a bright note – I recently received a confirmation that I could review a Brother sewing machine.   It has been years – not to mentioned decades – since I touched one.   I’m excited about it and find a tons of fun projects to do with sewing and quilting.   My maternal grand-mother made a ton of quilts when I was younger.   I would love to follow in her footsteps.

Also – don’t tell my kids but next week on our anniversary, we will attend a show at Medieval Times in Toronto.  They don’t know about it.  The boys think that only Jasmine and I will be going since they went alone with dad about two years ago.   I was able to get FREE entry for everyone in the family in exchange of a blog post.    To top it off, we are attending one that also includes a presentation in history.   I look forward to this.

This week, I was looking at a faucet located behind our trailer (you see we have come with my husband as he works on a contract near Whitchurch-Stouffville).    And the faucet was dripping…   and it got me thinking about the blessings God give us.   You see sometimes it feels like waves upon waves of blessings showering over our heads.  Other times it is dripping like the faucet.  Still God is with us at all times – no matter what.   And He provides in ways we don’t expect too!

Here’s the pics I took…

How blessed are you lately?   Do you feel like it is scarce and dripping or do you feel overwhelmed by God’s goodness?   Either way always remember God is always there even when you don’t sense Him.

Trust me.   I know.  I experienced it.   Life goes through seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter.    We have ups and downs.   We feel great or totally discouraged.   But He provides in various ways.  We just need to take the time to see it.   The best way to do so is to spend time in your Bible.   It’s amazing how Scriptures can speak to you when you least expect it.

Have you cracked your Bible open today?  What did God shared with you?

Royal Botanical Gardens

Since my husband has a contract outside of town, we have decided to bring the whole family with the RV and homeschool on the road. Though we do a bit of school work during the weekdays, I also wanted to discover new places in the Toronto area. Since I review books and products, I figure that I could try to get free admission to different attractions in or near Toronto in exchange of a blog post.

One of the first attractions I contacted was the Royal Botanical Gardens which is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from our campsite. This activity would definitively be a day outing and it would require us to be rested. Imagine my delight when I got a positive response from them. We were set to visit the RBG over the long week-end in May.

So on May 19^th, we drove to Burlington to explore and discover a garden that I have been wanting to see for many years now. I grew up in Montreal and I went many times to the botanical gardens there. I also had the privilege of visiting the Butchart Gardens on Victoria Island in BC when I was in high school. So I was looking forward to see another famous garden located in Ontario.

The weather was sunny and we had prepared a lunch. Already many visitors were coming through the door of the RBG Centre. We got the stamps on our hands and we started t explore. We first went to the Hendrie Park and explored the area there. The paths in the woods were nice and we ate in a section where a wooden bridge was build. In this section of the RBG, there is also where you can discover the vegetable gardens. The only negative point was the numerous Canadian geese fecal matter on the paths near the pond. But being spring and having these visitors on the ground might be difficult to clean regularly.

After this exploration, we went inside the indoor gardens located at the back of the RBG Centre. We had a great time discovering the plants living in a Mediterranean environment. We saw various plants from a warmer climate. There was even a small pond with marvelous fish and we stopped for a few moments to look at them. Apparently, you can also encounter lizards inside the indoor gardens but we haven’t seen any during our visit.

Our last stop, was the Rock Garden. We had to take our car to drive to this area. Fortunately, we had also received a parking pass for the other sections of the Royal Botanical Garden. The Rock Garden ended up being one of our favourite parts of our day. The place is well designed and very interesting to explore. We walked quite a bit in there and even found a fall in the middle of it.

I discovered a marvelous tree called the Golden Chain Tree. It was definitively out of the ordinary and a delight to see.

We visited the RBG Centre, the Hendrie Park and the Rock Garden. But the RBG doesn’t stop there! You can also visit the Arboretum where you can find a Nature Interpretive Centre, the Laking Garden, the Fishway as well as nature sanctuaries called Cootes Paradise, Hendrie Valley, and Escarpment Properties.  Many trails can be found as well and you can explore them with the help of geotrail.   This sound very fun for a family or an outing between friends.

Now keep in mind that we visited the RBG during the spring season and many plants were not out yet. However, we enjoyed discovering the Hendrie Park and the Rock Garden. If we would live in the area, we would surely purchase a yearly membership and take advantage of the numerous activities organized during the year.   After experiencing the beauty of the spring season at RBG, we would love to experience the summer season eventually.   If our stay in Toronto is extended, we would love to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens another time to see the difference.    I personally would really love to discover the rose gardens when they are in blooms.  

RBG is a marvelous garden to explore and discover with your kids.   It could be a great way to incorporate nature studies in your homeschool as well.   Going regularly through all the seasons can help the kids to get a better perspective of life in the woods or in the garden.   We had a blast as a family and we won’t forget our day there.

The Royal Botanical Gardens are located at 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, Canada.   The gardens are opens daily from 10am until 8pm.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the Royal Botanical Gardens for allowing my family to explore their gardens in exchange of a review. 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.

