Number Crunching Momma

Thursday March 8th National Breakfast Day Who will Share your Breakfast #shareyourbreakfast

2012-03-06T20:43:00.000-04:00

When we were growing up our parents always told us how important breakfast was and of course I never believed them. Well now I am a Mom and guess what - my Mom was right! Thursday March 8th is National Breakfast Day and Kellogg’s has partnered with Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfastfor Learning to launch the Share Your Breakfast program to encourage Canadians to help children who might otherwise go without.

Here are some facts and information on the Kellogg’s Share Your Breakfast movement!

Did you know?

· Studies show that breakfast can help kids boost their academic performance – improving behavior, reducing absences and tardiness and increasing focus and physical performance.

· In Canada - 1 in 10 children live in poverty and are at risk of starting their day on an empty stomach.

As part of this movement, Canadians are invited to celebrate National Breakfast Day with us on Thursday, March 8. Throughout the day and across the country we'll be surprising Canadians with free mini-packs of Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal to raise awareness about our country's hungry children. In return, we're donating to our National Breakfast Day charity partners. In essence, a bowl for you will equal a bowl for a hungry child.

There are a number of easy ways to get involved:

a. Visit Kellogg’s website (www.kelloggs.ca/SYB) to view the breakfast video and share this important message with friends and family via social media.

b. Pick-up a specially marked box of Kellogg's cereal in-store for a unique pin code to redeem for a free breakfast item and;

c. In return, Kellogg’s will make a donation to Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning

d. Or visit the breakfast charities directly to make your own donation and find out more about the great work they're doing to fight hunger in Canada.

www.breakfastclubscanada.org or www.breakfastforlearning.ca

e. Tweet your support using the hashtag #shareyourbreakfast

Be sure to show your support and help a child have a great start to their day!

Wordless Wednesday - I Wish it was Spring

2012-03-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

I know I should not wish the time away but I do not want the outside to look like this ... hurry up Spring!

Mom and Me Cookbook Review Plus a Great March Break Contest

2012-03-05T20:18:00.000-04:00

My Little One is enjoying helping me bake and cook - she likes to count how much needs to be placed in the bowl. Our newest thing is to make homemade pizza and the Mom and Me Cookbook has a great recipe for homemade pizza dough. I made it this weekend as E watched - she is going through another cold that she has picked up from preschool. The next time I try this I am going to get her to spread out the dough - she will enjoy this because it is messy.

About the Book

With basic cooking techniques and tips, simple first recipes, and tasty, nutritious meal ideas, Annabel Karmel's new family cookbook helps children ages three and up work with their parents to prepare a yummy array of favorite foods.

Combines the fun of cooking with a healthy food message
Delicious, recipes, from cookies and cupcakes to pancakes and pizzas
Step-by-step instructions and charming photographs of children cooking with mom and dad

During March Break DK Canada has a contest called What Did You Make on March Break. To enter you just need send in photos of what your kids make on March Break. The March Break creations will be judged by our Craft Guru Extraordinaire Jane Bull ( author of Make It, Made by Me and the upcoming Stitch By Stitch) and the winning entry wins a signed Jane Bull collection and a $150 DK shopping spree. More ideas for your little crafters!

This book contains many great recipes to try with your children and I am sure you all will enjoy the time together making and tasting. I know we did! There are some many great craft an cookbook ideas on DK Canada be sure to check them out.

Juicy Fruit Dessert Gums

2012-03-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

Some days I crave sweets things and would love to have a dessert - okay this is most days. Well thanks to Juicy Fruit Desserts I can satisfy these cravings in a guilt free manner. Now available in Canada, Juicy Fruit Desserts gum is offered in three unique flavours: Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Crème Pop and Apple Pie. These mouth-watering flavours are sugar-free and believe me your taste buds will be happy. Whether you’re a fan of pie, cake or frozen treats, you will find one to suit your needs! The definitely help me when I need something sweet every afternoon.

"B" by Sarah Kay Book Review

2012-03-01T20:34:00.000-04:00

This book may only be 20 pages but it is amazing. Sarah performed this poem at TEDtalk 2011 and is written as a thank you to her Mom and is a book I will be keeping to pass along to my Little One. It can be a great idea to give a Mother or to a daughter. It contains tidbits of wisdom I would love her to have. It shows that life can be hard, but I will always be there for her. Maybe I should also add some of my own messages to this book and hand it to her when she is older.

About the Author

Sarah Kay has been a performing poet since she was 14-years-old. She is founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression), which encourages people to use Spoken Word poetry as a tool for personal and world understanding, and as a medium for vital expression, teaching poetry and self-expression at schools across the United States. Beginning her foray into poetry as a young teen hiding under the counter at The Bowery Poetry Club in Manhattan’s East Village, she soon shook off fears to take the stage amidst poets at least a decade her senior and honed her poignant, funny and powerful style.

Wordless Wednesday - My Blog Post was in the Paper

2012-02-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

Just before Christmas I was contacted by the newspaper the Edmonton Journal. They wanted to run a copy of this post and I am very proud they picked this one post. Maybe someday soon I will see more of my writing printed.

What Makes Me Happy

2012-02-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

Hearing my Little One’s Laughter

A meal at a great restaurant with J

Packing our suitcases to visit my parents

Listening to my Little One chat with my parents on the phone

Shopping with my sister

Opening a new book and hearing the binding crack

A mug of hot tea on a cold winter’s day

A bubble bath after a stressful day

Hearing rain against my bedroom window as I fall asleep

Not having to set my alarm on the weekend

Warm sand between my toes

Starting a new knitting pattern

A cold drink after a great exercise session

What makes you happy?

Tracey

Future Fortified - Global Campaign against Hunger

2012-02-27T20:39:00.001-04:00

Every day we see in the news how many people are being affecting my lack of nutrition in developing countries. Future Fortified has launched a global campaign to help millions of women and children around the world gain access to the essential nutrients they need to lead healthy, enriched lives.

As we all know good nutrition is vital for proper physical and mental development. Being a Mom to a young daughter I cannot imagine how it would feel to not be able to provide her with the necessary nutrients she needs to strive and learn every day. Can you imagine having to watch your child suffer because they were not able to have the proper foods?

Future Fortified has partnered with businesses, governments and communities to ensure highly nutritious foods and products are not only available through the health system, but also are affordable to low-income families who can purchase these products on an ongoing basis.

An important part of this program are the Home Nutrition Packet. The packets cost as little as 3 cents each, making them affordable and allowing families to continue to eat the local foods they eat every day rather than replacing them with new products. Home nutrition packets keep the power of securing the good health of babies in the hands of mothers and as a mother it enables them to feel they are providing the essential nutrients into their children’s and their own diets. Small packets filled with a combination of micro and macro nutrients are simply sprinkled onto a child’s meal a few times a week.

Be sure to follow Future Fortified on Twitter and like them on Facebook to see all the great things they are doing and how you can help.

Disclosure:

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the Future Fortified campaign.

Splash 'N Boots Act 2 DVD Review and Giveaway

2012-02-23T20:52:00.000-04:00

My little one does not watch much TV but when we do I like for it to be fun and educational. This DVD by Splash 'N Boots kept her attention (and mine too) and it was very entertaining. It made me want to get up and dance – okay I did get up!

This DVD features the Canadian husband and wife duo with something for the whole family. This latest DVD contained music and skits and an introduction to Lily. My Little One is an animal lover and just loved their dog. This duo has toured with Treehouse Live (who with young children does not know the Treehouse TV channel) and they have produced 5 CDs and 2 DVDs and continue to amuse little ones around the country.

Be sure to visit their Facebook page and help decide what songs will appear on their next CD.That's right their fans get to choose what 10 songs will be recorded and even choose the artwork for this upcoming release. Once this CD is released a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

And more great news for this duo is they have just been nominated for the 2012 Children's Group of the Year for the Independent Music Awards. They won back in 2007 so they are so excited to be nominated yet again! The winner's are chosen through public voting (http://indies.ca/) - be sure to pop by and support this group.

