Sesame Street: Cool Counting DVD Giveaway

 

Hey friends, today we're teaming up with our friends over at Shout Factory in celebration of the upcoming release of Sesame Street: Cool Counting on DVD! Sesame Street has been around for years, and I'm so glad that the show that helped a lot of us learn to count, is still going stronger than ever. Their latest release, Cool Counting will have you and your little one singing and counting along with Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, The Count, and more as they sing, play, and laugh their way from 1 to 20. Learning numbers has never been more fun or furrier!

Animations, songs, and favorite moments from recent seasons make counting as easy as, well, 1-2-3! Celebrity friends help the little ones practice their numbers, too: Elvis Costello wants to count to 10, but he’s missing an important number; Feist sings about her favorite number 4, and Liam Neeson gets an acting lesson from Count von Count while they count to 20.

The DVD is packed with over two hours of fun and comes complete with bonus features, including quintessential counting segments from Elmo’s World and Abby’s Flying Fairy School. Also included with the DVD is a Count with Elmo! mini-book for young fans.


            

GIVEAWAY:
We're excited to team up with Shout Factory to offer (2) readers, both US and CANADA a chance to win a copy of the upcoming DVD. To enter, leave a comment below sharing your favourite character from Sesame Street! 

Sesame Street: Cool Counting will be available on DVD and Itunes on June 8th! For more information about this title and others, be sure to head to Shout Factory! For some extra fun, check out these cute free Sesame Street Cool Counting colouring pages you and your little one can colour as you watch the DVD.

Kick-Off the Summer Season With Asmodee (Giveaway) #backyardboardgames



The sun is out and boy can you feel it when you step outside! I don't know about you, but with summer slowly creeping around the corner and with us continuing to staying at home while still being in a global pandemic, we're trying to figure out how to keep ourselves and kiddos entertained this summer.

Canada’s May long weekend is known as the unofficial kick-off to summer, with celebrations usually centered around our summer activity favourites like backyard BBQs and outdoor activities.  My family normally spends the long weekend at my in-laws camping out in their backyard and spending the entire long weekend together. Although the festivities may be a little smaller and scaled-back this year we're trying to come up with other ways to make staying home more enjoyable. 

By now you all know how much we ladies at Just Us Girls enjoy the family games from Asmodee Canada. This year Asmodee is encouraging Canadian families to participate in #backyardboardgames, starting this Victoria Day long weekend, bringing some of the classic Asmodee titles to your outdoor festivities. 

So we've teamed up with Asmodee Canada to share with you lovely readers a handful of classic games you can play this summer while hanging out in your backyard and to offer one of you readers a chance at winning one of the four games. 


Azul: Glazed Pavilion is an expansion pack for existing fans of the gorgeous Azul tile game. Azul: Glazed Pavilion offers players 2 newly-designed player boards and matching scoring boards to compete over and a set of 4 overlays to keep Azul: Glazed Pavilion tiles neatly organized. Offering the best of both worlds - beauty and new game elements - Glazed Pavilion is a must-have expansion for Azul fans! Retailing for $19.99 this game is aimed at ages 10+ and gameplay for 2-4 players.



Match 5: In Match 5, you look for common links between 2 words or groups of words. You have 3 minutes to find creative answers for each of the 10 dice combinations. Make links, create connections! Retails for $34.99 this game is aimed at ages 10+ and gameplay for 2-8 players.




Trek 12:  In Trek 12, players trek through the Himalayas to open new routes to the summits. Carefully map the area and set up your lines, but be careful on the most dangerous paths. Wits and nerve are necessary to make the best choices to boost your reputation, and maybe even become a legendary alpinist. Retails for $39.99 this game is aimed at ages 8+ and gameplay for 1 or more players.


Unlock! Mythic Adventures: Unlock! is a cooperative card game inspired by escape rooms that uses a simple system which allows you to search scenes, combine objects, and solve riddles. Play Unlock! and embark on great adventures, while seated at a table using only cards and a companion app that can provide clues, check codes, monitor time remaining, etc. Can you crack the code and unlock the mystery? Retails for $43.99 this game is aimed at ages 10+ and gameplay for 1-6 players.


So which one would you want to play this summer in the backyard? Comment below to let us know! For more information about the above-mentioned board games, be sure to head to Asmodee Canada.

Celebrating World Bee Day with Belgian Moon #HoneyForDaze


Today is World Bee Day! Proclaimed in 2017, World Bee Day acknowledges the role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. Because let's face it, without bees we humans would be in big trouble. The protection of bees and the beekeeping sector can help reduce poverty and hunger, as well as preserve a healthy environment and biodiversity. 