Tanda mē

At the end of March, I presented a device that seems too good to be true.  The Tanda mē had entered my life and I wondered how my relationship with the razor will be different this year.

After almost two months now, I am happy to finally write about what I think of the device.  

But first, let’s review what is the Tanda mē?   Essentially, it is a professional hair removal system that is used at home.   

How does it work?

When an elōs pulse is emitted from the mē device the energy is deposited in the skin, selectively targeting the hair follicle. If the energy reaching the follicle is high enough it can permanently damage the hair follicle and that specific follicle that was damaged will not be able to grow hair any more.

My Thoughts

When I was younger – i.e. in my teenage years – I used to go yo an esthetician to get rid of the unwanted hair on my legs using wax.   Later I purchased a machine to do it at home but honestly it was more painful than anything else.  OUCH!

One day I bought an epilator which has since then stopped working. I was using the razor for many years now.   I did consider getting my hair done with laser treaments numerous times but the price tag attached to it was just ridiculous.   Though I had experience with various ways of removing the hair, it saddened me to see that it wasn’t gone.

Then I stumbled on the mē and it entered my life.

According to their website, the benefits for this device are: safe and effective, fast and convenient, immediate hair removal option, save money on the long run as you won’t have to go see a professional to do it anymore, and visible results as fast as 4 to 6 treatments.   Could it be possible to see results within two to three months?

I needed to try it and I jumped one day by going through one treatment.   Why did it took me so long to go ahead?  I guess it was because of how it worked.    I did one treatment one day on the legs – from the foot to the knee.    The next day I could see a different as I didn’t have to shave immediately.   It is suggested to do a treatment every two weeks.   So I waited to do another treatment.

The day had arrived and I proceeded to do another treatment two weeks after the first one.    This time, I decided to do both full legs.   I had finished one leg and was about half-way the second one when the machine stopped working.   I unplugged it and tried again without any results.   So I emailed my contact and she immediately proceeded in trying to replace the unit.   It took some time but I was able to get a new unit at no charge.  The service was fast and easy though it took time.

Since then, I have made another treatment and I am pleased to say that I don’t have to shave as often.  I usually wait from three to four days to shave if needed me.  

During the procedure, a light will flash as you move the device on your leg.   I prefer not to stare at the area I am treating with it because the light is bothering me.    The skin becomes smooth at the touch and the hair won’t grow back the next day.    After time, the number of days between the growth of the hair and when you shave increase.

After three treatments, here’s a look at what my leg looks like.

As I said, I am quite pleased with the results.   I really like the fact that I don’t have to shave as often anymore and that my legs are smooth to the touch for a long period of time.    Currently, I am travelling with my family and I didn’t bring the device with me.    Small spaces required me to make decisions on what to bring and what to leave behind.    But I am looking forward to the day when I am back home to do another treatment.

Currently, the Tanda mē can be used anywhere below the neck. Typically it is used to remove hair on the arms, legs, armpits, bikini area, legs, chest, abdomen and back.   It looks as though they are planning to release an attachment to the device that will allow you to do your facial hair as well.  The attachment is not available at this point in time.

The mē elōs professional hair removal system comes with a 60 days money back risk-free guarantee. The product is only available in Canada for the price of 395$. Yes it’s expensive but the results are fantastic.

If you are curious about how it works, check the videos at http://trytandame.com.

Follow Tanda on facebook and twitter.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tanda for sending me the above mentioned products 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.

Auto-B-Good Blazing The Trail

We were total strangers to the series of Auto-B-Good.   Apparently this is a series that promotes values to children.

The series has two seasons of shows which covers the following character traits – punctuality, promptness, readiness, responsibility, respectfulness, dependable, obedience, self-control, politeness, truthfulness, honesty,kindness, thankfulness, generosity, goodwill, joyfulness, patience, cooperation, tolerance, consideration, uniqueness, patriotism, citizenship, loyalty, courage, initiative, self-reliance, perseverance, sportsmanship, self-discipline, resourcefulness, cleanliness, fairness, courtesy, confidence, decency, morality, dignity, integrity, bravery, commitment, discovering talent, determination, judging others, friendliness, gratefulness, sharing, forgiveness, wisdom, peacefulness, wisdom, trustworthiness, helpfulness, enthusiasm, restraint, self-acceptance, caring, willpower, heroic, imaginative, friendship, selfless, and hygiene.

A while back I contacted Rising Star Studios to see if I could review another of their product.   I was impressed when someone contacted me to discuss my offer within a couple of hours of me sending them an email.    That person also asked if I would be willing to review some episodes of Auto-B-Good.   Not knowing the series I agreed and I received two DVDs to review.  

In this post I will review the Auto-B-Good DVD titled Blazing The Trail.

About the DVD

Join EJ, Johnny and friends as they discover the true meaning of "hero," learn when "too much" is "not so good" and how to be an encouragement to a friend who is suffering.