I am happy to be able to giveaway a Splash N' Boots Act 2 DVD to one lucky reader. This giveaway will close on Sunday March 11th at 11:59 pm EST and is only open to residents of Canada. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn..

Mandatory Entry

Tell me in a comment below your favorite children's song.

For Extra Entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter and comment below.
Follow Splash N' Boots on Twitter and comment below.
One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the Splash N' Boots DVD Act 2 product from @numcrunchingmom and @Splashnboots http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Splash N' Boots on Facebook and comment below

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with this product in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

Empire Reel Babies Review and Giveaway

2012-02-21T20:28:00.001-04:00

Looking for something to do with your Mom friends and their babies? Why not check out the Empire Reel Babies Program. During the month of February there is the “Bring a Friend” campaign happening – buy one admission and get another for free! A great way to treat one of your Mom friends who would love time out and maybe experiencing a tighter budget with a new baby.

The Empire Reel Babies program occurs twice month with a screening of a new release. The lights are dim but not as dark as a normal screening and the sound is turned down. You will also find a change table to use for changing the little ones because as a Mom I know a dirty diaper always happens when you are on an outing with the baby.

I am happy to be able to share some free passes with my readers. I have 5 pairs to give away to 5 lucky winners. That’s right 10 tickets to giveaway so that some lucky Mommies (or Daddies) can enjoy a movie! This giveaway to open to Canadian citizens and closes on March 11th at 11:59pm EST.

To win

Mandatory Entry

Leave a comment and let me know which new release you would love to see.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the Empire Reel Babies tickets from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Tracey

Disclosure – I am participating in the Empire Reel Babies program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Empire Theatres. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Cineplex's Family Favorites in Support of the Starlight Children's Foundation

2012-02-16T20:48:00.001-04:00

Beginning this Saturday February 18, 2012, a different family movie will be offered exclusively at participating Cineplex theatres each Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Family Favourites will be offered at a discounted admission price of $2.50 for all ages and a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Tickets are only $2.50 and can be purchased at participating theatre box offices, online at www.cineplex.com/family or our mobile site m.cineplex.com. Family Favourites will be presented year-round. Be sure to check the website for the schedule.

What a great way to spend time with your family while also helping out a great children's charity.

Tracey

The Secret World of Arrietty - Opening February 17th

2012-02-16T20:35:00.000-04:00

Based on the novel "The Borrowers" this newest Disney movie premieres in theaters tomorrow. My little one E and I saw the preview for this and it looks amazing. Arrietty and her family are 4 inches tall and they borrow things that humans would not normally miss. Things change for her family when Arriety is discovered.

Be sure to check this one out with your family for an entertaining afternoon at the movies. I cannot wait to see this one.

A Long Awaited Homecoming - My Preemie Comes Home

2012-02-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

Four years ago today our little one came home from our local children’s hospital. She spent 79 days in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) after deciding she wanted to enter the world 13 weeks early. As some of you know from my previous posts my daughter was a little one at just 2 pounds and 14 inches. She may know be 4 years old and 35 pounds, but she will always be my little one.

I can still remember the day when the team came around to her bedside and said she was able to be released and could come home with us. I cried tears of joy many time that day. We had a few stressful moments over those 79 days, but are very thankful she is now perfectly healthy and has no long term effects of being born so early.

I remember beings so nervous coming home with my little bundle and it be our first time without the support of the nurses and having them nearby if I had a question. Of course we checked on her a million times while she slept to make sure she was still breathing, but I am sure that’s what most new parents do. When she was first born E would often stop breathing and we often worried this would come back – it did not though.

It amazes me as I look at her now to see how far she come and how that homecoming seems like only yesterday. Throughout her stay I realized many times how precious life is.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada- Book Review and Giveaway

2012-02-14T20:07:00.000-04:00

The latest Chicken Soup book has to be one of my favorites. I am proud to be a Canadian. It was wonderful to read all the stories reflecting the strengths of this country and the people who are so happy to live and visit here. Of course there are stories about winter, hockey, cottages and friendly people. The one that I really enjoyed was "The Tim Hortons Lady" - yes I know Tim's is very Canadian but the story itself showed how Canadians often go out of our way to help others.

About the Book

101 Heartwarming and Inspiring Stories by and for Canadians

For Canadians and by Canadians, this book will delight and amuse Canadian readers with its 101 new stories about the great northern country. Full of inspirational, amusing, and encouraging stories, this collection will touch the heart of any Canadian readers. Stories include a wide range of topics written by Canadians, from daily life and family to Canadian holidays and history, along with tales from tourists and visitors.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, March 4th at 11:59 pm EST and is open to citizens of Canada only . The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit The Chicken Soup website and tell me in a comment below why you are happy to be a Canadian.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win a Chicken Soup for the Soul - O Canada from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this books in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

SkinFix Products Review and Giveaway

2012-02-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Winter months can be so drying on our skin. We are either inside with the dry heat or outside with the wind whipping around. My Little One loves to play outside and her poor cheeks are dry. My legs look like they belong to a lizard – they are usually covered in leggings or tights and long boots all day at work. All I can say is thank goodness for Skinfix and its natural products. They use high quality minerals, botanicals, vitamins and natural ingredients in all their products. I love that are a great Canadian company based in Nova Scotia too!

The Skinfix Body Repair Paste can be used anywhere on your body where you may have dry skin, skin ailments and as a general moisturizer. I would apply it after a shower and it relieved the itching of my dry skin and kept my legs moisturized all day. This paste is made from Zinc Oxide, botanical extracts, shea butter and Vitamin E and it was great for me to wear at work because it was scent free.

The Skinfix Lip Balm is perfect for my dry lips when I venture outside with the Little One. It moisturized my lips while acting as a barrier to the windand giving my lips a shine. The lip balm is made from shea butter, organic coconut oil, pure jojoba oil and vitamin E.

I am happy to be able to giveaway a Skinfix product to one lucky reader. This giveaway will close on Sunday February 26th at 11:59 pm EST and is only open to residents of Canada. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn..

Mandatory Entry

Visit Skinfix and tell me in a comment below what product you would like to try.

For Extra Entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter and comment below.
Follow Skinfix on Twitter and comment below.
One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win Skinfix product from @numcrunchingmom and @skinfixinc http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Skinfix on Facebook and comment below

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with free products in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

Wordless Wednesday -What Happens when a 4 Year Old Gets the Phone

2012-02-07T21:26:00.000-04:00

This is what she decided to take a picture of while we were out this weekend.

Trying to find #EqualCanada while Shopping at Walmart

2012-02-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

Weekends are extremely busy for our house. Between all of E's activities (gymnastics, skating and swimming) I still need to complete my weekly grocery shopping and errands. I usually do not get a chance during the week so it all has to be completed on the weekend.

This Sunday before we headed out the door for swimming lessons I looked through the fridge and pantry to see what groceries were needed. I started my list and also made sure to add the items I would need to pick up at Walmart on our weekly shopping adventure there. Hooks for E's room, toothpaste, Valentines for E to bring to her preschool party and of course some things for our Valentine Chocolate Chip Fudgie Cups.

After deciding which ones she wanted for our Cups we headed to the baking section to find the yellow canister of #EqualCanada that now has a Rollback. It was nowhere to be found and then I remembered seeing on another blog that this product was found near the Pharmacy. Off we went and there is was right next to the vitamins.

The Rollback sign was right below it showing how it was originally $9.97 and is now $7.97. I love finding great deals and this one made me very happy!

Finally we were able to finish our shopping and headed home to have some fun baking. E is my little helper and helps me count the amount of ingredients that need to go into the bowl. She especially liked testing the chocolate chips for me.

