A Perfect Ambition

A Perfect Ambition
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman & Jeff Nesbit
Published at Revell, a Baker Publishing Group imprint

About the book

It's time for Will to forge his own path.
But the force that drives him to greatness could also destroy him--and his family.

As the firstborn son of an old and powerful family, William Jennings Worthington VI knows what it's like to be under pressure. Groomed from birth with the relentless message that he was destined for greatness, Will has always pushed himself to succeed--nearly as much as his never-satisfied financial tycoon father pushes him. Becoming CEO of the world's largest and most adventuresome oil company seems the next logical step on the success ladder. But when circumstances turn, Will finds himself staring down a road that leads to Capitol Hill. Can he trade the board room for the Senate floor? Or will family secrets keep him from his destiny?

My Thoughts

I will admit that when I saw that Dr. Leman was a co-author of this new novel I immediately jumped on the opportunity to review the book.   I love Dr. Leman’s book and I was curious as to why he has embarked in a journey to write novels. 

This book is the first of a series  called The Worthington Destiny.   From the first pages, you get to discover the characters and their relationships.   You are slowly drawn into the mystery of this novel with some reactions from the mother of the Worthington siblings as well as an unknown character that quickly enters the pages of the story.    

I realized quickly why Dr. Leman is involved in this book.   Each of the siblings exhibit certain characteristics of the birth order theory that he has demonstrated in his book titled The Birth Order Book.  And at the end of the book, you can read a quick overview of each birth order place.   Each of the characters will have to deal differently with the events that happens in the book.   Each have their own ambitions but at the same time they respect and love their siblings.

Reading this novel, I can’t help but to be immerse in the lives of the characters and the events surrounding them.   I am left wanting to know more about their lives.   But unfortunately I will have to wait until spring 2016 to discover the next part of the story.

If you are looking for a great read this summer, I strongly recommend A Perfect Ambition. 

A Perfect Ambition is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

If you are interested in The Birth Order Book, click below.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 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.

Logo Loops

I’ve recently been approached to review a new product on the market – Logo Loops.   What is Logo Loops?  Well it is a fun headband that will communicate on things your daughter loves the most.   

No matter the length of a girl’s hair, sometimes it’s great to just pull it away from the eyes and forehead. Better than a barrette or a scrunchie, a messaged headband lets your personality shine through. And with so many summer themed loops (slang for headband), a surfboard, anchor, sailboat or flip flops can be your seasonal message of the day.

Every logo loops headband is made of 90% cotton and 10% lycra for a snug fit, holding back those flyaway hairs. But be assured these stretchy accessories won’t cause a headache unlike stiff wire or plastic headbands. These 2¼” wide themed headbands are ideal for a round of tennis, bike riding or strolling the mall thanks to their absorbency. When bands get dirty, simply machine wash in cold water with the band flipped inside out. Toss in the dryer at low heat. Of course these headbands are “just right” because they’re invented by and the business is owned by a mom of two girls!

These made-in-the-USA headbands make thoughtful gifts. Girls can toss one in their backpack or gym bag. Tuck a bunch in the suitcase for carefree summer traveling. Day camp or sleep away calls for an assortment of headbands. For girls who need to roll out of the bunk and get to the camp mess hall, a whimsical logo loops headband is the way to go – in style.

Logo loops are sold everywhere. From Bermuda to British Columbia and from San Jose to Staten Island, retailers can hardly keep the colorful headbands on shelves. To find a store in your state, visit the website at www.logo-loops.com to find a vast retail listing. Or save the trip and shop online. Logo loops online store has dozens and dozens of looks from season themes to initials, spiritual, sports, sorority and holidays. The themes and slogans are beautiful embroidered for long-lasting wear—no iron-on decals here!

Our thoughts

I have received the following three headbands for my daughter.  

I was immediately very impressed with the quality of the headband and the size of the designs on it.  

Here’s my sweet daughter wearing them.

She was delighted to have new headbands and love the butterflies, the fox and the hedgehog that I had picked for her.   They fit perfectly on her head and she knows that she can wear these stylish headbands anywhere she goes.  The headbands will also maintain the memory and are non-slip.   When Jasmine wears one, it is not slipping whatsoever on her head like other ones will do.   They can be worn on sports fields, classrooms, camp and more. 

As a mom I am always on the lookout for something that will help my daughter to keep her hair out of her face.  The Logo Loops headbands are perfect to help her hair to stay put in the back.

