Thule 9043 Helium Aero 3 Bike Carrier

I am not a stranger to the products from Thule.  While growing up we had a bike rack and a ski rack on my parents vehicle.   I know that Thule is synonym of quality and I was delighted when I saw that I could have the opportunity to review the Thule 9043 Helium Aero 3 Bike Carrier via Amazon Vine Voices.   We did not owned a bike carrier and since the kids desire to bring their bikes to the campground, we thought that this would be a great item to have.  Mind you this only allow us to bring 3 bicycles at a time – with 6 people in the family we will have to make two trips to bring all the bikes at the campground but that’s okay.

This particular bike carrier is very light compared to the ones my parents used to have.    I was able to move the box myself into the house when we received it.   It is made of ultra-light aluminium and it is easy to install or remove to use whenever you desire to do so.  I also took only one hand to remove the carrier from the box while I was testing the weight of it.

The box contains the rack itself as well as all the pieces necessary to secure the bikes for long distance.  You will also find in the package an integrated locking cable and autoattach lock knob which will lock your bikes to the carrier and carrier to the vehicle.  A set of keys is also included.

The sleep aerodynamic design permits you to secure the bike at a safe distance from the ground as well as increase the distance between the bikes while travelling.   However, this bike carrier is NOT to be installed on a trailer or other towed vehicle. 

This specific design allow you to have 3 bikes on it.  Another design is also available which allows you to bring 2 bikes with you.

The Thule 9043 Helium Aero 3 Bike Carrier is available for purchase at your favorite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Brita Pacifica Water Filter Pitcher

I recently received a Brita Pacifica Water Filter Pitcher from Amazon Vine Voices to review.   We are no stranger of Brita products because we have possessed such a filter many years ago when we were newly married.   But since then we have now a water machine and we have disposed of the previous water filter.  So why did I selected this Brita Pacifica Water Filter Pitcher you may ask?   Well my answer can be resumed in one word:  CAMPING!

Though the campground where our RV is parked has one of the highest quality water we have ever seen (the owner used to work for the department taking care of the water in Ottawa), we find it is always nice to have some extra filtration.   This larger pitcher can contain 10 cups of water – which makes it perfect for a family of six dining outdoors.    The Brita filter can be inserted inside through the special section that can be removed if you desire to serve something other than water.   

Apparently the Brita filter can replace 300 standard 500 milliliters water bottles and it will reduce the taste of chlorine as well as the odour of zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium.  

The filter itself it BPA free and has an easy fill lid.  The pitcher is easy to use and possess a comfort grip handle.  

Finally, there is a filter indicator on the top of the lid which allows you to track when it is time to change the filter.  

We have received the Brita Pacifica Berry colour but other colours are also available for this specific product.

We used the Brita Pacifica one evening while we were having supper as a family and it was nice that we didn’t have to go refill our normal pitcher of water once we were all served.  However, we really want to use this pitcher for the trailer and we have decided to wait until the campground opens on May 13th to bring it with us.   It will be well use this summer when we eat outdoors.

The Brita Pacifica pitcher is available for purchase at your favourite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Cherish

Cherish
By Gary Thomas
Published at Zondervan

About the book

“Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another.”

Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest book—Cherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever.

Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.

Through personal stories and real world examples, Thomas proves what husbands and wives can begin doing today to turn their marriage around—even a marriage marred by neglect and disrespect.

So how do you cherish your spouse? Thomas will show you how going out of your way to notice them, appreciate them, honor them, encourage them, and hold them close to your heart will bring hope, light, and life into your marriage.

My Thoughts

A couple of years ago, Gary Thomas can in town to speak about his other marriage book – The Sacred Marriage.   It was a great evening where we enjoyed getting encourage in our marriage.  So when I saw a new title from this writer, I knew it would be great.   And let me tell you I am not disappointed whatsoever.

The book speaks to both the wife and the husband on how to cherish the one with whom they are spending their life with.  What Sacred Marriage did to many marriage was essentially based on a New Testament verse.  This book is based on the Songs of Solomon….  Yes the one that many Christians would not want to read but which is packed with admiration from the two lovers.  

The book will encourage you to make extra effort in cherishing your spouse and to change your marriage in amazing ways.   It will stir your heart to give the best you have for your man or woman.   I would encourage couples to read it together and discuss it as well.   

If you have enjoyed The Sacred Marriage, you will definitively love Cherish.   The book is a must-have for a anyone who desire to bring their relationship to a new level.  

Cherish is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format 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.

Pixie Espresso Machine with Aeroccino

I have been introduce to the Nespresso coffee when I had the opportunity to review Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus back in October.  So I will admit that I was not thinking of getting another Nepresso machine but when the Pixie Espresso Machine was available for review on Amazon Vine Voices, I was curious – could it be that small?   After talking with my husband about it, he thought it would be great for our RV since we are limited in space.    The box is a bit large but once you open it you can see that it is packed strategically.

