October Luxe Box!

Did you know Canada.. we were very lucky to try out the October Luxe Box. Remember how much we loooooved the September box, the October box is even more fantastic!

With a new box design, personalized sticker and an awesome card with info about the products, you really feel like this is something Hollywood stars might receive.

Don't forget a Luxe Box is a BEAUTIFUL box containing deluxe trial sized beauty products that can be delivered to your door monthly. Check out products from Calvin Klein, essie, stila and more.

The October Luxe Box contains an awesome number of products:

* Lise Watier - Flash Lift Radiance Vials - a brand new product to Canada!
* Keratase - Elixir Ultime - restores strength to hair and protects - perfect for winter!
* Essie - Nail Polish (FULL SIZE!) - how fun is it to know that this is the same nail polish Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day!
* Olay Professional Pro-X - Eye Restoration Complex - for diminishing dark circles and puffiness - love it!
* Also by Lise Watier - Plumpissimo Le Gloss - makes your lips fuller and sexier - a fantastic shade too!

I am so impressed with this group of products, I am totally in love with the nail polish and lip gloss, I love any and all hair products, so the elixir is fantastic and the radiance vial is something I would so not try otherwise but find out I love it!!

This is exactly what's so fantastic about the Luxe Box, you're learning about new products, you get to try them - repeatedly - you get great info about them, it's just awesome. Plus, like I said, you really do feel a little special when this shows up at the door.

This would make an AWESOME Christmas gift for a lucky woman in your life, it would also make a great gift for yourself, a pick me up each month, we deserve it!

We are Canadian Blog Hop!!

Did you know Canada.. We are honoured to the be feature blog in this weeks "We are Canadian Blog Hop!!" Your co-hosts for this fun weekly Monday Hop are:

Each week we pull on blog from the previous week's hop, to be the Featured Blogger of the Week.  We use random.org, and will email the winner that they won as soon as we can.

This Week's Featured Blogger is:




Please feel free to grab the button, and spread the word to all your fellow Canadians!

<a border="0" href="http://theknitwitbyshair.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/Shairbearg/flag20canadian.gif" /> </a>

Rules:
1. Canadians Only! (Sorry Americans, we wanted to give the Canadians some love for this one.)2. Follow the Co-hosts, and leave a comment so we will follow you back!
3. Follow the Featured Blogger, and leave a comment so they can follow you back!




get the InLinkz code

Canadian Tire Gas Plus

Did you know Canada.. We made a trip to the Canadian Tire Gas Plus today to gas up and get our vehicles ready for winter. As Canadians we know how important this is!

This week we were surprised by an overnight frost leaving the windows of our vehicles frozen over, we didn't even have the scrappers in the cars yet!!! We knew it was time to get a handle on the winter prep.

Thankfully, when you head to Canadian Tire Gas Plus, you also get to use their awesome loyalty program, earning Canadian Tire "money" back on every purchase. Be sure to check out your weekly flyers for even more savings!

We love to save up our Canadian Tire "money" and make a fun purchase, right now we are saving for more pieces to the Grinch holiday set that we LOVE from Canadian Tire. Who else has one?? I will be posting pictures of ours when we set it up for sure.

So, back to the winter preparations - one thing we were in desperate need of was winter windshield washer fluid, so important to Canadians as it also is a de-icer. We were able to find a great savings at the Gas Plus when buying 2.

As soon as we got home we headed out to load up both vehicles, my husband drives out of town every day for work and you NEVER want to be stuck on a highway without windshield washer fluid in the winter, when you get mud and salt all over your windows it is literally impossible to see. I've seen people have to pull over in the most terrible of weather to re-fill. That is SO unsafe in so many ways.

I feel so accomplished today getting the vehicles straightened out for winter and earning money back with the Canadian Tire loyalty program. Be sure to follow Canadian Tire on Facebook and Twitter to keep you update on all their deals.

Check out our entire shopping experience on Google+!

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias

DREAM BIG CANADA

Did you know Canada.. we have heard about the most fantastic giveaway from CentrSource.

