Special theme nights at camp

My kids go to a Christian camp during the summer and during the week that they are there they have some special events happening.  Last year for example, they had a space them evening.  You should have seen the decorations they had put in the dining hall.   It was impressive…

So this year, before Girl’s overnight stay camp, I received an email telling me what will be the themes.   One was Hawaiian which is not a problem.  The other theme was about Canada’s 150th birthday which we are celebrating this year – 2017.   In the email it mentioned that the camper can dress into something old (like grandparents), a candle or a cake.  

And guess what my sweet and adorable daughter picked – a CUPCAKE! 

Here’s the thought that went into my head…. “hmmmm!  cucpake…. How in the world will I pull this off?” yeah….   I told her that I would google to see what I can come up.  

And I did find a website telling me how to make a cupcake costume.  SERIOUSLY!   Someone came up with this idea for a low cost…

So I found a laundry basket that was not too heavy.  Cut the bottom and put up some bungy cord.

Then I went to the Dollar store and purchase some big carboard in order to make the bottom part of the cupcake.   It wasn’t perfect but it did the trick.

Fortunately, I have some pink material that I could use for the icing part.   All it took was cutting, sewing and filling it.  At first I had put too much of the white fluffy stuff in it…. I had to reopen the tubes and remove about half of it.   The bottom part was glued at first but it wasn’t sticking so I used double-sided velcro which we had at home and it did the trick.   For the top part of the icing I decided to sew it to the bottom section both outside and inside the costume.  That way it will be more stable.

And then it was gluing the part with the pompoms which represent the sprinkles.

And voilà!  My daughter has her cupcake costume for the Canada’s birthday theme event.  Needless to say, she was delighted with the results.

This week I have received the email for Boy’s overnight stay camp.   They have three theme – Super-heroes (not a problem in this house since we have plenty of costumes super-hero related), Canada’s 150th birhtday (however this time they asked the boys to show their patriotism – easy red and white eh?) and instead of gentlemen night they will have a filthy evening – which I assume will be disgusting.  

Every year when the kids come back from their camp, they have made incredible memories.   This year will be another great year for sure…

Thule Women Guidepost Backpacking Pack

Remember the backpack that had tubular metal for the frames? Yeah the old ones from back in the 80s. I used to walk with one of these when I was in the girl guides. It was the top of the line back then..... bulky, straight, but doing the job nevertheless. And then when I was a bit older I got a second hand backpack that had better pads and easier to carry. But honestly I wish I had a time travel to come in 2017 and get the new Thule guidepost because this is an extraordinary backpack design with women in mind.

First of all you have the possibility to adjust the height of the torso as well as the shoulder pads width based on your body form itself. Yes I am not kidding you about this. This is some of the functionality of the Thule Guidepost that is worth considering when you purchase a backpack. Another fabulous feature is definitively the fact that the hip belt can pivot as you walk. This will give you the maximum comfort.

But the backpack also comes with a numerous bonuses like the versaclick snaps which allow you to include other accessories. The backpack comes with a weatherproof rooftop pocket which allows you to protect important papers in case of rain. However, you could also purchase a ware bottle sleeve, a DSLR holster, a mirrorless camera holster, as well as an accessory pouch.

Another functionality that is interesting is the PowerPocket which allow you the manage the cords of your device is your wear a head phone and listen to music while doing your climb or walk. You also have the possibility to unclip the lid and transform it was a summit backpack if you desire.

And if you want to get to the bottom of the backpack to get something without having to remove everything in it, a handy-dandy J zip access will allow you to do that in à matters of seconds. Oh and by the way you can put 65 lbs of things in it.

Finally to make this backpack even more interesting, You will have a raincover included in it so that your items inside are protected from the rain that could surprise you during your outdoor adventure.

This backpack is definitively one of the best on the market. But I really do not see why the company is specifically highlighting the fact that it is for women in mind though. Because like it or not people comes in all sizes and shapes. You will have women who are more bulky and might prefer to get the backpack designed for men as well as men who are slimmer and could be more comfortable with a backpack designed for women. Personally, I would have no problem to have my sixteen years old son use this backpack on an adventure or mission trip.

The backpack I received was a bordeaux colour but there are other Colors available as well. Also a Thule Guidepost allowing 75 lbs of things in it is also available.

The Thule Women’s Guidepost Backpacking Pack is available for purchase on Amazon.ca.