Be sure to follow #EqualCanada on their website, Twitter and Facebook to see what great recipes they develop next.

Now I am off to enjoy one of our yummy treats!

Tracey

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias As always all opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Disney's Lady and the Tramp Prize Pack

2012-02-06T20:29:00.001-04:00

This movie is such a classic and I cannot wait to share it with E. I am buying it when it is released tomorrow, February 7^th and hoping to keep it for her Valentine’s Day gift. Not sure I will be able to though. I am anxious to watch it again myself. This movie is sure to become a favorite for movie night in my house.

About the Movie

LADY AND THE TRAMP Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack

A classic love story unfolds in the best Disney tradition as a lovely young pedigreed cocker spaniel named Lady, who lives a pampered life, finds herself falling romantically for Tramp, an amorous street-smart pooch without prospects. Although they have fun together on several dates, including a sentimental spaghetti dinner by moonlight at Tony’s restaurant, their relationship is strained not only by Lady’s loyalty to her human family and their newborn baby, but by Tramp’s devil-may-care attitude that eventually gets Lady in trouble and tossed into the dog pound. However, good-hearted Tramp redeems himself by saving the baby from potential harm and thus wins Lady’s love and the affection of her human family.

Share this timeless Disney Classic with your family as Walt Disney’s beloved classic, Lady and the Tramp, finally releases from the Disney Vault for the first time ever on Blu-ray. This heartwarming tale now charms a new generation of families and fans with its exquisite animation and unforgettable songs in one of the greatest love stories of all time. Featuring high definition sound and immersive bonus features your family can enjoy together, Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition is a must own addition to your Disney collection.

I am happy to have one Lady and the Tramp prize pack to giveaway. This will include 1 Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack and 1 Lady and the Tramp Read-Along Storybook and CD. This storybook with help your little ones (and you too) experience the magic! Read along with the characters from the film with this storybook and CD!

This giveaway will close on Monday February 13th at 11:59 pm EST and is only open to residents of Canada (except residents of Quebec). The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Have you seen this Disney Classic before?

For Entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway I would like to win Disney's Lady and the Tramp Pack from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway #canwin. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Walt Disney Studios Canada on Facebook and comment below.

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter to get all the latest updates.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with a media kit information and the opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the information I received.

Libre Tea Glass'n Poly Original Review

2012-02-05T21:52:00.000-04:00

I love tea. It is something that I can drink anytime of the day. There are so many different types of loose tea leaves available and they can be caffeinated or decaffeinated. Usually during the day I opt for the caffeinated leaves but at night I would have some hot decaffeinated to help me relax and unwind.. And tea is great for you!

With the Libre Glass'n Poly Original I was able to take my tea with me - work, meetings, E's swimming or gymnastics or just sitting at home at my laptop. The interior is glass and kept the water hot while the exterior is comprised of polycarbonate. This makes it durable so that you can take it wherever you go and do not have to worry about it breaking. The stainless steel tea filter is perfect for holding your leaves and allowing your tea to steep.

Libre Tea is an innovative Canadian company and are committed to providing their customers with exceptional products that allow us to become greener and cut down on any garbage from non reusable mugs and cups.

I know what my tea loving friends will be getting for their next birthday. Now just to make sure mine does not going missing! Be sure to check out their fabulous products and treat yourself to one today!

Cupid's Cash Giveaway Event February 1 - 14, 2012

2012-02-01T08:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Cupid's Cash Giveaway Event!

Kidsumers and Sober Julie Doing Life have partnered up with lots of different and wonderful bloggers to bring you a fabulous prize, just in time for the Valentines Day!

The prize is $300 USD in Paypal Cash!!!

Giveaway starts February 1st at 12:01 AM EST to February 14th at 12:01 AM EST. Giveaway winners will be announced through the Rafflecopter widget and notified by email by the end of the day on February 17th, 2011. Winners must reply to email notification within 48 hours of delivery, or a new winner will be chosen.

Participating Blogs:

Sober Julie Doing Life

Kidsumers

Nugglemama's Handful
Funny Things Are Everywhere
Between The Kids
Elegantly Said
Shopping in Your Pjs
My Little Review Corner
The Jolly Blogger
A Hen's Nest
Nolie's Place
Wisconsin Mommy
Raising My Boys
Humble Pie
Tara's View of the World
My Secret Home
Shasher's Life
My Organized Chaos
Maple Leaf Mommy
Mommy Moment
Smookie Style
Thriftymommastips
Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
Rants Reviews
Pixie Deals
Noteworthy
Country Mouse, City Mouse
Mommies Point of View
Bewildered Bug
Canadian Coupon Mom

My Big Blue World
The Momma Stuff Blog
Number Crunching Momma
Family Tales Not Ties

*This giveaway is open to Worldwide entries

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENDS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14TH AT 12:01 AM EST

GOOD LUCK!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New on Disney Junior in February

2012-01-31T20:38:00.000-04:00

We love Disney Junior in our house. There are so many great shows and my little one E seems to learn a lot from this channel. First it was the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Special Agent OSO now it is Stella and Sam (my favorite) and Little Einsteins. There have been a few nights when the On Demand shows have helped me cook supper - E loves to watch while I am getting supper ready and I know she is not getting into mischievous!

With Valentine's Day coming up there is Disney Junior Valentine and Friends Day to enjoy all your favorites. I know we will have this on while making Valentines for E's preschool party and trying to make cupcakes. There is also Tinker Bell Family Day for you to enjoy with your family and don't miss Jake and Mickey's Mystery Week. I am looking forward to watching these with my family and of course there will be lots of questions and chatting from E as she talks about what is happening. Yes she is my Little Miss Chatterbox.

DISNEY JUNIOR VALENTINE AND FRIENDS DAY

Saturday, February 11 at 8:30 a.m.

On Saturday, February 11 starting at 8:30 a.m., Disney Junior presents a morning filled with forget-me-not Valentine and friendship-themed episodes. Included in the morning is the premiere of a new Jungle Junction episode as well as Valentine episodes of Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Special Agent Oso. This friendfest will encore on Tuesday, February 14 starting at 4:00 p.m.

TINKER BELL FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 20 at 8:00 a.m.

Tinker Bell sprinkles the air waves with magic pixie dust to bring Disney Junior viewers an entire day of Pixie Hollow fun. On Monday, February 20 at 8:00 a.m. Disney Junior will air all of the Tinker Bell movies as well as the Pixie Hollow Games special. Included in the lineup are Tinker Bell at 8:00 a.m., Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure at 11:30 a.m., Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue at 5:00 p.m. and Pixie Hollow Games at 6:20 p.m.

JAKE AND MICKEY’S MYSTERY WEEK

Marathon starting on February 27 at 6:30 p.m.

All week long, starting Monday, February 27, Disney Junior presents Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse mystery-themed episodes at 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Happy Watching!

EdenFantasys New Bath and Body Products and a Chance for a $30 Gift Code

2012-01-30T20:44:00.001-04:00

I love how EdenFantasys is continually adding new items to their website as well as expanding their Beauty and Bath selection. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner there are so many items I would like to purchase for myself. I think it is important for Moms to treat themselves too. We seem to put everyone else’s needs before our own.

I would really love to try the Bella’s Sugar Scrub and follow it up with the Bella’s Happily Ever After Whipped Body Crème. In the winter my skin becomes dry and itchy and this scrub would come in handy with allowing the new skin to shine through. Bella's Sugar Scrub is a revitalizing walnut sugar scrub that you can use on your whole body or just trouble spots. This almond coconut scented scrub is contains natural oils, including peppermint and soothing extracts. It gently exfoliates while it cleanses and leaving your skin smooth and fresh. A positive for me with this scrub is that it has no Triclosan and it is Parabens free

Bella's Happily Ever After Whipped Body Crème would be a great companion to this scrub. It will help heal tired and stressed skin with natural oils, pure aloe vera, Vitamins E and A and extracts of chamomile, ginseng and calendula. This luxurious body lotion will leave your skin silky and smooth. This lotion is L-Arginine free and Paraben free and would be a great addition to my daily shower routine.