Episode 1 - Breaking New Ground (Caring)
Breaking world records is fun, but when EJ gets hurt, Johnny's the only one laughing. Sometimes the only way to feel someone else's pain is to experience some yourself.
Episode 2 - Level 39 (Willpower)
Johnny flips for the latest video game while EJ stuffs himself on a new snack. Can they control their cravings before their cravings control them?
Episode 3 - Western Hero (Heroic)
When EJ and friends get a chance to meet their favorite TV western hero, they're disappointed to find this cowboy cowering behind the real heroes.
Bonus episode - Road Rage (Self-Discipline)
Johnny's perfect summer plan involves joining the Auto Stunt Thrill Team! He thinks being fast and fearless is all it takes, but finds that discipline is needed to direct his built-in skills.
Run time: approx. 50 minutes

Our Thoughts

The younger kids enjoyed Auto-B-Good quite a bit.  I’m not so sure about the older two however.  Though they have stayed and watched with their younger siblings I have the feeling that they thought it was a little too young.  

I also watched the DVD with them.   This particular DVD contains three episodes as well as a bonus one.    Each of them will teach the child about a character trait that is good to develop.   In the first episode, Johnny learns the importance to develop empathy toward his friends.     The second episode is a good representation of self-control when you want your kids to discover what it can do to them if they don’t control themselves to eat or do something in excess.   I particularly love this one has it can be applied in various situations in life.

The third episode will present the importance of being an hero and how not to steal the show from someone else.   Finally in the bonus episode, Johnny will learn that discipline and developing skills are important when you want to obtain something.

In the end, the DVD illustrate the importance to develop character traits in life as well as always try to do your best.    The animation is very well done and the little cars are adorable.

The Auto-B-Good Blazing The Trail is available for 7.99$ at Rising Star Studios or at your favourite store where you buy DVDs. 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Rising Star Education for sending me the above mentioned products 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.

Winner of As One Devil to Another

Sorry for the delay but we are on the road and I couldn’t proceed to the draw before today.

I used the site Random.org to pick the winner.

And the winner is……

Congratulations to

Seriously, this is my brother-in-law….   So I will send him his Tyndale House Publishers Free Product Award Certificate.

Battleship Movie and Hasbro toys

When I was younger one of the games that I remember the most playing was Battleship.   And through the years, the game could always be found on the shelves of many stores.    Last year, I had the privilege to review the new electronic version of the game- Battleship Live – which gave a different twist to an already popular game.

For those of you who don’t know this already, Battleship will arrive to the BIG screen this month.    I never thought that one day I would see a game brought to live in theaters but with the technology that is available now for Hollywood this is now possible.   Click on the image below to access the site of Battleship The Movie  and have the opportunity to watch the trailer.  By the way, the movie is opening on May 18th at a theater near you!

Alongside with the upcoming movie, Hasbro has released new games and toys based on the storyline.    I received various items so I can present them to you.   Along with two movie edition games, Hasbro has also a variety of Kre-O products based on the movie as well.

So when I received my packaged from Hasbro I didn’t know what I should be expecting.   Imagine my surprise when I saw a big box on my porch one afternoon when my son was going out to get the mail.

Inside the delivery box was another box – that looked simply amazing…  I couldn’t resist taking a picture of it.

So I opened the box and this is what greeted me into the world of Battleship!  Seriously how can you resist a package like this.  And the Fire button really worked too!   I was speechless…

So I opened the next part of the box to discover the products that Hasbro have sent me and I was greeted with these amazing games/toys.

So here’s the products I have received.

Classic BATTLESHIP Movie Edition Game

You are at the helm in the fight for the future of the planet. Will you command the Alien Fleet or defend the Human Navy? Scan the battlefield for locations to conceal your highly-detailed, movie-based ships. Then, brace yourself for search-and-destroy battle intensity as you compete with the enemy to keep your ships afloat. Choose from three game variations for edge-of-your seat excitement!

Includes 2 game units, 5 Navy ships, 5 Alien ships, 2 Decks of Special Ops cards, red & white pegs, rules and reference card.

My Thoughts

Remember the old Battleship game with the little white and red pins and the two fleets of boats?   Well the classic game of Battleship is coming back with a new edition based on the upcoming movie.   This version of the game will have the boats on one side against the aliens on the other.   The plastic representation of the ships is similar to the classic game from when I was younger.   However, the packaging has been revamped and display the logos of the new movie.    Though you can play the classic version of the game, you also have the possibility to play the Special Ops game version.  This Special Ops game requires the cards that you will find tucked inside the portable game.    The cars will provide a search-and-destroy strategy and will also give you more firepower.   This is definitively a new twist to a well-known game of more than 69 years.   In both games, the objective is the same: sink your opponent’s fleet to win!

This version of the game requires two people to play.   If you are interested in more opportunities with your game, please note that a Deluxe Battleship Movie Edition Game  is also available.   This deluxe version will scan the battlefield for locations to conceal the ships as well as electronic voice commands and sound effects to your missions.  You can also play on your own, battle a friend or choose between three edge-of-your-seat missions.

A Battleship Hidden Treat Card Game is also available.

I also receive two KRE-O products in the box.

