Posted by bassgiraffe in book, book-Movie, Canada, review | 0 Comments
“Winterberries and Apple Blossoms” book review
ABOUT-
“Winterberries and Apple Blossoms” by Nan Forler and illustrated by Peter Etril Snyder
“With an evocative poem for every month of the year, young Naomi introduces us to her family and hosts a journey through the seasonal rhythms of her rural Mennonite community.”
My Thoughts-
There are 12 poems in this book. They each are from the view point of a young Mennonite girl. Each poem reflects on what she might do in that month and her thoughts with it. My favorite is the poem in June, picking berries and making homemade icecream. I felt like it was already Summer reading it. Lee loved November, Naomi talks about making fresh bread, muffins and cookies and getting to enjoy just a taste of the dough. When I bake that is Lee’s favorite part too.
At the end of the book there are twelve different recipes to make. One for each month and each incorporates what is in season at that time. I told Lee that we will make one each month. She can’t wait to make the homemade icecream and berries in June and I can’t wait to make the Pumpkin Muffins this October. The great thing about each recipe is it is labeled on how easy or hard it is to make, so you can decided before you start if you want to try it out.
The illustrations in this book are very beautiful too. Each painting gives you a great feel for each of the poems. You can see the story unfold in the picture.
We really enjoyed reading this book together and can’t wait to try out the recipes. I totally would recommend this book to my readers. It’s a great family book to own.
FIND it-
author’s website
illustrator’s website
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* Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate my review. This post reflects my honest, personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information courtesy of the sponsor. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, crafts, Kitchener Waterloo, TV Interviews | 0 Comments
March 16, 2012- Rogers TV apperance “daytime”
I had the privilege again to be on Rogers Cable 20 out of Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario area, on the show ‘daytime’, this was my 12th appearance on the show. The show airs LIVE at noon and then re-air at 3, 6 & 11.
I was asked 2 weeks ago by the producer if I would be able to come up with some ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the kids. I gave a hesitant “sure” but had no clue what I would bring or talk about. I did a lot of searching online and thought through some past products I’ve reviewed and came up with three fun craft ideas to do with the kids or give the kids.
The show is usually filmed at a studio but to celebrate the day they were on location at a local pub called Molly Blooms. I was very nervous for this, as I’m use to the studio and know how things will work and look. I also got a special treat by having my make-up done for me. Usually I do my own make-up so it was nice to be pampered. Katie Paterson of Glorious Beauty did an amazing job, I felt so pretty.(I even worn lip color, which I never do)
I first talked about the St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Kisses that I found on the Chica and Jo blog. They have a lot of great free tutorials and craft ideas on their blog and I loved making these “kisses”. It may not fit into my “health” category but for one day I think it’s ok to have some fun, right? The second product I talked about was Freckles Crafts- Lucky the Leprechaun. I love Freckles Crafts products and I’m glad I can share them with the viewers. Everything you need is in each craft package and the instructions are easy to follow. I also showed off my new ring, made by a Freckles Crafts kit. The last craft I talked about was my shamrock melt and pour soap. I learned how to make soup and be creative with it from the eBook, “The Joy of Melt & Pour Soap Crafting” by Lisa Maliga. This craft isn’t something I would do with my kids but they sure do enjoy using them at bath time. I did use foam shamrocks that kind of bled green into the soap but they still looked cute.
Over all I think the show went really well. I got to see my “friends” (I say friends, but they are just regulars I get to be on the show with). Corinne from Bucket List Travel and Chef D of www.chefdtv.com. It’s always fun getting to see people I’ve met on the show again.
I was nervous about my voice. This morning I woke up with a very low deep voice and even waiting for my segment I was talking low, but on the show I sounded ok. I’m hoarse again but at least for my segment I sounded sort of normal. Oh and it was very hard to not laugh at Jay with his crazy hat and wig on. Such a hoot!!
Thank you Rogers Cable 20 and Jay Chagnon. Also a HUGE thank you to Freckles Crafts, Chica & Jo and Lisa Maliga.
I also have done reviews of these companies on my blog below are the links to the reviews-
Freckles Crafts- Lucky the Leprechaun
“The Joy of Melt & Pour Soap Crafting”
St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Kisses tutorial by Chica and Jo
My segment below
You can view my other appearances on ‘daytime’ by clicking here.