I am happy to be able to share with you a chance to win a $30 gift code to use on the EdenFantasys website. This giveaway is open to Canadian and US citizens.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, February 12th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit EdenFantasys Beauty and Bath section and tell me in a comment which product you would like to try.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the EdenFantasys $30 GC from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Tracey

*Disclosure - I will receive a gift card for my post from EdenFantasys. The opinions above are my own and not influenced in any way.

A Working Mommy's Guilt

2012-01-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

Every Sunday night it is the same routine - E's nightly bath and bedtime ritual while I am wishing I could spend another full day together. Don't get me wrong I like my job and where I work, but now that my little one seems to be growing before my eyes I want to enjoy all the changes and be with her as she has new experiences and learns.

There are days when I wake her up and she asks if I am off and this breaks my heart. What makes it easier for me to head to work is that she is so happy at our sitter's. We are extremely fortunate to have a wonderful sitter and she has been an important part of E's life. This is when I feel the guilt - she spends more time with my daughter than I do. I know I am not the only parent to feel this way, but it does not make it any easier. Maybe it has something to do with the Munchkin being a 2 pounder at birth or maybe I just love our time together and want there to be more of that.

She heads off to school in September and I am sure this transition will may go smoothly (for her anyway) because she is used to us being a part during the day. She loves being with other children and interacting and learning. I am looking forward to seeing all the adventures she has and all the new people who enter her live. I am still amazed how one person can change my life so much.

Tracey

Disney's Treasure Buddies DVD Giveaways

2012-01-25T11:59:00.001-04:00

We are big animal fans and definitely have a soft spot for dogs. This latest release from Disney has such adorable animals that it will definitively keep us all entertained. I cannot wait to sit down and enjoy this one.

About the Movie

Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped. Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete.

Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.

Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet.

“Treasure Buddies” stars Ty Panitz (“Spooky Buddies,” “How to Eat Fried Worms”), G. Hannelius (“Space Buddies,” “Snow Buddies”), Skyler Gisondo (“Santa Buddies,” “Spooky Buddies”), Tucker Albrizzi (“Spooky Buddies,” “Bridesmaids”), Charles Henry Wyson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), Richard Riehle (“The Search for Santa Paws”), Edward Herrmann (TV’s “Gilmore Girls”), Mason Cook (“Spy Kids: All the Time in the World”), Adam Alexi-Malle (“Hidalgo”), Mo Gallini (TV’s “24”), Christopher Maleki (TV’s “Passions”), Maulik Pancholy (TV’s “30 Rock”), Ryan Stiles (TV’s “Two and a Half Men”), Tim Conway (TV’s “Spongebob Squarepants”), Elaine Hendrix (“The Parent Trap”), Kaitlyn Maher (“The Search for Santa Paws”) and Aiden Gemme.

Directed by Robert Vince, written and produced by Vince and Anna McRoberts. Original music is by Brahm Wenger (“The Search for Santa Paws”) and Animal Coordinator is Mark Forbes (“Zoo Keeper”).

I am happy to have 3 DVDs to giveaway to you - that's right 3 lucky people will each win a this Blu-Ray Combo Pack.This giveaway will close on Friday February 3rd at 11:59 pm EST and is only open to residents of Canada (except residents of Quebec). The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

If you could have one animal as a pet what would it be.

For Entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway I would like to win Disney Treasure Buddies Pack from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway #canwin. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Walt Disney Studios Canada on Facebook and comment below.

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter to get all the latest updates.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with a media kit information and the opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the information I received.

Penguins of Madagascar Operation: Blowhole - DVD Review

2012-01-24T12:07:00.002-04:00

My daughter E and I enjoyed this movie last week on what was a very cold winter day. I loved how it was a spoof of the James Bond 007 spy movies and E loved the penguins. They certainly are cute little guys who seem to always find trouble. As with most children’s movies this one also had humour for the adults who were watching. I also enjoyed Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Blowhole - he is so entertaining and was a great choice for this role. This DVD will keep the whole family entertained!

About the movie

Neil Patrick Harris stars as Dr. Blowhole in the latest chapter of the Emmy Award®-winning series from DreamWorks Animation and Nickelodeon, “Penguins of Madagascar”. Skipper and the Penguins face off against their sinister nemesis, Dr. Blowhole, and his diabolical schemes in this action-packed adventure with six original musical numbers. It’s a Bond-spoof of Penguins proportions!

La Crème Cow - Review and Giveaway ($100)

2012-01-23T20:42:00.001-04:00

Being a working Mom I am always looking for something quick and healthy to throw in my lunch bag or to snack on at home. I manage to find healthy snacks for E but usually forget to look for ones for me. I received a package last week containing the 3 different La Crème Cow spreadable cheese - Original, Light, and Parmesan and Peppercorn. This is a new line of spreadable snack cheese and each wedge comes individually wrapped. They are so easy to spread on your favorite cracker and especially on a warm bagel or baguette.

I really enjoyed the Parmesan and Peppercorn spread on crackers for an afternoon snack at work. The Light version is 43% less fat and 20 less calories than the Original but I could hardly tell the difference between the two when it came to taste. There are endless ways to use these cheeses so keep your friends guessing as to what you will do next. Be sure to visit the recipes http://lacremecow.ca/recipes/serving-tips/ section to find lots of innovative ways to enjoy these cheeses.

I am happy to be able to giveaway a $100 La Crème Cow prize pack from Parmalat Canada to one of my readers. This is open to Canadian citizens only. This will include:

La Creme Cow Product Coupons
Cheese Tray and Serving Utensils
Cloth Napkins
Wine Glasses
Crackers

This giveaway will close on Saturday, January 28 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Recipes section on their website website and tell me in a comment which recipe you would like to try and make for your family and friends.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the La Crème Cow prize package (est $100) from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like La Creme Cow on Facebook and comment below.

Follow La Creme Cow on Twitter and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with free product in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

An Enjoyable Cold Winter Day

2012-01-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

This winter the weather here has been crazy. Some days it is mild and raining and then the next day it is -25 and windy. Today it was the cold and windy day. I am not a lover of winter, but had a great day with E today. She had a preschool skating party this morning and I decided to use a vacation day and spend the day with her. We went for 2 hours of skating this morning and it was so cold in the rink. Of course E did not notice but I was freezing and very thankful for the hot chocolate that was served after. E was more impressed by the cookies.

The windchill today at some points made it feel like it was -25, so I decided we would spend the afternoon hanging out at home. How to keep an active 4 year old busy and out of trouble for the afternoon? We spent some time colouring and drawing, reading some books, playing with her dollhouse, having lots of snacks and doing some crafts.

There are many ways to keep a 4 year old busy and she is always keeping me on my toes. In our area there are museums, indoor play areas and bookstores where we also visit and spend time together. What are some of the ways you spend quality time with your children?

Tracey

Happy Blogiversary (and Birthday) to Me!

2012-01-16T12:08:00.000-04:00

A year ago today I decided to start my blog as a way to help me keep on track with running and eating healthy. I can actually remember sitting down with a hot cup of tea and starting my first post. The house was quiet (everyone was napping) and I was enjoying having some time to relax and write.

Since then my blog has gone in a direction I was not planning. I have been enjoying doing reviews on numerous products and new books. It has introduced me to companies that I would have never tried before. I never realized how interesting and fast-paced social media was until I start blogging. It also changes every day. It allows me to be creative. In my number crunching, bean counter job people are not happy if you use creative accounting. Unless of course you work for Enron!

