Author: cvegnad

August 4, 2014

Doodlepedia Dinosaurs with @DKCanada

It’s summer time and you want your kids to have fun but don’t want them to stop learning. Why not mix learning with fun? Try out Doodlepedia from DK Canada.

The newest edition to the Doodlepedia series features everyone’s favourite topic – Dinosaurs! Doodlepedia Dinosaur edition features 96 pages of fun including loads of different dinosaurs, plenty of activities with facts and as well as many opportunities to colour and create your own dinosaurs. The coolest part about this series? You colour right in the book. Pretty awesome right? How many times has your child wanted to colour (or gone ahead and coloured in) in a book – well now they can! Kids can jump in anywhere to colour as there is no real start to finish approach which is great for young children. Both of our boys loved the activities and the pictures that were featured.

The book is a great size (300x251mm) and the paper is thick enough that it wont rip but still easy to colour on. It was easy to bring to the pool, soccer field, car rides and so much more.

Check out Doodlepedia and more in the Summer Fun Boutique where you can currently receive 30% off!

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned book free of charge. All opinions expressed are my own.

August 3, 2014

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron #review

In The Butterfly and the Violin a mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest areas of Auschwitz and in the lonely hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer, Sera James, watched her whole world fall apart at the altar two years ago and is still suffering from the event. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait that she first saw as a child – a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera’s pat crosses with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul who may be the key to uncovering the hidden artwork. Together they slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject – Australian violinist Adele Von Bron.

Considered a darling of the Austrian aristocracy, a talented violinist and the daughter of a high ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins to smuggle Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat her life of privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places, in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the recesses of her own battered heart.

From the moment I laid eyes on the cover of this novel and read the story line I knew it would be a gem and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with the characters of Sera and Adele – two strong young females both naive in many ways who struggle throughout the novel but grow in many ways as well. Adele’s story is humbling, saddening and hard to read through at times. It was hard to see her life change drastically especially as she believe those around her would protect her when she was doing something that was right and for the good of human kind. The friendships she forms while in the camps is strong but heartbreaking as well as she could lose them at any time. The way Sera and Adele’s lives cross is fascinating and will keep you guessing throughout the novel.

This is a rare book that you can love for years! I definitely 100% recommend picking up a copy of this book – you will cry, laugh and grow along with the characters.

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse site here. You can purchase a copy of this book here.

Rating: 5/5 (if I could give it more I would – it was that good!).

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

July 26, 2014

PinkBlush eGift Card Giveaway

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Here We Go Again, Ready?, Momsicals & Tyrneathem

Sponsor: PinkBlush

Celebrated for their chic line of maternity apparel, Pinkblush now offers the latest and greatest trends to every woman! With affordability in mind, they’ve crafted a beautiful, comfortable line that lets fashion-loving ladies select wardrobe wonders from a bevy of looks. Ensure your ensembles stay spot-on every season with Pinkblush’s apparel in your closet.

Prize: $25 eGift Card for ShopPinkBlush.com

Dates: 7/26-8/9

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. Good luck!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post and Working Mommy Journal is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

July 25, 2014

My Health and Fitness Goals – No More Excuses

For the longest time now I have been frustrated with my weight and lack of weight loss. I have been trying (well attempting at times) to lose weight for my personal health and overall emotional well being. This has been such a tough road for me as I am an emotional eater – the moment I get upset or hurt I run for a cookie or chips or anything else that is bad for me. In the long run I have only hurt myself – not only is this emotionally draining but physicially I was hurting myself.

Last week I decided to stop this cycle and really get back to taking care of myself both mentally and physically. I had to really step back, look at my goals, figure out what was realistic and attainable and what is not. I came up with some short term goals and long term goals that I am ready to share with you and hope to use this as accountability for myself as well!

Short Term Goals

Participate in daily exercise for at least thirty minutes.
Eliminate all extra sources of sugar.
Adopt a much cleaner and simpler meal plan.
Spend thirty minutes of the day on myself whether reading or in the bath but just me, myself and I!

My long term goals are to lose weight (fifty is my goal to bring me to a healthy weight for my body structure) but more importantly to have the energy and ability to play outdoor sports with my children.

So How Did I Do?

This week I started on the 21 Day Fix workout (I am in no way affiliated, sponsored nor reviewing their products) and I honestly can say I LOVE the workouts. There is a fantastic variety and she makes my muscles hurt some that I have not felt in a long time. My first workout I could not complete the whole thirty minutes but by the end of the week I was sweating down to the last second with her. And all those excuses of why I couldn’t exercise in the morning? Gone out that window! I am keeping track of this on my fridge in a calendar and highlighting my workouts as I complete them – there is something about crossing off each workout that makes me feel great inside!

I have eliminated all juice and diet pops out of my diet. The only added sugar I am taking in is in my coffee which I have adjusted to a black coffee with two teaspoons of sugar. I love the meal plan that goes along with the 21 Day Fix – I have never felt so full and satisfied in a long time – my cravings have pretty much been eliminated. Meals are quick and easy to prepare with no extra cost to me. My doctor is happy too as now I make more of an effort to get in that 1.5L of water every day!

I can’t wait to see how this week goes and update you next week (I may even be courageous enough to post some before pictures!).

July 24, 2014

miWorld Set Giveaway #US

Welcome to the miWorld Play Set Giveaway!

Hosted By: Sweet Southern Lovin

CoHosted By: The Binder Ladies