Kung Fu Panda 2 ~ Review ~

This great sequel to Kung Fu Panda,  is a movie the entire family can watch and enjoy together.  Let`s face it, movies the whole family can appreciate are pretty rare!

In the action-filled companion story Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters, Po and the Furious Five uncover the legend of three of kung fu’s greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox and Master Croc.  Kids can then follow in Po’s footsteps to become a kung fu master with Kung Fu Panda World, the virtual online game universe where kids create avatars, play games with their favorite characters, win points towards earning a kung fu black belt, chat with friends and more.
Featuring an all-star cast of voice talent including Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride and Jean-Claude Van Damme, KUNG FU PANDA 2 will also be available on a single-disc DVD and in the Kung Fu Panda Collection on either DVD or Blu-ray, which includes both movies, Kung Fu Panda:  Secrets of the Masters, two free online game memberships to Kung Fu Panda World, and loads of additional fun.

The Kung Fu Panda 2 Awesome Double DVD Pack delivers a punch with smashing features including:
Disc 1:
•    “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”—See the debut of an episode of Nickelodeon’s brand new television series.
•    Kickin’ It with the Cast—Meet the new faces who have joined Po’s journey including
Gary Oldman, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Victor Garber and Michelle Yeoh and catch up with the returning cast.
•    Deleted Scenes—Check out three scenes with director Jennifer Yuh Nelson.
•    Filmmakers’ Commentary—Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, producer Melissa Cobb, production designer Raymond Zibach and supervising animator, kung fu choreographer and story artist Rodolphe Guenoden discuss the making of the film.
•    World of DreamWorks Animation—Enjoy promos and more.
•    Previews
•    Sneak Peek—A first look at DreamWorks Animation’s How To Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular.
Disc 2:
Kung Fu Panda:  Secrets of the Masters— Po’s all-new adventure.
Additional bonus features:
•    Panda Stories—A look at the animals that inspired Kung Fu Panda and footage of Jack Black’s visit to the Atlanta Zoo to meet Po’s real-life namesake.
•    Kung Fu Shuffle—Master Shifu teaches the best way to find a hidden radish in an update of the classic shell game.
•    Ni Hao—Learn Chinese!  Choose from more than 50 Kung Fu Panda-inspired words and learn how to say and draw the symbol in Chinese.
•    DVD-ROM:
o    Legend of the Wu Sisters Game—This exciting game features the three feline villains from Secrets of the Masters.
o    Printables—Coloring pages, connect the dots, 3D fortune tellers, stand-up 3D characters, pencil toppers and mazes!

Kung Fu Panda World:
•    Get two free memberships—each good for game play through April 2012 and valued at $5.95 each per month—to the online virtual game world where kids create avatars, play games with their favorite characters, win points towards earning a kung fu black belt, chat with friends and more!  Membership codes must be redeemed by and free membership will expire on 4/30/12.  Additional restrictions apply.

This is an amazing movie, the little ones love all the ongoing action and the adults get the humour that is directed more toward them.  Pop up some popcorn, snuggle into your PJ`s and get ready to see how an all-star cast brings these lovable characters to life.  A must see for this holiday season. 

Monica

(Disclosure - I received the above mentioned product for reviewing purposes; all opinions expressed are my own.) 

~ CLOSED ~ Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson - Review & Giveaway

If you're anything at all like me you always have a book on your night stand.  This time of the year do you enjoy a book that's light, entertaining and a great read so you can curl up before bedtime and escape from all the holiday stress!! 

Well, I'm going to save you one more stressor,  because I have found for you a book that fits that "wish list" perfectly!!

"In Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker, Marla takes you on a hilarious romp through her days as an L.A. matchmaker and her daily struggles to keep her self-esteem from imploding in a town where looks are everything and money talks. From juggling the demands of her out-of-touch clients to trying her best to meet the capricious demands of an insensitive boss to the ups and downs of her own marriage to a Latin husband who doesn't think that she is 'domestic' enough, Marla writes with charm and self-effacement about the universal struggles that all women face in their lives. 
You will laugh, cringe, and cry as you journey with her through outrageous stories about the indignities of dating in Los Angeles, dealing with overblown egos, vicariously hobnobbing with celebrities, and navigating the wannabe-land of Beverly Hills. In a city where perfection is almost a prerequisite, even Marla can't help but run for the Botox every once in a while."  (From book jacket)

This is a fun and quirky read, it's based on the authors own personal journey and you get an inside, behind the scenes look at what actually happens in the life of a Beverly Hills matchmaker.  You're privy to e-mails, conversations with clients, handling of sticky situations and happily ever afters! 