I have met so many fantastic and helpful people online. People that I have never met in real life but would consider them friends. I have learned so much from them and hope one day soon we can all get together. Of course just like real though you come across others who are not as nice, but they seem to be the minority.

I just want to thank you everyone who has stopped by my blog and hope you continue to do so. In this upcoming year I hope to do more blogging on topics that interest me – more personal blogging. Of course I will keep doing the reviews of products, books and movies that are interesting to me and want to share with you.

Thank you!
Tracey

Bellaboo Skin Care Products - Review

2012-01-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

As you all know I am always looking for new natural products to try. Bellaboo was started by a Mom who was looking for natural, effective skin care for her teenaged daughter. She found nothing on the market - only products containing chemicals. Because of this she decided to develop her own skin care line for tweens, teens and twenty year olds from natural and organic ingredients .

Bellaboo is a 3 step natural skin care system for all skin types. The starter kit comes with - All That Facial Wash for clean skin; Buff Skin Facial Exfoliator and Gorgeous Skin Moisture Dew to keep young skin moisturized.

The 3 step program was very quick and easy to use. The products smelled fabulous and were very gentle on my skin. Seeing that I am no longer in my 20s I did find the moisturizer was not rich enough, but I am sure it would be fine for younger skin.

You would think that once we are no longer a teenager that there would be no more pimples. Well I was lucky enough (lucky in that I could try the product) to have one to test the Bellaboo EZ Blitz Serum. No nasty chemicals in this product and it did not dry out my skin like other creams. In a couple days my little friend was disappearing and my skin was not irritated.

I have a weakness, okay and addiction to chocolate and could not wait to relax and try the Bellaboo Sweet Sin Chocolate Mask. This mask smelled delicious and left my skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Bellaboo products are available online at Abundance Naturally. If you have a young girl in your house this is a great skin care line for her and has no harsh chemicals.

Tracey

Beauty and the Beast 3D plus a new Tangled short film

2012-01-10T13:52:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D when it opens later this week. This is my favorite Disney movie and I am looking forward to taking E to see it as well. She loved Tangled and I was thrilled when I learned there would be a new Tangled short film premiering as well. We are both excited for our next movie date.

TANGLED EVER AFTER picks up where TANGLED left off. The Kingdom is in a festive mood as everyone gathers for the royal wedding of Rapunzel and Flynn. However, when Pascal and Maximus, as flower chameleon and ring bearer, respectively, lose the gold bands, a frenzied search and recovery mission gets underway. As the desperate duo tries to find the rings before anyone discovers that they’re missing, they leave behind a trail of comical chaos that includes flying lanterns, a flock of doves, a wine barrel barricade and a very sticky finale. Will Maximus and Pascal save the day and make it to the church in time?

And to keep the little ones (and yourself) busy while waiting for the movie why not enjoy these colouring pages?

See you at the movies!

Tracey

Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart

2012-01-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

Did you know cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death of women in Canada? I try to keep myself healthy - trying to eat right, get some exercise and plenty of rest (that can be difficult some nights with a 4 4 year old!). The Ride for Heart is an annual event that raises funds to continue researching the causes of cardiovascular disease and determining methods for preventing this disease. This year will be the 25th Ride for Heart so why not sign up if you are in the area and would like to support this great cause.

If you register before March 1 you can receive a $25 gift card to Sporting Life. As well there are incentives available for the different levels of funds raised by riders. Why not aim high and register to become a VIP and commit to raising $1000? Just think how fabulous that would feel.

Be sure to visit the Ride for Heart website and learn how you can help. Not able to make it to the Ride - how about sponsoring someone who is participating?

Tracey

Ddrops - Review and Giveaway

2012-01-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

With winter in full swing it is hard to receive our required dosage of Vitamin D from the sun. Kids Ddrops^® is a liquid vitamin D designed specifically for children 2 years and older. Only 1 drop is required to provide the full daily dose, making it a convenient and easy way to give the Vitamin D that your child requires.

The drops are tasteless and can be easily added to a child's drink or food. I tried it at my house and no one knew it. I was curious myself and could not taste a thing. Another plus is the Dora packaging and what child does not know Dora.

When E was an infant I was giving her Vitamin D drops because I was nursing. Now she is older Vitamin D is just as important. Kids Ddrops are preservative free, contains no artifical colourings flavours, gluten, egg, fish, lactose' sugar or salt. Also Kids Ddrops is PTPA award winner and it the easiest way to add Vitamin D into your child's diet. Be sure to also check out their Baby and Adult Ddrops.

I am happy to be able to offer a giveaway for one of the Ddrop products. There will be one winner chosen. Open to citizens of Canada and the US only.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, January 29 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Ddrops website and tell me in a comment which drops you would most need for your house.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the Ddrops product from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Ddrops on Facebook and comment below.

Follow Ddrops on Twitter.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness - Book Review and Giveaway

2012-01-05T20:49:00.000-04:00

At the start of another new year it seems everyone reflects back on their lives and looks at how they can make changes. Well what about a goal for happiness? This newest book shows how different people in various walks of life view happiness. There is one story that caught my attention. "The No-Share Zone" is written by a lady who reflects how she received a box of chocolates as a gift from a friend and enjoyed savouring a piece or two while home alone. I don't know about you, but this sounds like a little bit of happiness to me!

About the Book

101 Stories about Finding Your Purpose, Passion, and Joy

Others share how they found their passion, purpose, and joy in life in these 101 personal and exciting stories that are sure to encourage readers to find their own happiness. Stories in this collection will inspire readers to pursue their dreams, find their passion and seek joy in their life. This book continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope, reminding readers that they can find their own happiness.

I am happy to be able to offer a giveaway for this book. There will be one winner chosen. Open to citizens of Canada and the US only.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, January 22 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit The Chicken Soup website and tell me in a comment below what makes you happy.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win a Chicken Soup for the Soul - Find Your Happiness from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook and comment below.

Add Number Crunching Momma to one of your circles on Google+ and comment below.

Good Luck everyone!

Wordless Wednesday - My Future Hockey Star

2012-01-04T08:07:00.000-04:00

I grew up skating and love spending time with E teaching her how to skate. Now I just need to teach her some patience.

Honibe Honey Lozenges - Product Review

2012-01-03T20:39:00.000-04:00

These Honibe Lozenges came at the perfect time – I had a sore throat and was able to start my review right away. Let's just say my sore throat and I were very happy. Unlike most lozenges they did not taste like medicine or are packed with sugar. I like that they are made from 100 % pure dried honey and is all natural. Plus they are manufactured right in Prince Edward Island from a company that continues to produce innovative dried honey products.

Honibe is produced by Island Abbey Foods Ltd., a part of a family owned business that has been around for six generations. They have received many awards and rave reviews for their dried honey products. Honey has many health benefits and can be readily available with their products. What a great way to always have some available to add to your favorite hot beverage.

Be sure to try out the products from this great Canadian company today. I am off to bed in hopes that this cold does not get any worse and of course I will have these lozenges on my night table.

Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with this product in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

Welcome 2012 - A Year of Improving

2012-01-01T21:45:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe that 2011 is over and we are starting a new year. Every January 1st I used to make resolutions but have never kept them. They would last for a couple of months then fall to the wayside. This year I am going to make improvements in my live.

I always say I am going to change the way I eat and exercise and this year I am going to improve what I eat and how often I exercise. This just seems to me to a more positive way of tracking changes. Small changes will count towards improvement! Drink more water, eat more fruits and veggies, drink green tea.

I want to also improvement the quality of time I spend with my family and friends. There is not much I can do amount the quantity of time I spend with E (unless I win the lottery and can retire), but I can improve what we do when we are together. During Christmas vacation we spent a lot of time colouring, playing Barbies and enjoying her new games. I had so much fun with her and realized how quickly she is growing up.