The CentrSource network, anchored by Canada Post, is a strong community of some of Canada’s most trusted media brands who bring local and relevant Offers from Sellers to you. I love that you can drop in to CentrSource anytime to find what you’re looking for and you’ll be on your way in minutes.

So, what do you think about a chance to win $10,000 towards a Canadian Dream Vacation of your choice??

Oh my gosh, where would I go.. I've love to visit PEI again, I've certainly never been as far as BC, or even back to the excitement of Montreal!! Where would you go??

It's time to DREAM BIG CANADA - Enter for your chance to win!!! Contest ends December 11, 2011. There is also 8 weekly secondary prizes of $500 gift cards to be won, this is truly the contest of a life time, I'm so excited. For more chances to win, be sure to share with friends as well.

Open to ALL residents of Canada that have reached the age of majority, the Travel Voucher must be redeemed between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 - which I'm sure the winner will have NO PROBLEM doing. ;-)

I'm going to cross my fingers for you all, this is awesome!!  After you've entered (by the way, did I mention how easy the sign up is?  No jumping through hoops on this one!) come back and tell us - where would YOU go???

Recipe to Riches: Multi-Layered Peach Cake

Did you know Canada.. I hope you all watched Recipe to Riches last night! If not, be sure to catch a repeat either on the Food Network or on Global Saturday night. Remember, each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Today we are featuring the winning recipe from last night's episode - Multi-Layered Peach Cake by Jacqui Keseluk.  In fact, I've tried my hand at the recipe myself. I admit when I first read through it all those layers were a bit scary, but this recipe is SO EASY, I promise, and SO YUMMY - a bit of cooking time is well worth it.  How cool was Jacqui last night by the way, I loved her sweet tattoos, her composure in the kitchen with the cream cheese was awesome (I would have been freaking out!!), it was a great episode all around.

So, on to the cake!  First we made the crust, with one of my little guys helping (do not use the wisk as he attempted to do though)..

While that was baking we made the yummy cheese cake layer, poured it on top of the crust and baked. While that was baking we chopped up the peach slices..

Then cooked the chopped peaches with sugar, it does get watery and then that goes away and it turns into caramelized peach yumminess..

After the cheese cake was out and cool we topped it off with the peaches and made the cake layer, then put that on top of the peaches..

Whipped up some whip cream..

Topped with caramel sauce..

And cut right in!!!

So yummy..

It was a big hit around here let me tell you, everyone from me, to my husband, even my Mom snuck over for a piece last night. We talked about how great this would be for a summer cake, a celebratory cake, it's perfect for so many occasions. Honestly, it was very easy to make as well.

Will you be purchasing it this weekend or trying the recipe yourself?? Don't forget to check out the recipe for Multi-Layered Peach Cake, otherwise known as the Rock N' Peach Bliss Cheesecake on the Food network website.

Winnie The Pooh

Did you know Canada.. Winnie The Pooh is one of my all time favourite children's movies. Created by A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh was named after a teddy bear owned by his son, Christopher Robin Milne, who was the basis for the character Christopher Robin.

Christopher Milne had named his toy bear after Winnie, a Canadian black bear which he often saw at London Zoo, and Pooh, a swan they had met while on holiday. If you can believe, the bear cub was purchased from a hunter for only $20 by Canadian Lieutenant Harry Colebourn in White River, Ontario, Canada, while en route to England during the First World War. He named the bear "Winnie" after his adopted hometown in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood is bringing the magic home again. Walt Disney Pictures will be releasing Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011! Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, is the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh! Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love!!

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a Winnie The Pooh Return to the Hundred Acre Wood DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack!!

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Using the above widget, let us know in the comment section which character best fits your personality!!

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

Enter to #win a DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack of the new Winnie The Pooh movie! Ends 10/31 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/t7mQLK #CanWin

Giveaway open to our Canadian readers, closing October 31th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Giveaway! Green Beaver

Did you know Canada.. We have been trying some products by Canadian company Green Beaver. Including their Cranberry Delight shampoo!

