Winners...Many Winners!

Congratulations to the following winners of the Christmas Extravaganza:

Secret Gift Basket: Jessica of Burlington, ON

Moonjar Moneybox: Bev of Winnipeg, MB

Rubbermaid Set: Valerie of Minto, NB

Rubik's Race Game: Lisa of Vineland Station, ON

My Friendship Bracelet Maker: Jonathan of Edmonton, AB

My Ribbon Barrette Maker: Lorie of Foxboro, ON

$50 Posterjack Voucher: Pam of Moncton, NB

Swagger Tags: Candace of 100 Mile House, BC and Bob of Longlac, ON

Very Cranky Bear Set: Angela of Beaver Bank, NS

Skechers Shoes: Kirsten of Calgary, AB

I am sorry to say that a couple of winners were notified by e-mail and given 48 hours to reply, and after several days went past without a response, new winners were chosen...so be sure to check your e-mail regularly!

And the winner of the KitchenAid Food Processor: Pauline of Saint John, NB

Enjoy your prizes, and thanks to everyone for entering!

Christmas "Treats" From Hallmark

These treats may not be edible, but they're a sure-fire bet to spark that festive feeling! A couple of weeks ago, I received my latest Hallmark goody box, thanks to my role on their Press Pause Panel.

My two favourite items, for home and classroom use:

Merry-Okee Micro Karaoke (Christmas Karaoke Microphone) $19.95


This battery-powered microphone (3 AAA batteries ARE included) works like a normal mic, or changes your voice so you sound like an elf! A favourite with my students and my daughters, it also comes prerecorded with six favourite holiday songs, and is accompanied by a songbook with both original and silly lyrics. It's not super-loud, but still a good laugh for a small group (and a great way to encourage students to make oral presentations. How can you feel pressure when you sound like an elf?)

Rockin' Talkin' Santa Hat $19.95

Press the button on this adult-sized hat to make it move back and forth in sync with the words and music to "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town". A great way to make an entrance this holiday season!

Other great items for the kids:

"Jingle" Interactive Storybook and Story Buddy $29.95

 

My girls have the similar Watson the Raccoon Storybook and Story Buddy and just love it. Frannie can read the book now, and Maggie has memorized the key phrases so that they both can make the raccoon talk (without requiring an adult to read the book). This toy responds to certain spoken phrases and the recorded voice adds to the story. A Hallmark favourite and winner of two Dr. Toy awards, "Jingle The Husky Pup" is ready to bark, whimper and even sing when he hears the magic words.

Make-A-Wish Recordable bear $24.95

This adorable white plush has simple "Record" and "Play" buttons so you can leave a message for someone special! And even better: when you buy a specially-marked product like this bear, Hallmark will donate 25% of the sales to help make children's wishes come true all year round.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Recordable Storybook $19.95

Always a great idea, these recordable books are a nice way to read to love ones even if you can't be there. This one is a special Hallmark Edition of the Holiday Classic, featuring music. Join Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. Last year my parents recorded one of these Hallmark books for my girls ("The Very First Christmas"), and as soon is got pulled out this year with the Christmas paraphernalia they snatched it up again.

Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers Keepsake Ornament $24.99

His Oilers sweater may be long retired, but true hockey fans will never forget. This might be the perfect gift for a not-so-little-one on your list, and is sure to find a prime spot on the Christmas tree.

Disclosure: I received the above-named items for review purposes as part of my role on the Hallmark Press Pause Panel. My students and daughters are enjoying a few, and the others were door prizes at our school's annual Family Movie Night. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Frannie's Spy Club: The Official Rules

The following are the rules for my five year old daughter's "Spy Club". The members of the club fluctuate frequently, depending how they treat Frannie on any given day (there is an ever-changing list on her door where she crosses out and adds names accordingly) and I don't believe they actually hold meetings or do any real "spying", but the club is nevertheless of high importance (e.g. "Be nice to my cousin or you're out of the spy club," "Let me play with the puzzle and I'll let you in the spy club"). Membership has temporarily replaced the valuable currency of birthday party invitations, and related promises and threats.

Despite the random nature of the group, the rules are clearly posted in Frannie's bedroom (for her eyes only), and have not changed since first written:

1. Hans to yourself (I think this is a spelling error, and not a coded message to a secret Scandinavian member of the club, but I can't be sure)

2. No hrting uthrs felings (Trouble with vowel sounds, but seems to have figured out "ing")

3. Stic with a techr (Even for spy club, teacher supervision is apparently very important!)

4. Be gud (Better than "Be God". Wouldn't it be ironic if Rule #4 conflicted with Commandment #1?)

5. Duw good things (How she learned how to spell "good" between Rule 4 and Rule 5 is a Spy Club mystery)

6. Good to othrs (Enough said)

Now I have to go make snack or else I'm kicked out of the club.

Companies That Give Back: Crorey Creations, the Choose Friendship Company

Earlier this fall I put out a call to companies, offering to post about any products donated to my school's annual Christmas Toy Drive.