65 LB model

  

75 LB model

  

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.

Beoplay A1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

I recently received a B&O Beoplay A1 Portable Speaker to review from Amazon Vine Voices. 

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING SOUND!

This is the one item that my husband immediately tried when we received it for review. Connecting it to his iPhone was easy and very simple. And once it was connected, my husband tried numerous songs from his collection to see how the speaker would handle it.

It will take 2.5 hours to charge this speaker but you will obtain 24 hours of play time which is truly amazing to be honest. Most portable speaker would last maybe 10 hours but this one last much longer.

The quality of the sound from this small speaker is fabulous. I was truly impressed. Even our 16 years old son was amazed by it. Now, it looks like I have lost the privilege of using this speaker because my husband has taken it for him office area at home. Mmmmm!

Not this speaker will not play stereo unless you have another B&O Beoplay A1 connected to it. We know because we had a particular song who would test the right and left speaker before starting and there was no difference when we listened to it. But at the price of the speaker I wonder how many people would purchase two of them....  Another feature this specific speaker possess is the ability to talk to Siri without having to touch the Apple device.  

Needless to say it is a pricey item but the quality of the sound coming out of this portable speaker is great. You can carry it around with you - even attaching it to a backpack while walking in the forest.

The Beoplay A1 is available for purchase on Amazon.  The portable speaker is available in the following colors: black, charcoal grey, tangerine, deep red, moss green, natural, and sand stone.

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.

Viva Naturals Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

For a little while now I have been looking at aromatherapy a little bit more.  I have some allergies and was diagnosed with asthma this year.    This is mainly the reason behind my research on aromatherapy because there is so much that you can do with essential oils apparently.   I never had an infuser so I was excited to try it when it was offered on Amazon Vine Voices.

This stylish diffuser will allow you to use the essential oils you might have at home in an easy way. The whole process is very simple. Pour a quantity of water in the infuser, add some drops of essential oils, and voilà! You are all set for some relaxation and uplifting time.

This particular device is interesting because you have the capability to set it up for 1 hour, 3 hours or 6 hours. Obviously you have the control to include as little or as much water as you desire. A little measuring cup is included in the package. You can also include some light function which will switch through the colors (moonlight white, firefly green, aquamarine teal, galaxy purple, sunset red, mellow yellow, and mystic blue) or you can set it up fixed as well as remove the light options.

According to Viva Naturals, this will help you to purify  your home by eliminating toxins and fight molds.   It would also stop the germs from spreading because many essential oils contain powerful anti-microbial compounds that bind to germs in the air and remove them.   That way you can fight colds, flu, and other type of bugs through the year.

Essentially, I find that it is a little humidifier that you can have close to you when using it. It allows you to incorporate some essential oils in the water in order to spread some vilifying smells near you. The smells is not too strong and will help you to improve your health.  My only disappointment is that the infuser did not come with some essential oils. Fortunately, I already had a bottle at home. So I used that when I tried it out.  I set the diffuser on my bedside table and make it run in the afternoon while I was resting.    I like the fact that it would gently send through the air via the mist the scent I had picked.  The diffuser is very quiet so you won’t be bothered with the noise.

I really like the style and the color of the diffuser I have received. It comes in black and ash (greyish) as well.  This particular model allows you to have 400 ml of water in it.

The Viva Naturals Diffuser is available for purchase on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Pine Tranquil Model

 

Espresso Tranquil Model

 

Ash Tranquil Model

 

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.

How Machines Work Zoo Break

How Machines Work – Zoo Break!
By David Macaulay
Published at DK

About the book

Award-winning artist David Macaulay introduces readers to his hilarious new creations, Sloth and Sengi, in How Machines Work: Zoo Break!

Complete with a unique jacket with an interactive compound machine incorporating several of the simple mechanisms featured in the book, How Machines Work: Zoo Break! uses models and illustrations to demonstrate the technology of six simple machines: levers, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, wedges, and wheels.

Follow the mad antics of Sloth and his sidekick Sengi as they try to find their way out of the zoo with the help of machines. Their efforts are brought to life through novelty elements including pop-ups, pull-outs, and lift-the-flaps, allowing readers to explore in greater depth how and why machines work. Spreads highlight the use of simple machines in everyday objects, such as scissors and clocks, mixers and whisks, bikes and brakes, while the story contains clear and simple text to engage the reader.

