Brandon's Adventures

A Substitute Teacher's Note

2019-03-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

Brandon received a very warm note from a new substitute teacher from school this week. I thought I'd post and share it. It reads,

"Hello! I have been in HUNDREDS of classes in Vancouver and in Surrey. Brandon's drawings are the BEST I have ever seen. PLEASE put Brandon in professional drawing & art classes. He's amazing! - T. Champagne (substitute teacher)"

- Jennie (Proud Mama)

Mother's Day Gift for My Mom

2018-05-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post. I has been a very busy month. I wanted to share what I made for my mom for Mother's Day. It's flower pot with beans with an artificial daisy. My mom loves daisies. The daisy stem is a pen for mom to write notes.

- Brandon

Kid Food Nation Commercial Filming Experience

2018-03-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

It was Thursday morning and my Mom woke me up very early to get ready to head out for the Kid Food Nation Commercial filming. It was at Kimount Boys and Girls Club in Vancouver. We used their kitchen to prepare the food and I had a lot of fun making my recipe. I get to skip school for the day.

I was nervous at first, but Mom helped me stay confident.

I felt quite happy and met with Oliver again (one of the other Kid Food Nation winners who’s from Squamish, BC). Having another kid with me made me less nervous. During the filming, we were asked to help each other with the ingredients and learned about each other’s recipes. My winning recipe is the Cheesy Quesadilla and Oliver’s winning recipe is the Salmon with Roasted Vegetables. Both were so yummy!

After we finished cooking, we got to eat our creations! Oliver’s salmon recipe was really tasty. My cheesy quesadillas were delicious too!

Mott's Fruitsations New Rasperry and Tropical Flavors {Review}

2018-02-13T23:20:00.001-08:00

As part of the ChicksAdvisor program, we received vouchers for a sample package of the Mott's Fruitsations +Fibre Raspberry and also the Mott's Fruitsations +Fibre Tropical.

When Brandon saw the parcel, he wanted to open it himself. He found a couple of coupons, fancy-designed napkins, and a pair of golden spoons.

Brandon was excited when we got it and wanted to have it for dessert after dinner. He loves this! We both love the taste. Great for kids lunch box snacks. I love the raspberry flavour most from the two choices. It's one of my favourites. The sweetness is just perfect -- not too sweet. It's so good on vanilla ice-cream. I would buy this product again.

Made with the goodness of Mott’s Fruitsations apple sauce, plus the benefit of added fibre that is essential to a healthy digestive system. Each cup contains 2 grams of fibre, and has no added sugar, no artificial colours or flavours and contains no peanuts or gluten.

Study: Only 11% of all kids wear the right shoe size

2018-01-10T16:09:00.001-08:00

Did you know that only 11% all children are wearing the right shoe size with room for growth? Wearing too small shoes can cause serious foot deformities. This is unbelievable when you consider how simple it is to measure the correct shoe size.

Survey Finds That Minority of All Kids Wear the Right Shoe Size

Your kid’s cool Adidas sneakers may look great, but do they fit properly? Shoes that are too small put children at risk of foot deformities and other serious health issues. The bad news for parents; almost two thirds of all children are wearing shoes that are too small!

Blitzresults conducted a survey and found that 65% of all kids are wearing shoes that are too small. Of these, 47% are one size too small and 18% are even two. Only 35% are wearing the correct size and only 11% of those have “room to grow”.

Improperly fitting shoes can cause hallux valgus. This is a foot deformity, it happens when the big toe starts to angle inward, which causes a swollen lump just below the big toe. A study conducted by the National Health Institute found that almost 30% of children had irreversible foot deformities, like hallux valgus.

To help parents make sure they are buying shoes that fit their kids properly, keep the following advice in mind:

Go by the longer foot: The right and left foot are rarely the same length. A difference of up to half an inch is normal, that’s almost one whole shoe size. Therefore, parents should always go by the longer foot when buying shoes.

Don’t rely on the shoe size: Shoe manufacturers label shoes with standard sizes, the ones we all know. But, there is no mandatory industry standard for shoe sizing, so each brand will vary. Be sure to try on every shoe carefully.

Give ‘em room: Most parents are aware that feet need some room, but usually underestimate the actual room needed. At least ½ inch of additional room is optimal, it’s the only way kids can roll their foot properly when walking.

Do a regular check: Tim Lilling, expert at blitzresults.com, tells us that, "Because the sense of touch isn’t fully developed in children yet, they have a tendency to squeeze their feet into shoes that are much too small, they don’t even notice it. Therefore, parents must measure their children’s feet every 2 months." A measuring guide, useful conversion tools and a lot of information on how to choose shoes with the perfect fit can be found at https://www.blitzresults.com/en/childrens-shoe-size.

