Author: cvegnad

August 2, 2019

Cross-Sections Castle Book Review

Bring history to life with Cross-Sections Castle book!

About Cross-Sections Castle

History comes alive in this incredible children’s illustrated book about castles. Slicing through different areas of a medieval fortress, extraordinary views reveal the people busy inside, and preparing for battle as an enemy army approaches.

Packed with facts, you’ll find out what it takes to build a massive 14th-century castle, dress a knight in armour, or prepare a feast fit for a king or queen. From the drawbridge to the dungeon, Cross-Sections Castle swarms with the people who keep the castle ticking over – the workers, craftsmen, and servants. And, as you pore over every page, look out for the villainous spy. Is he in the well… the keep… the moat? No? Keep looking, he’s there somewhere!

Back in print after 20 years, you can now cheer on jousters, be entertained by a troubadour, and witness the gory details of a traitor’s demise. This unique illustrated book for kids is not just the story of a castle, it bring medieval history to life.

Our Thoughts

As many of you may already know, I am a huge history buff. I love everything and anything from our past – I love learning about where we came from and how we can make the future better.

Castles are breath taking and majestic – I am not sure how else you can describe them. They are powerful, standing out proud against the sky in defiance. They not only impress but they protected their people within the walls. I always imagine how it must have felt to walk the halls during these time periods and even approach these magnificent buildings. Would you be intimidated? What did it smell like? What were the sounds?

This book gives us a great introduction to what a castle is, all of the features (I liked this term – the anatomy of the castle), how it functioned and so much more. The specific chapters include: defense and siege, garrison and prisoners, building the castle, trades and skills, living like a Lord, food and feasting, entertainment, livestock and produce, munitions and punishment (phew – now that is a list)!.

Each two page spread contains one large picture that usually spreads out over both pages. The picture is of the castle (hence the name cross section – t really does remind me of anatomy classes when we were in the lab). Bolted points and their corresponding paragraphs are found throughout the pages with arrows leading to the specific part in the picture. While the pictures could be a bit busy, you definitely learn a lot while reading this book with your child. It is definitely geared towards an older child, unless you sit with your child to explain the wording and pictures. There is a lot of interesting facts (my kids liked learning about a bakers dozen – bet you didn’t see that one coming). This is great book for the child that loves to learn about their past and has a fascination with castles and knights.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Richard Platt has published more than 100 books, 32 of which were for DK. He has written on almost every topic you can imagine, but is particularly interested in the history of science and technology, and social history. He has become a bit of an amateur expert on the subject of life at sea, smuggling, and piracy. Most of his books are illustrated information books for children, but he has also written stories for children and several for adults. Some have won prizes, including the Smarties silver prize, and a Blue Peter award. Richard also writes TV scripts and museum interpretation, and he has appeared on TV and radio.

Stephen Biesty is a world-renowned British illustrator. He made his name in the 1990s for his best-selling Incredible Cross-Section books published by Dorling Kindersley, which have topped global sales of 3.5 million and have been printed in 16 languages. He has won several prestigious prizes, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award in 1993, and the UK Literary Association Children’s Book Award in 2004. Stephen has created illustrations for high-profile architectural projects, such as the Millennium Dome in 1999 and the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House in 2000. He has also worked on digital media projects such as an animated film for an exhibition at Tower Bridge in 2009, and a website for the USS Constitution Museum in Boston in 2010 to celebrate the bicentennial of this famous American warship.

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

August 2, 2019

The Fighter’s Kitchen

Real training starts in the kitchen – get ready to be inspired and learn 100 muscle building, fat burning recipes with The Fighter’s Kitchen.

The Fighter’s Kitchen

100 muscle-building, fat-burning recipes, with meal plans to sculpt your warrior body.

Ever wonder how professional MMA fighters in the UFC prepare their bodies for fights? The real training often starts in the kitchen, where the right meals at the right times can give fighters everything they need to be ready for their next match.

Fighters fuel their bodies with precise nutrients delivered at specific times to achieve their functional physiques–and now you can too. The Fighter’s Kitchen provides expert guidance on what and when to eat, and it helps you understand how our bodies use what we eat to burn fat and build lean, strong muscle. Through phased weekly meal plans, expert insight on how and when to take full advantage of your body’s muscle-building capabilities, and 100 delicious recipes, you’ll find yourself looking ring ready even if you have no plans to step into one.

Our Thoughts

There really is a science to eating well and gaining muscle mass and losing weight. When I lost the majority of my weight, I had to really watch my macro nutrients – I kept track of how much protein, carbs and fats (as a percentage of my total calories in a day) and needed to ensure I kept in a very specific ratio for both losing weight and maintaining muscle. It worked really well for me.