KRE-O BATTLESHIP U.S.S. MISSOURI Construction Set

In your imaginary battles, the aliens are powerful and well-armed, but luckily, you’ve got the incredible armaments of the U.S.S. MISSOURI at your command. Missiles, torpedoes, machine guns and the most highly trained KREON figure commandos are ready to take on the otherworldly threat in this flagship building set from KRE-O! Build it and pretend to join the battle!

If you want to be on the cutting edge of brick play, and imagine yourself on the front lines of a battle to protect the Earth, KRE-O BATTLESHIP Building Sets are for you. High-octane, in your face action building is yours, with the sets that let you build like you play – without limits!

Build the mighty U.S.S. MISSOURI! 6 customizable missile launchers with firing missiles! 3 interior levels – including central control room, captain’s navigation tower, and soldier sleeping barracks with alien examination room. Working crane lifts the attack boat! Works with leading construction brands!

Includes 545-piece construction kit to build the U.S.S. MISSOURI, ADMIRAL SHANE KREON figure, MARINE PATROL KREON figure, MISSION SOLDIER KREON figure, ALIEN COMMANDER KREON figure, and ALIEN TROOPER KREON FIGURE.

AND

KRE-O BATTLESHIP ALIEN STRIKE Construction Set

With 277 bricks and other construction pieces, you can build your own battle against alien invasion! Build an alien ship and firing weapons for your KREON figures! Your Alien Pilot and Alien Gunner figures can crew the alien ship while your Raikes and Hopper figures ride their skiff into battle against them! Look inside the package for weapon building ideas. Build and rebuild their weapons for exciting blasting action in the sky, on the ground or in the water!

Build the awesome alien strike vehicle and Navy scout boat! 2 customizable missile launchers with firing missiles! Opening cockpit! Moveable wings! Capture claw! Works with leading construction brands!

Includes 277-piece construction kit, Raikes KREON figure, Hopper KREON FIGURE, Alien Pilot KREON FIGURE, and Alien Gunner KREON FIGURE.

Product does not float.

My Thoughts on KRE-O

KRE-O is a wonderful way to mix building blocks with themed movies.  Last year I had the opportunity to review the Transformers KRE-O products and this time we got two items from Battleship The Movie.

My kids are all over the construction building block we have.   We have different ones from different companies.  However, I find the KRE-O one to be a great quality and easy to manipulate.   They are quite similar to a well-known building blocks company that we probably all know.   At the same time, they are better than the ones from another company that also entered the smaller size of blocks a few years ago.   I like variety and the opportunity to recreate scenes from a movie.  The KRE-O offers exactly this to the movie fans out there.    

The Kre-O Battleship line of toys also includes the following sets based on the movie.

Kre-O Battleship Combat Chopper Construction Set

Kre-O Battleship Land Defense Battle Pack Construction Set

Kre-O Battleship Ocean Attack Construction Set

Also in the fall more sets will be available based on Battleship The Movie – the Mine Stryker set, the Air Assault set, and the Battle Base set.

So on May 18th, plan a night a fun and go watch the new Battleship The Movie.    My husband and I are looking forward to see it as we know that it would be different than any other movies as it is based on a popular game that first made it to the market back in 1943 when it was a pad-and-pencil game.  Since 1967 it is a popular game board in many families.   2012 will be the year the game is finding its way to the big screen with the first movie.   

GREAT NEWS!  GIVEAWAY TIME….

I have received a second set of the products I have reviewed to giveaway to a person in the Ottawa area.   To win, I would ask you to tell me what are your memories of playing Battleship when you were younger as well as tell me what you think of the new line of Battleship products.  

You will also have to include your email address in your comments so that I can reach you if you are a winner.  Also, the winner will have to pick up the package.

You can have an extra entry is you promote it on facebook.  Provide the link of your post in the comments area as well as you email address.

Deadline is June 15th, 2012.    Open to resident in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.   Pick up of the winning package will be mandatory.

All these products based on Battleship The Movie are available at your favourite toy store.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned products 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.

Anything

Anything – the prayer that unlocked my God and my Soul
Written by Jennie Allen
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

Safe. Comfortable. Happy.
Words we all love. Feelings we want. Even crave. We may love God, but being that he's invisible, words like comfortable seem to feel better faster.

We are all chasing something. Our hearts were made to run hard and fast after things that move us. But as a generation we are all beginning to stir and wake up, identifying that these words don't satisfy for long, especially when compared to God. If God is real, and we are going to live with Him forever, shouldn't He be everything?

Caught in this familiar haze of worldly happiness and empty pursuits, Jennie Allen and her husband Zac prayed a courageous prayer of abandonment that took them on an adventure God had written for them.

"God, we will do anything. Anything,"

Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move us to stop chasing things that just make us feel happy and start living a life that matters. A life that is...

Surrendered. Reckless. Courageous.

If we truly know a God worth giving anything for, everything changes.

Who is Jennie Allen?

Jennie Allen’s passion is to communicate a bigger God through writing and teaching.  She graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a masters in biblical studies and is blessed to serve alongside her husband Zac in ministry.  They have four children, including their  youngest son who was recently adopted from Rwanda.