The Logo Loops are available for purchase on their website for the price of 13.99$ US.   They are available in  1½” or 2¼” styles.

GREAT NEWS!

Logo Loops is offering two logo loops of the winner’s choice based on availability as shows on the website. Value of (MSRP: 27.98$)

Follow directions below. Open for Canada and US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclaimer: I received three headbands for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Logo Loops. 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.

Pioneer Life with Maplelea

Maplelea will be having a special event at Black Creek Pioneer Village on July 5th.   I was sent a beautiful pioneer costume for my daughter’s doll from Maplelea to highlight the upcoming event.  I wish I could bring my daughter Jasmine to the event and that her doll, Léonie could wear the Pioneer Quebecoise outfit since it is simply adorable.

Once again I am blown away by the attention to details when it comes to making outfit for the Maplelea girls.  This specific outfit is based on what pioneer girls in Quebec would wear.  Check out the detail on the blue vest and observe the colorful pattern of the skirt as well.

When Léonie’s family visits her tante and oncle’s cabane à sucre during maple sugar season, they often help out with the traditional entertainment for the guests. For this, Léonie wears an outfit like her ancestors might have worn over 300 years ago.  Léonie's journal pages include detailed information about the history and traditions of the pioneer outfit.  The outfit includes the following items:

• Chemise
• Mantelet
• Scarf
• Skirt
• Bonnet
• Tights
• Shoes
• Apron
• Collectible journal page
• Blank journal page
• Maplelea hanger

 

Even the shoes look like pioneer girl shoes with a little heel.

The Pioneer Quebecoise is available for purchase directly from Maplelea. 

It is perfect to celebrate our history as Canadians no matter where we are located because pioneers were there to bring us where we are today.

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DON`T FORGET THE MAPLELEA MEET UP GIVEAWAY!

Please check out the Maplelea Meet Up Giveaway I am having.

Disclaimer: Thanks to MapleLea Girls for giving me the opportunity to review this amazing outfit. I was not monetarily compensated for this post. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

History of the world in 1000 objects

Smithsonian History of the World in 1000 Objects
Published at DK Canada

About the book

From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo and Chinese David vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, History of the World in 1,000 Objects provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world.

With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture.

In addition to stunning specially-commissioned photographs, History of the World in 1,000 Objects is packed with timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world.

My Thoughts

This book is parked of interesting objects from centuries ago to discover.   The objects that we leave behind speaks in volumes about the past.  They give us an insight into our ancestors’ lives that is so much richer and more intriguing than a list of events.  This book will allow you to visit civilizations through the ages by viewing and exploring artifacts.

Divided in seven fascinating sections the book will highlights some of the most interesting objects from history.

• Early Societies 20,000 to 700 BCE: early humans shaping the world, the enigma of the Indus civilization, the cradle of civilization, Egyptian life and afterlife, Europe’s Bronze Age warriors, the mighty Hittites, palace societies of the Aegean, the intrepid Phoenicians, China’s first celestial empire, the awe-inspiring gods of the Andes, and the mustical land of the Olmec.
• Ancient Civilizations 700 BCE – 600 CE: the city-states of Ancient Greece, Celtic kingdoms, the great Persian Empire, the artistic Etruscans, the splendor of Rome, foreign rule in Egypt, India’s first empires, the unified kingdoms of China, the first cities of Mesoamerica, and the mysterious Nazca and Moche.
• Trade and Empire 600-1450: Europe’s Germanic Kingdoms, Viking traders and raiders, the glory of Byzantium, Islamic courts and caliphates, Islamic cultures of Spain and Africa, Norman crusaders and conquerors, the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, early kingdoms of Eastern Europe, art and devotion in classical India, the Dragon Throne of Imperial China, Buddhism in Medieval Japan, Korea’s Golden Kingdoms, temple cities of Cambodia, Seljuk and early Ottoman realms, spirit of the greater southwest, the myth-makers of Mesoamerica, treasures of the Andes, and the sculptors of Easter Island.
• Enlightenment and Imperialism 1450-1750: art and sicence in Renaissance Europe, reformation, war, and enlightenment, the height of Ottoman power, poetry and power in the Safavid Empire, culture in Korea’s last dynasty, China’s age of prosperity, last days of the Samurai, the majesty of Mughal India, the rise of the Maratha Empire, the merchant empire of Benin, Ethiopia and the Christian world, and European settlers in the New World.
• Industry and Independence 1750-1900: the birth of the Industrial Age, revolution and republic in France, the decline the Austrian Empire, Russia under the Romanovs, the race for African Empires, the Empire of the Sikhs, company rule and the Raj in India, the reopening of Japan, unrest in late Imperial China, colonial struggle in Southeast Asia, Pacific exploration and expansion, settlers in Australia and New Zealand, revolution in Latin America, tradition and war in North America, and the birth of the United States.
• A Shrinking World 1900 to Present: a century of flight, transportation for the masses, entertaining the world, fighting the world wars, combating disease, life under the revolution, the Western home, fashion for the people, the space age, the technology of modern war, and connecting the world.
• Timeslines of World History: numerous pages with a timeline through all the societies presented in the book.