I would also like to be able to take time out for myself and do things I enjoy. My blog is one of these and I hope to continue my knowledge of Social Media. This is an area of quick change and is always changing - I think that is why I enjoy it so much.

I hope you all have a happy and healthy 2012 and find ways of improving your lives.

Stay tuned for improved Number Crunching Momma!

Happy New Year!
Tracey

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-12-23T21:14:00.000-04:00

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by my blog this year and I hope you will come back again in the New Year.

I am taking a short break to relax and enjoy lots of yummy food with my loved ones and my wonderful friends. I wish you all peace, love, happiness and health in 2012.

Happy Holidays!

Tracey

What I am Looking Forward to this Christmas Season

2011-12-19T20:56:00.000-04:00

This holiday season I am looking forward to having time to spend with my family and friends and not having to rush somewhere. Now it is rush to work, rush to meetings, rush for deadlines, rush to shop, rush to parties. Yes lots of rushing! Once I finish work this Friday I am off until the New Year and cannot wait to relax at home. No alarm ringing at 6:00 in the morning and speeding my way through a shower and then getting E up to drop her off at the sitter’s house.

I will get to spend time with E and enjoy her new toys with her that Santa brings. We will be able to keep our jammies on and enjoy breakfast together. If we want we can keep them on all day. There are no dance, swimming or skating lessons to rush to. No need to rush to get groceries and run errands. I am going to enjoy those days off with my little one and family.

I hope everyone remembers to slow down during the holiday season and enjoy this time with your loved ones.

Happy Holidays!

Tracey

eco.kid Children's Haircare Products - Review

2011-12-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

I am always looking for natural, organic products to try and this one certainly caught my eye. When E started preschool in September I never thought she would come home so soon with that dreaded note - there was a case of head lice in her school. I was so happy to find an all natural product to help protect her hair from these pests, it smells great and keeps her hair soft and moisturized.

eco.kids was founded by Peter Francis who is a father of two children and a hair stylist who was looking for organic hair products to use at home, but was unsuccessful. He then decided to develop his own line of organic products for children ages 3 to 12 that met the specific needs of their hair and skin. All the ingredients are derived from natural products, the packaging is recyclable and formulations are biodegradable. Parents can now feel confident that they’re using products that are safe for their kids and the future of the earth their kids live on.

I really loved the products that we tried and I am so happy that they are carried at Loblaws stores. It means they are very accessible to me and I can pick up the products with my groceries.

Prevent Daily Shampoo

This shampoo is gentle enough for using every day and the formula will deep cleanse young hair while keeping it moisturized and free of lice. Prevent shampoo contains lemon-scented tea tree oil – this scent keeps them away.

Daily Tonic Leave-in Conditioner

This spray conditioner is a great multitasker and this is a plus for Moms and their kids. E has long hair and by the time she gets out of bed in the morning it is usually knotted. This conditioner has been a great help while also providing moisture. Another product to help keep the little pest away.

We also recieved the Bubbalicious Soft Hair Styling Wax that was helpful in taming flyaways and helped keep braids in place. It would be so much fun to use this in a young boy's hair as well - maybe create a faux hawk!

I highly recommend these products, not only because they are organic, smell wonderful, helped with tangles in my daughter's hair, but they provide protection against a dreaded case of lice.

Tracey

Atlantic Lottery Holiday Mega Pack - A Gift Idea

2011-12-14T21:30:00.000-04:00

This holiday season Atlantic Lottery is presenting the The Holiday Mega Pack for $20 and each pack contains 10 games ... with a winner in each pack! This is something that you can easily put in an envelope for your postal delivery person, the delivery driver, a teacher, or how about your hair stylist? Looking for a stocking stuffer for your significant other or Grandpa then how about a Holiday Mega Pack?

This has to be better than giving Dad another tie. I know I would rather this than receiving another pair of socks that I will never wear. How about placing the Holiday Mega Pack in a box of homemade cookies for your neighbours? Not sure what to give to your coworker in a gift exchange - maybe the Holiday Mega Pack?

This Pack is only available in Atlantic Canada. Please remember that lottery tickets are not for children and should not be given to them as a gift. They are suitable for someone 19 years of age or older and only someone over 19 years old can purchase lottery tickets.

All profits from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is directed back into the Atlantic Provinces - back to the provincial governments and for example can be used for education and infrastructure.

A reminder that lottery tickets should not be purchased as gifts for children this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Tracey

Disclosure – I am participating in Atlantic Lottery’s “Holiday Mega Pack” campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Posterjack.ca - A Last Minute Holiday Idea

2011-12-12T20:25:00.001-04:00

If you are like me you are panicking now and not sure what to get those people on your list who are hard to buy for. Well look no further than Posterjack.ca. If you order by December 14^th shipping is guaranteed. Another reason to shop from home and it is made in Canada too.

Looking for something special for grandparents – how about a collage of all the grandchildren? Someone on your list who has everything – how about a metal print? Why not have a canvas print made for a friend from a special moment in her life?

There are so many different forms to choose from that I had a hard time choosing. In the end I went with the a framed photo of of Grand Central Station – it was from our New York we took 4 summers ago. We were so pleased with the photo and how the colour of the pillar contrasts in the picture. The online ordering system is so easy to use and shipping is quick.

Still stumped for that present - why not purchase a gift certificate and allow them to pick their favorite.

Happy Shopping!

Tracey

*Disclosure: I received a credit from Posterjack to handle the product and shipping. The opinions within this review are my own.

Indigo Online Experience - Makes Shopping so Easy

2011-12-06T21:26:00.000-04:00

This Holiday season I am trying something new and shopping in my jammies. No I am not going to the stores, but doing the majority of my shopping online. With my family living away (or I guess we are the ones who are living away!) I decided it would make sense to order online and have it shipped to them. My favorite experience so far has been with Indigo. I love how the free shipping is available with a minimum order of $25!

When one thinks of Indigo it is often books that come to mind, but it is so much more. E just loves the kids’ toys and gadgets, there are household items, and how about a fantastic health and fitness section. The website is so easy to navigate. There are customer reviews and ratings. I was searching for a new book and could also see what others looked at who also looked at this title.

Yes I am addicted to this site. I love the lists features - there is a wish list (and you know mine is big) and also shopping lists. You can make 20 shopping lists to help you keep track of gift ideas you find while looking through the site. Not sure what to get someone this holiday season - be sure to check out Indigo online. You will find something for everyone. Also the Indigo Online Experience is a PTPA Award Winning Product - you know with this seal it was tested and approved by many parents.

Happy Shopping everyone!

Tracey

How I am Teaching my Little One the Importance of Giving at Christmas

2011-12-04T21:42:00.000-04:00

Growing up I was taught how important it was to help others throughout the year and especially during the Christmas season - I want to pass this lesson along to my daughter E as well. When I was younger my family would always donate money so that families less fortunate would be able to have a Christmas meal and some gifts for their children. My Mom and Dad still continue to do this every year.

Even before E was born J and I always bought gifts for our local children's gift tree and last year she went shopping with us, picked out some toys for the other children and came with me to donate them. This Holiday season we are donating to a local shelter for women and their children who are escaping an abusive relationship. I cannot imagine how these women feel and believe it is important that they receive all the help they can receive. They leave their homes with very little, if anything at all, and I hope our gifts help them forget their troubles, if it is only for the moment.

So if you are able please remember to help and there is no amount that is too small - it will always bring a smile to someone.

High Liner and GL2GO offer - Product Coupon Giveaway

2011-11-30T20:56:00.001-04:00

Moms today are constantly trying to find ways to save money for their family. High Liner Foods has found a way for us to connect with our family and friends while actually saving money! They are offering 40 free GL2GO minutes on specially marked packages for a limited time only. GL2GO is a smart phone app that works with any service provider and their long distance rates are less than 2 cents per minute in Canada.