My Thoughts

These days I sense that God is leading me to a place where I am willing to follow Him no matter what the cost.    Actually, it started a couple of years ago as we went through a time a dryness in our family – we were down spiritually when our ministry had to close its doors, financially as contracts were not as numerous, and other things too.    But since last year, we have opportunities knocking on our door – contracts and ministry.   I have no clue what God is preparing us for and honestly I think I stopped questioning myself about this.   I decided that after all He should be to hold the wheel on my life and my family as well.   

I will admit that I hesitated to jump on board to review Anything.    I doubted that he would be meaningful to me.   I was wrong.   Anyone should take the time to read this book as it is inspiring to get out of the rut of your daily life and trust God that He can do immensely more with you.

To be honest, I don’t want to think of the questions the author is asking on page 55 of her book – “What are you most afraid of?  What would be the very worst thing that God may allow you to suffer?” – simply because I think I would be torn if one of my kids would have to go through a terrible sickness or even die.    But I know that growth will also be present in the midst of trials.  *sigh*

Through this book I have learned that God wants all of me not just bits and pieces.  I need to learn to yield to His guidance without buts, ifs or whys.   I need to give the control to His powerful hands.  To trust Him no matter what is the outcome.   Yeah I know – easier said than done.   But He can provide the strength doesn’t He?   He can give us the push in the back we need to advance.  After all, the Scriptures itself says that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.  

I particularly loved the illustration of the baby sea turtles in the book.    To get to their home, ie the ocean, they go through trials and barriers.   It got me thinking that in a way we are the same while going through life.   Being a Christian doesn’t mean that you will have everything easy on a gold platter.  No, there are trials, issues, slow time as well as blessings from above.    In the 21st century, the entitlement generation is more and more visible.    I see it in the news, at church, in schools, at work… everywhere.   But is it really a good way of thinking? 

I have a dream.   I would love to have some acreage and a house with a wrap-around porch.  A place where my kids can go in the woods to explore and a garden which could provide for our family during the winter season.    But as I consider the words of Jennie Allen, I am wondering why can’t I just be satisfied with our home right now.    So what there are neighbors close to us and that the yard is a bit small.  The house has a finished basement, plenty of room for everyone and close to activities for my kids whom are homeschool.   The mortgage is currently under the value of a new townhome which is amazing for a two story house with 5 full bedrooms in it.    So why do I always look for something better?  Why I am feeling dissatisfied.?

I want to be like Mary – the mother of my Lord Jesus.   I want to trust God about any events in my life no matter what the cost is.    She did it.   I can do it too.  

Jennie Allen gave me some things to ponder about and I am more willing to let God act in our lives as never before.   Anything Lord.  Anything.   He might ask us to stay put where we are and be more involved in the ministry we participated in earlier this year.  He might ask us something totally different – like leaving the familiarity of our environment and go somewhere else.   I don’t know but one thing I know for sure if that one… I will do my best to bloom anywhere He brings me.

What about you?   Are you willing to let God in control of everything in your life?   If so, I would like to suggest that you grab the book Anything and read through it.   I have a feeling that you will come out of this with a way of thinking different than the one you had before.

Anything is available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 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.

The Way We Work

The Way We Work – Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body
From David Macaulay
Published at Houghton Mifflin Books

About the book

In The Way Things Work, David Macaulay gave readers a clear understanding of how machines operate. In his new book, The Way We Work, he illuminates the most important machine of all—the human body. This book is about you and how and why you are what you are. Your body is made up of various complex systems, and Macaulay is a master at making the complex understandable. He shows how the parts of the body work together, from the mechanics of a hand, to the process by which the heart pumps blood, to the chemical exchanges necessary to sustain life.

The Way We Work shows how individual systems—circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and reproductive—work together to make the human body function the way it does. Beginning with cell structure and the DNA that defines us, and ending with the cells from a man and a woman combining to create new life, this captivating journey brilliantly shares with readers the science of ourselves.

This book is for you and everyone you know. It can serve as a resource for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how the body works. It is an engaging guide that introduces you to you. Readers will come away with a new appreciation of the amazing world inside the human body. When you open the cover you will see how David Macaulay builds a body and shows you The Way We Work. There is no other book like it.

Who is David Macaulay?

David Macaulay, born in 1946, was eleven when his parents moved from England to Bloomfield, New Jersey. He found himself having to adjust from an idyllic English childhood to life in a fast paced American city. During this time he began to draw seriously, and after graduating from high school he enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After spending his fifth year at RISD in Rome on the European Honors Program, he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and vowed never to practice. After working as an interior designer, a junior high school teacher, and a teacher at RISD, Macaulay began to experiment with creating books. He published his first book, Cathedral, in 1973. Following in this tradition, Macaulay created other books—including City, Castle, Pyramid, Mill, Underground, Unbuilding, and Mosque—that have provided the explanations of the how and the why in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. From the pyramids of Egypt to the skyscrapers of New York City, the human race’s great architectural and engineering accomplishments have been demystified through Macaulay's elaborate show-and-tells. Five of these titles have been made into popular PBS television programs.