Unfortunately, many parents still use these "tricks" to judge whether shoes fit:

Trick: Hold shoe to foot. The shoe sole is held up to the child’s foot to estimate the size, but the length on the inside of the shoe can’t be estimated from the outside, and is often much shorter than you’d expect (lining, seams, foot bed). Better: Use an appropriate measuring device.

Trick: The thumb test. The thumb presses on the toe of the shoe to see how much room there is to grow. The problem; children often draw their toes up by reflex, so the foot is rolled under. It may seem like there’s enough room, although, in reality, the shoes are too small. Using the heel test is just as bad for judging free space in the heel. Many kids push their feet forward until their toes are crammed in. Better: Carefully feel your child´s foot inside the shoe. Place one hand on the front of the shoe, so the child can’t draw their toes up. Then, with the other hand, check the position of the toes. This way you can feel whether there is enough room to grow.

Trick: Size comparison using a stencil. The shape and size of the foot is traced and compared with the shoe sole, but this comparison is usually imprecise. Better: If there is a removable insole, take it out and place the foot on the insole, there should be 1/3 inch of space behind the heel and half an inch in front of the toes.

Trick: Asking them how it feels. Parents ask kids; "Does the shoe fit?" Unfortunately, the answer will likely be wrong. Often, the nerves in kid’s feet are not fully developed yet and their awareness of pain is clearly lower than an adult’s, so, kids don't realize if the shoe fits. Better: First and foremost, measure their feet.

About the study

2109 parents were asked about their kids’ foot length and shoe size. Afterward, special measuring devices and instructions on how to measure feet properly were given to the parents. The measurement values were used to calculate the actual shoe size, then these results were compared with the parents’ hit or miss values.

I'm Featured in the Kid Food Nation Recipe Book

2017-11-22T00:11:00.003-08:00

My mom just told me our Kid Food Nation recipe book just arrived. I was so excited to see my recipe in the book along with my photo from the photoshoot when we were at the Kid Food Nation Gala in Ottawa.

FREE Lunchbox Printables from Minted

2017-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Download your FREE lunchbox printables from Minted today and bring a smile to your child's face when they open up their lunchbox! Minted commissioned the adorable designs from Baumbirdy and Alethea & Ruth. Available for FREE download for a limited time only!

Welch's Fruit Rolls Review

2017-10-31T13:47:00.001-07:00

My review on the newest Welch's Fruit Snacks, the Fruit Rolls. Also, check out my mom's blog post here: https://jennieyuen.blogspot.com/2017/10/unroll-fun-with-welchs-fruit-snacks.html

Trip To Ottawa for the Kid Food Nation Gala

2017-10-25T13:35:00.002-07:00

Photos taken by Brandon:

On the way to the Vancouver airport

Ready for takeoff to Ottawa

Landing and arriving at the Ottawa airport at 5:05pm EST

Car service by Infinity Limousines from airport to hotel

At the Fairmont Chateau Laurier

The view from our hotel room

Dinner gathering with the other Kid Food Nation winners at Farmream Cookhouse and Cellar. Also excited to meet Carlos Bustamante in person.

A Young Boy Hit My Son With A Stick

2017-10-25T09:49:00.004-07:00

It was Monday and we got back from Ottawa the previous night. I was excited to hear Brandon sharing his adventures at the Kid Food Nation Gala. Then after school came and I picked him up. Brandon decided to play a little while in the playground and I waited. It was a good day until the unexpected happened.

I watched Brandon walking in the distance towards the primary playground while I close to the intermediate playground. I took a glimpse and saw him near a small child and his mother. I noticed the child swinging a wooden stick, but I didn't think much of it as he didn't seem to be harming anyone. Then not too long, Brandon came running to me crying really hard. I didn't see past the fence of the parking lot to see what exactly happened. Brandon said the boy hit him hard with the stick.

I walked over with him to the boy and his mother. I pretended not knowing what happened and asked her to find out her response. She didn't mention at all about her boy hitting Brandon with the stick. She just said Brandon was trying to kick him, which I know he wasn't as I saw. Brandon got agitated because he was being accused. The mother didn't apologize.

Brandon's finger was red and swollen, so we went to the school office and got some ice. We talked to the Principal as well. He said he will take care of the matter and contact the parent of the child.

It's so sad to find there are parents who don't take responsibility for their child's actions. A little boy (about 4 years old maybe) hit Brandon with a wooden stick and the mother of that child doesn't admit what her boy did, but instead blames my child for trying to kick him. Not even sure why he has a stick. It's not a stick where it can be found on the ground. It's an actual straight polished wooden stick!