With key ingredients including Canadian cranberries, indigenous carrot and organic Prairie seed, also enriched with indigenous Canadian yarrow, willow-herb and sweet fern for a healthy scalp! I LOVE that their products uses real Canadian products.  It also smells fantastic, and perfect for the whole family.

This is perfect because at The Green Beaver Company, they believe in Mother Nature to help us take care of ourselves. You would be shocked to discover how many household and personal care products are filled with chemical preservatives, fragrances, dyes, etc. I am so happy that this family business is focused on using pure, natural ingredients. They have this fantastic section on their website about what ingredients they DON'T use - including Parabens, Sunscreen chemicals, and Formaldehyde to name a few.

Speaking of sunscreen, another fantastic Green Beaver product is their Certified organic SPF 30 Kids Body Lotion. I love this organic certified, Health Canada approved, non-whitening, Waterproof, Fragrance-free, non-nano, non-silicone coated, spreads evenly and quickly. How awesome is that?? You can't feel any more safe about using this on your children while protecting them from the suns harmful rays.

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a bottle of Green Beaver sunscreen!! Perfect for this coming winter! (YES! You should wear sunscreen in the winter as well!!)

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Do you wear sunscreen in the winter?

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

Enter to #win sunscreen from Canadian company Green Beaver! Ends 11/07 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/vWSfes #CanWin

Giveaway open to our Canadian readers, closing November 7th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: We were sent a sample of Green Beaver products - my opinions are my own.

Giveaway! Little Remedies

Did you know Canada.. Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used pain and fever relievers for infants and children and is safe and effective when used as directed. We use it for our boys of course when they are going for shots or not feeling well. Now, dosing has been made even easier for parents and safer for children with the new PediaCare® and Little Remedies® single-concentration acetaminophen products.

Here is a video from Dr. Jim Sears, pediatrician and co-host of The Doctors. He explains the new, smart changes to infant's and children's acetaminophen products along with a demonstration of the new special dosing mechanisms.







This has always been a concern for my as both my boys have always been above average on both height and weight for their age. Meaning they may be in the age range for a certain dose but in another measurement for weight. It goes the other way too that if your child is under weight for their age you need to know the facts on the appropriate amount to give them.

I love that Little Remedies believe "less is more" and strive to make sure that each of their products contains just what is needed for fast, safe & effective relief — nothing more. This is why we have been purchasing their products for years. Another thing that helps everyone is that my boys don't mind the taste either, and while not as important as getting them well it sure does help getting it down!

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a set of the Little Remedies Infants and Children’s acetaminophen products! Perfect for this coming winter and passing on lots of germs as we know always happens.

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Let us know in the comments what makes your little one feel better when they're not well.

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

Enter to #win a set of the Little Remedies Infants and Children products! Ends 11/06 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/nJX41s #CanWin

Giveaway open to Canadian and US readers, closing November 6th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: We were sent a sample of Little Remedies products - my opinions are my own.

Animal Planet Virtual Halloween Pet Parade

Did you know Canada.. I'm not sure if I've ever told you about our dogs. We have our "new puppy" (we've had her since March) - Maddie, she's a boxer/retriever cross. We also have our little Bailey, a very small Shih Tzu that my husband and I got when we moved into our first apartment together.  We love our doggies here, I'm so happy the boys have grown up with little Bailey and now have their own big dog to grow up with and be buddies with as they continue to grow.  I think pets are a great part of growing up and give us so many memories, they are always there when you need them most.

This Halloween we are dressing our very cute Bailey in the cutest Animal Planet Butterfly costume and have entered her in the Animal Planet Virtual Halloween Pet Parade!! With antennae, head piece and foam Monarch butterfly wings it's a fun costume for the whole family to enjoy.

Head on over to the Animal Planet Virtual Halloween Pet Parade and vote on your favourites, including our little Bailey!!

Are you dressing up any pets at your house this Halloween??

#CanadianCookies RSVP!