The range and breadth of his talent is also showcased in the more lighthearted picture books Rome Antics and Shortcut, as well as Black and White, which received the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1991.

Macaulay is perhaps best known for the award-winning international bestseller The Way Things Work, which was expanded and updated in 1998 and renamed The New Way Things Work. This brilliant and highly accessible guide to the workings of machines was dubbed “a superb achievement” by the New York Times and became a New York Times bestseller. Using a humorous woolly mammoth to illustrate principles, Macaulay offers even the least technically minded reader a window of understanding into the complexities of today’s technology. He uses this same humorous approach and uncanny ability to explain complicated systems in The Way We Work, which tackles the most intricate machine of all: the human body.

David Macaulay’s detailed illustrations and sly humor have earned him fans of all ages. His books have sold more than three million copies in the United States alone, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. His many awards include the Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, the Christopher Award, and the Washington Post–Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award. He was a two-time nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award and received the Bradford Washburn Award, presented by the Museum of Science in Boston to an outstanding contributor to science.

In 2006 he was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, given “to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.” As “an individual of distinction in the field of children’s literature,” Macaulay delivered the esteemed 2008 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, an honor bestowed on him by the American Library Association.

David Macaulay lives with his family in Vermont.

My Thoughts

Here’s another marvelous book from David Macaulay but this time it concentrates only on the human body and its different parts.

Seven chapters make out this book and once again the marvelous illustrations of David Macaulay will show how the systems in our body works to help us live.j

• Building Life will explains everything related to the cell and how it multiplies itself.  
• Air Traffic Control will provide explanation on the respiratory and circulatory systems.
• Let’s Eat is all about the digestive system from a to z.  Nothing is missed in this section.
• Who’s in Charge Here? will be the section where you learn more about the nervous system and how our different senses work.
• Battle Stations is the section which explains how the human body fights viruses.
• Moving On will present the bones and muscles which allow us to move.
• Extending the Line will present the reproductive system.

Soon after I received this book, one of my kids asked me why we had saliva.   Picking up the book I told him that we will check this out.  And we proceeded to the page explaining the role of saliva and how it helps in the process of digesting the food.    The colorful image next to it was very explanatory by itself and at first I got some “ewww” but eventually he looked at it a bit more.  Here’s some examples of what the pages look like (this was taken from amazon.com thanks to the Click to LOOK Inside feature.

I think this book is a wonderful addition in a personal library and will illustrate quite precisely how the human body work.   The illustrations are breathtaking and will help to grasp the way the different body parts function so we can live.   This is a perfect reference and informational book for any child interested in deepening the comprehension on the human body.   I highly recommend it to every homeschoolers out there!

The Way We Work is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen 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.

The New Way Things Work

The New Way Things Work
From David Macaulay
Published at Houghton Mifflin Books

About the book

The information age is upon us, baffling us with thousands of complicated state-of-the-art technologies. To help make sense of the computer age, David Macaulay brings us The New Way Things Work. This completely updated and expanded edition describes twelve new machines and includes more than seventy new pages detailing the latest innovations. With an entirely new section that guides us through the complicated world of digital machinery, where masses of electronic information can be squeezed onto a single tiny microchip, this revised edition embraces all of the newest developments, from cars to watches. Each scientific principle is brilliantly explained--with the help of a charming, if rather slow-witted, woolly mammoth.

Who is David Macaulay?

David Macaulay, born in 1946, was eleven when his parents moved from England to Bloomfield, New Jersey. He found himself having to adjust from an idyllic English childhood to life in a fast paced American city. During this time he began to draw seriously, and after graduating from high school he enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After spending his fifth year at RISD in Rome on the European Honors Program, he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and vowed never to practice. After working as an interior designer, a junior high school teacher, and a teacher at RISD, Macaulay began to experiment with creating books. He published his first book, Cathedral, in 1973. Following in this tradition, Macaulay created other books—including City, Castle, Pyramid, Mill, Underground, Unbuilding, and Mosque—that have provided the explanations of the how and the why in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. From the pyramids of Egypt to the skyscrapers of New York City, the human race’s great architectural and engineering accomplishments have been demystified through Macaulay's elaborate show-and-tells. Five of these titles have been made into popular PBS television programs.

The range and breadth of his talent is also showcased in the more lighthearted picture books Rome Antics and Shortcut, as well as Black and White, which received the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1991.

Macaulay is perhaps best known for the award-winning international bestseller The Way Things Work, which was expanded and updated in 1998 and renamed The New Way Things Work. This brilliant and highly accessible guide to the workings of machines was dubbed “a superb achievement” by the New York Times and became a New York Times bestseller. Using a humorous woolly mammoth to illustrate principles, Macaulay offers even the least technically minded reader a window of understanding into the complexities of today’s technology. He uses this same humorous approach and uncanny ability to explain complicated systems in The Way We Work, which tackles the most intricate machine of all: the human body.