Next year as part of our homeschool, we will study explorers and Egyptians among other things.  This book will allow us to see with our eyes artifacts from the specific period of times in history where Egyptians ruled as well as when explorers decided to set up on an adventure.   The stunning pictures included in this book will make things even more interesting as we learn about history.

My oldest son is interested in musical instruments and already he has discovered some out-of-the-ordinary ones like the mayuri veena which was also known as a taus – from the Persian word for a peacock.  The mayuri veena is a complex stringed instrument that was a favorite at Indian princely courts in the 19th century. The head was decorated with a real peacock’s beak and real tail feathers were included in the instruments as well. 

I particularly like the close-up images of the items found on this book.  Also from time to time through the pages you will a two pages detailed information on a specific item which will allow you to learn more about it.  I find the book to be very informative on artifacts from various ages in history.   It is a great reference to have at home when studying history.

DK Canada is currently holding a Father’s Day Boutique with numerous titles that could be interesting for your dad or father figure in your life.    Dad is not into history?  No problem since you can find books on almost everything in this special boutique.  

The Smithsonian History of the World in 1000 Objects is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

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

Magic School Bus Growing Crazy Crystals

The Magic School Bus Growing Crazy Crystals
By The Young Scientists Club

What it’s all about!

Kids love science! Introducing children as young as 5 to the interesting world of science is as close as the kitchen cabinet. Everyday items like salt, sugar and baking soda become ingredients for learning through science experiments. The Young Scientists Club, makers of entertaining, informative kits, suggests crystallizing a lifelong love with science with their newest offering, The Magic School Bus™ Growing Crazy Crystals.

The well-known characters from The Magic School Bus guide youngsters on a journey making and observing crystals, rock candy and more. Ms. Frizzle, their eccentric third grade teacher, spearheads all of the crystal capers in this colorful kit that includes an observation chart, tweezers, brushes, magnifying glass, petri dishes, measuring cup and much more. The simple at-home experiments included with this science kit are spelled out in a delightful instruction booklet which introduce elementary school-aged children to basic concepts in chemistry, physics, geology and mathematics! Plus their home-grown crystals are beautiful. Young scientists will discover that creating crystals are as much art as they are science. As Ms. Frizzle often says, “dynamic deduction.”

The Young Scientists Club's subscription kits are mailed monthly to thousands of children around the nation and the company’s retail kits are sold in hundreds of specialty stores. All of their kits have been very hot sellers in the Amazon STEM store.

Our Thoughts

I am very impressed with the packaging of this product.   All that is needed to grow crystals is packed into one very colorful box with illustrations from the popular television show – The Magic School Bus.   Included in the box you will find all the materials you need to introduce your kids to the world of crystallization.  You will also have an observation chart where they can write down the results of their experiments.

The book itself is very well explained and will provide step-by-step instructions for your kids to follow.  in all there are twelve experiments in the book. 

1. Are the shapes of salt and sugar crystals different or the same?
2. How can we make ice crystals in a freezer?
3. How do you make sugar crystals?
4. How do you make rock candy?
5. How would you make a crystal star using a pipe cleaner and a saturated baking soda solution?
6. What would happen if you paint the saturated baking soda solution on a glass?
7. What kind of method would you use to have salt crystals appear in a bowl with charcoal?
8. How can you make Epsom salt crystals?
9. How can you use Epsom salts to create a drawing on a black piece of construction paper?
10. How can you grow crystals using alum?
11. How can you get salt crystals to grow all over a cardboard tree?
12. How can you get crystals to grow on a cardboard shape?

At the end of the book the parents can see the hypothesis and the conclusion of each of the experiments.  So if an error happened, you can easily explain what was suppose to happen.