Studies have proven that bees have become increasingly endangered. We need to come together to ensure the protection of bees and their habitats. Today is a great day to stop and think,  how can I make a difference for Canadian bee colonies? Our friends at Belgian Moon are sharing fun ways Canadians can give back to the bees, all you have to do is pick up a can of Belgian Moon Honey Daze. Made with ethically sourced real Canadian honey, and in partnership with Dancing Bee Equipment, Belgian Moon will plant one pollinating flower for every can of Honey Daze produced in an effort to support the ecosystem for honeybees.

Approximately 80 percent of flowering plants depend on pollinators such as the Honey bees to transfer their pollen. Without our lovely pollinating friends, humans wouldn’t be able to enjoy the natural sweeteners, like honey, that make everything, including Belgian Moon beer, taste better.

To celebrate at home this year, here are a few tips and tricks that are both easy and impactful to help support World Bee Day!

  • Plant bee-friendly shrubs in your home garden to rejuvenate our pollinators.
  • Source local and ethical products made from real Canadian honey.
  • Sponsor a bee-hive for 2021 with The Bee Conservatory
  • Create a bee-hotel or water fountain in your garden to quench their thirst, after all, they are busy-bees!
  • Purchase raw honey from local farmers or beekeepers.
 

We were sent a few samples of Belgian Moon Honey Daze to have to celebrate World Bee Day today and let me say, it's so good! Belgian Moon Honey Daze is a light, refreshing Wheat Ale Beer with a smooth mild sweet hop flavour. Crafted with a touch of sweetness and an orange peel for a refreshing taste, Honey Daze is a must-have this summer and pairs deliciously with grilled summer food such as marinated chicken or prosciutto-wrapped melon. 

Available year-round, you can find Belgian moon Honey Daze at your local Beer Store and LCBO retailing for $2.95 per 473 mL can. Be sure to check out Belgian Moon website for more information about Honey Daze and their other products. Be sure to also use #HoneyForDaze on social media to share about Honey Daze and World Beer Day! 
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received samples of Belgian Moon Honey Daze at no cost for the purpose of this post. No other compensation was received.

Celebrating May 2/4 with A Coors Slice of Grapefruit!

 The weather has started to warm up and with most of us still following the stay-at-home order, with the long weekend being around the corner, I thought I'd share a new bevvy that will keep you cool and relaxed during the Victoria Day long weekend. 

Earlier this week we were sent a six-pack of the new Coors Slice Grapefruit, and let me tell you, it's a must-try this long weekend and during summer as the weather continues to warm up. Coors Slice Grapefruit is a light, refreshing beer with just a hint of grapefruit flavour. It’s subtle, not too sweet, and combines the delicious citrusy flavour of ruby red grapefruit with the refreshing taste of Coors.


My husband is a huge fan of Coors, the original is his beer of choice, but when he tried Coors Slice Grapefruit, he was surprised that he liked it. When first smelling the beer, you get a strong aroma of grapefruit. We both loved that the grapefruit flavour wasn't overpowering the taste of the beer, but had only a hint of grapefruit. So for those of you who aren't a fan of grapefruit, but would like to give this drink a try, I definitely recommend doing so.

Coors Slice Grapefruit is very refreshing and for someone like me who only drinks beer on occasion, I loved it. The beer is smooth, not too carbonated and goes down pretty easy. I could see myself enjoying one of these beers during a hot day after working in the yard or during a summer barbeque with family and friends, boy how I miss those days.

With the long weekend coming up my family and I usually get together at my in law's house and camp in their backyard during the Victoria Day long weekend. We've done this every year for over ten years, so I'm bummed that this will be our second year in a row not being able to get together. With that being said, the hubby and I are setting up camp in our own backyard and busting out our yard games to enjoy the long weekend with the kiddos. 

What are your plans for this long weekend? If it includes indulging in a nice cold drink, I hope you give Coors Slice Grapefruit a try. You can find them at your local Beer Store or LCBO retailing for $2.95 per 473ml can. For more information about Coors Slice Grapefruit and other Coors drinks, be sure to head to the Coors Light website.


Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a six-pack of Coors Slice Grapefruit at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Celebrating Top Gun Day (4K UHDGiveaway)


It's hard to believe it's been 35 years since Top Gun was released in theatres. I remember watching this movie when I was a kid and fangirling so hard over Tom Cruise as he played the handsome and charismatic fighter pilot, Maverick, in this movie.

The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn't only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he's also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis).

Here we are decades later, celebrating Top Gun Day and all its glory. Top Gun Day was created by and dedicated to its fans. If you've been around the blog, you'll remember we got to review the remastered movie on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray last year and let me tell you, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is much better picture quality, and the bonus features are great to watch. They include commentary on the 30th anniversary of Top Gun, along with interviews with Tom Cruise and behind-the-scenes footage from the movie.