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Disclaimer-
I was not paid to review these items or to come on this TV show. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. (Just wanted to add I have never been paid for a review or for doing ‘daytime’ Rogers TV)
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Peter Etril Snyder- Painting Doctor
I first heard of Peter Etril Snyder when he was on Rogers TV a few months ago. He was creating an art piece from photographs that were of local places and people. He was then back on this past week to show us the finished project. He told us that he did a lot of changes throughout the project and that if you were to strip down the painting you’d see several layers of different paintings. I think this is what draws me to his work. I love that he’s not afraid to make mistakes or change from his original idea to make the painting a perfect story.
I really wish I could paint or even come up with an idea to start and put it down on paper. But if you are one of those people who like to paint I think you would love to check out the Painting Doctor. It’s a free program that Peter Etril Snyder has started. If you are stuck on finishing your project, you can scan or photograph your artwork and email it to Peter Etril Snyder. He will print it out and paint over it and scan the new idea(suggestion) and email it back to you. I think this is a brilliant idea.
If you would like to contact Peter Etril Snyder you can email him at peter@snyder-gallery.com
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The above artwork are just a few of Peter Etril Snyder’s paintings.
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo, TV Interviews | 2 Comments
March 5, 2012- Rogers TV apperance “daytime”
I had the privilege again to be on Rogers Cable 20 out of Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario area, on the show ‘daytime’, this was my 11th appearance on the show. The show airs LIVE at noon and then re-air at 3, 6 & 11.
I still can’t believe I get to do this. I have so much fun on “daytime” and I love meeting the guests on the show too. One guest I was excited about was a Local artist, Peter Etril Snyder. He started a painting a few months back and we have been seeing updates through out to see the progress of the art work and how it changed from start to finish. It was so exciting to get to finally see the finished product. It was amazing!!
Today Jay Chagnon was the host talking to me. He always makes me laugh and to be honest I’m always afraid I’ll laugh too hard on TV. But I guess that’s not a bad thing, being happy is contagious, right?
I got to talk about some perfect products to use for March break and ideas to do during this coming week.
I talked about a product to bring with you to the beach, if you’re one of the lucky ones to get away from the coldness of the beach. The product is called Sand Gone. It was invented by a mom and is safe for my family to use. It works wonders at getting the sand off and the residue that comes with it. The second product I introduced was a DVD called Storyland Yoga. Instead of sitting in front of the TV all day on a rainy day why not have your kids be entertained with a story about Whales and Condors while getting exercise. I know Lee loves doing it and I love doing it with her. The last thing I talked about is things you can do outdoors. At first I was trying hard to find a product to use outside but then Lee pointed out that we don’t NEED anything to have fun outside. She came up with the idea of doing an obstacle course using a few things we picked up at a dollar store, such as a jump-rope, hula-hoop and a ball. Also every year we go out to our local park and school and pick up garbage. Then when we get home we sort through the garbage and put it in recycling and compost and the rest into garbage. We love doing this every year. It’s a great workout, we’re doing something for our community and I’m teaching my kids the importance of recycling and taking care of our planet.
I love doing this. The TV thing. I’m always nervous but have so much fun it makes it worth it all. I will be back on “daytime” March 16th talking about St Patrick’s Day craft ideas to do with your kids. I look forward to it.
Thank you Rogers Cable 20 and Jay Chagnon. Also a HUGE thank you to Sand Gone, Storyland Yoga and Linda for helping with this show.
I also have done reviews of these companies on my blog below are the links to the reviews-
Sand Gone
Storyland Yoga
My segment below
I love this image. “daytime’s mommy blogger”. I will take that title proudly. *smiles*
You can view my other appearances on ‘daytime’ by clicking here.
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Disclaimer-
I was not paid to review these items or to come on this TV show. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. (Just wanted to add I have never been paid for a review or for doing ‘daytime’ Rogers TV)
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY
I know my brother would LOVE to see this!!
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY –
A live-orchestra, multi-media experience you won’t want to miss!
“The mere mention of a title from Final Fantasy will bring a roar from adoring fans. Nobuo Uematsu is a rock star to these concert-goers.” Neil Kimel, 2nd Horn Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony
This thrilling performance combines state-of-the-art videos and art stills shown on massive screens highlighting the most memorable experiences of Square Enix’s world-renowned Final Fantasy video games all set to live, award-winning orchestral music. The live soundtrack will be performed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) and singer Susan Calloway, led by conductor Arnie Roth. Join fellow gamers or come to appreciate the true musicianship of composer Nobuo Uematsu at the Centre In The Square on Tuesday, February 28 at 8 pm.