This book dives into a greater knowledge of those macro-nutrients, why they are so important and how to use them to achieve your body goals. You can choose from one of four plans: maintenance, strength, muscular endurance and power and explosion. You are told your total calories for the day and the percentage of carbs, protein and fats. For example – the strength plan sees your carbs at 40%, protein 30% and fats at 30% of your daily caloric intake (when I was losing weight my protein was 40%, carbs 30% and fats 30% for example). The key is in counting and keeping track. While this book has a breakdown for each recipe – if you don’t track everything you intake, it wont be helpful.

After a sound background into the meal plans, nutrition, sample meal plans – Chris gives us 100 recipes that are easy to make, full of nutrients and help you meet your goal. There are sections for: breakfast, entrees, salads & sides, sandwiches & steaks and smoothies, shakes & desserts (my favourites!). Each recipe is on its own page and also comes with its own nutritional break down for calories, fat, carbs and protein. The recipes are for the most part very simple to follow (usually only a few steps), some items you will have to purchase specially but if you follow a healthy diet you should have many of these items at home.

This is an excellent resource and recipe book for men and women, who are looking to improve their health, increase their nutrition knowledge and focus on giving their body the fuel it needs to meet their goals. While easy to follow (mostly because of the fantastic writing) – it is jam packed with knowledge and tools that you need to succeed with your goals. A must have for every health conscious individual.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About Chris Algieri

Chris has over 13 years of professional fight experience – the Former World Boxing Organization Jr. Welterweight Boxing Champion, ISKA World Welterweight Kickboxing Champion and WKA World Super Welterweight World Kickboxing Champion.

Chris has a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Management and a master’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology. He is a certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sport Nutrition and speaks at conferences, seminars and summits on various topics of human performance and nutrition.

From his website:

“Aside from the performance and sports science aspect of food, I love to cook and share meals. I come from backgrounds (Argentinean on mother’s side and Italian on father’s) that stress the importance of food culture and community. I grew up with a sense that the food we prepare and share is more than just macros and micros. My passion and understanding of food preparation comes across in my cooking. Anyone who enjoys cooking, loves to share their creations with others!” “ – Chris Algieri http://www.chrisalgieri.com/about-2

Disclosure: I received the above book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

July 30, 2019

Sesame Street: Dance Party Giveaway

D is for Dance! And Sesame Street is full of fun dance moves in their upcoming DVD Dance Party set to be released on August 6th, 2019.

About Sesame Street: Dance Party

On “Dance Your Favourite Dance Day”, Nina teaches her friends the moves to dances from all around the world. Next, kids get their groove on with all of their favourite friends, learning the “Do the Dinosaur Dance”, the “Elmo Slide”, the “Robot Dance” and “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes”. The Feelingwells throw a family dance party and Zoe choreographs a ballet in “Snuffy’s Dance”, where the dancers have to work together to figure out how to make Snuffy fly through the air.

Celebrities like Amy Ryan, Liev Schreiber, Maria Menounos, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman, Sutton Foster, and Wendy Williams join the Sesame Street gang to sing “Elmo’s Got The Moves.” More star power arrives when Ne-Yo sings “You’ve Got a Body,” encouraging everyone to get up and move. Janelle Monáe teaches Grover, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and friends “The Power of Yet” with a toe-tapping number.

The dance party continues as the Feijoo Sisters dance the Lambarena with Zoe, Jason Derulo shows Elmo and Abby Cadabby that “Dancing is Easy,” Ernie creates a dance video with too many steps, Elmo and Prairie Dawn record a music video, and Murray shows off flamenco-, Irish step dancing-, and Bollywood-inspired moves in a “Murray Has a Little Lamb” mashup.

Our Thoughts

Combining dance, music and our favourite characters and celebrities, this DVD is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. We loved the music, practicing and creating our own dance moves and the star power behind this new DVD. The DVD has a run time of just over two hours and includes the bonus feature of Elmo’s Music Magic.

Want to have even more fun? Make sure to download Dance Party printables here.

Sesame Street is celebrating its 50^th year! (Wow this makes me feel old!). Make sure you share your favorite Sesame Street memories – and maybe your favorite dance – with the hashtag #ThisIsMyStreet on social media.

You can pre-order a copy of this DVD from Shout Kids here and get ready to move and groove with this amazing new DVD from Sesame Street.

The Giveaway!

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

July 29, 2019

Get Ready to Get Wild with The Jungle Bunch DVD and Giveaway

Are you ready for a wild ride? The Jungle Bunch arrives on DVD on August 6th, 2019!