Do you love to bake? Are you getting excited about the upcoming Holiday Season?

Did You Know Canada and Multi-Testing Mommy are excited about baking for the Holiday Season!

All About #CanadianCookies:

• Reviews of various baking related products.
• A recipe link up.
• Recipes for Holiday Baking
• #CanadianCookies Twitter Party

RSVP Now for #CanadianCookies Twitter Party

About #CanadianCookies Twitter Party:

When: Wednesday November 9, 2011 8-10pm EST
Who: Open to ANYONE but prizes are only available to CANADIANS
Hashtag: #CanadianCookies
Hosts: @DiduKnowCanada and @MultiTestingMom
Topic: Twitter Party for Canadians who would like to chat about baking and the holidays. We can share tips, recipe ideas and more!

And yes! We have some amazing sponsors who have kindly donated prizes for this event!

---

Prize: A dozen custom brownies or sugar cookies
Twitter: @AmusingTreats
Facebook: Amusing Treats Fan Page
Website: Amusing Treats

---

Prize: Company's Coming Cookies Cookbook (x2)
Twitter: n/a
Facebook: Company's Coming
Website: http://www.companyscoming.com

---

Prize: Hard Candy Cosmetics Prize Pack including..
* Outrageously Delicious flavoured body powder
* Visibly Wet shockingly glossy lip pencil
* Eye Def glitter eyeshadow
* Walk the Line liquid eyeliner
* Eye Candy sparkle cream eyeshadow & glitter eyeliner
Twitter: @HeresHardCandy
Facebook: Hard Candy Fan Page
Website: www.hardcandy.com

---

Prize: "Illustrated Step by Step Baking" book
Twitter: @DKCanada
Facebook: DK Canada Fan Page
Website: DK Canada

---

Prize: Biodegradable Dishwashing Liquid, Netted Dish Cloth, Norwex Antibac Tea Towel Set
Twitter: @MandyNorwex
Facebook: Mandy Knows Norwex Fan Page
Website: https://mandykuelz.norwex.biz

---

Prize: Snow Globe Cookie Kit (Crayola) (x3) and Holiday Train Kit (Rice Krispies Treats) (x3)
Twitter: @MyMyselfUsInc
Facebook: Me Myself & Us Inc.
Website: http://www.memyselfandus.ca

---

Prize: 2-pack of "Cookie Safes" (one prize)
Twitter: @onsgear
Facebook: ONS Fan Page
Website: ONS Gear

---

Prize: Pampered Chef Cookie Press
Twitter: @pamperedpatty
Facebook: Pampered Patty Fan Page
Website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/patriciaoliver

---

Here is what do you need to do to take part:
* R.S.V.P. by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.
* Join us on Twitter on Wednesday November 9, 2011 at 8pm EST.
* When taking part in the party, use the hashtag #CanadianCookies (and be sure to put Q# and @diduknowcanada or @multitestingmom in your tweets when answering questions)
* While anyone is welcome to stop in for a chat, the prizes are available to Canadian residents only who have filled out the RSVP form.

If you've never taken part in a Twitter party before, don't panic. It's very simple. You can check out this post Multi-Testing Mommy wrote on How to Take Participate in a Twitter Party for some pointers.

To R.S.V.P. simply fill out the Rafflecopter widget below. The first ten steps (following both hosts and each sponsor on Twitter or Facebook) are mandatory and you need to complete them to be eligible to win. After that there are a few bonus entry options, such as Tweet about the Twitter Party, post our button on your blog, or write a blog post about the party. These are optional entries, but we sure would love if you'd help to spread the word. If you have any questions, or problems with filling out the form, feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to help.

Recipe to Riches

Did you know Canada.. in the coming weeks we'll be featuring some of the winning recipes on the new Canadian show: Recipe to Riches!