And, if that's not enough to keep you entertained, you'll also read all about Marla's marriage to her Latin lover and her everyday struggles with her job, home, friendships and relationships.

I thought, Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker was charming; the perfect book for the holidays or for any time you just want to escape your "real" world! 

BUY IT -

You can purchase Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker as well as Marla Martensons other books, Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting and Good Date, Bad Date by visiting here.

WIN IT - 

One lucky reader of Older Mommy Still Yummy is going to receive their very own copy of Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson

Using the Rafflecopter form below, simply follow the instructions; complete the mandatory entry, plus any or all of the optional entries for your chance to win this amazing prize!  Good luck!

Read more »

~ CLOSED ~ "Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit" by Stella Vance, Review & Giveaway

Author Stella Vance has bravely laid out her private life for all to read.  This memoir will be of interest to all women (and many men) young and old, but, will touch many a familiar chord with those old enough to recall the new found freedoms of the (60's) 70's & 80's. 

Betrayed at the age of 21 by the first love of her life, Stella Vance embarks on a life of fearless adventure. She travels the world, adding notches to her lipstick case with lovers from all over the world, and surviving harrowing experiences, including abuse, addiction, abortion, date rape, and cult involvement. Along the way, Stella undergoes a spiritual transformation. Once awakened to the reality of nonduality, she gradually realizes that life is just a game, that death is just another dimension, and that nothing “out there” can really hurt her.

This inspiring page-turning memoir begins in the 1970s, with Stella as a Christian zealot. Subsequently questioning all religious dogma, Stella’s mystical quests leads her to delve deeply into the realms of dreams, psychic readings, astrology, tantric yoga, reincarnation and her own past lives, the entheogen ketamine, Indian holy men and women, revolving-door relationships, the seeker culture of southern California, and finally, the ultimate path of Advaita Vedanta. At the same time, she deals with anorexia and bulimia, addictions to cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol, unwanted pregnancies, teaching in public schools, the death of several loved ones, foreclosure, and emigrating to South America.

The life of Stella Vance embodies all the adventure, drama, romance, humor, and philosophy of a free spirit set loose in the ’70s and finding its way into the new millennium. Reading "Dancing with Duality" provides evidence that life is meant to provide entertainment, as well as to teach us how to be grateful, forgive, and heal from all its vagaries.  

Stella Vance takes you on a wild ride through her life, complete with ups and downs and a plethora of sensitive issues.  Keep an open mind and in the authors words, "Be careful when you judge someone; you may end up doing a similar thing."  Dancing With Duality is one of the most revealing, honest and compelling memoirs I have ever read.  
I belong to a reading group and for a variety of reasons, this book is going to the very top of my suggestion list.

BUY IT -  
Visit here to purchase your own copy of Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit by Stella Vance.

WIN IT -
Using the Rafflecopter form below, simply follow the instructions, complete the mandatory entry,  plus any or all of the optional entries for your chance to win this great prize!  Good luck!

Read more »

~ Dinosaur Train - T-Rex Tales DVD ~ Review

     In our home, PBS has been a family favourite for many years.  I trust their children's shows to be not only educational but high quality and family friendly television programming.
     Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while sparking an interest in life science, natural history and palaeontology.  The show encourages children to compare the characteristics of ancient animals with those that are alive today.  As they explore a variety of interesting animals past and present, they develop the natural inquiry skills and core knowledge needed to help them think, talk and act like scientists!