I've seen the mother before, but I do not know her or her kids. I used to smile to her when I pass by. Now, every time I see her, it makes me angry.

If it was my child who hurt another child, I would tell him to apologize. What would you do if you were in my situation or if you were the other parent?

Pokemon TCG Mega Powers Collection (Unboxing & Review)

2017-10-17T14:26:00.002-07:00

The power of pokemon-ex! This collection brings together four amazing pokemon-ex with brand-new full-art illustrations, including two mega evolution pokemon. You’ll also get a whopping 8 booster packs—and the long-awaited spirit link card for lucario!

What’s Included in the Box:
• Two full-art foil promo cards featuring Mega Evolution Pokemon: Mega Lucario-EX and Mega Manectric-EX
• Two full-art foil promo cards featuring Pokemon-EX: Jolteon-EX and Zygarde-EX
• A spectacular full-art oversize card featuring Mega Lucario-EX
• A Lucario Spirit Link card

Check out my unboxing video:

Dare Whippet Sticks Review

2017-08-17T16:04:00.001-07:00

These treats make fun snacks and they are delicious too! Check out my video review.

Whippet Sticks Coconut is a delicious, flaky macaroon in a thin snackable stick that is made with real coconut and no artificial colours. It is peanut free and a great addition in school lunch snack as a treat.

Whippet Sticks Brownie is made with real Whippet chocolate and heavenly brownie in a thin stick that's great for snacking. Also made with real chocolate, no artificial colours and is peanut free.

New Fun Games: Spy Code Break Free & Spy Code Safe Breaker from YULU Toys

2017-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I was always a fan of mystery board games, even as a young child. Not too long ago, I was recently introduced to a couple of new games by YULU Toys called Spy Code Break Free and Spy Code Safe Breaker. I was excited to try out these games with my son and have a bit of fun time together. These games have just released in June 2017 and are only available at Target (in the USA) and Toys R Us (in Canada).

Safe Breaker from YULU Toys is a new electronic game that combines spy skill, memory and a little bit of luck, challenging players to crack the code and break the safe. Because it was all new to us, there was a bit of confusion, but then we've figured it out after reading the instructions a few times. Here's what we did:

To start the mission, players pick a card and turn the safe combination to the corresponding number shown. Next, use the fingerprint scanner to test the number. If the light is green the safe will release some coins. If the light is red, connect the spy listening gear to the safe to hear a top-secret clue to figure out the correct combination code. The spy who collects the five golden coins or the two diamond coins first wins the game.

Break Free from YULU Toys is a challenging action skill game where the players must race to unlock their handcuffs as quickly as possible before anyone else.

First, all players handcuff themselves together and insert a maze into each handcuff. The game includes three maze colors: green, yellow, and red. Each color represents a level of difficulty, making each round unpredectable. Green color is the easiest, yellow is medium, and red is the most difficult. The fastest to break free from their handcuff receives a token that corresponds to the maze color. There are points on the back of each token. The player with the most points after playing all three rounds wins the game.

This game was quite a fun and challenging one! One of the other ways we tried is hooking the cuffs to the chair or table instead of each other and trying to escape to claim a token.

Here's an unboxing video by Brandon:

Thanks to YULU Toys for coming up with these interesting, interactive games!

School Sports Day 2017

2017-05-24T14:01:00.001-07:00

Brandon just had his school's sports day event. The weather was perfect as it was dry, little bit of overcast and not too hot. The kids had a great time!

Breaking Boards Breaking Chains Fundraiser

2017-04-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

We have been learning a little about slavery and how adults and many children are being treated unfairly and don't have their freedom in third-world countries. Our Martial Arts school (East Vancouver Taekwondo had a break-a-thon fundraising event on Saturday, April 29th. My friends and family sponsored me to break a board. For every $5 I raised, I was given 1 board to break (up to maximum of 5 boards). It was also a fun event for me to see other students and friends participating.

Inspiration Box Craft

2017-04-27T13:56:00.002-07:00

Made this special inspiration box for mommy. Hope she likes it.

Taekwondo Class in the New Dojang at East Vancouver Taekwondo

2017-04-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

First day of class in the new Dojang at East Vancouver Taekwondo. Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening celebration on April 29th, 2017!

New Hamster Pet

2017-03-26T09:26:00.001-07:00

After dinner on Friday night, we drove all the way to Kitsilano area to pick up a hamster habitat (glass aquarium type) and accessories. We found this seller on Craigslist who posted it for $20. It included the glass aquarium, Timothy Hay bedding, 2 wheels, wooden hideaway house, 3 bowls, and 2 water bottles -- all for a good deal and in good condition. Mommy cleaned it and we set it up.