Dana McCauley, Tony Chapman, Laura Calder and host Jessie Palmer bring Recipe to Riches to prime time – Wednesday at 9 pm on Food Network, and Saturday at 8pm on Global TV

An exciting competitive reality series that gives everyday Canadians with extraordinary recipes a once in a lifetime opportunity to win $25,000 and have their recipe transformed into the next President's Choice® product available for purchase in grocery stores across the country. It's a television format similar to ones offered to aspiring singers, a national audience to showcase their talent and personality with the immediacy of purchase for the winning creation.

The show is hosted by former star of The Bachelor, Jesse Palmer, and the competition is judged by a panel of experts including Laura Calder, host of French Food at Home, Tony Chapman, Founder and CEO of leading advertising agency Capital C, and Dana McCauley, Culinary Director at Janes Family Foods. Galen Weston, the Executive Chairman of Loblaw, joins the judging panel for the final deliberation.

Each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Check out the first bit of the premier:






Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook as well!! See you back here as we try out the recipes soon!!

What's going on in Your neck of the woods??

Did you know Canada.. though if you look it up, it sounds like every location has their own opinion, but I've been told that the phrase "neck of the woods" come from the Algonquian word Naiak.

Naiak refers to a narrow strip or corner of wooded land, usually protruding into water, the phrase comes from the very beginning of European settlement in North America.

Thinking about Algonquian I only think about Northern Ontario, but speakers of Algonquian languages stretch from the east coast of North America all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The Algonquian are actually one of the most populous and widespread North American Native language groups!

A great part of our Canadian history.

Giveaway! Palmer's Cocoa Butter

Winner: Congratulations to our winner Sarah!! And thank you everyone for commenting and learning how Palmer's is supporting Breast Cancer month!

Did you know Canada.. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Palmer’s will donate proceeds from the sale of PINK specially marked Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks bottles to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

As I'm sure you know, Palmer’s are the experts in stretch mark care!! Keep an eye out for Palmer's new PINK bottle in stores with a NEW, advanced formula and a fresher look!!

I love that with Palmer's you get the antioxidants that revive skin and it moisturises your entire body - us girls need a little treat to get us going in the morning, you know? :) I used Palmer's after having my twins, you can only IMAGINE the stretch marks my boys gave me - they are worth every one, but thanks to Palmer's they were reduced significantly. It also smells, great, feels great, it's not greasy or smeary - it's been a favourite around here since I had my boys. :-)

I am very proud to support Palmer's while they support efforts to fund Canadian breast cancer research into the detection, prevention, treatment and to ultimately find a cure for the disease that women fear most. Don't forget - in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Palmer’s is donating proceeds from the sale of from the sale of pink specially marked Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks bottles to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada!!!


Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a gift bag full of product from Palmer's Cocoa Butter!!!

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Let us know in the comments how you're supporting Breast Cancer awareness this month.

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

Enter to #win a Palmer's Gift Bag and learn how they are supporting Breast Cancer! Ends 10/31 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/qOlbdr #CanWin

Giveaway open to Canadian readers, closing October 31st at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: We were sent a sample of Palmer's Cocoa Butter products - my opinions are my own.

Mereadesso

Did you know Canada.. I recently had the chance to try a travel pack from Mereadesso during my trip to Toronto and it was so lovely I just had to tell you about it.

Mereadesso is a Canadian company developed by Linda Stephenson as a single-step skincare solution teeming with minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and botanical extracts.

I love that their products are about Simplicity, ease and effectiveness. One step, one product, for every woman. As a busy Mom of two, I work, I take care of my home, I blog and more, I simply have so little time for me. With Mereadesso I really truly believe they understand that and offer quality products for women like me.

Their travel kit was just heaven, you know you get out of routine when away from home and away from your things but this was so easy to use, smelled lovely, everything fit snug in the carrying case and great size of products, enough to continue to use at home or save for the next trip.

They also have a fantastic new product coming out that I am dying to try: Mereadesso Lip Treats. It’s not only an amazing moisturizer for your lips but it also doubles the wear of whatever you put on top - love it!! This would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the upcoming holiday season. Only $28 for a package of 2. Why 2 you ask? ‘Cause it’s one of Linda’s (Mèreadesso Founder and Creator) pet peeves when she can’t find the first one!! So true!!

Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page around October 25th as I hear there may be some free samples for a few lucky fans!

Fleck

Did you know Canada.. I have been playing a great new game from the folks at Self Aware Games - Fleck!

Fleck is a massively-multiplayer social game that takes place on a map of the real world. Literally the real world. Make your home on your very own street, or in Toronto, your hometown, or your street from childhood! You can also visit real world hot spots like the Whitehouse or the Hollywood sign. Some local restaurants also make appearances - maybe your favourite sushi bar or pizza place is available for you to own in game.

It's a crazy combination of the real world map, building a house and garden, building businesses, making friends, completing quests, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand fighting Zombies! Yes, I said it, Zobmies. It's fun, addictive and outrageous.

Check out my place, yes, I do have a bit of a Zombie problem going on (maybe I need some more friends to come play and give a gal a hand).

So, here is how it works..
* set up your character (you can also change how you look and update your clothes)
* Pick a location for your home, you can live on your very own street!!
* start planting a few plants and trees such as daises, sunflowers and apple trees
* you can then harvest these for money and experience points
* use your money for decorations for your garden, power ups and and items to help you combat those zombies
* follow the quests to travel North America, make new friends, work together to complete quests and fight off a zombie attack

As you work towards goals and gain experience you are also helping your city rank up - how cool is it that you can get some neighbours together and grow your own city to number 1!!

Quests include partnering up for zombie battles, planting apple trees in Washington state, joining a scavenger hunt to name a few. You'll be all over the map and working with old friends as new. Another great feature is gifting - want to make someone's day or celebrate a completed quest? You can gift items!!

Zombie plants appear randomly around the map, and you have to engage them by digging at them before you start the battle. The longer they grow the bigger then get and the harder they are to defeat. So don't let those Zombies sit too long or you will have to gather a whole army to clear them out! I love this because you can pop in and out, and not have to worry you'll be trapped in battle when you least expect it. This is a great aspect to a social game as you're just not always up for a zombie battle, right?

By the way, is it raining outside?? Then it's raining in Fleck!! I just love it!! I don't know why this is a such a highlight for me, but I just feel it's really taken social gaming to the next level by bring the game to real life. I look forward to their seasonal updates, will we be seeing a snow storm any time soon?? (actually, I really hope not..haha)

Available for the iPad and browser, it's a great game you can check into for 5 minutes at a time throughout the day or get caught up in it all night as I've been known to do. Are you already playing?? Send me your account name!!

Thank you to Self Aware Games for sponsoring this blog post. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Mastermind Toys Grand Opening

Did you know Canada.. we mentioned a couple weekends ago we visited the new Mastermind location in London Ontario. Today we headed back for their Grand Opening Celebration!!

After being greeted with a 25% off coupon for any one item, with which we bought another Christmas present - perfect!! Don't forget there is always free gift wrapping with Mastermind's exclusive paper as well!

The boys headed off to the loot bag area, each child gets a bag and can select 2 toys from a pile of goodies.

Then we got to the lego station where you can build a toy to take home and fill your loot bag with a few more lego goodies.  We also hit up the lego play area - so fun!!

A visit with Sir Topham Hat, a hero of sorts around this house.

And a special visit with the big guy, Thomas himself!! A 7-foot long balloon Thomas, unfortunately on this very windy and rainy day was not able to head outside, but made for a special treat for those that got a peek in the back room.

We got an extra special visit with the man behind the balloon Thomas, check out this video:





The decorations are amazing, with lego statues featured through out.

Frozen Yogurt treats for everyone!

It was an amazing time!  The boys picked up a couple treats and I got a big Christmas present with my 25% coupon and a ton of fun stocking stuffers.  A great Grand Opening Celebration from Canada's Premier Toy Stores Since 1984.  I highly recommend visiting Mastermind Toys in London Ontario on Sunday, October 16th for day two of the celebrations!!!