About the Jungle Bunch

Maurice may look like a penguin – but he’s a real tiger inside! Raised by a tigress, he’s the clumsiest Kung-Fu master ever. Along with his friends, The Jungle Bunch, he intends to maintain order and justice in the jungle, as his mother did before him. But when Igor, an evil koala, wants to destroy the jungle once and for all with the help of his army of silly baboons, Maurice faces his biggest challenge yet.

Your family will go bananas for The Jungle Bunch, a fresh and funny adventure that’s full of laughs and memorable characters!

Our Thoughts

I love animated movies with animals as the main characters, they have always been a family favourite of ours. This movie was an instant hit in our house – we laughed, we were proud and were on the edge of our seats as Maurice tries to help save the jungle with his group of friends, The Jungle Bunch.

The characters that form the Jungle Bunch are just too precious for words – they seem like the most unlikely heroes but they would do anything to protect their home and maintain order. For Maurice, he wants to be just like his tiger Mom even though physically he is the polar opposite (a penguin). His heart is so good and you can’t help but just love him. His Mom was a member of The Champs – a group that also protected the jungle and who have history with the evil koala Igor. His friends are the most unlikely heroes you will ever see but they are so full of heart and good intentions.

The DVD has a run time of just over an hour and half. The DVD is set to release on August 6th but you can pre-order a copy here. If you are a fan of animated animal hero movies, you will love this one!

Movie Trailer

The Giveaway

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

July 29, 2019

Matt’s Swirly World – Helping Parents Raise Mindful Kids, Understand Tantrums and Relief Stress & Anxiety

When you need help better understanding why your child feels or acts they way they do in times of crisis, or you just want to connect with them on a deeper level, learn more about temper tantrums and emotional control with Matt’s swirly world – Helping Parents Raise Mindful Kids, Understand Tantrums and Relief Stress, Anxiety (Growing Up & Facts of Life Emotions Feelings).

About Matt’s Swirly World – Helping Parents Raise Mindful Kids, Understand Tantrums and Relief Stress & Anxiety

When children are young their emotions come in peaks and valleys. Sometimes they’re super excited, sometimes they’re sad, and sometimes they lose control and express themselves by throwing a temper tantrum.

These outbursts of emotions are common for parents and kids of all walks of life and can be leveraged by parents who want to teach impulse control, improved behavior, and better mindfulness.

That’s why Matt’s Swirly World was written to help parents understand the “why” behind a tantrum as well as what’s going on inside their child’s brain when they’re acting out, feeling scared, or reacting to stressful situations.

An adorable journey featuring a mother and her young son, this book is a great reminder about how all emotions are accepted and that proper behaviors can be learned by kids and taught by moms and dads. In fact, your love is the perfect space where emotions can be processed, expressed and shared together.

In this book, parents will learn how mindfulness helps kids create better coping skills, and also a variety of other useful tools, including:

How love can be used to process emotions and support positive behaviors
Why feelings of anger and frustration come and go and are non-threatening
How a calm voice and demeanor can soothe a child and minimize meltdowns
Providing children relief from stress, anxiety, or big feelings and emotions
How children often mimic the behaviors of their mothers and fathers
Moving forward and adapting to behavioral changes in the future

This is an opportunity to learn and grow as a parent while teaching your child valuable mindfulness and self-control skills they can use long into adulthood. It should be the first book you read on tantrums, emotions, and how to inspire positive behaviors each and every day.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Aspiring contemporary ballerina, commercial poet, grateful wife and mother. Certified Life Coach, BA Finance, MA Statistics ( don’t judge, I was young ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ), now IT Product Manager. When I was pregnant with my now 3 y/o boy, I was worried of how I can raise my child to cope in a world of bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse, screen time etc. My husband told me that if we want our son to thrive in this world, all we need to do is build his self confidence & firm limits. So that’s how I started reading parenting books, and read a lot. I read tons of books on the latest research discoveries in interpersonal biology and brain development. I love anything that Daniel J Siegel ever wrote. I am also a fan of “How to talk so kids would listen” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

For “Matt’s swirly world,” I worked with a psychologist who specialized in child development and attachment parenting. That’s because, I am above all, convinced of the immense potential every child has and their absolute innocence. I know from experience that raising kids can often feel quite differently, and challenging. I am convinced that the way to turn that potential into peaceful family lives and well balanced kids – is both intuition and science (and patience). Being emotionally available as a parent, being present for them and for yourself, to keep your own emotional highs & lows in check. Because they are good at triggering us, aren’t they? When I was 8, I had no money to buy my mother gifts; I really wanted to create joy in her heart, so I started dedicating poems to her. That’s what got me started writing.

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a spotlight post, I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.