When I received the Pixie machine I knew we had made a great choice in selecting this machine to review.  The machine is very slim – only 4.33 inches wide which hardly use any space on a counter.   You cannot design a coffee machine more compact that this one! The size of it is perfect for small kitchen or an RV!   It is also very portable since it weighs only 8 lbs.   The coffee machine itself is composed of three main parts – the section that includes the capsule container, the drip tray and its grill, the coffee outlet itself, and the water tank.   Fill the tank with water, select one of the Nespresso coffee capsule, and voilà you are ready to make a delicious specialty coffee from the comfort of your home.  Two buttons are located on the top of the machine which allow you to select the capacities of the coffee you desire to make – espresso (40ml) or Lungo (110ml).     These two capacities can also be reprogrammed to custom volumes.    From the first cup of joe you will have with this machine you will be able to smell the beautiful aroma of the coffee capsule during the brewing process.  

The container of water in the back of the machine will contain approximately 0.5 liters of liquid.  

This specific machine is designed for domestic use only.  This means that if you are considering getting this machine for a business you should not purchase it – unless of course that you have a home business.

Another device is included in the box – the milk frother.   To froth milk you should use whole or low-fat milk that has been refrigerated.   Using it is quite simple – fill the milk frother up to one of the two “max” level, place the lid on the Aeroccino, and press the button to start.  You can either have a hot milk froth or a cold milk froth with it.   And let me tell you that this makes the best hot chocolate you would drink.   Absolutely divine!

If you decide to purchase this coffee machine, you will also receive a Nespresso capsule tasting gift which will introduce you to marvellous flavours of coffee.   Nespresso capsules can only be purchased at the Nespresso website or at their stores located in malls throughout the country.

Bottom line, this machine is perfect for small spaces like in our RV or in apartments where you do not have a lot of counter space or in your kitchen if you prefer to have only a small coffee machine (or you are the only one drinking coffee for that matter!).    The machine is the perfect size and do not weigh a ton.   It is easy to use and will provide delicious drinks with the Aeroccino.   You have everything in one box to make fabulous coffees and to simply relax without waiting in line to get your hands on  your drink.  

The Pixie Espresso Machine with Aeroccino is available for purchase at your favorite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Reflections on when your husband is away for a period of time

This past six days, my husband flew in a warmer place in order to attend a conference.  The trip has been planned for a few months and we knew it was coming.   But it is unusual for him to leave on a business trip and well.... let's be honest here - we are not used to it because it is rare that he leaves for an extended period of time.  As a matter of fact, I can count the numbers of times we were separate on the fingers of one hand.

Okay.   So here I am, on the day he comes back, reflecting on what I have learned this past few days without him at home.

1) The weather will not be cooperating with you.  We had some days where it was extremely cold and two freezing rain warning.  One morning we woke up with ice all over the place - the street was almost a giant skating rink.

2) That sometimes when you feel discourage small blessings from above can happen.   My husband went to Chipotle on Sunday after attending church where he was and he just could decide what to take.  You see it was his first time ever to go there (I never went either but I told him about the restaurant).   Anyhow, he somewhat mentions that it is his first time and he got a surprise when it was time to pay...

3) Going shopping with boys is exhausting.   You literally have no time to enjoy yourself because when they are done, they're done and it is the incessant question of when we go back home.  Shopping trip was cut short rapidly. 

4) It is hard to steep alone when you are so used to have your husband next to you.   Yawn!   Oh I slept... but it is just not the same.   Made me realized that if anything happen to him it will be hard to adjust myself.

5) I wish I can visit that area one day.   I never went to Arizona and I hope that some day I will be able to go with him so he can show me the view from the mountain in person - not just photos.  

6) Sunsets are stunning - no matter where you go.

7) Cacti can make you think of underwater garden...

8) Trips like this can stir your marriage positively.  The saying is true: " Distance makes your hearth grow fonder."

Well - that's my tidbits of wisdom on business trips and family life.   I look forward to have my husband back today.   Tomorrow I declare PD day for us.   Dad is home and the kids will be excited.   No point of doing school. We will enjoy spending time with him and looked at his pictures. 

100 Women Who Made History

100 Women Who Made History – Remarkable Women Who Shaped Our World
Published at DK Canada

About the book

There are many ladies in history who have left their mark. 100 Women Who Made History takes kids on a tour of the past and uncovers the stories of the women and girls who have shaped the modern world.

From super scientists like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin to clued-up creatives like Emily Dickinson and J.K. Rowling to leading ladies like Joan of Arc and Eleanor Roosevelt, profiles explore the lives of each woman in detail, and photography and quirky "bobble-head" illustrations present history in a new and fun way. Kids can put each woman's story into context with "what came before…" and "what came after…" panels showing the things that influenced and were influenced by each woman. Special features highlight contemporaneous women and women in similar fields to paint a more complete picture for young readers.

A wonderful inspiration for young girls and a great learning tool for all children, 100 Women Who Made History proves that this isn't just a man's world.

