Disney Junior's T.O.T.S: Tiny Ones Transport Service: Bringing This Baby Home DVD Review




Join best friends Pip and Freddy, delivery birds for the Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.), as they take cute and cuddly baby animals to their forever families, including a big batch of bouncing baby bunnies, a baby panda who’s almost TOO adorable, a trip to the ocean with one whale of a baby, and much more!

Plus, with 6 music videos and so many baby animals that are too cute to count, these hilarious adventures really deliver!


MY REVIEW
There's a new show on Disney Junior and my five year old was super excited to see our delivery guy bring the DVD of the show T.O.T.S! A show filled with adventure, Pip and Freddy are on a mission to deliver cute and cuddly baby animals for families to enjoy and boy do they go just about to lots of places to help deliver these little cuddly fur babies to their new home.

This was such a cute show that my five year old loved. It even caught the eye of my 6 month old great nephew who I watch a couple times a week. He loves the bright colors and the catchy tunes with the 6 music videos that are included. This is such an adorable show and a show I think your little ones will love.

Out in stores on August 13th, you can enjoy T.O.T.S. at home whenever your little one wants! If you follow us on Facebook and Twitter you might have seen when we shared a craft and a recipe that you and your littles can do together while watching the show. We're sharing them both here as well, just click the buttons below to get to each one!





Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Disney Juniors T.O.T.S. at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Disney’s Aladdin (Live Action & Signature Collection) Blu-ray Review & Giveaway




Disney’s “Aladdin,” the thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, lands in homes on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ on Aug. 27, and physically on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on Sept. 10. Fans of all ages will enjoy the exciting, humorous tale of the lovable “street rat,” Aladdin (Mena Massoud), courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith) with all-new bonus features. The release of the live-action adventure coincides with the addition of the original animated classic to the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection — granting “Aladdin” fans everywhere the opportunity to own both magical movies.


Disney's Aladdin Signature Collection is available on Digital August 27 and Blu-ray September 10. Embark on a magic carpet ride with the entire family when Disney’s original animated classic “Aladdin” soars into the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection, granting nonstop laughs, action-packed adventure and Academy Award®–winning music (1992: Best Music, Original Song, “A Whole New World,” Original Score) for the first time in 4K Ultra HD™. The Signature Collection Edition of “Aladdin” takes flight two weeks early in 4K Ultra HD™ and Digital in HD Aug. 27 and lands on 4K Ultra HD™ and Blu-ray™ Sept. 10 — with a brand-new sing-along version; all-new bonus features, including original cast recordings; and classic bonus material.


 MY REVIEW
My family and I were really excited when we were sent both the class of Disney's Aladdin and the live action remake. We are huge fans of not only the movie, but of the actor, Will Smith. Going in, I was a bit hesitant because how can anyone replace the original Genie, the late Robin Williams, but let me tell you, Will Smith did a fantastic job on playing Genie. Not only did Will Smith make this character his own with bringing in some of his personality that we all love to the character of Genie, but also played it so well that I believe Robin William would be proud to see it done in such a way that kept us all entertained and singing along to the classic song, "You Ain't Never Had A Friend Like Me."

Now moving on to the other characters in this story, I have to say we were all quite impressed by the actors who played Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Not only did they capture almost every aspect of the classic movie, Aladdin, which could be hard to do considering it was an animation, but they added in a few twists that wasn't in the original movie and I have to say, we really enjoyed this film. Filled with bright and beautiful colours along with catchy songs that had us all singing them by the end of the movie, the live action movie of Aladdin definitely impressed my entire family and we can't wait to watch it again.

Teaming up with Disney Canada, we're excited to offer one of our Canadian readers a chance at winning not only the live action version of Aladdin, but the classic animation as well. All you need to do is comment below who your favorite character in the movie is and that's it!

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received both live action and classic movie Aladdin at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks Book Review


Title: Pumpkinheads
By: Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Pages: 224

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.
But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?


MY REVIEW
I am a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell. Her work speaks for itself with amazing books like Fangirl and Eleanor & Park, just to name a couple. When I got the opportunity to read Pumpkinheads I was super excited. Not only was this a beautifully illustrated book, Faith Erin Hicks  did an amazing job with the graphics, but the story line just warmed my heart right up. This was a quick read, but boy did I enjoy every bit of it. 