SUMMARY - 

     Get on board the Dinosaur Train with Buddy, an adorable dinosaur, and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they embark on nine whimsical voyages:

1.     I'm a T.rex

2.     Armoured Like Ankylosaurus

3.     T.rex Teeth

4.     Buddy Explores the Tyrannosaurs

5.     T.rex Migration

6.     Playdate with Annie

7.     Spiky Tail Tale

8.     Big Stomping Feet

9.     Don's Winter Wish

     In these special adventures, Buddy travels to Rexville, home of the Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaurs, and learns that he too is a Tyrannosaurus!   There are also opportunities to learn fun and fascinating new facts about the dinosaurs while traveling through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans.
     The running time of this video is 115 minutes which can be viewed in one sitting or you can watch each of the nine whimsical voyages separately.

     This charming and educational dvd is perfectly timed to the holiday gift-giving season.  The DINOSAUR TRAIN: T-REX TALES DVD includes a bonus holiday episode, interactive games, coloring pages, Dr. Scott’s Segments and a reference guide for parents.

BUY IT - 

Available from the PBS Kids Shop 

{I received the above mentioned product for reviewing purposes; all opinions expressed are my own.}

~ CLOSED ~ The Ice Dream Cookbook: Dairy-Free Ice Cream Alternatives with Gluten-Free Cookies, Compotes & Sauces by Chef Rachel Albert-Matesz ~ Review & Giveaway ~

If you are one of the tens of thousands of individuals living with a dietary restriction, or if you just want to avoid eating a lot of refined and overly processed foods, then you will want to keep this cookbook on a handy shelf in the kitchen.

This book is a veritable library of information with the first three chapters packed full of information on ingredients, shopping tips, equipment and techniques.  Even the “Introduction” is chock full of facts, stories, and trivia.

There are four complete chapters of Ice-Dream recipes, featuring not only the “Basic Flavors”, but also “Beyond the Basic Flavors”, “Coffee, Tea and Nut Flavors” and” Fruity Favorites”.   You’ll also find chapters on “Sauces”, “a la Mode” and “Additional Indulgences”.

When I review a cookbook, not only do I read it from cover to cover, I also like to try several of the recipes.  Given that it’s freezing outside and our yard is presently covered in over 30cm of snow, I decided to try something non Ice-Dream.

I made several of chef Rachel Albert-Matesz recipes including:

"My Favorite Macaroons" 

These were delicious!  I opted to make the "Mini Macaroon Cups" version, they were so simple and easy for such a spectacular treat.

This is a bowl of "Cashew Pralines".

Again: simple, easy and delicious.  The recipe says that stored in a covered jar, these will last 3 months.  Well, I'm not sure if that would ever happen, because at my home, the entire bowl was emptied in less than 3 hours!!

"Pumpkin Pudding Pie"

Before - 

After -

This pie was outstanding!!  My daughter, "hates" coconut and even though this recipe has 3/4 cup coconut milk, she didn't even know (well, she'll know now when she reads this!!)  She even asked if we could have this at Christmas instead of the pumpkin pie I usually make.   Once again, super easy, I just whirled it all together in the blender and poured it into the prepared pie shell.  The only change I would make is to add an extra teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice, I guess we're an extra spicy family!!

  

Don’t be misled into thinking this is a cookbook to pull out once or twice a summer when you want to make the ice cream alternative, “Ice Dream”.  This is most definitely a year round cookbook and one I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again! 

BUY IT:

To purchase one or more of Chef Rachel Albert-Matesz two cookbooks or her cooking DVD set, just visit here.

WIN IT:
One very lucky reader of Older Mommy Still Yummy will win there very own copy of The Ice Dream Cookbook: Dairy-Free Ice Cream Alternatives with Gluten-Free Cookies, Compotes & Sauces by Chef Rachel Albert-Matesz.  ARV - $30.00 (USD)   

Read more »

~ CLOSED ~ Book Review and Giveaway: Scampi the Scallop

Scampi The Scallop - A survival story to help build self-esteem

   This lovely children's book is written by Mi-Sa-Le Fransen and illustrated by Greg White.  It tells the story of what happens one day, to a little sea scallop named Scampi.

   After spending the day having fun and eating a big lunch of plankton, Scampi settles down for a long nap, believing his shell will protect him from any danger.