My Thoughts

I was delighted to realized that DK had published a book about 100 women who made history.   A couple of years ago, I have the privilege to review their book 100 People Who Made History and I was looking forward to discover this new title.   I was not disappointed.   The book contains great women who made a mark in history whether with creativity, science, leadership, entrepreneurship and more.   

Each woman will be presented in a one or two pages presentation and will highlights her accomplishments in life.  Some of the women in this book are well know like Joan of Arc, Sacagawea, or Rosa Parks.  However, there are names which are less familiar like Peggy Guggenheim, Althea Gibson, or Emmeline Pankhurst.    Still whether well known or not, these women have shaped history and could be interesting in discovering.

When we received this book to review, it didn’t take long for my nine years old daughter to pick it up in order to read it.   As she read some of the women’s name in the book, she stumble onto Josephine Baker.   Turns out that we had just watched the episode in which she appeared in the television show Timeless.  The show is about time travel and cross the path of famous people through history.   Nevertheless, Jasmine was happy to see that Josephine was part of the book.   But what I particularly find interesting is that she had an interest in reading the journal of Anne Frank after reading the information on the young Jewish girl.   Mind you, I recognize that the journal present some historical information that could be disturbing for a young girl like my Jasmine.  Fortunately I also had a junior version of the journal.   I also told her that it was a difficult subject to read about and that I would understand if she puts it aside for a time.   She has started it and after a week she has put it aside.   I will encourage her to continue reading it as I think it is important for her to realize that life is not always easy.

This book is packed with interesting women at different time in history.   It is a great book to peruse when you desire to learn more about historical events or historical people.

100 Women Who Made History is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Between Heaven and the Real World My Story

Between Heaven & the Real World My Story
Written by Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham
Published at Revell

About the book

Experience the moments that made Christian music history

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

From childhood, music has been both a refuge and a release for Steven. With humor and humility, he offers a backstage look at his early days on the road and his wild ride to the top of the charts. Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.
Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Thoughts

I find it is always nice to read an autobiography of an artist every once in a while.   Like it or not, we have a tendency as human beings to uplift them to a pedestal and to think that they have the best of lives.   Reading an autobiography you can be guaranteed that the artist in question was involved in the process of writing the book hence you can have a perspective of his/her life through his/her own eyes.   

So when I signed up to review the new autobiography of Steven Curtis Chapman, I knew I would have a peek in his past and discover more about his life at the same time.    I have received an Advanced Reading Copy so that I can peruse and discover the life of this artist whom we know in our house.  And let me tell you that you will not be disappointed when reading it.  The writing style is very intimate which will transport you almost in the living room of Steven where he will tell you his story.   Not only do you learn about his debut in music but you will also learn more about his parents, his wife and children, his rise to become the Christian artist that he is today and all the ups and downs of his life.

I found the book to be uplifting and particularly encouraging.   We have a son who is pretty good at music and at times he will write his own songs.   We want to encourage his interest in music for sure.    Reading about how Steven navigated the industry is an eye opener I find.   I will strongly suggest to my fifteen year old son to consider reading this book.  I seriously think it would be good for him to do so.

If you enjoy Steven Curtis Chapma’s music and would like to learn more about how he grew up, what he did while growing up, how he embarked on a journey to become an artist, I think this book will be a delight for you.   It is easy to read and the chapters will hook you from the beginning of the book.

Between Heaven & the Real World My Story is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

It is also available for Kindle and Kindle App.

 

Disclaimer: The Advanced Reading Copy of this 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.

Classic Brands U-Shape Gel Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

I recently received a travel neck pillow from Classic Brands to review.   I always wanted to have one of these so I can rest a bit when we are travelling to go to our RV.   My husband was hoping that we would get it before he leaves for his business trip.   Turns out we did receive it before his trip.  

I am no stranger to memory foam type of pillows because I have one to sleep on during the night.  I really like my memory foam pillow at night so I know what to expect for the travel neck pillow.   My husband, however, decided to try it out while sitting on the sofa and just couldn’t get used to it.  Right now it is a bit bulky I find but with time I know that the memory foam will settle itself perfectly around your neck.  It will take time and many uses though.  

I like the softness of it.   It also possess a gel section which provide some coolness around your head.   It was interesting to feel the coolness slowly coming to your skin.   

As much as I like the idea of having a travel neck pillow I have a few things that are bugging me.   First of all, I was hoping that there would be a nicer cover around it.   Turns out that the cover is removable but it is white (easy to get dirty) and the material is not as thick as I would have expected.    The description of the product said that there would be a velour cover but this kind do not have velour surrounding the pillow.   Bummer number two is the fact that there is no elastic strap for easy transportation.  Again this was mentioned in the description of the product…   An elastic strap would make it easy to hold it or to slide on your suitcase when travelling by plane.

Again, it is a great product to have when travelling.  Keep in mind that it will take some time to shape the pillow to your own body but once it is done I am sure you will appreciate a soft pillow to put your head on.

The Classic Brands U-Shape Gel Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow is available for purchase on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.