David Macaulay’s detailed illustrations and sly humor have earned him fans of all ages. His books have sold more than three million copies in the United States alone, and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. His many awards include the Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, the Christopher Award, and the Washington Post–Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award. He was a two-time nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award and received the Bradford Washburn Award, presented by the Museum of Science in Boston to an outstanding contributor to science.

In 2006 he was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, given “to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.” As “an individual of distinction in the field of children’s literature,” Macaulay delivered the esteemed 2008 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, an honor bestowed on him by the American Library Association.

David Macaulay lives with his family in Vermont.

My Thoughts

From levers to lasers, windmills to web sites, this book is definitively a visual guide to the world of machines.    Illustrated by non other than David Macaulay, your child will explore how things work and get an understanding on how the day-to-day items in their life can work the way they do.

The book is divided in five sections:

• Mechanics of movement will introduce your child to the inclined plane, levers, wheel, axle, gears, belts, cams, cranks, pulleys, screws, rotating wheels, springs and friction.
• Harnessing the elements will give detailed explanation to anything that floats or fly, the pressure power, how to exploit heat and a nuclear plant.
• Working with waves will give information on light, images, photography, printing, sound and music as well as telecommunications.
• Electricity & automation will cover items that requires electricity, magnetism as well as sensors and detectors.
• The digital domain will cover anything from bits and bytes to computers and the tools you now use on a regular basis everywhere.
• The invention of machines is a section that will give your historical information about various inventions we now use daily.

Though I find the book might be a little overwhelming for a child who doesn’t master reading, this book is packed with interesting information.   As I was flipping the pages of the book, I arrived to a page about the toilet tank.   As I read it, my oldest son was immediately interested and grabbed the book when I was done.  

This book is a good reference for anyone who wants to know how things work.   You could have it on your shelf and then suddenly the book is found in the living room opened to a specific page.   This book could also be used for a research on a specific item for a better understanding as well as to see the illustration illustration how it works.  I wish there were a page on the snowmobile but unfortunately it isn’t the case.    The illustrations help to better understand and sometimes they will make you chuckle or smile.    I believe in learning using the various senses we have – this book will definitively enhanced the visual part of learning simply because of the illustrations.

Here’s an idea of what the pages looked like.

If your child is curious on how things works and he/she wants to understand more about these kind of things, The New Way Things Work is a fabulous book to have at home.

The New Way Things Work is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen 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.

LEGO Brickmaster Pirates

LEGO Brickmaster Pirates
From DK Canada

About the Product

Invent your own LEGO pirate adventures with this amazing set containing bricks, minifigures, and instruction books.  There are 16 different models to create.

My Thoughts

What I love about the Brickmaster series at DK Canada is that the kids not only have directions to make fun scenes but it comes with the LEGO as well.   In this particular set based on pirates, you will find more than 140 bricks as well as 2 minifigures.   

Similar to the previous LEGO Brickmaster products that we were able to review in the past, this set include also step-by-step instruction on building the various situations in the lives of the LEGO soldier and pirate.   The settings you child can build are:

• Treasure Island – The LEGO pirate is sailing the seven seas in search of treasure.  His map leads him to a tropical island where a treasure chest is hidden in a cave.   But the LEGO soldier is sworn to protect the chest from pirates and will not let the pirate pass. 
• Pirate Beach – The LEGO pirate has stolen some treasure.  He is going to bury it on this deserted island to keep it safe.   The LEGO soldier is coming in his boat to get the treasure back.
• Island Harbor Fort – The LEGO pirate’s map has led him to this island.  He can see the treasure on the island but there is a LEGO soldier guarding it.  
• Pirate Prison – The LEGO pirate captures the LEGO soldier and puts him in prison.  Now the pirate has the treasure chest all to himself!
• Island Fort – The LEGO soldier is safely in his fort with the treasure map and treasure chest.  But the LEGO pirate wants to take over the fort and keep the treasure for himself.  
• Weapons Cart – The LEGO solider is transporting the treasure, but the LEGO pirate is ready and waiting to ambush him.    The soldier is ready to defend the treasure.

My kids are enjoying the LEGO Brickmaster products and since my boys love to dress-up as pirates sometimes this set will be a great addition to their LEGO adventures.

If your child like pirates and enjoys LEGO, I think the LEGO Brickmaster Pirates would be a great gift idea!

The LEGO Brickmaster Pirates is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned products 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.

Make It

Make It! Don’t throw it away – create something amazing!
From Jane Bull
Published at DK Canada

About the Book

Create beautiful artwork from your own collection of things around the house!

From picture frame collages to totally unique shadow boxes, this book has everything a creative child needs to find fun in every corner of his own home, by reusing everyday items and turning them into personalized artwork and jewelry.

My Thoughts

I would call this book as the recycling craft projects book of all time.   Seriously packed with tons of ideas that cover anything and everything that you could recycle, the book will keep you kids busy for some time.

You will find projects that will be made of paper, plastic, metal and even fabric. At the beginning of the book, the kids can also read about the importance of recycling and how they can proceed on starving their own garbage can.