How about some more good news – you can combine codes from packages to add up to 200 free minutes. To redeem your codes you simply need to visit http://40freeminutes.com/. It is that easy. Enjoy some great tasting food while earning free minutes to chat.

I am pleased to offer a giveaway to one winner - 3 free High Liner product coupons that would allow you to try the GL2GO app. Open to citizens of Canada only.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, December 11th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - and will be contacted through email. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

In a comment below let me know who you would call with these minutes.

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter and comment below.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the High Liner product coupons from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

The Muppets - Never-Ending Mahna Mahna Phenomana

2011-11-30T20:38:00.000-04:00

I remember growing up and enjoying The Muppets, especially the guests who would drop by. Now Disney has a new Muppet movie in theaters and it is a great movie for all the family. It features all your favorites characters who are up to some hilarious antics!

Why not try this quiz with your friends and family to see which Muppet you are!

Don’t worry, this won’t involve turning green or growing fur, all you have to do to find out is answer the following questions:

Question 1: What do your co-workers often find in your e-mails?

A) Hi ho! A simple and friendly greeting.

B) A joke. They may not need it, but they’re going to read it!

C) A demand, a self-flattering remark, and a reference to yourself in the third person.

D) LOTS!! OF CAPITAL!!! LETTERS! AND EXCLAMATION!! POINTS!!

E) An insult.

Question 2: It’s Friday night! What are you up to?

A) Getting together with friends. (Hoping, just this once, they don’t get too out of hand.)

B) Knock-knocking on the comedy club’s door.

C) Making a scene, with a paparazzi entourage.

D) DRUMS! ROCK AND ROLL!....BUNNIES!

E) In the balcony, hurling overripe produce.

Question 3: What brightens your day?

A) When you can get your friends to agree on something.

B) When someone laughs at your joke!

C) A mirror.

D) NOISE!

E) Getting annoyed at bright days.

Question 4: How many Facebook friends do you have?

A) You like to hang out with your friends in person. You’re not so sure about this Facebook thing.

B) Well, if you count the guy who likes your weekly Funny Friday posts. (Kermit, is that you?)

C) They don’t have numbers that go that high, sweetie.

D) LOTS!

E) One. (Sits next to you.)

Question 5: What is your favorite color?

A) Swamp green

B) Custard Pie White

C) Pink is the perfect color. But gold and diamonds are close.

D) Any color, as long as it’s… LOUD!

E) Red. As in “after we watched that last act, we’re seeing red!”

Question 6: Which film is the diamond of your DVD collection?

A) Disney’s “The Muppets” (Even if You Say So Yourself)

B) “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To This Question”

C) “Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner) at Tiffany’s”

D) “Rock & Roll High School!”

E) What’s a DVD?

Question 7: If you could switch lives with anybody for one day, who would it be?

A) Prince William. What you would give for a kiss from Kate! (And great security from lurking pigs.)

B) Jason Segel. A funny man. People actually laugh at his jokes.

C) Yourself. (By the way, most A-list actresses pick you in response to this question.)

D) Keith Richards.

E) Don Rickles

Now count up all of your answers for each letter.

· If you got the most As, you’re KERMIT! You’re loyal, professional and humble. Your friends mean the world to you – even if they sometimes drive you crazy.

· If you got the most Bs, you’re FOZZIE BEAR! You live to make others laugh. Or chuckle. Or at least chortle and maybe smile a little.

· If you got the most Cs, you’re MISS PIGGY! You are self-confident A diva who is not afraid to shine. You enjoy being admired. Actually, you demand it!

· If you got the most Ds, you’re ANIMAL! You live for Rock & Roll, big loud parties and bigger louder drums. You’re also fond of bunny rabbits.

· If you got the most Es, you’re STATLER AND WALDORF, those two old hecklers in the balcony. You have strong opinions which you share at every opportunity.

About the Movie

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hit the big screen on November 23.

Be sure to Like Walt Disney Studios Canada on Facebook to keep up to date on all their new and upcoming movies. I am waiting to see Beauty and Beast in 3D starting in January. This is by far my favorite movie of all time.

Gourmet Gift Baskets - Holiday Gift Basket Review

2011-11-29T14:31:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I recieved the Christmas Gift Basket Classic and it looked so good I could not wait to try all the treats inside. It was like receiving an early Christmas present and this one was packed full of yummy goodies.

Wouldn't this be a perfect gift for someone special on your list. How about relatives that live away - it can be shipped right to their door. Each Christmas Basket contains a variety of award-winning gourmet snacks that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. With gourmet snacks including a chocolate covered cherries, dark chocolate bar, chocolate chip cookies, almond clustered popcorn, raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip along with pretzels and so much more! Why not check out the wide variety of Christmas Gift Baskets from Gourmet Gift Baskets and complete some holiday shopping in the comfort of your own home.

Happy Holidays!
Tracey

Disclosure: I was provided with this basket in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

Happy Birthday to my Little Miracle

2011-11-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

Right now my little one is enjoying her morning at preschool, but 4 years ago today it was a scary time for J and I. I had gone into labour 13 weeks early and our daughter was on her way. She arrived and was 2 pounds 14 inches long. We did not know what to expect. I remember the doctor bringing her by my bed on her way to the NICU and I was amazed at how tiny she was. How would this little one make it through such struggles she would face in the upcoming weeks? What complications would she face now and later in life because she was a preemie?

Things went smoothly until she was about 3 weeks old and then she ended up with sepsis - an infection of her blood. I knew there was something not right with her and sure enough the doctors confirmed it. Yes a mother's intuition! I remember her having blood work and tests completed on Christmas Eve and we would find out Christmas Day if the infection was still present and if the infection caused any damage internally. That Christmas Day I received the best gift ever - a negative blood result showing that the infection had cleared. Also tests showed there was no damage.

J and I are so thankful that our little E is a healthy, smart and happy girl who amazes us every day. We both are off work today to spend it with her and celebrate. So we are picking her up from preschool to take her out for lunch and then spoil her with lots of presents and love from her family.

Remember everyone that every day is a blessing!

Tracey

Looking for #EqualCanada at McDonald's for #CBias

2011-11-28T09:58:00.001-04:00

After an extremely busy weekend of a birthday party for E, dance, skating, swimming and skating lessons J, E and I decided to head to McDonald's for a quick bite to eat on our way home. I was cold and thought a hot cup of tea would warm me up so I decided to get this to go with my meal. When I asked at the counter for #EqualCanada for my tea I was told that they did't carry this brand. I spoke with the manager about bringing in #EqualCanada for their customers who may have a preference for another brand and they informed me that it was not in their role to order the sweeteners.

I can remeber my Grandmother, who was borderline Diabetic, would have to bring her own sweeteners to restaurants because she had a preference and there was often not a variety. If bigger restaurants carried a variety of sweeteners and sugars for their customers it would probably increase customer satisfaction and then people like my Grandmother would not need to be carrying around little packets in their purse or pockets.

Be sure to visit #EqualCanada on their website, follow them on Twitter and like their Facebook page.

Overall we were happy with our trip to Old McDonald's (as E calls it) and my tea did warm me up.

Tracey

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias As always all opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Lovable Labels - Review and Giveaway

2011-11-25T19:30:00.001-04:00

Lovable Labels has a great promotion on right now for the Holidays. They have the Christmas Jewels or the Santa's Pack for $24.99. These pack each contain 15 Multi-Purpose Stickers, 40 Slimline Labels, 12 Shoe Labels, 24 Press N' Stick Clothing Dots ( 6 Large, 6 Medium, and 12 Small) and 2 Mini-Metal Tags. They come wrapped in a fabulous red foil package - already to give during the Holidays.