   He is abruptly roused from his peaceful sleep by a starfish that is intent on having little Scampi as his lunch.  If he is going to survive, Scampi must think quickly, be strong and recall his father’s words of wisdom.  

   This book succeeds in presenting the opportunity for a life lesson discussion on overcoming adversity, be it physical or emotional. There is also a teaching opportunity with regard to the anatomy and life habits of a scallop. 

   Scampi is adorable with his multitude of eyes and sweet facial expressions.  You'll fall in love with this beautifully illustrated book, and at 20 pages, it is a perfect bedtime read.

BUY IT -

Visit Scampi's blog to purchase Scampi the Scallop in paperback, audio book format, or eBook format.  As an added BONUS, when you purchase from Scampi's webstore, you will receive a free gift. (To receive the free gift, just enter REF PP156 behind your name on the delivery form.)

WIN IT -  

Enter to win a copy of Scampi the Scallop by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. Open worldwide to those ages 18+, void where prohibited by law.   

Read more »

~ CLOSED ~ 2012 Canadian Farmer's Almanac and Kids Almanac - Review & Giveaway

Canadian Edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac

   I remember seeing, The Old Farmer's Almanac, in my maternal grandparents farmhouse.  I remember it sitting on the table, looking all dog-eared and well read. 

   I have always been a bit fascinated by the book, but, have never owned a copy.  I guess I must have believed it would only be of interest to "farmers". 

   Well, I was completely wrong.  The first time I opened my book, I flipped through it, reading all types of little tidbits of information and never looked up for over an hour!

   The book is divided into sections titled - 

• Amusement
• Anniversary
• Astrology
• Astronomy
• Calendar
• Food
• Gardening
• Special Report
• News
• Health & Home
• Husbandry (the farmer's type!)
• Outdoors
• Sports
• Weather
• Miscellany

  Reading this list, I'm sure you can see why I was so engrossed in this publication. 

  The calendar pages are the heart of The Old Farmer's Almanac.  They present sky sightings and astronomical data for the entire year and are what make this book a true almanac, a "calendar of the heavens."  In essence, these pages are unchanged since 1792, when Robert B. Thomas published his first edition.  The long columns of numbers and symbols reveal all of nature’s precision, rhythm, and glory, providing an astronomical look at the year 2012.

   My only disappointment was in the left-hand calendar pages.  Unless you live in Ottawa or Halifax, you need to execute some do-able but confusing (at least to me) calculations to obtain the information for your specific region.  You do however; have the option to purchase ($4.95) a 13 month printable chart with times set to your postal code, just visit  MyLocalAlmanac.com.   When I stop to think about it, this makes sense.  If you had a book with information for each postal code it would be a very thick and very expensive tome.

   I can absolutely see myself keeping this almanac on the coffee table and reading it off and on for the entire year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 4, is a winner in five categories at the 2011 International Book Awards.  

• Best Children's Book Series
• Best Children's Educational
• Best Children's Non-fiction
• Best Young Adult Educational
• Best Young Adult Non-fiction 

  

  The kids almanac is laid out in a similar fashion to the adult almanac. It provides full-colour pages loaded with fun stories, quirky facts, and the type of trivia that kids love...

          "every day your mouth produces 2-3 pints of saliva (also called spit, spittle, or slobber)"...

          "an acre was the amount of land that one man behind an ox could plough in one day"...

          "an ear of corn has, an average, 800 kernels, 16 rows with 50 kernels in each row.  There is one strand of corn silk for each kernel"

...well, you get the idea, and kids absolutely love all these little bits of information! 

   There is a dedicated website, Almanac4Kids, be sure to enter your postal code (top right corner) and you'll receive information specific to your area.  I would think most elementary and middle school aged children; parents of children in these age groups as well as elementary and middle school teachers would love to have this book in their repertoire.

   With the holidays quickly approaching, this book would make a great fun, as well as, educational gift. 


To Buy -
Visit most major book retailers or purchase online at The Old Farmer's Almanac. 
Win Them -

Five very lucky Older Mommy, Still Yummy readers are going to win a Farmer's Almanac giveaway bundle.  Each bundle will consist of one copy of the Canadian Edition of The 2012 Old Farmers Almanac as well as one copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 4.