The first takers: Crorey Creations, makers of My Friendship Bracelet Maker and My Friendship Bracelet Maker. (Two of each of these products have already been deposited in the Toy Drive Donation Bin.)

My Friendship Bracelet Maker

My Friendship Bracelet Maker's design innovation loom lets you create friendship bracelets quickly and easily! Includes 56 precut threads in 14 different colours, and the slide-out tray with inside storage keeps strings organized. This product has a travel-ready design, and comes with easy to follow instructions. You can even access bracelet patterns and free video tutorials online! Find more information on their website.

 

My Ribbon Barrette Maker

This one's a blast from the past! Girls can design and create their own 1980's retro-style braided ribbon barrettes! The box includes a ribbon loom with barrette holder, 8 barrettes, 16 ribbons in 8 colours and 128 tri-beads. The website has more info as well as an instructional video. I can clearly picture the light-pink and white versions of these barrettes that I had as a little girl. Definitely something to share with your daughter!


Thanks to Crorey Creations for helping make the Christmas mornings of four local girls a little brighter!

Wednesday Words on Miracles

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."


Albert Einstein

Hot New Gift Idea: Teacup Piggies and Piglets

This Christmas morning, my girls will both be finding a Teacup Piglet (retailing for approximately $10) under the tree. These little baby pigs (toy, of course: no mess, no smell,) come with names, birth certificates and accessories, and speak (25 responses, available in English or French) when their noses are pressed. If it says it’s tired, that means time for a rest in the teacup or tote. If you ‘wake’ it up too early, however, it may whine: “Why are you waking me up?”

You can also buy larger Teacup Piggies ($20) which also respond when you pet them, and sneeze when you touch their noses! Each toy has its own personality and is equipped with touch point sensors to encourage imaginative play through life-like interaction. Of course, you can also purchase fashion wardrobes separately.


Considered one of the hottest toys of 2010 by Chris Byrne, “The Toy Guy,” Teacup Piggies and Piglets are the latest craze in collectibles, and based on last year's success in the US, they are expected to be a hit in Canada. Apparently, they are not only taking the place of real-life pets for kids, but they’re also considered a hot, new collectible item by adults as well. (I'm not one of those adults.)

Check them out...available at retailers nationwide.

Disclosure: I was provided with the above-named items for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Anastasia's Picks: Books For Kids

Here are my ten year old niece's latest recommendations:

The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty



This book is about a young boy who becomes a magic crimes policeman's apprentice, and goes on several adventures and tries to figure out who a master killer is. At the same time I liked and disliked the creepy parts. I like when I feel scared, but since I read it at night, I was a bit too scared. This book I recommend for 9 to 12 year olds, and I shall give it 3 stars.

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg

I LOVE THE PICTURES IN THIS BOOK!! They are so beautiful and they inspired me to draw something of my own. This book is telling you about the illustrations of a man named Harris Burdick, and stories made up to go with them. This book is also a good writing tool, so teachers, take a look! I even made up a few stories. I didn't have any favourite parts, but I did have a favourite picture and story, "Oscar and Alphonse", with a picture of a girl staring down at two caterpillars. This book is for ages 7 and up. Five stars!!

Ivy and the Meanstalk by Dawn Lairamore

I really like this book because it's a twist from your average "Jack and the Beanstalk". This is a story about a girl who tries to get a harp back from a giantess, and keep her kingdom from being crushed by giant rocks. I like the jokes in this book. They made me laugh even though the story has a twinge of sadness. I didn't like the part where things go wrong. Although it's a book, I can't help thinking it's real. This book is for 8 to 12 year olds. I would give it three stars!!

The Cellar Door by Brett Gadbois

This is a story about a boy named Sam, who bumps his head and wakes up in a different world. There, a man named Franklin helps Sam out, and Sam makes friends with lots of people. He escapes from part-bird, part-people animals, and goes back home. I like the parts in this book where Sam changes into different things. I don't like the part where the evil crow-men capture Sam. This book is for 9 to 11 year olds. I would give it four stars.

Will Work For Food: Black Magic Chocolates and Two-Bite Pancakes

So last week I talked all about being a PR-Friendly blogger, and the high standards I uphold for product reviews.

Today, I am writing a whole post about two very inexpensive products I found on my doorstep...just because they're yummy.

Black Magic Chocolates, in their black box with red ribbon, are being re-introduced just in time for the holidays. Six bucks for a box, and handy as a hostess gift, or perhaps something for your child's teacher (hint, hint).

My favourites are the "Dreamy Fudge" and "Whole Hazelnut Praline", while I allowed my husband to indulge in the "Raspberry Parfait" and "Orange Sensation"...too fruity for my taste!

Another tasty new item is "Two Bite Pancakes", available in Morning Maple and Chocolate Chip Flavours. With real maple syrup baked right in, these were a fast favourite of my girls. However, since "sugar" is the first ingredient, I justify them more as a dessert (or a quick grab-and-go snack) than a meal. These would be a delicious addition to a holiday brunch, and taste even better when warmed in the microwave. They're also a nice portion-controlled sweet treat (portion-controlled if you eat one, not one package!)

Did I make you hungry?