Though the box contains most of the material you will need to do the experiments, you will have to swing at your closest grocery store to get some of the items like baking soda, table salt, sugar, alum (found in the spice section, Epsom salt (found in the pharmacy section), and some Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing (found in the detergent section).  This last ingredient is difficult to find and living in Canada I am still trying to figure out if I can find this specific item in the box.  Personally, I think I would prefer to have the hard to find items in the package that I am purchasing.  Not everyone can easily find such items quickly…

What I particularly like about The Young Scientists Club is that you could easily get fun packages based on popular shows like Clifford The Big Red Dog and The Magic School Bus as well as others ones based on adventure, nature, and more.

As a homeschooler, I know it is important to find fun and out of the ordinary things for our kids.  I think that The Young Scientists Club is a perfect fit for active homeschoolers who are curious about how things happen…

Interesting in The Young Scientists Club?  Check them out on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and on Pinterest and subscribe on Youtube.

Disclaimer: I received a box of investigative activities for review purposes from KidStuff PR and The Young Scientists Club. 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.

Celebrating Canada Day with Maplelea

Canada Day is quickly approaching.  Here in town, they are already planning for the 150th anniversary of Canada Day which will happen in 2017.   This year, we will spend Canada Day on Rice Lake while camping and our new to us boat. 

To celebrate Canada Day, Maplelea offer a cute little outfit for their dolls.   This amazing outfit is made in the colors of our flag – red and white.   As you can see on my daughter`s doll, Léonie, the shorts are red and the white t-shirt has a maple leaf on it.  The outfit comes with the cutest hat a doll could have as well as a small Canadian flag.    Also included in the box are a collectible journal page with fill-in-the-blank activity on Canada Day and a blank journal pages. 

Now I did mentioned that we will more than likely spend some time on our boat on Canada doing a bit of fishing and enjoying the sun (hopefully it will be a nice day…).   My daughter Jasmine enjoys spending time on the boat and fish with daddy.  She has no fear whatsoever in handling worms or minnows, fishing or grabbing a catch.  

I think that she will enjoy bringing her doll on the boat with us when we go on an adventure.   Léonie will look very safe with her own life jacket on our boat.

 

I am very impressed with the quality of the clothes I have received and by the attention put into details particularly on the life jacket which includes the zipper and the two snaps (even the one in between the legs).  Every time I discover a new item from Maplelea I can`t help but marvel at the workmanship involved in the design and fabrication of it.  

Léonie will wear her trusty lifejacket whenever she's out on the lake with Jasmine on our family's boat. Because she will spend a lot of time in or near water, Léonie will be smart about staying safe. Her journal pages talk about the many different boats used in Canada.

NOTE: The Maplelea lifejacket is for pretend play only. Immersing your doll in water will permanently damage it!

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The Canada Day outfit can be purchase on Maplelea for 23$.

The life Jacket can be purchase on Maplelea for the 20$.

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DON`T FORGET THE MAPLELEA MEET UP GIVEAWAY!

Please check out the Maplelea Meet Up Giveaway I am having. 

Disclaimer: Thanks to MapleLea Girls for giving me the opportunity to review these two items. I was not monetarily compensated for this post. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Maplelea Meet Up at Black Creek Pioneer Village + Giveaway

For the past couple of years, my daughter is playing with one of the Maplelea dolls.  Maplelea® is a distinctly Canadian play experience featuring a collection of premium play dolls that celebrate our country's spirit and identity.

There are six dolls based on various places in Canada.  

• Tarin from Alberta
• Brianne from Manitoba
• Alexi from Ontario
• Jenna from Nova Scotia
• Léonie from Quebec
• Saila from Nunavut

Each of them have very different hobbies, sports, school subjects, foods, colors, and personal fashion style.   Each come with a fun journal that the child can fill up

Last year, Maplelea organized a Meet Up for girls and their dolls at the Black Creek Pioneer Village.  This year again the event is happening on Sunday, July 5th.  

Bring your favorite doll and travel back in time! Join costumed characters for an elegant morning tea complete with scones, delicate sandwiches and treats! Head into the historic village and complete the activities in the Maplelea Adventure Pack. Learn Victorian dancing, try on pioneer clothes, play games popular with girls in the 1800s, and challenge other girls and their dolls to old-fashioned races on the Town Hall Green. Be sure to save time to shop at the Maplelea Pop-Up Shop!