To Enter -
Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries.  Good-luck!! 

If you are new to Rafflecopter, click here for a 45 sec. tutorial on how to enter.)

Read more »

~ CLOSED ~ Nalgene - Review and Giveaway

   As a Registered Nurse, I am very aware of the the need to stay properly hydrated at all times and nothing quenches your thirst better than a cool drink of water.  

   During the hot summer months we may be more conscious of our need to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration; however, proper hydration is essential to good health all year round.  

   Drinking from a reusable water bottle is not only essential for your health, it is also essential for the health of the environment. 

   I was recently given the opportunity by Nalgene to review two of their bottles.  The On The Fly - OTF  and the Grip 'n Gulp.

The On The Fly - OTF  is newest bottle from Nalgene.  It takes the On The Go - OTG to the next level and offers -

• Leakproof cap
• One hand operation
• Bike cage
• Cup holder friendly
• BPA free
• Dishwasher safe

The Grip 'n Gulp is tough enough to survive being thrown from a moving minivan, spill proof enough to compel parents to blame the rug stains on the dog and odour proof enough to allow leftover milk to go undetected under the couch for months!

It's features include -

• Durable 12 oz. translucent bottle, the perfect size for kids (or adults too)
• Mini grip designed for little hands
• Rubberized closure is easy to drink from and it's spill proof (I've used it myself several times and it works great!)  
• Durable, one piece sipper valve which is easily removed for cleaning
• BPA Free
• Dishwasher safe

I have always found quality bottles from Nalgene and the On The Fly - OTF and the Grip 'n Gulp bottles are no different! 

Buy Them -
You can purchase these and many other Nalgene products at most major retailers or through their On-line store.

Win Them -

One very lucky Older Mommy, Still Yummy reader is going to win the same products I receieved.  One On The Fly - OTF  and one Grip 'n Gulp

To Enter -
Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries.  Good-luck!! 
If you are new to Rafflecopter, click here for a 45 sec. tutorial on how to enter.)

Read more »

~ CLOSED ~ Popchips - Review and Giveaway

We’re evening snackers at our house and as an R.N. I’m always trying to be “health” conscious and find any way possible to make snacking more wholesome. 

Chips are a bit of an Achilles heel for us.  We all know, they’re very high in fat, sodium and calories, contain artificial flavours and preservatives and provide little to no nutritional value.  We all know better than to eat them...but, they're so good!! 

I stumbled upon Popchips when I was on the web.  I couldn't believe I had never before heard of this healthier alternative to chips.  When I was given the opportunity to review this product I jumped at the chance. 

Popchips are made of potatoes and come in many of the same flavours as traditional potato chips; the difference is in how the chips obtain that addictive crunch. While regular potato chips are fried in unhealthy oils, Popchips use a unique heat and pressure process to literally “pop” grains of potato into light, airy and crunchy chips without adding extra fat.

I received a variety of Popchips to review - salt & pepper, cheddar, original, sour cream & onion, barbecue and sea salt & vinegar.  How could we resist, on the very evening of their arrival we began the taste test!  

The first flavour we tried was original, the texture of the chip was similar to that of a thin rice cake chip but the crunch and taste was all potato chip!  Over the course of a week, (I know it seems like a lot in a week but the bags were 23g and there were three of us!!), we sampled every flavour.

My favourite was the sea salt & vinegar, my husband is barbecue all the way and my daughter and I both loved the salt & pepper.

They were all delicious and it was hard to believe that each bag of chips was only between  3 and 3.5 gms of fat, 210 and 260 mg. of sodium and all were only 100 calories per single serving.

I'm happy to now occasionally indulge our craving for potato chips, without the concern of compromising my family's health.  Give Popchips a try, you won't be disappointed..

Buy It - 

To purchase Popchips check the website for a retailer near you

Win It - 

One lucky reader is going to win a one-month supply of assorted Popchips all natural chips, courtesy of Popchips 

To enter (mandatory) -

Like Popchips on Facebook, then let me know that you did using the Rafflecopter form below.

Read more »