A few projects caught my eyes – like the making a newspaper pot, the paper portraits, the rainbow frame made out of plastic toys of various colors, the metal models of robots and space ships.  But the projects that caught my interest the most were the ones made out of fabric.   The friends made out of old tuques, mittens and gloves are calling me as well as the pocket purse.   But for the purpose of this review, I decided to tackle the challenge of making comfy cushions.  

The instructions are simple and cover one page – that’s including the pictures.  So I religiously followed the instructions and made my first comfy cushions based on a long sleeve shirt that my daughter Jasmine used to wear.  And then Jérémy requested one too!  So I got one shirt that was too small for Jasmine (one that all the kids had last year) and move the bigger size down one child (unfortunately Alexandre doesn’t have one anymore) and proceeded to complete his comfy cushion.    Now Dominic wants one too but I need to find a shirt that would work for this kind of craft.

Here’s the result of my sewing.

I’m impressed with my sewing skills lately.  First I did revamped a pair of shorts for Jasmine and now these fun cushions.    I think I am discovering a new passion to make things for my kids.

If your kids like to do crafts and would like to explore a new way of make something out of recycled things, Make It! is a book for him or her.

Make It! is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned products 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.

Holy Clothing

It is amazing on what you can stumbled upon while being on facebook one day. I discovered Holy Clothing because two woman in my church (sisters) kept talking about it on the social media site. I was curious to know what the fuss was all about and decided to google the name. I quickly discover their site - www.holyclothing.com – and was amazed to see what this family-owned business offered for women. On the site I discovered amazing fashion of exclusive handmade dresses, tops, pants and skirts in Renaissance, Gypsy, Boho and Peasant styles.

These clothes seemed to bring the feminine side of women, look amazingly comfortable and didn’t reveal too much. I decided to see if there was a possibility to review an item. I was delighted to get a rapid positive response to my request. I could pick any item I wanted to review.

My eyes had already been attracted to a specific skirt that I had found totally adorable – the midnight black Talia Ruffle Peasant Skirt.

This skirt has a fairy style with the petals descending in a graceful swirl which envelop the curves on a woman’s body. This skirt is appropriate for any event in your life as it is very versatile. It will flutter softly while you walk. Made of 100% rayon and viscose textile, this skirt is ethically handmade in India.

Now since I was receiving a package from HolyClothing, I asked them if it could be possible for me to order a top to go with the skirt and get it shipped at the same time. It was possible so I decided to get a marvelous Grace Bias Cut Boho Top in the burgundy wine color.

This particular top can be worn on her own or combined with other pieces. It is a classic top that will be versatile with anything you wear – whether jeans or skirt. It has a flattering v-neck with an elegant touch of satin on the border. Grace will flatter any figure.

Again this item is made of 100% rayon/viscose textile and is ethically handmade in India.

Thoughts on the Holy Clothing products

First of all, I must say that I am really impressed with the rapidity of the ordering process. I confirmed the order last Thursday and I got a confirmation that the items were shipped on Saturday. By Tuesday late afternoon, I had the package in my hands. I immediately opened it and proceed to do a little fashion show to my husband and kids. My husband immediately said he really liked it and strongly suggested that I wear the top that evening for an event we were attending. The boys were saying that it looked good and my sweet little 4 year old daughter thought the clothes were for her when she saw them out of the bag (more thoughts on her comments later!).

I particularly like the material and the fact that the clothes are vey comfortable. The item I prefer is definitely the skirt. Wearing it makes me feel stylish to say the least because it is out-of-the-ordinary. The skirt is very versatile and you can wear anything with it. I wore it last Saturday to two birthday celebrations of friends of ours. I really like the way it flows when you walk and how it wraps around you when you sit down.

The top is very comfortable as well though I find that I need to wear a detailed piece of clothing under to make it a bit more modest. Fortunately I had such an item in my drawers. Now I would like to have one in black as well to match the skirt when I wear them both together. I love the long sleeves on it because in Canada we can get cool days/evenings during the Fall-Winter-Spring seasons.

Let’s get back on the first reaction of my daughter when she saw the clothes out of the bag. She asked quite innocently “Is it for me?” to which daddy said “No honey it’s not always for you. This time it’s for mommy.” But it got me thinking… Wouldn’t it be totally adorable to have versions of the women skirts, tops, dresses, pants in smaller sizes so that mommy and her daughter(s) can wear the same things? Jasmine at age 4 really loved the Talia skirt. I think having a smaller version with tightening string at the waist because not every girl is the same size and my Jasmine is quite petite would be seriously adorable. So this is my suggestion for HolyClothing – “Would you consider creating a girl version of these clothes of your because I think that teaching purity and modesty should start at a young age? If you do, please let me know because I have a daughter who would love to review some items!”

HolyClothing can be followed on facebook as well. Doing so will give you immediate news on sales and new items arriving on their web store.

Prices varies depending of the piece you want to purchase. If you order for $99 or more, the postal shipping is free. If you order for $199 or more than the FedEx Express shipping is free. Go to HolyClothing’s website to see all their different clothes and to order. They will ship internationally as well.

Disclaimer: I received a Talia skirt for review purposes from Holy Clothing. 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.