Nobuo Uematsu is one of the most celebrated composers in the history of video game music. Recognized for his work on the Final Fantasy series and other games, he has been a major contributor to the increasing appreciation and awareness of video game music. The Final Fantasy VIII theme song, “Eyes on Me,” composed and produced by Uematsu, featured Hong Kong pop star Faye Wong. “Eyes On Me” sold 400,000 copies and won “Song of the Year (Western Music)” at the 14th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1999, the first time in history that music from a video game had won this award. In 2001, Nobuo Uematsu was named as one of the “Innovators” in Time Magazine’s Time 100: the Next Wave Music feature.
“Uematsu was welcomed by his screaming fans as if he were a rock star,” stated KWS Principal Trumpet Larry Larson of the KWS’ previous performance of Final Fantasy. “The audience was on fire right from the dimming of the lights at the top of the show. And what a terrific thrill to BE the live soundtrack while the film-video game is being shown. Uematsu’s scores to Final Fantasy play out like the thrilling, blockbuster movie soundtracks that I love to listen to.”
Conducting this performance is Grammy Award-winning artist Arnie Roth, known for his work with a renowned list of international recording and performing artists from pop music, classical, R&B, rock, and musical theater, including Il Divo, Diana Ross, Jewel, The Irish Tenors, Charlotte Church, Josh Groban, Patrick Stewart, Branford Marsalis and Andrea Bocelli. Roth has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras, and is well known in the world of video game music for his work with Nobuo Uematsu and Square Enix as Music Director and Conductor of Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY and as Music Director and Conductor of PLAY! A Videogame Symphony.
KWS would like to thank Season Sponsor: Sun Life Financial for supporting this performance
DISTANT WORLDS: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY
February 28 | 8PM | Centre In The Square
Arnie Roth, conductor
Susan Calloway, singer
TO ORDER TICKETS
Online: kwsymphony.ca
By Phone: 519.745.4711 or 888.745.4717
In person: Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts | 36 King St W, Kitchener
Tickets start at $19.
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, family, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Bring on the Sunshine, Family Day Event- Feb 2012
ABOUT-
“Bring on the Sunshine is a grassroots event partnered with the African Canadian Association and the KW Multicultural Center. We are run by a small but dedicated team of volunteers, of both African and Canadian origin.” for more info please visit http://www.bringonthesunshine.ca/
OUR DAY-
In Ontario, Canada we have a day in February called, Family Day. There is no school or work. The second Lee heard it was Family Day she asked, “Do we get to go to that church with the fun drums and where I got William from?” We went last year and evidently it made a huge impact on my oldest. I had a great time last year too so I looked up to see if the event was going on. I was very excited to find that it was.
Bring on the Sunshine started at 11AM and Lee wanted to make sure we were there right when it opened, she didn’t want to miss a thing. The first place we visited was the Market Place. She bought her baby boy, William there last year and wanted to give him a sister. She saved up as much money as she could so she could buy a new baby doll. She picked out the one pictured below with William and named her Lexy. I want to send a special thank you to nandikids.ca for being so kind to Lee and helping her get that special/perfect baby sister for William.
At the market place, later on int he day, I also stopped by the Bracelet of Hope booth and purchased a red & white bracelet to help raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa. They had a lot of beautiful bracelets and beaded key-chains I would have loved to get too, but time and money was getting short and so was Moo’s patients.
The next thing we enjoyed was some entertainment. We got to listen to an acapella grouped named, Soul Influence. They had two guys and one girl in the group. I LOVED their sound and Moo loved it too, she couldn’t stop dancing to their music. I also loved that they brought us music from all around Africa and took the time to explain the songs to those of us who didn’t understand the words. Below is a very short video, just a taste of their sound. I hope to find more concert around so we can listen to them longer.
Lee and I enjoying the concert-
After the concert we headed down for some lunch. The girls and I had hot dogs but Chris had some meat, collard greens and a special African Cornmeal Mush. I then enjoyed a Samosa, I love those things and these were the best I’ve ever tasted.
We had a BLAST again this year at Bring on the Sunshine and hope they continue to do it every year. I love having a place that I can bring my children, they can have fun and learn a lot at the same time. A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in making this happen. Hope to see you next year.
FIND it-
website
facebook
nandikids.ca
Bracelet of Hope
Soul Influence