In celebration of today being Top Gun Day, we've teamed up with our friends over at Paramount Pictures to offer one of our readers (CANADA ONLY) a chance to win a copy of Top Gun on 4K Ultra HD. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment sharing your favourite character from the movie.

To join in on the celebration, head over to Twitter, show off those aviators and tag your wingman, and belt out your best version of Danger Zone. Share your favourite quotes, GIFs, and memories using #TopGunDay. Follow @TopGunMovie on Twitter and stay tuned all day for more fun!

Spring with Gazillion Bubble Rush! (Review & Giveaway)

The weather is warming up and you know what that means, time to break out the outdoor furniture and toys to enjoy the sunshine. With us still living in a pandemic and with the stay-at-home order still in effect, like last year, my family and I are trying to make the best out of the situation we are all in. The weather in Ontario has been up and down. The past weekend we enjoyed some sunshine for a couple of days and then were hit with rain for the next few of days. So when we have the chance to get outside and enjoy some good weather, we take full advantage of it. 

Both my seven-year-old, Bailey and our two-year-old fur baby, Luna, absolutely love bubbles. Bailey enjoys blowing bubbles and seeing Luna go crazy for them. We received the Gazillion Bubble Rush machine last month from our friends at Funrise Toys and although we couldn't use it at first, due to the weather, we finally had the chance to break it out and give Bailey a break blowing bubbles. Both Bailey and Luna enjoyed running through the bubbles as they came out of the machine. 

With its revolutionary design, this high-powered bubble machine blows the most bubbles ever. This next-generation bubble machine has a three-sectioned no-spill modular design including a removable washable top, solution recycling tray, and batteries and motor sealed inside the base.

Simply pour the solution into the reservoir and push the button for a bubble explosion in seconds. This item was designed to create hours of fun for kids, but easy to clean for parents. Includes an 8 oz. bottle of Gazillion Premium Bubbles solution. 6 AA batteries required, that are not included.



I love how easy the Gazillion Bubble Rush is to put together and use. I also love how it has a section for the recycled bubbles that you can easily pour back into the bottle and reuse. This allows you to use all of the bubble solution without wasting it. Bailey and Luna absolutely enjoyed playing in the tons of bubbles that came out of the machine. This machine gives your kiddos hours of bubble play and is perfect for outdoor and backyard play. A must-have this Spring and Summer with all of us still being at home. 

The Gazillion Bubble Rush machine is recommended for kiddos three and over It retails for $19.98 and is available at a Walmart near you or online.



GIVEAWAY:
I'm excited to team up with Funrise Toys and offer one of our readers (Canada Only) an opportunity to win a Gazillion Bubble Rush machine for yourself or the little one in your life. To enter the giveaway, comment below what your favourite outdoor at-home activity to do with your family.

For more information about Gazillion Premium Bubbles and all of their other products, head to Funrise Toys.

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

Bright Fairy Friends Series 2 Dolls Review

My seven-year-old loves to play with dolls. I love seeing how far her imagination can take her because she can play with her dolls in her own little world for hours at a time. So when we received two of the latest Bright Fairy Friends Series 2 Dolls from our friends over at Funrise Toys, Bailey was super pumped to meet and play with her new dolls.




Flying in to join their BFF’s are 12 new BFF Bright Fairy Friends! With a new, enchanting colour for their Fairy Home, these BFF Bright Fairy Friends are ready to shine bright! Bailey got to unbox both of her new fairy friends to unveil which magical fairy doll she received. She received both Cherry and Pearl fairy friends along with multiple surprise fairy accessories! Each fairy came with a stand, a brush for their hair and BFF matching hair barrettes for your child to wear with their new fairy friend.




Each fairy comes housed in its very own fairy home with bright, motion activated twinkle lights.  The fairy home and how it lights up is so adorable. You can also use your fairy home as a night light, which Bailey loved doing, especially having the fairies in her fort with her or on her nightstand during bedtime.

You can also press your fairy’s necklace to make her wings glow with radiating multi-colored lights. There's so much fun to be had with these new fairy dolls. Bailey has had her friends with her by her side for over a month and still plays with them daily. Collect all 12 BFF fairy dolls from Series 2 and enjoy swapping out their fashions and accessories. 

Bright Fairy Friends Series 2 Dolls are aimed for children who love fairies and those that are aged three and older. They retail at $14.99 and is available online or at your local Walmart. For more information about the Bright Fairy Friends Series 2 Dolls be sure to head over to Funrise Toys.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Bright Fairy Friends Series 2 Dolls at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.