I received the Christmas Jewels for review and figured I would have them produced for my daughter E. She is now in preschool and has numerous activities she is involved in. I was very pleased with the quality and they were delivered within a week after the order was placed. I knew she would love the colours of the labels and used the Doll Girl as the icon. I just know these labels will help things remain out of the lost and found or be easy to locate if they do end up there.

Lovable Labels has generously supplied me an opportunity for one lucky reader to win a "Holly Jolly Gift Pack "! Thanks, Lovable Labels! Open to citizens of Canada and the United States only.

This giveaway will close on Wednesday December 7th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - and will be contacted through email. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Lovable Labels and tell me in a comment below what your favorite product is. This can be completed once per day!

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter and comment below.
Follow Lovable Labels on Twitter and comment below.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the Holly Jolly Gift Pack from @numcrunchingmom and @mylovablelabels http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Lovable Labels on Facebook and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

Costume Discounters - Strawberry Shortcake Costume Review

2011-11-24T20:09:00.000-04:00

When looking through the Costume Discounters website to find a costume that she wanted to use for playing dress up it took my little one a while to decide – there were so many for her to choose from. After many changes she finally picked Strawberry Shortcake. The costume is great quality and of course I thought she looked just adorable. We received many compliments on it and people asked where we found it. When it is not Halloween it can be difficult to find children’s costumes but this website is open all year round and the service and delivery are very quick. The online ordering is very straightforward and shipping to Canada was very quick.

Child Strawberry Shortcake Child Costume

In the tiny village of Berry Bitty City, located in a berry patch, Strawberry Shortcake and her friends go about their daily tasks to help all the little Berrykins. Let your daughter be part of this wholesome and sweet cartoon by wearing the Girls Strawberry Shortcake Child Costume this Halloween. The Girls Strawberry Shortcake Costume features a pink dress with a strawberry print, a floppy bonnet with a pink top and a green visor and green striped tights. The costume is shiny, girly and as sweet as can be. She'll enjoy wearing it on Halloween day as well as anytime she watches the show, or plays pretend on a rainy day.

Happy Shopping everyone!

Tracey

Burt's Bees Holiday Gift Packs Review and Giveaway

2011-11-23T14:47:00.000-04:00

Burt's Bees is a great company that has a wide variety of natural personal care products for the whole family. I really love their Gift Packs as a gift idea for any time of the year. They come with a variety of products and the gift packs come in price ranges. They are the perfect gift for anyone in your life.

Need a present for a coworker, a sitter or that hard to buy for relative? Be sure to check out the Holiday Gift Packs from Burt's Bees. They are now on my shopping list for this Holiday season.

I am happy to be able to share with you a chance to win a Holiday Gift Pack of Burt's Bees products. Open to Canadian citizens only.

This giveaway will close on Wednesday December 7th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org - this will be posted on the blog and the winner will also be emailed. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Burt's Bees and tell me in a comment below who would give a Holiday Gift Pack to this Holiday season..

For extra entries:

Follow Number Crunching Momma on Twitter.

One Daily tweet about this giveaway - I would like to win the Burt's Bees Holiday Gift Pack from @numcrunchingmom http://tinyurl.com/6go6xnf #win #giveaway. Please leave a link to your tweet below.

Become a GFC follower to this blog and comment below.

Like Number Crunching Momma on Facebook and comment below.

Like Burt's Bees on Facebook and comment below.

Good luck!

Tracey

ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support Cushion - Review

2011-11-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

I recently was sent an ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support Cushion to review and it has gotten a lot of use and testing. I sit at a computer for most of my day, unless I am in a meeting and then I am sitting too. I found this cushion made a huge difference to my posture while at my desk. The adjustable lower lumbar support can be moved to fit where my back needs it the most. I found when I used the ObusForme there was decreased pressure on my back and my spine seemed to be aligned. The cushion conformed to my spine and I did not slouch in my chair as the day progressed.

It’s no secret that our daily routines at home, the office, and in the car can really wear down our bodies. Long drives and hard hours sitting at the computer can lead to serious discomfort and back pains. As a result, back pain has become the most common workplace illness and a leading cause of workplace absence. The good news is that back pain can be beat.

Improving back support is a great way to give your body a break and increase productivity and comfort. The newest line from ObusForme features a Lowback Backrest Support Cushion, which has been ergonomically designed to enhance back support for any chair in any workplace by reducing pressure and stress on the back and neck.

ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support’s Features:

- Ergonomic design to reduce fatigue, back pain, shoulder tension, and strain on muscles

- Lightweight and portable, turns any chair into an ergonomic seating system

- Removable and adjustable lumbar pad offers customizable support option

- Colour selection includes: burgundy, grey, navy, black, and taupe

I was also fortunate to ask some questions to Dr. Sender Deutsch of http://www.toronto-fitness-trainer.ca. Dr. Deutsch is a highly regarded chiropractor who often works with clients to provide your readers with tips, workplace exercises, and product advice to beat the workplace blues and stay healthy and productive at work.

I sit at computer all day and was wondering if there anything I can do during the day to help my back. Any exercise for stretching that can be done as a proactive measure against back pain?
Dr. Deutsch: Being proactive is definitely the way to go when caring for your back and body at work. Stretches and short walks are the best way to prevent muscle and back injuries when spending the majority of your work day in front of the computer.

· The best way to prevent back pain is to stand as often as possible and do the following stretches:

o Micro-break stretch - stand up out of the chair, reach for the ceiling, then push for the ceiling with the hands, then fully and deeply inhale. This process should take about half a minute. Gentle and progressive extension of the lumbar spine is achieved dispelling the accumulated stresses.

o Side neck stretch – standing upright, slowly drop your head to the left, trying to touch your left ear to your left shoulder, without elevating your shoulder to your ear. Keep shoulders in a relaxed position and hold for approximately 30 seconds and repeat a few times on each side.

o Hip flexor stretch – standing step one foot forward into a long lunge hip flexor stretch while keeping the spine tall. Raise the opposite arm to the front leg overhead reaching up and over to the opposite side as high as you can.

o Upper arm stretch – hold left elbow with right hand and gently pull elbow behind the head until you feel a stretch, hold for hold for approximately 30 seconds and repeat a few times on each side. Repeat with the other arm and complete each stretch five times.

· Another great way to prevent back injuries and strains at work is to ensure your workstation is ergonomically-friendly. The ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support turns any chair into an ergonomically correct seating system and is designed to help reduce fatigue, back pain, shoulder tension by decreasing the strain and energy demands on the muscles by providing postural support to your spine.

If my back starts to hurt from sitting all day what can I dowhat reactive measures are appropriate?

Dr. Deutsch: Go for brisk walk and move as much as possible. The worst thing you can do is lie down. Motion equals lotion. So keep moving and stretching as much as you can in pain relieving positions. Use a heating pad, hot pack or take a hot bath with Epsom salts followed by some stretching your back into whatever position helps to alleviate the pain. Seeking medical care from your chiropractor or physiotherapist is also important to get a proper diagnosis and prescription for the right treatment and exercises. Also work on meditating and taking deep breaths to help relax the tissues. You can also do self-massage on your back using a foam roller or tennis ball to help increase blood flow to the tissues.

Starlight Children's Foundation Annual Toy Drive

2011-11-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

As a parent who spent a Christmas in the hospital when E was in the NICU I realize that the holiday season takes a back seat. The Starlight Children's Foundation realizes how stressful this time of year can be for parents with sick children and through their Annual Toy Drive work to make the season one that the children will not soon forget. From now until December 9th, you can help spread holiday cheer and smiles by donating as little as $20 to sponsor a Holiday Stocking for a Starlight child. For a $100 donation a Family Stocking is donated. I remember Santa visiting us in the NICU and leaving gifts for the parents. For one day you feel somewhat normal again. Please do not forget to include this wonderful foundation this holiday season and be sure to check out their site for all the other Holiday options they offer.