Both Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends, meaning, they work together during the Fall at a local Pumpkin Patch that they both absolutely love. As they are getting ready to prepare for their senior year in high school and their last year working at the Pumpkin Patch, Deja is finally going to help her best friend get the girl of his dreams. The problem is, everywhere they look, they end up missing her by just a few minutes. As they work their way throughout the entire pumpkin patch to find the girl of Josiah's dreams, they realize that they need to savor and enjoy every bit of time they have together because who knows when they'll hangout again. 

Filled with beautifully illustrated pictures and a story that will definitely have you smiling from eat to ear, Pumpkinheads is a delightful quick read that will have you ready to enjoying all of the Fall things. If you're looking for a great book to read this fall, Pumpkinheads should definitely be on your list.


MEET THE AUTHORS
Rainbow Rowell, along with illustrator Faith Erin Hicks, will be in Vancouver on November 10th for a ticketed public event. Details aren't confirmed just yet, but please stay tuned by keeping an eye out on Raincoast Books social media pages, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned book at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Body Lotion and 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Lotion Review


I'm always on the look out for body lotion that helps hydrate my skin without it being greasy and helps hydrate my skin without breaking the bank. The last month or so I've been using Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Body Lotion and 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Lotion. I have to say I'm pretty impressed. Not only does this lotion feel smooth going on, I don't feel I put on too much and I absolutely love the smell of both. 



The 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Lotion was the first one that I tried out. I would use it in the mornings while getting ready for the day and it went on really smooth. By using the lotion daily it provides all the best parts of the coconut and exotic Acacia Senegal. The luxurious blend of 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and Coconut water moisturize and soften. Provides everyday hydration for all skin types, even skin that only requires a drop of moisture. I could tell a huge difference in my skin after using this in just a few days and my husband noticed how much smoother my skin felt as well.

After a couple of weeks of using the daily hydration body lotion I begin to use the Illuminating Body Lotion. It was perfect to use at night after getting out of the shower and did wonders for my feet, keeping them soft and smooth. Concentrating on dull and dry areas, the Coconut and Hibiscus Illuminating Body Lotion is a non-greasy formula which provides a burst of hydration to make your skin soft, smooth and radiant! It is a hydrating body care treatment made from natural ingredients making it perfect for dry, sensitive skin. This skin care treatment from Shea Moisture is made from a special lightweight formula that absorbs easily into the skin and brightens and evens skin tone while providing deep moisturization.

I have been using both lotions for over a month now and I am still impressed with how soft and smooth my skin feels. I'm excited to continue to use both lotions as Fall and Winter is approaching. Since we usually have harsh winters, finding a lotion that's affordable, non-greasy and keeps my skin smooth and hydrated is amazing.

For more information about the above lotions and other products from Shea Moisture be sure to head to their website!

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.


DK Canada's Super Space Encyclopedia Book Review


Title: Super Space Encyclopedia
Publisher: DK Children
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Pages: 208

Explore our wonderful universe through stunning CGI illustrations and amazing stats that bring to life the incredible marvels that populate space.

Perfect for curious kids, Super Space Encyclopedia showcases everything that is enthralling and mesmerizing about space, and explains how the human race has developed the tech needed to explore its depths. From astounding features in the solar system to unimaginable wonders in the far reaches of the universe, this book helps the reader explore the cosmos at a steady pace.

Stunning photographs and digestible blocks of text combine with DK's classic tradition of depicting information in a systematic way, immersing the readers in an unparalleled journey through the universe. Unravel the mysteries of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, investigate the explosion that created the Crab Nebula, and dig deeper into radio signals from spinning stars! Find out many more interesting super facts about space with Super Space Encyclopedia.


MY REVIEW
My husband is obsessed with anything related to space. He listens to podcasts all day at work about space, time and just science as a whole. So as soon as I saw this book, I knew he would be overjoyed. He ended up reading it to our son every night for a week. We even got to bring this book to the Toronto Science Centre during the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Super exciting trip! My sister read ‘Super Space’ on the drive up! We got a picture with her holding it at the science centre, she was in love too. 