Click here to discover the world of the Maplelea Girls, a distinctly Canadian play experience featuring a collection of premium play dolls that celebrate our country’s spirit and identity.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• VICTORIAN DANCING - Tap your toes, learn the steps, and swing your partner.
• FASHION FUN - What did kids wear in the 1800s? Try on pioneer clothes and check out photos of real boys & girls from the past.
• MAPLELEA POP-UP SHOP - Add to your collection of Maplelea dolls, or find a new outfit for your doll.  (Maplelea outfits fit all 18" dolls!)
• And much more including NEW activities for 2015!

 

Tickets for the #MapleleaMeetUp are on sale now! Head over to the Black Creek Pioneer Village event page for more information, to purchase tickets for admission, the Maplelea Victorian Tea, and the Maplelea Adventure pack.
General Admission Rates apply. (Additional charge for Maplelea Victorian Tea. See below for more details) Admission to Pop-Up Shop only is free!

Make your day extra special with the Maplelea Victorian Tea

Join us for an elegant Victorian tea and visit with costumed characters from the past.  Sit with your doll at the tea table and enjoy treats while meeting other girls and their dolls.  Tea ticket includes meal, admission to the historic Village, and all the special activities.  Child’s ticket includes a Maplelea Adventure Pack.  Ticket price does not include parking, applicable taxes.

Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult at the Maplelea Victorian Tea. Limited number of tickets available. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Maplelea Victorian Tea seatings begin at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Child's Tea + Admission Ticket $45.00 (Black Creek Members' Child Ticket $40.00)
• Adult's Tea + Admission Ticket $40.00 (Black Creek Members' Adult Ticket $35.00)

MAPLELEA ADVENTURE PACK

Explore the historic village and complete the activities in the Maplelea Adventure Pack. On your way out, don't forget to pick up your Maplelea Adventure Pack Goodie Bag. Treats inside the Goodie Bag include a pair of doll's shoes, a coupon for free shipping of Maplelea product, additional journal pages - and more!

• Maplelea Adventure Pack $10.00 with the purchase of Village admission

Tickets can be purchase directly on the site of Black Creek Pioneer Village.

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I believe that this event could be a perfect day for the family or for an outing for mom and girl.   Due to distance we won`t be able to attend.   I know that my daughter would love to bring her Léonie to this event but I am also realistic to how far it is.   Hopefully, in the future more events like this one will be organized for other areas in the country in other pioneer villages like Upper Canada Village which is closer to our home.

Now here’s the good news…..

GIVEAWAY!

Maplelea is giving away some tickets for the Meet Up.  The package will include 1 adult ticket and 1 child ticket, including the Maplelea Tea and Adventure Pack (value of $85). 

To win please follow the directions on the the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to MapleLea Girls for giving me the opportunity to offer this incredible giveaway to my readers. I was not monetarily compensated for this post. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Spanish/English Bilingual Bible RVR 1960/HCSB

Spanish/English Bilingual Bible
Published at B&H Publishing Group

About the Bible

The RVR 1960/HCSB Bilingual Bible parallels the classic Spanish language translation with the best-selling

new English language HCSB in one fulfilling, easy-to-follow edition. Features include:

• Words of Christ in red

• Presentation page

• Ribbon marker

My Thoughts

The main reason why I have requested this Bible to review is because I think it is a great way to put in practice the reading of Spanish.   My kids has been doing Spanish lessons on Duolingo and I was wondering how they could practice it as they get more advance.   I thought of how nice it would be to have a Bible that has both the Spanish and the English in it.  

The beauty of this bible is that you will have the English version right beside the Spanish version.  This makes it very easy to check the meaning in a language in which you are more familiar. 

The test is easy to read and to follow as all the verses are numbered in both languages.  The Bible itself in a nice burgundy color and is simili-leather.  However, it doesn’t have the introduction of each book of the Bible like a Study Bible would have.  But when you decide to read the Bible in a different language in order to practice reading I guess you don’t really need an introduction of the Bible. The Bible also contains maps which are only in Spanish. 

In conclusion, if you are learning Spanish and desire to practice reading in that language but also have the English version of the Scripture with it, I strongly suggest that you check out the Spanish/English Bilingual Bible RVR 1960/HCSB.   It is a nice bible to allow you to read in another language and gives you the confidence to practice while having the English version in the same Bible.

You can find the Spanish/English Bilingual Bible RVR 1960/HCSB at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to B&H Books for sending me the above mentioned book 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.