The next day on Saturday, mom found someone (who breeded their hamsters) had Syrian Bear Hamsters for sale for just $10. It was half the cost of what pet stores sell for. The hamster was the colours I want: light beige and white. We went to meet the seller to pick up after dinner time. A man and a lady came out to the meeting spot with a box. They showed us 2 hamsters that were male. I picked the smaller one (although both were born the same day). The lady was super nice and told us to keep the the $10 and use it for our new pet. They also prepared for us a plastic container for transport (since ours didn't have a lid and the hamster might climb out). We thanked them and left. We went to the supermarket to pick up a bag of hamster food.

I was happy we adopted our new pet hamster. I named him "Squidgy". Looks like it is about 5 weeks old when we got it.

Baby Bonanza Giveaway

2017-02-22T11:02:00.001-08:00

CLICK HERE to enter giveaway!

Video: Pokemon Moon Lunala TCG Alola Collection (unboxing)

2017-02-07T12:04:00.002-08:00

The Pokémon TCG: Alola Collection includes:
- 3 special foil promo cards featuring Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio
- 1 of 2 foil oversize cards featuring a Legendary Pokémon-GX: Solgaleo or Lunala
- 1 of 2 sculpted figures featuring Solgaleo or Lunala
- 1 of 2 collector's pins featuring Solgaleo or Lunala
- 5 Pokémon TCG booster packs
- A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Giving away some free TCGO codes. If the codes don't work, then someone who saw this video have claimed it. I will be uploading some more unboxing reviews in the future. Good luck!

Video: Pokemon Sun Solgaleo TCG Alola Collection (unboxing)

2017-02-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Brandon's Taekwondo Promotion Test (Red Belt)

2016-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Dec. 8th was Brandon's Taekwondo promotion test. It was right after school so we had to go quickly through the snow to get to our car 3 blocks away. Brandon was definitely nervous because he cried. He didn't want to go. We keep reminding him to have confidence.

Everyone was relieved when the test was finally over. Brandon did a great job. Mommy and the Instructors were proud of him.

Congratulations for earning a trophy for "Most Improved".

Full Gallery at http://bit.ly/taekwondo-dec2016

Built a Snowman on this First Snow Day of the Season

2016-12-05T23:07:00.002-08:00

So little Brandon and I woke up to a snowy, Monday morning. Lucky for us, there was no school as it was Pro-D Day. Of course, Brandon wanted to play outside and build a snowman. I allowed him. I just watched him from the window as I worked on my laptop.

We also planned to go to Metrotown Mall to get photos with Santa. Traffic was horrible, but we got through it. We got there and just missed the first session of Santa's Photo Op. We had to wait about an hour for the next one. Lucky for us, there was wifi in the mall and we play some PokemonGo gym battles and catches while we waited in the line. So lucky we were the first in the line. The line-up eventually got longer.

Visit to the Museum of Vancouver #atMOV

2016-11-09T10:25:00.001-08:00

Our next visit right after checking out the HR McMillan space Centre was the Museum of Vancouver. This is a separate museum in the same building as the Space Centre, but on the opposite side. Admission was also separate as well but we have inspiration pass to go inside for free.

There were displays on items we see back in the 80s. They were also items that were back from expo 86. This was long before little Brandon was born and this was when mommy was his age.

Some people thought neon lights were cool and amazing while others did not like it, so these were taken down. The museum have kept it for display.

Little Brandon had a hands-on experience with an old typewriter. I remembered my mom had one when I was his age. These things were way before electronic typewriters or even computers and printers were widely available.

Dropprice $150 Amazon Gift Certificate Giveaway

2016-10-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Dropprice $150 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Dropprice is an innovative startup that rewards moms for being social. Essentially, they empower moms to drop prices of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more moms click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and moms drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power moms have and how important it is to share with other moms.

In today’s promotion for the FuzziBunz Cloth Diapers, it started out at $39.90 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates.

You can choose to share on social media to get more moms to click “Drop the price”, or you can “Buy Now” at the current price. Keep in mind that when the price gets low, they usually sell out and you will no longer have the chance to buy that item. As an added bonus every item on Dropprice ships for free!

Do you want to give it a try? This is such a fun and exciting way for moms to save lots of money by collaborating with each other. If you would like to have a chance to win a $150 Amazon gift card, you can experience dropping the price by following the instructions below.

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a $150 Amazon Gift Card

All you have to do is help moms drop the price of the Diapers and you will be entered to win a $150 Amazon gift card. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

Contest is open to US Residents only, 18+ (Giveaway ends November 7th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional. Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

Click here if you don’t see the entry form below.

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment. No blog promoting this giveaway have been compensated for this giveaway. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter or any other social media.