We ended up letting her take it home to finish reading. It is an interactive book that really allows the reader to sit back and enjoy the pure facts of life in space. We got it a week or so before we went to the Science Center and it certainly got us pumped up to go. I love that my 12-year-old sister showed so much interest in it as well as my 5 month old baby and 21 year old husband. Definitely a book for all ages.

For more information about the Super Space Encyclopedia or any other books from DK Canada, be sure to head over to their website.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above book at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received

The Fake-Chicken Kung Fu Fighting Blues Book Review & Giveaway


Title: The Fake-Chicken Kung Fu Fighting Blues
By: Aaron Lam
Publisher: Lorimer
Publication Date: February 1, 2018
Pages: 152

12-year-old video buff Anthony is devastated when his family moves from Chinatown to a remote northern community. There are no other Asian families around and everyone loves hockey, which Anthony just doesn't get. The move is even harder on his grandmother, Po Po, who doesn't speak English and puts a fake chicken over the front door for luck. Desperate to fit in, Anthony takes to the ice for the first time — and is a total disaster! But he manages to make friends after standing up the school bully, who asks Anthony to teach him "kung fu"! Anthony starts putting together a documentary about his new town, which turns out to be full of interesting people. As he discovers the joys of small-town life, his new friends get an introduction to his Chinese culture, and even Po Po begins to feel at home.

MY REVIEW
This is a good book geared for readers aged 8-12 years old.  My 10 year old enjoyed it as the main character experienced some real life situations that are relatable to many kids. A young boy who moves to a new town and tries to navigate his surroundings quickly sparked my daughter's interest as she previously moved to a new home and a new school. 

Also who doesn’t love a book about hockey, right? My daughter plays hockey, so again, this book grabbed her attention and she loved reading this story. The illustrations were a cute added bonus and the book has a lot of humor that my daughter really appreciated. Over, this book was a good story and a good read!

Excited to share that we've teamed up with Lorimer to host a giveaway offering one Canadian reader a chance at winning a copy of The Fake-Chicken Kung Fu Fighting Blues by leaving a comment below sharing what your favorite Hockey team is! 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned book at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Design.ME's Puff.ME Review


Back at it again with another great product is one of my favorite brands, Design.Me! This is the third product I've had the chance to review from Design.ME and each product continues to impress me. Newly released in July 2019, Puff.ME is a volumizing powder in a pump for all hair types, texture or color. That's right, a volumizing powder spray in a pump!

Puff.ME Texturizing Spray is designed to give you brush-able body and a refreshed style, with just the right amount of hold. This spray gives volume and style without leaving your hair looking dry or leaving a weird feeling. It's easy to apply spraying 2-4 inches away from your hair, focusing on the roots. It gives your hair instant body, fullness and feeling refreshed. Puff.Me offers a perfect hold and grip and is ideal to prep braids and updos and it helps provide foundational grip.


I love how light the smell is, it just smells fresh, not too perfume-y. I use it almost every time I curl my hair to give me some volume. I have naturally straight hair and when I curl it, its very blah so this product definitely is an essential if you have straight hair like me.

Not only does the product work awesome, but the packaging is super cute, bright and very fun! Overall I love this product and I can't wait to try more from Design.ME! If you have straight hair and plain looking hair that needs some volume, this product is definitely for you!

Retailing at $22, Puff.ME can be found on their website, Amazon or All Trade Secrets and Chatters locations nationwide.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Puff.ME at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter Collection Review



As a mom of three mixed kiddos with curly hair and with myself having coarse hair, I'm always on the look out when it comes to new hair products that will help keep my family's hair rich and healthy, so when I was given the opportunity to try a few products from Shea Moisture's Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter Collection I was really excited and pumped because I'm a big fan of this brand and have heard nothing but great things about their products.



We received the Red Palm Oil & Coca Butter Detangling Shampoo, Rinse Out or Leave In Conditioner and their Curl Stretch Pudding. Let me just say, I am just super impressed with the three products from this collection and have added all three to my family's hair routine. Having been using all three products over the last month has really shown a noticeably difference in not just my hair, but all three of my kids hair too.