My Thoughts

Does your child desire to learn more about simple mechanisms like wedges, pulleys, levers and so on?   But most of the books you find seem to be a bit complicated for his level of comprehension?   Search no longer because DK has recently publish a fun book with the partnership of David Macaulay.  This fun book follow Sloth and Sengi who are trying desperately to escape the life of the zoo because they are bored.   Through the pages of this book, you will have numerous illustrations retracing their tries in leaving their enclosure.  

But that is not all that you will find in the book…  You will also read how their ideas can help them, how simple mechanisms are easy to make and that we use them day to day, and how they fail to be free (in a way).    Also you will discover tabs to lift, a leverage to play with, pop-up sections and much more which makes the book even more interesting to explore and learn from.

I find this book to be a breath of fresh air when in comes to learning something like simple machines.  It is fun, quirky, out-of-the-ordinary, and simply easy to read.   The kids won’t be the only one enjoying the adventures of Sloth and Sengi because mom and dad can also read it.

How Machine Work – Zoo Break! 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.

One Dominion

One Dominion – Celebrating Canada – Prepared for a Purpose
Published at Bible League Canada

About the book

One Dominion: Celebrating Canada, Prepared for a Purpose invites readers into an exploratory journey through Canada’s history, highlighting key moments of faith and Christian influence, from the founding of educational institutions and hospitals, to the creation of countless charitable organizations and architectural masterpieces. With inspiring accounts of individuals who founded our country upon the Living Word of God, One Dominion helps readers uncover a deeper understanding of Canada’s foundations and futures, through Scripture and the tests of faith passed by those who have gone before.

In this carefully crafted book, Paul Richardson, President of Bible League Canada, and Bob Beasley, Vice President of International Ministry at Bible League Canada, identify Canada’s purpose and mandate as a nation, as inscribed on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 72:8 KJV) Through stunning photography and enthralling historical accounts, this book is designed to instill confidence and hope in the Christians of Canada and encourage them to steward well the resources, opportunities, and peace with which this country has been blessed. Richardson encourages, “Canadians have much to be thankful for, past, present, and future, and much to steward well, both at home and for the benefit of other countries. This is a great reminder of just that.”

My thoughts

I am pleased to promote the book One Dominion that was published by Bible League Canada this year in honor of Canada’s 150^th birthday.    The book is essentially a coffee table book that reflects on the Christian heritage of Canada of the past, present, and future.   The book covers the purpose and mandate of our nation based on the scripture that was chosen for Canada’s motto – PSALM 72:8 (KJV).

As I mentioned above, I consider it as a coffee table book.   The book is larger than normal (10” x 12”) and could be difficult to handle when reading it.   It is feasible though.  But apart from the size issue that I have noticed, the book is an absolute gem of history for Canadian Christian because it will highlight the Christian heritage we have as a nation.   I have learned quite a bit while flipping through the pages and reading it.   Not only does this book displays stunning photographs but it contains a timeline highlighting some of the main events in this history of Canada.

The chapter that I have found the most interesting was Chapter 4 where I learned quite a lot about the Peace Tower.  From the information I have gleaned in that chapter I have learned that the Peace Tower was built in 1917 following a fire on Parliament Hill and that it contains Scripture verses at the top.   And yes, this make me want to plan a visit to go at the top of the Peace Tower sometime this year because apparently they will close the Centre Block in 2018 for a decade for much needed construction repairs.   I am in awe of the fact that numerous scripture verses are found over the windows and in the stained glass windows.    All three windows – east, south and west – boldly proclaim the Word of God.  Not only these windows are a testimony of our Christian heritage.   At the top of the Peace Tower, a carillon ring 15 minutes each day at noon.  This carillon is composed of 53 bells and the largest of them also has a scripture verse  inscribed in it which was requested by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.   The scripture of this bell is Luke 2:14 (KJV) “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men.”     These are some of the things I didn’t know when I opened the book One Dominion and I will never forget the Christian Heritage that is found in the Peace Tower.   I was telling my oldest son, age 16, about it this morning and even he thought that it was cool that these scriptures are found at the top of the tower in the Centre Block on the Canadian Parliament.

I think this book would be a fabulous addition to your personal library for various reasons: it does highlight the Christian Heritage of Canada and it is a great souvenir to possess for the celebration of our country’s 150^th birthday.

One Dominion is available for purchase directly from Bible League Canada for the price of 29.99$.  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Bible League Canada 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.