The Red Palm Oil & Cocoa butter Detangling Shampoo has moisturizing Cocoa Butter infused with Red Palm Oil, rich in antioxidants and Vitamins, is blended with Flaxseed Oil to create this anti-shrinkage formula to help show off hairs length while leaving locks soft, shiny and tangle free. When I used this on all three of my kiddos and myself I could tell a big difference right after the first use. Their hair felt softer, smelled great and it was a breeze detangling their hair. My oldest is fourteen, so when they told me that they loved the shampoo and to feel their hair and how soft it was, I knew I would love the shampoo too and I did. Once I used it on my five year old's hair, which is naturally curly and always tangled up after a wash, I absolutely loved it. It took little to no time to comb her hair out and once it was dry, it not only looked great, but smelled wonderful.


Next up we got to try their Rinse Out or Leave In Conditioner, which again, I absolutely loved and so did my kids, especially my older teens who loved that they had the option to leave in or rinse out if they wanted. When you want to show off your length use this Coconut Oil free conditioner that helps stretch and condition shrinkage-prone hair. Moisturizing Cocoa Butter infused with Red Palm Oil, rich in antioxidants and Vitamins, is blended with Flaxseed Oil to create this anti-shrinkage formula to help maximize the appearance of hairs length. Leaves hair soft and manageable. Which it definitely did. I could tell a big difference in all three of my kids hair as it's soft, shiny and helps define their natural curls.
Last up is their Curl Stretch Pudding. If you follow us on Instagram you could see in our highlights how I used this on my five year old's hair and how it helped define her curls. The Curl Stretch Pudding minimizes natural shrinkage and temporarily reveal a longer fro or curly-coily style with this ultra-moisturizing pudding. Moisturizing Cocoa Butter infused with Red Palm Oil, rich in antioxidants and Vitamins, is blended with Flaxseed Oil to create this Coconut Oil free, anti-shrinkage styling cream that elongates and defines twist and braid out styles. Light hold smooths cuticles for a frizz-free finish. Again, not only did this make my little one's hair smell great, but it also helped defined her curls and stretch them to give her all natural curly hair a big of a bounce.



I'm so impressed with Shea Moisture's Red Palm Oil and Cocoa Butter products that we had the opportunity to try and I can't wait to try the rest of the products from this line. All of their products from this line range between $8.99 - $13.99 and can be found online on their website.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Keto Sweet Tooth: Cookbook Review & Giveaway



Title: Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook
By: Aaron Day
Publisher: Alpha
Publication Date: July 9, 2019
Pages: 160

A must-have desserts cookbook for every keto dieter who craves sweet treats without all the sugar and carbs, with beautiful photography and 80 recipes for keto-friendly cakes, cookies, candies, fat bombs, shakes, smoothies, and more.

Following a ketogenic diet means you can never enjoy sweet treats again, right? Wrong! You can enjoy delicious desserts and treats while eating keto, and with 80 recipes for everything from cakes to cookies, deliciously satisfying fat bombs, rich and creamy shakes, ice cream, candies, and quick and satisfying smoothies, Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook will show you how. Every recipe includes key keto macros as well as instructions for making keto desserts that will all satisfy even the most unrelenting sweet tooth. Along the way you'll learn how to use the right sweeteners for any kind of dessert recipe, how to adjust cooking techniques to achieve perfect results, and how to make all of your favorite sweet treats with no sugar and almost zero net carbs.


MY REVIEW

I'm sure most of you have heard of the latest diet trend, Keto, if not, to simplify it, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. My husband and I have been on this diet since the beginning of summer, so when we were given the opportunity to review and try out some recipes from the book, Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook, I knew we had to try it so we could learn some new recipes to help with our sweet tooth.

Keto is a hard diet, especially when you’re obsessed with carbs, and in my husband's case, sugar. This book is a total game changer for us! I made blueberry muffins at the start of the week that were super tasty, and we had them whenever we had a craving. They were good, but we are obsessed with the mint chocolate shake. It gives a recipe for vanilla ice cream (this is the main ingredient in the shake) which is good on its own, but is absolutely amazing in the shake.

Summer is a hard time to start this diet. Ice-cream, Popsicle, freezies make it hard to stay on track, so for us, this milkshake saved us eating the yummy sugars that would happily knock us out of ketosis. The only tricky thing about Keto cooking is the ingredients were hard for me to find; Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum are really important while Keto cooking and I had to order them online. They are also a little pricey, but they’ll last a while. Another thing that I love about this book, is the first few pages. It explains what Keto is, how it works and what it does to our body. It tells you the different flours to use and how they work in our body. I think this is such a good idea, explaining the positive impact it has in our body.

I'm excited to partner up with DK Canada to offer one lucky Canadian reader a chance at winning the Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook! Just leave a comment below letting me know your favorite thing to make while on Keto diet or if you aren't on the Keto diet, please comment sharing your favorite low-carb food you like to have!
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.



The Whisper Man by Alex North Book Review



Title: The Whisper Man
By: Alex North
Publisher: Celadon Books
Publication Date: August 20, 2019
Pages: 368

In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank.

But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.

Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man.

And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window...



MY REVIEW
This book has definitely expanded my horizons when it comes to the thriller/suspense genre. The story lay out and viewpoints are exceptionally accurate not just on a theoretical level, but a human one. The Depth Alex North is able to ascertain to paint a picture of the reality of grief, including pain, resentment, failing and guilt is breathtaking. Not just for the departed but for those who remain. 

The multiple story angles coming from the different views of the characters give the story a well-rounded view. The chain of events and information flow is smooth and fitting to the story. As a parent myself, the topic is about as horrible as one could imagine, and at times your heart will tighten at the reality, that too many people have lived a similar nightmare. The knowledge you have and ideas of how you believe the story will play out keeps your thoughts questioning some decisions, I was impressed at the authors ability to recognize the expected point of view of the reader and without breaking the flow of the story, explain why they are doing what seems unnatural or misguided, from the readers vantage point. The explanation and description of the atrocity’s committed, is extremely well laid out, it will make you skin crawl, but is not gory or overly descript. It is approached in a way that leaves the small details to be filled by the readers depiction of fear. That, to me, is quite a task that the author has done splendidly.

The cover design is elegant and understated, with the looming gloom prevalent. Marketing is something that has always grabbed my attention, and I think it is well done here. Alex North’s ability to captivate and lay out the desires and beliefs of the characters is astounding, and in turn created a new fan.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received The Whisper Man at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 Blu-ray Review



The Secret Life of Pets 2 explores the emotional lives of our pets, the deep bond between them, the families that love them and answers the question: What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home? Terrier Max (Patton Oswalt) is coping with major life changes after Katie’s marriage and the arrival of a toddler, Liam. Meanwhile, Gidget (Jenny Slate) tries to rescue Max’s favorite toy from a cat-packed apartment with a little help from her feline friend, Chloe (Lake Bell), who has discovered the joys of catnip. And Snowball (Kevin Hart) believes, despite the other pets’ teasing, that he’s a superhero after his owner starts dressing him in superhero pajamas. But when Daisy (Tiffany Haddish), a fearless Shih Tzu, shows up to ask for Snowball’s help on a dangerous mission, he’ll have to summon the courage to become the hero he’s been pretending to be.



 

MY REVIEW
Our favorite pets are back and my family and I were ready and excited to watch the sequel to The Secret Life of Pets. As we watched our favorite animated pets back on the screen, it was great to see that they added a couple of new characters along the way. As we visit the home of Max and Duke we see that their owner falls in love, gets married and a new addition to the family arrives. As Max's love for his new human baby shows more and more so are his anxieties with letting the toddler be a toddler. The family goes on a trip to a farm where Max meets Rooster who helps him grow and toughen up a bit. Meanwhile, Snow Ball is on a mission to help the new dog, Daisy, free a baby tiger and Chloe is on a mission to help retrieve Max's favorite toy, Busy Bee, which she loses after he asked her to look out for him while he went on a family vacation.  As all of our favorite pets are doing their own thing, they all come together at the end to help save the pet Tiger who was being treated mean by a circus owner. 

This was such a great movie and my kiddo absolutely loved it. I loved that there was some adult humor thrown in there and we all had a great time watching another chapter of our favorite animated pets. The Secret Life of Pets 2 is now out and available to take home on digital download, blu-ray/DVD and 4K Ultra HD! For more information about the movie and where to buy, be sure to head to their website

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received The Secret Life of Pets 2 at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.